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Windy City Nights #1
On the Ropes
Ten years ago he let her get away. Does he have what it takes to make her his for good?
By all accounts Luke “Strike ‘em Out” Stryker lives a charmed life. He’s won 4 World Series Championship rings and is the Chicago Cobras star pitcher. He’s gorgeous, wealthy and is dating one of Hollywood’s biggest A-list actresses.
But things aren’t always as they appear.
Abbey Jayne has been nursing a broken heart since Luke Stryker betrayed her ten years ago. She’s spent the last ten years focused on her career and education, trying to get over him.
Forced to see him again at her sister’s wedding, Abbey vows to not let Luke ruin her weekend.
An accident days before the wedding has Luke re-evaluating the harsh realities of his life and future. A future that must include his one true love Abbey.
A terrible misunderstanding drove them apart ten years ago, but Luke is determined to win Abbey back by the end of the wedding weekend. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her they belong together. Failure is not an option.
By all accounts Luke “Strike ‘em Out” Stryker lives a charmed life. He’s won 4 World Series Championship rings and is the Chicago Cobras star pitcher. He’s gorgeous, wealthy and is dating one of Hollywood’s biggest A-list actresses.
But things aren’t always as they appear.
Abbey Jayne has been nursing a broken heart since Luke Stryker betrayed her ten years ago. She’s spent the last ten years focused on her career and education, trying to get over him.
Forced to see him again at her sister’s wedding, Abbey vows to not let Luke ruin her weekend.
An accident days before the wedding has Luke re-evaluating the harsh realities of his life and future. A future that must include his one true love Abbey.
A terrible misunderstanding drove them apart ten years ago, but Luke is determined to win Abbey back by the end of the wedding weekend. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her they belong together. Failure is not an option.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2018
About the author
Dania Voss
32 books101 followersInt'l bestseller and award winning author Dania Voss writes compelling, sexy romance with personality, heat, and heart. Born in Rome, Italy and raised in Chicagoland, she uses her background to create stories with authentic, engaging characters. A favorite with romance readers, her debut novel “On The Ropes,” the first in her Windy City Nights series, became a Barnes & Noble and Int’l Amazon bestseller.
The second and third installments in the Windy City Nights series, "The Warriors' Whisper" and "Hannah's Bliss" received 5-star reviews from Readers' Favorite ®. "Hannah's Bliss" received a 5-star review from The TBR Pile and was voted April 2019's Book Of The Month. All three novels in the series were designated as Recommended Reads in the 2019 Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "Hannah's Bliss" won an award in the OKRWA 2020 International Digital Awards contest, and won 1st place in the 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards (NERFA), in the Erotic Romance category. "Andrew" won 1st place in the 2021 N.N. Light Book Award contest in the Steamy Romance category. "Hannah's Bliss" and "Andrew" were quarterfinalists in the 2022 Screencraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition.
Dania's work has been highlighted on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, and she has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Entrepreneurs Magazine (selected as Chicago's #8 Top Author), and Southern Writers Magazine.
As part of the Writers on the Moon project, the Windy City Nights series will head to the moon in 2022.
When she’s not writing, you can find Dania at a sporting event, a rock concert, or at the movies (usually a comedy).
Dania loves to hear from readers.
BookBub: https://bookbub.com/authors/dania-voss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaniaVoss
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dania_voss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniavoss/
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ach2oysc7o
The second and third installments in the Windy City Nights series, "The Warriors' Whisper" and "Hannah's Bliss" received 5-star reviews from Readers' Favorite ®. "Hannah's Bliss" received a 5-star review from The TBR Pile and was voted April 2019's Book Of The Month. All three novels in the series were designated as Recommended Reads in the 2019 Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "Hannah's Bliss" won an award in the OKRWA 2020 International Digital Awards contest, and won 1st place in the 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards (NERFA), in the Erotic Romance category. "Andrew" won 1st place in the 2021 N.N. Light Book Award contest in the Steamy Romance category. "Hannah's Bliss" and "Andrew" were quarterfinalists in the 2022 Screencraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition.
Dania's work has been highlighted on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, and she has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Entrepreneurs Magazine (selected as Chicago's #8 Top Author), and Southern Writers Magazine.
As part of the Writers on the Moon project, the Windy City Nights series will head to the moon in 2022.
When she’s not writing, you can find Dania at a sporting event, a rock concert, or at the movies (usually a comedy).
Dania loves to hear from readers.
BookBub: https://bookbub.com/authors/dania-voss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaniaVoss
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dania_voss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniavoss/
Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ach2oysc7o
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2018
I’m assuming this is the start to a new series. The trouble is the author has obviously decided to introduce the reader to what I’m guessing are future characters in the coming books. The problem I had with this was that there were so many that it all became too confusing as to who was who, in fact the whole story is bogged down with far too much minutiae
Luke and Abbey had been an item 10 years ago till something happened and they were no longer together. Luke went on to fame and fortune and for the past three years has been dating a Hollywood starlet. But enough is enough and he wants Abbey back permanently, he’s now got the time to devote to that as he’s got a serious shoulder injury.
I had to laugh at parts of this, Luke has spent the past 10 years wanting Abbey back, but unfortunately he couldn’t quite fit her into his busy schedule, of playing for his team, having sex with random women, learning sign language when his best buddy lost his hearing in Afghanistan, then there’s Brenna whom he has been pretending to date for three years just to help her out, why would he do that? It isn’t explained. So poor Abby is last on the list. If Abbey had any sense she should kick him in the goolies and tell him to take a hike. Finally this is all tell and no show, the reader is presented with what’s happened but there’s no explanations.
Sorry this wasn’t for me.
Luke and Abbey had been an item 10 years ago till something happened and they were no longer together. Luke went on to fame and fortune and for the past three years has been dating a Hollywood starlet. But enough is enough and he wants Abbey back permanently, he’s now got the time to devote to that as he’s got a serious shoulder injury.
I had to laugh at parts of this, Luke has spent the past 10 years wanting Abbey back, but unfortunately he couldn’t quite fit her into his busy schedule, of playing for his team, having sex with random women, learning sign language when his best buddy lost his hearing in Afghanistan, then there’s Brenna whom he has been pretending to date for three years just to help her out, why would he do that? It isn’t explained. So poor Abby is last on the list. If Abbey had any sense she should kick him in the goolies and tell him to take a hike. Finally this is all tell and no show, the reader is presented with what’s happened but there’s no explanations.
Sorry this wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2018
While I agree that Dania introduced a host of characters that could've been a bit more subtle and teasing, it was a fun, sexy read filled heat and heart. I look forward to reading more of her work.
September 1, 2021
3.25*
June 12, 2026
On the Ropes is an engaging and emotional romance that combines strong chemistry, personal struggles, and the challenge of learning to trust again. Dania Voss creates a story where the characters' emotional journeys are just as important as the romance itself.
One of the highlights of the book is the connection between the main characters. Their relationship develops through moments of tension, vulnerability, and genuine understanding, making their bond feel natural and rewarding. Both characters have their own battles to face, and watching them confront their fears while opening themselves up to each other adds depth to the story.
Voss does a great job balancing romance with themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. The world surrounding the characters feels vivid, and the emotional stakes keep the story moving forward. The conflicts feel meaningful rather than forced, giving the characters room to evolve.
The writing is smooth and engaging, with a good mix of heartfelt moments, passion, and lighter scenes that make the story enjoyable from beginning to end. Fans of contemporary romance with strong characters and emotional depth will find plenty to appreciate here.
On the Ropes is a compelling start to the Windy City Nights series, delivering romance, heart, and a memorable journey of two people finding strength together.
One of the highlights of the book is the connection between the main characters. Their relationship develops through moments of tension, vulnerability, and genuine understanding, making their bond feel natural and rewarding. Both characters have their own battles to face, and watching them confront their fears while opening themselves up to each other adds depth to the story.
Voss does a great job balancing romance with themes of resilience, ambition, and personal growth. The world surrounding the characters feels vivid, and the emotional stakes keep the story moving forward. The conflicts feel meaningful rather than forced, giving the characters room to evolve.
The writing is smooth and engaging, with a good mix of heartfelt moments, passion, and lighter scenes that make the story enjoyable from beginning to end. Fans of contemporary romance with strong characters and emotional depth will find plenty to appreciate here.
On the Ropes is a compelling start to the Windy City Nights series, delivering romance, heart, and a memorable journey of two people finding strength together.
October 10, 2022
Boy meets Girl, Luke gets Girl,
Luke loses Abbey when he gets caught with a cleat chaser after winning his first World Series. He was set up.
Luke tries to fight for Abbey's love back but doesn't succeed for 10 years. 4 WS Titles and 3 Cy Young Awards don't mean a hill of beans if he can't get his Girl.
Abbey still loves Luke and he her, but she "thinks" and so does the world that he's in a 3 year relationship with an actress. Her sister Cassie is getting married to the man of her dreams, and Abbey is happy for her, but she feels like she got jipped all those years ago. The old gang is here for the wedding and Luke has to find a way to get his Girl back. Can he though, when Brenna (the actress) hunts him down and accuses Luke of cheating on her with the paparazzi hell bent on her heels for all the world to see. Abbey sees her dreams slipping away after all.
My favorite reads- Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers and Second Chance Romance all rolled up in one. This is a really good book, I can't wait to read part 2 in the Windy City Series.
Luke loses Abbey when he gets caught with a cleat chaser after winning his first World Series. He was set up.
Luke tries to fight for Abbey's love back but doesn't succeed for 10 years. 4 WS Titles and 3 Cy Young Awards don't mean a hill of beans if he can't get his Girl.
Abbey still loves Luke and he her, but she "thinks" and so does the world that he's in a 3 year relationship with an actress. Her sister Cassie is getting married to the man of her dreams, and Abbey is happy for her, but she feels like she got jipped all those years ago. The old gang is here for the wedding and Luke has to find a way to get his Girl back. Can he though, when Brenna (the actress) hunts him down and accuses Luke of cheating on her with the paparazzi hell bent on her heels for all the world to see. Abbey sees her dreams slipping away after all.
My favorite reads- Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers and Second Chance Romance all rolled up in one. This is a really good book, I can't wait to read part 2 in the Windy City Series.
December 2, 2021
Drats! This story had a solid foundation and storyline that was both interesting and intriguing. The h was likable and was no doormat. The H was egocentric and, while attempting to be a good guy, left a lot to be desired. Being a professional athlete did not dilute the fact that he was a jerk. He liked his wealth, liked to show it off, and liked to get his own way. The h was his soul mate, yeah right. His actions demonstrated something different.
My major problem with this story: the over the top language and sex scenes which added nothing to the story and only made the H look like more of a jerk. I am not a prude by any means, but this man just needs to dial DOWN his libido, self love, and perceptions of entitledments.
My major problem with this story: the over the top language and sex scenes which added nothing to the story and only made the H look like more of a jerk. I am not a prude by any means, but this man just needs to dial DOWN his libido, self love, and perceptions of entitledments.
March 31, 2018
Not quite sure how to put into words how to explain this book. I certainly don’t want to give any spoilers except to say Luke & Abbey are totally meant to be. There are some twists and turns, and lots of things going on with the family of characters, but none of it was distracting from the main couple, it added to it and made it fun and interesting. What I can’t explain is how I felt reading this cause I felt SO much as I read about Abbey & Luke and their family. I laughed, cried and hurt with and for them. Dania Voss brought me into her Windy City Nights world and I can’t wait for the next book!! She’s just been added to my list of favorites.
January 10, 2019
Another great book by Dania and I’d recommend it. The plot is strong and draws you in. He characters - and yes there are quite a few, but it’s necessary - show good growth. I know nothing of baseball and can follow this book with ease.
However, there’s a bit of repitition and I’d advise the author to number the series. I know they are technically standalone books, but I read Leah’s story first and they are together in in this one. And it obvious you need to read Gracesp’s story first, which I hadn’t. It doesn’t make a lot of difference, but I ended up skimming over all of Leah’s story, because I knew the outcome.
However, there’s a bit of repitition and I’d advise the author to number the series. I know they are technically standalone books, but I read Leah’s story first and they are together in in this one. And it obvious you need to read Gracesp’s story first, which I hadn’t. It doesn’t make a lot of difference, but I ended up skimming over all of Leah’s story, because I knew the outcome.
August 26, 2021
Okay…
Luke and Abbey’s story took place in one day. Jake and Cassie’s wedding day. Cassie is Abbey’s sister. After a misunderstanding (cheating kind), they haven’t seen each other in ten years, i.e. Luke and Abbey. So, one day is not going to fix this. Apparently the author thought otherwise. The second day, they got engaged, and started trying for a baby, so….
I am not fully understanding this scenario.
Luke and Abbey’s story took place in one day. Jake and Cassie’s wedding day. Cassie is Abbey’s sister. After a misunderstanding (cheating kind), they haven’t seen each other in ten years, i.e. Luke and Abbey. So, one day is not going to fix this. Apparently the author thought otherwise. The second day, they got engaged, and started trying for a baby, so….
I am not fully understanding this scenario.
June 24, 2018
Wow! I fell for Luke right away! He's a clear definition of book boyfriend. Abbey is his perfect match and you root for them the entire time! If you like twists and turns and hot love scenes make this your next read! It kept me turning pages wanting more!
July 21, 2023
For the most part I liked On the Ropes. I would have preferred less "steamy scenes" and for the second chance to move at a slower pace. That being said, I got caught up in the story and the characters and found the book entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews