Ok halfway in I started to see if the author had written other MM, and finally in the acknowledgment section she said this was her first. It unfortunately shows as I honestly couldn’t tell if she’s actually read any MM either. Donovan was a lovely snowflake, and it was fun to see his first few reactions around Beckett; the flow somehow didn’t gel though, and I’m finding it hard to articulate why. I liked how Donovan ended up coming out and the support he had; I think we got more out of him than we did out of Beckett, but their HEA was sweet. I’m slightly horrified at the anal sex logistics here though (hence wondering if she’s read MM); seriously I can’t even with that no prep BS. ( )

Playing it Safe by Amy Andrews
Sydney Smoke #7

Loved Donovan and Beckett and rooted for them from beginning to end. It can’t be easy living up to the expectations some hold for athletes whether they are those of one’s own making or created by society and Donovan has a lot on his plate being “in the closet”, playing rugby, and then meeting the man that could be his soul mate.

What I liked:
* Donovan: father, divorced, gay, rugby player, in the closet, has his future planned, meets Beckett, his life is changed.
* Beckett: financial guy, gay, confident, charming, open, charismatic, unwilling to be with a man in the closet, meets Donovan and his life is changed.
* That the two men “knew” there was chemistry from their first meeting
* The way they went slow at first while exploring the possibilities
* Thinking about the impact society has on youth and how that can last a LONG time
* The way Donovan came into his own and grew through the story
* The relationship Donovan had with his family and friends
* Beckett’s ability to communicate
* Miri: Donovan’s daughter
* Griff: coach but definitely helpful when needed
* Donovan’s team and the relationship they seem to have
* The fairytale feel to the story that came with a happy ending

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that the conflict Donovan faced is still being experienced today by many…wish being open and accepted no matter one’s orientation was possible.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing-Brazen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )