Playing it Tough by Amy Andrews

Playing it Tough

Celibacy meets chaos in this sizzling sports romance

Written byAmy Andrews
Narrated byBrie Jackman
Length8h48m
Release dateJuly 18, 2023
LanguageEnglish
★★★★★ 5.0 (51 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorAmy Andrews
NarratorBrie Jackman
Runtime8h48m
PublishedJuly 18, 2023
Rating★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 (51 ratings)
CategoriesRomance, Contemporary, Sports
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Playing It Tough* isn’t your typical opposites-attract romance—it’s a full-contact collision between a woman who’s sworn off mess and a man who *is* the mess. Orla Stewart, a reformed party girl turned meticulously disciplined cosmetic tattoo artist, has built a life so controlled it borders on monastic. Enter the intruder: a rugged, infuriatingly charming rugby player who bulldozes through her defenses like a scrum through a weak defensive line. What follows isn’t just sexual tension—it’s a battle of wills where every glance, banter-laced argument, and reluctant concession feels like a play in a high-stakes match.

Brie Jackman’s narration is the secret weapon here. She nails Orla’s dry, self-deprecating wit and the hero’s gruff, barely restrained intensity, making their verbal sparring feel like a live wire. The audiobook’s pacing mirrors the story’s energy—snappy during the comedic beats, lingering just enough during the steamier moments to let the chemistry simmer. Andrews writes dialogue that *cracks*, and Jackman’s delivery ensures you’ll rewind just to savor the best lines. This isn’t a romance that tiptoes; it tackles love, trust, and second chances with the same relentless energy as its sports backdrop.

Tags: enemies-to-lovers sports romancewitty banter audiobookfemale-led contemporary romancerugby player romance with depthstrong heroine reformed party girlAustralian romance with humor

Why Listen to Playing it Tough?

  • Expert narration by Brie Jackman brings every character and scene to life across 8h48m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 5.0 stars by 51 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at the ‘reform-the-bad-boy’ premise—until *Playing It Tough* flipped the script. Orla isn’t here to fix anyone; she’s too busy trying (and failing) to outrun her own past. The rugby player trope could’ve veered into cliché, but Andrews gives him depth: a guy who’s used to being the team’s enforcer but is utterly outmatched by a woman who refuses to play by his rules. Their dynamic is electric, but what sold me was the emotional undercurrent. Orla’s journey from self-imposed rigidity to vulnerability feels earned, not rushed, and the secondary cast (especially her no-nonsense best friend) adds layers without stealing the spotlight. Brie Jackman’s performance is a masterclass in tonal balance. She voices Orla’s sarcasm with a razor’s edge, but when the character’s walls crumble, Jackman’s delivery softens just enough to make it ache. My only critique? The rugby scenes, while atmospheric, occasionally slow the momentum—though purists might appreciate the authenticity. And while the conflict resolution leans slightly neat, the banter is so sharp you’ll forgive it. This audiobook is perfect for listeners who want their romance with bite: equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and gut-punch tender. Just don’t blame me if you start binge-listening to rugby podcasts afterward.

Download: Playing it Tough

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Playing it Tough by Amy Andrews is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Brie Jackman with a runtime of 8h48m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.