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Playing with Fire: A forbidden romance set in São Paulo, Brazil
A slow-burn, enemies to lovers, brother's ex, spicy romance.
Sometimes love is like fire... get too close, and you’re bound to get burned. When Paige Lancaster lands in São Paulo, Brazil, she’s desperate to escape the unfolding family drama back in the UK. The last thing she needs is another complication.
Marcelo is moody, arrogant, and maddeningly magnetic—a walking red flag with a dark past that taints everything he touches. To make things worse, he’s not just anyone—he’s her best friend’s cousin and the brother of one of Paige’s exes. And that ex? Now that she’s in Brazil, he’s determined to pick up where their almost-romance left off.
As sparks turn to flames, loyalties are tested. With hearts, family ties, and friendships on the line, someone is bound to get scorched.
Paige knows she’s playing with fire. But the attraction is becoming an obsession—and she might not be able to run away from this one.
Sometimes love is like fire... get too close, and you’re bound to get burned. When Paige Lancaster lands in São Paulo, Brazil, she’s desperate to escape the unfolding family drama back in the UK. The last thing she needs is another complication.
Marcelo is moody, arrogant, and maddeningly magnetic—a walking red flag with a dark past that taints everything he touches. To make things worse, he’s not just anyone—he’s her best friend’s cousin and the brother of one of Paige’s exes. And that ex? Now that she’s in Brazil, he’s determined to pick up where their almost-romance left off.
As sparks turn to flames, loyalties are tested. With hearts, family ties, and friendships on the line, someone is bound to get scorched.
Paige knows she’s playing with fire. But the attraction is becoming an obsession—and she might not be able to run away from this one.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 9, 2025
thank you paola for sending me a PR package with your book inside - it was really lovely to be chosen to read and review this for you.
overall, i enjoyed this one. the dynamics between characters, especially the family, were really well thought out and had a good depth to them. i loved the relationship between luisiana and paige and how well they complimented each other.
marcelo's introduction in the book was good and i like how he played this cold character to begin with. i did, however, find the switch between him hating her and being smitten with her far too quick and felt like it lacked a build up. i found myself really liking his character until the last fifty pages or so and then i quickly did a 180. the behaviour he exhibited was WILD for a twenty-seven year old and if i met someone that acted that way at that age, know i would NEVER give them the time of day.
felipe was a nightmare and honestly i did not gel with him at all. paola did a great job at making him really unlikeable - he was far too irritating and full on. if i was paige, i would've gotten the ick so bad and his lack of boundaries was an issue for me. lu calling him out on his BS was needed and good.
there were a few parts that i found myself not enjoying. first was the overuse of the britishness. as a brit, even i felt like it was too much - too much slang, too much use of the word "bloody" etc. i also thought it was so odd that the brazilian characters in this book all spoke in british slang? it felt a little disjointed for me, and it was something that irked me a little as it seemed they hadn't lived there previously or were british themselves.
*spoilers*
i absolutely despise a cheating trope and had i have known it had that in it, i most likely wouldn't have read it. this a big trigger for me, personally, so i do think a trigger/content warning should've been put at the front of the book.
back to the plot, i think it was done well, even though i'm not a fan but the way marcelo reacted and behaved during that part, really struck a nerve and i have never disliked a mmc so much in my life. him playing the victim was too much for me and i really wish he had handled that better. thanks paola for giving me such strong feelings about him lol.
final thoughts - it was a good read and i did enjoy it. i'm looking forward to reading the next book and while i doubt marcelo will be able to redeem himself, i am intrigued to see how it pans out.
overall, i enjoyed this one. the dynamics between characters, especially the family, were really well thought out and had a good depth to them. i loved the relationship between luisiana and paige and how well they complimented each other.
marcelo's introduction in the book was good and i like how he played this cold character to begin with. i did, however, find the switch between him hating her and being smitten with her far too quick and felt like it lacked a build up. i found myself really liking his character until the last fifty pages or so and then i quickly did a 180. the behaviour he exhibited was WILD for a twenty-seven year old and if i met someone that acted that way at that age, know i would NEVER give them the time of day.
felipe was a nightmare and honestly i did not gel with him at all. paola did a great job at making him really unlikeable - he was far too irritating and full on. if i was paige, i would've gotten the ick so bad and his lack of boundaries was an issue for me. lu calling him out on his BS was needed and good.
there were a few parts that i found myself not enjoying. first was the overuse of the britishness. as a brit, even i felt like it was too much - too much slang, too much use of the word "bloody" etc. i also thought it was so odd that the brazilian characters in this book all spoke in british slang? it felt a little disjointed for me, and it was something that irked me a little as it seemed they hadn't lived there previously or were british themselves.
*spoilers*
i absolutely despise a cheating trope and had i have known it had that in it, i most likely wouldn't have read it. this a big trigger for me, personally, so i do think a trigger/content warning should've been put at the front of the book.
back to the plot, i think it was done well, even though i'm not a fan but the way marcelo reacted and behaved during that part, really struck a nerve and i have never disliked a mmc so much in my life. him playing the victim was too much for me and i really wish he had handled that better. thanks paola for giving me such strong feelings about him lol.
final thoughts - it was a good read and i did enjoy it. i'm looking forward to reading the next book and while i doubt marcelo will be able to redeem himself, i am intrigued to see how it pans out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
When I tell you, you need to read this book, I mean it! So first of all this book is a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me - it had everything to make you keep turning those pages! The story without any spoilers starts off with Paige, who just found out a massive secret about her family and decides to escape all the arguments and the betrayal by visiting her bestfriend, Lu, in Brazil. She discovers Brazilian culture, drinks and a certain dark, handsome tattooed Brazilian man called Marcello aka cello.
he has a troubled past and he has never been one for commitment, but what cant he stop thinking about Paige? She is a very British bombshell that shakes up his life and seeing the two get closer is so squee worthy!
The YEARNING will make you kick your feet, it has forced proximity, the best friendships, transporting to Brazil forbidden romance because apps she had a fling with his brother and it's also her best friends cousin! You almost get swept away alongside Paige and pulled under his spell - and the spice is just right - not too much and after all the waiting you cant help but do a happy dance for them!! 🌶🌶 I also adored Paolas writing style, character development, banter and the narrative as the coversations between the character felt so natural!
That cliff hanger though!! I need book 2 ASAP 🥰
he has a troubled past and he has never been one for commitment, but what cant he stop thinking about Paige? She is a very British bombshell that shakes up his life and seeing the two get closer is so squee worthy!
The YEARNING will make you kick your feet, it has forced proximity, the best friendships, transporting to Brazil forbidden romance because apps she had a fling with his brother and it's also her best friends cousin! You almost get swept away alongside Paige and pulled under his spell - and the spice is just right - not too much and after all the waiting you cant help but do a happy dance for them!! 🌶🌶 I also adored Paolas writing style, character development, banter and the narrative as the coversations between the character felt so natural!
That cliff hanger though!! I need book 2 ASAP 🥰
December 7, 2025
First of all: I basically finished this book in 2 evenings, I put my life on hold for Paige and Celo’s story and I cannot believe the book ended the way it did - I truly hope we don’t have to wait long for the next book, because I’m not sure I can.
Also, this is definitely something for everyone loving looong chapters and more than one perspective.
Sooooo let’s get into it:
Paige is our wonderful British main character who is basically running from her life after discovering a life shattering truth and using the opportunity to visit her best friend Lu in Brasil - São Paulo to be exact. She’s integrated into Lus family, meets all her friends and even goes on vacation with them.
Trust me when I tell you after reading this book, you basically want to move to Brazil right away. The city, the vibe, the culture, the beaches, the people, the men….
But as she’s trying to leave one issue behind, she’s stumbling into the next one (in a male form).
This book had it all. Tension so unbelievably sizzling, well rounded and emotionally deep and intelligent characters, a female friendship, Brazilian culture, love drama, family drama and emotional scars.
I loved all the twists and turns, I loved every single character (except Felipe - trust me you will understand), I loved to read about the emotional growth of the characters and I LOVE A THICK PLOT AND THIS WAS ABSOLUTE FIRE🔥
Also for all our spice lovers: you will not be disappointed.
With so many tropes and storylines and things happening, it is so easy to be confused as a reader, but at no time I even felt this way the slightest bit. Whenever it could have been a hard moment, the perspective changed in just the right way - honestly GENIUS
Last thing on my mental list is the writing style. If I would have not known that this book is her Debut I would have NEVER guessed. The writing was captivating with all its insights and descriptions and spot on feelings. Plus I had a few good laughs. Every character had their unique way of talking and a special presence, it’s fascinating.
Queen, you better be writing everything that follows the “to be continued” very soon, because I’m longing for part 2!
Also, this is definitely something for everyone loving looong chapters and more than one perspective.
Sooooo let’s get into it:
Paige is our wonderful British main character who is basically running from her life after discovering a life shattering truth and using the opportunity to visit her best friend Lu in Brasil - São Paulo to be exact. She’s integrated into Lus family, meets all her friends and even goes on vacation with them.
Trust me when I tell you after reading this book, you basically want to move to Brazil right away. The city, the vibe, the culture, the beaches, the people, the men….
But as she’s trying to leave one issue behind, she’s stumbling into the next one (in a male form).
This book had it all. Tension so unbelievably sizzling, well rounded and emotionally deep and intelligent characters, a female friendship, Brazilian culture, love drama, family drama and emotional scars.
I loved all the twists and turns, I loved every single character (except Felipe - trust me you will understand), I loved to read about the emotional growth of the characters and I LOVE A THICK PLOT AND THIS WAS ABSOLUTE FIRE🔥
Also for all our spice lovers: you will not be disappointed.
With so many tropes and storylines and things happening, it is so easy to be confused as a reader, but at no time I even felt this way the slightest bit. Whenever it could have been a hard moment, the perspective changed in just the right way - honestly GENIUS
Last thing on my mental list is the writing style. If I would have not known that this book is her Debut I would have NEVER guessed. The writing was captivating with all its insights and descriptions and spot on feelings. Plus I had a few good laughs. Every character had their unique way of talking and a special presence, it’s fascinating.
Queen, you better be writing everything that follows the “to be continued” very soon, because I’m longing for part 2!
November 30, 2025
I really liked Paige, it was really fun getting to experience Brazil through her eyes as a traveller!
Marcelo had me feeling a whole range of emotions, he was annoying me to begin with but then as he started opening up I couldn't help but warm up to him but by the end I was not a fan, book two is going to need some serious grovelling!
The writing was really descriptive and Paola did a great job of making you feel strongly about the characters she introduced!
For me the biggest downside was the other woman drama, it is a trope I just really dislike.
Marcelo had me feeling a whole range of emotions, he was annoying me to begin with but then as he started opening up I couldn't help but warm up to him but by the end I was not a fan, book two is going to need some serious grovelling!
The writing was really descriptive and Paola did a great job of making you feel strongly about the characters she introduced!
For me the biggest downside was the other woman drama, it is a trope I just really dislike.
December 2, 2025
I will start with the aesthetics of the book, absolutely beautiful cover, love the true white color pages, wish font size was a bit bigger…
Did she say this is her debut novella?? What can I say!! I loved reading this book! Paola has a beautiful way to write.. my attention was captivate by each character, could feel how cocal they were for themselves.. this book have a little bit of spice and funny scenes
So sad when it ended but intrigued to know what happens next. Hope you are already it Paola!!
I will definitely re-read when it comes out in audiobooks.
Did she say this is her debut novella?? What can I say!! I loved reading this book! Paola has a beautiful way to write.. my attention was captivate by each character, could feel how cocal they were for themselves.. this book have a little bit of spice and funny scenes
So sad when it ended but intrigued to know what happens next. Hope you are already it Paola!!
I will definitely re-read when it comes out in audiobooks.
December 10, 2025
✨Debut novel from a new author!✨
4⭐️
.
.
.
This book had me hooked from the first page. Give me a forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, brothers best friend set in the most beautiful place!! The way I was picturing myself in Brazil so vividly this whole book made everything 10 times more amazing!!
The spice was chefs kiss and I love the tension and romance between the main characters!! Also the way the author set up for another book in this series was amazing!!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your debut novel it was an amazing journey!!
