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Play by Play #14
Shot on Gold
In the new Play-by-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Final Score, opposites attract when a figure skater and hockey player lace up their skates--and go for the gold...
Will "Mad Dog" Madigan is making his second trip to the Winter Games, and he couldn't be happier. Hockey is his life and playing for the U.S. team is a privilege. Then he meets U.S. figure skater Amber Sloane. She's beautiful, ambitious and driven--everything Will desires in a woman. He would love to show Amber how hot life off the ice can be.
Amber has skated her entire life, sacrificing everything in the hopes of one day winning gold. Now she's competing for the third and final time. She intends to win, and nothing's going to get in her way--until she meets Will. He's an irresistible charmer, and before long Amber is wondering if this sexy hockey player is the perfect guy to show her some moves outside the rink.
But after all the medals have been awarded, Will and Amber will have to decide if what they have together is just a fling or a real shot at true love.
Will "Mad Dog" Madigan is making his second trip to the Winter Games, and he couldn't be happier. Hockey is his life and playing for the U.S. team is a privilege. Then he meets U.S. figure skater Amber Sloane. She's beautiful, ambitious and driven--everything Will desires in a woman. He would love to show Amber how hot life off the ice can be.
Amber has skated her entire life, sacrificing everything in the hopes of one day winning gold. Now she's competing for the third and final time. She intends to win, and nothing's going to get in her way--until she meets Will. He's an irresistible charmer, and before long Amber is wondering if this sexy hockey player is the perfect guy to show her some moves outside the rink.
But after all the medals have been awarded, Will and Amber will have to decide if what they have together is just a fling or a real shot at true love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2018
160 people are currently reading
2935 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
157 books8,294 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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February 13, 2018
4 Stars!
*ARC provided by Berkley*
-“When you find that person you want to be with, you’ll move mountains to make it work.”
Amber Sloane is a 24 yr. old U.S. figure skater from Long Island. She’s in Vancouver for the international games and is competing for her third and final time. This is her last chance, and her time to shine. She’s worked hard, and is ready to win the gold. She feels this is going to be her year.
Amber is an introvert, and has never made time for friends. Her whole life has been skating. She’s been under so much pressure to train & perform she never has any fun. She decides this time at the games she’s going to let go & put herself out there. She goes to a party and meets a gorgeous guy named Will Madigan.
Will Madigan is a hockey player on the U.S. hockey team. He’s from Chicago, & plays for the St. Louis Ice hockey team. This is his second time competing in the Winter Olympics.
Will meets a beautiful figure skater named Amber, & is extremely intrigued by her. He wants to get to know her better, and they begin spending a lot of time together. They really enjoy hanging out, and soon things turn physical between them. They are both competitive athletes who have a burning desire for gold & one another. When it’s time to go home will they decide it was just a fling, or will they try for something more?
-The man could take her breath away in the best way possible.
-She’d never felt this undeniable zing of attraction like she did with Will. All he had to do was look at her and she felt his gaze like a caress all over her body.
-“There’s this beauty in the way she moves that I can’t even describe. It’s like- you know when you go to a museum and see something like a painting or a sculpture that makes you stop and stare? You don’t know what it is that’s getting to you about it. It’s just so goddamn beautiful you can’t help yourself. You have to stare at it. That’s Amber.”
This was my first Jaci Burton book, & I really enjoyed it. It was a fun, sexy read. I really loved Will! :))
*ARC provided by Berkley*
-“When you find that person you want to be with, you’ll move mountains to make it work.”
Amber Sloane is a 24 yr. old U.S. figure skater from Long Island. She’s in Vancouver for the international games and is competing for her third and final time. This is her last chance, and her time to shine. She’s worked hard, and is ready to win the gold. She feels this is going to be her year.
Amber is an introvert, and has never made time for friends. Her whole life has been skating. She’s been under so much pressure to train & perform she never has any fun. She decides this time at the games she’s going to let go & put herself out there. She goes to a party and meets a gorgeous guy named Will Madigan.
Will Madigan is a hockey player on the U.S. hockey team. He’s from Chicago, & plays for the St. Louis Ice hockey team. This is his second time competing in the Winter Olympics.
Will meets a beautiful figure skater named Amber, & is extremely intrigued by her. He wants to get to know her better, and they begin spending a lot of time together. They really enjoy hanging out, and soon things turn physical between them. They are both competitive athletes who have a burning desire for gold & one another. When it’s time to go home will they decide it was just a fling, or will they try for something more?
-The man could take her breath away in the best way possible.
-She’d never felt this undeniable zing of attraction like she did with Will. All he had to do was look at her and she felt his gaze like a caress all over her body.
-“There’s this beauty in the way she moves that I can’t even describe. It’s like- you know when you go to a museum and see something like a painting or a sculpture that makes you stop and stare? You don’t know what it is that’s getting to you about it. It’s just so goddamn beautiful you can’t help yourself. You have to stare at it. That’s Amber.”
This was my first Jaci Burton book, & I really enjoyed it. It was a fun, sexy read. I really loved Will! :))
March 1, 2018
This used to be my favorite contemporary/erotic romance series. But after 14 books, the series has sort of lost its luster for me. Compared to the first five or so of this series, the last few have paled in comparison. While this was a perfectly fine romance between two athletes (one a figure skater, one a hockey player) going for the gold in the Olympics, it just didn't have that zing .
The hero, hockey star Will, seemed like a great guy. Friendly, charming, handsome, sexy, and with no real baggage. The heroine, Amber, was competing in her last Olympics and it was her final chance for the gold. Under her uber-controlling mom's guidance, she never really was encouraged to make friends or have much of a life beyond skating. But this time at the Olympics, and at the ripe old age of 24, she's determined to make her own decisions. She wants to have fun, enjoy the whole Olympic experience, make friends, and lose her virginity. Yeah.
Not much conflict in this story. Amber and Will hit it off as friends and later lovers. Amber and Will have a blast in between their competitions hanging with friends, and spending time together in and out of bed. Feelings develop on both sides, but is this just a two week fling or could there be a possibility for more?
Like I said, a perfectly fine romance, but not much conflict. I kept reading, to see how it would turn out. Was I wowed like I was by The Perfect Play, Changing the Game,Taking a Shot, or Playing to Win? Not really. But maybe I've been spoiled.
3 1/2 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
The hero, hockey star Will, seemed like a great guy. Friendly, charming, handsome, sexy, and with no real baggage. The heroine, Amber, was competing in her last Olympics and it was her final chance for the gold. Under her uber-controlling mom's guidance, she never really was encouraged to make friends or have much of a life beyond skating. But this time at the Olympics, and at the ripe old age of 24, she's determined to make her own decisions. She wants to have fun, enjoy the whole Olympic experience, make friends, and lose her virginity. Yeah.
Not much conflict in this story. Amber and Will hit it off as friends and later lovers. Amber and Will have a blast in between their competitions hanging with friends, and spending time together in and out of bed. Feelings develop on both sides, but is this just a two week fling or could there be a possibility for more?
Like I said, a perfectly fine romance, but not much conflict. I kept reading, to see how it would turn out. Was I wowed like I was by The Perfect Play, Changing the Game,Taking a Shot, or Playing to Win? Not really. But maybe I've been spoiled.
3 1/2 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
March 5, 2018
"Burton doesn't cut any corners here and delivers a fabulous read for her readers."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
February 21, 2018
Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton was the fourteenth book in the Play-by-Play series.
USA Olympians Will “Mad Dog” Madigan (hockey) and Amber Sloan (figure skating) met in Vancouver as they were seeking the coveted Gold medal in their sport. They were both competitive, dedicated, hard working, committed and understood each other’s drive. I enjoyed reading this story as we are currently experiencing a Winter Olympics in real life.
Not only did Burton highlight the meeting and relationship development between Amber and Will, but she had multiple secondary storylines running simultaneously. For example, we experienced Amber’s reluctance to avoid seclusion as she prepared for her events. She had always been taught to avoid making friends and to stay focused by not forming any bonds while competing. Burton also demonstrated Amber’s struggles with a controlling mother - one who made many sacrifices throughout the years and couldn’t quite give up the control. We were also blessed with details for pursuing Gold within both hockey and figure skating. It’s never an easy road and it was an enjoyable read to get the various challenges and ranges of emotion involved during each stage of the respective Olympic event.
Lastly, Burton had a great supporting cast through the involvement of other athletes. I enjoyed the camaraderie and appreciated that it wasn’t hateful drama, but was a healthy competitive streak amongst friends.
All in all, it was enjoyable and entertaining. I’m not sure where book fifteen will take us, but I’m a fan of the series and can’t wait to see where Burton leads us next.
USA Olympians Will “Mad Dog” Madigan (hockey) and Amber Sloan (figure skating) met in Vancouver as they were seeking the coveted Gold medal in their sport. They were both competitive, dedicated, hard working, committed and understood each other’s drive. I enjoyed reading this story as we are currently experiencing a Winter Olympics in real life.
Not only did Burton highlight the meeting and relationship development between Amber and Will, but she had multiple secondary storylines running simultaneously. For example, we experienced Amber’s reluctance to avoid seclusion as she prepared for her events. She had always been taught to avoid making friends and to stay focused by not forming any bonds while competing. Burton also demonstrated Amber’s struggles with a controlling mother - one who made many sacrifices throughout the years and couldn’t quite give up the control. We were also blessed with details for pursuing Gold within both hockey and figure skating. It’s never an easy road and it was an enjoyable read to get the various challenges and ranges of emotion involved during each stage of the respective Olympic event.
Lastly, Burton had a great supporting cast through the involvement of other athletes. I enjoyed the camaraderie and appreciated that it wasn’t hateful drama, but was a healthy competitive streak amongst friends.
All in all, it was enjoyable and entertaining. I’m not sure where book fifteen will take us, but I’m a fan of the series and can’t wait to see where Burton leads us next.
February 13, 2018
Shot on Gold is the 14th book in the Play by Play series and it has everything I like in a sports romance. First, is the winter Olympics and it highlights both figure skating and men’s ice hockey. Second, is a hot romance between two athletes who weren’t looking for love but ended up finding their one love. Will ‘Mad Dog’ Madigan is returning for a second time to win gold and tries to balance his focus on his sport and having fun. Amber Sloane is also returning for the third and last time to have a shot at gold after winning both bronze and silver medals. When Amber’s roommate introduces them, there is instant chemistry and both are interested in pursuing it.
I thought this story had a nice balance between the sports action and the development of a romantic relationship between the two main characters. Knowing that this is her last competition, Amber is going to make the most of it and pushes herself to attend parties, leave the village and make friends with her fellow competitors. And if all goes as planned she might even be able to do a little sexual exploration and take care of a little thing. I liked this character because she was so confident as an ice skater but was a little bit of an introvert, especially around good-looking guys like Will. She was real and her emotions felt real. She couldn’t get any luckier when she met Will. Will is too good to be true and one of my favorite characters in this series. He worked hard and played when he could. He challenged Amber and took her out of her comfort zone. I loved his honesty and his work ethic.
Shot on Gold was an emotional and drama filled story that highlights professional athletes at their best, with a hot and steamy romance. The story was everything and more. She brought the sports action to an exciting conclusion for both Amber and Will which added a little suspense to the ending. The author tied up all the conflicts and a there is a heartfelt ending for Amber and Will. Jaci Burton delivered another well-written contemporary romance with likeable characters and an engaging story. Good news is that you can read this as a stand-alone. If you have kept up with the series you get a few updates from previous characters and they are nice surprises. I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the cover. Gorgeous! Hats off to Jaci Burton for this wonderful sports series.
December 28, 2018
Things are heating up on the ice!
I couldn’t wait to start the latest read in his hockey-centered series. This time out was a unique outing as hockey elite met ice skating royalty in a romance set within the Vancouver Olympic Games.
Will played professional hockey and Amber’s whole life had been dedicated to skating. Each knew the dedication and work that went into performing at that level but the games were an opportunity to work and play like no other. Will was happy to be joining the international teams playing a sport he loved. Amber was attending her last Olympics and she was determined to experience all it had to offer. No more hiding in her room, she was going to have fun and no one was better at it then Will…
Will and Amber’s story was full of heat, ice and all the feels. Each game and each medal competition brought nerves and excitement, matching what they were feeling off the ice. Throw in complicated family and an unexpected yearning for intimacy on both sides meant their courtship was not all smooth sailing…
Put it all together and it was a gold medal performance! ~Diane, 4 stars
I couldn’t wait to start the latest read in his hockey-centered series. This time out was a unique outing as hockey elite met ice skating royalty in a romance set within the Vancouver Olympic Games.
Will played professional hockey and Amber’s whole life had been dedicated to skating. Each knew the dedication and work that went into performing at that level but the games were an opportunity to work and play like no other. Will was happy to be joining the international teams playing a sport he loved. Amber was attending her last Olympics and she was determined to experience all it had to offer. No more hiding in her room, she was going to have fun and no one was better at it then Will…
Will and Amber’s story was full of heat, ice and all the feels. Each game and each medal competition brought nerves and excitement, matching what they were feeling off the ice. Throw in complicated family and an unexpected yearning for intimacy on both sides meant their courtship was not all smooth sailing…
Put it all together and it was a gold medal performance! ~Diane, 4 stars
November 16, 2025
Shot on Gold is a completely fun read and just in time for everyone getting in the mood for Winter Olympics 2018.
Will is a hockey player on his second time around to the Winter Games. He is playing for the US team and enjoying the social life the Olympic games’ village provide. He met Amber Sloane last time he went but she was shy, reserved and totally focused on her figure skating.
