Duets: The Name of the Game / Once More with Feeling

by Nora Roberts

From the phenomenal Nora Roberts come two endearing stories of the power of love.

The Name of the Game

Johanna Patterson didn't give her trust—or her heart—easily. Certainly not to a man who lived in the public eye. So why was Sam Weaver suddenly playing a starring role in her dreams? The irritating man had a way of slipping past all her defenses and coaxing her into his arms. But Johanna had learned her lessons the hard way and was certain she could resist this man's charms…couldn't she?

Once More with Feeling

When Brandon Carstairs walked out on her five years ago, Raven Williams had been devastated. Now here he was, offering her the professional opportunity of a lifetime—an offer she couldn't refuse. Despite the undeniable heat between them, Raven vowed that once burned, twice shy. Cool, collected, she was going to be an icy professional. But when the sparks start flying, it's hard not to melt….

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Anthologies, Adult Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

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

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 sterren - Nederlandse paperback



Prettig leesbaar boek met 2 intrigerende verhalen waarin de hoofdrolspelers goed tot hun recht komen. Het zijn ontspannende verhalen. Voor bij de picknick tafel. De karakters zijn goed uitgewerkt en vullen elkaar aan. De stijl van dil boek bevalt mij wel.

[M.D. Jerome · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Name of the Game - 3 Stars

This story was genuinely sweet and full of humor, it had me swooning, crying, and laughing in all the right places. A very typical Nora read, if you ask me!

One More with Feeling - Unrated
Out of all of the books I have read by Nora Roberts, I have gotten pretty good at telling by date and first sentence if it will be a winner for me. I knew by date this one wasn't going to be great, and I made it to Chapter 4 which only certified that feeling. The concept sounded really interesting, but the female character lacked heart and her love interest was a jerk, who did not seem redeemable in my eyes, and who I didn't even want to get to know any further.

Fortunately for me I know Nora can't win them all, so on to the next Nora!

[Vasso Chatzimanoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ας το πω άλλη μία φορά!Α-Γ-Α-Π-Η-Μ-Ε-Ν-Η Νόρα Ρόμπερτς!Δυο καταπληκτικά γραμμένες ιστορίες με φοβερούς διαλόγους,στακάτες στιχομυθίες και ευαισθησίες καλά κρυμμένες!Παλιά τραυματά που μπορούν να κρατήσουν πίσω τον καθένα...ή μήπως όχι;

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 sterren, afgerond naar boven omdat ik het nu ook weer geen onvoldoende wil geven

Dit boek leek een vrij recent verhaal (2015), maar na een paar pagina's kreeg ik al in de gaten dat er iets niet klopte. Bij nader inzien blijken de twee verhalen oorspronkelijk voor het eerst gepubliceerd in de jaren 80, en dat voel je aan alle kanten: rokende mensen, bevaderende mannen (jakkes), etc. Bovendien voel je ook dat de schrijfster heeft zich gewoon nog niet zo ontplooid als ze later zou doen. Het is eigenlijk een oneerlijke vergelijking om dit boek tussen / vlak na recenter werk van haar te lezen. Tel daar nog eens bij op dat ik eigenlijk niet zo houd van kortere verhalen, en dit boek was helemaal niets voor mij, ik heb het alleen uitgelezen omdat ik er heel slecht tegen kan een boek halverwege weg te leggen, en ik tegen beter weten in bleef hopen op de klik.

[Lorraine Madigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved both of the stories in this book! I love reading Nora books because she is so descriptive I feel like I'm there with the characters! I especially loved Brandon's house in Cornwall...I could definitely see me standing by the stone wall looking out at the water...Or Sam's beautiful farm house feeding the ducks. I'd say it's a must read.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a combo of two of Nora Roberts older books and you could tell. I did like the first story as it was a slow, sweet romance. The romance was the focus of the story and there were no other real aspects to it but still, it was a nice, light romance. I did not care for the second story at all. I just couldn't get into it. I did not identify with either of the main characters and the romance was not all that sweet. I would have given this combo a 3 if it wasn't for the second story.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two very good love stories.

[Angela]

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[Sally Nimmow · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st bookwas good the 2nd seemed to drag on with a slow story line.

