What do you think?
Rate this book
Reedsville Roosters #1
Winterball
When teammates Barton Lock and Evan Boswell arrive separately at the Hotel Beaudelaire’s exclusive Den of Sin Winterball, neither expects the staff matchmaker to pair them with the other. Evan is minor league baseball’s biggest ladies’ man, and Bart has spent way too many nights bearing witness to Evan’s conquests.
Evan came to the Den to play, but knowing Bart is the other party in his secret weekend rendezvous changes the game. Evan’s used to Bart calling the shots on the field, and wouldn’t mind so much if Bart did the same in his personal life, too. Unfortunately, Bart thinks Evan’s attempted seduction has more to do with changing his mind about retiring from their sport than hitting a relationship home run.
Evan came to the Den to play, but knowing Bart is the other party in his secret weekend rendezvous changes the game. Evan’s used to Bart calling the shots on the field, and wouldn’t mind so much if Bart did the same in his personal life, too. Unfortunately, Bart thinks Evan’s attempted seduction has more to do with changing his mind about retiring from their sport than hitting a relationship home run.
94 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2014
16 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Holley Trent
152 books301 followersHolley Trent is a romance author who spins campy yarns set in North Carolina. She has a wicked sense of humor and regularly puts her story characters into unexpected situations.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
April 24, 2015One big giant mess of hiding your sexuality. *yawn*
December 1, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Winterball is part of the Den of Sin series. The stories are written by various authors and each story stands alone, although some have overlapping characters. Winterball can be read on its own. The stories all take place in the Hotel Beaudelaire and in some ways the hotel becomes a character on its own. The hotel caters exclusively to the needs of guests and guests can choose their pleasure from a matchmaker, to the threesome (or more) floor, to the open guest room reservations to name a few.
While looking for his match, Bart finds his teammate Evan. The guys have been playing baseball together for two years, as Bart is the catcher to Evan’s pitcher (it’s obvious there is a joke there somewhere) and they have developed a working relationship that Evan thrives on. Even sharing a room as teammates, they know very little about each other, even simple things like where Bart lives in the off season. Evan knows Bart is gay, but neither has caught on that they are attracted to each other.
Overall, I’m not sure what to ultimately make of parts of this story. A big portion of the story is Bart wanting to retire from baseball. Bart is older than Evan, we are told that often, but we are never told how old he actually is. The guys have several misunderstandings in a short amount of time. When they do get together, it’s Evan’s first time with a man, and it’s very claiming with not a lot of emotion shown behind it. They pull off a HFN but it’s not clear what kind of relationship they evolve to. Are they having a real emotional relationship or just a dominant sexual relationship that they both crave?
This particular story and these particular characters just left me in a neutral place overall. I enjoyed the idea of the hotel and the friends to lovers aspect. If you follow the series, it is a new addition to the intrigue going on at the Hotel Beaudelaire.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Winterball is part of the Den of Sin series. The stories are written by various authors and each story stands alone, although some have overlapping characters. Winterball can be read on its own. The stories all take place in the Hotel Beaudelaire and in some ways the hotel becomes a character on its own. The hotel caters exclusively to the needs of guests and guests can choose their pleasure from a matchmaker, to the threesome (or more) floor, to the open guest room reservations to name a few.
While looking for his match, Bart finds his teammate Evan. The guys have been playing baseball together for two years, as Bart is the catcher to Evan’s pitcher (it’s obvious there is a joke there somewhere) and they have developed a working relationship that Evan thrives on. Even sharing a room as teammates, they know very little about each other, even simple things like where Bart lives in the off season. Evan knows Bart is gay, but neither has caught on that they are attracted to each other.
Overall, I’m not sure what to ultimately make of parts of this story. A big portion of the story is Bart wanting to retire from baseball. Bart is older than Evan, we are told that often, but we are never told how old he actually is. The guys have several misunderstandings in a short amount of time. When they do get together, it’s Evan’s first time with a man, and it’s very claiming with not a lot of emotion shown behind it. They pull off a HFN but it’s not clear what kind of relationship they evolve to. Are they having a real emotional relationship or just a dominant sexual relationship that they both crave?
This particular story and these particular characters just left me in a neutral place overall. I enjoyed the idea of the hotel and the friends to lovers aspect. If you follow the series, it is a new addition to the intrigue going on at the Hotel Beaudelaire.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 26, 2023
This was a struggle for me to maintain my interest.
Mean vs needy just didn’t work for me.
Mean vs needy just didn’t work for me.
September 12, 2020
Winterball is a combination of tropes I don't care for, especially an alpha who is an arse and humiliation related to sex. Cringed my way through, but your mileage may vary.
February 26, 2024
2.5 stars - This is basically ten years old and I've always said romance books often age in dog years. The writing itself is quite good, but I am Not a Fan of how women were portrayed here at all. The dynamic between the two MCs seems like it could easily be a big unhealthy red flag factory, but we don't really see how it plays out beyond this one evening's encounter, which is full of under negotiated pseudokink. The epilogue indicates an HEA, but I had to squint to see one. However, at only 92 pages, it passed the time (and, let's be honest, it ticked off a bingo square). Wouldn't recommend it, but am not actively mad I finished it.
March 6, 2017
A really good time. Also the best use of less than 24 full hours in a story timeline.
dnf
February 12, 2021DNF at 40%
Bart has such a misogynistic attitude toward women that Evan has slept with in the past, as well as those who are present during the weekend. I’m not interested in reading more about him, no matter if it stems from jealousy or not. Plus, the consent issue detailed below made me uninterested in watching Evan figure out his sexuality.
CW: consent issues , closeted main characters, misogynistic comments about women, alcohol
Bart has such a misogynistic attitude toward women that Evan has slept with in the past, as well as those who are present during the weekend. I’m not interested in reading more about him, no matter if it stems from jealousy or not. Plus, the consent issue detailed below made me uninterested in watching Evan figure out his sexuality.
CW: consent issues , closeted main characters, misogynistic comments about women, alcohol
July 14, 2018
Catcher's Pitcher Catches Pitch
Was it fate or the result of an insightful and devious matchmaker who put Bart and Evan in the same small room? Will Bart have to put up with a night of ignoring his roommate's appeal so he can get some sleep or does Evan have a different appeal he hadn't seriously considered?
Was it fate or the result of an insightful and devious matchmaker who put Bart and Evan in the same small room? Will Bart have to put up with a night of ignoring his roommate's appeal so he can get some sleep or does Evan have a different appeal he hadn't seriously considered?
December 6, 2017
Winterball
A good read for people who are in to the series but quick and enjoyable read must not my kind of book
A good read for people who are in to the series but quick and enjoyable read must not my kind of book
November 30, 2014
Welcome to the Hotel Beaudelaire, New Orleans, home to the infamous Den of Sin, whose stately facade conceals a wealth of secrets, and to which admission is via invitation only. It's a place where individuals can hook up with willing strangers, indulge their kinks, and play out their sexual fantasies, all safe in the knowledge that the guest code of silence will ensure complete discretion. Yet, for heroes Bart and Evan in this sizzling novella by Holley Trent, events don't go quite according to plan.
On the field, teammates Bart Lock and Evan Boswell work as a seamless unit. Bart calls the shots, and Evan follows through without a second's hesitation. Away from minor league baseball, however, their relationship is less straightforward. Bart, nearing the end of his sporting career, prefers to keep a low profile and his personal life private. Evan, on the other hand, is a renowned ladies' man and born exhibitionist, who thinks nothing of bringing girls back to the room he shares with Bart or screwing them in front of him.
Unbeknown to each other, the two men arrive separately at the Den of Sin's exclusive Winterball, Bart for a no-strings encounter and a good night's sleep, Evan to fool around and explore his sexuality. Upon discovering the hotel matchmaker has paired them together, they're thrown into confusion . . . but not for long. Bart has wanted Evan for months, and only the belief that he was straight has held him at bay, while there is no one Evan would rather guide him through his first proper time with a guy than Bart.
Short and spicy, 'Winterball' is thick with sexual tension from the outset and packed with steamy interactions that keep up the pace throughout. Bart and Evan are polar opposites—Bart being rigid and methodical in a way that fills Evan with the urge to shock, Evan having a wild streak Bart longs to tame. Their differing personalities makes for an entertaining read, and watching them spar with one another as their barriers disintegrated was enormous fun.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
On the field, teammates Bart Lock and Evan Boswell work as a seamless unit. Bart calls the shots, and Evan follows through without a second's hesitation. Away from minor league baseball, however, their relationship is less straightforward. Bart, nearing the end of his sporting career, prefers to keep a low profile and his personal life private. Evan, on the other hand, is a renowned ladies' man and born exhibitionist, who thinks nothing of bringing girls back to the room he shares with Bart or screwing them in front of him.
Unbeknown to each other, the two men arrive separately at the Den of Sin's exclusive Winterball, Bart for a no-strings encounter and a good night's sleep, Evan to fool around and explore his sexuality. Upon discovering the hotel matchmaker has paired them together, they're thrown into confusion . . . but not for long. Bart has wanted Evan for months, and only the belief that he was straight has held him at bay, while there is no one Evan would rather guide him through his first proper time with a guy than Bart.
Short and spicy, 'Winterball' is thick with sexual tension from the outset and packed with steamy interactions that keep up the pace throughout. Bart and Evan are polar opposites—Bart being rigid and methodical in a way that fills Evan with the urge to shock, Evan having a wild streak Bart longs to tame. Their differing personalities makes for an entertaining read, and watching them spar with one another as their barriers disintegrated was enormous fun.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
November 16, 2014
Winterball mixes a grumpy older man with an up-and-coming whiz kid, and it's a Den of Sin book, so you know it's hot. Barton's a catcher who's moving past the game and trying to decide what's next for his life. Evan's a pitcher with prospects. He's sure to get called up for the big leagues, if only his head will get out of the way of his talent.
Of all the catchers he works with, Evan's happiest when Barton's behind the bag, but then the two arrive separately at the Hotel Beaudeliare and find they're sharing a room. Barton knows what he wants and knows he can't have it. Evan doesn't really have a clue, the poor boy. Can the two of them find a way to the future they both deserve?
I love a good baseball story, and I love a good m/m romance, and Winterball is both. It's a quick read, but the characters are vivid, conflicted, and their eventual HEA is very satisfying (& HOT).
(I received a copy of this novella from the author in return for an honest review.)
Of all the catchers he works with, Evan's happiest when Barton's behind the bag, but then the two arrive separately at the Hotel Beaudeliare and find they're sharing a room. Barton knows what he wants and knows he can't have it. Evan doesn't really have a clue, the poor boy. Can the two of them find a way to the future they both deserve?
I love a good baseball story, and I love a good m/m romance, and Winterball is both. It's a quick read, but the characters are vivid, conflicted, and their eventual HEA is very satisfying (& HOT).
(I received a copy of this novella from the author in return for an honest review.)
April 3, 2016
This is a quick read. A short story about a Minor League pitcher and his catcher. I have no read other Den of Sins books, so I'm not sure if they are all this quick. The story was good, but I would have liked more background on the two main characters.
Bart is a catcher who is ready to retire. Evan is a young pitcher on his way up. Evan is terrified of having to work with a different catcher since he and Bart work so well together. Evan will do just about anything to convince Bart not to retire.
Bart is a catcher who is ready to retire. Evan is a young pitcher on his way up. Evan is terrified of having to work with a different catcher since he and Bart work so well together. Evan will do just about anything to convince Bart not to retire.
Read
May 6, 2021Just the right length and had the indignities of being an aging catcher, so I was bound to heart it.
September 17, 2016
Things aren't always as they appear
Some of us go through life with blinders on, much as these characters did. I always love it when the blinders are lowered and they find what they've been looking for was right in front of them.
Loved it and highly recommend it.
Some of us go through life with blinders on, much as these characters did. I always love it when the blinders are lowered and they find what they've been looking for was right in front of them.
Loved it and highly recommend it.
November 6, 2014
3.5 stars
February 9, 2015
Wasn't crazy about how Bart got off on treating Evan like crap. I don't mind a little BDSM, but humiliation just doesn't do it for me.
February 14, 2015
Hot
I've a good rough and tumble love story and this one fits the bill. Two though guys falling I've is hot. I wish the story had been longer.
I've a good rough and tumble love story and this one fits the bill. Two though guys falling I've is hot. I wish the story had been longer.
September 30, 2015
Not bad but a bit middle of the road
May 26, 2016
Is a great book to read
June 22, 2016
Good Story
I liked the story and the characters. The sexual scenes were hot but short. I'm looking forward to reading the next books.
I liked the story and the characters. The sexual scenes were hot but short. I'm looking forward to reading the next books.
September 18, 2016
Review coming soon
September 24, 2016
Fun little read. I haven't read any others in either series it's attached to.
September 25, 2016
Short sexy MM romance.
October 12, 2016
Steamy. It's a must read.
Read
February 22, 2015Amazon freebie 2/9/2015
October 12, 2015
Egh, quick novella. Just wasn't very interesting to me.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews