Early Book Review: Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2021. 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?

Playing It Safe is a book that had some great moments and some that just did not work for me. I think the set up was great, and the characters were interesting. I have to admit that I almost did not make it past the first page when one of the main characters waxes poetic about how great women are, and that his lack of attraction to us has nothing to do with how absolutely fabulous we all are.  For some reason that just hit me wrong, and every now and then through the rest of the book there would be moments of introspection that just seemed too much. There were conversation I wanted to be in the room for, but instead got basic 'this happened'.  However, other people really enjoy that in their reading, so this is more a matter of personal preference rather than it being a flaw in the work. I did like the story arch of the romance, and the secondary characters. I enjoyed the team and friend group interactions, and could have stood for more of that, and the actually bonding time between Donovan and Beck. I still enjoyed the read, and think others will enjoy it. I can think of a few fellow readers that will absolutely love it, and whom I will be recommending it to.   

Playing It Safe is an engaging read with good characters.