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Hellfire, Texas #4

Playing With Fire

FREE SHORT STORY - the prequel to PLAYING WITH FIRE is included in this book. HELLFIRE IN HIGHHEELS In an attempt to seduce a younger firefighter, a sexy widow gets a lesson in burning desires by the firefighter’s badass partnerPLAYING WITH FIRE What started as a way to teach a young firefighter a lesson on what an older woman has to offer, Widow and designer shoe store owner Lola Engel’s hot little class on love has taken a turn for the worse. Her best and only student, Daniel Flannigan, drops out of school and avoids her altogether. Not that she intended on making her teaching career a fulltime job. But at least she’d hoped for a few weeks of distraction before classes ended. Unfortunately, her smokin’ hot firefighter has lost interest, now Lola is determined to turn that trend around, whatever it takes.When his past catches up to him, Daniel knows he must cut all emotional ties to anyone who means anything to him, or risk that person becoming a target of a stalker with a vendetta against him. If that means pushing the woman who lit a fire deep inside him to the back burner, so be it. Lola has never been relegated to back-burner status and has no intention of remaining on the sidelines. When she wants something, or someone, she goes all out, wearing her best designer shoes. Where Daniel is concerned, Lola knows she’s playing with fire and leaving her heart exposed to an inferno that could consume her.

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2019

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About the author

Elle James

626 books1,245 followers
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

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5 stars
214 (67%)
4 stars
73 (23%)
3 stars
21 (6%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,804 reviews526 followers
January 23, 2019
Playing With Fire by Elle James

Either 4th or 5th book in the Hellfire, Texas series depend on how the novella directly prior to this is counted. That novella followed the sexual aerobics of Daniel and Lola. This book takes the relationship to the next level, out in public with family and Friends, but also takes the sexual antics almost completely behind closed doors.

An older woman by about 10 years. She’s a widow, experienced and wants only some fun without commitment. Both Daniel and Lola want the same thing. But mix in some danger and suddenly things aren’t so casual anymore.

Romantic suspense. Firefighter heroes.
Can be read as a standalone. 165 pages.
2,400 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2020
***Book 5:
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Playing With Fire:Hellfire Series book 5: Lola and Daniel by Elle James and this review was given freely.
Suspenseful and drama packed with the underlying themes of revenge and a second chances at love. This sequel contains many scenes with the close knit matchmaking Grayson clan.
Heart broken after the tragic death of his partner in a mission gone wrong, thirty three year old former US Customs and Border Protection agent Daniel Flannigan moves to Hellfire, Texas to focuses on a career in firefighting until the lonely and fit designer shoe focused forty three year old widow Lola Engel's constant false alarms and calls for attention wear his will power down.


***Book 6:
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the mildly steamy novel Up in Flames:Hellfire Series book 6: Chance and Kate by Elle James and this review was given freely.
Suspenseful and action packed with some violence,a touch of irony and a hint of steam. Still grieving after losing his girlfriend during their last deployment, restless ex-Army Ranger now full time Hellfire firefighter and EMT Chance Grayson tries to suppress his PTSD and survivor guilt with activity while avoiding his well meaning family until former military police Kate Bradley and her retired service dog Bacchus join the Hellfire police department eliciting feels Chance can't avoid.



***Book 7: Lily
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the mildly steamy novel Total Meltdown:Hellfire Series book 7: Lily and by Elle James and this review was given freely.
An action packed and emotional crossover novel featuring the Brotherhood Protectors from Montana and a steamy fast paced romance. When Hellfire kindergarten teacher Lily Grayson's summer plans for traveling as an Au Pair fall through, the father of her favorite student, the wealth widower Antonio "Tony" Delossantos convinces her to watch his children at his Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica only to find the cartel kingpin El Patron waiting to exact his revenge.



Profile Image for Janna.
485 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2019
Elle James - Playing With Fire (Hellfire Series- Book 5)

Genre: Contemporary Romance Suspense, Comedy Romance
Stars: 5
Heat Level: Hot, Hot, Hot

“Hell Fire In High Heels” book 4 (novella) was part 1 and “Playing With Fire” (novel) is part 2. You don’t want to miss the two books because together they are HOT and you will LOL. When you add this to the

In book 1, “Hellfire In High Heels” we met Lola Engle, a designer shoe store owner and widow. Lola has decided that she has needs and intends on seducing Chance Grayson. Lola decides to call 911 frequently with possible fire emergencies around her home. Instead, after a few emergency calls, Daniel Flannigan is sent to take care of the emergency.

Lola is 10 years older than Daniel and only wants to have a fling. She doesn’t want her heart to ever experience the hurt and devastation she felt when her husband passed away. So, Daniel and Lola agree that this is for fun and temporary. Lola knows she can prove to a young man that an older woman knows a lot about white hot passion.

When Daniel’s past catches up to him, he wants to protect anyone that means something to him, so he avoids Lola. She is determined to seduce Daniel back into her bed. Will Lola put herself in harms way and will Daniel be able to protect her?

Find out if Lola and Daniel with all their differences can find their own Happy Ever After.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for an honest review."
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,222 reviews
January 25, 2019
>Book Review – Playing with Fire
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 5th book in the Hellfire series and ends in an HEA. Lola is a sexy widow who has her eye on a firefighter. She makes up false alarms so the fire department visits her. In the beginning of the book, Lola looks desperate and acts it as well. She wants Chance, but gets Daniel. The change in firefighter doesn’t matter to her, as she sleeps with Daniel. Daniel knows Lola wants Chance, but sleeps with Lola anyway. The romance in this story is non-existent.
>The end of the story, with Daniel protecting Lola, is much better. I had a hard time believing Lola would be allowed to make false alarms. I also had a hard time believing Daniel would take advantage of her horniness even though he isn’t the one she wants. If the story just played up the relationship and left out the age difference and false calls, the alpha protectiveness in Daniel and the threat to Lola would have kept the book both romantic and exciting.
> This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
2,069 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2019
Daniel and Lola, quite the pair together. They both won't admit that they want each other, they hide their attraction to everyone until it's too late. Chance, another firefighter is tying to avoid Lola and Daniel welcomes the chance to put out her fire. Sparks fly and feelings are hurt all in the name of love. There is a wonderful family feeling with the Grayson's from the previous chapters, and it's great to see them in this book as well.

I loved the beginning of chapter six when "She was close enough her belly was polishing Chance's belt buckle". What a picture for the reader to see and feel in their minds. There is the right amount of suspense, the right amount of heat and the just the right amount of emotions in this great story. I've read most, if not all, of Ms. James books and Playing with Fire does not disappoint. I highly recommend this.

I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,686 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased a copy (as I just love this author.)

Can I just say WOW!!! Hot stuff (pun intended!!) I just loved this book. The prequel to this one Hellfire in High Heel was the prefect tease for this one. I just loved Lola and was happy to see her finally get her man (well her second choice man). Daniel was the perfect partner for her. His past comes back to create a little suspense in this story.

This was one that was hard to put down I just love the Grayson family. The entire series is fantastic to read. I love seeing prior characters in all the books. It is like catching up with your friends and seeing how their HEAs have continue to evolve.

My favorite dual POV format was here and I loved to read the thoughts of the two protagonist as the story continued on. They were just adorable together.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who love a great romance especially involving first responders.
3,562 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2019
Playing With Fire by Elle James is a must-read for romantic suspense fans. Ms. James has supplied readers with a book that is hard to put down once you start it. It is a fairly quick read though, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Playing With Fire is well-written and packed full of fabulous characters. Daniel left US Customs and Border Protection when the woman he loved and was partnered with was killed during a shootout He then joined the fire department. Lola is a 43 year-old widow. Daniel and Lola's story is fast-paced and full of drama, humor, action and sizzle. I loved every page of this book and can't wait for my next book from Elle James. Playing With Fire is book 5 of the Hellfire Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Prolific Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,362 reviews19 followers
January 25, 2019
A great older woman/younger man read with some suspense. Lola is a widow and ten years older than Daniel, she had found her love of her life, until he died and now she wants to live again and she’s found that the men at the fire station are irresistible. She has her eye on another man but it’s always Daniel who comes to her rescue...who is she to turn down his services. Daniel doesn’t do love anymore and has more in common with Lola than she realizes but when they finally get going, his past comes back and they’re gunning for Lola.
A great read with steam but at the beginning I didn’t like Lola all that much, she was too brash and used emergency services for her own gain. I did warm up to her later when I got to see her vulnerable and caring side and when she finally realized that Daniel was the one she really wanted. Daniel was a great guy and I loved when he finally manned up about his feelings.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
4,073 reviews33 followers
January 22, 2019
Nice suspense and good romance.

We met Lola and Daniel in Hellfire in High Heels, the prequel to Playing with Fire, but you don't need to have read it to enjoy reading this book.

Lola is a widow and about 10 years older than Daniel. They've had some pretty good sexy times together but both say they're not looking for anything more; then they decide to go on an actual date together. When Daniel cancels their date at the last-minute Lola is furious.

Daniel didn't want to hurt Lola but something bad is coming and he doesn't want her to be caught in the middle when his past comes back to haunt him.

Playing with Fire is a good older woman/younger man story with very suspenseful elements and I enjoyed reading it a lot.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
859 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2019
Lola is a young widow who decides to have some fun with the local hot firefighters. She needs some attention so, she keeps calling for ridiculous reasons so, the firefighter who shows up can, 'help her!'
Trent tends ti be on call whenever Lola makes these ridiculous calls so, he's happy to help her. He even takes calls when he's not actively on call.
Suddenly, Trent realizes someone is after him and, doesn't want anyone he is close to to be targeted by this person so, he stops seeing Lola. Lola can't understand why. Trent may be 10 years younger but, she feels that he cares much more for her than he's willing to admit.
This is a fascinating, don't want to put it down, romantic suspense that you will thoroughly enjoy!
243 reviews
January 23, 2019
I loved the original concept of this story. An older widow deserves love too and Lola Engel finds it in this story. Daniel insists on answering Lola's fake fire calls even when she asks for Chance. They have a steamy affair that of course everyone in the small town knows about. Unfortunately, that also means Daniel's past knows about Lola too and it catches up with them.

This story has suspense, an all together older woman who knows what she wants and a younger hot firefighter running from his pain. The characters are well developed and have steamy chemistry. This was a very enjoyable and nail biter read.
Profile Image for karen.
1,665 reviews
December 18, 2023
Call wolf often enough and you might get burned. Lola is a stitch and a younger widow who is much younger than her age. She talks a good story and is a big flirt. She is after Chance Grayson. But on all her wolf calls to the fire department, it is Daniel Flannigan who shows up. He is going to teach Lola a lesson. But he is the one who gets burned. When a man from Daniel’s border patrol days comes to exact revenge on his loved ones can Lola be saved in time after her house is set in Fire with her in it. Lot of action, fear, overcoming lost love, taking a Chance. Lily is also badass
154 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2019
This book is about Daniel and Lola. Daniel is a firefighter and Lola is a shoe store owner that loves (& sells) very expensive stilettos. She is several years older than him. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. There's lots of romance, mystery and conflict in this book and if you're like me and love all of these, then you'll love this book too. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out. This was a stand alone book, but you get to see some of the people from previous books.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2019
Lola Engel tried to trap Chance Grayson for a hot affair but she got Daniel Flannigan instead. It started out with Lola calling 911 for small things like out of control leaf fires and Daniel would always show up. They decided that they just wanted to keep it at a sexual relationship, nothing more. But Daniel has a past and it comes to Hellfire. He tries to break up with Lola for her own safety but he can't stay away. They both have lost and now they have a chance for more if he can keep her safe.

Fun and sexy read. Lots of fast paced action. A rip roaring good read.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,015 reviews47 followers
February 5, 2019
Playing With Fire by Elle James is the fifth book in her Hellfire series and is smoking hot.
Daniel Flannigan and Lola Engel have had a good think going that seems to suit both of them just fine. She had the perfect marriage and wasn't looking for anything long term and Daniel had lost someone very special to him and wasn't ever getting attached to anyone ever again. However when Lola's life is in danger Daniel will stop at nothing to protect the woman he has come to love.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews52 followers
January 24, 2019
This is the 5th book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Lola and Daniel having aren’t looking for anything series but are having a lot of fun together. When they finally do decide to go out on a date he cancels suddenly and she is mad. What secrets is Daniel hiding from his past? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense, steamy chemistry and an entertaining story. I liked it.
276 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2019
Love the series

I really liked the series to this book and love the author but although the book was really good
I kept getting stuck on the mc calling the fire department and crying for attention. This really bothered me maybe because I have fire fighters in the family. Overall great storyline once I got over that in the beginning. It was nice to see a mc that wasn’t in her 20s.
650 reviews
October 7, 2019
My favorite romance. Older woman / younger man

A hot fireman and a hot older widow. Lola and Daniel. These two are so great together. The perfect pair. Yet neither wanted anything serious. Both just looking for fun. But when a dangerous man is out to get Daniel and their lives are on the line, thats when their true feelings really come out. I loved this story. The author developed it beautifully. It doesn’t disappoint!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.6k reviews168 followers
January 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this fun and suspenseful read. Lola and Daniel were likable and entertaining. Lola was definitely sassy, knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to work to get it. Daniel was strong, caring and determined to protect Lola even if it meant hurting them both in the process. The story kept me engaged and on edge as it unfolded. Simply, this is a great read. This is my forthright, freely posted review.
Profile Image for Pauline Frost.
1,517 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2019
This was a quick read but it wasn't full of real life characters. A small town setting but why would a forty something woman be using the fire department for non emergency calls even if she had a scanner to see if they were really on a call or not. I got the storyline but it wasn't real in my mind. Ms. James did use her imagination in writing the story so as a reader you need to do the same.
1,517 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2019
Good read

Firemen, lawmen, military, cowboys......Wow! Flanagan is a fireman, ex-border patrol officer, and rides a Harley. She is ten years older than him, a widow who owns her own fancy shoe store and only wants a no-strings fling.....but not with him. Some sex, humor, some danger and some romance. Highly recommend.
1,626 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2019
I loved Lola and Daniel. This story was funny, sexy and a touch of danger. Loved the older woman and younger man. The main characters were perfect for each other, even if they didn't realize it. This is a great series. Standalone, no cliffhanger and hea.
I voluntarily received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,281 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2019
Awesome Read

Yahooooo! The older woman gets her a younger man. Two characters who know what it is to lose the people who you love neither ever think that they would love again. Elle James brings you two hurt souls. She take you on a journey of discovery and emotions and you can't wait to read more!!!!!
1,949 reviews10 followers
June 2, 2019
Special Connection!

Playing with Fire: Loved the story and the heat! The characters were amazing! Lola and Daniel were perfect match. I love the Grayson family a lot as well. Fantastic writing from an amazing writer! Elle James really tells her stories well and this was another great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,988 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2024
Second chance at love

Lola lost her husband to cancer and Daniel lost his girlfriend in the line of duty. Neither wants to find love again but they're open to some fun. When they agree to start dating, Daniel pulls away to try to keep her safe from danger that's headed to town. This is more smoke than fire. 4.5 stars
2,943 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2024
That was unexpected unique. Flanagan wants 2 put a spot against Lola constantly calling 911 4 petty shit instead of real emergencies. But when he gets a call that's from the past he needs 2 figure out a solution and fast. He goes about it the wrong way but he does what needs 2 b done in the end that's all that matters the most. And there's a additional surprise that comes with it.
Profile Image for Simera.
1,846 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet, suspenseful and heart warming read. Lola and Daniel were good together and likable. Lola knew what she wanted and wasn't afriad to go for it. Daniel just wanted to keep Lola safe even if that meant hurting them both.
I voluntarily read advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,009 reviews71 followers
January 26, 2019
Playing With Fire is a hot read about an older woman and a young, hot firefighter falling for each other. Great characters, drama, romance, sizzle and steam, suspense, and action make this a page turner. Lola and Daniel are great and I loved them together. Can't wait for the next book!
2,253 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2019
Playing With Fire

Another great story. Love had no choice in life. You find it in another person and it leaves you falling. Age is something you worry about, but as adults age doesn't matter where the heart is concerned.
Profile Image for Iris Hehe.
701 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2021
Great Read

Lola and Daniel are together and maintain they only want a fling. When a man from Daniels past shows up and has promised to kill him and everyone he loves. Now the man gets to Hellfire and naps Lola. Daniel and his friends have to try and save her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews