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.

Ryder is an Australian rugby player for the Sydney Smokes who enjoys his uncomplicated single life at least until he gets talked into looking after Tiny, a Great Dane puppy, who decides that destroying Ryder’s apartment is a great idea when he gets shut out of Ryder’s bedroom and now they are off to the animal shelter for some advice.

Juliet works at the animal shelter and from the moment Ryder saw her he was attracted to her so when she suggests an obedience class that she is teaching he is all in. At the class when he suggests some one on training for both the owner and the dog they both knew it was much more about their chemistry than the dog.

A sex only relationship begins as Juliet has plans to move to Italy in two months as that is what she and her mother dreamed about before her mother passed away and she let a man derail her plans once and is not about to let that happen again. Although they had the best of intentions feelings became involved so will this spell heartbreak for both of them or is there a compromise to be found?

The banter and chemistry between the two was intense and the ending was heartwarming. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Within a couple, I knew PLAYING WITH FOREVER would be spectacular. I was laughing myself silly at Ryder’s woes with his dog. Ryder and Juliet have such blistering chemistry, it’s a wonder I did not see sparks coming out of my ereader! There is a lot of sex in PLAYING WITH FOREVER; incandescent, sizzling, jaw-dropping sex, that is fun, joyful and playful. Amy Andrews writes sex scenes as if she invented them! I loved Ryder and Juliet; they are free, young, sympathetic, genuine, and just adorable. Ryder is definitely a candidate for book boyfriend of the year. There is the expected fabulous banter between the Smoke teammates, and the exchanges between Ryder and Juliet are just as wonderful, and the romance is just wonderful. Fantastic!

4 1/2 STARS!

Sizzling attraction flares the moment their eyes meet for the first time ... and takes us on a wild ride of passionate encounters, tender moments and dreams of somehow there being a happily ever after for them! I adored Ryder from the start. He's a fun-loving guy, but has such a kind heart. Juliet on the other-hand, I would have liked to have smacked a few times. :) I enjoyed them together, but I wanted her to appreciate what was in front of her eyes more.  Loved the book!

Sydney Smoke Rugby player Ryder Davis is living the life. He had to leave his beloved family farm in the outback to do it, but he's loving living on the beach and playing the best rugby of his life with his bunch of rowdy pals! What he's not ready for is having a huge dog with a mind of his own thrust upon him ... he needs help, fast!

Juliet Morgan happens to be at the desk of his local animal rescue when he pops in to see if they have any tips on how he can stop this dog from tearing his house apart one room at a time. She's gorgeous and returns his sexy flirting with welcoming smiles and promises of a good time twinkling in her eyes. She's not out for anything but a good time right now because no relationship is going to hold her back from living her dream when she moves to Italy in a couple of months!

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. The men are fun and sex, the women are feisty and strong. Playing With Forever is no exception. Ryder and Juliet were perfect for each other. Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved Ryder’s dirty talking and Juliet’s absolute confidence. I love a woman who isn’t afraid to be who she is both in and out of bed. I also loved that Juliet had no idea who Ryder was. It didn’t matter to her at all that he was famous. Always a big plus for me.

As much as I loved Ryder and Juliet, I also loved seeing the couples from the previous books. But really the star of this book was Tiny. Man did I love that dog. He was hilarious and I loved that he loved the ladies and loved to rub Ryder’s face in it.

This book was sexy and fun and definitely a great read. I recommend the series, but this book can be read as a stand alone.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review

There is just something fantastic about these Sidney Smoke hunks and the women who steal their hearts. I’ve been waiting to get to see Ryder in action for a very long time, and Playing With Forever didn’t disappoint at all.

His nice-guy, country-boy charm, alphaness in the bedroom (and various other locations) and his caring and funny personality along with that totally hot bod made him one of my favorite heroes of late. The fact that he is the one pushing for the relationship throughout the story was just the cherry on top.

This story starts when he gets saddled with a ginormous Great Dane called Tiny, who then proceeds to destroy his living room and act like the puppy antichrist. This is how he arrives at the shelter where Juliet works and signs up for puppy-preschool classes.

Juliet and Ryder have insta-chemistry which they, in turn, proceed to act on in full force. Repeatedly. In various positions and locations. I mean, these two together are crazy hot and they just can’t keep their hands off each other.

While I completely loved Ryder and I will be forever devoted to him (more like until I start my next book, but you know what I mean) I struggled a little bit with Juliet.

Having been burned in the past, she’s bound and determined not to make the same mistake again. She was nice, caring, funny and not afraid to just be herself, all things I love in my heroines. My issue with her was with her absurd bouts of ridiculousness whenever anything close to actual feelings would come up. They do start a “time-restricted-just-sex-no-emotions” type of affair, but it quickly becomes clear to both that things are not as black and white as they’d like. But she kept stubbornly denying this and blowing up whenever she felt like her dream was “threatened”. She wouldn’t even acknowledge that Ryder was nothing like her ex. This drove me batshit crazy, and if she were an actual person I would have gone and bitch slapped her… then I’d steal Ryder from her, but that’s neither here nor there.

Whenever Juliet relaxed and let their natural chemistry flow I loved them together, and she does eventually get her shit together. I still adored everything (else) about Playing With Forever and I can’t wait to know which of the rugby hunks will go down next… though I’m still confused about the league and union stuff. I guess I’ll just have to go hunt an Aussie rugby hunk for real!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*

This author is on my favourite to go to list and also an auto click for her books as she always delivers fantastic books with amazing characters and with such hot chemistry that it will melt your e-reader lol. Totally deserves the 5 stars and I can't wait for more from this brilliant author and would recommend this book to everyone

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!

If you’re already a fan of the Sydney Smokes, or Amy Andrews’ hotter reads, then you’ll know a fair bit about what to expect – a guy who oozes sex-appeal and a woman strong enough to handle him. With plenty of heat and a bit of humour. The fun this time around comes in the form of Tiny, the flirtatious Great Dane. He’s such a character in the first few chapters that I was sad when he pretty much vanished from the story.

Ryder is sexy and charming… but not a lot else. He’s okay as a hero, but he starts off a bit of a hound and somehow really quickly turned into a gentleman. He’s actually a pretty decent guy and I felt for him when Juliet started freaking out over minor things, but I would have liked a little more depth, especially with his feelings. It’s not that he doesn’t feel anything, but it never seems to go all that deep.

Then there’s Juliet. I wanted to like her, I tried to, but truthfully, she got on my nerves. I mean it was great that she was the one issuing the no-strings rules to their relationship, but the way she overreacted over small things and got grumpy and angry and irrational just annoyed me. Like Ryder she didn’t have quite enough depth for me to care about her personality shifts, especially when she doesn’t bother to explore her own reasons for them because Italy! Italy! Italy! Just go, you annoying woman, and don’t come back.

So, yeah, this one wasn’t my favourite from the series. It wasn’t bad, but the conflict annoyed me and it might have been nice to have had a little more depth to both characters. I also wish we’d had more Tiny. He was the best bit of the book for me and he faded out far too soon. As always your mileage may vary depending on how much patience you have for Juliet’s overreactions and whether or not you’re just looking for a quick, sexy read.

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!