This is a m/m romance- the very beginning of the book put out sparks for lots of steamy romance ahead. I feel like I felt the tension from page one. If your looking for two hot men who pulsate on the page, this is definitely for you! I would rate this a 3 out of 5. This ARC was provided by Netgalley for a fair and honest review.

WOW! I don't normally read MM romances, however, I LOVE Amy's writing and I have read all the other Sydney Smoke Rugby books so far. This was one steamy book! As all of Amy's writing, the book was well written with details and characters that seem real.

Thank you to net galley for the ARC. I love a good M/M sports book. This was part of a series but I didn’t feel lost in the story. This was also my first time reading this author. The story itself is pretty good and overall I did enjoy it. I give it 3.5 stars. All opinions are my own.

I love is good gay sports romance book. This is one of the better ones that I have ever read. I have never read a sports romance with rugby so this was new to new, but I loved it. The characters were well developed and the plot was not just about the romance so that was very nice. This is the first book by Amy Andrew I have read but I will be reading more.

New author to me and this book is seven in her Sydney Smoke series and from what I gather it’s a first time M/M book for her to write. I really enjoyed this story and now knowing that it’s her first time writing M/M I can see little things that I haven’t seen in other M/M books but nonetheless I think she has a winner on her hands. Donovan is the famous Rugby player and he is also keeping his feelings towards men under wraps until his career is over. Beckett is newly employed in the Finance department with the team and is open about his sexuality. Beckett has been burned before by someone who tried to hide their relationship and does not want to go down that road with someone who is not open about his sexuality. The problem is that since the first moment these two meet you can feel that undercurrent zapping away. As they are around each other more the stronger the attraction gets. Now the question is can Donovan risk his career by coming out? Will Beckett stay hidden until Donovan is comfortable? Also take in account that Donovan has a daughter from a past relationship and how will he navigate telling her? Questions I know! The chemistry was great with these two and the story was sweet and heart warming knowing that Donovan was dealing with all these emotions. It was a check for me and I am interested in reading the other books in her series.

"It was not better now. Not even close. Because now he knew how it felt to have Beckett's mouth on his skin and Donovan wanted more."

Donovan Bane is the big, bad Rugby player. Fierce on the field. Alone off the field. He gets to see his daughter on holidays and still had a great relationship with his ex-wife. But he hasn't had anyone to share his life with. He thought he could be alone until he retired from Rugby. Then he could come out and live his life exactly as he wants. That has become a harder option. Meeting Beck has changed everything. Giving him a taste of a life he wants.

Beck has never hidden his sexuality. He's been out and proud most of his life. Having to keep his relationship with Beck a secret is not what he's used to. He figures this is temporary. He can do this. Unfortunately, the more time he spends with Donovan, the more difficult it is to ignore his true feelings.

I loved this book. Amy Andrews is always a favorite of mine, and she did not disappoint with the story and the heat!

4.5-5 - but only because of the quick wrap-up at the end. This one was a pleasant surprise from a new to me author.

Playing it Safe proved to be a book of firsts. It was the first book that I’d read by Amy Andrews, so obviously, it was the first book that I picked up in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series (even though it was book 7 in said series. *sigh*) But it wasn’t just a first for me, from what I’ve read from other readers, it was not only the first M/M book in this series, it was also the author’s first book in this genre. That might or might not be a selling point for Playing it Safe for some readers. To be honest, I didn’t know any of this (except that I was picking up a book late in a series) before I made my request to read it.

If this isn’t the first review by me that you’ve read, you already know that I’m no stranger to the M/M genre. I’m also may have read books out of series order from time to time. *cough, cough* That doesn’t necessarily make me an expert by any stretch of the imagination. It does however give me enough experience to let readers who may be on the fence about Playing it Safe know that I know where some of your trepidation is coming from.

First, even though Sydney Smoke Rugby is an established series, I didn’t feel like I had walked into the middle of a group of people I knew nothing about and needed to catch up. That may or may not be because Beck was new to the series as well. It also may be because Playing it Safe centered solely on this couple. Donovan had a great support system with his team mates and their spouses, who he considered family. He was still a bit of an outsider though, mainly because there was a huge part of himself that he kept hidden from everyone. He had his reasons for staying in the closet and even Beck understood how important those reasons were.

Second, although this may have been Amy Andrews’ first M/M book, if I hadn’t read it in a review before I started Playing it Safe, it wouldn’t have been glaringly obvious. It also didn’t feel like a book that was written to add a gay character into the mix. Beck and Donovan’s relationship was totally believable and Donovan had worked so hard to keep that part of himself hidden, the whole story concept just felt right.

Basically, I adored Beck and Donovan. They both risked a lot in giving into their feelings and I loved the way their story played out. Honestly, the only reason that I didn’t give Playing it Safe a full 5 stars was because of how quickly everything was wrapped up in the end. It didn’t feel rushed though, I think it may have been a case of me just wanting more time with the characters after everything was settled.

I’m not sure whether or not I’ll go back and read the rest of the series, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be keeping an eye on anything else Amy Andrews may be offering readers in the future.

This is my first book with Amy Andrews and with the Sydney Smoke Rugby series as well. Which, was a bit dicey as a reader, because, Hello... this is the 7th book. But I saw that this was an M/M sports romance, with rugby (MEOW...) plus the previously strictly M/F series plus the author's first foray into writing M/M, and I'm just a huge sucker for a big gay virgin coming into their own sexuality... I couldn't help myself. Plus, I am just here for any and all queer inclusion into all the things.

Donovan Bane's whole life, besides his daughter, is rugby. He grew up knowing two things: 1) he loved rugby with his whole being, and 2) he was gay. And being that professional, elite-level rugby and gay do not mix, he had to make a choice. He put his sexuality on the back burner until he retired so he could play the sport he loved. Until he met Beckett.

Beckett Stanton recently hired on with the Sydney Smoke team in the finance office and lucked into a chance meeting with Donovan. As an out and proud man, he knows sexual interest but he also knows what someone still hiding in the closet looks like. Even though Donovan and Beckett have an instant spark, he subconsciously knows to keep their interaction casual. Beckett typically avoids any romantic entanglements with those in the closet as much as possible, but there is something about Donovan that he just can't help be ensnared by.

First off, a round of applause to Amy Andrews for penning her first M/M romance! I am super happy to see more inclusiveness in romancelandia as well as her aforementioned previously all M/F romance series.

As I said before, I am a huge sucker for a big gay virgin story. The feels, the deep-seated emotions, the firsts! Gah! Love. It. I FELT for Donovan. He was so structured, so controlled... you just can't help yourself waiting and hoping for the right person to come along and unwind all the tightly-wound control. Yes, I'm a thirsty girl. And while we didn't go down that whole D/s side (missed opportunity?) it was just as lovely to see the sweeter side enrapture the big mountain of a man. I know it's very cliche but with the half Maori and longer hair with the white scar bisecting the eyebrow, I just couldn't help but picture Jason Mamoa. 'Cuz, I mean, come on... it's Jason Mamoa.

What was I saying?

Oh, yeah, right. I loved how the relationship between Jason Donovan and Beckett progressed. They acknowledged the big gay elephant and their mutual attraction but still resolved to letting Donovan just exist as a gay man in actual real-life situations outside of smexy times. And while it was a great effort on both their parts, well we all know they set themselves up to fail. And I'm not mad at any bit of it.

I know what most of my M/M romance lovers are thinking, but how was the sex? Amy did a pretty good job of getting all the... details right. When it came to the time of actual penetrative action, it didn't follow the fairly standard 1,2,3 prep, but far be it from me to say anything in the bedroom is wrong or right. Every person has a preference. So, I'm sticking with 'she did a pretty good job with the details'.

Playing it Safe is the 7th book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series. I did realize that other characters from previous books were interacting and felt I wasn't getting the full backstory significance, but I didn't feel that I was out in the cold or really missing anything specific per se. I feel that you could absolutely pick this up and read it as a stand-alone if you so desired. That being said, I do want to go and read the series in order now. lol.

I definitely recommend this book for those that love a good, steamy, sports romance. There's just something about rugby players. I think it's the thighs.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

I love Amy Andrews and this one did not disappoint. I loved Donovan and Beckett! If you are new to LGBTQIA+ romance, this is a great place to start.

This M/M romance was a first for Amy Andrews. Keeping that in mind, I think she did a great job, but it wasn’t on par with her other books.

The relationship between the two male characters was extremely Insta-love/insta-boner, and I just couldn’t feel the connection between the two. But that could have something to do with the length of the book. It was a quick, short read with little time for the characters to build a relationship rather than jump into one.

There were a few moments that I wanted to see play out on the page, but they were passed over and explained as ‘this happened’. For example, a touching and powerful moment could have been the conversation between Donovan and his family/daughter when he decides to come out.

Overall I loved the premise and Amy Andrews writing. She will always be one of my fav’s.

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is book 7 of her Sydney Smoke Rugby series and the first I read. This can be read as a standalone with no worries, as I never felt lost while reading. Donovan has a secret he intends keeping secret for now. He is a top Rugby player in a premier league and the last thing he wants is to jeopardize his career or family by coming out as gay. He is not ashamed but has led a life where no one has known. He is going to finish playing, retire and come out. Easy enough, right?

Then he lays eyes on Beckett and everything changes. He does not want it too, but Beckett changes everything. Before he knows it’s, Beckett has become very important to him. But can Beckett stay a secret when he is out and living his life? Donovan struggled with what he wants and thinks he needs. Beckett is caring and patient but trying to protect his heart as well. How will it all end? This was overall a touching and emotional read.

Happy reading!

3.5 Sweet Stars

An enjoyable M/M romance, with likeable characters and a solid plot. There's great sexual chemistry between the mains, but at times the dynamics seemed a little forced or cliche. The opening caught my attention, but at approx 25% through, I did find myself putting the book down several times. However, I'm glad I persevered as the pacing picked up.
Some great banter and a decent job at covering the theme of coming out.

Book Seven in Sydney Smoke Rugby, Playing it Safe is a fabulous addition to the series.
Donovan and Beckett are both great guys and characters and the story is well-executed and engaging.
This is the first m/m book in this series and I loved it and look forward to reading many more books by this author.

I did not realize this was a M/M romance when I requested the ARC. I am not interested in reading it.

Playing it Safe, book seven in the Sydney Smoke Rugy series by Amy Andrews is her first endeavor with the M/M genre and she did not let her readers down. Donovan and Becket are total opposites; one a closeted, strapping, hot rugby player with a daughter and ex-wife and the other an out of the closet, proud to be gay, handsome CPA. These two share an amazing, off-the-chart chemistry, electricity, and magnetic attraction. This story has it all, an amazing slow burn build up, mutual respect, consent, shared hopes and fears as Donovan and Becket explored what was drawing them toward each other. It was difficult understanding Donovan’s over-thinking all the time. Ms. Andrews delicately explored all the things at stake if Donovan came out: his career, unwanted pressure on the team, the impact on his daughter, Miri, the entire media circus. At the same time, it’s difficult not to move forward when one falls in love; sometimes even worth all the craziness that ensues.

Ms. Andrews hit on everything I love about sports romances and opposites' attract tropes in this book. She provided a tale with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-love scenes, well defined characters and fabulous secondary characters supporting Donovan and Becket. I highly recommend Playing it Safe to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

***5 Stars***

This book was exactly what I needed and didn’t even know it (So, yay me for clicking that little button, but then again, it is a series about rugby so it wasn’t all that difficult to do).

It had me grinning, swooning and drooling, like a fool the entire time and even when the growlies happened, I was still all in and in total adoration of Donovan and Beckett.

So, yeah, I adored Donovan and Beckett. Donovan is dedicated, laid back and an over thinker (something I totally understood) and at a crossroads in his life. But what I really liked was how honest he was with himself at every step. Beckett was a lot of fun because he totally owned who he was. He had this light and ease about him that drew me in and had me wishing we could be friends in real life.

Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. Yes, Donovan had a lot to work through on his end, but they had a connection, a chemistry that had me rooting for them from the moment they met and I really liked how everything played out and worked out for them in the end.

I have to admit that I haven’t kept up with the series, but though I have missed a couple of the books, I wasn’t lost and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with the team and their families. The angst is low in this one and very character driven, which I really liked because both had enough to deal with on their own without outside crazy going on. Also, I’ve become a huge rugby fan in the last few years (thanks in part to the USMLR and there being a team based in my city who I fully support as well as being an AB’s fan for the last decade or so) so I was totally connecting with Beckett when he watched the Smoke play, because it is definitely something to experience whether its live or on TV.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and quick MM sports romance, then this is a definite must click for you!

~ Copy provided by the publisher & voluntarily reviewed ~

3.75 / 5 stars!

Playing it Safe is a sweet M/M romance following Sydney Smoke rugby player, Donovan Bane, and team accountant Beckett “what’s his last name” Stanton. I was immediately enthralled by just how charming both of them were; Donovan being quiet and unsure, to Beckett’s vibrant, yet kind understanding. Their budding relationship was swoon-worthy and I loved their (steamy) dynamic was with each other!

This book reads like fanfiction - and I mean that in the best possible way. It was concise, but well developed, dripping with character development and top-tier steam. I absolutely flew through this book and couldn’t put it down - I had to keep moving on to the next chapter to learn what would happen next.

I believe this is Amy Andrews’ first M/M romance, and I think she did a good job with it. There were a couple of lines that I thought were too obvious, specifically in the beginning, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story one bit.

Even though I know next to nothing about rugby, I feel obligated to pick up the other books in this series, so I guess here we go!

Thank you SO much Entangled Publishing for this advanced reader copy!

This is Amy Andrews first M/M romance and after reading Playing It Safe I’m wonder why she has ventured into this genre before now because Donovan and Becks romance is up there with the best M/M romances of the year. This really shows how talented and diverse this author is.
Donovan Bane is playing a game he loves, he is at the top of his career but he has been hiding his sexuality his whole life, he has excepted a future without a partner and makes up for this by spending time and loving with his teammates families.
Beckett “Beck” Stanton has just joined the Sydney Smoke working in the finance dept and this is where these two meet. The attraction is instant and the connection is strong but Beck knows Donovan is hiding his sexuality and add in the fact Beck is not looking for a relationship over being burnt in his last, it seems these two are not meant to be. But fate has a plan and it’s a lift on a rainy night that makes them realise the chemistry and attraction is to hard to resist but will that be enough for Donovan to come out of the closet. Guess you need to read the book to find that out…..
This book ticked all my boxes, I smiled, I swooned and I held my breath as I found myself engrossed in this steamy, entertaining journey. I adored the characters and I loved the story and I highly recommend this read to all M/M romance lovers.

Amy Andrews writes fabulous stories, she has a way with words that bring out the best in the characters and make them very easy for the reader to make friends with and this time in this awesome series we get to really know Donovan Bane and the turmoil that has been with him for many years and his plan for the future that will be turned upside down when Beckett walks into his life.

Donovan has a daughter that he loves but rugby is his life, for now he has kept his sexuality secret and plans to keep it that way till his career is over that is until he meets Beckett and his heart is pounding and his blood is running hot, never has he felt this way before and it appears the feeling is returned.

Beckett Stanton is proud to be gay and has never hidden the fact he is single at the moment and just started a new job at The Sydney Smoke and at a café at lunch time he meets Donovan and he is instantly attracted to this gorgeous man, Beck wants nothing more than to get him into his bed but he feels that something is holding Donovan back.

It was way too hard for either of these men to ignore the chemistry between them and Donovan is so determined to stay in the closet and he is so innocent in the ways of gay men and Beck wants nothing more than to help this awesome guy so friendship is what they start with and it is to be PG all the way, until it got too much and their emotions were flying and they came together.

This story is smoking hot, it sizzles but is so wonderfully written with such emotion and feeling as Amy Andrews does, I loved both Donovan and Beckett these guys are such loving caring guys and the love for each other brings so much joy, this is a story that I would highly recommend, I loved it.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

This is my first Amy Andrew's book, it's her first foray into MM romance, and I found myself pleasantly surprised. The MCs were both likeable sorts, especially Donavan who is trying to get by as best he can. I could totally understand his quandary, how accepting is sport today with regard to gay people? Not really very much! Amy gets round this very well, Beckett is a star and helps Donavan find his way. A well written story, with lovely ending.