Playing with Fire: A Small Town Friends-to-Lovers Romance

Playing with Fire has everything I’ve come to expect from a Lili Valente book: a swoony hero, a fierce heroine, heartwarming romance, steamy love scenes, and lots of laugh-out-loud moments. I’ve been looking forward to Jamison’s story since he stole the show at the auction in book one. And it did not disappoint. Since he and Maddie have been lifelong friends, things between them moved pretty quickly. Like the rest of the series, their journey was a fun ride. It was such a joy to be back in Bliss River. And props to my girl Dawn for being a great friend and saying all the things I wanted to say, but couldn’t do through a book.

This is the third book in the series and it was a good one. I really liked Maddie and Jamison. I wasn't so sure of him at first with some of things I've gotten to know about him in the previous books, but I shouldn't have worried. That man has matured and grown since moving back to Bliss River. I must say I'm a big fan of the man he has become. He's so worthy of a HEA and he has his sights on Maddie. They are really good friends and that's one of my favorite tropes friends to lovers. Maddie is the last Whitehouse sibling to fall. Maddie is getting over the betrayal from her previous relationship so Jamison has to read carefully. Things get a little complicated keeping their relationship a secret. Jamison has some swoon worthy moves and can bring the romance. Poor Maddie doesn't stand a chance. To me she is one lucky lady. This was delightful steamy small town read. It had me hooked right from the beginning. I loved seeing the previous couples in their HEAs. Also seeing some my other Bliss River favorites adding to their family. Made me squeal in excitement along with the characters.

Great continuation from Lili Valente’s Catching Fire where we first saw the possibility of Jamison and Maddie. Just loved Maddie and Jamison's love story. Couldn't put it down, wanting more and more. It was hot and sexy from the get go. Loved that the two characters had been friends since childhood and never thought of each other as more until their almost kiss in the bakery (introduced in the Catching Fire book) many years later. Thank god for that singles retreat.......where it all began. A must read!!! Great job as always Lili Valente!