Blurb
Someone’s going to have to let down their guard…
Football star Cole Riley is notorious for doing as he pleases—on the field and off. He parties hard and fights harder, but if he doesn’t clean up his act, his career is over—so Cole reluctantly agrees to work with image makeover consultant Savannah Brooks. He’s not used to being told what to do, especially by some (admittedly hot) Southern belle. As for Savannah, she’s not convinced she can transform this cocky (and aggressively sexy) force of nature. But she’s determined to give it her best shot.
When the sparks start to fly, Savannah lays down the ground rules: no personal complications. If she can turn off the tingle she feels every time Cole gives her a hot stare with his gorgeous baby blues, he can turn off his desire as well. But for two people determined to have it all, a hands-off policy can only last so long before one of them yields.
Exclusive Excerpt
Cole Riley had built his reputation on being tough, especially on the football field. He didn’t yield, and when he had the ball in his hands, there was only one thing on his mind—the end zone. He was hardheaded and single-minded, and he liked to win.
Same thing with women—once he had a target it mind, he went for her until he scored.
So even though tonight’s team party was a target-rich environment, and more than a handful of the sexy women who’d come tonight were giving him the once-over, he hadn’t set his mind on anyone during the few hours he’d been here.
Which was unusual for him. He liked the ladies. The ladies liked him. No ego on his part; he just enjoyed women, and he loved being around them. They were sweet, fun to be with, smelled great, and made him feel good. There was nothing bad about that. In return, he showed them a good time, spent money on them, and never lied to them or tried to be anything other than who he was.
He’d learned a long time ago that women liked honest men. His mother would slap him sideways if he ever lied to a woman. He might be a little wild and reckless, but he wasn’t dishonest. He never promised a woman anything he wasn’t willing to deliver.
Which meant steering clear of women looking to hook a boyfriend, a husband, or any kind of commitment. He gravitated toward the party girls, like the hot redhead and the statuesque brunette who’d been hovering near his radar all night. Those were the women who wanted to have the same kind of no-strings-attached fun he did. It was only a matter of time before he went in for the kill. After all, the hunt was part of the fun. All the circling, eyeing, and flirting was a game. He did love the game—and he played the game to win.
Trying to figure out a woman’s angle was the fun part. They each had an angle, an ulterior motive. Some wanted nothing more than an autograph or a picture they could post on some social media site so they could show their friends they’d partied with football player Cole Riley. Others wanted to hook up for the night, hoping to share his bed so they’d have more permanent memories. If they wanted a good time, he was more than willing to show them one.
The redhead and the brunette were definitely good-time girls. He could tell by the body language and the looks they gave him. They wanted a lot more than an autograph or a picture.
Easy score, right?
So why did his focus keep drifting to the cool blonde sitting by herself at a table in the corner? She wasn’t his type at all. She wasn’t wearing a skintight dress that showed ample amounts of tits and ass. She wore a simple, black short-sleeved dress that fell to her knees. Though she did have killer legs—legs he’d like to see a lot more of. She just wasn’t showing off her assets.
She was beautiful, sure, with a face that would stop traffic. And the way she was put together screamed money or high society. Her hair was twisted up behind her head, she wore a pearl necklace that didn’t look cheap or fake, and he’d been with enough women to know that little designer purse sitting on the table in front of her cost a lot of money.
Maybe she was related to the team owner. But he hadn’t seen anyone come within ten feet of the table in the past two hours. She was no wallflower, but she wasn’t giving off vibes that said, “Come talk to me.”
Wasn’t his problem. He didn’t know her and he intended to have fun tonight. Team parties were always a blast, and even better, this one was media free. He could down a few drinks, chill with the ladies, and have a good time.
There were plenty of women here to have the kind of fun he was looking for, and the blonde wasn’t the right type. He could tell from the rigid set of her shoulders and the stick-up-her-ass way she sat that she wasn’t a partier. She surveyed the room and gave off definite “keep the fuck away from me” signals, which was likely why no one approached her.
Still, his gaze kept gravitating back to her. He hated seeing anyone sitting alone. He went up to the bar and nudged Grant Cassidy, the Traders quarterback.
Grant turned, then nodded. “Hey, Riley. What’s up?”
“Do you have any idea who that blonde is sitting by herself over in the corner?”
Grant followed the motion of Cole’s head, then frowned. “No. Who is she?”
“No idea. I figured you know everyone on the team. Is she related to the owner?”
Grant shook his head. “Ted Miller’s daughter is a brunette. And she isn’t here tonight. I have no idea who the blonde is. She looks mean.”
Cole laughed. “That’s what I thought, too.”
He should ignore her and concentrate on the two other women. But for some reason she kept grabbing his attention and wouldn’t let go.
Maybe it was because she kept staring at him. Not in the way other women looked at him—the take-me-home-with-you-tonight plea. Her gaze was cool and assessing. An occasional brief glance and then she’d look away, like she wasn’t at all interested in him.
Oh, she was interested all right. They all were.
So maybe she was a game player after all, and this was a new kind of game.
He pushed off the bar and headed her way. She could throw off all the stay-away signals she wanted, but he was curious now. Someone that beautiful was alone for a reason.
He stopped at her table and her gaze lifted, slowly assessing him. She didn’t smile, but she didn’t frown, either.
“You here alone?” he asked.
“As you can see, I am.”
Southern accent. It fit her. She was all peaches-and-cream complexion, full lips, and the prettiest eyes—the color of his favorite whiskey.
He slid his hand out. “I’m Cole Riley, wide receiver with the Traders.”
She slipped her hand in his and finally gave him a smile—the kind of smile that made a man glad to be a man.
“Hello, Cole. I’m Savannah Brooks. Won’t you sit down?”
Bingo.
Let’s Talk
Q: What would you like readers to know about the book before they read it?
A: This is a fun, sexy look into the world of athletes and the women who love them. Cole Riley is a bad boy football player who’s getting his last shot at redemption. Savannah Brooks has been assigned to rehab his image. The two of them clash, but she just might be his salvation, in more ways than just his career.
Q: What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read the book?
A: I hope readers fall deeply in love with Cole and Savannah, and are satisfied with the emotional, physical and romantic journey of the characters.
Q: Who is your favorite character in this book?
A: I love Savannah. I love her strength and her refusal to back down under pressure.
Q: Is there a character who gives you fits and makes you want to go ninja?
A: Cole, definitely. He was stubborn and made me crazy. But there’s a vulnerable side to him that made me melt.
Q: You may have noticed we like to include our favorite quote in our reviews of the books we read. What is your favorite quote from this book?
“I’m not baiting you, Cole. We’re having a conversation. Your anger is quick to spark. Once it does, you don’t back down. That’s why you get into trouble so easily. And so often.”
He sucked in a breath, trying to keep control. “So is this an exercise to see how fast you can piss me off?”
“No.” She looked down at her plate, then back up at him. “It’s lunch.”
Q: What’s up next for you?
A: Oh, I have a lot coming up! Up next in November is the digital release of The Ties That Bind, originally part of a Berkley anthology. In December is The Best Thing, the third book in my Kent Brothers series with Carina Press. Riding To Sunset, another Wild Riders book, will release in the Nautier and Wilder anthology in January. Thrown By A Curve, the next Play by Play book, will release in March, 2013.
PLAYING TO WIN by Jaci Burton
09/04/2012 by Berkley Heat
Amazon || Barnes & Noble
Jaci Burton’s website
Fiction Vixen Review
Giveaway
Enter to win:
I’ll be happy to offer up a print, Kindle or Nook copy of Playing to Win–winner’s choice of format.
Giveaway is open to all. You have until end of day Sept. 14 to enter, winner will be announced soon after.
Giveaway sponsored by: Jaci Burton
No purchase necessary to win. You must be 18 or over to enter, void where prohibited. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. FVBR is not being compensated for this giveaway. If the winner declines to accept or fails to claim their prize within 72 hours of the announcement they forfeit their prize. Prize distribution is the sole responsibility of the giveaway sponsor. Fiction Vixen Book Reviews will not be held responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or for circumstances beyond our control. More information here.
About FV Sophia
OH SWEET!!!!!
Would LLOOOVVEEE to win a KINDLE Copy!!!
I am a HUGE FAN Of JACI’S and YOU GIRL!!! Vist you EVERY day!
Peace To You!
Bernadette
How nice of you! I’d love either a print or Kindle copy. This is such a great series. Thank you.
would love a nook copy or print! Love this series….
I would love a kindle copy!!!
Count me in, please. I’d love a Kindle copy of the book.
Thank you for this amazing giveaway. I am a huge fan of the Play by Play series! I’ve always borrowed them from the library, but would love to have my own print copy!
-Selena Mc
I seriously love these covers – they rock!
OWWWWW love this series…. Please…….love to win a print…
thank you so so much, i would love to win a print copy
thanks you!!
I’d love a Kindle copy. This is one of my favorite series! Thanks so much!
Jaci Burton is one of my favorite author. Can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love this series and its covers
Thanks for the chance to win a copy
I love the Play-by-Play series! Cole and Savannah sound like a fun couple. I can’t wait to read their story.
I’m always looking forward to the next book in this series so I’ll be getting my hands on a copy of this one,too.
I love sports romances and can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you for the giveaway.
Love sports stories! Would like to have a print copy.
I’ve been wanting to try this series. This latest one sounds right up my alley.
Congrats on the new release, Jaci. I’m so excited there’s a Wild Riders story to look forward to.
This is so awesome! Jaci’s books are delicious and full of adventure. Thanks so much for the giveaway and continuing to share with us your fabulous imagination
I’d love a chance to win a copy, the Play
By Play series is one of my favorites! Thanks
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this awesome book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
I would love to win the book. I have always wanted to read a Jaci Burton book.
Thanks so much for doing the giveaway – I’d love a print copy!
I love the play by play series! Can’t wait to read ‘playing to win’!
Can’t wait to read this series!!!
yadkny@hotmail.com
Awesome! I’d like to get a Kindle copy.
Wow loved the excerpt from this latest book Jaci! Thanks for a chance to win a kindle copy. Carin
mawmom at gmail dot com
thanks for a great post! I haven’t read this series but I have read such awesome reviews for it!
I can’t wait to get hold of this book! Even though I don’t know the first thing about gridiron I am looking forward to reading it.
Love me some sports romances! Can’t wait to read this!
Thank you thank you thank you! For the great interview
and the great series 
) and for the HAWT covers 
and for my Kindle copy 
I have a Kindle but would love to win a print copy because the cover is soooooo sexy!
Really like this series – would love a copy for my Nook! Thanks for the chance.
I love Jaci’s books and would definitely love to win a copy of this one! Thanks so much for the chance:)
Awsome cover and nice interview. Looks like it’s going to be really, really good.Definetely a print copy.
Have just started reading your books in the last 6 months and I am in love with them. I would love to win a kindle copy of your new book “Playing To Win”. Thanks for the contest and please keep the great books coming!
LOVE Jaci Burton books! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next Play-by-play book! Would love a kindle copy if I’m chosen
Thanks!
I’d love a nook copy! Sounds like a fun read!
Been looking forward to this book. I would LOVE to win (kindle). Thanks for the great giveaway!!
The story sounds great! I would love to read it either in print or Kindle.
Thanks so much for the giveaway. I would love a kindle copy.
I love Jaci Burton. I read her first book in this series and it was really good.
The book sounds great. I just got a Kindle as a gift from my wonderful husband and I’d love to start my library off with your book!
Thanks so much for the giveaway. I have not read any of this series yet but have seen great reviews and posts about them. I would love either a print or Kindle copy, whichever is easiest.
I have adored the Play by Play series from the beginning!! I have also adored the amazing covers!! Is that Jed Hill again? Can I win him too?? Thank you for this giveaway!
Would love a kindle copy!! Thanks!!
Sounds awesome. I love Jaci’s books. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I love these books! And the covers…YUMMY! I would love to win a Kindle copy, although these books are better enjoyed in print.
I sitll pull out The Perfect Play and “admire” it when I’m feeling down. (Or just because!)
Love this series! And yes the covers are smokin’ hot!
Love that cover!! I’d love to be entered to win a print copy. thanks for the chance.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the great interview! I love Jaci’s and her Play By Play series. I would love to win this newest book in print by her. Enter me into the contest please!!
I have really enjoyed this series and can’t wait to read this one. I would love to be entered for a print copy to go with the rest of the set. Thank you for the giveaway.
seriousreader at live dot com
Sounds great. Thanks for sharing!!
I have not read her stories yet,but would love to! Kindle or print version.
Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to read the next installment.
Fabulous thank you. I would love a print copy of PLAYING TO WIN.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Yay, Thanks for the chance to win. I’d love either a print or nook copy.
Cool. I’ve been dying to read this series. i’d love a print copy to add to my shelves. Thanks for the chance to win.
oops. email is romancejunkie1025@gmail.com
I read the first in the series but I have not kept up. Would love to win!
That cover is just delicious! I’ve been wanting to read these books…thanks for the chance to win!
Love this series. I can’t wait to read Playing to win.
I would love to win a print copy.
Hi
I love this series and I am excited to read this book.
Thanks for the chance
Pam
print version… please count me, love Jaci’s book
Yes!!! I so loved these guys…
Thank you for the opportunity to participate. Looking forward to reading this. The excerpt was great!!!
Would love to win a copy:)
Would love a kindle copy!!
I love this series, would love to win a kindle copy.
I love this series! I would love to have a hard copy sitting on my bookshelf. Plus I still need to read this one. Waiting for it at my library.
Nice excerpt. The book sounds good.
I’ve only read book #1 so far because I’m slowly collecting them in PB form. The covers are so yummy
This series is one of those must haves.
msromanticreads(at)gmail(dot)com
Ah, another Jed Hill cover. Yes!!!
I know that you have heard this before but PICK ME! I would love to win this. It is on my wish list! jepebATverizonDOTnet
Sport romances definitely appeal to me. Another HOT cover!
I would love a copy in any form! It sounds like a winner!
I love Burton’s writing. Makes me want to watch sports whenever I finish one of her books. =) Yay for Cole’s story!
I can’t wait to read this one. I would love a print copy of it. Great giveaway.
I would love a print copy so I could see that gorgeous cover on my bookshelf.
Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for the excerpt and the interview, I enjoyed reading it. I would love to win a print copy so I could display the book