Flirting with Fire

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title compliments of the author in exchange for an honest review** Piper Rayne never fails to entertain me with their books and this first book in the Blue Collar Brothers series is no exception. It was a blazing start to this new series! This book had me from the prologue. I saw so much of myself in heroine Madison, as she carried the insecurities she developed in high school into her adulthood. The other thing she carried into adulthood was her continued crush on the guy she was hooked on in high school - Mauro Bianco. When she and her friends attend a bachelor charity auction, her friends decide it's time for her to go on the one date with Mauro she's always wanted. Mauro is definitely an alpha and a firefighter. He's close with his brothers and especially with his mother. He's a loyal friend and he's a person that when he makes mistakes, he's not afraid to own up to them. He's been burned by love and he's not sure if he ever wants to go there again. It was easy to see where Mauro was coming from and why he was afraid of love when it came around this time. The chemistry between Maddie and Mauro could be considered a 5-alarm blaze. It was unstoppable and fiery. While their relationship does face it's challenges, it was fantastic to see them work through them together and to give one another the space they needed (even if they didn't want to). I also really enjoyed Mauro's brothers and Maddie's best friends. All I know is that the books that are forthcoming in this series should be as entertaining as this one was! Kudos to Piper Rayne on another amazing book!

4.5* I’m jumping ahead of myself here, but I cannot wait for Lauren’s book!!! I know I should be gushing all over M&M, and I will, but I gotta shout about Lauren for a minute- she kind of stole the show for me, I love her. If any fictional character was my spirit animal it would be her. Lennon may just have some competition as my favorite PR heroine. Alright, let’s do this... Flirting with Fire is a fun and flirty second chance romance..or is it? Madison and Mauro, aka known as M&M, had one brief shining moment back in high school, when she was a sophomore and he was a senior. Well, shining for Madison at least. It’s something she’s held onto ever since, never thinking anything more could or would ever come of her unrequited crush. But years later, thanks to a little interference from her 2 best friends, Maddie and Mauro’s worlds collide once again. And oh what an enjoyable collision that turned out to be. M&M are so sweet and I just adored seeing their relationship develop. It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, though, as Maddie’s insecurities and a misunderstanding threatened to disrail what was turning into something really special. But Mauro was nothing if not determined and I loved how he went about proving his heart to Maddie. For as entertaining and amusing, and yes sexy, as this story was, there’s an underlying message in it about learning to love and accept yourself. I loved how PR as able to mix in the deeper issues along side the fun and romance. Madison’s insecurities as a teen, and even as an adult, are so relatable. I think a lot of us can see ourselves in Maddie- as a teen struggling to fit in, to be seen, but especially as a woman, still holding onto those feelings of being inferior and undeserving . I loved how her 2 friends, Lauren and Vanessa, didn’t let her wallow in her self doubt. They were so great about helping to build her up and prove what a strong, intelligent, independent woman she’s become. It was awesome to see her finally realize what a truly awesome person she is. I swear Piper Rayne’s books just keep getting better and better, with each series they release. And Flirting with Fire is the best one yet- although I'm betting my mind will be changed by the time we get to Lauren and Luca's book!

It started with the first Responder’s bachelor auction where Madison and her friends bid for each other’s date. For her? They bid on Mauro Bianco - her ultimate crush in high school - the one who broke her heart back then. Yep, back then, she was “Fatty Maddie” to her classmates, but it never stopped her from crushing on the quarterback of the football team. One drunken night might made her wish come true even for a couple of hours, but Mauro crushed it the following day. Now, she was no longer the fat girl. She’s sexy, owned a business of her own. There was no way she’d let Mauro break her heart again. Problem is, with the guy, she still acts like she’s in high school. He makes her speechless and unable to make coherent thoughts. Mauro Bianco fights fire for a living. He had encountered too many of them, and lost some friends. But the last one took a toll on him. He was taking care of his buddy’s family while balancing his life. One date, and he’d be back into his usual routine. But fate has other plans for the both of them, it turned out that they’d be seeing more of each other than they eventually plan. I like Mauro, I love his brothers and his family. He’s responsible and nice. He likes being a firefighter, he has a passion for his work, but he also like doing houses alongside. He’s pretty persuasive and determined to go after what he wants. Maddie, I had an issue with Maddie at the start. It was like in high school - why can’t you get over it? But some wounds do run deep, and I think Maddie has one of those. It took sometime, and a whole lot of “proving” from Mauro, and her friends before she finally let go. The incident at the end was a bit cheesy, but it was sweet of Mauro to have the idea and initiative to do that. Flirting with Fire is a great to start of the series. It’s sweet, sexy and amazing read. Can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series!