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Portwood Brothers #3

Playing with Fire

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Jackson wants the one thing he can’t have, his brother’s girlfriend. He tried to forget her, but even spending nine months Afghanistan didn’t make him want her any less. Now he was heading home, a home he shares with his brother and the woman they both want.

Emma believed that you should never follow your heart. She tried that once, and she ended up alone and broken. After she put the pieces back together, she decided she’d rather forget about love and just have fun. Who needed someone special anyway? Certainly not her.

When both of them realize they are on the same page, they embark in a hot, no-strings arrangement that satisfies their needs without getting their hearts involved. But when you play with fire, someone always gets burned.

Paperback

First published March 22, 2016

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About the author

Emily Robertson

14 books190 followers
Emily Robertson’s creativity started early in life on stage. Now instead of theatre, she spends her time creating worlds on the page for others to enjoy. As an avid reader, she enjoys reading New Adult and Contemporary Romance as much as she does writing them. When her dog isn’t keeping her company in her office, she might be anywhere. She’s recently learned all about baseball when her son took up the sport, playing mom taxi for one of the many activities that’s going on, or binging on some reality TV show she can’t get enough of.

If you want to stay up to date with everything going on, make sure to check out her webpage or sign up for her newsletter.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
934 reviews14 followers
October 13, 2020
I laughed right long with the characters and cried. Jackson thought he was in love with his twin brother's girlfriend after a kiss, so he spent nine months pining over her and not even deployment could have helped those feelings. Upon his return state side he still had those feelings.
He met Emma who is a friend of his twin brother and they decided to have sexual relationship with no strings attached because Jackson wasn't emotionally available and Emma wasn't looking for a relationship, because of what she had been through from a previous relationship.
Their union was earth shattering, hedonistic, and sybartic. The more time that the two spent together Jackson realized that Emma had become his anchor she keeps him grounded. Their story was filled with H/H discovering things about their love life that they stop denying, drama, push and pull, rollercoaster ride, funny, emotional all discovery that they give a real shot relationship.
It was an amazing story with wonderful secondary characters and a relatable story line. I was pulled in from the first page and stayed up until the next morning reading.
My only problem with this book is the epilogue is suppose to be a Jackson and Emma to tie all up But instead it was about Addison, so that was a little bit of a let down for me because I don't want what to Jackson did make it back home from the war? Did they get they HEA ?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,522 reviews45 followers
October 13, 2020
I just LOVE this Portwood Brothers series! They are so well-written and manage to convey so much emotion. In this story, Jackson and Emma have so much chemistry together that it si enough to melt your panties off! I was so excited to find out that Jax has now figured out his feeling for Peyton and what he now has with Emma. And I can’t believe this story has now ended on a cliffhanger so I can’t wait until the next book is out!

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Allison Michaels.
68 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2017
Jackson Portwood returns home from a military deployment to fight a different kind of battle. This one pits his head and heart on opposite sides as they wage war over his inappropriate feelings for his twin brother’s girlfriend. He thought nine months away from Payton would lessen his desire for her, but neither time nor distance have squashed his interest.

His first impression of Emma Stevens isn’t favorable. Jackson thinks she’s a quirky loose cannon—the opposite of his ideal woman. Despite his initial dislike, something he can’t put his finger on about the feisty and fiery redhead appeals to him.

Emma learned to not follow her heart years ago when someone broke it with a deep and callous betrayal. She lives in the moment now, and strongly believes in fun and spontaneity. When she realizes that Jackson’s relationship goals are nearly identical to hers, agreeing to a no-strings physical arrangement with the hunky soldier is a no-brainer.

Each interaction with Emma helps Jackson conquer his crush on Payton. He then struggles to rein in his growing attraction and feelings for the woman who’s only supposed to temporarily scratch an itch. Jax knows it’s only a matter of time until his next assignment. Although he’s excited to join his fellow soldiers on a new deployment, he’s reluctant and sad to leave Emma behind after how close they’ve become. He has to dig deep and search the depths of his soul to decide if there’s enough room in his heart for honor, duty, and love.

After closing herself off to the possibility of love for so long, Emma struggles with her unexpected affection for Jackson. She repeatedly tries to convince herself that his job is his one true love, and that she’ll never rate higher than a pleasant distraction in his book. But as the clock ticks down to his scheduled departure date, she can no longer deny her love for the man who could irreparably destroy her heart if he fails to safely complete his overseas tour. She must determine if the love she and Jackson share can bridge the distance that will soon separate them.

Emily Robertson once again delivered a story that put me through an emotional wringer. I bounced from tears to laughter to frustration and then repeated the cycle numerous times as the chapters progressed. As with her first novel, the characters are remarkably lifelike in terms of their mannerisms and dialogue. I once again jumped into the pages and watched each scene unfold in front of me. This is definitely a book worth reading! I’m now eager to get my hands on the next installment of this series as soon as possible to learn about the details of Bryce and Addison’s story while catching up with the rest of the gang.
Profile Image for Naomi Connor.
359 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2017
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***

I am seriously hooked on these brother, Emily's writing is captivating and I couldn't put this book down. For me this book was real!
This book screamed true love to me, everyone has a story to tell but the way their story was told was breathtakingly beautiful and emotional to say the least.
I loved the insight into how military life works and how it effect not only the person leaving but everyone who has been left behind.

Jackson was struggling with his feelings for his twin brother girl Payton. One kiss was all it took for him to fall for her. He thought being away for a 9 mth tour would help him over come them, however Payton became a bigger part of his life. sending care packages, emails and even skyping him. Now he is due to return home, a home he shares with his brother Josh and the woman he loves.

Emma comes from a big family, whilst she loves them all and her friends she is reluctant to open her heart for true love. She had already been down that road before and she lost more than herself.

Once Jackson meet, it becomes very clear there is chemistry between them. Both of them are not looking for a relationship, but they do decide to to have a little fun and end up Friends with Benefits.

For Jackson its a way to forget about Payton, but soon he finds himself falling for Emma. He now knows that what he though he felt for Payton doesn't even come close to love. Unable to keep his feelings to himself any longer he opens up to Emma but that doesn't go down well and Emma starts to pull away.

Leaving again for training is made harder when Emma tells him she needs the break.

8 long weeks of silence...

Emma knows exactly what she wants but she is scared and she has good reason to be.
Jackson returns more determined than ever to get his Girl.

Can this couple get a HEA?
What has Emma running so scared?
Will secrets destroy what they have?


PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE GO ONE CLICK THIS BOOK!!!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
188 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2017
I was very intrigued with Jax after the last book, with the epilogue where we find he wants Peyton too I was looking forward to reading this and Emily Robertson didn't disapppoint.

When Jax and Emma meet they are attracted to each other and so they decide to start an affair, after all one is in love with a woman he can't have and the other is determined not to get hurt again, so it seems like a good deal.

I love how the interac with each other, Jax is a total alpha male and very protective but Emma can stand her own and despite they didn't want a relationship they easily start a rutine and devolop a friendship that is beautiful. Jax has someone to talk to and who understands him in a way the rest don't. And I love reading how little pieces of Emma's wall broke down while Jax was there.

Their realtionship is fast and hot and I don't think these two could have gotten it any other way but every glimps we get of how much they care or how scare they were made really happy. The depth the author gives, not just to the story but the characters made the book great. While the friends with benefits is very well used, the story behind each character is great and makes it special.

Playing With Fire is a fast hot read with turns and little drama. While you can read it as a stand alone, the book is a lot better if you read the whole series.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
755 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2017
Jackson Portwood had never really had much direction in life and his older brother Bryce liked to rib him about it, until the day he decided to go to West Point, and train for the army. He shocked his whole family with that decision, but it was the making of him. Being away on deployment was a good distraction from his twin brother's girlfriend. He would never act on his feelings for Payton, but it was awkward for him. Especially now that they all lived in the same house. That was until he met Emma.

Emma, like Jackson, did not want a relationship. She was happy to have fun with no strings, an independent woman who had a teaching job she loved, her own place and was happy with that. She didn't need a man in her life to complicate things. There was enough of that in her past. This suited Jackson too (of course it would!), until he realised he wanted more and that shocked him!

Great story and well written, which could be read as a stand alone book. Would definitely recommend the full series.
Profile Image for Chantal.
176 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2016
Emily has wowed me with her second book in the Portwood brothers series. She definitely broke out of her mold with this one. It's Jackson's story and it also has bits of Josh and Payton in it, showing you where they are. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and have you wondering what is going to happen next.

Jackson is a Lieutenant for the Army and just returned back home from being in Afghanistan. He is dealing with the fact he can't have what he really wants, his brothers fiancée. Jackson has developed some pretty hardcore feelings for her and knows he can not and will not act on them. He needs to bring his attention to something or someone else to help him get over it quickly!

Emma is a teacher with Josh, Jackson's twin. They have become good friends and she has been hanging out with Payton and him. She was recently in a really bad break up that forced her to uproot her life and move to Kansas City. Emma has an extremely large family, who all are very protective of her. Emma has a heat of gold but a fiery temper.

Emma and Jackson first meet when she is out "trying" to run. Then they see each other again at Jackson's welcome home party. Emma quickly realizes that it was him see saw. Payton, Emma and Addison (Bryce's wife) go out for drinks one night and they get pretty drunk. Jackson offers her a ride home. One thing that Jackson is instantly attracted to Emma is her smart mouth and sass! They quickly become "Friends with Benefits". The sole reason for each is because they aren't ready for relationships. Emma is burned in the past badly and Jackson can't open his heart to someone else just yet. Eventually Jackson will realize he is head over boots for Emma and wants more.

Can Emma give him more? Does Jackson open up to her about that he was attracted to his twin brothers fiancée? Will Emma and Jackson survive if he gets deployed again? What's happening with Josh and Payton?

This book rocked my world! Literally I could not put it down because I had to know what was in store for Jackson and Emma! The next and last book in the series is about Bryce (the oldest brother) and his wife, Addison. I am so excited for their story!
Profile Image for Sheri Bishop.
502 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2017
Brother Jackson has wormed his way into my heart and nudged his brother Bryce out, just a bit. Jackson is, by far, the most serious of the Portwood brothers. He's always felt like he didn't quite measure up to the others and thanks to a woman in his past, he feels like no one will love him, just the way he is. But then along comes Emma. This wild and crazy woman talks him into a no strings, hot sex interlude but as time goes by, feelings appear. Unfortunately, both Jackson and Emma have been destroyed by previous lovers and they're unsure if they can commit to a relationship between them. As we all know, the road to true love is never smooth.

Emily Robertson, once again, sucked me into this story and I couldn't put it down until I knew what happened between Jax and Emma. She's so good at making us feel the feels. Even when the characters are doing stupid things and you want to throw the book across the room, you understand why they're doing it.
Profile Image for Amy Stephens.
Author 122 books524 followers
August 25, 2017
I am so in love with the Portwood Brothers Series. I couldn't wait to read Playing with Fire because I needed to know Jackson's story. And I have to say, I think I enjoyed it more than I did his twin brother's story in book one.

There was something about Jackson that just captured my heart. Not only did he have a lot riding on him with his career in the military, but I wanted to see him with Emma so bad. He was the perfect gentleman and sexy as hell. Emma definitely had her hands full and I'm glad she listened with her heart.

Emily Robertson's writing is superb and she has a way of making you feel so connected with her characters. Family is definitely important to her and it shows through her characters. I want to be friends with them all because their heads and hearts are in the right places.

3,489 reviews12 followers
March 27, 2018
Playing With Fire by Emily Robertson is a contemporary romance. Ms. Robertson has delivered an entertaining, well-written book. Her characters are fantastic and perfect for this story. Jax is in the military and has a thing for his brother's girlfriend. Emma is a school teacher and works with Jax's brother. Jax and Emma's story is touching and filled with drama, humor and sizzle. This book captured me at the first page and didn't turn me loose until the last. I enjoyed this book, but the only way I'd read more from this author is if I knew ahead of time it wasn't a cliff-hanger. Playing With Fire is book 3 of the Portwood Brothers Series but can be read as a standalone. This is NOT a complete story though, it is a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
1,388 reviews70 followers
October 10, 2020
3.5 Stars

I was waiting on the next Portman Brother as the author leaves us with a nugget in the epilog, and she did not disappoint. We begin with Jackson returning from overseas, and still with a conflicted heart over his twin brother’s girl. He meets Emily, who works with his brother and decides a distraction from who he really wants. This backfires as the chemistry between the two is awesome. Both believe love is not in the cards, and they are not relationship material. Can they get past the walls and rules they have erected? Can they give in to what they are really feeling, as everyone knows what they do not want to admit? All emotions are covered in the story plus we get caught up on Josh and Payton from book one.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,214 reviews10 followers
August 5, 2017
Reviewed for SNS

Jackson is hung up on Payton but Payton is in love with his brother. When his deployment ends and he goes home, he is right back in the middle of Josh and Payton. Things need to change. When he meets Emma, things change in a big way. Friends with benefits work for a while but soon he is faced with wanting more and Emma must face some tough emotional baggage. While things with Josh and Payton really progress, Emma and Jackson have a lot of decisions to make. Can Jackson make her see they were truly meant for each other or will her fears keep them apart. Excellent writing with an awesome storyline.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,168 reviews108 followers
August 21, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.66

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Jackson has been deployed for nine months and the only person that has consumed his thoughts was the one person he can't have. When he comes home and Josh's girlfriend Payton is there he knows he needs a distraction because he can't have her. Emma knows that being in a relationship only brings her pain. She has decided she doesn't need a serious relationship so when she meets Jackson and they both decide to have a friends with benefits relationship it is perfect for them both.
When feelings start to evolve and it may change things forever can they roll with the changes or will they both get burned from playing with fire?

I love these characters so much and feel as though they are part of my family. Jackson and Payton's kiss started all this for him and he just couldn't let go of her until he meets Emma but is she enough to get him to let go? Emma has been destroyed by a man before and she has her walls up high but she is a strong woman who doesn't let anyone push her around and she fights what she feels for Jackson tooth and nail. Jackson and Emma's story is so special and brought me to tears. Definitely a MUST READ!!!! I can't wait to read the next book.

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Jackson is hung up on Payton but Payton is in love with his brother. When his deployment ends and he goes home, he is right back in the middle of Josh and Payton. Things need to change. When he meets Emma, things change in a big way. Friends with benefits work for a while but soon he is faced with wanting more and Emma must face some tough emotional baggage. While things with Josh and Payton really progress, Emma and Jackson have a lot of decisions to make. Can Jackson make her see they were truly meant for each other or will her fears keep them apart. Excellent writing with an awesome storyline.

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book is sexy and very, very hot. TABLET-MELTING HOT! I would definitely recommend this book, but make sure that you have a fire-extinguisher for your tablet, or something close to it!
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,062 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2018
The Portwood Brothers series is awesome. The ending of book 2 lets you see where Jackson Portwood has inappropriate feelings for his twin brothers girlfriend and I was a little upset since he and his twin had finally aired out their differences and insecurities, but Emily did not disappoint. She brings in Emma, a quirky distraction for Jackson that develops into love and respect and shows Jackson his brother's girlfriend is really just his friend. You will fall in love with this family and will want more and more. I am looking forward to reading Addison and Bryce's story and to continue visiting this fun group of characters. I received this as an ARC
2,249 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2020
This is a grea story, I love the characters and how they interacted. Jackson wants his twin's girlfriend. Emma the girlfriend is more of a friends with benefits. They all have been hurt in the past so no strings is the way to go. I love how the characters are written and it is a great story. As with best laid plans something never go according to plan. This is the first book of the series. I have purchased the first story and will read it. This is a very good story. This is a hit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
October 25, 2017
If you ask Emily and Jax they are just friends. . . with benefits, everyone else can see it even Jax. Emily has a past she can't seem to move past. She also has some secrets she isn't ready to share. But he is a Portwood so he isn't afraid of a little challenge. What heartwarming emotional read. This author weaved us a feel good story but made us yearn to rally behind the troops to make it happen. Great read with characters you just want to. . um yeah.
Profile Image for Vedika Sheth.
580 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2020
Both Jackson and Emma are trying to avoid love. Jackson has an attraction for his twin’s girlfriend and Emma is still reeling from a broken heart. When they meet, they decide to have a no-strings relationship just to try getting their mids off life.

The story was exciting, different, and fresh. Emily Robertson never disappoints! I will say I liked the first two books a bit more.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
2,270 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Jackson and Emma. She's a teacher and he's in the Army. They meet thru his brother Josh and his girlfriend Payton. She doesn't want a relationship and he's skittish to. So the go for a friend's with benefits arrangement. They are learning together what a relationship is like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2020
An enjoyable well written standalone addition in to the Portwood Brother's series. This engaging storyline was full of love, laughter, tears, frustration, inner struggles, twists and turns, drama and love as it finds away into their hearts without either realizing it. The characters are realistic, interesting, and have great chemistry. I voluntarily read and reviewed this fast paced ARC romance.
1,792 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Portwood Brothers Series. It ends in a cliff hanger. Bring on the next book PLEASE!!!
I'm loving this Portwood Brothers series! They are so well-written, you feel the emotion, the chemistry is totally off the charts and the characters just stay with you even though you have finished the book. This is Jackson and Emma's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
788 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2020
Wow I really loved Emma and Jackson's story.
This is the first story from Emily that I have read and I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more from her.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and will definitely be reading the 1st book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,413 reviews114 followers
October 22, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Emily Robertson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
5,121 reviews24 followers
November 22, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. I loved this story of Jackson and Emma their chemistry was off the charts but they had to be careful not to hurt Jacksons brother Emmas boyfriend. Did they get caught or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,687 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2017
Just when I think I couldn't love this series more we get Jackson and Emma's story. The story is well written and the characters are well developed. I couldn't put it down. I love how the characters from each book are in each other stories. I love the Portwood family!
999 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2020
Playing with Fire Was an steamy interesting wonderful heartwarming romance story with entertaining characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,170 reviews15 followers
October 18, 2020
While the story was written in the third person, which I am not the biggest fan of, I really like this story. Kind of forbidden, when a guy is in love with his brother's girlfrend. 4.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for My Secret Book Spot.
663 reviews22 followers
February 1, 2021
Jax...swoon

I thought I liked Josh and Payton, and they're great, but Jax and Emma are the real deal! I loved their honesty, their passion, and their amazing friendship! I can't wait to continue their story in the next book!!
Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,009 reviews39 followers
August 18, 2017
Oh my!!! This book is amazing. One girl named Emma and 2 brothers who both want her. What happens when you can't choose. It can make a mess of things.
141 reviews
October 14, 2017
Emily Robertson continues to weave a story that remains not only interesting but captivating as well. There never seems to be a dull moment with the characters or in the complexity of the storyline
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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