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Playing #3
Playing with Fire
Takira Lathan’s life revolves around her restaurant. She owns it, cooks in it, and is one hundred percent dedicated to its success. Her life starts to veer off course when money goes missing and so does her restaurant manager, leaving her in the lurch. Most importantly, raising her young nephew was never anywhere in her plans.
Dante Groves could be the answer to Takira’s prayers. She’s an excellent manager and is totally at ease with children. She’s also mature, kind, and unashamedly butch. Takira can’t help being attracted, but Dante’s emotional baggage from her last relationship has left her way too wary of romance.
Betrayed by those they trusted, Takira and Dante must rely on each other to create a recipe for success, both in business and in love.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Children / Families, Age Gap, People of Color, Food, Friends & Community
Dante Groves could be the answer to Takira’s prayers. She’s an excellent manager and is totally at ease with children. She’s also mature, kind, and unashamedly butch. Takira can’t help being attracted, but Dante’s emotional baggage from her last relationship has left her way too wary of romance.
Betrayed by those they trusted, Takira and Dante must rely on each other to create a recipe for success, both in business and in love.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Children / Families, Age Gap, People of Color, Food, Friends & Community
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2019
22 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Davis
19 books84 followersLesley Davis lives in the West Midlands of England. She is a die-hard sci-fi/fantasy fan in all its forms and an extremely passionate gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 1, 2019
3.50 Stars. This is the third book in the Playing series. I did enjoy it but I do have to admit it is my least favorite of the series. The first two books of the series are really entwined, but you could read this book on its own if you needed too. Personally, I would suggest reading at least book one first. The main characters of that book are secondary characters in this one. Again it’s not pivotal, but book one is the best book in the series and I do think reading this series in order would make it the most enjoyable.
Like all three books, this is another butch-femme romance, in a city that centers around the same group of friends. This book had a slight twist as it also had a 10+ year age-gap between the mains. All three books are very sweet and mostly feel good romances, with very little angst. If you need some sweet uncomplicated romance, this series is a great choice.
While I thought both mains were very likeable, I do have to say I didn’t feel the chemistry as much as in the other books. I liked the characters and wanted them to be a couple, this book just wasn’t as steamy as I expected. The first two books have really good sex scenes, this book was more just average for me, not bad, just average.
This story centers on a woman who owns a busy restaurant, but suddenly finds herself the guardian of a 2 year-old little boy. I can be a little hit or miss when it comes to kids in lesfic. I do have to say the little boy was pretty damn adorable. While I do think it would help if you enjoyed kids in lesfic or at least tolerated them, the kid is so cute you probably wouldn’t mind anyway.
While I did enjoy this book, I do have to say that I recommend the first two books in the series much more. If you are looking for a sweet, butch-femme romance, I absolutely recommend giving book one a try. Davis is an author that I seem to always enjoy her books. For some reason I forget about her a bit though. I need to change that because her books are worth the read.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review
Like all three books, this is another butch-femme romance, in a city that centers around the same group of friends. This book had a slight twist as it also had a 10+ year age-gap between the mains. All three books are very sweet and mostly feel good romances, with very little angst. If you need some sweet uncomplicated romance, this series is a great choice.
While I thought both mains were very likeable, I do have to say I didn’t feel the chemistry as much as in the other books. I liked the characters and wanted them to be a couple, this book just wasn’t as steamy as I expected. The first two books have really good sex scenes, this book was more just average for me, not bad, just average.
This story centers on a woman who owns a busy restaurant, but suddenly finds herself the guardian of a 2 year-old little boy. I can be a little hit or miss when it comes to kids in lesfic. I do have to say the little boy was pretty damn adorable. While I do think it would help if you enjoyed kids in lesfic or at least tolerated them, the kid is so cute you probably wouldn’t mind anyway.
While I did enjoy this book, I do have to say that I recommend the first two books in the series much more. If you are looking for a sweet, butch-femme romance, I absolutely recommend giving book one a try. Davis is an author that I seem to always enjoy her books. For some reason I forget about her a bit though. I need to change that because her books are worth the read.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review
May 15, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'Sometimes the writer who overloads an opening passage is simply afraid of boring the readers.A respectable anxiety,but nothing is more boring than confusion..'
3.5stars!
Full disclosure; I did not read the first two books in this series -- so at first glance 'PLAYING WITH FIRE' appears like a light entertaining read and can be read as a stand alone. But I do not think this author was aiming to just entertain readers, rather her goal was to be persuasive with her storytelling and seductive with her narrative.
Sensitive and heartwarming, Ms.Davis's 3rd series also spins a tale of forgiveness, family dynamics, close-knit friendships and second chances.
While Takira finds distraction in having a crush on her new manager (Dante) and taking care of her nephew (Finn) plus overlooking her restaurant's duties, her preoccupation with the cause of her twin sister's accident and her mother's demeaning behavior towards her, still continues to haunt her.
With Dante, who has shut herself off from ever getting into a new relationship because of being hurt in the past so with some healing of her heart and bonding with Finn she did open herself up for a new Love.
Of course there had to be a brighter spot somewhere because the correlation to all their friendships was evident throughout the storyline.
As to Takira, her goal moving forward is to be a much better auntie and friend -- and to stop letting the restaurant be the center of her attention.
Together they (Takira & Dante) revealed all their past mistakes in dealing with exes, will try to avoid infidelity,deceit and shame, be open to voicing their true feelings and be a source of comfort for each other.
A few noticeable paragraphs in this book could be the storylines of anyone you as a reader might know. Here, both Dante and Trent are recognizable butches -- who never denied their sexuality or habits and accepted being labeled as 'manly'
It is a candid 3rd series about renewed commitment, thriving romance and the tried-and-true secrets of happily-ever-after.
**'Sometimes the writer who overloads an opening passage is simply afraid of boring the readers.A respectable anxiety,but nothing is more boring than confusion..'
3.5stars!
Full disclosure; I did not read the first two books in this series -- so at first glance 'PLAYING WITH FIRE' appears like a light entertaining read and can be read as a stand alone. But I do not think this author was aiming to just entertain readers, rather her goal was to be persuasive with her storytelling and seductive with her narrative.
Sensitive and heartwarming, Ms.Davis's 3rd series also spins a tale of forgiveness, family dynamics, close-knit friendships and second chances.
While Takira finds distraction in having a crush on her new manager (Dante) and taking care of her nephew (Finn) plus overlooking her restaurant's duties, her preoccupation with the cause of her twin sister's accident and her mother's demeaning behavior towards her, still continues to haunt her.
With Dante, who has shut herself off from ever getting into a new relationship because of being hurt in the past so with some healing of her heart and bonding with Finn she did open herself up for a new Love.
Of course there had to be a brighter spot somewhere because the correlation to all their friendships was evident throughout the storyline.
As to Takira, her goal moving forward is to be a much better auntie and friend -- and to stop letting the restaurant be the center of her attention.
Together they (Takira & Dante) revealed all their past mistakes in dealing with exes, will try to avoid infidelity,deceit and shame, be open to voicing their true feelings and be a source of comfort for each other.
A few noticeable paragraphs in this book could be the storylines of anyone you as a reader might know. Here, both Dante and Trent are recognizable butches -- who never denied their sexuality or habits and accepted being labeled as 'manly'
It is a candid 3rd series about renewed commitment, thriving romance and the tried-and-true secrets of happily-ever-after.
October 10, 2019
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 🥗🥘🎮🍜🍲👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Playing with Fire" from BSB via NetGalley (Thank you so much for that !!!). So, here it is !!
It’s the 1st time I read a novel by Lesley Davis. I’ve seen after having requested it that it was the 3rd book in a series ‘cause I was focused on the plot and the cover when I saw it … but since it’s also a standalone (with connecting characters), I had no trouble to understand the dynamics between everyone …
My rating : 4 ⭐️
The story focuses on Dante Groves – 47 years old -- who comes home in Columbia after a several worldwide trip (begun after a bad break-up which let her heartbroken and huge lack of any self-confidence) and Takira Lathan – 35 years old -- whose life revolves around her restaurant until her life starts to veer off course when her ex-manager goes missing with her money &, after her twin sister’s death, she’s imposed to raise her two and a half years old nephew to prevent him to go into foster care … Dante has skill in management & needs a job and a home. Takira needs someone to replace the thief and offers a room … Together, they’ll create a yummy recipe which help the little one but also themselves to find success in every areas of life ..
There were a few redundancies.
There were also a couple of explanations of acronyms which were useless : please, dear authors, don’t use a current acronym – even less in a dialogue -- if you have to explain it right after, it breaks the rhythm !!! (if people don’t know what it means, and are interested, they can Google it …). Other than that, the style is good and clear & the touches of humor were good … The cover without any character picture on it is great !!
The book is a sweet romance, with not 2 but 3 MCs for once .. Yeah, Finn’s very important in Dante & Takira’s story and the cement of their Love … so, I think the little guy deserves this title of "MC" … That’s so beautiful to read about the unconditional love he has for the women who raise him after his huge loss (even if his mom wasn’t the mom of the year it’s still a traumatic event … )
I really appreciated the biracial couple and the age gap was a plus. (It’s always good to have some characters over 40)
I liked a lot that Dante doesn’t do one-night stands & assumes her love for Mickey Mouse & Disney movies despite her « tough » exterior appearance… I agree with the fact that Disney movies are much more than « simple animated movies for little ones » … And, without being as fans as Dante is, I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve got myself more than 80 of those Disneys over here (I don’t watch them very often, though.)
This book is, for me, quite different from a lot romance novels I’ve read. Different in that fact that, if you read it carefully, you’ll find a good critism of our society (like in Disneys BTW … 😉 ) and it could help some people to think about their own lives, if they wanted to …
Based on the labels the society insists to put on everything and everyone, I’m a butch … I confess that the heavy (redundant / constant) reminder of the "butch thing" and the cliché of butch/femme couples in this novel got a bit on my nerves ‘cause from my POV it’s like saying that noone but us « strong » butches can fix things for the « weak » femmes or that the only couple which can work in the lesbian world are the B/F ones … I don’t agree with that, at all. Those things have nothing to do with people’s looks, it has to do with the personality of each individual in a much deeper way. Androgyn or not a woman stays a true woman when she accept herself like Mother Nature created her and allows herself to feel and express those feelings, her strengtht, her "weakness", her tenderness.. (Like a real man -- still from my POV --- is a man able to feel and express his feelings, even able to cry in public from joy or pain) … All those people (all genders included) who act differently (= refuse to show any « weakness » or emotions) or hold on negative feelings against « the others » are thes ones who go against the natural process & they usually also are the ones who criticize (or worse, bully) the people who are « different ». => The facts in this novel are quite true (I’ve experienced some of them myself in real life), mostly the « not enough this » or « not enough that » kind (I’ve been told some times that I’m not … « lesbian enough » … Yeah …but, I still don’t know what it means). => Gosh !!! People !! In your poor state of emotional pain /fear (of what ??)/ etc, stop comparing and judging, mind your own business, focus on your own rears & spend more time working on yourselves to be your true selves instead of trying to destroy the others …
Question for whoever would want to reflect on it : How could we have Peace on Earth when even in our so-called « community » people are unable to accept fully the others for who they are in ALL THEIR DIVERSITY (gender, color, age, physical appearance, and much more …) ??
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Yes …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes
- Will I purchase the paperback? => I think so … someday
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes… when I’ll have the opportunity (beginning by the 2 other books in the « playing series » I think)
- Would I recommend this book => Yes …
Guys and gals, now it’s your turn to try this recipe… So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading … 😉
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 🥗🥘🎮🍜🍲👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Playing with Fire" from BSB via NetGalley (Thank you so much for that !!!). So, here it is !!
It’s the 1st time I read a novel by Lesley Davis. I’ve seen after having requested it that it was the 3rd book in a series ‘cause I was focused on the plot and the cover when I saw it … but since it’s also a standalone (with connecting characters), I had no trouble to understand the dynamics between everyone …
My rating : 4 ⭐️
The story focuses on Dante Groves – 47 years old -- who comes home in Columbia after a several worldwide trip (begun after a bad break-up which let her heartbroken and huge lack of any self-confidence) and Takira Lathan – 35 years old -- whose life revolves around her restaurant until her life starts to veer off course when her ex-manager goes missing with her money &, after her twin sister’s death, she’s imposed to raise her two and a half years old nephew to prevent him to go into foster care … Dante has skill in management & needs a job and a home. Takira needs someone to replace the thief and offers a room … Together, they’ll create a yummy recipe which help the little one but also themselves to find success in every areas of life ..
There were a few redundancies.
There were also a couple of explanations of acronyms which were useless : please, dear authors, don’t use a current acronym – even less in a dialogue -- if you have to explain it right after, it breaks the rhythm !!! (if people don’t know what it means, and are interested, they can Google it …). Other than that, the style is good and clear & the touches of humor were good … The cover without any character picture on it is great !!
The book is a sweet romance, with not 2 but 3 MCs for once .. Yeah, Finn’s very important in Dante & Takira’s story and the cement of their Love … so, I think the little guy deserves this title of "MC" … That’s so beautiful to read about the unconditional love he has for the women who raise him after his huge loss (even if his mom wasn’t the mom of the year it’s still a traumatic event … )
I really appreciated the biracial couple and the age gap was a plus. (It’s always good to have some characters over 40)
I liked a lot that Dante doesn’t do one-night stands & assumes her love for Mickey Mouse & Disney movies despite her « tough » exterior appearance… I agree with the fact that Disney movies are much more than « simple animated movies for little ones » … And, without being as fans as Dante is, I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve got myself more than 80 of those Disneys over here (I don’t watch them very often, though.)
This book is, for me, quite different from a lot romance novels I’ve read. Different in that fact that, if you read it carefully, you’ll find a good critism of our society (like in Disneys BTW … 😉 ) and it could help some people to think about their own lives, if they wanted to …
Based on the labels the society insists to put on everything and everyone, I’m a butch … I confess that the heavy (redundant / constant) reminder of the "butch thing" and the cliché of butch/femme couples in this novel got a bit on my nerves ‘cause from my POV it’s like saying that noone but us « strong » butches can fix things for the « weak » femmes or that the only couple which can work in the lesbian world are the B/F ones … I don’t agree with that, at all. Those things have nothing to do with people’s looks, it has to do with the personality of each individual in a much deeper way. Androgyn or not a woman stays a true woman when she accept herself like Mother Nature created her and allows herself to feel and express those feelings, her strengtht, her "weakness", her tenderness.. (Like a real man -- still from my POV --- is a man able to feel and express his feelings, even able to cry in public from joy or pain) … All those people (all genders included) who act differently (= refuse to show any « weakness » or emotions) or hold on negative feelings against « the others » are thes ones who go against the natural process & they usually also are the ones who criticize (or worse, bully) the people who are « different ». => The facts in this novel are quite true (I’ve experienced some of them myself in real life), mostly the « not enough this » or « not enough that » kind (I’ve been told some times that I’m not … « lesbian enough » … Yeah …but, I still don’t know what it means). => Gosh !!! People !! In your poor state of emotional pain /fear (of what ??)/ etc, stop comparing and judging, mind your own business, focus on your own rears & spend more time working on yourselves to be your true selves instead of trying to destroy the others …
Question for whoever would want to reflect on it : How could we have Peace on Earth when even in our so-called « community » people are unable to accept fully the others for who they are in ALL THEIR DIVERSITY (gender, color, age, physical appearance, and much more …) ??
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Yes …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes
- Will I purchase the paperback? => I think so … someday
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes… when I’ll have the opportunity (beginning by the 2 other books in the « playing series » I think)
- Would I recommend this book => Yes …
Guys and gals, now it’s your turn to try this recipe… So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading … 😉
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 🥗🥘🎮🍜🍲👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
June 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. This is the third in the Playing Series, Trent and Elton make an appearance in one of Davis's other books, and it is a good one. It can definitely be read as a standalone but having read the others gives you better appreciation of Juliet, Trent, and Harley as well as the other characters from the past. This one is about Tekira, a restaurant owner, and Dante, a wondered coming home to put down roots. They meet at a time that they can both benefit from, Tekira needs a new manager and lo and behold Dante just happens to be an amazing one looking for a job. Through in an unbelievably cute kid in Finn and his and Harley's interaction and it's just perfect.
Now there are some set themes, I think is the right word though maybe not, in this book. One is the older/younger romance. I think the age difference is like 12 years. There is also the butch/femme, which honestly is one my favorites. I love a good butch/femme read. I know some people find them stereotypical but hey I read for the stereotypical and the happy ending not for the complete politically correctness of it all...cause honestly I would love everything in life to be NEW but that's not realistic so why should my reading (stepping off my short soapbox).
Anyways, like previous books in the series there are some obstacles, a little bit of angst, great characters, great "family," and feel good feeling surrounding them. I really enjoyed it and readers of the previous one will too. Definitely my second favorite in the series
Now there are some set themes, I think is the right word though maybe not, in this book. One is the older/younger romance. I think the age difference is like 12 years. There is also the butch/femme, which honestly is one my favorites. I love a good butch/femme read. I know some people find them stereotypical but hey I read for the stereotypical and the happy ending not for the complete politically correctness of it all...cause honestly I would love everything in life to be NEW but that's not realistic so why should my reading (stepping off my short soapbox).
Anyways, like previous books in the series there are some obstacles, a little bit of angst, great characters, great "family," and feel good feeling surrounding them. I really enjoyed it and readers of the previous one will too. Definitely my second favorite in the series
May 23, 2019
This is the third novel in Davis’ Playing series but can quite easily be read as a standalone. It’s not what I expected but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Dante Groves returns to Columbia having left many years previously with her then-girlfriend. Tired and hungry, she enters Takira’s restaurant only to bump into one of her good friends from the past. In explaining why she’s returns she also mentions that she’s looking for work and has lots of experience as a manager.
As it happens, Takira’s needs a manager and once Takira herself interviews her she has one less worry. Takira’s life is changing too. She is about to become the primary guardian to her two and a half year 0ld nephew and her workaholic tendencies are going to need adjusting.
Along with a really gentle pace and story, there are many things I enjoyed in this novel. One is that there is a lovely ethnic diversity among the characters. Added to that is that there is also diversity in body type and differing presentations of dress relating to orientation. Dante is a shortish, butch woman who dresses in men’s clothing because that’s how she feels comfortable with herself. While many of the characters are gay or gay friendly, it was great that it wasn’t all a gay utopia. In having to fight some bigoted views, Dante’s right to express who she is through her clothes was beautifully expressed and thought provoking.
The only other books I’ve read by Davis were from the Wingst series and this is nothing like those high-octane, action-packed, paranormal adventure stories. This is a low-angst, slower story of two women trying to find the value in themselves and the hope that they’re enough for each other.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
As it happens, Takira’s needs a manager and once Takira herself interviews her she has one less worry. Takira’s life is changing too. She is about to become the primary guardian to her two and a half year 0ld nephew and her workaholic tendencies are going to need adjusting.
Along with a really gentle pace and story, there are many things I enjoyed in this novel. One is that there is a lovely ethnic diversity among the characters. Added to that is that there is also diversity in body type and differing presentations of dress relating to orientation. Dante is a shortish, butch woman who dresses in men’s clothing because that’s how she feels comfortable with herself. While many of the characters are gay or gay friendly, it was great that it wasn’t all a gay utopia. In having to fight some bigoted views, Dante’s right to express who she is through her clothes was beautifully expressed and thought provoking.
The only other books I’ve read by Davis were from the Wingst series and this is nothing like those high-octane, action-packed, paranormal adventure stories. This is a low-angst, slower story of two women trying to find the value in themselves and the hope that they’re enough for each other.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
June 30, 2019
Thanks to Jeannie Levig's brill BSB interview with author Lesley Davis who gave such informative insights into her latest outing, "Playing With Fire," including her own POV about certain issues related to this book that moved me to seek it out to have myself a read despite it being the third installment of a series already in situ, something I rarely do as I like to start a series from the first book. Thankfully, this installment could be read as a standalone so I was chuffed about it especially when it was going to be my first-ever Lesley Davis book to explore!
I utterly LOVED "Playing with Fire." First off, the first chapter alone captivated my full attention. Not only because of the story arc, the portrayal of the main protagonist included in it, but more importantly, Davis' writing style, the flow of her words and rhythm of the pace. Totes my cuppa tea! Also, as I read on, I couldn't help but be reminded of a good old-fashioned traditional lesbian romance! I can't really explain it, just a feeling from the rhythm of Davis' composition style and the sound of dialogues constructed and the classical use of 3rd-person narrative to present monologues and non-verbals. In any case, there was an air of nostalgia there as I explored Davis' storytelling, which gave me oodles of warm "comfort food" feels all throughout!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
I utterly LOVED "Playing with Fire." First off, the first chapter alone captivated my full attention. Not only because of the story arc, the portrayal of the main protagonist included in it, but more importantly, Davis' writing style, the flow of her words and rhythm of the pace. Totes my cuppa tea! Also, as I read on, I couldn't help but be reminded of a good old-fashioned traditional lesbian romance! I can't really explain it, just a feeling from the rhythm of Davis' composition style and the sound of dialogues constructed and the classical use of 3rd-person narrative to present monologues and non-verbals. In any case, there was an air of nostalgia there as I explored Davis' storytelling, which gave me oodles of warm "comfort food" feels all throughout!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
September 9, 2024
3,5 stars
I liked this.
I liked both the MCs (even though I'm not a Disney fan, so I couldn't relate to Dante's obsession), I liked the story and while I can't claim it was a deep and meaningful piece of literature, I had fun reading it.
It was a rom-com in book form.
With lots of food descriptions.
Edit September 2024: no changes made, no addendums necessary, I stand by my previous statements
I liked this.
I liked both the MCs (even though I'm not a Disney fan, so I couldn't relate to Dante's obsession), I liked the story and while I can't claim it was a deep and meaningful piece of literature, I had fun reading it.
It was a rom-com in book form.
With lots of food descriptions.
Edit September 2024: no changes made, no addendums necessary, I stand by my previous statements
June 20, 2022
Just Wow!
This “Gamers” series (3 books) has it all: amazing butches, adorable femmes, cute kids, broken souls, coming home, witty dialogues, realistic issues, a lot of chemistry and passion and a group of friends you absolutely going to love. I highly recommend all 3 books.
This “Gamers” series (3 books) has it all: amazing butches, adorable femmes, cute kids, broken souls, coming home, witty dialogues, realistic issues, a lot of chemistry and passion and a group of friends you absolutely going to love. I highly recommend all 3 books.
May 23, 2020
Now,Graysen Morgen, listen up!! This is how to finish a book, OK! I'd forgotten what a star writer LD is - very assured and with excellent back characters. Really highly recommended.
June 2, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only other Davis book I’ve read is Starstruck, which I didn’t love. I enjoyed this more, but it still has some flaws.
The basic premise is that Dante is a restaurant manager who is moving back to Columbia after travelling around following a break-up. Said break-up also messed with her self-esteem and she hasn’t dated since. She’s also butch with a capital ‘b’. Meanwhile, Takira owns her own restaurant, and her manager has skipped town with a pile of her money. She’s also recently taken guardianship of her two year old nephew and is struggling with this as she’s never wanted to be a parent. Dante ends up working for Takira, and this sets the scene for the book.
I hadn’t realised this was part of a series when I requested it, having not read the first two books I can say that this can be read as a stand-alone, but I’d maybe have gotten more from it if I’d read the others first.
Pros first: This features an age-gap, which is one of my favourite themes. Takira is a POC, and she’s written as a strong black woman who knows what (and who) she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it. She also doesn’t apologise for her choices either. She also tries very hard to be a good aunt/mother, even when it’s not something she wants to do. Dante is very butch, and likewise is comfortable in her own skin and dresses how she wants. They have a great group of friends and talk to each other about their wants and needs without any stupid miscommunications. There’s no stupid contrived breakups, or overwrought angst here.
There are some cons though. I found the romance to be too sweet, and while we’re told both characters are instantly attracted to each other, I didn’t really feel any great heat between them.
There’s also absolutely no drama within the relationship, and not much outside it either. The one character introduced to provide any form of conflict is written so overly buffoonish that I couldn’t wait to see her gone. Takira’s relationship with her mother is also not terribly well-written. Her mother literally appears at the beginning of the book and then right at the end, and all the ‘issues’ they have are magically overcome in one conversation.
There are also two scenes devoted to how Dante/Trent are treated as butch women who look more like men, I applaud the idea behind these scenes (everyone should be treated for who they are, not how they look) but I found both scenes to be heavy-handed.
Dante herself was also just too perfect. She was an awesome manager, friend, adapted to taking care of Finn from the outset, was looking after Takira from the word go, literally did nothing wrong in the entire book. The only flaw she had was being a bit insecure, and even that dissolved the second she got together with Takira.
Overall this was an ok read, I did enjoy it, but found myself rolling my eyes a bit towards the end about how ‘perfectly’ everything was working out. For anyone who just wants a nice, sweet romance though, this would be just the thing. I was interested enough in the other couples to want to try their books, so will gives those a go. 3 stars.
The only other Davis book I’ve read is Starstruck, which I didn’t love. I enjoyed this more, but it still has some flaws.
The basic premise is that Dante is a restaurant manager who is moving back to Columbia after travelling around following a break-up. Said break-up also messed with her self-esteem and she hasn’t dated since. She’s also butch with a capital ‘b’. Meanwhile, Takira owns her own restaurant, and her manager has skipped town with a pile of her money. She’s also recently taken guardianship of her two year old nephew and is struggling with this as she’s never wanted to be a parent. Dante ends up working for Takira, and this sets the scene for the book.
I hadn’t realised this was part of a series when I requested it, having not read the first two books I can say that this can be read as a stand-alone, but I’d maybe have gotten more from it if I’d read the others first.
Pros first: This features an age-gap, which is one of my favourite themes. Takira is a POC, and she’s written as a strong black woman who knows what (and who) she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it. She also doesn’t apologise for her choices either. She also tries very hard to be a good aunt/mother, even when it’s not something she wants to do. Dante is very butch, and likewise is comfortable in her own skin and dresses how she wants. They have a great group of friends and talk to each other about their wants and needs without any stupid miscommunications. There’s no stupid contrived breakups, or overwrought angst here.
There are some cons though. I found the romance to be too sweet, and while we’re told both characters are instantly attracted to each other, I didn’t really feel any great heat between them.
There’s also absolutely no drama within the relationship, and not much outside it either. The one character introduced to provide any form of conflict is written so overly buffoonish that I couldn’t wait to see her gone. Takira’s relationship with her mother is also not terribly well-written. Her mother literally appears at the beginning of the book and then right at the end, and all the ‘issues’ they have are magically overcome in one conversation.
There are also two scenes devoted to how Dante/Trent are treated as butch women who look more like men, I applaud the idea behind these scenes (everyone should be treated for who they are, not how they look) but I found both scenes to be heavy-handed.
Dante herself was also just too perfect. She was an awesome manager, friend, adapted to taking care of Finn from the outset, was looking after Takira from the word go, literally did nothing wrong in the entire book. The only flaw she had was being a bit insecure, and even that dissolved the second she got together with Takira.
Overall this was an ok read, I did enjoy it, but found myself rolling my eyes a bit towards the end about how ‘perfectly’ everything was working out. For anyone who just wants a nice, sweet romance though, this would be just the thing. I was interested enough in the other couples to want to try their books, so will gives those a go. 3 stars.
June 15, 2019
Takira’s whole world is her very successful restaurant. However that world comes crumbling down when her trusted manager takes off with money from the restaurant, and then to make things worse Takira’s sister dies, leaving her nephew behind. Now Takira’s needs to manage a restaurant back into the black while jumping in as a full-time parent. Life has become hectic, that is until Dante Groves walks into her restaurant and has all the skills she needs to replace her manager. Their working relationship is fantastic. Dante also knows more about kids than Takira does and Takira is more than slightly attracted to Dante, but if she pursues her and it goes wrong, she could lose everything all over again. Is it worth the risk?
I’m hoping this isn’t the last book in the series because I have really got invested in these characters. I’d even like a story from Juliette’s young sisters’ point of view because I can see she’s already a mini Trent, all butch and sensitive. Anyway, onto the review for the third book in the Playing Series, Playing with Fire.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. Takira and Dante have chemistry bubbling away underneath the surface from the very beginning. The romance between them isn’t as quick as it was in the other books however, I think that was understandable with Takira having her young Nephew living with her. Also, the fact Dante was so invested in the restaurant and Takira’s Nephew, I don’t think their romance couldn’t be rushed.
I would have liked more from Scarlett and Bryce from the second book. Their scenes just seemed like glimpses instead of real scenes. I would have enjoyed Juliette and Trent’s POV like in book two. I think it would have made the series seamless having the first protagonists POV through the series.
I do, however, love that all the secondary characters have been followed through the entire three books. Mainly because with every book, their little Playing makeshift family becomes more significant and stronger… and Maybe more diverse!
My favourite parts of the books were when Takira, Dante and Takira’s Nephew, Finn, acted like a family. Dante made me swoon with all her butchness but also her fantastic sweetness when it came to Finn.
I’m desperately hoping for book four to come out soon!!
4 stars
I’m hoping this isn’t the last book in the series because I have really got invested in these characters. I’d even like a story from Juliette’s young sisters’ point of view because I can see she’s already a mini Trent, all butch and sensitive. Anyway, onto the review for the third book in the Playing Series, Playing with Fire.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. Takira and Dante have chemistry bubbling away underneath the surface from the very beginning. The romance between them isn’t as quick as it was in the other books however, I think that was understandable with Takira having her young Nephew living with her. Also, the fact Dante was so invested in the restaurant and Takira’s Nephew, I don’t think their romance couldn’t be rushed.
I would have liked more from Scarlett and Bryce from the second book. Their scenes just seemed like glimpses instead of real scenes. I would have enjoyed Juliette and Trent’s POV like in book two. I think it would have made the series seamless having the first protagonists POV through the series.
I do, however, love that all the secondary characters have been followed through the entire three books. Mainly because with every book, their little Playing makeshift family becomes more significant and stronger… and Maybe more diverse!
My favourite parts of the books were when Takira, Dante and Takira’s Nephew, Finn, acted like a family. Dante made me swoon with all her butchness but also her fantastic sweetness when it came to Finn.
I’m desperately hoping for book four to come out soon!!
4 stars
June 18, 2022
The third installment in a solid series. A new couple in the butch and femme dynamic to swoon over, while catching up with OG couple Trent and Juliet and their budding family. With a few tiny popups from Bryce and Scarlet from book 2.
But this is mostly about our newly introduced characters, both are women of color and are so swoon-worthy perfect for each other. We have Dante an older chivalrous butch of 47, who has been through the ringer romance wise - and has been living out of a suitcase for a few years now, but is back 'home' ready to put down roots again. We meet Takira, 35, the sweet owner of a fabulous restaurant that everyone adores, but she has had a rough time herself, with the business and also with her twin sister passing on, and her disapproving mother foisting her nephews full time care completely onto her.
Dante is the ultimately a perfect angel of a woman, she steps up for her friends, and also for Takira when she takes the manager job at the restaurant and so much more! She helps Takira out with her new little nephew, and treats everyone with such respect and kindness. Everyone in turn adores her, and she doesn't realize just how amazing she is!
I loved the themes here about more masculine presenting lesbian women, who still fully love being women, and being women who love other women - but just choose to present themselves different to the world, and the attitudes and reactions they can receive from the ignorant.
It was great to see found family, and lots of friendship love and support shinning through. I did think there was a little unnecessary drama here and there, that went a tiny bit OTT - but overall it all works out, and again there was NO black moment, just adults with issues being up front and talking about them.
A solid set of stories, from an author I don't think I've ever read before - but will definitely keep on my radar going forward!
But this is mostly about our newly introduced characters, both are women of color and are so swoon-worthy perfect for each other. We have Dante an older chivalrous butch of 47, who has been through the ringer romance wise - and has been living out of a suitcase for a few years now, but is back 'home' ready to put down roots again. We meet Takira, 35, the sweet owner of a fabulous restaurant that everyone adores, but she has had a rough time herself, with the business and also with her twin sister passing on, and her disapproving mother foisting her nephews full time care completely onto her.
Dante is the ultimately a perfect angel of a woman, she steps up for her friends, and also for Takira when she takes the manager job at the restaurant and so much more! She helps Takira out with her new little nephew, and treats everyone with such respect and kindness. Everyone in turn adores her, and she doesn't realize just how amazing she is!
I loved the themes here about more masculine presenting lesbian women, who still fully love being women, and being women who love other women - but just choose to present themselves different to the world, and the attitudes and reactions they can receive from the ignorant.
It was great to see found family, and lots of friendship love and support shinning through. I did think there was a little unnecessary drama here and there, that went a tiny bit OTT - but overall it all works out, and again there was NO black moment, just adults with issues being up front and talking about them.
A solid set of stories, from an author I don't think I've ever read before - but will definitely keep on my radar going forward!
February 24, 2020
I’m not really sure what went on me and this series. Each new book in the series, maybe even the first, interested me but also cause me a really long time for me to acquire and start the book. This author is one of the rare ones where I’ve never disliked a book by them (I sometimes make a comment about a specific author who, at the time, had the most books on my DNF shelf and the most on my top rated shelf, that’d be Georgette Heyer). I’ve read four books by them (including this one here) and I’ve given all of them a solid 4 stars. So, why the hesitation? No clue.
This is another in a relatively loosely related series (the characters are in one way or another connected to each other). This one stars one Dante Groves, who, it appears, was Trent’s mentor back when Trent was just coming out into the world as an adult. Dante, though, has been gone from the area for a longish period of time. Having left to follow a woman to Texas, then left there to travel the world when that relationship imploded. She’s forty something now (47). She’s back home now, though, and, as luck would have it, she’s hungry. Heh. Right, so she was driving for a really long time, drove in, was going to hit the mall but stopped when she spotted a restaurant she didn’t recognize. Whereupon she immediately bumped into Trent and Trent’s family (daughter, wife). And, as luck would have it, that one meal lead Dante directly to a job and a place to live. And by directly, I mean directly, I don’t mean some tips were given and some time passed, I mean the restaurant needed a manager, Dante worked many places as a manager, and needed a job. So she was referred to the owner by Trent and the owner interviewed Dante right after her meal. And gave her the job.
That restaurant? Takira’s. Owned by one Takira Lathan. Takira’s manager stole money and ran off with it. Takira’s still breaking even, but that theft really set her back. Her temporary manager is the chef, who isn’t exactly good at being a manager. So she really needs one. Dante has good credentials and references, but needing a manager as soon as possible probably was the larger reason for Dante’s hiring. Takira, by the way, is the other point of view character. She’s thirty something (35).
A place to stay? Well, apparently Takira has a room free at her place, which is just above the restaurant, so she offers it to Dante as a temporary thing. So, in one moment, Dante has her work and living needs meet.
Considering the series, it probably should not come as a shock that Dante’s a gamer. Added to that is her love of Disney and Pixar movies. Which I feel free to add here as it kind of is another link to the series, and helps her bond with a new roommate she didn’t know would be there sharing the apartment.
Takira, see, had a twin sister. The sister died several weeks ago. She had a young son. The boyfriend of Takira split long ago. Other than Takira, the only other living relatives are the married husband, and the grandmother (Takira’s mother). The married man isn’t an option, and, it turns out, grandmother isn’t really up to raising a kid. So it falls on Takira to raise the kid (who is about 5 or younger). Takira never planned to have kids – no, her plan was to build her restaurant and then turn it into a chain. Now she has the restaurant and a kid to try to raise.
Dante also never planned to have, or be around, kids. But there’s one in the apartment she’s sharing, and, it turns out, she’s good with kids. Or, at least, that one in her apartment. They end up watching a lot of movies together. And stuff.
I just glanced at the book page on Goodreads and I recall why it took me so long to read this specific book. The book is 233 pages. And Bold Strokes wanted $9.99 for it. So I kept putting off buying it. Then a sale occurred and I was able to get it . . . for something like $6.75. Which seemed a better price. Though I think I’m still living in 2000/2010 world of pricing books. Let’s see. $1.35 in 1975, $5.78 in 2000. Which is a 328% increase in 25 years. So 25 years after 2000, paperbacks should cost what, $18.96 by 2025? So, yeah, I need to readjust my comfort level at book prices I think. I guess books do not really ‘cost so much’ when you consider that they should be closer to $18.96, eh? Maybe, maybe not.
Sorry, got distracted.
I rather liked the interaction between Dante, Takira, the kid (was something like Phineas, with a nickname of Fin), and the side characters. And the slow burn romance between Takira and Dante that had two main roadblocks, well three – 1) age gap; 2) boss/employee; 3) Dante is leery of relationships after that bad one in Texas, and Takira is ‘married to her job’, so to speak. Easily surmounted roadblocks.
Good book.
Rating: 4.5
February 24 2020
This is another in a relatively loosely related series (the characters are in one way or another connected to each other). This one stars one Dante Groves, who, it appears, was Trent’s mentor back when Trent was just coming out into the world as an adult. Dante, though, has been gone from the area for a longish period of time. Having left to follow a woman to Texas, then left there to travel the world when that relationship imploded. She’s forty something now (47). She’s back home now, though, and, as luck would have it, she’s hungry. Heh. Right, so she was driving for a really long time, drove in, was going to hit the mall but stopped when she spotted a restaurant she didn’t recognize. Whereupon she immediately bumped into Trent and Trent’s family (daughter, wife). And, as luck would have it, that one meal lead Dante directly to a job and a place to live. And by directly, I mean directly, I don’t mean some tips were given and some time passed, I mean the restaurant needed a manager, Dante worked many places as a manager, and needed a job. So she was referred to the owner by Trent and the owner interviewed Dante right after her meal. And gave her the job.
That restaurant? Takira’s. Owned by one Takira Lathan. Takira’s manager stole money and ran off with it. Takira’s still breaking even, but that theft really set her back. Her temporary manager is the chef, who isn’t exactly good at being a manager. So she really needs one. Dante has good credentials and references, but needing a manager as soon as possible probably was the larger reason for Dante’s hiring. Takira, by the way, is the other point of view character. She’s thirty something (35).
A place to stay? Well, apparently Takira has a room free at her place, which is just above the restaurant, so she offers it to Dante as a temporary thing. So, in one moment, Dante has her work and living needs meet.
Considering the series, it probably should not come as a shock that Dante’s a gamer. Added to that is her love of Disney and Pixar movies. Which I feel free to add here as it kind of is another link to the series, and helps her bond with a new roommate she didn’t know would be there sharing the apartment.
Takira, see, had a twin sister. The sister died several weeks ago. She had a young son. The boyfriend of Takira split long ago. Other than Takira, the only other living relatives are the married husband, and the grandmother (Takira’s mother). The married man isn’t an option, and, it turns out, grandmother isn’t really up to raising a kid. So it falls on Takira to raise the kid (who is about 5 or younger). Takira never planned to have kids – no, her plan was to build her restaurant and then turn it into a chain. Now she has the restaurant and a kid to try to raise.
Dante also never planned to have, or be around, kids. But there’s one in the apartment she’s sharing, and, it turns out, she’s good with kids. Or, at least, that one in her apartment. They end up watching a lot of movies together. And stuff.
I just glanced at the book page on Goodreads and I recall why it took me so long to read this specific book. The book is 233 pages. And Bold Strokes wanted $9.99 for it. So I kept putting off buying it. Then a sale occurred and I was able to get it . . . for something like $6.75. Which seemed a better price. Though I think I’m still living in 2000/2010 world of pricing books. Let’s see. $1.35 in 1975, $5.78 in 2000. Which is a 328% increase in 25 years. So 25 years after 2000, paperbacks should cost what, $18.96 by 2025? So, yeah, I need to readjust my comfort level at book prices I think. I guess books do not really ‘cost so much’ when you consider that they should be closer to $18.96, eh? Maybe, maybe not.
Sorry, got distracted.
I rather liked the interaction between Dante, Takira, the kid (was something like Phineas, with a nickname of Fin), and the side characters. And the slow burn romance between Takira and Dante that had two main roadblocks, well three – 1) age gap; 2) boss/employee; 3) Dante is leery of relationships after that bad one in Texas, and Takira is ‘married to her job’, so to speak. Easily surmounted roadblocks.
Good book.
Rating: 4.5
February 24 2020
May 14, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Dante has been traveling to places she always wanted to go after finding out her girlfriend Chloe that she gave up everything for has been cheating on her. As she decide she done traveling she goes back to her hometown and stop in a new restaurant to get something to eat and runs into a old friend.
Trent thanks Dante for being her mentor because of her she has the family she always wanted. Dante meets Trent wife Juliet and their daughter Harley who is so cute.
Takira owns the restaurant that Dante is dining in all she ever wanted was for her restaurant to be successful she wanted to expand and make a name for herself all that change when her twin sister dies and she left to take care of her nephew Finn and top it all she find out that her manger Claude has been stealing money from her.
When she meets Dante she instantly drawn to her and when Juliet tell her that Dante needs a job she decide give her a interview and like what sees and hire to be the manger and also gave her place to stay.
As Dante helps her manger the restaurant she also help take care of Finn who takes a liking to Dante and they create this family as they start to fall for each other Dante doesn't think she good enough because of the things her ex said. Takira vow to prove to Dante that she is worthy.
Cute Romance had some angst I so thought we was going to really have a problem with Takira ex because she wasn't taking no for answer and I like what Dante said if you find good people keep them close because those are the people who will stick by you. Love the speech that Trent said to the woman in the park and Dante to Takira mother.
Dante has been traveling to places she always wanted to go after finding out her girlfriend Chloe that she gave up everything for has been cheating on her. As she decide she done traveling she goes back to her hometown and stop in a new restaurant to get something to eat and runs into a old friend.
Trent thanks Dante for being her mentor because of her she has the family she always wanted. Dante meets Trent wife Juliet and their daughter Harley who is so cute.
Takira owns the restaurant that Dante is dining in all she ever wanted was for her restaurant to be successful she wanted to expand and make a name for herself all that change when her twin sister dies and she left to take care of her nephew Finn and top it all she find out that her manger Claude has been stealing money from her.
When she meets Dante she instantly drawn to her and when Juliet tell her that Dante needs a job she decide give her a interview and like what sees and hire to be the manger and also gave her place to stay.
As Dante helps her manger the restaurant she also help take care of Finn who takes a liking to Dante and they create this family as they start to fall for each other Dante doesn't think she good enough because of the things her ex said. Takira vow to prove to Dante that she is worthy.
Cute Romance had some angst I so thought we was going to really have a problem with Takira ex because she wasn't taking no for answer and I like what Dante said if you find good people keep them close because those are the people who will stick by you. Love the speech that Trent said to the woman in the park and Dante to Takira mother.
February 4, 2021
Strong, mature characters embracing their feelings (good, bad and indifferent). An awfully attractive African-American MC, Takira Lathan. Dealing head-on with stereotypes. Good chemistry. A lovely relationship wherein the MCs talk to each other about themselves, their insecurities, their feelings and even what they like sexually. This book has a lot going for it.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
June 13, 2019
I don't know why I gave 2 stars to the previous two books in the Playing series. I really liked all the characters but I guess it was the story line itself.
I really liked this third addition to the series, I thought Finn's a gorgeous little boy and his relationship with Takira and Dante is simply a blessing for all of them. The friendships and the bond the characters have with one another is truly great.
I really liked this third addition to the series, I thought Finn's a gorgeous little boy and his relationship with Takira and Dante is simply a blessing for all of them. The friendships and the bond the characters have with one another is truly great.
September 11, 2019
This was sooooo good!
The story is about Dante who returns to her hometown after having been away quite some time. A chance meeting with an old friends leads to a job and a place to stay for Dante. Takira, who takes a chance on Dante after their mutual friend persuades her Dante is just who she is looking for as a manager for her restaurant, leads to unexpected companionship for both of them. But Takira’s life isn’t as straightforward as she hopes, when her nephew comes to live with her, and suddenly she finds herself having to learn about work/life balance.
First of all, this book is a total geek dream (and I mean geek in the sense that being a Disney/sci-fi/big kid is totally awesome and good for the soul!). This book, was packed with tropes, like seriously all the best ones, and had everything from references, to cute moments inspired by making sure we all believe in a little bit of magic. It was uplifting and just added a little something extra to this story, like the right ingredients in a secret sauce.
I loved the characters, Dante being butch, and Takira being femme. The book also covered a lot about culture, and society, making sure to deliver important messages about the most important things in life being love, and making your own family, and finding happiness. This was such a strong story, but sweet and endearing. Life, loss, and love being the main factors that drove the plot, built the relationships, and made for a very cute love story. Happiness isn’t necessarily where you are looking for it, sometimes it finds you, and that is certainly the case for the lovely Dante and Takira.
It has Disney – there were no reasons not to love every second of this book!
Both Takira and Dante had emotional baggage, and difficult lives, yet they had instant chemistry and worked well together. With all age gaps of course there was that uncertainty, Dante was certain someone like Takira wouldn’t want her because of her looks and age, and I loved that we got to see these insecurities from a character like Dante. It was so realistic, because she really wasn’t your average butch as they are typically portrayed in lesfic. It was Finn though – Takira’s nephew that really added fuel to their flame and brought them together. I absolutely adored all the characters that made up this cast, but Dante really stood out for me. She was sweet, down to earth, and she believes in magic despite all that has happened to her. She was just wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t put this book down, thoroughly enjoyed every second.
The story is about Dante who returns to her hometown after having been away quite some time. A chance meeting with an old friends leads to a job and a place to stay for Dante. Takira, who takes a chance on Dante after their mutual friend persuades her Dante is just who she is looking for as a manager for her restaurant, leads to unexpected companionship for both of them. But Takira’s life isn’t as straightforward as she hopes, when her nephew comes to live with her, and suddenly she finds herself having to learn about work/life balance.
First of all, this book is a total geek dream (and I mean geek in the sense that being a Disney/sci-fi/big kid is totally awesome and good for the soul!). This book, was packed with tropes, like seriously all the best ones, and had everything from references, to cute moments inspired by making sure we all believe in a little bit of magic. It was uplifting and just added a little something extra to this story, like the right ingredients in a secret sauce.
I loved the characters, Dante being butch, and Takira being femme. The book also covered a lot about culture, and society, making sure to deliver important messages about the most important things in life being love, and making your own family, and finding happiness. This was such a strong story, but sweet and endearing. Life, loss, and love being the main factors that drove the plot, built the relationships, and made for a very cute love story. Happiness isn’t necessarily where you are looking for it, sometimes it finds you, and that is certainly the case for the lovely Dante and Takira.
It has Disney – there were no reasons not to love every second of this book!
Both Takira and Dante had emotional baggage, and difficult lives, yet they had instant chemistry and worked well together. With all age gaps of course there was that uncertainty, Dante was certain someone like Takira wouldn’t want her because of her looks and age, and I loved that we got to see these insecurities from a character like Dante. It was so realistic, because she really wasn’t your average butch as they are typically portrayed in lesfic. It was Finn though – Takira’s nephew that really added fuel to their flame and brought them together. I absolutely adored all the characters that made up this cast, but Dante really stood out for me. She was sweet, down to earth, and she believes in magic despite all that has happened to her. She was just wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t put this book down, thoroughly enjoyed every second.
May 19, 2019
Enjoyable read that makes a person think about assumptions and stereotypes. When a story has you thinking and learning, in my opinion, that is a good thing. Dante Groves, is quite the strong and quiet type. She has been loved, so she thought and feels protective of her heart and keeps her distance from further attachment. Takira Lathan, successful restaurant owner with a single focus; to be a successful restaurant owner. Takira is such a wonderful character. I enjoyed how her character evolved throughout the read. I enjoyed that she was a person of color and it did not overshadow the story lines. The secondary characters provided an interesting perspective as the story unfolded in positive as well as not so positive ways. Nice and sweet with little angst.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
August 9, 2023
#PlayingWithFire #NetGalley
Dante has returned to her home town after a disastrous relationship and traveling around for four years after it. Feeling ravenous, she pulls into a diner that wasn't here before she left.
She'd no sooner walked in when she hears her name and finds an old friend. They have a quick catch up, she meets her friends family and is introduced to the owner.
Takira is at her wits end. Her sister has died, her manager stole money and took off and she is about to take custody of her nephew. Fate lands Dante in her restaurant and with her friends help, ends up hiring her as the new manager. Dante also needs accommodation and Takira ends up with a new roommate.
Though neither will admit it to each other, their attraction is both instant and mutual. Dante seamlessly fits in to the restaurant and as roommate to Takira's sad, wounded little nephew.
Dante has a lot of self doubt and with the help of her friends and Takira, is able to realise she is worthy of love from her friends, her lover and herself.
I absolutely adored this book. It was full of amazing characters who are part of Columbia's LGBT community and staunch sci-fi lovers and gamers. I really felt for Dante, her ex girlfriend did a number on her and the way her friends support her and build her up for who she is and what she has done for them in the past was so well written. It is clear her friends adore her and are so happy she is home.
The way Dante softly takes charge of helping Takira fix the wreck her ex manager left, her little acts of service for others, without expectation, her support of Finn, Takira's nephew and love of Disney movies would endear her to any reader.
Takira is a workaholic with an estranged relationship with her twin and her mother. She is stressed, worried and out of her depth in her estimations. Dante never wavers in her confidence that Takira can handle it all.
Their relationship happens slowly and is so mutually supportive.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Dante has returned to her home town after a disastrous relationship and traveling around for four years after it. Feeling ravenous, she pulls into a diner that wasn't here before she left.
She'd no sooner walked in when she hears her name and finds an old friend. They have a quick catch up, she meets her friends family and is introduced to the owner.
Takira is at her wits end. Her sister has died, her manager stole money and took off and she is about to take custody of her nephew. Fate lands Dante in her restaurant and with her friends help, ends up hiring her as the new manager. Dante also needs accommodation and Takira ends up with a new roommate.
Though neither will admit it to each other, their attraction is both instant and mutual. Dante seamlessly fits in to the restaurant and as roommate to Takira's sad, wounded little nephew.
Dante has a lot of self doubt and with the help of her friends and Takira, is able to realise she is worthy of love from her friends, her lover and herself.
I absolutely adored this book. It was full of amazing characters who are part of Columbia's LGBT community and staunch sci-fi lovers and gamers. I really felt for Dante, her ex girlfriend did a number on her and the way her friends support her and build her up for who she is and what she has done for them in the past was so well written. It is clear her friends adore her and are so happy she is home.
The way Dante softly takes charge of helping Takira fix the wreck her ex manager left, her little acts of service for others, without expectation, her support of Finn, Takira's nephew and love of Disney movies would endear her to any reader.
Takira is a workaholic with an estranged relationship with her twin and her mother. She is stressed, worried and out of her depth in her estimations. Dante never wavers in her confidence that Takira can handle it all.
Their relationship happens slowly and is so mutually supportive.
I would definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
Playing with Fire is the 3 book in the Playing series. I did not read the previous two but it doesn't seem like you need to read it in order to follow this one. It might be helpful to know a little more about some of the other characters, but doesn't appear to be necessary. Dante Groves moves back to her home town and immediately comes across one of her close friends at a restaurant called Takira's. Dante has been running ever since her heart was broken a few years ago. She is quickly introduced to Takira Lathan who is the restaurant's owner and who is currently looking for a new manager after her former manager runs off with all of her money. Dante ends up interviewing for the job on the spot and is hired.
Overall I liked what this story represents. A child coming into his own after being neglected by his birth mother, trust, confidence and love. All three MCs (I consider Finn to be a MC) have some sort of issue they need to work out and by the end they do. I just wish this one was more interesting. I found it moved slow, was more wordy than it needed to be and maybe sort of boring. Takira and Dante seemed to be attracted to each other, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. For me it's not enough to state they found each other appealing, it's the construction of the story after they see it other that shows the chemistry. There is some sex in the book was done nicely. Also there wasn't alot of angst in this one so if that is your thing you will not get it in this book.
So this wasn't a complete bust. I liked the story line and because of that I will rate it 3 stars.
Overall I liked what this story represents. A child coming into his own after being neglected by his birth mother, trust, confidence and love. All three MCs (I consider Finn to be a MC) have some sort of issue they need to work out and by the end they do. I just wish this one was more interesting. I found it moved slow, was more wordy than it needed to be and maybe sort of boring. Takira and Dante seemed to be attracted to each other, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. For me it's not enough to state they found each other appealing, it's the construction of the story after they see it other that shows the chemistry. There is some sex in the book was done nicely. Also there wasn't alot of angst in this one so if that is your thing you will not get it in this book.
So this wasn't a complete bust. I liked the story line and because of that I will rate it 3 stars.
May 21, 2019
This is Ms Davis’s third book in her series ‘ Playing’ and like her other two books she doesn’t disappoint. Takira Lathan works hard making her restaurant the best it can be. She has never gotten the support or attention she craves from her mother or for that matter her twin sister. Finding out her manager Claude has quit his job was bad enough but finding out he has stolen her money isn’t something she wanted to deal with, especially now when she finds out her sister Latitia has died in a accident leaving Takira no choice but to take care of her 2 yr old nephew Finn. Being a mother was never in her plans.
Dante Groves though her life was pretty settled until she comes home to find her partner in bed with another woman. She packs her bags and goes on a trip around the world trying to find her place in it. Many people mistake her for a man but she has learned over the years to accept herself as she is, a out and proud butch. But getting tired of the travel she decides to move back to Columbia, Missouri where on her very first day she meets up with her friends Juliet and Trent (Playing Passion’s Game) eating in Takira’s restaurant. And it seems she has come home at just the right time because Takira needs a new manager and it just so happens that is exactly the kind of job Dante’s looking for.
Besides connecting with Trent and Juliet, Dante also gets a chance to reconnect with Scarlet and Bryce from Ms Davis’s second book in her ‘Playing’ series (Playing in Shadow) This is a really a very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley
Dante Groves though her life was pretty settled until she comes home to find her partner in bed with another woman. She packs her bags and goes on a trip around the world trying to find her place in it. Many people mistake her for a man but she has learned over the years to accept herself as she is, a out and proud butch. But getting tired of the travel she decides to move back to Columbia, Missouri where on her very first day she meets up with her friends Juliet and Trent (Playing Passion’s Game) eating in Takira’s restaurant. And it seems she has come home at just the right time because Takira needs a new manager and it just so happens that is exactly the kind of job Dante’s looking for.
Besides connecting with Trent and Juliet, Dante also gets a chance to reconnect with Scarlet and Bryce from Ms Davis’s second book in her ‘Playing’ series (Playing in Shadow) This is a really a very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley
May 22, 2019
This is the third book in the series written by the author. You need not to have read the first two books to enjoy this one.
Takira Lathan has spent years making her restaurant successful. However, her manager has managed to steal her blind and she must now work twice as hard to restore her finances and keep the restaurant operating while she finds a replacement manager. Enter Dante Groves who arrives on the scene fresh from roaming Europe after a bad breakup a few years earlier. They are introduced by a mutual friend and Takira hires Dante on the spot even allowing her to share her apartment above the restaurant.
This book has an interesting setting, the restaurant, and two likable main characters. But there’s something lacking here. We’re told there’s chemistry between Takira and Dante, but the reader never really feels it. Takira allows Dante to take over running her beloved restaurant with nary a thought to what the consequences may be. As Dante arrives in Takira’s life so does her deceased sister’s two-year-old son – and guess what? Dante is surprisingly good with children even though there’s nothing to indicate she’s had any dealings with toddlers.
I wanted to like this book because I liked Takira from the first page, but the author failed to add depth to either Takira or Dante. Yes, there was angst, Dante had closed herself off from her emotions when her previous relationship ended badly. Takira wasn’t prepared to be a mother and reeled from the perfidy of her manager, but at some point when the angst becomes the novel, the novel becomes boring. Several secondary characters have walk-on roles here, but since this is one in a series, the reader suspects the author is teasing her with these characters, perhaps soon to be main characters in future books in this series. Finally, the author gets preachy about Dante being a mannish-looking woman and two of the characters giving long lectures to others about how everyone should be judged on who they are not what they look like.
This book could have been so much more than it is. But if you like strong women with a gooey inner self, then this would be the book for you.
Takira Lathan has spent years making her restaurant successful. However, her manager has managed to steal her blind and she must now work twice as hard to restore her finances and keep the restaurant operating while she finds a replacement manager. Enter Dante Groves who arrives on the scene fresh from roaming Europe after a bad breakup a few years earlier. They are introduced by a mutual friend and Takira hires Dante on the spot even allowing her to share her apartment above the restaurant.
This book has an interesting setting, the restaurant, and two likable main characters. But there’s something lacking here. We’re told there’s chemistry between Takira and Dante, but the reader never really feels it. Takira allows Dante to take over running her beloved restaurant with nary a thought to what the consequences may be. As Dante arrives in Takira’s life so does her deceased sister’s two-year-old son – and guess what? Dante is surprisingly good with children even though there’s nothing to indicate she’s had any dealings with toddlers.
I wanted to like this book because I liked Takira from the first page, but the author failed to add depth to either Takira or Dante. Yes, there was angst, Dante had closed herself off from her emotions when her previous relationship ended badly. Takira wasn’t prepared to be a mother and reeled from the perfidy of her manager, but at some point when the angst becomes the novel, the novel becomes boring. Several secondary characters have walk-on roles here, but since this is one in a series, the reader suspects the author is teasing her with these characters, perhaps soon to be main characters in future books in this series. Finally, the author gets preachy about Dante being a mannish-looking woman and two of the characters giving long lectures to others about how everyone should be judged on who they are not what they look like.
This book could have been so much more than it is. But if you like strong women with a gooey inner self, then this would be the book for you.
June 26, 2019
I adored this book. This was my first book by the author and I haven't read the other books in the series but this book can easily stand alone. I loved the writing style and the story so much that I know I'll go back to read the other books in the series.
Dante's return to her hometown is nothing like she expected. She pulls in for lunch at a new restaurant in town, and immediately runs into an old friend, and quickly finds herself with a managerial position in the restaurant and sharing an apartment with the boss, Takira. When Takira's last manager runs off with all of her savings, she's more determined than ever to throw herself into her work and earn back what she's lost. But in one short day she's become guardian to her young nephew, and she's hired a manager and acquired a roommate at the same time. As Dante and Takira grow closer, Takira begins to realize there's more to life than just work. Will she accept that love and family can be for her before it's too late?
I loved this beautiful vibrant world created in this story. The wonderful cast of characters, the food, the Disney obsession. It was an incredibly beautiful thing to experience. I adored the way this book was written, I was captivated from the beginning. Dante and Takira's relationship sizzled. Their chemistry was off the charts and they were beautifully well matched in everything else. Gosh, and Finn was just adorable. Dante's relationship with Finn was a beautiful thing to witness.
I would highly recommend this book, even without reading other books in the series. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dante's return to her hometown is nothing like she expected. She pulls in for lunch at a new restaurant in town, and immediately runs into an old friend, and quickly finds herself with a managerial position in the restaurant and sharing an apartment with the boss, Takira. When Takira's last manager runs off with all of her savings, she's more determined than ever to throw herself into her work and earn back what she's lost. But in one short day she's become guardian to her young nephew, and she's hired a manager and acquired a roommate at the same time. As Dante and Takira grow closer, Takira begins to realize there's more to life than just work. Will she accept that love and family can be for her before it's too late?
I loved this beautiful vibrant world created in this story. The wonderful cast of characters, the food, the Disney obsession. It was an incredibly beautiful thing to experience. I adored the way this book was written, I was captivated from the beginning. Dante and Takira's relationship sizzled. Their chemistry was off the charts and they were beautifully well matched in everything else. Gosh, and Finn was just adorable. Dante's relationship with Finn was a beautiful thing to witness.
I would highly recommend this book, even without reading other books in the series. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2019
2.5
This is the third in a series - set in the same town with recurring characters but thankfully not a continuing story line that would leave you lost if you didn't read the other two books. This works well enough as a standalone but there were a number of secondary characters (from previous books) that had obviously larger backstories.
A nice romance between Dante, an older butch who returns to her hometown after travelling for years and recovering from a bad break up, and Tanika, a workaholic restaurateur who is struggling to rebuild her business and take on the care of her young nephew.
It was a nice change to see such a old-school butch character in a lesfic - and Dante's character bucked the traditional stereotypes with gentle but wounded soul. Tanika was actually a bit harder to get a read on - but they worked as a couple, especially with the inclusion of the too sweet for words nephew, Finn. The inclusion of young Finn (and his best bud Harley) gave the story some humour and sweet moments that helped define the MCs.
At times there was a bit too much tell - mostly through the dialogue - as backstories and motivations came spilling out in longish dialogue scenes.
This is the third in a series - set in the same town with recurring characters but thankfully not a continuing story line that would leave you lost if you didn't read the other two books. This works well enough as a standalone but there were a number of secondary characters (from previous books) that had obviously larger backstories.
A nice romance between Dante, an older butch who returns to her hometown after travelling for years and recovering from a bad break up, and Tanika, a workaholic restaurateur who is struggling to rebuild her business and take on the care of her young nephew.
It was a nice change to see such a old-school butch character in a lesfic - and Dante's character bucked the traditional stereotypes with gentle but wounded soul. Tanika was actually a bit harder to get a read on - but they worked as a couple, especially with the inclusion of the too sweet for words nephew, Finn. The inclusion of young Finn (and his best bud Harley) gave the story some humour and sweet moments that helped define the MCs.
At times there was a bit too much tell - mostly through the dialogue - as backstories and motivations came spilling out in longish dialogue scenes.
December 29, 2019
It's a very sweet one.
First book of the author I read. And I was very surprised by the quality and originality of the story.
We often find in some books relations Buch / woman, who often do not treat the social status and looks of society on these women close to masculinity, and despite all lesbians at 100%.
Here, the two characters, have a socially interessant originality, Takira africa-american and Dante a very butch butch are unique and unusual people.
Their relationship is obvious from the beginning, with good chemistry. The secondary characters, especially Trent, allow to complete and enrich the relationship between Takira and Dante.
What seemed to me interesting and unique in all the lesfics that I read is the other people's view on the butches, others who have very strong prejudices.
The cover is perfect, and represents the content of the book.
A must-read book.
First book of the author I read. And I was very surprised by the quality and originality of the story.
We often find in some books relations Buch / woman, who often do not treat the social status and looks of society on these women close to masculinity, and despite all lesbians at 100%.
Here, the two characters, have a socially interessant originality, Takira africa-american and Dante a very butch butch are unique and unusual people.
Their relationship is obvious from the beginning, with good chemistry. The secondary characters, especially Trent, allow to complete and enrich the relationship between Takira and Dante.
What seemed to me interesting and unique in all the lesfics that I read is the other people's view on the butches, others who have very strong prejudices.
The cover is perfect, and represents the content of the book.
A must-read book.
May 24, 2019
This is my first book by this author I have read. It is also part of a series which I didn't realise to begin with. However, it can be read as a stand-a-lone book.
I absolutely loved this book. I especially loved Takira. She is an absolute darling. Dante, I did like her but I fell for Takira from the beginning. The chemistry between them was great. I was hoping that they would get together long before they did. I enjoyed the story line, and the pace was just about right. Loved all the secondary characters especially Trent. Now that I know Trent's story is in book 1 I will be reading that one soon.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I absolutely loved this book. I especially loved Takira. She is an absolute darling. Dante, I did like her but I fell for Takira from the beginning. The chemistry between them was great. I was hoping that they would get together long before they did. I enjoyed the story line, and the pace was just about right. Loved all the secondary characters especially Trent. Now that I know Trent's story is in book 1 I will be reading that one soon.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 10, 2025
I found this gem on my TBR shelves. This is the first book by this author I've read and the 3rd book of the series. First, this book can be read as a stand alone. But, I'll probably buy and read the first 2.
I love that it's age gap, with the younger partner being the boss, they're also an inter racial couple, with a cute 2 1/2 year old little boy in the mix. Takira owns her own restaurant and needs a new manager, when in walks Dante who gets a glowing report from Trent,Takira's friend. With a fabulous resume, Takira hires Dante. Both women are attracted to each other. But Takira doesn't come alone, she has her nephew Finn living with her.
This is a beautiful love story not only of a couple, but of a family! I love this book! 5 stars!
I love that it's age gap, with the younger partner being the boss, they're also an inter racial couple, with a cute 2 1/2 year old little boy in the mix. Takira owns her own restaurant and needs a new manager, when in walks Dante who gets a glowing report from Trent,Takira's friend. With a fabulous resume, Takira hires Dante. Both women are attracted to each other. But Takira doesn't come alone, she has her nephew Finn living with her.
This is a beautiful love story not only of a couple, but of a family! I love this book! 5 stars!
August 15, 2019
Liked this third in the series a lot - not as much as 1 but more than 2. I'd read the other two first - at least definitely book 1 - before reading this one. A healthy dose of Trent/Juliet/Harley (delightful), a bit of Elton/Monica and a flash of Scarlet/Bryce from previous novels.
Nearing 50, classic butch Dante returns to her Columbia, MO, hometown with only what's in her car. A chance meeting with her old friend Trent and restaurateur Takira opens an unforeseen wealth of opportunities - both personal and professional.
Nearing 50, classic butch Dante returns to her Columbia, MO, hometown with only what's in her car. A chance meeting with her old friend Trent and restaurateur Takira opens an unforeseen wealth of opportunities - both personal and professional.
May 19, 2019
4.5 stars. I loved this book. It was suprising and exciting to see old friends from Playing Passion's Game. I had no idea this book tied into that one. It worked just fine as a stand alone if you haven't read the afore mentioned title. This was a great romance about healing and new life from tragedy. I happily await the next book from this author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
I requested this on Netgalley because it sounded like no reservations with lesbians and honestly it didn't dissapoint.
It was light fun read with lots of queer characters and very little conflict. The main focus is on how the main characters help each other change and grow and overcome their hang ups. I enjoyed how nice most of the characters were and how everything wrapped up in a neat bow.
I'd recommend this if you're in the mood for a sweet romance and minimal drama.
Read my more detailed review on my blogHERE
E-arc provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It was light fun read with lots of queer characters and very little conflict. The main focus is on how the main characters help each other change and grow and overcome their hang ups. I enjoyed how nice most of the characters were and how everything wrapped up in a neat bow.
I'd recommend this if you're in the mood for a sweet romance and minimal drama.
Read my more detailed review on my blogHERE
E-arc provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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