Play With Fire: A Why Choose Romance

by Mandy Mackay

When I show up at Engine 867's remote mountain station, my three new crewmates are definitely shocked to discover Charlie Winterbauer isn't the new guy they thought they were getting.

But as the new girl? I'm pretty shocked, too.



There's Emmett—the experienced Engine Boss who’s supposed to keep us all in line… but may be tempted to break a rule or two himself.

Derek—the smart-mouthed jokester who hides his bleeding heart behind an infectious grin.

And Joel—the stoic, free-spirited, tattooed surfer who just so happens to be my new roommate.



The guys have history together. Pent-up desires simmering beneath their brotherhood.

And I'm the spark that ignites everything they've been holding back.

Living together in isolation, fighting flames by day and fighting our attraction by night, we're playing with something more dangerous than wildfire.

Because fire season has to end eventually… but once we collide, I know this is a summer I'll never forget.


A steamy why-choose romance featuring four firefighters who all fall for each other (swords do cross), found family, and enough heat and heart to melt your e-reader.

Genres: Why Choose, Contemporary

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

Mandy Mackay writes sexy, rural romances featuring rugged heroes with filthy mouths and hearts of gold (sometimes, more than one at a time). She blames her formative years spent mucking stalls, getting lost in the woods, and drooling over men in blue jeans and boots.

Reviews

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLAY WITH FIRE brought all the heat! I've been a big fan of Mandy Mackay's extra spicy novellas, so I was really curious to see how things played out in a full length novel and she did not disappoint! While this is pretty much an all spice, minimal plot book, I never got bored with the characters or their interactions. And the plot that was included was interesting and engaging. The book follows four wilderness firefighters at a remote station -- 3 guys and 1 woman -- and it was sexy but also really emotional and tender.

Emmett, the crew leader, was solid and caring but he also struggled with guilt over being attracted to members of the team he was supposed to lead. He carried the weight of the world on his massive shoulders and he just desperately wanted a family to come home to in the off-season.

Derek, Emmett's best friend, was the joker of the group with a charming, if sometimes crude sense of humor. But underneath it all he was conflicted over one sexy night with his best friend and his new feelings for Joel.

Joel, one of the newer members of the team, was a laid-back bisexual surfer with an easy going personality. But with a hard past and an abusive upbringing he's never really had roots and a sense of family until he came to Engine 867.

And Charlie, our lone woman on the team and new arrival, was strong, independent, and took no crap from anyone but she was also grieving the recent death of her father. She hoped a long stint on a wilderness team would give her the space she needed to heal and mourn.

Together these 4 were great and I loved that we got equal time with each dynamic, both with individual couples but also as a whole group. PLAY WITH FIRE includes both MF and MM relationships as each of the guys explore their attraction and feelings for each other as well as Charlie. There was a lot of sex in this book but it never felt boring or repetitive and the longer page count made sense for exploring so many different dynamics. I really enjoyed this one!

**ARC provided by the author for an honest review**

Content Warning: recent death of a parent; brief mention of past child abuse

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Why Choose

*Contemporary

*Multi-1st-PoV

*Workplace Romance

*Firefighters

*No ‘outside’ drama

*Established Harem (3)

*Fast Burn

*Standalone

Fire fighting and fire creating 😅🔥🌶️

This was a nice easy read - definitely for me a palate cleanser between the darker RH/WC I tend to read! I enjoyed it but it didn’t wow me (likely because I tend to read on the darker side) for someone else who likes lighter reads will be a super read 😁 it was well written and the pacing was good throughout with likeable characters and relatable concerns! 👍

There were no outside factors that generated drama in this book - the angst and focus was definitely all in harem and how it was ‘forbidden’/frowned upon to be together! It definitely took these men a long while to admit how they really felt and our Charlie, the FMC, was the catalyst for all four of them opening up and truly becoming a family 🥰 there’s plenty of MM, MFM, MMFM scenes for those who enjoy a WC romance 🌶️🔥 an enjoyable standalone.

