Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Taking a Shot (Play by Play #3)

by Jaci Burton (Goodreads Author)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 6,429 ratings · 484 reviews

If you want to score, you have to get in the game...

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall fo...more

Trade Paperback, 309 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Berkley Heat

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Can't Wait Books of 2012

98th out of 2,390 books — 15,582 voters

Hottest Guy on a Cover

9th out of 728 books — 1,026 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 10, 2012 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of erotic sports romances

Shelves: brothers-sisters-cousins-family, contemporary-romance, erotic-romance-erotica-romantica, jaci-burton, series-play-by-play, sports-romance-hot-jocks, im-a-cover-hottie-ho, tattoos-piercings-body-art, favorite-romance-series, hh-famous-celebrity, rt-book-reviews-4-and-a-half-stars, heroine-miss-independent, heroine-free-spirit-quirky, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, i-read-kindle, kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, 2012-reads, 4-to-5-stars, backdoor-action-lovin-playin, bdsm-kink, bdsm-lite-mild, dirty-talk-turns-me-on, ending-abrupt-poor-epilogue-needed, favorite-love-scenes, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hero-nice-guy-gets-the-girl, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-too-yummy-perfect-to-be-true, hero-walking-hardon, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, heroine-undeserving-of-awesome-hero, hh-love-commitment-marriage-phobic, hh-musician-rocker-singer-popstar, steam-5-scorching-x, steam-4-smokin, yowza-hotness, made-me-cry, hero-gentleman, hero-bedroom-bad-boy, heroine-sassy-full-of-attitude, heroine-i-hated-nearly-ruined-book

4-4 ½ stars – Contemporary/Sports Erotic Romance

Thoughts Before Reading

OH HOLY &%@^*#$!!!! I’m feeling very parched and suddenly thirsting for a sexy, salty, sweaty Studtastic man chest!!!! And looking oh so HOT in unbuttoned, perfectly fitted, crotch-hugging, low-slung faded denim jeans, too?! *Be still my male fantasy lovin’ heart!*

Thoughts After Reading

I loved the first two books in the series, particularly The Perfect Play, and although I enjoyed this, it didn’t quite live up to those...more

54 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 Auntee rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the series; fans of erotic sports romances

Recommended to Auntee by: Catherine

Shelves: contemporary-romance, erotic-romance, sports-romance, i-ll-buy-for-the-cover-alone, 2012_reads, husband-worthy_hero

I just love this series. Give me a hot, erotic sports romance with a feisty heroine, a sexy, swoon-worthy hero, plenty of spicy dialogue, some terrific female bonding moments, the return of characters from the previous books, and most of all...a decent story, and I'm going to be all over it!

In this third book of Jaci Burton's Play By Play series, youngest Riley sibling Jenna gets the HEA she is not looking for. Jenna's the bartender/manager of her family's St. Louis sports bar, taking over for h...more

37 likes · like · see review

Mar 24, 2012 Bobs (Reader Unbound) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I just LOVE all the Play by Play covers, they’re so lickable.*wipes off computer screen*
And isn't that Jed Hill? I am in love all ready. Jed.is.a.GOD! I swear the guy is too hot for his own good!

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 Sophia (FV) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review originally posted at Fiction Vixen.

***

I have a confession. Taking a Shot is the first book I've read in the Play by Play series. It's the third book in a series that featuresunbelievablyHOT covers, errr I mean sports romances. I'm not sure why I haven't gotten around to reading these books other than the old stand by excuses: not enough hours in the day, I'm actually blind and have never seen those covers, blah-blah-blah. Although I did not read the previous two books, I had no trouble w...more

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 07, 2012 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, read-in-2012, review-for-smexybooks, romance-contemporary, chick-lit, series

Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2012/03/rev...

Favorite Quote: “Ugh. When had she become that woman?”

Taking A Shot is the third book in Jaci Burton’s hot and oh so steamy Play By Play series that revolves around the Riley family. Before I start this review, let’s take a minute to genuflect at the cover shall we? *happy sigh* Seriously, have you ever seen anything so beautifully lickable in your life? .

Jenna Riley has grown up in a family dominated by sports. She has lived, breathed...more Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2012/03/rev...

Favorite Quote: “Ugh. When had she become that woman?”

Taking A Shot is the third book in Jaci Burton’s hot and oh so steamy Play By Play series that revolves around the Riley family. Before I start this review, let’s take a minute to genuflect at the cover shall we? *happy sigh* Seriously, have you ever seen anything so beautifully lickable in your life? .

Jenna Riley has grown up in a family dominated by sports. She has lived, breathed, and now works in the field, since a child. Since her father’s heart attack, she has taken over the reins to the family sport’s bar, Riley’s, giving up on her own dreams and ambitions. This has resulted in her one and only non breakable rule. She doesn’t date sports figures. Ever. This attitude both intrigues and challenges Tyler (Ty) Anderson. A star pro-hockey player, he has been attracted to Jenna since the first time they met. Unsure as to why she dislikes him so much, Ty keeps coming to the bar and trying to temptJenna into taking a chance with him.

Taking A Shot has all the trademarks of being a Jaci Burton book. Hot male lead, sassy intelligent female, a plausible plot, and some heavy, heavy smexying everywhere in between. I enjoyed the way this story reveals itself to you. It starts out slow as Ty bids his time trying to find away to break through Jenna’s shell. Ty spends plenty of time on the seduction of Jenna. The sexual heat and playfulness in this book make it a fun read.. Ms. Burton has a way of writing intense scenes that are both sensual and raw.

I loved seeing the other Riley’s. Their gregarious nature is offset by the love they feel for one another. They have no boundaries and will be up in your business in a heartbeat, offering advice, encouragement, and the proverbial slap up side the head when needed. Ty fits in so well with the family which only serves to scare Jenna more. She feels pushed and that is a sticking point for Jenna.

As their relationship progresses, Jenna starts to see Ty is more than the stereotypical sports figure and finds herself at odds with the feelings he invokes in her. She tries hard to keep their relationship strictly sexual but Ty has a way of getting under her skin and soon she finds herself wanting more but unable to admit that to herself. We get to know more about Ty and Jenna and the reasons for their attitudes and actions.

Here is where I have problems. Jenna’s attitude bothered me throughout the entire book. She treats Ty like crap and plays games, though unwittingly, with him. When he’s around, she wants him to leave but then gets all sad when he’s not there. I found her reasons for not wanting to date with a sports figure weak and it didn’t reflect well on her. The same for her reasons for not having the courage to go after her dreams. She blames everyone else for her fear of success. Ty comes off more grounded and I enjoyed his easy laid back attitude. He’s a planner and it shows. At times he pushed when maybe he shouldn’t have but you learn quickly that Jenna needs the coercion in order to justify what she feels in giving in. I had to laugh at some of the things he did to make himself look better in her eyes.

Her and Ty’s relationship has its ups and downs and a tension heats up as the story’s main conflict comes into play. With any relationship, we all have the ability to hurt the ones we love the most and Ms. Burton doesn’t sugar coast or pull any punches in here. As we head towards the end, we wait on pins and needles with the rest of the Riley’s to see if the home team will win or lose this most important game. I liked that Jenna FINALLY shows some gumption and and realizes that she can achieve her dreams if she is willing to take the chance but it was too little to late for me.

Though I felt Taking A Shot was the weaker of the three plot and development wise, it is has plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving, and humor. Unfortunately, Jenna’s attitude brought this book down. I look forward to the fourth in the series, Playing To Win, which features the very sexy Cole Riley. Playing To Win is set to release September 4th, 2012.

Overall Rating: C(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Wminbc rated it 4 of 5 stars

Purchased last night and read about 8 Chapters...had to stop myself!!!
I didn't want to miss any of Ty's yummy goodness to sleepy eyes, but could not stop myself from starting this book. Ty is just so sweet and charming...and Jenna with her piercings and tat's is just not. I really like her personality though...

Having a father and 2 brothers totally addicted to sports/watching sports/talking sports, I choose a man who wasn't a sports fan...then what happens??? I have a son who eats, sleeps and br...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jun 17, 2011 Mahlet marked it as to-read

Shelves: series, erotic-romance, athletes-sports, own

Oh-my-THUD...who is Jaci BRIBING in Berkely's cover art department?!?!?

10 likes · like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, sports

Nothing like a hot contemporary read! Loved it!

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, for_review, sports_romance, family_sibling_series

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Jenna Riley is running her family’s sports bar now that her dad is home resting after a health scare. She’s been surrounded by sports her whole life. She enjoyed playing sports, following her brother’s success in their professional sports careers and now she’s running a sports bar. The last thing she wants is to date a guy whose life revolves around sports. Or so she thinks. It’s hockey season and the Ice are in a playoff run, led by Tyler Anderson, who k...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Jenna Riley is running her family’s sports bar now that her dad is home resting after a health scare. She’s been surrounded by sports her whole life. She enjoyed playing sports, following her brother’s success in their professional sports careers and now she’s running a sports bar. The last thing she wants is to date a guy whose life revolves around sports. Or so she thinks. It’s hockey season and the Ice are in a playoff run, led by Tyler Anderson, who keeps showing up in her bar after games trying to get Jenna to talk to him, go out with him, even just pay attention to him. Even though Jenna is wildly attracted to Ty, she knows she’ll never want anything long term, but what can one night with him hurt?

Ty is the ultimate hero – I loved everything about this guy. Athlete, check. All around nice guy, check. Drop dead gorgeous, goes with saying, doesn’t it?! He’s the type of hero that any heroine needs to grab hold of and never let go. His sights are set on Jenna and when she flat out tells him that she wants nothing to do with him and his sports centered life, he wants to prove her wrong. He, unbeknownst to Jenna, starts sending men her way, just to prove that while they may be guys that she “thinks” she wants, the chemistry won’t be there. Of course, it isn’t. She eventually gives in and stops denying their attraction, but it takes her a long time to think of Ty as just a man and not let his career be the main focus in her eyes.

Jenna’s been living a life that she sort of fell into. She has an incredible singing talent, but her fear of rejection and failure has held her back. Ty pushes her, in a good way, to take a chance, to be honest with her family about her desires and wants and she doesn’t take kindly to that. She’s pretty mean to Ty, says some nasty things to him and even though she would instantly regret it, it takes her quite a bit of time to overcome her fears, all with Ty’s help. He doesn’t let her push him away and stands up to her when she needs that push. He’s really her perfect match and while Ty sees it early on, it takes Jenna a bit to get with it and see what her life could be both personally and professional if she stopped being scared.

“Sex.” He shook his head. “Yeah, that’s a problem.” He brushed his shoulder against hers. He understood the chemistry thing. Just being near her made his dick spring to life.

She turned in the chair to face him. “It is. What should we do about that?”

“I don’t think sex is a problem for me, Jenna. You already know how I feel. The question is, what do you want to do about it?”

She slid her fingers down the lapel of his jacket, the look she gave him burning him from the inside out.

Yeah, definite chemistry. He was surprised flames weren’t sparking between them. His breathing quickened and if she didn’t make a decision soon he was going to have to make a quick exit, because this woman was driving him crazy.

“I think you should come home with me tonight and we can talk about it,” she said.

“Ready when you are.”

Jaci Burton gives us another Play by Play series relationship that is completely, scorching hot. Jenna may think that she and Ty won’t have a future beyond the bedroom, but those bedroom scenes are sexy, naughty and sweet all rolled into one. While I found myself a little frustrated with how Jenna kept giving Ty the brush off early on, and not really giving him a fair chance, I did really enjoy seeing their relationship progress. Aside from the sexy times they have, I loved the little “date” moments, it brought out the sweeter side in both of them. Whether it was watching movies at home, holding hands, or meeting the parents, those moments sold me on their relationship and made their connection deepen as the story went on.

“…You know how I feel about jocks. There will never be more than just the sex.”

“Hmmm.” Liz gave Jenna a sidelong look, then dug into her salad.

“What does that ‘hmmm’ mean?”

“Just that you’re protesting an awful lot. If you didn’t care, you’d just laugh it off and enjoy him until the new wore off, then you’d dump him. I think he gets to you.”

“What he gets is into my panties, which is exactly where I want him.”

Liz wiggled. “Oh, the mental visuals swirling around in my head right now.”

“Stop that. You do not get to visualize Ty and me having sex.”

“Why not? Just because you’re icked out at the thought of your brother and me getting down and dirty doesn’t mean I can’t imagine Ty naked.”

“He’s your client, Elizabeth.”

“So?”

“You are evil.”

Liz grinned and lifted her wineglass in toast. “Thanks for the compliment…”

One thing that I wasn’t expecting was Liz and her blunt, laugh out loud lines throughout the book. She had me cracking up whenever she came on page and I loved the friendship that Jenna has with her and Tara. We get plenty of Riley family scenes and it’s always nice to catch up with the Riley’s and see what’s going on in everyone’s lives. Mick and Tara’s wedding also takes place during the book and while it doesn’t take up much of the story and overshadow Jenna and Ty, it was nice to have it included for them.

I have a big love of sports themed series and series that are centered around family’s and siblings – this combines the best of both worlds. Ty is a sweet, loving guy who won’t let Jenna settle for a life that she never signed up for. He puts up with her attitude early on and Jenna grew on me as the book went. They’re a great couple, fun and sexy, and as I was reading, I looked so forward to them getting their HEA. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I like the extra layers you get with the supporting characters coming back into the story after leading their own books. This is a really enjoyable read, with a hero I fell for completely.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Kelly22 rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of sigh-worthy single-minded jock H who refuse 2 give up wen in love with resistant,reticent h!

Shelves: contemporary-romance, alpha-hero, back-door-act, erotic-romance, family-moments, favorite-hero, favorite-heroine, hero-gods-gift-to-woman, hero-i-am-crazy-abt, heroine-wild-child-unconventional, hh-iconic-celeb-bigshot, hottest-love-scenes-ever, notorious-playboy-commitment-phobic, sports-romance, hero-athlete-jock, dirty-talker, opposites-attract, beloved-favorites, favorite-couple, hero-accomplished-lover, hero-smitten-in-love-in-pursuit, powerful-endings-epilogues, 2012-releases, 2012-contemporaries, heroine-unworthy-of-hero, hero-playful-wicked-lover, favorite-series

4.00 Stars - Erotic Contemporary Sports Romance.

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 03, 2013 Filipa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, english-books, keen, erotica, 2013-reads

3,5 stars

This book is my favourite in the series so far. I really really liked Tyler. He is this determined guy who never gives up, when he really wants to achieve something. And when he realises he wants Jenna, oh my... she better watch out, because she doesn't have a chance.
I do like to read the hot scenes in Jaci Burton's books but her best quality is the way she can build a rational and a extremely believable story around all the sex scenes.
Okay, the sex is a great complement in the plot...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Sunny rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: über-alpha, chemical-rxn, sports-fan, own, reviews, favorite-series

This was a 3.5 stars book for me. Of the three books in the series so far, I liked this one the best. I felt a little more emotionally vested in this story. I liked the fact that this story focuses around the sister sibling, Jenna. As readers, we get a glimpse of what is like being the youngest in a family with super achieving brothers. We access Jenna’s fear of failure that is paralyzing her from even trying to attain her goals and dreams. Additionally, as with many families who own a business,...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Amy Jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Taking A Shot is the third book in the Play by Play series by author Jaci Burton. The main characters for this book are Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

Read one page then close the book. Swoon over the cover and imagine licking every drop off that cover models chest. Repeat. Yep that is about how it went while I read this book. Then I realized that if I ever wanted to enjoy the story I would have to actually read instead of drooling.

Jenna Riley is the youngest Riley child. She is sister to the prev...more Taking A Shot is the third book in the Play by Play series by author Jaci Burton. The main characters for this book are Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

Read one page then close the book. Swoon over the cover and imagine licking every drop off that cover models chest. Repeat. Yep that is about how it went while I read this book. Then I realized that if I ever wanted to enjoy the story I would have to actually read instead of drooling.

Jenna Riley is the youngest Riley child. She is sister to the previous books characters, Mick and Gavin. She is busy running the family owned sports bar after their father had a major heart attack. While she enjoys her job at times, running a sports bar was never her dream. After being surrounded by sports all of her life, the last thing she wants is to date anyone who is a sports fan.

Enter Ty Anderson. We got to meet Ty in the second book in the series and I was glad to see him featured in Taking A Shot. He is a pro hockey player and is attracted to Jenna. He finds her piercings, tattoos and attitude sexy and wants to get know her better. Unfortunately, since he is a pro hockey player, he gets shot down before he can even melt the ice around her heart.

I have to say that this was my least favorite book in the series even though I was anxious about Ty's story. I loved Ty and everything about him. I think the main problem I had with this book was Jenna. I wasn't a fan of her. What man isn't going to at least like one sport? I am sure they are out there, but I have never met one single guy who hasn't at least enjoyed on sort of sport -- even if it is just one game a year. I also didn't like how she kept thinking she had to put her dreams on hold and run the Sports Bar. She had good management in place and the means to open up a separate business of a music bar. The hold up was thinking she had to give up everything just to do this. I also didn't like her being so back and forth with her feelings for Ty.

I will say this though--
Sex.
On ice.
Standing up.
On ice skates!

Whew! I wasn't sure if the ice was going to break beneath them because that scene was HOT. I still enjoyed the book as a whole, but I wish the main character of Jenna could have been better. Ty deserved more than what Jenna gave him.
(less)

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobook, lendables, ebooks

Ok so I always enjoy a Jaci Burton book. Their sexy, fun, and a great quick read. This one was no different. The ending seemed a bit cheesy for me considering it was Tyler & Jenna, but I liked it a lot all the same. I decided to try the audiobook, which unfortunately I do not recommend!!! I blame it on the narrator - she fucking sucked. Her voice and lack of actual emotion made think of what it would sound like if apple tried to add emotion to siri's voice. You do not want to hear, "Fuck my...more

like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Readsalot81 rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I know a lot of people like these books. They have some off the charts sexy heroes and downright steamy scenes :)

But this didn't work for me on a couple of levels. They start out already knowing one another, and you know from the beginning of the book that Ty wants more than just one night. So he has to convince Jenna to give him a chance. Yes, give the good looking hockey stud a shot. (pun intended) Anyways, her reasons for not wanting him come across as a wee bit contrived and there was never...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Laura Ashlee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, romance

I loved the first two books in this series so I had to pick up this next one. I was so excited when the cover was revealed and I was excited to finally get around to reading it. Maybe it was the big expectations I had, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I wanted to.

I think one of my problems was that Jenna wasn’t what I wanted her to be. She has this tough exterior that I loved in the previous books, but on the inside she’s so afraid of everything. She’s scared of love and she’s scared of he...more I loved the first two books in this series so I had to pick up this next one. I was so excited when the cover was revealed and I was excited to finally get around to reading it. Maybe it was the big expectations I had, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I wanted to.

I think one of my problems was that Jenna wasn’t what I wanted her to be. She has this tough exterior that I loved in the previous books, but on the inside she’s so afraid of everything. She’s scared of love and she’s scared of her dreams. I think, in theory, I like the whole vulnerable girl putting up a tough front thing, but on the page it didn’t work as well for me. I was just frustrated with her. I loved Tyler. He’s appeared in the previous books, as well, but he showed a whole new side of himself in this one. He has good reasons for his fear of love, but he still doesn’t let them stand in the way of how he feels about Jenna.

Again, I think Jenna’s dreams of being a musician and all of that sound good, but didn’t interest me as much as they should have. She was so stubborn about it that after a while I was sick of reading about it. I’m really glad Jaci Burton didn’t dwell on the fact that Ty was a hockey player. I worried when Jenna first declared she wouldn’t date an athlete that the whole book would revolve around that one tiny thing. I’m so glad that wasn’t the case.

There are two things that I loved about this book. First, the sex scenes were pretty much awesome. Since this is erotic romance, sex makes up a good chunk of the book, and goodness does Burton know how to write about that. I also really loved the ending. It was so sweet it had me smiling. After all the arguing and pushing that Jenna and Ty had gone through, it was so nice to have a really sweet moment where they put it all out in the open.

In short, Taking a Shot is a very sexy and sometimes sweet romance, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the previous books. I recommend it to fans of the first two books. If you’re a newbie to the series, I suggest reading those first.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Play by Play series. This is about the youngest Riley child, Jenna. One brother is a QB in the NFL, the other plays MLB, and Jenna... well Jenna runs the family's sports bar. She's had it up to here with sports. She's only interested in a man who doesn't play sports or like sports. Hard to find those when you work in a sports bar. What she'd really like to do is play music but she's stuck running the family business.

Ty Anderson is a hockey player in the NHL. He and...more

like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Shxrxn rated it 4 of 5 stars

What. The. Hell.
- Jenna
If he wants me, he can do the asking.
- Renee
Arrogant men are not appealing.
- Jenna
Go out with me.
- Ty
What? No. Hell no.
- Jenna
It wouldn’t be so bad. I promise.
- Ty
I’d rather have a root canal.
- Jenna
Kind of like beating my head against a brick wall, kid.
- Ty
Sometimes the world moved at such a fast pace it made her head spin.
- Jenna
Don’t you know it’s impolite to annoy the crap out of a lady?
- Jenna
Hey, not my fault I’m photogenic.
- Cole
Yeah, your mug shot was charming. I’m...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This maybe deserves an explanation. Come on, it's a romance, it has steamy sex, and it features a hockey player. How could I not love it? Seems impossible. But... didn't like the heroine. And maybe it's just me. But here we have the story of a hard-working hockey player who falls for the bartender-daughter of the bar's owner. The big conflict? She hates sports. Thus, she hates athletes. Or so she claims. Okay, I can almost see that. But what I can't wrap my head around is this heroine who is sex...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-sheila

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A love story about a girl that doesn’t know what she wants and a guy that knows exactly what he wants; her.

Opening Sentence: Jenna Riley wanted nothing to do with sports.

The Review:

There are people out there that are stuck in a rut within their lives. They are unhappy with their jobs or their relationships, but are afraid to change. Sometimes, the devil you know is easier to handle than the devil you don’t. This is Jenna Riley’s lot in life....more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 04, 2012 Your Need To Read rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jesi

Full review here http://www.yourneedtoread.blogspot.co...

I buy Jaci Burton’s books on the lickable covers alone. It’s a bonus when her stories are good. :)

Taking a Shot is the third book in her Play-by-Play series, which revolves around the Riley family and their uber-jock family and friends.

I totally related to Jenna in her desire not to date a jock. I never was much of a sports fan (that has changed a bit with age), and it was one of my criteria when looking for potential boyfriends also. An...more Full review here http://www.yourneedtoread.blogspot.co...

I buy Jaci Burton’s books on the lickable covers alone. It’s a bonus when her stories are good. :)

Taking a Shot is the third book in her Play-by-Play series, which revolves around the Riley family and their uber-jock family and friends.

I totally related to Jenna in her desire not to date a jock. I never was much of a sports fan (that has changed a bit with age), and it was one of my criteria when looking for potential boyfriends also. And like her, I ended up breaking this rule when I found the Mr. Right. However, I was disappointed in Jenna as a character. I thought she would be this tough chick who could challenge Ty. Instead, I found her to be a bit of a weenie. These two sides of her character did not balance well. One small rejection in her youth completely holds her back from pursuing her dreams? Oh, come on. Maybe I’m callous because I’m a writer, and we have to wade in rejection daily, but this did not seem like an adequate stumbling block for the character to have to overcome. I know the author could have come up with something deeper and more troubling.

I had the same issue with the character of Tyler, even though I did like him better. We are led to think there is some sort of really deep issue in his family history, but it just turned out that his mother is slightly bitter over her divorce and his dad has a really bad sense of humor. I mean who isn’t embarrassed by their parents a little? Aside from the boring backstory, Tyler was more likable.

I found the plot entertaining enough, and the character chemistry was strong. While I think this is the weakest book in the series so far, I still think Jaci Burton is a great writer. I will definitely be first in line for the next book Playing to Win which comes out in September.

Overall, I give Taking a Shot...

Plot - 3 1/2 bookmarks
Character development - 2 1/2 bookmarks
Love story - 4 bookmarks (The chemistry was good.)
Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Chris Hemsworth (Tyler), Ashley Greene (Jenna)(less)

like · see review

May 19, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Third in the Play-by-Play sports romance series revolving around the Riley family. The couple focus is on Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

My Take
Oh, this was so sweet. And, all I can say is...thank god for Ty in Jenna's life! It's a damn good thing he loves her after the fear she expresses!

Burton had a nice bit of tension on with lots of family support. And Ty, oh that Ty! Jenna is so determined not to date an athlete or anyone involved in sports...so Ty helps her out. He keeps sending potential dat...more

like · see review

Mar 24, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars

My Review:

For me, this book was about so much more than simply a really hot romantic story line (although it definitely was that). This book was truly about Jenna and the fact that she's terrified to follow her dreams. Jenna is the female of the Riley siblings. While big brothers, Gavin and Mick, have been following their professional sports dreams, Jenna has taken over the running of the family sports bar. Honestly, she is sick of sports....only because it's all her life has been 24/7 for years...more My Review:

For me, this book was about so much more than simply a really hot romantic story line (although it definitely was that). This book was truly about Jenna and the fact that she's terrified to follow her dreams. Jenna is the female of the Riley siblings. While big brothers, Gavin and Mick, have been following their professional sports dreams, Jenna has taken over the running of the family sports bar. Honestly, she is sick of sports....only because it's all her life has been 24/7 for years. But the fact that she doesn't want anything to do with sports is actually indicative of a much deeper issue. Sports in Jenna's life are standing in the way of Jenna's dream of singing...a fact that none of her family is even aware of. They have no clue about her talent or passion of song-writing and singing.

She has issues with sports in another area of her life too. She doesn't want to have anything to do with dating a guy who is into sports...kind of hard to do when you spend all day at a sports bar and every interaction in your life is based around sports. But she's determined and that's why she has no intention of giving into her attraction to Ty. Unfortunately for Jenna, as a pro hockey player, Ty really doesn't give up well and he's determined that he wants her.

Ty has a few issues of his own when it comes to relationships, but honestly, a relationship isn't what he's looking for with Jenna. He just wants to explore what they can do with their combustible chemistry.

I love sports themed books and I have to admit, hockey is one of my favorites. I loved the hockey aspect of this book and actually would have been happy if we could have even delved into the sport a little deeper, but I liked watching Ty as he struggles with his rocky relationship with Jenna at the same time he's trying to do what he needs to do on the ice to get his team to the play-offs. It was a fun and entertaining mix. Add to that, Jenna's singing ambitions and fears, and I was really pleased with the story line of this book. Yes, it's an erotic book with all the super-hot sex that you expect, but there is so much more to this story and it made for riveting reading.

I liked the dynamic between the three women: Jenna, Tara, and Liz and the way that they all bonded through their love of these sports figures. These scenes in the book were really well-done and added a lot to the book. I also really loved the way Ty was constantly pushing Jenna to go for her dreams, even when she pushed right back at him telling him to shove it. She could be really bi**hy and he would simply back off for the moment. I loved that about his character.

Overall, this was a really fantastic book. I enjoyed the story and the chemistry. The characters continue to be incredibly well-developed and this series continues to stay right up there as one of my favorites. I love these sports themed Jaci Burton books. She writes them so well!!
(less)

like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Coachlady1 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Where to begin... Ms. Burton's books seem to all follow the same pattern. In this particular series, each couple, although attracted to each other, is desperately afraid of commitment and being hurt, just like anyone would be. And here's where the pattern begins: boy meets girl (or vice versa in this book); boy is attracted to girl and takes her to bed; boy/girl is terrified of being hurt but finds he/she just can't be without the other, so he/she is willing to take a small chance. Then a proble...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Sylvie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-contemporary

This one takes the cake in being the worst of the series. I cannot for the life of me, figure out why the female protagonist acts like she's an immature teenager for most of the entire book.

I cannot deal with her idiotic aversion to singing...yes...because she was rejected once. Good. God. I can't believe this kind of stupid plot device was accepted. So she got kicked out of the band ONCE and she gave up singing - didn't even decide to fight for her passion. Am I supposed to believe that a tough...more

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance -March 6th, 2012
4 ½ stars

Taking a Shot, is the third book in the author’ Play by Play series. This series is about the Riley sports a family who own a sports bar.

Ty Anderson is a star hockey player who has his sights set on the lovely Jenna Riley. Jenna is managing her family sports bar since her father’s heart attack. Ironically, she knows everything about sports and is surrounded by hunky men everyday but wants nothing to do with men in sports!...more Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance -March 6th, 2012
4 ½ stars

Taking a Shot, is the third book in the author’ Play by Play series. This series is about the Riley sports a family who own a sports bar.

Ty Anderson is a star hockey player who has his sights set on the lovely Jenna Riley. Jenna is managing her family sports bar since her father’s heart attack. Ironically, she knows everything about sports and is surrounded by hunky men everyday but wants nothing to do with men in sports! Jenna is also tired of working at the bar but feels obligated to hold the cherished family bar together since her father’s heart attack. She has put her dreams of writing and singing music on hold. So when a handsome and cocky jock name Ty makes moves on her she wants nothing to do with him! Even if he is so sexy she can’t stop thinking of him. But Ty didn’t become a star without a lot of determination and hard work. And he wants Jenna and knows she is attracted to him! Will they find a sweet and passionate love but will Jenna’s fears prevent them from having a happily ever after?

This was a very moving story. Ty is the perfect hero. Kind, compassionate and sexy! He tries to really understand Jenna and wants all of her including her insecurities. Ty has had a hard early life and was able to transform his life in to a successful career. He wants Jenna but not at the cost of her dreams. He is surprised when he discovers that Jenna wants a life outside of sports and tries to encourage and help her. But Jenna is wary and afraid to open herself up to more disappointment. The reader can’t but help but sympathize with Jenna who has given up most of her life for those she loves but when finally given the chance to live her dreams is afraid to take the jump for fear of further disappointments. This is a book about taking chances and having the courage to open yourself up to true love.

A heartfelt and tender romance that contemporary romances will love!

Reviewed by Steph form the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
(less)

like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Amanda rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is a DNF. I have only a little bit to go, and perhaps I'll get to it one day. Perhaps not. I was so looking forward to this book. I really enjoyed the first two in the series, but the characters in this one fall flat. Jenna, the heroine, whines. A lot. While I get that she feels like she has a duty to her family, something I have a little experience with, she takes that duty and sweeps it under the rug. She's denied herself so much, it is like there isn't a whole person there, anymore. Othe...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Taria Reed rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I always feel some sort of way when I get a straight romance story that just floats along. I honestly need more conflict in a story. I enjoyed the characters althought I did have a hard time picturing their faces, but that was my own fault. I loved Ty. He was such a cool sexy guy. I would have LOVED to come across a guy like him in my friskier youth. And the cover image was so damn helpful during those sex scenes...lol. I also realized with this book that I enjoy when the characters in my books...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 D.C. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

SYNOPSIS:
If you want to score, you have to get in the game...
The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.
Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants...more

like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Danielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Wow, this was one steamy book! This was my first book by Jaci Burton and it definitely will not be my last. I loved it and I am definitely running out to pick up her backlist. Yes, this is a pretty hot book, but it still had a great story filled with great characters that I loved getting to know.

Jenna is tired of sports. Every facet of her life is consumed by sports and she's tired of it. She has a firm rule that she won't date jocks, no matte...more Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Wow, this was one steamy book! This was my first book by Jaci Burton and it definitely will not be my last. I loved it and I am definitely running out to pick up her backlist. Yes, this is a pretty hot book, but it still had a great story filled with great characters that I loved getting to know.

Jenna is tired of sports. Every facet of her life is consumed by sports and she's tired of it. She has a firm rule that she won't date jocks, no matter how hot and sexy they may be. So when hockey star Tyler Anderson walks into her bar she ignores her attraction to him. It doesn't matter to her that they have great chemistry, she just won't date jocks.

As soon as Ty sees Jenna working behind the bar at Riley's Sports Bar he is instantly attracted. She's hot and sexy, and he loves her spunky personality. He knows that they would be great together and that they have great chemistry but Jenna isn't ready to accept it. He knows how she feels about dating jocks and knows that if he's able to show her that what she really wants is him and not some random guy that she doesn't spark with then he'll bide his time and wait.

After a very hot one night stand, Jenna finds it hard to deny the passion and chemistry between her and Ty. She isn't sure what to make of her growing attraction to Ty but decides she is willing to give it a try. When she finds herself opening up and revealing things about herself that she has never revealed to anyone else before, Jenna isn't sure what to make of it. But when Ty starts to encourage her to follow her dreams she fears he may be pushing too much.

Oh how I loved these two together. I felt that they were each others perfect match. Ty is hot and sexy but there is just so much more to him than that. Yes, he's a complete stud in the bedroom but also gentleman outside of it. He is kind, charming and considerate. I like that he listens and seems to truly care for Jenna. He wants her to be happy and does everything that he can to see it happen.

Jenna comes off as this cute and spunky chick that is super confident but in reality she is terrified to take any chances on what she wants. She has all of these dreams and ideas but is so afraid to voice them to anyone. Don't get me wrong, she's still smart, funny and very stubborn. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her and make her realize that she was being stupid. She was just too stubborn at times, but otherwise I really enjoyed her.

This book was hot and I definitely found myself fanning my face after reading quite a few of Ty and Jenna's scenes together. They both are sexy and have such great chemistry together. I loved getting to know them and I look forward to hearing more about them in the next book in Jaci's Play-by-Play series.

**Book provided by Publisher**(less)

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
INTERVIEW WITH COVER MODEL -TAKING A SHOT-JASON VENDRYES	9	143	Feb 19, 2013 09:01am

combine
Other Editions (8)

More editions...

Genres

Romance

225 users

Sports And Games > Sports

131 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

123 users

Contemporary

112 users

Contemporary Romance > Sports Romance

95 users

Adult Fiction > Erotica

87 users

Romance > Erotic Romance

46 users

Adult

29 users

Sports > Hockey

16 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

14 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Jaci Burton

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 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 hap...more

More about Jaci Burton...

Books by Jaci Burton

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Taking a Shot

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Taking a Shot

“It's in our genetics. It's why women are the master species. We give birth and we can walk in heels.” — 18 people liked it

“I have no idea. He just keeps popping up, so I keep having sex with him” — 12 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Taking a Shot
avg rating	preview: Taking a Shot Goodreads rating: 4.10 (6429 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11455168-taking-a-shot?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308320639l/11455168.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11455168-taking-a-shot?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton[/url]

Taking a Shot (Play by Play #3)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website