Well, it’s come to this, y’all. THROWN BY A CURVE is the last Riley book. Alicia Riley is the final Riley in the Play by Play series. It’s not the last book in my Play by Play series, though. There are many more to come.
But when I got to Alicia’s book, I realized I had done two Riley brothers, one Riley sister, and two Riley cousins. To be as realistic as possible, there was no way I could drag up a few more Rileys who played or were somehow involved with professional sports. If I did that, there would be talk of the series jumping the shark, and we wouldn’t want that. So it was time to move on from the Rileys and into new territory.
So in THROWN BY A CURVE, you’re going to meet Garrett Scott, Alicia’s love interest. You’ll also meet Garrett’s college roommates, Gray Preston, Drew Hogan and Trevor Shay. And yes, they all play professional sports. I’m already crazy in love with all of them, and I hope you will be, too. I know everyone loves the Rileys—I do, too. I love them all madly and if I could continue writing Rileys until I ended the series, I would. But I wanted my series to make sense. I wanted it to be realistic. Okay, as realistic as a fictional series about hot sports stars could be. And that meant no more Rileys. It was time to branch out and introduce new guys. And I think you’re going to love them, starting with Garrett.
Garrett has a giant problem on his hands. Or, rather, a giant problem with his shoulder. He’s a star pitcher for the St. Louis Rivers baseball team, but he has a torn rotator cuff that’s keeping him out of the game. Alicia Riley is a sports medicine specialist for the Rivers, and since Garrett isn’t making progress in his therapy, Alicia is called on to take over.
This is a major rehab assignment for Alicia, and while she’s determined and focused, she also knows how important Garrett is to the team. And how much he hasn’t been working on his own rehab. So she’s less inclined to let him just slide by like he’s been doing, and more inclined to want to kick his ass. Garrett is used to getting into the good graces with his therapists, kicking back and laughing his way into not getting the work done. He hasn’t worked with Alicia yet, though, and her style of therapy is a lot of work and pain equals gain. So the two of them clash immediately, and the sparks fly between them, both workwise and personally.
But as soon as Garrett’s convinced Alicia is out to kill him, she shows him tenderness, and an understanding of what he’s going through. She knows what’s at stake for him, and he realizes she wants the same thing for him that he does—a return to the pitcher’s mound.
While we’ll all love the Rileys first and foremost, I hope you give the new guys a chance. I think you’re all going to fall in love with Garrett, and with the new guys I’m introducing in THROWN BY A CURVE.
But as a bonus, there’ll be a Riley holiday novella releasing in November. You know, I just can’t let them go quite yet. More on that one coming up later this year. 
So tell me about some of your favorite series that have ongoing family members or integrated characters. I really love Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series. She does such a great job of rotating characters and introducing new characters in that series. I also love Shannon Stacey’s Kowalski series, and she’s done a wonderful job of working with the extended Kowalski family. What are some of your favorites?
I’m giving away winner’s choice of any book in my backlist, print or digital. International entries welcome. Geographical restrictions may apply on the digital copy if it’s not available to the winner in your area.
Jaci
Website: http://www.jaciburton.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jaciburton
Honorary Mention of Book Sluts 'R' Us Blogger Awards by 
I don’t mind getting books from the “friends/college” of our dear Riley’s member after all we got to get a glimpse of them and in each of their sport the team become like a family ^^
i still haven’t gotten all your books but my birthday being in a few day i hope to add teh one i ‘m missing ^^ i really loved the perfect play and knowing we will get novella just makes thing even better ( if it’s available in more than just kindle format)
do i read other series with family members in each book a new one… i did read jill shalvis and i liked it on the YA genre i love the elemental series by brigid kemmerer and in comptemporary i’ve recently discovered the daniels brothers series by sherri hayes ( book2 red zone)
thank you a lot for this generous int giveway i really appreciate!
I do love Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series and really looking forward to more and love those Kowalski’s! There are also the McKay’s written by Lorelei James and Christine Feehan Drake sisters.
Those two are really good series and I read them also. I also have fallen in loe with Bella Andre’s Sullivan series. There is a slew of them with the last book just released. Then there is Lauren Dane’s Chase Brothers. Last but not least is my favorite family series and that is the Rough Riders series by Lorelei James.
Lucky Harbor is a great series and I do enjoy Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenzie series.
There are so many great books out there involving whole families! Nora Roberts of course has many trilogies, my favourites being the magical Donovan’s and the Irish books.
Like you Jaci I LOVE when the series are interconnected through siblings or friends. The very first series like that I’ve read was Nora Roberts’ Born Ins eries, which remains to this day one of my favourites, I love how NR usually has her series about sisters/brothers. The other favourite series of mine are Erin Nicholas’ Bradfords series (TERRIFIC series sexy, funny, sweet) and Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series
Congrats on the new release, so excited about it! Seriously, I would love to wallpaper my room with your Play by Play covers
LOL 
These guys may not be your normal type of family, but they are one amazing recruit family. ‘midnight breed series’ by Lara Adrian, every book, every story told, its amazing to see sometimes you dont need blood relations, sometimes family can be made through long lasting friendship, through hope and faith, as well as love.
My fave are from historical romance : malory series by johanna lindsey and hathaway series by lisa kleypas and from contemporer are your book from this series, can’t wait to read this
I love the Freakin’ series by Eve Langlais that’s the first to pop to mind
I love the Animal series by Jill Shalvis. Like you said, she writes great stories and her characters are really endearing!
Another one of my favorite series is the Bridgertons series by Julia Quinn
Thanks a lot for a great post today. I can’t wait to get my hands on Thrown by a Curve. I really like the theme of this one and it’s one of my favorites.
Definitely Jill’s Lucky Harbour & Shannon’s Kowalskis (in addition to the Rileys, of course!). I’ve got all of Bella Andre’s Sullivans loaded on my Kindle, but writing my dissertation gets in the way of my reading, big time!
Love most of the ones mentioned in the comments, and also Lori Foster has several series that I love – Buckhorns and the Fighter series. Janice Maynard has a Harlequin Desire series about the Wolff Mountain family that I enjoy.
I love series like these where we get to know families and keep up with them! Some of my favorites are Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor, Lori Fosters Buckhorns and Bella Andre’s Sullivan Series (love those boys).
Thanks jaci for a wonderful book, I love lora leigh series the nauti boys , n lauren dane the chases brothers took thanks
I love the Jill Shalvis series already mentioned and Lauren Dane’s Chase brothers series. Both are really cute!
I have many series that I am following. Susan Mallery’s Fools gold. Lisa Kleypas. Carly Phillips Serendipity. This series I have not been able to get my hands on MIck and Terra’s book and now I want to read Riley’s story. Jill Shalvis her animal and lucky harbor. You are all amazing writers with a gift to make me fall in love all in one book. I cant wait to get my hands on Lauren Dance’s Lush book next.
Lori foster does great series like that. I enjoy series like that with new people and continuing the story.
Ive never read jill shalvis but will def check them out now, thanks. I do like nora roberts bride quartet as well as olivia cunnings work
Just a few of the book Series I LOVE: Jaci Burton’s Wild Rider series; Lorelei James MacKay series; Jill Shalis’ Lucky Harbor; Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold; Donna Grant’s Dark Sword/Dark Warriors series; Lauren Dane’s Brown Siblings series; and, Erin McCarthy’s Fast Track series. I’m sure there’s a a bunch more I’m missing, but those are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head.
I have so many wonderful authors who series I follow.. Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis is one of my favs. Virgin River series by Robyn Carr, and I am starting her new series Thunder Point. Susan Mallery has many series I have followed and currently her Blackberry Island and Fool’s Gold.. Sherryl Woods Sweet Magnolia series is another terrific series as is her Chesapeake Shores, Trinity Harbor and her Charleston trilogy… and she has started anew series called Ocean Breeze…
And of course your Play by Play series is one I wait with bated breath to read…
I love Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor Series, Carly Phillips Serendipity Series, Marie Force the McCarthys of Narragansett and the Fatal Series, Bella Andre Sullivan Series and Lori Foster Buckhorn Series.
I love the Lucky Harbor series, haven’t read the Kowalski’s as yet though but I’ve got a couple of them on my tbr pile as for my fav family series I’m gonna go with Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series…love those sexy cowboys!
Just love this series and finished Thrown by A Curve in one sitting on release day. I also enjoy reading series books by Maya Banks, Lauren Dane, Jill Shalvis, Shannon Stacey, Allie MacKay, Rachel Gibson, Lorelei James, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deirdre Martin, Victoria Dahl, Shelly Laurenston, Christie Ridgway, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, and Lori Foster. I think these authors along with yourself included know how to keep a person connected to a series and some can also spin off new series from established ones.
There are a bunch of series I haven’t tapped into yet but I know they are out there waiting for me. I loved Maya Banks’ KGI series and could read about that family all day long. Finishing up Thrown By A Curve today (fell asleep reading last night) and definitely love me some sports/romance series!
Forgot to mention Kit Rocha and J.C. Daniels as other authors whose series I have enjoyed reading.
would love to read this series; haven yet.
loved the JDRobb and Robyn Carr series.
Love the Play by Play series! Cant wait to add new characters to it. Is it just me or are all the covers home runs??!! Taking a Shot was my fave- something about the jeans and the skates. I like series novels the best. Doesnt have to be even families per se, even just friends. I like the continuation you get, like its almost real and you see the interaction as other characters are built in. Some of my faves are Maya Banks, Lauren Dane, Cherise Sinclair, Shayla Black. Cant wait to see the new guys Jaci!!! And the COVERS…whoever does your covs a winner there!!!
I love the S.C. Stephens series (Thoughtless, Effortless, Reckless), the Colleen Hoover (Slammed Series) and the Abbi Glines (Too Far & Sea Breeze Series)
I really loved Cole Riley. He and Savannah were so great together. He’s the fantasy: super hot, seriously sexy, and talented in ALL things!
I hope this time i win the book hahahha well one of my favorite series is the MacKade Brothers series fron Nora Roberts and I resently I read the Travis Brothers series from Lisa Kleypas…
Hey everyone! Thanks for all your comments. I’m loving hearing all your favorite series. Some are my favorites, too, and some I haven’t read. I’m adding them to my list.
Many times I get into a series by reading a book that is connected without even knowing then I’ll go back and read the others. Some books I like are The McKettricks and Stone Creek both by Linda Lael Miller, Sue Grafton’s Alphabet series, Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Series and Lorelei James’ Rough Rider Series.
I love Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series as well as Marie Force’s McCarthys of Gansett Island series. Of course Katie Lane’s Deep in the Heart of Texas series. My list is way too LONG. I just really really love series.
Beneath the play-by-play series, I love Nora Robert’s Irish Born Trilogy and several trilogies written by Carly Phillips
I love J.R. Ward´s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series.
Congrats on your new release. Sounds awesome. I like Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series and Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series.
I love Mari Carr’s Compass Brothers and Wild Irish series as much as I have loved the Riley family! Thanks for all of thegreat reads! I am stoked about Gray Preston’s book after reading the excerpt at the end of Thrown By A Curve (which was so good, I finished it on release day!).
There are three series I can think of with family members: Lora Leigh’s Nauti Boys (and the related Men of August), Tymber Dalton’s The Reluctant Dom series; and Linda Howard’s McKenzie’s Mountain series. Loved all three.
What can I say, I do love the Rileys and I am happy to hear there is going to be a holiday novella so we won’t miss them too much. Some other series I love include Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel’s Inferno and Gabriel’s Rapture (can’t wait for the 3rd book to come out); Raine Miller’s The Blackstone Affair; J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series; Sylvia Day’s Crossfire, Renegade Angels and Dream Guardians series; Valerio Manfredi’s Alexandrer series; and of course E.L. James Fifty Shades too!
I don’t know if it really counts, but I have a soft spot for Anne Brooke’s Delaneys series (where an unassuming guy ends up in a crazy relationship with three rather unsavory but strangely lovable brothers). It’s sexy, hilarious, and strangely sweet.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this series
.
I adore interconnected and family series.Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor is a favorite but there are others: Jennifer Ashley’s MacKenzies, Shelly Laurenston/GA Aiken’s Shifters (animals and Dragons) Thea Harrison’s Elder Races, Janet Chapman’s Spellbound Falls and all her backlist, Hannah Howell’s Murray Clan, I could go on and on. So many families and stories to tell. Thanks for your contribution
I love Jill Shalvis too but Lisa Klepas and Johanna Lindsey write great family series books! Thanks for sharing!
I like the Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor and Shannon Stacey’s Kowalskis series.
Janet Chapman’s Highlander series is a favorite and I also love Judith McNaught’s series about the (Montgomery) family from many years ago. I’m enjoying your sports series now!
I love the Worth Series by Karen Erickson.
I love reading about siblings and close friends in series. I love being able to re-visit old friends. Some of my favorites series are from Maya Banks, Jill Shalvis, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, Marie Force, Jaci Burton, Deirdre Martin, Lorelei James, Lauren Dane, Beth Williamson/Emma Lang, Kristin Ashley, Deborah Cooke, Cherry Adair, Bella Andre, and many more.
Love Lori Foster’s Visitation Series, Lora Leigh’s Nauti Series, and your Wild Rider series!!!!!!!
I have so many series I read a few of my favorites are Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold, Erin Nicholas Bradford Series, Jill Shalvis, Carly Phillips has several that I have liked, and I love Shannon Stacey’s Kawolski brothers.
I have to mention two series about great families. Bella Andre and ThTHE SULLIVANS and Lauren Dane and THE BROWN SIB LINGS Thanks Jaci for the giveaway. I am a sports nut and love this series.
The Bradfords by Erin Nicholas. I love family series in general so I am thrilled this one was recommended.
First off I love your book’s. I love Marie Force Gansett Island series.I love Lauren Danes Brown series.I always look for book’s that have more to come about character’s you learn to love.Lori Foster also does great series.Her “edge of honor “series excellent.
I love the Neighbor’s series by R. L. Matthewson. The Perfect trilogy by Julie Ortolon is good, too. The series by Michele Zurlo about Sabrina and Jonah and their siblings and cousins!! Hot!!
I’m also a big fan of Jill Shalvis’s books. Shannon Stacey is fantastic as well. I’ll have to add Lorelei James’s McKay Family from her Rough Riders series. But I’ll also add Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons series for a Historical Romance pick.
Aside from the Play by Play series my personal favorites are Lori Foster’s Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor series, Winston and Visitation series and Buckhorn Brothers series:) I also adore Erin McCarthy’s Fast Track series:) I love it when the books are connected to each other and we get to see previous lead characters in the succeeding books and catch up with what’s been going on with them but we don’t necessarily need to read the books in order to be able to understand what’s going on:) And of course mainly because all these books are just simply hot and steaaaamy!
I love series books, especially those that center in a family.Just a few off the top of my head include the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands, the Knight series by Gaelen Foley, The Hellions of Helstead Hall, and many more.
Jill Shalvis’ series are fun and I like the historical ones as well, like Lisa Kleypas’ and Mary Balogh’s.
Are postcards for THROWN BY A CURVE available? I just LOVE the hawt Paul Marron cover by Claudio Marinesco.
There are so many wonderful authors and books and series out there. I would love to read your books. They sound really good. Please enter me in contest.
You mentioned a favorite of mine with Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series.
I really enjoy romance series where they go through all the siblings, and one I loved was Sugar Daddy/Blue-Eyed Devil/Smooth Talking Stranger books by Lisa Kleypas. They’re all about the Travises and are incredible
There are also loads on my tbr that sound amazing too, like Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbour series.
Thanks!
One of my favorite convoluted series is about the Cynster family
and is written by Stephanie Laurens. She’s on book 16 ( or is it 17)
and the historical romances feature everyone plus ( probably) the
family pets! However and whoever is featured, I greatly enjoy the
books! I look forward to more books in the Play By Play series!!
I like Lucky Harbor and the Kowalskis as well as many of the others already mentioned, such as Lauren Dane’s Chases and Petal, GA series, Lisa Kleypas’ Travis and Friday Harbor series, Lorelei James’ McKay family and Marie Force’s Gansett Island series. I love following along and getting glimpses of past couples.
I have to agree with most everyone, but I just finished Pamela Clare’s MacKenzie Brothers. I know, where have I been, and how come it took me so long to find this author. Also, I do have a favorite sports series from Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars series. Both fantastic series.
Oh. I can feel for Garret, my DH has been suffering with a torn rotator cup for over a year waiting for the Navy than the VA to fix it, but for us therapy didn’t help it at all.
The Virgin River series by Robyn Carr
The MacKeltars in KMM’s Highlander series starting with book 3 Kiss of the Highlander.
Allie MacKay’s books are tied together by the Heroines all being from Buck Co. Pennsyvania. Hannah Howells Murray Family. Janet Chapman’s Highlanders which have spun off into two other series kinda like yours have…she ran out of family and brought in new related characters to the family.
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Linda Howard’s MacKenzie Family series I loved.
Another one about 7 sisters on an Oregon Coast town, one married a scientist, another sister was a model who married the hometown sheriff. It is making me crazy that I cannot remember the author or the titles of the books. They lived in a huge house that kept the girls safe as they all had magic within their home. The last daughter was a prisoner on an island and was rescued. Oh, I hope someone can help me remember the author and the series…
That’s the Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan
I love the Kowalski’s from Shannon Stacey, Lauren Dane’s Chase brothers and her Petal Georgia series. There are just so many. Linda Howard’s Mackenzies are another great series.
I am really looking forward to reading Thrown By a Curve!
I love Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series and Jill Shalvis’s Animal Magnetism series.
I loved Maya Bank Sweet series, it was fun, erotic and very sexy. So was her KGI series. Your Riders series was the best also. Can’t wait for your next Play By Play book.
Lisa Kleypas’ Hathaway series
I love the Lucky Harbor series and Bella Andre’s Sullivan series!!!
The first series I read was Carly Phillip’s Chandler Brothers series. I loved this series. Still my favorite of hers. I also love Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor and Wilder Adventure series. Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s Chicago Stars series….Donna Kaufmann’s Cupcake series…Jude Devereaux’s Montgomery Brothers series. Sabrina Jeffries’ Hellions of Halstead series….I could go on and on and on!
I have gone through so many series over the years that it is hard to pick just one…. but the KGI series by Maya Banks is one of my favorites at the moment and yes, I am waiting (semi-patiently) for the next book’s release.
I can’t wait to read Thrown By A Curve, i’m a huge lover of sports romances! A few of my favourites for series are Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ books, and Nora Roberts’ Stanislaski series and the MacGregors series.
I love Shannon Stacey’s Kowalski series too! I also love Lynsay Sands’ Argeneau family series. They have a very interesting extended family that has kept us entertained for years! Thanks for the chance to win!
Shannon Stacey’s Kowalski series is pretty awesome! Lisa Kleypas wrote about the Travis family in the Sugar Daddy series. Loved that series. Mari Carr and Jane Rylon write the Compass series. I am so excited that they are now writing about the next generation of Compass family!
The Kowalskis are a newer to me fab family. Must ditto all the Nora Roberts, SEP, and Julia Quinn love, and also Mari Carr’s Irish series. Victoria Dahl’s Donovan Brothers’ Brewery series is also wonderful. I love a good family series!
One series that comes to mind that has mostly integrated characters, but some family is the BDB series by JR Ward.