[A79senlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambitious former hotshot Charlie is temporarily assigned to Engine 867, a three-man firefighting crew who work and live out of a trailer for half a year: Engine boss Emmett, a natural leader who overthinks and can be too serious for his own good; Derek, a jokester who doesn’t think before he speaks (and who cheats at cards), and Joel, an easygoing surfer guy who’s buried his painful past. They are shocked to discover their new crewmate is a woman, and a beautiful one at that. Firefighting is still considered a man’s job so Charlie’s expecting the same attitude from the guys that she’s gotten from others. She’s thrilled when they accept her into their group and treat her like family — though they’re interested in far more than that (and so is she!). Emmett, Derek and Joel have secretly loved each other for years but each thought the other two were straight. Something about Charlie being there brings all those stifled emotions surging to the surface. Their honesty strengthens their bonds despite some initial unease over how being together intimately might affect their friendships and their work. Just as they’re starting to seriously think about their future, Charlie is faced with a choice: her dream job, which would take far away from the guys, or a permanent position on Emmett’s team. Will she choose career advancement or love?

I loved this book! I adored all the guys and how close they were (even before they got extra “close”) as well as how quickly they accepted Charlie into the team and their lives, and vice versa. Often with why choose books, there’s that one person who’s kind of a jerk (but who you grow to love anyway). None of these four was that person. They were all really good people you’d be lucky to be friends with.

I was impressed by the description of the fires they fought, from terminology and techniques to how it feels in the thick of it and the physical and mental shape they’re left in by the end of a shift. The writing of those scenes was perfect — just one beautiful section of prose after another.

As for the romance side, I was glad the book wasn’t too much of a slow-burn (it’s impossible to not make a fire truck-load of puns so just bear with me). With all the mutual pining (I’m going for a forest fire pun here) among the four of them, I knew once the steam started, I was in for a blaze. Mandy writes amazing, super smexy, burn your fingerprints off trying to turn the page why choose stories. Hoses do cross, and you will melt from the heat generated even if you don’t usually read MM — trust me on this. And make sure you draw an ice bath because once the group scenes start, you’ll be desperate to cool down. You might still have to see a doctor for friction burns, though 😉🫠🥵.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoking hot - pardon the pun - RH/why choose with delicious sword crossing. Mandy Mackay wrote this story beautifully and convincingly, giving each character a distinct voice and perspective. It’s a beautiful, sensuous read.

Charlie is the new addition to the three-person firefighting team of Captain Emmett, Joel, and Derek. Her presence stirs feelings between the captain and Derek, as well as between Charlie and Joel. A turning point occurs when the fraternization is discovered and the possibilities for more among the four opens up.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Fighting The Fire
Being a firefighter is a dangerous profession in a very male controled world. Charlie enters the Engine 867 team as a grieving person, as she just lost her father, also a firefighter. The three men already together for several years, have been dancing around each other, thinking everybody is straight, denying their feelings. She acts like a catalyst and slowly all four come together.
A wonderful story about grief, fighting accepted morals and giving in to their hearts. Enjoyed it very, very much!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katryne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, I like the characters and the setting. The physical descriptions sometimes confused me because the author named the muscles and I did not exactly know wich body part it was but it's minor and more that I don't know the names in english but it was a little confusing for me. Aside from that it was a good read.

[Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me some firefighter romance, but when you add why choose and some delicious MM action in it, I dive in head first. Play with fire was hot and spicy. Charlie and her men played with fire and won. The spicy scenes are delicious and the emotional connection between all the characters was deep. Loved the banter and the action.

[Christina’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 🌲🔥🚒

Read in one sitting and loved every minute!

It was hot 🥵 but also heartwarming seeing support and love form between the crew 🥹

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Why choose! ⚔️ MMMF

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

A why choose romance. Set in remote area of the Cascades, 4 forest fire crewmembers discover a lot of things about themselves and what it means to be a team. The spice was fantastic. The chemistry between all 4 of them was fire (pun intended). And the multiple POV was great. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engine 867 is a remote mountain station, the current three crew are waiting for their new crew member. They think they are getting a new guy, but they are shocked to discover that Charlie Winterbauer isn't the new guy.

But as the new girl? She's pretty shocked, too.

There's the Engine Boss Emmett. He's the one who's supposed to keep them all in line...although he's tempted to break a rule or two at times himself.

Derek – he's the smart-mouthed jokester, he does his best to try to hide his bleeding heart behind this infectious grin that you can't help but smile back at.

Then there's Joel – he's the stoic, free-spirited, tattooed surfer, and he also happens to be Charlie's new roommate.

Charlie can tell that the three guys have a history together. And she can feel that there's this pent-up desire that simmering beneath the brotherhood just underneath the surface.

And Charlie is the spark that ignites everything they've been holding back.

Living together in isolation, fighting flames by day and they try to fight their attraction by night, they're playing with something much more dangerous than wildfire.

Because fire season has to end eventually...but once they all collide, she knows this is a summer she'll never forget.

A steamy why-choose romance featuring four firefighters who all fall for each other (swords do cross), found family, and enough heat and heart to melt your e-reader.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: Why Choose, Contemporary, Multi-1st-PoV, Workplace Romance, Firefighters, No ‘outside’ drama, Established Harem (3), Fast Burn, Standalone, Found Family, Fire fighting and fire creating.

Play With Fire is A Why Choose Romance by Mandy Mackay. This is the first book by Mandy Mackay that I have ever read and I have to say that I was really impressed and I am so glad that I read this book. Even if this book is mainly driven mainly by spice vs plot, there was never a moment that I was bored by this book and I was enthralled with each and every moment of this book.

I loved the all the character interactions and what plot that was included I found to be interesting and really very engaging and enthralling. Play with Fire follows four wilderness firefighters who are stationed at a remote stations – 3 guys and 1 women – and lets just say it is sexy but also emotional and really very tender.

Emmett is the crew leader. He's solid and caring and yet he is also struggling over his feelings of guilt over his attraction to members of his team. A team that he's supposed to lead. He feels as though he's carrying the weight of the entire world on his back and the only thing that he wants in this life is to have a family to come home to in the off-season.

Derek is Emmett's best friend, he's the joker of the trio. He has a charming if not a somewhat crude sense of humour. Under it all though he just feels conflicted over this one spicy night he had with his other best friend Joel and that left him with some new feelings.

Joel Derek's best friend is one of the newest members of the team. He's the typical Californian tattooed surfer who just happens to be bi. He has this easy going personality but with his past including an abusive upbringing. Because this past, he's never felt like he's had a home, never had roots or a family, at least until he arrived at Engine 867.

And then Charlie comes to Engine 867. She is this fierce independent woman who refused to take any crap from anyone. But, at the same time, she was still grieving, her father had recently passed away and in her grief she had hopped that taking this long stint in the wilderness would help give her the space she needed not only to mourn but also to heal.

Together Charlie, Emmet, Derek, and Joel make an incredible group and I just loved their interactions, not only as individual couples but also as a group. Nothing ever felt repetitive, and there was never a scene that felt like it was there just for word count or page count, it felt like every scene was there for a purpose. I loved this book so much, it was so much fun.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gawd. This book so was 🔥🔥🔥

I can’t even. Ugh. I need to catch my breath. I am not normally an mm kind of girl. But mm with MF with mmfm was sooooo hot.

I’m still over here trying to cool my jet after finishing this book! I would love to see a sequel with how the house came out and who becomes a daddy first!

This is the story of 3 insanely hot fire men (because they couldn’t be trolls) and one super sexy fire lady in a remote cabin (if we can even call it that lol) in the mountains, fighting fires during the day and causing enough heat to make a fire at night!

Charlie comes to Engine 867 fire station as a transfer during one of the toughest years of her life. Not expecting anything other than to learn and grow as a fire fighter to make her recently deceased fire fighter father proud. Little does she know she is about to open the heart of not one but all three of these amazing men and not just to her but also to each other.

Emmett is the fire boss of Engine 867 and he takes his role and the responsibility of his crew extremely seriously. He is a rule follower and expect his crew in top performance and on top of their game at all times. If they aren’t and he doesn’t lead someone could get seriously injured or worse. But he is fighting with his heart over wanting things he doesn’t think he should.

Joel is the epitome of a California surfer right down to the blonde hair. But he carries scars no one sees. His abusive parents left more than just physical scars on him and he is fighting this feeling that he isn’t deserving of love in any form. He would die for his crew mates and is scared of the feelings that he has creeping up and what they mean for the future of their crew.

Derek is the jokster, always making everyone laugh. But deep down he loves caring for those he cares about. Making food when everyone including himself comes back from the field bone tire and wants nothing more than a shower and a bed. But he too is wrestling with feelings he doesn’t want to voice, because he is scared of the rejection that could come and he isn’t sure he is up to it. Not with his parent disapproving voices in his head telling him he isn’t enough.

This story has some triggers so read the warnings but over all it was tame as far as they come.

I highly recommend this book if you’re open to the people swapping, which was so hot!

Mandy Mackay really brings you into the story and I couldn’t put this one down. Finished it in a day. With breaks of course to, cough cough, take care of things. So hot.

Give it a read and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play With Fire - A Why Choose Romance - By Mandy Mackay

This is the second story I have read by Mandy Mackay and I am definitely a fan and eager for more of her writing! She is able to provide a story with well written, strong and varying characters along with a perfect balance of engaging story telling about the characters that keep you hooked and high heat that will melt your Kindle. The perfect recipe for the kind of stories I want to read. This story is about a fire crew that live, eat and sleep together in one trailer for six months of the year in a small trailer whilst risking their lives daily to fight wild fires and to help stop them from spreading. Emmett Barnes at thirty five is looking for more from his life, he is feeling lonely when he is on his six months off. However lonliness is not what he feels when he is with his crew. After seventeen years fighting fires he has earnt the title of engine boss of engine 867. Its a roll he takes seriously and takes care of all the crew in his command. He just worries that crossing that line from boss to lover will complicate everything and he isn't sure how the situation is going to unfold and that isn't easy for a man like him to accept. He always has the answer and takes care of Derek, Joel and Charlie. He just hopes he us doing the right thing. Derek Stevenson is the fun loving member of the crew. The one who is the cherky chappy, gets into mischief and a cheeky smile with a twinkle in his eye. He is in love with his crew mates but not sure if he can say how he really feels because he doesn't want to get hurt. Joel Mathis is quieter than Derek but wants more. More than sirfing the waves and putting out fires, more from his life, more from his three man team. He just isn't sure what the more he wants is and when he realises what it is if he can ever truly have it. Charlie Winterbauer is coming in from a hotshot crew to be the new fourth member of the team. She is dealing with loss. Loss of a loved one and herself and unsure of herself and her future. However she soon learns that having her crew as her support, her team mates and lovers she can become whole again and find her own happiness when she least expects it along the way.  This story was addictive. I didn't want to put it down, I couldn't! I highly recommend this book and I truly look forward to more of this calibre from the author again in the future. Happy Reading. Please be aware that this story contains MF, MM, and MMFM sexual content. Plus triggers for some readers burn injuries, death and parental abuse to name a few.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I like all 4 characters in the book, each at the station for a different reason. Each is dealing with past hurt, either through loss or family dynamics.

Emmett, Derek, and Joel work in one of the remote outstations. The work is hard and gruelling for six months of the year, then they have six months off. They have worked as a unit and are tight-knit. Emmett and Derek are best friends, and Emmett asked Derek to join the team first. Then, a few years later, Joel arrived.

The team has struggled with the demand, so they are surprised and delighted when they are told that a fourth member will be joining their team, Charlie, and boy, are they in for a shock!

Charlie's arrival shakes up the dynamic. There is something that brings out the best in all of them. She softens the rough edges; she knows what the men need to help them deal with the pressure of the job and life. They let her be her, let her deal with her grief, and be there when she needs that shoulder. But she also seems to be the catalyst that triggers each of them to face their feelings towards one another.

The four deal with this new dynamic. They say never get involved with people you work with, as it could go terribly wrong, but in this case, it brings them closer together, instinctively, knowing what each other needs and wants. But is this just a six-month fling? Something that will end when Charlie leaves, how will the men cope when she does?

All four must confront what they are feeling; this is more than just a temporary thing. Are they strong enough to express their real feelings and what they want? Or will each leave and go their own way?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shawnte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's absolutely fitting that this book is about fires. This is one of the hottest things that I've ever read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Among other things, this book is about found family. Emmett, Derek and Joel have become three best friends who love what they do and who love one another but they're too afraid to voice and act on those feelings. Enter Charlie, their newest addition who's unexpectedly female to light the match to the delicious chaos ahead. Charlie's their tipping point, she brings out the best in all of them and eases the tension. With new room assignments not only do Joel and Charlie get to explore their own relationship but it allows Emmett and Derek the excuse that they need to finally stop fighting their feelings for one another. After a night of sneaking around, everything is forced out into the open and completely shifts the flames into a full out inferno. The world building was incredible. The forced proximity of so many combinations of characters was exciting. Their backstories were hauntingly beautiful as were their hearts. They needed one another to fill voids that only this group could. It was so beautiful to watch them all fall in love. It was sooo hot 🥵 Burn my kindle like the fires they extinguished hot! Filled with passion, hilarity and adorably sweet. "This is the view I was saying I’d sell my van for. Not the mountains, not the river, but the three of you.” I really LOVED this book! It was everything that I hoped I'd get in a read for MMFM and it's definitely going on my favorites list. I'd love a short peak into their future a few years later to see even more. This book made my heart smile… Oh so many stars! 💜

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you throw one fearless female firefighter into a crew of three men already simmering with unspoken desires? Add an isolated location, a 900-foot trailer, and shared quarters, and you’ve got close proximity taken to the extreme. It’s no wonder the heat inside their walls quickly rivals the wildfire blazing outside. Though they all resist at first, the inner monologues make it crystal clear where this story is headed and it’s deliciously messy, heartfelt, and scorching hot. Emmett, the fire captain, is the responsible rock of the crew, weighed down by guilt over wanting what he thinks he shouldn’t. Derek, his long-time friend, masks years of yearning behind irreverent jokes and an easy grin. While Joel, haunted by a difficult past, is the brooding soul of the group, quiet and contemplative, finding peace only on his surfboard or in the flames he fights. And then there’s Charlie, blunt, brave, and unapologetically honest. She doesn’t just enter their world; she shakes up the dynamic entirely, giving them the push they need to stop hiding and start feeling. Make no mistake: this is a high spice, low plot read (though Mandy still manages to sneak in some firefighting action). There’s plenty of MM romance woven in, so fair warning if that’s not your thing. But for me? I adored watching these four characters strip away their fears, heal old wounds, and forge a bond that feels less like lust and more like chosen family—one built on love, trust, and understanding.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any why-choose romance with a MM element is my biggest guilty pleasure - and Play with Fire absolutely delivered the goods. This was pure MMMF goodness, packed with tension, heart, and some seriously addictive chemistry.

I loved the way Mandy Mackay built the character and relationship development. Nothing felt forced or rushed - the emotions between Emmett, Derek, and Joel were so raw and tangled that I couldn’t help but root for all of them. The way they each struggle with their feelings for one another felt so honest and real, especially as they navigated the fine line between professional and personal boundaries. An then throwing Charlie into the mix? Perfection.

Speaking of which - gotta love a good workplace romance, and this one hit all the right notes. It had just the right amount of spice, emotional pull, and that addictive tension that keeps you flipping pages well past bedtime.

And can we talk about Charlie? Finally - a heroine who isn’t helpless or just along for the ride. She holds her own and brings strength, balance, and a spark that ties everything together beautifully.

I’ve already been begging my friends to read this because it’s just that good. If you love complex emotions, sizzling chemistry, and characters you can’t stop thinking about, Play with Fire is one you don’t want to miss.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

[MarQueX · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!! It's well written and does a great job of balancing spicy and storytelling. You get to know the characters well enough to understand them without the author taking forever explaining their back stories.

You get an idea of where this why choose is going right away, but I loved how it wasn't predictable. It made for a great read because I didn't feel like I knew exactly what was going to happen, but everything evolved to fluidly. I loved all the characters- It's hard not to. Derek is the sweet funny and I love how he moved things along at the beginning. How his character was developed it made sense that he would move things along, and Joel's character fit just right as well. And I love how Emmett is constantly giving the Boss energy!!!!🥵.

There was never a point where the plot is sped up and your are left feeling like that wouldn't happen that way- everything flowed very realistically. I also thought the ages of the characters fit really well and made sense, and I loved that Charlie was never portrayed as the damsel, the opposite in fact! The book did a great job of giving you the angst without the drama. I loved how we got to see a why choose story develop without the break up or gossip drama. This is definitely a book I would read again. It's definitely a comfort type read, which is amazingly done considering the level of spice.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Play with fire serves up five-alarm-fire-level spice wrapped up in a Why Choose Romance between firefighters Emmett, Derek, Joel, and Charlie. I thought the book started out a little bit slow but later I understood why because the author was building the foundation for the men’s own relationship, separate from the one they have with the FMC. Mackay made up for that once the spicy scenes began and then it was almost one after another with a little bit of firefighting storyline thrown in. It was just enough to make me appreciate the danger these four individuals go through in order to do their jobs. If I want a story more centered around the skill of firefighting, I now know there are better books for that. But I picked this up, my first book by Mandy Mackay, because I was in the mood for a Why-Choose-type of spice and I wanted to ponder how four individuals make one relationship work. (Don’t a lot of people, hence the existence of the trope?!) This was just the book I needed for that. Swords do cross, the FMC does get her men, and I felt plenty of heat while still indulging in the unreality of a happily ever after! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CoriEliza0301 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️, 4🌶️ This was probably one of the most natural progressing why choose romances I’ve read & I loved it!

While there were some elements of the classic lust at first sight we are all used to with romance books these days, each relationship developed over time & not all at the same pace. It was a refreshing break from the current instalove trend while still keeping the spice that we all look forward to. & yes, the spice was hot whether one-on-one or group activities. Definitely a little bit for everyone to enjoy 😉 ! I received an advance copy for free at my request after seeing the blurb for it. I am so glad I requested to read this book! All my reviews are made voluntarily & are my honest thoughts/opinions. I really liked how we got to know each MC & watch how they all helped each other heal from past heartaches or traumas. Not too deep but a good balance between plot, romance, & spice. It was also interesting getting a little insight into the life of firefighters as I have absolutely zero experience or knowledge of that profession. Will definitely be checking out more from this author! Mandy Mackay

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

More Than Just Fire: A Steamy, Emotional Read
This book definitely lives up to its title—it’s a very steamy story, with sparks flying between four characters stuck in close quarters during fire season. But what I really loved is that it’s not just about the spice. Each character has depth and backstory, and the author doesn’t shy away from showing vulnerable, emotional moments alongside the heat.

It was especially touching to see these three strong men, in a field that’s often portrayed as hyper-masculine, step out of their comfort zones—not just in exploring new sides of themselves romantically, but also emotionally. That balance of strength and tenderness made the relationships feel even more engaging and authentic.

This is also a bit of a departure for Mandy MacKay, who usually writes short, steamy cowboy romances. Here she proves she can just as easily carry a full-length novel, taking her time to build both the plotline and the connections between the characters. The result is a perfect mix of sizzling chemistry and heartfelt storytelling.

If you’re looking for a book that will warm you up on a chilly autumn weekend, Play With Fire is exactly the read you need.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel, Emmett & Derek, all hotshot firefighters, are getting ready to meet their 4th firefighter member, Charlie. But when they open the door, they realize that Charlie is a female! The first night, they play a drinking game, and some of their past stories are told, starting to build a close bond between them.

This was a cozy, sweet story with characters that I really liked. They become a found family, sharing insecurities and helping each other through their vulnerabilities. In the beginning, they are not all together (even if they do live together), but there are MF and MM, which are still amazing scenes. It does take a little bit of time for all four of them to finally be together, but once they do, there are lots of super steamy moments which were very HOT. I loved the dynamic they had; they all had each other's backs, and how they all found a way to have their HEA!

Great book to cozy up to with a warm drink!


Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Joel, Emmett, Derek & Charlie
Type of book: MMMF, Why Choose, Multiple 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: Playing With Fire
Epilogue: Yes, with a sign-up for a bonus
Ending Type: HEA


*Firefighters
*Found Family
*MMMF ⚔️
*Hotshot Firefighters
*No cheating or sharing outside the relationship


⚠️ Please check the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+

*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Louise J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working as firefighters in the Cascades for six months at a time, Emmett, Derek and Joel have a strong bond based on trust and friendship. Always a man down, they’re relieved to hear that a fourth, Charlie, will be joining them for the new season. What they weren’t expecting was for Charlie to be a woman, or that she would unlock the years of simmering desire that the men have been hiding from each other. Her arrival acts as a fuel and before long, they all find themselves opening up to their feelings and new experiences. As the season goes on, and they work tirelessly to contain the wildfire around them, they struggle to contain their growing need for each other, or to face what will happen when they all go their separate ways. The author masterfully pulls you in to the thoughts and feelings of each character as they open up, show their vulnerabilities, explore each other, give and receive pleasure and face their fears. This is a sensitive, emotional and high heat exploration of polyamory set against the tension of fighting a real-life fire and of breaking rules and taboos. Thought-provoking, intoxicating and seriously hot – highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read, but didn't spark much for me…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Play with Fire is a steamy "why choose" romance with plenty of heat, and for that, fans of the subgenre will likely find a lot to enjoy. The isolated mountain setting and the dynamic between the four firefighters—Emmett, Derek, Joel, and newcomer Charlie—definitely sets the stage for a fiery romance. There are some fun, bantery moments, and the "found family" aspect is a nice touch.

However, for me, the story never fully ignited. While the premise is strong, the characters felt a bit underdeveloped, and their individual personalities blurred together at times. The book delivers on the promise of steam, but the plot felt more like a vehicle for the spice than a compelling story in its own right. The romantic tension feels manufactured, and I wasn't fully invested in the emotional connections between the characters.

Overall, it's a decent, fast-paced read if you're looking for something purely for the romance, but it lacks the depth and personality needed to be a truly memorable story. If you're new to the "why choose" romance world or a die-hard fan, you might enjoy it, but for a seasoned reader, it may feel a bit predictable.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'We are a mess. And I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to make an even bigger mess of us.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. This was a fun fast-paced romance with suspense, danger, and action in regards to their firefighting, and the building of a beautiful romance between the four of them- and I was so happy for mm love too! I was completely hooked. I loved Charlie and the guys Emmet, Derek, and Joel. I liked that in spite of expecting another man to join them, they accepted and welcomed Charlie to the team. The chemistry between them was scorching. I loved not just the building relationship between Charlie and each of them, but between each other. And their bond was already so strong and emotionally invested before her arrival- the catalyst to bring them together. I also liked the communication between them- and I liked the angle that they'd all initially assumed the others were straight.

"I think sexuality’s a lot more fluid than most people believe. It’s when you’re out in the world, and people are categorizing everything, that it becomes a thing. But out here, none of it really matters, does it?”

5 stars

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmett, Derek, and Joel are best friends who live for firefighting—and for each other—even if they’re too afraid to admit it. When Charlie joins their crew, she shakes up everything they thought they knew. What they don’t realize right away is that Charlie is a woman, and her arrival sparks something none of them expected.

Their backstories are hauntingly beautiful, filled with pain, resilience, and longing. Each of them carries emotional scars, but together, they find the kind of connection that heals and transforms. Watching them fall in love—each relationship unfolding at its own pace—was both tender and scorching.

This story delivers found family, deep emotion, and plenty of spice. A heartfelt, fiery read that burns bright long after the last page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nyx · Rating 3 out of 5]

First firefighter romance, definitely will not be my last. It was a refreshing change up from the usual mafia and fantasy romances that I see most often. I loved all of the characters. Seeing each of their different perspectives and feelings was amazing.

I would’ve given it 3.5 stars if I could have. The only reason it didn’t get higher for me is I feel like the romance bits with all of them together seemed to happen quite fast. That could just be a personal preference thing though. I did really enjoy the book. I think I’m just partial to the very, very slow burn romances.

This was the first book from Mandy that I’ve read, but I do think that I will read more from her in the future!

I did receive this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[claire dovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for a RH read for a while which wasn't paranormal or omegaverse. I stumbled across the ARC for this one and thought I'd give it a go.

I instantly liked the authors writing style and found the characters to be relatable and 'real'. The relationships weren't rushed but happened naturally. There is mm in the book which I love! And all of the 'intimate' scenes were really well done.

Highly recommend this book and will be looking for more by this author. The only thing that I would have liked is maybe an epilogue set a few years in the future but that's a personal preference rather than a critique of the author 😊

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Getting Hot In Here!
‼️This book should come with a heat warning!‼️

Out of context quotes:

… practically an out-of-body experience.

And I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to make an even bigger mess of us.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The wildfire has jumped the fireline, and our firefighters are embracing the heat. Four souls who have been looking for love and family have found each other. Now, they’ll have to decide whether or not to embrace a future together, outside of fighting fires.

10/10 will read again! ❤️‍🔥.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiery and Addictive Why-Choose Romance

Mandy Mackay delivers a scorching, fast-paced romance that pulls you in from the very first page. The chemistry between the characters is sizzling, and the “why choose” element is done so well—you really feel the tension, passion, and connection with each relationship. The writing is sharp and addictive, and once I started, I didn’t want to put it down.

If you love strong heroines, multiple love interests, and a story that keeps the heat high while still giving you feels, this is a must-read. Perfect for fans of spicy, emotional, why-choose romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Dannelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, picture this: you join a crew of firefighters to fight wildfires… and end up sparking something way hotter. Charlie shows up at Engine 867 and finds not one, not two, but three insanely attractive firefighters. Emmett—the boss, Derek—the class clown with a soft heart, and Joel—the tattooed, broody roommate.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It’s a why-choose romance, the steam is off the charts, and yes… the swords do cross. 🔥🚒 If you love found family, heat, and all-in devotion, Play With Fire by Mandy MacKay is about to set your TBR on fire.