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The 1st Freak House Trilogy #2
Playing With Fire
Hannah Smith thinks she's safe now that Reuben Tate is set to face trial. But when an unusual creature is let loose on the Freak House estate, everybody is in danger, including Jack. To hunt it down, the household must take risks, but the greatest risk is to Hannah's heart. She's in danger of falling deeply in love with Jack, a man whose very touch can kill her.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
326 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
103 books5,557 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 2, 2017
Just finished the book. My first thought was - what an inapropriate ending. Who ends the second book in a trilogy without a cliffhanger?! (Not that it wasn't there. It was. But this ending made me roll my eyes).
Another thing - this book was a lot better than the first one. Some of the side characters (not all of them though) finally had personalities and a "baggage"! Loved that.
The love story is still pretty lame, but I think it's finally getting somewhere and I can feel magic in the air. And the "side love story" (you know what I'm talking about, right?) is intriguing.
And we finally go to know book's world better in this book! I really appreciate a well-built world and even though it feels like C. J. Archer is still not exactly sure what she wants to create, we got to know the rules of this world better.
Another thing - this book was a lot better than the first one. Some of the side characters (not all of them though) finally had personalities and a "baggage"! Loved that.
The love story is still pretty lame, but I think it's finally getting somewhere and I can feel magic in the air. And the "side love story" (you know what I'm talking about, right?) is intriguing.
And we finally go to know book's world better in this book! I really appreciate a well-built world and even though it feels like C. J. Archer is still not exactly sure what she wants to create, we got to know the rules of this world better.
August 31, 2023
Paranormal Historical Romance ❤️
Playing with Fire is the 2nd instalment in the 1st Freak House Trilogy.
Just as freaking awesome as the first one.
Love love LOVE Hannah and Jack. Such exciting characters.
Onto book 3 for more Hannah and Jack.
And Sylvia. And August (love that name.) And Samuel. And Tommy. And oddball Bollard. And the Beaufort’s. The Culverts. The nasty villains. Oh alright, everyone I s’pose 😅
Playing with Fire is the 2nd instalment in the 1st Freak House Trilogy.
Just as freaking awesome as the first one.
Love love LOVE Hannah and Jack. Such exciting characters.
Onto book 3 for more Hannah and Jack.
And Sylvia. And August (love that name.) And Samuel. And Tommy. And oddball Bollard. And the Beaufort’s. The Culverts. The nasty villains. Oh alright, everyone I s’pose 😅
January 5, 2018
I like the way the plot has thickened, and I am vastly grateful that Archer isn't relying upon a wearisome love triangle to create tension. Many questions remain unanswered, and fresh obstacles must be overcome. This trilogy really needs to be taken as a whole; it's one story divided into three parts. And Archer neatly raises the stakes.
July 9, 2019
I hated the first book. With a passion. Actually made audible noises of anger despite being in an airport and not really wanting to draw attention to what I was reading because how would I possibly explain it. I had no intention to read any more of the Freak House anything....until I realized it dovetailed with Emily Chambers and The Ministry of Curiosities. Not one to leave anything half done, I picked up Playing With Fire.
There is an actual foundation and character development. Things start to gel. Archer takes her time. But I still only powered through for the sake of my beloved Charlie Holloway.
There is an actual foundation and character development. Things start to gel. Archer takes her time. But I still only powered through for the sake of my beloved Charlie Holloway.
September 7, 2020
The first book, I found to be quite disappointing and had high expectations of the novel. It was the cover was what caught my attention. The previous book I read was Anne Rice Interview with the Vampire. I needed something to get me out of that bored funk, so long story short, here I am. After completing the second book to the Freak House Trilogy, I cannot help but think, what the hell was I thinking??? I didn't enjoy the first book, why am I reading the second? However, I will admit, this was a tiny bit better than Wrong Girl.
What I loved about this novel is the dynamic between Sylvia and Tommy, well basically Sylvia herself. Sylvia is so focused on etiquette in the Victorian Era. She's hard on Hanna in regard to etiquette, as well with Tommy. Tommy became employed as a footman only because of Jack brought him in to the Frakingham House. I feel Sylvia nags a lot, not only just to Tommy. Sylvia also nags to Jack and Sylvia, as well as Langley. Despite all the nagging from Sylvia, it seems there's something going on between her and Tommy. The foreshadowing was bland.
There was a little more added to the background of Jack and Hanna's story on how the story came to be as to where Hanna came from as well as a bit of Hanna's life with Wade. There are also questions as to who are Jack's parents are, answers to how Hanna became a fire starter. By the end of book one she knew she was a result of an experiment. As for how the backstory was woven, it was poor. The dots I was able to piece together easily, without having to think about the first book. In a well written book, I would have to stop for a bit and think about the plot. I did not have to put this book down, just to have a moment to myself, deep in thoughts.
Another part of this book I enjoyed was that the love triangle was avoided. The last book left off with the addition of Samuel being added to the team. I felt he was put there to create a love triangle between Jack, Hanna, and Samuel. Instead I was a bit surprised when Christy, another orphan from Jack's and Tommy's past, came into the picture. I thought she would end up being the person who created the triangle. It didn't happen. With Christy, it was a short chapter that has been introduced and shut down early on.
As for what I did not enjoy about the novel, there is many I could list; However, the main overall core point I did not like was the plot or overall story. By book two, it still desperately needs a lot of developing. It was repetitive and lacked excitement. The use of foreshadow is there, however I'm always able to guess what comes next. If I were to compare this novel, to Anna Todd's After Series, the theme is so damn repetitive. Which is frustrating but it's always back and forth with Tessa and Hardin. But, there was ALWAYS something that throws a curve ball that has me shaking my head going come one Hardin, or come on Tessa, how can you two be so stupid? Or even wanting to shout and cheer at Landon, telling him, "DAMN! Landon, you're AWESOME!" I expected drama in a book. I love reading drama in a novel. The level of drama in book two is, once again, anti-climactic, especially with the battle against two demons and Ruben Tate. Sometimes I do get a feeling this book has an X-men feel only focusing mainly on two characters, though the plot it just kills the joy of reading or the sensation of the awesomeness of X-Men. I could not feel chemistry in the characters. By now I would have to say this book is not fit for teens but more for the age range from 9-12-year-old or pre-teen.
There are so many amazing novels out there for teens, but unfortunately, I find, this is not one of them.
What I loved about this novel is the dynamic between Sylvia and Tommy, well basically Sylvia herself. Sylvia is so focused on etiquette in the Victorian Era. She's hard on Hanna in regard to etiquette, as well with Tommy. Tommy became employed as a footman only because of Jack brought him in to the Frakingham House. I feel Sylvia nags a lot, not only just to Tommy. Sylvia also nags to Jack and Sylvia, as well as Langley. Despite all the nagging from Sylvia, it seems there's something going on between her and Tommy. The foreshadowing was bland.
There was a little more added to the background of Jack and Hanna's story on how the story came to be as to where Hanna came from as well as a bit of Hanna's life with Wade. There are also questions as to who are Jack's parents are, answers to how Hanna became a fire starter. By the end of book one she knew she was a result of an experiment. As for how the backstory was woven, it was poor. The dots I was able to piece together easily, without having to think about the first book. In a well written book, I would have to stop for a bit and think about the plot. I did not have to put this book down, just to have a moment to myself, deep in thoughts.
Another part of this book I enjoyed was that the love triangle was avoided. The last book left off with the addition of Samuel being added to the team. I felt he was put there to create a love triangle between Jack, Hanna, and Samuel. Instead I was a bit surprised when Christy, another orphan from Jack's and Tommy's past, came into the picture. I thought she would end up being the person who created the triangle. It didn't happen. With Christy, it was a short chapter that has been introduced and shut down early on.
As for what I did not enjoy about the novel, there is many I could list; However, the main overall core point I did not like was the plot or overall story. By book two, it still desperately needs a lot of developing. It was repetitive and lacked excitement. The use of foreshadow is there, however I'm always able to guess what comes next. If I were to compare this novel, to Anna Todd's After Series, the theme is so damn repetitive. Which is frustrating but it's always back and forth with Tessa and Hardin. But, there was ALWAYS something that throws a curve ball that has me shaking my head going come one Hardin, or come on Tessa, how can you two be so stupid? Or even wanting to shout and cheer at Landon, telling him, "DAMN! Landon, you're AWESOME!" I expected drama in a book. I love reading drama in a novel. The level of drama in book two is, once again, anti-climactic, especially with the battle against two demons and Ruben Tate. Sometimes I do get a feeling this book has an X-men feel only focusing mainly on two characters, though the plot it just kills the joy of reading or the sensation of the awesomeness of X-Men. I could not feel chemistry in the characters. By now I would have to say this book is not fit for teens but more for the age range from 9-12-year-old or pre-teen.
There are so many amazing novels out there for teens, but unfortunately, I find, this is not one of them.
May 16, 2018
In the novel playing with fire is a continuation of the first book the wrong girl. Playing With Fire is different to The Wrong Girl. Hannah has been at Frakingham for a few weeks, and she’s adjusted. She knows a bit more about her powers, she’s comfortable with the other residents (okay, maybe not Langley and Bollard, but who would be comfortable around those two?) and she can’t actually touch the guy who she may or may not be madly in love with, i.e. Jack. Even though the two books are different, I love both of them. I think Hannah comes into her own in Playing With Fire. She’s not the girl from the attic any more, she’s not afraid. In fact, I would say that Hannah is pretty brave. She doesn’t hesitate when it comes to protecting the people she loves, she doesn’t worry about herself all the time, and her strength of character is just amazing. Hannah is definitely one of my favorite female main characters. One of my favorite aspects of Playing With Fire is that, while there is an epic romance, that’s not the focus of the book. Yes, it’s in there, and no, we are not left wanting more; but the way Archer weaves it into the story is perfect. We learn about demons, and other supernatural goings-on, but we learn about new characters, and old characters, and friendships, and families. We learn about so much in Playing With Fire, and that’s one of the reasons why it is so good. It’s not just a YA romance riddled with some other plots. It’s an awesome plot that also has an amazing romance between two dedicated and brilliant characters. Playing With Fire was an action-packed novel. If you think girls in the 1800s spent their time weaving, chatting, and painting – you guessed wrong. They’re out defending their household from demons, mastering supernatural powers of their own, and getting caught up in seriously dangerous situations. Or at least the ladies in Archer’s 1800s are. And I must say I am a fan of these ladies, and this version of the 1800s. It’s intriguing, and powerful, and just downright pretty awesome. I recently received an email from Archer where she spoke about the third book in the series, and plans for another Freak House series. I cannot wait for Heart Burn, and am so happy to learn that Samuel will be getting a series of his own! He is one of my favorite characters in this series, and I cannot wait to learn more about him, and his gift.All in all, Playing With Fire was a fantastic sequel, and I highly recommend the Freak House series to lovers of the supernatural, awesome characters, and the old English times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
Hannah Smith was finally revealed as a fire starter and not Lady Violet her attic companion and sort of fellow~prisoner at Windamere. Further revelation was that when Jack was an infant, he was brought to the partners~microbiologists August Langley and Reuben Tate. When Langley found out that Tate have been injecting a compound of his blood on the baby, Langley secreted him away to the Cutlers to be brought up as their son. Then a baby girl was again given to them, Tate did the same experiment on her as he did with Jack. Though Jack's blood fire was the source since he was born with it. Langley hid Hannah with Lord Wade at Windamere. There were other bared secrets slowly surfacing as they fought a demon that came from Freak House's dungeons during rebuilding and renovations being done following Hannah's dramatic and fiery exercise of her hidden ability. The demon's arrival coincided with that of another extraordinary person who was a natural hypnotist (Samuel Gladstone hypnotized Hannah back in London in Book 1 and he was the one who proposed the idea that she may have been previously hypnotized during childhood). Samuel was obviously quite unlike Hannah who became a fire starter as a result of experimentation. As for Jack, he had other abilities which may or may not be a result of Tate's injections but were inherited from his parents. There are other tangles here yet to be unraveled but not all. Yet it is definitely getting warmer and maybe even hotter... on to the next book for answers.
March 26, 2019
Mystery, Adventure , Intrigue, the Paranormal .....and love
This 2nd book in the Freak House Trilogy has all of that and a great lead in to the next book, Heart Burn. I am enjoying these characters and just how normal the author makes the paranormal. The characters are believable as are their gifts. It is also nice that the book is not overly narrated. The characters tell most of the story through their dialog. I can hardly wait to find out who summoned the demon, how Hannah is cured (if and all), more about the background of these characters (Bollard included), and answers to all the other mysteries. So much to be resolved !
This 2nd book in the Freak House Trilogy has all of that and a great lead in to the next book, Heart Burn. I am enjoying these characters and just how normal the author makes the paranormal. The characters are believable as are their gifts. It is also nice that the book is not overly narrated. The characters tell most of the story through their dialog. I can hardly wait to find out who summoned the demon, how Hannah is cured (if and all), more about the background of these characters (Bollard included), and answers to all the other mysteries. So much to be resolved !
May 18, 2020
This was a great sequel to The Wrong Girl, the first book in the Freak House Trilogy. Filled with all the same action and adventure as the first one. Hannah and Jack think they are save from Tate and Ham...until their house gets attacked and they find a dungeon. A demon was possibly summoned there many years ago and fed on the younger children. Hannah, Jack and Samuel then go on to find Tate's housekeeper to see if they have more information about his experiments. Truth be told, a lot more gets revealed talking with her than what anyone expected. Their return to Frankingham left some injuries in their path. With a great battle at the end, I can't wait to read the final book!
December 9, 2021
We all know where this is going right? I definitely got some Cassandra Clare vibes from this one. Why is Langley being so adamant about them not being together? Are they siblings?
I don't actually think they will be, but I really want to figure out the whole parentage thing. I get the vibes it might be Bollard for some reason.
But come on Jack has some demon in him, right? Super fast, strong, can create fire from his hands. Somethings not right there, even for the freaks.
There are just too many secrets in this series and I need more answers than they are putting out.
I don't actually think they will be, but I really want to figure out the whole parentage thing. I get the vibes it might be Bollard for some reason.
But come on Jack has some demon in him, right? Super fast, strong, can create fire from his hands. Somethings not right there, even for the freaks.
There are just too many secrets in this series and I need more answers than they are putting out.
October 9, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy. This one was good, but like most trilogies, it's not quite as good as the 1st. The only negative I have for this book really is that it felt as though it just ended abruptly. (I am listening to the audio books for this trilogy) I was just listening and then it was over and I felt like there should have been another chapter or something. It just seemed to end slightly odd. I am really enjoying the story though. I have already begun listening to the last book in the trilogy and I can't wait to see how it turns out!
February 3, 2020
I’ve read a lot of trashy books; theoretically I should be able to force myself through this.
However there was nothing keeping my attention. The characters aren’t interesting, the plot is repetitive. Problems from the first book aren’t resolved. Hannah and Jack’s relationship is based on the fact that:
1. They can’t touch each other
2. They’re the only fire starters left
Other than that, they have no chemistry or banter or anything interesting.
However there was nothing keeping my attention. The characters aren’t interesting, the plot is repetitive. Problems from the first book aren’t resolved. Hannah and Jack’s relationship is based on the fact that:
1. They can’t touch each other
2. They’re the only fire starters left
Other than that, they have no chemistry or banter or anything interesting.
June 16, 2020
It was, once again, nothing special, but I probably enjoyed this installment a bit more than the previous one still - that was mainly thanks to the fact that the plot did not depend so much on the main characters being as stupid as bricks. So that was good! It was also still a very easy and comfortable read, and those are needed sometimes, too. Overall, it's shaping to be a quite pleasant trilogy, even if it's far from being called even a semi-favorite for me.
January 6, 2022
The Fire Continues
Jack and Hannah continue their adventures as the seek to discover the truth about themselves and where they actually came from. They meet new people and Hannah’s awareness of life expands. Intrigued by the evasiveness mr Langley the soon discover there lives have more in common than the ever realized. Beware of the evils they may face. Death could be lurking in the shadows
Jack and Hannah continue their adventures as the seek to discover the truth about themselves and where they actually came from. They meet new people and Hannah’s awareness of life expands. Intrigued by the evasiveness mr Langley the soon discover there lives have more in common than the ever realized. Beware of the evils they may face. Death could be lurking in the shadows
July 20, 2024
I love CJ Archer. I love how her stories intertwine yet can be read completely independent of each other. I love the characters and I grow attached to them as I read, which keeps me coming back for each story she writes. I didn’t enjoy this book aa much. It felt more like a place holder between books and two and seemed a little slower. However, having said that, I really enjoyed the series; because I enjoy all her books, and would visit the story again.
November 10, 2019
It’s been a few years since I read The Wrong Girl, but that didn’t spoil the story for me, as I was able to pick up and continue, without any issues, and there are reminders all the way through, which act as an aide memoir.
A good story, with strong characters and sizzling chemistry between the two main leads.
Looking forward to reading Book 3 Heart Burn now.
A good story, with strong characters and sizzling chemistry between the two main leads.
Looking forward to reading Book 3 Heart Burn now.
March 8, 2020
I loved this book! Hannah is so great and so is Jack. C. J. Archer is such a compelling storyteller. It is a pleasure to get lost in her words and find myself in her historical fantasy of England filled with supernatural characters. All her characters are interesting and the story moves along at a fast-pace. You should absolutely read this!
May 21, 2021
I don't know if I don't like the books or if I don't like the reader? The sexiest voice in the book should be the leading man...and yet he sounds like he's an old man with a stuffed up nose. And he's super clingy/paternalistic. So annoying. And the leading lady should (by all accounts) be a timid little mouse but I actually like her assertiveness.
September 7, 2021
Some questions answered
First book was mostly setup. This book delves more deeply into the explanations and characters. Romance continues.
Not pleased that the villain turns out to be gay. And this "explains" his villainy to at least one of the main characters.
But a good book, nevertheless.
First book was mostly setup. This book delves more deeply into the explanations and characters. Romance continues.
Not pleased that the villain turns out to be gay. And this "explains" his villainy to at least one of the main characters.
But a good book, nevertheless.
April 25, 2023
This series is just not for me. I tried. I really did. I’ve DNF’d the second in the series. I only tried because I started book nine of The Last Necromancer series and they go to Freak House. That series is Fantastic!Don’t bother with this one and go read about Charlie instead.
Or read the Glass and Steele series or The Glass Library series. C.J Archer has so many awesome series and books.
Or read the Glass and Steele series or The Glass Library series. C.J Archer has so many awesome series and books.
July 9, 2017
Intriguing Caricatures
I finished book 2 in the series of Freak House Trilogy. I liked the caricatures introduced in this story, they have made this book more interesting. It was nice to read about the friendship developing between
Jack + Samuel.
I finished book 2 in the series of Freak House Trilogy. I liked the caricatures introduced in this story, they have made this book more interesting. It was nice to read about the friendship developing between
Jack + Samuel.
March 13, 2019
I like all of C. J. Archer's books that I've read. They are entertaining, quick reads. No, the characters (women especially) do not act like typical Victorians. However, magic wasn't really around then either, so I think a little artistic license should be allowed.
November 7, 2021
We learn a bit more about Hannah and Jack's past in this book but still not enough to fully comprehend what is happening or why. I love how quick a read these books are because I don't have to wait too long to find out. Can't wait to see what is revealed next.
January 6, 2022
Love Jack and Hannah!
Just finished this… and I’m plunging into the third in this wonderful series. This is keeping me company until the final Glass and Steele story is out! Good job Ms. Archer!
Just finished this… and I’m plunging into the third in this wonderful series. This is keeping me company until the final Glass and Steele story is out! Good job Ms. Archer!
April 16, 2024
Demons are after Hannah and Jack, at least one of them controlled by Tate, who wants Hannah back. Jack and Hannah become closer but they are cursed because they will combust if they get too intimate.
July 11, 2024
It was nowhere near as fun as the first, but I will keep on with this series a little longer. I've really liked the three other series I've read of this author's and thoroughly enjoyed them. So I'll give this one more time to grow on me. If the third one is a dud too, then I'll give up.
May 21, 2017
i loved this book would recommend. cant wait to read the next one
June 28, 2017
great series i will be sorry when i finish the series looking i will be buying more books by this author
November 25, 2017
I want to give this five stars but the only LGBTQ+ character so far is the villain. That said, I did love the book
June 1, 2018
Adding more mystery into the historical paranormal story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews