Ryder and Juliet were such a good pairing in this story. I liked both characters. Playing With Forever by Amy Andrews was enjoyable reading from start to finish, and another good instalment in the series.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

Amy Andrews delivers the ultimate meet-cute when a hot cowboy/rugby player goes searching for help with the possibly possessed Great Dane he’s dog-sitting. Playing with Forever starts off on a high note as Ryder and Juliet’s initial meeting has all the humor and crackling chemistry I’ve come to expect from Ms. Andrews’s work. What follows is a seriously hot story that’s enjoyable, though not quite as engaging as the first three Sydney Smoke Rugby books because the characters didn’t feel fully developed.

Ryder was a pretty likeable hero who quickly went from a playboy to a man head over heels for Juliet. Ryder is charming, good-natured, and seriously sexy, but I never felt like I got to know his character well enough for him to hold my attention. As for Juliet…I really wanted to like her. She’s a woman with a dream who has been through a lot, but again, I didn’t ever really get a sense of who she was beyond the basics. Because of this, her rather frustrating habit of getting irritated with Ryder over little things made me irritated with her more often than not as the story progressed. Juliet isn’t a bad heroine, but I wanted more. The romance is mostly based on sex and because there wasn’t a lot of depth to Ryder or Juliet it was difficult for me to understand why they fell in love. That doesn’t mean Playing with Forever is a bad story. Ms. Andrews’s writing is so much fun that even with the issues I had with the romance, I still liked the story well enough. The supporting cast – both human and canine – added personality to the story. Tiny the Great Dane threatens to steal every scene he’s in and I adored any scene that featured Ryder’s teammates. So while Playing with Forever had its ups and downs for me, I absolutely love the Sydney Smoke Rugby series and cannot wait for more hot rugby heroes.

Playing with Forever is a solid romance with unique plot and characters. Liked it a lot!

This was a fantastic sexy fun read! A hot rugby player, a beast of a dog named Tiny that stole the story, and the sexy little dog trainer that stole both their hearts made for one great story. Ryder and Juliet had great chemistry and the two characters worked amazingly well together. Once I started this one I couldn't put it down. And with the others in this series, the Aussie glossary that is included is almost as much fun as the story itself. Definitely a book I'm recommending.

It seems rare to find books where the Hero is all in and the heroine is the one resisting. Because of that, I usually enjoy these stories more. I loved that even though Ryder never really saw him self settling down with one woman for long, he recognized that Juliet was different. I loved this quote that Ryder explains to Juliet as to how he knows he loves her. "When you've been with a lot of women, you know when one is different, Juliet." It's not exactly romantic but it gets the point across. Unfortunately, Juliet has trust issues due to a past boyfriend using her, causing her to set her dreams aside for him. She doesn't want to make the same mistake twice, so Ryder had his work cut out for him to convince her he was different. On a side note, I love when an author has a dog in a story that is just as good as a side character. This has been a great series and I look forward to more. ARC provided by NetGalley.

“Where the hell did you learn to kiss like that, Ryder Davis?”
“We country boys are born knowing how to kiss.”

You know, I kind of half-expected to not love this book, given that I’d just read back-to-back five star reads. And then I opened it and ahhh, I was mesmerized by it.

Surely you understand what high praise that is? It’s not uncommon to find a book lacking when you’re coming down from the high of a great read, much less two great reads. But not Playing With Forever.

Nope, Playing With Forever made it a hat trick of five star reads for me.

It was fun and sexy, and had humor and heart and a ginormous, perverted Great Dane. Not to mention Ryder, cowboy-slash-rugby player, and Juliet, determined-yet-vulnerable dog whisperer. This book just flowed off the pages and into my heart, making me smile and swoon and, apparently, also making me a wee bit corny...

Ohhhh, and let’s not forget that this book made kissing and mild petting so, so freakin’ hot. I’m not kidding. If you like it when a book gives you that feeling—the dip in your belly, the ache in your center and the need to bite down on your lip—then you need to know what Ryder can do with a mirror and instructions to stay above the waist.

I’m having a hot flash. Hold on.

This is now the third book I’ve read from Amy Andrews, and she’s caught me every time. But this one, this one might just be my gold standard for this series; that’s how much I loved reading it.

Damn, but I feel sorry for the book that comes after this one…

“I don’t want you to have to choose between me and your lifelong dream, Juliet. I want to share your dream with you. If you’ll let me."

~ FIVE Tiny STARS ~

The dog is the star and the romance plays a close second in this immensely entertaining, laughably tempting, hard to put down romance. The sports star with the sexy physique and his pick of women is brought down to size by a mischievous pooch and a slip of a woman with big dreams and a talent for dog whispering. Playing With Forever is every woman's dream. To find a guy that may not be perfect, but is willing to take a chance all in the name of love.

DNF at 63%.

I tried twice to read this book but it just didn't work for me, not even a cute dog could keep my interest and I'm not sure why. Amy's Sydney Smoke series has been a bit hit and miss for me - two I loved and two I didn't like at all, sadly this falls into the latter category.

Ryder Davis is an Australian rugby player for the Sydney Smokes. Rich, good-looking and a national hero he has no problems attracting women. When the coach's daughter calls in a favour he is stuck dog-sitting the world's largest, and worst-trained, puppy.

Juliet Morgan is temping at the Dog Centre until she can afford to fulfill her dreams of living in Italy, just like she promised her mother before she died. When a hot guy arrives looking for dog obedience classes she is happy to assist, but she won't let him derail her dreams of travelling, been there and done that before.

And honestly, that's all I've got at nearly two-thirds through the book Juliet and Ryder have progressed to a short-term friends with benefits arrangement and that's about it. My gripe would be too much sex and just not enough plot. Actually, I've just realised that this is published by Entangled Brazen - the cover made me suspicious - that makes soooo much sense because that is my general complaint about the entire imprint. So my bad for complaining about what is more a feature of the publisher.

Anyway, I couldn't see this going anywhere so I gave up. I still love Amy Andrews' writing but I will definitely check the publishing imprint before I request.

Playing with Forever by Amy Andrews
A Sydney Smoke Rugby Novel #4

WOW! Steamy – HOT – Wonderful – A True Delight!

Ryder Davis is a rugby player – but oh so much more! He is a cowboy, a brother, a son, a friend, a people person, dominant on and off the filled and skilled in both arenas, too. He knows what he wants and he wants…

Juliet Morgan – she is into fine arts BUT working temporarily at a dog shelter when he walks in and is blown away by everything about her. He signs up for a puppy training class hoping it will assist him in dealing with the dog sitting he is doing BUT he also hopes it will get him closer to Juliet.

…and BOY did he get closer to Juliet! I loved the way Ryder and Juliet talked, teased, tantalized and tormented one another only to then completely satisfy one another without any inhibitions. Two strong characters that knew what they wanted and were more than able to verbalize their needs…Whew!

Juliet is leaving in eight weeks for Italy. Ryder is busy playing Rugby. With an expiration date on their relationship it can only be physical – right? BUT what if you meet the right person at the wrong time? Do you stick with your dreams or create new ones?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking for more books by this author. Her writing resonates with me. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

Please note: I received a copy of PLAYING WITH FOREVER from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

Five stars and here’s why:

I loved it! I had no idea how hella-hot rugby players could be, but Ryder Davis rocked my book world. He’s living the playboy dream until he needs help from sassy smart, dog whisperer Juliet and sparks ignite and clothes go flying. **fans herself** This book had all the feels. If you love sassy and sexy romance with a Great Dane sidekick, this book is for you. Highly recommend.

What a hot and fun story this is! I loved Ryder, Juliet and the infamous Tiny! Tiny is the star of this show! He's a ladies man for sure. The dog lends a lot of humor to the story in all the right places.

Ryder gets roped into "babysitting" Tiny by the coaches daughter, Val. He's a soccer player and a good one, but at heart he's still a country boy. Juliet works at the local animal shelter biding her time until she leaves for Italy in 2 months fulfilling a long time wish and she's got a few other goals in mind. Ryder and Juliet meet when Tiny walks Ryder right into her and she wraps both of them around her little finger. Juliet gives Tiny obedience lessons... she gives Ryder a few as well. A little discipline never hurt right? Ahem... yes well these two are hot and heavy and the chemistry is off the charts. Ryder has never felt about a woman the way he feels about her. She's, well, she's a little different. I'm going to leave it at that. There were times I didn't like her very much for probably the same reasons we don't like some men in books we read. Ryder was 100% in, which for someone so well known and a national sports figure and underwear model too..... is unusual. I loved the way he pulled her into his world and the things they did together were great. Juliet seemed to hold back a little, but when it came to the bedroom, car, wall, etc she was all in. Interesting twists and wow can Amy ever write the steam. Grab the fan and ice down! It's smoking.

Amy always writes a great story and this one is right up there at the top!! It's a must read.
4.5 stars

**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**

I really enjoyed this 4th book in the series. I liked #1, but loved #2 & #3. I didn't love this quite as much as 2, and 3, but it was still great, sexy fun!

Ryder Davis is a cowboy through and through. He grew up on a farm and only moved to the big city to realize his dreams of playing rugby professionally. He can't wait to get back to his family's land, once his playing days are over. He's a pro athlete, so he enjoys all the benefits that entails, including plenty of hot, willing women. He's never been inclined to settle down before, though he isn't against the idea as some of his teammates are. He just hasn't found the right girl. When he gets talked into dog-sitting a huge Great Dane puppy, who only seems to like, and listen to, women, he realizes he needs some major help. Before Tiny destroys his entire house.

Juliet Morgan works temporarily at the local animal shelter, and teaches puppy preschool classes. Her job is only temporary because she's finally realizing her dream, and moving to Italy in 2 months. Her mom raised her alone, and she was obsessed with Italy. She even named her daughter Juliet! But, sadly, her mom never got to Italy before she died, and Juliet is going to go no matter what. She might have let her ex knock her off her course, and use her, and her money, for the better part of 5 years, but no man is going to hold her back again. She meets Ryder at the shelter when he comes in for help with Tiny, and though she's attracted, she doesn't want to get involved.

Ryder and Juliet's chemistry was STRONG, and it was more than either of them could fight. They both agree to a no-strings fling, since Juliet will be halfway across the world in 2 months. But, when Ryder starts realizing he is having a change of heart, it complicates everything, big time. I liked their banter, and their interactions with the giant dog were hilarious too. Tiny was a total flirt, and was such a funny side character. More character than pet, for sure! As always, I loved getting glimpses of Ryder's teammates, who we've met in prior books. It's nice to see how things are going for them.

I liked Juliet, but she really ticked me off sometimes with how adamant she was about keeping things between them simply about sex. I get that she was protecting her heart, but every time she got irate about something stupid like a toothbrush at his place, I wanted to slap her face. I also got ticked at Ryder for not being honest, and just taking what he could get. I get that he is a dude after all, and even once feelings get involved, he's not going to turn down a sure thing, but I was a bit disappointed in him. They were so perfect together, and I was just constantly waiting for them to realize it too! After 4 books, the Aussie lingo isn't nearly as jarring for me as it was the first time, and the author always includes a glossary in the back, in case you get lost!

I really enjoyed this story, and I've been so happy with this series overall. I really hope there's even more to come!

4.5 Much More Than You Think Stars
* * * * 1/2
Amy Andrews... I bow to you. You have written a very insightful and fun tale with this fourth entry of the Sydney Smoke Rugby series. If you have read the other parts, you may have noticed the progression of crafting and heart Andrews has brought to it.

In this we have everything you could love... Ryder Davis, a man from the Country is living the dream... a Rugby Star, bikini babes, no financial worries, a place with a view to die for and anything he could want...at his fingertips. Ryder is doing alright...

Enter the game changer...

Legs for days..
Soulful eyes...
Huge personality...
And a beating heart you cannot say no to....

A force to be reckoned with...
It's Tiny...The Great Dane!

Ryder gets saddled with this monster of a Great Dane because the Team's Coach's daughter promised to dog sit. Only her roommate laid the hammer down and said no. Ryder now cannot say no to the daughter so he is stuck with Tiny.

Tiny does not like being kept out of Ryder's bed...so he makes sure Ryder knows it when his bedroom door to the living room is opened in the morning. Let's just say Tiny has gifted Ryder with his affection in many ways...torn throw pillows, chewed furniture and other delights.

This leads Ryder to the animal shelter down the road... for assistance... It is there he sees Juliet Morgan for the first time and is kinda gobsmacked.

There is this woman talking to a pooch she is bathing...water drenching her shirt in just the right way for viewing by Ryder...As Juliet towels off and asks Ryder what the issue is with Tiny, Ryder works hard not to be another dog checking her out...Because she is amazing...

Ryder explains he has the Dog from Hell possessed in every way...and Juliet bends down and Tiny goes in for the "Cute Kill" by nuzzling her chest...Ryder is having a Hard Time not pushing Tiny away and taking his place....

Of course, Tiny acts perfectly with Juliet causing a frustrated Ryder to say how Tiny is playing her...he really is the demon from hell. Juliet laughs and tells Ryder to come to the training class she does late in the afternoons. One is starting tomorrow. They end the conversation with Ryder saying he will be there.

Juliet watches the cute odd couple leave and she knows she will never see Ryder again... after all, why would she. All of her experience with men has been a disappointment. She gave up too much from the last relationship and from what she learned from it, men very rarely do what they promise.
She knew how important promises were and her mother never let her down. The roles were reversed when Juliet's mother became ill. She put every dream aside to take care of her.

Now she has made plans to finally go where she always wanted and where her mother wished for her, Italy. She has booked her trip and in two months she is gone from Australia. Juliet hasn't been dating or hooking up...but she does make a little bet with herself. If that hot guy shows to the dog training... then if she read the vibes right...she will indulge in the mental fantasies she had while talking with him...

But the chance of that happening is when pigs fly...

Juliet is setting up all of the owners with their pups when she senses Ryder before she sees him. Shocked beyond belief but happy as a clam to see him, Juliet greets Tiny with a huge hug and big grin for Ryder.

Ryder couldn't take his eyes off Juliet. What caught Ryder off guard and made him incredibly taken with Juliet from the start was that she had NO IDEA who he was. She talked to him like he was like any other guy... not a meal ticket or sports star...and it was refreshing to have a woman look at him that way... Ryder liked it and wanted more of it.

Tiny lunged for Juliet and started flirting with her again... and Juliet let him. But Ryder's and Juliet's eyes were locked on each other while it was going on. After the class, Ryder asked Juliet if she would do private training for Tiny. This idea allowed the both of them to have a way to indulge in more intimate time together....Ryder asks her back to his place for a beer/drink...She says yes but lets him know nothing is happening except maybe some kissing....and makes sure her roommate knows where she is going to be.

Ryder's high rise home was in an Art Deco building. The beauty was dear to Juliet's heart. Architecture was an interest of hers and having Ryder give her a tour was a natural way for the both of them to "get to know each other".

Side Note
It is here where I want to share how incredibly sexy Amy Andrews does this scene. She takes "Just Kissing and Action Above The Waist" to a level which could have been responsible for a level 8 earthquake on the Richter scale. The earth didn't just move... it shook, rattled and rolled...And it was only the beginning of this couple's chemistry. Be Still My Heart.

Thes two realize there is something cookin' between them but Juliet doesn't want to get into anything but fun and games... she only has two months to play with Ryder. Ryder hears what she is saying and they reach an agreement...Fun and Games and then she is gone to Italy.

But Fun and Games becomes more...It becomes friendship, caring and Ryder starts to think about Juliet as someone he doesn't want to lose...

This story was so good with the chemistry, the sneaky development of friendship/relationship and a realization there could be more.

Amy Andrews takes you on a ride that is more than Rugby and fun. It is sensual, smart and heartfelt.

Playing by Her Rules (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #1) by Amy Andrews Playing by Her Rules (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #1)
Playing It Cool (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #2) by Amy Andrews Playing It Cool (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Playing the Player (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #3) by Amy Andrews Playing the Player (Sydney Smoke Rugby #3)

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, but it was kind of mixed bag for me. It felt like the first half of the book was all sex and very little story. I've literally read erotica books with less sex than was in this novel. After the halfway point, the book developed a bit more substance with it's plot.

I've loved every prior book in this series and normally love the author's work, but for me, I'd give this one 3.5 stars (thus rounding up to 4). Having said that, fans of the author and this series will want to read this novel. The author is on my must read authors' list.

This was published by The Book Queen on 9/15: http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2017/09/jens-review-playing-with-forever.html

Playing with Forever is the fourth book in the Sydney Smoke series by Amy Andrews. All of the books feature strong likable heroines, hot professional athletes, and lots of sex-positive messaging. I’m a fan of this series, and it’s entirely possible to start with this book and work your way backwards if you think this book is for you.

The hero of Playing With Forever is rugby player Ryder Davis. Yes, he’s a handsome and rich professional athlete; but more importantly, he’s a genuinely likable good guy. His friend Valerie appears at the beginning of the book, begging for help with caring for a huge Great Dane named Tiny. Ryder is country boy who grew up on a farm, so, idk, I guess having a dog is not big deal. Turns out Tiny is poorly behaved and Ryder decides to try some obedience lessons. Sparks fly when he meets the trainer, Juliet Morgan. The wrench in the works is that Juliet is moving to Italy in 8 weeks. She was dumped by her boyfriend of four years, and that guy kept her from this lifelong goal of living in Italy. She is determined not to let a man get in the way of her dream again.

There’s so much I liked about this book. It’s funny and there’s great rapport between Juliet and Ryder, between the teammates on the rugby team, and between Tiny and just about everyone. Any romance that makes me laugh out loud several times is a winner in my book. Juliet and Ryder are both strong characters, and the chemistry if off the charts. Juliet is determined not to fall in love and insists their relationship should only be physical. Ryder’s never had a long term relationship, so he doesn’t think it will be a problem to keep their relationship light.

My favorite thing about this book was that it was absolutely sex-positive. Here’s a key exchange from early in their affair. Juliet confides in Ryder about her bad breakup. She tells him afterwards she “slept with a lot of guys in some kind of sick form of revenge. It didn’t really make his betrayal better, but it did expand my sexual experience exponentially.” First of all, I was thrilled that she has such a matter of fact attitude about her past. She’s not overwhelmed with guilt or shame: she knows what she was trying to do, understands it didn’t quite work, but has figured out the bright side. If she was a real person instead of a fictional character, I would have given her a fist bump and a shot of tequila. But I was expecting Ryder to be disapproving or disappointed--it’s pretty common in romance for men to get a pass for their sexual exploits, but for women to be shamed for them. Instead, “Ryder couldn’t help but wonder how magnificent she must have been back then, angry fucking every guy who crossed her path.” All he cares about is making sure she’s moved on, because he can already tell he wants to be more than another notch in her bedpost. There was not a single moment where either one judges the other for their sexual needs, whether they be past or present. Ryder and Juliet have tons of sex in this book, even sometimes when they are angry at each other. But all of it is just part of the evolution of their intimate relationship.

As great as that all was, if I had one wish for this book, it would be more scenes of them hanging out and getting to know each other. They really only go out on one “date” in the book, and they have a huge fight. In order to really believe two characters are in love, I usually need a little more about what they have in common. Yes, their chemistry is off the charts, and I’m all for sex positive characters, but intimacy is built in lots of ways other than sex and I wanted to see more of that. Either way, it’s obvious how much they respect each other. Juliet worries her plans to move to Italy will hurt Ryder; Ryder wants her to have her dream, but also to choose him. This is a satisfying romance with a believable conflict about two people who each want to fulfill their dreams and find a way to be together.

You don't have to know a thing about rugby (I don't) to love smoking hot country boy turned rugby star Ryder Davis. This is my third Sydney Smoke book and Amy Andrews is turning me into quite the rugby fan.

Like the other Sydney Smoke installments, Playing With Forever is sexy fun. As sexually charged as Ryder and Juliet are for each other, I loved the first few scenes where their sexy times were thwarted by a dog, her friends, and his rugby time. And when it was finally on, Ryder and Juliet were a combustible combination.

On the flip side, there could have been more exploration of their emotions before things were cranked up to the ILYs. As much as I adored Ryder, Juliet was a much harder sell. She is so determined to only use Ryder as a sex buddy that she loses her mind each time she thinks he's hinting for more. I was ready to write her off when she reacted so shrewishly to his offer of a spare toothbrush. So while I could see how Ryder could so sweetly fall for Juliet, I didn't feel the same of Juliet.

So great to see the other Sydney Smoke guys and gals; looking forward to more.

When I’ve thought about what I would say in this review, the first thing that has come to my mind each time is: murgh. Actually it’s more: murrrrrrrrgh, which I think is a result of dying brain cells.

Playing with Forever seemed like it would be right up my alley: hunky country boy turned superstar athlete who acquires a huge dog he can’t handle and must turn to the “dog whisperer” to make the world right.

Yeah, right.

That’s pretty much the story in a nutshell. Except, the dog whisperer doesn’t know anything about crates or dog dominance or probably even dogs. The superstar athlete can’t seem to see beyond her t&a. Favorite colors come up so I guess that’s something.

This, my friends, is pure lust-mance. Pages and pages of lust-mance in the guise of a novel. It’s well written lust-mance, mind you. If you want to read about two characters who do it everywhere like dumb bunnies, here you go.

This is definitely a “your-mileage-may-vary” since most rating on Goodreads are 4+. But, if you follow my reviews and tend to like the books I do, please consider the precious hours of your life you’ll never get back.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 “I have always been a sucker for a gentleman.” Stars

If you're looking for a light-hearted entertaining romance with a hefty dose of sexy, you'll not go far wrong with the fourth offering in Amy Andrews' Sydney Smoke Rugby series.

“This can only be sex. Just seven weeks of utterly debauched, completely strings-free sex.”

When it comes to mixing men and animals, Amy hits the spot every time and when Ryder Davis is lumped dog-sitting Tiny, a Great Dane with behavioural issues, he rapidly realises he needs help which comes in the form of Juliet Morgan. And it's not just the dog panting when around her.

"The man ticked all of her boxes. Compassionate, kind, thoughtful. But he was alpha as fuck on a rugby field. And in the bedroom. Or on a balcony. Or in front of a mirror. Or up against a wall."

Okay so it was a tad on the predictable side, but Ryder and Juliet were fantastic together with a chemistry that burns the pages from the moment they meet. I loved how Juliet owned her sexuality and was confident and honest in what she wants from Ryder, and I love a man who falls hard and, bless him, he fell from a spectacular height.

“I’m not going to fall in love with you. And you’re not going to fall in love with me.”

It's not quite my favourite of the books so far—Linc was always going to be a hard act to follow for me—however Amy is absolutely nailing this series and so begins the wait for the next instalment.

Though this is book 4, you do not have to read the previous books in the series. Being American, I didn't understand some of the words used, but the author did provide a glossary at the end to help us. The hero is a rugby star (though there isn't much actual sports in the book) with a misbehaving giant Great Dane named Tiny. The parts about Tiny were very funny and the best part of the story. The heroine is leaving, so the relationship starts with a deadline - leading to lots of hot sex. Overall, I very much enjoyed the book and would read another one by Amy Andrews.

Ryder Davis is stuck with a dog through a friend and is having trouble managing it and goes to a animal shelter looking for help. At the shelter he meets Juliet, a dog whisperer:). They are both attracted to each other and soon embark on a casual fling. Juliet has plans to go to Italy after 2 months and not interested in anything more.
I had so much fun reading playing with forever. The first half of the book had me smiling constantly, especially with the dog Tiny's antics. The chemistry between Ryder and Juliet was super hot. I have read all the books in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series and look forward to reading more.