Playing with Fire

Hot in Chicago #2

by Kate Meader

From popular romance author Kate Meader comes the second novel in Hot in Chicago, a brand-new, sizzling series that follows a group of firefighting foster siblings and their blazing hot love interests!

As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, Alexandra Dempsey gets it from all sides: the male coworkers who think she can’t do the job, the wives and girlfriends who see her as a threat to their firefighter men, and her overprotective foster brothers who want to shelter their baby sister at all costs. So when she single-handedly saves the life of Eli Cooper, Chicago’s devastatingly handsome mayor, she assumes the respect she’s longed for will finally come her way. But it seems Mr. Mayor has other ideas…

Eli Cooper’s mayoral ratings are plummeting, his chances at reelection dead in the water. When a sexy, curvaceous firefighter gives him the kiss of life, she does more than bring him back to the land of the living—she also breathes vitality into his campaign. Riding the wave of their feel-good story might prop up Eli’s flagging political fortunes, but the sizzling attraction between them can go nowhere; he’s her boss, and there are rules that must be obeyed. But you know what they say about rules: they’re made to be broken…

Finished PLAYING WITH FIRE? Catch up with Eli, Alexandra, and the rest of the Dempseys in the free Hot in Chicago short story, AFTER THE FIRE.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Firefighters, Enemies To Lovers, Adult, Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

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The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I despise you right now, Cooper."
"Coming through loud and clear."
"I may punch you, bite you, crush your nuts between my thighs. It's going to be the best hate sex I'VE ever had. And YOUR survival is not my first concern."

Kate Meader is an author that first hit my radar with her seriously delicious Even the Score. I fell in love with her witty writing and knew she'd be going straight to my auto buy list. When I saw that she has this series set in my hometown of Chicago with foster siblings that are all firefighters, well, suffice it to say reading it was a no brainer.

Smart, fun, sharp-witted and oh so sexy, Playing With Fire was addictingly good from beginning to end. As a matter of fact, I never wanted it to end. I was hooked from the first chapter and knew I had myself a winner and I was not even a little wrong. Kate Meader gives some of the best hate-lust I have ever read, and that's saying a lot considering this is my all time favorite trope.

He's so damn dominant. I don't think I should be sleeping with a guy who dresses chauvinism up with chivalry."

Alexandra Dempsey is used to always having to prove her worth. Her foster siblings and father are all fire fighter royalty that constantly try to shelter her, and if that's not enough, getting criticism about her ability as a firefighter from the mayor of Chicago certainly doesn't help. Eli Cooper is chauvinistic, domineering, and too sexy for his own good. So what if one look from him makes her nether regions pulse, she hates him...right?

Eli is no stranger to fighting for what he wants. A past marine, he's no stranger to doing battle. But the battle of wits between him and the sassy fire fighter may be his biggest battle yet. With his mayoral ratings plummeting right around election, he makes Alexandra an offer she can't refuse. And if they can finally have a reason to give into the fiery passion that's burning between them, it's a win win right? Even at the cost of a few deceitful lies...

I will fuck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra...
I'm going to fuck you so good, the only word on your lips will be my name. The only answer to every question will be my name. Now say it."

I loved these two together. Who doesn't love a sassy and sharp-witted heroine and a hero with a dominating streak in the bedroom? Rhetorical question, obviously, because I couldn't get enough of them.

There was not one dull moment in this book. It would send me from laughing out loud one moment to lusting after Eli the next.

Should I be jealous of my dog?"
"You might have Hollywood looks, dubious charm, great hair, and a giant penis, Eli Cooper, but that puppy of yours is the real selling point."

The chemistry between these two characters was absolutely perfect. It was this fantastic mix of snarky and sexy. Alexandra "Sexy Lexi" was exactly the kind of heroine I love to read about. She's strong but with just the right amount of that endearing vulnerability. Eli with his brooding intensity was the icing on the cake.

I've lied and cheated to make you mine, but I never promised to play fair. How I feel about you isn't noble or pure, it just is. In this crazy, fucked-up life I lead, you are my one constant.

I'm hooked. Totally and completely hooked on Kate's writing and this fantastic series. I'm already salivating for the next installment like a junky waiting for a fix. I recommend this book to any fans of contemporary romance. It's not to be missed. If you haven't yet discovered this fabulous author yet, you are really missing out.

ARC courtesy of publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit

[Cyndi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't research this one enough. Halfway in we find out that the hero is f*ck buddies with his ex wife. They have been divorced for 12 years and when they aren't dating others they have sex with each other. Since the hero became the mayor 4 years ago he has only had sex with his ex. This ex is also his campaign manager so they work together pretty much everyday. He was also with her right before he met the heroine. Of course this info makes the h sick, but she accepts him back without really asking too many questions. He has an account at a lingerie shop and sent the h there for some things he picked out- she wonders if he sent the ex there too but she never asks. Oh yeah he also ran into a burning building to save this ex which ends up with the firefighter h saving him. This info about the ex totally ruined the book for me. I skimmed the rest, but only because I really liked the h. She should have found someone that didn't have an ex wife/f*ck buddy that will never go away!

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing With Fire is book two in the Hot in Chicago series by Kate Meader. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley, Pocket Books and by Kate Meader.

I have previously read the prequel to this series, Rekindle the Flame, and loved it. But still, I was not prepared for the impact of this book. This book is amazing. I loved every single page of it. Now I am going to have to go back and read the two books between the prequel and this one.



Eli Cooper is Mayor of Chicago. His first four year term is about over and he is running for re-election. The poll numbers haven’t been all that promising lately. He needs a boost. Eli isn’t ready for his time in office to be over. He still has so much he wants to do. But to what lengths is he willing to go to insure he will win the election? Eli lives alone in his deceased parents huge home with his adorable lab-collie mix dog, Shadow.



Alexandra Dempsey is a firefighter. She is part of the famous Dempsey family. Her adoptive parents are no longer alive but she has a set of brothers, all alphas, all over protective, and all are also firefighters for the City of Chicago. Alex is still a rookie at Engine Company 6. She will be until her first year is complete. She takes flak from some of her fellow firefighters, from her brothers, and from the media. She has to be tough every single minute of every single day. But she still dreams of finding her own Mr. Right, someone that can handle her strong personality and her dangerous job. But while trying to find her Mr. Right, she feels like she has managed to date half the city of Chicago’s eligible men. Alex is tough, always seems to manage to say the wrong things at the wrong times, and has a hot temper. How could it be so difficult to find a guy who could handle all that?



