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Play by Play #13
The Final Score
"In the new Play-by-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Contact, a star quarterback is torn between his love of the game--and the woman who may be the love of his life. Nathan Riley is ready to follow in the footsteps of his famous football player father. He's been drafted as quarterback for his dad's former team, and his future is bright. When his friend Mia Cassidy moves to the same city, their years-long friendship suddenly sparks hot, reminding him of the one night they had together in college that he can never forget. Like Nathan, Mia is from a sports dynasty family and embarking on an incredible new career--as founder of her own sports management company. Her friendship with Nathan means everything to her, and tossing sex into the mix again could jeopardize it. But the chemistry between them has always sizzled, and it isn't long before Mia realizes she wants more with Nathan than just late-night talks and pizza. Passion has a funny way of changing the rules, and soon Nathan and Mia discover that to win it all, they'll have to make an unexpected play for love"--
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
183 people are currently reading
3011 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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June 15, 2017
September 11, 2017
3.5 And The Fun Continues Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
You want a sports romance... then you have to read Jaci Burton. She was one of the first authors I read who did this type of romance... and I was hooked. Her Play by Play series didn't disappoint... and it especially didn't hurt that the covers were worth the price of the books!
This time she has done the cool trick of having the second generation of main characters from the past... falling in love.
They are good friends... and they are now in the sports field themselves... he, a player ... she has a sports management company. Both are ambitious, both are driven...and both think they can scratch their sexy itch without losing their friendship...
Right...
A Fun Read.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
You want a sports romance... then you have to read Jaci Burton. She was one of the first authors I read who did this type of romance... and I was hooked. Her Play by Play series didn't disappoint... and it especially didn't hurt that the covers were worth the price of the books!
This time she has done the cool trick of having the second generation of main characters from the past... falling in love.
They are good friends... and they are now in the sports field themselves... he, a player ... she has a sports management company. Both are ambitious, both are driven...and both think they can scratch their sexy itch without losing their friendship...
Right...
A Fun Read.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 12, 2017
The Final Score is live! There's a giveaway for 7 books in the series along with custom made koozies and a cooler! Link below...
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
3.5 Stars!
Nathan and Mia have been friends since college. They had one night of drunken sex, but Mia didn't want to lose his friendship and put limits on no more sex. Nathan wants more, but he also cares about keeping Mia as his best friend so he accepted her terms. That doesn't stop him from constantly flirting with her.
3 years later, both of them are starting off in very stressful careers. Nathan as the new starting Quarterback and Mia starting her own sports management company. To ease the stress, Nathan suggest trying the friends with benefits relationship. Mia agonizes over this decision but eventually decides to try, however Mia struggles with this decision.
I love a good sports romance, but I gotta say this was super angsty. This is a friends to lovers trope and Mia struggled throughout the whole book with her relationship with Nathan. The amount of times she claimed they were just friends, was a bit overwhelming. It's a great story, I just wish we got more of these two as an actual couple vs the angst of Mia wanting to hide them.
The author brings back a lot of the characters from previous books in the series. There was no other women/men drama and no violence. It's angsty but a safe read. ARC provided by NetGalley.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
3.5 Stars!
Nathan and Mia have been friends since college. They had one night of drunken sex, but Mia didn't want to lose his friendship and put limits on no more sex. Nathan wants more, but he also cares about keeping Mia as his best friend so he accepted her terms. That doesn't stop him from constantly flirting with her.
3 years later, both of them are starting off in very stressful careers. Nathan as the new starting Quarterback and Mia starting her own sports management company. To ease the stress, Nathan suggest trying the friends with benefits relationship. Mia agonizes over this decision but eventually decides to try, however Mia struggles with this decision.
I love a good sports romance, but I gotta say this was super angsty. This is a friends to lovers trope and Mia struggled throughout the whole book with her relationship with Nathan. The amount of times she claimed they were just friends, was a bit overwhelming. It's a great story, I just wish we got more of these two as an actual couple vs the angst of Mia wanting to hide them.
The author brings back a lot of the characters from previous books in the series. There was no other women/men drama and no violence. It's angsty but a safe read. ARC provided by NetGalley.
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September 16, 2017DNF @ 40%
I have to start off by saying this is a me and me alone problem.
Maybe it's because my experience with this series is limited but I could not get into this. Everything seemed Sports Romance formulaic and I never connected with either MC.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
I have to start off by saying this is a me and me alone problem.
Maybe it's because my experience with this series is limited but I could not get into this. Everything seemed Sports Romance formulaic and I never connected with either MC.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
November 19, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live 1/11/18)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yYvPj8
Oh this one made me happy. I loved Nathan and Mia.
The Gist: Nathan and Mia are finally living in the same town. Both of their careers are taking off-- he's a newly named quarterback for his team and she's opening up a PR business. And, well, they maybe both need a release now and again and are eyeing each other something fierce.
Things I loved.
Mia was charming. She's a list maker/planner addict, a new businesswoman, ambitious, organized, caring, and a family girl.
Nathan's a good guy, loving, has a cheeky cocky confidence. It's hard not to smile around him. And I loved that he was a mix of confidence and nerves when it came to his new position on his team.
I loved their relationship and that they'd been friends for years. The ease and teasing that comes from that. The bond. The awkwardness when things start to change and they aren't quite sure how they feel about it. They were just sweet. And the sex was seriously hot! Yeah, these two rubbed along real nice.
Desk Sex! I loved it!! Usually it gives me anxiety because they're all *woosh* and all the thing fly off the desk onto the floor.
And I'm all OMG WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!! The pens! The planner! If you bent a page...no orgasm for you!
But Burton, yeah, she's a fellow planner junkie and... the hero gently moved the pens to the side of the desk. And carefully moved the planner aside, too. And there's no bent pages or broken pens and I'm all okay yall go get yours you're good to go. And it was perfect. #PlannerGirlAnxiety #NoPensWereHarmed #ItsAllOkay #ThatPlannerHasSeenThingsTho
Family! So often it seems dysfunctional family dynamic is fallen back on so it's incredibly refreshing to see involved families that love and support each other, tease and have healthy bonds. I just adore that and that both had big loving families.
All in all, The Final Score left me one smiling reader-girl. I really enjoyed pretty much everything about these two as they attempted a little friends with benefits action and blundered...completely.
Note: Ahhh the title! It would have been an amazing title for the very last book of the series, right? #MyBiggestIssue
November 6, 2017
The Final Score was the thirteenth book in the Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton.
Nathan Riley was the son of Tara and Mick Riley from The Perfect Play, book one. We met him as a freshman in high school. Fast forward to present day and he had been drafted by the San Francisco Sabers NFL team and was approaching his first season as the starting quarterback. His father, Mick, had just retired and turned the reins over to Nathan. He was gorgeous, talented, fun loving and every girl’s dream but football was his sole focus.
Mia was the sister to Grant, Tucker Barrett and Flynn (books 9-12), all professional athletes. She grew up around sports and opened her own Sports Management company. She was snarky, feisty, stubborn, independent and beautiful.
Nathan and Mia met in college and became fast friends. They had similar backgrounds and understood the pressure of each other’s lives. Through the years they became best friends. They had chemistry but purposely ignored it, valuing their friendship above all. As their careers were starting, they shifted to a friends with benefits relationship, but not wanting to drift out of the friends realm.
Burton then cataloged the friends to lovers journey, detailing the standard challenges. She also included typical challenges for a high profile celebrity. Additionally, Burton revisited the Riley and Cassidy families, demonstrating the fun and strong bonds of family love.
I liked Mia tremendously in previous books; she was fun, smart and snarky. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see her feisty side as much in The Final Score. I didn’t mind the intensity she showed - her strength was admirable, but her unsensible worry wasn’t her best feature.
All in all, it was well written and well developed. It was pretty tame so it wasn’t my favorite book of the series, but it was still enjoyable. The next book of the series will take us back to hockey in Shot on Gold.
Nathan Riley was the son of Tara and Mick Riley from The Perfect Play, book one. We met him as a freshman in high school. Fast forward to present day and he had been drafted by the San Francisco Sabers NFL team and was approaching his first season as the starting quarterback. His father, Mick, had just retired and turned the reins over to Nathan. He was gorgeous, talented, fun loving and every girl’s dream but football was his sole focus.
Mia was the sister to Grant, Tucker Barrett and Flynn (books 9-12), all professional athletes. She grew up around sports and opened her own Sports Management company. She was snarky, feisty, stubborn, independent and beautiful.
Nathan and Mia met in college and became fast friends. They had similar backgrounds and understood the pressure of each other’s lives. Through the years they became best friends. They had chemistry but purposely ignored it, valuing their friendship above all. As their careers were starting, they shifted to a friends with benefits relationship, but not wanting to drift out of the friends realm.
Burton then cataloged the friends to lovers journey, detailing the standard challenges. She also included typical challenges for a high profile celebrity. Additionally, Burton revisited the Riley and Cassidy families, demonstrating the fun and strong bonds of family love.
I liked Mia tremendously in previous books; she was fun, smart and snarky. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see her feisty side as much in The Final Score. I didn’t mind the intensity she showed - her strength was admirable, but her unsensible worry wasn’t her best feature.
All in all, it was well written and well developed. It was pretty tame so it wasn’t my favorite book of the series, but it was still enjoyable. The next book of the series will take us back to hockey in Shot on Gold.
November 17, 2025
If you are looking for a strong sports romance series, you should check out Play-by-Play.
Nathan and Mia were already really good friends. Mia moves to the same city as Nathan and their longtime friendship starts to ignite with a sexual chemistry, that much to Mia’s dismay, they cannot ignore.
I enjoyed Mia’s and Nathan’s story but found the flow of the story was slowed down by sex talk.
Fun, passionate and full of sexual chemistry, we get a front row seat to the evolution of Mia’s and Nathan’s relationship into so much more.
I received this ARC copy of the Final Score from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Final Score is set for publication Sept 12, 2017.
Nathan and Mia were already really good friends. Mia moves to the same city as Nathan and their longtime friendship starts to ignite with a sexual chemistry, that much to Mia’s dismay, they cannot ignore.
I enjoyed Mia’s and Nathan’s story but found the flow of the story was slowed down by sex talk.
Fun, passionate and full of sexual chemistry, we get a front row seat to the evolution of Mia’s and Nathan’s relationship into so much more.
I received this ARC copy of the Final Score from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Final Score is set for publication Sept 12, 2017.
October 8, 2017
A of all, I had no idea this series had gotten up to 13 volumes! Geez o Pete! I read the first years ago and didn't keep up, apparently.
Second, I had to stop this one for one of the dumbest reasons imaginable: bad sequel math.
In the first book, Mick Riley is 30. He's been a superstar football player for long enough to be weary of it. He meets what's her face and Nathan when Nathan is 14.
In this book, Mick is 37 and has just now retired as a starting quarterback. Which makes Nathan 20/21. Except that Nathan has been out of college for several years, ostensibly. He's been playing pro ball for at least a year, and he and Mia make constant reference to their one night together as if it were something several years in the past.
Nathan also makes reference to the fact that the first time he stepped onto the field where Mick played was 15 years before. Which would have made a currently 37 year old Mick a 22 year old Mick.
I can't with the stupid math. It's an easy thing to get right, and it's frustrating when authors don't.
I'm guessing Mick should *actually* be 47 and long past retirement as a pro player. But bad sequel math is like popcorn in my teeth and actually takes me out of the story.
Also, let me get this straight: Mia is maybe 3-5 years out of college. She just opened a sports management firm (like, the furniture is getting delivered in the first chapter "just opened"). She signed three clients in a week? On the basis of what? Did she pay her dues at another firm? How are professional athletes, who presumably already have management, signing on the dotted line with this young woman who has... as far as I can tell... ZERO experience in this business? What she does have is family connections. That's great, but what pro is signing over 10% to someone who hasn't even been in the field for 5 years? Nah, man. I'm not doing this.
Not here for: sassy black friends. Both Mia and Nathan have one. I suppose it's a small miracle that they aren't the B romance in the story.
And finally: for all that Nathan and Mia are "best friends", he spends every conversation making sexual innuendos in every single sentence. Dude, she said she doesn't want to sleep with you. She said she just wants to be friends. Can you put your dick away for the duration of dinner? There's no friendship here; just one young man's uncontrollable libido that can't respect the boundaries a friend has been completely clear about and a friend too weak-willed to ask him to respect her.
Second, I had to stop this one for one of the dumbest reasons imaginable: bad sequel math.
In the first book, Mick Riley is 30. He's been a superstar football player for long enough to be weary of it. He meets what's her face and Nathan when Nathan is 14.
In this book, Mick is 37 and has just now retired as a starting quarterback. Which makes Nathan 20/21. Except that Nathan has been out of college for several years, ostensibly. He's been playing pro ball for at least a year, and he and Mia make constant reference to their one night together as if it were something several years in the past.
Nathan also makes reference to the fact that the first time he stepped onto the field where Mick played was 15 years before. Which would have made a currently 37 year old Mick a 22 year old Mick.
I can't with the stupid math. It's an easy thing to get right, and it's frustrating when authors don't.
I'm guessing Mick should *actually* be 47 and long past retirement as a pro player. But bad sequel math is like popcorn in my teeth and actually takes me out of the story.
Also, let me get this straight: Mia is maybe 3-5 years out of college. She just opened a sports management firm (like, the furniture is getting delivered in the first chapter "just opened"). She signed three clients in a week? On the basis of what? Did she pay her dues at another firm? How are professional athletes, who presumably already have management, signing on the dotted line with this young woman who has... as far as I can tell... ZERO experience in this business? What she does have is family connections. That's great, but what pro is signing over 10% to someone who hasn't even been in the field for 5 years? Nah, man. I'm not doing this.
Not here for: sassy black friends. Both Mia and Nathan have one. I suppose it's a small miracle that they aren't the B romance in the story.
And finally: for all that Nathan and Mia are "best friends", he spends every conversation making sexual innuendos in every single sentence. Dude, she said she doesn't want to sleep with you. She said she just wants to be friends. Can you put your dick away for the duration of dinner? There's no friendship here; just one young man's uncontrollable libido that can't respect the boundaries a friend has been completely clear about and a friend too weak-willed to ask him to respect her.
September 6, 2017
Jaci Burton never disappoints with contemporary romances! Even though she has written so many romance novels, they never feel repetitive or boring. The Final Score had plenty of humor, steamy moments, and swoons. Those elements combined with lovable characters made for one memorable book!
The two main characters were both well-written characters. Nathan was a talented football player who never was arrogant, cocky, or narcissistic about his talents. For being so well known, Nathan never let it go to his head. He was such a down to earth, understanding, and kind man. He had his insecurities and it was nice to see those addressed throughout the story.
Mia was a strong, smart, and considerate woman. I loved how much of a go-getter she was and how she didn't get down on herself in a male dominated industry. My only issue with Mia was her lack of communication with Nathan and how she struggled with her romantic feelings. I was hoping she would have been more open to accepting her feelings, but I was happy when she finally opened her eyes and accepted her growing feelings.
I really liked the romance aspect of this book. Mia and Nathan made a great couple because of their past friendship, the way they understood each other, and their chemistry. I really liked that they were friends first and then developed their romantic relationship. Their romance felt extremely real and well paced. They had insane sexual chemistry and hilarious banter! They supported each other in every way possible and it warmed my heart.
One thing I always like about Burton's books is that she always makes sure to include the family and friends of the main characters. This book, just like Burton's other books, didn't forget about the other people in the main characters' lives. I loved getting to know Mia and Nathan's families and watching them all interact.
Overall, this was a fun and charming contemporary romance. If you are a fan of sports romances or of Burton's other books, then you won't want to pass this book up!
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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The two main characters were both well-written characters. Nathan was a talented football player who never was arrogant, cocky, or narcissistic about his talents. For being so well known, Nathan never let it go to his head. He was such a down to earth, understanding, and kind man. He had his insecurities and it was nice to see those addressed throughout the story.
Mia was a strong, smart, and considerate woman. I loved how much of a go-getter she was and how she didn't get down on herself in a male dominated industry. My only issue with Mia was her lack of communication with Nathan and how she struggled with her romantic feelings. I was hoping she would have been more open to accepting her feelings, but I was happy when she finally opened her eyes and accepted her growing feelings.
I really liked the romance aspect of this book. Mia and Nathan made a great couple because of their past friendship, the way they understood each other, and their chemistry. I really liked that they were friends first and then developed their romantic relationship. Their romance felt extremely real and well paced. They had insane sexual chemistry and hilarious banter! They supported each other in every way possible and it warmed my heart.
One thing I always like about Burton's books is that she always makes sure to include the family and friends of the main characters. This book, just like Burton's other books, didn't forget about the other people in the main characters' lives. I loved getting to know Mia and Nathan's families and watching them all interact.
Overall, this was a fun and charming contemporary romance. If you are a fan of sports romances or of Burton's other books, then you won't want to pass this book up!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
September 20, 2017
2.5 stars - Contemporary/Sports Romance
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars
The Final Score by Jaci Burton is the latest in the Play-by-Play series and it was a highly anticipated story for this reviewer. When I heard that the hero and heroine were going to be Nathan Riley, the adopted son of Mick Riley from book 1, with the youngest sister of the Cassidy brothers, Mia, of books 9-12, I was intrigued and excited about this prospect. Here are two young people who come from high profile sports families, who become good friends in college, and had one night of sex after drinking, now living in the same town with budding new careers. Both can’t deny that it was spectacular but Mia is the one that put the brakes on it from happening again because she wants to stay friends. Nathan agrees but he can’t forget. What I thought would be a great story fell short of the mark even with these very likeable characters.
Mia and Nathan are both embarking on exciting careers and are very absorbed in succeeding. Nathan is taking over the starting quarterback job from his own father after he retires and feels the pressure. He has big shoes to fill and doesn’t want to let the team down and his father. That conflict could have been played up a bit more but wasn’t and I thought it could have been a missing factor for this story. Mia has started her own sports management company and is out recruiting new clients working long days with little breaks for fun and relaxation. They both think an orgasm would be a great stress reliever and Nathan is more than willing to help out in that department. Mia thinks long and hard about it and finally gives in. She thinks one and done and all good, but finds out that one time together is not enough. Of course in the back of Mia’s mind is that sex is going to wreck the friendship and she isn’t sure if it’s a good idea. The conflict she feels takes her to the point of a bad decision and ultimately their friendship breaks apart. Mia was so worried about how things looked instead of worrying about hers and Nathan’s feelings that are going from friends to lovers. What I didn’t see was either of them communicating their feelings while all that sex was going on. Granted there is nothing wrong with the sex; and believe me it was very hot sex indeed, but no one was talking about where it all was heading. Mia would rather ignore and/or push aside her commitment issue than face them. The couple did get their happy ending but for some reason it just didn’t quite feel enough for me to warrant a big smile at the end.
The way the story is written is well done, and I love the whole multi-generation of both families showing up throughout the stories, along with a wedding thrown in, just made the story easy to read and flow extremely well. I love seeing the previous couples all showing up and getting caught up on what is new in their world. I hope this review doesn’t discourage anyone from reading it because it was a good story. It just wasn’t a great story and I really had high hopes for it to be one. I hope we get another chance to see this couple in a novella because I would love to see them in a few years and how things are going for them.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 15, 2017
Though the title of Jaci Burton’s new romance The Final Score might imply otherwise, it isn’t the final volume of her multi-sport contemporary romance Play by Play series. It is, however, a check-in of sorts for fans, with the couple getting their happy ever after being recent college graduates and relatives of previous reader favorites. I read some of the initial books in the series (Taking a Shot is a personal favorite; I bought the audiobook to go along with my digital copy because I enjoyed it so much) but hadn’t kept up with recent volumes (too many books, too little time!). I had high hopes for this one based on those earlier experiences but found it to be lacking the energy that drew me to the series in the first place. It’s an okay if somewhat bland read and new readers would be better off starting the series at the beginning.
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
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March 3, 2017Oh My God!! I love that this finishing with Nathan and Mia I can't even think of something more perfect. I can't wait <38
January 13, 2018
The Play by Play series by Jaci Burton has always been a little hit or miss for me. Sometimes I love the stories and characters and sometimes they fall flat. The Final Score was a combination of both those things. I LOVED Nathan and was so excited to see him all grown up and falling in love. I liked his story arc as well. But at the same time I didn’t like Mia or her story arc. It’s weird. I’m kind of split down the middle on this one. Also after finishing reading, I’m still super confused about some stuff.
The ages of the characters were the biggest thing that confused me and kept pulling me out of the story. Mick retired from football at 37. In book one where he meets Nathan’s mom he’s 30 and Nathan is 14-15. So if those ages are correct, Nathan is only 21 or 22. But the book says he’s already graduated college, was drafted into the NFL, and spent at least a season under Mick’s tutelage. Also Mia is supposed to be the same age and she’s already opening her own sports PR management firm and has enough money to do so? She has enough money to buy a townhouse in San Francisco and rent an office in the Embarcadero and start up a firm and she’s 22? NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY LOGICAL SENSE! San Francisco is incredibly expensive even for middle aged people who’ve had a good career for most of their adult life! How are these kids magically able to afford everything without any apparent financial burdens? Maybe if Mick was 40 and Nathan and Mia were 25-26, I would have been able to plausibly consider their circumstances to be true. However, as it was set up this doesn’t make a lick of practical sense. What effing experience does a 22 year old have to start up her own PR firm and handle multi-million dollar projects without ever having had a job in that industry before? Who in their right mind would sign with someone like that? Where is she getting the money for startup costs? It’s just a spiral of unending questions that don’t have an answer. Pretty much this was me the entire time I was reading this:
But when I chose to ignore the ages and just pretend everyone was about 3-4 years older it made the story more plausible.
So much of the characters’ behavior was mind boggling to me. I just didn’t get it. In fact, Mia’s behavior was so dumb that it made me not really like her very much. I’ll explain
Now, regardless of all the puzzling ages and behavior, I was mainly reading this because Jaci Burton writes great smut. Seriously… it’s top notch! And boy was it ever in The Final Score! There may have been less smut than usual in but it was just as steamy as ever. 10 out of 10, would recommend! Nathan was wonderful and I really loved him. He was just a great guy and his story arc was believable even though it could have gone deeper than it did. Even with all the confusion I was feeling, I did still enjoy Nathan and the smut which are the things I was really reading this for in the first place.
The ages of the characters were the biggest thing that confused me and kept pulling me out of the story. Mick retired from football at 37. In book one where he meets Nathan’s mom he’s 30 and Nathan is 14-15. So if those ages are correct, Nathan is only 21 or 22. But the book says he’s already graduated college, was drafted into the NFL, and spent at least a season under Mick’s tutelage. Also Mia is supposed to be the same age and she’s already opening her own sports PR management firm and has enough money to do so? She has enough money to buy a townhouse in San Francisco and rent an office in the Embarcadero and start up a firm and she’s 22? NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY LOGICAL SENSE! San Francisco is incredibly expensive even for middle aged people who’ve had a good career for most of their adult life! How are these kids magically able to afford everything without any apparent financial burdens? Maybe if Mick was 40 and Nathan and Mia were 25-26, I would have been able to plausibly consider their circumstances to be true. However, as it was set up this doesn’t make a lick of practical sense. What effing experience does a 22 year old have to start up her own PR firm and handle multi-million dollar projects without ever having had a job in that industry before? Who in their right mind would sign with someone like that? Where is she getting the money for startup costs? It’s just a spiral of unending questions that don’t have an answer. Pretty much this was me the entire time I was reading this:
But when I chose to ignore the ages and just pretend everyone was about 3-4 years older it made the story more plausible.
So much of the characters’ behavior was mind boggling to me. I just didn’t get it. In fact, Mia’s behavior was so dumb that it made me not really like her very much. I’ll explain
Now, regardless of all the puzzling ages and behavior, I was mainly reading this because Jaci Burton writes great smut. Seriously… it’s top notch! And boy was it ever in The Final Score! There may have been less smut than usual in but it was just as steamy as ever. 10 out of 10, would recommend! Nathan was wonderful and I really loved him. He was just a great guy and his story arc was believable even though it could have gone deeper than it did. Even with all the confusion I was feeling, I did still enjoy Nathan and the smut which are the things I was really reading this for in the first place.
September 24, 2017
Best friends to lovers is always a fun trope. Add in some smexy times, a little conflict, and of course, FOOTBALL, and you have a cute and sexy piece of escapism. I was happy to see Nathan Riley get his own story. We first met him as an awkward 15-year-old in book one-The Perfect Play– when his mother and Mick Riley, star quarterback of the Sabers, started dating and eventually married. Ten years later, Mick is retiring and Nathan is taking over as the quarterback for the Sabers. My my how times flies. :) Mia Cassidy is also all grown up and like Nathan, embraces the family dynasty by founding a sports management company. While I always had my suspicions they’d end up together, I was curious to see how Burton would play this one out.
The Final Score is number thirteen in Jaci Burton’s racy sports theme romance Play by Play series and not the final book despite the title. This series has certainly come full circle with the next generation of Rileys’ and Cassidys’ riding at the helm. A familiar storyline opens the door to smooth if not repetitive dialogue and some old and new faces as the protagonists, Nathan and Mia, are forced to face head on their professional and personal challenges. The biggest challenge their growing attraction to one another.
Mia and Nathan are best friends and it shows. Their one night stand in college was brushed aside for their friendship and they never brought it up again. Not until they both move to the same city and reconnect. I enjoyed how easy going their relationship. Strong communication and comfortable interactions only re-enforce how tight their bond is. They are way similar makeup; both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a refreshing lack of emotional baggage or painful secrets that often sparks the tension and must have misunderstandings in these romances. Extremely hard working and career oriented, it was nice that neither were made dependant on the other for their happiness and they each had friends and interests beyond each other.
Steamy chemistry gives credence to the attraction brewing between them. I liked that Mia chooses to wait and think through all the pros and cons of having a sexual relationship with Nathan before falling into bed with him. It gave strength to her argument that their friendship was the most important aspect of their relationship. Sexually, they meshed well and seemed to have a penchant for possible discovery. *wink* I found it hilarious when Nathan proposes hay loft smexy times, Mia sets him straight about hay lofts (they’re hot and itchy) and the fact that no one wants to have sex right after mowing the lawn in 90 degree heat.
The main conflict wasn’t much of a conflict at all. Mia and Nathan are both starting their careers and set on proving to the world and themselves that they got where they are at because of their talents; not their family names. This causes some mild issues; mostly on Mia’s part. Some choices are made that require some groveling at the end but as always, Burton brings her couple through the fire, ready for their happily ever after.
The Final Score doesn’t offer much in terms of excitement or energy but it does offer a sweet and sexy friends to lovers romance that is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading.
Grade: C+
The Final Score is number thirteen in Jaci Burton’s racy sports theme romance Play by Play series and not the final book despite the title. This series has certainly come full circle with the next generation of Rileys’ and Cassidys’ riding at the helm. A familiar storyline opens the door to smooth if not repetitive dialogue and some old and new faces as the protagonists, Nathan and Mia, are forced to face head on their professional and personal challenges. The biggest challenge their growing attraction to one another.
Mia and Nathan are best friends and it shows. Their one night stand in college was brushed aside for their friendship and they never brought it up again. Not until they both move to the same city and reconnect. I enjoyed how easy going their relationship. Strong communication and comfortable interactions only re-enforce how tight their bond is. They are way similar makeup; both are intelligent, loyal, and witty with a refreshing lack of emotional baggage or painful secrets that often sparks the tension and must have misunderstandings in these romances. Extremely hard working and career oriented, it was nice that neither were made dependant on the other for their happiness and they each had friends and interests beyond each other.
Steamy chemistry gives credence to the attraction brewing between them. I liked that Mia chooses to wait and think through all the pros and cons of having a sexual relationship with Nathan before falling into bed with him. It gave strength to her argument that their friendship was the most important aspect of their relationship. Sexually, they meshed well and seemed to have a penchant for possible discovery. *wink* I found it hilarious when Nathan proposes hay loft smexy times, Mia sets him straight about hay lofts (they’re hot and itchy) and the fact that no one wants to have sex right after mowing the lawn in 90 degree heat.
The main conflict wasn’t much of a conflict at all. Mia and Nathan are both starting their careers and set on proving to the world and themselves that they got where they are at because of their talents; not their family names. This causes some mild issues; mostly on Mia’s part. Some choices are made that require some groveling at the end but as always, Burton brings her couple through the fire, ready for their happily ever after.
The Final Score doesn’t offer much in terms of excitement or energy but it does offer a sweet and sexy friends to lovers romance that is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading.
Grade: C+
September 12, 2017
I've been ITCHING to get this story. This is the culmination of two sports legacy families joining and about characters we've come to love. Nathan is the adoptive son of the first hero in this series, Mick Riley, who is now retiring and Nathan is taking over the quarterback position on his team. Throughout the years, his friendship with Mia Cassidy has been strong. Best friends through college, only tainted by that one night stand they had then after which Mia friend-zoned him again because she was too scared of ruining their friendship. Now Mia is dealing with the pressure of starting up her own PR company and Nathan has his father's legacy to live up to with his team.I often want stories that make the main characters jump through hoops to be together, but there's something soothing about a story where there isn't a whole lot keeping apart two people that make sense together. That's what this book felt like for me. There are some obstacles that they have to overcome, but for the most part this was a sweet AND sexy best friends to lovers. They're both still young, and are dealing with the start of their careers so a relationship was the farthest from both their minds. I liked how they got to the point they did and how organic it felt.
Nathan is that good boy hero that we don't tend to talk about often. He's just a nice guy, he doesn't want to go from one woman to the next, he cares about his friendships and when he realizes he knows the woman he wants he goes for it. If you want a change of pace from the bad boys, you'll fall for Nathan like I did. Plus it helps that he's incredibly sexy. On the other hand, Mia is just as strong as I was expecting her to be from the glimpses we've seen of her before.
These two together were sweet to read about and I gobbled up this story so fast I just couldn't put it down. In the end, I wish there would've been a little more keeping them apart and work through. I think maybe that was the reason they lacked a little spark and where this story could've felt a bit more romantic, it fell more on the comfortable friendship feel of the spectrum. Regardless, it was a fun read even if not quite what I wanted for these two and I can't wait for the next one.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 30, 2021
Nathan all grown up. Respectful and cute. Liked these characters!
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July 25, 2017
review to come
November 8, 2017
THE FINAL SCORE: Like to Love with a Sports Dynasty!
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I found this story fun as two friends make a foray into “more than friends.”
It’s so different from the hate to love ; instead the obstacle is “like,” that is, “friendship” — or the fear of its loss. What does this tell us about the human condition? That sex is fraught with emotional issues that change us? I don’t know what it means, but I am pretty sure the point of this particualr trope is to have us look at the relationships between friendship, sex and love.
I could talk about that, looking at it from a vantage point of 57 years of life and nearly 35 years of marriage. But, what I think of the issues is not what I am about here today. After all, this is only slightly less utilized than the “hate to love” theme.
Jaci really does some nice steamy, seductive, sheet time with a few semi-public trysts. It’s vanilla but not boring. She also looks at Nathan’s issues as a second season, suddenly starting QB who has taken the position after his father retires from it. Talk about pressure.
The narration by Sokolov is really good. Her guys aren’t just deeper and more gruff; they have character.
Here’s my less than positive issue with the story: Nathan’s newbie QB issues are understandable, his nonchalance over press coverage is learned through a life of experience with his dad. Mia’s family, an important part of her claim of experience just out of b-school, is a sports dynasty, so why is she so freaked out about it throughout the book? And, her starting up a team-based sports management company [I think] right out of business school in San Francisco with it;s super high rents? Well, perhaps she was bankrolled by her sports-dynasty family but, she makes a big deal of doing it on her own. It seems unlikely or, perhaps I missed her lucrative summer job in another book.
I also received this as an e-book and began reading it. It reads as well in print as in audio.
But, if your willing to overlook these issues then your in for a steamy, lovely narration with lots of fun.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I found this story fun as two friends make a foray into “more than friends.”
It’s so different from the hate to love ; instead the obstacle is “like,” that is, “friendship” — or the fear of its loss. What does this tell us about the human condition? That sex is fraught with emotional issues that change us? I don’t know what it means, but I am pretty sure the point of this particualr trope is to have us look at the relationships between friendship, sex and love.
I could talk about that, looking at it from a vantage point of 57 years of life and nearly 35 years of marriage. But, what I think of the issues is not what I am about here today. After all, this is only slightly less utilized than the “hate to love” theme.
Jaci really does some nice steamy, seductive, sheet time with a few semi-public trysts. It’s vanilla but not boring. She also looks at Nathan’s issues as a second season, suddenly starting QB who has taken the position after his father retires from it. Talk about pressure.
The narration by Sokolov is really good. Her guys aren’t just deeper and more gruff; they have character.
Here’s my less than positive issue with the story: Nathan’s newbie QB issues are understandable, his nonchalance over press coverage is learned through a life of experience with his dad. Mia’s family, an important part of her claim of experience just out of b-school, is a sports dynasty, so why is she so freaked out about it throughout the book? And, her starting up a team-based sports management company [I think] right out of business school in San Francisco with it;s super high rents? Well, perhaps she was bankrolled by her sports-dynasty family but, she makes a big deal of doing it on her own. It seems unlikely or, perhaps I missed her lucrative summer job in another book.
I also received this as an e-book and began reading it. It reads as well in print as in audio.
But, if your willing to overlook these issues then your in for a steamy, lovely narration with lots of fun.
September 2, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley****
The Play by Play series are some of my favorite books. Sports romance is fun, and Jaci Burton writes them so well.
Nathan and Mia felt a little different to me than other stores in the series, and I think it was the idea that time had passed, that a character from one of the earlier books was the father of the hero in this. It was a risk for the author, as aging a character that readers enjoy is definitely going to get strong reactions. But, I liked it. And it worked well.
The sex was hot, the friends to lovers idea was so much fun as you really do believe that they like one another, that they are friends, and that they care about one another.
The book is well written and well paced, with characters you like and some fun recurring characters from earlier in the season. If you haven't read all of the books, it is ok and you will not lose the point of the story, but they were fun additions to the story for those who have read the others.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.
The Play by Play series are some of my favorite books. Sports romance is fun, and Jaci Burton writes them so well.
Nathan and Mia felt a little different to me than other stores in the series, and I think it was the idea that time had passed, that a character from one of the earlier books was the father of the hero in this. It was a risk for the author, as aging a character that readers enjoy is definitely going to get strong reactions. But, I liked it. And it worked well.
The sex was hot, the friends to lovers idea was so much fun as you really do believe that they like one another, that they are friends, and that they care about one another.
The book is well written and well paced, with characters you like and some fun recurring characters from earlier in the season. If you haven't read all of the books, it is ok and you will not lose the point of the story, but they were fun additions to the story for those who have read the others.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.
August 1, 2017
This book felt so perfunctory. Like the author was checking a box. Fan favorites from different families get together. Sex ensues, people catch feelings and SPORTS. You were told about the connection between characters rather than actually seeing the connection. Burton's last book in the Play by Play series was a bit of disappointment and this one is lackluster. She's a good writer but I think I may be done with the series.
Review copy obtained via Netgalley.
Review will be left on BN.com and Amazon as SJCReviews
Review copy obtained via Netgalley.
Review will be left on BN.com and Amazon as SJCReviews
June 19, 2022
Would have been much better with an epilogue. I had a hard time warming up to Mia for most of the book.
September 14, 2017
REVIEW TO COME
September 19, 2017
This feels like PbP is back to how it used to be with the first 6-7 books.
I loved Mia and Nathan's story.
I loved Mia and Nathan's story.
September 13, 2017
Friendship….a treasure that should never be taken for granted. Nathan and Mia know the value of the close bonds that friendship can bring. A connection that remained throughout their college years, and now their adult years. There is one moment though that made the two question those bonds. A one night stand that left the remnants of that night in the forefront of both of their hearts.
Determined to hang on to the friendship that they have always shared, Mia pushed Nathan back into that corner that is reserved for a close friend. The two can’t seem to forget that one night they spent together. A constant cloud that threatens to rip apart each time they are around one another again.
With the changes in their lives, Mia and Nathan have seen a lot less of one another. A true way to avoid the other without dealing with the awkwardness surrounding the truly genuine feelings they have for one another. Mia is under pressure to grow business with her new PR company. Nathan is busy trying to make a name for himself in the world of football. A harder level of expectations with his father’s legacy.
Now there is a door that has opened with their relationship that might make the feelings from that one night stand a little more ‘interesting. Nathan suggests that the two embark upon a little ‘friends with benefits’ action. Something that causes Mia to weigh out the options. Where will their friendship lead if they open a door that they so firmly closed?
The Final Score is the much anticipated novel in the Play by Play series. A combining of two sports legacies with the relationship that Mia and Nathan have. While I tore apart the series in mere hours, it is filled with romantic sparks and anticipation. An accurate friends to lovers novel that leaves you anticipating where the future will lead for these two tortured souls. I will admit I wanted more of the tug and pull of overcoming the attraction for Mia and Nathan. However - that didn’t make me love the tale any less. Check out this book after you have discovered the entire Play by Play series!!
Determined to hang on to the friendship that they have always shared, Mia pushed Nathan back into that corner that is reserved for a close friend. The two can’t seem to forget that one night they spent together. A constant cloud that threatens to rip apart each time they are around one another again.
With the changes in their lives, Mia and Nathan have seen a lot less of one another. A true way to avoid the other without dealing with the awkwardness surrounding the truly genuine feelings they have for one another. Mia is under pressure to grow business with her new PR company. Nathan is busy trying to make a name for himself in the world of football. A harder level of expectations with his father’s legacy.
Now there is a door that has opened with their relationship that might make the feelings from that one night stand a little more ‘interesting. Nathan suggests that the two embark upon a little ‘friends with benefits’ action. Something that causes Mia to weigh out the options. Where will their friendship lead if they open a door that they so firmly closed?
The Final Score is the much anticipated novel in the Play by Play series. A combining of two sports legacies with the relationship that Mia and Nathan have. While I tore apart the series in mere hours, it is filled with romantic sparks and anticipation. An accurate friends to lovers novel that leaves you anticipating where the future will lead for these two tortured souls. I will admit I wanted more of the tug and pull of overcoming the attraction for Mia and Nathan. However - that didn’t make me love the tale any less. Check out this book after you have discovered the entire Play by Play series!!
September 12, 2017
My Review:
There were three things that made this book awesome:
1. It's a great example of a friends to lovers story. Mia and Nathan have been best friends since college. While they've slept together once before, the friendship has always meant more to them than the possibility of great sex. As a result, these two know everything about one another, including how good the sex can be. But despite that...for them, their connection as friends is the most important thing...even more so than their sizzling chemistry.
2. All the feels. OMG, I'm so behind in my reading of this series, but this book is about Mick's adopted son, Nathan. For lovers of the series, Mick and Tara's story was the first....and still my favorite. It was so incredible to get to read this continuation of their story. I loved that aspect of it. This book is about 15 yo Nathan, but now he's all grown up and yum...he grew up well.
3. Mia is a planner girl! I live by my planner and it was so fun to see how Mia runs her life and her business with her ever-present planner and lists. I LOVED THAT. As a planner junkie, I wanted to hang out with her and compare layout styles. LOL.
So, yeah, this book was good. It hit so many happy points for me, but most of all I love the story about the romance between Mia and Nathan. They were fabulous together and as much as Mia hates the PR...yes, they are the ultimate power couple. I love how perfectly their careers match each other. They are a good match and this book was awesome fun to get to read.
I highly recommend it...and all the series. If you're a lover of sports romance, you can't miss this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
There were three things that made this book awesome:
1. It's a great example of a friends to lovers story. Mia and Nathan have been best friends since college. While they've slept together once before, the friendship has always meant more to them than the possibility of great sex. As a result, these two know everything about one another, including how good the sex can be. But despite that...for them, their connection as friends is the most important thing...even more so than their sizzling chemistry.
