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Play by Play #12
Rules of Contact
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, a football player who knows how to win 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. Flynn can’t get enough of Amelia, and Amelia loves every second she spends with the tough yet tender Flynn. But trust is a hard-fought battle for both. Breaking the rules of contact and surrendering to their passion was the easy part. Are they willing to risk their hearts to win at the game of love?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
249 people are currently reading
4027 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
153 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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December 5, 2016DNF @38%, no rating!
When I started getting active on Goodreads, Jaci Burton was one of the authors whose books I binged on. She was one of the few authors who are writing interconnected standalone sports romance series long before the category became what it is now. So I have a soft spot for her books.
Unfortunately, this was a dud for me. I felt no connection to either Flynn or Amelia. I don't see any chemistry between them . Their romance felt forced, and I couldn't care less if they get together or not. But what really struck me about this book is the lack of genuine emotion in general. It's like romance by the numbers. It ticks off all the goal posts of what a romance novel should look like but none of the personality.
As much as it pains me to DNF this, I really can't continue. I just didn't feel invested enough in the characters or their love story.
ARC provided by the publisher for a review.
When I started getting active on Goodreads, Jaci Burton was one of the authors whose books I binged on. She was one of the few authors who are writing interconnected standalone sports romance series long before the category became what it is now. So I have a soft spot for her books.
Unfortunately, this was a dud for me. I felt no connection to either Flynn or Amelia. I don't see any chemistry between them . Their romance felt forced, and I couldn't care less if they get together or not. But what really struck me about this book is the lack of genuine emotion in general. It's like romance by the numbers. It ticks off all the goal posts of what a romance novel should look like but none of the personality.
As much as it pains me to DNF this, I really can't continue. I just didn't feel invested enough in the characters or their love story.
ARC provided by the publisher for a review.
dnf
April 13, 2017DNF
December 13, 2016
Originally posted at Smexybooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/12/review-...
C+
Favorite Quote:
“Tell me what you need.”
“An orgasm would be nice.”
The 12th installment in Jaci Burton’s best selling Play By Play series gives readers a sexy, sweet, and humorous romance between two people whose trust has been broken by those they cared about. More laid back than previous books in terms of conflict; food and family are the main ingredients that are used to create this spicy/sweet romance.
Our protagonists, Flynn and Amelia, are extremely similar in their character makeup. Both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a lack of the usual deep seated emotional baggage that often sparks tension and misunderstandings in these romances. Hard working and well liked, their personalities and humor mesh well together throughout the story, helping to push their blooming romance along at a smooth and steady pace. Flynn appreciates that Amelia seems to enjoy his company for him-not what his career can bring her. Amelia likes that Flynn respects her, trusts her, and doesn’t feel she needs changing.
Dual points of view allow us insight into their thoughts and emotions concerning the developing romance. We learn more about Amelia’s divorce and how it affected her views on relationships. Burton doesn’t make it easy for Flynn to convince Amelia to trust him, which pushes him to bring in his secret weapon-his family.
The storyline is relatively straightforward and predictable. Burton’s smooth writing and engaging helps to balance the daily ins and outs of the restaurant and the football team with Flynn’s low-key courtship of Amelia. I never felt as if the story was being rushed or crammed with information. He wants Amelia to give them a chance and he spends his time teasing, cajoling, and subtly pushing his way into Amelia’s life and bed. Amelia isn’t sure she can trust him. Fear for her job and her heart if things go bad keeps her walls up. She slowly begins to open up to him; first in bed then in her heart.
The love scenes were more playful and less scripted in this installment, though I’m still seeing a continuation of repetitive phrases during sex. Amelia’s dirty mouth was a pleasant shock as it strikes a nice contrast against her polite and reserved outer persona.
“You’re very beautiful, Amelia.”
“Thank you. Now fuck me.”
Burton uses the family fueled atmosphere of the Sabers and the Cassidy’s to draw Amelia out and help Flynn press his suit. We get to spend time with previous couples along with Flynn’s siblings, significant others, and parents. They are a warm engaging group who embrace Amelia whole heartedly, giving her the sense of family and stability she’s been yearning for. The sibling’s bickering offers readers some amusement as does Amelia’s relationship with her bff-Laura.
A misunderstanding towards the end pushes Flynn finally face his own issues but it was very melodramatic and seemed to come out of nowhere. The grovel is well done but again, the whole scene felt tossed in at the last moment and didn’t seem to mesh with what we had seen of Flynn or the story’s overall tone.
Burton’s Play by Play series continues to offer amicable, low key escapism with sexy sports heroes and the woman who steal their hearts.
C+
Favorite Quote:
“Tell me what you need.”
“An orgasm would be nice.”
The 12th installment in Jaci Burton’s best selling Play By Play series gives readers a sexy, sweet, and humorous romance between two people whose trust has been broken by those they cared about. More laid back than previous books in terms of conflict; food and family are the main ingredients that are used to create this spicy/sweet romance.
Our protagonists, Flynn and Amelia, are extremely similar in their character makeup. Both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a lack of the usual deep seated emotional baggage that often sparks tension and misunderstandings in these romances. Hard working and well liked, their personalities and humor mesh well together throughout the story, helping to push their blooming romance along at a smooth and steady pace. Flynn appreciates that Amelia seems to enjoy his company for him-not what his career can bring her. Amelia likes that Flynn respects her, trusts her, and doesn’t feel she needs changing.
Dual points of view allow us insight into their thoughts and emotions concerning the developing romance. We learn more about Amelia’s divorce and how it affected her views on relationships. Burton doesn’t make it easy for Flynn to convince Amelia to trust him, which pushes him to bring in his secret weapon-his family.
The storyline is relatively straightforward and predictable. Burton’s smooth writing and engaging helps to balance the daily ins and outs of the restaurant and the football team with Flynn’s low-key courtship of Amelia. I never felt as if the story was being rushed or crammed with information. He wants Amelia to give them a chance and he spends his time teasing, cajoling, and subtly pushing his way into Amelia’s life and bed. Amelia isn’t sure she can trust him. Fear for her job and her heart if things go bad keeps her walls up. She slowly begins to open up to him; first in bed then in her heart.
The love scenes were more playful and less scripted in this installment, though I’m still seeing a continuation of repetitive phrases during sex. Amelia’s dirty mouth was a pleasant shock as it strikes a nice contrast against her polite and reserved outer persona.
“You’re very beautiful, Amelia.”
“Thank you. Now fuck me.”
Burton uses the family fueled atmosphere of the Sabers and the Cassidy’s to draw Amelia out and help Flynn press his suit. We get to spend time with previous couples along with Flynn’s siblings, significant others, and parents. They are a warm engaging group who embrace Amelia whole heartedly, giving her the sense of family and stability she’s been yearning for. The sibling’s bickering offers readers some amusement as does Amelia’s relationship with her bff-Laura.
A misunderstanding towards the end pushes Flynn finally face his own issues but it was very melodramatic and seemed to come out of nowhere. The grovel is well done but again, the whole scene felt tossed in at the last moment and didn’t seem to mesh with what we had seen of Flynn or the story’s overall tone.
Burton’s Play by Play series continues to offer amicable, low key escapism with sexy sports heroes and the woman who steal their hearts.
May 22, 2021
So Flynn might be my favorite of all the Cassidy boys - and it's mainly because he owns a restaurant.
I've been reading this series completely out of order, which luckily doesn't really matter since every book is about a new boy/girl. I'm sure I'm missing some of the side characters back stories, but I feel like I'm getting enough of a gist for the ones I've missed for it to make sense.
One thing I really admire about Burton's sports books is that she actually describes the sports fairly accurately. I don't know if this is because she's a huge sports fan or just does a crazy amount of research, but when reading her games or practices, it's so easy to visualize and it helps having all the rules correctly explained. I've read so many books where the author either just skims over the sport or just makes crap up and trust me, that doesn't work.
Ok so Flynn and Amelia. I really liked the two of them together. Flynn, despite his huge stature, just wants a real relationship and is a bid ole softy. Amelia was a nice balance to his limelight life. She had her own goals and could care less about his sports fame. She knew him as her boss and a driven person - the two bonded over mutual love of food/cooking and it was nice to see those moments of them working together at the restaurant.
Another thing I liked was seeing the Cassidy brood again. All of them are so much fun to read and I just love their family dynamic. Another fun, quick read from Burton.
I've been reading this series completely out of order, which luckily doesn't really matter since every book is about a new boy/girl. I'm sure I'm missing some of the side characters back stories, but I feel like I'm getting enough of a gist for the ones I've missed for it to make sense.
One thing I really admire about Burton's sports books is that she actually describes the sports fairly accurately. I don't know if this is because she's a huge sports fan or just does a crazy amount of research, but when reading her games or practices, it's so easy to visualize and it helps having all the rules correctly explained. I've read so many books where the author either just skims over the sport or just makes crap up and trust me, that doesn't work.
Ok so Flynn and Amelia. I really liked the two of them together. Flynn, despite his huge stature, just wants a real relationship and is a bid ole softy. Amelia was a nice balance to his limelight life. She had her own goals and could care less about his sports fame. She knew him as her boss and a driven person - the two bonded over mutual love of food/cooking and it was nice to see those moments of them working together at the restaurant.
Another thing I liked was seeing the Cassidy brood again. All of them are so much fun to read and I just love their family dynamic. Another fun, quick read from Burton.
February 9, 2017
Love is not something you go out and look for. Sometimes what you’re looking for is already there. Love finds you, and when it does, ready or not, it’ll be the best thing to ever happen to you.
Love found me sweet and sexy sports story, Rules of Contact, by Jaci Burton. The romance poured off the pages while the heat set them ablaze, both penetrating straight through me. Rules of Contact is a good old-fashioned love story full of sweetness, swoon, and smolder with a forbidden twist.
I fell in insta-love with Flynn Cassidy, Defensive End for the San Francisco Sabers, with his dark hair, blue eyes, tall and muscular body, tattoos, dirty mouth, and charming personality. Oh was he the perfect catch. ALL ALPHA. PURE PERFECTION! I LOVED Flynn, and his dirty words and big heart so much.
Beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed, and tall Amelia Lawrence is not looking for love or any relationship unless you count food or her love for cooking as a chef. Amelia is a chef whose owner of the restaurant she works at happens to be Flynn Cassidy, panty-melting player and football extraordinaire. Amelia can’t help but develop a crush on her oh-so-hot boss.
Flynn and Amelia’s chemistry is electric like the buzz in the air during a sold-out football game. A slow burn sizzled through the story as the build-up brought on butterflies that fluttered with feels, my heart fluttering too. Flynn and Amelia’s passion pounded from the pages straight to me. The angst from that pent-up passion was an adrenaline-induced high…and oh did I FEEL THAT RUSH!
“That zing.”
“Yeah. An attraction. A chemical thing. When you feel a tightening in your body, and awareness of the other person.”
“Do you feel it right now, Amelia? When I touch you?”
Oh. My. SWOON. I burned as the smolder of Flynn’s words ignited a fire in me and melted to molten lava as the sweetness oozed off the pages straight to my heart.
“I think you’re tempted by me.”
“I am not. Nothing about you tempts me.”
“You sure about that?”
The intense attraction between Amelia and Flynn, employee and boss, is like the forbidden fruit. Amelia and Flynn must fight temptation and not mix business with pleasure. However, chemistry is a powerful force as strong as the most powerful offense where the defense may be powerless to stop the score.
“I like the way you say my name when you’re all hot and bothered. I want to hear you moan my name when I make you come.”
Flynn’s lethal dose of dirty and sweet words get Amelia hot and bothered. Temptation never looked so good, and oh did Flynn tempt me.
“Just what kind of girl do you think I am?”
“My kind of girl.”
As much as their attraction is off-the-charts hot, Amelia needs a delay in the game before she gets hurt like in the past. Her heart needs to be protected like a football, or Flynn will never score in this game of love.
I SWOONED HARD, my soul soared high, and my heart was hit like a football over this sweet and smoldering story. The passion pounded from the pages straight to me. Jaci Burton dropped a tender and terrific touchdown of a romance with Rules of Contact, a blissful book you need to tackle hard like a football.
4 ‘touchdown’ stars
Love found me sweet and sexy sports story, Rules of Contact, by Jaci Burton. The romance poured off the pages while the heat set them ablaze, both penetrating straight through me. Rules of Contact is a good old-fashioned love story full of sweetness, swoon, and smolder with a forbidden twist.
I fell in insta-love with Flynn Cassidy, Defensive End for the San Francisco Sabers, with his dark hair, blue eyes, tall and muscular body, tattoos, dirty mouth, and charming personality. Oh was he the perfect catch. ALL ALPHA. PURE PERFECTION! I LOVED Flynn, and his dirty words and big heart so much.
Beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed, and tall Amelia Lawrence is not looking for love or any relationship unless you count food or her love for cooking as a chef. Amelia is a chef whose owner of the restaurant she works at happens to be Flynn Cassidy, panty-melting player and football extraordinaire. Amelia can’t help but develop a crush on her oh-so-hot boss.
Flynn and Amelia’s chemistry is electric like the buzz in the air during a sold-out football game. A slow burn sizzled through the story as the build-up brought on butterflies that fluttered with feels, my heart fluttering too. Flynn and Amelia’s passion pounded from the pages straight to me. The angst from that pent-up passion was an adrenaline-induced high…and oh did I FEEL THAT RUSH!
“That zing.”
“Yeah. An attraction. A chemical thing. When you feel a tightening in your body, and awareness of the other person.”
“Do you feel it right now, Amelia? When I touch you?”
Oh. My. SWOON. I burned as the smolder of Flynn’s words ignited a fire in me and melted to molten lava as the sweetness oozed off the pages straight to my heart.
“I think you’re tempted by me.”
“I am not. Nothing about you tempts me.”
“You sure about that?”
The intense attraction between Amelia and Flynn, employee and boss, is like the forbidden fruit. Amelia and Flynn must fight temptation and not mix business with pleasure. However, chemistry is a powerful force as strong as the most powerful offense where the defense may be powerless to stop the score.
“I like the way you say my name when you’re all hot and bothered. I want to hear you moan my name when I make you come.”
Flynn’s lethal dose of dirty and sweet words get Amelia hot and bothered. Temptation never looked so good, and oh did Flynn tempt me.
“Just what kind of girl do you think I am?”
“My kind of girl.”
As much as their attraction is off-the-charts hot, Amelia needs a delay in the game before she gets hurt like in the past. Her heart needs to be protected like a football, or Flynn will never score in this game of love.