The first time Eli ever laid eyes on Alex, he knew she was different from any woman he had ever known. When they were thrown together again later when Alexandra’s temper got her into trouble, Eli was even more sure of the fact that Alex was special. There was a crazy vibe between them, a zing. Then, a fire at a fancy hotel he was attending a campaign event at brought them once again together. Eli had stayed behind to find his campaign manager and was trapped in the fire. It was Alex that saved him. Well, first Alex saved him, then he saved Alex. So, they saved each other, in more ways than one.



The media loved them together. The chemistry was obvious to everyone. Eli is willing to do anything to have Alexandra in his life. He doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But he has to have her, to get this out of his system, out of both their systems. But the methods Eli uses to convince Alex to date him, to help him win his election, might not have been completely honest. But at this point, he is willing to do just about anything.

“This thing between us, Alexandra…this thing,” he grated, his voice so graveled it coated every nerve ending with his masculine essence. “It will pass.”
Panic knifed through her, mixed confusion at her body’s overreaction to his bold statement.
“It--it will?”
“God, I hope so, don’t you?”

These two together were just electric. Sizzling doesn’t even seem to begin to describe their chemistry. This author can most definitely write hot, steamy, sexy scenes. But it wasn’t just the sexy times. It was the impact they had on one another. Eli was most definitely all alpha and he was perfect for Alexandra. He respected her for who and what she was.

“Knowing what she did to him made her feel powerful, just as knowing what he did to her made her feel weak.”



Eli has secrets, as most politicians do. Secrets that could destroy his chances of winning the re-election. But they are also secrets that are slowly destroying him. Alexandra coming into his life is slowly letting a little sun back into his heart, bringing light into his darkness. If she ever found out the truth, she would never forgive him. She’d see him for the liar that he is. Or would she?



I again just want to say that I fell in love with this book. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the pages. Eli and Alex couldn’t be more perfect. I definitely am going to need to read the books in this series I skipped over. I definitely want to get more acquainted with this author. So if you enjoy swoony alpha men in suits, strong female characters, and chemistry that actually steams right off the pages, then you should give this book a try. I hope you love it as much as I did.

“What you are to me is…Alexandra. And she defies categorization.”

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing with Fire by Kate Meader
2nd book in the Hot on Chicago series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Alexandra is a firefighter. She’s used to the abundance of male testosterone in her job having already survived growing up with three brothers. Mayor Eli Cooper sees past the gruff exterior that Alex portrays to the sexy woman underneath the uniform. And he absolutely wants access to everything under that uniform.

A hot romance with a touch of domination and sexy underwear for Alex. The power play was fun. Eli was honorable and Alex was quick to judge a couple of times but in the end together they were combustible.
I did love that Alex is a healthy size 16 with a lot of muscles from her firefighting requirements and Eli sees her as super sexy and beautiful. She wears the size and clothes with superb confidence.
4.5

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 SIZZLING STARS

This was my first Kate Meader read and I'm looking forward to more from her. I had so much fun with this!! While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone.

I'm a big fan of the love-hate thing and this one had all that craziness and more in spades. Alexandra Dempsey is firefighter and Eli Cooper is the mayor, the typical politician and also, technically, Alex's boss.



At the outset, like Alex, I wasn't a fan of Eli. He seemed full of ulterior motives and double-talk but I must admit, I grew to love him.

I just adored Alex! She was strong, courageous but also fragile and soft.

“The woman rocked the curves of Marilyn Monroe, the no-filter mouth of Chelsea Handler, and the spirit of Amelia Earheart.”

And Eli was sexy and once you got to know him, sweet and vulnerable too. And the banter and quips between these two were laugh out loud hilarious and at times, sexy as all that!

"Weirdo, stalker, jagoff-" "You planning to kiss my cock later with that mouth?"



And Alex and Eli had off the charts chemistry.



“There was nothing between them but panty-melting attraction.”



“But the kiss was like him – just too damn good. Warm and brutal, providing answers to questions she never knew she had.”

I highly recommend this book. This is a great contemporary romance with complex and likable main characters and secondary characters that steal your heart (Alex's family -- her brothers are awesome!). This was a funny, sexy, at time emotional, hot and romantic read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!


**An ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

For more reviews and blog posts.

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Look, baby. Look at how you wreck me.”

Playing with Fire is a smoking hot feel good read! If you are looking for a "quick and delicious" delight than look no further! This was my first Kate Meader read and it certainly will not be my last!



Alexandra Dempsey is a hard working fire woman. As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, she has always had to battle her way to the top. She works hard everyday to prove her worth and make it known that she is just as capable as her male counterpoints on the squad! However successful her career, Alex is in a bit of a dry spell when if comes to men. The combination of her work load and her overbearing brothers has left her single and free to date the countless "losers" that darken her doorstep.

“Knowing what she did to him made her feel powerful, just as knowing what he did to her made her feel weak.”

Eli Cooper is the Mayor of Chicago. He has always had his eyes on the fiery firefighter Ms. Dempsey and when there is a fire at a campaign event, Eli finds himself right in the arms of the woman of his dreams. Eli takes advantage of the situation and asks Alex to date him in order to boost his campaign ratings.

“Dammit, nipples, stand down. It's just publicity.”



While Alex and Eli grapple with the daily drama of the campaign, they both begin to recognize that true feelings are blossoming and the sexual tension is about to burst between the two!



This was a light and whimsical read perfect for anyone looking for a sexy contemporary romance! Told in dual POV, the dialogue flows effortless between the characters. The plot was well developed and both main characters were extremely endearing. Another winning element for me in this read was the natural build of the plot and the well developed end! I love it when an author leaves no question in my mind regarding the fate of the main characters! Although it is possible to read this book as a stand alone, I did feel a bit "out of the loop" throughout the read as there were multiple references to past story lines from the series. Still, it didn't detract my enjoyment from this book but instead makes me want to hurry up and go back and read the other books in this series!





"Whatever happens, Eli Cooper, you'll always be the tricky, complicated, sexy devious bastard I love."-Alex

Overall, Playing with Fire was a winning read. Anything that can make my heart swoon and leave a smile on my face the entire read is one read you don't want to miss!

~ARC graciously provided via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review!~

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firefighter? Check!
Hot Woman Firefighter? Check Check!
Kick-ass Hot Woman Firefighter? Check Check Check!

“Boobs out, smile wide, voice low. Being sexy was exhausting.”

We have so many romance novels that migrate in different areas of life. Most of the schemes probably already know by heart. But this? Why just now I read my first romance associated with firefighter? I do not know, and just thinking about it, I can see the fire... let alone when a woman is the fearless firefighter. Hell Hot!

About the plot: Alexandra Dempsey is the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6. She must prove her strength at every step. That's bad, that even their lovely mayor has no respect for women in the male profession. Eli Cooper is a former Marines, lawyer and mayor of Chicago. He is handsome, charismatic and impressive. He'll do anything to get what he wants.

They are from the very beginning when first got to know each other feel two things. Amazing attraction and irritation. They provoke each other, and every conversation ends with a furious... and arousal. It would seem that these two will never find agreement.

But one night fire broke out, they must help themselves and dynamics are changing. Despite constant anger, Eli finds a way to have two things he want the most. Alexandra and another 4-year term as mayor. From that moment will happen a lot. They are bickering, they lie, they pull and back, but also they are fighting for each other. If the two will be able to find understanding, besides the obvious hot time in bed... you do not know until the very end.

Final thoughts: I had a wonderful time reading it. Very fresh theme. There are few books about firefighters, and this political topic it always gives a lot of emotion. The enemy to love are reading very well. It is exhilarating, lots of laughs, excitement, and hot scenes. Their heated bickering pulled me into the story. And I very liked how they reach out to each other.

“I don’t think you should get too... handsy.”
“Define handsy. Two hands? One? How many fingers are considered beyond the pale?”
Two fingers would do nicely, thanks.”

It had a lot of funny scenes. Alex is a freak and her sassy mouth says a lot of funny things. You'll have to read it! She is a champion in deterring guys. Fortunately, that Eli knows how to get the woman. And this gorgeous epilogue. Sweet!

My only problem with the book was such that I do not like skipping action. As two weeks passed and there it isn't described. This means that I'm a little behind the story. It speeds and could cause the action is more real, but I personally just do not like too much.

At the end this is a series, and you can read as stand alone, but the main characters meet already in the first part and part of their "problems" comes from there. This is described quite well in this part but I think it took me more time to understand what's going on, so I recommend to read one after the other.

***Quick Review:***

Series: The second in the Hot in Chicago series. Can be read as stand alone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance.
Release Date: September 29th 2015.
Main characters: Alexandra Dempsey, twenty-six years, is the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6. Eli Cooper, thirty-six years, is a handsome mayor of Chicago.
Secondary characters: You have here a group of firefighting foster siblings and their love interests, some of the previous parts, the other of the next. Solid group of family and friends.
Steamy: It's hot in here! A few usual steaming scenes.
Sensitive topic: No.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes.
Next in the series? Yes.

***

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Kate Meader]

Named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books and a Washington Post Best Romance of 2015!

"Meader packs the flawless second Hot in Chicago romance with superb relationship development and profane but note-perfect dialogue.”
—Publishers Weekly starred review

"... steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue ... a real page-turner." —RT Book Reviews Top Pick Gold

PLAYING WITH FIRE is Book 2 in the Hot in Chicago series and features a hard-headed mayor and an awesome female firefighter. Eli Cooper, mayor of Chicago has a few "opinions" about the kinds of professions women are suited for, so naturally, kick ass firefighter, Alexandra Dempsey is the perfect heroine to bring him to his knees! We have here your classic comeuppance: by the end of Chapter 2, Alex will have single-handedly saved Eli's life in a fire (not a spoiler, this is in the book description) and made him re-think some of those trenchant beliefs. PLAYING WITH FIRE has sexy banter, storeroom closet hookups, a boss/employee dynamic, an uber-dominant hero, and a firefighter heroine gettin' it done! Let the games begin...

Though this is Book 2, PLAYING WITH FIRE and all stories in the Hot in Chicago series can be enjoyed as standalones.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - ”You planning on kissing my cock later with that mouth?” Stars!

I love Kate Meader’s writing style, and I think the main issue I have with this book (hence the rating) and similarly to the first one in the Hot in Chicago series is that due to their length the writing loses a little of the authors usual punch in delivery. Both novellas were absolutely stellar, but I really struggled with keeping my reading focus, especially for the first half of the book.



I loved Eli, him and Alexandra have been circling around each other like snarky vultures throughout most of the series, so it was good to finally see the two of them actually squaring off against each other.

”You never fail to bring out the worst in me.”

Alex was a little harder to get along with, I loved her snark, the fact she didn’t take any of Eli’s shit lying down, and that she stood up for herself with her brothers and anyone else who dared to get in her face, but at times… I don’t know, I think due to the pace/length of the book some of her reactions just seemed a little overblown, over dramatic and a tad immature. In parts I could understand this especially as she became more aware of the levels that Eli had stooped to spend time with her.

”I’m a no good dirty, rotten bastard who knows what he wants and will fight like hell to get it. I’ll destroy anyone who says anything against you, who lays a hand upon you, who gets in my fucking way.”

Dirty, confident and dominant, terms that can be used to describe both of them to be honest, and on that front and when the sexy times happened, they were stellar.

”No one else will satisfy you… not even your own fingers. If I’m in the room, in this city, on this goddamn planet, I will be the one who takes care of you. We clear?”

I really did like them together, I just found again that the length of the book diluted Kate’s one-liners, pithy retorts and entertaining inner-monologues, it was very much slow, quick, slow, quick for the most of the story.



Great ending and epilogue, I just wish the book was a little shorter.

I’m here. I’m not leaving.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review posted at http://afterdarkbooklovers.com/2015/1...


I really enjoy Ms. Meader’s writing : I’ve read Ms. Meader’s Hot in the Kitchen series, which was great fun, so I looked forward to checking out this book. I was not disappointed. At first, I was just enjoying myself, but as I got deeper into the story, I couldn’t put it down. When 4am rolled around and I found myself saying "just one more chapter," well, I had to admit that I'd found myself a five star read.

Diversity rules : Both of the series by Ms. Meader that I’ve read so far are set in Chicago, and I do appreciate that these characters do not exist in a lily white world. There’s a variety of characters that come from different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds, even within the Dempsey family since they’re comprised of adopted and foster kids raised by Sean and his wife . I love that she’s taken advantage of the ethnic diversity instead of ignoring it. It lends a richness to the tale being told and I, as a Latina, always appreciate seeing minorities in leading and supporting roles in my romances.

Work and play : Alex is a female firefighter, one of very few in her department, which is sadly very realistic. Her love to hate on Eli Cooper, the hunky mayor with diametrically opposite political views is integral to their struggle to be together. They’ve butted heads in the past, but when Alex saves Eli (and he saves her right back) during a fire, they are thrust into a “fake” relationship to help Eli’s re-election campaign. Personal and professional collide and I couldn’t have been happier. Ms. Meader has created fully realized characters with personal and professional lives. They don’t exist simply to service the romance, but have jobs and careers that influence every aspect of that romance. And their banter? At times crude, but always damn funny.

Alex and Eli have combustible chemistry : Chemistry is like pornography - it’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it. Alex and Eli have that IT. The story is told in third person POV so you get a good perspective on both of their character’s feelings without it becoming all about their inner monologues. As you can see below, there’s dirty talk (yay!) and the way Eli loves to dominate in the bedroom was smoking. It did verge on the guilty pleasure side for me, since he was pretty Me Tarzan, You Jane. He never crosses the line (too far) into alphahole territory though, and when he got bossy, I got buttery.

Jesus, this woman’s mouth. “I will fuck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra.” He got started on that, pumping in and out, in and out. Deeper, harder. “I’m going to fuck you so good the only word on your lips will be my name. The only answer to every question will be my name. Now say it.” ..... When he released her mouth, she murmured on a blissful sigh, “Asshole.” “My other name, honey.” She squeezed him like a satin fist, dug her heel into his ass. “Prick.”

The unresolved sexual tension (UST) they had in the very beginning kept humming just underneath the surface of all their conversations and some of the unintended dirty things that Alex said made me laugh out loud. I love romances where the protagonists can’t help but antagonize each other then have mad passionate sex. This has that in spades.

Eli, sexy ass caveman : Eli’s love of Firefly notwithstanding (and let me tell you, that got ALOT of brownie points with me), he IS a big ole chauvinist. I struggled with his caveman tendencies, even if I firmly believe it makes sense for the character. I mean, is he super alpha, and super hot? Yes. However, his need to dominate Alex at times felt more patronizing, at least at first. I completely understood Alex’s desire to kiss and punch him and I’ll admit it got my feminist hackles up. Having said that, the deeper I went into the story and the more of his motives and pure love for his Alexandra is revealed, I just MELTED like Olaf on a summer day.

“My mind might be a cesspool when it comes to the things I’d like to do to you, Alexandra, but it’s a private cesspool. I’m not sharing it with my buddies. I’m not broadcasting it to the world, though anyone in this room could look at the two of us and understand exactly what we want from each other. The only person who needs to hear my plans is the woman who’ll be on the receiving end of every filthy, depraved thing I plan to do to her. Maybe you’re looking for a bad boy or a good guy. Well, you won’t find him in me. What you will find is a man who knows how to treat his woman.”

Yes, he’s a politician and has his share of flaws, but that makes him three dimensional instead of bland. That protective, slightly obsessive love and his grand gesture was just swoonworthy. I’ve added Eli to my stable of book boyfriends.

Alex is my kind of girlfriend : I love a heroine I could see myself hanging out with and Alex is that kind of girl. She’s tough but open to love, and even if she’s occasionally protective, she doesn’t just push away Eli for the sake of pushing. She made me laugh with her ability to work an innuendo and she was NOT shy when it came to sex:

“Your morning-after care sucks, Cooper. I wake up and there’s no hard peen nudging my butt demanding attention.”

She can be irrational, especially when angry at Eli, but again, like Eli, it made her human and three dimensional, instead of a Mary Sue. Her love of her family, her strength of character, and not just accepting less for herself had me admiring her.


If you couldn't tell, I loved it. When I feel the urge to re-read a book right after I’ve finished it, I know it’s going on my keeper shelf. This is a highly entertaining read that I would recommend to fans of firefighters and contemporary romances. I’ll definitely check out more in this series.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hot, Hotter, Hottest Stars * * * *
This is what happens when two strong characters are fighting the public for respect...and they are on the opposite sides of each other...

What you get is a story with amazing banter, sexually charged confrontations and two people who do hate-sex well, my friend.

We have a female firefighter, Alexandra Dempsey, who has bigger balls than most guys... causing her dating pool to either run and wuss up or try to woo her with the intention of posting on Facebook or Twitter how they scored with Sexy Lexi- All American Firefighter.

What the Hell...What is a woman supposed to do...make sure she has batteries on Auto Ship from QVC for her industrial strength BOB????

Where are the real men... the ones worth meeting and knowing....

Eli Cooper, the current Mayor of Chicago, happens to be one of those real men...He is the full package; smart, savvy, can handle all the mover and shakers in the city and is not afraid to speak his mind. He is going for his second term as mayor and has run into a few obstacles...the Fireman's Union for one...and a specific firefighter, Alex...

You see Eli has made it clear he keeps a very tight budget and also has the philosophy of not thinking women are capable physically to be firefighters. He has had his run ins with Alex and she will not stand idly by without speaking up.

This type of attitude just burns Alex to the core because she had to fight to become a firefighter... her brothers are on her case... looking out for her... her co workers border on sexual harassment... thinking it is funny... and these are just a few of the issues she stuffs down every day... she does not need the Mayor talking that way about her or other female firefighters.

Alex prides herself on all she has accomplished and mostly so does her crew. She is part of a legend of fighters... foster brothers and her given a chance by the fire royalty of Chicago, Chief Dempsey. This rag tag clan run the bar of the same name and it is the watering hole for all the men and women in uniform, police officers and firemen alike.

So the table is set for this second part of this series... We have the sexy hot mayor in one corner and the feisty, sexy firefighter in the other.

Who wants to lay odds on the both of them combusting when their lips touch... when the sparks from the fire in their eyes meet... when they have this extreme need to touch, suck and lick all the while knowing they are both on opposite sides of all the issues...

I knew I hit the jackpot when I started this. There was more than all of the above though... there was an actual plot with heart and emotions... lies which have become ugly truths... The media and how it can ruin an innocent moment... by others seeing something very different.... The characters had to grow and learn from the moment they hit the page... and watching them evolve was a treat.

This series has great potential and I will look for more. This book did reference other characters from the first book, however, I was able to enjoy this without reading it.


PS... Lkay's review caught my eye and caused me to hunt the book down :DDD
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

★★★★★ 4.5 Fire Engine Red Stars ★★★★★

Ring the alarm because Kate Meader has once again turned up the heat in her newest scorching sizzling sexy read, Playing With Fire. It's definitely getting hot in Chicago as the only female Dempsey sibling tries to find her one true love that will set ablaze her heart and soul.



Alexandra Dempsey is the only female firefighter at Engine 6 where she works alongside with her foster brothers. The Dempsey family is a tight knit clan who would do anything for each other. As majority of the Dempsey clan have already found their significant others, Alex seems to have no luck. With her fiey and strong personality, she can't seem to find the one who sets her heart on fire. What she does have is someone who can annoy her. Eli Cooper, the current Mayor of Chicago, is a man who is hated by the unions since he cut the funding and pension for firefighters and other city jobs.

Alex can't stand Eli and his smug, cocky, and arrogant persona. And Eli, can't stand how Alex can never shut up and always has to have the last word. Between these two, Eli and Alex have one hot explosive sexual tension brewing between them. They are ferociously attracted to one another but they fight like cats and dogs. When a hotel catches in fire where Eli was hosting an event, Alex never thought she would be in a predicament where she had to save him. Well it turns out, they both had to save each other that night. When the media learned of the rescue, Eli and his campaign manager thought it was best for Eli's rating if he was seen with Alex, the female firefighter whom the public loved.

As Eli persuades Alex to be seen with him, the scorching sexual attraction that they tried to control was inevitable. Like a moth to a flame, their love/hate relationship only fueled to their sexual desires, attraction, and chemistry. Alex soon finds herself being involved in a relationship with Eli. She was able to see pass the arrogant personality and see this whole new romantic side to him. She was no longer seeing Eli the Mayor but Eli, the guy who fought his way winning her heart. As Eli and Alex relationship begins to intensify, will she be able to forgive Eli when all his secrets and lies are exposed? With his re-election at stake, will he be able to win the heart of the public and most importantly the woman who ignited his heart to beat again? Is winning this re-election more important than love?




Playing With Fire is hands down my favorite of the series. I absolutely adored the chemistry of Alex and Eli. These two had a fiery connection that I instantly gravitated towards to. Kate Meader did a phenomenally job in highlighting the scorching and blazing connection that Eli and Alex had. Their love/hate relationship was so well written that you couldn't help but immersed into the story as these two navigate through the firestorm of the media, secrets and lies. So if you are looking for a scorching hot read that will set ablaze a searing, sizzling, scalding, steamy palpable romance than I highly recommend you to read Playing With Fire.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kate Meader

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blazing hot and deliciously swoony page-turner romance about a fierce and untamable woman firefighter and the hot, bossy, alpha male who sought to possess her heart.

“I wanted you. Just you. In a selfish, ruinous, soul-destroying way. From the minute I saw you… I’ve wanted you with a ferocity I can’t even fathom.”

Alexandra Dempsey is part of a firefighting legacy, her adoptive father and foster brothers are all part of the Dempsey clan of Engine Co. 6. Even though she wears pink underneath her bunker gear and dreams of finding love, she’s a tough as nails woman who knows how to take care of herself. Convincing every male around her of this is a different story altogether. From her overbearing foster brothers to even the incredibly attractive Eli Cooper, city Mayor, proving that she can do her job well is like going up a river. That is until she save’s Eli’s life… and then he saves hers right back.

“You’re obsessed with her.”
“She’s difficult, foul-mouthed, a pain in my ass. I can’t put her in a dress or give her a compliment without her squawking about it. Her family hates me and I don’t think so highly of them. She’s also funny, gorgeous, and the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.”

Chicago’s Mayor is up for reelection and his numbers aren’t good. But after coming out of a burning hotel with sexy Lexi in tow, the media and citizenry doesn’t just take notice of the heroics, but also the undeniable chemistry between them. Wanting to take advantage of the situation, he lies and coerces her into not so fake dating him in the hopes to get this infuriatingly vivacious woman that’s captured his attention since the moment he first laid eyes on out of his system and if she helps him win the reelection, that wouldn’t be bad either.

“F*ck fair. I’m a no-good, dirty, rotten bastard who knows what he wants and will fight like hell to get it. I’ll destroy anyone who says a words against you, who lays a hand upon you, who gets in my f*cking way.”

But besides not supporting woman in male professions, Eli has a secret that could destroy everything. How many principles is Eli willing to bend to win the mayoralty? And how can the man that doesn’t believe in fairy tales get along with the woman who’s looking for her very own prince charming?

Kate Meader knows how to write a humorous, smoldering hot and swoony romance that kept me turning page after blazing hot page until the absolutely sweet and romantic end. I didn't just love the plot, characters and sexy-hate banter, the writing was phenomenal, I have highlights in every other page. And then Meader delivers my ultimate deathblow, she combines humor with Star Trek and Star Wars. That alone merits an extra star in my rating!

“Star Wars or Star Trek?”
“There’s the Millennium Falcon, still in its original packaging, in the attic.”
“Impressive.” Said in her most awesome Darth Vader voice. “But it’s a trick question. The answer is ‘Can’t these two great universes just get along?’”

But back to the characters and their story. Lexi is the kind of heroine I would like to be friends with. Who wouldn’t want a tough, loyal and fearless girlfriend who could make you laugh and save your life, even if she was a bit rash and quick tempered? I liked that she isn’t afraid to put herself out there and date until she finds a man who’s capable of accepting and respecting her?

“Boobs out, smile wide, voice low. Being sexy was exhausting.”

I completely swooned over the ex-marine, lawyer and mayor of Chicago with caveman tendencies. “The woo was strong with this one.” Eli is captivatingly charming with an answer for everything and a single minded determination to get what he wants. He just needed to decide what he wanted more, the woman who brought vibrancy to his life or the job that was slowing corroding his soul.

“I’ve lied and cheated to make you mine, but I never promised you to play fair. How I feel about you isn’t noble or pure, it just is. In this crazy, f*cked-up life I lead, you are my one constant. And I need you, Alexandra.”

Even with their animosity, Alex and Eli cause breathtaking fireworks and their heated push and pull grabbed me right from the start. I loved how their arguing was fun and flirty...

“Pigtail pulling, honey. Inside every man struck clueless by a woman is a snotty little schoolboy on the playground.”
She battled a smile. Lost the fight. “You liked me.”
“To my horror.”

And sometimes downright panty-melting, blazingly sexy

“I will f*ck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra.”

And then their hate-lust relationship morphed into a sweet romance I thoroughly enjoyed after they opened up to each other.

“You think you can save me, Alexandra?”
She rubbed her nose against his. “I know I already did.”

Playing with Fire is the second book in the Hot in Chicago series by Kate Meader. It is an erotic contemporary romance, filled with excitement, laughs, seductive wit and scorching attraction. It incorporates characters from past books in the series but can be read as a standalone (I did). Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1GtDsL7
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley, Pocket Books and by Kate Meader. The excerpts are from that copy. *

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[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read Flirting with Fire six months ago I have been dying to read Alex and Eli's story in Playing with Fire and I was not disappointed, this has sexy romance, funny banter and plenty of alphas.

Alexandra Dempsey is a firefighter in Chicago along with all her brothers. Alex is strong willed, hot headed and has a potty mouth she is happy being one of the guys. She is a serial dater looking for her Prince Charming but she always ends up with the frogs.

Eli Cooper is ex Marine and has been the Mayor of Chicago for the last four years but his ratings are falling when Firefighter Alexandra Dempsey saves him one night and when the press see them together they become the new "HOT COUPLE" in town so they start to fake date for the campaign as Alex cannot stand Eli.

What is going to happen when Alex starts getting to know the real Eli? When he gives her orgasms and the sex between them is panty melting Eli is so bossy in the bedroom HOT.

Do they have a future after the election or will old secrets tear them apart forever?

I loved the epilogue "You planning to kiss my cock later with that mouth?" classic line.

I love Kate Meader I have read all her books. Now I have a long wait for Wyatt Fox after reading a sneak peak for Sparking the Fire.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc offered in exchange for an honest review

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[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'sexy firefighter + Mr. Mayor' stars

After loving Even the Score and Playing with Fire by Kate Meader, she is on my list of must read authors. She knows how to write sexy, edgy, expert in cranking up the heat and building up the sexual tension between characters and an engaging unputdownable plot. Is the kind of easy to read dirty romance that you will want to finish in one sitting and end up with a big smile on your face.

Alexandra Dempsey is the female firefighter who had to work extra hard to prove her worth. She had it with her overbearing and protective brothers and her colleagues can't wait to make a snide comment about her gender every chance they got. Is no wonder she is a spitfire, a hothead and a tough a nail chick. But under her hard exterior, is a woman looking for her one true love and wouldn't mind going out on countless dates and kiss enough frogs to finally meet her prince.

Here comes, Eli Cooper, Mr. Mayor of Chicago, a chauvinistic pig and all around caveman who doesn't believe in Alex and her capability. He loves calling her Alexandra, to remind her of her femininity.

"Splinter. Short for Splinter in My Side. I was going to call you Thorn, but you're not worthy of being a thorn, Alexandra. You're a minor annoyance."

There seems to be a lot of backstory in regards to Alex's family and why they hate Eli so much. Although I wish I read the previous books in the series, it didn't deter my enjoyment of this one.

I love the whole sexy-hate thing that they have going on. It just pure deliciousness to see them going head to head and wonder are they gonna bang or kill each other off.

"Oh, God. Please stop talking. I hate you so much right now."
"That's okay, because I'm crazy enough about you for both of us."

After Alex saved Eli from a fire in a hotel, Eli decided that Alex is the best bet for him to win some blue color votes. Is winning is his only agenda or is there something more?

What can I say? Eli and Alex are such great match, the whole opposite attract and all that. Eli is all he-man and everything that Alex despise, but she can't ignore the fact that his dominance makes her feel oh so very female and for the first time she might just want to be care for.

"I guess what I'm asking is: What am I to you, Eli? Am I a woman or a firefighter?"
"What you are to me is... Alexandra. And she defies categorization."

Honestly, I don't know whether is it wrong of me to forgive the things that Eli did so easily. He is such a pathological liar, maybe is comes with the job description. I sympathize with him though and wish Alex wouldn't be so hard on him. Does this woman need to be so holier than thou.

Eli is a man living with some big secrets and guilt. I'm still wondering about his motivation behind being a mayor. Because knowing the truth about his backstory, I thought he might follow another path. Anyway, nothing beat Mr. Sexy Mayor.

"Eli, heroes don't all wear capes or fire helmets or badges. They also wear dog tags."

Okay, my fantasy of reading a sex scene on the fire truck did not come to fruition. But this book had enough sexiness and hotness to tide me over. With the hint I got from seeing Brady and Gage, I think I will head over to read their book next. I'm sure is gonna be a yummy M/M.

"Who needs the fairy tale when crazy, messy, sexy reality with the woman I adore is a million times better?"

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a hot read to snuggle up with on a cool fall day, this is one that you need to grab.

Kate Meader has the knack for creating strong female leads with smart mouths that seem to always land them in a heap of trouble. Alex is not only strong physically, but also mentally. She is quick witted and the banter that is involved between her is Eli is fun and humorous.

Like her other books, this one is loaded with plenty of steam, fun between the family ties, and a hot hunk or two. What can be bad about that?

The author offers a strong and exciting story that continues to build through the entire book. I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and I think that Alex and Eli might be one of my faves. But don't hold me to that as there is more to come in the Hot in Chicago series! I could change my mind!

[maggieandteddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREAKIN' LOVED IT!
I read this book at the perfect time. I haven't read the previous book in this series. I rarely just dive in to the 2nd book in a series. I just loved this premise.
I wasn't lost at all. Alexandra (Alex) is the only sister to foster brothers. The story is set in Chicago. Alex is a firefighter for the City of Chicago, as are her brothers. The book is 3rd person POV, alternating between Alex and Eli. Oh, wow, Eli. He's the Mayor of Chicago, and he's running for re-election. Alex and Eli really smolder. Whew. Alex makes it known that she can't stand Eli. But there's this attraction............it's definitely mutual. Eli's attraction to Alex is so OTT...He uses his clout to get Alex's, uh, attention.
This is absolutely the best part. Alex and Eli have a LOT of sizzle. I also love when they talk. Really! Eli and Alex discuss Alex's label: is she a woman or a firefighter? Alex doesn't want to show weakness, but she eventually "warms up" to Eli. Alex is really feisty and doesn't want to admit her attraction to Eli. Thankfully, the tease is not carried on too long.
There's a couple of scenes with Eli's dog Shadow...I'm just going to have to reread those. It really touched my heart.
Eli has some secrets. One, when it was revealed, was very hot andI was pleased with both Eli and Alex-maybe I should have just stepped out of the room, uh hem!
The second of Eli's secrets was a major one involving his family, but I didn't like Alex's reaction. This is one of the times the secondary characters come in to be Alex's sounding board: Alex's brother's wives, Darcy and Kinsey. Alex and Eli do some groveling.
This conflict seemed not make sense to me but I was very happy with Alex coming to her senses.
There's a great HEA. The epilogue isn't too far into the future, but I loved it. I loved the author's writing style, very good flow. I read an ARC but I'm sure it was a final draft. I loved the phrases and IMO, no overused cliches' (YAY!)
ARC provided by Net Galley. I recommend this book, but the ebook price is high right now.
I will probably read the next book, (brother) Wyatt's book.

[Rejane]

3rd one today. This cements the fact these women are here to stay and they’re stuck to make sure they stay alive. Lol


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sometime]

I don't even know where to start with this mess...F Buddy with the ex-wife for the last 12 years? And they work together every day? Sounds like he's already taken. Run, girl! Run!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this authors writing style..the men are hot and the women feisty, just how I like it ;)

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also posted at Booklovers For Life

I loved reading Playing with Fire! It’s a solid, entertaining read that is just SO good. It’s also seriously hot and sexy – I was totally not expecting the hero, the mayor of Chicago, to be as smokin’ as he was! Kate Meader has written a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance that I was seriously invested in.

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the fact that the heroine is a female firefighter. I don’t think I’ve ever read about one before, so I was super excited to read about Alex Dempsey. And I loved what I found in her – Alex is a tough, independent, strong woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone, least of all Mayor Eli Cooper. She does what she wants, but that’s not always a good thing… since she doesn’t always think about the consequences of her actions. So one anger-fueled incident lands her right in the lap of the man she loves to hate.

Oh, God, this sexy-hate thing between them was crazy. She felt an overwhelming urge to both punch him and hug him.

Eli Cooper is running for the second term of his mayorship (is that a word?) and he needs the backing of the firefighters, especially the Dempseys, to win the election. Eli is kind of a dick in the beginning of the book – he’s made sexist comments towards female firefighters (which is the first reason why Alex loves to hate him), and he blackmails Alex into pretending to date him for the media. But as I read more, I saw another, better side to Eli, one that’s not as cold and callous as he first seemed. And this change and redemption is all thanks to one fiery, passionate woman.

Eli has wanted Alex since he first saw her, but it seems that with every encounter, they only bring out the worst in each other. The banter, the sharp remarks, the glares – they all serve to light up the crazy-hot chemistry that’s been there from the start. I loved that Eli and Alex are such a perfect match for one another and that they’re able to go head-to-head with neither of them backing down. And oh. my. god. The sex between them is panty-melting H.O.T! Eli’s mouth is the dirtiest thing ever, and I loved it. I loved how alpha he is, how sensual and sexy and dominant he is in bed. You will seriously need a FAN when you read this book!

“I will fuck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra.” He got started on that, pumping in and out, in and out. Deeper, harder. “I’m going to fuck you so good the only word on your lips will be my name. The only answer to every question will be my name. Now say it.”

Eli also has to do some wooing to win the heart of the woman he’s fallen for, and I just about died at the way he goes about it. First he’s a dirty-talking alpha-male, and now he’s sweet and loving? My heart couldn’t handle it. I ended up falling so hard for his character. I loved Alex, but Eli was definitely my favorite character in this book.

“You’re a goddess and I’m not worthy to worship at your feet, but I’m happy to spend the rest of my life trying to be good enough for you.”

This review is littered with firefighter puns, but there’s no better way to describe Playing with Fire than a scorching hot romance you don’t want to miss. It’s a great, satisfying read with fantastic writing and a cast of characters I adore. I can’t wait for more from this series!

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1PpND7b
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1bzguJ4

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[Bindi Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, this was really,really good!! Chicago's arrogant mayor falls for sassy, sexy lady firefighter. The banter (and sexy times) was out of this world!! So glad I found this gem.
Need to check out her other books as I loved the other characters that appeared in this book

[CC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one just did not capture the same chemistry and steam.

I liked Alex more than I thought I would. Felt bad for her always trying to measure up to her brothers. Eli not so much. Absolutely, WAY too career focused for me. Willing to give her up for his job. Willing to let her sit in the sidelines. Willing to lie to her. I am not an Eli fan. Don't care what he did in the end. Telling the truth after you get caught is NOT redemption!

Keeping his ex wife (and long time FB) around as his consultant also skeeves me out. No thank you!!! Doesn't that make her a whore? After all, she is getting paid. 'nough said.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli Cooper, Mayor of Chicago and sexiest man alive (according to People Magazine) may have the average woman in the city fooled, but to firefighter Alexandra Dempsey he’s just a smug, infuriating ass who has become the bane of her existence. When a chance rescue at a hotel fire results in a case of ‘who saved whom’, Eli’s mayoral candidacy team is quick to use the situation to their advantage in his upcoming re-election bid. Not above using any means to get Alexandra to toe the line, Eli’s got his own scheme to get her on board, and in bed. But when things take a more emotional turn, and some deeply held secrets are spilled, Eli’s going to have to decide if keeping his reputation will be worth losing the one woman he’s discovered he doesn’t want to live without.

What a fun and sexy read! It was a pure delight to return to the world of the Dempsey’s, a firefighting foster family in Chicago, after reading the first in the series about Alexandra’s older brother Luke (Flirting with Fire) and her foster sibling Gage (who found himself hot chef Brady in Melting Point). This story is standalone as are the others, but the close-knit family runs through all the stories and this one is no exception. Alexandra’s had to make it clear to her interfering brothers that she can hold her own and that her love life (or disappointing lack thereof) is of no concern to them. When she starts seeing Eli, purely for publicity and unbeknownst to them, mostly (at first) under duress, they are skeptical and appalled at her choice. There is no love lost between the Dempsey’s and Eli, and the sparks fly on all levels between them, making for interesting family conversations. Indeed the sizzle between Eli and Alexandra is present from the start, taking the form of some great heated banter between them, as Eli admits to himself that he is driven by Alex’s passion and temper and can’t wait to use all that in a more productive form than arguing with him. Their internal thoughts are quite hilarious (Alexandra’s in particular) as they fight their feelings for each other, but when they eventually succumb to all that chemistry between them their love scenes are super steamy and explosive.

Alexandra is one of my favorite kinds of heroines. She’s feisty, outspoken (I mean, it takes balls to ask an injured hockey player you’ve just met how his groin is) , strong both physically and mentally (though she does have the occasional moments of self-doubt), and not willing to put up with anyone’s sh*t, whether it’s her brothers, or Eli, or the guys at the firehall who think she doesn’t belong because she is a woman . Yet she does have a girly side to her, one that might be hidden under her uniform in the form of sexy pink lingerie, but one that Eli is able to draw out of her, one seduction at a time. Eli’s comments that a female would be better off not being in such a physically demanding job as a firefighter draw her ire and his chauvinism grates on her. Yet, with his chauvinistic attitude comes the protector side of him, one she secretly can admit turns her on, even as she fights the urge to submit to his caveman tactics. Still, she’s not about to admit anything to him, and her strength of will is just one part of her character that Eli admires. Eli is an interesting hero. Sure he’s sexy and charming and fit. But he’s a politician, which inherently means that he sometimes makes choices that aren’t necessarily on the level but are the lesser of two evils. Morality comes in shades of grey here, and while Eli does his best most of the time, there have been circumstances in the past where he’s made choices that he knows wouldn’t pass the ‘Alexandra’ integrity test. What surprises him is that he wants to change that and become a hero in her eyes. There are few people in the world whose respect he cares about, but one of them is definitely her. I really loved his character, smug cocky bastard that he is. (It’s hard not to love a guy who worships a woman in bed the way Eli worships Alexandra). And I appreciated his ethical struggles and his difficulty in reconciling his feelings about his father and things that happened in the past with what he knows in the present.

This story has everything that I love in a contemporary romance – great banter, interesting and dynamic characters, super sexy times and a fast moving and entertaining plot. 5 stars, and I’m ready for the next Dempsey brother to meet his match!

He edged forward another step, pleased when she backed into the door. It fell open further, inviting them to privacy. To pleasure. “When we’re going at it, there’s an undeniable charge between us, wouldn’t you say?”
“Don’t be ridiculous” she said, softly.
“Your attraction to me scares you, but what also scares you is that there might be…”
“What?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“More.”
He fisted his hand in that lush wealth of hair and let his mouth hover over hers. Ostensibly to give her time to back out, but in reality, there was no unringing this bell. The die had been cast. He had to kiss her.
Given his warning shot, she shouldn’t have been shocked, but her lust-blown pupils broadcast her surprise. Her lips parted on a whimper and he took advantage because he was nothing if not a grasping opportunist. But he was fooling himself. The advantage was all on her side. She made a sound – half purr, half growl – and then threw herself into it. Her hands clutched his shoulders, her fingers dug in for leverage. Lost in her, utterly lost, he could only hold on, fighting the raging need inside him that was going to terminate with her back against the door when he drove deep into her wet, welcoming heat.
On a chilly North side street.
While his security detail watched.
He drew back breathless.
Senseless.
Mindless.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

Note 2: this review appears as a blog post at:

http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m a no-good, dirty, rotten bastard who knows what he wants and will fight like hell to get it. I’ll destroy anyone who says a word against you, who lays a hand upon you, who gets in my fucking way.”

Alex Dempsey, a rookie firefighter knows just how difficult it is for a woman to get respect in the male-dominant profession she works in. She’s also got first-hand experience, or thirty-four dates of them recently, to know that most men don’t like dating strong women. However, she’s determined to find love, to find the one man who will be able to handle her. And that man will definitely not be Chicago’s handsome mayor, Eli Cooper, who she has clashed wills with before. No matter how sexy and smooth he is, she knows just what this chauvinistic jerk thinks of women as firefighters. But when she saves Eli from a hotel fire, the spotlight is thrown on them, and staying out of trouble is no longer possible.

Eli Cooper is determined to win the next election, and if that means he has to convince the troublesome Alex to “date” him in order to breathe life into his dwindling votes, he’s more than happy to use any means necessary to get it done. And if it finally gives him the opportunity to get up close with the spitfire that has been driving him absolutely crazy the last few months even better.

But what starts as fake, soon threatens to burn out of control. Has Alex finally found the one man who could appreciate and handle all that she was, or will Eli’s secrets and politics turn their fire into ashes?

They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. At this rate she should be able to bench-press a Buick.

I freaking loved Alex. She’s foulmouthed, feisty and has absolutely no filter, no pretense. What you see, is what you get. She passionately loves her job and her family and will do anything to protect all of it. She wasn’t perfect and all put-together, she had many insecurities, just like most women, and I loved how relatable she was.

Eli was quite an enigma from the first moment we met him. He came across as self-serving and a chauvinistic jerk, but he was so much more than what you saw. He’s a hero, and one who wanted to do what was right for his city. He’s bossy and arrogant, but damn he was also so sexy. I loved how crazy he was around Alex, how he loved to get a rise out of her, just like a little boy pulling the hair of the girl he likes. It was endearing and so much fun. And the fact that he saw the beautiful woman Alex was, that he wasn’t put off by her strong-will, her sassiness just made me love him even more. And I loved the way he called her Alexandra, with so much meaning. Also I loved his awesome dog, Shadow, and how much he cared about him, and how much he cared about his friend Brady, playing matchmaker, hoping Gage would be the one to fix Brady.

“No one else will satisfy you, Alexandra, not even your own fingers. If I’m in the room, in this city, on this goddamn planet, I will be the one who takes care of you. We clear?”

The banter, the fighting between these two were EXPLOSIVE, and I craved every moment of it. I kid you not, the sparks between these two could power a country for years! And the sexy times were SCORCHING! Eli’s dominant streak got me so damn hot and bothered I almost blew a circuit ;-D

“I’ve lied and cheated to make you mine, but I never promised to play fair. How I feel about you isn’t noble or pure, it just is. In this crazy, fucked-up life I lead, you are my one constant. And I need you, Alexandra. So fucking bad.”

And the romance….. A-FREAKING-MAZING!! I loved every single moment between these two, from their first hateful and antagonistic battles, to the sexy seduction.. I loved how from the first moment Eli met Alex, there was no one else for him. He only saw her, and that never changed. I love how hard he pursued her, even when his methods weren’t the best, it was damn romantic the lengths he went to, to win her. And that wonderful epilogue….total swoon-worthy!

I am so loving this series and the Dempsey foster siblings. How protective they are over each other. And I can’t wait to find out the mystery of where Wyatt goes to and the secrets he’s keeping from his family.

There are no words to precisely convey how much I adored this book, by the time I finished it I was on such a feel good high, I almost floated to the ceiling. It was FANTASTIC, how steamy and romantic it was. And with this new addition to my favorites shelf, Kate Meader has definitely found a new fan! You cannot go wrong with this author’s books. She’s an expert at writing sexy romances that will get your heart pumping and swooning. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I love the "enemies to lovers" theme, which is one of the reasons I wanted to read this book. and I was not disappointed.
This book is everything one could want in a contemporary romance - although it is the second book in this series, it could be read as a stand-alone (as I did)

I loved Eli and Alex - both characters are just great. as well as the secondary characters.

the chemistry between the two of them is over the top and I really enjoyed how the relationship developed. there was enough time given to them and it was totally believeable.

there are also a lot of fun moments in there and I had to laugh out loud several times

This was my first book by Kater Meader but defnitely not my last. I absolutely loved this book. it is a keeper and I am sure, I will re-read it more than once. ...


an ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Partially this low rating is because I took too long to read this! But that sexism also got hard to take and that wasn't ever fully addressed.

Also, some of the conflicts were just too much for me. I . . . might partially just not have been in the right mood.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 Stars