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Play by Play #6.5, 8.5. 10.5
Mistletoe Games: Holiday Games / Holiday on Ice / Hot Holiday Nights
No one brings the sexy out in sports like Jaci Burton, the author of the New York Times bestselling Play-by-Play novels. Now, she puts together a holiday hat trick with three novellas featuring the hottest sports baseball, hockey, and surfing—because hard bodies are always in season... Holiday Games For the high-achieving Elizabeth and her husband, baseball player Gavin Riley, failure is not an option. So when it comes to making a baby, they’re not about to let any holiday distractions get in the way of their necessary pleasures... Holiday on Ice It’s the season for giving and superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer is ready to give dancer Stella Slovinski his heart wrapped up in bow. But he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away... Hot Holiday Nights Christmas in Hawaii brings sports agent Tori Baldwin two a young surfer at the top of his game and his business manager. But this hot threesome has to decide if the romantic wave they’ve caught is nothing more than a vacation fling, or the kind of love that could change their lives forever...
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
73 people are currently reading
1859 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 19, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Baseball! Hockey! Surfers!!!! Yes, did you notice that I said surfers not surfer. It’s only October and Jaci Burton is already heating up the holiday season with not just one novella but three sport romance novellas. So are you ready to unwrap this holiday treat and discover that each story are both equally naughty and nice!!
Holiday Games:
Holiday Games is a followup to catch up on one of our favorite couples: Gavin and Elizabeth Riley. I absolutely adore this couple as they were smoking hot. As Gavin and Elizabeth try to make a baby, they have no problem getting tangled in the sheets. And let me just say, toes will curl as how madly in love they are in. In the backdrops of the baby making process, readers are reunited with the gang also as it gears up for Ty and Jenna’s wedding.
Holidays On Ice:
Holidays On Ice was a lethal combo of sugar and spice!! This novella reunites readers with Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and Stella Slovinski. With a dash of sweetness and a whole heapings of steam, Stella and Trick’s story was a perfect blend to warm readers up this holiday season. The chemistry was sizzling. The banter was playful. And the romance was toasty with all the feels.
Hot Holiday Nights:
Nothing says like Happy Holidays like having two sexy surfers wanting your attention. Hot younger man and his older sexy agent… umm yes please!! Did I expect a menage? Absolutely not, but that’s the best part of unwrapping a surprise. Jaci Burton treated her readers to a hot naughty read that was fun and wickedly sexy.
Baseball! Hockey! Surfers!!!! Yes, did you notice that I said surfers not surfer. It’s only October and Jaci Burton is already heating up the holiday season with not just one novella but three sport romance novellas. So are you ready to unwrap this holiday treat and discover that each story are both equally naughty and nice!!
Holiday Games:
Holiday Games is a followup to catch up on one of our favorite couples: Gavin and Elizabeth Riley. I absolutely adore this couple as they were smoking hot. As Gavin and Elizabeth try to make a baby, they have no problem getting tangled in the sheets. And let me just say, toes will curl as how madly in love they are in. In the backdrops of the baby making process, readers are reunited with the gang also as it gears up for Ty and Jenna’s wedding.
Holidays On Ice:
Holidays On Ice was a lethal combo of sugar and spice!! This novella reunites readers with Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and Stella Slovinski. With a dash of sweetness and a whole heapings of steam, Stella and Trick’s story was a perfect blend to warm readers up this holiday season. The chemistry was sizzling. The banter was playful. And the romance was toasty with all the feels.
Hot Holiday Nights:
Nothing says like Happy Holidays like having two sexy surfers wanting your attention. Hot younger man and his older sexy agent… umm yes please!! Did I expect a menage? Absolutely not, but that’s the best part of unwrapping a surprise. Jaci Burton treated her readers to a hot naughty read that was fun and wickedly sexy.
November 30, 2022
These holiday and sports themed romances are hotter than a cinnamon imperial and kinkier than a candy cane! -Alexis S.
June 16, 2021
Another book I've had on my shelf for forever that I'm finally getting around to. Jaci Burton's books are always funs reads. She knows the right amount of romance and sports to add to keep it interesting. Because if you're calling this a sports book, you gotta know something about sports.
So this book is broken down into three novellas:
Holiday Games: A continuation of previous couple Elizabeth and Gavin as they set out to try to have a baby. Elizabeth wants nothing more than to get pregnant but it's just not happening for them - and not for lack of trying. Taking place over Christmas and including a wedding, we got to see the family dynamics that make these books what they are. At times I felt there were too many people in a scene, but once I remembered everyone's names it was easier to keep track.
Holiday on Ice: Almost a second chance novella. Trick and Stella dated previously, but neither of them wanted the attachment so it just ran its course. However, now Trick wants to settle down and he believes Stella is the girl for him. Too bad she's still a flight risk. This was cute set against New York at Christmas. Full of fun banter, it was great to see these two learn to let their guards down.
Hot Holiday Nights: This was the first book by Burton I've read where she had threesomes and it was definitely the steamiest out of the 3 novellas. Taking place over Christmas in Hawaii, Tori finds herself attracted to a hot shot surfer and his manager. So why not have both? While I think the love part came rather quickly, I did enjoy the story. I would have liked a little epilogue of sorts to see where these three ended up because I really wanted to know how they were going to make everything work.
Overall, this was a fun selection of stories. And I liked that even though this is part of a bigger book world, you could still just read these and enjoy them for the romances they were.
So this book is broken down into three novellas:
Holiday Games: A continuation of previous couple Elizabeth and Gavin as they set out to try to have a baby. Elizabeth wants nothing more than to get pregnant but it's just not happening for them - and not for lack of trying. Taking place over Christmas and including a wedding, we got to see the family dynamics that make these books what they are. At times I felt there were too many people in a scene, but once I remembered everyone's names it was easier to keep track.
Holiday on Ice: Almost a second chance novella. Trick and Stella dated previously, but neither of them wanted the attachment so it just ran its course. However, now Trick wants to settle down and he believes Stella is the girl for him. Too bad she's still a flight risk. This was cute set against New York at Christmas. Full of fun banter, it was great to see these two learn to let their guards down.
Hot Holiday Nights: This was the first book by Burton I've read where she had threesomes and it was definitely the steamiest out of the 3 novellas. Taking place over Christmas in Hawaii, Tori finds herself attracted to a hot shot surfer and his manager. So why not have both? While I think the love part came rather quickly, I did enjoy the story. I would have liked a little epilogue of sorts to see where these three ended up because I really wanted to know how they were going to make everything work.
Overall, this was a fun selection of stories. And I liked that even though this is part of a bigger book world, you could still just read these and enjoy them for the romances they were.
December 26, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cIXTg1
Hockey! Baseball! Surfers! A plethora of sexy athletes ready to heat up the holidays. Noms! Mistletoe Games was a solid Christmas anthology that'll get a girl all hot and bothered and quite possibly on Santa's Naughty List.
One thing before you dive in. All of the novellas in this anthology have been previously released in ebook format so double check before you one-click. I don't want anyone disappointed because they've already read them.
A little about each. And yall...these covers! #Dies #Covergasms
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 and very much for those who have read in the series and not a standalone.
3 stars
Oh Jaci Burton does know how to do it right. Total *girly Christmas-infused sigh*. Holiday on Ice was the perfect readery treat to get me in the holiday spirit and a super sexy-sweet romance as Trick and Stella amp up their previously casual fling and find something to truly celebrate for Christmas. It was a quickie read but oh it was lovely. Romance. Passion. Some hockey thrown into the mix. A little history to work through. Lots of laughs and some serious fan yourself moments. Whew boy!.
Burton really delivered a fabulous holiday romance with Holiday on Ice. It was the perfect combo of fun and sexy, romance and getting to see them both on the job. Heartwarming holiday spirit that gave me the warm fuzzies and left me smiling. A total Christmasy romance delight!
4 stars!
Hot dayum! Now Hot Holiday Nights brought the heat! Best way to spend Christmas vacation? A hot holiday fling with one very sexy younger man. How to make it even better? And his best friend into the mix! Oh yes. Tori is totally joining Santa's Naughty List.
Whew, boy! Yall, I was expecting hot, sexy, fun romance with a little Christmas spirit. I was NOT expecting a menage. But oh it was a nice little treat full of all my favorite things-- sports, Christmas, double-cocked fun. And awesome characters. A confident no-nonsense heroine, a younger hero full of charm and life and a sexy older hero who grounded them all. They all fit nicely together. Had easy repertoire and dynamic chemistry.
I was a happy happy girl watching Victoria snag herself a couple hunky surfers. Hot Holiday Nights was one sexy Christmas fling. It's a light read and perfect for warming up a chilly winter day. It works well as a standalone .
4 stars!
October 18, 2016
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Mistletoe Games is an anthology of the 3 novellas in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. Each takes place during the Christmas holiday and are short for a great evening read.
The first story is Holiday Games, and my favorite, which is revisiting Gavin and Liz Riley. Liz is anxious to get pregnant and takes every opportunity to have sex with her husband anywhere, anytime and frequently. One thing I love and can almost be guaranteed are sexy, hot sex scenes. Jaci Burton never disappoints. Most of the other Riley’s show up for football games, a bachelorette girl’s weekend away and of course a Christmas gathering. It is sweet how they all look out for one another and genuinely care. The story may be predictable but I love their happy ending because the sure do deserve it.
The second story is Holiday on Ice and revisits two secondary characters from Melting the Ice (Play by Play #7) of Stella Slovinski and Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer. They hooked up in the past but let things slide when busy schedules prevailed with hockey season and her dancing career. But a chance meeting at his favorite bar after a game brings these two once lovers back together again. Stella was hurt badly in the past and will not let another man close to her heart again but somehow Trick makes her feel things again and it feels right. Trick is feeling the same thing and wants what his other teammates have for himself. Sex was off the charts for Stella and Trick and definitely HOT. Jumping to the wrong conclusion happens in this story but it all comes out right in the end for this couple. The tree decorating and ice skating scenes were favorites of mine and shows the couple growing closer and falling in love. The story was well written and definitely heartwarming.
The third story is Hot Holiday Nights and is about sports agent Victoria Baldwin enjoying her Christmas holiday vacation in Hawaii and meets Alex McConnell a competitive surfer and his agent Ben Reynolds. She starts a holiday fling with Alex even though he is younger. What she wasn’t counting on is finding herself attracted to Ben also. The sex was off the hook especially when Ben joined Alex and Victoria. However I didn’t feel a connection to these characters and the I love you’s came way to soon. I felt it was more I lust you and a happy-for-now ending. I also wonder if it will work out for them in the long run. The other 2 stories felt like the holidays but this one didn’t as much.
Jaci Burton’s Play by Play is one of my favorite series to read and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a sports related contemporary romance. Her characters are real and their road to love isn’t always easy but love prevails and that is so sweet.
Click here to enter to win this sexy 2017 Jaci Burton covers calendar
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Mistletoe Games is an anthology of the 3 novellas in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. Each takes place during the Christmas holiday and are short for a great evening read.
The first story is Holiday Games, and my favorite, which is revisiting Gavin and Liz Riley. Liz is anxious to get pregnant and takes every opportunity to have sex with her husband anywhere, anytime and frequently. One thing I love and can almost be guaranteed are sexy, hot sex scenes. Jaci Burton never disappoints. Most of the other Riley’s show up for football games, a bachelorette girl’s weekend away and of course a Christmas gathering. It is sweet how they all look out for one another and genuinely care. The story may be predictable but I love their happy ending because the sure do deserve it.
The second story is Holiday on Ice and revisits two secondary characters from Melting the Ice (Play by Play #7) of Stella Slovinski and Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer. They hooked up in the past but let things slide when busy schedules prevailed with hockey season and her dancing career. But a chance meeting at his favorite bar after a game brings these two once lovers back together again. Stella was hurt badly in the past and will not let another man close to her heart again but somehow Trick makes her feel things again and it feels right. Trick is feeling the same thing and wants what his other teammates have for himself. Sex was off the charts for Stella and Trick and definitely HOT. Jumping to the wrong conclusion happens in this story but it all comes out right in the end for this couple. The tree decorating and ice skating scenes were favorites of mine and shows the couple growing closer and falling in love. The story was well written and definitely heartwarming.
The third story is Hot Holiday Nights and is about sports agent Victoria Baldwin enjoying her Christmas holiday vacation in Hawaii and meets Alex McConnell a competitive surfer and his agent Ben Reynolds. She starts a holiday fling with Alex even though he is younger. What she wasn’t counting on is finding herself attracted to Ben also. The sex was off the hook especially when Ben joined Alex and Victoria. However I didn’t feel a connection to these characters and the I love you’s came way to soon. I felt it was more I lust you and a happy-for-now ending. I also wonder if it will work out for them in the long run. The other 2 stories felt like the holidays but this one didn’t as much.
Jaci Burton’s Play by Play is one of my favorite series to read and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a sports related contemporary romance. Her characters are real and their road to love isn’t always easy but love prevails and that is so sweet.
Click here to enter to win this sexy 2017 Jaci Burton covers calendar
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 16, 2020
Hot athletes, steamy sex scenes and actual plots! What’s not to like? Maybe the blushing in public. Lol
October 18, 2016
Three sexy novellas to get you in the (holiday) mood….
This author knows how to write heat like no one else can and this series has been a hit with me from the start. Hunky hockey players, sexy baseball players and now irresistible surfers… May this series continue for a long, long time…
Holiday Games (#6.5), 4.5 stars
Liz and Gavin Riley are an “old” married couple now. Does this mean staid and boring? Far from it as their happiness is measured in how much they crave each other and savour the new life they now have together. Their next adventure is going to be a baby and half the fun is getting there…
“I have a fetish for you and your sexy body.”
The love, and baby-making desire, between these two translated into hot, and sometimes unexpected, passionate encounters. Surrounded by friends and family, gearing up for a wedding and the holidays, this short read was sexy, fun and delicious!
Holiday on Ice (#8.5), 4.5 stars
Trick and Stella’s story was sexy and hot from their first passion-filled encounter and now, after reconnecting again, that sizzle is even hotter the second time around. I loved these characters who just meshed so well on the ice, off the ice, in bed and out. There were disagreements and misunderstandings, but the make-up sex and conversation kept their story at a constant and entertaining simmer…
“So he took her there one lick at a time…”
There was raw heat, humour, snowball fights and Christmas trees in a holiday romance that had all the feels…
Hot Holiday Nights (#10.5), 4 stars
Hawaii has never been hotter…
Tori Baldwin is a sports agent who works hard and knows how to relax when she takes down time. Confident in herself and her sexuality, when she meets Alex McConnell she is open to spending time with the handsome, successful surfer, a younger man. What she was surprised to find though was the attraction she also felt for his sexy manager, Ben Reynolds.
Oh, I really wish I had Tori’s problems. A relaxing vacation and she has caught the interest of not one but two hunky surfers. One younger, one older but both hot, hot, hot. And the three together just smoldered whether in the bedroom or the dance floor. This is a novella in the Play by Play series so definitely had a sports theme to it with surfing and the beach part of its charm. The drama is low but the heat is high as this author always finds that wonderful mix of story and steam. I’d love to hear more about these three – this just wasn’t a long enough visit. A sudden ending but it’s probably just my disappointment that it was over already!
Oh and a new word for the sexy ménage arsenal - "multiflirtatious"! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
This author knows how to write heat like no one else can and this series has been a hit with me from the start. Hunky hockey players, sexy baseball players and now irresistible surfers… May this series continue for a long, long time…
Holiday Games (#6.5), 4.5 stars
Liz and Gavin Riley are an “old” married couple now. Does this mean staid and boring? Far from it as their happiness is measured in how much they crave each other and savour the new life they now have together. Their next adventure is going to be a baby and half the fun is getting there…
“I have a fetish for you and your sexy body.”
The love, and baby-making desire, between these two translated into hot, and sometimes unexpected, passionate encounters. Surrounded by friends and family, gearing up for a wedding and the holidays, this short read was sexy, fun and delicious!
Holiday on Ice (#8.5), 4.5 stars
Trick and Stella’s story was sexy and hot from their first passion-filled encounter and now, after reconnecting again, that sizzle is even hotter the second time around. I loved these characters who just meshed so well on the ice, off the ice, in bed and out. There were disagreements and misunderstandings, but the make-up sex and conversation kept their story at a constant and entertaining simmer…
“So he took her there one lick at a time…”
There was raw heat, humour, snowball fights and Christmas trees in a holiday romance that had all the feels…
Hot Holiday Nights (#10.5), 4 stars
Hawaii has never been hotter…
Tori Baldwin is a sports agent who works hard and knows how to relax when she takes down time. Confident in herself and her sexuality, when she meets Alex McConnell she is open to spending time with the handsome, successful surfer, a younger man. What she was surprised to find though was the attraction she also felt for his sexy manager, Ben Reynolds.
Oh, I really wish I had Tori’s problems. A relaxing vacation and she has caught the interest of not one but two hunky surfers. One younger, one older but both hot, hot, hot. And the three together just smoldered whether in the bedroom or the dance floor. This is a novella in the Play by Play series so definitely had a sports theme to it with surfing and the beach part of its charm. The drama is low but the heat is high as this author always finds that wonderful mix of story and steam. I’d love to hear more about these three – this just wasn’t a long enough visit. A sudden ending but it’s probably just my disappointment that it was over already!
Oh and a new word for the sexy ménage arsenal - "multiflirtatious"! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
October 2, 2016
Holiday Games
For the high-achieving Elizabeth and her husband, baseball player Gavin Riley, failure is not an option. So when it comes to making a baby, they’re not about to let any holiday distractions get in the way of their necessary pleasures...
Holiday on Ice
It’s the season for giving and superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer is ready to give dancer Stella Slovinski his heart wrapped up in bow. But he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away...
Hot Holiday Nights
Christmas in Hawaii brings sports agent Tori Baldwin two presents: a young surfer at the top of his game and his business manager. But this hot threesome has to decide if the romantic wave they’ve caught is nothing more than a vacation fling, or the kind of love that could change their lives forever.
I always love novella anthologies because they're the between stories that in my opinion really kind of bring an entire series together. They're pieces of the worlds we love to read about that some miss out on because they aren't a part of the entire telling of a full novel. For this one we get three of the Play by Play books that include the telling of Gavin and Liz, Stella and Trick and Tori, Alex and Ben.
My favorite of the three turned out to belong to to Gavin and Liz in Holiday Games, I love that some of these stories aren't always finished, that sometimes they continue long after their HEA have been told.
My second favorite belonged to Stella and Trick in Holiday on Ice which was better on the emotional development and my third favorite belonged to Tori, Alex and Ben. Their intimate scenes were my favorite of the three stories but the emotional journey was my least favorite so it was a hard toss up between Hot Holiday Nights and Holiday on Ice but in the end I went with the heart than the... lower half of the region.
I really enjoyed Mistletoe Games as whole and I am thrilled that Burton took the time to bring these stories together in one place for the rest of us. Thank you Burton!
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Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Penguin/Berkley Publishing
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
For the high-achieving Elizabeth and her husband, baseball player Gavin Riley, failure is not an option. So when it comes to making a baby, they’re not about to let any holiday distractions get in the way of their necessary pleasures...
Holiday on Ice
It’s the season for giving and superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer is ready to give dancer Stella Slovinski his heart wrapped up in bow. But he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away...
Hot Holiday Nights
Christmas in Hawaii brings sports agent Tori Baldwin two presents: a young surfer at the top of his game and his business manager. But this hot threesome has to decide if the romantic wave they’ve caught is nothing more than a vacation fling, or the kind of love that could change their lives forever.
I always love novella anthologies because they're the between stories that in my opinion really kind of bring an entire series together. They're pieces of the worlds we love to read about that some miss out on because they aren't a part of the entire telling of a full novel. For this one we get three of the Play by Play books that include the telling of Gavin and Liz, Stella and Trick and Tori, Alex and Ben.
My favorite of the three turned out to belong to to Gavin and Liz in Holiday Games, I love that some of these stories aren't always finished, that sometimes they continue long after their HEA have been told.
My second favorite belonged to Stella and Trick in Holiday on Ice which was better on the emotional development and my third favorite belonged to Tori, Alex and Ben. Their intimate scenes were my favorite of the three stories but the emotional journey was my least favorite so it was a hard toss up between Hot Holiday Nights and Holiday on Ice but in the end I went with the heart than the... lower half of the region.
I really enjoyed Mistletoe Games as whole and I am thrilled that Burton took the time to bring these stories together in one place for the rest of us. Thank you Burton!
Booklikes
Goodreads
Google Plus
Blogger
Amazon
Wordpress
RSS
BlogLovin
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Penguin/Berkley Publishing
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
October 19, 2016
Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: MISTLETOE GAMES by Jaci Burton http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-6MB
Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
REVIEW:
Three lovely stories revolving around Christmas and sports. HOLIDAY GAMES brings us to the world of Gavin and Liz as they get involved with the preparation for Ty and Jenna’s wedding. It was light on the baseball angle and more about the couples each dealing with big changes and love. Nice sexy little story. HOLIDAY ON ICE is of course hockey themed and I admit, I love hockey players. This was a fun and sexy romance that made me smile. Trick and Stella made a good couple, even though I wanted to throw a snowball at Stella at one point. HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS brings us to the sexy world of surfers and a hot romance between Tori and Alex. I read this novella before and it was just as much fun this time around. Overall, the book was a pleasant read with each story the perfect length with a fun story.
*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
REVIEW:
Three lovely stories revolving around Christmas and sports. HOLIDAY GAMES brings us to the world of Gavin and Liz as they get involved with the preparation for Ty and Jenna’s wedding. It was light on the baseball angle and more about the couples each dealing with big changes and love. Nice sexy little story. HOLIDAY ON ICE is of course hockey themed and I admit, I love hockey players. This was a fun and sexy romance that made me smile. Trick and Stella made a good couple, even though I wanted to throw a snowball at Stella at one point. HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS brings us to the sexy world of surfers and a hot romance between Tori and Alex. I read this novella before and it was just as much fun this time around. Overall, the book was a pleasant read with each story the perfect length with a fun story.
*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2016
Originall posted on NallaReads
***ARC Received from NetGalley for an honest review***
Hey all! I was fortunate enough to get the chance to FINALLY read Mistletoe Games the holiday anthology set from Jaci Burton!
Holiday Games takes us back to Liz and Gavin Riley after they've married. Liz, as with all the women of the Play by Play series, is strong and independent. Her whole life she's done what she could to get ahead despite having a gigantic crush on her client Gavin. in Changing the Game we got to see her walls finally come down and watch as her and Gavin fell head over heels for one another in an explosive affair. Now we get to glimpse into their life as they attempt to get pregnant. I like the fact that Burton took the route of the difficulty of pregnancy. Liz struggles with herself and the troubles she's had to get pregnant. I also enjoy that Burton didn't focus just on Gavin's support of Liz, she focused on Liz's ability to have faith in herself and from her closest girlfriends and family. Truly a heartwarming story that I love!
Holiday on Ice introduces us to two knew but familiar characters, Stella: the lead ballerina and Trick, the stud hockey player. Stella's past holds a terrible break up that leaves her without the ability to commit to any man. She has no problem having her fun with them and Trick was one of the best she ever had. When Trick sees Stella months after they seemingly drifted apart, he knows he can't let her go again. Undeniably attracted to one another, these two make for one steamy pair. But when Trick begins to lay out how he feels and Stella fears that the past may rear its head again, she can't decide what to do. Trick's commitment to Stella and his honesty with her is what drew me most to him. Plus glimpses of Drew and Carolina made me exceedingly happy!
Hot Holiday Nights is one of the sexiest Jaci Burton stories I have EVER read! WHEW! Victoria is finally on vacation in Hawaii after working her ass off as a sports agent and she's been looking forward to some much deserved vacation bliss. What she didn't expect was a surfing competition that leads her to sexy surfer Alex and a hot night between them. Surprisingly after their tryst it turns out that Alex's agent, Ben, had been in the room and witnessed their love affair! Now Victoria's got eyes for Ben too; and it seems they both don't mind sharing. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. After nights of insane pleasure beyond their dreams, Victoria, Ben, and Alex have to come to terms with how they all feel for one another...and what the future will hold. This last story honestly took me by surprise and i have to commend Burton for going a little out of her general romance/sexy field in the steamiest scenes I've ever read from her!Until next review!