2. All the feels. OMG, I'm so behind in my reading of this series, but this book is about Mick's adopted son, Nathan. For lovers of the series, Mick and Tara's story was the first....and still my favorite. It was so incredible to get to read this continuation of their story. I loved that aspect of it. This book is about 15 yo Nathan, but now he's all grown up and yum...he grew up well.
3. Mia is a planner girl! I live by my planner and it was so fun to see how Mia runs her life and her business with her ever-present planner and lists. I LOVED THAT. As a planner junkie, I wanted to hang out with her and compare layout styles. LOL.
So, yeah, this book was good. It hit so many happy points for me, but most of all I love the story about the romance between Mia and Nathan. They were fabulous together and as much as Mia hates the PR...yes, they are the ultimate power couple. I love how perfectly their careers match each other. They are a good match and this book was awesome fun to get to read.
I highly recommend it...and all the series. If you're a lover of sports romance, you can't miss this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2017
This was my first Jaci Burton book. I’m happy I took a chance. Don’t let the number 13 in the series scare you. The Final Score can be read as a standalone. I read it and did not feel like I walked into a story. This book is complete in and of itself. It is a really sweet, sexy, friends-to-lovers romance story. What could be better than falling in love with your best friend?
Nathan and Mia are best friends. They crossed the line once and never again for fear of losing their amazing friendship. Mia doesn’t want to risk it and Nathan cares to much to push the issue. But, they have a palpable chemistry. Their attraction is off the charts. Author Jaci Burton lets you feel the tension between these two characters.
Nathan is sexy, hot, sweet, and, hello? A buff, talented quarterback. Mia is a beautiful, smart, and driven to succeed with her new sports management company. She finds trouble where there isn’t any and can’t get out of her own way.
I love a good friends to lovers romance. Not too mention, one with a sexy quarterback as the hero! The Final Score has it all. The banter is funny, sexy and snarky. The push/pull drove me crazy. I wanted to throttle Mia at times, and shake some sense into both of them. I was totally invested in their HEA. I really liked the way author Jaci Burton’s writing flowed. She had a slow, steady burn smoldering between Nathan and Mia that was a secret to no one but her.
There are some twists and obstacles that get in their way, but none more so than themselves. Watching them discover what everyone knows is witty, steamy, and sweet. A perfect romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC received from the publisher ~ reviewed by Maria
Nathan and Mia are best friends. They crossed the line once and never again for fear of losing their amazing friendship. Mia doesn’t want to risk it and Nathan cares to much to push the issue. But, they have a palpable chemistry. Their attraction is off the charts. Author Jaci Burton lets you feel the tension between these two characters.
Nathan is sexy, hot, sweet, and, hello? A buff, talented quarterback. Mia is a beautiful, smart, and driven to succeed with her new sports management company. She finds trouble where there isn’t any and can’t get out of her own way.
I love a good friends to lovers romance. Not too mention, one with a sexy quarterback as the hero! The Final Score has it all. The banter is funny, sexy and snarky. The push/pull drove me crazy. I wanted to throttle Mia at times, and shake some sense into both of them. I was totally invested in their HEA. I really liked the way author Jaci Burton’s writing flowed. She had a slow, steady burn smoldering between Nathan and Mia that was a secret to no one but her.
There are some twists and obstacles that get in their way, but none more so than themselves. Watching them discover what everyone knows is witty, steamy, and sweet. A perfect romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC received from the publisher ~ reviewed by Maria
July 2, 2017
Jaci Burton writes very well. The Final Score is my first Burton novel and I enjoyed it. Nathan and Mia are well developed and very likeable. Their relationship is easy and comfortable. I enjoyed their interaction. Their friends and family were a mixed bag and all very interesting. I liked that Mia is incredibly smart, knowledgeable and beyond competent in a field I’m sure is dominated by men. While Nathan is very talented he isn’t full of himself and is still a nice guy. They make a great couple.
I struggled with the story though. Mia’s response to her deepening feelings for Nathan was disappointing. She’s so smart and together that I expected a lot more from her. Her lack of communication and her unilateral relationship decisions created the major source of plot to the book’s detriment . If the story had been less predictable, the writing was good enough to have been a five star read.
I had not read the rest of the books in this long series but never felt I was missing needed information or lacked an understanding of the characters and backstory.
I struggled with the story though. Mia’s response to her deepening feelings for Nathan was disappointing. She’s so smart and together that I expected a lot more from her. Her lack of communication and her unilateral relationship decisions created the major source of plot to the book’s detriment . If the story had been less predictable, the writing was good enough to have been a five star read.
I had not read the rest of the books in this long series but never felt I was missing needed information or lacked an understanding of the characters and backstory.
September 13, 2017
Review & Giveaway: THE FINAL SCORE (A Play-by-Play Novel Book 13) by Jaci Burton http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-9Lb
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
This installment in the Play by Play series is a true slice of life, not only for Mia and Nathan, but the friends and family around them. I connected with Nathan from the beginning. I liked his humor and easy manner…and of course, his sexiness. I liked Mia as well, but she frustrated me a few times. Ms. Burton’s smooth writing style helped to ease those edges though, and wrote a fun romantic story – perfect timing for football season too.
*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2w6xExa | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2w5SmwX
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
This installment in the Play by Play series is a true slice of life, not only for Mia and Nathan, but the friends and family around them. I connected with Nathan from the beginning. I liked his humor and easy manner…and of course, his sexiness. I liked Mia as well, but she frustrated me a few times. Ms. Burton’s smooth writing style helped to ease those edges though, and wrote a fun romantic story – perfect timing for football season too.
*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle http://amzn.to/2w6xExa | Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2w5SmwX
September 6, 2017
4.5 Stars The Final Score is another amazing addition to the Play by Play series. I loved Nathan and Mia, this passionate and sexy friend to lover’s story is wonderfully written and had me engaged through out. I will definitely be recommending this book
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