* Jacquelyn Frank: Author Override | UTC Reviews
* Skye Warren: Author Override
* Narrator Lorelei King: Interview
* Stephanie Tyler: Interview
* Carolyn Crane: Author Override | UTC Review
* J.T. Geissinger: Interview | UTC Review
* Men and Women of the Military Giveaway Hop
* Keri Arthur: Interview | UTC Reviews

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Interview and Giveaway with Jaci Burton!

First, we have to take a moment to congratulate Ms. Burton because today is the release day of PLAYING TO WIN, the sixth book in her Play by Play series.  Yes, you know what I'm talking about, that series with the HAWT sports covers.  Jaci is one of our favorite authors and we are very excited to have her again spending release day with us.  We also decided to dig through our archives and if you scroll past the interview and review for the new release, you will find a couple of oldies but goodies reviews of two of Jaci's books that if you haven't read, then you should go pick them up today as well.  But now lets welcome Jaci to UTC!

What do you think is the best quality or most attractive thing of each and every hero of your Play by Play series? See that's easier than asking for favorites ;)

The one thing I find most attractive about each of my Play by Play heroes is their vulnerability. They might not even be aware of it, and it may take them awhile to show it, but eventually they're all vulnerable in one way or another, and they trust the heroine enough to show it. It takes a lot for an athlete to show vulnerability, whether it be physical or emotional, and their willingness to shed that macho image and expose their underbelly is one of the things I love the most about these guys.

Cole's story is finally here and of course people are always wondering if the stories will be as hot as the covers. Can you give us a little teaser of PLAYING TO WIN?

Cole is my bad boy who refuses to take responsibility for his failings. Until Savannah shows up and makes him see the light. I wanted to do a story that was relevant to sports figures today. So many of them think they can do whatever they want--act however they want without consequence. In Playing to Win, Cole has to face the consequences of his actions. He's on his third strike, and if he screws up again, he's out of the game for good. Savannah is his last hope to clean up his image and make him understand that much of what he's done is his fault. So it's two people butting heads, and the attraction that comes out of them working closely together and how they manage that while trying to salvage Cole's career. Lots of sparks and fireworks and heated sexual tension--fun stuff!

Cole's sister Alicia will be the heroine of the next book with Garrett, Gavin's friend. What can you tell us about THROWN BY A CURVE while we suffer the wait?

In THROWN BY A CURVE I deal with what happens when a player is injured. Alicia is a sports medicine specialist, so she has to deal not only with Garrett's physical injury, but the psychological ramifications of what happens to an athlete when they can't play, when their life has been all about their sport. Garrett undergoes a crisis not only physically, but also mentally as he faces what might happen if he can't pitch again. And he has to lean on Alicia not only because she's his therapist, but because she comes to know him better than he knows himself. They work closely together on his rehab, and she sees the good side and the bad side of Garrett as he works through his issues. And as they draw closer and closer, will either of them be able to let go once Garrett's rehab is complete?

When can we expect the second book in your Killer series?

Killer Decision will be released as an e-book original sometime in 2013. I'll hopefully have details up on my website soon about this book.

Many authors get their ideas from everyday life. Do you have a story to share where your real-life experience has influenced your writing?

My love of riding Harleys influenced my Wild Riders series, and my utter addiction to sports influences my Play by Play series. I often write about the places where I live or where I've lived before, like St Louis and Oklahoma and California, because I know those locations best and loved them the most.

Christmas is around the corner and that to me means another Kent Brothers story! Will THE BEST THING be the last in this mini series?

Yes, THE BEST THING, Brody and Tori's story, wraps up the Kent Brothers series.

If you could write a warning label for yourself as a person or an author, what would it say?

Warning: Author on deadline--bad disposition, curses often. On strict diet of pizza, Hershey Kisses and bubble gum. Do not attempt to engage in conversation.

An avid reader yourself, what have been the book(s) that stand out the most from everything you've read in 2012?

Oh I've read some awesome books this year. I lost an entire day of writing by reading Nora Roberts' The Witness, which I thought was just excellent. I loved Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor series. Julie James needs to write a lot faster, because About That Night was great. I have mad love for Shannon Stacey's Kowalski series, and I just got a sneak peek at Maya Banks new Highlander historical, Never Seduce A Scot, due out this month, and it's fantastic. I also thought Sylvia Day's Bared to You was brilliant.

Is there anything you'd love to write (genre, idea) that you haven't done yet?

Not really. I love writing contemporary romance. When I first started writing erotic romance, I dabbled into a lot of different genres. I've written fantasy and paranormal and suspense, but I love contemporary the best.

What are you currently working on and what will be the next project to be released?

Right now I'm working on my Hope contemporary romance series, a new series that'll be released through Berkley next year. It's set in a small town in Oklahoma with connected characters. The first book will be released in an anthology next summer, and the first single title will come out next fall. I'm really excited about this series!

Next to be released on Nov 6th is the digital release of The Ties That Bind, my novella that was previously available in the Laced With Desire anthology. We're releasing several of my novellas that were previously available in anthologies for those that might have missed them or might not want to buy the entire anthology just to read one of my books.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

My husband and I like to hang out at a few of our local casinos. So far we haven't struck it rich, but it's not for lack of trying. We still enjoy riding the Harley, but that's been kind of tough with the brutally hot summers we've had here in Oklahoma lately. I love to garden, but again, these summers have been a challenge to my green thumb. Good thing my jalapenos love the heat. And of course, I read whenever I'm not writing.

What was the last movie you watched?

The last movie we went to the theater to see was The Dark Knight Rises. Great film. At home, I think the last movie we watched was Contagion, which made me never want to touch another surface again without copious amounts of hand sanitizer.

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing with us today!  

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Someone’s going to have to let down their guard…

Football star Cole Riley is notorious for doing as he pleases—on the field and off. He parties hard and fights harder, but if he doesn’t clean up his act, his career is over—so Cole reluctantly agrees to work with image makeover consultant Savannah Brooks. He’s not used to being told what to do, especially by some (admittedly hot) Southern belle. As for Savannah, she’s not convinced she can transform this cocky (and aggressively sexy) force of nature. But she’s determined to give it her best shot.

When the sparks start to fly, Savannah lays down the ground rules: no personal complications. If she can turn off the tingle she feels every time Cole gives her a hot stare with his gorgeous baby blues, he can turn off his desire as well. But for two people determined to have it all, a hands-off policy can only last so long before one of them yields.

Berkley is  graciously offering a print copy of PLAYING TO WIN to one lucky US maiden!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

55 comments:

amandakgc said...

Love all of Jaci's work. The stories are hot, the men are hot and ya gotta love the covers as well. Great interview!

P.S. Pick Me!

Chrisbails said...

Jaci is a new author for me. I have seen her books and her covers are fantastic-definately drooling when I see them. Thanks for the great giveaway.
christinebails at yahoo dot com

Rebe said...

I love her books! I am sooo behind on these sports books, though. :(

Jessie said...

I am a serious Jaci Burton fangirl. The Wild Riders..seriously smoking hot.

And the Play by Play books..yum!

And the stories are awesome too ;)

Thanks for the giveaway!

Melissa said...

I love Jaci and ALL of her books!! I am so excited to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!!

melissalamb(at)musfiber(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This series is on my TBR pile! Can't wait to start reading all of her books!

Anonymous said...

Love all of your books and can't wait to read this one as well!

Victoria said...

I've only read the first in the series but damn :)! I really love your covers!
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

Reading said...

My friend keeps telling me to read Jaci's books. She loves them. Thanks for the giveaway.

Lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Susan T. said...

Am a huge fan and love Jaci Burton's books. I'm really behind in her Play by Play series. Need to rectify ASAP. Can’t wait! Thanks for the giveaway.

kidsue99@yahoo.com

Kathleen O said...

Jaci, your Playing to win is my first series I have read by you and it won't be my last.. I will be getting my hands as many of your books as I can...
Great interview and thanks for a chance at a great giveaway.

superauntkx9(at)live(dot)ca

Sizzle C said...

I love your books, all of them! I especially love your warning label, it made me laugh but then I am the same way when I don't want to be bothered, or can't be because I need to get something done! :) Can't wait to read your book!

Carin said...

Jaci, you can almost make a sports fan out of me LOL! I love the steamy stories you write. Carin
mawmom at gmail dot com

Mina said...

I honestly don't know what I love the most about this author: the fact that she rides Harleys or her cover artworks...hot either ways!
minadecaro at hotmail dot com

redjuliet said...

Happy to read that your series came about because of your love of sports! I'm a fan too. Looking forward to reading this book.

books4me said...

I keep hearing fantastic reviews of jaci's books. I really want to read one. I LOVE football players and their tushies...YUM!

Unknown said...

Just discovered Jaci Burton. Downloaded my first of her books this wknd.

Johanna R Jochum said...

I love this series and can't wait to read this new one! Thanks for sharing today!

Lisa W said...

Love Jaci's stories!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

CrystalGB said...

Great interview. I love Jaci's books. Thanks for the giveaway.

Texas Book Lover said...

Huge fan of this series...need to check out some of Jaci's other series soon!

Wish I could live on chocolate and pizza!

Anonymous said...

It's got one of the all-time great covers...can't wait to read this and the hockey story, too!

vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

Di said...

Jaci's covers really are incredibly eye-catching and they get great reviews too!
sallans d at yahoo dot com

Jane said...

Happy Release Day to Jaci. I've been a fan since I picked up her Demon Hunter series.

erin said...

Thanks for an awesome post and congrats to Jaci on the newest release! It sounds fantastic :)

Elizabeth H. said...

This book sounds really good! And has a super sexy cover! Thanks for the giveaway!

ehaney578 at AOL dot com

Lisa said...

Love Jaci's books. They are HOT

Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Mary Jo said...

I love this series and loved feeling like I was out on the ice in Taking a Shot... even though I don't ice skate and am not a hockey fan!

I would love to win this! thanks for the giveaway and interview!

Sheree said...

Happy Release Day! And another hot Jed Hill cover! Oooh!

Pam C. said...

Yay, Jaci is one of my favorite authors. I am crossing many body parts in hopes to win this. thanks for the chance.

Sophia Rose said...

I enjoyed reading through the interview. Nice thoughtful questions! I like the idea of tackling the issue of a sports star who has to mind his ps&qs. It should be a great read.

Thanks for the post and giveaway opportunity.

Allison W said...

I've only read book one so far, but it is as good as it's cover.... and that's saying something :)

Landry Breaux said...

I haven't read any of Jaci Burton's books yet but I have to say that this is one of the HOTTEST covers I've seem in a long time!!

Yvette said...

Love your books and I keep reading...
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com

elizabeth said...

I love Jaci's books. I was introduced to Jaci with Unlaced. Couldn't find it at a bookstore, but found others by her. Read them and loved them. I haven't read this series as of yet, but I do have them. Hope to get to them soon.

Thanks for the giveaway,

Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net

Jen B. said...

I love that you wrote the Play by Play series. I hate sports (and that word might not be strong enough). I love your Play by Play series. I have asked my husband questions about the sports and now I kind of understand his love of the sports. Thanks for the giveaway. This book has been on my wish list since I first heard about it. jepebATverizonDOTnet

Maria D. said...

I love this series! And the covers are smokin hot!
Not entering the contest because I already have this book.

Leni said...

Love the question about the warning label. It had me wondering what mine would read:)
I haven't even gotten my hands on this book yet, and I'm already excited to find out what the next one is about.

Unknown said...

Congrats on the release of Playing To Win. I haven't read any of the series yet. I love all the covers, they are absolutely gorgeous. I enjoyed reading the interview. To learn that all the heroes have some sort of vulnerability was very interesting, because one wouldn't think that about these men. It makes them human to me.
What do you think would be the most unlikely sport for one of your books in the Play by Play series?
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

June M. said...

I have to admit that I have not read any of Jaci's books yet, but do have them on my wishlist. And I do love the covers for this series...so hot!!
Thanks for the giveaway chance.
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

cutiephinphin said...

Regrettably, I've not read any of Jaci's books although they are in my to read list. Definitely can't wait to grab the Play by Play series to get started.

Great interview and it's cool to know a chick who rides a Harley. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

cutiephinphin (at) hotmail (dot) com

Carol L. said...

Jaci's cover in her Play By Play series are just awesome. Would love to read these books and have to get on the ball here and just do it. Thanks for the chance.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Carol L. said...

Jaci's cover in her Play By Play series are just awesome. Would love to read these books and have to get on the ball here and just do it. Thanks for the chance.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great read! Thank you for the giveaway. :)

Harlie Williams said...

Jaci is the BOMB!!! Love her books. Thanks for the giveaway.

Marika
maw1725@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Happy release day Jaci. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
rmwyer at shaw dot ca

Krista said...

Jaci, you have the BEST book covers!!!

krazymama_98 said...

I love reading Jacis stories. They are always vulnerable in some way. They dont want to reveal. Or maybe dont even realize.
lisakhutson (at) {cox] dot {net]

JenniferK said...

I love the covers of Jaci's books and I'm looking forward to reading them. Thanks for the great giveaway.

jcalvert719(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alicia said...

Jaci Burton's play by play series has such beautiful covers!!!!! Wow
"THUNK" oooh excuse me that was the sound of my jaw hitting the desk! I just can't stop staring!

Thanks so much for the chance to win!

orangepeacock313@

Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous) said...

Love the Play by Play series. I really wanted to get Playing to Win, not only because it sounds amazing but also because it came out on my birthday. Never did get a chance to go to the store to buy it (closest one is hour and half away... ridiculous!)

Anonymous said...

I love Jaci's books. I hope to win this book!! Thanks for having this giveaway.

Heather said...

I love her books and these are some of my favorite covers!!

ssweaver975 said...

I love the cover and can't wait to read it.

SdyLion said...

She is an amazing author with an exception talent for writing books that hold a reader's attention. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com