XOXO Nalla
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November 4, 2016
Mistletoe Games: A Play-by-Play Anthology (Play by Play #6.5, 8.5. 10.5) by Jaci Burton
4 stars
M/F, M/F, M/F/M Romances
Triggers: Fertility issues (#6.5)
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was an great collection. Normally, I shy away from anthologies, but this one didn't disappoint. I must admit though, the first two, for me, were just so-so, but the last one, that's the one that pushed me to 4 stars.
While the first book had some emotional issues and the second story had some logistical issues, both were pretty short and sweet. Romance is in the air for both and while the characters aren't super developed, because the stories are so short, it really isn't necessary for an in depth look at the characters' lives. I don't want to write too much, but the first book was more about wanting a family, but keeping the spark alive in a relationship. It didn't seem that they had been in a relationship that had become mundane, they just wanted to grow and mature in their lives.
The second story was more of a second chance story. Before, neither of them was ready for a relationship. Scheduling issues, life - they got in the way. While this is not what I would categorize as a true second chance, grand love story, it is one where love conquers fears and doubts. I don't want to write too much more because it will give away the stories, but let's just say that the main characters can't get enough of each other and the secondary characters make for fun reading.
The third story in the anthology was my favorite. Might because there was more of a connection made, at least for me, among the main characters. This one was by far the longest of the three and you really were able to see the relationships develop, grow and mature. Also, there seemed to be much more involved in this story. That might be because there are more main characters, but I think also, it was because this story had so much more going for it. Burton really wrote a story that began with attraction, grew in to something more and changed the lives of all of the characters.
I would definitely recommend these stories.
4 stars
M/F, M/F, M/F/M Romances
Triggers: Fertility issues (#6.5)
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was an great collection. Normally, I shy away from anthologies, but this one didn't disappoint. I must admit though, the first two, for me, were just so-so, but the last one, that's the one that pushed me to 4 stars.
While the first book had some emotional issues and the second story had some logistical issues, both were pretty short and sweet. Romance is in the air for both and while the characters aren't super developed, because the stories are so short, it really isn't necessary for an in depth look at the characters' lives. I don't want to write too much, but the first book was more about wanting a family, but keeping the spark alive in a relationship. It didn't seem that they had been in a relationship that had become mundane, they just wanted to grow and mature in their lives.
The second story was more of a second chance story. Before, neither of them was ready for a relationship. Scheduling issues, life - they got in the way. While this is not what I would categorize as a true second chance, grand love story, it is one where love conquers fears and doubts. I don't want to write too much more because it will give away the stories, but let's just say that the main characters can't get enough of each other and the secondary characters make for fun reading.
The third story in the anthology was my favorite. Might because there was more of a connection made, at least for me, among the main characters. This one was by far the longest of the three and you really were able to see the relationships develop, grow and mature. Also, there seemed to be much more involved in this story. That might be because there are more main characters, but I think also, it was because this story had so much more going for it. Burton really wrote a story that began with attraction, grew in to something more and changed the lives of all of the characters.
I would definitely recommend these stories.
October 16, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I love a good story, whether it be a novel or novella and once again Ms. Burton didn't disappoint.
Holiday Games
We see Liz and Gavin still very much in love and wanting to start a family. Liz has made her goal to become a mom and has started "Operation Baby" where she jumps her husband every chance she gets.
This novella shows a pair in love, contemplating the future and what may come. They deal with their problems head on, and rely on the other to give them strength.
Holiday on Ice
Trick and Stella are friends who have fooled around in the past. Due to busy lives and schedules they drifted away from each other. Until one night they reconnect in a pub they both frequent. They hook up again only this time, Trick is ready for more.
Stella is not sure if she is. Being very independent, she doesn't want to rely on anyone, or to be "smothered" or made to feel her career is "less important" than her boyfriend's. But Trick is different. He doesn't complain about her long hours, but rather tends to aches and pains as if it normal part of life.
The question remains - Can Stella give Trick the commitment he wants without giving up who she is?
Hot Holiday Nights
Tori is in Hawaii on her annual holiday vacation and wouldn't mind a holiday fling. Alex seems to be just the guy to do that. He's a young, hot surfer who, apparently, doesn't mind being with a slightly older woman. They get along great and the sexual attraction is off the charts. So much so, they didn't notice the man sitting in the suite as she and Alex got hot and heavy just inside the door.
Ben, Alex's business manager, is slightly older than Alex and just as attractive. Tori finds herself fantasizing about Ben, of what it would look be like to be with him. And with Alex. At the same time.
The connection between Alex, Tori and Ben is explosive and Tori wonders what it would be like to be with them long after the holidays are over.
I love a good story, whether it be a novel or novella and once again Ms. Burton didn't disappoint.
Holiday Games
We see Liz and Gavin still very much in love and wanting to start a family. Liz has made her goal to become a mom and has started "Operation Baby" where she jumps her husband every chance she gets.
This novella shows a pair in love, contemplating the future and what may come. They deal with their problems head on, and rely on the other to give them strength.
Holiday on Ice
Trick and Stella are friends who have fooled around in the past. Due to busy lives and schedules they drifted away from each other. Until one night they reconnect in a pub they both frequent. They hook up again only this time, Trick is ready for more.
Stella is not sure if she is. Being very independent, she doesn't want to rely on anyone, or to be "smothered" or made to feel her career is "less important" than her boyfriend's. But Trick is different. He doesn't complain about her long hours, but rather tends to aches and pains as if it normal part of life.
The question remains - Can Stella give Trick the commitment he wants without giving up who she is?
Hot Holiday Nights
Tori is in Hawaii on her annual holiday vacation and wouldn't mind a holiday fling. Alex seems to be just the guy to do that. He's a young, hot surfer who, apparently, doesn't mind being with a slightly older woman. They get along great and the sexual attraction is off the charts. So much so, they didn't notice the man sitting in the suite as she and Alex got hot and heavy just inside the door.
Ben, Alex's business manager, is slightly older than Alex and just as attractive. Tori finds herself fantasizing about Ben, of what it would look be like to be with him. And with Alex. At the same time.
The connection between Alex, Tori and Ben is explosive and Tori wonders what it would be like to be with them long after the holidays are over.
March 27, 2017
No one writes sports romances like Jaci Burton! I cannot get enough of her Play-by-Play series, and I was thrilled to see Mistletoe Games is an anthology of three of her Play-by-Play novellas combined into one book - three books in one.
Holiday Games revisits baseball player Gavin Riley and Elizabeth (Liz) who were in book two of the series, Changing the Game. The two are married now and looking to start a family. It is wonderful to catch up with the Liz and Gavin, and we are also treated to appearances of the entire Riley family. This is a fun story, especially if you have read the prior books in the series. Of course, Holiday Games is also extremely hot.
Holiday on Ice features hockey player Patrick (Trick) Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski. Stella is a dedicated to her profession and nurses a broken heart. She has no desire for a relationship and is a tough cookie. Trick has always been a player but finds he wants more with Stella. This is a nice change of pace to see the man be the one that wants the relationship while the woman hesitates. This is a sweet read and, of course, it is also extremely hot.
Speaking of hot, Hot Holiday Nights is the hottest of these three novellas. During a vacation in Hawaii, Tori Baldwin meets surfer Alex and his business manager Ben. Tori and Alex start an affair but Tori finds herself also attracted to Ben. Ben and Alex are not intimate with each other but have shared women before. Neither has ever had strong emotional feelings for a woman like they begin to have for Tori. This novella almost made my Kindle burst into flames.
You really cannot go wrong with Jaci Burton or any of the books in her Play-by-Play series. Combing three of the books into one anthology is brilliant and should be one everyone’s holiday list.
An ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in return for this honest review.
September 26, 2016
A set of 3 short stories by Jaci Burton, all revolving around sports. I like that her books have a nice romantic feel to that and they aren't too racy. I especially love the hockey story.
February 26, 2019
Wow, this one is HOT!!! Fun, sexy series! Steamy love scenes and lovable characters. Also a fun series for sports lovers!
January 1, 2018
4.5 Stars
HOLIDAY GAMES
Jaci Burton is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I love her fast-paced books and diverse characters.
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 :)
HOLIDAY ON ICE
Jaci Burton’s book covers always warm me up, but this novella left me a little frosty.
Being a bigger lady who doesn’t have issues with body image, makes it difficult for me to relate to heroines like Stella who are constantly counting calories and reciting how much activity they need to do in order to burn off what they just ate. Granted, this time it is because Stella is a dancer and needs to keep a super slim build in order to be competitive but honestly, it was a little sad.
I do understand that this is a fictional story but there is a lot of truth in it. Every mention of staying slim, counting calories or judging the amount of food they eat by the exercise to counteract it took me right out of the story. There were some very steamy sex scenes, romance and some hockey in this novella but I couldn’t get past the heroine’s—for lack of a better word—obsession with her weight and counting calories.
HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS
. . . is the most appropriate book title I’ve ever read/and or experienced! Holy hot surfer sandwich, Batman! Jaci Burton wows us with this extremely sexy—yet way too short—holiday novella.
Jaci is known for writing athletes and gives us something new and exciting in sexy surfer Alex and retired surfer—yet still VERY sexy—Ben. How can Victoria resist two smokin’ hot men with stamina for days? Alas, she cannot. I don’t think any of us could!
The lovely Ms. Burton gives us her signature steamy romance as well as a mini education of the sport of surfing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I thought it ended too soon! I hope we get to see more of Victoria, Ben and Alex soon! I’d love to see how they are “making things work.” :)
***I was generously gifted an early copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
HOLIDAY GAMES
Jaci Burton is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I love her fast-paced books and diverse characters.
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 :)
HOLIDAY ON ICE
Jaci Burton’s book covers always warm me up, but this novella left me a little frosty.
Being a bigger lady who doesn’t have issues with body image, makes it difficult for me to relate to heroines like Stella who are constantly counting calories and reciting how much activity they need to do in order to burn off what they just ate. Granted, this time it is because Stella is a dancer and needs to keep a super slim build in order to be competitive but honestly, it was a little sad.
I do understand that this is a fictional story but there is a lot of truth in it. Every mention of staying slim, counting calories or judging the amount of food they eat by the exercise to counteract it took me right out of the story. There were some very steamy sex scenes, romance and some hockey in this novella but I couldn’t get past the heroine’s—for lack of a better word—obsession with her weight and counting calories.
HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS
. . . is the most appropriate book title I’ve ever read/and or experienced! Holy hot surfer sandwich, Batman! Jaci Burton wows us with this extremely sexy—yet way too short—holiday novella.
Jaci is known for writing athletes and gives us something new and exciting in sexy surfer Alex and retired surfer—yet still VERY sexy—Ben. How can Victoria resist two smokin’ hot men with stamina for days? Alas, she cannot. I don’t think any of us could!
The lovely Ms. Burton gives us her signature steamy romance as well as a mini education of the sport of surfing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I thought it ended too soon! I hope we get to see more of Victoria, Ben and Alex soon! I’d love to see how they are “making things work.” :)
***I was generously gifted an early copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
October 18, 2016
Getting into the holiday spirit for me starts with a good holiday read! And there's no one that does holiday stories better than Jaci Burton! Keep in mind, though, that if you follow the Play by Play series you'll want to check and see if you've read these already as they were published in years back. The great thing is that you can now own them in paperback form for the first time! A great addition to your collection.
HOLIDAY GAMES (#6.5)
As usual with any book in the Play by Play series, you will be filled with a sense of family and rightness. HOLIDAY GAMES was a slice of life in the Riley family, and it was a deliciously sweet visit with some of my absolutely favorite characters.
This story centers around the holidays and especially Gavin and Liz, who are trying to get pregnant. You know what my favorite part is? Liz is still Liz. Unapologetic and determined to get what she wants. She’s not turned into a mushy submissive woman that does everything her man says. She gives as good as she gets. She demands things herself. And she takes. She is my absolutely favorite female so far in this series. We are also seeing Ty and Jenna’s wedding planning excitement! Another one of my fave couples.
HOLIDAY GAMES is still and extremely sweet, family centered story but don’t let it fool you… it packs a lot of HEAT!
If you have a love for these characters, you’re going to love this story. Although it does stand well on its own, I would recommend you read it as part of the series.
HOLIDAY ON ICE (#8.5)
Holiday stories from Jaci Burton are about my most favorite thing to read during this time of year. No matter whether she does it in the Play by Play series or a separate thing altogether, she always manages to capture the exact feeling I want to get when I read a holiday story. Jaci Burton truly is the perfect author to read any holiday season!
So here’s Drew and Stella. We go back to hockey players, which I have a thing for, so I was very happy. Trick has had an on again off again sexual relationship with Stella for a while. He’s busy with his hockey career, she’s busy with her career as a dancer. And while she’s sworn off relationships because of her past failed attempt, he may be ready to put in the work to give their almost perfect chemistry a permanent go.
Although I feel that this might be Ms. Burton’s tried and true formula (and I may be looking forward to a little different dynamic), celebrity sports player meets powerful career oriented woman who doesn’t want a relationship and then proceeds to convince her otherwise, I still enjoyed this story a lot!
This little novella packs a lot of sexy with a dash of sweet in it. It’s a fast read, without a crazy amount of conflict, but just with a couple that are getting a second REAL chance. I’m a fan of those. Especially with a novella, I always find it easier to believe when there’s history between the couple. In HOLIDAY ON ICE you can tell from the get go they are perfect for each other. They get along great, they seem very relaxed around each other, and they have great sexual chemistry. You can’t help but want to be hanging out around them!
This novella now leaves me wanting to know more about Stella’s sister and who she may end up with.
HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS (#10.5)
If there is one thing I always look forward as the holidays approach is the guaranteed Jaci Burton holiday themed short story. There is something special and magical about how she perfectly blends the spirit of the holidays with the heart of her stories. HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS is a bit different than some of the others she's done in that it's not a sport I would've expected to see from her (surfing!) and it's not characters I'm overly familiar with.
Color me surprised because this is the first threesome in the series! The sizzling chemistry between Alex and Victoria, and then Victoria and Ben was enough to warm up any winter's night. Add in to that the fact that Alex and Ben have been best friends for years but they are both at very different stages in their lives and are also different ages, I think it brings the perfect balance and complement to the story.
It was nice and refreshing seeing an older heroine who makes no apologies for what she wants and likes and isn't afraid to take it, even if that involves a hot surfer dude who is younger than her and not caring how others might see that and how she might fit in with his younger crowd. But it was also nice to see the completely different dynamics between her and Ben as I found they had a better connection and more things in common.
Either way, this was a great and quick read and it only leaves me excited about seeing more from this series. After 10 books, it's still going strong as one of my go to series!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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October 25, 2016
Getting into the holiday spirit for me starts with a good holiday read! And there’s no one that does holiday stories better than Jaci Burton! Keep in mind, though, that if you follow the Play by Play series you’ll want to check and see if you’ve read these already as they were published in years back. The great thing is that you can now own them in paperback form for the first time! A great addition to your collection.
HOLIDAY GAMES (#6.5)
As usual with any book in the Play by Play series, you will be filled with a sense of family and rightness. HOLIDAY GAMES was a slice of life in the Riley family, and it was a deliciously sweet visit with some of my absolutely favorite characters.
This story centers around the holidays and especially Gavin and Liz, who are trying to get pregnant. You know what my favorite part is? Liz is still Liz. Unapologetic and determined to get what she wants. She’s not turned into a mushy submissive woman that does everything her man says. She gives as good as she gets. She demands things herself. And she takes. She is my absolutely favorite female so far in this series. We are also seeing Ty and Jenna’s wedding planning excitement! Another one of my fave couples.
HOLIDAY GAMES is still and extremely sweet, family centered story but don’t let it fool you… it packs a lot of HEAT!
If you have a love for these characters, you’re going to love this story. Although it does stand well on its own, I would recommend you read it as part of the series.
HOLIDAY ON ICE (#8.5)
Holiday stories from Jaci Burton are about my most favorite thing to read during this time of year. No matter whether she does it in the Play by Play series or a separate thing altogether, she always manages to capture the exact feeling I want to get when I read a holiday story. Jaci Burton truly is the perfect author to read any holiday season!
So here’s Drew and Stella. We go back to hockey players, which I have a thing for, so I was very happy. Trick has had an on again off again sexual relationship with Stella for a while. He’s busy with his hockey career, she’s busy with her career as a dancer. And while she’s sworn off relationships because of her past failed attempt, he may be ready to put in the work to give their almost perfect chemistry a permanent go.
Although I feel that this might be Ms. Burton’s tried and true formula (and I may be looking forward to a little different dynamic), celebrity sports player meets powerful career oriented woman who doesn’t want a relationship and then proceeds to convince her otherwise, I still enjoyed this story a lot!
This little novella packs a lot of sexy with a dash of sweet in it. It’s a fast read, without a crazy amount of conflict, but just with a couple that are getting a second REAL chance. I’m a fan of those. Especially with a novella, I always find it easier to believe when there’s history between the couple. In HOLIDAY ON ICE you can tell from the get go they are perfect for each other. They get along great, they seem very relaxed around each other, and they have great sexual chemistry. You can’t help but want to be hanging out around them!
This novella now leaves me wanting to know more about Stella’s sister and who she may end up with.
HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS (#10.5)
If there is one thing I always look forward as the holidays approach is the guaranteed Jaci Burton holiday themed short story. There is something special and magical about how she perfectly blends the spirit of the holidays with the heart of her stories. HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS is a bit different than some of the others she’s done in that it’s not a sport I would’ve expected to see from her (surfing!) and it’s not characters I’m overly familiar with.
Color me surprised because this is the first threesome in the series! The sizzling chemistry between Alex and Victoria, and then Victoria and Ben was enough to warm up any winter’s night. Add in to that the fact that Alex and Ben have been best friends for years but they are both at very different stages in their lives and are also different ages, I think it brings the perfect balance and complement to the story.
It was nice and refreshing seeing an older heroine who makes no apologies for what she wants and likes and isn’t afraid to take it, even if that involves a hot surfer dude who is younger than her and not caring how others might see that and how she might fit in with his younger crowd. But it was also nice to see the completely different dynamics between her and Ben as I found they had a better connection and more things in common.
Either way, this was a great and quick read and it only leaves me excited about seeing more from this series. After 10 books, it’s still going strong as one of my go to series!
October 11, 2016
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
Holiday Games: (4 1/2 hearts)
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.
Holiday on Ice: (4 1/2 hearts)
Loved.
Simple as that.
I loved this book.
Trick & Stella we have met before. I think we all know then that something was going on with them. But we just didn’t know what or how deep it ran. That being said since this was a novella I am not going to give you more. ;) Except that I loved Trick and Stella and you should read this novella.
If you are a fan of the Play-by-Play series you will love this novella. If you have not started this series never fear you can pick up Holiday on Ice and read without being lost.
Hot Holiday Nights: (4 hearts)
In Hot Holiday Nights we get to follow sports agent Victoria Baldwin on her holiday trip to Hawaii. And it just happens to be the same time as a huge Surfing contest. Which brings some hottie surfers. Alex is a surfing super start and a very sweet guy who is looking for a good time will he is in Hawaii. Ben is Alex’s agent, best friend and was once a competitive surfer until he was hurt.
This was a very quick read and boy howdy it was spicy. Victoria is a woman who knows what she wants and when she wants it. Alex, Victoria and Ben make a great team!!! I don’t want to give you too much but if you like the Play by Play series you will love this novella.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Holiday Games: (4 1/2 hearts)
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.
Holiday on Ice: (4 1/2 hearts)
Loved.
Simple as that.
I loved this book.
Trick & Stella we have met before. I think we all know then that something was going on with them. But we just didn’t know what or how deep it ran. That being said since this was a novella I am not going to give you more. ;) Except that I loved Trick and Stella and you should read this novella.
If you are a fan of the Play-by-Play series you will love this novella. If you have not started this series never fear you can pick up Holiday on Ice and read without being lost.
Hot Holiday Nights: (4 hearts)
In Hot Holiday Nights we get to follow sports agent Victoria Baldwin on her holiday trip to Hawaii. And it just happens to be the same time as a huge Surfing contest. Which brings some hottie surfers. Alex is a surfing super start and a very sweet guy who is looking for a good time will he is in Hawaii. Ben is Alex’s agent, best friend and was once a competitive surfer until he was hurt.
This was a very quick read and boy howdy it was spicy. Victoria is a woman who knows what she wants and when she wants it. Alex, Victoria and Ben make a great team!!! I don’t want to give you too much but if you like the Play by Play series you will love this novella.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
November 26, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mi...
Mistletoe Games
Play by Play Anthology
By Jaci Burton
ISBN# 9780451488138
Author’s Website: http://www.jaciburton.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
I was pretty excited when this book arrived in the mail even though I’m not a big fan of anthologies, mainly because I really struggle with getting immersed in short stories. But it was a Play-by-Play book so I quickly looked past that. But I was a little disappointed when I realized they weren’t new stories, but just packaged together for the first time. I had already read two of the three stories, and the one I haven’t read was only because I didn’t start reading this series until book 8, Straddling the Line. So I’ll detail the story I hadn’t read previously, Holiday games, and include my reviews of the other two stories from previous posts.
3-Star-rating
Holiday Games
Play by Play #6.5
Christmas is just around the corner and things have been rather hectic for Liz and Gavin Riley. They are hosting the family Christmas dinner this year with the huge Riley clan all expected to invade their home and Liz is determined to do everything on her own. But before that, Gavin’s sister is getting married and there is plenty of wedding stuff to attend to including the bachelor and bachelorette party trips to Las Vegas and Jamaica respectively. And, if all that wasn’t enough, Liz is on a mission to get pregnant. They’ve been trying for over a year, but Liz refuses to give up, but it doesn’t stop her constant disappointment. But it leads her to sexually assaulting her husband everywhere they go! Not that Gavin is too upset about that!
I wanted to like this story, but I found it to be a bit to blasé. Gavin’s cheesy ‘Magic Cock of Knowledge’ was almost more than I could take. But thankfully the all-powerful only made the one scene. I also found Liz to be a total killjoy on the bachelorette party, no drinking and hanging out in the cabana instead of swimming with her girls most of the time. And my final complaint was Nathan’s girlfriend being just a little too perfect. A college kid putting her grades before the sport she supposedly loves? Seems a bit too levelheaded for someone that age.
But by the time this story was over, I had a stupid grin on my face and Gavin and Liz had the Christmas they will never be able to forget!
5-star
Holiday on Ice
Play by Play, Book #8.5
Originally posted here: http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Hockey player, Trick, and dancer, Stella, were pretty hot between the sheets last year, but their schedules got in the way and they drifted apart as people often do. But they bump into each other at a local bar, and both are flooded with the heated memories of their past. Both wanting to have a repeat performance. But it goes against Stella’s rules. Never start seeing the same guy again after it’s ended.
Stella doesn’t believe in dating. After having her heart broken once, she refuses to get involved in a relationship. Preferring to find a warm body to slack her needs with from time to time instead. But will all the rules go out the window when she takes a chance on Trick? A man who definitely wants more!
This was a great novella! Can you tell by my star rating? I’m not a huge fan of the short story. It’s hard to get invested in the characters in such a short time, hard for an author to write a story with depth in just a hundred pages or so. But this novella did just that! I loved it!
Of course it doesn’t hurt that hockey is my favorite sport, my first love really. So, I was bound to fall in love with the hockey player, Trick! He was sweet, kind, and loyal. Sounds a little too much like a dog for you? Well the steamy sex scenes will rid you of that notion right away. He is swoon worthy with the ice skating adventure, snowball fight, and of course the special tree topper!
Stella, Stella, Stella. I can appreciate a girl not wanting to get involved with a sticky messy romance, but at times I wanted to shake her! Sexy. Hockey. Player. Hello! I was also really shocked when the reason for her dating boycott came about. I was expecting something much worse, and it really made me feel like she was over-reacting! And then jumping to conclusions without even talking to Trick about it, trying to end things without even explaining why??
But luckily Trick is a patient and forgiving man!
I really enjoyed this story and think it’s a perfect quick read to get you in the winter, ice-skating, and Christmas spirit! A perfect holiday treat!
“I have a gift for you.”
She cocked a brow. “Is that right?”
“Yes. It’ll require us to get naked.”
She looped her arm in his as they headed to the bedroom. “Is this gift something I’ve seen before?”
“Well … maybe. But this gift can always be used in new and unique ways.”
She tilted her head back and laughed. “Best. Gift. Ever.”
3-Star-rating
Hot Holiday Nights
Play-by-Play, Book #10.5
Originally posted here: http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Sports agent, Victoria Baldwin, is taking a long overdue vacation to Hawaii for her Christmas holiday. There is a big surfing competition going on while she’s there and she quickly meets a hot champion surfer, Alex McConnell. They hit it off right away, he’s a perfect vacation fling, and things really start to heat up! But then Victoria meets Alex’s friend, Ben, and she can’t help being attracted to them both!!
I found myself really enjoying this book and it was a super quick read! But very steamy!
I enjoyed both men in question, but wasn’t expecting it to turn into a ménage book! So take Burton’s usual steaminess and multiple it by 100%!!
Ben and Alex were both perfect gentleman, the too good to be true variety, but the perfect dream men for this book! They are a typical ménage book pair of guys caring so much about the female in question’s pleasure and needs. I found Ben’s stopping as things really started getting amped up to get everyone a drink a bit odd and unrealistic.
I wanted to like Victoria and I guess she wasn’t a bad character, but she did come off as a bit of a slut in this one with how quickly she goes from under Alex’s bed to fantasizing about Ben and then off course how easily she accepted a threesome from these two hunks and quickly took charge of the situation. She also seemed a bit too prepared!
But overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick steamy read and overall a lot of fun! It makes me hope we see more surfers in this series in the future!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a review copy in exchange for an honest review*
Mistletoe Games
Play by Play Anthology
By Jaci Burton
ISBN# 9780451488138
Author’s Website: http://www.jaciburton.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
I was pretty excited when this book arrived in the mail even though I’m not a big fan of anthologies, mainly because I really struggle with getting immersed in short stories. But it was a Play-by-Play book so I quickly looked past that. But I was a little disappointed when I realized they weren’t new stories, but just packaged together for the first time. I had already read two of the three stories, and the one I haven’t read was only because I didn’t start reading this series until book 8, Straddling the Line. So I’ll detail the story I hadn’t read previously, Holiday games, and include my reviews of the other two stories from previous posts.
3-Star-rating
Holiday Games
Play by Play #6.5
Christmas is just around the corner and things have been rather hectic for Liz and Gavin Riley. They are hosting the family Christmas dinner this year with the huge Riley clan all expected to invade their home and Liz is determined to do everything on her own. But before that, Gavin’s sister is getting married and there is plenty of wedding stuff to attend to including the bachelor and bachelorette party trips to Las Vegas and Jamaica respectively. And, if all that wasn’t enough, Liz is on a mission to get pregnant. They’ve been trying for over a year, but Liz refuses to give up, but it doesn’t stop her constant disappointment. But it leads her to sexually assaulting her husband everywhere they go! Not that Gavin is too upset about that!
I wanted to like this story, but I found it to be a bit to blasé. Gavin’s cheesy ‘Magic Cock of Knowledge’ was almost more than I could take. But thankfully the all-powerful only made the one scene. I also found Liz to be a total killjoy on the bachelorette party, no drinking and hanging out in the cabana instead of swimming with her girls most of the time. And my final complaint was Nathan’s girlfriend being just a little too perfect. A college kid putting her grades before the sport she supposedly loves? Seems a bit too levelheaded for someone that age.
But by the time this story was over, I had a stupid grin on my face and Gavin and Liz had the Christmas they will never be able to forget!
5-star
Holiday on Ice
Play by Play, Book #8.5
Originally posted here: http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Hockey player, Trick, and dancer, Stella, were pretty hot between the sheets last year, but their schedules got in the way and they drifted apart as people often do. But they bump into each other at a local bar, and both are flooded with the heated memories of their past. Both wanting to have a repeat performance. But it goes against Stella’s rules. Never start seeing the same guy again after it’s ended.
Stella doesn’t believe in dating. After having her heart broken once, she refuses to get involved in a relationship. Preferring to find a warm body to slack her needs with from time to time instead. But will all the rules go out the window when she takes a chance on Trick? A man who definitely wants more!
This was a great novella! Can you tell by my star rating? I’m not a huge fan of the short story. It’s hard to get invested in the characters in such a short time, hard for an author to write a story with depth in just a hundred pages or so. But this novella did just that! I loved it!
Of course it doesn’t hurt that hockey is my favorite sport, my first love really. So, I was bound to fall in love with the hockey player, Trick! He was sweet, kind, and loyal. Sounds a little too much like a dog for you? Well the steamy sex scenes will rid you of that notion right away. He is swoon worthy with the ice skating adventure, snowball fight, and of course the special tree topper!
Stella, Stella, Stella. I can appreciate a girl not wanting to get involved with a sticky messy romance, but at times I wanted to shake her! Sexy. Hockey. Player. Hello! I was also really shocked when the reason for her dating boycott came about. I was expecting something much worse, and it really made me feel like she was over-reacting! And then jumping to conclusions without even talking to Trick about it, trying to end things without even explaining why??
But luckily Trick is a patient and forgiving man!
I really enjoyed this story and think it’s a perfect quick read to get you in the winter, ice-skating, and Christmas spirit! A perfect holiday treat!
“I have a gift for you.”
She cocked a brow. “Is that right?”
“Yes. It’ll require us to get naked.”
She looped her arm in his as they headed to the bedroom. “Is this gift something I’ve seen before?”
“Well … maybe. But this gift can always be used in new and unique ways.”
She tilted her head back and laughed. “Best. Gift. Ever.”
3-Star-rating
Hot Holiday Nights
Play-by-Play, Book #10.5
Originally posted here: http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Sports agent, Victoria Baldwin, is taking a long overdue vacation to Hawaii for her Christmas holiday. There is a big surfing competition going on while she’s there and she quickly meets a hot champion surfer, Alex McConnell. They hit it off right away, he’s a perfect vacation fling, and things really start to heat up! But then Victoria meets Alex’s friend, Ben, and she can’t help being attracted to them both!!
I found myself really enjoying this book and it was a super quick read! But very steamy!
I enjoyed both men in question, but wasn’t expecting it to turn into a ménage book! So take Burton’s usual steaminess and multiple it by 100%!!
Ben and Alex were both perfect gentleman, the too good to be true variety, but the perfect dream men for this book! They are a typical ménage book pair of guys caring so much about the female in question’s pleasure and needs. I found Ben’s stopping as things really started getting amped up to get everyone a drink a bit odd and unrealistic.
I wanted to like Victoria and I guess she wasn’t a bad character, but she did come off as a bit of a slut in this one with how quickly she goes from under Alex’s bed to fantasizing about Ben and then off course how easily she accepted a threesome from these two hunks and quickly took charge of the situation. She also seemed a bit too prepared!
But overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick steamy read and overall a lot of fun! It makes me hope we see more surfers in this series in the future!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a review copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 18, 2016
So steamy hot! ho Ho Ho!
November 3, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5* hot and sexy stars
These are three Christmas novellas that have been brought together in this omnibus - and are a great way to start this festive season for any sports romance fan.
Holiday Games
Liz and Gavin are the main couple in this story, and we get to laugh and cry along with them. It was great to see them making a go of their married life and looking to the future - so often romances end at the wedding, and then concentrate on another couple. But here we see 'normality', and it is delicious. Catching up with all the Riley men and their partners too is a real treat. I loved remembering their stories.
Holiday on Ice
Great fun and festive story of a couple of people who are living the life of their dreams, and not ready to settle down ... or are they? The chemistry between them is delicious, and they know how to heat up the sheets, but what about wanting more. I loved how we get a whole story in this novella and revisit old friends too.
Hot Holiday Nights
Set in Hawaii in a luxury hotel and the beach, this brings the sunshine to this Christmas story. This is a sensual and steamy read, with a wonderful indication of how three people really can balance each other out. A very enjoyable read.
4.5* hot and sexy stars
These are three Christmas novellas that have been brought together in this omnibus - and are a great way to start this festive season for any sports romance fan.
Holiday Games
Liz and Gavin are the main couple in this story, and we get to laugh and cry along with them. It was great to see them making a go of their married life and looking to the future - so often romances end at the wedding, and then concentrate on another couple. But here we see 'normality', and it is delicious. Catching up with all the Riley men and their partners too is a real treat. I loved remembering their stories.
Holiday on Ice
Great fun and festive story of a couple of people who are living the life of their dreams, and not ready to settle down ... or are they? The chemistry between them is delicious, and they know how to heat up the sheets, but what about wanting more. I loved how we get a whole story in this novella and revisit old friends too.
Hot Holiday Nights
Set in Hawaii in a luxury hotel and the beach, this brings the sunshine to this Christmas story. This is a sensual and steamy read, with a wonderful indication of how three people really can balance each other out. A very enjoyable read.
October 12, 2016
Sexy, passionate, and a little risqué.
This novel is a compilation of three holiday novellas, Holiday Games, Holiday on Ice, and Hot Holiday Nights.
Holiday Games is a sweet, fun, engaging novel that lets us have a brief visit with the Rileys once again and check back in with Liz and Gavin from Changing the Game (Book #2 in the Play-by-Play series) who are now eagerly hoping to add to their family, and Jenna and Ty from Taking a Shot (Book #3 in the Play-by-Play series) who are now in the final stages of planning their wedding and tying the knot.
Holiday on Ice is the new, untold, steamy romance between Drew's teammate, Patrick "Trick" Niemeyer and the elegant, graceful dancer, Stella Slovinski.
And Hot Holiday Nights is the scorchingly erotic, threesome story between Tori, a successful sports agent; Alex, an international surfer phenom; and Ben, Alex's manager and ex-competitive surfer.
The writing, as always, is well done. The characters are independent, strong, sporty, and deliciously handsome. And the plot builds and flows nicely with a good dose of drama, chemistry, sexual tension, and sizzling sex scenes.
Overall, this is a fun, entertaining, easy read that would be a great "naughty" stocking stuffer.
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 website at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This novel is a compilation of three holiday novellas, Holiday Games, Holiday on Ice, and Hot Holiday Nights.
Holiday Games is a sweet, fun, engaging novel that lets us have a brief visit with the Rileys once again and check back in with Liz and Gavin from Changing the Game (Book #2 in the Play-by-Play series) who are now eagerly hoping to add to their family, and Jenna and Ty from Taking a Shot (Book #3 in the Play-by-Play series) who are now in the final stages of planning their wedding and tying the knot.
Holiday on Ice is the new, untold, steamy romance between Drew's teammate, Patrick "Trick" Niemeyer and the elegant, graceful dancer, Stella Slovinski.
And Hot Holiday Nights is the scorchingly erotic, threesome story between Tori, a successful sports agent; Alex, an international surfer phenom; and Ben, Alex's manager and ex-competitive surfer.
The writing, as always, is well done. The characters are independent, strong, sporty, and deliciously handsome. And the plot builds and flows nicely with a good dose of drama, chemistry, sexual tension, and sizzling sex scenes.
Overall, this is a fun, entertaining, easy read that would be a great "naughty" stocking stuffer.
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 website at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
October 19, 2016
Are getting ready for the holiday season? Are you jump starting the festive decorating and shopping madness? Here’s another thing to add to your pre holiday to do list. Read Mistletoe Games by Jaci Burton. Nobody does the holiday’s better than Jaci and her teams of hunky professional athletes.
Holiday Games and Holiday On Ice were previously released in the past few holiday seasons. Both these novella’s celebrated the joy of the season, the importance of loved ones, and new beginnings. I thoroughly enjoyed these novella’s and would highly recommend them to readers looking for the holiday spirit.
The latest holiday novella added to the collection, Hot Holiday Nights is exactly as the title implies. Get ready for one hot sports agent spending her holiday with two hunky surfers. This book will make your egg nog boil and icicles melt. This sexy novella allows one woman to live out her fantasies over a holiday break in Hawaii. A sexy Christmas fling is just what Santa ordered.
I highly recommend Mistletoe Games by Jaci Burton to begin the holiday season.
August 5, 2016
Mistletoe Games is a wonderful and sweet novella! I absolutely love Jaci Burton and the gang is all accounted for! I love that I got to see what Elizabeth and Gavin were up to now, but I enjoyed the two new couples who added their own spice to the novella.
In Holiday Games, we get to see what Elizabeth and her husband Gavin Riley are up too. And it’s as if we’ve never parted. Jumping right in, I felt an instant connected with these characters as they heat it up between the sheets. *hehe*
Holiday on Ice was a wonderful short story that introduced hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer as he gets ready to start a fire in dancer, Stella Slovinski heart. But first he has to grab the ice queen's attention before he can make his move.
Hot Holiday Nights was a great way to wrap up this novella. Sports Agent Tori Baldwin gets to present a young surfer and his business manager, but before anything is decided they get caught up in a wave of romance.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a holiday read.
Reviewing on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for an Honest Review**
In Holiday Games, we get to see what Elizabeth and her husband Gavin Riley are up too. And it’s as if we’ve never parted. Jumping right in, I felt an instant connected with these characters as they heat it up between the sheets. *hehe*
Holiday on Ice was a wonderful short story that introduced hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer as he gets ready to start a fire in dancer, Stella Slovinski heart. But first he has to grab the ice queen's attention before he can make his move.
Hot Holiday Nights was a great way to wrap up this novella. Sports Agent Tori Baldwin gets to present a young surfer and his business manager, but before anything is decided they get caught up in a wave of romance.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a holiday read.
Reviewing on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for an Honest Review**
September 15, 2016
Holiday Games
Interruptions are just not Gavin's thing, “oh, **** is right.” He looked down , and she followed his gaze where his erection bobbed hard and tempting against her leg." I loved this novella I loved seeing how Gavin would do anything for his woman.
Holiday on Ice
Apparently Stella couldn't take Trick gawking at her while she was in the bath, “are you intending to be my bathtub bodyguard all night or are you going to get naked and get in here with me?” I really liked Trick he had a lot of patience with Stella.
Hot Holiday Nights
I loved Tori from the beginning, the girl had no filter, "sorry. I didn’t mean that. I mean, you’re not too old to surf. Or do anything, quite obviously. Just look at you. Your body is totally hot, and dear God, those abs and …I’m going to stop talking now.” Tori was one lucky lady the girl got two men Ben and Alex.
September 20, 2016
Holiday Games (Book 6.5) brings back the sassy Elizabeth, and her baseball playing husband Gavin. A fun, enchanting, and heartfelt story that compliments the Play-by-Play series perfectly.
Holiday on Ice (Book 8.5) captures the essence of Christmas and resolves past deception and heartache in this novella length story. Jaci Burton never disappoints, and this Christmas tale was no exception.
Hot Holiday Nights (Book 10.5) is a scorcher! The ménage was very well done and suited Victoria’s relationship with Alex and Ben.
Mistletoe Games is a great group of novellas and one I will definitely be recommending!!
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Holiday on Ice (Book 8.5) captures the essence of Christmas and resolves past deception and heartache in this novella length story. Jaci Burton never disappoints, and this Christmas tale was no exception.
Hot Holiday Nights (Book 10.5) is a scorcher! The ménage was very well done and suited Victoria’s relationship with Alex and Ben.
Mistletoe Games is a great group of novellas and one I will definitely be recommending!!
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Read
August 16, 2016These are 3 eNovellas together in print (for the first time). I haven't read the entire Play-By-Play series, so I can't speak to whether or not these enhance it or not, but I enjoyed what I read.
As stand alone short stories, these are entertaining and steamy. Well, 2/3 are. I got a few pages into the final story and realized it wasn't going to be my cup of tea.
Jaci Burton fans won't be disappointed.
Thank you, Berkley Romance for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As stand alone short stories, these are entertaining and steamy. Well, 2/3 are. I got a few pages into the final story and realized it wasn't going to be my cup of tea.
Jaci Burton fans won't be disappointed.
Thank you, Berkley Romance for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2016
I was a little disappointed that these weren't new stories, but just packaged together for the first time. Holiday on Ice is a great story, Hot Holiday Nights was decent too, but sadly Holiday Games was a bit predictable and cheesy.
September 24, 2016
Follow my full review on my blog page, My Girlfriend's Couch, on release day.
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