Changing The Game (Play By Play, #2)

Aug 13, 2011 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of erotic sports romances

Shelves: contemporary-romance, erotic-romance-erotica-romantica, jaci-burton, sports-romance-hot-jocks, im-a-cover-hottie-ho, series-play-by-play, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, hero-bad-boy-playboy, unrequited-love-crush, kindle, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, dirty-talk-turns-me-on, heroine-redhead, older-gal-younger-guy-cougar, yowza-hotness, steam-5-scorching-x, backdoor-action-lovin-playin, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, hero-alpha‎, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, steam-4-smokin, 2011-reads, 4-to-5-stars, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-or-heroine-or-setting-irish, hero-redeems-himself-reformed, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-ridiculed-unpopular, heroine-i-adore, hh-love-commitment-marriage-phobic, smut-fix-smuttastic-fun, favorite-romance-series, heroine-miss-independent, hh-famous-celebrity, hero-flirt-charmer-ladies-man, heroine-classy-lady, heroine-sassy-full-of-attitude, all-work-no-play-on-the-job-romance

4 ½ stars – Contemporary/Sports Erotic Romance

Thoughts Before Reading
NOT that I'm complaining at all about the masculine perfection of this cover 'cause HELLO, just look at those mouthwateringly yummy shoulders and biceps...GRRR! But, don't baseball players usually have a little more junk in their trunk and thicker thighs? I think I have an obligation to read this (as purely scientific study of course) to find out. *naughty grin*

Thoughts After Reading
After careful review and scientific analysi...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Lady Allison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epub, contemporary-romance, sports-nut

Let us take a moment to appreciate the deliciousness that is this cover.

*~~drools~~appreciates*

As much as I loved Mick's story, his brother Gavin's was not as good as it should have been. The plot was weak and the characters were flat for the first half of the book. It was definitely steamy & the end was good but I was disappointed. 3.5 stars

I am however still really looking forward Jenna's story with the super sexy & flirty, Tyler!

Also, again with the COVER!!!

*clicks to appreciate*

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Sep 17, 2011 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: famous-hero, sports-theme, family-dynamic, romantica-erotica, explicit-content, friends-to-lovers, scrumptious-hero, endearing-heroine, 4-star, playboy-womanizer, jaci-burton, very-steamy

Changing the Game is the second book in Jaci Burton's Play by Play series.

I was apprehensive about this book. I wasn't sure Ms. Burton could take an unlikable character, Elizabeth Darnell, from The Perfect Play, and make her not only likable, but also the next heroine in the series. I needn't have worried. Ms. Burton exceeded my expectations.

I enjoyed reading this book. Just like in The Perfect the Play, the characters were richly developed, engaging, and lovable. Well, almost all the characters...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Booklover1335 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, 2011-july, 2011-favorites

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” This quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning is so fitting for how I felt after reading Jaci Burton’s newest addition to her Play by Play series, Changing the Game. Simply put, I LOVED it! In fact I think it is the best Contemporary Erotic Romance I’ve read this year. I have mad love for Gavin and Liz…like, if I had to actually make a list of the things I love about the book, we would be here for a long, long time. I pretty much loved everything about i...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Keri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jaci-burton, romance-contemporary, 2012-read

Man I love this cover...makes my mouth water. It was good. A lot of sexin and not enough story meat.

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Jan 26, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, my-favorites, sports-related, x-read-in-2012

I cannot WAIT for Jenna and Ty's story that comes out in March!

In this book we got a glimpse of Jenna and Ty meeting - They're going to be SO CUTE together! And I LOVE Hockey!

Anyways!
This story was cute - I wasn't a big fan of both Elizabeth or Gavin during the first book - Elizabeth really messed up with Mick - even though she made things right, he still couldn't forgive her for messing with the people he loves - ok I can live with that -

But when he fired her, Gavin got a glimpse of the rea...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Nimue rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, contemporary, 2011, 2012

This is the story of Gavin Riley. A baseball major league player and younger brother of Mick, the main character of the first book "The Perfect Play". At the end of the before mentioned book Gavin was unexpectedly kissed by his sport agent, Liz Darnell. This was major surprise for him as Liz, though quite sexy, always behaved in an asexual way around him and ranges in the category of an honorary sister. But this is about to change when Gavin realises his (first mainly bodily) interest in Liz. Th...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Awilk -will work for books- rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: athlete-sports, bedroom-bookcase, fluff, friends-to-lovers, dhasg-2012, kindle, read-in-2012

I read Jaci Burton when I am in the mood for lots of sexy times, and this book gave me just that.
I'm not American, so I don't follow baseball, but there wasn't too much sport talk, so that didn't worry me.
The whole way through this book I had a little trouble caring for these characters, but I never disliked them enough for it to take away from my reading enjoyment. Next time I am in the mood for some light, no brain needed smutty reading time, I will read the next in this series that I already...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-favorites, read-in-2011

Jaci Burton set a daunting task for herself in casting tough as nails sports agent, Elizabeth Darnell as Gavin Riley's love interest in Changing the Game. If you read The Perfect Play, (Gavin's brother, Mick and Tara Lincoln's story) you will know Elizabeth was Mick's agent until she pulled a cruel and completely self serving stunt in an attempt to ruin his relationship with Tara. To add insult to injury, Elizabeth used Tara's teenage son Nathan in her manipulative ploy. Elizabeth therefore play...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Neyra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, outdo-yourself-challenge, tbr-challenge-2013

God I'm in love with this cover.. Just look at that yummy looking man!!

Review as of 1/29/13

Walking into this book, I knew I was going to have issues with the heroine, Liz. I didn't walk away from The Perfect Play feeling any connection with Elizabeth. Actually, I downright hated her. No matter what her purpose in the end, nothing gave her the right to do what she did to Mick. But Jaci Burton has sucked me into a world of sexy athletes, hot romances, and sweet-surrender-sex that I was engrossed w...more God I'm in love with this cover.. Just look at that yummy looking man!!

Review as of 1/29/13

Walking into this book, I knew I was going to have issues with the heroine, Liz. I didn't walk away from The Perfect Play feeling any connection with Elizabeth. Actually, I downright hated her. No matter what her purpose in the end, nothing gave her the right to do what she did to Mick. But Jaci Burton has sucked me into a world of sexy athletes, hot romances, and sweet-surrender-sex that I was engrossed with the book from the beginning.

Liz's character was a big disappointment for me. After getting a glimpse of her in The Perfect Play I found it hard to connect with her. I'm no fan of manipulative people regardless of their motives, and yes she apologized, but it was hard for me to feel any sympathy towards her after what she did. I was disappointed that she'd be the one Gavin Riley would be chasing after, but still I tread on because I heard she became tolerable. Unfortunately for me, she wasn't redeemed. She seemed arrogant and childish most of the time, and I got tired of her denying her true feelings for Gavin, it got old after a while.

I looked forward to reading about Gavin Riley since the moment he stepped onto the scene in Mick's book. I wanted to know this man, the hot shot athlete with the man-whore reputation. After reading his book however, I have a love/hate relationship with him. I loved that he went after what he wanted, and of course that he knew how to please ;) But I hated that when push came to shove, Gavin fell short of amazing. The good thing, however, he didn't exactly disappointment throughout the book, maybe a time or two here and there.

Together, Gavin and Elizabeth formed an unbreakable bond, but their chemistry felt lacking from time to time, almost as if it was purely based on lust. I didn't feel as if they truly connected at the end. They understood and cared for each other, but this relationship still needed more time to develop, and it was time I felt wasn't given. Elizabeth ran and Gavin chased after her one too many times for my liking.

I enjoyed this book however, Jaci Burton gives us sexy romances with hot athletes impossible to walk away from, and her writing is light and fun making for an easy read. Her sub characters, although only fleeting, are interesting and give us a nice break from all the sex. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light sports read to keep you on your toes.(less)

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Aug 06, 2011 Sophie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: r-rated, books-that-make-you-blush

Well, the day came when i was finally able to sit down and give my point of view...(very humbly) of how fantastic and well set this book is.

Don't ask me why or how, but after reading Gavin's story, i cant help but wonder if Mrs. Burton was thinking of Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants when she created Gavin's character. God knows Timmy Lincecum is the all American dream boy for a baseball team...(at least in looks) =)

Think about it. Even in the half way long hair and green eyes, (with the...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-of-the-month, reading-challenge-sizzling-summer, best-of-2011, genre-erotic-romance, rating-4-5-stars

4.5 Stars

I was a little wary at first with Jaci Burton's ability to transform Liz into a likable character as well as developing a genuine relationship between Liz and Gavin. If you've read The Perfect Play then you know what kind of feat she had on her hands, but she ended up really wowing me with Changing the Game and I couldn't get enough by the end.

The first hundred pages or so of Changing the Game is all sex, no exaggeration; I'm talking about every page is hot sweaty action between the sh...more 4.5 Stars

I was a little wary at first with Jaci Burton's ability to transform Liz into a likable character as well as developing a genuine relationship between Liz and Gavin. If you've read The Perfect Play then you know what kind of feat she had on her hands, but she ended up really wowing me with Changing the Game and I couldn't get enough by the end.

The first hundred pages or so of Changing the Game is all sex, no exaggeration; I'm talking about every page is hot sweaty action between the sheets and a few other places. Now for me this had its good points and bad. Good because it was hot, intense and detailed. Like sizzling-off-the-charts-call-the-fire department-to-take-care-of-me-hot! Bad because this was at the beginning of the story when neither character is involved emotionally. Even though Liz does have feelings for Gavin she is keeping them buried and they don't enter the equation. So they are just going at it like bunnies without any feelings invested at all, and me, I like a side of emotions with my erotica. Liz and Gavin are so combustible together though that this was easily over looked as the story continued; their encounters don’t even make it to the bed most of the time. I’m talking kitchen, couch, shower, balcony….oooo…balcony. *mind wandering off* Whoops, sorry – back on track! But, as I said, as the sex continued so did the story and little by little feelings between Gavin and Liz arose building up to a realistic and inspiring relationship.

Jaci Burton masterfully whittles Liz down to the bare bones, so you finally see the real woman behind the seemly cold-hearted career driven woman. By slowly developing depth to Liz and giving small glimpses here and there into her true self you find out that she is really vulnerable and insecure, and you learn why she plays the b*tch. Then by the end, you don’t even remember hating her in The Perfect Play. Like I said, masterful! Liz really steals the show from Gavin here IMO. She feels awful about the incident from The Perfect Play when she used some pretty nasty means to end Mick & Tara's relationship, which destroyed her friendship with Mick. Liz is truly regretful and misses his friendship as well as the close relationship she had with his entire family. Though you may still not agree with her choices you sympathize with her. Mick is pretty unforgiving and his attitude throughout the story causes quite a riff between him and Gavin, and Gavin and Liz.

Gavin on the other hand is cool, confident, charming very alpha and absolutely sex on a stick – the ultimate temptation to any red-blooded lady. This major league baseball player will leave you in a melted puddle when he is through with you, guaranteed. I found it interesting that he held such resentment towards his older brother, Mick, and no one knew or realized it, that added a nice little twist. I really enjoyed watching Gavin’s feelings grow and his love unfold through the pages. He never quite realizes how insecure Liz is with him but along with the reader, slowly starts to uncover the real her. But he has some trust issues himself because of the incident between her and Mick. Is she just using him to hold on to his contract? Their relationship was filled with ups and downs, keeping you on the edge of your seat with the suspense of it.

What I really enjoy though, besides the hot love scenes, in Jaci’s works is that every character from the main ones to the secondary’s are rich and multidimensional, springing to life from the pages. And each character plays an important part in the overall story arc, they’re never there as just filler.

Weaving intense emotions, sizzling sexual encounters, sigh-worthy romance, drama and suspense into a can’t-put-down erotic romance, Jaci Burton gives readers another thrilling addition to her Play-by-Play series! I will definitely be picking up each and every book that follows for my keeper shelf! The next installment, Taking a Shot, will be out March 6, 2012 and feature Jenna and Ty's story. I expect great things from it, especially after that sizzling teaser at the end!

Book of the Month for August
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...(less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Diana~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-jaci-burton, erotica-romance, contemporary-romance, 2011-reads

If I were to compare The Perfect Play versus Jaci Burton's latest installment, Changing the Game ... in my opinion of course, I would say I liked Gavin's story with Liz a lot more than Mick and Tara's. Looking back, I felt as if Mick fell in love with Tara way too fast? So it was kind of unrealistic. While at least Liz and Gavin both went into this "thing" between them knowing that it was just a fling and something fun. Or was it really? I guess I have a thing for unrequited love and Liz's love...more If I were to compare The Perfect Play versus Jaci Burton's latest installment, Changing the Game ... in my opinion of course, I would say I liked Gavin's story with Liz a lot more than Mick and Tara's. Looking back, I felt as if Mick fell in love with Tara way too fast? So it was kind of unrealistic. While at least Liz and Gavin both went into this "thing" between them knowing that it was just a fling and something fun. Or was it really? I guess I have a thing for unrequited love and Liz's love for Gavin was just so heartbreaking. Gavin himself is pretty dense for not noticing it but it was just so sad to know that Liz didn't want to lose herself to him when she already lost her heart. There was just so much emotion and seriously, the chemistry between these two was off the charts! I was really anticipating as to how their relationship would all work out when the situation seemed hopeless... but thankfully! Everything turned out to be much more than I had hoped for. ;) With all that said, I'm extremely looking forward to Jenna and Ty's book, Taking a Shot . We get a little sneak peek of their chemistry together and heh, it seems like we'll get another gem in store for us next year.

Liz was an interesting character to begin with and I loved seeing the layers of her real personality begin to crumble when she finally enters in a relationship with Gavin. Personally, after what she did to Tara and Nathan in the first book, I thought that I wouldn't come to like her because of her manipulating and cold personality... but of course, that was all just a facade. Her childhood was pretty sad to begin with and I can understand why she became the person that she is today. I also came to love how strong and independent she was; it was about time Gavin fell in love with her! I did not have much of an impression of Gavin in the first book because he was often overshadowed by Mick... and it was quite apparent in this book when Mick decided to interfere in Gavin's relationship with Liz. Why are you such an ass, Mick? At least he apologized... but he almost ruined their relationship! Well anyway, Gavin went into this fling with Liz because he thought it was just that. He never intended to fall in love with her, but sometimess, you can't help deny your feelings when it comes suddenly unexpected.

I loved how Liz and Gavin's relationship was just so sweet and cute, yet so hot at the same time. They had amazing chemistry together and Gavin can be so tender at times! He often thought about her and kept missing her whenever she had to go away for a business meeting and... *Sigh* That's when you know when you've fallen in love with someone. But sadly, the conflict in this book totally lies on Mick's constant interference and douche baggery personality when he thought he was doing Gavin a favor. I mean really, who asked for your opinion Mick? Did Gavin interfere in your relationship with Tara? I think not! (view spoiler) Overall, great book and I really had an amazing time reading it! It definitely did not disappoint. 5/5 stars!(less)

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May 13, 2011 Angela James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, arc, contemporary-romance

I didn't like this quite as well as I liked the first, but only because the first few chapters were a bit rocky for me. I thought there was a bit more setup and reminder of what happened in the last book right off, and I would have liked to not have that all at once in the first chapter. I also felt a bit distanced from the characters for awhile, and I wondered if it was a byproduct of their distance from each other.

However, I absolutely loved the conflict of the last third of the book. Loved....more

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Jun 18, 2012 Colyflawer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok, que puedo decir ? Gavin y Liz hasta el momento son mi pareja favorita.

Gavin, Oh My Gosh, es un bombón, sexy como el solo, no tengo palabras para describirlo, solo diré que si existiera si es que lo veo algún vez me lanzaría como tortuga ninja sobre el y no habría nadie que me despegara, así de sencillo.

Liz pobre, la cabra se lo sufre todo por el amor de su vida, yo siendo ella y con esa actitud hago pagar a Gavin con creces, me hubiese gustado que Liz le jugara un broma pequeña o que se defe...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Changing the Game by author Jaci Burton is the second book in the Play by Play series. The main characters are Gavin and Liz (Elizabeth).

This author has been blessed by the Cover Gods above for this series. Seriously, even if I wasn't a fan of the plot or author, I would purchase this series just to drool over the covers. After each chapter I would flip the book closed just so I could enjoy the view of that fine male specimen.

I was a little scared about reading this story though. I wasn't a huge...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Candace rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first book from Jaci Burton! I looked at the first book in the Play By Play series and I wasn't drawn to the story as much as I was drawn to this one - and I have to say I'm definitely more of a baseball fan and I was drawn to this AMAZING cover. So I said what the hell - let's jump in head first and skip number #1.

I have to admit that I wasn't disappointed, especially after looking at some of the other reviews. I understand that Elizabeth Darnell, the sports agent, was the villainess...more This is my first book from Jaci Burton! I looked at the first book in the Play By Play series and I wasn't drawn to the story as much as I was drawn to this one - and I have to say I'm definitely more of a baseball fan and I was drawn to this AMAZING cover. So I said what the hell - let's jump in head first and skip number #1.

I have to admit that I wasn't disappointed, especially after looking at some of the other reviews. I understand that Elizabeth Darnell, the sports agent, was the villainess in the first book and it was hard for readers to want to love her in this story. From previous experience, I know what that is like from reading Katie Lane's series "Deep in the Heart of Texas." And I loved the story between Gavin and Liz so I'm glad I skipped the first book. I received enough back story to understand the summary of what happened between Mick and Liz in regards to Tara and Nathan. I was happy with the summary that I received from this book!

So what first drew me to this book? Obviously - the cover is amazing! And I am a closet baseball junkie! I originally picked up the fifth book in this series as it was displayed on the New Romance section at Barnes and Noble and then I scanned it on my Goodreads App to see what this author was all about. Needless to say, I picked up Book #2, #3 and #5 last night from Barnes and Noble. I could not put the book down - I stayed up until about 2 AM reading and was at chapter 15 before I went to sleep. First thing when I got up this morning, the book was back in my hand!

The author did a very good job developing the main characters of Liz Darnell, the stoic sports agent who takes her job extremely serious and has worked her way to the top of a "man's" field, and Gavin Riley, the man who literally loves the game of baseball and would gladly play without all the perks of being famous. They are very engaged and lovable! Their relationship is all business until Liz slips and kisses Gavin in the first book and then Gavin decides to make a move when he sees a vulnerable side of her. She has loved him for years and has never ever let him see her vulnerability or her love. She thinks he is going to fire her, but he decides to ask her to live with him in the off season without having any reason why.

This turns into very steamy and explicitly erotic sex scenes - in the bed, the shower, the beach, the deck, the kitchen counter, etc. It seems to be very handed in the first half of the book! Then, as the story develops, and Gavin realizes he has feelings for her and wants some sort of relationship, it turns into an erotic love story full of passion and romance. Every story has some element of heartache and pain as did this one - I won't give that much away - but this book touched me and I was crying near the end because I related to the pain and struggle that the main characters were going through.

If an author can get me that invested in the characters and the story, I can only breath a gratifying sigh and give it five stars!
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Dec 14, 2012 Laura Ashlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, romance

After reading The Perfect Play, I was eager to get my hands on Changing the Game. I loved Jaci Burton’s style and the incorporation of sports. At the end of The Perfect Play, everything was set up perfectly to peak my interest in what could happen between Gavin and Elizabeth. It was time to learn more about the other brother, and time to get a closer look at Elizabeth. I really enjoyed Changing the Game, but I have to say I liked The Perfect Play better.

Getting to know Gavin was great, and seein...more After reading The Perfect Play, I was eager to get my hands on Changing the Game. I loved Jaci Burton’s style and the incorporation of sports. At the end of The Perfect Play, everything was set up perfectly to peak my interest in what could happen between Gavin and Elizabeth. It was time to learn more about the other brother, and time to get a closer look at Elizabeth. I really enjoyed Changing the Game, but I have to say I liked The Perfect Play better.

Getting to know Gavin was great, and seeing Mick from a different perspective was definitely interesting. Where Mick was likable and easy to sympathize with in the first book, Gavin has spent a lot of time in his shadow so Mick is suddenly thrown into a different light. Though I liked the first book better, I like Gavin better than Mick. Gavin is more of a “no apologies” bad boy sort of guy. Where Mick was never really the sleeping around type, Gavin makes no secret of his womanizing. It’s not until he gets involved with Elizabeth that being monogamous even crosses his mind. Elizabeth goes through the same kind of thing (minus the womanizing). She’s been happy being alone. Her job has kept her busy, so busy she hasn’t slept with anyone in quite some time. Of course, being in love with Gavin for years probably hasn’t put her in the mood to jump into bed with someone else. Once she ends up in Gavin’s bed, she begins rethinking what would make her truly happy. It’s so nice to see another side to Elizabeth. In The Perfect Play, she was a little antagonistic. Having insight into her mind makes her much easier to like.

I think everything worked pretty well. The development of the relationship made sense. The pacing was good. The sex was written well, but I expected as much after reading the first book. Jaci is an expert at writing sex scenes. I love that she doesn’t play around with ridiculous euphemisms. She tells it like it is. The only thing that threw me off was the whole deal with Mick. I liked him so much in The Perfect Play, but he was such a dick in this book. Then, toward the end there was a total shift of his feelings. It was like a light cut on or something. I understand what happened and why he changed his mind, but it felt really abrupt. Some of the ending was a bit cheesy, but I guess most romance is. Maybe it was just contrary to my mood when I finishing it that made it noticeable. Usually, I don’t mind that sort of thing in romance.

The series is great, and I can’t wait for the next one. I have a feeling I’m going to love Ty and Jenna. Is it February yet? Anyway, I recommend this series and this book to contemporary romance lovers. I can’t wait to read more of Jaci Burton’s books.(less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is book two of the Play by Play series. As with book one in the series, I must begin with the cover....
This book has a mighty fine... and I mean, MIGHTY FINE cover. Easy to get sidetracked by the cover before opening the book to read. Wow.

We met Gavin and Liz in book one. Gavin plays for the St. Louis Rivers MLB team and is Mick's (book one) younger brother. Mick plays in the NFL. Elizabeth (Liz) was agent to both brothers until a falling out with Mick. She's still Gavin's agent and is in F...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. I FLOVED this book, so much better than the first one, which I know several of you won't agree with me on. But the angst factor was much higher here and you have the added benefit of having met all the characters already. And yes, we ALL hated Liz in the first book. Someone had to be the baddie. But in this book we get to see a whole different side of her. And I don't think JB wrote it in such a way that we should feel sorry for Liz, but more so that we understand her better now. And...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Hazel Acevedo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow so the cover, BAM, hit me like a ton of bricks, now here is a beautiful visual to get ya started in this novel. Sooo when i attached this book to my kindle series, i had not realize that it was not the first book for this series, until i met mick the main characters brother and his beautiful wife and realized there is something totally missing with this awesomeness. Anyways i kept reading because i love baseball and i figured football can wait. Steamy characters with attraction from the hilt...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-sheila

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This baseball romance has lots of sexual scenes with characters who don’t know what to do with their emotions.

Opening Sentence: Gavin Riley knew Elizabeth Darnell had been avoiding him for the past several months.

The Review:

Changing the Game, the second installment from the Play by Play series, centers on baseball star Gavin Riley and his agent Elizabeth Darnell. Like the title suggests, this is a love story with lots of baseball metaphors,...more

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

This book sat on my TBR stack for quite a while. I wasn't sure I wanted to read it because the heroine of this book was the villain of the first book of the series -- The Perfect Play. It is a tribute to the power of Ms. Burton's writing that I really, really disliked Elizabeth Darnell. But enough time has passed and I came to this romance with on open mind. I found that I really did like Liz with her hidden vulnerabilities and her tough exterior. And Gavin is a hero to die for - handsome, buff,...more

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Jan 31, 2012 t'irla ~The BookSlayer~ rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: looking for a quick read and would like a "nice" romance

Shelves: contemporary-romance, misc

I had heard great things about Jaci Burton and thought I would pick up this book and give it a read. I don't usually start a series at book 2 but that is what I did. I admit to not feeling comfortable with the characters in the first part of the book. I thought oohh another book that is more about sex than story. I also found the characters awkward and not very likable especially Gavin. I think JB was trying to make him light hearted but it just didn't come across, then I thought she was going t...more

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Jan 18, 2012 KatiD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

When I read The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton, I was intrigued by a secondary character named, Elizabeth Darnell. Liz is a sports agent, and due to some very underhanded and destructive behavior, she comes very, very close to breaking up Mick and Tara, the lead couple in The Perfect Play. When Mick finds out, he fires Liz (rightly so). Liz also handles Mick's younger brother, Gavin Riley, who is a professional baseball player. Liz has been avoiding Gavin since Mick fired her, because she's quite s...more When I read The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton, I was intrigued by a secondary character named, Elizabeth Darnell. Liz is a sports agent, and due to some very underhanded and destructive behavior, she comes very, very close to breaking up Mick and Tara, the lead couple in The Perfect Play. When Mick finds out, he fires Liz (rightly so). Liz also handles Mick's younger brother, Gavin Riley, who is a professional baseball player. Liz has been avoiding Gavin since Mick fired her, because she's quite sure that Gavin will follow suit.

At first, Gavin is amused that Liz has been avoiding him. Gavin's family has always been quite close with Liz, who is basically an orphan and celebrates most holidays with the Riley's. But now he's had enough. It's time for Liz to face him and for them to get a few things straight. For her part, Liz has always had a thing for Gavin. She's loved him from afar for a long time, and has compensated for those feelings by constantly thrusting women at him. She's dreading the time when they finally speak face-to-face. She knows he's going to fire her which will break her heart (and hit her financially). So she's completely taken aback when Gavin invites her to his house and one thing leads to another. Next thing she knows, she and Gavin are having the hottest, most passionate night of sex she's ever experienced. As Liz tries to regroup, Gavin is amused that she continues to insist first that it was a one time thing, then that it's a just sex thing. But the more time he spends with Liz, the more challenged he is by her. She's a working woman, not someone who stays home and keeps the home fires burning. She doesn't pine for him (outwardly), she doesn't work her schedule around his, and she definitely doesn't act head over heels for him. But Gavin continues to push Liz to stay with him, realizing that things are better for him when she's around. He's playing good ball, he's happy and fulfilled. But Liz is concerned about her heart, and she's not letting Gavin get any closer.

Gavin's family is happy about his relationship. Well, all except Mick, who is furious that his brother is involved with the woman who nearly broke he and Tara up. He's overtly rude and antagonistic to Liz. And Liz is willing to take it. She's apologized time and again to Mick, to Tara, to Nathan, Tara's son, to Mick's family. All have accepted her apologies, but Mick. And she's unwilling to be a divisive force in the brother's relationship. But as a family tragedy unfolds, Liz want to be with Gavin to support him, and Mick is having none of it. Will Gavin listen to his brother and break things off with Liz? Or will he follow his heart?

This is another really entertaining book by Jaci Burton. I adore books about professional athletes and this book is truly a fun read. Jaci excels at writing "man-speak" and I love the camaraderie that is felt between Gavin and his fellow players and between the Riley family. I also truly enjoyed reading Liz's redemption. When I began the book I intensely disliked this woman, and was really interested to see how her inner monologue would inform her character. It made her far more sympathetic than I expected. But I also liked that Liz wasn't neutered. She's still tough, driven, can be a full-on bitch when necessary and is not afraid to stand up for herself. My only niggle with the book was that I wasn't really clear about Gavin's motivation for getting involved with Liz. Perhaps it was just about the sex, but I wish that Jaci had explored that aspect of his thinking a bit more. His attraction to her was clear enough, but I wish I'd understood more why he decided to change their completely business relationship to a more personal one.

Changing the Game has laugh out loud moments, tender moments, and is filled with very hot sex. It's a fantastically fun beach read, and one I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Final grade: B+(less)

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Dec 28, 2011 Ann Banda rated it 5 of 5 stars

SPOILEEEEEEEEEEERS!; BYE:)

Gavin; Gavin; Gavin *.* Mi hermoso jugador de baseball!
quién iba a imaginar que este hombre sacara aun mas su lado tierno? Los Riley podran ser muy fuertes pero son unas cositas divinas *.* Un amor el tipo cuando empezo todo con Elizabeth, definitivamente fue el que mas empeño puso en esa "relación" pero tenia que regarla en algo... Sus intentos de disculpa eran un asco,pero nunca esta de mas un microfono ;)
Elizabeth; debo decir que siempre crei que era una p e r r a to...more

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Dec 16, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, romance

Second in the Play-by-Play sports romance series revolving around the Riley family. The couple focus here is on Gavin Riley, a baseball player, and Elizabeth Darnell, his sports agent.

My Take
An interesting and sexy romp with a player's player and a scared yet fierce "shark" as they circle each other, falling in love, yet refusing to accept it.

I enjoyed the opportunity to see behind the scenes of a professional athlete's life. At how the endorsements are used to boost their visibility as well a...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Mimi Wolske added it

Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

If I’m truly into a book I can find several quotes I like and generally one quote that stands out as memorable. My favorite quote: “I think you're worth fighting for, Elizabeth. Even if I'm fighting you for you.”

Swoon! Sexy; sensitive; winning—duh!

The Goodreads Summary:
Sports agent Liz Darnell will do anything to win back her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley. And Gavin's more than ready- especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. Bu...more

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Oct 08, 2011 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Oh Gavin. How I love thee. I was intrigued by him in the previous book and reading this just sealed the deal. He attracted me because he is a baseball player, but more than that, because of the person he is once you get past his shallow at times exterior. He spent his life living in Mick's shadow as the younger sibling (been there, done that to an extent).

Insert Liz here. I hated her deeply in the last book. She was a horrid bitch. But in this book we get to know the real Liz. And I like her. A...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Carinae L'etoile rated it 4 of 5 stars

I don't like sports. However, I like sports themed movies and books...go figure. I surprise people when I say that movies like Any Given Sunday and The Replacements are 2 of my favorite Top 20 movies.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because I thought Jaci Burton's first book of this series, The Perfect Play, wasn't that great. I wasn't thrilled with the heroine in this book (Elizabeth) because she made an appearance in the TPP...and she irritated me.

In this particular story, she's...more

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