Summer Cove: Impulse / The Name of the Game

by Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents two reader-favorite tales about finding true love...

IMPULSE
For once in her life, Rebecca Malone is following her heart. After quitting her job and selling all her belongings, she heads to Greece in search of adventure. So when a sexy local restaurant owner pursues her, she can't resist playing the role of sophisticated, well-traveled woman. But falling in love with Stephen Nickodemus was not part of the plan! Now she'll have to find a way to break the news of her true identity...without also breaking his heart.

THE NAME OF THE GAME
TV producer Johanna Patterson knows that the entertainment industry isn't kind to romance--especially for an actor like Sam Weaver. His good looks might have propelled him to movie stardom, but Johanna can't be won over by a pretty face--she's seen enough broken marriages to last her a lifetime. Unfortunately, Sam has an uncanny way of making her lose her self-control with his easy confidence and laid-back charm. And the mind-blowing kisses help, too...

Previously Published.

Genres: Romance, Summer

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2019

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really two books in one. The first story is terrible. The second was much more enjoyable and I was more invested in the characters. These are really just re-prints if older stories of hers

[Cortney Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

You can’t go wrong with Nora Roberts. I love how they are coming out with these anthologies so I can read all of her earlier work with Harlequin. 💜

[Sarah Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Nora Roberts and I absolutely loved both of these stories!

[Sofia Tsarouhas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading impulse in greece as it is set there. Really boosted the story and I love how she used greek phrases for the greek characters

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book the only thing is my copy of summer cove that I purchased from my local Kmart has two different stories than the two displayed instead of having impulse and the name of the game mine had risky business and the welcoming but I do have impulse and the name of the game in different editions and I absolutely adore all these cute romance novels they are all beautifully written

[Suzanne Pederson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has two stories in it. I was excited to read both and actually bought two copies of the book. One for my sister and one for me so we could do a buddy read. I was drawn to the book because the character's name in the first story was Rebecca and she was in Greece. I thought it would be a perfect read for my sister who shares the same name, especially because we have both been to Greece and I looked forward to that setting. So great potential for the first story to suck us in. The opening description of the female's personal history and work ethic was interesting, as was her reason for going to Greece However, from there the book fell flat for me. There was nothing about the male or female characters that drew me in or made me care about them. They lacked dimension and unfortunately, this story came across as simply a vehicle for writing sexual tension without enough character development or use of plot to move the story along. Perhaps the second story was better than the first story, but I chose not to waste my time reading it.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at a sale not knowing what kind of book it was. I was thinking it might be a good summer read. I guess a lot of women love these romances but it is not my thing. You meet someone, you fall in love in a week and go to bed with them right away. From page one to the end it is nothing but yearning, making love and misunderstandings. You get to know each other later. I didn't finish. I need more story line than this.

[Erika Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unless you’re getting this book for free, don’t waste your money (or time). Nora is not good with writing a smooth plot line. Both stories jump all over and are lacking detail and emotion. I will not be reading any of her novels again. This is beyond “easy read” into the category of amateur writer.

[Dani Kimball · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. It lacked depth and supstance. In each story, the entire relationship revolved around the physical and explored very little genuine interest or connection. The stories were neither intriguing nor did they carry any weight. I couldn't have cared less how they ended.

[Caroline Feller · Rating 2 out of 5]

After some investigation found out this is a reprint of short stories originally from the 90s. And I can sure tell. The male chauvinism is unreal and I just could not get past that. The only reason this got 2 stars was because I enjoyed the setting

[Gwen Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. Seemed unrealistic and boring.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Impulse: ⭐️
The Name of the Game: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This collection was one of my least favorites by Nora Roberts.

The first book I thought would be my favorite because of the setting but was easily my least favorite. The rage and mentions of “joke” aggression made the main love interest extremely off putting. It seemed like it was supposed to be a “strong” Christian Grey type maybe but it seems really inappropriate.

The second book surprised me and I liked it more than I thought. I was still put off by yet another leading man in this collection that was so annoyed by the lead that they could choke them. I know it’s a figure of speech but just seemed odd.

[Jeralyn Lash-Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guest left her copy of Summer Cove at my house. I decided to read it and what a delight it was. I didn't realize it included two stories and when the first one ended, I was a bit surprised and disappointed but enjoyed it totally. For the second story in Summer Cove, I enjoyed the romance more so, knowing it would leave me with an ending for which I wanted to read more about.
I found both stories so captivating for this genre that I've decided to seek out more stories by the author, Nora Roberts. However, this time, it will be my choice and definitely a full-length story.

[Elena Blackthorne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just finished the first story in this book, (Impulse). While I’m a big Nora Roberts fan, this one fell flat. What an insipid little story. There’s no plot or character development, just a lot of sexual tension & misunderstandings between the 2 main characters. While the setting is beautifully described, the characters are flat & one dimensional. This almost seems like an unfinished first draft of a story.

I hope the 2nd story is better. This one had so much potential, but was so disappointing.
Sadly, The best thing about this book is the Gorgeous cover art.

[Nick Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, this is two of Nora Roberts’ 80s Silhouette paperbacks, “ Impulse” and “ The Name of The Game.”

“Impulse” is rote, rushed, and surprisingly dreary despite its sunny Greek island setting. It does, however, feature what must be a romance novel first when the heroine tearfully admits to being an accountant.

“The Name of The Game” on the other hand was excellent. A likable, glossy romance between the rigidly independent producer of a daytime tv game show and a Hollywood heartthrob, TNOTG featured plenty of snap and crackle.

[Fredell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two of Nora Roberts' previously published novels in one! IMPULSE and NAME OF THE GAME.
I found IMPULSE to be somewhat "softer" and less edgy than many of Roberts' books.
It deals with an unexpected romance in Greece between a traveler and a local entrepreneur.
NAME OF THE GAME is more like her usual romances. A little more intense and convoluted than IMPULSE, this novel follows the follows a determined, anti-romantic entertainment executive who is "definitely NOT" going to have anything at all to do with a handsome actor.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was...eh. The first story, Impulse, was just kind of awful. Way too fast paced and unrealistic. It felt like it was just thrown in, almost like a wattpad story. The main guy seemed to forceful and iffy. The second story was a little better, but Johanna's constant turning Sam down was getting to be too too much. Also unrealistic. So, it was just OKAY.

[Claire Wolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had two stories in it. The first one, Impulse, was absolutely terrible. Maybe if it had been longer and she had time to give the characters depth, it could have been better but I found the male romantic lead too aggressive and controlling to be romantic. The second story, the Name of the Game, was much better and the only reason I gave this any stars.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun summer romance book but the reason I gave 3 stars is because both male characters are a little heavy handed and pushy for my taste. Don’t get me wrong, a little push is great but this level is a little controlling. I would have loved it a lot more if both men were a little less aggressive.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two good stories in one book, these are older original written 1988 and 1989. I prefer the current books with mystery that Ms. Roberts writes myself but have never read a book from her I haven't enjoyed!

[Kathy Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked both stories. Fast paced book it was predictable but it was a good read.

[Julie Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every enjoyable. Never disappoints.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, quick, typical, a good relief from the other books I read.

[Susan Ladan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given a Nora Roberts book, read it and enjoyed it. Then I got this one from the library sale rack. It has different characters, but it's a variation on the same story, so rather boring.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book

[Cathy Stratman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Roberts is one of go to authors, however I didn't enjoy the two stories as much as I do others.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical romance wasn't to bad. Wish that the first story was its own book.

[Amanda Sauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a great sweet predicated summer beach read

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the cover.

[Lori Borror · Rating 4 out of 5]

!