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Hollow Point #5

Playing With Temptation

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He never stopped loving her. She never stopped regretting walking away.

Sixteen years ago, Rainy Cross walked away from the only man she ever loved.

She told herself it was the right decision. That they were too young. That someday the ache would fade.

It never did.

Now she's back in Hollow Point, raising her ten-year-old son and trying to build a quiet life. The last person she expects to see is Detective Jase Turner—the boy who once owned her heart and the man she's never been able to forget.

Jase spent sixteen years wondering what happened to the girl who vanished without a goodbye. He built a life, became a father, survived heartbreak, and convinced himself some wounds never healed.

Then Rainy walks back into his world.

This time, he's not letting her go.

As old feelings ignite and two families slowly become one, a murder investigation rocks their small Georgia town. A killer is closing in, secrets refuse to stay buried, and the woman Jase has loved since he was fourteen is suddenly in the crosshairs of a dangerous obsession.

He's already lost Rainy once.

He'll burn the world down before he loses her again.

Playing with Temptation is a heart-pounding romantic suspense featuring second chances, high school sweethearts, found family, protective alpha hero, blended family, small-town romance, and a love that proves sometimes forever just takes a little longer than expected.

Second Chance Romance - Friends to lovers (okay, they have a little spat first. Not really enemies to lovers, but enemy adjacent. Can't make it too easy on Jase and Rainy)
High School sweethearts - First love
Kidnapping (because, of course, it's a Riley Edwards' book )
spicy romantic suspense - protector romance - Action (of all kinds ;)) Adventure
all the feels - found family - strong sisterhood
law enforcement romance


* Here's a little reminder for Next Generation fans - Jase is Ethan Lenox's partner (Chasing Honor). Jase and Ethan work at the same station as Valentine Malone (Playing with Danger).

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2026

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About the author

Riley Edwards

96 books2,832 followers

Riley Edwards is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.

Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley's favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and never miss another release, sale, or exclusive bonus material. https://www.subscribepage.com/RRsignup

https://www.facebook.com/Novelist.Ril...

www.rileyedwardsromance.com

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5 stars
653 (64%)
4 stars
257 (25%)
3 stars
80 (7%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Darcy.
15k reviews553 followers
August 10, 2026
I'm not always a fan of second chance romances, but this one worked well. I liked that Jace didn't hold the past against Rainy, instead just wanted to move forward. They talked a bit of what happened in the past, but that was it, it was all about the present and to get Rainy to the point to think future with them together. It was funny how Jase said he was going slow, but everyone else kept telling him it was fast. I loved how the kids weren't phased at all, took things at face value and were excited about the new changes. The bit at the end seemed a bit rushed and sort of petered out fast. Glad to see how things ended for these two, nice to see them finally happy together and thinking about the future.
Profile Image for Jamie.
86 reviews
August 7, 2026
I’ve been patiently well maybe not so patiently waiting for Jase’s story and it most certainly didn’t disappoint!

This story had it all! The action, found family and a love story where you can’t help but root for the two main characters. I absolutely loved the second chance storyline. I enjoyed the relationship between Rainy and Jase so much and the blended family was a great bonus.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, suspense, second chance romance with a whole lot of found family this is the book for you!

“I was fourteen when I knew I’d found the boy I was going to love for the rest of my life. And I wasn’t wrong.”

“Rae, right now I need you to be brave. I need you to remember I’m here, right here, and I will never let you fall. You’re safe with me and you always will be.” I was safe with Jase.


Tropes:
💜 Found Family
🚔 Police MMC
💜 Suspense
🚔 Single Dad/ Single Mom
💜 friends to lovers
🚔 Second chance
💜 small town
Profile Image for Carolee Taylor.
553 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2026
3.5⭐. Second chance romance a bit fast on the back together part. Loved the kids and family blending.
Profile Image for Celtic Chic Books.
252 reviews14 followers
September 27, 2026
There is just something about a second-chance romance where neither one ever really stopped loving the other.

Rainy and Jase were it for each other when they were young. First love, first kiss, best friends, all of it. Then Rainy did what Rainy does best. She got in her own head, overthought everything, and eventually walked away.

Sixteen years later, she's back in Hollow Point.

And Jase is NOT letting her disappear again.

I loved these two together. Rainy is an Olympic-level overthinker, and Jase knows exactly how to pull her out of her head. He doesn't push her feelings aside or make decisions for her. He knows her. Even after all those years, he still recognizes when she's spiraling and knows when she needs him to ground her.

But what I really loved was that once they finally got everything out in the open, there wasn't a bunch of unnecessary back and forth. They talk. They're honest. They acknowledge what went wrong when they were younger and move forward. Jase flat-out knows what he wants, and Rainy finally lets herself believe they can have it.

And these two do NOT understand the meaning of taking it slow. 😂

Jase thinks a week is plenty of time because, as he points out, he's already waited sixteen years.

The kids made this one even better for me. Rainy's Lucas and Jase's Juni and Cole are fantastic, and watching the five of them start becoming a family was probably my favorite part of the book. Juni worrying that Lucas can't be her best friend anymore if he becomes her brother absolutely got me.

Of course, this is Hollow Point, so happily blending families isn't all that's happening. There's a murder investigation, danger creeping closer to Rainy, and a bigger mystery developing that isn't completely wrapped up by the end. Plus, we get plenty of familiar faces, which is always one of my favorite parts of coming back to one of Riley Edwards' worlds.

There was humor, suspense, some seriously sweet family moments, and a hero who had already wasted sixteen years and wasn't about to waste another minute.

Rainy and Jase were simply meant to find their way back to each other. ❤️
Profile Image for Jane A.
357 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2026
A meant to be second chance!

Great second chance romance between two wonderful characters. Rainy Cross has always been an over thinker and now she has turned it into an art form. Overthinking ended her relationship with her high school sweetheart and love of her life Jason Turner when she went to college, it then killed their friendship. They have been apart for 16 years but neither has forgotten and now Rainy is home again to escape the devastation of her best friend's death. Jase knows something is missing from his life and once he sees Rainy again he knows exactly what that is. He is determined to heal the rift and have her permanently back in his life whilst Rainy is equally determined to keep their lives separate, even though she hold's herself entirely responsible for everything that happened she knows her fragile heart won't survive losing Jase again.
I am a great believer in fate and what is meant to be and Rainy and Jase's story is a perfect example, many things have changed and happened during the 16 years they were apart but neither of them would swap the families that resulted and have to say those children are fabulous. Rainy is still an over thinker who still often just blurts out her thoughts but now Jase is by her side, ready to pull her out of her head and be the steady presence she needs.
Plenty of Hollow Point and Triple Canopy favourite characters to revisit with and enjoy the banter, a possible serial killer and a stalker are all thrown into the mix with an array of emotions making it a must read that will make you smile. Bring on the next one - please!
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,126 reviews25 followers
August 17, 2026
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Riley Edwards has done it again! Playing with Temptation is a deeply touching second-chance romantic suspense story from the absolute queen of alpha males and family-centered series. Nobody builds a world of protective men and fierce women quite like Edwards. As with all of her series, this book delivers strong, capable heroines and alpha men who serve in security, military, paramilitary, or first-response roles—backed by families forged through deep friendships, trust, and unwavering brotherhood.

This is Jason and Rainey’s story. Teen sweethearts who lost each other years ago due to youth, missteps, and a total lack of communication, they are finally given a second chance at forever. Watching them navigate their way back to one another makes you wish real life could always be mended this gracefully—simply by sitting down, being honest, opening up, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. While young Jason and Rainey failed to do that in their past, they are older, wiser, and determined not to make the same mistake twice.

The result is a beautifully genuine love story paired with an exciting, high-stakes mystery subplot that keeps you turned to the edge of your seat. Best of all, that central mystery isn't fully solved yet—which means we get at least one more book in the Hollow Point series! I couldn't be more thrilled and truly cannot wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Jo Cooper.
391 reviews8 followers
September 2, 2026
PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION by RILEY EDWARDS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)

Playing With Temptation is the fifth (#5) book in the HOLLOW POINT series.

For me Riley Edward’s is a MUST BUY AND READ, so I waited impatiently for the paperback to be released so I could buy it and dive in.

Sadly for me, this one didn’t quite hit the spot like all her other books have 😕

Playing With Temptation concentrates 90% on the reunion between Rainy and Jase. This pair had been school hood best friends until Rainy started doubting her life’s path and their relationship became a casualty.

Almost as soon as they reconnect they RECONNECT. There’s a short passage of time where Rainy tries to avoid Jase but he very quickly pulls down her walls, determined that he’s not letting her go again.

There is a very short threat scene regarding Rainy and her besties husband but it’s pretty much dealt with in one chapter.

Jase is also involved in a murder investigation, but this isn’t concluded in this book. Presumably it will continue in book 6.

Whether this was partly why I didn’t enjoy this one so much I don’t know but I’ll be staying loyal to Riley.

Frustratingly I also found around a dozen grammatical errors in the book, some missed words, one where there was a mix up in the character talking. Disappointing that these errors weren’t picked up in the review process.

👮🏼‍♀️ Second Chance Romance
👮🏼‍♀️Childhood Best Friends
👮🏼‍♀️Open Door Spice 🔥🔥
👮🏼‍♀️Kidnapping
👮🏼‍♀️Police Romance
2,366 reviews19 followers
August 9, 2026
When Rainy returns home with her son Lucas, she has mixed feelings about being home but she would do anything to give her son a stable life. One reason she is uneasy is because of Jase, her high school sweetheart who she ghosted many years ago. She has regretted that decision ever since and now that she is back there is no doubt she will run into him, especially since her son goes to the same school as his daughter, Juni. Jase has never forgotten Rainy, his one and only love, now he’s divorced with two kids, Colton and Juni. When he sees Rainy after all these years…their reunion is not so great as they both have bottled up feelings of hurt, guilt and shame. As days go by and after a terrifying incident, the two find their way back together but Rainy’s past comes back to haunt her and Jase will need all hands on deck or their second chance may evaporate.
Another great addition to the Hollow Point series with amazing characters past and present. If any couple deserved a second chance it was Jase and Rainy, and I loved once all was cleared up, neither was wasting it. Open and honest, no beating around the bush, little to no drama, some suspense, humour, steam and a new mystery kept me flipping.
Profile Image for Donna Goretski.
161 reviews
September 7, 2026
Jase and Rainy are the definition of “we should’ve never broken up, but life got messy.” He’s a steady, stubborn cop who never stopped loving her; she’s been protecting old wounds like they’re state secrets. Their long‑ago misunderstandings finally get dragged into the light, and watching Jase refuse to let the past keep them apart is the good kind of emotional whiplash.

Rainy’s walls aren’t brick — they’re bruises — and Jase chips at them with honesty, patience, and that soft “I’m still yours” energy. Their chemistry? Immediate. Their communication? A work in progress. Their connection? Unshakeable.

Add in the blending‑family chaos — two parents, three kids, one house full of schedules, feelings, and snack‑related crimes — and you get a romance that feels lived‑in and real. Riley Edwards nails the messy, sweet, everyday moments that make second‑chance love actually work.

This isn’t a dramatic, fireworks‑everywhere romance. It’s a grown‑up one. A story about choosing forgiveness, choosing each other, and choosing a future that should’ve been theirs all along.

Jase and Rainy’s fresh start feels earned, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Profile Image for Anna-Marie Buchner.
1,004 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2026
Hmmm I don't see temptation I see 16 years of missing your soulmate. Jase and Rainy were always meant to be. When you're young and in love it's easy to jump to conclusions and that's what happened and kept them apart for 16 years. In the time Jase got someone pregnant and married her. During his marriage he had another child with her but neither of them loved each other and Shay always knew she would never have Jase's heart and cheated on him. Rainy was dating someone and accidentally got pregnant her partner4 gave her an ultimatum she chooses him or the baby. She chose the baby. Fast forward Rainy moves back to her hometown and you guessed it with a bumpy start Jase and Rainy where back together. Lots of drama with Jase getting shot, two women found dead and Rainy being kidnapped. Lots going on so did I miss Jase and Rainy getting engaged and married. I saw where they had to go to the courthouse for Jase to sign the adoption papers for Lucas. It's like WTH how did I miss so much.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,348 reviews33 followers
August 8, 2026
This is such a wonderful second chance romance. Jason Turner and Rainy Cross were high school sweethearts until she made assumptions and did the wrong thing for the right reasons. They've been apart for 16 years but fate has a way for stepping in and making things right. Neither of them ever stopped loving the other and while he's determined to mend the rift between, she's equally determined to keep him at arm's length. The intervening years have seen many changes in both their lives. You are really going to love their offspring. They're funny, smart, wise beyond their years and accepting. Integrating families is not always easy but the five of them find the right balance. Interwoven in this romance are a what appears to be a serial murder and the ex of Rainy's dearest friend who's behavior is becoming stalkerish. We get to revisit favorites from the Hollow Point and Triple Canopy series. Definitely a welcome addition!
Profile Image for JP.
221 reviews
October 13, 2026
just a mess…

I struggled to keep reading this one. It is so poorly written and has many, many grammar and continuity errors. Not to mention how many things make absolutely no sense. It feels like it was written in a rush and no one ever went back and reread any of it before it got published.

The FMC was just annoying. And she could only say “um” to anything important. The only two remotely interesting things about the story were poorly done plot devices because otherwise the story was boring as heck. The way the murder investigation went absolutely nowhere and the way Julian just magically pops back up out of nowhere were giant anticlimactic fizzles. So badly done…like the author had absolutely no plan for where those were going to go and just gave up. I’m sure we’ll see more about the murder mystery in the next book, but in this book, it’s so, so poorly done. And the timeline makes no sense too. Just…nothing worked with this story at all.
Profile Image for Joanne.
317 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2026
Great Second Chance Love Story!
Jace Turner and Rainy Cross were best friends in high school and that friendship turned into their first love. Unfortunately, they were two young and stupid kids who let too much little stuff get in between them and they split up and drifted apart. Now fast forward 16 years and they run into each other again in their home town and the sparks are still there. Rainy is dealing with a lot right now, but Jace slowly starts to win her back over. Watching these two rediscover their love for each other was great. I loved how they knew each other so well and I loved how both their mother’s poked into their business. That was too funny. This was a great story showing how families can work as a blended family and listening to Jace talk to Lucas remined me a little of Jasper. Love it!!
256 reviews
August 9, 2026
What a fantastic second chance book! Rainy Cross and Jase Turner are fantastic for each other. Both knew they messed up when they were young but their inherent love for each other never let them fully love another. Now 15 years later, both single with kids, they see each other.
This is an emotionally charged book. A lot of regrets and getting through the past to move to their future. I love how Rainy over thinks and how Jase grounds her. The banter in this book is fantastic. But seeing how both are more mature and willing to communicate is fantastic.
But danger from the past is lurking, can Jase keep Rainy safe?
I love coming back to Hollow Point, seeing Ethan, Matt, Echo, and Dylan.
I could not put down this book! I am ready for the next book in this series!
365 reviews
August 18, 2026
I am loving this series and this addition is no exception! Rainey and Jase have the best story! Despite being each’s first love 16 years ago, Rainey walked away thinking she was doing the right thing. But love has a way of never really going away. Despite their lives moving on, when they encounter each other once again, 16 years later, they both know that love never went away. But will they finally get their happily ever after? The kids all seem on board for their new blended family. The mother’s of Jase and Rainey definitely are as well! But when danger comes looking for Rainey, Jase will stop at nothing and pull in all the help to make sure she is safe. You really don’t want to miss this one!
390 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2026
Riley Edwards hits the mark with this angsty, second chance, single parent, romantic suspense story set in her Hollow Point (Triple Canopy) world. Playing with Temptation is Book 5 in the series and is one of my favorites to date. Jase and Rainey have chemistry that never gave up even if their relationship fell apart after high school. Now, both single parents, they are back in each other’s orbit and the sparks are a-sparking. These two know what they want and Jase in particular isn’t letting anything stand in his way. I loved the kids in this one as well and thought some of the best scenes starred the three of them. High speed, high passion, and high stakes across the board. This series never disappoints!
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
2,077 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2026
What a great story of a second chance love. Rainy is sure full of wrong words that come out of her mouth! You are never sure you have the next day, so take advantage of what you can do today. Like every Riley Edwards story you get a full run of emotions that you go through with each of the main characters. This family is big and beautiful and it's always wonderful to get a small peak for some characters while a new pair of characters get their happily ever after. There are some differences of opinion though, what is warp speed vs slow. The humor when discussing what the mom(s) were planning was just right, "partridge in a pear tree."
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,078 reviews55 followers
August 15, 2026
This was a great second chance story. I loved the meddling mothers, the blended family – all the kids were great, accepting, wise beyond their years, and all in. After being apart for many years, Jace and Rainy found their way back to each other and even through time, previous relationships, and everything life threw their way, the love was still there. All the emotions run through this one as they deal with the hurt and guilt from their pasts and come together as a family. Triple Canopy and other Hollow Point characters join in on the action and banter which always adds to the fun and excitement. Overall, this was a great story with action, mystery, suspense, humor, romance, and more.
Profile Image for Dina.
93 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2026
♾️ 🌟

Riley Edwards does it again!

Playing with Temptation, book five in the Hollow Point series, was an absolute infinity-star read for me. This was a second-chance romance between Jace and Rainy. The added element of a blended family added another layer of emotions.


The perfect balance of romance and suspense is something Riley Edwards always delivers, and this book was no exception. If you love protective heroes, second chances, high-stakes investigations, and a romance that tugs at your heart, this one is a must-read.
140 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2026
I really enjoy the Hollow Point series, and Playing with Temptation did not disappoint! Jase and Rainy were high school sweethearts, but drifted apart once they went to college. Now they are both back home, and they can't stop thinking about the one that got away. They are both more mature, and they both have children - are they ready to make a family? I loved this book, it had sweetness, sexiness, drama, and peaks of past Hollow Point and Triple Canopy characters. I'm not ready for this series to be nearing the end!
Profile Image for M L.
540 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2026
Loved this story! Jase and Rainy were meant to be together….they just didn’t know everything they would have to go through to get there!!

Always happy when a couple gets a second chance at true love!! Jase never loved anyone in life but Rainy and his kids. Rainy has always loved Jase. But when these two finally reconnect 15 years and 3 kids later, they truly hope things can work between them. But some secrets just can’t stay in the dark and when they come to light, will Rainy be able to survive?

This is one of my favorite stories in this series!!
1,396 reviews10 followers
August 9, 2026
Second chance with two great characters. Rainy and Jace both made mistakes when they were young but, their love for each other never quit. Now 15 years later and they live in the same small town and run into each other. The spark is still there both have children and both have matured to admit they were wrong and are able to find their way back to each other. Second chances, blending of families, emotions and a twist.
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
1,025 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2026
Two high school sweethearts had a misunderstanding that caused their relationship to deteriorate. Fifteen years later, they are single parents and reunite. He refuses to let her slip away again. However, as things are looking like a happy ending, someone from her past kidnaps her. The search is on to find her. Can he find her for their HEA? Check out the latest installment of the Hollow Point Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
279 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2026
Ok, I remember seeing Jase in other books as Ethan’s partner. Wow! I can just picture him using the word baby with Rainey. Let’s just say I can’t wait to see who does the audio for Jase. Great read, I feel she had a lot of growing up to do to be ready for Jase in the past. It was sweet reading her fall again. The kiddos are cute but I also loved seeing towns in the book where I’m from.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,119 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2026
Loved this!!

I loved this story of Jase and Rainy!! They were together when they were young and in love. Then Rainy pushed him away. Neither has ever stopped loving the other. Now Rainy is back home with her son Lucas. Jase is a divorced single dad of two kids. With Rainy back, Jase pursues her, he's not letting her get away this time. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend. I can't wait for West's story!
403 reviews
August 24, 2026
Made the cut

Rainy and Jase were childhood sweethearts until they were not. More than a decade later they run into each other and immediately rub each other wrong. Things between them get worse before they get better. And both have children too. What neither anticipated was Dad's kidnapping, Jase getting shot around the time that two young women are found dead in the lake. So many problems to solve. Sit back, put your feet up and read.
Profile Image for Deborah.
570 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2026
A New Favourite

I loved Jase and Rainy’s story, young love gone wrong and it stayed that way for 16 years as life carried on. Rainy and her son have moved back to Hollow Point and she’s also brought some unintended drama and danger with her. Jase finally has Rainy right where he wants her and he’s never letting go, but someone has other ideas. These two have never stopped loving each other, and their reunion is hot and swoon worthy in this satisfying page turner.
Profile Image for Debra Smith.
197 reviews
September 5, 2026
Riley always takes us in an adventure. Rainy left the only boy she ever loved,ives anyway and had a family. Now she's back and comes face to face with the one she left behind. Jase moved on as well, had a family but can these two find their way back to each other. Only with a few bumps to overcome and work thru. Adventure and intrigue follow. Love Riley's books, you always get sucked into the story.

Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,680 reviews66 followers
August 7, 2026
What an emotional rollercoaster ride Jase & Rainy took! From first love to best friends to radio silence until a glimpse in the school parking lot! Their love was always there…just hiding until it was found again.

But sometimes evil has a way of popping in when you least expect it and then you’ll do anything you can to save the once in a lifetime love! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Lisa Stainker.
49 reviews
August 8, 2026
Love Hollow Point

I always love returning to Hollow Point. You just never know what will happen. Riley Edwards certainly does not disappoint! Jase and Rainie's story of second chance love was a beautiful blending of families who banned together to overcome whatever is thrown at them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews