The Perfect Play

Play-by-Play, Book 1

By: Jaci Burton

Narrated by: Lucy Malone

Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The last thing event planner Tara Lincoln needs is the jet-set lifestyle of a football pro like Mick Riley, even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand proved that Mick is an all-star - both on the field and in the bedroom.

Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a certified heartbreaker. But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind to catch this sultry vixen.

©2011 Jaci Burton (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"In the hands of the talented Burton, the characters leap off the page and the romance sparkles as the sex sizzles." ( Romantic Times)

I had higher expectations.

This was an okay listen, but I had higher expectations given the reviews of the book itself. I don't know why but the female main character bothered me a lot. I understand the psychology of her actions and behaviors but it was almost more than I could handle. I will not be purchasing any more of this series.

A REAL WINNER!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It's written in 3rd person and periodically switched from Mick and Tara's perspective. The sexual chemistry between Mick and Tara is pretty instant, and Mick moved into Tara's fantasy sphere right away. I mean of course he would fall within the fantasy category right away as a football star with drop-dead, good lucks and a charming personality. The issue is that Tara is a single mom, owns her own event coordinating business, and doesn't have time for a distraction as potent as Mick. Yet, when Mick pushes into her life, wanting more from her than a 1 night stand, well this book took on a rather fabulous turn.

In this book you get football, graphic, but sensitive sex scenes (I mean the sex scenes are thankfully NOT mechanical...they're pretty good), dirty talk during sex (boy, could these two talk dirty to one another!!!), and connecting with family along the way.

I really liked Mick. He was so patient with Tara and was understanding of her concerns. Tara was guarded, but with good reason. I thought her concerns were valid and she always looked after the well-being of her son first. Even though Mick and Tara don't hold back in the bedroom department, the question of whether their relationship can be long-term always hangs in the balance. The relationship was further tested by Liz, Mick's aggressive, lady agent. Now, regarding LIz, I had a problem with her. Right away I knew she was going to be the heroine in the next book simply by the way she was described as gorgeous, polished, having an incredible body, and overall described as a sex goddess each time she had a scene. OMG, it was nauseating...seriously. The descriptions for Liz were over-the-top!!! But, the problem is that Liz is a bitch and I'm really not interested in reading her story with Gavin, Mick's self-absorbed brother.

The main conflict in the book is resolved with some work on Mick's part. I thought Tara had good reason to be upset and to create distance. Yet, I have to say that even though their reunion was great, it was too rushed. All of a sudden, everything in their relationship came together, but way too squished in at the end. Maybe it's just that I'm a greedy reader, I wanted more Mick and Tara time when everything was perfect. If I read the second book, it will only be to get more of Mick and Tara, and tidbits of their HEA because unfortunately their romance did not feel complete.

The narrator, Lucy Malone performed well. Overall very good audiobook!

Good sport/romance story

Any additional comments?

This was a really good sports/romance book. I really enjoyed how Mick was taken with Tara and his relationship with her and her son. Some really great steamy scenes.

This was surprisingly good!

Wow, this ended up being a much better book than I thought it would be. It was very hot, had a good plot and great characters. It didn’t have to much angst, either. My only wish is that there was more story after they got their relationship sorted.; oh well, there always has to be one thing I’d want to change in the book

Super Sexy Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would. It has good story and super steamy!

What did you like best about this story?

I love contemporary book series. This is my first book by Jaci and I will defiantly listen to the next in the series.

Which scene was your favorite?

Mick picks up Tara son from the party after he is smashed and is truthful about his addiction issues.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by Tara's fierce concern for her son and how she did not want her son to be used by Mick or the team. I also liked how she was accepted by Mick's family.

Not bad for a sports romance

I don't usually read sports anything, but I did this one for my book group. I liked that it was really more romance than sports and enjoyed it. it was a good story about Tara and Mick.

Excellent Beginning of Series Fantastic Hot Scenes

If you could sum up The Perfect Play in three words, what would they be?

Intense, hot & sexy

What did you like best about this story?

The intimate scenes and the sub-story about Tara's secret and how Mick reacts...it does become a part of the main story but I hate "spoilers".

What three words best describe Lucy Malone’s voice?

OK But Nasally!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is an erotic, multi-dimensional book.I really enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

For Adults only-strong language and sexual content

I love single mom love stories

i loved that a high profile figure wants just a normal life. I love that she is strong and independent and didn't waste her time with the father of her child.

The Star Athlete meets girl, Girl blows his mind

The Star Athlete is a tired of keeping up the playboy facade, meets an independent business woman who is unimpressed by his star reputation. She sparks is interest & treats him like he has treated all women that follow him for gain.

Pretty good

Overall, the book is pretty good. I liked the characters and the setup. The sexy scenes were hot, although a little repetitive.

A couple of things bugged me: the woman self-sabotaging because she feels she’s not good enough (this is an overused trope); and the abrupt ending. A different voice actor would be an improvement. A dual narration would be better.