Amber has sacrificed her entire life for parents skating ambitions. She is focused and determined to make them proud and bring home the gold this year because it will be her last year to compete in the Olympics. She doesn’t know what the future will bring but she is ready to start finding out what she really wants out of life.
When her roommate convinces her to go out to party with her fellow athletes, Amber runs into Will and his irresistible ways. Will and Amber make the perfect couple during the games its what comes after that has them worried.
I’ve been with Burton from the start of her Play by Play series and I have to say that I’m loving the transition this series has taken from a more erotic romance to contemporary sports romance. She is writing characters with genuine heart, real life circumstances and dreams and is truly rocking it. Don't get me wrong we still get that steam but its steam with a deep character connection. If you are looking for a great contemporary sports romance, check out Jaci Burton’s Shot on Gold.
I received this ARC copy of Shot on Gold from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Shot on Gold is set for publication Feb. 13, 2018.
Will is a hockey player on his second time around to the Winter Games. He is playing for the US team and enjoying the social life the Olympic games’ village provide. He met Amber Sloane last time he went but she was shy, reserved and totally focused on her figure skating.
Amber has sacrificed her entire life for parents skating ambitions. She is focused and determined to make them proud and bring home the gold this year because it will be her last year to compete in the Olympics. She doesn’t know what the future will bring but she is ready to start finding out what she really wants out of life.
When her roommate convinces her to go out to party with her fellow athletes, Amber runs into Will and his irresistible ways. Will and Amber make the perfect couple during the games its what comes after that has them worried.
I’ve been with Burton from the start of her Play by Play series and I have to say that I’m loving the transition this series has taken from a more erotic romance to contemporary sports romance. She is writing characters with genuine heart, real life circumstances and dreams and is truly rocking it. Don't get me wrong we still get that steam but its steam with a deep character connection. If you are looking for a great contemporary sports romance, check out Jaci Burton’s Shot on Gold.
I received this ARC copy of Shot on Gold from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Shot on Gold is set for publication Feb. 13, 2018.
March 13, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shot On Gold is a story I have been looking forward to SO much, especially when it was published around the time of the Winter Olympics so it was simply perfect. I have adored every book I have read so far in this series, Jaci Burton has such a lovely writing voice and it shows in her books. In Shot On Gold we have a pairing of a hockey play as our hero, and a figure skater as our heroine and boy they rock this book out!!
So it begins when Will "Mad Dog" is to be on the USA Hockey Team for the Olympics, so he heads to Vancouver early to get as much time on the ice as possible. And in the early days, he meets up with Amber Sloane, who is a figure skater. Will has never had much interest in figure skating, until he meets sweet and lovely Amber who is graceful and endearing. Will has met up with plenty of women over the years, but Amber is a bit different for him, he has a connection with her he hasn't felt before.
Amber has only had one focus in her life....to be a professional figure skater, with her mother riding her hard and leaving no room for a social life....Amber has no idea what its like to be around friends or to go on a date or even have sex. But this is her final year at the Olympics and even though her goal is to get the Gold Medal, she also wants to live life to the fullest...make friends and have hot sweaty sex with Mad Dog Will. Amber starts to deal with some conflicting emotions, and she has to face up to some facts about herself and where she wants to go and what she is willing to fight for. Amber is the type of heroine that I just admired. She is so focused on her career and is very talented but she has let other things in her life slide though. And we see her learning to truly enjoy living life for the first time.
The relationship that Will and Amber have together is simply so loveable. I love how they really just hit it off very quickly, they become good friends pretty much on their first day and boy the sexual tension is off the charts in this one. I loved how they don't jump in the sack on the first day. Will knows that Amber hasn't been with anyone other than her vibrator, and so he wants to take his time with her. I was so on board with their relationship because they just "click". I liked that they have such an interest in each other outside the bedroom, that they REALLY like each other on a emotional level too.
We get the chance to cheer both of them on and their group of friends as they fight for their chance to win a chance at the Gold Medal and seeing all their hard work pay off in the end. Truly these moments were so poignant at times and just made me smile and tear up at the same time. I loved the emotion that Burton displays in this story because I swear I was crying at moments that I didn't expect to.
This story has plenty of fun dynamics that will give you a fun fulfilled ride that you won't want to get off of....full of crazy stunts, the true joy of the games and a love story to curl your toes!!
Shot On Gold is a story I have been looking forward to SO much, especially when it was published around the time of the Winter Olympics so it was simply perfect. I have adored every book I have read so far in this series, Jaci Burton has such a lovely writing voice and it shows in her books. In Shot On Gold we have a pairing of a hockey play as our hero, and a figure skater as our heroine and boy they rock this book out!!
“Besides, you haven’t even seen my long program yet. Now that’s packed with some sizzle.”
He leveled her with the wicked desire in his gaze. “Babe, you haven’t seen my long program yet, either. Trust me, I’m packing some heat, too”
So it begins when Will "Mad Dog" is to be on the USA Hockey Team for the Olympics, so he heads to Vancouver early to get as much time on the ice as possible. And in the early days, he meets up with Amber Sloane, who is a figure skater. Will has never had much interest in figure skating, until he meets sweet and lovely Amber who is graceful and endearing. Will has met up with plenty of women over the years, but Amber is a bit different for him, he has a connection with her he hasn't felt before.
Amber has only had one focus in her life....to be a professional figure skater, with her mother riding her hard and leaving no room for a social life....Amber has no idea what its like to be around friends or to go on a date or even have sex. But this is her final year at the Olympics and even though her goal is to get the Gold Medal, she also wants to live life to the fullest...make friends and have hot sweaty sex with Mad Dog Will. Amber starts to deal with some conflicting emotions, and she has to face up to some facts about herself and where she wants to go and what she is willing to fight for. Amber is the type of heroine that I just admired. She is so focused on her career and is very talented but she has let other things in her life slide though. And we see her learning to truly enjoy living life for the first time.
You're the sweetest woman I've ever met. You always think of other people. You're thoughtful, insightful and smart. And smart women are sexy as fuck. You're also the sexiest woman I've ever known.
The relationship that Will and Amber have together is simply so loveable. I love how they really just hit it off very quickly, they become good friends pretty much on their first day and boy the sexual tension is off the charts in this one. I loved how they don't jump in the sack on the first day. Will knows that Amber hasn't been with anyone other than her vibrator, and so he wants to take his time with her. I was so on board with their relationship because they just "click". I liked that they have such an interest in each other outside the bedroom, that they REALLY like each other on a emotional level too.
We get the chance to cheer both of them on and their group of friends as they fight for their chance to win a chance at the Gold Medal and seeing all their hard work pay off in the end. Truly these moments were so poignant at times and just made me smile and tear up at the same time. I loved the emotion that Burton displays in this story because I swear I was crying at moments that I didn't expect to.
When you find that person you want to be with, you’ll move mountains to make it work.
This story has plenty of fun dynamics that will give you a fun fulfilled ride that you won't want to get off of....full of crazy stunts, the true joy of the games and a love story to curl your toes!!
February 11, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sj7vJM
They eat. They skate. They fuck.
What's not to love? lol
The Gist: The Olympic Winter Games. A sheltered figure skater deciding to have a little fun for a change and setting her sights not only on winning a gold medal but snagging some sheet time with one of the hockey gods who's always the life of the party. Mmhm
Oh yes. These two were adorable! An extrovert and an introvert. The life of the party and the wall flower. Vastly experienced and pretty damn innocent. I loved the differences between Amber and Will and that it actually worked well. They fit each other. They're both extremely hard working, dedicated, ambitious. I loved seeing her come out of her shell. Stand up to her mom, making friends, gaining some experiences in life. And I loved seeing him settle down a bit from his previously slutty ways. He's a good guy and incredibly caring.
Now the heat. Yeah. Amber might have been rather innocent at the start of things but these two fuck like bunnies. And it's seriously hot. And creative now and again.
I just had a good time with this one. I don't think I've read one set at the winter Olympics before so that was rather entertaining. The village the athletes live in, the time with teammates and rivals, practice, qualifications, the pressure of winning and dealing with potential losses. It was exciting and damn if by the end I wasn't just as nervous as them over whether they'd win gold or not. lol
All in all, Shot on Gold was delicious sporty romantic fun. It'll leave you smiling and maybe thinking about tracking down a hockey player all your own.
February 20, 2018
Quitting at around 35% - Just not feeling this dialogue. It reads very forced and awkward between the hero and heroine. I could get past that if the characters were interesting, but nothing is working for me. Moving on.
February 11, 2018
In the latest Play-by-Play novel, Jaci Burton has moved slightly away from the realm of professional athletes and provided us a story involving Olympians. I believe this is the first story I have read involving Olympic athletes, so it was a nice change of pace. While I don't typically watch the Winter Olympics, this story coming out during the start of the games has me curious enough to take a gander.
Our heroine is Amber Sloane, a twenty-four year old ice princess figure skater at the end of her Olympic career. Amber has ate, slept and breathed figure skating from a young age, and she needs that gold medal to end her career with a bang. But between her momager and wallflower shyness, Amber seemingly has nothing in her life but skating. She has no friends, no experience, and is hanging on to that V-Card pretty late in life. Fortunately Amber has decided to open up for these last games, and she sets out to make friends and gain experience. I liked seeing Amber soften her focus and live life for herself for a change. I wish she had been more assertive with her mother, but I'm sure old habits die hard and all of that.
Will "Mad Dog" Madigan is a fun-loving hockey player and, in the past, was a known partier and ladies man. This year he has changed his tune and hopes to actually remember some of his time at the games. I thought Will's character was a good mix of flirty fun and serious athlete. I liked that he didn't immediately take Amber up on her proposition, that he respected her enough as a person to wait and see if they were in the same headspace. I also liked that Will came from such a loving family background, and he was secure enough in himself to believe in love on a grand scale. It seems that the cover model (and his tattoos) fit Will to perfection, and I always love having that visual.
The romance between these two was not instalove, but also not a slow burn. Given that our heroine is still hanging onto her V-Card, the hero was somewhat reluctant to jump right in there. That being said, Amber transformed from virgin to vixen in a flash, and once they got going, they really got going. Amber's directness and dirty talk was in contrast with the wallflower we see at the start of the book, and was somewhat representative of the personal growth she was experiencing. Overall, I think these two were a good match and I liked them together. At times, the writing felt a bit forced or overly simplistic... but then some Olympic interest would divert my attention and get me back into the story.
So probably the most interesting aspect of this book to me was the Olympic village and all the goings on there. I have never really thought about where the athletes live and mingle during the games, so this part really drew me in and had me wanting more. While I'm not a huge hockey or figure skating fan, the discussion of some of the other winter sports piqued my interest enough to want to check out the half-pipe and slalom events.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley.
January 19, 2018
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Exhilarating, unique take on a sports romance. Jaci Burton has delivered another enticing novel in her Play by Play series with Shot on Gold, a romance rotating around the Winter Olympics. Jaci did her due diligence in her research on not just her knowledge regarding one sport but multiple sports. As a fan of ice skating, I really enjoyed Will and Amber’s romance.
Two veterans return to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver to seek out Gold medals. Amber, 24 is on her third ice skating tour and Will on his second hockey tour. Both are complete opposites in every way but they click. Encouraging each other through friendly banter, sporting praises and eventually lustful/loveable intimacy.
“Besides, you haven’t even seen my long program yet. Now that’s packed with some sizzle.”
He leveled her with the wicked desire in his gaze. “Babe, you haven’t seen my long program yet, either. Trust me, I’m packing some heat, too”
Jaci has created charming characters all around. Amber is trying to prove to her family that all her hard work and sequestered dedication can pay off once she has her hands on the gold but deep down she yearns to have fun like everyone her age. Will sees a light inside her and wants to let her light shine bright to her fullest, but he might ruffel her feathers a little to get her to achieve her goals. So much passion between these two. You see the desire slowly build within the pages and Jaci showcases their lust beautifully.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved that it showcased more than just the two sports, but also skiing and snowboarding. Also, it had the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect which I really appreciated. Shot on Gold is inspiring and has hidden meanings for oneself. Releases in time for this years Winter Olympics. For sure, I won’t look at the Olympics the same again.
5 Olympic Gold Rings
Exhilarating, unique take on a sports romance. Jaci Burton has delivered another enticing novel in her Play by Play series with Shot on Gold, a romance rotating around the Winter Olympics. Jaci did her due diligence in her research on not just her knowledge regarding one sport but multiple sports. As a fan of ice skating, I really enjoyed Will and Amber’s romance.
Two veterans return to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver to seek out Gold medals. Amber, 24 is on her third ice skating tour and Will on his second hockey tour. Both are complete opposites in every way but they click. Encouraging each other through friendly banter, sporting praises and eventually lustful/loveable intimacy.
“Besides, you haven’t even seen my long program yet. Now that’s packed with some sizzle.”
He leveled her with the wicked desire in his gaze. “Babe, you haven’t seen my long program yet, either. Trust me, I’m packing some heat, too”
Jaci has created charming characters all around. Amber is trying to prove to her family that all her hard work and sequestered dedication can pay off once she has her hands on the gold but deep down she yearns to have fun like everyone her age. Will sees a light inside her and wants to let her light shine bright to her fullest, but he might ruffel her feathers a little to get her to achieve her goals. So much passion between these two. You see the desire slowly build within the pages and Jaci showcases their lust beautifully.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved that it showcased more than just the two sports, but also skiing and snowboarding. Also, it had the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect which I really appreciated. Shot on Gold is inspiring and has hidden meanings for oneself. Releases in time for this years Winter Olympics. For sure, I won’t look at the Olympics the same again.
5 Olympic Gold Rings
February 19, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
As longtime fans of this series, when a new book comes out we always get excited. This release in particular was exciting as it comes during the Winter Olympics and feels like just the right kind of book for the season. And as always, Jaci Burton doesn't disappoint. SHOT ON GOLD is the perfect winter sports romance.
Will is part of the US Hockey team and at the Olympics for a second time. He wants to leave behind his party days of the first time and focus on his sport. Maybe have some responsible fun because he's just a friendly guy! Before the games start he's immediately drawn to a shy figure skater who is at the Olympics for the third time and trying to finally get a gold medal. Amber has been very sheltered by her mother her whole life. No friends, no distractions, no fun. Her whole life has been about skating. But maybe it's time she lets herself have just a bit of fun, and maybe get rid of that pesky virginity. Will seems like just the guy for the job.
I don't think there could be a pair of more lovable characters. Seriously. I genuinely liked both of them and while there isn't a whole lot of angst in their story, I actually enjoyed the build up of their romance and relationship. It had me smiling and wanting to see what would happen next. Granted, I may have been expecting something to shake up their path of roses during the three weeks at the Olympics but the shoe never dropped. In the end, I can't be upset about that.
Don't let this sweet description fool you. SHOT ON GOLD is packed full of heat. For a heroine who is just starting to explore her sexuality, Amber is extremely confident and goes for what she wants. Much like in her career, I guess. I think she made the perfect match for Will.
Definitely a recommendation to pick up this time of year. It'll leave you with a smile on your face.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
February 19, 2018
dnf 30%
I'm a big fan of JB works.
This one, not so much.
The heroine put the B in Boring.
Phewww what a prude o_O
Personally, I don't like virgin heroines. There's a lot of work to be done to lure them out of their shells. I don't have the patience for this.
The story took place only in the olympic village so nothing really happened besides talking about all kind of sports.
not my coppa.
I'm a big fan of JB works.
This one, not so much.
The heroine put the B in Boring.
Phewww what a prude o_O
Personally, I don't like virgin heroines. There's a lot of work to be done to lure them out of their shells. I don't have the patience for this.
The story took place only in the olympic village so nothing really happened besides talking about all kind of sports.
not my coppa.
June 5, 2018
As much as I love this series, I'm not sad it is over as it seems like it has run its course. This installment is just ok. I like the Olympic setting, and the competitions but they were more exciting than the romance between Amber and Will. I just didn't feel it between the two of them. I only finished it because I wanted to know if they won the gold. 2 1/2 disappointing stars, (I am looking forward to her new series though)
February 12, 2018
Spending your days and nights devoted to the sport that has dominated your life is nothing new for Amber Sloane. As a competitive figure skater, Amber was never exposed to summer camps, sleepovers, or any of the other rites of passage in a child’s life. Amber spent her time practicing and training for one goal….the Olympics.
Now the 24 yr old veteran in the figure skating world is vying for her third and final time at the Olympics. One last chance for the gold. A chance to show the world that Amber still has what it takes to stand on that podium. During this trip, Amber decides to forgo her normal routine and ‘let loose’ a little. The result? A chance meeting with Will ‘Mad Dog’ Madigan.
Life on the ice is nothing new for Will. As an ice hockey player, Will spends his time away from the Olympics playing professional hockey. Since this is Will’s second Olympics, he is a bit more casual in his time off the ice. With the goal of having fun and taking home a medal, Will knows that mingling with other competitors is a way to decompress off the ice. Then Will crosses paths with Amber. An unexpected treat on her own pair of skates.
As the two athletes begin to spend more time together, they both realize that they have more in common than was initially thought. With their romantic attraction being the focal point between them, Amber and Will slowly realize that this might be more than a sexual attraction. The quest for gold is on for both competitors. Now they must discover where their relationship lies when the thrill of the Olympics is over.
What perfect timing!!! Shot on Gold couldn’t have been released at a better time!!! The quest for a medal at the Olympics is currently on our television sets and now on our readers!! Jaci Burton has taken her fans into the world of the greatest athletes in the world. A journey that follows Amber and Will through their quest for the GOLD!! What they discovered was the thrill of the chase, as well as an added interest in one another.
Burton has thrilled fans with all of the engaging characters in her Play-By-Play series. Amber and Will are no exception. What I enjoyed was how realistic the story was between the two main characters. Such a wonderful insight into the lives of athletes as they honor the US at the Olympics. A great wrap up to an amazing series from Jaci Burton!! Go Team USA!!
Now the 24 yr old veteran in the figure skating world is vying for her third and final time at the Olympics. One last chance for the gold. A chance to show the world that Amber still has what it takes to stand on that podium. During this trip, Amber decides to forgo her normal routine and ‘let loose’ a little. The result? A chance meeting with Will ‘Mad Dog’ Madigan.
Life on the ice is nothing new for Will. As an ice hockey player, Will spends his time away from the Olympics playing professional hockey. Since this is Will’s second Olympics, he is a bit more casual in his time off the ice. With the goal of having fun and taking home a medal, Will knows that mingling with other competitors is a way to decompress off the ice. Then Will crosses paths with Amber. An unexpected treat on her own pair of skates.
As the two athletes begin to spend more time together, they both realize that they have more in common than was initially thought. With their romantic attraction being the focal point between them, Amber and Will slowly realize that this might be more than a sexual attraction. The quest for gold is on for both competitors. Now they must discover where their relationship lies when the thrill of the Olympics is over.
What perfect timing!!! Shot on Gold couldn’t have been released at a better time!!! The quest for a medal at the Olympics is currently on our television sets and now on our readers!! Jaci Burton has taken her fans into the world of the greatest athletes in the world. A journey that follows Amber and Will through their quest for the GOLD!! What they discovered was the thrill of the chase, as well as an added interest in one another.
Burton has thrilled fans with all of the engaging characters in her Play-By-Play series. Amber and Will are no exception. What I enjoyed was how realistic the story was between the two main characters. Such a wonderful insight into the lives of athletes as they honor the US at the Olympics. A great wrap up to an amazing series from Jaci Burton!! Go Team USA!!
February 11, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***
The Olympics are happening in real life, and the international games are happening in this book. I love the connection to real life and the feeling of "being there". In fact, I am writing this review while waiting for the ice skating team finals to start...so, it really is like I am there with Amber.
Will and Amber. A life-of-the-party hockey player and a serious, studious, here only for the competition ice skater.
Really, they shouldn't work together and they probably don't on paper. But, in this book? It works well. I think this is because, by this point in the series, Jaci Burton knows what she is doing when she writes a sports romance. She has the balance down...the hero (and in this case the heroine) need to be in the sports world, not someone on a break, or who has retired and is sunning himself on a beach somewhere, but playing, training and living the sports world. And, the other side of this needs to have the realistic romance that you believe, the kind that makes you believe the super dedicated hero and heroine would actually get involved with the other.
This title works. Add in that Amber is so sheltered she is a virgin, and the wonderful reaction Will has to this, the overbearing skating mom, the friends and fellow athletes, and you have a book that transports you to the international games village...just in time for the Olympics.
I enjoyed this title, and I recommend it.
The Olympics are happening in real life, and the international games are happening in this book. I love the connection to real life and the feeling of "being there". In fact, I am writing this review while waiting for the ice skating team finals to start...so, it really is like I am there with Amber.
Will and Amber. A life-of-the-party hockey player and a serious, studious, here only for the competition ice skater.
Really, they shouldn't work together and they probably don't on paper. But, in this book? It works well. I think this is because, by this point in the series, Jaci Burton knows what she is doing when she writes a sports romance. She has the balance down...the hero (and in this case the heroine) need to be in the sports world, not someone on a break, or who has retired and is sunning himself on a beach somewhere, but playing, training and living the sports world. And, the other side of this needs to have the realistic romance that you believe, the kind that makes you believe the super dedicated hero and heroine would actually get involved with the other.
This title works. Add in that Amber is so sheltered she is a virgin, and the wonderful reaction Will has to this, the overbearing skating mom, the friends and fellow athletes, and you have a book that transports you to the international games village...just in time for the Olympics.
I enjoyed this title, and I recommend it.
February 13, 2018
Shot on Gold was a steamy, heartwarming, and charming romance novel. I read this book in one sitting because I was just so addicted! This is a book you will start and never want to stop!
One thing I really enjoyed about this novel was the setting. This book took place during the Winter Olypmics, which I was OBSESSED with. I love the Olympics, so I was more than happy to read a book that focused on the Olympics. Sports novels always have an exciting element to them, but the Olympics made the sports aspects even more exciting.
The main female character, Amber, was so adorable and relatable to me. Amber was more of an introverted wallflower, which actually was very charming. Will seemed like the exact opposite. Will was extremely outgoing, confident, and very experienced. Will always knew what to say and when. For these reasons, Amber and Will seemed like complete opposites. However, they actually worked SO well together and brought out the best in each other. Will and Amber were both kind, loving, dedicated, and hard-working people. They made such an adorable couple, and I loved watching their romance progress throughout the book. Also, the sexual chemistry between Amber and Will was off the charts! The author created so many steamy and sexy moments between Amber and Will. If you are looking for a book with heat, then this is the book for you!
Overall, Shot on Gold was a sexy, addictive, and charming novel. Fans of sports romances novels will love this book and series!
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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One thing I really enjoyed about this novel was the setting. This book took place during the Winter Olypmics, which I was OBSESSED with. I love the Olympics, so I was more than happy to read a book that focused on the Olympics. Sports novels always have an exciting element to them, but the Olympics made the sports aspects even more exciting.
The main female character, Amber, was so adorable and relatable to me. Amber was more of an introverted wallflower, which actually was very charming. Will seemed like the exact opposite. Will was extremely outgoing, confident, and very experienced. Will always knew what to say and when. For these reasons, Amber and Will seemed like complete opposites. However, they actually worked SO well together and brought out the best in each other. Will and Amber were both kind, loving, dedicated, and hard-working people. They made such an adorable couple, and I loved watching their romance progress throughout the book. Also, the sexual chemistry between Amber and Will was off the charts! The author created so many steamy and sexy moments between Amber and Will. If you are looking for a book with heat, then this is the book for you!
Overall, Shot on Gold was a sexy, addictive, and charming novel. Fans of sports romances novels will love this book and series!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
March 27, 2018
This would have been perfect for me had there been more at the end. It was just too simple and felt incomplete. Maybe it just needed an epilogue. Up until the stupid girl moment at the end, it was great though. You can tell the author is a sports fan and understands how things work - it can be terribly annoying if an author tackles something they don't understand or don't bother to learn. I'm not saying it was perfect from an athlete's perspective, but it worked for this sports fan!
All of the characters were wonderful, their camaraderie was comfortable and easy. The relationship between Will and Amber was a joy to watch. The attraction was there early on, followed readily be the heat, the feelings came along and surprised them both. Will knew what he wanted, but Amber was so inexperienced that she was sort of clueless. The came the stupid girl moment, it would have been so much easier to just talk things out. Oh well, all's well that ends well and I'm really glad I read this.
All of the characters were wonderful, their camaraderie was comfortable and easy. The relationship between Will and Amber was a joy to watch. The attraction was there early on, followed readily be the heat, the feelings came along and surprised them both. Will knew what he wanted, but Amber was so inexperienced that she was sort of clueless. The came the stupid girl moment, it would have been so much easier to just talk things out. Oh well, all's well that ends well and I'm really glad I read this.
February 13, 2018
Shot On Gold by Jaci Burton
(Play-By-Blay #14)
Publisher: Berkley Books
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an early copy of Shot On Gold for an honest review.
Shot On Gold is hot, hot, hot!!! The chemistry between Amber and Will is on fire. This can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. Amber a figure skater and Will a hockey player realize they have a lot in common. They both have a drive and passion to win, and to be on the ice.
FULL REVIEW GO TO: takemeawaytoagreatread.com/2018/02/13...
(Play-By-Blay #14)
Publisher: Berkley Books
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an early copy of Shot On Gold for an honest review.
Shot On Gold is hot, hot, hot!!! The chemistry between Amber and Will is on fire. This can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. Amber a figure skater and Will a hockey player realize they have a lot in common. They both have a drive and passion to win, and to be on the ice.
FULL REVIEW GO TO: takemeawaytoagreatread.com/2018/02/13...
February 14, 2018
I am watching the Olympics and reading this book. How cool is that? I love how the author seems knowledgeable on each sport and the competition strategy.
The story is pretty simple and the characters are lovely. There was a little too much descriptive sex for my tastes. And that is my only criticism.
The story is pretty simple and the characters are lovely. There was a little too much descriptive sex for my tastes. And that is my only criticism.
February 5, 2018
This was such a fun one to read. I really liked the couple, was rooting for them, but what really worked for me was how the group of athletes genuinely rooted for each other in their sports. I loved that it didn't matter that they were from different countries, that often they were competing against each other in the same event, they wanted their friend to do their best and were there to cheer them on. I think that giving spirit helped Amber and Will in their relationship. They started out as friends truly enjoying each others company. As things changed they talked about their lives, how their sport matter so much in their life. For Amber it was nice to actually she her get a life, for Will it was nice that he had people supporting him.
I hated the bad choice that Amber made towards the end, even as I understood why. I wished she would have explained things to Will then, he could have put a stop to things. Instead they both had to be miserable. I loved that Will was able to see how much being apart affected Amber and was happy when she came clean. It made me know they would be ok, no matter where life takes them.
I hated the bad choice that Amber made towards the end, even as I understood why. I wished she would have explained things to Will then, he could have put a stop to things. Instead they both had to be miserable. I loved that Will was able to see how much being apart affected Amber and was happy when she came clean. It made me know they would be ok, no matter where life takes them.
March 13, 2018
Shot on Gold – 3.5 Stars – Jaci Burton
While I’ve loved this series, this book simply fell flat for me. The only thing I can equate it too was like it was watching one of those feel good Hallmark movies, without the swearing of course, and then suddenly someone flips the channel and now you’re watching the porn channel.
Jaci’s character development made no sense whatsoever in this book and I could tell early on, she was running out of steam. The premise of the book is the Olympic Games or International Games as she calls them in this novel. Every character who speaks is so politically correct; you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. Now, I understand self-confidence, and no doubt, professional athletes of this caliber have to have it, but realistically, do they sit around and talk about it endlessly like a self-help video? Not so much.
The complete turn off for me was the sudden switch in dialogue when it came time for the sex scenes. The writer goes from zero to erotica in under two seconds. It didn’t fit, especially for Amber, the heroine of the story. I know of no virgin who first of all uses dildos and vibrators and second, has such a filthy mouth and doesn’t at least stutter or blush when saying cock. Invasion of the Body Snatchers must have been the movie the writer saw before outlining this thing. She was so uncomfortable with crafting characters you could believe in, that she simply swapped them out with a couple of bad porn actors so she wouldn’t have to deal with it.
While I have loved this series from the beginning, it’s finally time to bid it farewell. It’s obvious the writer has given up on this world she created and that’s fine, I just won’t be exploring her others.
While I’ve loved this series, this book simply fell flat for me. The only thing I can equate it too was like it was watching one of those feel good Hallmark movies, without the swearing of course, and then suddenly someone flips the channel and now you’re watching the porn channel.
Jaci’s character development made no sense whatsoever in this book and I could tell early on, she was running out of steam. The premise of the book is the Olympic Games or International Games as she calls them in this novel. Every character who speaks is so politically correct; you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. Now, I understand self-confidence, and no doubt, professional athletes of this caliber have to have it, but realistically, do they sit around and talk about it endlessly like a self-help video? Not so much.
The complete turn off for me was the sudden switch in dialogue when it came time for the sex scenes. The writer goes from zero to erotica in under two seconds. It didn’t fit, especially for Amber, the heroine of the story. I know of no virgin who first of all uses dildos and vibrators and second, has such a filthy mouth and doesn’t at least stutter or blush when saying cock. Invasion of the Body Snatchers must have been the movie the writer saw before outlining this thing. She was so uncomfortable with crafting characters you could believe in, that she simply swapped them out with a couple of bad porn actors so she wouldn’t have to deal with it.
While I have loved this series from the beginning, it’s finally time to bid it farewell. It’s obvious the writer has given up on this world she created and that’s fine, I just won’t be exploring her others.
March 4, 2018
Meh, not for me.
A figure skater and a hockey player compete for gold medals and end up falling in love at the "international games." Unfortunately I never bought into the romance nor really found myself swept away by the story.
Amber, a virgin 24 year old is at her last Olympics. She's never won gold and she's determined she'll end her career on the top. A controlling mother, body issues, and her own lack of self make her also determined to have FUN this time around.
Will "Mad Dog" Madigan, another returning Olympic athlete is also on his own hunt for gold, playing hockey for Team USA. He partied a bit too hard last time but can't help but be entranced by the seemingly innocent Amber.
Spoilers ahead.
Agreeing to enjoy each other's company, explore sex, and enjoy the Games, they fall into a routine. A really dumb conflict near the end of the otherwise fairy-tale story (gold for all! Love! Best sex ever!) is quickly resolved in an eye-rolling way.
Also! I was so annoyed by Amber's seeming eating disorder at the beginning that is quickly turned into, oh I just watch what I eat. Will makes comments on it, all the characters are constantly eating all the time, and diet, dieting, being thin, etc. are fixated on. I found this a bit annoying.
A figure skater and a hockey player compete for gold medals and end up falling in love at the "international games." Unfortunately I never bought into the romance nor really found myself swept away by the story.
Amber, a virgin 24 year old is at her last Olympics. She's never won gold and she's determined she'll end her career on the top. A controlling mother, body issues, and her own lack of self make her also determined to have FUN this time around.
Will "Mad Dog" Madigan, another returning Olympic athlete is also on his own hunt for gold, playing hockey for Team USA. He partied a bit too hard last time but can't help but be entranced by the seemingly innocent Amber.
Spoilers ahead.
Agreeing to enjoy each other's company, explore sex, and enjoy the Games, they fall into a routine. A really dumb conflict near the end of the otherwise fairy-tale story (gold for all! Love! Best sex ever!) is quickly resolved in an eye-rolling way.
Also! I was so annoyed by Amber's seeming eating disorder at the beginning that is quickly turned into, oh I just watch what I eat. Will makes comments on it, all the characters are constantly eating all the time, and diet, dieting, being thin, etc. are fixated on. I found this a bit annoying.
July 15, 2018
I had given up on this series for awhile skipping some in between but this was really enjoyable. With all the Winter Olympics hype this grabbed my attention. It was a cute and sexy read. You can’t go wrong with a super sexy hockey player and a beautiful figure skater.
August 1, 2018
The dialogue in this book felt very repetitive, ok, ok we get it. No need to go on about how every one at the international games wants to win and they’ve trained so hard and all deserve to be there. It seemed like some element of this was talked about in every conversation.
February 13, 2018
The fact that the Winter Olympics are happening right now makes Jaci Burton’s latest story in her Play-by-Play series, Shot on Gold, that much more poignant and relatable, and because I’m a huge fan of sports romances as well as Burton’s series, I couldn’t wait to dive into all that is Will "Mad Dog" Madigan and Amber Sloane’s story, and once again, Burton did a great job of interweaving that action of the characters’ professions with the steamy and sweet encounters that they experience once their day of competing is over.
Both Will and Amber are no strangers to the Winter Olympics. They’ve already participated in at least one each, but that doesn’t mean that still don’t have something to prove when it comes to competing in USA hockey and figure skating respectively.
Jaci Burton provides readers with a front row seat to the competition on the ice as well as what heats up between Will and Amber when they have the time to get to know one another and build a connection that just might feel like winning gold.
At face value, Mr. Extrovert and Ms. Introvert don’t seem like a good match, but Will is the perfect person to teach Amber just how fun it can be to let herself go and not worry about her schedule, her training, or her loner lifestyle, which is exactly what she needs to remind herself that there is life after the Olympics and it’s up to her to decide what kind of life she wants to lead after the closing ceremonies are over and she heads back to a reality that doesn’t have Will in it.
Jaci Burton delivers a gold medal story in Shot on Gold; it has the perfect mix of sports’ insights weaved with the Winter Olympics’ atmosphere and the steps Will takes to show Amber how to let loose and still focus on her goals, making her feel more alive and freer than she’s ever felt, and while there’s a bit of logistics they need to work through once they leave Vancouver, it’s beyond clear that these two having something worth fighting for regardless of the distance between them and how their lives have been led up to this point.
In 14 books in, Jaci Burton still creates sports romance stories that are fresh and relatable, and I can’t wait to see what sports’ studs she’ll match up next.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Both Will and Amber are no strangers to the Winter Olympics. They’ve already participated in at least one each, but that doesn’t mean that still don’t have something to prove when it comes to competing in USA hockey and figure skating respectively.
Jaci Burton provides readers with a front row seat to the competition on the ice as well as what heats up between Will and Amber when they have the time to get to know one another and build a connection that just might feel like winning gold.
At face value, Mr. Extrovert and Ms. Introvert don’t seem like a good match, but Will is the perfect person to teach Amber just how fun it can be to let herself go and not worry about her schedule, her training, or her loner lifestyle, which is exactly what she needs to remind herself that there is life after the Olympics and it’s up to her to decide what kind of life she wants to lead after the closing ceremonies are over and she heads back to a reality that doesn’t have Will in it.
Jaci Burton delivers a gold medal story in Shot on Gold; it has the perfect mix of sports’ insights weaved with the Winter Olympics’ atmosphere and the steps Will takes to show Amber how to let loose and still focus on her goals, making her feel more alive and freer than she’s ever felt, and while there’s a bit of logistics they need to work through once they leave Vancouver, it’s beyond clear that these two having something worth fighting for regardless of the distance between them and how their lives have been led up to this point.
In 14 books in, Jaci Burton still creates sports romance stories that are fresh and relatable, and I can’t wait to see what sports’ studs she’ll match up next.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
March 16, 2020
“That’s what love is all about, Amber. When you find that person you want to be with, you’ll move mountains to make it work. I’ll move mountains to make it work with you.”
ngl i almost dnfed this bc i haven't really been in a reading mood lately but after finishing it, i guess it was just okay. i didn't hate it but i didn't love it either? i also wasn't as invested in the romance but that could be just bc i wasn't in the mood. the conflict and climax and resolution was so weak too
BUT
some things i liked:
- friends to lovers trope turned fwb
- walking outside in the snow
- warming each other's hands uwu
- will secretly watching amber practice her short program
- waking up at 5am to run together
- amber absolutely DESTROYING will
- (like lmaoo homeboy couldn't keep up at all)
- author decided amber was a virgin (an absolute cliché) BUT i like that the reasoning behind it made sense
- (amber has an overbearing mother who wants her to focus on skating and forbid her from having a social life outside it) (so in this context, it was acceptable)
- i also liked that it wasn't played out to be this big of a deal. she's 24 years old at this point and so amber wasn't portrayed to be innocent. in fact she's really eager in bed and is unapologetic about her sexuality
- at one point will handles her with kid gloves and asks her if she needed him to stop, asking for assurances etc and amber gets all smirky and says something along the lines of “i've never been with a guy but i do have toys you know” LMAO
- so i appreciate the virgin trope not being annoyingly cliché
- the sex is really steamy too, maybe a little too excessive but then again.. with the cover, what did you expect?
- amber's friendship with lisa >>>>
- amber forming a friendship with tia, her competitor
- lisa and the other side characters realistically having their own lives outside of being friends with amber
- like lisa's budding relationship with blake and brandon and sergei getting together
- amber's relationship with her trainer, valeria
February 16, 2018
The Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton is one of my favorite series of books she has ever written. Seriously even 14 books in, I'm still in love with this series. I absolutely loved that Shot on Gold was set during the Winter Games.
I quickly found myself liking both Amber and Will as both individuals and as a couple. Yes Amber had led a pretty sheltered life as a figure skater thanks to her mom, but on her third and most likely final Winter Games, she is there to not only win gold, but have a great time and make friends. I loved that initially Will and Amber were only friends, and it seemed at first even though they were both attracted to one another, they could have stayed just friends if Amber wasn't ready for more. I think that is part of why I loved Will so much from the very beginning. He wanted Amber from the moment he saw her but let her set the pace.
I loved that while Ms. Burton never took anything away from Will and Amber's growing romance, she also did such an amazing job spotlighting so many of the different sports along the way. I feel like athletes really do bond the way she wrote it in Shot on Gold and love seeing each athlete go above and beyond to support their friends even when competing against them. The trash talking between friends also was spot on in my opinion, especially with the hockey players.
I really liked the pacing of Amber and Will's romance. They moved slowly at first, yet once they made love for the first time, they really had trouble keeping their hands off each other. I loved how open Amber was about what she wanted and how easy she and Will were together. They had some smoking hot sex along the way, yet I still felt a bit of sweetness in their relationship as well. I also understood Amber backing away as she did towards the end of the games. I can't imagine the one thing you've spent your entire life doing pretty much coming to an end, at least in the way you've been doing it, and not freaking out about trying to make a new relationship work as well. I didn't agree with how she backed off, but understood her confusion and fears.
Shot on Gold was another winner in the Play-by-Play series. While I loved the fact we usually spend lots of time with the same team members, I also loved the mixing in of the Winter Games in this book. We still saw a few favorite characters from past books, and met some new fun characters among all the friends of Amber and Will. I highly recommend both Shot on Gold and the entire series!
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
I quickly found myself liking both Amber and Will as both individuals and as a couple. Yes Amber had led a pretty sheltered life as a figure skater thanks to her mom, but on her third and most likely final Winter Games, she is there to not only win gold, but have a great time and make friends. I loved that initially Will and Amber were only friends, and it seemed at first even though they were both attracted to one another, they could have stayed just friends if Amber wasn't ready for more. I think that is part of why I loved Will so much from the very beginning. He wanted Amber from the moment he saw her but let her set the pace.
I loved that while Ms. Burton never took anything away from Will and Amber's growing romance, she also did such an amazing job spotlighting so many of the different sports along the way. I feel like athletes really do bond the way she wrote it in Shot on Gold and love seeing each athlete go above and beyond to support their friends even when competing against them. The trash talking between friends also was spot on in my opinion, especially with the hockey players.
I really liked the pacing of Amber and Will's romance. They moved slowly at first, yet once they made love for the first time, they really had trouble keeping their hands off each other. I loved how open Amber was about what she wanted and how easy she and Will were together. They had some smoking hot sex along the way, yet I still felt a bit of sweetness in their relationship as well. I also understood Amber backing away as she did towards the end of the games. I can't imagine the one thing you've spent your entire life doing pretty much coming to an end, at least in the way you've been doing it, and not freaking out about trying to make a new relationship work as well. I didn't agree with how she backed off, but understood her confusion and fears.
Shot on Gold was another winner in the Play-by-Play series. While I loved the fact we usually spend lots of time with the same team members, I also loved the mixing in of the Winter Games in this book. We still saw a few favorite characters from past books, and met some new fun characters among all the friends of Amber and Will. I highly recommend both Shot on Gold and the entire series!
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
May 1, 2021
Me gusto mucho este ultimo libro de la serie. En primera porque se sale del mismo grupo familiar ademas porque se sale un poco del molde ya algo desgastado que ha venido manejando en los libros anteriores. Esta es una historia que aunque lleva la misma linea trata a ser mas ligero y refrescante.
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