I SWOONED HARD, my soul soared high, and my heart was hit like a football over this sweet and smoldering story. The passion pounded from the pages straight to me. Jaci Burton dropped a tender and terrific touchdown of a romance with Rules of Contact, a blissful book you need to tackle hard like a football.
4 ‘touchdown’ stars
December 7, 2016
No surprise here. Jaci Burton delivers another sweet addition to the Play by Play series. I devoured this book in one sitting, as I usually do with her books, even when I think I need sleep. Who needs sleep really? I was beyond excited to read this one because it features a chef along with our hot athlete. I am a sucker for foodie stories and I was very excited to see this explored in this book. Although I don't think this element was explored as much as I would've liked (I mean... lots of sexy time opportunities while cooking or involving food could've been added, just saying), RULES OF CONTACT was the perfect end of the year feel good romance.
One thing that stands out about this book (and quite a few in this series) is the lack of complicated drama. I think that's one of the things that makes me want to read the whole thing and leaves me feeling satisfied in the end. Flynn and Amelia don't try to make their romance too complicated. They start out with a professional relationship based on respect and that blossoms into friendship and trust. This is the foundation of the romance and I think that's why they didn't need to do a whole lot more than cross that small boundary.
Another thing that I always love about this series is that sense of family and the bonds of friendship. This book has a cameo appearance from the very first couple in this series (isn't that a fun treat!!!) and it was so nice to see the ease in which they interacted with our main couple. And of course we can't leave out the family. Flynn is the oldest of the Cassidy brothers (a few of whom we've already seen paired up) and I loved getting that time with family and to see how Amelia integrated to them.
Overall, this book just put a smile on my face and, as always, I can't wait for the next one.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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August 10, 2017
Rules of Contact was the twelfth book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. The entire series focuses on professional athletes of various sports.
Flynn Cassidy was the gorgeous defensive end for the Seattle Sabers NFL team. He was also a foodie and a successful restaurant owner, Ninety- Two. Amelia Lawrence was the beautiful and reserved head chef for Ninety- Two. The attraction was always strong but they stayed away from each other for professional reasons, until one day Flynn decided he'd stayed away long enough.
The beginning of the book set the stage for the team by re-introducing key players, such as Mick Riley (book one, The Perfect Play) as well as new players, which could ultimately pave the way for their own stories within the series.
It was a sweet story with low angst. I liked the storyline but it read like a narrative. I felt on the outside of the story, like I was reading an outline. It was a clean, well written story, but I desired to feel more as I was progressing within the plot. I also liked the emphasis on food. It was a central part of the storyline, adding depth and dimension. All I all, I enjoyed it but it was definitely not my favorite in the series.
True to form, Burton's banter amongst the Cassidy siblings was enjoyable and entertaining. It added dimension to the overall storyline. Mia is the last sibling to fall and we'll get her story next in the series, The Final Score.
Flynn Cassidy was the gorgeous defensive end for the Seattle Sabers NFL team. He was also a foodie and a successful restaurant owner, Ninety- Two. Amelia Lawrence was the beautiful and reserved head chef for Ninety- Two. The attraction was always strong but they stayed away from each other for professional reasons, until one day Flynn decided he'd stayed away long enough.
The beginning of the book set the stage for the team by re-introducing key players, such as Mick Riley (book one, The Perfect Play) as well as new players, which could ultimately pave the way for their own stories within the series.
It was a sweet story with low angst. I liked the storyline but it read like a narrative. I felt on the outside of the story, like I was reading an outline. It was a clean, well written story, but I desired to feel more as I was progressing within the plot. I also liked the emphasis on food. It was a central part of the storyline, adding depth and dimension. All I all, I enjoyed it but it was definitely not my favorite in the series.
True to form, Burton's banter amongst the Cassidy siblings was enjoyable and entertaining. It added dimension to the overall storyline. Mia is the last sibling to fall and we'll get her story next in the series, The Final Score.
December 7, 2016
Rules of Contact (Play by Play #12) by Jaci Burton
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?
The 12th book of the Play by Play sports romance series can hop in at any time for those of you who aren't following along all the way through. While you get some spotlights and cameos its a stand alone.
Rules of Contact is a slow build but uneventful romance without much action aside from the sex.
I felt this installment could have been written as a novella than a full novel, I didn't feel any connection to the cast, the story, the relationship, or really any of it. It was a little stale but at least the pornographic sex keeps things moving along in those stall out moments.
Rules of Contact was easy and slow for a busy life reader.
I also liked the cover which is fantastic. Burton always has great cover art on her books.
Jaci Burton
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review via the publisher.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
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?
The 12th book of the Play by Play sports romance series can hop in at any time for those of you who aren't following along all the way through. While you get some spotlights and cameos its a stand alone.
Rules of Contact is a slow build but uneventful romance without much action aside from the sex.
I felt this installment could have been written as a novella than a full novel, I didn't feel any connection to the cast, the story, the relationship, or really any of it. It was a little stale but at least the pornographic sex keeps things moving along in those stall out moments.
Rules of Contact was easy and slow for a busy life reader.
I also liked the cover which is fantastic. Burton always has great cover art on her books.
Jaci Burton
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review via the publisher.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
December 6, 2016
I haven't read a book by Jaci Burton before, but I have always heard great things about her books. I am so glad that I read Rules of Contact because I now understand the love for Jaci's books! I now want to go back and read all of the books in this series. If you haven't read any books in this series, you can read this as a stand-alone, but I am cautioning you that you will want to go and read all of the previous books ASAP. Also, this book will make you SO HUNGRY! The food Jaci described made my stomach growl.
Rules of Contact was a fun and easy read. This book was heavy on romance and steam and low on angst. I was so thankful for that because I was in the mood to just sit back and soak in the romance.The little conflict that was there was solved pretty quickly, which I was thankful for because I did not want that drama to take over the book. The romance was well paced and full of chemistry. I thought Jaci did a great job at creating chemistry between Flynn and Amelia. The sexy moments were full of heat! Jaci nailed those scenes!
Some parts of this book were a little slower than others, but I still blew through it!
Flynn was a great male lead. Flynn was charming, sweet, thoughtful, and family-oriented. I really liked how focused he was on his adorable family. Some of his chapters were mainly focused on his family, which lead to the book feeling a little slow because I wanted to get back to the romance! However, a few of those scenes were really heart-warming!
Amelia was another great character! I thought Amelia was a great match for Flynn. Amelia was a bit uptight and very job-oriented, so it was nice to see her loosen up! I admired Amelia's desire to be the best at her job and her unwavering dedication to cooking.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romance! If you are looking for a book with a dash of romance and a huge focus on an outside plot and angst, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want to read about a fun and SEXY romance, then this is the book for you!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Rules of Contact was a fun and easy read. This book was heavy on romance and steam and low on angst. I was so thankful for that because I was in the mood to just sit back and soak in the romance.The little conflict that was there was solved pretty quickly, which I was thankful for because I did not want that drama to take over the book. The romance was well paced and full of chemistry. I thought Jaci did a great job at creating chemistry between Flynn and Amelia. The sexy moments were full of heat! Jaci nailed those scenes!
Some parts of this book were a little slower than others, but I still blew through it!
Flynn was a great male lead. Flynn was charming, sweet, thoughtful, and family-oriented. I really liked how focused he was on his adorable family. Some of his chapters were mainly focused on his family, which lead to the book feeling a little slow because I wanted to get back to the romance! However, a few of those scenes were really heart-warming!
Amelia was another great character! I thought Amelia was a great match for Flynn. Amelia was a bit uptight and very job-oriented, so it was nice to see her loosen up! I admired Amelia's desire to be the best at her job and her unwavering dedication to cooking.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romance! If you are looking for a book with a dash of romance and a huge focus on an outside plot and angst, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want to read about a fun and SEXY romance, then this is the book for you!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
December 6, 2016
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
First you start with a great looking cover. Knowing it’s a Jaci Burton story, you are pretty much guaranteed that there will be a lot of sex and very, very HOT. Add a sexy, handsome athlete looking for love and a woman recently burned from her divorce, and you have the latest in the Play by Play series. Rules of Contact is one great story. Add romance, a strong family connection, and a good story line and you have it all in one.
The eldest of the Cassidy brothers is Flynn and he can’t seem to find the right woman to share his life with. He wants someone who wants him for him and not his fame. Amelia Lawrence has seen it happen time and time again. She’s the head chef at Flynn’s restaurant and feels an attraction for Flynn but isn’t going to go there and risk having her heart broken again. Flynn feels it as well and pursues Amelia with a slow seduction. It may have started slow but the passion ignites and the sex is off the chart. I love that about her stories is that she makes each scene steamy and you can feel the heat between the two lovers. Add in his family for some fun holiday time, and the story keeps getting better when you see them tease one another and enjoy each other’s company.
Trust is the key issue in this story and it’s important for both characters to get it from their partner and have it respected. Flynn and Amelia forge a relationship that wasn’t easy in the beginning because she didn’t want to get hurt but when Flynn makes it too irresistible for her; she couldn’t help but fall for him. When he jumps to the wrong conclusion and breaks her heart, Flynn learns a valuable lesson. Thankfully it works out for them and they both get their happy ending. I just love this series and the recent addition of the Cassidy family has reignited my love for her stories. This is a wonderful family to get to know and fall in love with. The characters feel genuine and the issues they face are real. Rules of Contact is a wonderful story from Jaci Burton.
ARC provided with no expectations.
First you start with a great looking cover. Knowing it’s a Jaci Burton story, you are pretty much guaranteed that there will be a lot of sex and very, very HOT. Add a sexy, handsome athlete looking for love and a woman recently burned from her divorce, and you have the latest in the Play by Play series. Rules of Contact is one great story. Add romance, a strong family connection, and a good story line and you have it all in one.
The eldest of the Cassidy brothers is Flynn and he can’t seem to find the right woman to share his life with. He wants someone who wants him for him and not his fame. Amelia Lawrence has seen it happen time and time again. She’s the head chef at Flynn’s restaurant and feels an attraction for Flynn but isn’t going to go there and risk having her heart broken again. Flynn feels it as well and pursues Amelia with a slow seduction. It may have started slow but the passion ignites and the sex is off the chart. I love that about her stories is that she makes each scene steamy and you can feel the heat between the two lovers. Add in his family for some fun holiday time, and the story keeps getting better when you see them tease one another and enjoy each other’s company.
Trust is the key issue in this story and it’s important for both characters to get it from their partner and have it respected. Flynn and Amelia forge a relationship that wasn’t easy in the beginning because she didn’t want to get hurt but when Flynn makes it too irresistible for her; she couldn’t help but fall for him. When he jumps to the wrong conclusion and breaks her heart, Flynn learns a valuable lesson. Thankfully it works out for them and they both get their happy ending. I just love this series and the recent addition of the Cassidy family has reignited my love for her stories. This is a wonderful family to get to know and fall in love with. The characters feel genuine and the issues they face are real. Rules of Contact is a wonderful story from Jaci Burton.
ARC provided with no expectations.
February 15, 2017
Originally posted on NallaReads!
FINALLY, Flynn Cassidy has his day! I will always love the Rileys but the Cassidys quickly won me over the minute Flynn showed up on the page. I have been anticipating his story and eager to see the kind of woman that would get this charming hero's heart. Flynn has shown up in past Play-By-Play novels as he was opening his restaurant, Ninety-Two. Rules of Contact focuses on Flynn as his project opens; fans flock to his heartwarming homestead restaurant with a brilliant chef: Amelia Lawrence.
Flynn struggles to find a woman who wants to be with him as a man and not attached to the hip of a star athlete. Amelia watches as women try their best with Flynn to win his heart only to strike out when the camera catches their eye more than the hunky football player. He's so down to earth and endearing to everyone that he tends to give everyone the benefit of the doubt; except not he field of course.
I loved the fact that Amelia and Flynn had a playful friendship even though they were boss and head chef. The ease with which these two talked and sassed one another was reminisicent of the Cassidy and Riley families. And Flynn suddenly realizes the attraction he had to Amelia is more than friendship. Amelia is standoffish at first as her ex-husband broke her heart and gave her such distrust in finding love again.
I also enjoyed the fact that this book focused more on the story and had less of the sideline action of the sports. Not that I ever minded in the previous Play-By-Play novels, mind you; they ARE sports themed! But this had a more contemporary feel as we saw more of Flynn as the chef and the family man: almost as if Burton wanted us to see him the way he wanted to be seen to his dream woman.
***SPOILERS BELOW!***
I honestly thought the climax would be Amelia's resistance to an official relationship with Flynn. She struggled with accepting her feelings throughout the entire story, mores than Flynn ever had. Flynn believing that Amelia wanted the spotlight threw me for a huge loop! I was stunned at Flynn's reaction and was so nervous that this was it for these two.
Can't wait to see who's next (MIA????)! Until next time...
XOXO Nalla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nby_5...
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, 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?
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*ARC received from NetGally for an honest review*
FINALLY, Flynn Cassidy has his day! I will always love the Rileys but the Cassidys quickly won me over the minute Flynn showed up on the page. I have been anticipating his story and eager to see the kind of woman that would get this charming hero's heart. Flynn has shown up in past Play-By-Play novels as he was opening his restaurant, Ninety-Two. Rules of Contact focuses on Flynn as his project opens; fans flock to his heartwarming homestead restaurant with a brilliant chef: Amelia Lawrence.
Flynn struggles to find a woman who wants to be with him as a man and not attached to the hip of a star athlete. Amelia watches as women try their best with Flynn to win his heart only to strike out when the camera catches their eye more than the hunky football player. He's so down to earth and endearing to everyone that he tends to give everyone the benefit of the doubt; except not he field of course.
I loved the fact that Amelia and Flynn had a playful friendship even though they were boss and head chef. The ease with which these two talked and sassed one another was reminisicent of the Cassidy and Riley families. And Flynn suddenly realizes the attraction he had to Amelia is more than friendship. Amelia is standoffish at first as her ex-husband broke her heart and gave her such distrust in finding love again.
I also enjoyed the fact that this book focused more on the story and had less of the sideline action of the sports. Not that I ever minded in the previous Play-By-Play novels, mind you; they ARE sports themed! But this had a more contemporary feel as we saw more of Flynn as the chef and the family man: almost as if Burton wanted us to see him the way he wanted to be seen to his dream woman.
***SPOILERS BELOW!***
I honestly thought the climax would be Amelia's resistance to an official relationship with Flynn. She struggled with accepting her feelings throughout the entire story, mores than Flynn ever had. Flynn believing that Amelia wanted the spotlight threw me for a huge loop! I was stunned at Flynn's reaction and was so nervous that this was it for these two.
Can't wait to see who's next (MIA????)! Until next time...
XOXO Nalla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nby_5...
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, 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?
READ AN EXCERPT
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS
AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS | GOOGLEPLAY | KOBO
CONNECT WITH JACI
Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 70 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.
April 12, 2021
Well this was a shame, I was just hyping up this series and well...i HATED the heroine in this. Absolutely just hated her. I get coming from a divorce and the reason but wow was she a MAJOR B most the time to the hero. Most the time i felt bad for him and the fact that he kept chasing after her *gag* I'm sorry but I've enjoyed every book in this series and love LOVE the hero her and the heroine just took all the fun of this book for me, through the end. *shaking my head* and i was going to vintners to #13 but i definitely need a break. SO BUMMED OUT!
December 28, 2016
3 star read until the end with the ridiculous, random drama that felt 100% tossed in. Like the book HAD to have a relationship dramatic element so let's drop one in right here that was completely unnecessary.
Time to call this series quits for me.
Time to call this series quits for me.
February 22, 2017
Review originally posted on http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
November 14, 2016
2.5 stars
December 6, 2016
Playing for the San Francisco Sabers is a dream come true for Flynn Cassidy. He loves the action in the game, but doesn’t care for the attention he receives due to his ‘celebrity’ status. Now Flynn is branching out and showing his love of food by opening his own restaurant. With an amazing staff that keeps things going in his absence, Flynn just has to concentrate on making his business successful. That spotlight that he loathes so much is helping keep the face of his business in the media. The downside is the constant stream of female companionship that ends up fizzling out due to the desire of the spotlight from Flynn’s dates. A combination that has Flynn showing more than his fair share of ladies to the door.
Ninety-Two has also opened doors for the head chef. Amelia Lawrence ended a bad marriage and wanted to seize the opportunity to start over. Flynn’s restaurant was just the ticket. With creativity at her fingertips each day, Amelia thrives in the kitchen at Ninety-Two. One thing that Amelia doesn’t plan on is her attraction to Flynn. With a shared interest in creating their craft, this duo finds there is more heat outside of the kitchen if they desire it.
Determined to avoid a new relationship at any cost, Amelia is hesitant to jeopardize her future by dating the boss. However - Flynn pursues Amelia with the same focus that he is known for on the field. Driving them both to heat things up outside of the confines of Ninety-Two. The only problem….Flynn is looking for a commitment that Amelia just can’t offer. Will their battle of wills crash and burn before they ever find love?
The latest book in the Play by Play series feature Flynn and his quest for romance. The rough and rugged football player doesn’t seem to have very much luck finding a female that is interested in him for who he really is. Flynn never imagined finding his love interest in the very restaurant that he created. Hot and steamy seductions will lead readers on this journey of finding the one person that complete your life. Even if its in the most unexpected of ways.
I soak up each and every novel that Jaci writes!! Rules of Contact is no different. The combined interest that these two characters share adds just the right touch to this sexy romance!! Watch out…these two characters will add sizzle to more than their signature dishes!! Great addition to the series!
Ninety-Two has also opened doors for the head chef. Amelia Lawrence ended a bad marriage and wanted to seize the opportunity to start over. Flynn’s restaurant was just the ticket. With creativity at her fingertips each day, Amelia thrives in the kitchen at Ninety-Two. One thing that Amelia doesn’t plan on is her attraction to Flynn. With a shared interest in creating their craft, this duo finds there is more heat outside of the kitchen if they desire it.
Determined to avoid a new relationship at any cost, Amelia is hesitant to jeopardize her future by dating the boss. However - Flynn pursues Amelia with the same focus that he is known for on the field. Driving them both to heat things up outside of the confines of Ninety-Two. The only problem….Flynn is looking for a commitment that Amelia just can’t offer. Will their battle of wills crash and burn before they ever find love?
The latest book in the Play by Play series feature Flynn and his quest for romance. The rough and rugged football player doesn’t seem to have very much luck finding a female that is interested in him for who he really is. Flynn never imagined finding his love interest in the very restaurant that he created. Hot and steamy seductions will lead readers on this journey of finding the one person that complete your life. Even if its in the most unexpected of ways.
I soak up each and every novel that Jaci writes!! Rules of Contact is no different. The combined interest that these two characters share adds just the right touch to this sexy romance!! Watch out…these two characters will add sizzle to more than their signature dishes!! Great addition to the series!
January 13, 2017
No surprise here. Jaci Burton delivers another sweet addition to the Play by Play series. I devoured this book in one sitting, as I usually do with her books, even when I think I need sleep. Who needs sleep really? I was beyond excited to read this one because it features a chef along with our hot athlete. I am a sucker for foodie stories and I was very excited to see this explored in this book. Although I don’t think this element was explored as much as I would’ve liked (I mean… lots of sexy time opportunities while cooking or involving food could’ve been added, just saying), RULES OF CONTACT was the perfect end of the year feel good romance.
One thing that stands out about this book (and quite a few in this series) is the lack of complicated drama. I think that’s one of the things that makes me want to read the whole thing and leaves me feeling satisfied in the end. Flynn and Amelia don’t try to make their romance too complicated. They start out with a professional relationship based on respect and that blossoms into friendship and trust. This is the foundation of the romance and I think that’s why they didn’t need to do a whole lot more than cross that small boundary.
Another thing that I always love about this series is that sense of family and the bonds of friendship. This book has a cameo appearance from the very first couple in this series (isn’t that a fun treat!!!) and it was so nice to see the ease in which they interacted with our main couple. And of course we can’t leave out the family. Flynn is the oldest of the Cassidy brothers (a few of whom we’ve already seen paired up) and I loved getting that time with family and to see how Amelia integrated to them.
Overall, this book just put a smile on my face and, as always, I can’t wait for the next one.
December 6, 2016
5 Ninety-Two stars!
Okay, first off let me say that this cover is MAGNIFICENT! But what's inside is EVEN BETTER! Jaci Burton writes steamy heart felt sports romance like no other! Flynn and Amelia are a couple that I won't soon forget.
Flynn Cassidy is known for playing football, but his passion is split between football and cooking. Which is why he owns a restaurant named Ninety-Two. His head Chef Amelia is the best at her job! And after seeing Flynn struggle with finding women not after the lime light he comes with decides she would like to help set him up. She enlists the help of Tara, one of Flynn's teammates wives. Only to have Tara set her up as well. When the people they are set up with end up leaving together it causes Flynn to notice Amelia in a way he never has, and causes Amelia to start having some vivid daydreams! (HA)
I loved every little thing about Flynn. His tattoos, his sense of humor and even right down to his cockiness. And his prowess in the bedroom....holy hell Jaci can write some major panty melting sex scenes. One scene in particular really melted the pages of my paperback.
Amelia, she's a character that's been through the ringer. Having to go through a rough marriage and end in divorce over trust and mental issues with the ex, leaves her feeling unsure about relationships. This made her even more real to me. Especially the way she reacted toward Flynn.
Rules of Contact is a book that easily landed on my favorites shelf. It amazes me how easy it is for Jaci to write so many books in a series and still manage to make each one unique. Rules of Contact has heart, heat and plenty of emotion. Be prepared to fall for Flynn and Amelia!!
(I was provided a copy by the publisher)
Okay, first off let me say that this cover is MAGNIFICENT! But what's inside is EVEN BETTER! Jaci Burton writes steamy heart felt sports romance like no other! Flynn and Amelia are a couple that I won't soon forget.
Flynn Cassidy is known for playing football, but his passion is split between football and cooking. Which is why he owns a restaurant named Ninety-Two. His head Chef Amelia is the best at her job! And after seeing Flynn struggle with finding women not after the lime light he comes with decides she would like to help set him up. She enlists the help of Tara, one of Flynn's teammates wives. Only to have Tara set her up as well. When the people they are set up with end up leaving together it causes Flynn to notice Amelia in a way he never has, and causes Amelia to start having some vivid daydreams! (HA)
I loved every little thing about Flynn. His tattoos, his sense of humor and even right down to his cockiness. And his prowess in the bedroom....holy hell Jaci can write some major panty melting sex scenes. One scene in particular really melted the pages of my paperback.
Amelia, she's a character that's been through the ringer. Having to go through a rough marriage and end in divorce over trust and mental issues with the ex, leaves her feeling unsure about relationships. This made her even more real to me. Especially the way she reacted toward Flynn.
Rules of Contact is a book that easily landed on my favorites shelf. It amazes me how easy it is for Jaci to write so many books in a series and still manage to make each one unique. Rules of Contact has heart, heat and plenty of emotion. Be prepared to fall for Flynn and Amelia!!
(I was provided a copy by the publisher)
December 6, 2016
I love Jaci Burton's
Play by Play
series. It is my favorite sports series, so I was crazy excited to read her latest addition - Rules of Contact. Even more exciting, it's the story of the oldest Cassidy brother. If you are a fan of the series, you know the Cassidy brothers as the entire family has been in several of the books.
You get the idea that I had very high expectations for this book?
It pains me to say this, but my expectations might have been too high. I expected to LOVE Rules of Contact as I have done so many of the Play by Play novels, but unfortunately, I just didn't. I did not dislike it, because there is nothing specific to dislike. It has Ms. Burton's smoking hot love scenes and a beautiful romance, but the story was lukewarm. It moved pretty slowly and felt a little boring.
Flynn and Amelia did not have a lot of chemistry. I did not see any desire between them until all of the sudden they were having sex. As I mentioned, those sex scenes are Kindle-fogging, but the attraction between Amelia and Flynn wasn't present before they got together. There were in a boss/employee situation and had known each other for quite awhile, but neither had even noticed each other beforehand.
Rules of Contact is not bad by any means, and I would recommend it for the bedroom scenes alone. I might have set myself up for disappointment or this is just an anomaly an otherwise stellar body of work from Jaci Burton.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley, but no one made me write this review and my opinions are honest and my own.
You get the idea that I had very high expectations for this book?
It pains me to say this, but my expectations might have been too high. I expected to LOVE Rules of Contact as I have done so many of the Play by Play novels, but unfortunately, I just didn't. I did not dislike it, because there is nothing specific to dislike. It has Ms. Burton's smoking hot love scenes and a beautiful romance, but the story was lukewarm. It moved pretty slowly and felt a little boring.
Flynn and Amelia did not have a lot of chemistry. I did not see any desire between them until all of the sudden they were having sex. As I mentioned, those sex scenes are Kindle-fogging, but the attraction between Amelia and Flynn wasn't present before they got together. There were in a boss/employee situation and had known each other for quite awhile, but neither had even noticed each other beforehand.
Rules of Contact is not bad by any means, and I would recommend it for the bedroom scenes alone. I might have set myself up for disappointment or this is just an anomaly an otherwise stellar body of work from Jaci Burton.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley, but no one made me write this review and my opinions are honest and my own.
December 6, 2016
Every time one of these gorgeous books lands on my doorstep I can’t help but get a little giddy. If there was ever a series that could be judged solely by its covers, this is it. HOLY SMOKES every single cover is hotness overload! Rules of Contact is number 12 in the Play by Play series but can be read as a complete standalone, and honestly, I really like that about this series. I feel confident recommending each book as a standalone and not feel like I am misleading anyone who decides to read it. Of course if you are a fan of the series then each book is even more of a fun read because you get to see favorite characters from the past books.
In any case… this is Flynn and Amelia’s book and as a fan of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hot football star and restaurant owner Flynn Cassidy has had a bad streak with woman wanting him for his fame so when a spark is ignited with his head chef Amelia, he can’t help but want to see if it wasn’t one sided. The chemistry between these two sizzles in and out of the kitchen. The overall story is light on the angst, heavy on the sexy times, and sweet all around. I think fans of the series will enjoy the latest installment and newcomers will be delighted to meet one of the Cassidy brothers. And who better to start with than with Flynn Cassidy?!
In any case… this is Flynn and Amelia’s book and as a fan of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hot football star and restaurant owner Flynn Cassidy has had a bad streak with woman wanting him for his fame so when a spark is ignited with his head chef Amelia, he can’t help but want to see if it wasn’t one sided. The chemistry between these two sizzles in and out of the kitchen. The overall story is light on the angst, heavy on the sexy times, and sweet all around. I think fans of the series will enjoy the latest installment and newcomers will be delighted to meet one of the Cassidy brothers. And who better to start with than with Flynn Cassidy?!
October 29, 2016
Rules of Contact is the latest sports-related romance in Jaci Buton’s long running “Play by Play” series. Defensive end Flynn is the next in line of the Cassidy family to find love, with the head chef of his new restaurant, Amelia Lawrence. Amelia is recently divorced, and carrying a bruised heart. She watches Flynn fall into relationships with the wrong kinds of women, only for them to quickly fizzle when the hunger for celebrity attention manifests in each woman.
A chance setup at a party throws them together, and their friendship begins to evolve into something more. Rules of Contact is a fun and engaging read; the leads are likable, and the storyline flows along well. There is thankfully no overload of angst and drama to impede the growth of their relationship.
Unfortunately, there is not much else to color their relationship and the storyline, which is, quite frankly, kind of dull and slow going. The plot is simplistic and routine. Nothing much really happens; they start seeing each other, have lots of dirty sex, and interact with characters from previous books. That's pretty much it, and the little twist at the end was predictable and kind of lame.
Rules of Contact will probably be best enjoyed by fans of the series or the authors writing.
A chance setup at a party throws them together, and their friendship begins to evolve into something more. Rules of Contact is a fun and engaging read; the leads are likable, and the storyline flows along well. There is thankfully no overload of angst and drama to impede the growth of their relationship.
Unfortunately, there is not much else to color their relationship and the storyline, which is, quite frankly, kind of dull and slow going. The plot is simplistic and routine. Nothing much really happens; they start seeing each other, have lots of dirty sex, and interact with characters from previous books. That's pretty much it, and the little twist at the end was predictable and kind of lame.
Rules of Contact will probably be best enjoyed by fans of the series or the authors writing.
December 7, 2016
Can you believe that this is my first read from Jaci Burton? I know, I know... what the heck is wrong with me? I have actually had this series on my TBR List for a couple years, but someone told me I needed to read from the beginning and I just haven't had the time to fit 10+ books onto the reading calendar. But I am very happy that I finally took the plunge and started reading about these yummy athletic heroes! Not having read the earlier books, I didn't feel lost. There were other couples popping in and out which I assume are from earlier books, but those stories were not vital to the romance at issue.
Flynn Cassidy is the oldest of five siblings and is the defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers football team. He is beautiful and built and tattooed... and is also a restaurant owner and minor chef. Flynn has been having a bad run of luck with women, repeatedly ending up with opportunists seeking their 15 minutes in front of the camera. After several of these women in a row, Flynn starts noticing someone a little closer to home and more familiar to him... the head chef at his restaurant, Ninety-Two (which happens to be his jersey number). Flynn was an awesome hero! He was a genuinely nice guy from this huge tight-knit and athletic family. I liked that he was good in the kitchen, but seemed to be shy about his culinary talent. But his talents were not limited to the kitchen and football field, the man has some serious mojo. I was impressed (and totally envious of our heroine).
Amelia Lawrence is the head chef at Ninety-Two and has been watching Flynn's parade of bad dates thinking that he could do so much better... she just never thought she would be the better choice! Amelia is a divorcee with a d-bag for an ex-husband who had ridiculous and unwarranted trust issues. Because of the ex's borderline stalker behavior, Amelia isn't all that crazy to jump back on the dating bandwagon. This worried me somewhat at first. I was afraid that Amelia's issues were going to be front and center in the story - but they weren't! Can we get an Amen! for mature heroines! I was so proud of Amelia for not letting her past color her future. She handled relationship growing pains with aplomb and was brave in the face of her insecurity. I'm always happy to find a heroine in contemporary romance who doesn't annoy me.
Speaking of, I would like to applaud this couple on their lack of drama! This was a straightforward sweet and steamy romance without an abundance of angst! Woo Hoo! No whiny new adult millennials to make me feel like a decrepit old crone. This one hit a 4 on the sultry scale for me... it was sexy and hot without crossing the line to erotica. But that steam was balanced out by an almost sweet relationship that was building between our main characters, and so it had that "feel good romance" vibe going on.
I liked the detail with regard to football (actual game play was involved) and also with regard to the food and cooking (though it made me damn hungry). The multitude of other couples and family members that popped up in this story made me curious about those relationships, so I will definitely be trying to work them into the reading calendar over the next year. I love that the Cassidy's are a family of footballers (and one baseballer) with a little sis thrown in to be protected by the house full of testosterone. Life on their ranch sounds like a dream.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley.
December 8, 2016
✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: RULES OF CONTACT (A Play-by-Play Novel) by Jaci Burton http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7j9
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4 Stars
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Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4 Stars
RULES OF CONTACT is the perfect mix of sexy and sweet. I really enjoyed it. I loved Flynn but it took me a while to warm up to Amelia. I liked her by the end of the story though. I enjoyed the storyline and the romance was steamy. RULES OF CONTACT is the twelfth book in Jaci Burton's Play-by-Play series but each book is a standalone so you can pick this one up even if you haven't read the previous releases. I enjoy the entire series though and highly recommend them for readers who enjoy heroes that play sports and hot romance. Go grab a copy of this one. It's a great romance book to heat up a cold night.
*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
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http://jaciburton.com/books/contact.php#excerpt
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December 25, 2016
JUST LOOK AT THAT COVER. Oh my goodness, I knew that this was going to be my next read when I saw that cover. While I haven't read every book in this series, I was excited to meet yet another athlete and watch him fall in love.
Flynn Cassidy is used to having the press around, seeing as he's a defensive end for the Sabers. Unfortunately, he's also used to women using him for the cameras and fame and has yet to find someone worth settling down with. Amelia Lawrence does not want to trust a man again after her divorce and is focusing on her career and passion for cooking. As the head chef of Ninety-Two, Flynn's new restaurant, Amelia finds herself spending more time with Flynn. Both are having fun and when things heat up, neither one of them knows if they're ready to fully trust in the other person.
For some reason, no book in this series has really swept me off my feet. These books hold so much promise with hot athletes and a sexy romance, but I really didn't connect with either Flynn or Amelia. Then, since it's the 12th book in the series, there were so many side couples mentioned that it got hard to keep everyone straight and I felt like it was unnecessary. I liked Flynn enough, but nothing about him screamed that I had to love him. As for Amelia, she was nice enough, but I wasn't invested in her character and didn't care about her. I think if a little bit more was explained and explored in her past, I would have connected with them more.
I did enjoy how Amelia and Flynn weren't really into each other that way at the beginning of the book and only realized their attracted after spending more time together. It was cute how Amelia got to meet Flynn's family and how open and welcome they were to her. There were definitely some hot moments in this book, but sometimes I felt like it those moments were overdone and the story included more than necessary. I wanted more about the characters and less about their physical time together.
Overall, this wasn't a bad addition to the series, but I didn't find myself really caring for the characters. I wish we got more of their background and a more emotional connection to them. As the 12th book in the series, this wasn't bad read but don't expect an amazing romance.
Flynn Cassidy is used to having the press around, seeing as he's a defensive end for the Sabers. Unfortunately, he's also used to women using him for the cameras and fame and has yet to find someone worth settling down with. Amelia Lawrence does not want to trust a man again after her divorce and is focusing on her career and passion for cooking. As the head chef of Ninety-Two, Flynn's new restaurant, Amelia finds herself spending more time with Flynn. Both are having fun and when things heat up, neither one of them knows if they're ready to fully trust in the other person.
For some reason, no book in this series has really swept me off my feet. These books hold so much promise with hot athletes and a sexy romance, but I really didn't connect with either Flynn or Amelia. Then, since it's the 12th book in the series, there were so many side couples mentioned that it got hard to keep everyone straight and I felt like it was unnecessary. I liked Flynn enough, but nothing about him screamed that I had to love him. As for Amelia, she was nice enough, but I wasn't invested in her character and didn't care about her. I think if a little bit more was explained and explored in her past, I would have connected with them more.
I did enjoy how Amelia and Flynn weren't really into each other that way at the beginning of the book and only realized their attracted after spending more time together. It was cute how Amelia got to meet Flynn's family and how open and welcome they were to her. There were definitely some hot moments in this book, but sometimes I felt like it those moments were overdone and the story included more than necessary. I wanted more about the characters and less about their physical time together.
Overall, this wasn't a bad addition to the series, but I didn't find myself really caring for the characters. I wish we got more of their background and a more emotional connection to them. As the 12th book in the series, this wasn't bad read but don't expect an amazing romance.
December 7, 2016
Sometimes what you are looking for is already here…
I love this football series that seems to age like fine wine – if the wine is sexy and hot! Flynn and Amelia are not strangers to each other or this series and I couldn’t wait to see what these two chemistry-laden characters would get up to…
Bonding over good food and hot loving, the star football player and the ace chef in the kitchen had sparks flying from their very first meal together. They are professionals and keep their distance until they just couldn’t justify any longer why they wouldn’t be good together. At least in the sack… And with family and friends egging them on (Amelia’s bestie is a trip!) they couldn’t help but give in…
“You’re very beautiful, Amelia.”
“Thank you. Now fuck me.”
There are blind dates, camera floozies, and spectacular food and wine fueling this feel good romance. Humor and heat are key to any good courtship and this story has an abundance of both. Flynn is a down to earth athlete that Amelia can’t help but be drawn to. Amelia is leery to try her hand at the love wheel but her uncertainty only makes the journey that much sweeter. And bumpier…
“…because some asshole broke your heat doesn’t mean your vagina has gone out of business.”
Some last minute drama stirred the cooking pot and made for a hot, delicious ending. This author knows how to turn up the heat! ~ Diane, 4 stars
I love this football series that seems to age like fine wine – if the wine is sexy and hot! Flynn and Amelia are not strangers to each other or this series and I couldn’t wait to see what these two chemistry-laden characters would get up to…
Bonding over good food and hot loving, the star football player and the ace chef in the kitchen had sparks flying from their very first meal together. They are professionals and keep their distance until they just couldn’t justify any longer why they wouldn’t be good together. At least in the sack… And with family and friends egging them on (Amelia’s bestie is a trip!) they couldn’t help but give in…
“You’re very beautiful, Amelia.”
“Thank you. Now fuck me.”
There are blind dates, camera floozies, and spectacular food and wine fueling this feel good romance. Humor and heat are key to any good courtship and this story has an abundance of both. Flynn is a down to earth athlete that Amelia can’t help but be drawn to. Amelia is leery to try her hand at the love wheel but her uncertainty only makes the journey that much sweeter. And bumpier…
“…because some asshole broke your heat doesn’t mean your vagina has gone out of business.”
Some last minute drama stirred the cooking pot and made for a hot, delicious ending. This author knows how to turn up the heat! ~ Diane, 4 stars
February 7, 2017
I love sports romance and have read every one of the Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton. It was great to return to the Big C Ranch and the Cassidy clan. It really was like going home. They are a large family with lots of love to go around.
Flynn Cassidy is a defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers and has recently opened his own restaurant, the Ninety-Two. He wanted the restaurant to stand on its own which is why he used his number as the name for it and not his own name. He has hired Amelia Lawrence as his head chef. She is recently divorced, new to the area and looking to start over.
Amelia feels bad that Flynn only attracts women that want a piece of the camera when they are together. He is quite discouraged with the whole dating scene.....until he and Amelia are subtly put together. The more time they spend together the better it feels....at least to Flynn. Amelia has alot to work through before she is ready to give her heart away again.
Jaci Burton has a knack for making you feel like part of the family.....feel the love and also any aches and pains Amelia and Flynn feel. This is a wonderful love story with hot steamy loving that will keep you turning those pages. Happy Reading!!!
Flynn Cassidy is a defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers and has recently opened his own restaurant, the Ninety-Two. He wanted the restaurant to stand on its own which is why he used his number as the name for it and not his own name. He has hired Amelia Lawrence as his head chef. She is recently divorced, new to the area and looking to start over.
Amelia feels bad that Flynn only attracts women that want a piece of the camera when they are together. He is quite discouraged with the whole dating scene.....until he and Amelia are subtly put together. The more time they spend together the better it feels....at least to Flynn. Amelia has alot to work through before she is ready to give her heart away again.
Jaci Burton has a knack for making you feel like part of the family.....feel the love and also any aches and pains Amelia and Flynn feel. This is a wonderful love story with hot steamy loving that will keep you turning those pages. Happy Reading!!!
December 1, 2016
Rules of Contact is a sports romance and while I enjoyed it didn't quite hit that spot with me that I look for in a book.
For me personally it lacked a little bit of the butterflies that I like to get with books I read. Flynn and Amelia went from coworkers who didn't initially seem to have any attraction to each other to full on can't get enough of each other. I quite liked Amelia and her personality, I found her to be quirky, bold, and she had a good head on her shoulders. Flynn was just ok for me. I was looking for some sort of build up to their relationship and I didn't quite get that.
There is a little bump at near then end of the book that may tear them apart but in all honesty I almost scrunched up my nose in a little bit of irritation at it based on the relationship they have. I didn't find the issue really fit the story and without spoiling it for others, I was almost annoyed that it happens to begin with.
For me this was just an ok read.
For me personally it lacked a little bit of the butterflies that I like to get with books I read. Flynn and Amelia went from coworkers who didn't initially seem to have any attraction to each other to full on can't get enough of each other. I quite liked Amelia and her personality, I found her to be quirky, bold, and she had a good head on her shoulders. Flynn was just ok for me. I was looking for some sort of build up to their relationship and I didn't quite get that.
There is a little bump at near then end of the book that may tear them apart but in all honesty I almost scrunched up my nose in a little bit of irritation at it based on the relationship they have. I didn't find the issue really fit the story and without spoiling it for others, I was almost annoyed that it happens to begin with.
For me this was just an ok read.
November 21, 2016
Incredibly hot, wickedly sexy, and downright steamy!
This is a great mix of intense attraction, friendship, family, food, sports, and romance.
It is an entertaining story that combines a hunky, muscular, tattooed football player, (need I say more, just look at that cover) with an independent, strong, attractive chef, in a plot filled with smoking chemistry, sporty tidbits, delicious food, and sizzling passion.
If you like sporty contemporary romance with a little spice I can’t think anyone else who writes a consistently fun, engaging novel like Jaci Burton. Indulge this holiday season. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This is a great mix of intense attraction, friendship, family, food, sports, and romance.
It is an entertaining story that combines a hunky, muscular, tattooed football player, (need I say more, just look at that cover) with an independent, strong, attractive chef, in a plot filled with smoking chemistry, sporty tidbits, delicious food, and sizzling passion.
If you like sporty contemporary romance with a little spice I can’t think anyone else who writes a consistently fun, engaging novel like Jaci Burton. Indulge this holiday season. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
October 29, 2016
I won an ARC of Rules of Contact in a Goodreads contest from Berkley Publishing and I voluntarily agreed to write a review.
Rules of Contact is a hot, steamy story filled with laughs, tears and a beautiful love story. Flynn Cassidy is a professional football player who just opened his own restaurant. The women he dates seem more into the spotlight then they are into him. Amelia Lawrence is the head chef in Flynn's restaurant. She is still reeling from her divorce and doesn't want anything to do with relationships. Flynn and Amelia are both attracted to the other and finally give in to the attraction. While enjoying their time together, they grow closer but trust issues threaten to derail their blooming love.
Rules of Contact is a hot, steamy story filled with laughs, tears and a beautiful love story. Flynn Cassidy is a professional football player who just opened his own restaurant. The women he dates seem more into the spotlight then they are into him. Amelia Lawrence is the head chef in Flynn's restaurant. She is still reeling from her divorce and doesn't want anything to do with relationships. Flynn and Amelia are both attracted to the other and finally give in to the attraction. While enjoying their time together, they grow closer but trust issues threaten to derail their blooming love.
November 3, 2016
Flynn is a smart man and knows when to just back away, "Flynn blinked listening to the conversation between his girlfriend and his sister, turned around and walked out of the room." Flynn really is just the sweetest man, "he cupped her butt and squeezed. “I promise to take very tender care of your very fine ***.” It's quite obvious Flynn always makes the right choice:
He cocked a brow. “Did you seriously just ask me to decide between sex with you and football with my family?”
“I guess I did.”
“There is no decision. Let’s get naked.”
I really loved this book, and Flynn.
He cocked a brow. “Did you seriously just ask me to decide between sex with you and football with my family?”
“I guess I did.”
“There is no decision. Let’s get naked.”
I really loved this book, and Flynn.
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