Read Jaci Burton Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
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Jaci Burton is an acclaimed author known for her heartwarming, steamy, and emotional romance novels. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made a significant mark in the contemporary romance genre, writing books that often feature high-stakes romantic relationships set against rich, vivid backdrops. Burton’s work is distinguished by her ability to blend captivating romance with multidimensional characters, intricate emotional arcs, and compelling plots that engage readers from start to finish.
Her books often weave together themes of love, personal growth, and the dynamic between career and relationships. What makes her books stand out is not only the romance but also the setting and character depth-whether it’s the high energy of professional sports, the charm of small-town dynamics, or the complex personal struggles her protagonists face, there’s a relatable and often empowering quality to her stories. If you’ve recently discovered Jaci Burton’s work and are unsure of where to start or how her books connect, this guide will walk you through the essential information, including a breakdown of her novels and the optimal reading order.
Contents
List Of Jaci Burton Books In Order
| The Perfect Play (2011) | Details |
| Changing the Game (2011) | Details |
| Taking a Shot (2012) | Details |
| Playing to Win (2013) | Details |
| One Sweet Ride (2014) | Details |
| Laying It On the Line (2015) | Details |
| Caught in the Game (2016) | Details |
| The Final Score (2017) | Details |
| The Trouble with Love (2018) | Details |
| Love After All (2019) | Details |
More On Jaci Burton Books In Chronological Order
1. The Perfect Play (2011)
This is the first book in the ’Play by Play’ series, and it introduces us to the world of professional sports. It follows the journey of Mick Riley, a star quarterback, and Tara, a woman who has been hurt by love before. As Mick charms his way into Tara’s life, sparks fly, but so do the complications. It’s a sizzling start to the series with plenty of heat and emotional depth.
2. Changing the Game (2011)
Book two of the ’Play by Play’ series brings us back into the sports world, this time focusing on baseball player Cole Riley, Mick’s brother. He’s a bad boy with a lot of baggage but finds himself falling for the sweet, strong, and independent journalist, Quinn. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the story is full of tension, passion, and those emotionally charged moments that leave you hooked from the very first chapter.
3. Taking a Shot (2012)
In book three of the series, Jaci takes us into the world of hockey with the story of the Riley family once again. This time, it’s about Gavin Riley, a hotshot hockey player who falls for a woman he meets at a bar, but she’s not interested in a casual fling. It’s an intense, fiery romance as Gavin tries to prove he’s worth more than just a rebound. It’s the perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart.
4. Playing to Win (2013)
Now we’re at book four, and this time it’s about the sexy and mysterious football player, Jace, who has a reputation for not getting too close. But when he meets the beautiful, strong, and independent Emma, sparks fly. Jace has to decide if he wants to take a chance on love, and Emma has to decide if she’s willing to trust someone with her heart. The chemistry between these two is off the charts!
5. One Sweet Ride (2014)
Book five in the ’Play by Play’ series brings us a love story between race car driver, Race, and the woman who has been his best friend for years, Darcy. But when their relationship shifts from friendship to something more, things get complicated. It’s a fun, exciting, and emotional rollercoaster as they both try to navigate their feelings while still holding onto their friendship. And, of course, there’s plenty of steamy moments!
6. Laying It On the Line (2015)
The sixth book in the series centers around the world of MMA fighting, where we meet tough, fearless MMA fighter, Eric. He has no interest in love, but when he meets the beautiful and determined Lana, his world is turned upside down. With intense physical attraction and emotional barriers, their relationship evolves into something powerful and deep. It’s another winner for the ’Play by Play’ series!
7. Caught in the Game (2016)
Book seven in the ’Play by Play’ series brings us to the world of football once again, but this time we’re focused on the story of a man who’s learning to move on from a past hurt. Drew, a star quarterback, meets the beautiful, smart, and determined Anna who has her own emotional baggage. It’s a story about love, healing, and finding trust when everything seems broken. It’s got all the passion, emotional depth, and heat that we expect from Jaci Burton!
8. The Final Score (2017)
This is the final book in the ’Play by Play’ series, and it brings a satisfying conclusion to the Riley family saga. The story centers around the relationship between NFL player, Luke, and the smart, sweet, and tough woman he falls for, Lily. With their own set of emotional hurdles to jump over, the two have to navigate their feelings and their careers. It’s an emotional, passionate, and heartwarming finale to the series.
9. The Trouble with Love (2018)
In this standalone romance, we meet Taylor, who is trying to rebuild her life after some serious setbacks, and she’s definitely not looking for love. Enter Drew, a man who’s been secretly in love with her for years but never had the courage to tell her. When they finally come together, the sparks fly, but will it be enough to overcome the hurdles they’ve both been carrying? It’s a story about second chances, finding love when you least expect it, and overcoming the past.
10. Love After All (2019)
This is the final book in the ’Heart of the City’ series, and it’s all about love after hardship. Olivia, a woman who’s lost everything, meets Jace, a man who’s also struggling to move on from past trauma. Together, they build a new life together, filled with love, healing, and plenty of passion. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt story that perfectly wraps up the series, showing how love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Background On Jaci Burton Books
Jaci Burton’s writing career began in the late 1990s, and she has since gained a loyal following with her engaging and accessible writing style. She has penned over thirty novels, with multiple series that capture the hearts of romance fans worldwide. Her books explore a wide range of settings, from the thrill of sports arenas to intimate, emotional narratives about everyday life. Among her most well-known series is the Play-by-Play series, a collection of contemporary sports romance novels centered around the lives of professional athletes and the women who steal their hearts.
Another noteworthy series by Burton is the The Wild Riders series, which combines suspense with romance, focusing on a group of ex-cops who find themselves entangled in high-stakes cases while navigating their personal relationships. The Hope series and Boots & Bouquets series further showcase Burton’s ability to craft romance in various settings, from small towns to big-city environments, always with a focus on connection, intimacy, and growth.
What sets Burton apart from other romance authors is her balance of plot and passion. Her writing is as much about the emotional journey as it is about the physical attraction between the protagonists. Her books never shy away from exploring the deeper emotional landscapes of her characters’ lives. From personal struggles to professional challenges, Burton’s protagonists are fully realized individuals, and her romances are often marked by a sense of realism. These novels, while fictional, reflect the authentic emotional highs and lows of being in a relationship.
Reading Order Explained
Jaci Burton has written numerous series, and while each series stands alone, many readers prefer to read the books in order to track character development and the overall arc of a particular series. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach reading her books, based on publication dates and character progression:
Play-by-Play Series
The Play-by-Play series, which is perhaps her most popular, follows the lives of various athletes-mainly focused on men in the world of professional football, baseball, and hockey-and the women who fall in love with them. The series starts with The Perfect Play, which introduces the series’ central theme of love amidst the competitive and high-pressure world of professional sports. From there, each book explores the story of a new protagonist, often a member of the athlete’s inner circle or a romantic interest from the team.
Reading Order
- The Perfect Play (2009)
- Changing the Game (2010)
- Taking a Shot (2011)
- Playing to Win (2012)
- One Sweet Ride (2013)
- Melting the Ice (2014)
- Holiday Games (2015)
- The Final Play (2016)
Though these books can be read independently, readers will get the most satisfaction from experiencing them in order, as several characters cross over into different books, and subplots from earlier novels are revisited.
The Wild Riders Series
The Wild Riders series is another fan favorite, blending romantic suspense and action. The series follows three ex-cops who work as private investigators while navigating steamy, emotional love stories. Each book in this series focuses on one of the Wild Riders and the person who helps them heal from past wounds while solving dangerous cases.
Reading Order
- Rider’s Revenge (2011)
- Rider’s Heat (2011)
- Rider’s Vow (2011)
Hope Series
This series, which debuted with Hope Burns, centers around a small town called Hope, where people are given a second chance at love and healing. It’s a mix of romance, community, and emotional discovery, with each book focusing on a new couple finding their way together while facing personal struggles.
Reading Order
- Hope Burns (2014)
- Hope Ignites (2015)
- Hope Flames (2016)
Boots & Bouquets Series
A newer addition to Jaci Burton’s catalog, this series is lighter but equally emotional. Set in a small town, it’s filled with charm, humor, and romance, focusing on weddings and the love stories that unfold during them.
Reading Order
- The Wedding Date (2018)
- The Summer Proposal (2019)
What I Like About The Series?
One of the standout aspects of Jaci Burton’s books is how she creates a perfect balance between heat, emotional depth, and relatable characters. Burton has a unique ability to immerse readers in her settings-whether it’s the pressure cooker environment of a professional sports team or the cozy, familiar feel of a small-town setting. The characters, both protagonists and supporting players, are deeply drawn and authentic.
Another aspect I enjoy is her commitment to emotional growth. Burton’s characters are rarely perfect, and the way they grow-through both personal struggles and romantic relationships-feels organic. She doesn’t just give her characters a happy ending; she gives them the journey that leads them to that ending. Whether it’s overcoming personal demons, reconciling with a past love, or navigating complicated professional lives, her characters are more than just the sum of their romantic interests.
Furthermore, Burton’s ability to depict physical chemistry is extraordinary. Her romance scenes are engaging and authentic, often characterized by a palpable energy that draws readers into the relationship. Her characters’ intimate connections are not just about the heat between them, but also about emotional vulnerability, which makes each romantic encounter feel meaningful.
Should You Read Jaci Burton Books In Order?
While it’s not strictly necessary to read Jaci Burton’s books in order, especially for the Play-by-Play and Wild Riders series, doing so provides a richer, more immersive experience. Her books are often interconnected, with recurring characters, relationships that span multiple books, and plotlines that build over time. For example, the Play-by-Play series follows a consistent group of characters, and reading them in order allows you to witness their personal evolution and romantic journeys unfold. If you’re reading a series that features multiple books, like Hope or The Wild Riders, starting from the beginning ensures you’re following the character arcs correctly.
That said, if you’re new to Jaci Burton, you can absolutely jump in at any point. Many of her books stand well on their own, and each one tells a complete, satisfying story. But for those who appreciate seeing character growth and deeper plot connections, starting with the first book in a series is highly recommended.