Nathan Riley is ready to step into the footsteps of his famous father and becomes the quarterback for the Sabers. He's happy for this opportunity but also has some moments where he wonders if he will be successful. He shares all these thoughts with his best friend Mia Cassidy. They have been best friends since college and share everything with each other.

Things become a little off balance when their friendship turns into more. Can a sexual relationship ruin a wonderful friendship?

I have to admit I don't follow football but Jaci Burton's style of writing doesn't make that mandatory. This is a fun romance to read, whether you know football or not.

There are many characters in this story, main and secondary. Most are related to one another, one way or another. Mia has started her own company that proposes to act as agent to professional sports players. She is a hard worker, some might say a workaholic, but in order to be the best at what she does and draw in the top players she aims to represent, that's what it takes to get a new company off the ground. And take off it does, faster than Mia ever expected.

Nathan is a professional football quarterback, following in the footsteps of his father, a famous quarterback. He is excited but naturally somewhat nervous to be taking over the quarterback spot previously held by his now-retired father. There is no pressure on Nathan to do well other than the pressure he puts on himself. When he meets Mia and falls in lust with her over the summer, love and romance bloom all around them as relatives and friends fall in love and get married.

There's a bit of mystery as to who the photographer is taking pictures of them, not even in compromising situations. Why is this happening and what is the expected outcome. It seems to have Mia more upset than it does Nathan, as she fears it is someone out to ruin Nathan's reputation by hinting he's using Mia to make Nathan's reputation into something other than just another sports star working hard.

The sex in this story is firecracker hot as Mia and Nathan find themselves in broom closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, barns, and lots of places where they think they are hidden and doing the deed secretly. Except that they aren't quite as stealthy as they think they are. Nevertheless, the graphic sexual activities would melt paint.

When their secrets are spilled out to their friends and family, Mia and Nathan are surprised everyone seems to know. The ending is sweet, but more of an HFN than an HEA. Nevermind that. There will be more stories to come. It's all fun and romance, so stay tuned.

The best thing about this book was Nathan and Mia fighting their feelings for each other. If neither of them were thinking, just living in the moment the two of them were great. They had a great base of friendship, fantastic chemistry and a shared love of sports. It was only as they talked, if they should go for more than friendship and once they did cross that line, if they had a real relationship, not friends with benefits, that they kept screwing things up. Nathan needed to bite the bullet and let Mia know he wanted more, where Mia needed to realize that she could have her business and Nathan. It was fun to see both families chime in, how they all called them on not keeping things secret. I didn't know if they would manage to work things out in the end, but Mia put on her big girl panties, swallowed her pride and let Nathan know she messed up right as he let Mia know that he'd wanted more from the start. All in all, a great way to end things.

I have loved this series from the beginning. I think I may have missed one(?) but that's it. So it's cool when other characters get mentioned, you see how they are doing, and how everyone is connected.

I don't read a lot of sport romances but this is an example of it being done just right. Also, this was a friends to lovers, which I love. Nathan and Mia are both under a ton of stress, their careers just starting out. They both have a lot to prove, but to release some steam they decide to try friends with benefits. Which turns into dating. Mia drove me crazy with how worried she always was about hiding it and Nathan was pretty sweet, willing to go along with whatever she wanted for the most part. I totally cried near the end. Of course it has a happy ending, and I look forward to the next book and the one after that lol.

Gah! Here we are at lucky #13, and I'm so thrilled to finally have this story! I've loved Nathan Riley since he was a young teenager back in book 1, and watching him grow up throughout the series has been so fun. But, here we are and he's finally getting his own HEA, with none other than the youngest daughter of one of the other main families, who have been the focus of this series, the Cassidys.

Nathan Riley was raised until age 14 by his single mom, Tara. He never really had a male role model in his life, until his mom started dating famous NFL quarterback Mick Riley. When they fell in love, and got married, and Mick adopted him, he felt like the luckiest kid in the world. He has a great, big family now and he's grown into adulthood knowing how much they all love him. He went to college in Texas, and became a very successful quarterback in his own right. Then, he was drafted last year, by his dad's team in San Francisco, and he got to learn from him up close. Now, Mick has retired, and Nathan will be the starting quarterback for the team. He's stressed, but he's ready and he can't wait for the season to start. He and Mia have been friends since college, and ONLY friends, but for that one drunken night that she made him swear would never happen again. They both value their strong friendship, and they've continued that up till now.

Mia Cassidy is the youngest in her family. She's also the only girl. She's grown up around sports her entire life. Her father was a famous NFL player, and so are 3 of her older brothers. Her 4th brother plays major league baseball. So, with that family dynasty behind her, she's decided to start her own sports management agency. She's got a great business plan, and she's extremely organized. So far, she's been more successful than she could have imagined, but she's also been extremely stressed out. She needs to get laid. Nathan, being a good friend, and also, still being hot for her, offers to take care of her problem. But, is sex worth risking a friendship that means so much to her? What's the worst that could happen?

Nathan and Mia were a perfect match for each other. They're already friends, so they care deeply for each other, and they have trust already ingrained between them. Plus, their chemistry is explosive, and the sex is super steamy. The pace of the book was pretty quick, and I like how the author keeps her stories moving. I love getting to see all the side characters from the past here and there, and it's fun to catch up on their lives. I also love how Nathan and Mia think they're keeping things quiet, but everyone who knows and loves them is so not fooled. This book made me smile, and swoon, and I loved every second of it.

Neither Nathan nor Mia had huge commitment issues, or bad relationships in their past affecting them, and that was so refreshing. They just both had very busy lives, with careers in the fast lane, and didn't really have time for love or relationships. They thought they had found the perfect solution for them both until the FEELINGS started creeping in. Funny how that happens. I really loved both these characters, and felt for them both as they came to their realizations about what their relationship actually had become. The conflict, when it came, was hard to watch, as they always are, and I was so pulling for them to figure it out together. Also, I always wish for an epilogue that I rarely get, but I'm biased, I guess. I am definitely an epilogue lover, and I would've loved to have one here.

I have so enjoyed this entire series, some books more than others, but they've always been sexy and fun. They've really come full circle now with Nathan's story, so I'm looking forward to what new characters will pop up in the next book. I truly enjoyed this one, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of steamy sports romance!

I absolutely love this series and devoured this novel. I love sports of all kinds, add in the romance and hot love scenes, and you make me one happy reader. For anyone who loves sweet, sexy romances with twists and turns and hot, sexy athletes, this series is for you. I recommend starting at the beginning and work your way through to the end. The stories are standalone novels but the background from the previous books helps draw you into the story even more. Definitely one of my favorite all time sports/romance series.

If you have followed our reviews, then you know that we LOVE the Play-by-Play series by Jaci Burton. I had the privilege to read The Final Score last week and I have to tell you how in love with these characters and this series I am! Jaci never fails me!

In The Final Score we read Nathan Riley & Mia Cassidy’s story. If you have followed this series at all, then you already know their parents! Yes that’s right! Nathan Riley is the son of Mick & Tara Riley (Play-by-Play #1). Mia Cassidy is the daughter of Grant & Katrina Cassidy (Play-by-Play #9). Can we say sports “dynasty in the making”?!?!

Nathan & Mia have been best friends since college. During college there was a night of passion between the two of them. Neither of them have been able to forget it! Let the story begin….

“I wouldn’t say I’m exactly immune to you. I find you immensely hot. It’s just that I love our friendship more than I love your penis.”
~ Jaci Burton, The Final Score (Play- by- Play #13)

Nathan proposes that they stay friends but add benefits into their relationship.

“He knew Mia was competitive. And even though this wasn’t a contest, he knew if he’d told her he could keep emotion out of this and handle their relationship, she’d step up and say she could, too. He could handle it. He liked Mia. He wanted to keep her in his like. And there was no way in hell he was going to get emotionally attached to her. He wasn’t going to fall in love with any woman. This was going to be easy for him. And he knew Mia was in love with her company, so despite reservations, her knew she could handle this, too.”
~ Jaci Burton, The Final Score (Play- by- Play #13)

Or could they keep emotions out of it?!?! Of course not!!!

“I’m good. I have you --- naked --- leaning against me. Trust me, I’m really good.”
~ Jaci Burton, The Final Score (Play- by- Play #13)

I loved the flow of their relationship and how it develops. It was perfect.

I loved seeing all of the different characters that have been throughout the entire Play-by-Play series making appearances throughout this book. It truly was a great book that connected the Riley & Cassidy families. Perfect, simply perfect.

“You’re kind of hard to fall out of love with, Mia. God knows I’ve tried. But I can’t. I think I’ve loved you since college. I’ll probably love you forever.”
~ Jaci Burton, The Final Score (Play- by- Play #13)

Thank you Jaci for writing these characters. The Play-by-Play series is my favorite sports series that I have read. Shot on Gold is coming up next! (February 13, 2018) I am so looking forward to more!

#SabersQB #BestFriendsToLovers #DynastyInTheMaking #MHC #Pros&ConsList #LoveVersusFriendship #DenialLand

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2033496286
Amazon: (Review will go LIVE on release day) ---> https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFS7GUGFR2FIJHAQFV5C5PXXXP5Q?ie=UTF8&ref_=pd_hud_ya_d_pf
Blog Webpage: (Review will go LIVE on release day) ---> https://mygirlfriendscouchfb.blogspot.com

The Final Score by Jaci Burton is a swoon worthy romance. This book will definitely take to fans of sports, sex, and romance. The once best friend relationship ends up turning into something way more than either thought. Neither MIA nor Nathan can ignore the sparks, heat, and their hearts. Their hearts want each other. However, Mia is determined to try to keep it a best friend only relationship...but as time goes by...she realizes she wants more. Nathan loves football. With Mia nearer to him, he can't concentrate on just sports stuff. Their relationship has gone and left. Leaving behind something much more intense. Something worth fighting for...

The Final Score is a hot read. I couldn't stop reading it. Jaci Burton knows how to creation the right amount of lust, heat, and unforgettable characters. The scenes fly by fast. One moment, I'm starting the next, I've finished reading. Truly, a novel worth picking up to read. Overall, I recommend to readers worldwide.

This book felt so perfunctory. Like the author was checking a box. Fan favorites from different families get together. Sex ensues, people catch feelings and SPORTS. You were told about the connection between characters rather than actually seeing the connection. Burton's last book in the Play by Play series was a bit of disappointment and this one is lackluster. She's a good writer but I think I may be done with the series.

Review will be left on BN.com and Amazon as SJCReviews

Jaci has become a must read of mine. Her books are the best way to pass a rainy day.

Yes! Finally, we have Nathan’s book!

We first met Nathan at the beginning of the Play-by-Play series in THE PERFECT PLAY. He’s the son of Tara Lincoln, a party planner who falls hard and fast for pro quarterback Mick Riley (my personal favorite!) Years later, Nathan has graduated college and been drafted by the same team his dad—Mick—plays for. Having ridden the bench for a year learning everything he can, Nathan takes over as starting quarterback replacing his father Mick when he retired. Nathan’s both excited and nervous about the opportunity. He’s got some big shoes to fill and a lot of people counting on him to lead the team. Thankfully, his good friend Mia Cassidy just moved to the same town, so he’s got a shoulder to lean on. But that’s not all he wants to lean on her 😉

We met Mia a few books back when she was introduced during QUARTERBACK DRAW where her brother Grant Cassidy meets his lady love. A few more books and three more Cassidy brothers later, Mia is out of college and starting her own business. She’s glad she’s got a friend in her new city despite the underlying chemistry that sparks between them every time they get together.

Neither are ready for a relationship but both could use some good old fashioned stress relief—aka hot monkey sex. Can Nathan and Mia keep it friends-with-benefits only or will their reluctant hearts get entwined along with other parts of their anatomy?

I freakin’ loved the hell out of this book! I love that Nathan and Mia are friends and have a history together. I also LOVE that we get to catch up with the Riley family and get to revisit the Cassidy family as well! I also love how devious Jaci Burton is and how seamlessly she was able to join these two crazy and loveable families together! I can’t wait to see what she have in store for us next!

Mia and Nathan are long time friends that had one night together back in college. They both have recently moved to San Francisco to jump start their careers. Nathan and Mia hesitantly start a relationship, they know how great they are together but they don't want to mess up their friendship. Mia struggles with not wanting people to know her and Nathan are an item. This was a perfect book for my beach vacation.

I have been a diehard fan of the Play-by-Play novels. They have always been an immediate one click purchase and read for me. I have never hesitated to recommend one as I've always known them to be sharply crafted and oh so sexy. Sadly, I think The Final Score brought that streak to an end.

I wanted to love Nathan and Mia’s story. I wanted to feel their connection and be immersed in a fresh and exhilarating tale. Unfortunately I didn’t feel the heat or any freshness to this storyline. Both Nathan and Mia seemed lackluster. The entire novel fell flat for me. A very typical friends to lovers tale. Mick Riley left big shoes to fill and while Nathan may fill them in the stadium, on the pages he failed to score with me.

I will say the writing is well done and if you haven’t read the first twelve novels this might satisfy your appetite. If you have read the series you might be like me, thinking it’s time to move on.

I couldn't finish this book. There was too much telling and not enough showing. And everything felt cheesy. I will not be posting a review or rating anywhere as I did not finish.

The Play-by-Play series combines two of my favorite things: romance and sports. Jaci Burton really knows how to get it done, and she gets it done well. The Final Score was unputdownable, Nathan and Mia were explosive and I loved that they had a past entanglement, but were also friends. Seriously, Nathan and Mia were beyond good together. I also loved that Burton showcased strong friendships for both Nathan and Mia, and we revisited the past a bit with their families. My only point of contention with the book was Mia's decision at the end seemed a little over the top for her, I thought she would have been a little more logical. I also wish that whole piece had a little more too it.

If you enjoy sports romances (or just a good romance) then I definitely recommend The Final Score. Can't wait for the next one in the series!

This is just the sweetest read! You can feel the 'but' coming... But I think you will enjoy this one if you've read at least part of the Play-by-Play series of Jaci Burton. Reason is because we meet so many dear friends from the previous books, it would be a shame if you missed out on them. For instance, Nathan's parents, Mick and Tara are the main stars in The Perfect Play. And his uncle Gavin is starring in Changing the Game. On the other side, we have the Cassidy family in the Play-by-Play books 10 to 12.

Can you read it without the rest of the series? Yes, you can. We meet Nathan, hot sports guy, who is struggling with the weight of following in his father's footsteps in the football team. How can you become a good successor of a football legend? Because of all those high expectations, Nathan feels pressured. And he feels it is very hard to talk to someone about it. Fortunately, his former best friend, Mia has recently moved back to his hometown. So, Nathan is very happy to hang out with Mia and talk with her about his concerns.

Mia is the youngest of the Cassidy family. Having grown up with all kinds of hot sports guy brothers, who never think any boyfriend is good enough for you, was never easy for Mia. So she is determined to turn her new sports management company into a success. But building a company from scratch is not easy. And of course, Mia doesn't want to ask her very successful brothers for help. So, she's very happy to be able to call her best friend Nathan for some friendly advice.

But being together, they both can not deny the pull they feel toward each other. So, after trying to fend it off, the moving from being friends, to being friends-with-benefits. But soon they realize there's more at stake, than just a quick roll in the hay. Can and will they jeopardize their friendship?

Find out in this sizzling story of Jaci Burton. Four out of five stars from me. And with a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

A sports romance full of action packed football, super smokin' hot scenes and a story that delves into the friends to lovers corner. I can't wait for more!

Jaci Burton writes very well.  The Final Score is my first Burton novel and I enjoyed it.  Nathan and Mia are well developed and very likeable.  Their relationship is easy and comfortable.  I enjoyed their interaction.  Their friends and family were a mixed bag and all very interesting.  I liked that Mia is incredibly smart, knowledgeable and beyond competent in a field I’m sure is dominated by men.  While Nathan is very talented he isn’t full of himself and is still a nice guy.  They make a great couple.

I struggled with the story though.  Mia’s response to her deepening feelings for Nathan was disappointing.  She’s so smart and together that I expected a lot more from her.  Her lack of communication and her unilateral relationship decisions created the major source of plot to the book’s detriment .  If the story had been less predictable, the writing was good enough to have been a five star read.

I had not read the rest of the books in this long series but never felt I was missing needed information or lacked an understanding of the characters and backstory.

reviewed by Jem Stone

I stepped away from this series a while ago, but when I saw the main character was Mick and Tara's son, I had to pick it up. Unfortunately, Nathan and Mia's story couldn't stand up to his father and uncle's (Gavin) book.

Any fan of Jaci Burton's Play by Play novels has known Nathan Riley since he was the kid getting in trouble at a party in the first novel from the series. Thirteen books later and Nathan is all grown up and starting quarterback of an NFL team. Hallelujah. His long friendship with Mia Cassidy (also a peripheral character from the series who has grown up) is about to become something more like friends with benefits. Or is it love? It's definitely love.

The Final Score is a fun, sexy, football, romance novel with all of the angst and love that you'd expect. A fun summer read.