Rules of Contact by Jaci Burton

In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, a football player with all the right moves on the field needs a better game plan for his love life.

A defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers, Flynn Cassidy is used to being in the spotlight—he just doesn’t enjoy it. But if getting in front of the cameras will help his new restaurant succeed, he’s willing. Now if he could just meet a woman who loved him and not his fame…

After her divorce, Amelia Lawrence is thrilled to start over as head chef at Ninety-Two. It’s just the opportunity she needs to heat up her career—if only she wasn’t wildly attracted to her sexy new boss. Their chemistry might be sizzling hot, but Amelia has no intention of being burned again.

Amelia is genuine and fun and Flynn can’t get enough of her—and Amelia loves every second she spends with the tough but tender Flynn. But trust is a hard fought battle for both of them. Breaking the rules of contact and surrendering to their passion was easy, but are they willing to risk their hearts to win at the game of love?

Book 12
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I loved this book. Two ordinary people, well a football player and a chef, meet, like each other, and fall in lust. Well... not exactly. Amelia (the chef) works for Flynn (the football player), and while Amelia thinks he's a great guy, she's not looking for romance. Or hooking up.

Flynn, on the other hand, seems to have a new girl on his arm every week. After watching him at the restaurant with the girls he goes out with, she figures out the problem. They are only with him to further their ambitions, not because Flynn is a good guy. And Flynn is a good guy. If she were up to dating, Amelia wouldn't mind going out with him.

Friendship soon leads to lust, which leads to romance. The only stumbling block to forever is when the insecurities from the past come back to haunt them.

Loved this book and this series. I can't wait to see who's next.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the twelfth book in the series – and can be read as a standalone – although would be even better as part of the series. It relates to a new couple, but familiar characters are throughout the book.

Flynn is unlucky in love, and as his younger brothers are settling down, as are many of his teammates, he recognises that he is missing out. But he attracts all the wrong kinds of women, again and again. Amelia, his new very competent head chef, watches on with amusement and is somewhat sad for him. She, however, is recovering from a horrible marriage, and newly divorced, is very happy alone.

Having got the setup, obviously, we then get to enjoy them falling – and it is truly enjoyable, as every Ms. Burton book always is. Unfolding their layers, finding out their likes and dislikes, the reader is along for the ride as these two genuinely good people begin to understand just what is important. Are there bumps along the way? Oh, most definitely – but they fit the scene and the purpose is worked out in a very satisfying way. Some priceless moments of humour, some sexy, sexy encounters, and the building of what feels like a real solid friendship.

One can only hope to see them again in future stories... and that brings me to the one sad thing which follows from having devoured this so quickly, I really would like the next installment now, and even I know it takes time to create such good stories... but Ms. Burton, I do implore you to put finger to keyboard very, very soon.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
Amelia is a strong, confident chef who is trying to start her life over. She was essentially kicked in the heart by her ex and needed a place to start fresh. I liked her character – she was honest, down to earth, funny, smart, and, above else, so perfect for Flynn. Not only did she have his number from the beginning, despite knowing he was her boss, she took a leap of faith and allowed herself to be driven by love – she didn't shy away from it.

Flynn is kind of a mess. Despite his wildly successful football career and even more successful restaurant venture, his personal like if a mess. He chooses women who are more worried about whether or not they will be seen on camera (TV) than they are with really getting to know Flynn. When something real comes along, he can't accept that it is his reality and instead, lashes out in the worst possible way.

Amelia has to decide whether or not she can live with the knowledge that trust might be missing from her relationship – can she go through that again? Will Flynn figure it out?

I enjoyed this story a lot. The secondary characters were funny, friendly, and I can't wait to see if more of the players – family members will be getting stories.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This is a great series that you can pick up any book from and read it as a standalone.

Flynn Cassidy is a football player who has prepared for his future after football by opening a restaurant. He’s left his restaurant in the very capable hands of chef, Amelia Lawrence. Amelia moves to California to take the job at 92 after a divorce that left scars. Flynn always has a new girl on his arm but can’t seem to find one that enjoys being with him more than being in front of the spotlight that comes with dating him. His attraction for Amelia is off the charts, and when the two begin working closely on developing the perfect menu for 92, their feelings become something more.

This is a sweet romance that definitely has its steamy moments. I love the storyline and all of the characters, especially Amelia – she’s a bit shy at first, but doesn’t take crap from anyone and I really loved her and Flynn together! I will say the flow was a bit slow for me and the storyline wasn’t original, but still a good read and I look forward to seeing what this author releases next!

Jaci Burton is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play series, including Unexpected Rush, All Wound Up, Quarterback Draw, Straddling the Line, Melting the Ice, and One Sweet Ride, and the Hope series, including Don’t Let Go, Make Me Stay, Love After All, Hope Burns, Hope Ignites, and Hope Flames.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rules of Contact (Play-by-Play #12) by Jaci Burton to read and review.