Tag Archives: Jaci Burton

Hot to Touch by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Hot to Touch by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Love burns white-hot in this first scorching romance in an all-new trilogy about a family of firefighters from the New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play novels and the Hope series.

Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn’t look back–as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem…

Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin’ hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgement, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed–and his future.

Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed–he’s still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin–and closed off. But there’s more than one way to get to a man’s heart and if Jackson doesn’t want to recall old memories, she’ll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she’s found Jackson again, she’s not letting him go.

 

 

Review:

Hot to Touch by Jaci Burton is the 1st book in her new Brotherhood by Fire series.   I am big fan of Jaci Burton, having loved her Hope series, and another one of our reviewers loves her Play by Play series.  I really enjoyed the start of this new series.

The story starts when a fireman is trying to rescue Rebecca (Becks), our heroine, who is desperate to save things she needs from her store.  The fireman doesn’t care about those things, and he is forcing her out of the store fire to save her life. 

Jackson Donovan, our hero and fireman who saves Becks, starts off on the wrong foot with her, as he was a bit rude.  To his surprise, his two brothers (they are adopted) recognize Becks as their long lost friend from 15 years ago, when they were homeless and their friendships helped them survive on the streets. The three boys (Jackson, Rafe & Kal) were trapped in an abandoned house fire, when a firefighter rescues them, and eventually he adopted the three boys giving them a normal home to live in.

The brothers are happy to have found Becks, and offer their house as a temporary place to stay.  Jackson, who does not relive the past, does not remember Becks, and continues to give her a hard time.   Becks remembers the old days when she had a crush on the young Jackson, and was surprised he didn’t remember her, but in time she can tell he blocks the past from his mind.

While Becks is happy to be staying in a nice house, and enjoys the camaraderie of the boys, she slowly loosens Jackson’s resolve, and a slow built romance will begin for both of them.  Jackson, knowing he is hard on Becks, tries to win her over, and help her find a new store for her tattoo business.  At first, I wasn’t crazy about Jackson, especially his rudeness; but in time the sparks between them was steamy hot.

What follows is a nice romance, though a difficult start, with an excellent story about homeless children and foster care.  I loved that Becks would visit those youngsters that were homeless, and bring them food, or even help one of the young girls get adopted.  I also loved when one of the older girls started to work for Becks.  A very nice addition to this story line.

The firefighter story line was also good, as that is the backdrop of the series.   Hot to Touch also had some great secondary characters, such as Rafe, Kal, Aria, the boy’s parents, to name a few. I got used to Jackson as the story progresses, as he explains to Becks about how he blamed himself all those years ago, and why he did not want to relive the past.  Becks to me was the star of this book. I loved her independence, street smarts, confidence and ability to not let anything stand in her way.  Great heroine.

Hot to Touch was a well written story line by Jaci Burton.  I loved the story about how the boys became brothers, found a loving home and parents; and how Becks survived moving around in different foster homes and was the strongest one of them all. I wholly recommend you to read Hot to Touch.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of HOT TO TOUCH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging-in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from May 8 to 12, 2019

 

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One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She’s found that in Hope, Oklahoma–she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she’s made wonderful friends, and she’s taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she’s flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he’s almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he’s happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she’s been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love

 

 

Review:

One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton is the 8th book in her wonderful Hope series. This series is a wonderful small town romance, with a great couple that Burton continues to give us in each and every book.  It is always great to visit Hope and get to see all of our favorite recurring characters (previous book couples). 

One Perfect Kiss introduces us to our couple, Zach Powers and Josie Barnes; both of whom are teachers at Hope High.   Zach is a former pro football player, who had to quit due to a knee injury, and ended up in Hope as a teacher and football coach.

Josie is an English teacher at the High School, and is content in her life in Hope.  She has made good friends (all of whom we met in previous books), but Josie is not interested in becoming involved with anyone.  She is divorced, with her ex leaving her and also must deal with her distant mother, who is a drug addict.

When Josie puts two football players on probation because of bad grades, Zach comes to her upset.  He agrees to work with his two players to help them pass, and she will remove them from probation, allowing them to play.  This opens the door for both of them to spend some time together getting to know each other.  In a short time, despite Josie’s determination not to become involved, a slow built romance starts to heat up.  Zach begins to fall for Josie, and knows he needs to be patient, as she has some issues from the past holding her back.  Their relationship will become hotter, as they both succumb to their feelings.  I did love Zach and how he was able to get Josie to trust him. 

Besides spending time with all of our favorites, I absolutely adored Zach’s dog, Wilson, whom he adopted with Josie’s persuasion.  I also got a kick out of Tumbles, Josie’s cat, who at first was not friendly to Zach, who ended up calling him all kinds of nicknames (satan, prince of darkness,etc).  It was cute, and in time Tumbles and Zach would become friends.

Josie’s relationship with her mother did have a big impact on her life, but with her life changing as she falls in love with Zach, she attempts to find a way to help her mother into rehab.

Jaci Burton once again gives us a sweet heartwarming story line, with another wonderful couple, a sensational group of friends, and the small town atmosphere of Hope. If you enjoy sweet, sexy romances, great couples, friendships, family, cute dogs and cats, then you need to be reading this series.  You can’t get wrong reading anything by Jaci Burton.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

He turned to face her and pulled her against him. Her body was hot and he wanted to touch her skin without the impediment of clothes between them. His fingers roamed her back, and that heat licked along his fingertips, making him itch to explore her further.
“I’m happy to help enhance your kissing experience.”
She tilted her head back. “I have experience with kissing, Zach.”
“I imagine you do. We should put our experiences together and see how that goes. If you’re interested.”
“I’m interested, and you should most definitely kiss me.”
He moved in, but then Wilson butted in between them and barked.
That heated moment dissipated in an instant.
Josie laughed and took a step back. Zach frowned and stared down at Wilson, who was dancing between them.
“I think he might need to pee,” she said.
“Dude, we were just outside. You peed on everything.”
Wilson continued to wag his tail, so Zach went to the back door and opened it, then went outside with the dog, who dashed over to a nearby tree and, sure enough, peed on it.
“Okay, Wilson. I’m noting you have the smallest bladder in town.”
“Hey, at least he let you know he had to go out,” Josie said, coming up beside him and sliding her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “That’s more than most dogs would do on day one at a new place. You should praise him and give him a treat.”
“For using a bush as a urinal?”
“Yes. That’s how you encourage him to do the same thing the next time.”
He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “The next time I want to kiss you?”
She laughed. “These lips aren’t going anywhere. Except inside. It’s getting a little chilly out here.”
“Okay. Go pick out a bottle of wine. I’ll hang out here with the dog for a while and see if there’s anything else he wants to do.”
“See? Now you’re getting the hang of being a dog daddy.”
He grimaced. “Dog daddy? Please don’t ever call me that again.”
She grinned, then disappeared. Zach wandered the yard with Wilson, who, despite sniffing every blade of grass, every bush and tree trunk, did nothing else remarkable, so they finally went back inside. Josie had some stuff piled up on the kitchen island.
“Hey, I rummaged while you and Wilson were outside. Hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t.”
“Good. I figured you’d want to watch the game—” She lifted her head up. “Some game or whatever. If you’re not particular about what game, I have suggestions.”
He walked into the kitchen. “You do, huh?”
“I do. Anyway, I found cheese and fruit and awesome crackers in your pantry. You are well stocked. I’m impressed.”
“I like to eat and it pisses me off when there’s no food in the house.”
“Good food, apparently.”
Wilson trotted over to the water bowl and took several long drinks. Zach pulled his attention back to Josie, who had apparently found the bottle opener because she was pulling the cork out of a bottle.
“Something wrong with good food?” he asked.
“Not in my book. You want wine?”
“Sure.”
She’d made herself at home in his kitchen. He didn’t know how to feel about that. His kitchen, hell his entire house, was his domain.
He liked people just fine, enjoyed entertaining them and hanging out with them, but usually never on his own turf. There were a lot of reasons for him choosing to keep his home base to himself, and Josie making herself comfortable here was a…thing.
But he’d invited her over, so any way he felt about it, he was going to have to keep it to himself.
And as she laid the tray on the coffee table, kicked off her shoes and pulled her feet up on his sofa, and Wilson jumped up and curled up next to her, he had to admit to feeling a kick of something he’d never felt before. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what that feeling was, only that watching Josie petting Wilson made him ache for something he was sure he’d never had before.
“You going to stand there and stare at us, or are you going to come over here and sit down?”
He blinked at Josie’s words, but he didn’t move. For some reason he felt frozen, unable to take that step forward.
Come on, idiot, you can do this. It’s not like she asked you to get married or move in or anything. It’s just sitting on the damn couch together.
Whatever this thing was, he needed to get over it. Forcing his feet to move, he made his way to the couch and sat between Josie and the dog. Wilson got up, turned around in a circle three times, inched over a bit toward him and went to sleep, his body nudged against Zach’s right thigh.

 

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering TWO (2) paper copies of the winners choice from the HOPE series to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging-in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from September 3 – 7, 2018

 

 

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Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Will “Mad Dog” Madigan is making his second trip to the Winter Games, and he couldn’t be happier. Hockey is his life and playing for the U.S. team is a privilege. Then he meets U.S. figure skater Amber Sloane. She’s beautiful, ambitious and driven–everything Will desires in a woman. He would love to show Amber how hot life off the ice can be.

Amber has skated her entire life, sacrificing everything in the hopes of one day winning gold. Now she’s competing for the third and final time. She intends to win, and nothing’s going to get in her way–until she meets Will. He’s an irresistible charmer, and before long Amber is wondering if this sexy hockey player is the perfect guy to show her some moves outside the rink.

But after all the medals have been awarded, Will and Amber will have to decide if what they have together is just a fling or a real shot at true love.

 

Review:

I loved Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton.  For the sports fan in me it had a little of everything as it centered around the Olympics.  Plus, with the Olympics and Para Olympics having taken place this year it was a double whammy of sports for me, and very easy to get caught up with the storyline in this one.  Of course it also helped that the hero in this one was a hockey player as I love hockey, and the heroine was a figure skater and that’s one Olympic sport I love to watch.  So needless to say this was an added bonus of a read for me, and with it being a Burton novel I knew I was in for a fun adventure with a hot romance.

Shot on Gold featured Will Madigan a hockey player on the U.S. hockey team, and Amber who was going for gold in her sport of figure skating.  Two very opposite people in terms of personalities yet equal in their competitive nature due to their sports, and being able to understand each others crazy schedules and daily demands. I found Will and Amber very easy to like and associate with.  They made for a fun and exciting couple who were able to keep the story moving forward, while providing the steamy sexual chemistry one comes to associate with a Burton novel.  These two not only burned things up on the ice, but they did so in the bedroom too. 

Along with the romance between Will and Amber Jaci provided us with a stellar cast of secondary characters, some whom we’ve met in previous books and some new ones.  She brought fourth the whole Olympic atmosphere with all these characters by showcasing the various sports, the stress, tension, dedication, commitment, excitement of winning and the disappointment of loosing that these athletes go through on a daily basis to be the best they can be in their respective sports, and what it means to represent their country on the world stage.  She also showed the camaraderie between the athletes and how they become friends traveling on their respective circuits competing and cheering each other on, even though they are representing their respective countries. It was a lot of fun reading those parts of the story because it made me feel like I was there in the Olympic village with all the athletes going through the emotions, and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see if they were going to win or not.  

Jaci Burton has a knack for writing sports themed romances.  You can tell she’s a sports fan and it shows through in her action scenes. You actually feel like you are there playing the sport or cheering the hero or heroine on.  The characters always manage to carry the story with ease and get the reader involved from the get go and Will and Amber where no different. They made you get invested in them as a couple and stay with them every step of the way to see if they’d get their win the gold for their sport and get their HEA.  For a sports junkie like me Shot on Gold was a great read, and must read for anyone who loves their sports as much as I do. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of SHOT ON GOLD to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from April 12 – 17, 2018

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Love Me by Christmas by Jaci Burton – a Review

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Love Me by Christmas by Jaci Burton – a Review

 

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Description:
Ellie Washington lost her husband in a tragedy five years ago at Christmas. She wouldn’t have made it through her grief if not for her husband’s brother, Nick, who helped her pick up the pieces of her shattered life. And with every year, her feelings for Nick have grown. Now she realizes she might be in love with him, but that’s not fair, because Nick deserves a life that isn’t about his brother’s widow and son.

Sharing his life with Ellie and her son has been the balm that soothed Nick’s soul after losing his brother. Now that friendship has turned into something deeper. Nick doesn’t want to upset the status quo, but someone has to make the first move, and it’s time they figure out if their feelings are real. Nick believes in what they have. He also believes in Christmas miracles, and he thinks they’re both long overdue for one.

 

 

Review:

Love Me by Christmas by Jaci Burton is a standalone Christmas novel.  This is a wonderful emotional quick romance that takes place during the Christmas holidays.   As usual with Jaci Burton, she is able to give us a wonderful couple, with a heartbreaking and heartwarming storyline, and always manages to pull on our emotions.

Ellie Washington, our heroine, hates the Christmas holidays.  5 years ago, her husband died in an accident, leaving her alone and pregnant.  Ellie, a nurse, has lived in her brother in-law’s house during these 5 years and both she and her son have become very comfortable. 

Nick, our hero and Ellie’s brother in-law has spent these years helping Ellie pick up the pieces of her life, as well as helping to take care of her son (Henry), whom he loves as his own.  Nick makes plans to go buy a tree for Christmas, taking Ellie and Henry.  Of course, Ellie no longer likes the holidays, but forces herself to participate since Nick and her son love it.  Ellie begins to look at Nick in a different light, as she is feeling an attraction to him, beyond the comfortable friendship they always had between them.   She feels guilty, that perhaps Nick needs to start living his own life, and not worry about them; so she tries to set him up with women from her job.

Nick brushes off the women, and realizes that it is Ellie who is setting him up.  When he confronts her, she expresses her guilt, and he tells her he is only interested in her, which opens them up for both of them to act on their lust for each other.   Nick will soon tell Ellie he loves her, but though she knows she feels the same, Ellie is ridden with guilt that she is betraying her husband; even if 5 years has passed.

Love Me by Christmas was a sweet, emotional and heartwarming story.  Jaci Burton does a fantastic job of pulling on many emotional moments, which includes happiness, love, fears, anger, tragedy, recovery, as well as sensual.  If you enjoy a beautiful romance, and a quick read, then look no further then Jaci Burton’s Love Me by Christmas.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Love Me Again by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Love Me Again by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Love Me Again
Hope series – Book #7
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Love Me AgainAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from years ago.

Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family. Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.

But love has a funny way of re-opening a door you thought was firmly closed…

 

 

Review:

Love Me Again by Jaci Burton is the 7th book in her wonderful Hope series.   I have loved every book in this series, and Jaci Burton does it again with another wonderful story.

We knew from the previous book that Loretta Simmons had returned home to Hope, after a failed marriage.  We also knew she broke her high school sweetheart, Deacon Fox’s heart, when she married someone else.   Deacon has not forgotten Loretta, but is determined to avoid her as much as possible, since he wants nothing to do with her.

Loretta owns a book store in town, and is dismayed when she sees Deacon beginning to restore (he owns a construction business) the building next store.  Loretta’s 9 year old daughter, Hazel,  sits outside the store, and watches Deacon work.  Almost immediately, a friendship begins with Deacon and young Hazel. When Loretta allows Hazel to bring home a dog from the local shelter, she is not too happy with her choice of a huge great dane.  It will be Deacon who will work with Hazel to train Otis, the dog.  This will open the way for Loretta and Deacon to start talking again, and slowly a second chance romance starts. 

Where both of them are gun shy, their chemistry is still there, and it doesn’t take long for the fire to ignite.  Deacon was surprisingly sweet and always looking out for Loretta.  In a short time, they will rehash the days when she left him and why.  Deacon learns that Loretta was pushed to marry her ex by her own parents, which turned out to be a disaster. For the first time, Loretta has become independent and handling things on her own, without her parents rule.  It was nice to see both of them fall in love again, and how much Hazel has come to love Deacon, too.  Tom, Loretta’s ex, is an upcoming politician, and did not spend quality time with Hazel.

 Loretta and Deacon were a great couple, and it was nice to see many of our previous couples again.  I also loved Otis, the fun loving dog, and the interaction with him and both Hazel and Deacon.  Lots of fun. 

Jaci Burton once again gives us a sweet heartwarming story line, in a small town, with so many wonderful characters that we get to see.  In each book, she gives us a great couple, each might have some issues, but love will prevail, and we always get our happy ever after.   If you enjoy sweet and sexy romances, with a nice storyline, and great couple, then you should be reading the Hope series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

theauthor

Jaci BurtonJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, her blog and contest information.

You can find out more information on Jaci at the following links.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Tumblr

 

 

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Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of LOVE ME AGAIN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging-in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

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4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from May 2 – 6, 2017

 

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Rules of Contact by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Rules of Contact by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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RULES OF CONTACT
Play by Play #12
by Jaci Burton
Genre: adult, contemporary, sports, romance
Release Date: December 6, 2016

 

Rules of ContactAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A football player with all the right moves on the field needs a better game plan for his love life.

A defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers, Flynn Cassidy is used to being in the spotlight—he just doesn’t enjoy it. But if getting in front of the cameras will help his new restaurant succeed, he’s willing. Now if he could just meet a woman who loved him and not his fame…

After her divorce, Amelia Lawrence is thrilled to start over as head chef at Ninety-Two. It’s just the opportunity she needs to heat up her career—if only she wasn’t wildly attracted to her sexy new boss. Their chemistry might be sizzling hot, but Amelia has no intention of being burned again.

Amelia is genuine and fun and Flynn can’t get enough of her—and Amelia loves every second she spends with the tough but tender Flynn. But trust is a hard fought battle for both of them. Breaking the rules of contact and surrendering to their passion was easy, but are they willing to risk their hearts to win at the game of love?

 

Review;

Have I mentioned in past reviews how much I love this series?  Jaci Burton has done it again, and found another hit story with Rules of Contact.  This book is once again filled with well-defined characters, cameo appearances from past characters, a strong sense of family, storyline and a steamy romance.  I swear her keyboard must start smoking and set off fire alarms after she’s typed a sex scene, because Amelia and Flynn definitely brought the heat in this one.  Even though they did steam up the pages in this one when they are together, Jaci also lets the reader learn about our hero and heroine regarding their past relationships and how they get to be where they are by books end.  Both Flynn and Amelia have issues regarding trust and understanding due to various reasons; Amelia it’s her failed marriage, and for Flynn it’s his career and the fame that comes with it.  He wants someone to see him, Flynn Cassidy, not Flynn Cassidy the football player and the fame that comes with his career.  Amelia just wants someone to love and respect her and see her as an equal with a career of her own. 

I loved both Flynn and Amelia from the get go.  I found they balanced each other out and made a fun and charming couple.  Amelia is a strong, independent woman, who can make decisions for herself and knows what she wants both in a career and personal matters of the heart.  She’s also funny and quirky and seeing her flirt, banter and pretty much drive poor Flynn crazy trying to figure her out was amusing.  I liked that she kept him unbalanced at times and caused him to look deeper into who she really is.  Flynn, well what can I say about Mr. Cassidy besides the fact he’s smoking hot and irresistible to the female race.  No really, Flynn is every women’s dream; sweet, charming, respectable, caring, heart of gold, tough on the outside with a teddy bear interior.  Flynn just wants what’s best for Amelia and wants to make her happy.  Like I said, who wouldn’t want a man like Flynn Cassidy?  Plus he can cook, damn right I want a man like this.  Speaking of cooking, there were times Ms. Burton had me salivating for a taste of what her characters were cooking either at Flynn’s restaurant, or just at their respective homes.  My only complaint about this book is that it didn’t come with the recipes to the various dishes both Amelia and Flynn created in the book.  I could seriously see me attempting these dishes if only I had the recipes to go with them, lol!!  Sorry, I digress once again, now where was I?

Ah yes, back to my review; another aspect of Rules of Contact I enjoyed was catching up with past couples from this series as they made cameo appearances to help further Amelia and Flynn’s story.  I think one of my favourite parts of this one, and all the books about the Cassidy siblings is when they go home to visit on the family ranch. The family dynamic is one that anyone would want to be a part of.  The siblings are all pro athletes, love to tease and razz each other, but love one another deeply and will be there for each other no matter what.  The sibling rivalries and camaraderie just flows off the page and makes you feel like part of their family.  It really is a fun part of the story, and one I look forward to every time I get to read about one of the Cassidy siblings.  They really do have a cool family.

Rules of Contact is a delightful and fun addition to the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton.  It had everything one comes to expect from Burton’s Play by Play series; smoking hot athletes, strong independent women, a fun storyline filled with strong family ties, fast furious sports action, flirty/playful banter between our couple that leads to a steamy romance and a HEA.  For any fan of Jaci Burton you can’t go wrong with Rules of Contact.

Until next time, happy reading my fellow sports fans!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of RULES OF CONTACT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging-in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from December 16th – 19th, 2016

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Don’t Let Go by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Don’t Let Go by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Don’t Let Go
Hope series – Book #6
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: July 26, 2016

Don't Let GoAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Brady Conners is hardly the settling type, but when tragedy strikes in his family, he has no choice but to return home to Hope, Oklahoma. Setting up shop to work on custom motorcycles and pass the time, Brady has no intention of letting anyone get close—until he meets Megan.

Pastry shop owner Megan Lee is drawn to quiet, brooding Brady. Their connection is undeniable, and it quickly develops from physical attraction into something much stronger. But with Brady putting up barriers, Megan is afraid to truly open her heart—unless she can convince him to let go of the past…

 

Review:

Don’t Let Go by Jaci Burton is the 6th book in her wonderful Hope series.  The Hope series is another of those wonderful small town romances that revolve around families; not to mention you can never go wrong reading any of Jaci Burton’s romances. 

Brady Conners, our hero, is a loner. He gets along with everyone in town, but tends to shy away from any attention.  Brady lost his brother awhile ago, and though his brother died of a drug overdose, he still feels responsible.  Slowly, despite his determination to not get involved, Brady does begin to enjoy the company of Megan Lee, our heroine, who owns the local bakery.  Megan is a wonderful heroine, always bubbly, friendly and determined to get Brady to open up.  She has always found him to be attractive, but she does have her work cut out for her.

What follows is a slow build romance that with Megan’s persistence to push Brady’s buttons, and the little dog that Brady is forced to adopt, he will slowly melt his hardened heart.  Brady has to overcome his issue of blaming himself for his brother’s death, and allowing him not to shy away from the best thing that has ever happened to him….Megan.   I loved seeing all the people from the previous books, which included all the McCormacks, and getting updates on them, as a few of them are now pregnant.  It was nice to see Megan be able to rely on their friendship to  help her through some of the difficult times ahead for her and Brady.

I always enjoy revisiting Hope, as the characters Jaci Burton has created are fun, romantic, and sexy.  I love the family dynamics and the friendships that make this a special series.  I will say that I did think this book had more sex scenes then the previous books, but Brady and Megan were a great sexy couple.  If you enjoy small town romances,  great couples, friendships, family, cute dogs, then you should be reading this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher
giveaway

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of DON’T LET GO to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from July 26 – Julyl 31, 2016

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Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton – a Review

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Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton – a Review

 

Unexpected RushAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.

Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in interior design. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.

When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over…

 

 

Review:

I absolutely love this series. Jaci Burton has managed to pen another fun, flirty and sexy as hell story for Barrett and Harmony. We met Barrett in the previous couple of books as a supporting character, as this portion of the series has been focusing on the Cassidy siblings, all pro athletes. When it comes to sports and romance, Jaci seems to have the market cornered. Once again she does a bang on job of balancing romance with high-energy sports scenes.   Not that the sex scenes in this one aren’t high energy, because let me tell you, Barrett and Harmony were steaming up almost every other page once they finally gave into temptation and decided to start seeing each other.  

Both Barrett and Harmony are well developed characters who carried the story without much effort. From their first scene together in chapter one sparks started flying between them and it just took off from there. Barrett and Harmony are both driven professionally(Barrett a pro football player, Harmony an interior designer) and passionately. They know what they like both in and out of the bedroom and aren’t afraid to go after it. Well, except for Barrett at first because of the all important ‘guy code’ he’s afraid to cross. Barrett is worried that getting involved with Harmony will damage his friendship with her brother Drake and he’s also Barrett’s defense partner on the football field. Watching Barrett try and dodge Harmony’s advances and remind her of the ‘guy code’ was hilarious and one could see there was no way the ‘guy code’ was winning out.

As their romance proceeds at a hot and heavy rate I was on pins and needles waiting for the moment Drake found out about Harmony and Barrett. Meeting Drake and learning about him in this one, you knew it would be explosive between him and Barrett when he finally found out, and Jaci didn’t disappoint.   It was a hell of a scene and well written. Not only was that scene well done, but the scenes to follow absolutely stole my heart and my breath. Watching Barrett man up and finally do the right thing by fixing things between him and Drake, him and his future mother-in-law and then him and Harmony was well worth the wait. The speech he gives to Drake was moving and heartfelt between two friends, but his apology and groveling to Harmony about how he handled their relationship spoke volumes and had me tearing up a little. Then onto his proposal, oh my, what a proposal, I was gushing over it. If I guy did that for me and said the things Barrett said, I’d be able to say I truly found my Prince Charming, because Barrett definitely turned out to be Harmony’s Prince. I’ve never read a more romantic proposal then Barrett’s to Harmony, bravo Ms. Burton.

Unexpected Rush is a wonderful installment to this series. It had everything in it that I come to expect from a Burton novel; a fun flirty adventure packed with high energy sports scenes, a sexy steamy romance, amazing cast of secondary characters to help advance the story, the fun sibling rivalry between the Cassidy brothers, and the importance of family. For the sport lover in me, I only wish there was a little more sports action like in her previous novels, but all in all I was a happy camper reading this one. If the added scenes with Flynn and his new head chef for his new restaurant were any kind of hint for her next Play-by-Play novel, then I think we will be in for a treat when Flynn’s book comes out hopefully next year. I’ll keep you all posted.

Until next time, happy reading sports fans!

Reviewed by Marcie

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