It was a beautiful sports romance novel that took me from page 1.

You have to take the characters to your heart and I would love to read a new book by her.

A great writing style that thrilled me.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Orlando and Ronan. Orlando is a tattoo artist. Ronan is a rugby player. There is an instant attraction. Ronan has to move out of his apartment for a few weeks, he moves into a pool house of a family friend. Orlando is house sitting for the owner. They start dating. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

I can always count on a great story with wonderfully written characters from Amy and she did not disappoint with Orla and Ronan.
Orla Stewart is a cosmetic tattoo artist that is turning in her partying days for clean living. As it turns out for Orla cancer can turn your tables in an instant. She now helps those around her battling cancer take back their bodies. Ronan Dempsey is a US rugby player that needs to clean up his act so that he does not ruin his chances to play for the Olympic team. He needs to straighten up and fly right so off he goes to a friend's pool house for some R&R. What happens when two people that are trying to focus on themselves and not a relationship find themselves too close for comfort. Orla and Ronan have immediate chemistry, great banter and are both going to Play it Tough.
~~Michele McMullen~~

If you like Spicy and Flirty reads then come along with me and get to know Ronan and Orla.

Ronan Dempsey, the Rugby sensation hailing from the Sydney Smoke down under in Australia, is not just about chasing glory on the field. He’s got his sights set on that big payday and the dream of representing his home country at the Olympics. But there’s a delightful distraction in the form of a pink-haired pixie sharing his living space. What I admire most about Ronan is that beneath his tough exterior, he’s got a heart of gold. He’s compassionate, fun-loving, and undeniably sexy.

And then there’s Orla Stewart, a heroine who’ll tug at your heartstrings. Orla’s determination to live her life to the fullest, despite the looming specter of cancer, is nothing short of inspirational. She’s sacrificed a lot in the name of health and responsibility. Can a certain Rugby star and flatmate convince her that it’s time to rediscover the joy in life?

Ronan and Orla’s story starts with them as mere acquaintances sharing living quarters, but their chemistry is nothing short of explosive. Seriously, their connection is hotter than a scorching summer’s day! The banter and sexy wordplay between them had me grinning from ear to ear. Ronan understands that he needs to show Orla that it’s possible to savor every moment, to eat, laugh, live, love, and ultimately, to survive. The question remains: Can Orla let her guard down and let him into her heart?

The supporting characters in Playing it Tough add a delightful layer of humor to the story. It’s intriguing how, even within their tight-knit friend group, not many were privy to Orla’s secret. I’m eagerly looking forward to discovering more about the Sydney Smoke Players Series in future tales. As a newcomer to Author Amy Andrews’ works, I must say that I’m now the proud owner of a few more of her books. (grinning from ear to ear)

Rated 5 Stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb!

Another enjoyable story by Amy Andrews, with a lot of depth to the characters. The heroine Orla was a tough nut, but the reasons why were presented really well, and very understandable. The hero Ronan was swoonworthy!

Ronan, the latest star of Sydney Smoke, curbs his wild lifestyle when he realizes it's affecting his performance, choosing celibacy for the season. However, he didn't anticipate his resolve being tested by his new neighbor, Orla Stewart. Formerly a party girl, Orla has led a straight life for the past three years. She's driven by a fear of breast cancer, a disease that has affected the women in her family, and she's determined to mitigate her risks. Her fear of loss has led her to avoid getting close to anyone, building emotional walls that seem insurmountable. But Ronan, not deterred by her aloofness, uses his charm to penetrate her tough exterior.

Falling in lust is straightforward for them, but establishing a profound and enduring relationship proves more challenging. Their physical attraction is fiery and intense, but it's the emotional elements that make this romance compelling. Orla has endured much, and while she's a fighter, she's also denying herself a fulfilling life. This book encapsulates the journey of two individuals who, believing they have life figured out, realize they still have room for growth, and in the process, they find love and support.

I so totally wasn’t expecting this book and the emotions it drew out of me. I am still not sure who is Playing it Tough … Ronan on the Rugby field or Orla in life. God knows life dealt her blow after blow and she just kept coming back for more.

Living the straight and narrow life is all Orla has done for the past few years. It finally struck her that she just may have the gene so she did what she had to do to try to make her life longer. Mastectomy – check … freezing her eggs – check … eating healthy – check … regular doctor’s visits – check. Then she literally runs into Ronan and her life changes. She’s truly not sure if it’s for the better or not but finds out that he can be her support, her life-line, her new life. Ronan had one goal in mind … make the USA Olympic Rugby team. Until he meets Orla and finds out there is so much more than Rugby in this life. A woman that stole his soul and made him the happiest he’s ever been. He needs to convince her to let him in, allow him the pleasure of taking care of her and loving her the way that she deserves. He knows there are no guarantees in life for Orla but he can guarantee her support and his undying love. No, he can’t bring back her mother or sister. He can’t take the place of the father that walked out when the going got tough but he can assure her that he isn’t that man, that he will be here.

Playing It Tough was an emotional read with a happily-ever-after that brought tears to my eyes. It was heart-breaking watch Orla push Ronan away but you understood why. When she finally gave in, told her whole story to him, you couldn’t help but cheer. Emotional, sensitive, an extremely strong woman and a loving man. You couldn’t ask for anything more in a book.

Playing it tough is a very emotional rollercoaster story. Orla has a unique story and a lot of baggage, good thing for her is that Ronan is stubborn and will fight against her fears and for their love. I loved him he was great and just perfect for Orla. Lovely emotional story.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

PLAYING IT TOUGH By Amy Andrews

Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot. Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. Hel-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very unwelcome intruder turns things upside down.
American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hide away. No. More. distractions. Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…

😊What i liked -

✔ Sport/ Forced Proximity/Sports/Tattoo Artist/Celibacy Vow/Opposites Attract.
✔ My heart broke for Orla in this book. She is so strong despite having so many internal and external scars due to cancer.
✔ Ronan was a perfect match for Orla. He was so patient and was a perfect confidence booster for her.
✔ The celibacy vow they took and the trying not to give into the attraction was cute.
✔ I liked the side characters as well.
✔ This book was one big emotional ride. Tons of tears (i cried) with tons of love and swoon.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I liked the book being emotional but I wished it was a notch lower.

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
🏈Sports Romance
💕Opposites Attract Romance

📈My Rating : 4/5

P.S- Please check the TW's before reading.

Thank You, Amy Andrews and Entangled Publishing ,for a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book.

I love a good sports romance and while I have read many different books, I had never read a rugby romance. Until this book. I loved this book, The characters immediately hit it off and I could not put this book down. I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
FMC: Orla- a cosmetic tattoo artist who lives her life by rules in order to avoid cancer.
MMC: Ronan- an American rugby player who is all about the game. He takes a vow of celibacy in order to focus and be chosen to make the Olympic team.
POV: 2nd person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: there are a few open-door spicy scenes
TWs: cancer, cancer scare, double mastectomy, oophorectomy, death of parents (recounted), death of sister (recounted), estranged/uninterested parents, egg preservation/not being able to have children
standalone: yes
final thoughts: my first rugby romance and it didn’t disappoint! I loved the dynamic between the MCs. There was an instant connection and insta lust but not insta love which was great. They talked about a lot of deep topics and we were able to follow both of the MCs through their POVs to see how they felt the connection was growing. They were such a great opposite attracts couple who had great communication nearly the entire book.

read this book if you love

😬 angst
🧩 complex characters with growth
🏝️ forced proximity (same living arrangements)
🔀 opposites attract
🏉 sports romance
😢 emotional moments

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. It was a really funny but at times deeply serious romance novel. I really felt for Orla and the losses she'd endured in her life, and I enjoyed the player bad boy trope with Ronan. Their story was one I really enjoyed and I recommend this one if you love sweet, touch-her-and-die types of romance!

A very sweet, funny in parts, and easy-to-read story. Orla and Ronan make the perfect team, they complement each other very well and they also seemed to adapt so well, and mesh with one another. Orla is incredibly stubborn, for valid reasons, I enjoyed how Ronan patiently broke down her walls. Both characters though are funny, brave and very likeable. In Ronan's case, also very sweet and caring. I enjoyed the premise of their story, it was quite different from the usual romantic fare. My only criticism, was too much sex, and, believe you me, that's so not me.

He is American rugby star; She is a cosmetic tattoo artist and cancer survivor.
Both have taken a vow of celibacy, then their paths collide, and the chemistry is undeniable.

Welcome to Playing It Tough the next book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby. I was excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint!! Ronan Dempsey and Orla Stewart are both strong, driven characters and the story is entertaining and well delivered.

If you read romance and like sexy football players, strong women wrapped up with some steam. Then do yourself a favor and start reading Sydney Smoke Rugby today!

If you like steamy romance with a lot of sex, this is your book. I thought this one might have a little more meat on the story but still has a lot of steam. The breast cancer aspect and living her life part is engaging otherwise, the usual cat and mouse games of twenty-thirty is adults alive and well in this book and again that with a lot of steam. Probably more romance and steam for my taste, but well written. You can just imagine those locker room and sports conversations actually happening. The Aussie slang vs American slang is fun.
I was invited to read this book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I've missed the Sydney Smoke series and this book is a good addition. It was smoking hot but had a great storyline. Ronan has decided to be celibate for a year to focus on this sport...THEN he finds the perfect woman! A great read.

An edge of your seat emotionally thrilling journey from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Highly entertaining, heart racing, sweetly sexy and action-packed romantic adventure filled with so many witty and engaging charters. Great read.

I’ve been reading the Sydney Smoke Rugby series by Amy Andrews since the first book, Playing by Her Rules was released in 2016. Seven years later, Playing it Tough, book eight, has the same energy, strong characters and sexy romance as the previous entries, a feat indeed.

Unlike previous entries though, the hero of this story is an American import instead of a native Aussie. Ronan Dempsey is aiming for a spot on the US Olympic team but competing internationally with the Sydney Smoke and hoping to be noticed by the US scouts for his performance on the field. He knows he’s been distracted lately by his many fans (especially the female ones) and that he needs to knuckle down and put aside the distractions if he wants to make the cut. When a fire at his apartment building forces him to look for temporary lodgings, the pool house on the property of a family friend is just the place to hide out and take his celibacy pledge seriously.

Orla Stewart doesn’t know what to think of the big, brawny rugby player who has moved onto the property where she is housesitting, but she does know that he’s not going to dissuade her from her current plan of healthy eating, exercising, and avoiding relationships. A cosmetic tattoo artist who specializes in covering scars and wounds, Orla has a family history of breast cancer that has taken her mother, her sister, and other female relatives, and she’s determined it’s not going to take her, too. Having a pre-emptive double mastectomy and regular cancer checkups have relieved some of the stress of watchful waiting, but having children who could have her bad genes is something she isn’t willing to contemplate – hence the no relationship stance. Her chest is covered by a profusion of flowers in place of breasts, something she keeps hidden and doesn’t show her occasional lovers. She’s determined not to be tempted by her new neighbour, a feeling that is mutual.

But it’s not long before their close proximity results in an unexpected friendship, and then something more. When things heat up between them, will Orla’s fears keep her from her chance at love?

Clearly the subject matter of this story is a heavier one, and Orla’s grief is not sidelined, but a part of her daily life. She’s taken that grief and channeled it into a successful and rewarding career, helping other women with their hurts and scars. I enjoyed her character and the growth she experiences as she meets Ronan and discovers that having swung from a super wild lifestyle (after her sister died) to an overly strict one with no room for errors hasn’t made her any happier. With him, she learns a bit of balance again, and the chance to live her life instead of hiding from the future.

In contrast, Ronan is a less serious character but one who is still strong and determined to keep his rugby career moving in the right direction. He is friendly and cocky and challenges Orla in the best of ways, but also becomes supportive of her as he learns more of her history. His admiration is real (and not based on pity) and when the opportunity comes to show her how his feelings have become more serious, he has his work cut out to convince her that they’ll be better together than alone. It doesn’t hurt that they have sizzling chemistry and some steamy encounters to reminisce over.

With plenty of previous stories in the series, there are lots of secondary characters making appearances which make me want to revisit the earlier books. Locker room shenanigans and banter showcase the strong friendships and camaraderie between the players. Their partners are happy to welcome Orla into the fold and offer her friendship, relationship advice and support. All the books in the series have unique and strong characters with varying themes (some more serious than others) and together they make for a set of great contemporary sports romances. Ronan and Orla’s eventual happy ending is a satisfying one and leaves me hoping the series will have more books on offer soon.

3.5 Stars - This book started with so much promise. The chemistry between the two characters was palpable. I love Ronan, who, for a sports superstar was actually a softie. But I felt there were some inconsistencies in his character. He’s allegedly a major player (as in sleeps around casually) and then all of a sudden after a super short amount of time he’s willing to almost throw his career away for this girl? Once the sex scenes started, I felt like there was a lot of fluff just to bridge between the sexy times. If you’re into spicy reads with lots of explicit sex, then this is right up your alley. I’d categorize this as leaning more toward the super spicy end. Erotic romance… not quite erotica, but pretty darn close in my opinion. Sex drives a lot of this book.
I LOVE the cosmetic tattoo angle. I’d love have heard more about that or seen Orla interacting more in her shop. I also enjoyed dipping into Australian culture and language. There is a fun glossary in the back with Aussie terms that is lovely.
Besides one line about My Pretty Pony that made me laugh out loud because of its ridiculousness, the book is well written. I found the dialogue believable and the narrative to move along at a good pace. And even though there is a small hiccup at the end that seems a bit overdone, it doesn’t drag on forever, so I was t bothered by it.
Overall, a steamy contemporary romance set in Australia with breast cancer-ish talk and some sports.

This was a great read. I am not usually a fan of sports romance books. But I enjoyed this one. The storyline has a great journey of healing that happens with the two main characters. I loved Amy Andrew's writing style. Her characters feel believable and like real people. I will be going back and reading the other books in the series. Since I didn't realize this book was a part of a series.