Playing with Fire

By: R. J. Blain

Narrated by: Courtney Holly

Warning: This novel contains excessive humor, a fire-breathing unicorn on a mission of destruction, magic, romance, and bodies. Proceed with caution.

Catering to the magical is a tough gig on a good day, but Bailey has few other options. Spiking drinks with pixie dust keeps the locals happy and beats cleaning up the world’s nastiest magical substances. But she could live without serving Police Chief Samuel Quinn most days of the week, especially after destroying his marriage.

But when she’s targeted with a cell phone bomb containing gorgon dust capable of transforming her home into a stone tomb, she’s tossed headfirst into a mess with her sexiest enemy. Add in his ex-wife angling for revenge, and Bailey must use every trick up her sleeve to survive.

The last thing she needs is to fall in love with Manhattan’s most-wanted bachelor. Saving Manhattan will be tough enough.

©2017 Pen & Page Publishing, R.J. Blain (P)2019 Pen & Page Publishing, R.J. Blain

Laughter Warning

This was an accidental find. What an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Not far into the book I was very happy I was listening to the story at home. My laughter was so hard I had tears running down my face. It would have caused more than a few heads to turn if I'd been in public. Overall the book was light, fun listening. If you're not looking for more; it's worth the listen!

5 plus plus rating funny twisted story with romance

Summary bit
This is a story about a magical world with humans and other creatures. They live in modern day city, New York. The main female lead works at a coffee shop dealing pixie dust brews. Also midnights work with the police dealing with hazardous substance. After an incident where all hell breaks out. She is thrown into a bad guy trying to kill people. The main male character is the chief of police. He’s got his life surrounding his job task, ex-wife who was caught cheating, and a crazy human with some magical ability making his life difficult. They run into one situation after another. Relationships are growing closer friend and otherwise.

My review bit
This one surprisingly great. Could not guess the crazy stuff that was going to happen by reading the book summary or the reviews. Crazy great stuff. The storyline had a lot of depth to it. Every situation unloaded a new surprise, and new adventure. Crazy kept coming.
The main female character Was hilariously funny with all her choices. Like she had the worst luck but good luck also. Mouth like a sailor and sarcastic personality. Verbal arguments were the best to listen to. The main male character was also a hoot. He was dedicated to his job. Sarcastically funny also. The way he’s character played off the female lead. Made those couple a blast to listen to.
Side characters also felt a part of the storyline. Not much of a backstory on those. But there personalities shined off the main crew. Some so funny. Some so crazy. A lot of character growth in this book that will have you learning new things about each character as story progresses.
The relationship of the main characters is also good. Opposites attract is what I would tag it as. Romance is strong once is gets going. But it’s twisted in the most funniest way. So it’s hard to take anything serious. Steam is rated behind closed doors. But you will not miss it. They talk about it enough and even joke on it. The story makes up for the lack of detail in the bedroom. For those who are fans of the steam. I promise this book makes up for it.

Narration review
The narrative was awesome, great, and perfection.
I have never listened to her work before. So happy surprise to find another narrator that does such good work. The accents of each character made it feel as you are listening to New York crew. She also changed the voices with each character so it’s not just the one tone. The ability to put an emotion in your voice. Also voice a child then change over to a grown man. Having the listener believing they are listening to these characters. I am happy she chose to read this book. I am bummed out they did not bring this narrator back for book two. The second narrator does not compare. Also they replace her in book 12 where they bring back the characters in this book.
They should have kept this narrator. I’ve started book two and bummed out that the work does not compare to book one.

Would I recommend this Book?
Ah hell yea!! This book is going on my favorites. This book is one I plan to re-listen to a few times. Piece of artwork of storytelling.
If you love a strong female lead, man who treat a woman right, strong man who speaks his mind, sarcastic people, funny story that will have you laughing, mystery, in depth storyline, character growth, relationship with strong connection, twist and turns plot, action fighting scenes, and story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I personally stayed up till 1 o’clock in the morning, trying to finish this. But finally had to force myself to go to bed. Hard to find a good stopping point when it’s all so consuming of your attention.

Great accents and voice changes!

The voice was spot on to the character. I love the accent and voice changes for different characters.

Funny

It’s a cute funny story. It’s entertaining, just take it as it is. It’s nice having a stronger female character.

I’m so happy I found this series!

I was in such a slump and starting to think I would never find a good book again. I can’t believe this has been out since 2023 and I just now found it! This is a series I will listen to on audible over and over. It’s that good. It’s a repeat worthy amazing funny and so immersive. You’ll lose yourself in the world and not a boring moment. 5 stars all around. If you are on the fence thinking it may be too silly based on the series covers don’t worry, I usually listen to darker or gothic paranormal romance and I had reservations but I’m so so glad I ignored it.