Yet another great installment in Amy Andrews' Sydney Smoke Rugby series. I was waiting for Em and Lincoln's book with very high expectations, and I'm glad to say they were all met. I loved their chemistry, and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments in this book. I'm definitely going to keep reading this series.

I love this series and these rugby players so much. This one is filled with sexiness, sweetness, and lots of fun. I loved the dates, and the helping out. And let’s not forget the locker room!

I loved Lincoln and Em together. I read the first book in the series, but not the second, and I didn’t have any trouble with this one; it’s easily read as a standalone. I don’t really remember Lincoln from the first book in the series, but that wasn’t a barrier to reading this one, either.

I was a little hesitant to get into a book with a bet as an initial setup, but it ends up being almost completely irrelevant as a plot point, and Em’s reaction to it when she inevitably discovers it cemented her status as a recent favorite heroine. And, frankly, the opening chapter didn’t really do the book any favors, either. I think it was supposed to show us the close relationship between the guys, but they actually ended up coming across as jerks. I wasn’t sure if this was going to work for me.

But once Em and Lincoln are together on the page, it improves by leaps and bounds. Even though they were both young, just twenty-three years old, they’d both been through enough in their lives that they’d grown up quickly. They were both self-aware and confident without being nearly as cocky as Lincoln came across in the beginning. Don’t misunderstand, he was cocky, but it wasn’t the asshole cockiness I’d been expecting. It was more funny cocky. And I do love a man with a sense of humor.

Em was delightful. She’d made a decision to go man-free until she could figure out what was wrong with her picker, but even she couldn’t resist Lincoln. And I loved that when she decided to go for it, she just went for it. She thought about it, it wasn’t an impulsive decision, but she didn’t agonize over it. It was supposed to be just sex, after all, and where’s the harm in that?

My biggest issue with the book was the inevitable breakup toward the end. Even though I appreciated how mature both of them were most of the time, the fact is that they’re only twenty-three. They’ve known each other for less than six months, and they’ve been dating barely two. It was a little over the top to break up at such an early point because of something that may or may not ever happen. They’re discussing a ten-year plan, and when Linc doesn’t agree with Em about certain points, she immediately she breaks the relationship off rather than “…give up ten years or, hell, even another day of my life…”. It took away a little of the enjoyment I had with the rest of the book. It’s not rational to expect anyone to have the same opinions at 33 that they had at 23. Even Em admits she’s looking way, way down the road, so it was silly to insist that he agree with her right now about the rest of their lives or she was out. She refused to even attempt to look at his point of view. If he didn’t come around to her way of thinking, that was it. When even your best girlfriends are telling you that you’re in the wrong, you need to take a good look at what your’e doing.

Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. It was short, around 170 pages, so there wasn’t a lot of room for much personal development, which I think hurt it a little, but it didn’t ruin it. I just would have liked a little more time with Em and Lincoln, and I think it would have helped them both, too.

I loved that Amy Andrews included a glossary in the back for the Australian terms that the rest of the world may have been confused by. There were several of them that I had been confused about, and it was enormously helpful.

Linc is on the Sydney Smoke Rugby team. Linc thinks he has the perfect life: rugby, money, and woman. Linc doesn’t believe in love and marriage.Em is a H S science teacher. Em is sick of casual sex and relationships not getting serious. She decides not to have anything to do with sex until she finds a good man. But then Em is very attracted to a guy that she is sure is not good nor likely to have a serious relationship. Linc asks Em out several times but she keeps saying no. She does want Linc but she feels she needs to stay to looking for the good gut. Linc and em seem to have a lot in common and their upbringings were a lot alike. They had both faced abandonment when they were young.
I liked this story a lot. At times I chuckled . Also there was no huge drama I felt this was well written. I did feel the ending was rushed. But there was a lot of twists and turns and I loved that. I also loved the fact that there was a glossary showing the meaning of the “ Aussie” words. I was happy to see Em and Lic together. I also liked the way Linc and his team interacted. I also liked that Em didn’t hold the bet against Linc I loved how Linc tried to Guess what Em’s full first name was. So all and all I really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

This Rugby romance sizzles with hot action, great characters, a plot that moves and when you get to the last page...you'll wish for more!

When a bet goes wrong will Lincoln discover that the one thing he really wants is priceless?

I never knew I liked rugby until I read this book!! Cute teacher and hot rugby star!! Awesome mix to make a great story! Loved it!

This was my first book from Amy Andrews but it won't be my last. I enjoy a good sports romance and this book fit the bill for me. This is the third in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.

I liked Linc. He definitely had the sexy factor going for him in my opinion. He had a flirty side for sure, but he had a serious and sweet side, too. I definitely understood the pull Em felt for him; he definitely was good book boyfriend material. There were a couple of moments where I had to remind myself of his age-which I don't normally do in a book, but it all worked out.

Em had me chuckling as she tried to resist Linc. The heat between them sizzled through my kindle so I knew it was just a matter of time before she gave in to the attraction. I liked her attitude, her belief in her ideals, and her determination to stick with them. I appreciated her growth in the book as well.

I liked the flow of this story. I liked the secondary characters-I adored the whole team in fact. I enjoyed them enough to want to go back and read the first two books in the series and look forward to reading what else Amy Andrews has to offer. I would recommend this book

Playing the Player is Book 3 of Amy Andrews' Sydney Smoke Rugby Series

Amy Andrews was a new author to me and I started off by reading the first two books in this series (which I liked) and I enjoy her writing style. Entangled books never let me down because they are a quick read that draw you in and usually have the right amount of fun, passion, heat and angst.

The character of Linc definitely comes off as a player and a man-whore, but I am quite partial to a story where the bad boy finally meets his match in the form of Em, a teacher who has sworn off men. I am from the Southern Hemisphere, so I loved all the rugby references and lingo.

This was a good addition to the series and I definitely looking forward to what comes up next from Amy Andrews.

ARC received in exchange for honest review

STEPHANIE'S 4 BLUSH REVIEW


A fun and flirty quick sports romance centered on an Australian rugby the “Sydney Smoke.” The team is full of hot, hard muscled, alpha jocks. Lots of testosterone and lots of c’s: charming, confidence, cool and cocky.

This is book three in the series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The story focuses on Sydney Smoke’s hot rugby player Lincoln Quinn, and Em Newman, sexy science teacher/nerd.

Linc & Em have similar backgrounds but have taken away different life views. Linc wants to live carefree; women, rugby and gambling. Em wants more. She wants marriage and commitment.

“I’m over men leaving me for something shinier somewhere else.”

“So you’re holding out for Mr. Right?”

“No. I’m hanging out for Mr. Worthy.”

A quick paced, fun read. Very sexy times and of course the twist. I enjoyed the banter between Linc & Em. I look forward to the next book. Hopefully, it will be a little bit longer.

Nicole's 4.5 Blush Review

Lincoln Quinn might be one of the hottest Aussie rugby players I've ever read. Arrogant, incredibly talented, tatted up with a chiseled chin that is Lincoln Quinn, the back-rower for the Sydney Smoke. He loves a challenge, throw in a wager and he can't say, "no." Em Newman knows all of this and still wants him. He's exactly the kind of guy she has absolutely NO business getting involved with. He doesn't want forever and she does. It's why she has to stay far away from the likes of Linc Quinn. She has been loved and left one too many times and she just isn't going to take that anymore. It's all well and good except for the incredible chemistry that she and Linc share. From the get go, you want them to get together because you KNOW that when they do, the sparks will fly, butterflies will take flight and hearts will melt.

I really enjoyed Playing the Player. It was a quick, fun read. Linc and Em are 2 very likeable characters, and there was just enough heat to make a girl blush! I didn't know until I'd finished the book that this story is part of a series! Clearly, it can stand on its own. That said, I've already added the rest of the series to my TBR.

WOW WOW WOW SMOKING Hot Rugby Players
I am mildly err Okay I will be honest here Extremely obsessed with Amy Andrews Sydney Smoke Rugby Series. The world she has created and the characters are phenomenal. I absolutely love it all. I Love Linc and Em’s Story.
Linc a cocky arrogant Alpha living life to the fullest. Em a chemistry teacher trying to stay unattached after a horrible breakup.
Well life had different plans for these to and the chemistry between them was undeniably Smoking Hot. Linc swore he would never fall in love and Em swore the same thing. What they thought was just going to be a onetime hookup turned into so so much more but getting through the obstacles was a different thing. This was a great story of finding oneself and happiness even if it goes against all the rules you originally set for yourself. I cannot wait for the next installment to this series each book seems to get better and better.

I loved Em and Linc's story--there's nothing more satisfying than a player finally falling for the one, amirite?

Okay, yes, Linc was a total man you-know-what throughout books one and two of the series ( Playing by Her Rules and Playing It Cool ) and speaks of it proudly in the opening scenes of this one. And yeah, the impetus for Em and Linc getting together here is (kind of) an ill-advised bet. However, he's pretty much a one-woman-man from the first page through to the last--before they get together and while they're mired in their darkest relationship moment, he doesn't even think about other women. And even though Linc takes the poker night bet, it's never really a part of why he pursues Em; when it eventually comes to light she knows better than to be worried about it (which made me really happy--I was pretty worried that we'd spend an inordinate amount of time on this nonissue.)

I should have known better than to worry, though--this is an Amy Andrews book! Instead of the same-old-same-old pretty much pointless drama, we have a developing relationship between two adults that both made me laugh out loud on one page and reach for a fan to cool down on the next. And then the grand gesture at the end? OMG, le sigh. Absolutely perfect.

I still know next to nothing about rugby--how many people are on a team, again? (and yeah, I only want to know to get a ballpark figure of how many books to expect in the series ;))--but I sure do enjoy reading about the fictional guys who play it. Add in a wealth of Aussie-isms (many of which are conveniently defined in the back of the book--some of the used in a sentence bits made me snort-laugh a little) and I am 100% sold. How long do I need to wait for #4?

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Lincoln Quinn is a well known rugby player for the Sydney Smoke. He loves the game as well as hanging out with his teammates. He doesn't plan to tie himself down. No wife and family for him. He plans to play the field. He's attracted to Em, but she constantly rebuffs him. She doesn't want a fling. She wants it all - love, marriage and a family. To win a bet, Linc pursues her, but the jokes on him when he falls for her. What happens next is a passionate romance between the Rugby super star and the intelligent school teacher. I liked that they have an immediate connection. When they're together the temperature sores. The chemistry is amazing. Unfortunately they each have past issues that may keep them apart. I liked both Em and Linc. They are perfect for each other. I just wasn't sure how their romance would end. It was enjoyable to see the other Sydney Smoke players. They are a rowdy but loveable group. Amy Andrews knows romance and rugby. I loved reading Linc and Em's story. I enjoyed seeing another Smoke player bite the dust!
A copy of this book was provided to me. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

I've become pretty partial to rugby romances lately, and Amy Andrews is high on my list of go-to authors when it comes to mixing sports and steam in fun and exciting romances. I really enjoyed the first two stories in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series, in which secondary character Lincoln Quinn is clearly a man set on experiencing all the action he can get while advancing his rugby career. In Playing the Player, there's one woman who just doesn't seem to be into him at all, something he can't quite wrap his head around. Em Newman, a high school teacher and friend of one of his teammate's girlfriends has rebuffed him at every turn. Never able to resist a bet, he's easily goaded into putting down money that he'll be able to convince Em to loosen up and do the wild thing with him within two months. But this player is about to learn that in the game of love, the only winners are the ones who make it to the goal line together.

I love a hero in pursuit theme, and that's what we get here with Linc going after Em with a single minded determination. At first, it's because of the bet, but it's not long before he has put thoughts of that aside in the realization that he really likes Em and wants to spend time with her – in and out of bed. He's also a good guy hero with a kind heart, and while he may have a bit of an ego, Em is pretty capable of taking him down a peg or two. His flirt texting and phone calls had me laughing out loud and combining that with his attention to being the best damn lover Em has ever had puts him clearly at the top of my book boyfriend shelf.

Em is serious about her next boyfriend being 'the one'. She wants marriage, kids, the whole nine yards. She knows that Linc isn't looking for anything serious and tries hard to resist temptation. But when he agrees to run a rugby clinic at her school in exchange for a date, she realizes that letting loose and having a little fun wouldn't be such a bad thing. The result is some explosive scenes, hot and steamy sex (shower scenes included!), and two people who quickly can't keep their hands off each other. But just because they've finally done the deed, it doesn't change how they feel about marriage (a definite no go for Linc and a yes, please for Em). Even when they get to the point of revealing their feelings for each other, if there is no compromise their relationship won't last long. You'll have to read it for yourself to see how they sort things out, but rest assured, they get their happy ending. I loved the scenes on the pitch, the bromance between Linc and his teammates, and the banter between Linc and Em. I'm officially naming this one my hottest read of January 2017 and I'll be keeping my eyes out for more sexy, steamy fun from Amy Andrews!

This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo, and will be posted on goodreads when the blog link goes live.

Review by Elizabeth for Love Romance Books Blog

This book was given to me for an honest review.

3 stars.

I expected something different from this book. I love the sports romances, the ones that the athlete is such a player and finds the girl of his dreams, screws up, tries again, fails again, and then makes it. This book didn't come across this way. It started as a bet, a bet between team mates, because no one could ever see Linc settling down and he been shot down by Em so many times, so it seemed impossible, so he took the bet. The story had a good summary when I picked it to read, but I feel the story fell flat. Linc never was player in this book. He decided to take the bet and that is the only girl he went for, no past girlfriends, flings, or one night stands came up, and there was little drama in this book. It was all about Em after chapter 1. So that puts me in a bit of a predicament, the story I was looking for and the one I read. The story I read was truly something that had me thinking I was not going to make it through. I never connected with Em. She didn't make sense to me at times. She liked Linc, but didn't want that type of guy. When she had him she wanted more, even though you could see Linc was giving all he had. Em wanted the fairy tale and I understand why, but not after a month or two. If you are going to change a player, it is going to take awhile. Linc just wanted to have fun, this bet was a way for him to have fun, but how do you do that after you fall for the person you were suppose to just win a bet with. Linc was what kept me going in this book. I liked him. He knew what he wanted and went after it. That is why I finished the book. He was fun watching grow up during the book and worth the read.

I met Em and Linc in Playing It Cool and was more than intrigued by Linc. I wondered if he would ever score with Em after witnessing the epic crash and burn in that book.

Em has some daddy issues that led to her latching on to any man who would give her a little attention, who then would always end up leaving her. She finally realizes her problem and decides to take a break from men and relationships. She’ll only lift the man-ban for the right kind of guy… the forever kind.

Linc, a man-whore extraordinaire, is definitely not a forever kind of guy. Having never been shut down so hard and so many times, he considered Em a challenge.

Men will be men and a bet is made as to when Linc will finally score with the elusive Em and he sets off more determined than ever to charm her. At the same time, Em’s unwavering resolution against players like Linc will make it that much harder.

When a man completely against commitment decides to chase a woman completely against casualness… well, you get one hell of a ride. Linc and Em spending time together will turn into something neither had ever expected, but unless they work through their issues and differences nothing much can come out of their explosive attraction.

Like the previous book in the series, I found Playing the Player charming, hot and sexy, with hilarious banter and a great cast of characters. I really liked how the author took on the whole bet thing, and how we got to witness both Linc and Em’s growth through the story.

Linc was a super hunky rugby player, cocky, charming and definitely bossy. Em was snarky, sweet and funny. I liked them both as much together as I did as individuals.

I’m on the lookout for the next Smoke hottie to fall… the only thing I ask is that I get an epilogue at some point. Pretty please?

Rating: 4 “There are curtains in my heart now” Stars

“What happened to brotherhood?”

“Dude” Bodie glanced at the contraband in Linc’s hands. “Leopard print panties.”

4.5****

I have to say first and foremost that the name Lincoln and the nickname Linc has got to be one of my favorites. I haven't read one yet that I don't love. The chemistry between Em and Lincoln was off the charts. This was a very sexy and fun read. I liked how they connected emotionally and physically. Lincoln turned out to be such a sweetheart of a guy despite his player ways. Em seemed to bring him to wanting more than playing the field. She was the recipient of some pretty hot and touching moments. I adored them together. And the ending was super sweet. I am loving this series and these characters.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

4.5 Stars
Another great book in this series! Linc the playboy of this group of rugby players is about to meet his match. Em has sworn off men, but it's getting harder and harder to resist Linc. I was sucked right into this book. The characters are great with the right combination of humor and personality. Things get quite steamy between Linc and Em. They have a lot of chemistry. I hope there is more to come from this series.

4 stars

Playing the Player was a fun, sweet and steamy read, I really enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the storyline, I enjoyed the characters, both Linc and Em were entertaining, funny, smart and passionate people who together made a great couple.
I loved watching their relationship develop, what started as a bet for Linc soon became so much more. He never expected to have such strong feelings for Em.

Overall, Playing the Player by Amy Andrews is a well written, highly entertaining and steamy read.
A wonderful addition to the Sydney Smoke Rugby series and I highly recommend it!

Purchase Links:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2kFWNo3
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/2jJefb9
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2kFMdl9
iBooks - http://apple.co/2kFJ5p9

*Thank you to the publisher/author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*

***ARC Provided by the Publisher***

I enjoyed this one. Em and Lincoln were fun, and funny, together and separately. I liked who they were as people, I liked how dedicated they each were to making something with them work...even though it took a bit for them to get on the same page with this.

Sometimes, it is fun to read a book that is easy, that flows, and that you enjoy. There was nothing about this book that made it all that full of angst, and the issue with the 2 of them was both a little predictable and also felt real at the same time.

The writing was strong and the characters both realistic and consistent. I liked the mix of gentleman and player in Lincoln, and the mix of free spirit and traditional woman in Em.

And, I loved her name...once it was finally revealed.

The pacing was mostly strong, you were able to follow along without feeling like the book dragged at any point. There were, however, a few places where I thought the narrative skipped over an event that I would have liked to have been present for, and that made it a little tough to filly invest in this one.

I didn't read the 2nd in the series, and this is enough of a standalone that you don't need to in order to be able to follow it.

I do recommend this book.

Amy Andrews does it again! Spectacular book, spectacular series! I was highly amused thru the entire thing. What could possibly go wrong when you go after a girl based on a bet ?!?! Let the games begin ....

I loved this story for its characterization. These are young people. They think they know it all. That's just how 20somethings are, right?! Now I'm normally not a huge fan of this age group because they make me want to poke my eyes out with an ice-pick, but I rather enjoyed Linc and Em. They were super sexy and entertaining. And the more one pulled, the more the other pushed. And best of all, little to no drama! LOVED IT!

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