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Sydney Smoke Rugby #8
Playing It Tough
Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot . Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. H el-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very un welcome intruder turns things upside down.
American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions . Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…
The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…
Each book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series is STANDALONE:
* Playing By Her Rules
* Playing It Cool
* Playing the Player
* Playing With Forever
* Playing House
* Playing Dirty
* Playing It Safe
* Playing It Tough
American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions . Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…
The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…
Each book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series is STANDALONE:
* Playing By Her Rules
* Playing It Cool
* Playing the Player
* Playing With Forever
* Playing House
* Playing Dirty
* Playing It Safe
* Playing It Tough
260 pages, ebook
Published April 17, 2023
40 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
428 books1,422 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
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Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 21, 2023
I know when I pick up an Amy Andrews book I am going to discover a hot, steamy and sensual romance filled with witty banter, humour and emotion and this one is all of those with a big dose of emotion as we meet Orla Stewart and Ronan Dempsey as they find their way to a beautiful HEA.
Orla is a tattoo artist, specializing in covering scars and for a while there she partying big time but when she stopped and started to think about her life more, because that’s what cancer can do to a person she made changes, these days she works hard on keeping fit eating healthy and choosing a life of celibacy, that might just change when hot rugby dude moves into the pool house.
Ronan is an American playing top level rugby for the Sydney Smoke and winning and keeping fit and concentrating on his game is what he does he has high hopes and he wants nothing getting in his way so from now till the end of the season celibacy is his choice, much to the horror of his team mates. But when he needs to find a place to stay for a while and is offered a pool house to stay in the last thing he was looking for was to be put on his back in more ways than one by a gorgeous pink haired goddess.
I loved this story Ronan is the best hero for Orla a woman who has been through so much and deserves the best she is tough, brave and strong and has big walls built around her heart and it is going to take Ronan some work to bring those walls down. This one is steamy and sensual and a page turner, one not to be missed, thank you Amy Andrews for another awesome story in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review
Orla is a tattoo artist, specializing in covering scars and for a while there she partying big time but when she stopped and started to think about her life more, because that’s what cancer can do to a person she made changes, these days she works hard on keeping fit eating healthy and choosing a life of celibacy, that might just change when hot rugby dude moves into the pool house.
Ronan is an American playing top level rugby for the Sydney Smoke and winning and keeping fit and concentrating on his game is what he does he has high hopes and he wants nothing getting in his way so from now till the end of the season celibacy is his choice, much to the horror of his team mates. But when he needs to find a place to stay for a while and is offered a pool house to stay in the last thing he was looking for was to be put on his back in more ways than one by a gorgeous pink haired goddess.
I loved this story Ronan is the best hero for Orla a woman who has been through so much and deserves the best she is tough, brave and strong and has big walls built around her heart and it is going to take Ronan some work to bring those walls down. This one is steamy and sensual and a page turner, one not to be missed, thank you Amy Andrews for another awesome story in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review
April 17, 2023
Oh man, this one tackled a really tough subject that I tend to avoid. I just need happy in my stories lately. But, I really loved how the author handled it with Ronan, the hero. He was incredibly supportive and really showed what any woman going through what Orla was going through would want to have by their side. Ronan was such a fun loving character and it just made it so much better to see him really come through when a lot of men would have bailed. Orla was just as great as a character. You hope that you can be as strong as her if you were faced with what she has gone through. A great and emotional read.
April 18, 2023
I have been following this series since I first read Playing It Cool in 2017, and completely fell in love with the Sydney Smokey Rugby team.
I think this one was one of the most emotional reads in the series for me. Even though it is a beautiful love story between two amazing characters, it does touch on a serious health issue that brings you to think about life (I have two survivors in my family). I like Ronan from the get-go, he is funny, loyal, and has a heart of gold that is often overlooked because of his looks. Orla kicks butt! And I mean that in both senses, metaphorically and figuratively. She has been through a lot and has decided that change is good, so she does a 180º turn in her life.
I love how they meet, it's not a classical romantic meeting, they start on the wrong foot. As their relationship develops slowly, we get to learn about their dreams and fears and that is why I loved this story! Another great story full of dreams and no time for “what ifs”.
I think this one was one of the most emotional reads in the series for me. Even though it is a beautiful love story between two amazing characters, it does touch on a serious health issue that brings you to think about life (I have two survivors in my family). I like Ronan from the get-go, he is funny, loyal, and has a heart of gold that is often overlooked because of his looks. Orla kicks butt! And I mean that in both senses, metaphorically and figuratively. She has been through a lot and has decided that change is good, so she does a 180º turn in her life.
I love how they meet, it's not a classical romantic meeting, they start on the wrong foot. As their relationship develops slowly, we get to learn about their dreams and fears and that is why I loved this story! Another great story full of dreams and no time for “what ifs”.
April 17, 2023
This was a very sweet story. I loved Breaking All the Rules by this author, so when I saw this one, I knew that I had to read it. This is an Australian rugby sports romance, which is completely different than all the other sports romance books I have read. Ronan takes a celibacy pledge but then of course he gets forced into staying with Orla. I really liked both characters. I love how strong Orla was and how much she grew throughout the book. Ronan was a player before he took his celibacy pledge, so you don't really see his growth as much, but I loved how sweet he was with Orla. I really enjoyed this story overall and would recommend it if you are looking for a sports romance book.
There is a trigger for breast cancer and it is very heavily focused on throughout the book, so just a warning for that.
There is a trigger for breast cancer and it is very heavily focused on throughout the book, so just a warning for that.
March 31, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A wonderful love story between a confident and driven rugby player, a hottie with a heart of gold, and an equally driven and strong heroine facing terrible circumstances, “Playing It Tough”, by Amy Andrews (Entangled: Brazen), is a very entertaining read while also addressing serious issues.
The contrast between the acerbic heroine, Orla, and the warm, extremely kind and compassionate hero, Ronan, and the fact they’re so good together is perhaps my favorite feature in this engaging story.
It’s so rewarding to have a heroine with Orla’s background and watching the hard decisions she made. She is such a vibrant woman and a great feminine character.
Andrews incorporates tragedy and drama into the plot, but the story is so positive and hopeful.
Ronan is just an amazing hero: confident, super driven but so tender and thoughtful, and when he admits he’s in love with Orla it’s swoony.
His sense of humor, the laid back personality and the way he laughs so easily really made me love him.
I also liked that they’re honest with each other and the drama is there but it’s justifiable and real.
I loved how Amy Andrews wrote their passion, attraction, chemistry, lust and very hot sex, in the "not-sex phase" and after. Oh, the power of human imagination, exploring the lack of frontiers and the whole sensual experience engaging all senses and that very special organ, the brain.
The banter, teasing, playfulness and closeness between the protagonists and the other characters are captivating.
I’m eager to read Griffin’s story, his surliness is really attractive and intriguing.
A wonderful love story between a confident and driven rugby player, a hottie with a heart of gold, and an equally driven and strong heroine facing terrible circumstances, “Playing It Tough”, by Amy Andrews (Entangled: Brazen), is a very entertaining read while also addressing serious issues.
The contrast between the acerbic heroine, Orla, and the warm, extremely kind and compassionate hero, Ronan, and the fact they’re so good together is perhaps my favorite feature in this engaging story.
It’s so rewarding to have a heroine with Orla’s background and watching the hard decisions she made. She is such a vibrant woman and a great feminine character.
Andrews incorporates tragedy and drama into the plot, but the story is so positive and hopeful.
Ronan is just an amazing hero: confident, super driven but so tender and thoughtful, and when he admits he’s in love with Orla it’s swoony.
His sense of humor, the laid back personality and the way he laughs so easily really made me love him.
I also liked that they’re honest with each other and the drama is there but it’s justifiable and real.
I loved how Amy Andrews wrote their passion, attraction, chemistry, lust and very hot sex, in the "not-sex phase" and after. Oh, the power of human imagination, exploring the lack of frontiers and the whole sensual experience engaging all senses and that very special organ, the brain.
The banter, teasing, playfulness and closeness between the protagonists and the other characters are captivating.
I’m eager to read Griffin’s story, his surliness is really attractive and intriguing.
April 15, 2023
Whew, this book was hot. It starts off with a bang and never lets up. Orla is a cosmetic tattoo artist who specializes in helping people cover/obscure surgical and other scars. Ronan is an American rugby player who is in Sydney for a few years to polish his rugby skills and hopefully catch the eye of American olympic scouts. When his apartment is rendered uninhabitable for a few months, he ends up in the pool house of the estate where Orla is housesitting. Insta-lust strikes as soon as they meet, but both have are trying to avoid sex, leading to some interesting gyrations as they give into their attraction, but also try to keep it at a "non" sex level. Due to serious medical issues, Orla has built walls around her emotions that are a mile high. Ronan, however, is just the guy to penetrate those walls. He doesn't give up easily when he decides on a goal and Orla shakes up his priorities big time.
These two were sweet, flirty, hot and easy to like. Orla was prickly, but with good reason, and Ronan was just great, he switched from playboy to totally committed as soon as he realized how much he liked her, and was supportive, kind and patient. Insta-lust normally puts me off, but the heat between the two of them was undeniable. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
These two were sweet, flirty, hot and easy to like. Orla was prickly, but with good reason, and Ronan was just great, he switched from playboy to totally committed as soon as he realized how much he liked her, and was supportive, kind and patient. Insta-lust normally puts me off, but the heat between the two of them was undeniable. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
April 16, 2023
4.25 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
The hottest players on the pitch are back in Playing it Tough . This time it’s the Sydney Smoke’s American rookie, Ronan Dempsey, meeting his match in a pink-haired tattoo artist.
Ronan has been living it up as the Sydney Smoke’s newest star, but when he realizes his game is suffering he calls a halt to his partying ways and takes a vow of celibacy for the season. He doesn’t expect his willpower to be challenged by his new neighbor, Orla Stewart. Orla used to be a party girl but for the past three years she’s been on the straight and narrow. With the women in her family having died from or battled hard against breast cancer she is determined to do everything she can to negate her risks. She also doesn’t want to get close to anyone for fear of the pain of loss. Her walls are ten miles high, but Ronan is a skilled climber. He isn’t put off by Orla’s prickliness and his charm gets through her tough exterior.
Falling in lust is easy, but forming a true and lasting relationship isn’t as simple for these two. The attraction between them burns bright and hot, but it’s the emotional beats that make this romance for me. Orla has gone through a lot and though she’s a warrior she is also keeping herself from living a full life. I loved watching her embrace pleasure. Ronan is a sweetheart through and through. He’s tempting as all get-out but it’s his metaphorical strong shoulders and loving nature that made him shine for me. Amy Andrews made it easy to root for them and I adored watching them fall from lust to love. Their openness and unwillingness to shy away from hard conversations and realities took their romance from sexy fun to something strong and true.
Playing it Tough is the eighth book in Andrews’s Sydney Smoke Rugby series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Past protagonists make cameos in this story and I enjoy any time spent with these endearing rugby stars and those who love them. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Orla and Ronan’s story and I am very much looking forward to more Sydney Smoke Rugby books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The hottest players on the pitch are back in Playing it Tough . This time it’s the Sydney Smoke’s American rookie, Ronan Dempsey, meeting his match in a pink-haired tattoo artist.
Ronan has been living it up as the Sydney Smoke’s newest star, but when he realizes his game is suffering he calls a halt to his partying ways and takes a vow of celibacy for the season. He doesn’t expect his willpower to be challenged by his new neighbor, Orla Stewart. Orla used to be a party girl but for the past three years she’s been on the straight and narrow. With the women in her family having died from or battled hard against breast cancer she is determined to do everything she can to negate her risks. She also doesn’t want to get close to anyone for fear of the pain of loss. Her walls are ten miles high, but Ronan is a skilled climber. He isn’t put off by Orla’s prickliness and his charm gets through her tough exterior.
Falling in lust is easy, but forming a true and lasting relationship isn’t as simple for these two. The attraction between them burns bright and hot, but it’s the emotional beats that make this romance for me. Orla has gone through a lot and though she’s a warrior she is also keeping herself from living a full life. I loved watching her embrace pleasure. Ronan is a sweetheart through and through. He’s tempting as all get-out but it’s his metaphorical strong shoulders and loving nature that made him shine for me. Amy Andrews made it easy to root for them and I adored watching them fall from lust to love. Their openness and unwillingness to shy away from hard conversations and realities took their romance from sexy fun to something strong and true.
Playing it Tough is the eighth book in Andrews’s Sydney Smoke Rugby series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Past protagonists make cameos in this story and I enjoy any time spent with these endearing rugby stars and those who love them. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Orla and Ronan’s story and I am very much looking forward to more Sydney Smoke Rugby books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 7, 2023
I’ve been reading the Sydney Smoke Rugby series by Amy Andrews since the first book, Playing by Her Rules was released in 2016. Seven years later, Playing it Tough, book eight, has the same energy, strong characters and sexy romance as the previous entries, a feat indeed.
Unlike previous entries though, the hero of this story is an American import instead of a native Aussie. Ronan Dempsey is aiming for a spot on the US Olympic team but competing internationally with the Sydney Smoke and hoping to be noticed by the US scouts for his performance on the field. He knows he’s been distracted lately by his many fans (especially the female ones) and that he needs to knuckle down and put aside the distractions if he wants to make the cut. When a fire at his apartment building forces him to look for temporary lodgings, the pool house on the property of a family friend is just the place to hide out and take his celibacy pledge seriously.
Orla Stewart doesn’t know what to think of the big, brawny rugby player who has moved onto the property where she is housesitting, but she does know that he’s not going to dissuade her from her current plan of healthy eating, exercising, and avoiding relationships. A cosmetic tattoo artist who specializes in covering scars and wounds, Orla has a family history of breast cancer that has taken her mother, her sister, and other female relatives, and she’s determined it’s not going to take her, too. Having a pre-emptive double mastectomy and regular cancer checkups have relieved some of the stress of watchful waiting, but having children who could have her bad genes is something she isn’t willing to contemplate – hence the no relationship stance. Her chest is covered by a profusion of flowers in place of breasts, something she keeps hidden and doesn’t show her occasional lovers. She’s determined not to be tempted by her new neighbour, a feeling that is mutual.
But it’s not long before their close proximity results in an unexpected friendship, and then something more. When things heat up between them, will Orla’s fears keep her from her chance at love?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Unlike previous entries though, the hero of this story is an American import instead of a native Aussie. Ronan Dempsey is aiming for a spot on the US Olympic team but competing internationally with the Sydney Smoke and hoping to be noticed by the US scouts for his performance on the field. He knows he’s been distracted lately by his many fans (especially the female ones) and that he needs to knuckle down and put aside the distractions if he wants to make the cut. When a fire at his apartment building forces him to look for temporary lodgings, the pool house on the property of a family friend is just the place to hide out and take his celibacy pledge seriously.
Orla Stewart doesn’t know what to think of the big, brawny rugby player who has moved onto the property where she is housesitting, but she does know that he’s not going to dissuade her from her current plan of healthy eating, exercising, and avoiding relationships. A cosmetic tattoo artist who specializes in covering scars and wounds, Orla has a family history of breast cancer that has taken her mother, her sister, and other female relatives, and she’s determined it’s not going to take her, too. Having a pre-emptive double mastectomy and regular cancer checkups have relieved some of the stress of watchful waiting, but having children who could have her bad genes is something she isn’t willing to contemplate – hence the no relationship stance. Her chest is covered by a profusion of flowers in place of breasts, something she keeps hidden and doesn’t show her occasional lovers. She’s determined not to be tempted by her new neighbour, a feeling that is mutual.
But it’s not long before their close proximity results in an unexpected friendship, and then something more. When things heat up between them, will Orla’s fears keep her from her chance at love?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 24, 2023
In order to enhance his performance on the rugby field and increase his chances of making the Olympic team Ronan has decided to focus only on his career and that means no women and no partying. His plan is about to be tested when he and Orla become neighbors and the feelings he has for her go far beyond the physical.
After a health scare Orla has made some major life changes and that includes no partying and no men. Although she tries to distance herself from Ronan his patience and understanding make that difficult especially when he shows her there is so much more to life than the way she is living it.
The strength and resilience of Orla shines through and Ronan is exactly who she needs in her life as he is not only supportive, but he brings fun into her life and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
After a health scare Orla has made some major life changes and that includes no partying and no men. Although she tries to distance herself from Ronan his patience and understanding make that difficult especially when he shows her there is so much more to life than the way she is living it.
The strength and resilience of Orla shines through and Ronan is exactly who she needs in her life as he is not only supportive, but he brings fun into her life and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
April 28, 2023
They have both taken vows of celibacy, but there is this strong chemistry between them, so that's going to work- not. Thrown together by proximity, American rugby star, Ronan Dempsey playing for the Australian Sydney Smoke team, is focusing on playing his best and making the American Olympic team while prickly cosmetic tattoo artist, Orla Stewart, is a cancer survivor and is only focused on keeping her body healthy and helping other survivors camouflage their physical scars. However, her strict regime, because of unresolved fears, leaves her no joy, and Ronan wants to give her that.
I have not read the previous books in the series (I am partial to the author's Colorado cowboys), but this works very well as a stand alone. Author Amy Andrews has created an engaging story with strongly developed characters, a hot, emotional romance and lively banter.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I have not read the previous books in the series (I am partial to the author's Colorado cowboys), but this works very well as a stand alone. Author Amy Andrews has created an engaging story with strongly developed characters, a hot, emotional romance and lively banter.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
May 26, 2023
please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
FMC: Orla- a cosmetic tattoo artist who lives her life by rules in order to avoid cancer.
MMC: Ronan- an American rugby player who is all about the game. He takes a vow of celibacy in order to focus and be chosen to make the Olympic team.
POV: 2nd person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: there are a few open-door spicy scenes
TWs: cancer, cancer scare, double mastectomy, oophorectomy, death of parents (recounted), death of sister (recounted), estranged/uninterested parents, egg preservation/not being able to have children
standalone: yes
final thoughts: my first rugby romance and it didn’t disappoint! I loved the dynamic between the MCs. There was an instant connection and insta lust but not insta love which was great. They talked about a lot of deep topics and we were able to follow both of the MCs through their POVs to see how they felt the connection was growing. They were such a great opposite attracts couple who had great communication nearly the entire book.
read this book if you love
😬 angst
🧩 complex characters with growth
🏝️ forced proximity (same living arrangements)
🔀 opposites attract
🏉 sports romance
😢 emotional moments
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
FMC: Orla- a cosmetic tattoo artist who lives her life by rules in order to avoid cancer.
MMC: Ronan- an American rugby player who is all about the game. He takes a vow of celibacy in order to focus and be chosen to make the Olympic team.
POV: 2nd person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: there are a few open-door spicy scenes
TWs: cancer, cancer scare, double mastectomy, oophorectomy, death of parents (recounted), death of sister (recounted), estranged/uninterested parents, egg preservation/not being able to have children
standalone: yes
final thoughts: my first rugby romance and it didn’t disappoint! I loved the dynamic between the MCs. There was an instant connection and insta lust but not insta love which was great. They talked about a lot of deep topics and we were able to follow both of the MCs through their POVs to see how they felt the connection was growing. They were such a great opposite attracts couple who had great communication nearly the entire book.
read this book if you love
😬 angst
🧩 complex characters with growth
🏝️ forced proximity (same living arrangements)
🔀 opposites attract
🏉 sports romance
😢 emotional moments
April 17, 2023
I am not a huge sports person but recently became enamored with sports romance books. I especially love hockey and rugby. I loved Playing It Tough because although it is a sports romance, playing rugby is almost like a character trait for Ronan, and the plot isn't sport heavy. Anyone who likes the idea of a sports romance but doesn't know much about sports will find this book a perfect blend of romance with some sports/physical activity sprinkled in.
I want to preface this next part by stating that I am an American who lived in New Zealand and Australia briefly in my early 20s. I was confused during the book because I wasn't sure what sport Ronan was discussing. I know the Aussie/Kiwi slang for rugby, but I felt that an American who has only been in Australia for a short time wouldn't use the slang. I was confused whenever Ronan stated he was watching "football" because I thought he only played rugby. To be clear, I was not confused about "footy/football" being used as slang for rugby; I was confused as to why Ronan was using those terms. I feel like an American who has only been in Australia for a few months would never refer to rugby as football (due to American football being huge in the US). Now, Oral, who is a native Aussie, should use "footy/football" to describe rugby, and that made sense to me in the book. It's a tiny thing, but it wasn't very clear at points.
I want to preface this next part by stating that I am an American who lived in New Zealand and Australia briefly in my early 20s. I was confused during the book because I wasn't sure what sport Ronan was discussing. I know the Aussie/Kiwi slang for rugby, but I felt that an American who has only been in Australia for a short time wouldn't use the slang. I was confused whenever Ronan stated he was watching "football" because I thought he only played rugby. To be clear, I was not confused about "footy/football" being used as slang for rugby; I was confused as to why Ronan was using those terms. I feel like an American who has only been in Australia for a few months would never refer to rugby as football (due to American football being huge in the US). Now, Oral, who is a native Aussie, should use "footy/football" to describe rugby, and that made sense to me in the book. It's a tiny thing, but it wasn't very clear at points.
April 7, 2023
ARC by NetGalley
Vowing for celibacy, for very different reasons, Orla, cancer surviver and tattoo artist, and Ronan, american rugby player, start bending and breaking their definitons of sex after sparks fly their first time meeting.
This story was truly amazing. Orla's medical background is something i truly believe so many women in the world can relate too. And, coming from the a med student, i appreciated the fact that it was accurate (for the most of it, only the immediate disponibility seemS really improbable). Her experience with her health problems is so so so important. Going from her first approach of carelessness to extreme obcession, her views on life, the deepth of the trauma, all the hits that her mental health took...
I'm a sucker for sports romance. What more can I say... AH and i also loved reformed players too. So Ronan is right up my alley. He was so gentle and patient and caring and loving ugh!!!!!!!!! Ngl he was seeming a little flat on personality in the beginning but as the book progressed i feel we got of him.
4 stars - I would want to see their story in slow burn!!! I'm not the biggest fan of instalove/lust so that's why it's only 4 stars.
4 spice - well well well celibacy didn't go as plan did it
Vowing for celibacy, for very different reasons, Orla, cancer surviver and tattoo artist, and Ronan, american rugby player, start bending and breaking their definitons of sex after sparks fly their first time meeting.
This story was truly amazing. Orla's medical background is something i truly believe so many women in the world can relate too. And, coming from the a med student, i appreciated the fact that it was accurate (for the most of it, only the immediate disponibility seemS really improbable). Her experience with her health problems is so so so important. Going from her first approach of carelessness to extreme obcession, her views on life, the deepth of the trauma, all the hits that her mental health took...
I'm a sucker for sports romance. What more can I say... AH and i also loved reformed players too. So Ronan is right up my alley. He was so gentle and patient and caring and loving ugh!!!!!!!!! Ngl he was seeming a little flat on personality in the beginning but as the book progressed i feel we got of him.
4 stars - I would want to see their story in slow burn!!! I'm not the biggest fan of instalove/lust so that's why it's only 4 stars.
4 spice - well well well celibacy didn't go as plan did it
April 17, 2023
I was excited for another book from Amy Andrews' Sydney Smoke Rugby series! I have really enjoyed the other books, and Ronan and Orla's story was another great read.
They find romance in an unexpected place when he shows up at the home she is house sitting at. They had great chemistry and the forced proximity made it difficult to deny. They were so well matched and I couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.
If you love your romance with plenty of swoon and steam you can't miss this one.
They find romance in an unexpected place when he shows up at the home she is house sitting at. They had great chemistry and the forced proximity made it difficult to deny. They were so well matched and I couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.
If you love your romance with plenty of swoon and steam you can't miss this one.
May 16, 2023
A very sweet, funny in parts, and easy-to-read story. Orla and Ronan make the perfect team, they complement each other very well and they also seemed to adapt so well, and mesh with one another. Orla is incredibly stubborn, for valid reasons, I enjoyed how Ronan patiently broke down her walls. Both characters though are funny, brave and very likeable. In Ronan's case, also very sweet and caring. I enjoyed the premise of their story, it was quite different from the usual romantic fare. My only criticism, was too much sex, and, believe you me, that's so not me.
June 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book.
I love a good sports romance and while I have read many different books, I had never read a rugby romance. Until this book. I loved this book, The characters immediately hit it off and I could not put this book down. I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series.
I love a good sports romance and while I have read many different books, I had never read a rugby romance. Until this book. I loved this book, The characters immediately hit it off and I could not put this book down. I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series.
April 15, 2023
Quick Summary: A "Life is a risk and love is a gamble" romance.
My Review: Playing It Tough by Amy Andrews was such a powerful story. Yes, it's billed as a romance, but in actuality, it's an honest to goodness love story.
About This Book: Where do I begin? This story was a pro-positive, let's kick cancer in the butt novel. It dealt with many very serious issues. It was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. It was emotional and courageous. It was sweet and inspiring.
There were several moments that brought me to tears. Truthfully, from the point of 77% to the end of the book, I was outright crying. What Orla had to live through and experience was brutal. Her strength and badassery were her superpowers. Her lone wolf habits were her shield, but they were also her barrier. By the time Ronan came along, well, something had to give.
Speaking of Ronan, he was quite remarkable. I loved that he did not back down from what was happening between him and Orla. The fact that he had such a mature approach to their relationship was most surprising. (I better stop there because I could say so much more about this guy. He gets a wow from this reader.)
My Final Say: This masterpiece love story gets a grace award. To tackle such a heavy hitting issue like cancer is one thing, but finding the words to show how life and love can be found with someone who has cancer is a whole other thing. Ms. Andrews did a magnificent job of presenting a contemporary romance while at the same time expressing the joys, insecurities, struggles, and more that come with surviving and thriving beyond cancer. She gets my respect for this one. Thanks for keeping it real and making it sexy.
Other: I loved that this book gave a positive nod to mental health and self-wellness checks.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Protagonists: +
Chemistry: 💥
Status/Level: 💗
Note: This book presents with many sobering issues. Those who have had cancer or who know of someone who has battled cancer or is living with cancer may have a strong reaction to some of the content. Rest assured, Ms. Andrews handles the matter with compassion, empathy, and dignity.
Sincere and heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to Entangled Publishing, and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this title. I have voluntarily shared my personal thoughts and opinions about this work.
My Review: Playing It Tough by Amy Andrews was such a powerful story. Yes, it's billed as a romance, but in actuality, it's an honest to goodness love story.
About This Book: Where do I begin? This story was a pro-positive, let's kick cancer in the butt novel. It dealt with many very serious issues. It was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. It was emotional and courageous. It was sweet and inspiring.
There were several moments that brought me to tears. Truthfully, from the point of 77% to the end of the book, I was outright crying. What Orla had to live through and experience was brutal. Her strength and badassery were her superpowers. Her lone wolf habits were her shield, but they were also her barrier. By the time Ronan came along, well, something had to give.
Speaking of Ronan, he was quite remarkable. I loved that he did not back down from what was happening between him and Orla. The fact that he had such a mature approach to their relationship was most surprising. (I better stop there because I could say so much more about this guy. He gets a wow from this reader.)
My Final Say: This masterpiece love story gets a grace award. To tackle such a heavy hitting issue like cancer is one thing, but finding the words to show how life and love can be found with someone who has cancer is a whole other thing. Ms. Andrews did a magnificent job of presenting a contemporary romance while at the same time expressing the joys, insecurities, struggles, and more that come with surviving and thriving beyond cancer. She gets my respect for this one. Thanks for keeping it real and making it sexy.
Other: I loved that this book gave a positive nod to mental health and self-wellness checks.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Protagonists: +
Chemistry: 💥
Status/Level: 💗
Note: This book presents with many sobering issues. Those who have had cancer or who know of someone who has battled cancer or is living with cancer may have a strong reaction to some of the content. Rest assured, Ms. Andrews handles the matter with compassion, empathy, and dignity.
Sincere and heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to Entangled Publishing, and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this title. I have voluntarily shared my personal thoughts and opinions about this work.
April 17, 2023
This entire story had a focus that I was not quite prepared for: cancer. But let me back up a bit before getting to the finer details of how cancer played a role in this story.
Ronan is an American rugby player in Australia. He is working on impressing a scout and getting called up to the US Olympic rugby team. Ronan is all about his career and doing whatever it takes to hone his body and keep his focus on his goals. When his apartment complex is in need of repairs and he has to find a place to crash his mother connects him with her old friend whose house is being watched by an Orla Stewart, and he is welcome to stay in the pool house.
What ensues when he arrives is an awkward meeting that quickly turns to interest and an intense attraction. The problem is that Ronan has taken a vow of celibacy to focus on his rugby game, and Orla is the last person to want to indulge in anything that does not serve her goals-even if Ronan is highly delectable and difficult to resist.
Orla is a tattoo artist and largely focused on living a life where she can control the outcomes as much as possible. Her past is filled with losses that echo and reverberate in her daily life and throughout this book . I could understand her need to have control over as much as possible, even if that meant self-depriving herself of things that used to bring her joy.
Watching Ronan and Orla develop a friendship alongside their attraction was lovely. Orla’s story is the main focus of this book and watching how Ronan supported her and loved her through her struggle to find a healthy balance-which included opening herself to a new relationship and depending upon someone other than herself-was a heart-warming experience. When grappling with something that is terminal or life-threatening the desire to insulate is incredibly strong. Orla’s growth happened over time (mostly off the page), and I believe that she was ready to open up once she felt safe, and accepted that support is another facet of caring for herself.
The focus on cancer was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. It is something that Orla grapples with everyday and is not just a distant memory. I would advise anyone sensitive to this kind of content to look up trigger warnings.
Overall, this was a book about two people who thought they had everything figured out finding that they had more growing to do and finding love and support in the process. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in a sports romance with an Australian setting and a unique plot/romance arc.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
CW/TW:
Ronan is an American rugby player in Australia. He is working on impressing a scout and getting called up to the US Olympic rugby team. Ronan is all about his career and doing whatever it takes to hone his body and keep his focus on his goals. When his apartment complex is in need of repairs and he has to find a place to crash his mother connects him with her old friend whose house is being watched by an Orla Stewart, and he is welcome to stay in the pool house.
What ensues when he arrives is an awkward meeting that quickly turns to interest and an intense attraction. The problem is that Ronan has taken a vow of celibacy to focus on his rugby game, and Orla is the last person to want to indulge in anything that does not serve her goals-even if Ronan is highly delectable and difficult to resist.
Orla is a tattoo artist and largely focused on living a life where she can control the outcomes as much as possible. Her past is filled with losses that echo and reverberate in her daily life and throughout this book . I could understand her need to have control over as much as possible, even if that meant self-depriving herself of things that used to bring her joy.
Watching Ronan and Orla develop a friendship alongside their attraction was lovely. Orla’s story is the main focus of this book and watching how Ronan supported her and loved her through her struggle to find a healthy balance-which included opening herself to a new relationship and depending upon someone other than herself-was a heart-warming experience. When grappling with something that is terminal or life-threatening the desire to insulate is incredibly strong. Orla’s growth happened over time (mostly off the page), and I believe that she was ready to open up once she felt safe, and accepted that support is another facet of caring for herself.
The focus on cancer was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. It is something that Orla grapples with everyday and is not just a distant memory. I would advise anyone sensitive to this kind of content to look up trigger warnings.
Overall, this was a book about two people who thought they had everything figured out finding that they had more growing to do and finding love and support in the process. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in a sports romance with an Australian setting and a unique plot/romance arc.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
CW/TW:
April 15, 2023
4 1/2 stars
Ms. Andrews did a wonderful job of giving us a spicy and cute relationship between two people who both insisted they were currently living celibate lives. Orla and Ronan's reasons couldn't be more different. He's trying to stay focused for the playoff season in rugby and she's trying to avoid cancer by changing her entire lifestyle. Even though these two couldn't be more opposite, they still work perfectly together.
Orla has a family history of cancer - - so for years she partied and lived like she was dying - - then she decided she really could die and she decided to change her ways. Instead of modifying her behavior, Orla did a complete one-eighty and changed everything. Suddenly she was eating clean and gave up drinking. Along with all that, she changed her behavior and celibacy became her new best friend...most of the time anyway.
Ronan is an American rugby player in Australia trying to make a name for himself. He's apparently succeeded in doing that both on and off the field. With a reputation as a player who has no trouble finding female companionship, he decides to give up the ladies until after playoffs. This is all to maintain his focus and assist in the goal of getting his team to the playoffs as well as getting himself noticed by the American Olympic coach. Then he meets Orla and all his plans fade into the background.
Orla and Ronan's chemistry is off the charts, but they both have a purpose and aren't wanting to give up on their plans anytime soon. That said, they aren't adverse to pushing the boundaries a bit. This story is pretty spicy but also very sensitive and sweet. The relationship that develops between these two is grounded in something much more than physical attraction. They both come to truly care about one another even if they never intended to. But will it be enough?
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review this book and the opinions contained within are my own.
Ms. Andrews did a wonderful job of giving us a spicy and cute relationship between two people who both insisted they were currently living celibate lives. Orla and Ronan's reasons couldn't be more different. He's trying to stay focused for the playoff season in rugby and she's trying to avoid cancer by changing her entire lifestyle. Even though these two couldn't be more opposite, they still work perfectly together.
Orla has a family history of cancer - - so for years she partied and lived like she was dying - - then she decided she really could die and she decided to change her ways. Instead of modifying her behavior, Orla did a complete one-eighty and changed everything. Suddenly she was eating clean and gave up drinking. Along with all that, she changed her behavior and celibacy became her new best friend...most of the time anyway.
Ronan is an American rugby player in Australia trying to make a name for himself. He's apparently succeeded in doing that both on and off the field. With a reputation as a player who has no trouble finding female companionship, he decides to give up the ladies until after playoffs. This is all to maintain his focus and assist in the goal of getting his team to the playoffs as well as getting himself noticed by the American Olympic coach. Then he meets Orla and all his plans fade into the background.
Orla and Ronan's chemistry is off the charts, but they both have a purpose and aren't wanting to give up on their plans anytime soon. That said, they aren't adverse to pushing the boundaries a bit. This story is pretty spicy but also very sensitive and sweet. The relationship that develops between these two is grounded in something much more than physical attraction. They both come to truly care about one another even if they never intended to. But will it be enough?
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review this book and the opinions contained within are my own.
April 13, 2023
This was a steamy, off the charts chemistry read that delved into the often tragic subject of cancer as it affected Orla, a cosmetic tattoo artist and the female protagonist in this story as well as many of her female relatives. Ronan Dempsey is an American rugby player who has been signed to play with the Sydney Smoke in Australia, and when he has to move out of his apartment building for a couple of months, he ends up staying in the pool house of the property Orla is house sitting.
Both Ronan and Orla have taken vows of celibacy for different reasons, but once Ronan is knocked on his backside by this gorgeous pixie with the pink hair, he knows he's going to have trouble sticking to his bet with the rest of the team. But as both Orla and Ronan explore their friendship and bend the definition of celibacy to its limits, both start to develop feelings, but are scared of where they might lead.
Ronan has been focused on rising to the top of his career and Orla has closed off her feelings assuming no one will want her after she has undergone radical medical interventions, so both fight against their growing attraction. The book focuses on the developing trust and bonds that these two have, overcoming barriers they they themselves put up and the sacrifice needed when adversity strikes.
This story is well written, the chemistry is palpable and the characters develop at a realistic pace that shows that the author enjoys this tale. The writing is smooth and descriptive and you just feel so drawn into the emotions of Ronan and Orla, that you feel you are there in the room with them.
Both Ronan and Orla have taken vows of celibacy for different reasons, but once Ronan is knocked on his backside by this gorgeous pixie with the pink hair, he knows he's going to have trouble sticking to his bet with the rest of the team. But as both Orla and Ronan explore their friendship and bend the definition of celibacy to its limits, both start to develop feelings, but are scared of where they might lead.
Ronan has been focused on rising to the top of his career and Orla has closed off her feelings assuming no one will want her after she has undergone radical medical interventions, so both fight against their growing attraction. The book focuses on the developing trust and bonds that these two have, overcoming barriers they they themselves put up and the sacrifice needed when adversity strikes.
This story is well written, the chemistry is palpable and the characters develop at a realistic pace that shows that the author enjoys this tale. The writing is smooth and descriptive and you just feel so drawn into the emotions of Ronan and Orla, that you feel you are there in the room with them.
April 12, 2023
4.5 This book was so good I binged it all in one day! I throughly enjoyed it.
Ronan was such a great character! She showed how a man can have strength in just being there and relinquishing control when his girlfriend is vulnerable. He is kind, warm, fun, incredibly patient and supportive and sounds hot. Orla is a strong stubborn character who had gone through and overcome a lot in her life. Those two had great banter and chemistry and just complement each other so well. I l led that because of their mutual celibacy agreements that they respected each others decisions and instead of giving in to their attraction started as friends. We had just the right amount of sports too!
The author handled grief, tragic cancer and more so well. Giving hope and a pretty accurate detail of what the tragedy can do to a persons life and their decisions. I loved that we got this perspective but it is heavy. However Orla’s growth as she learns to let people in and come to terms with what her life was, is and could be makes the heavy parts worth it. As someone who has had this test done because of family history I cannot say how I appreciated her care with the emotions and mental thoughts that go along with it.
Honestly just such a good book and I can’t wait to read all the books in the series but cannot wait for Eva’s. Thank you Entangled and Netgalley for the arc of this book.
Staci McIntyre wrote this review for Lit Shit.
Ronan was such a great character! She showed how a man can have strength in just being there and relinquishing control when his girlfriend is vulnerable. He is kind, warm, fun, incredibly patient and supportive and sounds hot. Orla is a strong stubborn character who had gone through and overcome a lot in her life. Those two had great banter and chemistry and just complement each other so well. I l led that because of their mutual celibacy agreements that they respected each others decisions and instead of giving in to their attraction started as friends. We had just the right amount of sports too!
The author handled grief, tragic cancer and more so well. Giving hope and a pretty accurate detail of what the tragedy can do to a persons life and their decisions. I loved that we got this perspective but it is heavy. However Orla’s growth as she learns to let people in and come to terms with what her life was, is and could be makes the heavy parts worth it. As someone who has had this test done because of family history I cannot say how I appreciated her care with the emotions and mental thoughts that go along with it.
Honestly just such a good book and I can’t wait to read all the books in the series but cannot wait for Eva’s. Thank you Entangled and Netgalley for the arc of this book.
Staci McIntyre wrote this review for Lit Shit.
April 11, 2023
Rugby is life for Ronan, that is until he’s knocked over by a pint sized, tattooed pixie named Orla. Soon he finds himself wanting more than just the game. While life has definitely not been easy for Orla this talented tattoo artist has found ways to keep safe, but soon realizes she was barely living. Wow this book was not what I was expecting for a sports romance, it’s so much more. Orla’s life has been rough and her strength when facing tough choices is staggering but the author manages to show the difficulties Orla faced when making her choices in such a realistic way that I felt like I knew her personally. And Ronan, he’s more than just a jock, he’s the kind of guy most woman dream of having a their side while dealing through life’s challenges. This is a slow build friends to lover’s romance with some serious emotional heft, but the heat between the two characters happens right from the start. There’s a balance between steaminess, humor, sports and sadness (have some tissues ready just in case) that had me finishing this book so fast. It is a continuation of the rugby team, Sydney Smoke series and there are a lot of familiar faces but you do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, although I do recommend them. Fingers crossed we’ll get Eve and Griff’s story soon. 5 stars must read. I received an arc copy of this book for my honest review
April 20, 2023
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
One of my favorite sports romance series releases a new installment, and you didn't think I was going to be here for it?
I don't think so.
Ronan Dempsey has set his sights on a large goal: making the US Olympic rugby team. Unfortunately, his partying ways are becoming the biggest obstacle to his dream. To motivate himself, he makes a celibacy bet with his teammates to keep himself accountable. So far so good until his apartment needed emergency repairs and he had to move into a family friend's pool house.
Orla Stewart has been living the life that Ronan aims to have. Losing her family to cancer has checking off every healthy habit box to lower the risks. She also has fortified the walls around her heart to prevent someone from having to experience the same grief she's felt from her loss. With Ronan temporarily moving next door, he seems to be slowly melting the thick wall of ice encasing her heart.
This book was a great spicy foray into taking chances for love. As much as I love Ronan, his easygoing personality, and his sweet romantic self, Orla stole the show for me. One can only imagine her traumatic experience and pray that life won't throw such a cruel hand at them. Yet, Orla perseveres through those hardships and manages to turn some of it around for good as a cosmetic tattoo artist.
I love their instant chemistry. Amy Andrews does a great job of turning an adversarial and awkward meet-cute into a comfortable and organic connection that slowly blooms into a sizzling romance. She also has taken such great care and thoughtfulness in navigating the story around such a delicate topic.
It has been a hot second since I read about the Sydney Smokes, and it is always great to fictionally see them again.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Amy Andrews, Entangled, and Netgalley for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
One of my favorite sports romance series releases a new installment, and you didn't think I was going to be here for it?
I don't think so.
Ronan Dempsey has set his sights on a large goal: making the US Olympic rugby team. Unfortunately, his partying ways are becoming the biggest obstacle to his dream. To motivate himself, he makes a celibacy bet with his teammates to keep himself accountable. So far so good until his apartment needed emergency repairs and he had to move into a family friend's pool house.
Orla Stewart has been living the life that Ronan aims to have. Losing her family to cancer has checking off every healthy habit box to lower the risks. She also has fortified the walls around her heart to prevent someone from having to experience the same grief she's felt from her loss. With Ronan temporarily moving next door, he seems to be slowly melting the thick wall of ice encasing her heart.
This book was a great spicy foray into taking chances for love. As much as I love Ronan, his easygoing personality, and his sweet romantic self, Orla stole the show for me. One can only imagine her traumatic experience and pray that life won't throw such a cruel hand at them. Yet, Orla perseveres through those hardships and manages to turn some of it around for good as a cosmetic tattoo artist.
I love their instant chemistry. Amy Andrews does a great job of turning an adversarial and awkward meet-cute into a comfortable and organic connection that slowly blooms into a sizzling romance. She also has taken such great care and thoughtfulness in navigating the story around such a delicate topic.
It has been a hot second since I read about the Sydney Smokes, and it is always great to fictionally see them again.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Amy Andrews, Entangled, and Netgalley for providing an ARC. **
April 10, 2023
Wow! Get ready for some sizzling chemistry, witty banter, emotional and heartbreaking moments as well as a fantastic meet cute! These characters try to resist temptation every step of the way until they can’t stop the heat they feel for one another. I couldn’t put this one down, it had me laughing, sighing, tingling, and crying. Bringing all the feels.
This is Orla Stewart and Ronan Dempsey’s story and I loved watching these two try to fight their sizzling chemistry as they try to keep their pledge of abstinence. Omg! Talk about some serious heat and lingering looks!
“She saw the same need in her, reflected back. Saw it lurk dark and desirous in the large circles of his brown pupils.”
I fell hard and fast for Ronan, an American living and making bank in his dream job, playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke, with hopes of making the US Olympic team. But my heart broke for Orla and all that she has endured. She is one amazingly, strong, independent woman who has dealt with a lot and is trying to live her life the only way she can, to survive. Watching Ronan bring down her walls and care for her, putting her first was seriously heartwarming…Heavy Sigh!!
I mean…seriously? Wow! Awed!
So what are you waiting for? You need this book NOW!
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
This is Orla Stewart and Ronan Dempsey’s story and I loved watching these two try to fight their sizzling chemistry as they try to keep their pledge of abstinence. Omg! Talk about some serious heat and lingering looks!
“She saw the same need in her, reflected back. Saw it lurk dark and desirous in the large circles of his brown pupils.”
I fell hard and fast for Ronan, an American living and making bank in his dream job, playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke, with hopes of making the US Olympic team. But my heart broke for Orla and all that she has endured. She is one amazingly, strong, independent woman who has dealt with a lot and is trying to live her life the only way she can, to survive. Watching Ronan bring down her walls and care for her, putting her first was seriously heartwarming…Heavy Sigh!!
I mean…seriously? Wow! Awed!
So what are you waiting for? You need this book NOW!
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
April 2, 2023
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Sydney Smoke series, and this book is no exception. This time there’s less focus on the relationships with the team & their partners, giving us more of a focus on Orla & Ronan. I thought that this was a good move, as Orla’s story is heartbreaking & Ronan and the readers get to see how strong and amazing she is. I loved seeing Ronan make the walls that Orla had put up come tumbling down, and seeing Orla realise this. I thought Ronan was accepting & compassionate, and I loved how he & Orla worked as a couple, even though they both fought this to varying degrees. Orla was such a strong & determined character, and while I loved seeing her articulate what she wanted, I also loved seeing her realise she didn’t have to be alone. From their meet cute to their happy ending, and all the steamy & emotional moments between, this was a delight to read.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Ronan Dempsey is an American rugby player playing for the Sydney Smoke. He has the goal to win a spot on the American Olympic team. Housing issues sends him to stay at the pool house of his mother's friend. There is meets Orla Stewart.
Orla has been given a raw deal in life. She has lost her mother and her sister to breast cancer, that could end her life as well. After an initial few years of going wild, Orla took action to mitigate the cancer percentages, including surgery and being militantly strict with herself regarding diet and exercise. She has kept herself closed off to protect herself from losing anyone else.
Until she meets Ronan. Sparks fly at their first meeting. Ronan seems to be physically perfect. Orla feels far from it. She can just make this a physical thing...right?
Slowly he tempts her to relax and eat the indulgent foods and have the emotional connection with someone else. Then reality hits hard with an injury for Ronan and a medical scare for Orla. Will this rip them apart or can they weather the storm and come out stronger together?
Amy takes us on a wonderful journey of love and trust, with lots of spice thrown in. It is great to see the team again. Can't wait for the next story.
Orla has been given a raw deal in life. She has lost her mother and her sister to breast cancer, that could end her life as well. After an initial few years of going wild, Orla took action to mitigate the cancer percentages, including surgery and being militantly strict with herself regarding diet and exercise. She has kept herself closed off to protect herself from losing anyone else.
Until she meets Ronan. Sparks fly at their first meeting. Ronan seems to be physically perfect. Orla feels far from it. She can just make this a physical thing...right?
Slowly he tempts her to relax and eat the indulgent foods and have the emotional connection with someone else. Then reality hits hard with an injury for Ronan and a medical scare for Orla. Will this rip them apart or can they weather the storm and come out stronger together?
Amy takes us on a wonderful journey of love and trust, with lots of spice thrown in. It is great to see the team again. Can't wait for the next story.
April 10, 2023
This is a great addition to the Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Ronan Dempsey is a rookie from America playing for the Sydney Smoke. He not only wants to prove himself for his team, he also wants to make the American Olympic team. He decides that he needs to focus on his career and decides he needs to be celibate to maintain focus. When his apartment has some structural damage, he goes to stay his mother’s friend’s pool house. Orla Stewart, is a cosmetic tattoo artist, who happens to be housesitting in the main house. Orla is also on the celibacy bandwagon, so their off the charts chemistry is problematic. This is a bit of a twist on the grumpy/sunshine troupe as Ronan is definitely the cheerful, upbeat one, and Orla fights what is happening between them every step of the way. Overall an enjoyable sports romance. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
March 31, 2023
Playing it Tough is a very sexy Amy Andrews book with an extremely important message about self esteem and self worth not only for cancer survivors, but also for those who carry the gene that put them at high risk. Tattoo artist Orla, is one of those who having lost multiple relatives decided to improve her survival chances through surgery. She hides her scars behind loose clothing. Rugby player Ronan wants to be selected for the US Olympic team so badly that he decides to forgo sex until the season ends for his team. Their attraction is almost instantaneous, but neither one wants to actually act on it. What transpires between these two is as hot as it is sweet and inspirational. This is a wonderful story of acceptance from both sides of this issue. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommended.
March 31, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book.
I'm a big fan of sports romances so it's not a big surprise that I liked this book. It's a standalone novel with likeable characters. It's not quite an enemy-to-lover book since they're not exactly enemies but it's pretty close. I did find the ratio of plot vs sex was a bit too much focused on the sex scenes. However, it did make me want to go fishing on a borrowed luxury boat. And if a handsome rugby player came along, I wouldn't complain. :)
Overall, I enjoyed this standalone book and will be checking out others in this series.
I'm a big fan of sports romances so it's not a big surprise that I liked this book. It's a standalone novel with likeable characters. It's not quite an enemy-to-lover book since they're not exactly enemies but it's pretty close. I did find the ratio of plot vs sex was a bit too much focused on the sex scenes. However, it did make me want to go fishing on a borrowed luxury boat. And if a handsome rugby player came along, I wouldn't complain. :)
Overall, I enjoyed this standalone book and will be checking out others in this series.
April 3, 2023
This is the 8th book of Sydney Smoke Rugby series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Ronan take celibacy pledge, he need to focus in Rugby. Then he meet Orla, pink hair tattoo artist with no bullshit and straight forward. Ronan fall first, first he think Orla is the test for his celibacy but when he get to know more about her, he adore and awestruck. After cancer hit her, Orla limit herself from party, drinking, procesing food and sex. She try to life healty and doesnt want to risk fall for a man. Ronan different, he accept her and want to be with her no matter how unperfect her body is. For Ronan it is more than lust.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#PlayingItTough #SydneySmokeRugby #AmyAndrews #EntangledPublishing #NetGalley #ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#PlayingItTough #SydneySmokeRugby #AmyAndrews #EntangledPublishing #NetGalley #ARC
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