Playing with Fire

Brides of Cottenham #3

by Karen Sommers, Emilee Harris

If any man ever took pride in being a rake, it would be Henry Mordane, Duke of Harrogate. Beholden to no one, desired by every lady he encounters, life couldn’t be better. Even getting caught half-naked in a lady’s bedroom sparks humor… until the ensuing wedding rouses memories and insecurities he’d rather not deal with. The logical answer is to carry on as though nothing has changed. He’ll do as he pleases and allow her to do the same. Perfect. Except when he begins to take a little too much pleasure in provoking his feisty wife…
Sharp-tongued Lady Anne Berkeley values her independence. Is it any wonder she becomes irate when that bumbling idiot of a Duke stumbles into her room? How dare her brother force her into marrying the man?! Her husband’s one saving grace is that he seems content to leave her in peace and not interfere with her comings and goings. That’s just fine by her. Until her heart begins to race at the smooth way he counters her verbal jabs…
This heated game of cat and mouse may be more dangerous than either of them are prepared for.

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Historical

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2019

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read that moved along at a good pace. I did wonder if I would like Lady Anne at first as she appeared to be someone who wants her own way regardless of others. However, there is more to the way she behaves than is at first apparent. Henry, Duke of Harrogate, doesn’t wish to marry and he also has a secret he does wish to disclose. They had an amusing first meeting and Anne doesn’t know quite how to handle Henry. They are both unsure of each other but I enjoyed how their feelings gradually changed. There are a few secrets to uncover and a menace to contend with but this all added to an engaging read. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a girl to do when she just wants to be independent... shop, go to balls, have fun... But with the return of her brother and his wife to take over the estate, they had cut her independence. Her spending had been cut in half, her socializing had been cut in half and her brother insisted she needed to wed. Well she would show him...
Unfortunately Anne's show of defiance made it worse and her brother declared she would marry and find a suitable match or he would choose for her! In her defiance she decides to become as unlovable as she could so no man would want her. There, see if that didn't show him!
Henry, Duke of Harrogate had been pushed by his mother to marry, so they go to visit Lady Anne as a potential match. But unfortunately, or maybe in this case fate stepped in, he ended up in her bedroom by mistake and compromised her when found.
I really enjoyed this story even though I wanted to box Anne's ears at times! But there are a couple of twists and a secret that come out. Truly enjoyed this story!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Winchester loved her house and had a euphoric feeling as she glided to the door, intending a trip in the carriage to London. But the carriage was not waiting and her temper immediately flared. She yelled a young stable hand, demanding to know where the carriage she had ordered was, and he fearfully told her the Countess had cancelled it. She turned around and stormed back inside, seeking her sister-in-law, Marie Winchester, Countess of Havestead. Since her brother had returned two years ago, he had cut her spending in half and limited her socializing, as well as insisting that she be married! While he was away for the week, he had told his wife to limit expenditures and curb Anne’s excesses which she considered a frivolous carriage ride to London to be. So she schemed to retaliate and make them regret having crossed her!

Anne had invited haughty, self-righteous busybodies, drinkers, gamblers, and rakes to Havestead Manor – her brother’s estate – for a party, their descending like locusts wreaking havoc and causing a scandal would undoubtedly make her brother Philip happy to send Anne off to his London townhome. Dozens of people arrived so that she could make a proper spectacle. They ate and drank everything in sight. She was certain the mess they left would definitely get her sent to London. Philip’s loud, angry voice was a welcome relief as she hadn’t considered how to make them leave. He was livid, telling her she had been pampered and catered to from the cradle and it’s high time she learned some restraint. She again repeated he should send her to London if he didn’t like it, which he responded NO. It was obvious to Philip and his wife that it was now time for Anne to be married. Because he knew she would turn down all of the men he presented, he told her she had no choice – he would choose for her. She had been so close to realizing her dreams, and now everything had gone wrong! So she decided to become so unlovable that no man would be willing to marry her! Philip will wish he never tried to force her!

Henry James Mordane, the Fifth Duke of Harrogate, a dashing rogue among the ladies, is getting pressure from his mother to marry. They go to visit Lady Anne as a prospective bride. She's on her worst behavior and wants nothing to do with Henry. But Henry, in an attempt to meet up with a maid, accidentally ends up in Anne’s room. According to the society rules, they are required to marry to save her honor. Henry has a secret but is too proud to ask for help. Will Anne be there for him, or will she continue her horrible behavior?

This was a good book with a good story line. There are hints of a mystery that keeps the story intriguing for the reader. The characters are well-described. Anne was obnoxious, which added spark to the story. There is more to come in the book as Anne and Henry get to know each other and some discoveries still need to be made. Grab your copy and don’t miss the action yet to come!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE BREATHLESS WONDER!!!
Amazing! This dynamic duo stirs one chaotic mix that's as thrilling as it riveting with all the shenanigans and mayhem blasting this baby to life flawlessly. A spinning vortex chocked-full of vexing circumstances and a bevy of astonishing events that keep you flipping page after page. A bounty of perplexing situations that thrusts our characters head long into a tailspin they never saw coming with surprising impacts. Pushing on-ward, hurdling the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of plot twists and sharp turns fuses this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. Add in distress, misunderstandings and turmoil and you have the recipe for one chart topping, prize winning bombshell. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life beautifully. The characters and their on point personalities are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read. A wonderful love story. This was a great story. Anne grew up all alone. But she was extremely intelligent, especially considering she was a girl growing up in Regency England. When her father dismissed her tutor, Anne secretly continued to learn. As an adult she now has a mission and puts all her money and time towards it. But after her father’s death, her estranged brother comes back and curbs all of Anne’s activities. When her plan to thwart her brother backfires, she ends up married, which is the last thing she ever wanted. But maybe this is the best thing for her. I loved her husband Henry. When she was rude to him he loved it and was intrigued by her. The dinner when he and his mother meet Anne was hilarious. This was a funny story with a mystery involved and plenty of passion between Anne and Henry. Both had problems with loved ones trying to hold them back, but now they were each other’s support. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiled Brat💃💋 Wins the Day

Recency Era ADULT Romance💕with abduction.
Henry, the Fifth Duke of Harrogate, is quite the rogue, but his mother insists he marry. They take a trip to see Lady Ann Winchester💃💋 as a prospective bride 👰. She's a total brat who wants nothing to do with Henry🐺🍆⛲, even though her brother wants to marry her off.

Henry🐺🍆⛲, the baaaad Naaaasty boy that he is, attempts to sleep with a flirting maid, only to accidentally find himself in Lady Anne's room. She is compromised just by his presence, so they are forced to marry👰.
Lady Anne💃💋 goes around 😠mad at Henry🐺🍆⛲ all the time in this book, and I thought it was a bit overdone.

Henry🐺🍆⛲ for his part has a dyslexic brain when it comes to numbers. He is trying to go through his late father's 📚ledger books, and just having an awful time. He knows someone is siphoning off money 💰from the estate, but he cannot figure out who and how. The problem is driving him crazy, but his pride and the secret problem he has won't let him ask for help.

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

I enjoyed the book, but thought the love/hate relationship between Anne and Henry went on too long and was overdone.

[Dotty M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what you don’t want, is just what you need.

I devoured Playing with Fire in one sitting. The scene where Anne and Henry meet for the first time at dinner was priceless I actually laughed out loud. I always enjoy when the Hero and heroine discover they love each rather than the insta-love in so many books. Although I found the end of the book to be a bit drawn out it was still very satisfying. I really enjoyed Playing with Fire and like many of Karen Sommers book I definitely will read it again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and Lady Anne are caught together and then forced to marry or tarnish her reputation.
What neither expects is how they tease each and start feeling more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrepid

If any man ever took pride in being a rake, it would be Henry Mordane, Duke of Harrogate. Beholden to no one, desired by every lady he encounters, life couldn’t be better. Even getting caught half-naked in a lady’s bedroom sparks humor… until the ensuing wedding rouses memories and insecurities he’d rather not deal with. The logical answer is to carry on as though nothing has changed. He’ll do as he pleases and allow her to do the same. Perfect. Except when he begins to take a little too much pleasure in provoking his feisty wife…
Sharp-tongued Lady Anne Berkeley values her independence. Is it any wonder she becomes irate when that bumbling idiot of a Duke stumbles into her room? How dare her brother force her into marrying the man?! Her husband’s one saving grace is that he seems content to leave her in peace and not interfere with her comings and goings. That’s just fine by her. Until her heart begins to race at the smooth way he counters her verbal jabs…
This heated game of cat and mouse may be more dangerous than either of them are prepared for.
How can they fall in love?
How can they stay in love?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and reviewed it voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amusing, sweet and dramatic. When Anne's brother had enough of Anne having her way, he decided that it's time she married. So he invited some suitors to meet her. She was having none of it and was as rude and disrespectful as she could be to discourage them. When Henry's mother tricks him into a trip to meet her, he's determined to just pretend he was interested in meeting her, then come up with an excuse to reject her. But, much to Anne's dismay, Henry finds her antics amusing instead of them being irritating. A wrong turn that night accidentally puts Henry in Anne's bedroom, and before he can get out they're caught. After the wedding he asks her to pretend to be happily married and she can live her life as she sees fit. A few misunderstandings threaten what starts as a comfortable comradery. Henry is very stubborn, Anne is determined. It's a sweet story

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Henry & Anne's story. Good characters. This was a fun book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Duke of Harrowgate and the woman he married!
by sewsummore

When Anne and Henry were discovered alone in her bedroom there was nothing for it but a quick wedding between the two of them. Henry had come to visit Anne and her brother to explore the possibility of marriage between the two on them. Anne was not pleased but the marriage and her settlement was what was needed to keep his family estate flourishing. This was a romance that seemed doomed in the begining but soon flourished after a time. Henry was a stuborn man with a secret disability that had almost ruined his life. Anne was an intelligent young woman determined to use her talent for Arithmetic to help others including the stuborn man she married. A facinating look into the education of woman and the mistake men make!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was very ready to quit this book by the 20% mark. Neither of the two main characters were growing on me. I sadly was judging the heroine just about as badly as her brother had judged her. She was meeting with men secretly, throwing lavish parties, chasing about to London, spoiledly turning her nose up at her brother’s wife, and she was ill-tempered and argumentative, sniping at everyone, and only interested in getting her way. There was absolutely nothing in the story by that point to suggest her motives were anything other than selfish. And there was nothing in her character for me to like either. And the hero didn’t seem to think anything wrong with jumping into the bed of a sleeping woman and accosting her. Even if the woman is willing, that’s still an evil move. But I checked out some other reviews and they didn’t cite any of these things, so I kept on. And I’m glad I did. Anne’s desire for going to London was altruistic and the secret meetings were business. Henry actually wasn’t a rake (outside of that one scene). He gets fixed rather single-mindedly on Anne and was an over-protective sweetheart through the whole story (except on the couple of occasions when his temper got the better of him -which felt rather out of character and bi-polar the couple of times it did). Honestly, outside of that one moment designed to bring the two characters together, his rake status didn’t come into play at all (which I started to wonder why even call him that except to attempt to draw a reader audience that likes the bad boy rakes). While the character of Anne was supposed to be more progressive for the modern audience to identify with (she’s intelligent, and likes her freedom, and wants to make her own way in the world), the book seemed to have an argument against that with turning her into a damsel-in-distress on multiple occasions for the hero to rescue. The point where the book actually took off for me was the storm, which seemed really cliché, but it was still a fun scene (actually, a lot of the scenes felt cliché, but really the draw is the two main characters and watching them attempt to figure out their marriage).

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite authors.
Karen Sommers and Emilee Harris are two of my favorite authors and when I saw them teamed up I knew I had to read their book. It was just as good as I had hoped from the cover to what was inside the book had me hooked. Anne’s brother wants her to marry. Now Anne had a great deal of freedom when her father had been alive and her brother had been nowhere around. She and her father ran the estate. Now with his death and her brother taking over everything she is upset and acts the bitch and I do believe she has caused. Then she meets Henry Mordane and the games begin. I feel for both the main characters the author has given them both life-changing problems and it was well done. This is a book I absolutely recommend Anne and Henry needed each other. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Characters Not Likeable

I'm a big fan of historical romance, so I am usually pretty quick to snap up any historical romance that shows up at my favorite book review sites. I've read a lot of historical romance, and though it might seem silly, I actually want my characters in a romance to be inherently likable. Yes, they can be flawed, pigheaded, and just flat-out wrong at times. But at the core, I have to think they are decent people with human failings like the rest of us. That, for me, is the crux of my problem with this book. I just did not find these characters likable. Especially the heroine. And she is truly spoiled to the core. The hero is a rake. While they both improve over time, my dislike of them had been so well established from the beginning that they couldn’t do much to rise in my esteem.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning I thought Anne was a selfish shrew ripping up at her brother and his wife and being rude to Henry, who was brought to her family’s estate as a potential suitor for her. Henry seemed like an empty rake, but during the story I realized that was a facade to try to hide what he saw as a deficiency. There is the mystery of who Anne is corresponding with and what she’s really doing in London and who why their are discrepancies in Henry’s ledgers. This historical romance had funny, sexy, romantic, and suspenseful moments.

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing with Fire is the third book in the Brides of Cottenham series. I found it to be a great standalone book. I loved the characters and the book grabbed my attention and kept it. It was well written and perfectly paced. It was a fun Regency romance and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the Brides of Cottenham series a well written Recency story that held my interest until the end. This is Henry Mordane, Duke of Harrogate, and Lady Anne Berkeley's story two people who value their independence. There is suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. I will be reading the rest of this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read that I enjoyed. I loved Henry and Anne they were well written and went well together. The story and characters well written and developed and grabbed me form the beginning. It's a fast paced insta love story that I enjoyed and is a must read for any fan!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

I absolutely recommend this book it was heartwarming entertaining a very smooth read it flowed beautifully the characters I love the characters besides being well define they were both lovable they both had their insecurities which showed they were kind of like real people and I love that part about the book.