Playing with Fire

I felt that this latest story from New Hope was quite different from Lexi Ryan’s previous novels set in this town – it had an element of mystery and danger in it. I thoroughly enjoyed the unravelling of the enigma that is Phoenix Reid. Plus, in Hanna’s story (Here and Now Trilogy), Max was very much the underdog and he came across as a bit weak next to Nate, however, his beautiful soul really shines through in Playing With Fire. Phoenix/Nix is a doctor who came to New Hope a few years previously and is very much a part of the Thompson sisters gang. Although little is known about her past, she is well-liked and has proven to be a solid friend. Max has been hurt and hugely unlucky in love in the past. He has finally moved on and is settled into life as a business owner and single father, and is ready for love, again. A favour for Nix turns into one hot encounter. Max gently pursues her but Nix cuts him off at every turn. She has her reasons. She carries physical and emotional scars from a complex past and is running scared from something. She is afraid to involve Max in her mess, as well as face the possibility of him turning his back on her when he finds out the truth about her previous life. I want to leave this review as spoiler-free as possible, so what I will say is that Nix and Max are fab together. Max is such a knight in shining armour – he is patient, caring and valiant. He has a beautiful soul, packaged in a beautiful exterior. He’s a fantastic dad and a fantastic friend. He absolutely deserves his happy ending. Nix has known little real happiness in her life. She has run away from a very troubled and frightening past to make a new life in New Hope, but is now feeling threatened by unseen forces. This was a terrific story with elements of danger, intrigue, passion and true love. Thoroughly recommended!!

A Review of Playing With Fire by Lexi Ryan The Phoenix always rises - 5+++ stars Lexi has done it again. This is the first book of a new series, but with some of the characters that we already know. We caught a little glimpse of Nix and Max together in Sam and Lexi's book, so I was really excited to see where this went. Even though we 'knew' Nix from previous books, there was a lot about her that we didn't know. Everyone has their own hang-ups and pasts that they want to forget, but sometimes it seems like we are doomed to re-live those times we would rather forget ever happened. After everything that happened with Hanna, Max is finally ready to move on with his life and 'date' again. One night of passion with the hot Doc was enough for him to realize that he wanted more with her, but unfortunately, Nix is running scared. She avoids relationships because she has been badly hurt in the past, which she never talks about with anyone in New Hope. Does Max just have a savior complex or do his feelings for Nix go deeper? Can Nix let go of her past and move on with one of the good guys? There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book, but that's what makes Lexi's writing so AMAZING. She draws you in and doesn't let go of you until you read that last page. I would definitely recommend this new series to anyone that has ever read any of her New Hope books. You will NOT be disappointed! **I was lucky enough to win a Complimentary Copy of the book, provided by the Author for an honest review AND I bought it!**

This book has everything. Passion, suspense, drama, hot sex, and so much agnst it makes your toes curl. It could be a lifetime movie. I loved the characters. So much depth and unrelenting flaws. Their flaws that crippled them was also their strength when the time came. I'm a fan for eternity. Well done Ms. Ryan.