What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seven Senses #6
Playing with Fire
A woman frozen in place. A man with too much fire. Together? Steam.
They call him Zach the Sack. Cannondale’s hottest firefighter is known for his bravery on the job and his skill in bed. He enjoys his reputation as a player, indulging in affairs that catch fast and burn out faster. No woman can resist his charm—except Pippa Hayes.
Pippa always keeps her cool. Whether she’s caring for the residents of Saint Mary’s Retirement Village, training with her dad for his next wheelchair race, or dealing with her cold-blooded boss, nothing gets her flustered—except Zach Johnson.
The residents of Saint Mary’s keep tripping the smoke alarms, putting Zach in Pippa’s path again and again. They clash like fire and ice, and Pippa is determined to ignore the attraction simmering beneath their heated banter.
Turns out, it’s hard to ignore someone when you’re trapped in an elevator with him. Even harder to pretend that a scorching hot kiss didn’t just happen. In the heat of the moment, Pippa and Zach agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement, convinced they can keep their emotions in check. But love, like fire, is unpredictable, and sometimes the flame that burns hottest is the one you least expect.
Playing with Fire is the sixth book in the Seven Senses romance series by Jordan Bloom. Set in a Midwestern town, all the books are stand-alone reads, each with its own hero and heroine. The books feature solid friendships, passionate heroes, and stories guaranteed to set your heart aglow.
They call him Zach the Sack. Cannondale’s hottest firefighter is known for his bravery on the job and his skill in bed. He enjoys his reputation as a player, indulging in affairs that catch fast and burn out faster. No woman can resist his charm—except Pippa Hayes.
Pippa always keeps her cool. Whether she’s caring for the residents of Saint Mary’s Retirement Village, training with her dad for his next wheelchair race, or dealing with her cold-blooded boss, nothing gets her flustered—except Zach Johnson.
The residents of Saint Mary’s keep tripping the smoke alarms, putting Zach in Pippa’s path again and again. They clash like fire and ice, and Pippa is determined to ignore the attraction simmering beneath their heated banter.
Turns out, it’s hard to ignore someone when you’re trapped in an elevator with him. Even harder to pretend that a scorching hot kiss didn’t just happen. In the heat of the moment, Pippa and Zach agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement, convinced they can keep their emotions in check. But love, like fire, is unpredictable, and sometimes the flame that burns hottest is the one you least expect.
Playing with Fire is the sixth book in the Seven Senses romance series by Jordan Bloom. Set in a Midwestern town, all the books are stand-alone reads, each with its own hero and heroine. The books feature solid friendships, passionate heroes, and stories guaranteed to set your heart aglow.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2023
81 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 11, 2023
This is a complete chick flick type story and I loved every moment of it. Pippa is a homecare worker who loves her job to a fault and Zack is your strapping fireman that every woman loves to drool over. These two run into each other quite frequently and have a great back and forth banter type relationship that takes a turn. They decide to become friends with benefits and the slow burn friends to lovers was a great ride to read about. I really took to the story and loved reading the banter back and forth between these two. It was so natural and believable and I could totally see it playing out in my head like a movie. I have always had a soft spot for stories like this. This is my first book by Bloom and I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
I tried really hard with this book, but I could not get into the story at all. Which saddened me because I enjoyed the other books in the Seven Senses series quite a lot.
Pippa and Zach seemed OK but I did not really feel them, their struggles, their romance, or anything.
Not for me I fear.
Thank you to the author for allowing me into the ARC team, I really appreciate it!!
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Pippa and Zach seemed OK but I did not really feel them, their struggles, their romance, or anything.
Not for me I fear.
Thank you to the author for allowing me into the ARC team, I really appreciate it!!
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
October 30, 2023
Updating Zach's Score Card ? . . .
Pippa Hayes is outside in the freezing cold with only her scrubs and white shoes. She is a nurse at Saint Mary’s Retirement Village and is currently evacuating patients after the fire alarm went off. Patients had coats and blankets to keep warm, but the staff was busy getting everyone out and were not dressed for the snow outside. The patients cheered when the firemen arrived, forgetting the nurses who got them out of there safely. Captain Oronowski and Zach Johnson stayed back to complete the final inspection after they found some papers and a cigarette butt smoldering in Ralph Green’s wastebasket – Zach’s grandfather and the patient who had blocked the stairway by slowly helping another resident down the stairs, causing a backup and not helpful at all. Ralph had been a fireman when he retired (and should know better!) but he wanted the evidence to burn completely. There had been six false alarms at Saint Mary’s in the last 2 months, and it was a good bet that several or all of those were Ralph pulling the alarm before the automated system could catch him smoking.
Zach loves tormenting Pippa because he can get her so riled up. He enjoys flirting and is proud of his reputation as a player. But Pippa Hayes has become his challenge since she is the only one who seems able to resist his charms. Will he finally talk her into something? Or will she continue to brush him off?
Pippa Hayes is outside in the freezing cold with only her scrubs and white shoes. She is a nurse at Saint Mary’s Retirement Village and is currently evacuating patients after the fire alarm went off. Patients had coats and blankets to keep warm, but the staff was busy getting everyone out and were not dressed for the snow outside. The patients cheered when the firemen arrived, forgetting the nurses who got them out of there safely. Captain Oronowski and Zach Johnson stayed back to complete the final inspection after they found some papers and a cigarette butt smoldering in Ralph Green’s wastebasket – Zach’s grandfather and the patient who had blocked the stairway by slowly helping another resident down the stairs, causing a backup and not helpful at all. Ralph had been a fireman when he retired (and should know better!) but he wanted the evidence to burn completely. There had been six false alarms at Saint Mary’s in the last 2 months, and it was a good bet that several or all of those were Ralph pulling the alarm before the automated system could catch him smoking.
Zach loves tormenting Pippa because he can get her so riled up. He enjoys flirting and is proud of his reputation as a player. But Pippa Hayes has become his challenge since she is the only one who seems able to resist his charms. Will he finally talk her into something? Or will she continue to brush him off?
October 23, 2025
Every time I read one of the series books, I'm convinced I couldn't love it more, and then I read the next one and I'm like "oh no wait THIS one is my favorite!". This book absolutely DELIVERS, and is once again, my favorite of the series. With an absolutely stellar enemies to lovers with an unexpected TAB (that didn't make me ugly cry for once, but WOW that make up scene got me in the BIG FEELS).
With two people who have sworn off relationships finding their way into their forever, there were some absolutely priceless moments. Add to that the quippiest of banter, STAR TREK, and *fans self* smokin' hot spicy scenes, this book is not only one of the best in the series, but one of my favorite books that I will reread continuously.
I am always left so satisfied and also shocked the book is over because I just want all the little mundane stories for forever and I never want it to end (and the bonus scene? Always SO GOOD). I am always up for a small town cozy romance but they can get monotonous and repetitive. This series has monumental stories to tell, and Jordan delivers every. single. time. and it never feels cookie cutter. Absolute masterpieces.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With two people who have sworn off relationships finding their way into their forever, there were some absolutely priceless moments. Add to that the quippiest of banter, STAR TREK, and *fans self* smokin' hot spicy scenes, this book is not only one of the best in the series, but one of my favorite books that I will reread continuously.
I am always left so satisfied and also shocked the book is over because I just want all the little mundane stories for forever and I never want it to end (and the bonus scene? Always SO GOOD). I am always up for a small town cozy romance but they can get monotonous and repetitive. This series has monumental stories to tell, and Jordan delivers every. single. time. and it never feels cookie cutter. Absolute masterpieces.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2025
Pippa and Zach are the reason the term fire and ice exists. So when the hot shot play boy meets the cool, calm and collected girl who doesn't immediately fall at his feet, even if their banter gets to her, it seems they've met their match. They're opposites but the steam that comes off of then when they clash over and over comes to a boil in the form of a kiss that maybe shouldn't have happened but does and thrusts them into the world of friends with benefits where they both swear it's fun and love doesn't live here. Yet the longer they're tangled up in each other the harder it is to see the lines that keep blurring. Pippa has done everything for everyone and here Zach is giving her everything she needs and Pippa shows Zach that maybe quick hookups that never stay aren't what they used to be. I enjoyed their story and I'm sure others will as well. I haven't read many books by this author but I'm definitely looking foward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2023
I have been looking for stories that are closer to my reality, as much as I love to escape and think about being "insanely rich for her age, beautiful and so intelligent" or marrying someone who is, I have been wanting something more relatable.
Pippa and Zach are hardworking people who love their work, and are both good at it. They face many of the challenges I face, and thrive. They are kind people too, I'd like to meet them, you know what I mean?
The story is sweet and sometimes a bit spicy, and I was completely hooked from the start. They both face challenges - similar in nature but within their own careers, and the development of those throughout the book brings you in to their character and personality; in my opinion they are well rounded characters.
I have added Jordan to my favorite authors list, and have now purchased more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pippa and Zach are hardworking people who love their work, and are both good at it. They face many of the challenges I face, and thrive. They are kind people too, I'd like to meet them, you know what I mean?
The story is sweet and sometimes a bit spicy, and I was completely hooked from the start. They both face challenges - similar in nature but within their own careers, and the development of those throughout the book brings you in to their character and personality; in my opinion they are well rounded characters.
I have added Jordan to my favorite authors list, and have now purchased more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2026
Zach + Pippa.
This book is SO GOOD. The banter, the MCs interactions and the town vibes are top notch.
What begins as a "You Up?" text turns into SO much more. These characters end up hanging out, eating dinner, and pushing the boundaries of what a not relationship looks like. With Pippa's job on the line and Zach's grandfather causing issues where she works Zach has to see Pippa more which he is all for..
But he runs.. because of course he does. He runs and ignores her and honestly, silence speaks volumes and once Pippa does get to talk to him she gives him a piece of her mind and more.
With the ending being a close boombox outside the house with music 'Say Anything' moment these two end up getting together.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to the author and booksprout for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
This book is SO GOOD. The banter, the MCs interactions and the town vibes are top notch.
What begins as a "You Up?" text turns into SO much more. These characters end up hanging out, eating dinner, and pushing the boundaries of what a not relationship looks like. With Pippa's job on the line and Zach's grandfather causing issues where she works Zach has to see Pippa more which he is all for..
But he runs.. because of course he does. He runs and ignores her and honestly, silence speaks volumes and once Pippa does get to talk to him she gives him a piece of her mind and more.
With the ending being a close boombox outside the house with music 'Say Anything' moment these two end up getting together.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to the author and booksprout for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
March 1, 2026
So cuteee! Loved the ending :)
I felt like Zach and Pippa their relationship was very natural and evolved on a good pace. However, Zach, buddy, you should've just taken the time to talk with Pippa instead of pushing her away, but you realised that and made up for it in the cutest way ever, so this time you're forgiven.
Also, Pippa is amazing. How she and Mitzi and Caroline and all the others care for the residents of Saint Mary and how she runs with her father. I like.
Lastly, Pippa's father is amazing. His humour, I can't, I love it. And Ralph, Zach's granddad, he is awesome. To quote him: "There's no such thing as game. That's a word that shallow men use to excuse their vile behaviour."
I felt like Zach and Pippa their relationship was very natural and evolved on a good pace. However, Zach, buddy, you should've just taken the time to talk with Pippa instead of pushing her away, but you realised that and made up for it in the cutest way ever, so this time you're forgiven.
Also, Pippa is amazing. How she and Mitzi and Caroline and all the others care for the residents of Saint Mary and how she runs with her father. I like.
Lastly, Pippa's father is amazing. His humour, I can't, I love it. And Ralph, Zach's granddad, he is awesome. To quote him: "There's no such thing as game. That's a word that shallow men use to excuse their vile behaviour."
October 30, 2023
Zach has been teasing and trying to get Pippa to go out with him for a while when he convinces her to be friends with benefits. He did jump from one woman to the next at least before her so I don’t know how Pippa could keep jealousy out of it. They keep it confined to their homes but others figure it out and when he gets scared that he can’t stop thinking about her and feels it’s affecting his job he pushes her away. I don’t know how Pippa stayed where she was overworked and her boss was more concerned about the bottom line than his employees and residents. They both work hard to get promoted even against obstacles. The nursing home residents were a riot.
October 30, 2023
This was such a sweet, swoony and heartwarming story. I loved everything about Pippa and Zach, they are perfectly matched.
The way they attract each other and are more than fire together, they complete each other on another level. I loved how he fell for het without realizing it. His act at the end, ooooooooooh that was everything ( swoon, swoon,swoon)! The residents of the care facility made the story complete with their shenanigans, together with the banter at the firestation.
A really great story, a must read!
I can’t wait to read the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way they attract each other and are more than fire together, they complete each other on another level. I loved how he fell for het without realizing it. His act at the end, ooooooooooh that was everything ( swoon, swoon,swoon)! The residents of the care facility made the story complete with their shenanigans, together with the banter at the firestation.
A really great story, a must read!
I can’t wait to read the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2023
If you are looking for a book with Hallmark feels but has some spice? Then this book is perfect for you! This swoon worthy romance books will have you feeling all the feels. This book totally has me wanting to read more firefighter romance books. Pippa and Zachs relationship is sweet and will have you giggling between the banter and all of the tension. Definitely a must read when you are looking for a romance book to read on a nice rainy day.
October 29, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a funny and cute rom-com with some firefighter "action". If you are a fan of firefighter series and romance movies this book is for you. This is an enemies to lovers rom-com: Zach and Pippa have a cute and funny relationship. I also enjoyed their background story and the relationship with their families.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2025
This is book 6 of 7 right now in this series. These 2 characters are adorable from the start. I love how they both care about everyone around them. Their arrangement from the beginning was different with their nerdiness to the fire they had together. I loved all the supporting characters and the nursing home. The bonus epilogue was cute too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
January 11, 2026An entertaining romantic story, written in a smooth and accessible style. The characters are sufficiently developed that you can empathize with them, even in their everyday experiences. Zack's sudden scare and reaction are a bit cliché, but he more than makes up for It. A pleasant read and excellent to chill out with on a snowy day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2026
Decent, not life changing, skipped some sex scenes. But here's the kicker and total spoil alert so leave now if you dont want that...as the grand gesture this dude buys 240 candles to spell I love you. Big problems here as a candle lover this grand gesture costs at best from the dollar store $300 to $2400. Dude is a firefighter so not super wealthy. No one in writing or editing was like this guy should learn about tea lights!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 3, 2023This was a fun and entertaining story that had me laughing and warmed my heart. I loved the connection between Pippa and Zach and their banter was a delight.
Although they might seem like opposite, but the fire the sparks between them brings them closer together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although they might seem like opposite, but the fire the sparks between them brings them closer together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2025
Zach is a firefighter and a bit of a playboy. He can be patient with those who are in need.
Pippa is always calm, cool, and collected. She's a nurse at a retirement home, so she has to be. Zach enjoys trying his hardest to get a reaction.
A love hate relationship.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pippa is always calm, cool, and collected. She's a nurse at a retirement home, so she has to be. Zach enjoys trying his hardest to get a reaction.
A love hate relationship.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2025
A swoony, opposites-attract rom-com with heart, heat, and humor. Pippa and Zach’s chemistry sizzles as they navigate real-life challenges, career pride, and a love that feels beautifully earned. A must-read for fans of relatable romance and witty banter!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2025
Playing with Fire by Jordan Bloom is the sixth book of The Seven Senses series.
I had a really hard time getting into Pippa and Zach's story. This is the first book I have read from the author and would like to read more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a really hard time getting into Pippa and Zach's story. This is the first book I have read from the author and would like to read more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2025
Playing with Fire is book 6 of The Seven Senses. The story is a heartwarming, funny, interesting and entertaining romance. The characters were great, they had heart, great banter and were likable. I really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2025
I found it very easy to get wrapped up in the characters and storyline. The writing was excellent and I liked that the author incorporated elements from both of the main characters jobs. I will be reading the other books in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
Pippa and Zack’s story is full of fire. He is a player and she can’t stand him. But while trapped in an elevator they make a pact. Only sex, not feelings involved and not attachment. But can they fight their hearts and face the true or will they break them for fear of the future?
November 2, 2023
This is a great firefighter romance.. I enjoyed it.. It is steamy and sassy, with some very likable characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2023
This was a cute rom-com. I liked Pippa and Zach. They were so cute together and their banter had me laughing. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read more by Jordan.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
I received an arc and this review is my own.
February 6, 2024
Such a cute romcom. Perfect to enjoy under your duvet on a cold evening! I found it cozy and funny, and the characters (main and secondary) are endearing. A perfect balance of spice and fluff!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2024
Very good story
I really enjoyed reading it
It was a very good story and I really enjoyed the characters and their friendship
I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading it
It was a very good story and I really enjoyed the characters and their friendship
I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2024
Rom-com including two very different types of careers with both characters excellent at what they do. The firefighter also has a second area of excelling that he offers to the nurse. Of course it's not that straightforward.
Interesting characters, well represented careers with realistic problems. Trust and communication growth between the main characters lead to beautiful public display that was perfect for the characters. Family also played an important part in this steamy relationship story.
Interesting characters, well represented careers with realistic problems. Trust and communication growth between the main characters lead to beautiful public display that was perfect for the characters. Family also played an important part in this steamy relationship story.
October 31, 2023
This is such a sweet romance book!
October 31, 2023
Loved this book. Sweet, steamy and a whole lot more. Enjoyed all the texting and laugh out loud moments. Pippa and Zach are well matched. They have a special spark. Received an advance copy.
November 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me hooked from start to finish and loved the enemies to lovers Trope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews