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Modern Love #3
Flirting with Fire
Love isn't just an act in this captivating and flirty romance by New York Times bestselling author Jane Porter.
Forty-nine-year-old Margot Hughes has lived and breathed theater for the past twenty-five years. After a devastating breakup with her playwright fiancé, she wants nothing to do with the industry. She has sworn off New York, theater, actors—all of it. She returns to her hometown on California’s central coast and takes a job in real estate, where she manages significant investment properties. But Margot’s suddenly thrown back into the theater world when Sally, her friend and boss, who had been restoring and funding Cambria’s historic theater, has a heart attack. Before she knows it, Margot is tapped to take over the troubled summer production of Barefoot in the Park.
But the play is no walk in the park—the leads and director have all quit, and Margot struggles to find new actors…until Max Russo arrives. Forty-five-year-old Max is a former soap opera star turned rugged cowboy on TV’s most popular western series. Max has a huge following and is the perfect hero to step up and save the play, provided Margot stars opposite him. Although adamant she would never return to theater, Margot enjoys the long hours of rehearsal with a professional like Max, who is charming, witty, and passionate. But when the curtains close, can Margot allow herself to fall for Max when he represents everything she left behind?
Forty-nine-year-old Margot Hughes has lived and breathed theater for the past twenty-five years. After a devastating breakup with her playwright fiancé, she wants nothing to do with the industry. She has sworn off New York, theater, actors—all of it. She returns to her hometown on California’s central coast and takes a job in real estate, where she manages significant investment properties. But Margot’s suddenly thrown back into the theater world when Sally, her friend and boss, who had been restoring and funding Cambria’s historic theater, has a heart attack. Before she knows it, Margot is tapped to take over the troubled summer production of Barefoot in the Park.
But the play is no walk in the park—the leads and director have all quit, and Margot struggles to find new actors…until Max Russo arrives. Forty-five-year-old Max is a former soap opera star turned rugged cowboy on TV’s most popular western series. Max has a huge following and is the perfect hero to step up and save the play, provided Margot stars opposite him. Although adamant she would never return to theater, Margot enjoys the long hours of rehearsal with a professional like Max, who is charming, witty, and passionate. But when the curtains close, can Margot allow herself to fall for Max when he represents everything she left behind?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
18 people are currently reading
1572 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
553 books2,056 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 3, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Modern Love Book #3) by Jane Porter is an engaging and delightful mature contemporary romance and the third story in the Modern Love trilogy. All the books in this trilogy can easily be read as standalones because there are few crossover scenes of the female friends this trilogy is centered around.
Margot Hughes is back in her hometown after twenty-five years of pursuing her Broadway dream. After a failed eleven-year relationship, she believes her dream life as a wife and mother has passed her by. Working for her friend, Sally, in her property development company, Margot is content until Sally pushes her back into the theater world when she is needed to save the summer community theater production.
Max Russo has worked hard for twenty years to become the famous star he is today. After growing up in a dysfunctional family and having two failed marriages, he has sworn off marriage. Sally was the one person who helped him and believed in him during his childhood, so he is willing to help her by starring in her summer community theater production opposite Margot Hughes. The attraction and chemistry are immediate. Max wants a relationship, but Margot has been down this road before and her and Max’s future wants are very different.
Can Margot sacrifice what she wants for her future again or is she better off alone?
I absolutely love Max and Margot. This contemporary romance has two mature people communicating and being honest with each other even when it hurts. Both Max and Margot change emotionally throughout this romance personally without trying to change the other. I fell right into the story with the realistic characters, beautiful descriptions of the California coastal towns, and believable dialogue. The sex scenes are explicit and smokin’ hot, but not gratuitous. This plot contains not only a beautiful romance, but also several real-life issues that can crop up during anyone’s life journey.
I love the Modern Love trilogy stories, the heroines’ friendships and support, and the varied mature contemporary romances Ms. Porter has written in each. I highly recommend these three romances: Flirting with Fifty, Flirting with the Beast and Flirting with Fire!
FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Modern Love Book #3) by Jane Porter is an engaging and delightful mature contemporary romance and the third story in the Modern Love trilogy. All the books in this trilogy can easily be read as standalones because there are few crossover scenes of the female friends this trilogy is centered around.
Margot Hughes is back in her hometown after twenty-five years of pursuing her Broadway dream. After a failed eleven-year relationship, she believes her dream life as a wife and mother has passed her by. Working for her friend, Sally, in her property development company, Margot is content until Sally pushes her back into the theater world when she is needed to save the summer community theater production.
Max Russo has worked hard for twenty years to become the famous star he is today. After growing up in a dysfunctional family and having two failed marriages, he has sworn off marriage. Sally was the one person who helped him and believed in him during his childhood, so he is willing to help her by starring in her summer community theater production opposite Margot Hughes. The attraction and chemistry are immediate. Max wants a relationship, but Margot has been down this road before and her and Max’s future wants are very different.
Can Margot sacrifice what she wants for her future again or is she better off alone?
I absolutely love Max and Margot. This contemporary romance has two mature people communicating and being honest with each other even when it hurts. Both Max and Margot change emotionally throughout this romance personally without trying to change the other. I fell right into the story with the realistic characters, beautiful descriptions of the California coastal towns, and believable dialogue. The sex scenes are explicit and smokin’ hot, but not gratuitous. This plot contains not only a beautiful romance, but also several real-life issues that can crop up during anyone’s life journey.
I love the Modern Love trilogy stories, the heroines’ friendships and support, and the varied mature contemporary romances Ms. Porter has written in each. I highly recommend these three romances: Flirting with Fifty, Flirting with the Beast and Flirting with Fire!
July 9, 2023
Sooo good! Midlife love is still possible and powerful! 4.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is a part of a series, but the crossover is simply in some of the secondary characters so you can definitely read this as a standalone too.
One thing Porter does so well is her highly descriptive scenes. It is like you are right there in the book with the characters. Waking the beach; smelling the air and hearing the crashing waves. Absorbing the sounds and chaos of the theater.
She is also fabulous in creating characters that stand out in the story. The women are your new best friends. The guys are your newest crush. She fills the story with depth and emotion that tug on your heartstrings.
Porter pours so much into her books. The characters go through so much like learning how to move forward after major life changes as well as learning to let go and trust. Crack open closed hearts and take a chance on a new life with someone special
This book is emotional and eye-opening in many ways. Porter holds nothing back as Flirting with Fire dives deep and brings those tender deeply romantic feelings right along with it.
* Advance copy received
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/flirting-wit...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is a part of a series, but the crossover is simply in some of the secondary characters so you can definitely read this as a standalone too.
One thing Porter does so well is her highly descriptive scenes. It is like you are right there in the book with the characters. Waking the beach; smelling the air and hearing the crashing waves. Absorbing the sounds and chaos of the theater.
She is also fabulous in creating characters that stand out in the story. The women are your new best friends. The guys are your newest crush. She fills the story with depth and emotion that tug on your heartstrings.
Porter pours so much into her books. The characters go through so much like learning how to move forward after major life changes as well as learning to let go and trust. Crack open closed hearts and take a chance on a new life with someone special
This book is emotional and eye-opening in many ways. Porter holds nothing back as Flirting with Fire dives deep and brings those tender deeply romantic feelings right along with it.
* Advance copy received
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/flirting-wit...
August 1, 2023
Margot Hughes, fresh off a breakup with her playwright fiancé, returns to her hometown in coastal California, where she is quick to helm the local Barefoot in the Park production. Soon, former soap star turned cowboy Max Russo is taking the lead along Margo, and long hours of rehearsal leads to offset fun.
I struggled a bit with this one. While I liked the idea of this story, something was lost in the execution I think. A large part of my issue is that this writing style just did not work for me and I struggled to stay engaged. During the second half, I found myself feeling frustrated with the characters and their dialogue, and could not understand how certain issues were so quickly resolved (think big picture relationship issues).
This is quite the outlier opinion on this book, so please check out other reviews and give this one on a try if it’s been on your tbr.
Read if you like:
•mature romance (40s)
•divorcees
•forced proximity
•emotional romance
•found family
•small town life
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
I struggled a bit with this one. While I liked the idea of this story, something was lost in the execution I think. A large part of my issue is that this writing style just did not work for me and I struggled to stay engaged. During the second half, I found myself feeling frustrated with the characters and their dialogue, and could not understand how certain issues were so quickly resolved (think big picture relationship issues).
This is quite the outlier opinion on this book, so please check out other reviews and give this one on a try if it’s been on your tbr.
Read if you like:
•mature romance (40s)
•divorcees
•forced proximity
•emotional romance
•found family
•small town life
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
September 11, 2023
Forty-nine-year-old Margot Hughes doesn’t plan on getting back into the theatre scene. Living a gypsy sort of life for twenty-five years, traveling and performing and then having her plan of retiring and starting a family shattered has soured her on that life. She’s come back to her California to the coastal town of Cambria, close to her hometown intent on settling down. Only Margot hasn’t been able to find love and it seems her dream of having children has all but passed her by.
However, when Margot’s boss, Sally has a health scare and Sally’s production of Bare Foot in the Park is in danger of collapsing, Margot steps in as both director and female lead. Little does she know that superstar Max Russo will be her co-star.
After years in the business, Max’s career has taken off and he owes a dept of gratitude to Sally, one of his father’s past wives, for helping him through some rough years growing up. Without her support and love he wouldn’t be where he is now, so when he hears about her health scare and the issue with the play he doesn’t hesitate to come back and help.
There’s an instant mutual attraction between Margot and Max. Hours spent in rehearsal, brainstorming over dinner and sipping wine by the ocean have Margot and Max forming a bond of friendship and more. Their chemistry is intense, but their ideas for the future are different. Margot wants a family and marriage. Max hasn’t had the best history with marriage and doesn’t want to repeat his father’s mistakes with raising children. Can they bridge the gap and make things work long-term?
Flirting with Fire was another mature romance from Jane Porter, the couple are both in their late forties, and I thoroughly enjoyed that! At this point in life most are past playing games romantically and I’m all for that. I appreciated how they tackled the issues, even though it was painful at times for them.
Loved the setting of Cambria, California, a place I’ve visited often over the years. Ms. Porter captured the essence of this gorgeous location: its quaint town with picturesque shops and restaurants and the breathtaking miles of Pacific Ocean coastline!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
However, when Margot’s boss, Sally has a health scare and Sally’s production of Bare Foot in the Park is in danger of collapsing, Margot steps in as both director and female lead. Little does she know that superstar Max Russo will be her co-star.
After years in the business, Max’s career has taken off and he owes a dept of gratitude to Sally, one of his father’s past wives, for helping him through some rough years growing up. Without her support and love he wouldn’t be where he is now, so when he hears about her health scare and the issue with the play he doesn’t hesitate to come back and help.
There’s an instant mutual attraction between Margot and Max. Hours spent in rehearsal, brainstorming over dinner and sipping wine by the ocean have Margot and Max forming a bond of friendship and more. Their chemistry is intense, but their ideas for the future are different. Margot wants a family and marriage. Max hasn’t had the best history with marriage and doesn’t want to repeat his father’s mistakes with raising children. Can they bridge the gap and make things work long-term?
Flirting with Fire was another mature romance from Jane Porter, the couple are both in their late forties, and I thoroughly enjoyed that! At this point in life most are past playing games romantically and I’m all for that. I appreciated how they tackled the issues, even though it was painful at times for them.
Loved the setting of Cambria, California, a place I’ve visited often over the years. Ms. Porter captured the essence of this gorgeous location: its quaint town with picturesque shops and restaurants and the breathtaking miles of Pacific Ocean coastline!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
An appealing romance although the fairy tale ending was achieved too easily.
July 24, 2023
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
Flirting with Fire was mature romance at its finest. Filled with complicated pasts, real-life issues, and a love so grand it couldn’t be contained or ignored, author Jane Porter will wring every last emotion out of readers with this heartfelt story.
Oh, did Jane Porter’s writing voice *shine* in Flirting with Fire. It was a mature contemporary romance (main characters were in their mid to late forties) that carried a whole lot of heat as well as heart. There was a bit of well-placed angst. There were poor decisions made in very realistic ways. And the characters faced numerous challenges–personally as well as professionally. But at the core of it, Flirting with Fire was a story of love and family, and of finding the place we’re meant to be in life... Read More
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
Flirting with Fire was mature romance at its finest. Filled with complicated pasts, real-life issues, and a love so grand it couldn’t be contained or ignored, author Jane Porter will wring every last emotion out of readers with this heartfelt story.
Oh, did Jane Porter’s writing voice *shine* in Flirting with Fire. It was a mature contemporary romance (main characters were in their mid to late forties) that carried a whole lot of heat as well as heart. There was a bit of well-placed angst. There were poor decisions made in very realistic ways. And the characters faced numerous challenges–personally as well as professionally. But at the core of it, Flirting with Fire was a story of love and family, and of finding the place we’re meant to be in life... Read More
June 30, 2023
I would like to thank Jane for the E ARC of this book, as a member of her review crew in exchange for an honest review.
Margot is working quite happily in a real estate office in her hometown, after twenty-five years as a actress. She has had a bad break up with her fiancé and wants nothing to do with actors or the theatre. Margot is suddenly thrust back into the theatre world by her boss and friend Sally. The towns summer season production is in trouble, the director has quit, the two leads have quit and so have several of the crew. Sally has just had a heart attack and needs to keep stress to a minimum, so Margot reluctantly agrees.
Max has come to town to see Sally and to make sure she is ok and being well looked after. She has him wound round her little finger, she convinces him to take the male lead role in the play and then persuades Margot to take the female lead.
The connection between Margot and Max grows as they spend hours rehearsing, will this summer be special for them both or will the past disrupt everything? What happens when there is a tragedy in town?
I really enjoyed this story, great characters and setting. I loved Sally, her love for Max and Margot was apparent from the beginning. I also liked that we see the growth of both main characters and other subsidiary characters.
If you are looking for a good read over the summer I would recommend this one.
Margot is working quite happily in a real estate office in her hometown, after twenty-five years as a actress. She has had a bad break up with her fiancé and wants nothing to do with actors or the theatre. Margot is suddenly thrust back into the theatre world by her boss and friend Sally. The towns summer season production is in trouble, the director has quit, the two leads have quit and so have several of the crew. Sally has just had a heart attack and needs to keep stress to a minimum, so Margot reluctantly agrees.
Max has come to town to see Sally and to make sure she is ok and being well looked after. She has him wound round her little finger, she convinces him to take the male lead role in the play and then persuades Margot to take the female lead.
The connection between Margot and Max grows as they spend hours rehearsing, will this summer be special for them both or will the past disrupt everything? What happens when there is a tragedy in town?
I really enjoyed this story, great characters and setting. I loved Sally, her love for Max and Margot was apparent from the beginning. I also liked that we see the growth of both main characters and other subsidiary characters.
If you are looking for a good read over the summer I would recommend this one.
July 25, 2023
I absolutely loved Margot. She is such a wonderful character, cares so much for her people and her community. She's content with where she is and certainly isn't looking for more....be it acting or love. And yet, sometimes when you least expect it....
Max is so sweet and sexy but also....lost? Still traumatized from his childhood, though he doesn't really realize it. I love Max but I really wish he had gone to therapy. With the amount of abuse he went through growing up and his difficult marriage, I really doubt someone could just let that pain go. But overall, the book was lovely, and I absolutely adored how they took a show and turned it on its ear! Such fun!!
Max is so sweet and sexy but also....lost? Still traumatized from his childhood, though he doesn't really realize it. I love Max but I really wish he had gone to therapy. With the amount of abuse he went through growing up and his difficult marriage, I really doubt someone could just let that pain go. But overall, the book was lovely, and I absolutely adored how they took a show and turned it on its ear! Such fun!!
July 24, 2023
Margot Hughes had given up her acting career after the dissolution of a long-term relationship and a need to move in a new direction that will get her what she wants. She returns home to her California coastal town to live a simple life helping her friend Sally with her business. When Sally's passion project of creating a community theater is about to fail, Sally asks Margot to dust off her acting hat and direct the play.
Well-known actor Max Russo is also asked to give a hand. He's family to Sally, and he agrees to play the lead opposite Margo. Max is not just good-looking -- he's got impeccable manners and he's sensitive to others. He's a good guy. It's no wonder that Margo is falling from the minute she meets Max, even though she knows it can't go anywhere.
Over the course of prepping for the play, Max and Margo spend more time together and they become friends. It does get uncomfortable for Margo to play her part since it involves lots of kissing and I really thought this was so well done. Margo's hesitancy along with the pull she has toward Max is really a delightful part of their romance. They are just so darn cute!
They try to take things slow, even when it's clear they are both on the same page. They are adorable together and I loved this older romance. Margo's reawakening of her physical feelings was a nice part of the story and when they finally do give in to what they are feeling with each other, it's explosive and wonderful!
But there's a bit of conflict when they realize they want very different things in the future. It's a bit of a heart-breaker here for sure, but this is a romance with a very lovely HEA, so I won't say anymore. It does take some big shifts in thinking for both character's. In spite of some things happening very quickly, I really did enjoy this romance and was rooting for Max and Margo all the way.
Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. There was plenty of humor, many cute moments, and lots of heat between Margo and Max. I really did love them together, especially how their relationship helped their creative process. Max was just pretty awesome, and Sally's big heart had room enough for everyone and she turned out to be a key change-agent when Max and Margo really need it.
I really enjoyed this romance and would recommend it to all romance readers, and especially those looking for a more mature romance. Flirting with Fire captures the age group perfectly and I liked that the most about it. It's just a very entertaining sweet romance between forty-somethings and I loved it!
Well-known actor Max Russo is also asked to give a hand. He's family to Sally, and he agrees to play the lead opposite Margo. Max is not just good-looking -- he's got impeccable manners and he's sensitive to others. He's a good guy. It's no wonder that Margo is falling from the minute she meets Max, even though she knows it can't go anywhere.
Over the course of prepping for the play, Max and Margo spend more time together and they become friends. It does get uncomfortable for Margo to play her part since it involves lots of kissing and I really thought this was so well done. Margo's hesitancy along with the pull she has toward Max is really a delightful part of their romance. They are just so darn cute!
They try to take things slow, even when it's clear they are both on the same page. They are adorable together and I loved this older romance. Margo's reawakening of her physical feelings was a nice part of the story and when they finally do give in to what they are feeling with each other, it's explosive and wonderful!
But there's a bit of conflict when they realize they want very different things in the future. It's a bit of a heart-breaker here for sure, but this is a romance with a very lovely HEA, so I won't say anymore. It does take some big shifts in thinking for both character's. In spite of some things happening very quickly, I really did enjoy this romance and was rooting for Max and Margo all the way.
Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. There was plenty of humor, many cute moments, and lots of heat between Margo and Max. I really did love them together, especially how their relationship helped their creative process. Max was just pretty awesome, and Sally's big heart had room enough for everyone and she turned out to be a key change-agent when Max and Margo really need it.
I really enjoyed this romance and would recommend it to all romance readers, and especially those looking for a more mature romance. Flirting with Fire captures the age group perfectly and I liked that the most about it. It's just a very entertaining sweet romance between forty-somethings and I loved it!
August 6, 2023
I always enjoy Jane Porter.
July 25, 2023
Flirting with Fire is one of the best books I've read by Jane Porter.
The author writes true emotion with pure authenticity that continues to resonate long after the story is done. I loved everything about this story and fell in love with Margot and Max the minute I met them. No one does passion, romance and grown up love better than Jane Porter. This is a MUST read!
The author writes true emotion with pure authenticity that continues to resonate long after the story is done. I loved everything about this story and fell in love with Margot and Max the minute I met them. No one does passion, romance and grown up love better than Jane Porter. This is a MUST read!
June 22, 2023
Flirting with Fire is a classic romance between Margot Hughes, former actress and now a real estate investment and property manager, and Max Russo, soap actor turned TV’s hottest cowboy star.
Sally, Margot’s boss and Max’s former stepmother, throws them together after a health scare, and she has an agenda—bring life back to the theater she has lovingly restored. Grudgingly, they agree and decide to take Barefoot in the Park and turn it on its head with a modern twist.
Starting from scratch with a new crew and cast, Margot brings her experience from Broadway and Max brings the audience with his mass appeal. What they don’t expect is the sparks between them.
They want different things in life, live in different cities, and have nothing in common other than acting. Margot knows she gave up having a family for her career, but she’s open to love again, Max doesn’t do relationships. It could never work, but the passion they share is real.
Margot must make decisions about what she wants for her future as Max faces demons from the past. If they can overcome the obstacles, they might find that Sally was actually the matchmaker in all of this and get their happily ever after.
Sally, Margot’s boss and Max’s former stepmother, throws them together after a health scare, and she has an agenda—bring life back to the theater she has lovingly restored. Grudgingly, they agree and decide to take Barefoot in the Park and turn it on its head with a modern twist.
Starting from scratch with a new crew and cast, Margot brings her experience from Broadway and Max brings the audience with his mass appeal. What they don’t expect is the sparks between them.
They want different things in life, live in different cities, and have nothing in common other than acting. Margot knows she gave up having a family for her career, but she’s open to love again, Max doesn’t do relationships. It could never work, but the passion they share is real.
Margot must make decisions about what she wants for her future as Max faces demons from the past. If they can overcome the obstacles, they might find that Sally was actually the matchmaker in all of this and get their happily ever after.
July 29, 2023
I enjoyed this story but I wasn't a fan of the last 12%. As much as I liked Max and Margot together for a majority of the story, that ending made me second guess if I thought they should end up together.
Despite not enjoying the way this book played out, I enjoyed the writing style and will definitely be picking up another book from this author.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
Despite not enjoying the way this book played out, I enjoyed the writing style and will definitely be picking up another book from this author.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
July 25, 2023
Another great book in the Flirting series! I love how realistic the characters and romance is. That it shows that love can happen ‘later’ in life.
January 24, 2024
This story is told in third person and follows Margot and Max as they navigate helping their friend Sally and her plans for summer theater after she becomes indisposed. I almost put this one down because I quickly realized that there were themes that I avoid in a romance, themes that I thought were easily avoidable since the characters are in a more mature age bracket. I wish that had been disclosed in the summary.
Still, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their interactions were believable and genuine. I enjoyed the relationship, but I don’t think the bigger issues between them were resolved in a satisfactory way for me. Or at least were too easily solved. Maybe that’s a me problem, but it colored my enjoyment of the book. I would love it for once if the compromise went the other way.
Still, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their interactions were believable and genuine. I enjoyed the relationship, but I don’t think the bigger issues between them were resolved in a satisfactory way for me. Or at least were too easily solved. Maybe that’s a me problem, but it colored my enjoyment of the book. I would love it for once if the compromise went the other way.
July 26, 2023
Flirting with fire
By Jane Porter
Due out July 25 2023
Margot Hughes was asked by her boss, Sally to help with a place she was working on. But Margot was DONE! She wanted nothing more to do with entertainment, business or Broadway.
Sally also roped in Max Russo a famous actor, who is also a good friend of Sally’s.
Did Sally really need help or was she playing matchmaker? You need to read this book to find out! I think you will enjoy Margot and Max’s journey as much as I did. I think one of the things I love the most was the age of the main characters. Totally made it relatable for me.
Thank you, Jane Porter for another great story !
By Jane Porter
Due out July 25 2023
Margot Hughes was asked by her boss, Sally to help with a place she was working on. But Margot was DONE! She wanted nothing more to do with entertainment, business or Broadway.
Sally also roped in Max Russo a famous actor, who is also a good friend of Sally’s.
Did Sally really need help or was she playing matchmaker? You need to read this book to find out! I think you will enjoy Margot and Max’s journey as much as I did. I think one of the things I love the most was the age of the main characters. Totally made it relatable for me.
Thank you, Jane Porter for another great story !
June 27, 2023
I loved this book! My favorite thing was the age of the 2 main characters Margot/Max. They’re starring in a local theater that’s owned by Sally,who’s a mother figure to Max. They fall madly in love,have a slight breakup when Max believes he’s against marriage (after 2 failed divorces) & fatherhood (he had a terrible childhood). His Ex Annalise,comes into town & announces that she’s pregnant…false. I wish her part hadn’t fizzled out quite so quickly,she could’ve wreaked a little more havoc. Margot has never married & longs to be a mother. Thankfully Max gets it together & they reunite,Marry & have a son :) thank you Jane Porter for this ARC This book is due out on July 25’23
September 22, 2023
2 stars for Flirting With Fire by Jane Porter
Flirting With Fire was more or less enjoyable until Ms. Porter introduced a manipulative ex-wife and dumbed down her main character, Margot, in the process. On top of that, 49-year-old Margot became super focused on starting a family, stating that her life had no purpose without children. As part of a happily married couple who elected not to have kids, I found that insulting.
Flirting With Fire came close to being a DNF for me, but I liked supporting character Sally enough to pick the novel back up and finish it. If you happen to like the idea of starting a family at 50, give this book a try.
Flirting With Fire was more or less enjoyable until Ms. Porter introduced a manipulative ex-wife and dumbed down her main character, Margot, in the process. On top of that, 49-year-old Margot became super focused on starting a family, stating that her life had no purpose without children. As part of a happily married couple who elected not to have kids, I found that insulting.
Flirting With Fire came close to being a DNF for me, but I liked supporting character Sally enough to pick the novel back up and finish it. If you happen to like the idea of starting a family at 50, give this book a try.
July 31, 2023
*I read an advance review copy provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.*
Flirting with Fire is the third installment in Jane Porter's latest series featuring older protagonists, instead of the 20-somethings that fill so much of romance. This is my favorite of the three. Flirting with Fire works as a standalone, you don't need to read all three to follow the story or know the characters.
Margot was once a Broadway and traveling Broadway stage actress. However, after a breakup, she gives up acting and heads home to the northern California town where she grew up. Her current job is with a wealthy real estate owner and developer, Sally, who is a real mentor to Margot. Sally needs Margot to take over the summer production of a play at the local historical community theater which Sally refurbished and owns. What Sally wants, Sally gets. And that's where Max comes in. He is also from the area, and Sally was part of his stability in a chaotic childhood. He's a successful actor, and when Sally calls him for help with the play, he can't say no. Sparks fly immediately between Margot and Max, and we watch them navigate both the play and their attraction and developing relationship.
I really liked both main characters. Margot sees exactly where she is in life. She knows what she had, she knows what went wrong in her previous long term relationship, and she knows what parts of her life dreams she still hasn't achieved. I appreciated that Margot had such good insight into herself and her dreams. I was hoping for more of a story about the different paths of life for a late 40s-early 50s woman, and that isn't the direction this ultimately goes. However, because the set up for Margot is so specific that she knows what she wanted in life and later decides she's willing to do some work to make the dreams come true - well, it might not have been the story I was hoping for. But it is true to Margot's character and I think it's handled well. (more specifics later marked as spoilers).
Max is portrayed with a lot of the standard language one used to read for alpha males, but he's not an alpha-hole. He's just hot. And he's really caring and loving and considerate. He had a rough childhood and some rough marriages. He has scars and he has to learn to both live with them and let them go. I really liked Max. He could have been such a flat character, just the hot actor dude. Instead he makes the point of his "20 years to become an overnight sensation" for his career. He asserts his need for rest with his agent. He's very caring with Sally, who was so important in his youth and remained a rock for him through his life. It was impossible not to root for him.
Side characters had richness to the world. Sally, as mentioned, can be both support and conscious for both Margot and Max. She's a delight. Margot's coworkers, her friends, the theater people - they all work for me. Even Max's horrible ex-wife - ok I don't like her, but the role is there to help Max see some of the how and why of his life and it works. And then she goes away and we don't have to worry about her anymore.
Pacing is good. There are a few spots where we are probably going into more detail than needed but nothing that completely stops the narrative. The banter between Margot and Max is often funny and really works. These are two people who really like each other and it shows. Sexy times are on the page, with higher heat than I've seen in some of Porter's most recent works. It all fits, nothing is out of character or just present for no reason.
*spoilers* The only hesitation I had on the plot is the baby storyline. As I said above. Margot knew she wanted to be a parent. I appreciate that that's clear early on and Margot stands up for herself and her dream of children. I also appreciated when both Margot and Max kind of put the brakes on their ultimatums and said we have a lot of steps to take first. Then it was head spinning to me to have Margot back at baby square one again. And honestly, I wasn't wanting to read a baby romance for older characters. But again, as I said, it's made clear early on that this is part of Margot's life long dream and it was authentic to the character to want a baby and not have her just throw that away because of Max. Further, I think having Margot deal with the fertility part of a later in life pregnancy, made it authentic and real for this older character. It wasn't a surprise baby, thankfully. I think this part of the storyline may divide readers. It was not my favorite part, but I think Porter handled it fine and again, it was authentic to the character. Baby storylines are not often what one thinks of with older main characters but the reality is there are people in their 40s who decide to have children then and who didn't have them when they were younger. It's a different decision and dynamic and I think that's good to show.
Jane Porter fans will enjoy this one for sure.
CW: abusive childhood, death of parent. manipulative ex-spouse, pregnancy fertility issues
Flirting with Fire is the third installment in Jane Porter's latest series featuring older protagonists, instead of the 20-somethings that fill so much of romance. This is my favorite of the three. Flirting with Fire works as a standalone, you don't need to read all three to follow the story or know the characters.
Margot was once a Broadway and traveling Broadway stage actress. However, after a breakup, she gives up acting and heads home to the northern California town where she grew up. Her current job is with a wealthy real estate owner and developer, Sally, who is a real mentor to Margot. Sally needs Margot to take over the summer production of a play at the local historical community theater which Sally refurbished and owns. What Sally wants, Sally gets. And that's where Max comes in. He is also from the area, and Sally was part of his stability in a chaotic childhood. He's a successful actor, and when Sally calls him for help with the play, he can't say no. Sparks fly immediately between Margot and Max, and we watch them navigate both the play and their attraction and developing relationship.
I really liked both main characters. Margot sees exactly where she is in life. She knows what she had, she knows what went wrong in her previous long term relationship, and she knows what parts of her life dreams she still hasn't achieved. I appreciated that Margot had such good insight into herself and her dreams. I was hoping for more of a story about the different paths of life for a late 40s-early 50s woman, and that isn't the direction this ultimately goes. However, because the set up for Margot is so specific that she knows what she wanted in life and later decides she's willing to do some work to make the dreams come true - well, it might not have been the story I was hoping for. But it is true to Margot's character and I think it's handled well. (more specifics later marked as spoilers).
Max is portrayed with a lot of the standard language one used to read for alpha males, but he's not an alpha-hole. He's just hot. And he's really caring and loving and considerate. He had a rough childhood and some rough marriages. He has scars and he has to learn to both live with them and let them go. I really liked Max. He could have been such a flat character, just the hot actor dude. Instead he makes the point of his "20 years to become an overnight sensation" for his career. He asserts his need for rest with his agent. He's very caring with Sally, who was so important in his youth and remained a rock for him through his life. It was impossible not to root for him.
Side characters had richness to the world. Sally, as mentioned, can be both support and conscious for both Margot and Max. She's a delight. Margot's coworkers, her friends, the theater people - they all work for me. Even Max's horrible ex-wife - ok I don't like her, but the role is there to help Max see some of the how and why of his life and it works. And then she goes away and we don't have to worry about her anymore.
Pacing is good. There are a few spots where we are probably going into more detail than needed but nothing that completely stops the narrative. The banter between Margot and Max is often funny and really works. These are two people who really like each other and it shows. Sexy times are on the page, with higher heat than I've seen in some of Porter's most recent works. It all fits, nothing is out of character or just present for no reason.
*spoilers* The only hesitation I had on the plot is the baby storyline. As I said above. Margot knew she wanted to be a parent. I appreciate that that's clear early on and Margot stands up for herself and her dream of children. I also appreciated when both Margot and Max kind of put the brakes on their ultimatums and said we have a lot of steps to take first. Then it was head spinning to me to have Margot back at baby square one again. And honestly, I wasn't wanting to read a baby romance for older characters. But again, as I said, it's made clear early on that this is part of Margot's life long dream and it was authentic to the character to want a baby and not have her just throw that away because of Max. Further, I think having Margot deal with the fertility part of a later in life pregnancy, made it authentic and real for this older character. It wasn't a surprise baby, thankfully. I think this part of the storyline may divide readers. It was not my favorite part, but I think Porter handled it fine and again, it was authentic to the character. Baby storylines are not often what one thinks of with older main characters but the reality is there are people in their 40s who decide to have children then and who didn't have them when they were younger. It's a different decision and dynamic and I think that's good to show.
Jane Porter fans will enjoy this one for sure.
CW: abusive childhood, death of parent. manipulative ex-spouse, pregnancy fertility issues
July 30, 2023
FLIRTING WITH FIRE is the third volume in Jane Porter’s Modern Love series focusing on characters that are a bit more mature. I have enjoyed every one of them, but FLIRTING WITH FIRE is my new favorite. How could it not be? Margo chased her dreams as a theater actress and supported her ex-fiancé while he chased his dream, figuring there was still plenty of time to pursue her dream of a family and motherhood. Then the relationship was over and the life of an actress lost its shine, so she headed home for a “normal” life, working a job, living near her father, hoping to meet “the one” and start a family, even though she’s almost 50. She got lucky with a fantastic boss and mentor in Sally, even though Sally’s recent dream to restore and successfully reopen the local theater while continuing to push Margot’s involvement. With the newest season on the brink of disaster, a health issue sidelines Sally and Margot, finally, gives in, taking over as director and lead actress. What she didn’t expect was is that she would be working with another who adores Sally and would do anything for her, the newest hot actor, Max Russo. Max hasn’t had an easy life, but Sally is one that supported him from the beginning. He drops everything and agrees to help get her theater on track. Neither Margot nor Max expects the chemistry and friendship they find as they work together, but they are on different paths, wanting different things for the future. Can they get through their pasts and the baggage they carry to find a future together?
I absolutely adore Margot. She’s smart, talented, and knows what she wants, refusing to give up on her dreams for the future. She knows what will make her happy, well, mostly…Sally may have a little more insight on her professional happiness. Max is also a sweetheart but has the most baggage to deal with as he works to have a true adult relationship. When you add a fantastic cast of secondary characters, headed by Sally and an interesting/realistic storyline, you have the makings of a great read.
Jane Porter excels at writing characters full of heart and stories that bring all the feels. I am adding this one to my keeper shelf. Don’t miss it! It’s perfect for any time you need a feel-good story!
I absolutely adore Margot. She’s smart, talented, and knows what she wants, refusing to give up on her dreams for the future. She knows what will make her happy, well, mostly…Sally may have a little more insight on her professional happiness. Max is also a sweetheart but has the most baggage to deal with as he works to have a true adult relationship. When you add a fantastic cast of secondary characters, headed by Sally and an interesting/realistic storyline, you have the makings of a great read.
Jane Porter excels at writing characters full of heart and stories that bring all the feels. I am adding this one to my keeper shelf. Don’t miss it! It’s perfect for any time you need a feel-good story!
July 25, 2023
Margot Hughes has spent 25 years of her life pursuing a career in theater and after a horrible break-up with her fiancé she moves back home to Cambria and finds work in real estate. When her boss and friend, Sally, has a heart attack, Margot finds herself flung back onto the stage, helping launch Sally’s local historic theater production of Barefoot in the Park. The director and lead actor’s had quit and Margot was having trouble casting when TV star Max Russo arrives in town to see his dear friend Sally and agrees to help Margot by taking the male lead if she will cast herself in the other spot. While regretting the circumstances Margot reluctantly finds herself enjoying being back on a stage, especially opposite a professional like Max, and the heat that strikes between them makes for some really interesting scenes.
Even though Flirting with Fire can be read as a standalone novel you will find some familiar characters popping up from the other Flirting novels by Jane Porter. I’m not sure if her other books have more mature hero’s and heroine’s but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading a novel about people who have similar thoughts and feelings to my own. Margot is 49 years old and while Max is slightly younger, it’s refreshing to read a novel with a solid story with some sizzle with characters who are a bit more mature. Margot had appeared in the other Flirting novels and I was eagerly anticipating her own love story because her devastating breakup had already been told and I was happy to see her get her own hea. She and Max had an instant attraction but what I really loved about the two of them together was they understood each other’s life decisions. It was easy to like and root for them.
I’ll admit I love books set on the stage. It’s not something I’ve ever aspired to do but it sure is fun to read about putting on a production and the team work it takes to make it happen. Margot and Max made a great team and their energy made for some fun reading! This novel hit all of my buttons and once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.
Even though Flirting with Fire can be read as a standalone novel you will find some familiar characters popping up from the other Flirting novels by Jane Porter. I’m not sure if her other books have more mature hero’s and heroine’s but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading a novel about people who have similar thoughts and feelings to my own. Margot is 49 years old and while Max is slightly younger, it’s refreshing to read a novel with a solid story with some sizzle with characters who are a bit more mature. Margot had appeared in the other Flirting novels and I was eagerly anticipating her own love story because her devastating breakup had already been told and I was happy to see her get her own hea. She and Max had an instant attraction but what I really loved about the two of them together was they understood each other’s life decisions. It was easy to like and root for them.
I’ll admit I love books set on the stage. It’s not something I’ve ever aspired to do but it sure is fun to read about putting on a production and the team work it takes to make it happen. Margot and Max made a great team and their energy made for some fun reading! This novel hit all of my buttons and once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.
August 24, 2023
A sweet little audiobook I listened to this past weekend. Two co-stars in a community theater production of Barefoot in the Park fall in love, one of them just happens to be a very famous actor. It was a cute, it was an easy listen. For me, the ending was a little too neat and fast for the topic that divided the two lovers.
A big topic of this book was the female MC, who is about to turn 50, desperately wants to start a family and become a mom. I had a real disconnect to her age combined with that storyline. It’s probably a me problem, as I’m sure that situation is out there, I just couldn’t get my brain to wrap around that idea enough to fully get into the story. Though now that I’ve googled celebrities of a similar age, it’s a little easier to picture.
Would I read more by Jane Porter? I would!
A big topic of this book was the female MC, who is about to turn 50, desperately wants to start a family and become a mom. I had a real disconnect to her age combined with that storyline. It’s probably a me problem, as I’m sure that situation is out there, I just couldn’t get my brain to wrap around that idea enough to fully get into the story. Though now that I’ve googled celebrities of a similar age, it’s a little easier to picture.
Would I read more by Jane Porter? I would!
September 12, 2023
Could not get into the characters or the story.
August 4, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/f...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Each book I read in the Modern Love series by Jane Porter gets better and better, and thus my enjoyment of Flirting with Fire was beyond my expectations. From the beginning to the very end (which ended MUCH too quickly for me) I was engaged in the lives of Margot and Max. Being fully immersed in the story I am reading takes me to my happy place…☺
Margot Hughes is closing in on 50 years of age and living back in Paso Robles, California after a successful 25-year career on Broadway. It was nice to be living the ordinary life among good, kind, ordinary people. All she wanted was to be a wife and mother…unfortunately at the age of 41 her fiancé, Sam abruptly broke up with her, which led to the move from New York back home. Margot worked at Cambria Coast Development – owned and operated by a powerhouse – Sally Collins. Sally had a pet project in theatre…she had purchased Cambria’s playhouse plaza – where a wonderfully old 1938 stucco theatre had been renovated and recently reopened. The play billed for the summer months is Barefoot in the Park.
Max Russo is a successful actor with many, many movies under his belt as well as a TV series and commercials. He is a “hot commodity” in the entertainment industry. As well, he is a close friend (more like a son actually) to Sally Collins. Their relationship goes way back (something for you the reader to discover while enjoying this book).
When Sally is hospitalized due to a heart attack, Max comes rushing back to Cambria and there it becomes evident that Sally will not be able to work on the summer play. So she begs and pleads with both Margo and Max to put the show on in her stead. And the rest is history (i.e. a VERY enjoyable read).
I found that Max was a very well developed character. His life story was very in-depth and as this reader found out details as the story progressed – I liked him more and more. He was not just a shallow Hollywood star! Good looking and substance….
Margo has had a hard go of life in that she had but a few goals which included having a family… and it has eluded her. Probably a tale of many a woman in this day and age. Hard when we as women are expected to be able to have a career, family – basically – have it all.
Given that both Margo and Max have such deep love and respect for Sally – it was natural for them to agree to run the play. It turns out that both actually end up playing the leads. So naturally, being a story with the title Flirting with Fire, there are lots of fireworks. I enjoyed the progression of their romance with all the expected hiccups that go along with a romance novel. The supporting characters were great and don’t get me started about what a great character Sally is.
The cadence of the story as it progressed flowed very well. I really can’t say enough about this story. Well, other than make sure you leave sufficient time to read it all in one sitting (or three sittings as I did) as you will not want to put it down!
If you love romance, then I highly recommend Flirting with Fire by Jane Porter. You will not be disappointed.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Each book I read in the Modern Love series by Jane Porter gets better and better, and thus my enjoyment of Flirting with Fire was beyond my expectations. From the beginning to the very end (which ended MUCH too quickly for me) I was engaged in the lives of Margot and Max. Being fully immersed in the story I am reading takes me to my happy place…☺
Margot Hughes is closing in on 50 years of age and living back in Paso Robles, California after a successful 25-year career on Broadway. It was nice to be living the ordinary life among good, kind, ordinary people. All she wanted was to be a wife and mother…unfortunately at the age of 41 her fiancé, Sam abruptly broke up with her, which led to the move from New York back home. Margot worked at Cambria Coast Development – owned and operated by a powerhouse – Sally Collins. Sally had a pet project in theatre…she had purchased Cambria’s playhouse plaza – where a wonderfully old 1938 stucco theatre had been renovated and recently reopened. The play billed for the summer months is Barefoot in the Park.
Max Russo is a successful actor with many, many movies under his belt as well as a TV series and commercials. He is a “hot commodity” in the entertainment industry. As well, he is a close friend (more like a son actually) to Sally Collins. Their relationship goes way back (something for you the reader to discover while enjoying this book).
When Sally is hospitalized due to a heart attack, Max comes rushing back to Cambria and there it becomes evident that Sally will not be able to work on the summer play. So she begs and pleads with both Margo and Max to put the show on in her stead. And the rest is history (i.e. a VERY enjoyable read).
I found that Max was a very well developed character. His life story was very in-depth and as this reader found out details as the story progressed – I liked him more and more. He was not just a shallow Hollywood star! Good looking and substance….
Margo has had a hard go of life in that she had but a few goals which included having a family… and it has eluded her. Probably a tale of many a woman in this day and age. Hard when we as women are expected to be able to have a career, family – basically – have it all.
Given that both Margo and Max have such deep love and respect for Sally – it was natural for them to agree to run the play. It turns out that both actually end up playing the leads. So naturally, being a story with the title Flirting with Fire, there are lots of fireworks. I enjoyed the progression of their romance with all the expected hiccups that go along with a romance novel. The supporting characters were great and don’t get me started about what a great character Sally is.
The cadence of the story as it progressed flowed very well. I really can’t say enough about this story. Well, other than make sure you leave sufficient time to read it all in one sitting (or three sittings as I did) as you will not want to put it down!
If you love romance, then I highly recommend Flirting with Fire by Jane Porter. You will not be disappointed.
July 10, 2023
Margot is lovely forty-something woman and is just looking for the next great thing she is supposed to do with her life. After her breakup with a long time boyfriend, she has decided to abstain from theater acting and has become a real estate agent and moved back to California.
She works for a free spirited dynamo named Sally. Sally is loaded and owns properties everywhere as well as an old theater in Cambria, California (A beautiful beach city, by the way). She has a health incident and knows she can count on Margot to help pick up the pieces.
In walks Max. He’s a handsome actor from across the states and he knows Sally too. He has a very special relationship with her and will do anything to help. He and Margot meet and are expected to reopen the theater and take over the Barefoot in the Park play. Neither of them really want to but they both love Sally and want to help.
The story contains an abundant amount of dialogue and is needed for it to really pack a punch. Some very compelling characters emerge but not so many that I couldn’t keep track. This is my preference when reading a book. I like to know a lot about the characters and if there are too many, I lose track and their significance is minimized.
Jane Porter has a way of building her characters so well that I can feel and see what they are feeling and seeing. At the end of the book I had to shake my head to remind myself they were not real people. For a second or two I wanted to drive to Cambria, California and visit with them.
Just the right amount of backstory is given and the supporting characters are interesting enough for me to want to get to know too. This is a romance and although it is weaved through the story we encounter an explosive rendezvous about halfway through. Whoa! So fun!
The ending is so satisfying and happy. What a great story. I am looking forward to Jane’s upcoming Christmas book!
She works for a free spirited dynamo named Sally. Sally is loaded and owns properties everywhere as well as an old theater in Cambria, California (A beautiful beach city, by the way). She has a health incident and knows she can count on Margot to help pick up the pieces.
In walks Max. He’s a handsome actor from across the states and he knows Sally too. He has a very special relationship with her and will do anything to help. He and Margot meet and are expected to reopen the theater and take over the Barefoot in the Park play. Neither of them really want to but they both love Sally and want to help.
The story contains an abundant amount of dialogue and is needed for it to really pack a punch. Some very compelling characters emerge but not so many that I couldn’t keep track. This is my preference when reading a book. I like to know a lot about the characters and if there are too many, I lose track and their significance is minimized.
Jane Porter has a way of building her characters so well that I can feel and see what they are feeling and seeing. At the end of the book I had to shake my head to remind myself they were not real people. For a second or two I wanted to drive to Cambria, California and visit with them.
Just the right amount of backstory is given and the supporting characters are interesting enough for me to want to get to know too. This is a romance and although it is weaved through the story we encounter an explosive rendezvous about halfway through. Whoa! So fun!
The ending is so satisfying and happy. What a great story. I am looking forward to Jane’s upcoming Christmas book!
July 27, 2023
Jane Porter is one of my favorite authors and I never pass on the opportunity to read her latest book. Flirting with Fire is an emotional story that I could not put down. The two main characters are complex, engaging and real.
Margot Hughes is almost fifty years young. Unfortunately, she spent her child-bearing years with a man who outgrew her. She loves live theater and immediately after high school made her way to New York City. She immersed herself into acting and spent years on the road with Broadway show touring companies. As time went on, she always dreamed of living closer to her father, having a family of her own and moving back to her hometown on the west coast. So when her relationship of many years ended, she moved home and gave up her love of acting for a steadier lifestyle in real estate investments.
Max Russo is a talented and good looking 45-year-old actor. After years in the trenches, he is the star of a successful TV series and has many other offers vying for his acting expertise. In spite of a horrible childhood, he found happiness by entertaining others. Max's success is partly due to one person, Sally, one his father's former girlfriends. She was the only person to care about Max way back when. She showered him with encouragement, which enabled him to create a future. Sally is in her sixties and her real estate company keeps her hopping.
Margot and Max end up co-starring in the play Barefoot in the Park. Sally owns the community theater and convinces Margot and Max to do the play. Margot is actually overseeing the entire production. Overtime they fall into lust and love.
I really liked this heartwarming and passionate story. Ms. Porter's writing style continues to be uncomplicated and easy to understand. Both Margot and Max are well-defined characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Their backstories were quite compelling. The epilogue is terrific.
Complimentary copy provided via the publisher via NetGalley.
Margot Hughes is almost fifty years young. Unfortunately, she spent her child-bearing years with a man who outgrew her. She loves live theater and immediately after high school made her way to New York City. She immersed herself into acting and spent years on the road with Broadway show touring companies. As time went on, she always dreamed of living closer to her father, having a family of her own and moving back to her hometown on the west coast. So when her relationship of many years ended, she moved home and gave up her love of acting for a steadier lifestyle in real estate investments.
Max Russo is a talented and good looking 45-year-old actor. After years in the trenches, he is the star of a successful TV series and has many other offers vying for his acting expertise. In spite of a horrible childhood, he found happiness by entertaining others. Max's success is partly due to one person, Sally, one his father's former girlfriends. She was the only person to care about Max way back when. She showered him with encouragement, which enabled him to create a future. Sally is in her sixties and her real estate company keeps her hopping.
Margot and Max end up co-starring in the play Barefoot in the Park. Sally owns the community theater and convinces Margot and Max to do the play. Margot is actually overseeing the entire production. Overtime they fall into lust and love.
I really liked this heartwarming and passionate story. Ms. Porter's writing style continues to be uncomplicated and easy to understand. Both Margot and Max are well-defined characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Their backstories were quite compelling. The epilogue is terrific.
Complimentary copy provided via the publisher via NetGalley.
August 10, 2023
I have really enjoyed the three books in this new trilogy by Jane Porter. Mature couples bring with them a multitude of life experience - and baggage - adding texture and interest to both their individual characters as well as new relationships.
Of the three couples, all of whom I liked, Margot and Max are my favorite. There's so much to cheer for with these two. I liked them as people, related to their life experiences, especially Margot's. Approaching her 50th birthday, she's faced with a number of realizations: unfulfilled dreams, paths not taken, but also new opportunities on the horizon. If she's courageous enough to take the first step. Her journey with Max is a reminder that sometimes second acts can be the best acts. That's a theme that flows through all three books in this series and one Porter navigates well.
As a theater geek, I loved all the intricate details of the community theater and the fact that Max's character is a working - and successful - actor. Just like Margot, I couldn't help but fall for Max. I wanted to hug the little boy in him for all he had endured, climb the rugged, sexy man he had become, and reassure him that he wasn't broken but, in fact, has overflowing amounts of love and commitment for the right person. I was cheering him on the entire way.
The secondary cast is well drawn, bringing the right amount of support, conflict, and texture to the story without detracting from the main couple. Porter blends them all together seamlessly into an intriguing, empowering, emotionally satisfying story of growth, forgiveness, understanding, new beginnings, and love.
I don't know if Porter plans to continue these stories featuring couples in their 40's and 50's but if she does I will definitely be here for them. They are an important reminder that love can find us at any age and new beginnings are always just around the corner.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
Of the three couples, all of whom I liked, Margot and Max are my favorite. There's so much to cheer for with these two. I liked them as people, related to their life experiences, especially Margot's. Approaching her 50th birthday, she's faced with a number of realizations: unfulfilled dreams, paths not taken, but also new opportunities on the horizon. If she's courageous enough to take the first step. Her journey with Max is a reminder that sometimes second acts can be the best acts. That's a theme that flows through all three books in this series and one Porter navigates well.
As a theater geek, I loved all the intricate details of the community theater and the fact that Max's character is a working - and successful - actor. Just like Margot, I couldn't help but fall for Max. I wanted to hug the little boy in him for all he had endured, climb the rugged, sexy man he had become, and reassure him that he wasn't broken but, in fact, has overflowing amounts of love and commitment for the right person. I was cheering him on the entire way.
The secondary cast is well drawn, bringing the right amount of support, conflict, and texture to the story without detracting from the main couple. Porter blends them all together seamlessly into an intriguing, empowering, emotionally satisfying story of growth, forgiveness, understanding, new beginnings, and love.
I don't know if Porter plans to continue these stories featuring couples in their 40's and 50's but if she does I will definitely be here for them. They are an important reminder that love can find us at any age and new beginnings are always just around the corner.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
August 19, 2023
Flirting with Fire by Jane Porter
Narrator: Sara Sheckells
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub Date: 7/25
Flirting With Fire is a charming story that shows us romance knows no age limits. It’s bound to leave you with a heart full of warmth and a smile that just won't quit.
Margot Hughes, a seasoned theater veteran who's sworn off the stage after a heart-wrenching breakup, finds herself unexpectedly plunged back into the spotlight. Returning to her coastal California hometown, she takes a job in real estate, thinking she's left the world of drama far behind. But when her friend Sally's theater project teeters on the brink of failure, Margot's called upon to step in and direct the struggling play. Enter Max Russo, a charismatic former soap opera star who oozes charm and sincerity. As the two are cast together as leads, the stage lights up with more than just acting chemistry.
Max and Margot are fun and relatable. Margot's journey of self-discovery, marked by vulnerability and courage, resonates deeply. And Max? He's not just a swoon-worthy cowboy – he's a genuine, kindhearted soul who effortlessly wins your affection. The interactions between Margot and Max are a perfect blend of witty banter, electrifying tension, and a heartwarming connection. Their slow-burn romance ignites the pages, leaving you rooting for them every step of the way.
Jane Porter perfectly balances humor, chemistry, and heartache while creating a captivating narrative that will have you turning pages well into the night.
Thank you so much to Berkley and PRH Audio for my gifted copy and ALC.
Read if you like:
•mature romance (40s)
•divorcees
•forced proximity
•found family
•small town
Narrator: Sara Sheckells
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub Date: 7/25
Flirting With Fire is a charming story that shows us romance knows no age limits. It’s bound to leave you with a heart full of warmth and a smile that just won't quit.
Margot Hughes, a seasoned theater veteran who's sworn off the stage after a heart-wrenching breakup, finds herself unexpectedly plunged back into the spotlight. Returning to her coastal California hometown, she takes a job in real estate, thinking she's left the world of drama far behind. But when her friend Sally's theater project teeters on the brink of failure, Margot's called upon to step in and direct the struggling play. Enter Max Russo, a charismatic former soap opera star who oozes charm and sincerity. As the two are cast together as leads, the stage lights up with more than just acting chemistry.
Max and Margot are fun and relatable. Margot's journey of self-discovery, marked by vulnerability and courage, resonates deeply. And Max? He's not just a swoon-worthy cowboy – he's a genuine, kindhearted soul who effortlessly wins your affection. The interactions between Margot and Max are a perfect blend of witty banter, electrifying tension, and a heartwarming connection. Their slow-burn romance ignites the pages, leaving you rooting for them every step of the way.
Jane Porter perfectly balances humor, chemistry, and heartache while creating a captivating narrative that will have you turning pages well into the night.
Thank you so much to Berkley and PRH Audio for my gifted copy and ALC.
Read if you like:
•mature romance (40s)
•divorcees
•forced proximity
•found family
•small town
Did not finish
November 14, 2024DNF at 44%
I was getting uncomfortable with the Evil Ex (or possibly Mentally Ill Ex) subplot so I looked at reviews and saw that it’s not handled the way I would like AND there’s going to be a I also didn’t care for Margot’s dynamic with her boss Sally. They needed way more boundaries between them.
Characters: Margot is a 49 year old white real estate office manager and actress. Max is a 45 year old white actor. This is set in Cambria, CA.
Content notes: emotionally abusive and financially coercive father, MMC’s father was physically and emotionally abusive to his mom, past child neglect, MMC’s ex-wife overdosed after her broke up with her while they were dating (he rushed to her bedside and then they got married), Evil Ex/Mentally Ill Ex trope, harassment by MMC’s ex-wife, MMC’s ex-wife was emotionally abusive, MMC’s father is a serial cheater and an alcoholic, past infidelity (FMC’s ex-fiancé cheated and she found a boyfriend was actually married; MMC cheated on his first ex-wife and his second ex-wife cheated on him), heart attack (secondary character), HIPAA violation (nurse who is MMC’s father’s ex-girlfriend tells him his ex-wife is in the hospital), ageism, diet culture, COVID (treated as if it’s in the past), past divorces, past death of MMC’s mom (overdose), past death of FMC’s mom (heart attack) and 17 year old sister, FMC regrets never having kids (ex-fiancé kept wanting them to wait), alcohol, casual acephobia, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
I was getting uncomfortable with the Evil Ex (or possibly Mentally Ill Ex) subplot so I looked at reviews and saw that it’s not handled the way I would like AND there’s going to be a I also didn’t care for Margot’s dynamic with her boss Sally. They needed way more boundaries between them.
Characters: Margot is a 49 year old white real estate office manager and actress. Max is a 45 year old white actor. This is set in Cambria, CA.
Content notes: emotionally abusive and financially coercive father, MMC’s father was physically and emotionally abusive to his mom, past child neglect, MMC’s ex-wife overdosed after her broke up with her while they were dating (he rushed to her bedside and then they got married), Evil Ex/Mentally Ill Ex trope, harassment by MMC’s ex-wife, MMC’s ex-wife was emotionally abusive, MMC’s father is a serial cheater and an alcoholic, past infidelity (FMC’s ex-fiancé cheated and she found a boyfriend was actually married; MMC cheated on his first ex-wife and his second ex-wife cheated on him), heart attack (secondary character), HIPAA violation (nurse who is MMC’s father’s ex-girlfriend tells him his ex-wife is in the hospital), ageism, diet culture, COVID (treated as if it’s in the past), past divorces, past death of MMC’s mom (overdose), past death of FMC’s mom (heart attack) and 17 year old sister, FMC regrets never having kids (ex-fiancé kept wanting them to wait), alcohol, casual acephobia, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
July 6, 2023
After quitting California's Central Coast after high school to chase her dream of stardom on Broadway in NYC, Margot is back in near her old stomping grounds in Cambria. Coming home after a good career as a principle actress in traveling Broadway companies, she left the bright lights and big city after the breakup of her long time beau.
Happyish in her role as the office manager for a real estate company, she is coerced into directing a play after her boss, Sally, has a heart attack.
Finally getting some down time after working on has television series and doing a photo shoot for an Italian company in Italy, Max is looking forward to being at his home in NYC and relaxing for a while. When he gets the call that his stepmom and the person who gave rise to his dreams, Sally, has had a heart attack, he is on the next flight to the central coast. A place where he never wanted to return.
Finding out Sally is on the mend, Max decides to spend his down time in Cambria making sure Sally takes it easy while recovering.
With both Max and Margot taking on the summer theater performance they spend more time together. Of course there are a few hiccups in their love story, mostly due to Max's EX! Sigh....love happens at any age! Margot at age 49 was not expecting love to walk in the door and Max at age 45 or so, was also not looking for a life partner when he went to help his stepmom.
I enjoyed this book about two older people finding love where they least expected it. What a wonderfully entertaining story.
Happyish in her role as the office manager for a real estate company, she is coerced into directing a play after her boss, Sally, has a heart attack.
Finally getting some down time after working on has television series and doing a photo shoot for an Italian company in Italy, Max is looking forward to being at his home in NYC and relaxing for a while. When he gets the call that his stepmom and the person who gave rise to his dreams, Sally, has had a heart attack, he is on the next flight to the central coast. A place where he never wanted to return.
Finding out Sally is on the mend, Max decides to spend his down time in Cambria making sure Sally takes it easy while recovering.
With both Max and Margot taking on the summer theater performance they spend more time together. Of course there are a few hiccups in their love story, mostly due to Max's EX! Sigh....love happens at any age! Margot at age 49 was not expecting love to walk in the door and Max at age 45 or so, was also not looking for a life partner when he went to help his stepmom.
I enjoyed this book about two older people finding love where they least expected it. What a wonderfully entertaining story.
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