Jaci Burton's 'Play by Play' series is one of those romance collections that just keeps giving—like a bottomless mimosa brunch with your best friends. Last I counted, there are 14 full-length novels in the main series, plus a handful of novellas and spin-offs that add extra flavor to the universe. The first book, 'Changing the Game,' kicked things off in 2011, and the most recent installment I remember is 'Rules of the Game,' though Burton has a way of surprising fans with bonus content.
What I love about this series is how Burton blends steamy romance with the high-stakes world of professional sports. Each book focuses on a different athlete or sports-related protagonist, so even though the theme is consistent, the stories feel fresh. My personal favorite is 'Thrown by a Curve'—something about the chemistry between the pitcher and the physical therapist just chef’s kiss. If you’re new to the series, don’t stress about reading order; they’re designed as standalones, but trust me, once you meet the extended family dynamics and recurring characters, you’ll want to binge them all.