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Playing with Fire

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Firefighter Cade Nash isn’t afraid of much, but one fear is deep-seated from childhood.

The dentist.

So, when his sexy new neighbor turns out to be a dentist, he does his best to contain his desire. He has dedicated his life to helping people, so when her car needs a jump, he is happy to help. But, when he breaks his tooth, and Heather offers to fix it, he wants nothing to do with her.

After leaving an abusive marriage, Dr. Heather Holbrook is ready to start a new life in a new city. All she wants is a quiet life, in a quaint neighborhood, and to learn to rely only on herself.

A series of events forces Heather to rely on Cade far more than she’s comfortable with, her pull to him undeniable, until he does the unthinkable, all in the name of protecting her.

Cade would do anything to keep those he loves safe, even if it means using his fists to do it…but when push comes to shove, and he does what it takes to protect what’s his, will Heather be able to forgive him?

This was previously published as Stealing his Fire in Kindle Worlds

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

97 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Jen Talty

229 books511 followers
Jen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.

Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).

She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.

Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews132 followers
January 27, 2019
Wow, Jen Talty is straight into all of the action and keeps it coming with this thrilling romance novella, set in Lake George, New York. It is a delightful story that has a bit of everything, from drama and hot desire to tension and conflict, there is something for everyone.

I really like that, in the opening chapter, we are introduced to hot and sexy fire-fighter, Cade Nash. Next, we meet his gorgeous new neighbour, but Heather Holbrook is a dentist and Cade has a deep-rooted fear of dentists, dating back to a bad experience from his childhood. Cade loves to help people in their hour of need so when Heather’s car has a flat battery and she needs a jump-start, he is there to assist.

Heather has recently divorced and is trying to start over in her new neighbourhood. After leaving her abusive husband, she just wants a happy, quiet life. You could immediately sense that there was an intense physical attraction between Cade and Heather and one of the highlights of the book was following how they dealt with their emotionally-charged feelings for one another. After some problems with her ex-husband, Heather is forced to rely on Cade more than she would have chosen to, until he oversteps the mark, although his main goal was to protect her. Can Heather forgive him?

I thought both the plot and the character development were great and found the story-line to be very believable. The story is well-told, captivating and engaging. It held my interest right from the beginning and I found myself rooting for both Heather and Cade as they tried to deal with all of their conflicting emotions. This was a short, fast-paced read with plenty of action, some suspense and lots of lust and love. I enjoyed their instant attraction and the banter between them and I laughed-out-loud a few times while reading it. I thought the ending was very appropriate for this great novella.

I have been inspired to read more from Jen Talty and I highly recommend Playing With Fire.

Thank you to Hidden Gems and the author, Jen Talty for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,090 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2022
Cute short novella. Safe.
2,148 reviews30 followers
July 26, 2020
Really solid short story romance. Definitely enjoyed it.

Cade (H) is a firefighter, a man who lives his life to help people. He's open and brave and selfless, but he has one deep fear: the dentist. Too bad his attractive new neighbor - the first woman he's been truly interested in since his divorce - happens to be one. Heather (h) is starting over after her own painful marriage. When her abusive ex tracks her down to their small town, Cade steps up to protect her, but his hot temper scares her. Meanwhile, her whole profession scares him! Can these two find a way past their fears to start something new?

This was just a happy read. I loved the big, strong alpha male with an intense but rather ordinary fear (albeit, a very justified one!). Just makes him more human, more enjoyable. Their banter back and forth was a lot of fun, and Heather was very professional helping him face his fear. Even their argument was a solid, believable one - someone coming off an abusive relationship would certainly have fears of a hot temper.

The bet with the onions made me laugh. I'm the type to always cry with onions - I always have to get sweet onions, or I am a teary mess! He started with his little "just don't touch your eyes" spiel, and I wanted to yell out to Heather, "LIES! LIES!"

A few grammatical errors, word choices and commas - that sort of thing. Nothing too disctracting, but noticeable.

Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangle nonsense, no OW drama. There is some drama with Heather's ex, though that's more plot development than OM drama. Cute, fast, light escape, with enjoyable leads, a satisfying HEA, and no cliffhangers.

Would I read more from this author? Yes. This was a fun read, and I'd definitely be willing to read more.
Profile Image for Amy Dickinson.
1,466 reviews40 followers
January 31, 2019
Jen Talty has given us the first book, Playing with Fire, of a new series. This story follows neighbors, Cade and Heather. Cade is a local fireman and resident do-gooder. You can always count on him to help his neighbors with anything. Unfortunately, his willingness to help others broke his marriage, and he's left to pick up his life. Heather is new to town. She has bought the local dental practice and the house next door to Cade. At first sight, Cade is intrigued with Heather until he finds out she's a dentist, his only fear. Through various trials (namely, Heather's abusive ex-husband), Cade and Heather come to realize their interest in each other. Can Cade develop feelings for the local dentist given his fear? Will Heather move beyond her past? You'll have to read the story to find out.

This story is more novella than novel. It's short, sweet,and to the point. I was hoping for a bit more story development. There were times when I thought the story could give us a bit more. I struggle with "love at first sight" stories. Not that this story is typical of that, but they fall fairly fast for each other when both of them are reticent to date anyone at the beginning of the story. I would have liked for them to take a bit longer to acknowledge their interests in each other because it moved quickly. Also, Heather's indignation about Cade's violence towards her ex seemed misguided. I struggled with her reticence towards him in that moment because he was simply protecting her.

Overall, this is an uncomplicated romance with a tinge of angst. You will fall in love with Cade easily because he is everything you want in a hero. Check out Jen Talty's book...
2,523 reviews42 followers
January 31, 2019
Dr. Heather Holbrook, a dentist, has divorced her abusive husband and has moved to Lake George, NY. She has purchased a dental practice and is finally living for herself…and loving it. When firefighter Cade Nash returns home after his shift, he meets his new neighbor, Heather, as she is trying to start her car. He offers to help and realizes her battery is dead, so he takes her to work and replaces her battery…because that is what he does, he helps people. Cade finds himself attracted to Heather even though she is in the one profession he fears and dislikes…a dentist. He had a traumatic visit to the dentist when he was a child and now tries to avoid them if at all possible. How could he be attracted to a dentist, well a very “hot” dentist? While Heather is trying to rely on herself, Cade is ready to protect her especially when her ex does not want to remain an ex. A wonderful, emotional and heartwarming read from Ms. Talty. She knows how to get the most out of the story and her characters! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
January 28, 2019
Hot, sexy fireman? Check. Sweet, sassy heroine? Check. Drama, angst, action, and a pile of giggles? Check, check, check, and check. Cade's fear stems from a very traumatic incident from his childhood. It's so awful, I'm impressed that he can even think the word 'dentist'. Heather's ex-husband is a jerk of the highest degree. (One that deserves to be called much more vile names but I can't think of any that are suitable for me to put in print in the public domain.) He was a similar build and stature as Cade and that fact makes Heather very nervous to be around the attractive fireman. The instant sparks between these characters leap off the page from the very first time we see them together. Both of them are so independent but they also want to help each other so very much. The push/pull of who gets to give and who has to take was fun to watch. There's a couple of larger-than-life secondary characters that completely steal the show and had me giggling non-stop.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Hidden Gems Books.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,087 reviews21 followers
January 30, 2019
Playing With Fire was a really fun book. It's a very sweet story about a firefighter from the fictional town of Lake George, NY named Cade Nash. He's a great guy that has been divorced for a couple of years and hasn't met the right woman yet. When his attractive neighbor moves in he's excited about meeting her until he finds out that she's the town's new dentist. If there's one thing Cade doesn't like its dentists! Dr. Heather Holbrook is divorced as well and she had hoped for a different life in her 36 years but she's been badly burned and she's not willing to risk herself again. This is a good second chance love story that is set in an ideal town. Jen Talty has written a series of books set in Lake George. Playing with Fire stands alone but I recommend reading them as well. It's told from dual POV and it's sweet with some heat!
3,560 reviews40 followers
January 16, 2019
Once again, this talented author did something few authors do well, write a novella that not only has an engaging plot and complex characters, but also one that has as well developed a plot as much longer novels.
This story belongs to fIrefighter Cade Nash and the new dentist in town , his new neighbor, Heather Holbrook.
Each has gone through a divorce. One with scars too deep to take chances .
That said, a tentative friendship begins. But Heather’s past as someone that was once a victim of domestic abuse, is hard to overcome. Will she be able to trust again, and will Cade be the one to help her?
It’s a story about relationships and taking chances, hope , trust and love.
Another winner by Ms. Talty.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Narci.
375 reviews
January 31, 2019
I recieved this ARC to review. Cade is the cutest, sweetest and most handsome firefighter who so happens to be Dr. Heathers neighbor. I love the fact that Cade tried to stay away from Heather only because she is a Dentist...ooh the horror. Heather is a dentist who's had bad luck with men, and isn't looking for love. However, Heather wasn't expecting Cade to be her shinning knight. This is a story about two people who have been hurt, and have issues they need to overcome. I love the instant chemistry that Cade and Heather have. This story is about second chances and new beginnings. I really loved it!
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,926 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2019
Suspenseful second chance romance

SEALs Homecoming by Leslie North is a well written romantic suspense featuring characters with heart. With Chance and Mandy’s emotionally charged and chemistry fueled history, the suspenseful plot is a page-turning must read.
This author has created a well-rounded cast of characters that promises more great reading opportunities for this series. As usual, there is an HEA for Chance and Mandy this reader found quite satisfying all around.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
897 reviews5 followers
February 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is a well written romance with well developed characters. As far as I'm concerned, Heather can't have Cade, he belongs with me LOL. Cade and Heather's story is not what you might call a "typical" romance, but a very light hearted chase. You can feel the connection between them, yet Cade pursuit of Heather is very gentle but done with a lot of determination. I can't say there were a lot of twists and turns but the path to romance for these two does have it's bumps and a ex-husband who gets in the way. Very easy to read and wonderful book to relax with preferably with a glass or two of champagne in hand.
799 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2019
Once again, Jen Talty has written characters you want to know personally, and a hero that will fuel your dreams (he does mine!). A firefighter and a dentist don't seem to have much in common, but they work together so well. And Cade's reaction to Heather's ex's behavior is absolutely awe-inspiring, and as for his relationship with his grandmother - it's delightful to see him quiver at the thought of her anger. This book is fabulous; it has heat, it has a great storyline, it has wonderful characters - and her writing style is such a pleasure to read.
5,572 reviews
February 1, 2019
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book from Hidden Gems. (1.20.19) This was a fun, short read! Sexy next door neighbor, a fireman to boot! He saves people, and he saves neighbors. That's how Cade meets Heather! Her dead battery, his offer to drive her to work and change that battery. Their is definite chemistry between the two. But whoa, she's a dentist, and Cade is dentist-phobic... But even his phobia is not going to keep him from saving her from her ex! I loved the novella, but didn't like it because I wanted more!
896 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2019
Playing with Fire
Jen Talty

A fast pace romance of a second chance for a fire fighter and a dentist.
Cade and Heather are characters that just fit together.
Even though Cade hates going to the dentist, he is drawn to Heather who besides being his new neighbor is also his dentist.
Loved the connections between the main characters and the minor ones which shows the support neighbors and family have for each other.
Roller coaster ride of emotions take you through the story from beginning to the end that has you not wanting to put it down.
2,010 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2019
This is a beautiful romance. The characters are a little damaged from past hurts but, their neighborly friendship turns into something more. It is a sweet and tender story that makes your heart beat a little faster because you can see the potential these two, Cade and Heather can be to each other even if others have difficulty figuring it out. I recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
1,328 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2019
An amazing read!
Ms. Fleming hooked me as a reader with this book. I absolutely LOVED it! Talk about emotional reads this book took me from sadness to angst to giddy happiness. If you like to read something that hooks you from the very beginning this is it!
Personally I’ve gotten the first book in the series and will start it after I finish this review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2019
This is book one in the new "First Responders" series by Ms. Talty. I have a soft spot for firefighters, so I was excited to read this book. I loved Cade. I also empathized with him and his "dislike" of dentists since I had a similar experience when a child. Luckily he and Heather were able to help each other get past their fears.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book via Hidden Gems as well as purchasing a copy which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Profile Image for Nutnut1(Lornajean Ford).
1,064 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2019
I recieved this ARC for an honest review 


This is a great story. Cade is neighbour to sexy  Dr Heather Halbrook. Who is also a dentist something Cade fears.


Both are attracted to each other but both carry baggage. Cade' s

Is emotional where Heather's is emotional and physical.


When her abusive ex husband tracks her down and Cade has to intevene.

Heather worries she has made the same mistake,does she really know Cade at all.


Sweet sorry.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,735 reviews29 followers
February 3, 2019
I really liked how both Heather and Cade and had come out of bad marriages so had an idea of distrust in a relationship, hesitation in regards to getting involved and wanting to protect their hearts. Their chemistry and playfulness keeps you hooked and needing to know they will make it together in the end. I can not wait to see who is next in the series and I may see dentists in another light ... just a little though they still scare me too!
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,699 reviews
February 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this novella, the connection and chemistry between Cade and Heather was evident from the start and continued throughout. They both have issues they are dealing with, but they showed their strength and bravery trying for something. I enjoyed getting to know their neighbours but would have liked to have gotten to know MiMi, and Cade's colleagues. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
Profile Image for LeeAnn Lewis.
323 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2019
his has got to be one of the best short romances I have read! He is petrified of dentists, but can't seem to stay away from his new neighbor. She is trying to start over after running from an abusive husband. I love the way that this story is written, they need each other, but have to figure out how to make their relationship work little by little. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
February 4, 2019
The first book in The First Responders Series is well written and a story that held my interest throughout. Firefighter Cade Nash is afraid of the dentist because of things from his childhood when he meets Dr. Heather Holbrook a dentist he is not going to let her help him. They both have their own fears and reading how they overcome them made this story for me. I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,727 reviews35 followers
June 2, 2020
Cade and Heather are new neighbors. Both have had bad prior marriages but are attracted to each other. Heather still is dealing with her ex who won't accept they are divorced. This is resolved with his true character coming out with another woman who won't take it. Heather helps Cade get over his fear of dentists. Cade is persistent in pursuing Heather and she does give in. Cade is the first to confess he is falling in love. It is a sweet story and a good start on a new series.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
January 31, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Oh my goodness, it’s got a terrific storyline; amazing characters—even the ones you love to hate; great action; and one really kickass HEA! You definitely need to grab this book at your earliest opportunity. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and totally loved it!!) ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews69 followers
February 17, 2019
We go to Lake George, New York where Dr.
Heather Holbrook has moved. She is a dentist
recently divorced from an abusive husband who
doesn’t want to lose her.
Her neighbor is firefighter, Cade Nash. He fears
dentist but is attracted to her plus wants to
protect her.
Their chemistry is undeniable. What will happen??
An entertaining read.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,978 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2019
A very pleasant sweet romance. Neighbors Cade and Heather are both recently divorced. Her ex wants her back and some unpleasantness results. All the characters are very true to life, especially little Suzie, who is just adorable. The plot is interesting if not particularly detailed. A bit short but overall a very pleasant read!
759 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2020
Awesome book!

I totally loved this book! Story was sweet but also exciting! Cade was a sweet guy who loved helping others. Heather was a woman who survived the abuse of her previous husband. Cafe was able to break the barrier of fear and mistrust with love and gentle treatment.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,359 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2020
Loved Cade and Heather's book. They both had bad divorces for different reasons. But hers comes back to give her trouble. They both have trust issues but Cade wants to give love a try with her. He's a protector by nature and doubly so for her. The funny part was where he had to go to the dentist and yes she's a doctor of dentistry. HEA
2,617 reviews25 followers
January 20, 2019
this book was really hot! he is a fireman and she is a dentist. they are neighbors. she has car trouble and he is there to help her out. only she just got out of a abusive relationship so she is scared of men. he wants to help her anyway he can and maybe even into his heart.
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