Step into the steamy, heart-pounding world of Play-By-Play, where sexy athletes and sizzling romances score big! Jaci Burton’s bestselling contemporary romance series, launched in 2011, dives into the lives of the Riley family and their sports-world circle, blending high-stakes games with emotional love stories. With its irresistible mix of spice, heart, and sports drama, Play-By-Play has become a fan-favorite for romance readers craving passion and depth.
From football fields to baseball diamonds, each book delivers a unique love story wrapped in the glitz and grit of professional sports. Whether you’re a romance newbie or a seasoned reader, Play-By-Play’s blend of swoon-worthy heroes and strong heroines will keep you hooked!
How Play-By-Play Began
Jaci Burton, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, kicked off the Play-By-Play series with a vision to merge her love for sports and romance. Inspired by the intensity of professional athletics and the personal lives behind the headlines, Burton crafted a world where love conquers all—on and off the field. The series debuted with The Perfect Play in 2011, introducing the Riley family and setting the stage for a sprawling, interconnected saga that’s now spanned over a dozen books.
Burton’s knack for creating tight-knit families and vibrant settings stems from her own passion for sports and storytelling. Living in Oklahoma, she’s often found cheering for her favorite teams or dreaming up the next romantic touchdown, making Play-By-Play a natural extension of her creative spark.
The Heart of Play-By-Play
The series kicks off with The Perfect Play, where football star Mick Riley meets single mom Tara Lincoln. Their steamy one-night stand sparks a deeper connection, but Tara’s wary heart and Mick’s celebrity life create obstacles. In Changing the Game, sports agent Liz Darnell fights to win back baseball pro Gavin Riley, only to find love complicating her plans. Taking a Shot follows Jenna Riley, who runs the family sports bar and falls for a hockey player despite her no-athletes rule. Quarterback Draw introduces the Cassidy family, with football player Grant Cassidy navigating romance and fatherhood.
Play-By-Play’s themes revolve around love, ambition, and teamwork, set against the backdrop of diverse sports like football, baseball, and hockey. Burton’s style is unapologetically steamy yet emotionally rich, with characters facing real-world challenges like career pressures and family ties. The series’ strength lies in its interconnected families—like the Rileys and Cassidys—whose bonds add depth to each love story, making every book feel like a reunion.
The sports settings aren’t just window dressing; they pulse with authenticity, from locker-room banter to game-day tension. Whether it’s a slow-burn romance or an enemies-to-lovers arc, Play-By-Play delivers classic tropes with a fresh, sporty twist, keeping readers invested in both the romance and the game.
Why Play-By-Play Resonates
Play-By-Play has carved a niche in contemporary romance by blending eroticism with heartfelt storytelling, earning praise from outlets like Fresh Fiction and USA Today. Fans adore its relatable characters and the way it balances steamy scenes with emotional stakes, making it a standout in the sports romance subgenre. Burton’s ability to redeem complex characters—like Liz Darnell, who evolves from villain to heroine—adds layers that keep readers coming back.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its celebration of love as a team sport, where partners support each other through life’s highs and lows. With a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim, Play-By-Play continues to inspire new readers to join the game, proving that romance and sports are a winning combo.
- First Book: The Perfect Play (2011)
- Total Books: 17 as of 2025
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Erotic Romance
- Awards: RITA Finalist, RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Jaci Burton
Ready to fall in love with Play-By-Play’s sexy, sporty world? Grab The Perfect Play and dive into Jaci Burton’s irresistible romance series today!