4.5 stars.
A great story with amazing characters, including an initially surly but very kind Australian ex-rugby player, a single mom and her delightful four year son.
There’s so much to love about “Playing with Trouble”, by Amy Andrews (Entangled: Brazen): the wonderful characters, so relatable, down-to-earth, decent people, the hot and sweet scenes between Cole and Jane, the unique brand of the author’s wit, and the skilled way she gives insight into the characters’ minds and writes the scenes.
I was immersed from beginning (and what a beginning, so fun and well written!) to end and it was such a pleasure to read. The enthusiasm, the lust, the sexual tension, the humor and these true to life characters: Cole’s easy connection with Finn, the unpretentious attitude and self-deprecating humor and how he falls head over heels for the fierce, determined heroine.
It was the fact the characters changed, evolved and revealed new, unknown facets that made them so interesting. And also they seemed so regular, kind, decent people, you couldn’t not relate to them.
Some characters in this crossover book are claiming for their own story – Griffin King, the Sydney Smoke’s coach (we’ve been waiting for too long!), Arlo and the new American player.

Playing With Trouble is a low angst, enjoyable romance between a former rugby star and a single mother.

Cole Hauser was one of the best on the rugby pitch, but a horrific car accident brought his career to a premature end. After getting to the point where he couldn't take all of the news and lamenting about the end of his career, he heads to Colorado to vacation at his friend Wade's home. What he discovers when he arrives at the house is not at all what he's expecting, but it might just be the best thing for him.

Jane Spencer is a single mother raising her four year-old son Finn and running her restoration business. She is currently working to restore original floors in a home in Colorado and when her ex shows up with Finn and tells her he's got a gig, so he can't keep their son for the several weeks he was to have him, it leaves her wondering if she'll be able to juggle finishing the floor and being the Mom she wants to be.

When Cole realizes that Jane is struggling to get everything accomplished, he offers to play "manny" and watch Finn during the day. Not only do Finn and Cole hit it off, Jane becomes smitten with Cole pretty quickly herself. While she doesn't really want to pursue anything, the draw between them is undeniable and they meet each evening to chat which eventually leads to emerging feelings. Will these two be able to keep things casual or will they become serious a lot quicker than either expects?

This was an enjoyable read and Finn is absolutely adorable! He was such a bright spot for me in this book. I've enjoyed all of the Amy Andrews books I've read and this one was no exception.

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

***I received a copy of Playing with Trouble from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My Opinions are my own and not solicited in any way***

Playing with Trouble by Amy Andrews was fantastic and little Finn stole my heart plus Cole had the patience of a saint even with the Houdini chameleon lizard. I had already read Wayne and CC's story so hearing that Jane was helping with the restoration was a plus. This story is completely worth all 5 stars and then some more besides you had me a "Needle nose Pliers" .

Jane Spencer is restoring the parquet floors in Wayne and CC's mansion in Credence what she thought would be a easy job ends up with her ex dropping off their 4-year old son and a Chameleon. But during the night a handsome yet jet lagged Aussie Rugby player Cole Hauser to crawl into bed with her. (hence the pliers) Can Jane, Finn and Carl worm their way into Cole's heart? What happens when not one but job offers are given to Cole will he return to Australia or will he stay to see if Jane and Finn are his HEA?

Cole Hauser is recovering from a serious car accident and has come to Credence to recover out of the media spotlight and decide what his future will be without playing Rugby. Little does he know that Jane and her son Finn are there doing restoration and he'll run a Rugby clinic for the kids in Credence and perhaps fall in love with a kick a** single mom with a cute 4 year old named Finn.

An excellent read. This story held my attention from beginning to end. The HEA is, as always the expected out come, but I was pulled in from the get go. A great go to for pure enjoyment. Definite addition to your TBR list.

Cole and Jane seem to be complete opposites. He’s a handsome (ex) rugby player from Australia and she’s a beautiful single mom to a sweet little boy and a restoration person. (Can’t remember the actual title)
Sounds great, right?
But I could not get into this one no matter how many chapters I skipped.
DNF.

A steamy, hot romance that has all the feels of a true romance story. It was really cool to pick up the story from the prior characters as well.

I enjoyed reading this sports romance novel. Not heavy in the sports. Jane is bad ass. Her son is adorable. Cole is so gentle with him and with Jane.

Cole Hauser was at the top of his game until and accident ends his Rugby playing days for Australia’s Sydney Smoke team. Trying to avoid the spotlight he hits up a friend’s offer to stay in his house in Credence, Colorado but gets a surprise when he wakes up to an angry mom threatening bodily harm with a pair of pliers. Jane Spencer is also at the top up her game in the home restoration business after being asked for personally to redo a room for a famous football player, until her ex drops off her son (who’s supposed to be on vacation with her ex)and forces her to rearrange her work schedule. When she wakes up to the ruggedly handsome Cole little does she know how much her life is going to change. After a rough start Cole and Jane find out how well they blend together (he finds her restoration skills hot and she loves his “manny” skills with her son). After a few adventures between the two and Jane’s adorable so Finn there’s no denying the attraction that starts to flair, but can two people living on opposite ends of the planet end up together? This book has a great blend of heat and humor that keep you wanting more.
It also combines two of this author’s series but is separate enough so you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one, although I do recommend them. It is a nice quick read with hints of sports and a hot Aussie accent. 5 stars must read. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

Former rugby and the single mom!

Former rugby player Cole Hauser just wanted to sleep after traveling from Australia to Credence, Colorado so he collapsed in the first bed he found. The only problem was the bedroom was already occupied by Jane Spencer and her son Finn while she was rehabbing a wooden floor so it would put her company on the map.

Playing with Trouble has a grumpy retired rugby player trying to figure out what to do with his life, a wood-working single mother with an energetic four-year-old son Finn and falling in love when they live on different continents.

I love Amy Andrews’ Credence, Colorado series and her Sydney Smoke Rugby series so when there is a crossover book, it’s total win for me!

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

This new series is an offshoot from the author's Sydney Smokes series. You don't have to have read that series to enjoy this one because it really doesn't mention any of the previous characters.

Cole Hauser is an Australian elite rugby player who is coming to terms with his career ending due to a devastating injury from his car accident. He is in America staying at a friend's home to recuperate and figure out what comes next. He meets Jane Spencer, a single mom with a four year old son, Fin, who is a wonderful character! She owns a successful renovation company so she knows her way around tools. Jane and Cole move slowly getting to know each other with Jane being extra careful due to Fin being in the picture.

I enjoyed this book very much and will be looking for the other books in this series to read. I definitely recommend this one.

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

I love Amy's Rugby stories and with this cover thought that was what I was going to be reading. Unfortunately, this was not that. The best part of this story is Finn and his time with Cole.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled for the ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

Going in, I’ve had many friends recommend Amy Andrews’s books to me for good romance. I’ve bought a few and haven’t had a chance to really dig in, but the premise of this made it a can’t miss for me. A hot, buff Australian manny? Yeah I’m game. Lucky for me, I wasn’t disappointed!

While at times I wish the pacing of the sexy time came a little quicker, I wasn’t upset that it took them a little longer to get there. The pacing itself was perfect, I’m just very impatient. It was so easy to relate/fall in love with Jane. She was sweet, hardworking, but took no ones sh*t. Cole was so easy to adore. From his rugged nature to his willingness to learn, he truly is a multifaceted character. I loved the arcs of the characters and it seemed pretty consistent throughout. It did wrap up relatively quickly, but I don’t think it detracted from the story. If you love strong willed people actually letting go and letting themselves give in to what they think they desire, this is the book for you!

4.25/5 stars

If you are looking for a low-angst read to sink into, then look no further. This was a drama free story about Cole, an Australian ex-Rugby player, and Jane,an American single mom, who meet when he goes to stay in a buddy’s home that she happens to be renovating with her adorable son in tow. When Jane needs help keeping her son occupied so that she can work, Cole steps in and who can resist a hot athlete who is good with your four year old? I don’t even have a four year old and I know I couldn’t. This was a straightforward story with few surprises but a lot of charm.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After being badly injured in a car accident that puts paid his career as a pro rugby player, Cole desperately needs to retreat & lick his wounds away from publicity. When a friend offers a place to recuperate in anonymity, Cole gratefully accepts only to find that there is already someone in residence.
Jane is there on a contract to rehab the house but her ex husband who was supposed to have their 4 year old son for the summer, decides he has other priorities and Jane is left trying to juggle taking care of her energetic son, Finn, and only working at night.
Jane is an amazing character. A single mom who juggles a challenging job and being a mother to an energetic child. She painstakingly plans out activities to keep Finn stimulated the whole day, from finger painting to playing in the park, instead of planting him in front of the TV.
Cole had never thought himself particularly good with children, his life as a pro athlete had precluded everything else, but the bond that springs up between him & Finn was super-warm and sweet.
A wonderful warm story with just the right amount of heat and lot of quirky humour. This book is a definite keeper.

I liked "Playing with Trouble" -- I thought it was an easy read to get through and with plenty of sexual tension between the main leads. Cole's relationship with Finn was adorable!

Hold onto your Hat as Restoration & Rugby collide in..
"Playing with Trouble" by Amy Andrews
Yes, I loved this story.. well mostly.. I could enjoy a romance story with out the sizzle details.. but I am glad the sizzle did not keep me from reading a really good story. Everyone should be so lucky as to have a "Finn" in their lives. And, sometimes we just need to get out of our own way. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received a copy of this story from the publisher & This is my voluntary honest review.

Playing with Trouble is a cute cross over read. I fell for Cole from page one! I found him to be the type of character that you want to reach into the book and give a big h if to. Jane had held out as long as she could but couldn't resist his surly demeanor especially when he let his guard down for Finn.
Jane and Cole were great together. I really liked them as friends and lovers. While I enjoyed the book, I thought there was a lack of dialogue between the characters. when they were speaking to each other it was totally sweet.

What could be nicer than a cute but steamy romance between an injured Australian rugby player and a single mother?

Jane specialises in restoring old houses, she has a fantastic job working on restoring a room in a mansion in Credence ready for a prestigious photo shoot. Then her flaky ex gets a gig with his band and returns their four year old son to her, accompanied by a guilt present of a chameleon, as you do. Now Jane has a deadline and a four year old to entertain.

Cole had a horrific car accident which has ended his brilliant rugby career. Unable to cope with the constant scrutiny by fans and the press in Australia he has taken advantage of his friend Cole's offer of a vacation in his mansion in Credence, Colorado.

Cole is no stranger to single mums trying to raise kids single-handedly while holding down a job, heck his mother did it for him, so he finds himself offering to look after Jane's son Finn while she works.

It was only supposed to be a holiday romance, but is Cole really supposed to walk away?

Loved it! Cute moppets, rugby training for toddlers, role-reversals, steamy scenes and touching romance, this really has the lot.

Amy Andrews is one of my favourite authors, she writes funny romances with plenty of heat and all the feels.

I was invited to read this novel by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Playing with Trouble. Amy Andrews has written a cute flirty story about a single mom and an Australian rugby player who end up sharing a house in Colorado. Cole is recuperating from a career ending accident. Jane is restoring parts of the house, and trying to keep her small son occupied. The attraction between the two is evident but neither is looking for a forever relationship so they try to resist. Besides, Cole is only in the States for a short time...right? This story has heat, sweetness, humor and wonderfully developed characters that are sure to engage readers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Wow wow wow!! I loved it!! I'm upset now that I have to go back and read all her other series!! This book is a crossover and while you definitely don't have to read the other series,, after reading this book you're going to want to read them all! Definitely don't miss out on this book!! Its well worth the read! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!