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Playing with Fire
The chef and the billionaire each want more from the other than their chemistry in bed, so both will have to come clean. Will their secrets make them or break them?
Carolyn Hamilton has never been the sort of woman who sleeps around. In fact, she’s been without a partner since her last relationship fell apart, and that’s been years. Maybe that explains why she gives in to her boss’s seduction...she’s lonely. They used condoms, and she’s on the pill...there’s no way anything can go wrong, right? Wrong! First, she discovers what she thinks is evidence he’s into criminal activities, and then she finds out she’s pregnant with his child. And it doesn’t help that she has been stupid enough to develop feelings for him. So now she has to keep her secret, search for a new job, and keep her distance from the man whom she should not love.
The FBI thinks he’s an arms dealer, but Mikhail Chaykovsky knows he’s innocent. He has a choice...work with them to discover who has infiltrated his import/export business or risk being arrested for domestic terrorism. But he must also keep up the facade of the successful businessman, living large as he has always done. His new chef is a welcome distraction, and when she finally sleeps with him, Mikhail is blown away by just how emotionally satisfying the experience is. It’s nothing serious, but he can’t keep his mind, or his eyes, or his hands off her. Then he discovers evidence that she’s pregnant. He’s overjoyed to think it might be his child, yet unexpectedly hurt that she is keeping it from him.
How can Carolyn and Mikhail clear up the misunderstandings that plague their relationship? And how can love grow when they are both keeping secrets from each other?
This is a Full-Length 60k BWWM Billionaire Secret Baby romance novel. Absolutely no Cheating and a guaranteed HEA. Also includes a bonus romance for your reading pleasure after the main story.
Carolyn Hamilton has never been the sort of woman who sleeps around. In fact, she’s been without a partner since her last relationship fell apart, and that’s been years. Maybe that explains why she gives in to her boss’s seduction...she’s lonely. They used condoms, and she’s on the pill...there’s no way anything can go wrong, right? Wrong! First, she discovers what she thinks is evidence he’s into criminal activities, and then she finds out she’s pregnant with his child. And it doesn’t help that she has been stupid enough to develop feelings for him. So now she has to keep her secret, search for a new job, and keep her distance from the man whom she should not love.
The FBI thinks he’s an arms dealer, but Mikhail Chaykovsky knows he’s innocent. He has a choice...work with them to discover who has infiltrated his import/export business or risk being arrested for domestic terrorism. But he must also keep up the facade of the successful businessman, living large as he has always done. His new chef is a welcome distraction, and when she finally sleeps with him, Mikhail is blown away by just how emotionally satisfying the experience is. It’s nothing serious, but he can’t keep his mind, or his eyes, or his hands off her. Then he discovers evidence that she’s pregnant. He’s overjoyed to think it might be his child, yet unexpectedly hurt that she is keeping it from him.
How can Carolyn and Mikhail clear up the misunderstandings that plague their relationship? And how can love grow when they are both keeping secrets from each other?
This is a Full-Length 60k BWWM Billionaire Secret Baby romance novel. Absolutely no Cheating and a guaranteed HEA. Also includes a bonus romance for your reading pleasure after the main story.
Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2018
136 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Grenier
72 books162 followersHello,
So this is the part were I'm supposed to talk about myself. I write so many stories but I often I have a hard time telling my own. Funny how that works.
My name is Cristina Grenier and I have been writing stories for as long as I could remember . I'm a sucker for romance. I draw from past experiences and from others around me when I write. I enjoy creating characters that everyone can relate to.
Besides writing, I also enjoy painting and figure drawing. I'm a bit of a homebody, my ideal night consists of a chilled bottle of wine, some pasta and Netflix. I really hope you enjoy the stories I create. If you want to keep updated on my new releases and frequent FREE book giveaways, please subscribe to my email group at www.cristinagrenier.com
On Social Media? LET'S CONNECT!
facebook.com/authorcristinagrenier
pinterest.com/cristinagrenier
So this is the part were I'm supposed to talk about myself. I write so many stories but I often I have a hard time telling my own. Funny how that works.
My name is Cristina Grenier and I have been writing stories for as long as I could remember . I'm a sucker for romance. I draw from past experiences and from others around me when I write. I enjoy creating characters that everyone can relate to.
