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Smoky Heights #3
Playing With Fire
My new chef is infuriating. Hotter than a Southern summer, arrogant, tattooed, with tree trunks for thighs. And I can’t keep away from him.
It’s not enough that I can’t escape him during the day. Now he’s in my kitchen, in my head, even my damn dreams. And the worst part? He knows exactly what he’s doing.
He doesn’t realize the game he’s started. Wilder Amante might be new to Smoky Heights, but nobody in this town holds a grudge like Alexis Weiss can. I’ll win this battle of wills and send him back to whatever New York City sewer my sister dragged him out of.
He’s running from a dark past, but I’ve got my own ghosts to worry about. A sibling I can’t forgive, a mother I can’t stop grieving, and a secret that could tear apart the family that’s barely started to mend.
When everything finally blows up, I’m not sure anyone in this town will survive the fallout.
Hell, I might not even want him to leave anymore.
But no one has ever stayed for me before, and why would he?
WILDER
Escaping my old life was the only thing I cared about. If I’m gone, I’m invisible.
Can’t be roped back into world if they can’t find me.
Then this small mountain town gave me something I never expected.
Someone worth sacrificing my freedom for.
If walking away keeps her safe, I’ll do it.
Even if it kills me to go.
Playing With Fire is the third book in the Smoky Heights series, and it’s the hottest, messiest, most banter-filled one yet. It can be read as a standalone, but hits hardest as book three. For fans of small towns, found family, and spice that burns like a shot of whiskey.
It’s not enough that I can’t escape him during the day. Now he’s in my kitchen, in my head, even my damn dreams. And the worst part? He knows exactly what he’s doing.
He doesn’t realize the game he’s started. Wilder Amante might be new to Smoky Heights, but nobody in this town holds a grudge like Alexis Weiss can. I’ll win this battle of wills and send him back to whatever New York City sewer my sister dragged him out of.
He’s running from a dark past, but I’ve got my own ghosts to worry about. A sibling I can’t forgive, a mother I can’t stop grieving, and a secret that could tear apart the family that’s barely started to mend.
When everything finally blows up, I’m not sure anyone in this town will survive the fallout.
Hell, I might not even want him to leave anymore.
But no one has ever stayed for me before, and why would he?
WILDER
Escaping my old life was the only thing I cared about. If I’m gone, I’m invisible.
Can’t be roped back into world if they can’t find me.
Then this small mountain town gave me something I never expected.
Someone worth sacrificing my freedom for.
If walking away keeps her safe, I’ll do it.
Even if it kills me to go.
Playing With Fire is the third book in the Smoky Heights series, and it’s the hottest, messiest, most banter-filled one yet. It can be read as a standalone, but hits hardest as book three. For fans of small towns, found family, and spice that burns like a shot of whiskey.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
21 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Madison Myers
8 books206 followersMaddie is an elder millennial who writes contemporary romance books that focus on relatable characters you’ll fall for, journeys you’ll root for and spice you’ll melt for. She’s awful at social media and talking in the third person, but she’s less slightly terrible at writing spicy romance.
When she isn’t at her keyboard from dark to dark, she’s usually blasting music that hasn’t been cool for fifteen years, or curling up with a book, her pups and the book boyfriend of the day, or her very real (and very understanding) husband of over a decade.
When she isn’t at her keyboard from dark to dark, she’s usually blasting music that hasn’t been cool for fifteen years, or curling up with a book, her pups and the book boyfriend of the day, or her very real (and very understanding) husband of over a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
February 5, 2026
Aspiring restaurant owner Lexi has been keeping several critical secrets from her sister who also happens to be one of the people who can rescind her grant application. In need of a talented chef to run her kitchen, she’s both intrigued and flummoxed when a towering, tattooed man with an attitude and a NYC accent makes assumptions about her. Despite trying to reject him as a (very talented and qualified candidate) she’s persuaded by his abilities and her sister to give him a ninety day trial run. Will ninety days be her undoing or the start of something magical?
As an ex-con who managed to narrowly escape the tentacles of organized crime, Wilder is only too happy to flee to the Smoky Mountains at his longtime patron Aurora’s urging. What he doesn’t expect is to fall head over junk for her curvaceous and combative older sister Lexi, who’s now his boss for a few months at least. Their head butting and sniping are prologue to the fiery passion percolating between them. He can’t resist her smart mouth and killer assets, and she can’t resist his *massive* skillset.
When both their secrets threaten their tenuous private and professional relationships, can they trust each other enough to work through the tangled messes?
This was a deliciously f!lthy good time for the first 75-80 percent. I loved everything about the exchanges between Lexi and Wilder. What I didn’t love as much was the fact that this book was the last in a series, and as I hadn’t read any of the previous installments, I felt disconnected to the overarching plot lines from those characters’ stories, and therefore there were significant critical events I missed out on. Additionally, I didn’t much care for the second epilogue which kind of ruined the FMC’s independent, feisty vibe for me by *IMHO* turning her from a successful proprietress into an incubator who happens to run a restaurant. I digress, however, understanding there are lots of previous books’ characters revisited, and it’ll be a crowd pleaser for those who read and enjoyed them.
I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
As an ex-con who managed to narrowly escape the tentacles of organized crime, Wilder is only too happy to flee to the Smoky Mountains at his longtime patron Aurora’s urging. What he doesn’t expect is to fall head over junk for her curvaceous and combative older sister Lexi, who’s now his boss for a few months at least. Their head butting and sniping are prologue to the fiery passion percolating between them. He can’t resist her smart mouth and killer assets, and she can’t resist his *massive* skillset.
When both their secrets threaten their tenuous private and professional relationships, can they trust each other enough to work through the tangled messes?
This was a deliciously f!lthy good time for the first 75-80 percent. I loved everything about the exchanges between Lexi and Wilder. What I didn’t love as much was the fact that this book was the last in a series, and as I hadn’t read any of the previous installments, I felt disconnected to the overarching plot lines from those characters’ stories, and therefore there were significant critical events I missed out on. Additionally, I didn’t much care for the second epilogue which kind of ruined the FMC’s independent, feisty vibe for me by *IMHO* turning her from a successful proprietress into an incubator who happens to run a restaurant. I digress, however, understanding there are lots of previous books’ characters revisited, and it’ll be a crowd pleaser for those who read and enjoyed them.
I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
February 19, 2026
Cute and spicy, but I got mad at the fmc a couple of times. That man was for her from the very beginning.
February 9, 2026
I mostly loved it but there were some little (but not so little) part that made me furious and are usually a cause for me to drop my rating to 2 stars.
The writing is really good!! I’m going with straight 4 stars.
Longer review to come
~~
Ok, so, the writing is really good and the spice was hot but at the same time I got the ick (more about it later).
There was def tension between the MCs but I didn’t feel the love… at all. It was mostly hate, even at 80 or maybe even 90% they still had hate sex. There was only attraction and lust but I didn’t see (should I say feel?) the romantic feelings between them.
All the family drama tho - that was next level emotional and so good. 5 stars worthy.
Once again: the writing is really good and characters are very well built and strong and all that.
I loved the reverse age gap! It was mentioned maybe once or twice so you could easily forget the age of the characters but if you like this trope, you can put this book on your tbr.
I have one note from the beginning of my read:
The first bit is diabolical if you forgot the blurb and didn’t pay attention to the cover 😂
And now on to the spice:
It IS hot and it is rather intense and a bit crazy (the knife??? The skewer????) but what didn’t sit right with me was the fact that they pretty much only had hate sex. He made her beg and then didn’t go through fully with what she wanted. There was simply too much control and calling the shots on his side. And while it wasn’t straight on abusive and it did work for her and for both of them, it just gave me an ick. My feminist heart was bleeding, especially with how strong of a character Lexi was. I just wished for them to be more qual in the bedroom.
Listen, it’s not my first rodeo, I don’t mind power play (hello, lights out or willing prey are one of my fav books) but the vibes here were not it. At some point, even if the scene was mostly hot, it gave me an ick. And it was like that throughout the whole book.
Oh, and while I’m usually all over Italian MCs, I had an ick each time he called her “Bella”. He was just too arrogant and overconfident and too full of himself all the damn time😔
The epilogue was cute, kind of an epilogue not only to this book but to the whole series but I legit lost count how many kids each couple had.
Once again: THE WRITING IS REALLY GOOD!!!
But the spice is pretty intense as for contemporary romance so keep that in mind ;)
(I listened to the first book and absolutely loved it!!! I haven’t read the second book and while it is always good to follow series in order, it’s not necessary to read the middle book before this one)
Some quotes. Mind you, there were really good lines but the ones that hint at what my “issues” with some of the vibes in the spicy scenes were:
“He’s not going to give me what I want, even when I’m doing everything he asked of me. I begged for it, for Christ’s sake. Alexis Weiss has never begged for anything in her fucking life. Eyes still watering, I bite down on my lip until it hurts so I don’t scream from the unfairness of it all.”
“I start riding.
Using him, like he asked.
Determined to get a night that’s worth the humiliation of begging for him.”<——!!!
““This isn’t a pity fuck,” I say, nipping the back of her neck and pulling her attention back onto me. “I’m going to fuck you until you physically can’t take it anymore.” She opens her mouth, probably to protest, and I clap a palm over her mouth, stifling her groans. Pushing down on her hips, I force her down over the clit sucker harder and listen to the way she responds.
The way her eyes flutter shut, I think she’s about to tell me she’s already at her limit, so I correct the both of us. “Until I think you can’t take anymore, Lexi. Now let me see you ride this thing like I paid for admission.”” (This was at 90% 😬)
And while it does work for her:
“I do what he says, because I’m basically a puppet on his hand right now, and even the bitchiest parts of me don’t want the fun to stop.”
It still didn’t sit fully right with me, I’m sorry 😔😔
The writing is really good!! I’m going with straight 4 stars.
Longer review to come
~~
Ok, so, the writing is really good and the spice was hot but at the same time I got the ick (more about it later).
There was def tension between the MCs but I didn’t feel the love… at all. It was mostly hate, even at 80 or maybe even 90% they still had hate sex. There was only attraction and lust but I didn’t see (should I say feel?) the romantic feelings between them.
All the family drama tho - that was next level emotional and so good. 5 stars worthy.
Once again: the writing is really good and characters are very well built and strong and all that.
I loved the reverse age gap! It was mentioned maybe once or twice so you could easily forget the age of the characters but if you like this trope, you can put this book on your tbr.
I have one note from the beginning of my read:
The first bit is diabolical if you forgot the blurb and didn’t pay attention to the cover 😂
And now on to the spice:
It IS hot and it is rather intense and a bit crazy (the knife??? The skewer????) but what didn’t sit right with me was the fact that they pretty much only had hate sex. He made her beg and then didn’t go through fully with what she wanted. There was simply too much control and calling the shots on his side. And while it wasn’t straight on abusive and it did work for her and for both of them, it just gave me an ick. My feminist heart was bleeding, especially with how strong of a character Lexi was. I just wished for them to be more qual in the bedroom.
Listen, it’s not my first rodeo, I don’t mind power play (hello, lights out or willing prey are one of my fav books) but the vibes here were not it. At some point, even if the scene was mostly hot, it gave me an ick. And it was like that throughout the whole book.
Oh, and while I’m usually all over Italian MCs, I had an ick each time he called her “Bella”. He was just too arrogant and overconfident and too full of himself all the damn time😔
The epilogue was cute, kind of an epilogue not only to this book but to the whole series but I legit lost count how many kids each couple had.
Once again: THE WRITING IS REALLY GOOD!!!
But the spice is pretty intense as for contemporary romance so keep that in mind ;)
(I listened to the first book and absolutely loved it!!! I haven’t read the second book and while it is always good to follow series in order, it’s not necessary to read the middle book before this one)
Some quotes. Mind you, there were really good lines but the ones that hint at what my “issues” with some of the vibes in the spicy scenes were:
“He’s not going to give me what I want, even when I’m doing everything he asked of me. I begged for it, for Christ’s sake. Alexis Weiss has never begged for anything in her fucking life. Eyes still watering, I bite down on my lip until it hurts so I don’t scream from the unfairness of it all.”
“I start riding.
Using him, like he asked.
Determined to get a night that’s worth the humiliation of begging for him.”<——!!!
““This isn’t a pity fuck,” I say, nipping the back of her neck and pulling her attention back onto me. “I’m going to fuck you until you physically can’t take it anymore.” She opens her mouth, probably to protest, and I clap a palm over her mouth, stifling her groans. Pushing down on her hips, I force her down over the clit sucker harder and listen to the way she responds.
The way her eyes flutter shut, I think she’s about to tell me she’s already at her limit, so I correct the both of us. “Until I think you can’t take anymore, Lexi. Now let me see you ride this thing like I paid for admission.”” (This was at 90% 😬)
And while it does work for her:
“I do what he says, because I’m basically a puppet on his hand right now, and even the bitchiest parts of me don’t want the fun to stop.”
It still didn’t sit fully right with me, I’m sorry 😔😔
January 27, 2026
Possibly the best way to end out time in Smoky Heights!
Madison did a phenomenal job with the 3rd installment of this series and it totally blew my expectations out of the water!
Book 3 is filled with spice, tension, sister drama, and a wonderful come together moment for everyone. Also these people always be doing the deed on, against, or in one of their siblings property and I find it absolutely hysterical.
Definitely the spiciest in the series but oh my 🫠. So so so worth it. I will never look at certain things the same way again and will be adding those object to the list that includes the atv, pool cue, and the air compressor from the other two books (iykyk👀)
Tropes include:
💕Small town
🔥Chef romance
💕Ex-con
🔥Hate to love (one sided)
💕Forced proximity
🔥Workplace romance
💕Midsize FMC
🔥Boy obsessed
💕Found family
The mouth on Wilder was something else but let me tell you that man 👀👀👀 the innuendos he makes at all times had me biting my lip to keep me from saying anything out loud about it while reading it. But often times “damn” and other profanities would have been said.
Alexis is a fireball. She knows what she wants but just won’t admit how much she wants Wilder. And it was evident from day one how much he got under her skin but in the best way possible.
I loved how Lexi and her sister finally faced what had happened and how they resolved it. Even if it mean involving their dad unintentionally but I think this moment was so beautifully written and hit me in a more personal way.
Maddie never ceases to amaze me with her stories and I’m so thankful to have been a reader of hers since practically the beginning! Can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future but just know Smoky Heights will be a place I constantly go back to!
Madison did a phenomenal job with the 3rd installment of this series and it totally blew my expectations out of the water!
Book 3 is filled with spice, tension, sister drama, and a wonderful come together moment for everyone. Also these people always be doing the deed on, against, or in one of their siblings property and I find it absolutely hysterical.
Definitely the spiciest in the series but oh my 🫠. So so so worth it. I will never look at certain things the same way again and will be adding those object to the list that includes the atv, pool cue, and the air compressor from the other two books (iykyk👀)
Tropes include:
💕Small town
🔥Chef romance
💕Ex-con
🔥Hate to love (one sided)
💕Forced proximity
🔥Workplace romance
💕Midsize FMC
🔥Boy obsessed
💕Found family
The mouth on Wilder was something else but let me tell you that man 👀👀👀 the innuendos he makes at all times had me biting my lip to keep me from saying anything out loud about it while reading it. But often times “damn” and other profanities would have been said.
Alexis is a fireball. She knows what she wants but just won’t admit how much she wants Wilder. And it was evident from day one how much he got under her skin but in the best way possible.
I loved how Lexi and her sister finally faced what had happened and how they resolved it. Even if it mean involving their dad unintentionally but I think this moment was so beautifully written and hit me in a more personal way.
Maddie never ceases to amaze me with her stories and I’m so thankful to have been a reader of hers since practically the beginning! Can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future but just know Smoky Heights will be a place I constantly go back to!
February 22, 2026
I did not have time to read the first two books in the series. And while they are not necessary to read prior the author does recommend it. So this review will be in the perspective of someone who dove into the interconnected series in book 3.
The writing was wonderful but the main characters never connected for me past the physical. It was just a lot of hate sex. The spice was also..a lot for contemporary romance. I mean good for them, but it was unexpected and maybe too much for some readers.
Anyways the overall story and Italian mob connections part of it was really good. I loved Wilder’s back story.
If you love constant sexual innuendos this is the book for you. I mean the way the book started had me cracking up.
What you’ll get:
Age Gap
He Falls First
Small town Romance
Found Family
5 pepper spicy
Thanks to LNPR for the ARC.
The writing was wonderful but the main characters never connected for me past the physical. It was just a lot of hate sex. The spice was also..a lot for contemporary romance. I mean good for them, but it was unexpected and maybe too much for some readers.
Anyways the overall story and Italian mob connections part of it was really good. I loved Wilder’s back story.
If you love constant sexual innuendos this is the book for you. I mean the way the book started had me cracking up.
What you’ll get:
Age Gap
He Falls First
Small town Romance
Found Family
5 pepper spicy
Thanks to LNPR for the ARC.
Read
February 1, 2026Wilder llega a Smoky Heights sin ganas de agradar a nadie y con un pasado que preferiría dejar bien enterrado. Solo quiere cocinar, trabajar y no meterse en problemas. Lexi ya tiene suficientes encima como para sumar a un chef arrogante y lleno de tatuajes que parece decidido a sacarla de quicio desde el primer minuto. Ella intenta mantener a flote el restaurante que significa todo para su familia y para el pueblo, mientras él lucha por no volver a la vida que dejó atrás. Lo que empieza con choques, comentarios filosos y miradas cargadas de tensión se va convirtiendo en algo mucho más intenso de lo que ambos planeaban.
_____
Si buscan puro spicy, este es su libro.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
_____
Si buscan puro spicy, este es su libro.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
March 18, 2026
Ugh, I love this series!! This one was so fun! I mean, what’s not to love about a hate to love workplace romance where he’s an ex-con chef and she’s the owner of the new restaurant he works at? “Yes, Chef.” ????? 🥵🥵🥵
The spice in this one was insane (positive connotation) and I loved every minute of it.
The ending was bittersweet. I loved this series and I’m sad it’s over 🥺 but I can’t wait for whatever comes next for Madison!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩷 Chef Romance
🩷 Small Town
🩷 Hate to Love
🩷 He Falls First
🩷 Found Family
🩷 Workplace Romance
The spice in this one was insane (positive connotation) and I loved every minute of it.
The ending was bittersweet. I loved this series and I’m sad it’s over 🥺 but I can’t wait for whatever comes next for Madison!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩷 Chef Romance
🩷 Small Town
🩷 Hate to Love
🩷 He Falls First
🩷 Found Family
🩷 Workplace Romance
February 25, 2026
after numerous attempts, i have unfortunately decided to put this one down.
i want to preface by saying i have adored this series thus far. Madison Myers' characters are lovable and the banter is always so funny and entertaining. She has always had me giggling and kicking my feet during her books.
this one is just not keeping a hold on me unfortunately. Alexis is simply a character that does not fit within my tastes. i understand this is a hate to love spicy romance which i normally love to read. however, lexi holds this hateful grudge against this guy from the beginning over his playful banter but somehow can't help herself when he turns her on? her behavior is just giving me over-all childish vibes and i couldn't read a single page without her obsessing over her libido and hate for Wilder.
he wants to form the professional relationship with her for the betterment of their restaurant and she refuses to cooperate with him because of her attraction to him that she is trying to reject.
this is a great book for someone looking for a plot wholly focused on drama and spice, her behavior just isn't for me and i prefer books with slightly more plot happing especially within the MC's inner monologue.
as always Myers has great writing and keeps it super entertaining, this one just wasnt for me:/
i want to preface by saying i have adored this series thus far. Madison Myers' characters are lovable and the banter is always so funny and entertaining. She has always had me giggling and kicking my feet during her books.
this one is just not keeping a hold on me unfortunately. Alexis is simply a character that does not fit within my tastes. i understand this is a hate to love spicy romance which i normally love to read. however, lexi holds this hateful grudge against this guy from the beginning over his playful banter but somehow can't help herself when he turns her on? her behavior is just giving me over-all childish vibes and i couldn't read a single page without her obsessing over her libido and hate for Wilder.
he wants to form the professional relationship with her for the betterment of their restaurant and she refuses to cooperate with him because of her attraction to him that she is trying to reject.
this is a great book for someone looking for a plot wholly focused on drama and spice, her behavior just isn't for me and i prefer books with slightly more plot happing especially within the MC's inner monologue.
as always Myers has great writing and keeps it super entertaining, this one just wasnt for me:/
February 17, 2026
4⭐️ This was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump! I loved the first two books so I knew this one would be no different!
Madison’s writing always makes me smile and laugh but she handles complex emotions so well and that really shines in this book✨
This book is hella spicyyyy🌶️🌶️ her spiciest work yet but it was such a fun time!
Wilder the big friendly tattooed giant and a hottie CHEF🔥 I love a man obsessed and he fell hard and fast for his gal, this man’s innuendos were so ridiculous but I enjoyed his character
Lexi is the type of FMC I loveee, sassy, sarcastic and full of fire, I enjoyed seeing the more emotional side to her character and watching her walls slowly come down with Wilder🥹
What you can expect from this story:
🌸He falls first
🌸Small town
🌸Forced Proximity
🌸Reverse age gap
🌸Found family
🌸Small town girl/Chef ex-con
🌸Hate to love (one sided)
I’ve loved exploring Smoky Heights and these characters across the series, I have had such a fun time and I can’t wait to see what Madison writes next!🧡
Thank you @lovenotespr & @madisonmyers for the ARC copy of this book, I always love reading Madison’s books💌
Madison’s writing always makes me smile and laugh but she handles complex emotions so well and that really shines in this book✨
This book is hella spicyyyy🌶️🌶️ her spiciest work yet but it was such a fun time!
Wilder the big friendly tattooed giant and a hottie CHEF🔥 I love a man obsessed and he fell hard and fast for his gal, this man’s innuendos were so ridiculous but I enjoyed his character
Lexi is the type of FMC I loveee, sassy, sarcastic and full of fire, I enjoyed seeing the more emotional side to her character and watching her walls slowly come down with Wilder🥹
What you can expect from this story:
🌸He falls first
🌸Small town
🌸Forced Proximity
🌸Reverse age gap
🌸Found family
🌸Small town girl/Chef ex-con
🌸Hate to love (one sided)
I’ve loved exploring Smoky Heights and these characters across the series, I have had such a fun time and I can’t wait to see what Madison writes next!🧡
Thank you @lovenotespr & @madisonmyers for the ARC copy of this book, I always love reading Madison’s books💌
February 14, 2026
ARC Review: Perfect for anyone looking for a super spicy romance with heart in a small town.
🍳 For Fans of:
- spicy romance
- 5 peppers spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
- crude honor
- sexual innuendos
- reformed convict MMC
- Italian mob family ties MMC
- spicy from page one
- chef x owner
- small town
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Wilder is a hot, tatted guy with family mob ties who tries to run away from said mob family and finds himself as the chef of a soon-to-be-open restaurant secretly owned by small town girl, Lexi, who wants to hate him but is tragically SO turned on by him and every sexual innuendo that comes out of his mouth.
I was recently talking to a fellow reader who said “I don’t need a 1-5 pepper spice rating. I need to know if the spice IS the plot or if there’s just spice IN the plot.”
This, my friends, is a book in which I’d say the spice IS the plot. Or maybe they’re just so perfectly woven together that you really can’t tell the difference because it’s SO full of innuendo (literally from page 1) and sexual wanting that I don’t even know if I cared about the plot 😅
Okay, fine there IS a plot. But that’s not what anyone will be reading this one for! Not when this couple is constantly talking dirty, fantasizing, and using toys.
🖤 Thank you to author Madison Myers and LoveNotes PR for the digital advanced copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
🍳 For Fans of:
- spicy romance
- 5 peppers spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
- crude honor
- sexual innuendos
- reformed convict MMC
- Italian mob family ties MMC
- spicy from page one
- chef x owner
- small town
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Wilder is a hot, tatted guy with family mob ties who tries to run away from said mob family and finds himself as the chef of a soon-to-be-open restaurant secretly owned by small town girl, Lexi, who wants to hate him but is tragically SO turned on by him and every sexual innuendo that comes out of his mouth.
I was recently talking to a fellow reader who said “I don’t need a 1-5 pepper spice rating. I need to know if the spice IS the plot or if there’s just spice IN the plot.”
This, my friends, is a book in which I’d say the spice IS the plot. Or maybe they’re just so perfectly woven together that you really can’t tell the difference because it’s SO full of innuendo (literally from page 1) and sexual wanting that I don’t even know if I cared about the plot 😅
Okay, fine there IS a plot. But that’s not what anyone will be reading this one for! Not when this couple is constantly talking dirty, fantasizing, and using toys.
🖤 Thank you to author Madison Myers and LoveNotes PR for the digital advanced copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
February 20, 2026
Playing with Fire by Madison Myers was my first book by this author, and I absolutely loved her writing style. Even though I haven’t read the first two books, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment and only made me want to read them too.
This story had the perfect mix of emotion and spice. It made me laugh, cry, and blush. The hate to love dynamic added so much tension, and the chemistry between Wilder and Lexi was intense and addictive. A hot Italian chef who is clearly starved and a strong, fiery boss who knows exactly what she wants are a dangerous combination, and together they create pure fire in every scene. 🔥🌶️
Besides all the tension and spice, it was wonderful to see how Lexi could truly be herself around Wilder and how he became her safe place, always listening and taking care of her in his own way. The way they grow together and fit each other without losing who they are made their ending feel truly satisfying. 🥰
If you enjoy emotional romance with strong chemistry, tension, and plenty of spice, this book is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks for the ARC!
This story had the perfect mix of emotion and spice. It made me laugh, cry, and blush. The hate to love dynamic added so much tension, and the chemistry between Wilder and Lexi was intense and addictive. A hot Italian chef who is clearly starved and a strong, fiery boss who knows exactly what she wants are a dangerous combination, and together they create pure fire in every scene. 🔥🌶️
Besides all the tension and spice, it was wonderful to see how Lexi could truly be herself around Wilder and how he became her safe place, always listening and taking care of her in his own way. The way they grow together and fit each other without losing who they are made their ending feel truly satisfying. 🥰
If you enjoy emotional romance with strong chemistry, tension, and plenty of spice, this book is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks for the ARC!
February 21, 2026
Oh. Oh my. This book was spicy in all the right places! The 3rd in the series of Smoky Heights, we follow Lexi and Wilder as they negotiate how to work together with all the sparks flying. This is not one for the prudes to read thats for sure!
Lexi is Wilders new boss, he's a tattooed ex-con who mistakes her for the gardener! She is fiesty and meets his challenges head on, both professionally and personally. The ice is um....interesting! 🤭. It's difficult not to give away any spoilers when I just want to tell you the entire plot!
This is the first one I've read in the series and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of it, so I'm going to go back and read the first 2!
All opinions are my own.
Lexi is Wilders new boss, he's a tattooed ex-con who mistakes her for the gardener! She is fiesty and meets his challenges head on, both professionally and personally. The ice is um....interesting! 🤭. It's difficult not to give away any spoilers when I just want to tell you the entire plot!
This is the first one I've read in the series and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of it, so I'm going to go back and read the first 2!
All opinions are my own.
February 19, 2026
I loved being back in this world! I got an arc from Madison Myers and it's just as much of a delight as the first two! They all have such different vibes and characters while still having that small-town charm. However this one definitely brought the chillies! Not that the others didn't, but this one blew those out of the water! Myers is so imaginative with her spicy scenes and it's so fun to see what she comes up with while still keeping it totally sexy!
I adored having a fmc in her late 30s, it was so refreshing!
I adored having a fmc in her late 30s, it was so refreshing!
Review of advance copy
What a fantastic ending to The Smoky Heights series. I knew Lexi was going to be my favorite and Wilder was simply perfect. Lexi was independent but had a vulnerable side she never let anyone see until Wilder saw her. He made her feel like she wants too much. Wilder made us all want to yell "Yes, Chef!", he was dominant and possessive in all the right ways. Their chemistry and banter was top tier. I loved Lexi's sarcasm and wit and Wilder's cockiness.
February 13, 2026
ARC Review
Playing with Fire
By Madison Myers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my favorite book yet!
Alexis Weiss is one fiesty woman, and Wilder definitely has his hands full with her.
I loved the scene where they met, and Alexis kept it a secret that she was his boss 😆 she's so badass
Wilder...hot damn this man absolutely knows how to use his hands in the kitchen, whether it's making food or eating 😉
I absolutely loved the ending of the book ♥️ Madison really made a masterpiece
Playing with Fire
By Madison Myers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my favorite book yet!
Alexis Weiss is one fiesty woman, and Wilder definitely has his hands full with her.
I loved the scene where they met, and Alexis kept it a secret that she was his boss 😆 she's so badass
Wilder...hot damn this man absolutely knows how to use his hands in the kitchen, whether it's making food or eating 😉
I absolutely loved the ending of the book ♥️ Madison really made a masterpiece
February 21, 2026
Playing With Fire by Madison Myers was a read I thought I was prepared for. I was so wrong in the best way! I flew through this book in under 2 days. The spice was SPIIICY 🙂↔️. The story was rich. I felt like I became part of the close knit Smoky Heights community almost immediately. I really enjoyed how the story touches on so many raw emotions in such a real way. I highly recommend this series!
February 20, 2026
*ARC* but available now!
I’ve ventured to Smoky Heights 3 times now, and each time it has been an adventure!
My first thought through the start was “Madison - were you ovulating this entire time?!” (In a good way- I’ll explain!)
When I read book 2 in this series, I referred to the sexual tension as a main character - book 3 is centred around that energy and I am here for it.
I’ve ventured to Smoky Heights 3 times now, and each time it has been an adventure!
My first thought through the start was “Madison - were you ovulating this entire time?!” (In a good way- I’ll explain!)
When I read book 2 in this series, I referred to the sexual tension as a main character - book 3 is centred around that energy and I am here for it.
February 25, 2026
Sorry this wasn’t for me . Didn’t even finish it , the puns from the MMC were so cringe I had to keep putting the book down.
February 19, 2026
Wowowow!!! Had Arcs for all the Smokey Heights books and this one did NOT disappoint!
Loved the relationship development and the characters so much!! Maddison has done so well here !
Loved the relationship development and the characters so much!! Maddison has done so well here !
February 14, 2026
i don’t think i’ll ever not rate maddie’s books a 5*
absolutely loved this and maddie’s writing is impeccable as always
I loved seeing Lexi from a different perspective and actually really resonated with her character
The spice was *chefs kiss* if you’ll pardon the pun 🤭
i love a man who knows what he wants and wilder f*cking amante does
absolutely loved this and maddie’s writing is impeccable as always
I loved seeing Lexi from a different perspective and actually really resonated with her character
The spice was *chefs kiss* if you’ll pardon the pun 🤭
i love a man who knows what he wants and wilder f*cking amante does
Read
April 4, 2026Every book in this series just got more and more spicy! But the banter in this one was absolutely top notch! I think I already chuckled at least 3 times on just the first page.
The book is written in dual POV and we are following Lexi and Wilder.
Lexi is Rory's older sister from book one. And with the whole revamping of the Smoky Heights town she is starting up a diner called Heights Bites that was once run by their father.
One problem, she needs a chef.
When Rory visits NYC where she used to live, she decides to help her sister out and offer the chef job to her favorite bodega guy.
This Bodega guy is called Wilder, and he has a rough past, but he has cut all ties and wants to start over. *insert* very many meat jokes.
He decides to take a chance and moves to Smoky Heights to start over. When he first meets Lexi she is gardening outside of the restaurant and he doesn't realize she will be his boss and the person he is meeting for the interview. He cracks some jokes that she can't appreciate and she decides to cancel the interview.
He doesn't give up easily and he decides to just cook some of his amazing meals to convince the manager. Lexi doesn't have any other choice than to hire him, because there is just no one else for the job.
She gives him a trial period, and even though they have lots of conflict the sparks are flying fast!
So yea expect lots of meat and sauce all wrapped up in cute small town, sprinkle in some family drama and you'll have your next favorite meal!
The book is written in dual POV and we are following Lexi and Wilder.
Lexi is Rory's older sister from book one. And with the whole revamping of the Smoky Heights town she is starting up a diner called Heights Bites that was once run by their father.
One problem, she needs a chef.
When Rory visits NYC where she used to live, she decides to help her sister out and offer the chef job to her favorite bodega guy.
This Bodega guy is called Wilder, and he has a rough past, but he has cut all ties and wants to start over. *insert* very many meat jokes.
He decides to take a chance and moves to Smoky Heights to start over. When he first meets Lexi she is gardening outside of the restaurant and he doesn't realize she will be his boss and the person he is meeting for the interview. He cracks some jokes that she can't appreciate and she decides to cancel the interview.
He doesn't give up easily and he decides to just cook some of his amazing meals to convince the manager. Lexi doesn't have any other choice than to hire him, because there is just no one else for the job.
She gives him a trial period, and even though they have lots of conflict the sparks are flying fast!
So yea expect lots of meat and sauce all wrapped up in cute small town, sprinkle in some family drama and you'll have your next favorite meal!
February 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Madison Myers cooks up a spectacular story with her newest release. Playing with Fire is book 3 in her Smoky Heights series and the steam that comes out of this book may just set your smoke alarms off. Even though you can read this as a standalone, reading them in order makes the story hit even harder! The MCs in this story are broken, raw, yet beyond entertaining to read about. The chemistry between them starts strong and just keeps getting better. As they try to avoid each other, they just keep falling for each other more and more.
Lexi and Wilder are both holding secrets. One is secrets of the past that could ruin their future, the other is secrets that could burn the world down around them. Due to these secrets they have built walls around their hearts in order to keep them safe. Which starts off as a forced relationship between employer and employee, the animosity between these two is impossible to not get pulled into. Wilder is looking for a place to start over and Lexi is trying to keep her head above water. She has held so much inside that it has to come out somehow and Wilder provides a safe place to do just that.
Madison has put so much emotion into this story that I couldn’t handle it at times. She made it easy to connect with both our MCs as they share more and more during their time in the book. The more they share with the reader as individuals, the more the readers could see they would be perfect together within the book. And then Madison finally has the steam boil over and you see the cracks in the facade that each one is holding on to so tight. This is not to say their inner struggles aren’t real or important.
As the final book in this series, you can read from start to finish as quickly or slowly as you want. I can almost guarantee though, that once you pick up these books and start reading this fantastic world Madison has created, you will not want to stop. As both our MCs work through their challenges, it is when they open up to each other and allow someone to stand next to them, they are finally able to let go of some of the ghosts that have haunted them for so long.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥Small Town Romance
🩷Chef Romance
🔥Workplace Romance
🩷Employer x Employee
🔥He Falls First/Harder
🩷Forced Proximity
🔥Found Family
🩷Hate to Love
Madison Myers cooks up a spectacular story with her newest release. Playing with Fire is book 3 in her Smoky Heights series and the steam that comes out of this book may just set your smoke alarms off. Even though you can read this as a standalone, reading them in order makes the story hit even harder! The MCs in this story are broken, raw, yet beyond entertaining to read about. The chemistry between them starts strong and just keeps getting better. As they try to avoid each other, they just keep falling for each other more and more.
Lexi and Wilder are both holding secrets. One is secrets of the past that could ruin their future, the other is secrets that could burn the world down around them. Due to these secrets they have built walls around their hearts in order to keep them safe. Which starts off as a forced relationship between employer and employee, the animosity between these two is impossible to not get pulled into. Wilder is looking for a place to start over and Lexi is trying to keep her head above water. She has held so much inside that it has to come out somehow and Wilder provides a safe place to do just that.
Madison has put so much emotion into this story that I couldn’t handle it at times. She made it easy to connect with both our MCs as they share more and more during their time in the book. The more they share with the reader as individuals, the more the readers could see they would be perfect together within the book. And then Madison finally has the steam boil over and you see the cracks in the facade that each one is holding on to so tight. This is not to say their inner struggles aren’t real or important.
As the final book in this series, you can read from start to finish as quickly or slowly as you want. I can almost guarantee though, that once you pick up these books and start reading this fantastic world Madison has created, you will not want to stop. As both our MCs work through their challenges, it is when they open up to each other and allow someone to stand next to them, they are finally able to let go of some of the ghosts that have haunted them for so long.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥Small Town Romance
🩷Chef Romance
🔥Workplace Romance
🩷Employer x Employee
🔥He Falls First/Harder
🩷Forced Proximity
🔥Found Family
🩷Hate to Love
February 23, 2026
The opening lines of this book set the stage for how the rest of this story goes = tasty food with lots of spice.. and the heat isn't only in the kitchen! 😉
Enemies-to-lovers - but one sided only "Ugh, he is unsufferable."
Grumpy (her) x sunshine (him)
Age gap
Cozy town vibes
Delicious food 👨🏻🍳🍝🍔
Spicy smutty smut! 🔥🥵🌶️
Lexi and Wilder.. unfortunately I think their story was my least favourite of our three couples, both as a couple and as individuals. Their relationship felt like hate (her towards him) and unending persistence (him towards her). At times, it was fun to see him rile her up; other times, it was over the top and a bit much. "I wasn't gifted a horse, I was gifted an ass and it's going to bite me in mine, I can feel it." Lexi is annoying, frustrating, stubborn, and a bitch, but she is also fiercely protective and loving of those she cares about, and she's also built up tough defenses from her traumas that explain her a bit better. She really needs some therapy! I don't know how she was able to deny Chef's cooking for so long! She also kept denying his help! He is only trying to help, let him in!! And honestly, stop saying you're almost 40! I'm 38 soon and this felt rude! "Am I really facing a future where spontaneous blowies are out of the question because of my joints? Just kill me." —I feel attacked! Wilder is a talented chef with a murky past who wears Crocs and never quits the flirting. Wyatt his first time meeting Wilder: "Please stop talking." at times, I had to agree. The spice between these two though.... whooey!! While it was questionable sometimes (she's your boss, mister! or wow, that edging!!), it was fun to read and sooo steamy!
Lexi is really bad with sayings, but it was actually pretty great! "Maybe Mercury is in the microwave again." "Why would I count my chickens?"
The relationship between Lexi and Rory went through some ups and downs, but the two came out the other side so much stronger. I really appreciated reading their journey, navigating their relationship as well as the grief of their mother they still deal with.
I really like Madison Myers' writing style in these stories, and I can't wait to see what she's up to next! I absolutely loved this town, and I loved that our couples from books 1 and 2 were in this so much! I loved the epilogue too, finding out where everyone kind of settles. It was really sweet!
"What now?" "That's the best part, whatever the fuck we want."
I received this as an ARC from the publisher and I was very happy to read it and share my review!
Enemies-to-lovers - but one sided only "Ugh, he is unsufferable."
Grumpy (her) x sunshine (him)
Age gap
Cozy town vibes
Delicious food 👨🏻🍳🍝🍔
Spicy smutty smut! 🔥🥵🌶️
Lexi and Wilder.. unfortunately I think their story was my least favourite of our three couples, both as a couple and as individuals. Their relationship felt like hate (her towards him) and unending persistence (him towards her). At times, it was fun to see him rile her up; other times, it was over the top and a bit much. "I wasn't gifted a horse, I was gifted an ass and it's going to bite me in mine, I can feel it." Lexi is annoying, frustrating, stubborn, and a bitch, but she is also fiercely protective and loving of those she cares about, and she's also built up tough defenses from her traumas that explain her a bit better. She really needs some therapy! I don't know how she was able to deny Chef's cooking for so long! She also kept denying his help! He is only trying to help, let him in!! And honestly, stop saying you're almost 40! I'm 38 soon and this felt rude! "Am I really facing a future where spontaneous blowies are out of the question because of my joints? Just kill me." —I feel attacked! Wilder is a talented chef with a murky past who wears Crocs and never quits the flirting. Wyatt his first time meeting Wilder: "Please stop talking." at times, I had to agree. The spice between these two though.... whooey!! While it was questionable sometimes (she's your boss, mister! or wow, that edging!!), it was fun to read and sooo steamy!
Lexi is really bad with sayings, but it was actually pretty great! "Maybe Mercury is in the microwave again." "Why would I count my chickens?"
The relationship between Lexi and Rory went through some ups and downs, but the two came out the other side so much stronger. I really appreciated reading their journey, navigating their relationship as well as the grief of their mother they still deal with.
I really like Madison Myers' writing style in these stories, and I can't wait to see what she's up to next! I absolutely loved this town, and I loved that our couples from books 1 and 2 were in this so much! I loved the epilogue too, finding out where everyone kind of settles. It was really sweet!
"What now?" "That's the best part, whatever the fuck we want."
I received this as an ARC from the publisher and I was very happy to read it and share my review!
March 20, 2026
I was fortunate to arc read this entire series, the first book of this series was actually my first ever arc and I love Maddie's writing. I wouldn't say this is my favourite of the three books, however I do think its a good conclusion to the series. I was between ratings for this, those being 3.5-3.75 but I can't be that specific on here.
MY REVIEW HAS VERY MINOR SPOILERS!!!!!
Anyway onto the actual book. The opening chapter is such a bait, but it did make me laugh. Throughout the majority of this book I thought the mcs relationship came across mainly physical, more so from Lexi's side than his even though Wilder is a massive flirt and doesn't hide it.
I never know how to feel after a main character makes me so frustrated and annoyed because on one hand that means the author is doing a good job at making you feel something other than just happiness and I think thats important, but on the other hand if its too much frustration and annoyance it could have the possibility to just dampen the reading experience a little.
With that said, I will say Lexi grinds my gears! I understand she has had family issues and is dealing with the grief of losing her mother however some moments between her and her sister Rory were infuriating, especially their mothers birthday; after that scene had ended I just felt bad for Rory and the special moment felt ruined.
I feel like my entire experience reading this book was just constant contradictions if that makes sense, the entire time all I wanted for Wilder was to be happy and be in a relationship with Lexi, and I wanted Lexi to have someone who she fully trusted and her happiness, but then her behaviour and actions would switch up and I'd be thinking Wilder deserves someone different.
The series really does touch on some topics that evoke emotions, especially loss of a parent/parents or well loss of anyone. I can also relate to Rory's emotions surrounding her dad.
The epilogue felt like a period at the end of a sentence, that the series is at the end and everything was wrapped up into its conclusion. If you do wish to read this book, I do suggest starting at book one, there's so much in the previous books to understand the side characters and context around Lexi's family.
MY REVIEW HAS VERY MINOR SPOILERS!!!!!
Anyway onto the actual book. The opening chapter is such a bait, but it did make me laugh. Throughout the majority of this book I thought the mcs relationship came across mainly physical, more so from Lexi's side than his even though Wilder is a massive flirt and doesn't hide it.
I never know how to feel after a main character makes me so frustrated and annoyed because on one hand that means the author is doing a good job at making you feel something other than just happiness and I think thats important, but on the other hand if its too much frustration and annoyance it could have the possibility to just dampen the reading experience a little.
With that said, I will say Lexi grinds my gears! I understand she has had family issues and is dealing with the grief of losing her mother however some moments between her and her sister Rory were infuriating, especially their mothers birthday; after that scene had ended I just felt bad for Rory and the special moment felt ruined.
I feel like my entire experience reading this book was just constant contradictions if that makes sense, the entire time all I wanted for Wilder was to be happy and be in a relationship with Lexi, and I wanted Lexi to have someone who she fully trusted and her happiness, but then her behaviour and actions would switch up and I'd be thinking Wilder deserves someone different.
The series really does touch on some topics that evoke emotions, especially loss of a parent/parents or well loss of anyone. I can also relate to Rory's emotions surrounding her dad.
The epilogue felt like a period at the end of a sentence, that the series is at the end and everything was wrapped up into its conclusion. If you do wish to read this book, I do suggest starting at book one, there's so much in the previous books to understand the side characters and context around Lexi's family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
• ARC REVIEW •
• PLAYING WITH FIRE: BY MADISON MYERS •
• WILDER & ALEXIS •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost, I would love to thank Madison and her team for the ARC opportunity. This book has been such an anticipated read for me, and what a way to end this series! This book is sooo spicy, full of drama, tension and finding happiness.
Wilder is something else! This hot, tattooed ex-con who can cook just added so much to the Heights! He is so thoughtful for others, especially those in his circle. He knew Lexi so well, inside and out. He knew when Lexi needed her space and also when he could be in it. He knew exactly what he wanted and he wasn’t afraid to get it. His growth through the book was incredible and I really liked his character.
Having met Alexis in the previous books, I was so excited to finally get her book! Alexis is such an independent firecracker! I think she may be my favourite FMC of the series! She knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it, but has that vulnerable side as well, which was so good to see!
Their chemistry was insane, getting bigger the more their story went on. Watching them chase their dreams was so special, and being able to do it with each other was incredible. While working through the stress of opening the diner, and working towards the goal of having that successful business and title of executive chef, they both never gave up on each other (even though one certain FMC took a while to get her feelings right heheh) oh and the spice, this is most definitely the spiciest of the series! I was blushing sooo much reading this book!
I also loved seeing the past characters and watching their stories grow as well. And the real action ship between Lexi and Rory was such an emotional roller coaster, and had me feeling so many feelings.
- Small Town
- Ex-con
- Hate to Love
- Workplace Romance
- Midsized FMC
- Found Family
- Chef Romance
- Reverse Age Gap
It was such an emotional read, having me in all my feels. It’s a bitter sweet end to the series, but i am extremely proud of Maddie and what she has created! The ending was perfection, seeing the whole series wrap up like that was fantastic!
• PLAYING WITH FIRE: BY MADISON MYERS •
• WILDER & ALEXIS •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost, I would love to thank Madison and her team for the ARC opportunity. This book has been such an anticipated read for me, and what a way to end this series! This book is sooo spicy, full of drama, tension and finding happiness.
Wilder is something else! This hot, tattooed ex-con who can cook just added so much to the Heights! He is so thoughtful for others, especially those in his circle. He knew Lexi so well, inside and out. He knew when Lexi needed her space and also when he could be in it. He knew exactly what he wanted and he wasn’t afraid to get it. His growth through the book was incredible and I really liked his character.
Having met Alexis in the previous books, I was so excited to finally get her book! Alexis is such an independent firecracker! I think she may be my favourite FMC of the series! She knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it, but has that vulnerable side as well, which was so good to see!
Their chemistry was insane, getting bigger the more their story went on. Watching them chase their dreams was so special, and being able to do it with each other was incredible. While working through the stress of opening the diner, and working towards the goal of having that successful business and title of executive chef, they both never gave up on each other (even though one certain FMC took a while to get her feelings right heheh) oh and the spice, this is most definitely the spiciest of the series! I was blushing sooo much reading this book!
I also loved seeing the past characters and watching their stories grow as well. And the real action ship between Lexi and Rory was such an emotional roller coaster, and had me feeling so many feelings.
- Small Town
- Ex-con
- Hate to Love
- Workplace Romance
- Midsized FMC
- Found Family
- Chef Romance
- Reverse Age Gap
It was such an emotional read, having me in all my feels. It’s a bitter sweet end to the series, but i am extremely proud of Maddie and what she has created! The ending was perfection, seeing the whole series wrap up like that was fantastic!
Read
February 12, 2026Madison Myers delivers another solid entry in her Smoky Heights series with Playing With Fire, a steamy contemporary romance that tackles heavy themes with genuine heart. While this can technically be read as a standalone, you'll get more out of it if you've read the previous books in the series! There are definitely callbacks that'll make more sense with context.
The story follows Wilder, a rough-around-the-edges chef with a past that includes prison time, and Lexi, who's navigating the devastating grief of losing her mum to cancer. Myers doesn't shy away from the raw, messy reality of loss, which I genuinely appreciated. The grief arc is handled with sensitivity and feels authentic rather than glossed over for the sake of the romance.
The chemistry between Wilder and Lexi is undeniably hot. Madison knows how to write spice, and there's plenty of it here. The banter is cheeky and fun, particularly when Wilder's working his magic in the kitchen (the man can cook!). The supporting cast (it feels dirty referring to my man Wyatt as a supporting cast!) including Wyatt, Weston, and the absolutely hilarious Ronnie, add brilliant comical vibes and gives the story depth beyond just the main couple.
Where the book loses a bit of steam for me is in the pacing. Some sections drag a touch, and there are moments where the dialogue feels slightly over-the-top or repetitive. The "guy obsessed with his woman" trope is done well, but occasionally feels a bit much. That said, if you're into possessive heroes who worship their partners, you'll eat this up.
The found family vibes are lovely, and the epilogue is absolutely adorable: full of kids, love, and domestic bliss that'll leave you with a smile. It's clear Myers cares about her characters and wants readers to see them happy. If you love a HEA, you're in the right place.
Overall, Playing With Fire is a solid, spicy romance with heart. It's not perfect, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable read for contemporary romance readers who want steam, and a happily ever after. Would definitely recommend for your next beach read or cosy night in.
The story follows Wilder, a rough-around-the-edges chef with a past that includes prison time, and Lexi, who's navigating the devastating grief of losing her mum to cancer. Myers doesn't shy away from the raw, messy reality of loss, which I genuinely appreciated. The grief arc is handled with sensitivity and feels authentic rather than glossed over for the sake of the romance.
The chemistry between Wilder and Lexi is undeniably hot. Madison knows how to write spice, and there's plenty of it here. The banter is cheeky and fun, particularly when Wilder's working his magic in the kitchen (the man can cook!). The supporting cast (it feels dirty referring to my man Wyatt as a supporting cast!) including Wyatt, Weston, and the absolutely hilarious Ronnie, add brilliant comical vibes and gives the story depth beyond just the main couple.
Where the book loses a bit of steam for me is in the pacing. Some sections drag a touch, and there are moments where the dialogue feels slightly over-the-top or repetitive. The "guy obsessed with his woman" trope is done well, but occasionally feels a bit much. That said, if you're into possessive heroes who worship their partners, you'll eat this up.
The found family vibes are lovely, and the epilogue is absolutely adorable: full of kids, love, and domestic bliss that'll leave you with a smile. It's clear Myers cares about her characters and wants readers to see them happy. If you love a HEA, you're in the right place.
Overall, Playing With Fire is a solid, spicy romance with heart. It's not perfect, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable read for contemporary romance readers who want steam, and a happily ever after. Would definitely recommend for your next beach read or cosy night in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2026
I finished and just in time for it’s official “Release Day”… CONGRATULATIONS, Maddie! 🥹🥰🥳
Back to Smoky Heights we went for the grand finale with “Playing with Fire” by Madison Myers, and wow! 🤩 The heat and passion between Alexis and Wilder were everything! This was the definition of enemies to lovers, though let’s be real, Wilder never hated Lexi! He admired her from the moment they met. Lexi, on the other hand, fought her feelings hard, not ready to let her guard down… until she couldn’t deny what was already there! 😉
I loved that this third book finally told Lexi’s story, the first book headlining her sister Aurora (Rory), while also tying together and setting the tone for the first two books in the series. I loved Lexi’s hard demeanor, her strength a shield shaped by early hurt. She learned to stay guarded as protection but always had love to give, she just wasn’t sure where it would be safe to let it land. It was bittersweet, the end of a trilogy, but also the perfect ending, beautifully intertwining each storyline...
Lexi and Wilder’s dynamic was so well written, and getting the full backstory behind Lexi and Rory’s oil-and-water sister relationship added so much depth! Watching them make amends genuinely moved me.
And Wilder’s comeback? An ex-con tied into circumstances as a teenager, fighting for redemption, a powerful second-chance story that deeply resonated with me, especially because in ways it reminded me of my husband’s own second-chance testimony. That representation mattered and meant so much! 🥹
I know it is the end of an era that I have been apart of since the beginning with an emotional ending (for me at least), but perfect in every way…
I love how Maddie weaves real heart into her stories! So many people do deserve second chances, and this book reflects that truth so beautifully. It speaks volumes about Maddie’s heart in real life, which is exactly why I resonate so deeply with her work and why she’s my favorite!
Thank you, Maddie, for being so loving, raw, and courageous in sharing your stories with the world! I cannot wait to see and read, what you have up your sleeve next! 🔥📖
Back to Smoky Heights we went for the grand finale with “Playing with Fire” by Madison Myers, and wow! 🤩 The heat and passion between Alexis and Wilder were everything! This was the definition of enemies to lovers, though let’s be real, Wilder never hated Lexi! He admired her from the moment they met. Lexi, on the other hand, fought her feelings hard, not ready to let her guard down… until she couldn’t deny what was already there! 😉
I loved that this third book finally told Lexi’s story, the first book headlining her sister Aurora (Rory), while also tying together and setting the tone for the first two books in the series. I loved Lexi’s hard demeanor, her strength a shield shaped by early hurt. She learned to stay guarded as protection but always had love to give, she just wasn’t sure where it would be safe to let it land. It was bittersweet, the end of a trilogy, but also the perfect ending, beautifully intertwining each storyline...
Lexi and Wilder’s dynamic was so well written, and getting the full backstory behind Lexi and Rory’s oil-and-water sister relationship added so much depth! Watching them make amends genuinely moved me.
And Wilder’s comeback? An ex-con tied into circumstances as a teenager, fighting for redemption, a powerful second-chance story that deeply resonated with me, especially because in ways it reminded me of my husband’s own second-chance testimony. That representation mattered and meant so much! 🥹
I know it is the end of an era that I have been apart of since the beginning with an emotional ending (for me at least), but perfect in every way…
I love how Maddie weaves real heart into her stories! So many people do deserve second chances, and this book reflects that truth so beautifully. It speaks volumes about Maddie’s heart in real life, which is exactly why I resonate so deeply with her work and why she’s my favorite!
Thank you, Maddie, for being so loving, raw, and courageous in sharing your stories with the world! I cannot wait to see and read, what you have up your sleeve next! 🔥📖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing With Fire 🍽️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Madison Myers for trusting me with this ARC!🧡
The new chef is infuriating and... hot.
Wilder has not only owns THE skills in the kitchen,but also a dark past that he trying to leave behind.
So,new town,new him right?
That was🤌🏻 .
Myers portrayed the small town vibe,all working towards the same goal so well.And,if we take into consideration what a major role it had,apart from the romance,I can say she ATE.
I loved seeing the gang together, with them experiencing that found family feeling that left no one out!
Continuing,the romance was PERFECT.
Really🌶️ heavy and passionate.Yet,my absolutely favorite was their spicy humor that started before they finally met in the bedroom.Their jokes made me laugh so hard, and I love that Wilder was just a confident king!As you understood,that duo was impeccable!🫶🏻
Lexi,was the softie,cutetsy girl that tried to balance everything according to plan.However,as we meet her we are starting to realize that she has much more depth that what we thought.She literally CARRIES the family,the dinner,EVERYONE.-that girl is a real life heroine.
Wilder,on the other side,had to constantly fight demons all his life,and I CAN see how much he just want a simple life.Yet this won't came easily to him,but my boy will find his way out and when you read about it YOU ARE GOING TO SOB 🥹
More,Myers wrote about human relationships in this story.And not I am not referring to the romantic ones.
She gave us unfiltered so many feelings from Lexi,Rory and their dad,and she made us understand that maybe not everything is black and white & what I feel to do as right may not be the same to you,and that's totally okay,without invalidating my opinion.
As you saw,not only I ate up this story and but I also loved it really,really much,with leaving me only with a option: to recommend it 💌
Out On Feb,13th 🍳
4⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Madison Myers for trusting me with this ARC!🧡
The new chef is infuriating and... hot.
Wilder has not only owns THE skills in the kitchen,but also a dark past that he trying to leave behind.
So,new town,new him right?
That was🤌🏻 .
Myers portrayed the small town vibe,all working towards the same goal so well.And,if we take into consideration what a major role it had,apart from the romance,I can say she ATE.
I loved seeing the gang together, with them experiencing that found family feeling that left no one out!
Continuing,the romance was PERFECT.
Really🌶️ heavy and passionate.Yet,my absolutely favorite was their spicy humor that started before they finally met in the bedroom.Their jokes made me laugh so hard, and I love that Wilder was just a confident king!As you understood,that duo was impeccable!🫶🏻
Lexi,was the softie,cutetsy girl that tried to balance everything according to plan.However,as we meet her we are starting to realize that she has much more depth that what we thought.She literally CARRIES the family,the dinner,EVERYONE.-that girl is a real life heroine.
Wilder,on the other side,had to constantly fight demons all his life,and I CAN see how much he just want a simple life.Yet this won't came easily to him,but my boy will find his way out and when you read about it YOU ARE GOING TO SOB 🥹
More,Myers wrote about human relationships in this story.And not I am not referring to the romantic ones.
She gave us unfiltered so many feelings from Lexi,Rory and their dad,and she made us understand that maybe not everything is black and white & what I feel to do as right may not be the same to you,and that's totally okay,without invalidating my opinion.
As you saw,not only I ate up this story and but I also loved it really,really much,with leaving me only with a option: to recommend it 💌
Out On Feb,13th 🍳
4⭐
Review of advance copy
🩷 Blurb-My new chef is infuriating. Hotter than a Southern summer, arrogant, tattooed, with tree trunks for thighs. And I can’t keep away from him.
It’s not enough that I can’t escape him during the day. Now he’s in my kitchen, in my head, even my damn dreams. And the worst part? He knows exactly what he’s doing.
He doesn’t realize the game he’s started. Wilder Amante might be new to Smoky Heights, but nobody in this town holds a grudge like Alexis Weiss can. I’ll win this battle of wills and send him back to whatever New York City sewer my sister dragged him out of.
He’s running from a dark past, but I’ve got my own ghosts to worry about. A sibling I can’t forgive, a mother I can’t stop grieving, and a secret that could tear apart the family that’s barely started to mend.
When everything finally blows up, I’m not sure anyone in this town will survive the fallout.
Hell, I might not even want him to leave anymore.
But no one has ever stayed for me before, and why would he?
WILDER
Escaping my old life was the only thing I cared about. If I’m gone, I’m invisible.
Can’t be roped back into world if they can’t find me.
Then this small mountain town gave me something I never expected.
Someone worth sacrificing my freedom for.
If walking away keeps her safe, I’ll do it.
Even if it kills me to go.
🩵 Review -
This was such a cute read. This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. From the very first page the author's writing drew me in and I didn't stop reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. Plus I loved the small town place setting in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author Madison Myers for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s not enough that I can’t escape him during the day. Now he’s in my kitchen, in my head, even my damn dreams. And the worst part? He knows exactly what he’s doing.
He doesn’t realize the game he’s started. Wilder Amante might be new to Smoky Heights, but nobody in this town holds a grudge like Alexis Weiss can. I’ll win this battle of wills and send him back to whatever New York City sewer my sister dragged him out of.
He’s running from a dark past, but I’ve got my own ghosts to worry about. A sibling I can’t forgive, a mother I can’t stop grieving, and a secret that could tear apart the family that’s barely started to mend.
When everything finally blows up, I’m not sure anyone in this town will survive the fallout.
Hell, I might not even want him to leave anymore.
But no one has ever stayed for me before, and why would he?
WILDER
Escaping my old life was the only thing I cared about. If I’m gone, I’m invisible.
Can’t be roped back into world if they can’t find me.
Then this small mountain town gave me something I never expected.
Someone worth sacrificing my freedom for.
If walking away keeps her safe, I’ll do it.
Even if it kills me to go.
🩵 Review -
This was such a cute read. This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. From the very first page the author's writing drew me in and I didn't stop reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. Plus I loved the small town place setting in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author Madison Myers for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2026
This is the final book in the Smoky Heights series, following Alexis, a determined restaurant owner, and Wilder, a talented chef with a complicated past. Lexi is focused on opening the town’s only diner, but her plans are disrupted by her new head chef - opinionated, arrogant, and completely wrong for Smoky Heights, at least in her eyes. Wilder is nothing if not persistent, and before long, their fiery clashes turn into something far more physical. With secrets on both sides threatening their fragile happiness, the truth may be the one thing they can’t survive.
Lexi is a fiercely independent woman shaped by loss, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father and sister. To protect herself from being hurt again, she’s built walls around her heart. Determined to carry on her family’s legacy, she pours everything into the restaurant while also hoping to repair her fractured relationship with her father, much to her sister Rory’s disapproval.
Wilder, having been in prison and leaving behind his family’s business, determined never to return, moves to Smoky Heights for a fresh start. From the moment he meets Lexi, he’s drawn to her fire and strength. He takes her sharp tongue in stride, matching her intensity and delighting in pushing her buttons then helping her unwind in the only way he knows how 😏🌶️. And yes, this book is packed with spice; the kitchen definitely isn’t the only place Wilder knows his way around 😉.
I’ve been anticipating this book for so long, and it did not disappoint. I saw so much of myself in Alexis, in her loneliness and her fear that people never truly stay. I loved that Wilder never gave up on her, even when she did everything she could to push him away. He tore down her walls piece by piece, proving her wrong in the best way. Playing with Fire is the perfect conclusion to an incredible series, and I can’t wait to see what Madison has planned next. 💖🔥
Lexi is a fiercely independent woman shaped by loss, the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father and sister. To protect herself from being hurt again, she’s built walls around her heart. Determined to carry on her family’s legacy, she pours everything into the restaurant while also hoping to repair her fractured relationship with her father, much to her sister Rory’s disapproval.
Wilder, having been in prison and leaving behind his family’s business, determined never to return, moves to Smoky Heights for a fresh start. From the moment he meets Lexi, he’s drawn to her fire and strength. He takes her sharp tongue in stride, matching her intensity and delighting in pushing her buttons then helping her unwind in the only way he knows how 😏🌶️. And yes, this book is packed with spice; the kitchen definitely isn’t the only place Wilder knows his way around 😉.
I’ve been anticipating this book for so long, and it did not disappoint. I saw so much of myself in Alexis, in her loneliness and her fear that people never truly stay. I loved that Wilder never gave up on her, even when she did everything she could to push him away. He tore down her walls piece by piece, proving her wrong in the best way. Playing with Fire is the perfect conclusion to an incredible series, and I can’t wait to see what Madison has planned next. 💖🔥
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