Playing with Trouble

Cole and Jane’s heartwarming story in Playing for Trouble by Amy Andrews, is a cross-over story between her Sydney Smoke Rugby series and her Credence, Colorado series. We have the hot Australian rugby pro, Cole Hauser, who needs a quiet place to recover from career-ending injuries. He willingly jumps at the chance to stay at a football buddy’s house in small town America where he is unknown and should be peaceful. Great, until he discovers he has roommates; a woman who renovates historic homes and her son. Jane Spencer was supposed to spend four weeks alone in Colorado rehabbing a house that could put her business on the map. Instead, her ex-husband drops off their four-year-old son, Finn, and then there’s the grumpy, sexy, hot rugby player who is living with her and only wants to brood and watch ESPN. When Cole offers to help Jane by watching Finn, Jane is questionably unsure until she sees the two of them outside, active, and out of her hair. The best part, the evening check-ins, where Cole and Jane try to keep from acknowledging their attraction. Whatever they have has to be temporary, right!?! After all, Cole lives in Australia and most likely will return there for a job in sports casting while Jane lives in Los Angeles. When the time to part comes, it should be easy to say their goodbyes, but it isn’t. Once Cole and Jane accept the attraction and sizzling chemistry they have, they both realize they are in major trouble. Ms. Andrews wrote a wonderful, funny, sexy and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a rich tale with characters struggling with changes in their life, sizzling chemistry, humorous conversations, and charming characters giving Cole and Jane a chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend Playing for Trouble to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Playing With Trouble is a low angst, enjoyable romance between a former rugby star and a single mother. Cole Hauser was one of the best on the rugby pitch, but a horrific car accident brought his career to a premature end. After getting to the point where he couldn't take all of the news and lamenting about the end of his career, he heads to Colorado to vacation at his friend Wade's home. What he discovers when he arrives at the house is not at all what he's expecting, but it might just be the best thing for him. Jane Spencer is a single mother raising her four year-old son Finn and running her restoration business. She is currently working to restore original floors in a home in Colorado and when her ex shows up with Finn and tells her he's got a gig, so he can't keep their son for the several weeks he was to have him, it leaves her wondering if she'll be able to juggle finishing the floor and being the Mom she wants to be. When Cole realizes that Jane is struggling to get everything accomplished, he offers to play "manny" and watch Finn during the day. Not only do Finn and Cole hit it off, Jane becomes smitten with Cole pretty quickly herself. While she doesn't really want to pursue anything, the draw between them is undeniable and they meet each evening to chat which eventually leads to emerging feelings. Will these two be able to keep things casual or will they become serious a lot quicker than either expects? This was an enjoyable read and Finn is absolutely adorable! He was such a bright spot for me in this book. I've enjoyed all of the Amy Andrews books I've read and this one was no exception.

What a wonderful journey to finding love. Cole is a bit lost after a career ending injury has sidelined him from playing Rugby again. This is all he’s known and lived for so what should he do now. He escapes from Australia to Colorado to stay at his friend’s Wade’s house to try to figure out his next steps. What he doesn’t expect is to find a needle-nose plier wielding Mom, aka Jane, and her full of energy son, Finn. Jane is shocked when she realizes there is a man sleeping in her bed. Not the best way for her to meet Cole. Jane is passionate about restoring homes to their original glory and has taken on a huge project at Wade’s house. When her ex-husband Tad appears with Finn saying he has a gig and can she watch Finn, well, of course she says yes but how will she juggle keeping Finn occupied and still get her project done. As Cole and Jane reach a truce, Cole agrees to watch Finn. This duo is awesome together as Finn’s energy allows Cole to forget his troubles and just enjoy life again. I also love how Cole and Jane find neutral ground and realize that they should embrace their attraction. Of course, how will this all work out since Cole lives in Australia? There are several bumps along the way making me wonder if they could find a solution that works for everyone. Truly a joy to read.