Besides writing, I also enjoy painting and figure drawing. I'm a bit of a homebody, my ideal night consists of a chilled bottle of wine, some pasta and Netflix. I really hope you enjoy the stories I create. If you want to keep updated on my new releases and frequent FREE book giveaways, please subscribe to my email group at www.cristinagrenier.com
On Social Media? LET'S CONNECT!
facebook.com/authorcristinagrenier
pinterest.com/cristinagrenier
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 16, 2018
What an engaging read! "Playing with Fire" by Cristina Grenier was Mikhail and Carolyn's gripping story. I enjoyed the journey they had to take to get over their pasts haunting them. When they met, their attraction was instant and existed throughout the entire story leaving me with a heartfelt happy ending. Not my first read by Cristina Grenier but her writing is getting better with each book I read.
So if you like a story with many pivotal twists and turns and drama in the form of a smexy romantic suspense, read this one for sure!
5 star read! *****
So if you like a story with many pivotal twists and turns and drama in the form of a smexy romantic suspense, read this one for sure!
5 star read! *****
June 18, 2018
2.5 Stars
This story moved slower than molasses. I liked the premise -- secret transfer of monies on Friday and returned on Sunday without the knowledge, nor consent of the CEO. The FBI accuses the hero of being an Arms Dealer and he decides to cooperate with their investigation to clear his good name.
On the personal side, we learn the hero had the hots for his secretary before she shot him down. Later, we discover he now has the hots for his personal chef. Clearly the hero had a penchant for trying to seduce women in his employ -- which is NEVER good for business. I never felt any chemistry between the hero/ine and I was perplexed when the heroine wanted to know how their story would end before it even began.
Though there is clearly a black woman on the cover of the book you wouldn't know it to read this story. There is absolutely NO description of this heroine -- nada, zilch, zero! I hesitate to make assumptions but she did apply lotion to her skin and she liked watching old re-runs of 227. Next time, I will search the sample for a description of the heroine.
Bonus book included which I did not read.
This story moved slower than molasses. I liked the premise -- secret transfer of monies on Friday and returned on Sunday without the knowledge, nor consent of the CEO. The FBI accuses the hero of being an Arms Dealer and he decides to cooperate with their investigation to clear his good name.
On the personal side, we learn the hero had the hots for his secretary before she shot him down. Later, we discover he now has the hots for his personal chef. Clearly the hero had a penchant for trying to seduce women in his employ -- which is NEVER good for business. I never felt any chemistry between the hero/ine and I was perplexed when the heroine wanted to know how their story would end before it even began.
Though there is clearly a black woman on the cover of the book you wouldn't know it to read this story. There is absolutely NO description of this heroine -- nada, zilch, zero! I hesitate to make assumptions but she did apply lotion to her skin and she liked watching old re-runs of 227. Next time, I will search the sample for a description of the heroine.
Bonus book included which I did not read.
July 10, 2018
Great chemistry great read!!!!
July 29, 2019
4 stars for the Bonus story.
The main story..Playing with Fire has everything but fire. The relationship btwn Mikhail and Carolyn is too quick with no substance to it. It doesn't seem to build on anything and is too unbelievable even for a fictional story. At one point Mikhail thinks how he respects Carolyn for waiting and putting up resistance to his advances but it's laughable. She'll say "no-more" but 24hrs or so later they're back in the sack because he's been pouring and she needs to make it up to him. Bollocks..right?!?😒
There is a bit of bad editing..An unnecessary amount of sex scenes and an ending that totally looks like the writing just stopped before the actual end. The one saving grace is the backstory of the criminal activities which garnered the FBI investigation. For that I'll give PWF 2 🌟.
The Arrangement is so much better. A relationship that goes from a business proposal to so much more over time. Dominic is a rare gem and Mykayla just breaks your heart. Melody is the best friend everyone needs. And even though Dom makes you want to crack him one when he blows up..you do understand. These two have quite the mating dance bringing jeers, cheers & tears and when the dust settles you can just exhale. 😏
The main story..Playing with Fire has everything but fire. The relationship btwn Mikhail and Carolyn is too quick with no substance to it. It doesn't seem to build on anything and is too unbelievable even for a fictional story. At one point Mikhail thinks how he respects Carolyn for waiting and putting up resistance to his advances but it's laughable. She'll say "no-more" but 24hrs or so later they're back in the sack because he's been pouring and she needs to make it up to him. Bollocks..right?!?😒
There is a bit of bad editing..An unnecessary amount of sex scenes and an ending that totally looks like the writing just stopped before the actual end. The one saving grace is the backstory of the criminal activities which garnered the FBI investigation. For that I'll give PWF 2 🌟.
The Arrangement is so much better. A relationship that goes from a business proposal to so much more over time. Dominic is a rare gem and Mykayla just breaks your heart. Melody is the best friend everyone needs. And even though Dom makes you want to crack him one when he blows up..you do understand. These two have quite the mating dance bringing jeers, cheers & tears and when the dust settles you can just exhale. 😏
June 12, 2018
Michail has worked his way through American university and graduate school, interning and working at import/export companies until he could start his own specializing in exotics. In the last ten years he has managed to become well-known, successful and rich. Three months ago he hired a new chef, Caroline, to join the small staff of housekeeper, gardener, and personal assistant /butler/ chauffuer at his mansion one hour drive outside the city. Michail can see Caroline is attracted to him and begans insisting she call him by his given name. Eventually, they have hot sex in his suite, but when she goes to excuse herself instead of enjoying the bath he has already drawn for them, he makes it obvious there is an expiry date to their affair, which makes Caroline swear to herself to stay out of his bed. As Michail brings flowers to apologize and continues to court her, he has serious problems at work as the FBI has come in accusing him of money laundrying and illegally importing guns for terrorists. I thought this was a well thought out plot, with excellent characters and I volunteered this review after reading an ARC!
June 10, 2018
***I voluntarily read this ARC to give an honest review*** I truly enjoyed the characters, Mikhail and Carolyn. Mikhail and his mother ran away from Russia and his father because he didn't want to be a part of his criminal empire. He was abusive to both his wife and his son. Mikhail moved to America and worked nonstop until he became a billionaire with an export/import company with customers all over the world. Carolyn was his private chef with aspirations of owning her own business. She had formerly been a sous chef for a friend, Javier, whose restaurant had burned down due to arson. Mikhail learns that his business has been used to launder money and ship weapons to terrorists in America from Russia. As he finds this out the FBI lets him know that they had found this out a month earlier. Mikhail knew he had a pull towards Carolyn, but she tried to remain professional even though she had the same feelings. I loved it!
July 9, 2018
DISRESPECTFUL
The characters in the first story (Mikhail & Caroline) were very likeable a couple, but their romance was a little rushed. I wished Caroline would have sexually held Mikhail off and made him respect her more. Can't these characters stop jumping into bed so soon? I guess I just wanted a longer book.
The second story with Dominic and Makayla, was interesting,. Both characters were also likeable; however, I found this story to be the most Disrespectful. The number of times the author used Jesus with the 4-6 letter word was reprehensible and a shame. There should be a sensitivity for those of us who would find this language in using Jesus' name as a curse word, offensive.
I will not be reading anymore of this author's books.
The characters in the first story (Mikhail & Caroline) were very likeable a couple, but their romance was a little rushed. I wished Caroline would have sexually held Mikhail off and made him respect her more. Can't these characters stop jumping into bed so soon? I guess I just wanted a longer book.
The second story with Dominic and Makayla, was interesting,. Both characters were also likeable; however, I found this story to be the most Disrespectful. The number of times the author used Jesus with the 4-6 letter word was reprehensible and a shame. There should be a sensitivity for those of us who would find this language in using Jesus' name as a curse word, offensive.
I will not be reading anymore of this author's books.
October 5, 2018
Good story with twists
Both Mikhail and Carolyn were attracted to each other when they first met but they fought it until they couldn't anymore. Alot of things were happening while they were still in the beginning stage of their relationship,someone was stealing from his company while he was dealing with his newfound feelings for Carolyn that had Mikhail acting differently from his action before them compared to him with her. I was so shocked when it came out who was the insider helping the bad guys. I was hapy when both Mikhail and Carolyn got their happily ever after with other.
Both Mikhail and Carolyn were attracted to each other when they first met but they fought it until they couldn't anymore. Alot of things were happening while they were still in the beginning stage of their relationship,someone was stealing from his company while he was dealing with his newfound feelings for Carolyn that had Mikhail acting differently from his action before them compared to him with her. I was so shocked when it came out who was the insider helping the bad guys. I was hapy when both Mikhail and Carolyn got their happily ever after with other.
June 10, 2018
I personally had high hopes for this book. The story looked interesting, the characters seemed to be very likable and I thought the plot would hold. Unfortunately for me though, I felt it was a bit boring. It took everything I had to finish the book. I almost gave up in the middle but thought if I just fought through the book, it would get better. I can't say it did for me. Now having said that, just because the book wasn't for me doesn't mean that it won't be for you. Please read all the reviews as well as the synopsis to see if this will be one for your library.
June 13, 2018
After his childhood, Mikhail swore he would be the opposite of what is father is. After a fire, Carolyn had to search for another job as a chef. He is her boss, but attractions have other ideas. Will Mikhail be ready to settle down? Will Carolyn finally find the answers to the questions she has?
Definitely steamy chemistry between these two! I loved how Mikhail was determined to prove his innocence and how when everything came out, he was determined to stand by her. I didn't blame Carolyn for being scared and definitely thought at times that she should have just asked him. Great read!
Definitely steamy chemistry between these two! I loved how Mikhail was determined to prove his innocence and how when everything came out, he was determined to stand by her. I didn't blame Carolyn for being scared and definitely thought at times that she should have just asked him. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
Oh man, I really wanted to love this book as it had all the “good stuff”—a good storyline; good characters; lots of suspense and twists and turns...even the HEA was good. So why didn’t I love this book? It was too long; the plot felt mired in molasses; and some of the story moved so strangely that not only did the characters get a headache—so did I! I was never so happy to read the last page! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was so relieved when it ended!)
June 11, 2018
Exciting and dangerous, it's easy to get swept up in Mikhail and Carolyn's romance. Both of them have a history that doesn't set them up for success, but that doesn't stop the chemistry they clearly have. The plot is refreshing and original, and I couldn't predict exactly where it would take us, but I enjoyed every minute. The characters are also nicely grounded. Very enjoyable and highly recommend romance. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
June 16, 2018
Loved it! Misha and Caro made a good couple and it was clear they belonged together. Even though there were some missteps regarding communication. And with all of the issues regarding his company along with family betrayal is enough to make any person crack. But Misha stood strong and fought for everything that mattered, especially when it came to the woman he loved. Excellent read! I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 6, 2019
5/5
I have rated this book 5/5 but it should be more I truly enjoyed the characters I in this story, each with happiness, sadness also wanting to hurt the guy for what he put her through the pain, stress and isolation, this book was so good I've read it start to finish as I could not put down, I had to know they would be happy together and be would be forever sorry for what he put her through by listening to his mother instead of listening to her.
I have rated this book 5/5 but it should be more I truly enjoyed the characters I in this story, each with happiness, sadness also wanting to hurt the guy for what he put her through the pain, stress and isolation, this book was so good I've read it start to finish as I could not put down, I had to know they would be happy together and be would be forever sorry for what he put her through by listening to his mother instead of listening to her.
June 9, 2018
This was a sweet story. These two have a chemistry they’re both trying to fight but when they give in the flames ignite with a quickness. The things going on at work have him on pins and needles, but she’s all that calms him during those hours, even if she doesn’t know it herself. I really enjoyed this book. I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 12, 2018
I’ll admit that I was not interested in this book. Having said that, I’m glad I read it. It was quite entertaining and had a lot of intensity to it. The characters are well developed and the plot is well thought out. I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
June 6, 2018
Great book. Was granted an ARC. Hooked in pretty quick. Didn’t want to put it down for Work. Fell in love with Mikhail and Carolyn pretty quick. Would have loved to see both Mikhail and Carolyn grow as individuals during the pregnancy, and how awaiting the trial affected their everyday lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
Enjoyable plot. I liked the interactions between Mikhail and Carolyn, some pretty hot interactions. He was a strong male lead and she was independent in her own right. They had to deal with outside stress and internal uncertainties, but it was nicely resolved in the end.
June 17, 2018
Intriguing
Misha and Carolyn tried to fight their attraction to one another. Carolyn doesn’t want to get her heart broken so she keeps retreating from Misha but Misha is used to getting what he wants...... Her wants her. Book kept me on the edge of my seat. Great book.
Misha and Carolyn tried to fight their attraction to one another. Carolyn doesn’t want to get her heart broken so she keeps retreating from Misha but Misha is used to getting what he wants...... Her wants her. Book kept me on the edge of my seat. Great book.
June 20, 2018
Good read...
The characters were great, intense. I loved the way their relationship was allowed to develop naturally. I loved the story line . It was simple and involved some mystery, betryal, deceit and conflict. The resolution was good but a little too quick for my liking.
The characters were great, intense. I loved the way their relationship was allowed to develop naturally. I loved the story line . It was simple and involved some mystery, betryal, deceit and conflict. The resolution was good but a little too quick for my liking.
July 14, 2018
Playing with Fire!
What a lovely story. The attraction between them started with their first meeting. They both tried to deny it until they couldn't stay away from each other. The second book was really emotional.
What a lovely story. The attraction between them started with their first meeting. They both tried to deny it until they couldn't stay away from each other. The second book was really emotional.
June 10, 2018
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 14, 2018
Playing with Fire
I love this book. The characters were great. I
l like the storyline. How the characters were introduced and how they connected.
I love this book. The characters were great. I
l like the storyline. How the characters were introduced and how they connected.
June 18, 2018
Ready for romances
2 books 1 price. Loved them both 2nd had me in tears. Good read and highly recommended. The first was with a Russian hottie. The 2nd all american.
2 books 1 price. Loved them both 2nd had me in tears. Good read and highly recommended. The first was with a Russian hottie. The 2nd all american.
June 29, 2018
Loved it
June 16, 2018
This was an interesting book with plenty of intrigue, drama and danger - business and personal. Mikhail Chaykovsky is a Russian world-class billionaire. Carolyn Hamilton is a chef working for Mikhail Chaykovsky. There's an attraction between the two of them which she won't admit because it would be unprofessional to have an affair with her boss. He's determined to have her and realizes he has to get her to acknowledge her attraction to him. He does this by getting her to call him by this first name, Mikhail. After one night of passion, she refuses to have an affair with him.
He realized he made a mistake with her and works to correct it. While working on a relationship with her, he's informed by the FBI that he's under investigation for using his business to launder money and purchase illegal weapons for an attack on America. He's furious because he left Russia and his father who is a Mob Boss who
sells arms to dissidents everywhere in exchange for fat profits. He knows that he's not guilty and works with the FBI to determine who's setting him up. Is it Jeff Chandler, his CFO or Tom Willis, his lawyer, or Jake Fellows, his Man Friday or someone else who works for him.
Will he find out who set him up? Will Carolyn admit her love for him? Will he be found guilty? Those are the questions that makes this an interesting read. The weak points are the characters lack much of a back story. You know a little about Mikhail and how he looks but there's absolutely no description of Carolyn even though this is described as a BWWM romance. Will there be a HEA for them?
He realized he made a mistake with her and works to correct it. While working on a relationship with her, he's informed by the FBI that he's under investigation for using his business to launder money and purchase illegal weapons for an attack on America. He's furious because he left Russia and his father who is a Mob Boss who
sells arms to dissidents everywhere in exchange for fat profits. He knows that he's not guilty and works with the FBI to determine who's setting him up. Is it Jeff Chandler, his CFO or Tom Willis, his lawyer, or Jake Fellows, his Man Friday or someone else who works for him.
Will he find out who set him up? Will Carolyn admit her love for him? Will he be found guilty? Those are the questions that makes this an interesting read. The weak points are the characters lack much of a back story. You know a little about Mikhail and how he looks but there's absolutely no description of Carolyn even though this is described as a BWWM romance. Will there be a HEA for them?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews