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Playing With Fire #1
Tempting Fate
What if Romeo and Juliet had gotten their happy ending?
At first, Hercules Valentine was the boy that set my soul on fire. Temptation personified; he was the flame, and I, the moth. At least that's how I felt. Because Hercules Valentine was off-limits, I knew that just as well as I knew my name.
The rivalry between our families has deep roots. My family will never accept him, and his family will never welcome me either. I know this for a fact.
However, no matter where life takes us, fate has a funny way of bringing Hercules and me back together again. He doesn't know it, but he's been my first real kiss, among other things.
It's been years since my high school crush on the quiet, tempting, and popular boy in my 5th-period class. And now, family duty calls, and I've been tasked with crossing him in the worst way. If he learns of my deception, then he might end up hating me forever. But will my mission be thwarted by an itch that only Hercules Valentine can scratch?
This is the first must-read billionaire romance in the Playing with Fire series. It's a slow-burn romance, capturing the roots of Paisley and Hercules's intense love story.
At first, Hercules Valentine was the boy that set my soul on fire. Temptation personified; he was the flame, and I, the moth. At least that's how I felt. Because Hercules Valentine was off-limits, I knew that just as well as I knew my name.
The rivalry between our families has deep roots. My family will never accept him, and his family will never welcome me either. I know this for a fact.
However, no matter where life takes us, fate has a funny way of bringing Hercules and me back together again. He doesn't know it, but he's been my first real kiss, among other things.
It's been years since my high school crush on the quiet, tempting, and popular boy in my 5th-period class. And now, family duty calls, and I've been tasked with crossing him in the worst way. If he learns of my deception, then he might end up hating me forever. But will my mission be thwarted by an itch that only Hercules Valentine can scratch?
This is the first must-read billionaire romance in the Playing with Fire series. It's a slow-burn romance, capturing the roots of Paisley and Hercules's intense love story.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
441 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Z.L. Arkadie
104 books498 followersZ.L. Arkadie is stepping into a new era of emotionally rich, upmarket romance that sweeps you away and thrills your heart in the best possible way. Her upcoming stories promise the kind of passion, longing, and intensity that pull you out of the everyday and into something unforgettable. For readers who crave stories that ache, soar, and stay with you—this is where it begins.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2025
everything yet nothing happened in the 304 pages of this book. there is no chemistry between leads & all the characters are unlikeable, annoying and flat. paisley & hercules interact a total of like, 4 times, including a sex scene that felt quite random. hercule's pov includes him wondering why paisley never texted back and honestly, i'm wondering the same thing too man.
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June 15, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/15/2021)!🎁
June 29, 2021
Good story 😃
Wayyyyyyy, too much info, not enough meat 😉. It's so long winded that I wanted to quit reading this, but I pushed through just cuz I hoped something would happen 😲. But No, gotta get the next book and I'm not sure if I want to 😣. Thanks Z.L., but I just got lost in all the details and I'm just not intrigued enough to keep reading, sorry 🤓.
Wayyyyyyy, too much info, not enough meat 😉. It's so long winded that I wanted to quit reading this, but I pushed through just cuz I hoped something would happen 😲. But No, gotta get the next book and I'm not sure if I want to 😣. Thanks Z.L., but I just got lost in all the details and I'm just not intrigued enough to keep reading, sorry 🤓.
July 1, 2024
This is the second Z.L. Arkadie contemporary romance I’ve read, this time with an interesting trope (enemies to lovers). For starters, the book is divided into three parts: 1 – High School Crush, 2 – A University Night and 3 – The Plan. This provides context of the longstanding family feud between the Groves and the Valentines – two wealthy families in the tech industry.
Let’s meet Paisley Grove, a high school software designer who has won several awards and now on her way to the prestigious Albrecht Institute of Technology in Boston on a full scholarship. Not having lots of friends because she’s new to the high school, she’s thrilled to be invited to a party the night before graduation. Breaking her rule of not drinking, she accepts a drink that is spiked and is nearly sexually assaulted. Fortunately, Hercules Valentine (“the most stunning and enigmatic boy” she has a huge crush on) comes to her rescue. She wants to thank him at graduation, but he doesn’t show up due to a family emergency. After that, they go their separate ways to different colleges.
Fast forward to college and Paisley Grove bumps into Hercules during her junior year but he doesn’t recognize her. She has lost weight and wears a blunt cut hairstyle a far cry from the mounds of hair she wore in a ponytail most days in high school. She gets butterflies and they part ways until they bump into each other again while she’s out at a restaurant with her roommate. This time, Hercules is drunk (still doesn’t recognize her) and offers to take her to his brother’s penthouse for a non-committal hook up. Paisely relishes every moment with him.
After college, Max, Paisley’s brother convinces her to pose as Lark Davenport to infiltrate Valentine Technology Innovations (VTI) and retrieve a missing code from their brain server. Paisley is torn because she doesn’t want to betray Hercules, but she’s loyal to her family. The challenge now is to avoid Hercules and the ache in her heart for him long enough to complete her mission.
Overall, this was a quick and fun read. I enjoyed the storyline and the forbidden romance between Paisley and Hercules amidst a family feud. At times, I wished Paisley would confront Hercules about her true identity and her feelings for him instead of constantly ruminating in her head. Despite a few confusing sections, the intrigue kept me hooked. Unfortunately, the book ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to read the next installment to discover what happens with Paisley Grove/Lark Davenport as she navigates her job at VTI while resisting the allure of Hercules. Good read!
Some of my favorite lines:
“What’s your name?” he asks.
My eyes expand. What was the name Eden gave me?
“Tabatha.” Or am I Glory?
“Tabatha, do you still want to come up?”
“Yes,” I whisper like the wind.
“Okay, but I can’t promise you more than tonight. And it’s not personal. I just can’t, you know?”
Oh boy, do I know. “Okay.”
Here come his lips. When our mouths meet, the kissing takes on a different form. Our smooching is soft and sultry. It’s as if we’re rolling around together on a bed made of clouds, unable to quell our lust.
Let’s meet Paisley Grove, a high school software designer who has won several awards and now on her way to the prestigious Albrecht Institute of Technology in Boston on a full scholarship. Not having lots of friends because she’s new to the high school, she’s thrilled to be invited to a party the night before graduation. Breaking her rule of not drinking, she accepts a drink that is spiked and is nearly sexually assaulted. Fortunately, Hercules Valentine (“the most stunning and enigmatic boy” she has a huge crush on) comes to her rescue. She wants to thank him at graduation, but he doesn’t show up due to a family emergency. After that, they go their separate ways to different colleges.
Fast forward to college and Paisley Grove bumps into Hercules during her junior year but he doesn’t recognize her. She has lost weight and wears a blunt cut hairstyle a far cry from the mounds of hair she wore in a ponytail most days in high school. She gets butterflies and they part ways until they bump into each other again while she’s out at a restaurant with her roommate. This time, Hercules is drunk (still doesn’t recognize her) and offers to take her to his brother’s penthouse for a non-committal hook up. Paisely relishes every moment with him.
After college, Max, Paisley’s brother convinces her to pose as Lark Davenport to infiltrate Valentine Technology Innovations (VTI) and retrieve a missing code from their brain server. Paisley is torn because she doesn’t want to betray Hercules, but she’s loyal to her family. The challenge now is to avoid Hercules and the ache in her heart for him long enough to complete her mission.
Overall, this was a quick and fun read. I enjoyed the storyline and the forbidden romance between Paisley and Hercules amidst a family feud. At times, I wished Paisley would confront Hercules about her true identity and her feelings for him instead of constantly ruminating in her head. Despite a few confusing sections, the intrigue kept me hooked. Unfortunately, the book ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to read the next installment to discover what happens with Paisley Grove/Lark Davenport as she navigates her job at VTI while resisting the allure of Hercules. Good read!
Some of my favorite lines:
“What’s your name?” he asks.
My eyes expand. What was the name Eden gave me?
“Tabatha.” Or am I Glory?
“Tabatha, do you still want to come up?”
“Yes,” I whisper like the wind.
“Okay, but I can’t promise you more than tonight. And it’s not personal. I just can’t, you know?”
Oh boy, do I know. “Okay.”
Here come his lips. When our mouths meet, the kissing takes on a different form. Our smooching is soft and sultry. It’s as if we’re rolling around together on a bed made of clouds, unable to quell our lust.
May 12, 2021
I received an ARC copy for an honest review. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for book 2! The feud between the Valentine and Grove families is epic. As always the author draws you into the characters and their relationships. This is the beginning of an amazing series filled with love, lies, and misunderstandings. Hercules and Paisley both love their families beyond words and would do anything for those they care for. I loved the names she used for the characters. I’m rooting for Hercules and Paisley! I can’t wait to see where Z.L. takes the story/series.
December 20, 2024
Cliffhanger!
I absolutely detest cliffhangers. IMO they're an easy out for a serial author. Because they are essentially one single story arbitrarily chopped into 2, 3, or 4 sections, they require little imagination and even less effort to create a satisfying ending while inspiring readers to continue with the next installment. I'm very disappointed. I read and enjoyed her Christmas series a great deal so I know she can write a decent ending. To see she has sunk to such a low as this leaves me really empty and sad at the loss of a good author.
I absolutely detest cliffhangers. IMO they're an easy out for a serial author. Because they are essentially one single story arbitrarily chopped into 2, 3, or 4 sections, they require little imagination and even less effort to create a satisfying ending while inspiring readers to continue with the next installment. I'm very disappointed. I read and enjoyed her Christmas series a great deal so I know she can write a decent ending. To see she has sunk to such a low as this leaves me really empty and sad at the loss of a good author.
May 13, 2021
I loved this book! The feud between the Valentines and Groves is on. This book is not the same ole love story. It has twists and turns that will keep you intrigued. Paisley has a high school crush on a Valentine (Hercules) whom is forbidden due to the family feud. Hercules feels the same way but he feels obligated to protect his family. Will they ever finally break free from the feud that keeps them apart? Can’t wait until book 2!! A must read!
July 23, 2021
Tempting Fate: Soul Mates Forbidden Lovers Romance (Book1 The Billionaire Hercules Valentine)
Lots of motion moving in and out of different scenarios of life with the two fated lovers never quite making a connection. Now adults in busy corporate lives deception is at play and may rankle some lives but in the meantime anxiety may put Paisley/Lark in over her head. I am thinking things are going to heat up with my next read…
Lots of motion moving in and out of different scenarios of life with the two fated lovers never quite making a connection. Now adults in busy corporate lives deception is at play and may rankle some lives but in the meantime anxiety may put Paisley/Lark in over her head. I am thinking things are going to heat up with my next read…
January 2, 2025
Interesting book for the two old friends who evidently have soul ties because they are definitely drawn to one another. This is the story of Paisley Grove and Hercules Valentine. They have been told by their grandparents to not to have anything to do with one another. This book gets really interesting because it has a little mystery and whole lot of angst between these two young people. I can't wait to find out where this story line is going to go.
November 14, 2024
The feud between the Valentine and the Grove Familys. This is the beginning of an amazing series filled with love, lies, and misunderstandings. Hercules and Paisley both love their families beyond words and would do anything for those they care for. I loved the names she used for the characters. I’m rooting for Hercules and Paisley!
November 20, 2024
This had an interesting premise, and I liked how it started out, but then it got super technical in parts, and I had no idea what year it was. It’s set in the future, but you don’t learn that for certain until much later in the series. I also think they should have explored what happened in high school more.
April 4, 2025
This was ok, but I quit 1\3 of the way through. I just couldn't tolerate the author using the first and last names of the main characters every time they were mentioned. There is no point to it and it became exceedingly tedious. The story had some promise, but just another Romeo and Juliet retelling.
May 11, 2021
Wow what a fabulous book! I’ve been gripped from the start and have loved reading the back story up to current date. Finding out how Paisley and Hercules know each other and how their lives have developed. I need to know more about the family rivalry. I can’t wait to read the next book
May 13, 2021
Hercules and Paisley
Paisley and Hercules have family issues. They're off each others radar, but circumstances change. Love the angst, the quirkiness, the family dysfunction and dynamics. Patiently waiting for the next book.
Paisley and Hercules have family issues. They're off each others radar, but circumstances change. Love the angst, the quirkiness, the family dysfunction and dynamics. Patiently waiting for the next book.
September 25, 2022
Up and down with emotions
Pasiley Grove doesn't know what to do about Hercules Valentine. She sees him while at college but he doesn't know it's her. Then her brother Max has her go in undercover to steel a code.
Pasiley Grove doesn't know what to do about Hercules Valentine. She sees him while at college but he doesn't know it's her. Then her brother Max has her go in undercover to steel a code.
April 26, 2024
This book started out with promise and slowly lost it.
Too much info and rambling inner monologue.
Machinations galore with zero focus.
Jumps from one thing to another with no connection.
Won't be reading any further books by this author.
Too much info and rambling inner monologue.
Machinations galore with zero focus.
Jumps from one thing to another with no connection.
Won't be reading any further books by this author.
January 3, 2025
Paisley & Hercules. I really enjoyed this story, it was written in a way to cement all the pieces in the story together. The Groves vs the Valentines families. There is a long family feud in play. Paisleys long time school girl crush in Hercules comes to the forefront. Her brother, Max, is starting to take control of her amazing coding abilities, and she’s trying to work out who’s friend and who’s totally not. This book ends on a cliff hanger, and I intend to read the whole series. Really enjoyed how it was written, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the mains.
February 22, 2023
Dnf at 18%. The way the author used “fat” is so grating and negative.
August 16, 2024
Amazing!
Can't remember the last time I have been so engrossed in a book. I could not put this one down. What happens next?
Love the characters and the storyline.
Can't remember the last time I have been so engrossed in a book. I could not put this one down. What happens next?
Love the characters and the storyline.
September 18, 2024
DNF
Hard storyline to follow
Too much thoughts back and forth between the main characters, skimmed the end but this wasn't what I expected
Hard storyline to follow
Too much thoughts back and forth between the main characters, skimmed the end but this wasn't what I expected
October 22, 2024
I want more!!!
I like the story and where it is heading but wasn't ready for the first book to cut off so soon.
I like the story and where it is heading but wasn't ready for the first book to cut off so soon.
October 29, 2024
Good story line but...
Needs a better proofer! I hate typos and sentence structure errors! I like the story line and characters but just get derailed when I see errors.
Needs a better proofer! I hate typos and sentence structure errors! I like the story line and characters but just get derailed when I see errors.
November 15, 2024
This book, great. That it’s the first of three…ugh. It’s not even 200 pages.
November 27, 2024
It made me cringe physically and i judt wont keep reading if that happens
December 19, 2024
Another one of those 3 part novels. I will not buy the next two. Not that good and I feel duped. Come on. Not even 300 pages.
January 18, 2025
Uh just boring and dumb. I got this on stuff your kindle day so I didn’t have high expectations but no interest in continuing the series.
October 10, 2025
Amazing Book!!!!!
I really loved the rollercoaster of emotions. The author has you running to find out what happens next. I believe this will be a great series.
I really loved the rollercoaster of emotions. The author has you running to find out what happens next. I believe this will be a great series.
October 18, 2024
Not super polished but the story was fun and I bought the next 2 books so it obviously hooked me
November 15, 2024
Too much tech talk, slow, not particularly intriguing. Wouldn’t recommend to a friend
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews