Playing It Tough was a very different read than I was expecting. I knew there was going to be a focus on cancer in this book, but it was definitely more front and center than I was expecting.

Orla, is a cosmetic tattoo artist and she lives her life controlling as many things as she possibly can given that there have been many things in her life she has not been able to control. She's lost a tremendous amount throughout her life and so she holds tightly to those things she does have.

Ronan is an American rugby player who is playing in Australia. He's all about setting goals and doing whatever he can to reach and meet those goals. Currently he needs to move out of his apartment building for a few months while repairs are made and his mother connects him with an old friend of hers who has someone house sitting for them, but their pool house is available and he's welcome to stay there.

When Ronan meets Orla, the friend who is house sitting, the chemistry between the two of them is evident pretty quickly. It was wonderful to watch a friendship develop between these two, however an interesting complication as things began to change is that both of them have taken a vow of celibacy for very different reasons. It was lovely to watch how Orla not only had to learn to trust Ronan as she opened up to a relationship, but how she had to trust herself as well. These two characters were a strong support system for one another, which I think is so important.

This is one of the most unique sports romances I have read, and I've read a lot of sports romance given it is one of my favorite genres. While this was heavy at times, I am very glad I read it and appreciate the author writing the special book.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Playing It Tough by Amy Andrews, book eight in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series, is 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 with pink hair, facing terrible circumstances. Ronan has been focused on rising to the top of his career as an American rugby player in Australia, determined to get a place on the US Olympic rugby team. Orla has shut down her feelings, assuming no one would want her after having undergone radical medical interventions. After an awkward meet-cute that quickly turns to interest and an intense attraction, where both of them fight against their growing attraction. 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. The story focuses on developing trust and bonds in each other, overcoming barriers they construct around them, and the sacrifice needed when adversity strikes.

Ms. Andrews wrote a humorous, steamy, off the charts chemistry tale about two people, Ronan and Orla, who thought they had everything figured out only to discover they had more growing to do as they journey to forever love and an unexpectedly future together. The affects of cancer, as it affected Orla and many of her female relatives, was well dealt with in this story. I highly recommend Playing it Tough to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

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.

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.

Accidental neighbours turned friends with benefits turned lovers. This one really highlights how sometimes in our lowest moments it brings people closer together.

⭐️Spice
⭐️Chemistry
⭐️Celibacy Pacts

The chemistry between Ronan and Orla is palpable especially since each are on their own celibacy journey. Ronan as a bet with his rugby teammates and Orla as a means to be independent and self reliant.

Living so closely and with their undeniable chemistry, they of course spend time together and bend their celibacy pacts.

What starts off as just scratching an itch, Ronan first notices his feelings for Orla are more than just friendly. Orla on the other hand is hot and cold while she fights with her feelings and desires.

The realization for both Ronan and Orla comes to fruition after Orla has a health scare, and Ronan was there for her through it all. Orla has finally discovered that she doesn’t have to be self reliant and can enjoy life with someone else, and Ronan has discovered that there’s more to life than just rugby.

Orla is housesitting a gorgeous, large house, when a strange man appears. She takes him down - literally. Turns out he's an American Rugby player, who is in Australia to play for the local team.

Both have sworn themselves to celibacy. He to concentrate on the playoffs, she because she's had life altering surgery after losing all of her female family members to cancer.

They are strongly attracted to each other and find ways to scratch their itch without actually having intercourse.

This is a very touching story about a man who loves a woman completely, whether she is completely "intact" or not. I've never read a story about a woman who made very brave decisions to decide on life over surgery. And then finding a man who wants her, despite her pushing him away - repeatedly. Very uplifting.

Because of the explicit sex, this story is not for everyone but I do highly recommend the book for mature readers.

I think this is my favorite of the Sydney Smoke Rugby Series thus far. In addition to the (trademark Amy Andrews) super steamy romance between Orla and Ronan, Playing it Tough deals with some pretty topics of death and cancer. Amy Andrews did a superb job of recounting Orla's experience surrounding the realities of dealing with a hereditary cancer, her emotions and coping mechanisms. Great work incorporating a heavy topic while still retaining lightheartedness and romance.

I loved this book! It was hot, and yet the sweet parts his you right in the feels. Ronan is just amazing and Orla is a total badass. Now I have to go read the others!

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.

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

Easy read, with steamy scenes. I didn't realize it was part of a series, so now I have to read all of those books! Haha However, even though this book is part of the series, it can be read as a standalone. also, not to give too much away, but there was some tough topics within the book so just mind, your triggers.

I did like how the author handled the tough topic and created a safe space for the FMC to grow along with the MC's relationship through out the story. Really well done.

So much emotion!

American rugby player Ronan Dempsey has made a vow of celibacy to put all of his energy towards helping the team making the finals and possibly the next American Olympic team. But meeting tattooist Orla Stewart was throwing his plans out the door especially when she has been celibate for the last three years.

The heat between Ronan and Orla is blazing hot but there are so many walls between Orla and the world that Ronan has the melt down trying to get close to her. But you will need a few tissues when Orla lets Ronan within her walls and finally accepts that he loves her no matter what could happen.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Orla Stewart is a tattoo artist that is bold, sassy, witty, and full of charm with a passion is to help those wanting to cover up their scars with amazing art. The instant attraction between her and Ronan is off the charts and I love the banter. When she discovers that they have an unusual connection, will she use it to her advantage? Is she really a badass tough girl, or is there more to it? Can she overcome her fear of family history, or will it catch up and claim her next?

Ronan Dempey has dreams of playing in the Olympics and when his game is a bit off towards the end of the season, he takes a vow of celibacy to get him through the home stretch. Stay focused, avoid temptation, and prove to the guys he can easily make it two months without sex. It seems easy enough, right? What he doesn't plan on is relocating to a family friend's pool house and meeting his new roommate, the one woman whose charm he can't resist

I love these characters, the plot, and that this story takes us off the field and into a topic that can be difficult for some to read. This story is about overcoming a traumatic past while attempting to navigate an unknown future. Learning to trust and understanding that accepting help doesn't mean you've failed, it means you've learned how to live.

A great read with off-the-charts chemistry, banter about food and "not having sex" with a plot that delves into difficult topics that blend seamlessly into the world of rugby. I had all the feels - laughter, tears, and my heart squeezed a bit tighter. I hope that in a future release we get an update on these two, my favorite characters so far in this series!

I received an Advance Reader Copy for an honest and fair review.

Trigger warning - cancer and mention of scars.

As a diehard sports fan and romance lover (and Australian), the Sydney Smoke series has been a favourite of mine since I first discovered it (and binge read them all).

In the latest instalment, Amy Andrew’s doesn’t disappoint, whether as part of the series or as a stand-alone. Playing It Tough is a delightful but steamy sports romance, heavy on the emotion, but not bogged down by unnecessary conflict or miscommunication (three cheers for honest speakers!). Orla and Ronan are both fantastic characters, strong in their own right, but one’s who grow into a sense of vulnerability together.

This is a book about two people who “had it all figured out” finding out there was more for them to learn, more growing to do, more love to find along the way. Amy weaves some heavy topics (TW: death, familiar loss, cancer) through the character’s journey, but does so with a deft touch that prevents them from weighing down the story and character’s development. Ronan is the kind of supportive sidekick I know I want, regardless of the situation! If sports romances are you thing and you love an Australian setting (or the mental picture of it at least!) then this is one to get your hands on.

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.

I'm not always a huge fan of Amy Andrews's writing style and for some reason it bugged me more with this book than with some of her others. I don't mind the dropping of f-bombs, but they just don't come across as natural in the way the characters here use them - like they are just thrown in to add a heightened sense of emotion that couldn't be established through the page alone. As for the characters, I felt kind of bad for Ronan - no one is really supportive of his desire to stay celibate to help him focus on his game. It also feeds into the "men constantly have sex on the brain" trope that makes any man who isn't constantly seeking out sex seem abnormal. And Orla immediately setting out to make him fail in this endeavor did not exactly warm me to her. For someone who claims to be doing everything she can to stay "safe and healthy" she sure doesn't put much thought into who she sleeps with. The book does get good when these two characters stop jumping one another long enough to actually talk and get to know the other. Luckily the "break up-to-make up" sequence was short and didn't require a huge public show of affection - a nice break from these types of stories.

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.

Orla's and Ronan's story will touch your heartstrings whilst also being an easy-to-read story.
He's confident, warm, and driven. She's stubborn, strong, and scarred.
A vow of celibacy for different reasons, and a first meeting where sparks fly are just the start for Orla and Ronan.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Amy Andrews is the queen of sultry spice and characters you love and root for from start to finish. In this reverse grumpy/sunshine read, extroverted rugby star Ronan is literally swept off his feet by fiercely independent Orla, who mistakes him for an intruder and tackles him to the ground. Despite their strained meeting, both Orla and Ronan can feel the pull of their sexual chemistry but due to Orla’s traumatic past with losing her mother and sister to breast cancer, she does not date or do committed relationships. I loved every second that of this book as Ronan slowly chipped away at Orla’s resistance to their connection and HEA. The spice was so hot, yet incredibly mature and intimate due to Orla’s decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer herself. The sea side Australian setting was breathtaking and the rugby plot line added fun to this heartwarming romance!

There is something about this author’s writing that sucks me in right from the first page. Have some tissues handy as this one is a tear jerker. It talks about breast cancer and touches on the death of family members from breast cancer. I loved Orla and Ronan! I loved and laughed at the prickly reactions of Orla to Ronan. Ronan was such a hunky mashmellow. I swooned over the fact that Ronan was the first to come to his realization. It seemed like there were some hints as to the next couple to get their HEA. I can’t wait!