Playing It Cool

Sydney Smoke Rugby #2

by Amy Andrews

Harper Nugent might have a little extra junk in her trunk, but her stepbrother calling her out on it is the last straw… When rugby hottie, Dexter Blake, witnesses the insult, he surprises Harper by asking her out. In front of her dumbass brother. Score! Of course, she knows it’s not for reals, but Dex won’t take no for an answer.

Dexter Blake’s life revolves around rugby with one hard and fast rule: no women. Sure, his left hand is getting a workout, but he's focused on his career for now. Then he overhears an asshat reporter belittle the curvy chick he'd been secretly ogling. What's a guy to do but ask her out? It’s just a little revenge against a poser, and then he'll get his head back in the game.

But the date is better than either expected. So is the next one. And the next. And the heat between them…sizzles their clothes right off.

Suddenly, this fake relationship is feeling all too real…

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Plus Size, Adult

163 pages, ebook

First published September 12, 2016

About the author

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.

Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.

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Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

From author Amy Andrews comes book two in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series...



Harper Nugent is a big girl. Always has been, always will be. When her douche of a stepbrother insults her in front of rugby star Dexter Blake, she is embarrassed and just wants to get on her way. She is more than a little surprised (and sceptical) when Dexter stops her from leaving to ask her on a date.



Dexter Blake's whole life is rugby. It was his ticket out of poverty, and there is no way he is going to let anyone, especially a woman, come between him and his career. When he overhears some douche reporter call the woman he has been eye-f@cking "fat" he finds himself asking her on a date.

One pretty great date later, and a plan has been hatched. Harper and Dexter will pretend to date. A little bit of fourberie to get one over on Harper's stepbrother and stepmother.



But when one date leads to another, and another, and another. Will these two be able to keep their hands and their growing feelings to themselves??


"“Hey, you want to talk masturbation? I’m up for that. But you’re talking to an expert here.” Her lips quirked, dragging his gaze south to their full, glossy pillows. “Expert, huh? “A Jedi,” he deadpanned. She laughed, but it was husky, the sound going straight to his balls. “A Jedi?” He nodded. “Obi-frickin-wan, baby."


To say I was excited to get an ARC for this book would be an understatement. I ADORED book one in this series Playing by Her Rules and could not wait to dive right into this one. I was NOT disappointed. The same great characters. Fabulous writing. Humor and heartache. A great supporting cast. Like the first book there isn't any OW/OM drama. No groupies hanging around. Neither were virgins. Dexter wasn't a manwhore. In fact very little space is given to their past sexual history (thankfully).



Harper was a great heroine. She was funny and strong, and a bit nerdy. Very likable, and wasn't a pushover. She had issues with her size due to her stepbrother and stepmom, but I didn't think they overshadowed the book. She got over them quick when the sexytimes with Dexter started and they only popped up a bit again towards the end. That said. "I" did have a slight problem with her size, or rather the way she is described. It's why I enjoyed this one SLIGHTLY less than the first. Harper is described on several occasions as "amazonian" and "big" and "thick" She is 6´ tall and stands the same height as Dexter. Her calves at one point are described as "muscular" and her thighs could "crack a walnut" Now had this been mentioned once I would have been OK, but it's repeated several times and all I could picture was a giant "mannish" looking woman with "tits and ass." That said, it was only slightly distracting to me so I only took half a star off.


"I think you may just be the perfect woman.” “Oh?” She kicked up an eyebrow. “Curvy,” he said, his gaze drifting to her breasts then lower to her hips and belly and lower again to follow the line of her thigh, “and kick-ass. My two favourite traits."


Dexter was a fabulous hero. Not as great as Tanner from book one, but still right up there. He was sexy and sweet and smokin hot. The friendship (with benefits) he developed with Harper was cute. They were both secret nerds that loved gaming and Star Wars. That isn't to say I didn't want to slap him upside the head and tell him to get his head out of his ass. Thankfully Tanner did that job for me. The conversation Dexter and Tanner have near the end of the book was hilarious.

Overall this was yet another fabulous read in this series. I enjoyed it just a SMIDGE less than the first book. It had the perfect combination of laugh out loud moments and teary eyed agnst. I can't wait to read who from the Sydney Smoke team is going to fall next (except Link. I am not totally sold on Link yet) Two thumbs up from yours truly...

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was all kinds of awesome. A sexy rugby player who likes his women curvy and appreciates a plump booty? Yesssss! Harper wins even more points for being a gamer. The story is just what I needed. It's sweet, fun, sexy, entertaining, and did I mention sexy? Lol Dexter becomes Harper's knight in shining rugby gear after he hears her stepbrother belittling her. What starts off as a save, turns to more and it's really cute to watch these two interact. The writing was good. The plot interesting, though Harper's best friend Em and her man-hate I could've done without. Dex was a bit slow to realizing his feelings and almost mucked it all up (I legit cringed as I read his foot-in-mouth missteps). I still enjoyed it very much. The page space felt just right, making this a relatively quick but complete and fulfilling read. Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing though the h attracts a slew of guys at a gala and is convinced into a friendly date auction when her and the H are on the outs. Don't worry, it all ends well. :) Neither are Vs. They use condoms. No rape or abuse.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were COOL…then they were SMOKING

Group huddle…Ok peeps, it’s come to my attention that we (the reader) are not really appreciating book covers enough. I just read an article and they were talking to the models of Romance covers. Maybe it’s just me (probably), but book covers aren’t necessarily the be all and end all when it comes to picking a book. I’m more of “the whole package” kind of shopper. The author, blurb, hype and the cover are the things that must all come together to grab my attention. Silly me, I need to stop that craziness. Turns out that those poor cover models that I may or may not ogle (a wee bit), are starving and dehydrating themselves, for our pleasure. Have you once stopped to think that those poor buggers need to make those ripply bits in their tummies stand out? Those veins you may or may not have noticed, need to be coaxed to pop…did you know that? I’m glad that I have brought this all to your attention. Please, take note of the covers. Study those ripples. Check for those veins. Admire the muscles. Someone went hungry…went thirsty…to bring us HOT COVERS.

I really like these Sydney Smoke Rugby blokes. These stories are little packages of goodness that tick all the right boxes for me. A not so perfect heroine meets a not so perfect hero…and they find that their not so perfectness makes them completely perfect for each other. She has a rack and butt that can’t be missed. He has a bump on his nose and had his face pummelled a few too many times. He loves the rack and butt and thinks she’s curvalicious. She thinks his size and muscles are sexy and the bumps give him character. BUT…the best part, they like each other's insides as much as the outsides.

Harper’s brother is a wanker (please excuse my vulgar language). Chuckers (Harper’s brother) is a pretty boy sports reporter who takes great delight in finding fault in Harper, especially her body. He and his mother talk down to her and make her feel fat and ugly. Harper is a sweetheart and tries to ignore their comments. She only spends time with them because of her 11-year-old twin half brother and sister who she looks after regularly. One day, she takes the twins to watch a rugby game that Chuck is covering. Chuck being the horrible person he is, makes derogatory comments in front of the players. Silly Chuckers had no idea he was insulting Dex’s ideal woman.

Dex is completely focused on rugby. It’s his life and he knows that he probably only has a few good years left of playing at this level. He doesn’t want the distraction of a woman in his life and avoids them as much as possible. When Dex hears the idiot reporter insulting the woman he’s been ogling for the last half hour, he can’t help but react. He thinks a few dates here, a few dates there, won’t distract him too much. And then he touched her…

Seriously, Playing It Cool was great. There are plenty of steamy scenes to see the connection that develops between Harper and Dex. We get the awesome realisation that one man’s chubby chick is another man’s Goddess with curves. It’s not all plain sailing for the couple as they realise that they are starting to have deeper feelings for each other. Dex makes some monumental stuff ups and at first, you want to kick him, but then you realise he’s struggling. His plans are being derailed. Feelings are messing with his dedication to rugby. Dex needs to look at things a little deeper to work out where his priorities lie. Luckily, he has some great mates who help him see the light.

I really, really love this series and I can’t get enough of the guys from the Sydney Smoke Rugby team. I will be waiting with bated breath for the next in the series. I’m kind of hoping it will be Linc, but I think I can trust that Amy Andrews won’t disappoint whoever she gives us.

To buy Playing It Cool from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2cMC95M

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I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Not Having to be "On" Stars
* * * *
It's Hot, It's Sexy, It's LIVE!!
Everyday people rarely have the pressure of having to worry about how others are accessing their every move. We get to live our lives with the ability to just be...and let things happen, come what may....Those in the public eye cannot....they actually never could... but with our digital age and smart phones capturing anything at anytime... it is only natural for them to feel when out in public...they must be "on".

In Playing It Cool (Sydney Smoke Rugby #2) by Amy Andrews, she touches on that very idea with her main character, Dex. He is part of the Sydney Smoke Rugby Team and has worked extremely hard to get there. He was raised in projects with a sick dad and working mom. He saw his family barely get by financially so he has figured out the best way for him to manage the few years he has left on the pro team.

Keep you head down and do the work.
No Relationships; they only distract from the goal of Rugby.
Stay far away for Rugby Bunnies as all they are looking for is a score...sexually and financially.
Do what the teams needs but never lose control of the situation...
Remember all of the above.

Dex was doing fine until his eyes landed on a vision which rocked his world. A woman who seemed to be attached to an asshat sportscaster... the one all of the team thought was a clown. As the fool ran onto the pitch to do game interviews, this woman marched over. All Dex saw was a woman who looked like a woman, not a coat hanger with bionic boobs...No, she was flesh and blood and smokin' hot. What she saw in that jerk, Dex would never understand.

As she catches up on the field, she starts to lay into the pretty boy about his responsibilities for some kids. The guy does not want to hear anything from the woman and Dex is shocked at the rude way this guy is treating his woman...When he overhears him saying more things which are just unacceptable, he steps in... and confronts the sportscaster...only to find out from both of them they are stepbrother and sister.

Whew... Dex is pleased to hear that...He is introduced to Harper and then the stepbrother tries to shuffle her off with a parting comment to Dex of how she is such an embarrassment to him, etc. Dex is confused by all this negative stuff and calls out to Harper asking her for a date. He forces the issue by calling his own phone with hers so he has her number.

Harper is stunned yet also sighs...She is use to her step family making fun of her curvy size... she has heard it all so many times before... and she is not expecting any call from Dex. Oh, he may have had a bet or been egged on to ask.... that is how it usually goes...but Dex, this hunk of a Rugby player being with her... ain't gonna happen...

But it does...

Dex calls and wants to get together. They do and the chemistry is off the hook for the both of them. She gives him a pass, letting him know she gets it... the bet or egging on... and Dex is floored she would think that...He was hot for her before from the sidelines. Something happens to intensify this dating gap Harper thinks she has with Dex and he convinces her to date him to piss off her family.

This story does have some insta lust going for it BUT oh my, the scenes of them together... and what they do is truly delicious. Dex is a hunk of a man... all muscles and loving every inch of Harper. He has his hang ups; one being how to communicate with her...somehow he sometimes says just the wrong thing at the wrong time. He doesn't mean to-but he also is scared sh!tless of losing his focus on the game with so little time left to bank and be secure after his time is up.

Harper may be a bit insecure when sizing up the other women connected to the players, but she has so much going for her. She is an artist and doing work she loves. She is enjoying Dex and making his life better by not forcing anything. He starts to understand he can be himself around her, never on... and that is huge for him. He wants to keep her for himself...but that also causes conflict...

This was a fast, hot read and the cast of characters all beg for their own books. Amy Andrews has a very easy to read and like series on her hands.


A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

When Dexter Blake first spots curvy beauty Harper Nugent chasing after her douche of a step brother on the sidelines of his rugby match, he’s immediately intrigued. When that douche of a step brother then taunts her “fat ass,” Dexter’s just pissed. A split second decision leads the hot rugby star that never dates to break his rule and ask the lovely Harper if she’d like to go out with him sometime. And we’re off.

Dexter Blake liked a woman with some junk in her trunk. And the tall, curvy chick on the sidelines was packing a whole lot of booty.

Harper’s first reaction to Dex asking her out is to assume it’s a joke or a dare of some kind. She agrees to a date regardless. From the beginning Dex is completely honest about his no dating/all rugby all the time policy so the two agree to just be friends. Yep, just friends. Of course, their mutual attraction makes that almost impossible and before long friends only becomes friends with benefits.

Playing it Cool is on the shorter side for a novella so I kept that in mind as far as my expectations for the story went. First off, I love reading books set in Australia, even though in the case of this book, what I understand about rugby is almost nothing.



Yep, that’s about it. I’ve heard rugby players can be pretty fine specimens of manhood and Dex was no different. When he let his guard down around Harper and showed her his slightly awkward and geeky side, well that only managed to endear him to me even more.

Harper was a fantastic heroine and I’m so glad she finally got to put her step bro and step mom in their place just a wee bit and get some hot lovin’ at the same time. Given the length of the story, I felt her character was developed just enough for me to care about her, but in general this book could’ve been helped by some additional page time.

My only real complaint stems from the fact that the happy ending came way too quickly, even for a book of this size. The turnaround seemed almost instantaneous and detracted from the overall story just a bit. Regardless of that, this is a perfect in between story and I’m glad I was given the chance to read it.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

On SALE 99c/99p!

I’m loving this series and Dex and Harper are a fabulous couple who together crank up the heat.



I have to applaud Amy Andrews for going against the grain and creating a heroine who’s not what is perceived as perfect. But to me that’s exactly what Harper was: I loved her and maybe that’s because I’m hardly what you would describe as svelte myself and for that reason I resonated with her. I understood her fears and her doubts, but when the right person sees past the more wobbly bits, then you know they’re a keeper. And DEX IS A KEEPER.



This had the right balance of steam and drama, the latter courtesy of Harper’s step-brother, Chuck who, for want of a better description, is a fat-shaming pillock. And what starts out as a bit of platonic deception to wind poor old Chuckers up, soon develops into a bit more; despite it being the opposite of what Dex is looking for as he reaches the twilight stage of his career and wants to his full focus on staying off the bench.

"You make me feel beautiful."

Dex has the heart, charm, charisma and the sexy-bravado, Harper has the honesty, confidence and the strength to go for what she wants and not let her stepmother and brother get her down, which brought with it a bit of a Cinderella feel to what was a totally satisfying, fun, sexy, heartfelt read. I can’t deny that I would have liked to have seen Chuck get his comeuppance, but in the grand scheme of things that’s minor. And with fabulous secondary character development, Amy has paved the way for much more from the Sydney Smoke guys: after witnessing a bit more of Linc and his smutty, sex-obsessed mind, I can’t wait to see how she tackles his story.

Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!

And telling Dexter Blake she was so horny for him she'd worn out a set of batteries was something she planned on taking to her grave.

LOTS to love about this sweet and smokin' HOT rom/com!

Dexter doesn't have very many elite-level rugby playing years left in his career, so he's not about to lose his singular focus . . . no matter how much he's tempted by Harper and her tall, sinfully curvy body. That is until he hears some nasty comments being sent her way.

Playing it Cool definitely checked a few key boxes for me:

Holy female sexuality! The way Harper embraced her desires was so refreshing.

Harper wondered if the heat and hunger she could see in Dex's eyes was his, or merely a reflection of her own arousal.

She may have had some issues with her body, but she never once expressed any guilt or self-doubt about loving sex.

The evolution of their relationship. I loved the overall arc of the plot from friendship to love. It wasn't rushed and I believed every word of it.

Harper's body image. Even if there was a bit of heavy-handedness with her stepmother and stepbrother calling her fat, I really liked the way the author showed Harper to be both strong, yet vulnerable. Again, refreshing and believable.

So used to her love-hate relationship with her body, Harper realised that when Dex told her she was beautiful like that with a note of reverence in his voice that almost made her cry, she actually believed him.

The writing. It was fun and, at times, whimsical.

...the way his trousers cupped his ass like little elves had sewn it with threads of awesome.

Overall a light-and-easy read! Enjoy!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW



Score One for the Curvy Girls!!!!!!! Amy Andrews has once again set hearts racing and swooning for hot Australian Rugby Players!!!!! A lovable hero with a broken past. Check! A beautiful curvaceous heroine. Check! Hot passionate sex. Check! A palpable love story. Check!!! Smoking hot Rugby Players. BIG FAT CHECK!!!!

“Simply put, he was all that and a bag of chips, and had completely stolen her heart. He’d had her from Dex the Stud.”

Harper Nugent is tall, curvy and may have a little junk in the trunk. Okay clarification, she has a lot of junk in the trunk. She has always been insecure with her outside appearance due to the nagging of her stepbrother and stepmother always reminding her that no one wants to date the fat chick. Well there was someone who wanted to date Harper Nugent and he was one of Sydney Smoke's star rugby players. Dexter Blake didn’t see any imperfection when he first saw Harper. All he saw was a goddess.



Dexter Blake’s life consisted of one thing only. Rugby. Dexter has sacrificed so much in order to finally be on a professional rugby team and he won’t let anything distract him from reach the top that is until Harper Nugent turned his world upside down. When Dexter saw Harper’s stepbrother humiliating Harper and calling her fat, Dexter knew that he had to put her stepbrother in his place. Right away, Dexter made it known that Harper Nugent is stunning. Her curves are what every woman would die to have.



“My name on your lips as you come is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.”



So one date with Harper was not enough to satisfy his primal need for her. Dexter found himself intoxicated with her beauty, playfulness and vibrant personality. One taste of Harper was not enough and soon Dexter found himself spending every Sunday with her. But as they spent more time together, Harper began to fall hard for Dexter. She didn’t want to continue their casual fling of sex. She wanted more. And she was hoping Dexter would feel the same way. But as it turns out, rugby was non-negotiable. When Harper makes it known to Dexter that she wants to be included in his priorities and that she loves him, will Dexter walk away from the only person that he loves for the sake of his career? Or will Dexter realize that Harper Nugent is his world and way more important than rugby?

“Because the truth was, however they’d classified their relationship, she had fallen in love with Dexter Blake.”

Amy Andrews is one of those authors who deserves to be spotlighted. She has sinfully and tastefully wrote a love story that was modern, playful, sexy, steamy, and full of heart in Playing It Cool. Yes, this book has lots of hot rugby players but readers will not be paying attention to the others as Dexter Blake will steal your hearts. This flawed man didn’t know what it was to love someone so much until Harper Nugent showed him that he didn’t need to play for her heart because he already had it. What I especially love about this book was that Amy Andrews didn’t shy away from highlighting a curvaceous heroine. Amy beautifully wrote a story emphasized that no matter what size you are that YOU ARE INDEED BEAUTIFUL and NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU. So thank you Amy for writing a story that stresses the importance to love your body regardless if you got a little junk in the trunk. And for Dexter Blake, he loved the extra junk in the trunk especially in Harper. So if you are looking for a sports romance that is sizzling with heat, passion, and love then I would definitely recommend you to read Playing It Cool.



Amy Andrews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "White wine makes me mouthy." Stars!

Amy Andrews delivers again with the second book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Dex and Harper left their own set of scorch marks on my kindle, with the chemistry that blazed hot and hard between them pretty much from the get-go.



I think the author took a look at female body confidence (or lack of) in a really great way with this story, in that it figured in the relationship between the two of them, but it didn’t detract from it in an over-the-top level.

"Best damn ten seconds of my life…"

Harper has long borne the brunt of her step-brothers put-downs in relation to her weight and her curves, in relation to the model thin representations we are bombarded with nowadays, and as such isn’t much for putting herself out there when it comes to guys. Well that is until the day he does it within Dexter Blake’s earshot, Dex is all about booty and curves on his women, and dons his Knight-in-shining-football-boots cape to show Chuck-the-tool, that not all men think alike. Harper, although a little wary of his attentions, is a whole lot smitten from their first introduction.

She was the kind of girl a guy loved. Got into a relationship with. The kind he married. Made babies with…

Initially, neither are looking for commitment, it’s just a ruse to wind up dear old Chuck, but it doesn’t take long for them both to realize that the attraction and chemistry between them, is not going to be denied, and what follows if a series of sexy-hot encounters, but what was once classed as and agreed upon non-committal arrangement also starts to change for both of them, but whereas one is happy to embrace the change and try for something more, the other is all for trying to bring things back to how they were before.

"I think you may just be the perfect woman…"

I really enjoyed this one, Amy took two characters and gave them a story that although had a little drama in it, wasn’t overshadowed by it. Dex was sexy-go-lucky, and Harper, had enough sass and self-worth, to step up and say what she wanted, and then refuse to settle for less than she deserved.

The story line was standard, but the writing lifted it up to stellar levels as it was extremely well executed. A quick read, with indications as to where the next love/hate story-line is potentially going to come from for the Sydney Smoke Rugby Players and the women involved as secondary characters.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Playing it Cool was such a good read.

Loved both Dex and Harper, they were perfect for each other.
I enjoyed the relationship unfolding throughout the book, it was a fun and entertaining read.
The chemistry between the characters was smoking and totally believable.



And this....


Yeah these two were HOT together!!

I'm loving the Sydney Smoke Rugby series, great writing, charismatic & entertaining characters that keep you turning the pages.
Playing It Cool is a great addition to the Sydney Smoke Rugby series and while it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend you also read Playing by Her Rules, trust me you will love these books ;)

*Thank you to Entangled Brazen via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might not be a Rugby fan (Aussie Rules lover here), but I am Australian, and I do love sports romance, and I did ADORE this fabulous book from Amy Andrews. And I think you will too, TBH.

What’s not to love about this book? It was smart and hyper-sexy. It was cute in places, but never OTT sweet. And it was littered with little Aussie sayings and references that, for me, felt a little like coming home. For you? Might be fun to pretend to be from Down Under for a few hours…

Playing it Cool is a quick read—I knocked it out in one, very enjoyable sitting—and although the second in the series, loses nothing if you, like me, are just finding out about the Sydney Smoke. In fact, all it did was get me interested enough to go back and one-click Tanner and Matilda’s book, to save for another time I’m feeling a little homesick and want to read about wanking and rucking and lollies. (And yes, there’s a glossary in the back, so you won’t be lost if you pick up this book—which you should).

Although I felt a little like the Chuck/Anthea storyline petered out before I got complete closure—comeuppance is a hell of a thing—I have to say, this has been one of my favorite reads of late. Dex and Harper were incredibly HOT together, and I loved seeing a curvy girl not just get the guy, but be put up on a pedestal for being gorgeous exactly as she is. It might take some time to get there, but her body issues and his fumbling the (relationship) ball all read to this reviewer like typical boy/girl mistakes.

What’s NOT a mistake, however, is grabbing this book. If only for the swoonworthy ending (ah, it was so rewarding), but also for all the ups and downs and laughs and heat that come before that. I’m excited at the prospect for more of the delicious footy players—not just going back to book one, but future books too (*cough Em and Linc cough*)—and another chance to have Ms. Andrews take me home for a few hours, right from the comfort of my recliner in the USA. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually one to pick up sports related books so I have to say I hesitated before reading this one. I'm so glad that I did because I would've missed a really great read.

This book is definitely full of action and I'm not talking about rugby. With an agreement to hook up, things quickly turn and start heating up. I love the character development in Dex and Harper is a great balance for him. And the ending is a wonderful surprise.

The author gave us plenty of heat along with some emotional play too. I love the protectiveness and sweetness of Dex. He was a gentleman and delightfully naughty too.

This book was not overly long, over developed, but a quick read that it was just long enough to enjoy and create a great memory. I look forward to the other books in the series because they all sound like fun bunch of guys to be around. Not to mention smokin hot!

[Inna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A really enjoyable sports romance - with a dash of fake dating - that can be read as a standalone.

✔️Hero not a manwhore
✔️Heroine not a virgin
✔️Heroine is strong and ultimately not a pushover
✔️No OW drama, but some good jealousy because of OM
✔️Curvy heroine who is learning to love her body. This might irritate some of you because she does have many moments of self-doubt, but I didn't mind this approach and even understood her doubts because of her upbringing.
✔️Narration for the audiobook was really well done - I love the Aussie and NZ books on audiobook bc I would never read them that way myself.
✔️Totally Safe

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Paint Girl & Dex the Stud Stars

This book came at exactly the right time for me. I had this series on my radar but wasn’t interested in reading the first one, second chance romances just ain’t my thing you know?

Harper Nugent has a lot of junk in her trunk. She is an artist. I liked Harper from her personality to how she sees herself. Her family is a real piece of work though and her struggle to deal with it is hard but I admired her. She made it work with her curves and rocked it.

Dexter Blake is all about the rugby. That is until Dex sees an Amazon Goddess on the side lines. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks and he is so far on the other side that he never wants to go back to Perry Hill. A relationship isn’t on his agenda. He has a mindset of either his career or a relationship. Life doesn’t always go as planned though.

His boys on the rugby team try to help him

“I hope you’re planning on hitting that, Dex,” Lincoln Quinn murmured as he also appeared […..] Dex chuckled. “Since when did you all turn into pimps?” Linc clapped him on the back. “Just lending a hand.” “Thanks. I can get my own ass.”

When Dex hears how Harper’s stepbrother Chuck talks to Harper he does the only thing any good man would do.

He smiled. “I was hoping you might like to go out with me one night.” She blinked, the crease between her eyebrows almost cavernous now. “Oh.”

He had to do some real convincing for her to go out with him. She thinks it’s a bet or a dare and goes with it. In the end they decide to screw with Chuckie and act as if they are a couple although there are definite sparks between the two. But really they are friends who just hang out.

“So, we’re not doing the platonic thing, then?” she asked, dragging her gaze off his cock for a moment to meet his eyes. Dex chuckled. “All my good intentions seem to disappear around you.”

But as soon as the family finds god they are so mean about it. But Super Dex saves the day.
“Thank you for defending my honour.” He chuckled. “By besmirching it?” “Meh,” she said dismissively. “Whatever works.”

What is even more precious to him is that he can be himself around Harper no acting. They are good together. The sexual chemistry is off the charts. They can talk about everything to nothing and the sexy banter, yay!

“All about the bass.” “I am,” Dex chuckled. “I really am.” “I’ve heard about your sort but I thought you were just some kind of mythical beast. Like a unicorn.”

I’m usually careful with these books as in with curvy women because a lot of self-esteem issues come with it and I don’t like how women see themselves but is just a peeve of mine. But as I stated Harper rocked this and well Dex is so good to her and builds her up bit by bit.

But with all good things sometimes things get messy. And Dex made them very messy to say the least. He screws up not once but twice but boy does he make up for it. BEST. ENDING. EVER!!!

Book received by Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...

[rj · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just annoying. I'm sooo000oooo sick of this storyline, I don't know why I even bothered with this. The whole "I don't do relationships" bullshit and turning into FWB, and realizing you actually love her at the freaking end of the book. The H did a lot of pushing away which I hate in books. And the h was such a doormat taking in little scraps of his affection. I need to go find a book now where the H is obsessed with the h from the start.

Oh and safe with exception: The H breaks up with the h (surprise, surprise) and he lets his manwhore of a friend drag him to a strip club where he was hoping to find some distraction. "Someone with whom he could close his eyes and pretend he was with her." But he didn't find anyone and left. The fact that he went looking is a huge no-no for me.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Dex, Dex, Dex. I have mixed emotions about Dex. He was so sweet when he wasn't being an jerk. I loved that he wanted to make Harper look good in front of her dick of a stepbrother but the way he treated her when she fell for him made me want to punch him in the nuts. Good thing he realized what an jerk he was being and that Harper was the best thing to ever happen to him. That ending made me want to cry! This is the second book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series and I'm loving them! Harper was awesome and I'm glad she got Dex falling to his knees! I can't wait for book 3!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[♡Tonya♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ❤ Dex and Harper!

Dex is a hot rugby player who is NOT and manwhore! He sees Harper on the sidelines of one of his games and is immediately smitten.(can rugby players be smitten?) Harper's stepbrother is insulting her and Dex steps in and asks her on a date to help her save face.

Harper can't believe this hot guy actually asked her out. She doesn't take him seriously until her calls her to make a date. Now if only she can keep her insecurities from ruining a good thing.

--hot rugby player
--strong heroine
--lots of miscommunication
--hot and sexy
--absolutely no ow/om drama
--a sweet ending with a short epilogue (only a few months out) HFN

This would have been a 5 star read if there would have been a better epilogue. I was also hoping to hear more about Tanner and Matilda from book 1 because they had no epilogue, but no such luck.

[JenReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently reread this after getting the other books in the series on sale. I loved this book. One of my favorite tropes is: woman who knows she's worth more dumps the guy who's dragging his heels. Harper may have body image issues, but she knows her worth. She loves Dex, but she's also willing to tell him what she needs. It's great. Sexy, steamy, and wonderful.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a smokingly hot romance with a rugby focussed hero, determined not to be sidetracked from his sporting career goals by anything or anyone . . . until he hears a journalist making obnoxious, derogative comments to the curvy woman he’d been ogling earlier. It turns out that the woman is Harper Nugent and the journalist is her stepbrother, Chuck. Dex doesn’t like what he hears and makes a point of asking Harper out in front of Chuck. Harper has a poor self image because of the bullying and frequent belittling she’s been the target for from both her step mother and brother and doesn’t believe a hunk like Dex really wants to go out with her - but she’ll agree, just to show her step-family! However, one date leads to another and the attraction between the two is sizzling hot. However, with his focus on rugby and her negative attitude to her own body image, will their attraction have any chance to develop further?

Amy Andrews has a brilliant way of bringing her characters to life in the pages of her novels, making them real in the imagination of her readers. In this story she explores the difficult issues of body image and valuing your own achievements and talents. Harper may well not have a stick-like figure but Dex helps her realise he really is attracted to her, seeing her as a curvy, sexy and clever beautiful young lady. He helps her realise she is attractive whilst she helps him realise there’s more to life than your career! It lives up to its Brazen publishing and is smoking hot at times. It is a highly emotive, thoroughly enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to be posted on afterdarkbooklovers.com.

I enjoyed it, even if I wanted more on the emotional end of things. A traditional contemporary romance with a BBW heroine and a rugby player who loves all her curves, it was a sweet and sexy (swexy?) change of pace from what I'd just read. I’d read the next in the series.


**ARC provided by author via InkslingerPR for review**

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a reading vlog: https://youtu.be/8edOHAgdCX0

Mixed feelings on this one! It's definitely steamy and I like to see plus size characters in romance, though this one kind of walks the line of nearly fetishizing fat bodies and being fat positive at the expense of straight-size women, which really isn't necessary. The couple jump into a physical relationship faster than I tend to prefer, but by the end I was behind them being together!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of curvy, not-board-skinny Harper. She is very self conscious. She has self esteem issues because she thinks she is over weight and that guys must not find her attractive because all her previous relationships failed. And along comes Dex to make her feel beautiful in the skin she's in. But he's all about his professional rugby career. He says he can't have a relationship while playing rubgy. But he spends time with Harper and they develop feelings for one another. Which obviously plays against the way he feels about relationships.

This was super cute and the smut was obviously on point. I absolutely loved it. I felt like it could've done with a little more back story. But it was cute. :D

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

I'm really enjoying author Amy Andrews Sydney Smoke series and am learning a bit about Rugby as I read it. Playing It Cool is the second book of this series and I enjoyed quite a bit more than the first book because I actually liked both the characters right from the start. Smart and sexy this book was fun from beginning to end despite a few bumps in the road.

Politically correct would not be what anyone would call Dexter Blake especially when he admits he loves a woman with "some junk in her trunk," but it was hard not to really like Dex because he admired women of all shapes and sizes. I loved that despite that the media likes to portray him as a big ladies man, he was far from that. Dexter is committed to only one thing and that is his "footy" career because he knows that it will be over soon enough and then he'll have time for a wife and family.

Harper Nugent loves her work as a muralist and artist and she adores helping out with her 11 year old half-siblings even though she doesn't much care for their mother or her step-brother. While she dates, there hasn't been anyone special in awhile and she knows her size doesn't appeal to a lot of men, so she is skeptical when Dexter asks her out especially when she sees his teammate giving him two thumbs up.
While Dexter and Harper agree to see each other platonically mainly to get back at her step-mother and brother for their ugly and rude comments about Harper they soon find they can't keep their hands off one another. The move to a physical relationship pretty quickly and both enjoy each other fully and completely. Dexter was really great at letting Harper know just how much he enjoyed every inch of her body and in turn I think that made her more confident and sexy. Harper enjoyed Dexter's company and gave him a safe place to just be himself, not the Rugby star. They had so much in common and I really appreciated how much Dex enjoyed being around her half-siblings and seemed to enjoy rubbing his friendship with Harper in her step-mother's face.

They had some rough patches especially when feelings came into play that neither one of them expected or knew how to deal with, but I did love that they took responsibility for their actions and worked to move forward.

Low on angst, high on sexiness, laughter and love, Playing it Cool was a fabulous and fun story and one I know I'll read again.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dexter Blake immediately notices the gorgeously curved woman on the side lines. But, he knows that all his focus needs to be on his rugby career, he can look for love once his career is over. But, when he sees her asshole step brother insulting her body, he decides to ask her out. Harper Nugent can’t believe that the gorgeous rugby player has just asked her out, even if it was in a skewed bid to save her honour. However, their date goes so much better than either of them expect and hanging out together is too much fun to stop. Suddenly their fake relationship doesn’t feel so fake after all.

I picked this book up as I heard it mentioned in the Fated Mates podcast, then saw it was on sale. Obviously it was fate telling me I needed to pick this book up. I was also in a bit of a book slump, I had just finished reading a couple of books that were both long and disappointing. I wanted something relatively short, easy and fun to read. It didn’t need to blow my socks off, it just needed to leave me with a smile. Playing it Cool was just what I needed. Did it rock my world? No. Was it fun and left me with my much needed smile? Yes.

What I really liked about this book was how sexy it was. Andrews did such a great job of capturing the visceral lust that our hero and heroine felt for one another. It was freaking hot, I will never think of overalls in the same way again. However, although she did a great job in the lust department, their physical attraction was undeniable. What I didn’t really sense from the book was anything deeper than that. The i-love-yous, although lovely didn’t quite ring as true for me.

If you want a fast, but fun and sexy read then this is the one for you. I especially love that we had a curvy heroine and it was very explicit in how hot the hero found her body. Loved it.

[TereseDK · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

What an excellent follow up to the series! This was a very sweet and enjoyable read, albeit a bit short.
There is a good amount of drama and push/pull, however, I would have liked more follow up on the Chuck/Anthea storyline. We never saw Harper grow some lady balls and stand up to the two of them. I would definitely have liked to witness more payback for their shitty behavior.

Dex provides some decent grovel nearing the end of the story, which pleased me immensely.

Can stand alone. Third person dual POV. The epilogue could have been better, as it's set only one month in the future. I like my marriage and babies epilogues.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dexter Blake immediately notices the gorgeously curved woman on the side lines. But, he knows that all his focus needs to be on his rugby career, he can look for love once his career is over. But, when he sees her asshole step brother insulting her body, he decides to ask her out. Harper Nugent can’t believe that the gorgeous rugby player has just asked her out, even if it was in a skewed bid to save her honour. However, their date goes so much better than either of them expect and hanging out together is too much fun to stop. Suddenly their fake relationship doesn’t feel so fake after all.

I picked this book up as I heard it mentioned in the Fated Mates podcast, then saw it was on sale. Obviously it was fate telling me I needed to pick this book up. I was also in a bit of a book slump, I had just finished reading a couple of books that were both long and disappointing. I wanted something relatively short, easy and fun to read. It didn’t need to blow my socks off, it just needed to leave me with a smile. Playing it Cool was just what I needed. Did it rock my world? No. Was it fun and left me with my much needed smile? Yes.

What I really liked about this book was how sexy it was. Andrews did such a great job of capturing the visceral lust that our hero and heroine felt for one another. It was freaking hot, I will never think of overalls in the same way again. However, although she did a great job in the lust department, their physical attraction was undeniable. What I didn’t really sense from the book was anything deeper than that. The i-love-yous, although lovely didn’t quite ring as true for me.

If you want a fast, but fun and sexy read then this is the one for you. I especially love that we had a curvy heroine and it was very explicit in how hot the hero found her body. Loved it.

*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Kassiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars

Ah, Harper and Dex are just. so. hot! That alone is enough for you to drop everything and read now. But in case that's not enough, I'll give a little more.

The summary is spot on here. Curvy Harper is being dissed by her brother when sexy rugby star Dex overhears it, and despite the fact that Dex has sworn off women to focus on the game, he can't help but ask Harper out to show her douchebag brother up. What starts out as a point to prove quickly becomes more as sparks are flying and Harper and Dex can't keep their hands off each other.

Playing It Cool is absolutely refreshing with little drama, basically zero angst, and a couple you'll be rooting for from the very beginning. They had great banter and steamy chemistry. Andrews surprised me with the hotness of the sexytimes and how much I cared about both Dex and Harper. I can't wait to see them in the future books of this series.

If you love hot af rugby players and the likable girls they fall for, you can't miss out on Playing It Cool.

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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool

[Carole Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

At some point, for some reason, some one decided that ritual public humiliation and cruelty had to be a part of the journey for plus size heroines in romance. Perhaps this was in the name of realism or for the sake of drama I’m not sure. But it’s not good. And not helpful. For example here’s how one a family member speaks to the main character at a rugby match in full view of strangers early on in Playing It Cool:

“I told you to stay in the stands, not embarrass me by running onto the goddamn field in a pair of jeans you’ve barely managed to squeeze your lard ass into. I have a certain image to maintain, and it does not involve being followed around by fat chicks.”

This is not an isolated incident. And that can’t simply be smoothed over with other messages about body positivity and fat acceptance later on in the book. Adding to that, in these same stories, apparently that the best way for the heroine to triumph over was the love and admiration of a conventionally attractive, high status hot man. I can’t stress how regressive that combination looks to me.

The author knows how to tell a story and there are some good things about this book as well, but a fatigue has set in with these stories and I just can’t justify the endless repetition of this narrative.

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curvy Girls Rock!!

Dexter Blake knows what he likes in a woman and will stop at nothing to get it. When he sees curvy Harper Nugent being insulted by her brother he steps in and asks her out. Dex isn't looking for love, but soon after going on a date with Harper he realizes he wants to spend a lot more time with her. The two of them agree to fake-date one another to teach Harper's step-brother and step-mother a lesson. One date turns into many and eventually...romance.
Going into this type of romance you know upfront the main characters are only fooling themselves. It’s only a matter of time before they are both head over hills in love, but this book does it in a way that's very enjoyable. It doesn't feel forced or predictable. The main characters are so GREAT! Both are likeable and endear the reader to them immediately.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future releases in this series.

**Advanced copy graciously provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an honest review**

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, did this book turn this series around for me! I really loved the story here! Dex seemed a very approachable hero, even when he was acting like a bumbling male! I loved Harper, how she never let anything knock her out of what she enjoyed and while she was down about it sometimes, she was never out! The ending was over the top and got me right in the heart! I especially loved all the shout outs to my husband's favorite sports team: the All Blacks! I had to call him at work every time they were mentioned, and he loved it! While I hesitate to recommend the first book, I would definitely recommend the series so far!