Tag Archives: Amy Andrews

Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important…

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to —worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

 

 

Description:

Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews is a stand-alone romance novel. We meet Beatrice (Bea) Archer, our heroine, as she arrives in Credence, Colorado, to escape the rat race she has always lived; now at 35, she is tired of being passed over on promised promotions.  She quits her job of 15 years, decides to take her non existent life back, and with the throw of a dart, she ends up in Credence. Bea spends two weeks watching TV, and breaking all the rules, doing things she never has done…drinking beer, eating sweets, wearing sweat pants and going to the local diner, for the amazing pies. 

The local residents start noticing her, especially in her strange attire, such as bunny slippers, and then she meets police officer Austin Cooper, who finds himself attracted to her strange behavior.  Even though there is a 10-year age gap (Austin is 25 and Bea is 35), Austin willingly offers to help out on her rule breaking journey. 

What follows is a fun, sexy, sweet and delightful romance with a couple that were humorous, passionate and spicy.  I loved Bea and Austin, and all the fun they had together.   I got a kick out of the cat, Princess; and the secondary characters were very good. When Bea starts receiving job offers, especially using her artist ability, she needed to decide what life she wants to continue. 

Breaking All the Rules was a vibrant, amusing and entertaining story so very well written by Amy Andrews.  I wholly suggest you read this book, as it was lots of fun to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.

Until one man suddenly changes everything…

Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.

For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

 

 

Review: 

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is the 7th book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Donovan is a sports personality, so has an image to uphold. The last thing he needs is to be found out that he’s gay! So much pressure and financial worry has Donovan firmly in the closet! 

Beckett a financial genius, gay and proud of it. It’s taken him a long time to accept and live himself, and he’s dated men who are scared of being found out, he’s not going to do that to himself again. He wants a man to openly show his love. 

I loved the beginning of this story, the moment their eyes locked across the crowded restaurant, the chemistry practically sizzled off my kindle. Introductions are made and Donovan is just a gibbering wreck, he knows Beckett knows he’s gay, and hopes that he stays quiet. But at some point he wants to get to know this man. But working together is going to cause all types of hassles. 

Donovan is dismayed that Beck is going to be working at the club he’s at! People will only have to look at them and know he fancies Beck! Beckett Stanton is a wonderful character, gentle, kind and totally gets where Donovan is coming from. He’s patient when Donovan has a melt down, he’s assertive when needed, and such a foil for the rough and gruff rugby player. He sees the real Donovan and does his best to bring that side out. 

It’s about weighting up the pros and cons of a relationship. It’s about doing what’s right for you, and damn the consequences. But in Donovan’s case, he has his career/family to think about, what will his daughter think? What will his family and fans do? 

But spending time with Beckett has him questioning those values. What if he misses out on the best thing that will ever happen to him? Doesn’t he deserve happiness? Yes he could wait until his career is done. But would Beck wait that long? 

Beck understands where Donovan is coming from, but he won’t be a dirty little secret. He’s allowed to show his love, and if Donovan doesn’t want to show the world, then he’ll find someone who will! 

It does slow down a little, and the constant looking over his shoulder has me wanting to shake Donovan, you understand his reluctance, but he going to lose Beck if he’s not careful! 

This book is in a series, I’ve not read any of the previous books, but I probably will go back at some point. It doesn’t spoil this book if you don’t read the others first, but I was surprised to find it’s an MM (male/male) read in a FM (female/male) series (I’ve noticed a lot of authors branching out recently, which is good, nothing wrong with a little change up).

It’s also a sports romance (not a big fan) but it’s written really well. A slow burn romance that will tug at the heartstrings and the face muscles. It’s left me with a smile ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Sydney Smoke star recruit Kyle Leighton can’t believe the best sex of his life was just a one-night stand. He didn’t even know her name… Until she shows up at the locker room two weeks later and he connects the dots.

Val King. Oh shit.

Coach has one hard and fast rule: Never, ever date (much less f*ck ten ways to Sunday) his daughter. And not only did Kyle break that rule, but he wants to break it over and over again. In the shower. Against a wall. On every flat surface in his home.

 


Review;

Playing Dirty by Amy Andrews is the 6th instalment in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series.  I have to say this is only the 2nd book in this series that I’ve read, but I’m really enjoying this series.  Needless to say I’ve got the other books stockpiled for future reads.

Playing Dirty is a fast paced, charming, witty and steamy romantic adventure between Kyle and Val.  I loved these two from the get go, and enjoyed their journey to their HEA.  Val is a saucy, headstrong female lead who knows what she wants and decides she’s not going to be afraid to go for it regardless of her father’s rules where his players are concerned.  Kyle is your typical hot shot rugby player, but he’s fallen for the coach’s daughter and career be damned if that’s what it comes down to when it come’s to Val for him.  Kyle is a sexy, strong, charming, knows what he wants kinda guy.  He’s pretty much sex on a stick and knows how to keep his woman happy both outside and inside the bedroom.  Kyle and Val hit if off from the start and their scenes are fun, flirty, and steamy as all get out.  There’s never a dull moment between these two. 

Even though it’s a fast read I never found their story rushed or the chemistry between these two characters pushed on the reader.  It flowed from beginning to end at a good pace and let the reader really get to know both Val and Kyle.  We got to learn a lot of back story on both characters in a short amount of time that only helped to move their story along and give the reader a better understanding of both characters and why Val’s father is the way he is with Val. Her back story and her father’s is a sad one, but it was nice to see how Kyle played a role in helping to re-connect father and daughter and see Val’s father change his rule about dating the coach’s daughter where Kyle is concerned.  Those scenes between Kyle and Val’s dad were emotionally charged but well played out. Kudo’s to Amy for writing such meaningful scenes.  In the end when Kyle is trying his damnedest to win Amy back is just downright funny.  The way Miss Andrews describes Kyle as a hippy Jesus type camped out in the park across the street from her backery had me laughing out loud and I could so picture that description in my head.  Watching Kyle prove to Val that he really does love her and would give up his rugby career in a heartbeat to be with her were touching and real. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to a fun, yet emotional adventure in romance and sports.  I can’t wait to read the next instalment and go back to read the first few in the series. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Playing House by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing House by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Eleanor is content with her boring life—mostly. She’s even fine being the quirky sister in a bevy of beauties. So imagine her surprise when one of her brother’s Sydney Smoke mates hits on her at an engagement party. Her. The weird sister, who wears vintage dresses and prefers her books to parties.

Bodie is shocked the next morning to find the soft, sexy virgin who seduced him with corsets is his best friend’s little sister. And two months later, she’s got an even bigger surprise for him. Now he needs to convince the corset-loving wallflower that he loves her uniqueness if they’ve got a chance at forever.

 

Review;

Playing House by Amy Andrews is part of her Sydney Smoke Rugby series and I really enjoyed it.  As this is only the second book in the series I’ve had the chance to read, I feel I really should go back and read the previous ones now thanks to the creative writing and story telling of Miss Andrews.  I liked the overall plotline, the characters, and pace of the story.  Even though it was a quick read, I felt events moved along at a good pace and didn’t rush the characters through their adventure.  Her character development for Eleanor and Bodie is nicely paced, allows the reader to get to know them, what makes them click and why they are drawn to each other. 

Eleanor is quite the quirky character and just made me smile.  I loved that she went by the beat of her own drum and followed her own heart and interests in life. She didn’t let life dictate to her, she created her own life, one that she was comfortable and happy with.  Sure she liked the Victorian era of things; clothing, romance and relationships etc, but she made it work for her, and that’s all that mattered where she’s concerned until she meets the dashing and debonair Bodie. 

Bodie plays on her brother’s rugby team the Sydney Smoke.  He’s your typical athlete, buff, macho, charming, and sexy as all get out.  I really, really liked Bodie, and just wish I could’ve heard his Aussie accent, as I love a good Aussie accent on a sexy guy 😉 We learn about Bodie’s bad experience where love was concerned and how he has since sworn off it until he meets Eleanor at her brother’s engagement party.  Poor Bodie doesn’t know she’s the sister of his best friend and teammate Ryder when he goes to talk to her, and Eleanor doesn’t tell him that fact, instead she gives him a fake name and the two of them hit it off and sparks fly.  The chemistry between Eleanor and Bodie is there from the beginning and continues to burn throughout the story.  They are two characters who just clicked from the first meeting and made their adventure fun, flirty, sexy and just darn right adorable.  Even with Eleanor’s quirks and love of all things Victorian, Bodie can’t help being attracted to her and all that she loves.  It’s just sweet watching them fall for each other and figure out how they will deal with becoming parents after their one steamy night together.  I was sad for them when Eleanor had the miscarriage, but I couldn’t help but hope somehow they’d find a way to stay together and have the HEA both of them deserve.  The scene where Bodie goes to Eleanor’s family home to convince her he loves her, and wants to marry her couldn’t have been more perfectly written for her character, and had me cheering Bodie on.  It was just the perfect ending to their fairy tale romance.  Bravo Miss Andrews, bravo for that scene. 

If you haven’t had the chance to read any of the Sydney Smoke series by Miss Andrews what are you waiting for??  Get on it already, trust me you won’t be disappointed.  I know I’m not. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!   

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Playing With Forever by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing With Forever by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Country boy, Ryder Davis has the world at his feet. A stellar rugby career, a winning way with women and a beach view that keeps him in blue sky and bikini babes. He’s living the dream.  The last thing he needs is a Great Dane called Tiny destroying his feng shui.  

Dog whisperer, Juliet Morgan is about to start living her dream and she’s counting down the days. In two months she’ll finally be moving to Italy and no man’s going to stop her this time. Not even a rugby superstar with a badly behaved pooch.  

But when Ryder skids into the animal shelter looking for help Juliet agrees to assist him with his canine issues.  Pretty soon they’re assisting each other out of their clothes and tumbling headlong into a sex thing with an expiry date. 

Neither of them expected it to become more. But when for now starts to feel like forever Juliet hits the panic button. Ryder knows he has to play the long game and let her walk away. After all it’s not over until the final hooter sounds and all’s fair in love and rugby. 


Review;

Amy Andrews is a new author for me and I’m glad I had the chance to read Playing with Forever.  I really enjoyed this one from beginning to end.  Ms. Andrews seems to know how to grab the reader’s interest from the first page.  Playing with Forever is a fast paced, hot, steamy, sexy, charming and fun story. 

I quite enjoyed both of the lead characters in this one.  Both Ryder and Juliet are very strong, confident, take charge type characters.  Both know what they want out of a relationship and sex and aren’t afraid of showing it.  The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and every time they get together they set the pages a blaze. Their romance is fast to get going, but Ms. Andrews never made it feel like it was just thrown together.  Even though Ryder and Juliet’s romance started pretty much from the get go in their story, we were still allowed to learn what makes the two tick as individuals, and as a couple.  The supporting cast of characters help to propel their romance forward showing us different sides to both characters.   Along with their intense and steamy romance, they wind up forming a very strong friendship along the way and aren’t even aware of the fact they are falling in love with one another until it’s almost too late for them. 

The timing of the scenes that show us when they realized they’ve fallen in love with each other is spot on and perfect for the final climax of the book.  These scenes leave you hanging on the edge of each page wondering if they are going to make it or not.  I absolutely loved the scene when Ryder learns that Juliet loves him, it’s so Juliet and fitting how she tells him.  It was a cute, yet tender scene.  You have to read the book to know what I’m talking about and being one who doesn’t like spoilers, I’m not spoiling anything for you. 

Even though Playing with  Forever is a very intense and steamy romance, Ms. Andrews manages to lighten things up with some humour and fun involving a Great Dane named Tiny who isn’t very tiny and only seems to respond to the female gender.   This leaves poor Ryder frustrated at times and thus Tiny is the reason for Ryder and Juliet’s paths crossing.  Their interactions with Tiny are comical at times, but light and refreshing which is makes it a perfect balance against their intense and sexy romance.  Playing with Forever is a fun, charming and sexy read, with two lead characters who manage to carry the story with little to no effort.  It’s a perfect read for a lazy Sunday afternoon with a you favourite glass of wine and box of chocolates or carton of ice cream. 

Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews – Review and Interview with the Author

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No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews – Review and Interview with the Author

 

No More Mr. Nice GuyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description: Release Date September 29, 2014
He’s done playing the nice guy…

Newly single school counselor Josie Butler just made herself a Sexy To-Do list (featuring Bad Boys only). To her mortification, her best friend’s gorgeous older brother Mack finds it…and laughs. But when Josie goes looking for some sexy fun, Mack’s nice guy side turns all hot bad-assery, and suddenly she’s pinned against an alley wall. Hottest. Sex. Ever.

Veterinarian Mack Kennedy can’t believe Josie wants to ditch her sweet, girl-next-door lifestyle. Even worse, that she’d consider doing it with anyone but him. When she leaves for London they’ll go back to being ‘just friends’ but until then, he’s going to show her just how bad nice guys can be.

And it’s the perfect plan, as long as no one finds out… and no one falls in love.

Review:

We might have read similar storylines as NO MORE MR. NICE GUY by Amy Andrews. It’s the boy who  is attracted to his little sister’s best friend. It’s a tried and true formula for a simple reason: the characters have a history and know each other very well. In this case, it was fun reading their bantering when they see each other again. They both quote lines from “Anne of Green Gables”!

Josie has just ended a 5 year relationship that consisted of “beige sex”. She is visiting her best friend and after a night of drinking she writes a Sex “To Do” list! It’s a list of some activities and positions that she wants to try, never expecting anyone else would read it. Mack is the best friend’s big brother and finds the list and teases Josie about it. She gets a little sensitive, goes to a seedy side of town and nearly gets herself raped! That’s when Mack decides that he can be her bad boy and pins her against an alley wall for her best sex ever! Yes, public fornication is on Josie’s list! In that instance, he says, no more Mr. Nice Guy!

This novel is basically Josie and Mack on the sly deciding they will be each other’s “rebound” partner and they work at checking off the “to do” acts on her list. Yes, this novel is mostly the couple connecting through sex and discovering that there is something more to their relationship. Josie must decide if a fling is all she wants or if she should take a chance on love.

If you enjoy a lot of steam in your novels, you will enjoy NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! I connected more to the characters as they fell in love, not just their checking off the list scenes. Yes, I prefer the relationship building, but she had some fun activities on her list! All in all, it was a fun read! I hope you enjoy the good guy being bad!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publisher

Interview

TRC: Hi Amy and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of NO MORE MR. NICE GUY.

Amy AndrewsAmy: Thanks for having me – I’m very excited about my sexy new book!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Amy: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amy: I’m an Aussie author who’s written over 40 contemporary romances. I married the guy I met when I was 16 and we have two teenagers. I’m also a part-time PICU nurse. I love books that make me laugh, cry and sigh as well as great food, good wine, old friends and traveling to far flung places.
And HEA’s. And cowboys. In tool belts.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Amy: I wouldn’t be published today without RWAustralia. The things I learned through them are invaluable. Also, Jennifer Crusie. Getting Rid Of Bradley was the first book of hers I ever read (through a recommendation) and it opened my eyes to a different type of romance and I knew that it was the kind of stuff that I wanted to write!

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Amy: Read. Of course ☺ Although drinking wine is another favourite past time. When I get to do the two together – bliss!

TRC: As a writer, have any of your experiences as a PICU nurse found their way into your storylines?

Amy: Hell yes! I’ve written 30 medical romances so a lot of my experiences end up in my books. They’re not often directly word-for-word representations but the way I give my characters and the setting an authentic feel is definitely drawn from being a nurse for 27 years.

TRC: Most, if not all, of your storylines are contemporary, romance love stories. Have you considered writing another genre? If so, what genre interests you the most?

Amy: You know, I’m such a contemporary gal and have so many more contemporary stories in my head I have to say I’m never really tempted to write anything else. Having said that the contemp I’m working on at the moment does have a slight paranormal bent…. And I would love to have a go at writing a script.

No More Mr. Nice GuyTRC: NO MORE MR. NICE GUY is your September 2014 release from Entangled Brazen. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amy: NMMNG is a best-friends older brother story, a friends-to-lovers story. It revolves around Sal and Josie having a little too many fruity cocktails and Josie writing a sex list. But then Mack, Sal’s older brother finds it and starts to think he could help her out with that. And man – does he ever!

TRC: Is this a stand alone storyline or do you have plans for a series?

Amy: Sal, Mack’s sister, is getting her own story too!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story?

Amy: Both Mack and Sal are vets so I had do some research on rabbits and talking Cockatoos and also on Hendra virus which is carried by bats and affects horses and can also be transmitted to humans. It has a very high mortality rate. See what I did there? Snuck in some of my research :- )

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Amy: I’d say probably a little bit of both. I can write them in the direction I want them to go. Usually… but when they want to take off a good writer knows just to strap themselves in and let those characters fly!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Amy: I think writers have to bleed over the page too if they have any hope of getting their readers to feel that same emotional wrench. There’s a scene in NMMNG that I cried buckets writing and I cry every time I read it. Writers need to find that well of emotion and, more importantly, not be afraid to find it. Don’t shy away from it. I think that’s where writers fail – when they shy from it.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Amy: To be honest – I’ve never had writers block (yes, I have probably just cursed myself with the world’s most severe case!) Sure, there are days when the words are more difficult than others. There are times in your life when shit happens and the writing just goes on the backburner. My Mum died a few years ago and I didn’t write properly for a couple of months afterwards (and that’s perfectly okay too). But I’m a firm believer in putting my butt in the chair and just writing one word. Because I know if I can write just one word, another will follow. And that’s what I do on the days when the muse is being recalcitrant – I put my faith in one word.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Amy: It’s really important to have a tribe around you understand what it’s like to write. I would never, for example, chat with my husband about my WIP because it’s just not his thing. But my sister is a writer so I bounce ideas off her a lot. I also have a close bunch of writer friends who I can email and chat with about ideas or issues or just have a rant about something that is frustrating and it’s sooo very valuable.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Amy:

I’d like to get to 60 books.
I’d like to be able to truly support myself on my writing alone.
I’d freaking love to win a RITA :- )

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Amy: My office chair is a fit ball. Sitting for hours can be hard on the back and I’ve found the cushiony support of a fit ball is just right.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Amy: Sal’s book of course :- )

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Amy: For gossip, giveaways and new releases, sign up for Amy’s Newsletter

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Mac and cheese.

Favorite Dessert – treacle steamed pudding/sticky date pudding (I am a pudding girl!)

Favorite TV Show – ack! Too many…. Favourite TV show ever – West Wing. Fav current TV show – The Good Wife

Last Movie You Saw – The 100 foot Journey – freaking awesome!

Favorite Musical Group – lordy! I can’t decide. At the moment I’m loving Play It Again by Luke Bryan

Dark or Milk Chocolate – milk. But I usually eat dark because it’s lower in carbs.

Secret Celebrity Crush – Mark Ruffalo

Last Vacation Destination – Paris :- )

Pet Peeve – never having enough time to read!

TRC: Thank you Amy for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

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