[Carol MacInnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duets, by Nora Roberts, is a book comprising of two different stories.
1) 'The Name of The Game'
Johanna Patterson is the executor producer of the very popular game show 'Trivia Alert' now in it's second year. Carl W. Patterson Productions is owned and operated by none other than her father. Although, Johanna was raised solely by her father, she was never shown any kind of love, be it emotional or physical, not even so much as an endearing pat on the head. Even though, throughout her childhood, she tried desperately to gain his approval, but there was never so much as a hug or even a kiss on the cheek. Due to this emotional distance, Johanna finally just accepted this indifference towards her and shut down her own feelings and put up a barrier around her to protect her heart. But then came actor, Sam Weaver who was to be a celebrity guest on her show and she knew from a past meeting with him of their blatant attraction between each other. Can Sam break through this barrier to reach into her heart?
2) 'Once More With Feeling'
The very beautiful and very successful songwriter and singer, Raven Williams was dumped by the also very famous Brandon Carstairs five years ago. When Brandon returned he had a proposal for Raven. To partner with him on "Fantasy", a bestseller novel now to be made into a musical. Although Raven knows this would be incredibly advantageous to her career, she nonetheless felt somewhat reserved working so close with him. She agreed, hoping this reunion would not stir up the electricity she had felt for Brandon. If it did, would she be able to keep herself in check so as not to rekindle that flame.

[Gilma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was seriously disapointed in these two books.

The first book, was slower then slow. There was no maining and direction. It was so simple and borning. All I read about was how she went to work, worked hard and then came home by herself. Over half was through the book you start seeing the budding romance between the two main characters. And that's where things start to get interesting. You find out more indepth information about the main female character. And there's a happy ever after ending which is always nice.

The second book I coud not read to save my life. I kept reading thinking and hoping that something was going to happen towards the end like the first book. Once I was over half way done and nothing interesting had happened yet I was litteraly skimming through the pages just so that I could say I finishe the book. Don't bother, such a waste of time.!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a collection of two (much) older Nora Roberts books. I liked the first one quite a bit. Johanna was super-uptight and so afraid to trust, but Sam was so charming and sneaky about worming his way into her life. I loved that he was so patient with her and did what he wanted with her despite her protests.

It was a huge struggle for me to get through the second story. I didn't like Raven or Brandon much at all. Raven had way too many issues and I never got a good feel for who Brand was, much less why he loved Raven so much. I forced myself to finish it because a) it was Nora Roberts and b) I hate to DNF a book!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an anthology, I thought it was new but it wasn't. The first story was originally published in '88 and the second in '83. I had never read The Name of the Game but I have read the second, Once More with Feeling before.

So I gave my rating based on the story I hadn't read yet. It was okay. I actually was a little bored by it. I liked the character of Sam, he seemed like the type of guy that every woman wants. Johanna was a tad annoying. Overall, I just didn't find the story very interesting.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once More With Feeling
Raven Williams, tanned gold from the CA sun she is a musician and has the chance to work with an old boyfriend who is to produce a show.
Brandon, she's not seen him in years and she remembers the heartache when they had broken up.
She's not sure she can do the show and put their old relationship in the past.
She also has other responsibilities and she has a lot to juggle to do it all.
.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an easy read. I started months ago, and was able to pick it up and continue without a problem. Great book to take on vacay when your brain doesn't want to do a lot of processing. Plus it's two stories in one book.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. both of the girl got on my nerves because they were a bit full of themselve. I mean, i understand about not wanting to air out dity laundry, but come on! when a guy shows that he wants to be with you, you should open up to him.

[Deven Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read the first story in this book, and I loved it.

[Merceda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Name of the Game was a good Nora Roberts read. It was an early version since it was written in 1988, but still decent.

Once More with Feeling was also good. A 1983 Nora Roberts book.

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice stories

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the 1st story and it was really good!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Nora Roberts and all of her books they are fast, easy, fun romances.

[DM · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read. :)

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

eh, tried to start it. eh so far.
Not for me.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nora Roberts is hit or miss with me. I either really like it or it is falls flat and is just eh. These two novels were both okay, not her best work.

[Rebecca Florig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Nora Roberts and this was no disappointment. Had me wishing for that perfect love story !! Definitely read this one!

[S Miller]

Used - Very good

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fluff book not a lot of thinking needed to read this book, but fun

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, the angst-filled drama.

[Kimber]

I read the first one. I wasn't in the mood to read the second one. I will sometime.

[Bandlady · Rating 3 out of 5]

The name of the game was a lot better than once more.