Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Book of the Month: Jaci Burton (Guest Post & Giveaway)


Jaci BurtonToday I have the immense pleasure of welcoming one of my new favorite authors, Jaci Burton, over for a guest post! Jaci is the author of the fabulously sexy and exciting Play-By-Play series and her second release in the series, Changing the Game, just came out yesterday! (Review coming August 24th, and let me just say - FAB!) You can check out my review of the first novel, The Perfect Play *here*. As you know, Changing the Game is our Book of the Month and will be featured throughout the month of August, so now...on to Jaci's guest post! 

The Perfect Play
The Series. The Panic. The Fun.
By Jaci Burton


For an author, releasing the second book, or a third or a fourth (insert etc etc etc) in a series is always a sticky thing. The first book in a series is an easy thing. No one’s met the characters before. Everything’s brand new, and there’s no back story to catch everyone up on. All you have to do is sit back and introduce your new world to readers—and of course, hope they love it.
But then there’s book two, where I’m at right now with Changing The Game , book two in my Play-by-Play series. Readers have met the previous characters, and secondary characters who are now the stars of their own show. There are expectations, and readers that may pick up this book who might not have read the first book.

So you have to lay down some back story and introduce readers to the world, without boring readers who’ve been through it all already. It’s a fine line you walk when you write a series.

Changing the Game
But oh how I love writing a series. I’m not much for writing one-book-and-out stories. I know some readers like them, but for me it’s just not fun. I can’t say I’ve never done it before, because I have. But if you look through my list of fifty-something books, you’ll see the large majority of them are part of a series. There’s a reason I write them. How they come about is two-fold.

The first is purely by accident. For some reason, I can’t toss a hero and heroine into a book without having…extra players show up. I mean, no one lives in a vacuum, right? A hero and heroine don’t develop a relationship with each other, then go about their daily lives just interacting with each other (unless they’re stranded on a desert island together). There tend to be other people in their lives—extra characters who add color to a story. And those extra characters tend to grow and expand as I’m writing the book, developing personalities and quirks and back stories of their own. Before long I begin to piece together who I’d like to pair those secondary characters up with. Then voila. I’ve started a series.

Taking a Shot (Play by Play, #3)The second way is by design. Some of my series are contracted that way. With my Wild Riders series series, I knew from the start exactly how many Wild Riders characters there were and how many books there would be, and I had a pretty good idea in which order I’d write their books. That was one series I was really organized about (trust me, this typically doesn’t happen).  My Play-by-Play series is a little more lax. I of course knew I wanted this to be a three book series, with Mick, Gavin and Jenna Riley having their stories. Now it turns out there will be at least four books in this series (and I hope more!), so I’ve developed another character. And this series goes on.

That’s the thing about series. Sometimes they develop lives of their own. They become organic, worlds with fully realized main and secondary characters who live and breathe and demand their stories to be told.

See why I love writing series?

Jaci Burton

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Purchase Changing the Game and The Perfect Play now! 

~*GIVEAWAY*~
Jaci is graciously offering a giveaway to readers! One lucky commenter will win a copy of The Perfect Play! And as a special treat I will be giving away the matching book thong from my Etsy shop to the winner! (Items will be shipped separately.)
To enter, just leave a meaningful comment or question (with an email address) for Jaci! 
Giveaway with close at 11:59pm on August 30th, one winner will then be selected at random and contact via the email address provided. They will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Good luck!

67 comments:

  1. I'm intrigued to read your work, Jaci!!! These books sound awesome!!! The covers are HOT!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

    jfort357(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  2. Hi Jaci. Your new series sounds great. I love books with sports heroes. Those are some sizzling covers. ;) Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  3. Oh i love your books:)
    Thank you for the giveaway!!
    elliott2668(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. This book sounds like fun, would love to read it.
    lvs2dv at gmail dot com

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  5. I had a chance to read a borrowed copy of The Perfect Play and have to say its one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read. I'd so love to own a copy! Mick was a super hot male lead can't wait for the other books. Will we meet the lead for book four in book three? When does book three release?

    gfc - pams00

    pams00 @ aol.com

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  6. thanks for the giveaway! I really enjoyed this when i borrowed it from my friend. Its going to be amazing having my own copy.

    katie_tp(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. Don't enter me for the giveaway... I just wanted to say how much I love Jaci Burton's work! I became a fan when I stumbled across her Wild Riders series, but I am absolutely hooked after reading her play-by-play titles. Both "The Perfect Play" and "Changing the Game" are great novels, and I strongly recommend them! :)

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  8. Jaci is a new-to-me author, and I'm not entirely sure how I've missed this series since I love sports themed romances. *sigh*

    Thanks for introducing me to Jaci and adding a couple more books to my TBR list (if I don't win a copy, lol).

    Jen
    GFC follower as Romancing the Book
    admin.bookblog AT gmail.com

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  9. First off I just need to say that I LOVE the covers. I could print them out and tape them on my bedroom wall although I am sure that the Mr. wouldn't appreciate it much. HaHa
    Jaci, I love the fact that you said that you keep the extra characters in the story line. Way too often I read books and it seems like the other characters dissolve in the background and are forgotten once the story takes off. So I am glad to hear that this isn't the case with your series.
    I will definitely be adding these books to my list and keeping an eye out for the rest coming out.
    booksniffersanonymous[at]gmail[dot]com
    Book Sniffers Anonymous

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  10. I think I am like everyone else in absolutly loving the covers for these books and after reading so many good reviews (like yours!) I can't wait to actually read the contents!

    Suzanne

    nyxxy@hotmail.co.uk

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  11. I had never heard of this author until recently. The premise of these books is outstanding and I can't wait to read them.

    The covers are also well HOT!

    lisasworldofbooks@charter.net

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  12. Jaci- cant wait to read this new series by you!
    great giveaway
    follow via gfc
    drakebdog@gmail.com

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  13. I recently purchased the Kindle version of this book. I've been told the contents are even more exciting than it's cover...and for that I can't wait to get started.

    A copy to set on the book shelf would be greatly appreciated and adored!

    michelle.a5771(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. Ever time I see these covers I am amazed at how the cover gods were shining on you - they are just awesome!

    Looking forward to reading this series - thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC follower & email subscriber

    kacbooks (at)hotmail(dot)com

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  15. These are wonderful books. I highly recommend them: strong women, sexy men and lots and lots of hot steamy sex.
    Congrats Jaci! These are wonderful books couldn't put them down and the cover ... well I'm speechless.

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  16. I am really looking forward to this series. I have always like reading about men in sports. They are not only athletic but have a strong sense of discipline (think training and exercise), work ethic and physical skills. I like seeing how they transfer these traits into the real world and personal relationships.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. Three of my favorite things in one...reading, football and hot men!

    Thanks for the chance!

    mmafsmith at gmail dot com

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  18. I am dying to read these books. I love these covers and I've heard nothing but good things about this series. I can't wait to pick it up.

    Danielle @Ramblings From This Chick
    iqb99@yahoo.com

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  19. Hi Jaci! I got a postcard for Changing the Game in the mail today! I'm excited to read your books!
    Question: What made you decide to write in this genre?
    Email: cruz042@csusm.edu

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  20. Jaci I would love to read your books. They sound very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  21. Hi Jaci! I'm so excited to read this series, I am a huge sports fantatic and love the romance genre. I am SO excited for the hockey one! My only question is: are you a sports fan and what are your teams?
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    twigerina@hotmail.com

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  22. Thanks for the interview Jaci. I know as a reader I appreciate a series better than a stand-a-lone book. Even a short trilogy is better than just one book. You get to know all the characters so much better.

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Danni
    dannigv616AThotmailDOTcom

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  23. This book sounds like fun. I would love to read it! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!

    ruby95660[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  24. I've noticed that all my keeper books are in series and have a lot of secondary characters that really have substantial roles throughout the series. I like to see the characters grow and develop and the secondary characters do add depth and keep the series from getting stale.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  25. I love reading erotic romance books and this one sounds like one I would enjoy reading.

    I would love to win it and read it especially on my ride to and from work on the train. LOL I can just imagine how many women will be eyeing the heavenly cover and how the men will be at a lost to see something like that LOL! :)

    Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway!

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

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  26. I have had this series on my to-read list for a while, based on so many great reviews I have seen, but unfortunately your books aren't available here in New Zealand and I can't get the Kindle version for my region either! So I would LOVE to win a copy... I hope the giveaway is international :)
    Thanks so much for the opportunity!

    mrsaubergine1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Thanks so much for the giveaway :)
    I really want to read both your series. And, like many other commenters, I LOVE the covers.

    I honestly can't decide if I prefer series vs stand-alones. They both have their pros and cons.

    Yes, stand-alones have a beginning, middle, and end but sometimes there are loose ends as far as plot or characters.

    Series leave me yearning to find out what happens next but sometimes all the books in the series are not immediately available and that is frustrating.

    monagargATyahooDOTcom

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  28. I would love to read and review your book :) This series sounds terrific-I prefer series too! It makes sense that your heroes and heroines don't live in a vacuum ;) How did you decide to write in this genre and why do you prefer it? edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

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  29. I haven't read any of this series yet but it sounds so good. You always have the best covers. I love reading a series where each book is about a different set of hero and heroines and characters from other books are in them.

    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  30. Love your sexy book covers, your book sounds like a great read

    Ktalley28@gmail. com

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  31. I always wondered if authors started writing a book knowing it was an entire series - or if it just evolved into that... Thanks for the insight into your process!

    These books look amazing! Hot sports guys? YUM. Can't wait to read these! :)
    mpyff(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. This book has been getting raves reviews all over the internet. I can't wait to read it. The covers are to die for and the story sounds like a fun read. Congrats Jaci!

    Jcross719 at yahoo dot com

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  33. Of course you need extra people...everyone's gotta have a friend, right? And those bookcovers! Those are awesome!

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

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  34. There's always an expectation with books in a series. If you LOVE the first, you want the others to be just as amazing. WELL DONE YOU!!!

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  35. I love series because you get deeper character development when you can spread it across several books and the characters are what draw me into the story. I've been wanting to read this book.

    jen at delux dot com

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  36. I really want to read this series, it sounds soooo good. Can I just say how amazing the covers are! They're hot and look awesome. Thank you for the giveaway.

    jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com

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  37. Hi
    I prefer to read series instead of stand alone books... and yes, sometimes information from the other books must be introduced into the new one so the book has meaning on its own... and yes, when just the right amount of info is provided it helps to enjoy the book even more... as time passes between books it also helps to remember how things were in the previous book.

    I must add that the covers are HOT!!!

    If the giveaway is international, please enter me in the contest (even if it is only for th ebook). Thanks!!

    Daniela.
    dany7578 at hotmail dot com

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  38. I can understand how Jaci feels about series. Sometimes a series is the way to go if the writer has a grand plan and can't tell it to the readers unless he/she writes a read tome of +1000 pages or splits it into a series.

    I have no problem with a series as long as each book in it can stand on its own as a good read.

    Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me if it is open woldwide.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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  39. Ooooooh, I'm so excited about this giveaway!! The reviews for this series are amazing. I can't wait to start it. Thank you for the giveaway Jaci! Please enter me.

    redzsm@yahoo.com

    BTW, Hawt Covers!!! Yum!!!

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  40. I definitely love series books. You get to know the characters better and then getting an update on them after their HEA is great. I love when previous characters are secondary in books, or when secondary characters later get their own stories told. It just makes them seem more real.

    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  41. Jaci, I have this series on my TRL. I love series books because the characters keep popping up and I really hate saying goodbye when I get emotionally involved with great characters and series books solve that.
    Thanks for the chance to win. Great covers
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  42. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
    I am a series-fanatic. I do read stand alone books but often wish it would have a follow up book. I never considered how tough it is for the writer when it comes to book 2,3... As a reader of series, I know it is necessary to retell the background but I agree there is fine line..when I am into book #7 I don't want to endure the same background/character explanation as I did in book 2 and 3. Thanks again for the great interview.

    kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net

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  43. Not only are her books to die for--but I'd buy them just to gaze at her awesomely hot covers.
    I'm a follower on GFC-Lisa Richards


    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  44. I love Jaci's books! I think she does a great job in describing how the relationship between h/h evolves.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

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  45. I can totally understand what Jaci is saying about the fine line that a author walks when writing a sequel. I hate when a books spend too much time retelling the story.

    rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

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  46. I love this series! So happy to hear that there will be at least four books, yay :)

    marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com

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  47. I LURV this series so much. I have to say you have done an awesome job with laying a bit back-story and having the readers discover the main couple in the second book. It was a perfect balance Loved Gavin and Liz.

    So happy to hear there will be more books in this series. Love the Riley family. Great cast of characters you've created and great post.

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  48. I love football and can't wait for the new season to start. I enjoy books with football stars as heroes. Thanks for the giveaway.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. Hi Jaci! Congrats on the release and thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Great to hear that you love writing series (and that this one in particular has at least 4 books!) because I very much enjoy reading them since that usually means that awesome secondary characters will be able to have their own book and be front and centre one day! :)

    I am looking forward to the rest of the Play-By-Play books!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. I love this author, thank you so much for the giveaway. I have to mark this down as a to-read. edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

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  51. Congrats to Jaci on the new release. I'm looking forward to reading this series. I'm already a fan of Jaci's Demon Hunter books.

    janie1215 AT excite DOT com

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  52. I have not read your books before Jaci :( But I plan too. I like books in a series too. If I read a stand alone book to me it feels like at the end the story wasn't really wrapped up. But in a series it like you get closer on each story as the series progresses.
    Thanks for the great giveaway.

    GFC follower/AmyS.

    truebloodfan AT rock.com

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  53. I have not read any books by Jaci's book yet, but this looks like a winner! Cheryl cjabdelnour@hotmail.com

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  54. Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway!! I love reading about men who play sports. They're my favorite books :) These are definitely going on my TBR list!!

    teddybrgrrl@sbcglobal.net

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  55. This looks like such a fun series, I'd love to read a copy!

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  56. Jaci, you combined everything I love - sexy * sports * heros znd series books too.

    patoct at yahoo dot com

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  57. Hi Jaci! Thanks for the interview! I always want to read Play by Play series, and I hope I will have a time to read it someday. You seems to be lucky lady at cover art department, since 3 of your books cover so yummy. Are you give opinion to your editor when they discuss about the cover? :D

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com

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  58. Hi Jaci, this series sounds HOT! Thanks for your discussion on how a series may evolve. I really enjoyed this interview. And GREAT covers by the way :)

    Great giveaway!

    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

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  59. Thank you so much would love to read them sound so good! Great giveaway thanks for the chance! Im a GFC follower/latishajean
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  60. Thanks for the chance to win! Loved the first book and already got my hands on the one!

    Annie
    alltherhage AT gmail DOT com

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  61. I very much enjoyed reading this post! I love reading me some series' and I look forward to trying this one!! :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  62. I am so thankful you love to write series. I absolutely loved The Perfectly Play! I am so looking forward to reading Gavin's book. Your writing and characters are amazing! Thanks for sharing their stories with us!

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    m.rameyATymailDOTcom

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  63. I do enjoy re-visiting old characters as I'm reading a series.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  64. Hi Jaci:) I recently acquired copies of your Passion in Paradise series which came highly recommended and I've also heard great things about the Play By Play series, so I'm hoping to read more of your work in the future. I loved reading this post and understanding your preference for writing series rather than stand- alone books. I've developed an appreciation for series as I feel that readers are able to connect more deeply with the characters by reading about them over the length of more than just one novel and from their own as well as others perspectives.

    Thanks for the giveaway:)

    Sarah
    sarah.setar@gmail.com

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  65. I have been wanting to read The Perfect Play for quite some time! It looks absolutely fabulous!

    chidoryx AT hotmail DOT com

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  66. I love books featuring athletes: strong, sexy alpha males. Gorgeous covers!
    I'd love to be entered if this giveaway is international.

    My email:
    natalija (dot) shkomare (at) gmail (dot) com

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  67. I LOVE HER BOOKS! AND I JUST REALIZED THE NEXT ONE'S ABOUT HOCKEY!!!:D YAY! MY FAVORITE!
    THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!;)

    monika_restivow(at)yahoo(dot)com

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