Playing Dirty

Valerie King could not remember a birthday that she had been happy to celebrate. She was having martinis in a bar, when the celebrated new addition to the Sydney Smoke chats her up. Val knows very well who he is, but it’s obvious he doesn’t because he would stay away from her. But he is nice, funny, and Val wants him badly, if only to forget that dreaded birthday, and to get back at her dad, coach Griff King, if only in her mind. Alas, all good things come to an end when Griff hears about it. I love the Sydney Smoke Rugby series so much, that when I saw there was a new instalment, I grabbed it right away, not even bothering to read who it was about! We knew there would be Val’s romance at some point, but with Griff’s policy of non-fraternisation between Val and his players, we also knew it would be explosive, and it is! But Val hit the jackpot with Kyle; he is just wonderful, and even though he makes one mistake towards the end, he really meant well. The romance was really difficult, because of Val’s father, but it provides the reader with some of Ms. Andrews most inspired writing; some scenes are heartbreaking, others so testosterone-fuelled, I was almost hiding behind my e-reader, there was so much testosterone! Griff is a nearly terrifying presence; he is an extraordinary character and adds much to the story. PLAYING DIRTY is, as expected, an excellent read, quick and sexy, and although it was amusing to some extent, there was a bit of a circus going on towards the end. Although I know I will be in the minority here, but I could have done without the epilogue. I liked part of it because important matters were settled, but on the whole, it was precisely what I do not like about epilogues. And O joy, O happiness, there will be two more books in this brilliant series! I give 4 ½ stars

Valerie King is having a pity party for one on her twenty fourth birthday, drinking alone at a bar when Kyle Leighton, the newest signing for the Sydney Smoke, approaches her. Val knows exactly who Kyle is, as the daughter of the Smoke's coach Griffin she knows all about the team, but Kyle clearly has no idea who she is. Val knows it's a monumentally bad idea but doesn't care, he's funny and gorgeous and just what she needs to distract herself. The next time Kyle sees the gorgeous one-night stand she's at Henley Stadium wearing a Sydney Smoke cap, but nothing can disguise that beautiful titian hair. He's so excited to see her he rushes up to kiss her, but is rudely awakened when his new, very grumpy, coach orders him to let go of his daughter. Griff gives Kyle a choice, keep away from my daughter or you won't play rugby for the Smoke. Kyle knows he needs to stay away from Val, and he will once he has a chance to talk to her about that night. But when he finds out that she owns his favourite bakery and she offers him a lifetime supply of free pastries his choice doesn't seem quite so obvious any more. I loved everything about this book. I loved Kyle, the golden son in a large family, many of whom have only a glancing acquaintance with the right side of the law, his dedication to rugby and his feelings for Val. I loved Val, struggling with daddy issues, running her own business and yet so kind to everyone, fitting in with Kyle's raucous family and the Smoke's WAGs with equal ease. As befits an Entangled Brazen imprint the sex is hot and steamy but it fits right in with the plot, from the raunchy one-night stand to the hot, hot, hot encounter in the bakery everything is just right. Another fantastic romance from Amy Andrews and the glorious Sydney Smokes. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I totally loved this book! Actually, I've loved each book in the series. The author made me fall in love with Val and Kyle from the very moment they first met and continued as their relationship developed. It was also nice to learn Griff's story and why he ignored his daughter in the prior books in the series. I found myself hoping for them to get their HEA ending. If you enjoy sexy contemporary romance, you will love this book. Put this one at the top of your TBR list just in time for summer reading. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The author is on my must read authors' list.