"Brilliant sequel to BODY CHECK is witty and captivating."

Michael Dante, a third-line winger for the NYC Blades hockey team, loves playing hockey, loves NY, loves his Italian roots, loves Dante's (his family's restaurant) and loves Theresa Falconetti. He's known as "the local boy made good." Hockey is his life, but Dante's is his future. Michael hires Theresa's PR firm to upgrade the restaurant's image and to give him an excuse to spend more time with her.

Theresa is looking for "The One" and pictures him educated, polished, preppie and definitely NOT Italian. She's haunted by serious issues, both past and present. Sweet and caring Michael can't seem to get near the goal line with her, but he will not give up on this special woman he wants in his life.

FAIR PLAY is a brilliant sequel to Ms. Martin's fabulous debut novel, BODY CHECK. Take this thrilling trip on and off the ice with a rich cast of characters and a story that will melt your heart. The dialog is witty and the story captivating. If you don't fall hopelessly in love with Michael, there's something wrong with your romantic heart. Ty Gallagher (BODY CHECK) melted the ice. Michael turns you into a puddle. One more "cara mia" would have sent me searching for my own personal Italian hero. This story is more than magic, it's pure bliss - not just a great read, it's a reread.

Reviewed by Suzanne Tucker
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 1, 2004

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Summary

A little competition never hurt anybody...

Theresa Falconetti has it all: brains, beauty, a quick wit and her own PR business. To the deep disappointment of her large family, she never dates Italians, men from her old Brooklyn neighborhood, or professional athletes. Especially not athletes...

Michael Dante, popular hometown hero and winger for the Stanley Cup champion New York Blades is all three—and he is head over heels for her.

For Michael, Theresa's NO HOCKEY PLAYERS rule is a check to the heart. Nothing he does seems to melt her resolve. His stubborn refusal to give up on this wise-cracking brunette who—he knows—is hiding from her roots is driving them both nuts. And when he hires her to publicize his family's restaurant, more than the kitchen heats up. Then Theresa finds herself an Upper East Side kind of guy, and Michael is forced to take his game to the next level...

IT'S FACE OFF TIME...