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Bring the Heat #2
Playing With Fire
Shannon
I’ve become my own worst nightmare. A trophy wife completely reliant on her husband.
A stay-at-home mother of an infant. A bitter, quiet, resentful woman too tired to speak up for herself. My efforts to save my marriage and make my husband happy have overshadowed my own dreams and desires. Until a man in a brown uniform knocks on my door and delivers more than just the box in his hands. Every interaction with Hudson leaves me questioning my whole life. But what happens when the one who got away was someone you were never supposed to have in the first place?
Hudson
After serving in the military for eight years, I took a civilian job as a delivery driver to be close to my sister, brother-in-law, and their kids. When tragedy struck less than a year later, I was glad I had the stable career and income to help keep Monica afloat. But responsibility has overshadowed my own dreams and desires. Until Fate lands me on the doorstep of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m hit with a wave of longing so strong, I may never come up for air. The only problem is, Shannon’s married…And if we play with fire, I have no doubt we’ll both get burned because this isn’t your average affair.
I’ve become my own worst nightmare. A trophy wife completely reliant on her husband.
A stay-at-home mother of an infant. A bitter, quiet, resentful woman too tired to speak up for herself. My efforts to save my marriage and make my husband happy have overshadowed my own dreams and desires. Until a man in a brown uniform knocks on my door and delivers more than just the box in his hands. Every interaction with Hudson leaves me questioning my whole life. But what happens when the one who got away was someone you were never supposed to have in the first place?
Hudson
After serving in the military for eight years, I took a civilian job as a delivery driver to be close to my sister, brother-in-law, and their kids. When tragedy struck less than a year later, I was glad I had the stable career and income to help keep Monica afloat. But responsibility has overshadowed my own dreams and desires. Until Fate lands me on the doorstep of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m hit with a wave of longing so strong, I may never come up for air. The only problem is, Shannon’s married…And if we play with fire, I have no doubt we’ll both get burned because this isn’t your average affair.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
68 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Jillian D. Wray
16 books121 followersJillian lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband and three awesome stepkids. After over ten years in the healthcare industry, it was time to pursue a new passion. An avid reader her whole life, she sat down one night and let the words begin to flow. Four hours and ten thousand words later, a love of writing was discovered.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 18, 2025
I feel like this should totally be one of those Hallmark suspense movies! 😂
This book had me staying up until the early hours of morning to read it! It’s my first by Jillian and the second in an interconnected standalone series. I honestly can’t remember how I found her (probably Threads) but I’m so glad I did!
This book is such an easy read that pulls you in right away. She took a simple plot outline (sad, wealthy housewife and hot delivery man) and added so much depth, tension, and chemistry to the story.
Being a mom myself and remembering what it felt like postpartum my heart absolutely broke for Shannon. She wanted her relationship to work and not just work but thrive. She was struggling but still trying to show up for everyone and losing herself in the process. It brought up a whole range of feels and I just wanted to give her a big hug and a shoulder to cry on.
Hudson was so sweet and it was completely understandable how Shannon would fall for him. It goes so much deeper than him noticing her and doing acts of kindness. He tried to be good and resist her but she needed him more than he knew. He had me swooning and I’m in a very healthy marriage 😂. Both had really wonderful support systems in their corner and I was grateful that was written in there.
The suspense toward the end is what had me wide awake super late a night because the drama was unraveling and their were added pieces to the puzzle that made the downfall of Shannon’s marriage and husband in general that it so much more exhilarating!
I cannot wait to read more from Jillian and now I absolutely will be going back to read book one!
4.5🌟
This book had me staying up until the early hours of morning to read it! It’s my first by Jillian and the second in an interconnected standalone series. I honestly can’t remember how I found her (probably Threads) but I’m so glad I did!
This book is such an easy read that pulls you in right away. She took a simple plot outline (sad, wealthy housewife and hot delivery man) and added so much depth, tension, and chemistry to the story.
Being a mom myself and remembering what it felt like postpartum my heart absolutely broke for Shannon. She wanted her relationship to work and not just work but thrive. She was struggling but still trying to show up for everyone and losing herself in the process. It brought up a whole range of feels and I just wanted to give her a big hug and a shoulder to cry on.
Hudson was so sweet and it was completely understandable how Shannon would fall for him. It goes so much deeper than him noticing her and doing acts of kindness. He tried to be good and resist her but she needed him more than he knew. He had me swooning and I’m in a very healthy marriage 😂. Both had really wonderful support systems in their corner and I was grateful that was written in there.
The suspense toward the end is what had me wide awake super late a night because the drama was unraveling and their were added pieces to the puzzle that made the downfall of Shannon’s marriage and husband in general that it so much more exhilarating!
I cannot wait to read more from Jillian and now I absolutely will be going back to read book one!
4.5🌟
May 7, 2025
Hi!
So that was interesting and fun. I don't read a lot of mf these days but I love the cheating trope so here we are. All in all I liked book 2. There were one or two typos that bugged the shit out of me. I sometimes daydream of letting the author know about them but I honestly don't know how all that works- like, can they even be fixed after released in ebook version to the world? I hope it doesn't end up in print. Also, I don't want to seem like a jerk. But an ebook with typos begins to feel less polished and goes down a few points as I'm reading it.
Annyyyyyway. Enough about that. The found family theme was cute (not my favorite, but I know other people love it). I appreciated Shannon's hard won independence from her marriage. Maybe this book can be an inspiration to other women looking to leave a relationship.
Now on to Phoenix and Walker! Summer can't get here soon enough.
So that was interesting and fun. I don't read a lot of mf these days but I love the cheating trope so here we are. All in all I liked book 2. There were one or two typos that bugged the shit out of me. I sometimes daydream of letting the author know about them but I honestly don't know how all that works- like, can they even be fixed after released in ebook version to the world? I hope it doesn't end up in print. Also, I don't want to seem like a jerk. But an ebook with typos begins to feel less polished and goes down a few points as I'm reading it.
Annyyyyyway. Enough about that. The found family theme was cute (not my favorite, but I know other people love it). I appreciated Shannon's hard won independence from her marriage. Maybe this book can be an inspiration to other women looking to leave a relationship.
Now on to Phoenix and Walker! Summer can't get here soon enough.
December 18, 2025
2 🌟
audio read 🎧 — Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise
Shannon and Hudson 🖤
Hudson was super sweet. So patient and such a caring and protective uncle and brother. However, he was extremely hypocritical with his “moral compass” on what he deemed acceptable. He did call himself out internally a couple of times at least though.
I had trouble liking Shannon or understanding her. She blamed Gregor for everything, and while we didn’t get to see anything that took place before the start of the book, it just felt like she didn’t take accountability for choices she made. She said she didn’t want kids, but it sounds like it was consensual. It’s never said Gregor forced it. Just that she did things he wanted to make him happy. She’s mad at Gregor for her not working, but again, it sounds like she chose to quit. And then clearly gets a job when the baby is only 4 months old, so it’s not like she’s worried about putting her in daycare. Her final straw with Gregor was when she catches him watching porn at 3 am. Which feels so damn hypocritical since at this point she’s already fantasizing about Hudson and getting off to thoughts of him. They then get into a fight about it again, AFTER her and Hudson physically hookup and she’s still acting superior. It reads as a woman who regrets her life choices, but instead of taking ownership she wants to blame someone else.
Idk I’m not trying to go on a full rant, but Shannon just seemed like she was always the victim. It felt like she would look for an excuse on how to justify her affair.
And I’m honestly not sure why Hudson and Shannon liked each other. They never spent more than 3 minutes together. Hudson thought to himself several times how he hoped it wasn’t her just feeling neglected and needing physical intimacy, but those were the only things they did together so what else was it?
Again, I had some issues with just the basics here. Supposedly Shannon’s daughter is 4 months old. But multiple times things were said that didn’t track with her age. You’d never give a 4 month old an applesauce pouch and walk away. Extremely unlikely she’s sleeping through the night, or routinely taking one midday nap which is mentioned frequently. None of this is a big deal, but once an author makes a habit of showing they didn’t do the research of their story, it does create a lack of trust in their storytelling.
Gregor is said to throw Serafina up into the air??? Like has the author ever met a baby. You would never do that to 4 month old if you care about not snapping their neck and spine.
The absolute final straw for me was when Shannon leaves her sleeping 4 MONTH OLD alone in the house, only taking the baby monitor, to go down the street to Hudson’s parked work truck to have a hookup. The fuck is that?! Literally a crime, while she’s going on and on about how terrible her husband is. Not to mention she has a FaceTime sex call with Hudson while her daughter is in the room.
I was most intrigued with Phoenix and his story, but I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this series. . I might go back to read his later because I do like the premise of these stories, but the execution has been a miss.
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MF
Sharing? No
Cheating? Not between MMCs but the entire story is about Shannon cheating on her husband with Hudson
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW Yes, Shannon and her husband start things a few times, but it’s mainly to show how disconnected they are. They never actually have sex. Hudson makes plans with his FWB after thinking he’s too into Shannon early on, but their hookup is off page. He does the cliche “I pictured Shannon while balls deep in another woman” and does feel guilty about it and doesn’t seek out any other hookups.
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— housewife x delivery driver
— angst and tension
— slow burn ish
— sneaking around
— found family
— tattooed MMC
— FMC gets a tattoo
— “baby”
— dry humping
— 💦 in his pants
— toys
audio read 🎧 — Brandon Francis and Andi Eloise
Shannon and Hudson 🖤
Hudson was super sweet. So patient and such a caring and protective uncle and brother. However, he was extremely hypocritical with his “moral compass” on what he deemed acceptable. He did call himself out internally a couple of times at least though.
I had trouble liking Shannon or understanding her. She blamed Gregor for everything, and while we didn’t get to see anything that took place before the start of the book, it just felt like she didn’t take accountability for choices she made. She said she didn’t want kids, but it sounds like it was consensual. It’s never said Gregor forced it. Just that she did things he wanted to make him happy. She’s mad at Gregor for her not working, but again, it sounds like she chose to quit. And then clearly gets a job when the baby is only 4 months old, so it’s not like she’s worried about putting her in daycare. Her final straw with Gregor was when she catches him watching porn at 3 am. Which feels so damn hypocritical since at this point she’s already fantasizing about Hudson and getting off to thoughts of him. They then get into a fight about it again, AFTER her and Hudson physically hookup and she’s still acting superior. It reads as a woman who regrets her life choices, but instead of taking ownership she wants to blame someone else.
Idk I’m not trying to go on a full rant, but Shannon just seemed like she was always the victim. It felt like she would look for an excuse on how to justify her affair.
And I’m honestly not sure why Hudson and Shannon liked each other. They never spent more than 3 minutes together. Hudson thought to himself several times how he hoped it wasn’t her just feeling neglected and needing physical intimacy, but those were the only things they did together so what else was it?
Again, I had some issues with just the basics here. Supposedly Shannon’s daughter is 4 months old. But multiple times things were said that didn’t track with her age. You’d never give a 4 month old an applesauce pouch and walk away. Extremely unlikely she’s sleeping through the night, or routinely taking one midday nap which is mentioned frequently. None of this is a big deal, but once an author makes a habit of showing they didn’t do the research of their story, it does create a lack of trust in their storytelling.
Gregor is said to throw Serafina up into the air??? Like has the author ever met a baby. You would never do that to 4 month old if you care about not snapping their neck and spine.
The absolute final straw for me was when Shannon leaves her sleeping 4 MONTH OLD alone in the house, only taking the baby monitor, to go down the street to Hudson’s parked work truck to have a hookup. The fuck is that?! Literally a crime, while she’s going on and on about how terrible her husband is. Not to mention she has a FaceTime sex call with Hudson while her daughter is in the room.
I was most intrigued with Phoenix and his story, but I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this series. . I might go back to read his later because I do like the premise of these stories, but the execution has been a miss.
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MF
Sharing? No
Cheating? Not between MMCs but the entire story is about Shannon cheating on her husband with Hudson
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW Yes, Shannon and her husband start things a few times, but it’s mainly to show how disconnected they are. They never actually have sex. Hudson makes plans with his FWB after thinking he’s too into Shannon early on, but their hookup is off page. He does the cliche “I pictured Shannon while balls deep in another woman” and does feel guilty about it and doesn’t seek out any other hookups.
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— housewife x delivery driver
— angst and tension
— slow burn ish
— sneaking around
— found family
— tattooed MMC
— FMC gets a tattoo
— “baby”
— dry humping
— 💦 in his pants
— toys
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
This was fairly meh all the way around. Lots of spice without much character development, so if that’s your thing this is a fun story.
- 💕. No third act breakup
- 🗣️ Communication- these two actually do a great job of talking through everything as their relationship builds and everything gets complicated.
- 👩🏻🤝👨🏼. Shannon is a 30 yr old married mother of a 4 month old. She is unhappy in her marriage; her husband (Gregor) isn’t unfaithful but he is ruthlessly working his way to the top as an attorney and has no time for her or their daughter, Seraphina. She meets Hudson, also 30, when he delivers a package to their house. He keeps returning and sparks fly.
🌶️. The spice is spicing but it got a little boring and I really found myself wanting the author to have woven in a few more actual conversations. We got very few moments of these two together when they weren’t tearing their clothes off.
🏡. Found family - we dont know much about his family but he has his sister, Monica, her kids, and the guys. Shannon has her parents who are close by and supportive.
🫣. OW - he does have sex with another woman at the beginning of the book, before they are together. Honestly, it annoyed me and was unnecessary. I really don’t want to imagine him having sex with someone else, even if it wasn’t graphically detailed, altho he does say this classic line “I was balls deep in someone else and thinking of her”. Lovely. OM - her husband.
👥. Dual POV; HEA in epilogue. No marriage but pregnancy.
Shannon and Hudson meet and very quickly all they can think about is each other. He’s a military veteran and current mail delivery man (think UPS) assigned to her route. In the beginning, she is trying everything she can to save their marriage but to no avail. She meets Hudson at the same time as she is attempting these last ditch efforts and pretty soon can only think of him. He is similarly obsessed. Both are portrayed as honest characters, with good hearts in a bad situation.
He is helping his sister take care of her two kids in the aftermath of her husband’s death at the hands of a drunk driver. The husband, Will, was also Hudson’s best friend. So he’s in grief and she’s grieving the loss of her marriage and trying to find herself again. She returns to work as an MD and gets her own apt.
The tension comes from them sneaking around as she leaves her husband and what happens when he finds out. There is also a connection between her husband, Gregor and the drunk driver who killed Hudson’s friend. It all gets a bit complicated. Lol.
Why 3 ⭐️
- the cheating trope is fine, and her husband seemed legit terrible. But, I just didn’t believe in their love for each other. They rarely spent any time together when they weren’t having sex.
- the sex scenes actually became annoying bc I wanted them to have an actual conversation. They even acknowledged that the flame from sex can burn out, but for all their words, we see no evidence that there is anything but sex between them.
- the baby is there as prop. Nothing more.
It just didn’t hang together for me. Some of the writing and dialogue just felt crude rather than hot/sexy. 🤷🏻♀️
- cheating (not between MC’s)
- hot housewife/hot delivery guy
- golden retriever, volunteer firefighter MMC
- loss of best friend (MMC; not shown); grief
- FMC finding herself again
- lying scheming lawyer
- 💕. No third act breakup
- 🗣️ Communication- these two actually do a great job of talking through everything as their relationship builds and everything gets complicated.
- 👩🏻🤝👨🏼. Shannon is a 30 yr old married mother of a 4 month old. She is unhappy in her marriage; her husband (Gregor) isn’t unfaithful but he is ruthlessly working his way to the top as an attorney and has no time for her or their daughter, Seraphina. She meets Hudson, also 30, when he delivers a package to their house. He keeps returning and sparks fly.
🌶️. The spice is spicing but it got a little boring and I really found myself wanting the author to have woven in a few more actual conversations. We got very few moments of these two together when they weren’t tearing their clothes off.
🏡. Found family - we dont know much about his family but he has his sister, Monica, her kids, and the guys. Shannon has her parents who are close by and supportive.
🫣. OW - he does have sex with another woman at the beginning of the book, before they are together. Honestly, it annoyed me and was unnecessary. I really don’t want to imagine him having sex with someone else, even if it wasn’t graphically detailed, altho he does say this classic line “I was balls deep in someone else and thinking of her”. Lovely. OM - her husband.
👥. Dual POV; HEA in epilogue. No marriage but pregnancy.
Shannon and Hudson meet and very quickly all they can think about is each other. He’s a military veteran and current mail delivery man (think UPS) assigned to her route. In the beginning, she is trying everything she can to save their marriage but to no avail. She meets Hudson at the same time as she is attempting these last ditch efforts and pretty soon can only think of him. He is similarly obsessed. Both are portrayed as honest characters, with good hearts in a bad situation.
He is helping his sister take care of her two kids in the aftermath of her husband’s death at the hands of a drunk driver. The husband, Will, was also Hudson’s best friend. So he’s in grief and she’s grieving the loss of her marriage and trying to find herself again. She returns to work as an MD and gets her own apt.
The tension comes from them sneaking around as she leaves her husband and what happens when he finds out. There is also a connection between her husband, Gregor and the drunk driver who killed Hudson’s friend. It all gets a bit complicated. Lol.
Why 3 ⭐️
- the cheating trope is fine, and her husband seemed legit terrible. But, I just didn’t believe in their love for each other. They rarely spent any time together when they weren’t having sex.
- the sex scenes actually became annoying bc I wanted them to have an actual conversation. They even acknowledged that the flame from sex can burn out, but for all their words, we see no evidence that there is anything but sex between them.
- the baby is there as prop. Nothing more.
It just didn’t hang together for me. Some of the writing and dialogue just felt crude rather than hot/sexy. 🤷🏻♀️
- cheating (not between MC’s)
- hot housewife/hot delivery guy
- golden retriever, volunteer firefighter MMC
- loss of best friend (MMC; not shown); grief
- FMC finding herself again
- lying scheming lawyer
August 19, 2025
It was just fine, nothing too special. Favorite parts were Hudson together with his friends.
August 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
this was so good and MESSY hehehe i love the drama. greg is a horrible person & i hate him <3
the found family in this series is just unmatched 🥰
this was so good and MESSY hehehe i love the drama. greg is a horrible person & i hate him <3
the found family in this series is just unmatched 🥰
April 11, 2025
Shannon & Hudson
Delivery Driver x Housewife
Cheating (not between the MCs)
Romantic Suspense
"Shannon's husband is a turd who had it coming" has got to be one of my favourite lines ever, and it's not even in the book, just the opening author note 🤣
Another amazing book by Jillian! I'm so glad I discovered her books because she's one of my favourite authors!
I know the cheating trope isn't for everyone, but honestly, she's right. Her husband did deserve it!!!
I loved every second of this one! The angst between Hudson and Shannon!!!! And when they finally give into temptation! 🔥🔥🔥
AND can we just take a minute to appreciate the sneak preview of book 3?! I'm so freaking excited!!!!
Delivery Driver x Housewife
Cheating (not between the MCs)
Romantic Suspense
"Shannon's husband is a turd who had it coming" has got to be one of my favourite lines ever, and it's not even in the book, just the opening author note 🤣
Another amazing book by Jillian! I'm so glad I discovered her books because she's one of my favourite authors!
I know the cheating trope isn't for everyone, but honestly, she's right. Her husband did deserve it!!!
I loved every second of this one! The angst between Hudson and Shannon!!!! And when they finally give into temptation! 🔥🔥🔥
AND can we just take a minute to appreciate the sneak preview of book 3?! I'm so freaking excited!!!!
April 20, 2025
Ok first of all let me talk about how the spice in this book had me giggling, screaming, blushing and kicking my feet! The build up was delicious, and the tension was A+.
This was my first book with the cheating trope (not between the MCs), and I honestly didn't know how I was going to feel about it. I thought it was done in a way that showed the reality of how a relationship can go sideways, and the internal struggle one might face when feeling"stuck".
Shannon is a housewife, and new mom who's lost herself.
Hudson is retired from the military, a volunteer firefighter, and the delivery driver in her neighbourhood.
Their connection is a slow burn filled with obstacles, tension, secrets, and a true test of patience.
A couple of the side characters really grew on me too - Knox is older, divorced, and angsty. Phoenix is charming, charismatic, and a total playboy.
This was my first book by this author but I'll definitely be sticking around for the rest of the Bring the Heat series!
This was my first book with the cheating trope (not between the MCs), and I honestly didn't know how I was going to feel about it. I thought it was done in a way that showed the reality of how a relationship can go sideways, and the internal struggle one might face when feeling"stuck".
Shannon is a housewife, and new mom who's lost herself.
Hudson is retired from the military, a volunteer firefighter, and the delivery driver in her neighbourhood.
Their connection is a slow burn filled with obstacles, tension, secrets, and a true test of patience.
A couple of the side characters really grew on me too - Knox is older, divorced, and angsty. Phoenix is charming, charismatic, and a total playboy.
This was my first book by this author but I'll definitely be sticking around for the rest of the Bring the Heat series!
April 16, 2025
Jillian absolutely crushed it in giving us Hudson & Shannon's story! I read this in an evening and loved how easy it was to fall in love and root for them! But if you are not a fan of the cheating trope, then this probably isn't for you! The spice was delicious and tension was palpable! But what I loved most was how Shannon was experiencing issues and feelings that are so relatable in her marriage and finding her footing as a new mom.
What to expect: romantic suspense, housewife x delivery driver, angst, cheating, found family
Thank you so much to Jillian D. Wray for letting me read/review an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
What to expect: romantic suspense, housewife x delivery driver, angst, cheating, found family
Thank you so much to Jillian D. Wray for letting me read/review an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2025
Playing with Fire is a great read. I would have stayed up all night and finished this book if work and life would have let me. This book has life. Emotions run high with love, loathing, fear, relief and more and more love. You definitely route for Hudson and Shannon to get their way figured out. You can’t help but feel their emotions as you read. This is definitely one you won’t want to put down. I can’t wait to see how Phoenixes life is turning out in her next book. Enjoy the Playing with Fire it burns oh so good!!!!
August 19, 2025
4.25⭐️
didn’t know that i’d enjoy a book with the cheating trope but i absolutely devoured this… i don’t think i’d like it in most circumstances but at this point i think id like just about anything this author writes! i loved hudson, he was such a caring and good guy and shannon’s journey was very admirable and i love how her character developed.
didn’t know that i’d enjoy a book with the cheating trope but i absolutely devoured this… i don’t think i’d like it in most circumstances but at this point i think id like just about anything this author writes! i loved hudson, he was such a caring and good guy and shannon’s journey was very admirable and i love how her character developed.
April 18, 2025
arc review coming soon
April 19, 2025
I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this book when I got it but I gotta say it was good. Shannon and Hudson’s story was intense with everything they went through. Shannon was in a horrible marriage with a man who constantly gaslighted her and all around treated her poorly. Belittling her every chance he got. Hudson was her light in the darkness. Were things between them done in the best order, no but she felt like things were hopeless. In the end, the jerk got what he deserved.
April 21, 2025
🤎 Housewife
🧡 Delivery driver
🤍 Angst/tension
🤎 SLOW burn
🧡 Cheating (not between MCs)
🤍 Spicy scenes 🔥
🤎 Found family
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
That was a wild ride to be on with Shannon and Hudson! I know that this won’t be everyone’s ’cup of tea,’ but I was here for this story! Hudson is such a great MC who is absolutely GONE for Shannon from the moment he wakes the frazzled mother’s baby. Shannon is lost and exhausted, but begins to find herself again. The two have a fire between them that can’t be contained. Though you may not condone how these two went about things, after you read this story, you’ll understand that sometimes the justification lies in the blurred lines.
There is nothing black and white about Shannon’s situation, it’s a myriad of grays that have culminated over time. Small moments lost over the years that have built into a monument of resentment, of loss, of hurt, and of anger. While cheating is not okay, sometimes there isn’t a cut and dry reason it happens. Labeling someone who cheats as bad is generally true, but what if there are legitimate reasons? What if timing and circumstances came into play? What if the cheating is the result of a toxic situation and that was the only way to remove oneself? The reader can decide what to label who, but no matter what they decide, know that Hudson has Shannon’s best interest at heart. A thousand times more than her selfish husband ever did.
Hudson has a good heart and is so caring about EVERYONE around him. It’s in his nature to ensure his people have each of their needs met, often forgoing his own. So of course when Shannon comes into his orbit, that sentiment extends to her as well. Shannon has been lost over time, it wasn’t something that just happened overnight. She didn’t even realize the extent of it until she met Hudson and her heart knew, it just Knew that it was him. From that moment forward she was able to work to be herself again, despite her husband’s dismay, with the unyielding support of the one she was supposed to be with. Shannon is a trophy wife, having birthed a child she didn’t want, who gave up a job she loved to be at her husband’s beck and call. And what did she want in return? Only him and his love. And what did she get? Loneliness, resentment, anger, manipulation, greed, and contempt. Is what she did right? No, but she did what she had to for a better life. A life she deserved. A life of love, family, friendship, and happiness. I can’t fault Shannon or Hudson that. 🩷
Thank you once again to Jillian for writing a fantastic book and allowing me to read and review it! It has been such a privilege to be on your street/ARC team for so long! I continue to be in awe of you and your writing! Keep it up love! 🫶🏼
📦“I’ve got to figure out how to get back on track with my husband before my lonely lady parts cause me to do something reckless… like my delivery guy.”
🌊“Because then we end up changing who we are until we don’t recognize ourselves anymore, and we grow to resent the person we’ve become as well as resenting the person we once loved,”
📦“Every time I’m near him, a hit of dopamine courses through my veins which only serves to fuel my lust. It’s the kind of intensity that makes you want to douse your entire life in gasoline and has you volunteering to strike the match.”
🌊“I swear you were made for me. You know that?”
📦“But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my heart was reborn from the broken, jagged pieces, whole and coated in steel, and this time, I’ll keep a hold of it myself.”
🌊“Say my name, Shannon. Tell me you understand who makes you c***.”
🧡 Delivery driver
🤍 Angst/tension
🤎 SLOW burn
🧡 Cheating (not between MCs)
🤍 Spicy scenes 🔥
🤎 Found family
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
That was a wild ride to be on with Shannon and Hudson! I know that this won’t be everyone’s ’cup of tea,’ but I was here for this story! Hudson is such a great MC who is absolutely GONE for Shannon from the moment he wakes the frazzled mother’s baby. Shannon is lost and exhausted, but begins to find herself again. The two have a fire between them that can’t be contained. Though you may not condone how these two went about things, after you read this story, you’ll understand that sometimes the justification lies in the blurred lines.
There is nothing black and white about Shannon’s situation, it’s a myriad of grays that have culminated over time. Small moments lost over the years that have built into a monument of resentment, of loss, of hurt, and of anger. While cheating is not okay, sometimes there isn’t a cut and dry reason it happens. Labeling someone who cheats as bad is generally true, but what if there are legitimate reasons? What if timing and circumstances came into play? What if the cheating is the result of a toxic situation and that was the only way to remove oneself? The reader can decide what to label who, but no matter what they decide, know that Hudson has Shannon’s best interest at heart. A thousand times more than her selfish husband ever did.
Hudson has a good heart and is so caring about EVERYONE around him. It’s in his nature to ensure his people have each of their needs met, often forgoing his own. So of course when Shannon comes into his orbit, that sentiment extends to her as well. Shannon has been lost over time, it wasn’t something that just happened overnight. She didn’t even realize the extent of it until she met Hudson and her heart knew, it just Knew that it was him. From that moment forward she was able to work to be herself again, despite her husband’s dismay, with the unyielding support of the one she was supposed to be with. Shannon is a trophy wife, having birthed a child she didn’t want, who gave up a job she loved to be at her husband’s beck and call. And what did she want in return? Only him and his love. And what did she get? Loneliness, resentment, anger, manipulation, greed, and contempt. Is what she did right? No, but she did what she had to for a better life. A life she deserved. A life of love, family, friendship, and happiness. I can’t fault Shannon or Hudson that. 🩷
Thank you once again to Jillian for writing a fantastic book and allowing me to read and review it! It has been such a privilege to be on your street/ARC team for so long! I continue to be in awe of you and your writing! Keep it up love! 🫶🏼
📦“I’ve got to figure out how to get back on track with my husband before my lonely lady parts cause me to do something reckless… like my delivery guy.”
🌊“Because then we end up changing who we are until we don’t recognize ourselves anymore, and we grow to resent the person we’ve become as well as resenting the person we once loved,”
📦“Every time I’m near him, a hit of dopamine courses through my veins which only serves to fuel my lust. It’s the kind of intensity that makes you want to douse your entire life in gasoline and has you volunteering to strike the match.”
🌊“I swear you were made for me. You know that?”
📦“But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my heart was reborn from the broken, jagged pieces, whole and coated in steel, and this time, I’ll keep a hold of it myself.”
🌊“Say my name, Shannon. Tell me you understand who makes you c***.”
April 24, 2025
Book Review: Playing with Fire
By: Jillian D. Wray
I’m a total fan girl for Jillian and you all know that so of course a book comes out by her and I’m reading it! This one is so well written. I loved every moment of it!
I read this book in like a day! I loved the way she painted a picture that all too often mothers go through after having a baby. I remember during my interview with her talking about what she would be working on once Beautiful Deceit was completed and she talked about this story briefly and I’ve been anticipating it ever since! So like a year! She puts so much emotion, heartache, tension, termoil, and passion into this story you are completely captivated.
The chemistry between the two MCs is incredible and the internal struggle they go though you feel it. Also the internal dialogue of especially Shannon as she deals with the grief, desperation, longing, and insecurities. She still tries so hard to be what everyone wants from her. I just felt so freaking seen in her as a character. Being a military spouse I was alone a lot of the time and right after having a baby and it was hard. I loved watching her find herself and do things that made her happy it’s something I’m trying to do in my own life so I felt it in this story. Jillian really has a way of doing that to you when you read her books. It makes you think, feel, asses, sometimes ugly cry… but in the end you leave a little better than you started.
Oh Hudson, what spell or quest do I need to complete to have him jump out of the book and be a real book boyfriend? He was so observant and loyal. He will have you in a puddle on the floor!
Jillian has a way of weaving in suspense, emotions, and romance that you’ll be addicted and pining for her next release so you can get another HEA!
I cannot wait to read more from Jillian just trust me read it!
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice lvl: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Main Characters: Shannon & Hudson
Type of book: Duel 1st Person POV
Couple Type: MF
Reading Order: Standalone book one with Interconnected Characters
Series: Yes Bring the Heat
Title: Playing with Fire book 2 in the series
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
💍 Housewife
📦 Delivery driver
🔥 Angst/tension
❤️🔥 SLOW burn
👎🏻 Cheating (not between MCs)
🫠 Spicy scenes 🔥
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
Favorite quotes:
“Because then we end up changing who we are until we don’t recognize ourselves anymore, and we grow to resent the person we’ve become as well as resenting the person we once loved,”
“I’ve got to figure out how to get back on track with my husband before my lonely lady parts cause me to do something reckless… like my delivery guy.”
“Every time I’m near him, a hit of dopamine courses through my veins which only serves to fuel my lust. It’s the kind of intensity that makes you want to douse your entire life in gasoline and has you volunteering to strike the match.”
“But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my heart was reborn from the broken, jagged pieces, whole and coated in steel, and this time, I’ll keep a hold of it myself.”
By: Jillian D. Wray
I’m a total fan girl for Jillian and you all know that so of course a book comes out by her and I’m reading it! This one is so well written. I loved every moment of it!
I read this book in like a day! I loved the way she painted a picture that all too often mothers go through after having a baby. I remember during my interview with her talking about what she would be working on once Beautiful Deceit was completed and she talked about this story briefly and I’ve been anticipating it ever since! So like a year! She puts so much emotion, heartache, tension, termoil, and passion into this story you are completely captivated.
The chemistry between the two MCs is incredible and the internal struggle they go though you feel it. Also the internal dialogue of especially Shannon as she deals with the grief, desperation, longing, and insecurities. She still tries so hard to be what everyone wants from her. I just felt so freaking seen in her as a character. Being a military spouse I was alone a lot of the time and right after having a baby and it was hard. I loved watching her find herself and do things that made her happy it’s something I’m trying to do in my own life so I felt it in this story. Jillian really has a way of doing that to you when you read her books. It makes you think, feel, asses, sometimes ugly cry… but in the end you leave a little better than you started.
Oh Hudson, what spell or quest do I need to complete to have him jump out of the book and be a real book boyfriend? He was so observant and loyal. He will have you in a puddle on the floor!
Jillian has a way of weaving in suspense, emotions, and romance that you’ll be addicted and pining for her next release so you can get another HEA!
I cannot wait to read more from Jillian just trust me read it!
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice lvl: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Main Characters: Shannon & Hudson
Type of book: Duel 1st Person POV
Couple Type: MF
Reading Order: Standalone book one with Interconnected Characters
Series: Yes Bring the Heat
Title: Playing with Fire book 2 in the series
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
💍 Housewife
📦 Delivery driver
🔥 Angst/tension
❤️🔥 SLOW burn
👎🏻 Cheating (not between MCs)
🫠 Spicy scenes 🔥
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
Favorite quotes:
“Because then we end up changing who we are until we don’t recognize ourselves anymore, and we grow to resent the person we’ve become as well as resenting the person we once loved,”
“I’ve got to figure out how to get back on track with my husband before my lonely lady parts cause me to do something reckless… like my delivery guy.”
“Every time I’m near him, a hit of dopamine courses through my veins which only serves to fuel my lust. It’s the kind of intensity that makes you want to douse your entire life in gasoline and has you volunteering to strike the match.”
“But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my heart was reborn from the broken, jagged pieces, whole and coated in steel, and this time, I’ll keep a hold of it myself.”
October 25, 2025
🔥📦If you play with fire long enough, you're going to get burned🔥📦
"We don't get to choose when people enter our lives, but we can choose how we treat them once they do."
"You're a lot of things, Shannon. A miracle, a blessing, a temptation, but you're not a mistake. No matter how this ends, you're not a mistake."
"I barely recognize myself anymore. I want to like myself again. Feel like myself. Act like myself. Not like some simpering housewife reduced to begging for her husband's affection."
"What's awful is that he's made you so lonely you're out here with me instead of wrapped in his arms. Not that I'm complaining."
"Your husband's a blind f****** moron if he's not devouring you like the last supper every goddamn night."
This was such an amazing book and this series keeps getting better. I was excited to see what Hudson was up to and who his love interest would be. I loved the taboo aspect of cheating in this book. And yes, it was worth it because Shannon's husband was a POS and I hated that man. I love that this series is interconnected, has great spice, an engaging plot, and some hurt/comfort.
This story follows Hudson and Shannon. Hudson is a delivery driver and he meets Shannon when he delivers her packages 😏😉. Shannon is married and has a baby. She resents and hates her life. She resents her child at first because her husband is non-existent and treats her like crap. Hudson is the guy who always puts everyone first above himself. He helps take care of his sister's kids as her husband passed away. Both Shannon and Hudson want more from life and they find that together.
There is instant attraction at first and they both fight it so hard. This is a slow burn, but once it happens, the spice is 🔥🔥🔥. Hudson is so sweet, protective, and just humble. I love that man. Shannon is a shell of herself and Hudson sparks something in her to get back to her old self. I love how the author portrayed her issues being a new mother, resenting her child at first, then embracing how much she loved her baby 🥹🥹.
The plot picked up towords the end and things got heated. I loved how some of the horrible characters from book one overlapped into this story. I loved seeing the other characters as well. I'm so intrigued by Knox. Loved seeing Dylan and Jake 🥰. And I cannot wait for Phoenix. That playboy golden retriever has my heart. I also loved Hudson's sister and kids. This found family is everything. Onto the next book! 🔥🌊🏖📦🚚
"We don't get to choose when people enter our lives, but we can choose how we treat them once they do."
"You're a lot of things, Shannon. A miracle, a blessing, a temptation, but you're not a mistake. No matter how this ends, you're not a mistake."
"I barely recognize myself anymore. I want to like myself again. Feel like myself. Act like myself. Not like some simpering housewife reduced to begging for her husband's affection."
"What's awful is that he's made you so lonely you're out here with me instead of wrapped in his arms. Not that I'm complaining."
"Your husband's a blind f****** moron if he's not devouring you like the last supper every goddamn night."
This was such an amazing book and this series keeps getting better. I was excited to see what Hudson was up to and who his love interest would be. I loved the taboo aspect of cheating in this book. And yes, it was worth it because Shannon's husband was a POS and I hated that man. I love that this series is interconnected, has great spice, an engaging plot, and some hurt/comfort.
This story follows Hudson and Shannon. Hudson is a delivery driver and he meets Shannon when he delivers her packages 😏😉. Shannon is married and has a baby. She resents and hates her life. She resents her child at first because her husband is non-existent and treats her like crap. Hudson is the guy who always puts everyone first above himself. He helps take care of his sister's kids as her husband passed away. Both Shannon and Hudson want more from life and they find that together.
There is instant attraction at first and they both fight it so hard. This is a slow burn, but once it happens, the spice is 🔥🔥🔥. Hudson is so sweet, protective, and just humble. I love that man. Shannon is a shell of herself and Hudson sparks something in her to get back to her old self. I love how the author portrayed her issues being a new mother, resenting her child at first, then embracing how much she loved her baby 🥹🥹.
The plot picked up towords the end and things got heated. I loved how some of the horrible characters from book one overlapped into this story. I loved seeing the other characters as well. I'm so intrigued by Knox. Loved seeing Dylan and Jake 🥰. And I cannot wait for Phoenix. That playboy golden retriever has my heart. I also loved Hudson's sister and kids. This found family is everything. Onto the next book! 🔥🌊🏖📦🚚
April 15, 2025
I want to start this review by saying that as a reader, I tend to avoid the cheating trope, but I loved Jake and Dylan's story so much that I wanted to know what happened in Hudson's story.
And I'm so glad I did! I literally devoured this book in one weekend, and if it wasn't for adult life getting in the way, I could have read it in one sitting.
Hudson and Shannon's story is beautiful! I felt like I was feeling every emotion the two of them went through to get their HEA. I absolutely loved how Hudson supported Shannon and her baby daughter right from the start, and how he helped Shannon come to realise that she deserved more from the life she found herself stuck in. I also loved how we see Shannon find her strength again and start doing things that makes her happy.
The tension between the two main characters is 🥵 and the first time they're intimate together, I was internally screaming for more, but I'm glad things weren't rushed as the slow burn made the overall story more believable.
I did struggle with a small part of this book, and that was to do with the law side of things with regard to alienation of affections and subpoenas, but that's probably because I'm British and we don't have things like that, but it didn't distract from the story, and it wasn't too hard to work out what it all meant!
I can't leave a review without mentioning Gregor. What an absolute a$$hole that man was. There were several times throughout the book where I wanted to reach in and throat punch him, and without giving away any spoilers, all I will say is that I'm glad he got his comeuppance!
I highly recommend this book, and I literally cannot wait for Phoenix's story next.
Thank you to for choosing me to receive and ARC of Playing With Fire
And I'm so glad I did! I literally devoured this book in one weekend, and if it wasn't for adult life getting in the way, I could have read it in one sitting.
Hudson and Shannon's story is beautiful! I felt like I was feeling every emotion the two of them went through to get their HEA. I absolutely loved how Hudson supported Shannon and her baby daughter right from the start, and how he helped Shannon come to realise that she deserved more from the life she found herself stuck in. I also loved how we see Shannon find her strength again and start doing things that makes her happy.
The tension between the two main characters is 🥵 and the first time they're intimate together, I was internally screaming for more, but I'm glad things weren't rushed as the slow burn made the overall story more believable.
I did struggle with a small part of this book, and that was to do with the law side of things with regard to alienation of affections and subpoenas, but that's probably because I'm British and we don't have things like that, but it didn't distract from the story, and it wasn't too hard to work out what it all meant!
I can't leave a review without mentioning Gregor. What an absolute a$$hole that man was. There were several times throughout the book where I wanted to reach in and throat punch him, and without giving away any spoilers, all I will say is that I'm glad he got his comeuppance!
I highly recommend this book, and I literally cannot wait for Phoenix's story next.
Thank you to for choosing me to receive and ARC of Playing With Fire
April 18, 2025
“You’ve already filled my heart. Now I want you to fill my body.”
This story was definitely different from anything I've read before and I'm honestly still trying to process my feelings on it. This book is heavy on the cheating trope, heavier than I expected, so if that is not your thing then, please look elsewhere.
One thing I can appreciate about this story is how real Shannon’s feelings were. Whether we agree or not with how things were handled, the truth is that sometimes, no matter how unhappy you are, it's not as easy as "pack up and leave". The same goes for how she felt about becoming a mother at the beginning of the story. Not every woman wants to be or is built to be a mother, but that doesn't mean that you can't grow to love that little person and have them become your world, like in Shannon’s case.
I did enjoy the murder mystery vibe that the story had, and all the unknown connections between Shannon and Hudson. I also enjoyed how even though Hudson gave Shannon all the affection and attention she was starved for, she ultimately decided to leave her deadbeat husband for her and her little girl.
Quote: “In a perfect world, I would have met you first, swept you off your feet, and I still wouldn’t have set you down. But ten years ago, I wasn’t a man worthy of you.”
This story was definitely different from anything I've read before and I'm honestly still trying to process my feelings on it. This book is heavy on the cheating trope, heavier than I expected, so if that is not your thing then, please look elsewhere.
One thing I can appreciate about this story is how real Shannon’s feelings were. Whether we agree or not with how things were handled, the truth is that sometimes, no matter how unhappy you are, it's not as easy as "pack up and leave". The same goes for how she felt about becoming a mother at the beginning of the story. Not every woman wants to be or is built to be a mother, but that doesn't mean that you can't grow to love that little person and have them become your world, like in Shannon’s case.
I did enjoy the murder mystery vibe that the story had, and all the unknown connections between Shannon and Hudson. I also enjoyed how even though Hudson gave Shannon all the affection and attention she was starved for, she ultimately decided to leave her deadbeat husband for her and her little girl.
Quote: “In a perfect world, I would have met you first, swept you off your feet, and I still wouldn’t have set you down. But ten years ago, I wasn’t a man worthy of you.”
October 8, 2025
DEVOURED!!!! You know what was so refreshing? An author who wasn’t scared to upset people with the cheating trope!! The warning for this trope was at the beginning so I hope I don’t see any negative reviews because of this! 🙄
Anyway, from start to finish I was HOOKED on every single word! The author SMASHED this trope! In an ideal world Shannon would have left her husband before pursuing Hudson bla bla bla….but we don’t live in a perfect world and THAT is why love how this author didn’t give a shit and wrote a book where this shit happens all the time in real life!! It was PERFECT!! When women cheat, it’s rarely for JUST an orgasm! It’s usually the last resort and usually when she’s checked out months prior, so I love the realistic tone this book had! The spice, the characters, the grief, the struggles, the found family, all of it was perfect! I wish I could add on more stars for how strong Shannon was and although had doubts never allowed that to consume her choice to leave and be with Hudson! Loving no miscommunications third act break up which I feel a lot of authors fall back on for shock factor and pinch points but this authors talented writing and storytelling proved it wasn’t needed. My heart was in my throat for 90% of this book!!! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again!! Right off I got devour book#3!!!!
Anyway, from start to finish I was HOOKED on every single word! The author SMASHED this trope! In an ideal world Shannon would have left her husband before pursuing Hudson bla bla bla….but we don’t live in a perfect world and THAT is why love how this author didn’t give a shit and wrote a book where this shit happens all the time in real life!! It was PERFECT!! When women cheat, it’s rarely for JUST an orgasm! It’s usually the last resort and usually when she’s checked out months prior, so I love the realistic tone this book had! The spice, the characters, the grief, the struggles, the found family, all of it was perfect! I wish I could add on more stars for how strong Shannon was and although had doubts never allowed that to consume her choice to leave and be with Hudson! Loving no miscommunications third act break up which I feel a lot of authors fall back on for shock factor and pinch points but this authors talented writing and storytelling proved it wasn’t needed. My heart was in my throat for 90% of this book!!! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again!! Right off I got devour book#3!!!!
April 19, 2025
I normally don’t like cheating tropes but I had to read Playing with Fire because I absolutely loved this author's writing style. I have read a couple of Jillian D Wray’s books and I am absolutely hooked.
My heart goes out to Shannon. She is trying so hard to be a good mom and wife while going through some struggles with her husband. She tries to reignite her relationship with her husband Gregor but at the end of the day it has to be reciprocated. Gregor just wants a trophy wife. He doesn’t appreciate or understand the person she is. He is such a narcissist jerk and is so arrogant. As her feelings change for her husband she meets Hunter.
Hunter is absolutely amazing. So kind, protective and giving. He treat’s Shannon like a Queen and rightly so. Appreciate her and her daughter and he wants her to be happy in every way possible. Support her dreams and desires. I love how their relationship progressed while trying their best at respecting boundaries.
I fell in love with this series (Bring the Heat) with the first book Burn it Down. Each book is a stand alone interconnected series. Playing with Fire is the second book in the series. I can’t wait for Phoenix’s book absolutely love it him!!!
My heart goes out to Shannon. She is trying so hard to be a good mom and wife while going through some struggles with her husband. She tries to reignite her relationship with her husband Gregor but at the end of the day it has to be reciprocated. Gregor just wants a trophy wife. He doesn’t appreciate or understand the person she is. He is such a narcissist jerk and is so arrogant. As her feelings change for her husband she meets Hunter.
Hunter is absolutely amazing. So kind, protective and giving. He treat’s Shannon like a Queen and rightly so. Appreciate her and her daughter and he wants her to be happy in every way possible. Support her dreams and desires. I love how their relationship progressed while trying their best at respecting boundaries.
I fell in love with this series (Bring the Heat) with the first book Burn it Down. Each book is a stand alone interconnected series. Playing with Fire is the second book in the series. I can’t wait for Phoenix’s book absolutely love it him!!!
April 21, 2025
Received as an ARC. Thank you Jillian for allowing me to arc read this. It’s an absolute pleasure to read this!
Playing with fire is a mf romace, he falls first, and married women X single man.
I loved everything about Shannon and Hudson’s story, the drama, the trauma, and emotional moments, with everything Jillian writes it’s bound to make you cry, but also laugh, then giggle like a high school girl with a crush. The trials that they both went through to be together, and that’s including but not limited to, a husband; who is also an attorney, noisy friends, and little sera (not that she’s an issue.) reading made you wonder what was going to happen next, how this was going to play out! Knowing the author it was going to be a curve all, and I was right. Going along with the story, when you want something and decide to play with the fire. You have to realize that you’re going to get burned.
Reading this made me think of times when like Shannon I wanted to break away but was to scared to do so, and I needed someone like Hudson to pull me out of the fire, I’m glad the characters got their happy ending,
Playing with fire is a mf romace, he falls first, and married women X single man.
I loved everything about Shannon and Hudson’s story, the drama, the trauma, and emotional moments, with everything Jillian writes it’s bound to make you cry, but also laugh, then giggle like a high school girl with a crush. The trials that they both went through to be together, and that’s including but not limited to, a husband; who is also an attorney, noisy friends, and little sera (not that she’s an issue.) reading made you wonder what was going to happen next, how this was going to play out! Knowing the author it was going to be a curve all, and I was right. Going along with the story, when you want something and decide to play with the fire. You have to realize that you’re going to get burned.
Reading this made me think of times when like Shannon I wanted to break away but was to scared to do so, and I needed someone like Hudson to pull me out of the fire, I’m glad the characters got their happy ending,
July 14, 2025
This was a quick and eventful read, and I was completely wrapped up in this book. TW: there is cheating, as you may know, and I'm clearly fine with it, as I really liked the book.
This book moves pretty quickly so there isn't a lot of emotional indulgence or dragging, that often comes with the decision to cheat & step out of a marriage. There's some push and pull while the MCs fight the attraction, but there's a parallel storyline that holds some suspense and action - so it accelerates the story.
Overall, it's a fairly straightforward story of what starts as a taboo attraction between 2 people - as one of their marriages is in the process of irredeemable failure. Then, the rest of the story is how they actually find their way to each other and the road isn't particularly angsty or convoluted. It's a pretty balanced between plot & character, almost leaning more towards plot heavy.
This is part of a series and I will say that all the characters I've read so far have piqued me enough to want to read more, so while this could be a standalone, I'd say there is opportunity with the series.
This book moves pretty quickly so there isn't a lot of emotional indulgence or dragging, that often comes with the decision to cheat & step out of a marriage. There's some push and pull while the MCs fight the attraction, but there's a parallel storyline that holds some suspense and action - so it accelerates the story.
Overall, it's a fairly straightforward story of what starts as a taboo attraction between 2 people - as one of their marriages is in the process of irredeemable failure. Then, the rest of the story is how they actually find their way to each other and the road isn't particularly angsty or convoluted. It's a pretty balanced between plot & character, almost leaning more towards plot heavy.
This is part of a series and I will say that all the characters I've read so far have piqued me enough to want to read more, so while this could be a standalone, I'd say there is opportunity with the series.
July 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.5
Whew that was a wild ride! This story had me on edge for pretty much the entire book just waiting for Shannon’s husband to catch them doing something wrong. Then I was expecting him to do something crazy when she finally decided to leave him for Hudson.
What I love and kinda hate about this book was the fact that Jillian never gave a bit of backstory about all the different characters. It had been awhile since I read the first book and I couldn’t for the life of me remember who Knox, Phoenix, Jake or Dylan were. I really can’t even remember the whole story of Jake and Dylan from the first book (I read ALOT of books!) I usually read the books back-to-back in a series so when an author does explain the backstory in books, I get kinda irritated because I just read it and it’s fresh in my mind but the ones where it’s been awhile you do need a bit of a refresher.
Either way I enjoyed this story of Hudson and Shannon. I really did dislike Shannon’s husband because she really wasn’t asking for much..just a little bit of his time and attention 🤷🏾♀️ I mean that is a given in a marriage.
🌶️.5
Whew that was a wild ride! This story had me on edge for pretty much the entire book just waiting for Shannon’s husband to catch them doing something wrong. Then I was expecting him to do something crazy when she finally decided to leave him for Hudson.
What I love and kinda hate about this book was the fact that Jillian never gave a bit of backstory about all the different characters. It had been awhile since I read the first book and I couldn’t for the life of me remember who Knox, Phoenix, Jake or Dylan were. I really can’t even remember the whole story of Jake and Dylan from the first book (I read ALOT of books!) I usually read the books back-to-back in a series so when an author does explain the backstory in books, I get kinda irritated because I just read it and it’s fresh in my mind but the ones where it’s been awhile you do need a bit of a refresher.
Either way I enjoyed this story of Hudson and Shannon. I really did dislike Shannon’s husband because she really wasn’t asking for much..just a little bit of his time and attention 🤷🏾♀️ I mean that is a given in a marriage.
April 29, 2025
WOOOOOOOW.
I really thought this book was going to be just the hot housewife/hot delivery driver trope and if I didn't like it, that was going to be my own damn fault (because cheating trope is not my jam), but wow, this was way beyond that.
Wray sucks you in the from beginning - you're invested in the characters' lives from the get-go and their problems are at the very least relatable. It's not just a wham-bam-thank you ma'am, can't resist one another. Shannon (FMC) and Hudson (MMC) really struggle with the fact that Shannon is married, albeit it's a very lackluster marriage. Even so, there is angst and how they're going to handle their attraction to one another - do they handle it? Should they? What's the fallout if they do?
Then came the suspense element that I was not expecting and that just launched this book into a different level for me. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. 5 stars immediately. So much so that I'm going back to read Book no. 1 and Book no. 3 has just been announced (both MM romances, hell yes.).
I really thought this book was going to be just the hot housewife/hot delivery driver trope and if I didn't like it, that was going to be my own damn fault (because cheating trope is not my jam), but wow, this was way beyond that.
Wray sucks you in the from beginning - you're invested in the characters' lives from the get-go and their problems are at the very least relatable. It's not just a wham-bam-thank you ma'am, can't resist one another. Shannon (FMC) and Hudson (MMC) really struggle with the fact that Shannon is married, albeit it's a very lackluster marriage. Even so, there is angst and how they're going to handle their attraction to one another - do they handle it? Should they? What's the fallout if they do?
Then came the suspense element that I was not expecting and that just launched this book into a different level for me. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. 5 stars immediately. So much so that I'm going back to read Book no. 1 and Book no. 3 has just been announced (both MM romances, hell yes.).
April 28, 2025
First and foremost if cheating is not your thing please skip this book as it spans the course of an entire affair. I am still processing my feelings on the core relationship of the book. However, I will say Jillian never fails to keep you turning the page, dieing to know what’s next and how the HEA will come about. I absolutely love her writing style and always enjoy reading her books. This one was no different even if I was yelling at Shannon a few times. I adore Hudson! He is the spiciest cinnamon role there could be. The care he takes for his family and friends, Shannon and even himself is truly beautiful. I love that Shannon was able to rediscover the parts of herself she lost and was able to find happiness within herself. That is tremendous growth. Honestly you can’t go wrong with a Jillian Wray story, so go on and let that delivery man bring it to you.
June 11, 2025
Hudson + Shannon
-forbidden romance
-delivery driver x housewife
-cheating
-(eventual)single mom
-MESSYYY angst
-sneaking around
omg this was actually SOOOO good!! for the record, my husband used to drive package cars & we both still work at a postal service & like i swear jillian had to have done some GOOOOODDD deep research too cause the info that would be laid out about the job & little things mentioned were extremely accurate! hahaha my absolute favorite tho was the comment on their uniform browns & how its a color that no one can look good in but somehow hudson did! cause its soooo true!! haha i was honestly so entertained! haha & it was MESSY MESSY but fucking greg had it coming!! i loved it!!
-forbidden romance
-delivery driver x housewife
-cheating
-(eventual)single mom
-MESSYYY angst
-sneaking around
omg this was actually SOOOO good!! for the record, my husband used to drive package cars & we both still work at a postal service & like i swear jillian had to have done some GOOOOODDD deep research too cause the info that would be laid out about the job & little things mentioned were extremely accurate! hahaha my absolute favorite tho was the comment on their uniform browns & how its a color that no one can look good in but somehow hudson did! cause its soooo true!! haha i was honestly so entertained! haha & it was MESSY MESSY but fucking greg had it coming!! i loved it!!
April 18, 2025
I have no issue with the cheating trope, especially when it’s done well like it was here. Shannon and Hudson were SO adorable, I was rooting for them from the start, especially since Shannon’s husband was a total d-bag. I was all in for Shannon getting her happiness with Hudson - she deserved every bit of it!
Hudson was so swoony. He tried so hard to stay morally grounded when it came to Shannon, and he treated her with the kind of love and care that every partner deserves. He helped her rediscover herself outside of the roles of wife and mother, and that emotional support made their connection even more powerful.
This was a slow burn, but once things start to heat up it gets soooo good. There’s dry humping! And he comes in his pants! Who doesn’t love that?!
The story struck a perfect balance between the drama of Shannon’s toxic marriage and the emotional weight of Hudson’s backstory. The angst, the tension, the chemistry - it all worked.
Well done, Jillian. Seriously. So, so good.
Hudson was so swoony. He tried so hard to stay morally grounded when it came to Shannon, and he treated her with the kind of love and care that every partner deserves. He helped her rediscover herself outside of the roles of wife and mother, and that emotional support made their connection even more powerful.
This was a slow burn, but once things start to heat up it gets soooo good. There’s dry humping! And he comes in his pants! Who doesn’t love that?!
The story struck a perfect balance between the drama of Shannon’s toxic marriage and the emotional weight of Hudson’s backstory. The angst, the tension, the chemistry - it all worked.
Well done, Jillian. Seriously. So, so good.
April 28, 2025
Playing with Fire is intense, emotional, real and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Shannon is such a relatable character with being a new mom and feeling like she was losing herself especially with the way her husband was treating her. Hudson is the absolute sweetest character who despite his feelings for Shannon just wanted to see her happy and safe despite him possibly ending up with a broken heart. Their relationship may not have been formed in the right way, but Shannon ultimately made the right choice for herself and her daughter. This story is suspenseful, spicy, and definitely did not disappoint.
April 18, 2025
Hudson and Shannon are the perfect example of right person, wrong time. Love and longing at first sight are a very real thing and you feel all of the struggles these two have to go through in order to be together. Hudson is the golden retriever of my dreams and I love an age gap where she is older! I truly loved their story of overcoming the odds and learning to put your needs first. Your self worth is not measured by someone else, but having the right person by your side can make all the difference.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 19, 2025
Absolutely one hundred percent fell in love with Hudson so damn fast 😍 the way he cares for everyone around him had my heart soaring! Being a mom made me feel so much more connected to Shannon especially on some of the things she says. She is so strong and the way she handles some of the situations were inspiring. This was definitely a slow burn but the spice was perfect. There was so much tension and chemistry between them. Shannon’s husband was a complete jerk and I could not stand him! Love that we got to see all the other characters too. I absolutely can’t wait for Phoenix’s story!
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