4⭐️
.
.
.
This book had me hooked from the first page. Give me a forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, brothers best friend set in the most beautiful place!! The way I was picturing myself in Brazil so vividly this whole book made everything 10 times more amazing!!
The spice was chefs kiss and I love the tension and romance between the main characters!! Also the way the author set up for another book in this series was amazing!!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your debut novel it was an amazing journey!!
December 12, 2025
Playing With Fire
Release date: 1st July 2025
Author: Paola Santana
Rating: 4.3/5
BOOK REVIEW GIFTED BY THE AUTHOR
Spicy? Check ✅ tension and angst? Also check ✅ From the very first Paragraph I was absolutely hooked on this story, I felt so connected to the characters throughout and loved them more and more as the story developed. The YEARNING was delicious! The title says it all ❤️🔥
Thank-you to @paolasantana for this Copy. Review will be posted on Amazon & Goodreads 📚
TikTok @jessicarosereadsbooks
Release date: 1st July 2025
Author: Paola Santana
Rating: 4.3/5
BOOK REVIEW GIFTED BY THE AUTHOR
Spicy? Check ✅ tension and angst? Also check ✅ From the very first Paragraph I was absolutely hooked on this story, I felt so connected to the characters throughout and loved them more and more as the story developed. The YEARNING was delicious! The title says it all ❤️🔥
Thank-you to @paolasantana for this Copy. Review will be posted on Amazon & Goodreads 📚
TikTok @jessicarosereadsbooks
August 13, 2025
It's been quite a while since I have been engrossed into a book and what a book to get me hooked into this. I hope to see a sequel to this, Paola did an amazing job with this and the topics covered on top of the character development, it was absolutely amazing.
July 15, 2025
From the moment I picked up the book I couldn’t put it down! Paola was able to capture my attention with her captivating witting by allowing the reader to fall in love with the characters. I would love to see this as a series on Netflix please!
September 4, 2025
What a spicy debut! Having been the foreigner myself I could really relate to Paige experiencing Brazil through an exciting new lens, and the author does such a good job of transporting the reader into the vibrant 20-somethings' social scene of Sao Paolo, so much that it made me want to instantly book a ticket to visit it myself! The characters are relatable and the love triangle well thought out. I would have loved to read more about Paige's experiences in Denver - we are teased by this sub-plot without it necessarily impacting the overall story. The book ends abruptly with a few loose ends; I didn't realise it would be the first in a series rather than a standalone novel, though, so I look forward to ending the suspense when the second one is published (hopefully very soon)!
December 9, 2025
Playing With Fire by Paola Santana is the debut that grabbed me by the ankles, dragged me into Brazil, fed me pining and chemistry for breakfast, and then had the audacity—the sheer gall—to break my heart and make me thank it.
Paige flees to Brazil after discovering a mother-sized lie that would make anyone book the first flight out of their emotional meltdown. She goes to stay with her bestie Lu, hoping for a few peaceful months of healing and fun… and instead gets Felipe, Lu’s cousin, who she very briefly had a thing with years ago when he visited London. A fling Felipe seems determined to rekindle and is inconveniently all over her like a rash. Paige, however, would like him to please take the hint…
She works remotely during the day, and by night she’s out with Lu and the cousins—bars, restaurants, parties, all the good chaos Brazil has to offer.
And through all of it, her biggest distraction is Marcelo. Another cousin. Felipe’s brother. The one she absolutely should not be staring at but cannot stop. Their connection is instant—hot, magnetic, the kind of chemistry that makes you forget your own name. Every stolen glance and charged moment builds until you’re practically yelling at the book for them to get it on already. And they do!
Then Marcelo, in true disaster-man fashion, detonates everything with his Big Stupid Decision instead of just using his words. Yes, his backstory explains the emotional sabotage, but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. The man has mountains of grovelling ahead in book two, and I will personally hold his head underwater until he’s one with the fishes if he thinks he can get away with anything less.
Paige flees to Brazil after discovering a mother-sized lie that would make anyone book the first flight out of their emotional meltdown. She goes to stay with her bestie Lu, hoping for a few peaceful months of healing and fun… and instead gets Felipe, Lu’s cousin, who she very briefly had a thing with years ago when he visited London. A fling Felipe seems determined to rekindle and is inconveniently all over her like a rash. Paige, however, would like him to please take the hint…
She works remotely during the day, and by night she’s out with Lu and the cousins—bars, restaurants, parties, all the good chaos Brazil has to offer.
And through all of it, her biggest distraction is Marcelo. Another cousin. Felipe’s brother. The one she absolutely should not be staring at but cannot stop. Their connection is instant—hot, magnetic, the kind of chemistry that makes you forget your own name. Every stolen glance and charged moment builds until you’re practically yelling at the book for them to get it on already. And they do!
Then Marcelo, in true disaster-man fashion, detonates everything with his Big Stupid Decision instead of just using his words. Yes, his backstory explains the emotional sabotage, but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. The man has mountains of grovelling ahead in book two, and I will personally hold his head underwater until he’s one with the fishes if he thinks he can get away with anything less.
August 12, 2025
Set around Easter, this debut is a great read at any time of year. Playing with Fire brings together unpredictable twists and layered, nuanced characters in a way that kept me turning pages.
Marcelo wasn’t always my favourite. He has his flaws, but what I loved is that the story doesn’t let bad behaviour go unnoticed (most of the time). The other characters call it out, which felt honest and refreshing. Although I do think Felipe would benefit from some tougher love, too.
All characters feel beautifully human. Even the side characters have distinct personalities and their own voices. Although I may be biased, I also have a soft spot for the setting. I loved wandering around São Paulo through the pages.
Paola has created a world with characters that stay with you. One character’s behaviour in particular was truly unforgivable, so now I’m eager to see how things unfold in book two.
Marcelo wasn’t always my favourite. He has his flaws, but what I loved is that the story doesn’t let bad behaviour go unnoticed (most of the time). The other characters call it out, which felt honest and refreshing. Although I do think Felipe would benefit from some tougher love, too.
All characters feel beautifully human. Even the side characters have distinct personalities and their own voices. Although I may be biased, I also have a soft spot for the setting. I loved wandering around São Paulo through the pages.
Paola has created a world with characters that stay with you. One character’s behaviour in particular was truly unforgivable, so now I’m eager to see how things unfold in book two.
August 14, 2025
“Wow, what can I say about this book? Absolute holiday magic! I was hooked from the very first page and became so invested in the characters that I even ordered Brazilian cocktails to set the mood. The story took me on a journey of excitement, lust, and suspense. I just hope the sequel is out before my next holiday is booked – I can’t wait!”
December 7, 2025
We loved this book!
Such a great start to a series, cannot wait to read the next one.
Paige and Marcelo are great characters, not always right, but great to read about, and the third POV from the best friend Lu added such an interesting aspect. Well-written and really balanced in terms of plot. Just all round good although now in desperate need of a trip to Brazil
Such a great start to a series, cannot wait to read the next one.
Paige and Marcelo are great characters, not always right, but great to read about, and the third POV from the best friend Lu added such an interesting aspect. Well-written and really balanced in terms of plot. Just all round good although now in desperate need of a trip to Brazil
December 16, 2025
3 Reasons why you should read 'Playing with Fire':
1. It will take you on a trip to Brazil. Not the cliche - football and carnival, but visiting as if you went to visit a local friend, with all the inside info and lingo.
2. It will give you a new book boyfriend - Marcelo Costa. And he's is fire! 🔥🔥🔥
3. It will make you feel things. Be prepared for the excitement of discovering somewhere new, falling in love, missing home, crying, feeling your heart break, and getting so angry you want to punch the characters.
But be warned: it's addictive. 😊
1. It will take you on a trip to Brazil. Not the cliche - football and carnival, but visiting as if you went to visit a local friend, with all the inside info and lingo.
2. It will give you a new book boyfriend - Marcelo Costa. And he's is fire! 🔥🔥🔥
3. It will make you feel things. Be prepared for the excitement of discovering somewhere new, falling in love, missing home, crying, feeling your heart break, and getting so angry you want to punch the characters.
But be warned: it's addictive. 😊
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews