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Play by Play #6.5
Holiday Games
AN ALL-NEW PLAY-BY-PLAY NOVELLA
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jaci Burton’s “must-read” (Fresh Fiction) Play-By-Play series now arouses the sexy holiday spirit as a passionate young couple discovers the boundless rewards of pleasure.
All Elizabeth and Gavin Riley want for Christmas is a baby. Despite over a year of trying, conception hasn’t been successful. But for a high-achiever like Elizabeth, she must succeed at everything. That means making the very most of every opportunity with her husband. And when it comes to nonstop sex Gavin’s not really complaining. Exhausted, maybe...
Unfortunately, this holiday season they’re not exactly given a lot of private time. Elizabeth is hosting the holiday, Gavin’s sister is getting married, and the house is wall-to-wall with family. For Elizabeth and Gavin the nights may be chilly, but the urge is still hot. And they’re not about to let any distraction get in the way of their necessary pleasures during a holiday game that yields so many unexpected surprises.
Includes a preview of Jaci Burton's upcoming novels Melting the Ice and Hope Flames.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jaci Burton’s “must-read” (Fresh Fiction) Play-By-Play series now arouses the sexy holiday spirit as a passionate young couple discovers the boundless rewards of pleasure.
All Elizabeth and Gavin Riley want for Christmas is a baby. Despite over a year of trying, conception hasn’t been successful. But for a high-achiever like Elizabeth, she must succeed at everything. That means making the very most of every opportunity with her husband. And when it comes to nonstop sex Gavin’s not really complaining. Exhausted, maybe...
Unfortunately, this holiday season they’re not exactly given a lot of private time. Elizabeth is hosting the holiday, Gavin’s sister is getting married, and the house is wall-to-wall with family. For Elizabeth and Gavin the nights may be chilly, but the urge is still hot. And they’re not about to let any distraction get in the way of their necessary pleasures during a holiday game that yields so many unexpected surprises.
Includes a preview of Jaci Burton's upcoming novels Melting the Ice and Hope Flames.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
142 people are currently reading
3992 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
156 books8,293 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 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, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
February 5, 2014
3.5 ★'s
Just what I've been missing - all the Rileys together...and I mean ALL the Rileys! Throw in a wedding and the holidays and it couldn't get any better.
I really enjoyed catching up with all the gang. It was nice reading what was going on with them. And I just really missed the "family" feel that JB has managed to create with all of them. The way they tease each other, they way they're always there for each other and even just getting together for dinner makes it special.
It didn't hurt that we get lots of sexy time with Liz and Gavin...and I mean A LOT of sexy time...all the time and everywhere because that's what you have to do when you're making babies! ;)
The bachelorette "party" was great...poor Jenna and it was wonderful how they all got along. The guys didn't do too bad either.
One thing I could've done without was the 'play by play' of the football game! And it would have been nice to somehow incorporate the couple for the next book, Melting the Ice, into the story especially with Ty being a hockey player.
I will miss the Rileys. I only hope that JB does this again somehow...and again, and again. (There's a lot of weddings coming up!)
Favorite quotes:
♥ “So your nefarious plans to take advantage of my body are going to have to wait.”
“We’ll see about that.”
♥ “Nice try, Elizabeth.” He loomed over her and tugged at her pants. “But I’m nowhere near through with you.”
Just what I've been missing - all the Rileys together...and I mean ALL the Rileys! Throw in a wedding and the holidays and it couldn't get any better.
I really enjoyed catching up with all the gang. It was nice reading what was going on with them. And I just really missed the "family" feel that JB has managed to create with all of them. The way they tease each other, they way they're always there for each other and even just getting together for dinner makes it special.
It didn't hurt that we get lots of sexy time with Liz and Gavin...and I mean A LOT of sexy time...all the time and everywhere because that's what you have to do when you're making babies! ;)
The bachelorette "party" was great...poor Jenna and it was wonderful how they all got along. The guys didn't do too bad either.
One thing I could've done without was the 'play by play' of the football game! And it would have been nice to somehow incorporate the couple for the next book, Melting the Ice, into the story especially with Ty being a hockey player.
I will miss the Rileys. I only hope that JB does this again somehow...and again, and again. (There's a lot of weddings coming up!)
Favorite quotes:
♥ “So your nefarious plans to take advantage of my body are going to have to wait.”
“We’ll see about that.”
♥ “Nice try, Elizabeth.” He loomed over her and tugged at her pants. “But I’m nowhere near through with you.”
November 25, 2013
Cute, hot little slice-of-life story for fans of the Play-By-Play series.
Two significant things are going on in this one. Jenna and Ty's (Taking a Shot) upcoming wedding, and Gavin and Liz's (Changing The Game) quest to have a baby.
All the Riley's are in this one. The women take off to Jamaica? for a rambunctious bachelorette party; the men take off to Vegas for theirs. Lots of camaraderie, teasing, and good times are had by all.
Meanwhile, Liz is fretting over her failure to conceive. It's been a year of trying, and no results. She desperately wants a baby with Gavin, and failure is not an option. Everyone tells her to relax and it will happen. Maybe. But just in case she needs to have sex at least every day. Good thing Gavin is more than willing...
So, not a whole lot happens in this one--it didn't have the thrills of the other books where you get to see the H/h meet and fall in love. Just a lot of hanging out with all the characters from the series (except for Gray and Evelyn from One Sweet Ride). Gavin and Liz prove that married sex is just as thrilling and erotic as when they were just dating. This duo hasn't lost the fire, that's for sure.
And it was fun meeting up with all the Riley's and their significant others, seeing what they were up to and how their lives have progressed. I can't believe young Nathan (The Perfect Play) is already in college with a girlfriend! Could there be a book for him down the line?
I wouldn't suggest this book as a stand alone. But if you've read and enjoyed the series, you'll want to read this fun, sexy story. 4 stars
Two significant things are going on in this one. Jenna and Ty's (Taking a Shot) upcoming wedding, and Gavin and Liz's (Changing The Game) quest to have a baby.
All the Riley's are in this one. The women take off to Jamaica? for a rambunctious bachelorette party; the men take off to Vegas for theirs. Lots of camaraderie, teasing, and good times are had by all.
Meanwhile, Liz is fretting over her failure to conceive. It's been a year of trying, and no results. She desperately wants a baby with Gavin, and failure is not an option. Everyone tells her to relax and it will happen. Maybe. But just in case she needs to have sex at least every day. Good thing Gavin is more than willing...
So, not a whole lot happens in this one--it didn't have the thrills of the other books where you get to see the H/h meet and fall in love. Just a lot of hanging out with all the characters from the series (except for Gray and Evelyn from One Sweet Ride). Gavin and Liz prove that married sex is just as thrilling and erotic as when they were just dating. This duo hasn't lost the fire, that's for sure.
And it was fun meeting up with all the Riley's and their significant others, seeing what they were up to and how their lives have progressed. I can't believe young Nathan (The Perfect Play) is already in college with a girlfriend! Could there be a book for him down the line?
I wouldn't suggest this book as a stand alone. But if you've read and enjoyed the series, you'll want to read this fun, sexy story. 4 stars
Want to read
August 6, 2013OMG!!!!!!
Elizabeth and Gavin
Elizabeth and Gavin
November 21, 2013
Holy snooze button, Batman.
This was so $@#%ing boring that it was almost unbearable. In fact, I think the only reason I didn't DNF it is because it is a novella and I knew the end was always in sight.
I used to love this series. LOVE. But after Thrown By a Curve (#5), I was so bored I didn't even buy the next one (One Sweet Ride), instead opting to just wait for it to show up on Paper Back Swap. My problem with this one is basically the same as with Thrown. Seriously. In fact, here is a cut and paste from that review:
"I found this book to be just flat out boring. Throughout the entire story I felt like I was waiting for something to happen...but nothing did. And the dialogue, oh my Lord. There was so much unnecessary dialogue in this book that it was exhausting. Not only that, but it felt stilted, like Burton was trying to provide back story solely through character conversations and not through any actual STORY line action or narrative."
So in essence, my point is that my review is the same. And that I'm lazy.
This was so $@#%ing boring that it was almost unbearable. In fact, I think the only reason I didn't DNF it is because it is a novella and I knew the end was always in sight.
I used to love this series. LOVE. But after Thrown By a Curve (#5), I was so bored I didn't even buy the next one (One Sweet Ride), instead opting to just wait for it to show up on Paper Back Swap. My problem with this one is basically the same as with Thrown. Seriously. In fact, here is a cut and paste from that review:
"I found this book to be just flat out boring. Throughout the entire story I felt like I was waiting for something to happen...but nothing did. And the dialogue, oh my Lord. There was so much unnecessary dialogue in this book that it was exhausting. Not only that, but it felt stilted, like Burton was trying to provide back story solely through character conversations and not through any actual STORY line action or narrative."
So in essence, my point is that my review is the same. And that I'm lazy.
November 20, 2013
Babymaking is the name of the game this go-round in Jaci Burton's latest addition to her Play-by-Play series. Liz and Gavin are established in their marriage now and they're hoping to start a family. The time clock is ticking away and, after a year of trying to get pregnant, Liz is worried. Her answer is more sex and, of course, Gavin is more than happy to comply with her wishes.
The Riley family is gathered together for another Riley wedding and the holidays. All in all, it's a fun read but not one of my favorites. This is a short novella and may be why this one didn't ring my sleigh bells.
The Riley family is gathered together for another Riley wedding and the holidays. All in all, it's a fun read but not one of my favorites. This is a short novella and may be why this one didn't ring my sleigh bells.
November 22, 2024
Book club extra credit book. Had nothing to do with Christmas and the entire plot was entirely just her trying to get pregnant. So boring. Confused why all the positive reviews. 2 stars instead of 1 because I felt like the couple liked each other.
September 24, 2016
Holiday Games es una de las novelas cortas que tiene la saga Play By Play de la autora Jaci Burton y vuelve a tener como protagonistas a Liz y Gavin, protagonistas del segundo libro de la serie.
La saga Play by Play es muy especial para mi desde que la conoci hace años, no es la mejor del mundo ni la mas original pero hace años era una de mis favoritas, ademas fue una de las primeras que lei de modo mas " adulto ".
Al principio me costo cogerle el ritmo a la lectura, mas que nada porque hacia bastante tiempo que lei el libro de Gavin y Liz, ademas no fue tan buena como esperaba pero si me entretuvo bastante.
Te la recomiendo si eres fan de la saga y sino lo eres, tambien, porque no esta mal para pasar el rato.
2.75 Estrellas!
November 18, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
Liz wants to have a baby badly and after months of trying, she and Gavin are still waiting and hoping. Adding to the stress of wanting to be pregnant, Liz is in the middle of preparing to host the entire Riley family at their home for Christmas plus Jenna’s wedding is coming up the week before Christmas so things are crazy for the entire family. There are a lot of family activities packed into this holiday themed novella, but the focus and spotlight never drifts far from Liz and Gavin and it was so nice to catch up with these characters.
Liz is crazy as ever. She’s determined to get pregnant so she’s jumping her husband every chance she can. This makes for one sexy, hot-hot-hot story for these two. They’re fully on the baby making train and no place or time is off limits for these two. It goes without saying their sexy times are fun to read, but I loved all the time given to everything else that’s going on around this couple. It’s nice to see Jenna’s wedding happen and we get to enjoy both the bachelorette and bachelor parties. Having a sober Liz watching over all her drunk friends and taking plenty of embarrassing pictures is fun and made me smile imaging those scenes.
Not only do we get to catch up with Liz and Gavin but all the Riley’s make numerous appearances and I enjoy the interactions between everyone. Whether it’s a raunchy conversation between the girls, or the guys talking sports, it’s always a fun time with this family. Even in this novella, Jaci Burton manages to fit in a football game with play by play. For a short story, there is a lot going on.
Even with all the fun Riley extras, the focus remains on Liz and Gavin and their desire to have a baby. I appreciated that while there were plenty of sexy scenes between these two, it was the quieter moments that was nice to see. Whether it was Gavin reflecting on his life before and after Liz or just seeing how their romance has grown and strengthened over time it added a lot of depth to their relationship.
I love catching up with characters who feel like old friends and that’s what this novella gave me. Burton packs a lot into Holiday Games and I enjoyed not only seeing what’s going on with the family, but especially getting more in depth with Liz and Gavin.
Blog rating: B+
Liz wants to have a baby badly and after months of trying, she and Gavin are still waiting and hoping. Adding to the stress of wanting to be pregnant, Liz is in the middle of preparing to host the entire Riley family at their home for Christmas plus Jenna’s wedding is coming up the week before Christmas so things are crazy for the entire family. There are a lot of family activities packed into this holiday themed novella, but the focus and spotlight never drifts far from Liz and Gavin and it was so nice to catch up with these characters.
Liz is crazy as ever. She’s determined to get pregnant so she’s jumping her husband every chance she can. This makes for one sexy, hot-hot-hot story for these two. They’re fully on the baby making train and no place or time is off limits for these two. It goes without saying their sexy times are fun to read, but I loved all the time given to everything else that’s going on around this couple. It’s nice to see Jenna’s wedding happen and we get to enjoy both the bachelorette and bachelor parties. Having a sober Liz watching over all her drunk friends and taking plenty of embarrassing pictures is fun and made me smile imaging those scenes.
Not only do we get to catch up with Liz and Gavin but all the Riley’s make numerous appearances and I enjoy the interactions between everyone. Whether it’s a raunchy conversation between the girls, or the guys talking sports, it’s always a fun time with this family. Even in this novella, Jaci Burton manages to fit in a football game with play by play. For a short story, there is a lot going on.
Even with all the fun Riley extras, the focus remains on Liz and Gavin and their desire to have a baby. I appreciated that while there were plenty of sexy scenes between these two, it was the quieter moments that was nice to see. Whether it was Gavin reflecting on his life before and after Liz or just seeing how their romance has grown and strengthened over time it added a lot of depth to their relationship.
I love catching up with characters who feel like old friends and that’s what this novella gave me. Burton packs a lot into Holiday Games and I enjoyed not only seeing what’s going on with the family, but especially getting more in depth with Liz and Gavin.
November 4, 2013
Jaci Burton is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I love her fast-paced books and diverse characters. I selected this novella to review because I love Jaci Burton and I love Christmas books. I haven’t read any of her Play-by-Play books yet but after today, they are moving to the top of my TBR list!
I really enjoyed this novella. Liz and Gavin are trying to have a baby. While Liz is success-driven in her professional life, her personal life is no exception. After a year of trying with no luck, Liz is starting to get discouraged. Deciding to try harder, she deploys “Operation Make A Baby” and is all over Gavin while juggling work, a wedding, and planning Christmas dinner for the entire family. Liz and Gavin get hot and heavy in some very interesting places. The steam factor is scorching!
Jenna and Ty also get married in the book as well. It’s wonderful to see the family get-togethers, the hilarious bachelorette party in Jamaica, and a more mature Nathan bringing home his new girlfriend to meet the family for the first time. There was nothing about the story that I didn’t love. A quick, sexy read full of fun, family, love and lots of baby-making sex :)
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
I really enjoyed this novella. Liz and Gavin are trying to have a baby. While Liz is success-driven in her professional life, her personal life is no exception. After a year of trying with no luck, Liz is starting to get discouraged. Deciding to try harder, she deploys “Operation Make A Baby” and is all over Gavin while juggling work, a wedding, and planning Christmas dinner for the entire family. Liz and Gavin get hot and heavy in some very interesting places. The steam factor is scorching!
Jenna and Ty also get married in the book as well. It’s wonderful to see the family get-togethers, the hilarious bachelorette party in Jamaica, and a more mature Nathan bringing home his new girlfriend to meet the family for the first time. There was nothing about the story that I didn’t love. A quick, sexy read full of fun, family, love and lots of baby-making sex :)
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
November 30, 2019
Well, that was amazing. And silly me for just trying to find a Christmas book on Libby and ending up in the middle of a series 🙈 now that I fell in love I’m going to go back to start with book 1 of the series. FYI - this is SUPER STEAMY married romance 🙌🏼
October 30, 2013
Sigh….yes, that is what I did once I finished this in record time. The Play-by-Play series is one of my favorites and Liz and Gavin are my favorite couple anyway so I was so excited to see their relationship progress. But wait, not only do we get to see where Liz and Gavin are, we get to visit all the amazing couples of the Riley Clan! As nauseatingly perfect as the Riley Clan is, you can’t help but love them anyway. We get to witness Jenna’s wedding, we get to see how Savannah & Cole as well as Alicia & Garrett are progressing. We get to see Tara and Mick, and to my delight we also get to see more of Nathan! Of course Liz and Gavin are in the middle of it all and they are on a mission to make a baby! Ms. Burton does not disappoint in telling us in glorious detail about their baby making attempts (thank you very much), but besides that we also get to see a different side to Liz (she even cooks!) and how perfectly normal their relationship is. Just like in any other relationship, they watch TV, they drive each other crazy, they accommodate the extended family, and they love each other. Loved it! It’s the perfect story to hold us over until the release of Melting the Ice in February!
I won an ARC from Jaci Burton.
June 18, 2016
Rating: 3.5 Stars
It's always nice to catch up with the Riley clan, and Burton gave this novella to the fans as a gift. All out favorite couples are back together as they prepare for Jenna's wedding and Christmas. In addition, we have a disheartened Liz, who is bent on getting pregnant, and has committed to the baby making 100%.
Lots of fun stuff in this one: the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the wedding, the rehearsal dinner, a Cole vs. Mick football game, Christmas. I got a little teary, as they are quite a few sentimental and sweet moments are these special occasions are shared, and we reflect on how the Riley family has grown and flourished. And let's not forget, Liz is trying to get pregnant, so Burton gives us a lot of hot schmexy stuff (considering how short this novella was, there is A LOT of it).
I am fan of this series and the Riley family, so I was entertained and pleased with this novella.
It's always nice to catch up with the Riley clan, and Burton gave this novella to the fans as a gift. All out favorite couples are back together as they prepare for Jenna's wedding and Christmas. In addition, we have a disheartened Liz, who is bent on getting pregnant, and has committed to the baby making 100%.
Lots of fun stuff in this one: the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the wedding, the rehearsal dinner, a Cole vs. Mick football game, Christmas. I got a little teary, as they are quite a few sentimental and sweet moments are these special occasions are shared, and we reflect on how the Riley family has grown and flourished. And let's not forget, Liz is trying to get pregnant, so Burton gives us a lot of hot schmexy stuff (considering how short this novella was, there is A LOT of it).
I am fan of this series and the Riley family, so I was entertained and pleased with this novella.
November 30, 2013
Jaci Burton’s writing is emotional. She is not afraid of putting her characters through hell. However, in Holiday Games she gave the characters a break, kept things light, and made it about the celebration of family and friends. It was amazing to witness the relationships that have development since the inception of the Play-by-Play series.
This will make the perfect gift for a contemporary reader in your life.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
This will make the perfect gift for a contemporary reader in your life.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
November 11, 2017
Very cute, sexy and quick read! It's always nice to visit the Rileys.
October 1, 2022
✨3.5✨
Fue como el multiverso capaz lo disfrutaba más si recordara un poco más de los personajes
Fue como el multiverso capaz lo disfrutaba más si recordara un poco más de los personajes
March 19, 2025
More of a 3.5 out of 5 versus a solid 4, but still a good novella.
September 20, 2017
Junto a Cambiando el Juego. este es el reto de septiembre:
Leer una novela divertida/comedia/humor.
Leer una novela de deportistas.
Estuvo cuki!!!
Leer una novela divertida/comedia/humor.
Leer una novela de deportistas.
Estuvo cuki!!!
November 22, 2013
Joint review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/11/18/...
MinnChica: This sports series is by far my favorite from Burton, and in the top three of sports romance series. I love the way Burton showcases not only the love of sports, from both the male and female perspective, but I also love the way she goes into the brotherhood of the players, the family dynamics outside of the team, and the struggles that come with being a professional athlete. Getting a sneak peek back into Gavin and Liz’s life is so amazing. Add in a Riley family Christmas celebration and wedding, and Burton has knocked this one out of the park!
E: It was great getting a peek into the life of the Rileys around Christmas. I do have to say that if you haven’t read the other books in this series you will miss a lot of the references. And you really should read them because they are good! I enjoyed seeing how she included friendly rivalries, arguments, love, and the essence of each previously met character. I had the feeling that I was watching an actual family not just a scripted set of scenes. As a result I loved this novella and didn’t find myself wishing it was a novel.
MinnChica: I agree completely. Usually when I read a novella, I find myself desperate for more! However, with this story, it was the perfect amount of story to whet my appetite. I thought it was hilarious that Liz was so fixated on getting pregnant that she was willing to go at it anywhere and everywhere she and Gavin could get some alone time. :) These two were extremely sexual in their own full length novel, however I loved the fact that even Gavin was amused by how much Liz wanted to attempt making a baby. I do have to say though, for someone who was trying so hard to get pregnant, for someone who was constantly thinking about it, she was pretty oblivious to the signs. :)
E: I agree. I guessed much earlier in the story but Liz was rather distracted at the time. I thought Liz’s mission to become pregnant so reminiscent of her personality throughout the entire series. I thought it was great to see that marriage and her hopes of pregnancy had not altered her in that regard. Speaking of Gavin he certainly was a willing participant and I loved his lines towards the end regarding Liz and their frequent activity. It was such a great relief to see that he wasn’t tired or exasperated by her drive. I also loved the closeness and inclusion between all the ladies. Really spoke to how close they became throughout the series.
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was such a great treat to the Play-by-Play series. I adored the chance to see all the heroines together, and the bond of sisterhood that connects them. Likewise it was fun to watch the heroes band together during all the family festivities. This is a book that should probably NOT be read as a stand-alone, but when the series is as great as it is, you might as well just buy all the books if you haven’t. :)
I give Holiday Games an A-
E: I thought this was a lovely way to start off reading holiday stories because of its very completeness. It brought me right back into their world and reminded me of why I enjoy this series so much. I love how Burton is able to blend family with sports and keep the feeling realistic complete with inner-family rivalries. Now I really want to reread the series so if you haven’t started yet this is a perfect excuse.I give Holiday Games an A-
MinnChica: This sports series is by far my favorite from Burton, and in the top three of sports romance series. I love the way Burton showcases not only the love of sports, from both the male and female perspective, but I also love the way she goes into the brotherhood of the players, the family dynamics outside of the team, and the struggles that come with being a professional athlete. Getting a sneak peek back into Gavin and Liz’s life is so amazing. Add in a Riley family Christmas celebration and wedding, and Burton has knocked this one out of the park!
E: It was great getting a peek into the life of the Rileys around Christmas. I do have to say that if you haven’t read the other books in this series you will miss a lot of the references. And you really should read them because they are good! I enjoyed seeing how she included friendly rivalries, arguments, love, and the essence of each previously met character. I had the feeling that I was watching an actual family not just a scripted set of scenes. As a result I loved this novella and didn’t find myself wishing it was a novel.
MinnChica: I agree completely. Usually when I read a novella, I find myself desperate for more! However, with this story, it was the perfect amount of story to whet my appetite. I thought it was hilarious that Liz was so fixated on getting pregnant that she was willing to go at it anywhere and everywhere she and Gavin could get some alone time. :) These two were extremely sexual in their own full length novel, however I loved the fact that even Gavin was amused by how much Liz wanted to attempt making a baby. I do have to say though, for someone who was trying so hard to get pregnant, for someone who was constantly thinking about it, she was pretty oblivious to the signs. :)
E: I agree. I guessed much earlier in the story but Liz was rather distracted at the time. I thought Liz’s mission to become pregnant so reminiscent of her personality throughout the entire series. I thought it was great to see that marriage and her hopes of pregnancy had not altered her in that regard. Speaking of Gavin he certainly was a willing participant and I loved his lines towards the end regarding Liz and their frequent activity. It was such a great relief to see that he wasn’t tired or exasperated by her drive. I also loved the closeness and inclusion between all the ladies. Really spoke to how close they became throughout the series.
MinnChica: All in all I thought this was such a great treat to the Play-by-Play series. I adored the chance to see all the heroines together, and the bond of sisterhood that connects them. Likewise it was fun to watch the heroes band together during all the family festivities. This is a book that should probably NOT be read as a stand-alone, but when the series is as great as it is, you might as well just buy all the books if you haven’t. :)
I give Holiday Games an A-
E: I thought this was a lovely way to start off reading holiday stories because of its very completeness. It brought me right back into their world and reminded me of why I enjoy this series so much. I love how Burton is able to blend family with sports and keep the feeling realistic complete with inner-family rivalries. Now I really want to reread the series so if you haven’t started yet this is a perfect excuse.I give Holiday Games an A-
November 20, 2013
ARC provided by the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
If you are a fan of Jaci Burton’s Play By Play series then you are in for a delightful treat. Holiday Games is the perfect holiday celebration for the Riley family and friends.
A wedding is in the works. Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson (book 3 –Taking A Shot) are tying the knot before Christmas. The Riley clan has gathered to celebrate the nuptials.
Young Nathan (book 1- Play By Play) is grown up and now in college. He is a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. He is following in Mick’s footsteps and becoming an outstanding quarterback. He is home for the wedding and holidays and, to every one’s surprise, he brings home a lovely girlfriend.
Elizabeth and Gavin are trying to make a family. Their efforts light up the holiday. Will there be a new addition to the Riley clan?
Jaci Burton has made the readers fall in love with this series. The characters are dear to the heart. The Riley family has become a part of each reader’s family. It is wonderful to celebrate Christmas with the Riley clan.
I highly recommend this novella and the Play By Play series.
Play by Play Series Reading Order
The Perfect Play, #1
Changing The Game, #2
Taking A Shot, #3
Playing To Win, #4
Thrown By A Curve, #5
One Sweet Ride, #6
Holiday Games, #6.5
December 7, 2013
Holiday Games follows the Riley family through the holidays with a favorite past couple from Changing the Game, Liz and Gavin. For the first time, Liz is holding the Riley family Christmas gathering at their house and everything has to be perfect. Add in her sister-in-laws upcoming nuptials, and the year long struggle to conceive, and Liz is beyond stressed. But Liz has a plan. She's decided that she needs sex, and lots of it, to have the baby she dreams of. And Gavin is all for the sex games that she plays day and night, private...and not-so-private. Will this couple get their holiday wish?
Holiday Games was such a sweet and sexy holiday story. It might be novella length but make no mistake, this is a full, satisfying and entertaining story.
The story follows Liz and Gavin through their journey of conceiving. It's fun, smoking hot, and full of romance. You can feel right from the start that Gavin and Liz's love for each other has only grown since Changing the Game. But Holiday Games also features all of your favorite characters from the Play by Play series. Mick and Tara Riley struggle with one of their sons becoming an adult, while Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson put the finishing touches on their wedding. This was a wonderful edition to the series and written with the sinfully sexy flair that Jaci Burton is known for. And how can a book not be fabulous with a cover that delicious?
Holiday Games was such a sweet and sexy holiday story. It might be novella length but make no mistake, this is a full, satisfying and entertaining story.
The story follows Liz and Gavin through their journey of conceiving. It's fun, smoking hot, and full of romance. You can feel right from the start that Gavin and Liz's love for each other has only grown since Changing the Game. But Holiday Games also features all of your favorite characters from the Play by Play series. Mick and Tara Riley struggle with one of their sons becoming an adult, while Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson put the finishing touches on their wedding. This was a wonderful edition to the series and written with the sinfully sexy flair that Jaci Burton is known for. And how can a book not be fabulous with a cover that delicious?
September 6, 2014
It was so good to be back with the Riley bunch. My favorite aspect of the first few books in the Play by Play series were all the family gatherings and Holiday Games was full of them. I love when there's a strong family presence in the books I read, I think it just adds depth to both characters and story. I enjoyed every single page of this novella. It was a real treat for fans of Jaci Burton as well as everyone getting in the Christmas spirit.
I loved reconnecting with all the characters, especially Mick, Tara and their son Nathan. They're my favorite of the Rileys. An added bonus of reading Holiday Games was getting to know Liz, Gavin's wife, better and actually seeing her in a whole new light. When I previously read their story I never really connected with Liz. She was cut-throat and a little cold-hearted. Though she had a great capacity to love, it was in this novella that I really saw the soft and loving side of her. Her struggles with trying to get pregnant not only made her characters seem more realistic to me, it provided a lot of sexy scenes to read about. My e-reader was close to igniting itself on fire from all the steaminess between Liz and Gavin. And I'm so happy they finally got their wish come true.
I loved reconnecting with all the characters, especially Mick, Tara and their son Nathan. They're my favorite of the Rileys. An added bonus of reading Holiday Games was getting to know Liz, Gavin's wife, better and actually seeing her in a whole new light. When I previously read their story I never really connected with Liz. She was cut-throat and a little cold-hearted. Though she had a great capacity to love, it was in this novella that I really saw the soft and loving side of her. Her struggles with trying to get pregnant not only made her characters seem more realistic to me, it provided a lot of sexy scenes to read about. My e-reader was close to igniting itself on fire from all the steaminess between Liz and Gavin. And I'm so happy they finally got their wish come true.
August 12, 2015
Its always great to reunite with the Riley family, but I would have loved to have read more about the whole family not just Gavin and Liz... especially would like to have read a little more about Jenna and Ty's wedding which was also featured in this book, but just a little bit... their story could have easily been a much longer book and very well enjoyed, especially if we got some nice romantic moments from the couple getting married, or even a little bridzilla comedy. LOL
This book was more about Liz trying to get pregnant which really wasn't that big of a deal, its not like she had any medical condition that made it hard to get knocked up... all she needed was the patients for nature to take its course... its not like she and Gavin weren't doing it like bunnies all over the place.
I did enjoy reading about Nathan and how much he's grown... and as usual with most of Jaci Burton books I hope the introduction of his girlfriend is the idea that his book is not too far behind... though I'm sure Ms Burton will have him grow a few more years, after all he's ONLY 18. I also HOPE AND PRAY I'm right in the fact that Nathan's woman is black, cause that would be BEYOND AWESOME!!!
This book was more about Liz trying to get pregnant which really wasn't that big of a deal, its not like she had any medical condition that made it hard to get knocked up... all she needed was the patients for nature to take its course... its not like she and Gavin weren't doing it like bunnies all over the place.
I did enjoy reading about Nathan and how much he's grown... and as usual with most of Jaci Burton books I hope the introduction of his girlfriend is the idea that his book is not too far behind... though I'm sure Ms Burton will have him grow a few more years, after all he's ONLY 18. I also HOPE AND PRAY I'm right in the fact that Nathan's woman is black, cause that would be BEYOND AWESOME!!!
December 15, 2014
Holiday Games
Gavin Riley and Elizabeth Liz Darnell
5/5 Stars
Holiday Games is the first novella of Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton. Starring main characters from Changing the Game. I missed reading about the Riley family. This book is the best thing ever as it focused on my favorite Play-by-Play couple.
Favorite Quotes
Now he couldn't imagine a day of his life without her by his side. She was his rock of fortitude when things got rough for him, could always be counted on to calm the raging waters of his life. He loved her like he never thought he could love a woman. -Gavin
"How about I thank you? I was watching you when you fell asleep on my lap last night, thinking about how much my life has changed since I fell in love with you. And how much I want to make you happy." -Gavin
Gavin Riley and Elizabeth Liz Darnell
5/5 Stars
Holiday Games is the first novella of Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton. Starring main characters from Changing the Game. I missed reading about the Riley family. This book is the best thing ever as it focused on my favorite Play-by-Play couple.
Favorite Quotes
Now he couldn't imagine a day of his life without her by his side. She was his rock of fortitude when things got rough for him, could always be counted on to calm the raging waters of his life. He loved her like he never thought he could love a woman. -Gavin
"How about I thank you? I was watching you when you fell asleep on my lap last night, thinking about how much my life has changed since I fell in love with you. And how much I want to make you happy." -Gavin
November 10, 2013
It’s Christmas with the Riley’s. Liz and Gavin Riley love married life, but Liz is stressed out this holiday season. She is hosting the Riley family for Christmas and wants everything to be perfect. There is also a wedding in the family and Liz is disappointed she isn’t pregnant after a year of trying. Through it all, Gavin is relaxed, loving and supportive. Gavin and Liz have a lot of hot sex everywhere trying to conceive a baby.
Jaci Burton writes an entertaining novella about the Riley clan in 6.5 of the Play by Play series. Gavin is a professional baseball player and other members in his family are also professional athletes. I have read all the books in the Play by Play series and was excited to catch up with the characters featured in the other books. This story includes everyone in the Riley family, but the main emphasis is on Liz and Gavin trying to start a family. Will Liz and Gavin’s wish come true?
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
Jaci Burton writes an entertaining novella about the Riley clan in 6.5 of the Play by Play series. Gavin is a professional baseball player and other members in his family are also professional athletes. I have read all the books in the Play by Play series and was excited to catch up with the characters featured in the other books. This story includes everyone in the Riley family, but the main emphasis is on Liz and Gavin trying to start a family. Will Liz and Gavin’s wish come true?
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
September 9, 2016
Holiday Games is a little catch me up with Gavin and Liz who are trying to have a baby and having no luck. It hops between them heating up the sheets--woo!-- and going to wedding events for their friends Ty and Jenna.
Sweet and Sexy. I loved seeing Gavin and Liz. They're one of my favorite couples so seeing them madly in love even if things weren't going as planned was great. I really wish the novella had focused on just them and not quite as much on the group activities-- dress fittings, girls weekends away, bachelor/ette parties, rehearsal dinner and Christmas. It was just a bit too focused on seeing everyone else for my taste.
Overall, a decent read with enjoyable bits but not a knock out andvery much for those who have read in the series and not a standalone.
"You're right. I guess I've bitten off more than I can chew, and I need some help."
"I'll be happy to be your bitch tomorrow (hero)."
She laughed. "I'm going to remember you said that."
Sweet and Sexy. I loved seeing Gavin and Liz. They're one of my favorite couples so seeing them madly in love even if things weren't going as planned was great. I really wish the novella had focused on just them and not quite as much on the group activities-- dress fittings, girls weekends away, bachelor/ette parties, rehearsal dinner and Christmas. It was just a bit too focused on seeing everyone else for my taste.
Overall, a decent read with enjoyable bits but not a knock out andvery much for those who have read in the series and not a standalone.
November 17, 2013
I adore this series so this little holiday novella was the perfect way to catch up with my favourite characters and get an update on every one of the Riley clan.
It's a busy time for the Riley's with Jenna's drunken bachelorette weekend in Jamaica before her gorgeous Christmas wedding to Ty. Liz however, isn't drinking as she continues to try for a baby with Gavin, after a year of trying Liz decides to unleash "Operation make a baby" and Gavin is of course in seventh heaven.
With plenty of hot and smexy Liz and Gavin scenes and a very festive feeling it's impossible not to love Holiday Games. Fans of the series will adore this little catch up and if you haven't read the series before I really do recommend it, it's one of my all time favourites.
It's a busy time for the Riley's with Jenna's drunken bachelorette weekend in Jamaica before her gorgeous Christmas wedding to Ty. Liz however, isn't drinking as she continues to try for a baby with Gavin, after a year of trying Liz decides to unleash "Operation make a baby" and Gavin is of course in seventh heaven.
With plenty of hot and smexy Liz and Gavin scenes and a very festive feeling it's impossible not to love Holiday Games. Fans of the series will adore this little catch up and if you haven't read the series before I really do recommend it, it's one of my all time favourites.
November 1, 2013
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Liz has baby on the brain. Which means she needs to convince her husband that they need to have more sex. But with the holiday’s and a wedding there is not much time. But that is not going stop Liz.
Oh, how I love Jaci Burton’s Play-by-Play series!!!! Since Holiday Games is a novella and don't want to give too much away just know that it will not disappoint. It was so much fun to read about Gavin & Liz again. I so can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Liz has baby on the brain. Which means she needs to convince her husband that they need to have more sex. But with the holiday’s and a wedding there is not much time. But that is not going stop Liz.
Oh, how I love Jaci Burton’s Play-by-Play series!!!! Since Holiday Games is a novella and don't want to give too much away just know that it will not disappoint. It was so much fun to read about Gavin & Liz again. I so can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
November 26, 2013
Awesome!! Love the Play-by-Play series!! This was such a great Novella because it gave the reader the opportunity to catch up with all of the characters we fell in love with during the series. Loved it.
August 27, 2014
3 stars
Got to see all the Riley's again. Yay! Happy Holiday!
Got to see all the Riley's again. Yay! Happy Holiday!
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