ARC Review: Playing to Win by Jaci Burton

4.5 Feathers

Playing to Win

by Jaci Burton

(Play by Play # 4)

Cole Riley is a bad boy.  Not only because of his reputation with women but also his behavior on the field and with his teammates.  He is now with a new team, back in his hometown, and management needs him to clean up his act.  So they've brought in an expert.  Savannah Brooks is the image consultant that will change the fans perception of Cole as well as hopefully get him to play nice with his team.  To do that, she will have to be with him...a lot.

My favorite thing about this book is seeing the change and growth in Cole.  From how he interacted with his teammates, how he isolated himself and was surrounded of empty relationships to a man that wanted what his cousins already had.  A family, a woman that loved him and that he could love, true friends even.

"You have a beautiful mouth, Savannah."
Her gaze snapped to his.  "What?"
"Your lips."  He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip.  "I've been thinking about kissing you since the first time we met."

Cole and Savannah were actually a great couple.  She got him to change and let the good side of him come out.  He got her to let go of her inhibitions and the past that still haunted her.  The sexual tension between them was thick for quite some time since they had been attracted to each other from before he even knew what she was there to do.  And as that took a while to finally develop into something else, Savannah just wove herself in Cole's life.  Perfect story!

"I think I might take you right here in the hall," he said, his voice rough and low.  "I don't think I can wait."

We also get to see Liz and Gavin's wedding and I thought that was great.  I loved them as a couple and Liz being Savannah's friend, she was in this book as a main player in the story.  Seeing her get all flustered about her wedding, then the actual wedding and the honeymoon talk (wish we could've been a fly on the wall for that one!), it was very nice and felt like visiting family.

Ms. Burton manages to write stories that are both very sweet and very hot in this series and, although this was not my favorite couple or story, this still had all the charm I've come to love and expect from these books.  Definitely not a book to be missed, and not just because of the drool-worthy cover.

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

HOT JOCKS IN JULY is here!

JULY 10 - JULY 17

Do football or baseball butts drive you nuts? Do you love to see sweaty men chasing after each other? Tackling each other? Does the sight of a pair of sexy calves kicking a ball down field heat you up? Do NASCAR drivers rev your engine?

YES to all of the above for the GP Review Crew and the UTC Maidens.  Even though it’s summer, nothing’s stopping us from HEATING up our days and nights with HOT JOCKS!   Join Guilty Pleasures and Under The Covers for locker room talk about some of our favorite JOCK romances. Be sure to visit the other  blogs participating in this sexy hop.

Do you have a favorite sports themed book or series? Is there a real life athlete who you can see as your favorite hero from a sports themed romance? We would love to know your favorites!

When it comes to Sports, there are plenty of favorite series. But I think the ones that have made a bigger impact on most people's TBR lists, then we have to go with Jaci Burton's Play by Play series. Jaci was blessed by the Cover Fairy Godmother and the end result is a work of art that you just have to have on your bookshelf...or nightstand...or framed on the wall. These books not only have great covers, but they also are great stories.  Check them out.

The Perfect Play

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game...

For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara's not interested in getting to know football's most notorious playboy any better. 
As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara's life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick's latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.

But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

READ OUR REVIEW

Changing the Game

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people....

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad. Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

READ OUR REVIEW

Taking a Shot

If you want to score, you have to get in the game...

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...
But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

READ OUR REVIEW

Paying to Win

Cole Riley’s a hot headed football player who has put his career on the line with his off field behavior. Consultant Savannah Brooks comes on board to save his image—and to get his game on the right track. When two opposing forces collide, there’s bound to be sparks.

Coming September 4, 2012

Thrown by a Curve  

Sports medicine specialist Alicia Riley has the job of her dreams, until she's assigned to star pitcher Garrett Scott. Undergoing shoulder rehab, it's make it or break it time for Garrett, and he needs to focus to get back on the mound in time for opening day. But close proximity and combustible chemistry is a dangerous combination, and both Alicia and Garrett have a lot to lose if this doesn't work.

Coming March 2013 

And just because this is a good time as any to post some pics of real athletes...

Sorry got distracted there for a second. So what are we giving away?
A PRINT COPY OF TAKING A SHOT

PLUS A MATCHING BOOKMARK INSPIRED BY THE BOOK

From DallaLuna's Etsy Shop

PLUS A POSTCARD FOR PLAYING TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now Keep Hopping!

ARC Review: Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton

4.5 Stars

Taking a Shot

by Jaci Burton

(Play by Play # 3)

If you thought this book only had a hot cover then you can think again. Jaci's Play by Play series has been blessed by the cover fairy but it also has some of the most perfect men in fiction history! There just isn't a thing wrong with them!!!

As the books before him, Ty is one hot male specimen as well as an all around nice, sweet guy. And he knows exactly how to make a woman happy. In and out of bed. *purrrrrr*

He's a big deal hockey player but very down to earth. I love that Jenna catches his interest. She's not his type. She has short hair, tattoos, small breasts, and a very spunky personality. The opposite of what he usually goes for really. But I love her, and obviously so does Ty.

The only problem is Jenna doesn't date athletes. She's had sports shoved down her throat her whole life and she doesn't want that in her love life as well. So after one night of deliciously hot monkey sex she gives up on Ty and figures she should find that perfect non-sports-like man.

Of course, I won't tell you what happens next! Just know that this book had me ready to spontaneously combust on more than one occasion, it is heart skipping, mind blowingly hot! Ty is just that take charge kind of man that can make your insides melt.

And at the same time I loved seeing those two put their hang ups and issues behind and face the facts that they made each other happy. Without caring what others thought, or even what they thought they should be or do.

I really don't know why I torture myself with reading the teaser for the next books in this series, I do it everytime after I say I wouldn't. Now, I'm twitching with need to get my hands on the next book! This one is a baaaaaad boy!

Man! Just writing this review is making me want to re-read it! Yes ladies, it's that good! *sigh* At least I get to wake up to the sight of Jason Vendryes' abs every morning, since I still have this by my bed.

*ARC provided by publisher

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Purchase Links: Amazon

Covers To Covet

Maidens, prepare to drool all over your keyboard and all over yourselves!  This series has THE BEST COVERS ever!!!!  Jaci Burton just revealed her latest cover for Playing To Win which will release September 4.  You will want to pre-order this just so you can stare at that hunk of gorgeous male flesh!

Review: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

Changing the Game

by Jaci Burton

(Play by Play # 2)

Erotica



WOW! I devoured this book! It must've been all the excitement and anticipation, or maybe just the fact that for the first 50% - 60% the chemistry and raw sensuality between Liz and Gavin was just amazing! Of course, there's the sinful cover to consider too, which I kept picturing every time I read about Gavin.

I definetely shouldn't have started the book in the morning BEFORE going to work and then reading DURING LUNCH. You do not want to have your co-workers wondering why you're biting your lip and making weird noises. But Gavin just had me in a bad state all day.

I *think* Gavin is my favorite Riley brother. He is just amazing, as I said before... He.Is.A.GOD!!! Oh so talented, creative, daring.... *sigh* There was nothing I wanted more than to have his attentions and to be his goddess! He truly made Liz feel special from the beginning. I liked that! I didn't think for one second that he ever treated her as a one-night stand, or a fling.

Now, that being said, he was a little immature about some things throughout the story, but he's entitled, he's only 29!

I came to understand some of where Elizabeth came from, however, I don't think that part of the story was developed much, there was only one conversation where she truly opened up and the way it was built up before I thought it would be a little more dramatic. However, she has had a rough life, she's amazing for having come so far and being so successful on her own. But she is also very insecure, and a lot of that shows up in this book. She has to protect herself before someone else has a chance of hurting her.

Talk about FIREWORKS between these two!!! Scorching hot!!! Favorite scenes that deserve to be mentioned and you'll just have to wait and read the book to get the details: the scene at the restaurant *THUD*, the scene on his porch overlooking the beach *DOUBLE THUD*, at his St. Louis house the first time he saw her after Florida *MELTING*

Now all that out of the way (and you should absolutely read this book for that alone!) I had the same problem with this book than I did with the first one. After a certain point after half way through I was a little bored.

Ms. Burton has managed to write the sweetest, most perfect guys for this series (along with THE HOTTEST covers), and sometimes when they are OH SO PERFECT and everything is roses it can be a bit tedious. Ha! I can't believe I just said that.

The honorable asshole mention in this book goes out to Mick Riley. I understand why he had a problem with Liz. Yes, what she did to him, Tara and Nathan was messed up. But what he did (and kept doing) to her was more hurtful.

And the cutie alert!!!!!!! OMG I was melting for Ty from the moment he first came on the story. I can tell his book will be a complete panty melter. Even if when he met Jenna he said she wasn't his type because he liked women with bigger boobs.

The ending was excellent! Gavin redeemed himself 100% and I think my heart skipped a beat along with Lizzie's.

Covers To Covet

In honor of the cover reveal for the 3rd book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton, this edition of Covers To Covet brings you all 3 mouth watering, drool inducing, naughty thought provoking covers!  Yes, it is now official, this series has THE hottest covers out there!  Ever!!!  Please try to refrain from licking the screen, and make sure you wipe the drool off the keyboard, it's really not good for your electronics!  Enjoy!

Taking a Shot
Play by Play # 3
by Jaci Burton



If you want to score, you have to get in the game…  The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock—even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…
But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all—including Ty…

Changing The Game
Play by Play # 2
by Jaci Burton

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people...

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.


The Perfect Play
Play by Play # 1
by Jaci Burton

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game...

For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara's not interested in getting to know football's most notorious playboy any better.

As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara's life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick's latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.
But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

Review: The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it just in time for the Superbowl too so I was all in the right mood! If you like Jaci Burton, and I do, you'll love this book. I just love how her writing usually flows, and her stories are hot and sweet.

This story is hot from page one.... oh wait.... It's Smoking from the cover. *drool* This HAS to be one of the hottest covers ever!  I just want to stare at it (maybe lick it).  I even got my postcard of this cover from the author's blog!!

Ok, so getting past the cover, Mick Riley is the star quarterback for San Francisco, he's 30, he's a laid back, family guy, who has a reputation of being a playboy thanks to his agent Liz, who throws all the hot young Hollywood stars at him. But he is tired of that. And when he meets Tara, normal girl, party planner, dedicated to her work and to her 14 year old son, he is totally and completely smitten.  Of course it helps that their sexual chemistry is off the charts!

Mick is a "way-too-good-to-true" character, Tara is a bit more real, but she does have lots of issues to deal with. I really liked her son Nathan and how he and Mick were able to relate and interact. And speaking of interactions, Tara and Mick have some very very hot moments in this book, did I mention that before?  Yeah?  OK, I'll move on then. Their story does has ups and downs, although at one point I thought it was all ups, but it was still interesting.  Yeah maybe at times it felt just too happy-mushy and when is something going to happen, which is why I'm giving this 4 feathers, there was no tension in over 50% of the book for me, which can sometimes make the story a bit boring.

I liked Mick's brother Gavin A LOT, and from the beginning of the book I could tell he was going to end up with their agent Liz, and even though Liz came across as the biggest bitch, I could tell there's a lot more to her personality and that we'll get to read in the next book. Of course I'm sucker for punishment and after reading the teaser for it at the end of this book, I can tell I'm going to enjoy that one as well.  Can't wait!