Book Review: Quarterback Draw (Play by Play #9) by Jaci Burton

Quarterback Draw 
(Play by Play #9) 
By Jaci Burton
Narrated by Lucy Malone 

Blurb: 
Playing For Keeps

Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.

Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn't have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.

Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance.

      

Viviana's Review: 
Let me start by saying I've always LOVED the covers of this series and they have always grabbed my attention enough to pick them up and read the blurb. The blurb have also intrigued me, but as the saying goes, too many book never enough time and I've been trying to be oh so good with not over committing myself with reviews. However, when the opportunity came up to review "Quarterback Draw", again, great cover, awesome blurb... OMG - its the 9th book in the series!!! Uhm... can I commit to a new series? How lost am I going to be if I haven't read the previous ones? Do I HAVE to read the previous ones (okay... for many us book-a-holics, if we start a new series mid-way, we WILL go back to the beginning. Its just who we are!!)?  Do I have the capacity to fall in love with a new bookboyfriend? BREATHE!!!! I PMed my fabulous friend and fellow book blogger Kelly from Books-N-Kisses and asked about the series to get her input and yup, she raved about "Quarterback Draw". You can check out her review here if you're curious. 

So, I'm sure by now, you've figured out, I did get it and read it... well, not read it per say... I listened to it. Remember I said, too many books, not enough time! Audio Books allow me to multitask! I can listen while at the day job... though I will say, some of those hot, steamy scenes, did have me wanting to go home early to say "hi" to my DH!

The good news... no, to me it was great news, this can be read as a stand-a-lone. SO if you've been curious about this series, this is the perfect book to start reading it. I just found out that the next book's hero is the brother of Grant, so there is some back story. Regardless, this was an awesome read and truly a great place to start the series. If this is the first time you read Jaci Burton (as it was mine), this book also show cases her writing skills. She's an awesome story teller!

I liked Grant from the very beginning. Then I totally fell for him. He was relentless in his pursuit of Katrina, but not in a creepy way. He was truly genuine with her and her family. He was inclusive of her siblings and knew they were a package deal. Not once did he try to be sly or cunning. As I read (okay, listened) I asked myself, 'how the hell, is this guy still single?" Guess he just didn't want to commit before.

Katrina was also very likable from the get go. At first, I was expecting a traditional scenario of a "model trying hard to be taken serious because she's 'more than just a pretty face' but falling short of proving it" as its normally the case in HOT Athlete & HOT Supermodel stories, but this doesn't occur here. She's smart and doesn't fall into the traditional conception of how supermodels are. She's a bookworm (we have something in common!). She's had a tough life but doesn't whine nor uses it to get attention. On the contrary, she does everything possible to not be in the limelight.

As the blurb says, their chemistry is explosive. HOT DAMN!!!!! Grant is one dirty talker and man, he knows what he is doing. Katrina was a bit of a surprise, but I liked that she wasn't a withering flower when it came to the activities in the bedroom, or living room, or shower, etc. LOL. She knew what she liked and didn't fear letting him know. That was another thing that I liked about her, her independence and her determination to not be changed by him (or anyone else)!

One thing that I heard from Kelly and from others who have read this book is how much they LOVED Grant's family! They all made it a point to mention it on their reviews or discuss it in conversation. This to me, was obviously a bit part of the story if so many were mentioning it. As I got to the point int the story where they are introduced and we spend time with them I now know why. They freaking rock! Can I be adopted by them? No wonder Grant is so awesome with Katrina's siblings and why he treats her so well! He's had a great family to show him how to do it! They are kind, caring, fun individuals and a tight knit family. They welcomed Katrina and her brother and sister with opened arms and took them under their wings like they were part of the family verses just meeting them. Grant's Mom and Dad are awesome! They are great parents and a loving couple that have not only taught their children how to treat others but are the example themselves. Grant's siblings are fantastic. Sarcastic, smart, silly, funny, competitive, and typical sibling rivalry we come to expect. LOTS OF LOVE! 

Narrator's Review: 

I didn't love her but I didn't hate her. She didn't ruin the story for me and once we go past the half way point, it seemed like I was able to tune her unique voice out. And Lucy does have a unique voice/tone. At first, my thought was, wow, she'd be perfect for a PNR with panthers! I couldn't quiet figure out what it was about the voice that irked or put me off. I guess, it was just that it didn't seem to match what I thought the characters would sound like. Her unique voice is a tad overpowering. I was trying to describe it while I was walking with my DH and BAM I knew what her voice reminded me of!! She reminded me of Eartha Kitt a bit. She didn't differentiated between Grant and Katrina very much nor the other characters. I've samples of her other works and they sound much better. Needless to say, I'm going to be picking up another audio book she narrates to and give it another shot. :) 

Over all, awesome book! Loved that it didn't have the traditional romance troop reason for the couple's issue (no worries, you'll get the HEA)! LOVED Grant and his family and I can't wait until "All Wound Up (Play by Play, #10)" as this is Tucker Cassidy's book (Grant's bother)!! The story was a great read and I totally enjoyed it!! 

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.