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In The Crease
When Cole goes home and runs into his old rival, he finds out there is a very thin line between hate and lust.
As an overprotective older brother, Cole Wilde knew there wouldn’t be a man good enough for his sister, Jessica. Still, that didn’t prepare him for the news that she would be marrying one of the dreaded McCoven brothers.
All through his high school years, Bobby and his younger sibling, Andrew, made Cole’s life a living hell. It didn’t help matters that they belonged to a rival hockey team, so the feud carried over to the ice. Now, his sister tells him she’s actually marrying Bobby, and she expects Cole to be happy about it?
Determined to change her mind, Cole flies home to confront her. Instead, he finds himself being sized for a tux as he’s made a groomsman before he’s whisked away to the rehearsal dinner. There, he runs into the other brother, Andrew. Cole is both shocked and dismayed to find himself drawn to the other man. Andrew wastes no time in letting him know the attraction goes both ways.
After a few too many drinks, the two end up sharing a night of passion that changes them both forever. But will Cole be able to let go of all his doubts and old resentments long enough to find his own happily ever after?
As an overprotective older brother, Cole Wilde knew there wouldn’t be a man good enough for his sister, Jessica. Still, that didn’t prepare him for the news that she would be marrying one of the dreaded McCoven brothers.
All through his high school years, Bobby and his younger sibling, Andrew, made Cole’s life a living hell. It didn’t help matters that they belonged to a rival hockey team, so the feud carried over to the ice. Now, his sister tells him she’s actually marrying Bobby, and she expects Cole to be happy about it?
Determined to change her mind, Cole flies home to confront her. Instead, he finds himself being sized for a tux as he’s made a groomsman before he’s whisked away to the rehearsal dinner. There, he runs into the other brother, Andrew. Cole is both shocked and dismayed to find himself drawn to the other man. Andrew wastes no time in letting him know the attraction goes both ways.
After a few too many drinks, the two end up sharing a night of passion that changes them both forever. But will Cole be able to let go of all his doubts and old resentments long enough to find his own happily ever after?
45 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2010
2 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Stephani Hecht
250 books863 followersStephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 18, 2010
This is a short, and very sexy read, which comes with an interesting back story and packs a good deal of emotion into its pages. The story is about Cole, who has to learn to deal with his past when one of his high school tormentors marries his younger sister. Not only that, but the tormentor’s brother, Andrew, is too attractive to resist – and apparently also gay.
The attraction between the two ex-enemies is immediate and irresistible. Learning to deal with what happened in the past, dealing with it and forgiveness is a lot harder to attain. As for admitting that a lot more is going on? Andrew finds that a lot less difficult than Cole. But then, Cole has a lot more to forgive and, as it turns out, a lot more personal baggage to deal with.
I loved the emotion between both characters, the sex was very hot, and I was rooting for them to solve their issues almost from the very start; once I realized that Andrew truly regretted what he had done, and even more when I found out (at the very end) why he had acted the way he did.
Note: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
The attraction between the two ex-enemies is immediate and irresistible. Learning to deal with what happened in the past, dealing with it and forgiveness is a lot harder to attain. As for admitting that a lot more is going on? Andrew finds that a lot less difficult than Cole. But then, Cole has a lot more to forgive and, as it turns out, a lot more personal baggage to deal with.
I loved the emotion between both characters, the sex was very hot, and I was rooting for them to solve their issues almost from the very start; once I realized that Andrew truly regretted what he had done, and even more when I found out (at the very end) why he had acted the way he did.
Note: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
September 21, 2010
It's a classic theme of "falling in love with the arch-enemy" and it's definitely entertaining. Stephani Hecht's stories are loveable; even if I always want it a bit longer. BUT, I know that this is "Lust Bites", so I am aware (and prepared) that it will be short.
I love the characters, especially the story is told in 3rd POV from both Cole and Andy's perspective. So readers have a bit "history" from Cole's, on how Andy treated him in high school, as well as from Andy, that he only did that to actually trying to get Cole's attention. Both are still young men (in their mid-twenties); so attraction is quickly solved once they meet again in the wedding. Of course, if this is not Lust Bites, I'd love to see Cole not to forgive Andy that quick, let him suffer more (yes, I can be viscious).
Still, I think the story is pretty sweet and enjoyable
I love the characters, especially the story is told in 3rd POV from both Cole and Andy's perspective. So readers have a bit "history" from Cole's, on how Andy treated him in high school, as well as from Andy, that he only did that to actually trying to get Cole's attention. Both are still young men (in their mid-twenties); so attraction is quickly solved once they meet again in the wedding. Of course, if this is not Lust Bites, I'd love to see Cole not to forgive Andy that quick, let him suffer more (yes, I can be viscious).
Still, I think the story is pretty sweet and enjoyable
September 20, 2010
I had to break away from the longer reads when I saw this one was out. And I'm glad I did this was a very enjoyable read. I really liked it.
Yes I would have liked it longer - (got more into their lives etc)... But it's a "Lust Bites" which means short story, so things move fast in short stories.
But it's definitely a very good fun cute read.
Yes I would have liked it longer - (got more into their lives etc)... But it's a "Lust Bites" which means short story, so things move fast in short stories.
But it's definitely a very good fun cute read.
October 28, 2010
After months of trying to talk his sister out of marrying one of the two brothers who made his high school days miserable Cole's back in town for the wedding. Ready to make one last attempt at stopping the wedding Cole is floored by his unexpected attraction to Andrew, the groom's brother. When a couple of drinks too many loosens both of their inhibitions the men end up in bed. But will Cole's morning after reaction derail them before they've had a chance to figure out if they've got a future together?
The theme of adversaries turning to lovers is wonderfully done by the author in this quick, sexy read. Since the story is told in the 3rd person POV of both of the men it's easy to get to know them and like them. I also liked the supporting characters of Jessica and Bobby, the engaged couple. The author was able to pack a lot of emotion into this short format although I do wish it had been longer.
There's some nice family bonding and lots of humor in this story as well as some very hot sex scenes. However the most important theme throughout is that of forgiveness and of new beginnings and it all added up to a truly entertaining story.
Fans of the author are sure to love her latest offering and those who've yet to read a Stephani Hecht story will find this a wonderful introduction to her. Recommended.
The theme of adversaries turning to lovers is wonderfully done by the author in this quick, sexy read. Since the story is told in the 3rd person POV of both of the men it's easy to get to know them and like them. I also liked the supporting characters of Jessica and Bobby, the engaged couple. The author was able to pack a lot of emotion into this short format although I do wish it had been longer.
There's some nice family bonding and lots of humor in this story as well as some very hot sex scenes. However the most important theme throughout is that of forgiveness and of new beginnings and it all added up to a truly entertaining story.
Fans of the author are sure to love her latest offering and those who've yet to read a Stephani Hecht story will find this a wonderful introduction to her. Recommended.
February 14, 2012
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I'm a big fan of Stephani Hecht's books, especially the Blue Line series, so I was disappointed this one didn't work for me on a couple levels. All of her stories are quick reads, but this one had too much of a forumlaic plot. And the instalove was so over the top that I couldn't buy it at all. Hecht is so good at developing characters that I like, and using few words to do so, but all of the characters in this felt like the usual rash of romance archetypes.
October 6, 2014
3.5 stars
September 1, 2017
Yes, I knew the errors would be horrendous and yes I knew that there would be name mix ups and yes, I knew the plot would be thin... but did I care? NO, because I always finish a Stephani Hecht story with a smile on my face! Enough said! ;p
December 31, 2023
This was so bad I giggled, last read of 2023 baby
March 10, 2022
I mean they fall in love in one day... I am not sure if this ever worked in any romance, but it is particularly jarring in this novella considering one main character, Cole, was bullied by the other main character Andy (and his brother Bobby) in high school. And the bullying is explained as Andy and Bobby trying to get Cole's and his sister's attention because they were attracted to them respectively. And I know this also is nothing new plot wise in romances about former bullies but in this story that excuse felt particularly horrible. And the weak ass appologies are never even close to being sufficient yet still the former bullies are always immediately forgiven.
It is my own fault for liking the trope (in theory) and then reading novellas which don't stand a chance of handling the subject matter skillfully enough with such a limited word count.
Themes: dual POV, enemies to lovers, former highschool bully, hockey goalie, weddings, insta love
It is my own fault for liking the trope (in theory) and then reading novellas which don't stand a chance of handling the subject matter skillfully enough with such a limited word count.
Themes: dual POV, enemies to lovers, former highschool bully, hockey goalie, weddings, insta love
March 15, 2012
I felt Cole's reaction was fully justified! The bullying he endured from the brothers was really demeaning! Having your head shoved in the toilet? C'mon! I think it was very selfish of the sister to demand he forgive. She should be groveling to her brother and giving her bro in law the evil eye and admonishing her hubby to be instead of outright taking their side and bullying Cole to being nice.
Cole's runaway reaction and letting Andy feel the hurt the bullying and rejection cost him was brilliant. Just lets Andy appreciate him more.
Overall this was hilarious and pretty cute. In the same tone as I'll Runaway for Christmas also by Ms. Hecht.
Cole's runaway reaction and letting Andy feel the hurt the bullying and rejection cost him was brilliant. Just lets Andy appreciate him more.
Overall this was hilarious and pretty cute. In the same tone as I'll Runaway for Christmas also by Ms. Hecht.
January 12, 2015
This is part of Lust Bites, so is a short read, but very sexy one! 3.5*
Cole's sister is marrying one of Cole's school bullies - he is not happy with this! The other bully (his soon to be brother in law's brother) is also in attendance - and since Cole left town, Andy has come out.
Cole lets Andy off his childhood nastiness (after the confession they were his attraction to Cole surfacing) and they get down and dirty quite quickly!
I'd have liked Cole to hold his past over Andy a bit longer, but it is a short story, so to be expected that things move fast.
A nice, sexy read.
Cole's sister is marrying one of Cole's school bullies - he is not happy with this! The other bully (his soon to be brother in law's brother) is also in attendance - and since Cole left town, Andy has come out.
Cole lets Andy off his childhood nastiness (after the confession they were his attraction to Cole surfacing) and they get down and dirty quite quickly!
I'd have liked Cole to hold his past over Andy a bit longer, but it is a short story, so to be expected that things move fast.
A nice, sexy read.
December 18, 2015
Reads like a poorly edited self-published story. The writing is uneven, often awkwardly worded with incorrect word usage. The premise had potential but the speed at which the former antagonists came together was unbelievable and not even remotely sexy. I was especially turned off by the bully being domineering in the bedroom. I initially gave up at 40% even though this is barely a novella. I came back the next day thinking it can't be possible be that bad and tried to read further. Yep, it really was that bad, I confirmed as I forced myself to skim through the remainder of the story.
December 17, 2014
This was a cute short story. It was a great one about seeing those high school jerks...and then being completely attracted to one. It seemed to go a little fast relationship wise for me. Not for Andy (the bully) because he had secretly been crushing on Cole for years but for Cole who literally hated Andy with all his might a day before hooking up. I did like how it was written, though, and I found myself rooting for Cole to get his head out of his ass. :-)
Awesome story.
Awesome story.
November 6, 2012
3.5 stars
Cole and Jessica are close siblings and when Cole finds out Jessica is in love and engaged to his childhood bully he is not happy. Bobby and his younger brother, Andrew, tormented Cole for years and Cole can't believe that his beloved sister is falling for Bobby's smarm. His mission is to stop the wedding at all costs. I thought this was a very cute short and I enjoyed the characters and especially the ending.
Cole and Jessica are close siblings and when Cole finds out Jessica is in love and engaged to his childhood bully he is not happy. Bobby and his younger brother, Andrew, tormented Cole for years and Cole can't believe that his beloved sister is falling for Bobby's smarm. His mission is to stop the wedding at all costs. I thought this was a very cute short and I enjoyed the characters and especially the ending.
December 14, 2015
Old Rivals meet again, have the hots for each other and hook up. We find out one had a crush on the other for forever and didn't know how to handle it.
Andy's fast pace to full blown love after a few days is not such a stretch for me considering how he's felt for years. Cole on the other hand was more complicated for me to get around. Still a cute fast story.
Andy's fast pace to full blown love after a few days is not such a stretch for me considering how he's felt for years. Cole on the other hand was more complicated for me to get around. Still a cute fast story.
July 24, 2023
3-1/2 Stars About finding one's way back home and forgiveness.
[ETA 07/24/23] It's amazing how much my tastes have changed since I first read this. It's still a good short story, but I would love for a longer story with these characters with more depth and development.
[ETA 07/24/23] It's amazing how much my tastes have changed since I first read this. It's still a good short story, but I would love for a longer story with these characters with more depth and development.
February 28, 2015
Maybe if it was longer.
Maybe if the relationships had actually some depth.
Maybe then I would like it more.
As it was the story was very simplistic and I couldn't figure out how the years of hate in few hours turned into love till the end of the world and one day longer... Didn't buy it.
Maybe if the relationships had actually some depth.
Maybe then I would like it more.
As it was the story was very simplistic and I couldn't figure out how the years of hate in few hours turned into love till the end of the world and one day longer... Didn't buy it.
September 7, 2010
2.5. I really wanted to get I to this but the insta love was crazy, and Andy getting pissy just made me want to shake cole.
October 22, 2010
Good short m/m romance about a guy who's back in town for his sister's wedding, trying to figure out how to stop her from marrying one of the two brothers who terrorized him in high school.
April 14, 2011
2.5 stars.
The story was pretty sweet, but I just couldn't connect to the characters.
The story was pretty sweet, but I just couldn't connect to the characters.
February 4, 2011
3.5 not a bad read for a short story. This is the first book by this author for me, and I will not be the last. I rather enjoyed the characters. Too bad it wasn't a little longer.
June 24, 2011
3.5 Delightful Divas. Okay, don’t let the rating fool you, I absolutely loved In the Crease by Ms. Hecht... To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=5373
September 11, 2011
3.5 out of 5
November 27, 2011
I loved it! Bully in love with cute guy all along!
April 29, 2012
A good read about falling for one's bully. I have to say I would have liked a little more wooing from Andy before he finally won Cole over but it was still a good read.
June 25, 2012
3.5 stars
July 9, 2012
So romantic!!!:-)
August 30, 2013
Short story, mostly sex sandwiched between a bit of story at the beginning and end. Would have liked more story less sex, great premise.
November 22, 2015
I've lost count how many times I've read it.
I loved seeing how Andy didn't give up on Cole. *sigh*
I loved seeing how Andy didn't give up on Cole. *sigh*
December 28, 2013
cute story~ 3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews