I wasn't entirely sure about this book at first. I loved the description; any book with an atypical hero or heroine is a lure for me. But for the first third or so, the story and the characters felt a little flat. It was all about Orla's walls and Ronan's extremely hard appendage, both complicated with their respective celibacy vows (and loose interpretation of said vows). In fact, I started skimming for a bit.

But I'm glad that I stuck with it. Eventually, the two became more three dimensional, and Ronan in particular started to show remarkable maturity and compassion. The book follows a pretty predicable path for this type of novel--tropes include enemies-to-lovers, friends-with-benefits, athlete-on-the-cusp-of-greatness, and tough choices--but it's well written and thus worth the journey. I did worry Orla was going to be really stupid toward the end and was relieved that any stupidity was short lived. I do think the end is rather rushed, but the epilogue (also very brief) gives us closure.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

Playing it Tough is a very sexy Amy Andrews book with an extremely important message about self esteem and self worth not only for cancer survivors, but also for those who carry the gene that put them at high risk. Tattoo artist Orla, is one of those who having lost multiple relatives decided to improve her survival chances through surgery. She hides her scars behind loose clothing. Rugby player Ronan wants to be selected for the US Olympic team so badly that he decides to forgo sex until the season ends for his team. Their attraction is almost instantaneous, but neither one wants to actually act on it. What transpires between these two is as hot as it is sweet and inspirational. This is a wonderful story of acceptance from both sides of this issue. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommended.

A wonderful love story between a confident and driven rugby player, a hottie with a heart of gold, and an equally driven and strong heroine facing terrible circumstances, “Playing It Tough”, by Amy Andrews (Entangled: Brazen), is a very entertaining read while also addressing serious issues.
The contrast between the acerbic heroine, Orla, and the warm, extremely kind and compassionate hero, Ronan, and the fact they’re so good together is perhaps my favorite feature in this engaging story.
It’s so rewarding to have a heroine with Orla’s background and watching the hard decisions she made. She is such a vibrant woman and a great feminine character.
Andrews incorporates tragedy and drama into the plot, but the story is so positive and hopeful.
Ronan is just an amazing hero: confident, super driven but so tender and thoughtful, and when he admits he’s in love with Orla it’s swoony.
His sense of humor, the laid back personality and the way he laughs so easily really made me love him.
I also liked that they’re honest with each other and the drama is there but it’s justifiable and real.
I loved how Amy Andrews wrote their passion, attraction, chemistry, lust and very hot sex, in the "not-sex phase" and after. Oh, the power of human imagination, exploring the lack of frontiers and the whole sensual experience engaging all senses and that very special organ, the brain.
The banter, teasing, playfulness and closeness between the protagonists and the other characters are captivating.
I’m eager to read Griffin’s story, his surliness is really attractive and intriguing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book.

I'm a big fan of sports romances so it's not a big surprise that I liked this book. It's a standalone novel with likeable characters. It's not quite an enemy-to-lover book since they're not exactly enemies but it's pretty close. I did find the ratio of plot vs sex was a bit too much focused on the sex scenes. However, it did make me want to go fishing on a borrowed luxury boat. And if a handsome rugby player came along, I wouldn't complain. :)

Overall, I enjoyed this standalone book and will be checking out others in this series.