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Capital Confessions #2
Playing with Trouble
The author of Flirting with Scandal presents her second book in a sexy contemporary romance series about three sisters in a powerful political family, the scandals that threaten to destroy them, and the passion that drives them…
The daughter of one of the Senate's most powerful figures, Blair Reynolds was ready to become the ultimate political wife—until she caught her fiancé cheating on her wedding day. Law school is a fresh start, her shot at putting the pieces of her life back together. That’s the plan, at least. Until trouble comes in the form of her Torts professor, the man whose arrogance infuriates her in class but haunts her private fantasies.
Graydon Canter had a fortune and a place on all the hottest "Thirty under Thirty” lists, until a series of personal missteps nearly destroyed his career. A year teaching at a D.C. law school is just the break he needs to get his life back in order, as long as nothing—and no one—trips him up.
When Blair and Gray are forced to work together, their explosive attraction becomes impossible to resist. But Gray’s demons have drawn him dangerously close to the edge, and Blair has spent her life playing by the rules. Will she break them for a shot at love?
The daughter of one of the Senate's most powerful figures, Blair Reynolds was ready to become the ultimate political wife—until she caught her fiancé cheating on her wedding day. Law school is a fresh start, her shot at putting the pieces of her life back together. That’s the plan, at least. Until trouble comes in the form of her Torts professor, the man whose arrogance infuriates her in class but haunts her private fantasies.
Graydon Canter had a fortune and a place on all the hottest "Thirty under Thirty” lists, until a series of personal missteps nearly destroyed his career. A year teaching at a D.C. law school is just the break he needs to get his life back in order, as long as nothing—and no one—trips him up.
When Blair and Gray are forced to work together, their explosive attraction becomes impossible to resist. But Gray’s demons have drawn him dangerously close to the edge, and Blair has spent her life playing by the rules. Will she break them for a shot at love?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2015
116 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Chanel Cleeton
22 books7,116 followersChanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, The Cuban Heiress, and The House on Biscayne Bay.
Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
July 21, 2015
4.5 stars!
I consider this series one of my epic finds this year. I really enjoyed Flirting With Scandal and ever since then, I've been waiting to read Blair's story. Safe to say that Chanel Cleeton did not disappoint.
We met Blair in the first book. She's Jackie's "perfect" half-sister. She's groomed to be the perfect daughter, then the perfect fiancee, and later on, the perfect wife. But then on the day of her wedding, she discovered her fiance in flagrante delicto with the best man. Blair's seemingly perfect life started unraveling from then on. Tired of the pressure being dumped on her and the endless scandal that hounds her family, Blair enrolled herself in law school where she meets professor
After destroying his life, his marriage, and his career in Chicago, Graydon Canter finds himself in DC teaching in one of the more mediocre law school in the country. He's trying to avoid the same pitfalls that destroyed his previous life but when he meets Blair Reynolds all bets are off. Like a moth to flame, Gray and Blair can't seem to stay away from one another.
Yes, this book has the dreaded insta-lust. Not love but LUST. Gray and Blair's attraction to each other is instantaneous. But what separates this book from the others with a similar hook is that they didn't give in to that lust immediately. They allowed it to simmer between them, and it made for some delicious reading material. Oh, the sexual tension in this book is sky-high. If death by sexual tension is even a possibility, then this book would definitely be hazardous to your health. I loved it.
Apart from the sexual chemistry and the delicious tension between Gray and Blair, I was enamored by their character's personal journey especially Blair's. She started off not really knowing what to do with her life. Despite the perfection she shows to the world, she has flaws. She's not that smart or that beautiful, she's failing law school and she had no career prospects whatsoever. That made her relatable. And Graydon...I was surprised by how sweet his character turned out to be. Sweet and hot. His angst comes from knowing that because of his addictive personality, he might end up destroying Blair the same way he did everything else in his life. He made a mistake later on in the book that didn't sit well with me but it was, however, consistent with his character, so I can't really complain. I only wish he realized it and made a decision long before Jackie or Kate confronted him. That's the only hiccup for me.
But the rest...the chemistry, the character arcs, the story, everything worked and made me happy. There were a lot of internal monologue but it didn't bore me because I was invested in these characters. I wanted to know their thoughts and their feelings, so it wasn't a chore.
Kudos to Ms. Cleeton for delivering another swoon-worthy romance. Playing With Trouble is definitely my favorite in the series so far.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I consider this series one of my epic finds this year. I really enjoyed Flirting With Scandal and ever since then, I've been waiting to read Blair's story. Safe to say that Chanel Cleeton did not disappoint.
We met Blair in the first book. She's Jackie's "perfect" half-sister. She's groomed to be the perfect daughter, then the perfect fiancee, and later on, the perfect wife. But then on the day of her wedding, she discovered her fiance in flagrante delicto with the best man. Blair's seemingly perfect life started unraveling from then on. Tired of the pressure being dumped on her and the endless scandal that hounds her family, Blair enrolled herself in law school where she meets professor
After destroying his life, his marriage, and his career in Chicago, Graydon Canter finds himself in DC teaching in one of the more mediocre law school in the country. He's trying to avoid the same pitfalls that destroyed his previous life but when he meets Blair Reynolds all bets are off. Like a moth to flame, Gray and Blair can't seem to stay away from one another.
Yes, this book has the dreaded insta-lust. Not love but LUST. Gray and Blair's attraction to each other is instantaneous. But what separates this book from the others with a similar hook is that they didn't give in to that lust immediately. They allowed it to simmer between them, and it made for some delicious reading material. Oh, the sexual tension in this book is sky-high. If death by sexual tension is even a possibility, then this book would definitely be hazardous to your health. I loved it.
Apart from the sexual chemistry and the delicious tension between Gray and Blair, I was enamored by their character's personal journey especially Blair's. She started off not really knowing what to do with her life. Despite the perfection she shows to the world, she has flaws. She's not that smart or that beautiful, she's failing law school and she had no career prospects whatsoever. That made her relatable. And Graydon...I was surprised by how sweet his character turned out to be. Sweet and hot. His angst comes from knowing that because of his addictive personality, he might end up destroying Blair the same way he did everything else in his life. He made a mistake later on in the book that didn't sit well with me but it was, however, consistent with his character, so I can't really complain. I only wish he realized it and made a decision long before Jackie or Kate confronted him. That's the only hiccup for me.
But the rest...the chemistry, the character arcs, the story, everything worked and made me happy. There were a lot of internal monologue but it didn't bore me because I was invested in these characters. I wanted to know their thoughts and their feelings, so it wasn't a chore.
Kudos to Ms. Cleeton for delivering another swoon-worthy romance. Playing With Trouble is definitely my favorite in the series so far.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Playing with Trouble” is the second installment in “Capital Confessions” series by Chanel Cleeton and fallows Blair Reynolds, daughter to a powerful senator in DC. We already met Blair in the previous book in the series as Jackie’s half-sister. Blair has the image of the perfect daughter. She’s a good girl. She had always supported her father campaigns and she had always did what her mother said. Until her wedding day, when not only she found out that her future husband cheated in her, but he cheated on her with the best man. She really needs a fresh start, so she enrolls in low school. Trouble fallows her again in the form of her Torts professor, a smart and arrogant man, who pushes her buttons and also makes her squirm in her seat.
Graydon ‘Gray’ Canter knows what means to have it all – more money than he can spend, a wife, a great reputation, all of this under the age of thirty. But he can also knows what means to lose it all. He managed to save his career and he moved in DC because he needed a fresh start. Needless to say, he doesn’t need any complications, but the biggest, greatest complication comes in the form of Blair Reynolds.
Gray can tell Blaire is not only classy, but very different from any other woman he met before. He doesn’t need a rich girl and as much as he realizes and accepts he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame and feels she’s drawn to him as well, he knows he has to stay away from her.
This was such a great read! With a different storyline than the previous book in the series, “Playing with Trouble” was an entertaining read from start to finish. Both Blair and Gray were great, endearing characters. I liked Blair a lot! Her character development was done so well. If at first she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life or who she is, in the end she finds the strength to stand up for herself, realizing she has the right to have her own flaws like everyone else. Needless to say her character felt real and also relatable. She felt mature for her age IMO and I have to say I loved her generosity and her kindness.
Gray was a tortured hero and I really felt for him. He thinks he has the power to destroy everyone around him, inclusive Blair. He wants to protect her from him staying away (or trying to) from her, but Blair is not afraid to go after what she wants, fact that I really liked about her. She’s willing to fight for him and she also is willing to fight for them by herself. Gray was easy to like as well. He was sweet and sexy and very good for Blair. He makes her realizes who she really is, which made like even more.
The chemistry between Blair and Gray is sizzling, fantastically done, even better than the previous book IMO. I loved these two together and I couldn’t get enough of them.
While this second installment is more angsty than the first installment, there’s no unnecessary drama. Everything was resolved in the end, but IMO was everything was resolved too quickly, so the ending felt a little rushed.
All in all, this was a great sexy and angsty installment, with an interesting story line, two endearing main characters and a lovely romance with just a little bit of scandal.
“Playing with Trouble” is the second installment in “Capital Confessions” series by Chanel Cleeton and fallows Blair Reynolds, daughter to a powerful senator in DC. We already met Blair in the previous book in the series as Jackie’s half-sister. Blair has the image of the perfect daughter. She’s a good girl. She had always supported her father campaigns and she had always did what her mother said. Until her wedding day, when not only she found out that her future husband cheated in her, but he cheated on her with the best man. She really needs a fresh start, so she enrolls in low school. Trouble fallows her again in the form of her Torts professor, a smart and arrogant man, who pushes her buttons and also makes her squirm in her seat.
“There was something wild in him, something barely restrained that called to the part of me that had never been anything but safe. I’d never felt temptation, true temptation, until now, until he looked at me like he wanted to devour me”
Graydon ‘Gray’ Canter knows what means to have it all – more money than he can spend, a wife, a great reputation, all of this under the age of thirty. But he can also knows what means to lose it all. He managed to save his career and he moved in DC because he needed a fresh start. Needless to say, he doesn’t need any complications, but the biggest, greatest complication comes in the form of Blair Reynolds.
“Fire and ice.
She was the ultimate contrast. She had a self-control about her that I envied, and at the same time, there was so much fire inside her pushing to get out.”
Gray can tell Blaire is not only classy, but very different from any other woman he met before. He doesn’t need a rich girl and as much as he realizes and accepts he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame and feels she’s drawn to him as well, he knows he has to stay away from her.
This was such a great read! With a different storyline than the previous book in the series, “Playing with Trouble” was an entertaining read from start to finish. Both Blair and Gray were great, endearing characters. I liked Blair a lot! Her character development was done so well. If at first she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life or who she is, in the end she finds the strength to stand up for herself, realizing she has the right to have her own flaws like everyone else. Needless to say her character felt real and also relatable. She felt mature for her age IMO and I have to say I loved her generosity and her kindness.
“It was a constant push and pull with him, and I wasn’t sure which way I wanted it to go.”
Gray was a tortured hero and I really felt for him. He thinks he has the power to destroy everyone around him, inclusive Blair. He wants to protect her from him staying away (or trying to) from her, but Blair is not afraid to go after what she wants, fact that I really liked about her. She’s willing to fight for him and she also is willing to fight for them by herself. Gray was easy to like as well. He was sweet and sexy and very good for Blair. He makes her realizes who she really is, which made like even more.
The chemistry between Blair and Gray is sizzling, fantastically done, even better than the previous book IMO. I loved these two together and I couldn’t get enough of them.
“She was an indulgence, a dangerous one, but weren’t those the best kind?”
While this second installment is more angsty than the first installment, there’s no unnecessary drama. Everything was resolved in the end, but IMO was everything was resolved too quickly, so the ending felt a little rushed.
All in all, this was a great sexy and angsty installment, with an interesting story line, two endearing main characters and a lovely romance with just a little bit of scandal.
August 27, 2016
IT'S LIVE
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QkMBtL
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FZ8RYC
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JkWsiV
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KILzsW
4,5 STARS
I love this series and I really enjoyed this one because it was different!!This is a student/teacher romance which is one of my favorite topics!!Put this one together with the amazing writing and the fresh air Chanel Cleeton is putting in her stories and you have an amazing story!This story is steamy,very hot,emotional and romantic!
Blair is trying to recover from her big scandal.Now she is enrolled in law school.What she didn't expect is to meet Gray, her new professor.Their chemistry is so hot and they can't deny it..But things isn't easy for Gray too since he is recovering from his own problems.Can these two find happiness together?
I loved Blair, because she is smart,confidence and strong!Gray is passionate and so hot! The character development moves a little too quickly but this wasn't a problem from me because I loved the story!Their attraction is so obvious and their chemistry so passionate!When they were together they had really hot moments but also sweet and funny!!I liked them so much that I was smiling all the time!!Seriously I couldn't get enough of them!
I love this series so much and I'm so excited for the next book!!If you need a refreshing series then this is exactly what you need!!Before you read this book is better to read the first book so you can understand who Blair is!!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QkMBtL
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FZ8RYC
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JkWsiV
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KILzsW
4,5 STARS
I love this series and I really enjoyed this one because it was different!!This is a student/teacher romance which is one of my favorite topics!!Put this one together with the amazing writing and the fresh air Chanel Cleeton is putting in her stories and you have an amazing story!This story is steamy,very hot,emotional and romantic!
Blair is trying to recover from her big scandal.Now she is enrolled in law school.What she didn't expect is to meet Gray, her new professor.Their chemistry is so hot and they can't deny it..But things isn't easy for Gray too since he is recovering from his own problems.Can these two find happiness together?
I loved Blair, because she is smart,confidence and strong!Gray is passionate and so hot! The character development moves a little too quickly but this wasn't a problem from me because I loved the story!Their attraction is so obvious and their chemistry so passionate!When they were together they had really hot moments but also sweet and funny!!I liked them so much that I was smiling all the time!!Seriously I couldn't get enough of them!
I love this series so much and I'm so excited for the next book!!If you need a refreshing series then this is exactly what you need!!Before you read this book is better to read the first book so you can understand who Blair is!!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2015
4 Forbidden Stars.
Being the supposedly perfect daughter of a powerful politician, Blair is used to have her life being publicly discussed. So when her failed engagement with a fiancé she discovered being homosexual becomes first page news, she decides it’s time for a change. But when she enrolls Law school, she wasn’t expecting meeting the new college professor, Mr. Canter.
Graydon Canter, a man that ruined his own life with bad choices knows a man like him shouldn’t be interested in a girl like Blair. And not only because he’s her teacher.
But when both of them can’t resist each other, they will find out that the forbidden fruit is sometimes the tastiest one.
I’ve said in the last book that this series was probably one of the best hidden gems going around here. With this second book I don’t think there’s any “probably” about that. I’m now completely sure these books are not only seriously underrated, they are one of the best romantic series going around. I didn’t love this book as much as the first, probably because he whole “student/teacher” line was never one of my favorites. But with an amazing plot, great characters, and engaging writing and steam and drama enough to let you hooked, you can’t really miss these books.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I love how Chanel Cleeton created characters so real, and so human. Neither of them was perfect and neither of them was bad. They both had qualities and flaws and acted accordingly to them. Their connection felt very real, but what made me feel in love with this characters is that they were just humans trying to do the best they could. There was no sanctification of the heroine or extreme redemption of the hero. Just two persons trying to do the best they could and it was amazing! And after the sneak peek to the next book, I can’t wait for Kate’s book!!
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Being the supposedly perfect daughter of a powerful politician, Blair is used to have her life being publicly discussed. So when her failed engagement with a fiancé she discovered being homosexual becomes first page news, she decides it’s time for a change. But when she enrolls Law school, she wasn’t expecting meeting the new college professor, Mr. Canter.
Graydon Canter, a man that ruined his own life with bad choices knows a man like him shouldn’t be interested in a girl like Blair. And not only because he’s her teacher.
But when both of them can’t resist each other, they will find out that the forbidden fruit is sometimes the tastiest one.
I’ve said in the last book that this series was probably one of the best hidden gems going around here. With this second book I don’t think there’s any “probably” about that. I’m now completely sure these books are not only seriously underrated, they are one of the best romantic series going around. I didn’t love this book as much as the first, probably because he whole “student/teacher” line was never one of my favorites. But with an amazing plot, great characters, and engaging writing and steam and drama enough to let you hooked, you can’t really miss these books.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I love how Chanel Cleeton created characters so real, and so human. Neither of them was perfect and neither of them was bad. They both had qualities and flaws and acted accordingly to them. Their connection felt very real, but what made me feel in love with this characters is that they were just humans trying to do the best they could. There was no sanctification of the heroine or extreme redemption of the hero. Just two persons trying to do the best they could and it was amazing! And after the sneak peek to the next book, I can’t wait for Kate’s book!!
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
July 15, 2016
4 STARS! ★★★★
"I hadn't been looking for trouble, but it seemed that now that I'd found it, I wasn't running from it, either."
After reading and enjoying the first one in this series, I was already dying to read more from the Capital Confessions. Needing my fix of this sub-genre, I was not disappointed by how this read panned out and am already dying for the third book in the series now!
From the first book, we briefly met Blair Reynolds, daughter to a powerful senator in DC and who is Jackie's half-sister. Playing with Trouble will be her story and finding love when she least expects it.
Bearing the name of Reynolds since young, Blair has always been expected to be the perfect daughter to uphold her father's name and keeping herself out from any scandals that could jeopardize her father's campaign. All of that went to hell the moment her marriage got cancelled when she found out her fiance cheated on her with his best man. Determined to start afresh, Blair attends law school but what she didn't expect was trouble that comes in the form of a certain cocky law professor.
Having left his private practice in Chicago, Graydon Canter currently finds himself in a one-year stint of teaching in D.C law school. However this new law professor comes with some baggage and hidden demons in his past. Moving to D.C. is his first step to starting anew but when his world clashes in with one Blair Reynolds, he finds himself playing with fire.
Having loved the first one, I went into this read thinking I was going to get something similar but I was pleasantly surprised by how different this was. While the first was more sexy and exciting, the second one here had a more serious undertone and tad more angsty especially with Gray dealing with his past demons. Blair herself had quite a handful too as she navigates through law school while being in the public eye for her failed marriage which caused a strain within her family.
Blair is definitely my favorite among the sisters so far in this series, I liked how her character developed along the way and realizing that she wants more for herself than what everyone expects her to be. I was just cheering on for this woman when she stood up against her family and even Gray who can be quite a pussy at times in their relationship. I admit that it was quite a nice change to see the heroine being the more ballsy one.
Another thing I loved about this series is the relationship buildup between both MCs; they're never rushed with a lot of sexy flirting between these two that keeps you interested. Although the instalust was evident since the beginning, both Blair and Gray kept each other at arms length due to their student/teacher relationship but the sexual undercurrent was electrifying in most of their scenes together. The forbidden nature of their romance also gave the read that extra edge which I liked.
At the rate I'm enjoying this series, they're starting to become some of my guilty pleasure reads! There was no unnecessary drama that puts me off and easily an enjoyable sexy read that packs some great angst and wit. My only minor issue would be that the last portion of the read tied up a little too quickly for me and would have loved more grovelling on Gray's part.
Not to mention that after the author teased us with Blair's little sister, Kate and her past, I'm officially dying for the next book now!! I can already tell that the third book will be heading into another direction and I'm in love with how diverse this series is whilst keeping in within this exciting political setting.
Definitely recommend this series to everyone if you're looking for something sexy and angsty in this political romance genre!
Playing With Trouble is the second book in the Capital Confessions series and can be read as a standalone.
ARC kindly provided by Berkeley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"I hadn't been looking for trouble, but it seemed that now that I'd found it, I wasn't running from it, either."
After reading and enjoying the first one in this series, I was already dying to read more from the Capital Confessions. Needing my fix of this sub-genre, I was not disappointed by how this read panned out and am already dying for the third book in the series now!
From the first book, we briefly met Blair Reynolds, daughter to a powerful senator in DC and who is Jackie's half-sister. Playing with Trouble will be her story and finding love when she least expects it.
Bearing the name of Reynolds since young, Blair has always been expected to be the perfect daughter to uphold her father's name and keeping herself out from any scandals that could jeopardize her father's campaign. All of that went to hell the moment her marriage got cancelled when she found out her fiance cheated on her with his best man. Determined to start afresh, Blair attends law school but what she didn't expect was trouble that comes in the form of a certain cocky law professor.
Having left his private practice in Chicago, Graydon Canter currently finds himself in a one-year stint of teaching in D.C law school. However this new law professor comes with some baggage and hidden demons in his past. Moving to D.C. is his first step to starting anew but when his world clashes in with one Blair Reynolds, he finds himself playing with fire.
Having loved the first one, I went into this read thinking I was going to get something similar but I was pleasantly surprised by how different this was. While the first was more sexy and exciting, the second one here had a more serious undertone and tad more angsty especially with Gray dealing with his past demons. Blair herself had quite a handful too as she navigates through law school while being in the public eye for her failed marriage which caused a strain within her family.
Blair is definitely my favorite among the sisters so far in this series, I liked how her character developed along the way and realizing that she wants more for herself than what everyone expects her to be. I was just cheering on for this woman when she stood up against her family and even Gray who can be quite a pussy at times in their relationship. I admit that it was quite a nice change to see the heroine being the more ballsy one.
Another thing I loved about this series is the relationship buildup between both MCs; they're never rushed with a lot of sexy flirting between these two that keeps you interested. Although the instalust was evident since the beginning, both Blair and Gray kept each other at arms length due to their student/teacher relationship but the sexual undercurrent was electrifying in most of their scenes together. The forbidden nature of their romance also gave the read that extra edge which I liked.
At the rate I'm enjoying this series, they're starting to become some of my guilty pleasure reads! There was no unnecessary drama that puts me off and easily an enjoyable sexy read that packs some great angst and wit. My only minor issue would be that the last portion of the read tied up a little too quickly for me and would have loved more grovelling on Gray's part.
Not to mention that after the author teased us with Blair's little sister, Kate and her past, I'm officially dying for the next book now!! I can already tell that the third book will be heading into another direction and I'm in love with how diverse this series is whilst keeping in within this exciting political setting.
Definitely recommend this series to everyone if you're looking for something sexy and angsty in this political romance genre!
Playing With Trouble is the second book in the Capital Confessions series and can be read as a standalone.
ARC kindly provided by Berkeley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
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This is the second installment in this series and I completely adored the heroine, Blair. The author once again gifts her readers with dual pov of Gray, her law school teacher and the Senator’s daughter, Blair Reynolds.
”All that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes… She was a Bryon poem. And I was fucked.”
Her new teacher seems to have it in for her calling on her constantly in class and although she can’t stand it, there’s just something about this hot teacher. The two have a hot chemistry and Gray puts the brakes on anything further until the school year ends. The two were very hot together and I loved that our hero had a TON of baggage.
”I wanted to consume her, I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did – I broke things.”
Blair stays strong going for a life that will make only her happy. The two were very hot and steamy together and kuddos to Blair for staying true to herself.
"Kiss me. I want to feel what it's like to be kissed by a man who wants me," I whispered. "Please".
The story was going swimmingly for me until their relationship is put on blast in Capital Confessions and the culprit…ugh seriously? Anyway, from this point on the story fell for me as Gray wimps out on Blair. Come on Gray!
Overall, this was a sexy summer read that wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly for my tastes, still it was an entertaining read. The youngest sister, Kate’s book up next so bring on the conspiracy and mystery!
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This is the second installment in this series and I completely adored the heroine, Blair. The author once again gifts her readers with dual pov of Gray, her law school teacher and the Senator’s daughter, Blair Reynolds.
”All that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes… She was a Bryon poem. And I was fucked.”
Her new teacher seems to have it in for her calling on her constantly in class and although she can’t stand it, there’s just something about this hot teacher. The two have a hot chemistry and Gray puts the brakes on anything further until the school year ends. The two were very hot together and I loved that our hero had a TON of baggage.
”I wanted to consume her, I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did – I broke things.”
Blair stays strong going for a life that will make only her happy. The two were very hot and steamy together and kuddos to Blair for staying true to herself.
"Kiss me. I want to feel what it's like to be kissed by a man who wants me," I whispered. "Please".
The story was going swimmingly for me until their relationship is put on blast in Capital Confessions and the culprit…ugh seriously? Anyway, from this point on the story fell for me as Gray wimps out on Blair. Come on Gray!
Overall, this was a sexy summer read that wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly for my tastes, still it was an entertaining read. The youngest sister, Kate’s book up next so bring on the conspiracy and mystery!
July 21, 2015
Title: Playing with Trouble
Series: Capital Confessions, #2
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Release date: 21st July, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Let it be said Chanel Cleeton is a woman well versed in the art of creating sexual tension. The Capital Confessions Series is one that has so far consistently gotten my vote. The first book in the series was such a surprising delight, it really wasn't a question of "if" I would read the follow up but rather how much stalking I would do in order to get my hands on it as soon as possible.
Playing with Trouble picks up in the aftermath of Blair Reynolds' wedding that never was. Although initially left humiliated she sees it as an opportunity to find herself, but rather ironically, at her parents insistence she enrols in law school. It isn't a subject that comes easily or naturally to her but as the daughter of a U.S. senator, image is everything and failure is not an option. To make matters worse she has a Professor from hell with a face from Heaven.
"It was the cruelest irony that the man I despised, the man who tortured me from the front of the classroom three days a week, was the hottest fucking thing I’d ever seen."
Professor Graydon Canter is a man who by the age of thirty had and lost it all. From his humble South Side beginnings he forged his way and enjoyed success at his own firm in Chicago. In fact he enjoyed his success to the excess. Gray sees his job at the University as a penance rather than a second chance and his only silver lining comes in the form of a girl he calls on far too often.
I called on her way too much. I knew it, and based off of the way her eyes fairly screamed, Go fuck yourself, she knew it, too. But I’d always had remarkably poor impulse control, and like everything that came before her and annihilated my life, she was another thing that tempted me.
Fear, insecurity and perception play contributing roles in what I had initially thought would be a straight forward student/teacher romance. Add to this the salacious presence of The Capital Confessions Blog and what we have is a romance fraught with secrecy but abundant in sexual chemistry.
"You deserve a good guy. Let me try to be that guy for you. I can’t promise you that I’ll ever be the guy who deserves you, but I can promise that I’ll try. And that I’d sooner cut off my arm than hurt you.”
Playing devil's advocate, if I had to pick favourites, I'd say the first book is still my favourite in the series but after reading the intro to Kate's book, I have a feeling that's about to change.
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July 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
I was first hooked on this series and this author when I read Flirting with Scandal. Now I can honestly say I'm completely addicted. Playing With Trouble was even better than the first book, and let me just tell you; I loved the first book. It had everything I love going for it; hate-to-love, forbidden romance, and enough sexual tension and chemistry to set your kindle on fire.
Blair Reynolds is the middle daughter of a conterversial senator and the good girl of the family. Constantly used by her political family to boost their family image, Blair is tired of being the pawn and the girl that falls in line with what she's told. In a last resort of rebellion she enrolls in law school instead of following in the political science footsteps. But her decision soon comes to bite her in the ass in the shape of her too sexy for words and tormentor of her nightmares professor, Graydon Canter.
Graydon or Gray had it all; an incredibly successful law career, a marriage, more money than he knew what to do with and was quickly climbing the corporate latter in his law firm...until he lost it all. Now stuck teaching a law class at a university for students that weren't good enough to get into a better school or simply bought their way in, he gets his kicks by tormenting the beauty in his Torts class. So what if his picking on her daily roots from his undeniable attraction to her? She's off-limits and that's where she'll stay...until she doesn't.
This book had some of the best sexual tension I've read in a very long while. It was utterly delicious. I loved the way Chanel Cleeton handled their attraction and ultimate giving into it. I couldn't get enough of these two.
Gray was that perfect broody and broken hero that you love to read about and root for his redemption. He didn't sugar coat or hide his faults. He came right out and put them out for Blair to see. Blair on the other hand was a fantastic heroine. She's the good girl, but you also see her grow into herself as the book progresses. She doesn't allow anyone to step all over her, and I appreciated that it finally extended to her parents as well.
The center of it all was definitely the romance, and it was even hotter than the first book. These two were so hot together they practically sizzled.
Of course there's plenty of other things going on to keep the reader interested and it all culminates towards one hell of a plot twist towards the end. While I did see it coming from the beginning, it sets up the next book perfectly and I'm practically salivating to get my hands on it.
If politics aren't your thing, not to worry, because this book barely had any aside from the happenings of Blair's father. It's more muted and in the background, much like the first book. I honestly cannot recommend this series enough.
I devoured this book and didn't want to set it down for even a minute. It was the perfect combination of sexy and a touch of angsty with a dash of dry wit and humor. I absolutely loved it.
I have a feeling about the twist for the third book and I"m keeping my fingers crossed that I'm right because that will make it even better than I think. Chanel Cleeton has definitely made it straight to my auto-buy shelf and I can't wait for more from this talented author.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
He was no longer my professor, no longer someone I loathed. He was hands I needed on my body, lips I wanted kissing mine.
I was first hooked on this series and this author when I read Flirting with Scandal. Now I can honestly say I'm completely addicted. Playing With Trouble was even better than the first book, and let me just tell you; I loved the first book. It had everything I love going for it; hate-to-love, forbidden romance, and enough sexual tension and chemistry to set your kindle on fire.
Blair Reynolds is the middle daughter of a conterversial senator and the good girl of the family. Constantly used by her political family to boost their family image, Blair is tired of being the pawn and the girl that falls in line with what she's told. In a last resort of rebellion she enrolls in law school instead of following in the political science footsteps. But her decision soon comes to bite her in the ass in the shape of her too sexy for words and tormentor of her nightmares professor, Graydon Canter.
Graydon or Gray had it all; an incredibly successful law career, a marriage, more money than he knew what to do with and was quickly climbing the corporate latter in his law firm...until he lost it all. Now stuck teaching a law class at a university for students that weren't good enough to get into a better school or simply bought their way in, he gets his kicks by tormenting the beauty in his Torts class. So what if his picking on her daily roots from his undeniable attraction to her? She's off-limits and that's where she'll stay...until she doesn't.
I was drunk on her, and in this case, sobriety was just out of my reach.
This book had some of the best sexual tension I've read in a very long while. It was utterly delicious. I loved the way Chanel Cleeton handled their attraction and ultimate giving into it. I couldn't get enough of these two.
Gray was that perfect broody and broken hero that you love to read about and root for his redemption. He didn't sugar coat or hide his faults. He came right out and put them out for Blair to see. Blair on the other hand was a fantastic heroine. She's the good girl, but you also see her grow into herself as the book progresses. She doesn't allow anyone to step all over her, and I appreciated that it finally extended to her parents as well.
The center of it all was definitely the romance, and it was even hotter than the first book. These two were so hot together they practically sizzled.
Of course there's plenty of other things going on to keep the reader interested and it all culminates towards one hell of a plot twist towards the end. While I did see it coming from the beginning, it sets up the next book perfectly and I'm practically salivating to get my hands on it.
If politics aren't your thing, not to worry, because this book barely had any aside from the happenings of Blair's father. It's more muted and in the background, much like the first book. I honestly cannot recommend this series enough.
I devoured this book and didn't want to set it down for even a minute. It was the perfect combination of sexy and a touch of angsty with a dash of dry wit and humor. I absolutely loved it.
"Honey, I'm pretty sure you're the beast. And I am definitely not a princess. I thought we just established that.
"You're my princess. Dirty mouth, naughty lingerie, wicked tongue, formidable temper, and all.
I have a feeling about the twist for the third book and I"m keeping my fingers crossed that I'm right because that will make it even better than I think. Chanel Cleeton has definitely made it straight to my auto-buy shelf and I can't wait for more from this talented author.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
January 2, 2016
4.5 Hot for Teacher Stars
I always voted the party line, never went more than five miles over the speed limit, never drank more than two glasses of wine. And I wanted to fuck my professor with an intensity that bordered on madness.
What an awesome and totally unexpected surprise. When I first sat down and started reading Playing with Trouble, I have to admit to having some slightly lowered expectations. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with contemporary romance as of late, and to be honest most of that veers towards the hate end of the spectrum. Well slap my ass and call me Sally because I loved this one!
Blair Reynolds just wants a little peace and quiet in her life. After finding her fiancé hooking up with the best man on what was supposed to be her wedding day, she’s looking to move on out of the limelight. Easier said than done when your father’s a prominent U.S. Senator regularly featured in the D.C. gossip sites. When in doubt about what to do with the rest of your life, enter Law school. Come on, it kinda sorta makes sense!
Graydon Canter is also using Law school as a place to start over. He’s made a mess of both his career and personal life and law school’s proving to be his last hope for restoring his career. The first time he lays eyes on Blair, he’s immediately attracted to her despite the fact she’s hiding herself behind a prim and proper exterior. Game on, right? Oh, there’s one itty bitty little problem. Gray is a lawyer and a professor at Blair’s school and Blair’s his student. Surprisingly enough, that doesn’t stop the white hot fantasies from a comin’.
For fifty-nine minutes out of the hour each class, she was untouchable. She wore her perfection like a mask that shielded her from the world, the seemingly unbreakable wall that kept everyone at bay. But there was always a minute—I made sure of it—when the mask came off, when the wall tumbled down. And in that minute, someone else looked at me. In that minute, I undressed her and stripped her of the facade she presented to the rest of the world. For a minute every single week, I unraveled her.
The bastard in me fucking loved it
Truth be told, I enjoyed almost every aspect of Playing with Trouble. Blair coming into her own and fighting for what she wants when it came to both Gray and her controlling parents was a beautiful thing. Calling off her wedding, despite her parents insistence she follow through with the ceremony, was the best decision she could’ve made and watching her take the reins of her own life was fab-u-lous!
Now, let’s move on to Gray. Sex on a stick, damaged and hot as hell, Gray. He fought his relationship with Blair with everything he had, but I loved that once he figured out the feelings were mutual, he never treated her like a compete jackass. Yes, there were moments of jackassery, but even when he was fighting his feelings, he always treated her as a friend and never turned into the douche I’d predicted. And the sexy times build up? HOT. AS. HELL. Honestly, I love when the waiting and anticipation for a couple finally coming together and getting horizontal is just as good, if not better, than the actual jumping of bones. At one point, I didn’t care if these two ever got together because the damn foreplay was just that yummy.
My one and only complaint is a small one, but I would’ve loved Gray putting a little more effort into getting Blair back. Hasn’t the girl been through enough?
On the upside, I get to read sister Kate’s story next and from the hints dropped in this book, it’s bound to be a doozy.
I always voted the party line, never went more than five miles over the speed limit, never drank more than two glasses of wine. And I wanted to fuck my professor with an intensity that bordered on madness.
What an awesome and totally unexpected surprise. When I first sat down and started reading Playing with Trouble, I have to admit to having some slightly lowered expectations. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with contemporary romance as of late, and to be honest most of that veers towards the hate end of the spectrum. Well slap my ass and call me Sally because I loved this one!
Blair Reynolds just wants a little peace and quiet in her life. After finding her fiancé hooking up with the best man on what was supposed to be her wedding day, she’s looking to move on out of the limelight. Easier said than done when your father’s a prominent U.S. Senator regularly featured in the D.C. gossip sites. When in doubt about what to do with the rest of your life, enter Law school. Come on, it kinda sorta makes sense!
Graydon Canter is also using Law school as a place to start over. He’s made a mess of both his career and personal life and law school’s proving to be his last hope for restoring his career. The first time he lays eyes on Blair, he’s immediately attracted to her despite the fact she’s hiding herself behind a prim and proper exterior. Game on, right? Oh, there’s one itty bitty little problem. Gray is a lawyer and a professor at Blair’s school and Blair’s his student. Surprisingly enough, that doesn’t stop the white hot fantasies from a comin’.
For fifty-nine minutes out of the hour each class, she was untouchable. She wore her perfection like a mask that shielded her from the world, the seemingly unbreakable wall that kept everyone at bay. But there was always a minute—I made sure of it—when the mask came off, when the wall tumbled down. And in that minute, someone else looked at me. In that minute, I undressed her and stripped her of the facade she presented to the rest of the world. For a minute every single week, I unraveled her.
The bastard in me fucking loved it
Truth be told, I enjoyed almost every aspect of Playing with Trouble. Blair coming into her own and fighting for what she wants when it came to both Gray and her controlling parents was a beautiful thing. Calling off her wedding, despite her parents insistence she follow through with the ceremony, was the best decision she could’ve made and watching her take the reins of her own life was fab-u-lous!
Now, let’s move on to Gray. Sex on a stick, damaged and hot as hell, Gray. He fought his relationship with Blair with everything he had, but I loved that once he figured out the feelings were mutual, he never treated her like a compete jackass. Yes, there were moments of jackassery, but even when he was fighting his feelings, he always treated her as a friend and never turned into the douche I’d predicted. And the sexy times build up? HOT. AS. HELL. Honestly, I love when the waiting and anticipation for a couple finally coming together and getting horizontal is just as good, if not better, than the actual jumping of bones. At one point, I didn’t care if these two ever got together because the damn foreplay was just that yummy.
My one and only complaint is a small one, but I would’ve loved Gray putting a little more effort into getting Blair back. Hasn’t the girl been through enough?
On the upside, I get to read sister Kate’s story next and from the hints dropped in this book, it’s bound to be a doozy.
July 20, 2015
4 STARS!
Blair Reynolds is the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in DC, Senator Reynolds, therefore, her life has always been on display.
On her wedding day, she caught her husband cheating on her with his best man. Now, she is trying to pick up her pieces, start over and decide what to do with her life.
She enrolls in Law School and there she meets Professor Graydon Canter. They're forced to work together on a project, but will they be able to stay away from each other?
After meeting Blair in book one, Flirting with Scandal, I was really curious to read her story.
This installment was different from the first one and I have to admit that it was a really pleasurable surprise!
Blair has always been the perfect daughter, always followed the rules, dressed nicely, done whatever her parents asked her.
Now, she's realizing that they care more about their public image than her happiness and she doesn't want to sacrifice her life for them anymore.
Gray has a difficult and troubled past, but he is trying his best to make amends for it. He has had another chance and he is determined not to waste it.
He doesn't believe that he's the right guy for Blair and he feels like he doesn't deserve such an amazing woman in his life after all he has done.
I have to admit that I am not such a fan of forbidden reads, especially of teacher-student books. I was hesitant, but the author made it easy for me to enjoy this book, A LOT!
It was easy to love both Gray and Blair. Blair was such a great and mature heroine, Gray had such a complex past and I was happy to see them both getting some happiness in their lives.
It was a story about second chances, secrets, lies, forgivess.
It was very well written and well developed. It's the second book that I read in this series and the second book that I really enjoy!
I am so curious about Kate's story and September can't come soon enough!
Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Blair Reynolds is the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in DC, Senator Reynolds, therefore, her life has always been on display.
On her wedding day, she caught her husband cheating on her with his best man. Now, she is trying to pick up her pieces, start over and decide what to do with her life.
She enrolls in Law School and there she meets Professor Graydon Canter. They're forced to work together on a project, but will they be able to stay away from each other?
After meeting Blair in book one, Flirting with Scandal, I was really curious to read her story.
This installment was different from the first one and I have to admit that it was a really pleasurable surprise!
Blair has always been the perfect daughter, always followed the rules, dressed nicely, done whatever her parents asked her.
Now, she's realizing that they care more about their public image than her happiness and she doesn't want to sacrifice her life for them anymore.
Gray has a difficult and troubled past, but he is trying his best to make amends for it. He has had another chance and he is determined not to waste it.
"You can do bad things and still be a good man. Don't let your past take that away from you. You can be more. You just have to try."
He doesn't believe that he's the right guy for Blair and he feels like he doesn't deserve such an amazing woman in his life after all he has done.
I have to admit that I am not such a fan of forbidden reads, especially of teacher-student books. I was hesitant, but the author made it easy for me to enjoy this book, A LOT!
It was easy to love both Gray and Blair. Blair was such a great and mature heroine, Gray had such a complex past and I was happy to see them both getting some happiness in their lives.
It was a story about second chances, secrets, lies, forgivess.
It was very well written and well developed. It's the second book that I read in this series and the second book that I really enjoy!
I am so curious about Kate's story and September can't come soon enough!
Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
4 'Forbidden' Stars
Blair Reynolds has always been the perfect daughter. Doing what her parents want, always with a smile on her face, to help her fathers political career. After an engagement gone wrong, which her parent's blame her for, she tries to redeem herself in their eyes by going to law school. But how can she be expected to concentrate on school when all she can think about is her professor, Graydon Canter.
Gray was a poor kid growing up in Chicago who turned his life around and became a successful lawyer. Having more money than he ever imagined himself having sent him on a downward spiral of partying and drugs that ruined his reputation. Leaving Chicago he takes a teaching job in hopes of saving his career. But when he walks into his classroom and see's Blair, he realizes he just found his newest addiction.
This book was such a tease! Blair and Gray shared these secret touches, and hidden kisses and those deep, long, passionate looks and then couldn't act on them. Sexual frustration, anyone??? Then when they could finally act on their feelings it was like,
This was a fun, sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I couldn't wait until Gray and Blair finally worked out their issues and were able to be together but I loved the bond they formed before that could happen. I actually liked that they didn't jump right into a relationship. They both had issues and they were hiding their true selves and I liked seeing both characters grow.
This is the second book in the Capital Confessions series and I haven't read the first one yet, but I will definitely be going back to read about Jackie and Will. In all honestly I didn't like Blair's sister, Kate, that much but her story intrigues me so damn much! I can't wait to read it and hope she redeems herself for what she did in this book.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Blair Reynolds has always been the perfect daughter. Doing what her parents want, always with a smile on her face, to help her fathers political career. After an engagement gone wrong, which her parent's blame her for, she tries to redeem herself in their eyes by going to law school. But how can she be expected to concentrate on school when all she can think about is her professor, Graydon Canter.
Gray was a poor kid growing up in Chicago who turned his life around and became a successful lawyer. Having more money than he ever imagined himself having sent him on a downward spiral of partying and drugs that ruined his reputation. Leaving Chicago he takes a teaching job in hopes of saving his career. But when he walks into his classroom and see's Blair, he realizes he just found his newest addiction.
This book was such a tease! Blair and Gray shared these secret touches, and hidden kisses and those deep, long, passionate looks and then couldn't act on them. Sexual frustration, anyone??? Then when they could finally act on their feelings it was like,
"I'm trying so hard to be good, to stay away from you, then you smile at me and I forget my fucking name."
This was a fun, sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I couldn't wait until Gray and Blair finally worked out their issues and were able to be together but I loved the bond they formed before that could happen. I actually liked that they didn't jump right into a relationship. They both had issues and they were hiding their true selves and I liked seeing both characters grow.
This is the second book in the Capital Confessions series and I haven't read the first one yet, but I will definitely be going back to read about Jackie and Will. In all honestly I didn't like Blair's sister, Kate, that much but her story intrigues me so damn much! I can't wait to read it and hope she redeems herself for what she did in this book.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
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Playing with Trouble by Chanel Cleeton was one of my anticipated summer reads of 2015!!! I seriously couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. After reading Flirting with Scandal, I was seriously addicted to this hot, sexy, provocative and deliciously scandalicious series!! And Playing with Trouble was just as steamy as the first book but Ms. Cleeton took it to another level when she incorporated the elements of family drama, raw emotions, and a forbidden student/teacher relationship.
Forbidden romance has always been one of my favorite tropes. There is nothing like reading a student/teacher relationship that is so tangible and palpable. And Ms. Cleeton did just that when she reunited readers with Senator Reynold's daughter, Blair who recently was plastered off all over social media and the Capital Confession Blog on her wedding day disaster. In Flirting with Scandal, we all learned that Blair's soon-to-be-husband was cheating on her with the best man. Talk about scandal and so Blair knew what it was like to be the center of unwanted gossip and scandal. So in Playing with Trouble, Blair is trying to recover her wedding day disaster and heartbreak. She is now enrolled in her first year of law school. What she didn't expect was to have an undeniable hot sexual attraction to her professor.
“I wanted to consume her, I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did – I broke things.”
Graydon Canter was the hot, young and sexy law professor of Hannover. Before teaching, he was a rich and successful attorney at a prestigious firm on the tracks of becoming powerful but it all got derailed when his marriage failed and women, drugs, and alcohol became his crutch. Freshly out of rehab and getting his life back in track, he decided to take on a teaching position in Washington D.C. Teaching was his form of penance to get his life back on track, but what he didn't expect was that it will lead him to finding love. And all it took was a young, beautiful, 23 year old law student with a big heart to make him see that he is worthy of redemption and love. Blair Reynolds was his game changer.
“And just like that I gave up trying to be the man I thought she deserved and became the man she wanted.”
Blair and Gray's relationship could only be defined as explosive chemistry. Both Gray and Blair tried to slow dance around their attraction to one another but once they couldn't deny it any longer, it was burning with passion, love and respect. There are not enough words to describe how much Gray wanted Blair. Just a simple touch and look, he wanted to claim her as his. The attraction that Blair and Gray had for one another was so palpable and tangible that readers could sense how strong their love for another is. Both knew that they were playing with trouble if the school and social media were to get a hold of their relationship. But in the amidst of playing with trouble, they knew that they just had to hold out till the semester was over and he was no longer her professor to prevent any scandal. But what happens when Capital Confession Blog gets a hold of their relationship? Will Gray be able to recover and save his career? And will Blair be able to handle another scandal?
Playing with Trouble was one of those reads that I couldn't put down!!! And how could I when this book was brimming with romance, family drama, scandal and love. Though Gray and Blair's relationship was a bit instant-lust/love, I didn't mind it all since I loved characters. What I love about this book was that Ms. Cleeton wrote an honest, raw, touching and beautiful story of love, second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. Raw pure emotions and love was pouring out of this book that showcased two strong characters finding a deep bond of love, admiration, and future together. The writing in this book was phenomenally well done and crafted since the author weaved so many elements to this book that had you begging for more. So if you are looking for a book filled with romance and a touch of scandal, then I would recommend you to read Playing With Trouble by Chanel Cleeton.
I LOVE this series so much. Seriously, I'm addicted to all the drama, politics, and scandal that Ms. Cleeton has cleverly weaved into each of her books. My only suggestion if you plan to read Playing With Trouble, I would urge you to read Flirting with Scandal first so you would get a better understanding of who Blair, Senator Reynolds, and Jackie are. Now I must try to be patient as I await for Kate's book in the third and final installment. I am dying to know what mystery and scandal will await for her.
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Playing with Trouble by Chanel Cleeton was one of my anticipated summer reads of 2015!!! I seriously couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. After reading Flirting with Scandal, I was seriously addicted to this hot, sexy, provocative and deliciously scandalicious series!! And Playing with Trouble was just as steamy as the first book but Ms. Cleeton took it to another level when she incorporated the elements of family drama, raw emotions, and a forbidden student/teacher relationship.
Forbidden romance has always been one of my favorite tropes. There is nothing like reading a student/teacher relationship that is so tangible and palpable. And Ms. Cleeton did just that when she reunited readers with Senator Reynold's daughter, Blair who recently was plastered off all over social media and the Capital Confession Blog on her wedding day disaster. In Flirting with Scandal, we all learned that Blair's soon-to-be-husband was cheating on her with the best man. Talk about scandal and so Blair knew what it was like to be the center of unwanted gossip and scandal. So in Playing with Trouble, Blair is trying to recover her wedding day disaster and heartbreak. She is now enrolled in her first year of law school. What she didn't expect was to have an undeniable hot sexual attraction to her professor.
“I wanted to consume her, I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did – I broke things.”
Graydon Canter was the hot, young and sexy law professor of Hannover. Before teaching, he was a rich and successful attorney at a prestigious firm on the tracks of becoming powerful but it all got derailed when his marriage failed and women, drugs, and alcohol became his crutch. Freshly out of rehab and getting his life back in track, he decided to take on a teaching position in Washington D.C. Teaching was his form of penance to get his life back on track, but what he didn't expect was that it will lead him to finding love. And all it took was a young, beautiful, 23 year old law student with a big heart to make him see that he is worthy of redemption and love. Blair Reynolds was his game changer.
“And just like that I gave up trying to be the man I thought she deserved and became the man she wanted.”
Blair and Gray's relationship could only be defined as explosive chemistry. Both Gray and Blair tried to slow dance around their attraction to one another but once they couldn't deny it any longer, it was burning with passion, love and respect. There are not enough words to describe how much Gray wanted Blair. Just a simple touch and look, he wanted to claim her as his. The attraction that Blair and Gray had for one another was so palpable and tangible that readers could sense how strong their love for another is. Both knew that they were playing with trouble if the school and social media were to get a hold of their relationship. But in the amidst of playing with trouble, they knew that they just had to hold out till the semester was over and he was no longer her professor to prevent any scandal. But what happens when Capital Confession Blog gets a hold of their relationship? Will Gray be able to recover and save his career? And will Blair be able to handle another scandal?
Playing with Trouble was one of those reads that I couldn't put down!!! And how could I when this book was brimming with romance, family drama, scandal and love. Though Gray and Blair's relationship was a bit instant-lust/love, I didn't mind it all since I loved characters. What I love about this book was that Ms. Cleeton wrote an honest, raw, touching and beautiful story of love, second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. Raw pure emotions and love was pouring out of this book that showcased two strong characters finding a deep bond of love, admiration, and future together. The writing in this book was phenomenally well done and crafted since the author weaved so many elements to this book that had you begging for more. So if you are looking for a book filled with romance and a touch of scandal, then I would recommend you to read Playing With Trouble by Chanel Cleeton.
I LOVE this series so much. Seriously, I'm addicted to all the drama, politics, and scandal that Ms. Cleeton has cleverly weaved into each of her books. My only suggestion if you plan to read Playing With Trouble, I would urge you to read Flirting with Scandal first so you would get a better understanding of who Blair, Senator Reynolds, and Jackie are. Now I must try to be patient as I await for Kate's book in the third and final installment. I am dying to know what mystery and scandal will await for her.
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July 23, 2015
Favorite Quote: He was an asshole, but he was definitely a hot asshole.
I recently read the first book in this series (books are stand alone) and I enjoyed the author's voice a lot. I picked this book up without even reading the blurb, so when a student/professor romance hit me in the face, I was surprised. I normally don't seek out this trope, as I usually find myself feeling ragey with the unetichal dating between the student and the teacher. But! This romance worked so well for me. I rooted for this couple to get together and seriously didn't care that he was her teacher. Gray is intense and sexy and I became.....hot for teacher.
Gray grew up in a bad part of town and found himself in juvie after stealing a car. He turns his life around, gets into law school and starts working at a big firm. But he loses control of his life again. His marriage falls apart, he starts doing cocaine and strippers. He loses his job and his reputation. This is how he finds himself as a visiting professor at a law school in DC. This law school isn't that great, but at least he has a job.
Blair is the daughter of a very powerful Senator and knows how to play the DC game. After a failed engagement, to please her parents, she goes to law school, but didn't have good enough grades to get into a great school. So she stays local in DC. She isn't thrilled with law school, but decides to try her best. She has an immediate hate for her professor Gray. He calls on her constantly, more than anyone in the class. He flusters her and is cold and she cusses him out constantly inside her head. She hates him - until she falls for him.
It was the cruelest irony that the man I despised, the man who tortured me from the front of the classroom three days a week, was the hottest fucking thing I'd ever seen.
That fine line between lust and hate is walked in this romance and it's fun.
Gray is a self-proclaimed asshole. Blair agrees. He is rude and stand-offish and can't keep his eyes off of Blair.
I called on her way too much. I knew it, and based off the way her eyes fairly screamed, Go fuck yourself, she knew it, too. But I'd always had remarkably poor impulse control, and like everything that came before her and annihilated my life, she was another thing that tempted me.
I found it hot and sexy. Their chemistry and sexual tension is written so well in this book. They fall for each other during one semester, and they push and pull throughout this semester as they know what they are doing is frowned upon, but they can't keep their lusty urges under control.
Her breasts rose and fell, her eyes wide, her chest flushed.
I didn't speak, just waited for her to give me more, anything, everything. In this moment, her standing there like a fucking queen, I'd take it all.
We stood there starting at each other, the silence closing in, neither one of us moving, It was like we were locked in place.
There was no coming back from that kiss.
Eventually the semester ends and they make a deeper commitment to each other. I enjoyed Blair a lot. I liked that she isn't some super smart, goody-goody student. She has a very poor relationship with her political powerhouse parents, a pretty good relationship with her sisters, and some good friends. She is smart and hard-working, but law school challenges her. It doesn't come easy to her so it's always a struggle. Although Gray is older and her professor, she is the one that pushes a little more for the relationship.
Gray starts off as an asshole, but he is the good kind. The kind that keeps that edge, but softens too. He falls in love - and this frustrates him as he elegantly puts it:
I didn't want to make love to her. I didn't want to give her my heart - didn't even have one to give. I wanted to fuck her. That was it. That was all this was supposed to be.
He doesn't think he is good enough for Blair due to his past. I liked his struggle with self-worth. I also liked him naked in bed.
In the first book, I was annoyed with the Capital Confessions blog - a gossip website that created conflict between the protagonists. The blog also created conflict in this book, and it annoyed me again, but not as much this time. It doesn't have quite as large of a role - but still.
Besides the blog, I really had fun reading this one. It was naughty and sexy and a believable romance. I really like this author's voice.
Grade: B
I recently read the first book in this series (books are stand alone) and I enjoyed the author's voice a lot. I picked this book up without even reading the blurb, so when a student/professor romance hit me in the face, I was surprised. I normally don't seek out this trope, as I usually find myself feeling ragey with the unetichal dating between the student and the teacher. But! This romance worked so well for me. I rooted for this couple to get together and seriously didn't care that he was her teacher. Gray is intense and sexy and I became.....hot for teacher.
Gray grew up in a bad part of town and found himself in juvie after stealing a car. He turns his life around, gets into law school and starts working at a big firm. But he loses control of his life again. His marriage falls apart, he starts doing cocaine and strippers. He loses his job and his reputation. This is how he finds himself as a visiting professor at a law school in DC. This law school isn't that great, but at least he has a job.
Blair is the daughter of a very powerful Senator and knows how to play the DC game. After a failed engagement, to please her parents, she goes to law school, but didn't have good enough grades to get into a great school. So she stays local in DC. She isn't thrilled with law school, but decides to try her best. She has an immediate hate for her professor Gray. He calls on her constantly, more than anyone in the class. He flusters her and is cold and she cusses him out constantly inside her head. She hates him - until she falls for him.
It was the cruelest irony that the man I despised, the man who tortured me from the front of the classroom three days a week, was the hottest fucking thing I'd ever seen.
That fine line between lust and hate is walked in this romance and it's fun.
Gray is a self-proclaimed asshole. Blair agrees. He is rude and stand-offish and can't keep his eyes off of Blair.
I called on her way too much. I knew it, and based off the way her eyes fairly screamed, Go fuck yourself, she knew it, too. But I'd always had remarkably poor impulse control, and like everything that came before her and annihilated my life, she was another thing that tempted me.
I found it hot and sexy. Their chemistry and sexual tension is written so well in this book. They fall for each other during one semester, and they push and pull throughout this semester as they know what they are doing is frowned upon, but they can't keep their lusty urges under control.
Her breasts rose and fell, her eyes wide, her chest flushed.
I didn't speak, just waited for her to give me more, anything, everything. In this moment, her standing there like a fucking queen, I'd take it all.
We stood there starting at each other, the silence closing in, neither one of us moving, It was like we were locked in place.
There was no coming back from that kiss.
Eventually the semester ends and they make a deeper commitment to each other. I enjoyed Blair a lot. I liked that she isn't some super smart, goody-goody student. She has a very poor relationship with her political powerhouse parents, a pretty good relationship with her sisters, and some good friends. She is smart and hard-working, but law school challenges her. It doesn't come easy to her so it's always a struggle. Although Gray is older and her professor, she is the one that pushes a little more for the relationship.
Gray starts off as an asshole, but he is the good kind. The kind that keeps that edge, but softens too. He falls in love - and this frustrates him as he elegantly puts it:
I didn't want to make love to her. I didn't want to give her my heart - didn't even have one to give. I wanted to fuck her. That was it. That was all this was supposed to be.
He doesn't think he is good enough for Blair due to his past. I liked his struggle with self-worth. I also liked him naked in bed.
In the first book, I was annoyed with the Capital Confessions blog - a gossip website that created conflict between the protagonists. The blog also created conflict in this book, and it annoyed me again, but not as much this time. It doesn't have quite as large of a role - but still.
Besides the blog, I really had fun reading this one. It was naughty and sexy and a believable romance. I really like this author's voice.
Grade: B
June 10, 2015
I simply adore a good student/teacher romance! The fact that our H/h are twenty three and thirty helps because I absolutely love a good AGE APPROPRIATE romance, and this one is fantastic!
The chemistry between Blair and Gray is heady and constant. Playing with Trouble has a slow and sexy build up that stars from the very moment these two make eye contact and doesn’t let up from there. Both are dealing with recent scandals from their pasts and both are searching for something real and concrete, which makes this read a perfect push/pull romance.
Book two in the Capital Confessions series is a massive success in my opinion, and with the bits we get for the third book, Falling for Danger, I am absolutely giddy for its release in September!
Fantastic summer read!
*ARC provided by publisher NAL/InterMix, via Netgalley.
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The chemistry between Blair and Gray is heady and constant. Playing with Trouble has a slow and sexy build up that stars from the very moment these two make eye contact and doesn’t let up from there. Both are dealing with recent scandals from their pasts and both are searching for something real and concrete, which makes this read a perfect push/pull romance.
Book two in the Capital Confessions series is a massive success in my opinion, and with the bits we get for the third book, Falling for Danger, I am absolutely giddy for its release in September!
Fantastic summer read!
*ARC provided by publisher NAL/InterMix, via Netgalley.
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September 22, 2019
I have come to the conclusion that Chanel Cleeton's books are massively underrated in the ever growing landscape of romance books. Her books are clever, powerful, sexy, intense and so well thought out. They have gripping plots, irresistible characters, fantastic scenarios... The entirety of her books are brilliant, and this series is one of my all time favourite romance series. I'm a massive romance reader and for this series to shoot up to the top of my favourites means a lot. It also made its way onto my 'adorable male characters' shelf, and is well on its way to being an anticipated re-read for me.
One of my loves in fiction is teacher/student, particularly at college age so it doesn't feel questionable. The chemistry between the two was incredible from the off, and you could feel the tension jumping off of the page, leaving a palpable feeling surrounding you. It really was an intense connection between the two characters.
This is a brilliant second chance story - Blair is thrown a lot of crap, and she storms through it brilliantly and watching her journey through the difficult times is stunning, and particularly the focus on her finding who she wants to be and what she wants to do in life. She is also battling pressure from society, given that her father is a US senator, gossip follows her everywhere and her parents are pressuring her into following the path of life that they want for her, rather than encourage her to follow her own. It is fantastic to see her navigating what she wants and battling against the controlling nature of her parents. It was so refreshing to see a character standing up for herself, and knowing what she is capable of. There was a gorgeous balance between needing Gray and being able to stand on her own two feet and that's a mixture I can't get enough of in romances.
Another thing I can't get enough of in romances is the guy not using his past hurt to be a douche. He isn't cruel to Blair, isn't mean to her and doesn't treat her poorly which unfortunately isn't a common occurrence in books of this nature. He starts off grumpy, of course (we all love a cranky male lead), but always treats her with respect and made sure that his bad past didn't define his present/future. He has such a remarkable level of depth to his character and this enhances the story massively.
The chemistry between these two was intense, unremarkable in fact, just like in the first book. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the chemistry wasn't quite as powerful in this one as it was in the first. But this story is an amazing addition to the Capital Confessions series, with fantastic characters, well devised plots and a story that wouldn't release me right up until I'd finished it (and then stayed with me for a considerable time after I finished).
This is a great, brilliant, fantastic story and a stunning series which will leave you clawing for more, and it definitely is worth the binge. Once you start, you won't be able to stop; and there'll be no regrets because this series is stunning and one of my all time favourites.
“No. I’m not going to make this easy for you. You want an out, fine. But be a man about it. If you don’t want to be with me, then just tell me that. Don’t try to make this like it’s what’s best for me, because you are what’s best for me. You make me happy. I love you.” SO MUCH powerful romance and intense feelings tucked into these pages. Ugh, so good.
One of my loves in fiction is teacher/student, particularly at college age so it doesn't feel questionable. The chemistry between the two was incredible from the off, and you could feel the tension jumping off of the page, leaving a palpable feeling surrounding you. It really was an intense connection between the two characters.
This is a brilliant second chance story - Blair is thrown a lot of crap, and she storms through it brilliantly and watching her journey through the difficult times is stunning, and particularly the focus on her finding who she wants to be and what she wants to do in life. She is also battling pressure from society, given that her father is a US senator, gossip follows her everywhere and her parents are pressuring her into following the path of life that they want for her, rather than encourage her to follow her own. It is fantastic to see her navigating what she wants and battling against the controlling nature of her parents. It was so refreshing to see a character standing up for herself, and knowing what she is capable of. There was a gorgeous balance between needing Gray and being able to stand on her own two feet and that's a mixture I can't get enough of in romances.
Another thing I can't get enough of in romances is the guy not using his past hurt to be a douche. He isn't cruel to Blair, isn't mean to her and doesn't treat her poorly which unfortunately isn't a common occurrence in books of this nature. He starts off grumpy, of course (we all love a cranky male lead), but always treats her with respect and made sure that his bad past didn't define his present/future. He has such a remarkable level of depth to his character and this enhances the story massively.
The chemistry between these two was intense, unremarkable in fact, just like in the first book. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the chemistry wasn't quite as powerful in this one as it was in the first. But this story is an amazing addition to the Capital Confessions series, with fantastic characters, well devised plots and a story that wouldn't release me right up until I'd finished it (and then stayed with me for a considerable time after I finished).
This is a great, brilliant, fantastic story and a stunning series which will leave you clawing for more, and it definitely is worth the binge. Once you start, you won't be able to stop; and there'll be no regrets because this series is stunning and one of my all time favourites.
“No. I’m not going to make this easy for you. You want an out, fine. But be a man about it. If you don’t want to be with me, then just tell me that. Don’t try to make this like it’s what’s best for me, because you are what’s best for me. You make me happy. I love you.” SO MUCH powerful romance and intense feelings tucked into these pages. Ugh, so good.
March 6, 2021
March 2021 4 Star Review:
This was an enjoyable read. This was my second time reading this book and I actually really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were great. I do still wish I got more development about their pasts. However, I thought Gray was a complex character. He is not the cold person that he perceived to be and it is interesting to see how Blair and his love for her changes who he is. I saw a vulnerable side to him and I am happy about that. Blair was my favourite. I love how she fought for her love for Gray and how resilient she was. She goes after what she wants and I am happy that she did not give up on him. Their romance was great. I thought they were meant to be, and the ending was so cute. Overall, a great read.
October 2015 3 Star Review:
This was a decent read. The student-teacher relationship in this book was good. However, I wish I knew more about the characters and their backgrounds.
Gray is the Torts Law professor at Hannover. He is starting over, so that he can make up for the mistakes he made when he was living in Chicago as a lawyer. He is charming, smart, and funny.
Blair is his student. She is the daughter of Senator Reynolds. She was engaged and dumped at the altar. I felt bad for her. However, as the book went on, she was becoming an interesting character. She is smart, pretty, and sassy.
I felt the book did drag in some places. It made me put the book down as well. I am happy that they got their HEA. Overall, an okay read.
This was an enjoyable read. This was my second time reading this book and I actually really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were great. I do still wish I got more development about their pasts. However, I thought Gray was a complex character. He is not the cold person that he perceived to be and it is interesting to see how Blair and his love for her changes who he is. I saw a vulnerable side to him and I am happy about that. Blair was my favourite. I love how she fought for her love for Gray and how resilient she was. She goes after what she wants and I am happy that she did not give up on him. Their romance was great. I thought they were meant to be, and the ending was so cute. Overall, a great read.
October 2015 3 Star Review:
This was a decent read. The student-teacher relationship in this book was good. However, I wish I knew more about the characters and their backgrounds.
Gray is the Torts Law professor at Hannover. He is starting over, so that he can make up for the mistakes he made when he was living in Chicago as a lawyer. He is charming, smart, and funny.
Blair is his student. She is the daughter of Senator Reynolds. She was engaged and dumped at the altar. I felt bad for her. However, as the book went on, she was becoming an interesting character. She is smart, pretty, and sassy.
I felt the book did drag in some places. It made me put the book down as well. I am happy that they got their HEA. Overall, an okay read.
July 17, 2015
Holy Smokes!!!!!!! I am in love.
There are some writers that just have the goods. They are able to suck you in from the get go. Awesome storyline with twists. Highly detailed and depth in their story development. Interesting and great character development.
This is the first book I have read from this author and it will definitely NOT be the last. She encompasses all of the traits above and so much more. This book was a surprise in that I was totally expecting another student falls for teacher romance. But this one.... this goes Way beyond that.
Smoking HOT scenes that leave you breathless and that is before you get to the sex. The build up and anticipation is remarkable and left me swearing to myself! I did not want it to end, but I was anxious to get find out where these 2 end up. But I wanted more out of the ending. While it was nice with a HEA, I wanted the whole package! More Please!
This is part 2 of a series and I will definitely be picking up book 1 and waiting for book 3 with big anticipation. They are stand alone's. YAY! I loved this book and I have a new author to keep tabs on too!
There are some writers that just have the goods. They are able to suck you in from the get go. Awesome storyline with twists. Highly detailed and depth in their story development. Interesting and great character development.
This is the first book I have read from this author and it will definitely NOT be the last. She encompasses all of the traits above and so much more. This book was a surprise in that I was totally expecting another student falls for teacher romance. But this one.... this goes Way beyond that.
Smoking HOT scenes that leave you breathless and that is before you get to the sex. The build up and anticipation is remarkable and left me swearing to myself! I did not want it to end, but I was anxious to get find out where these 2 end up. But I wanted more out of the ending. While it was nice with a HEA, I wanted the whole package! More Please!
This is part 2 of a series and I will definitely be picking up book 1 and waiting for book 3 with big anticipation. They are stand alone's. YAY! I loved this book and I have a new author to keep tabs on too!
July 26, 2015
3.5 mehhhh stars
I liked it, but I didn't love it the way I did the previous one. This story basically had the makings of what a perfect book should be for me, but it fell short. The combination of everything works great theoretically, but it didn't translate into the story. Think of it this way, you have all the ingredients you need to bake a cake, and you measure out everything exactly, but once it's made, it doesn't taste all that great. You don't know what exactly it was - the oven/heat, extra/not enough of something - something just keeps it from being the masterpiece it had the potential of being.
I liked it, but I didn't love it the way I did the previous one. This story basically had the makings of what a perfect book should be for me, but it fell short. The combination of everything works great theoretically, but it didn't translate into the story. Think of it this way, you have all the ingredients you need to bake a cake, and you measure out everything exactly, but once it's made, it doesn't taste all that great. You don't know what exactly it was - the oven/heat, extra/not enough of something - something just keeps it from being the masterpiece it had the potential of being.
July 24, 2015
One of my favorite finds this year! Love the political backdrop and how it plays a part in each daughter's life. Blair is the oldest and has always worked hard to fulfill her mother and father's wishes and demands on her. After a broken engagement and a major shakedown by the media and her parents, she enrolls in law school in hopes of getting back on track. She just didn't expect to meet Professor McHottie, who helps bring out the real Blair -- the one that has a naughty side, the one who is tired of being what everyone else wants her to be, the one who wants her law Professor, along with his baggage full of angst and troubles as well.
A well-plotted and fun-to-read addition in this contemporary romance series that just keeps getting better. Anxious for the next book which will be about Kate, the youngest.
A well-plotted and fun-to-read addition in this contemporary romance series that just keeps getting better. Anxious for the next book which will be about Kate, the youngest.
July 17, 2015
Flirty, fun, forbidden. (And something else, starting with ‘F’…) I barely made it 24 hours after finishing Flirting with Scandal before I launched into Playing with Trouble, and I'm glad I didn't make myself wait. I had a grand ol’ time reading this student/teacher romance!
After finding her fiancé cheating – on their wedding day, no less – Blair Reynolds is looking for a fresh start. Starting law school seems like the answer to getting her life back on track, until she gets derailed by her hotter-than-sin, arrogant Torts professor, Graydon Canter.
Working closely on a special project with Gray allows Blair to see past his troubled exterior, to the haunted man inside – a man who, after accomplishing much and experiencing great success, threw it all away and is suffering the consequences of his mistakes.
Perfect Blair has always lived by the rules of her privileged upbringing, but being with Gray means breaking those same rules… Can she make that change for love?
I'm a big fan of forbidden romance,when it comes packaged like this. Playing with Trouble is a very well-written and, I think, well-paced romance, with a healthy dose of dirty. Chanel Cleeton did a great job building the affair between student and professor and offering glimpses into the demons that haunted both Gray and Blair.
I loved how this couple got to know one another through flirting and gentle touches. There's a little bit of instalust here, but it's not instalove, that (sometimes) unfairly maligned element that turns off so many. It's more of an ‘I want you and I can't control it’ feeling than a ‘I met you recently and now pledge my life to you’ one and it just felt right. They both questioned it, too, which also added to that right feeling.
Blair was one of my favorite characters in her brief, but memorable, cameo in the first book of this series, and it was an absolute pleasure to get to know her better. She was something of a contradiction at times – and she asked ‘why’ a lot – which made her more three dimensional. I liked her push, the way she was willing to fight and work to accomplish what she wanted.
Of course, I can't write a review without also commenting on the delish Gray. I mean, just his name is makes me want to swoon, and he definitely had some shiver-worthy moments. I liked his apparent character development, even if it seemed a little backwards at times. Perhaps he frustrated me with his decision-making, his martyr outlook, but it worked and it lead to a happy ending that made me...well, happy.
I'm looking forward to the third book in this series – Kate's book – although some of the set-up for it here fell a touch flat for me. I have a sense of where book three it might be headed and suspect it's going to be more angsty than this more light-hearted installment. It's just too bad I have to wait longer than 24 hours to read it… ~ Beth, 4 stars
After finding her fiancé cheating – on their wedding day, no less – Blair Reynolds is looking for a fresh start. Starting law school seems like the answer to getting her life back on track, until she gets derailed by her hotter-than-sin, arrogant Torts professor, Graydon Canter.
Working closely on a special project with Gray allows Blair to see past his troubled exterior, to the haunted man inside – a man who, after accomplishing much and experiencing great success, threw it all away and is suffering the consequences of his mistakes.
Perfect Blair has always lived by the rules of her privileged upbringing, but being with Gray means breaking those same rules… Can she make that change for love?
I'm a big fan of forbidden romance,when it comes packaged like this. Playing with Trouble is a very well-written and, I think, well-paced romance, with a healthy dose of dirty. Chanel Cleeton did a great job building the affair between student and professor and offering glimpses into the demons that haunted both Gray and Blair.
I loved how this couple got to know one another through flirting and gentle touches. There's a little bit of instalust here, but it's not instalove, that (sometimes) unfairly maligned element that turns off so many. It's more of an ‘I want you and I can't control it’ feeling than a ‘I met you recently and now pledge my life to you’ one and it just felt right. They both questioned it, too, which also added to that right feeling.
Blair was one of my favorite characters in her brief, but memorable, cameo in the first book of this series, and it was an absolute pleasure to get to know her better. She was something of a contradiction at times – and she asked ‘why’ a lot – which made her more three dimensional. I liked her push, the way she was willing to fight and work to accomplish what she wanted.
Of course, I can't write a review without also commenting on the delish Gray. I mean, just his name is makes me want to swoon, and he definitely had some shiver-worthy moments. I liked his apparent character development, even if it seemed a little backwards at times. Perhaps he frustrated me with his decision-making, his martyr outlook, but it worked and it lead to a happy ending that made me...well, happy.
I'm looking forward to the third book in this series – Kate's book – although some of the set-up for it here fell a touch flat for me. I have a sense of where book three it might be headed and suspect it's going to be more angsty than this more light-hearted installment. It's just too bad I have to wait longer than 24 hours to read it… ~ Beth, 4 stars
June 14, 2015
3.75~4 Stars
I liked this one, review to come...
***ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank You!***
I liked this one, review to come...
***ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank You!***
December 28, 2015
4.5 if I was going to hell for this one, then I was sure as fuck going to enjoy the ride stars.
July 20, 2015
What happens when the proper girl threw all caution to the wind and goes after what she wants?
Blair Reynolds had done it according to her parent’s wishes. She was ready to become the perfect political wife, until she caught her fiancé cheating on her on her wedding day. It wasn’t just her heart but she was humiliated beyond belief. She was the victim, and yet her parents seem to blame the scandal on her.
As a compromise, she enrolled herself in a law school. Not so prestigious, but no one had pulled some strings. She was admitted on her own. She was beginning to put her life together, or so she thought until meeting the hot Tort professor, the one who never fails to call on her during class. She hates him, but she’d be blind not to see how tempting her professor is. He’s definitely sex on sticks. Too bad he’s off limits.
Graydon Canter isn’t perfect. His life was in shambles after the divorce and he’s starting from scratch too. He was on top on his career when he stumbled down. Another mistake would be detrimental to his career. So, he settled into teaching – not his passion but enough to get his life back together.
But there’s this student who is temptation personified. Are they both strong enough to fight it? When fate throws them together, would they be strong enough to resist?
Two people who were given a second chance in their lives found each other in the most forbidden circumstances. I already like Blair in Flirting with Scandal. She’s a kind girl and she deserves a happy ending. And now, she’s fighting for it. Better believe it! She may have started out a little weak, a little apprehensive, but as the story goes- you can notice the change in her. The strength and courage that grew within her. It was just beautiful. That scene when she laid herself bare, and vulnerable and fought for her feelings – all hands down to Blair. She’s really, really worth it. Would Gray see it?
Gray has his demons, and he’s working on it. His past isn’t stellar, but he’s on his way to change. It’s one thing I like about this story: the realness of Gray. He isn’t your perfect prince charming, he’s scarred, he’s scared, he’s past would make your mothers warn you away from him. But people do change, all we have to do is to give them the chance to prove it. Blair took the risk.
Every single reader has this book they couldn’t wait to get their hands on. And once they did, nothing or no one can disturb them and their readers. I have read the first book in the Capital Confessions series and loved it right from the beginning, once I got a glimpse of the next one in the series – excitement was overflowing. I just knew I have to read this book, and I did – way before the publication date (thanks to Netgalley and Chanel!). I was not disappointed. The feeling of anticipation never wavered since the moment I was done with that sneak peek found on the first book, until I finished this book. I didn’t think there was any boring moment – my emotions were up and about. No boring moments anywhere in the book. It will keep you awake all night long like it did to me, and you’ll never leave on the edge of your seat. The mystery just got thicker, and everything is a little sexier. Forbidden romance is never this sexy. Capital Confessions is the reason why I miss Scandal less.
And once again, Chanel Cleeton left her readers with much anticipation as she gives us another mouthwatering, jaw-dropping sneak peek on the last book in the series. To-die for!
Review originally posted on my blog
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July 24, 2015
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I'm not going to do the little blurb thing at the beginning of my review this time and that's mostly because it says it perfectly in the summary provided for the book. And partially because I know that I would ruin some surprises that happen. And these surprises are awesome. Well, maybe not awesome for the characters but it's pretty awesome for the reader.
I'm gonna be really honest right now. The author did contact me about doing a review for this one and I was a bit so-so about it because I have this unwritten rule about never starting a series in the middle. I can't do it. I want to read all of the books so that I don't miss anything. Anyway, so when Cleeton asked me to read this, I was on the fence. I didn't immediately respond to her because I just wasn't sure. But the blurb kept calling out to me. And I knew at that point that I had to pick this one up.
Man, I've never been so glad that I broke my own rule. The book throws you into the life of the main character, Blair. This poor girl is suffering through law school and one of her teachers is an ass. A cute one. From the very first page, you could almost feel the sparks coming off of these two characters. The pull between them was so incredibly realistic that it leaves you wanting more, even when you're in the middle of an interaction with them. I loved how both Blair and Gray were written. You know, this teacher/student love affair thing isn't a new subject, by far. But this author brought something else to the table with this plot and I can't put my finger on what exactly it is ... maybe it was how Blair and Gray behaved around each other, maybe it was how realistic it felt or maybe it was because these two characters became something I held close to my heart. As cheesy as it sounds, Blair and Gray were endearing. You couldn't help but love them for their own little quirks and issues. Basically, I love them. In case you didn't know. I'm going to move on now because this is on the verge of being awkward.
The storyline ... I think I already covered that ... it wasn't the same old teacher/student, naughty, taboo book. No cliche's or tired story lines for Playing with Trouble. It was just great. I'll definitely be putting this author on my list of favs and I guess I'll have to start stalking her book release dates like a weirdo. You need to pick this one up. Shoo, shoo ... go do it now. You can thank me when you're done reading it.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
August 24, 2015
3.5 stars review to come
April 12, 2019
Another fantastic book in this series. The heroine Blair is the legitimate daughter, the rule following girl who found her one and only fiancee she has been with since she was 15 shagging his best man and has the temerity to call off her wedding much to her parent's displeasure. At loose ends she decides to give into pressure and enroll into law school, where she meets the hero her Torts Professor. The hero is seven years older than the heroine and has loads of baggage, he is divorced and lost his career due to strippers, drugs and booze and is now paying his dues. I liked how the relationship between the h/H develop and how they actually get to know each other first. The hero is up front about his past and failings to the heroine and doesn't want to misrepresent who he is. They also try and stick to the student/teacher boundaries until the end of the semester when the heroine would no longer be in his class. The heroine grows through the course of the book and learns to express herself better and learn what she wants and not what her parents want for her. I loved how she stood up to the hero and told him to choose, instead of his push and pull. She stood up for what she deserved and I loved that. I really like this author's style, her books are sexy, passionate and filled with emotion.
July 23, 2015
Review Scheduled to go live on blog on July 20th @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
I have been a fan of Chanel Cleeton’s since I picked up her first book, I See London, back in March 2014. Playing with Trouble is the second book in her new series, and although it’s not as heavy on the politics like the first book, it shows how hard life is for the daughter of a senator. Blair was introduced in the first book and turned out to be an important person to both Will and Jackie. She had been through so much and deserved to find her true love, so I was excited to meet the guy that would be her soul mate.
Blair is really a nice girl. I saw her struggle throughout this book, with her study choices, her relationship with her parents and what she wanted for the future. Law school was hard for her and more so with a professor that singles her out in class that she secretly fantasises about! I really enjoyed this aspect and liked how they both understood their boundaries. There was no denying the chemistry between them, but they both were hesitant to start something that could ruin the other.
Gray’s past holds him back, and he’s trying to keep in line. It made me sad to think what he went through, but he was man enough to own his mistakes and work past them. His attraction to Blair makes it extremely hard to keep his nose clean though.
I liked seeing the relationship between Blair and Gray grow. Even though the sexual chemistry is off the charts, they learned to respect one another despite their pasts. It took time for these two to get together and I thought that it was done in a sweet but also professional way. They were not always perfect, they made mistakes and had helluva self control! I loved the way Chanel Cleeton bought their story together, threw in glimpses of characters that I met in the first book, and she left me hanging over Kate! That is one book I want now!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a fan of Chanel Cleeton’s since I picked up her first book, I See London, back in March 2014. Playing with Trouble is the second book in her new series, and although it’s not as heavy on the politics like the first book, it shows how hard life is for the daughter of a senator. Blair was introduced in the first book and turned out to be an important person to both Will and Jackie. She had been through so much and deserved to find her true love, so I was excited to meet the guy that would be her soul mate.
Blair is really a nice girl. I saw her struggle throughout this book, with her study choices, her relationship with her parents and what she wanted for the future. Law school was hard for her and more so with a professor that singles her out in class that she secretly fantasises about! I really enjoyed this aspect and liked how they both understood their boundaries. There was no denying the chemistry between them, but they both were hesitant to start something that could ruin the other.
Gray’s past holds him back, and he’s trying to keep in line. It made me sad to think what he went through, but he was man enough to own his mistakes and work past them. His attraction to Blair makes it extremely hard to keep his nose clean though.
I liked seeing the relationship between Blair and Gray grow. Even though the sexual chemistry is off the charts, they learned to respect one another despite their pasts. It took time for these two to get together and I thought that it was done in a sweet but also professional way. They were not always perfect, they made mistakes and had helluva self control! I loved the way Chanel Cleeton bought their story together, threw in glimpses of characters that I met in the first book, and she left me hanging over Kate! That is one book I want now!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2015
The conclusion to be drawn from this series has to be that the Reynolds sisters love older men and inapropriate relationships. If Jackie couldn't run from her chemistry with her boss, Blair can't avoid the tension between her and the best-looking professor at her law school.
Gray isn't exactly a ray of sunshine. He's a ruthless, moody and somewhat arrogant professor who is traching only for a year in a bid to get his life back on track. Unfortunately, he seems hell-bent on making poor Blair, who enrolled after a series of scandals, including a wedding that never was, miserable by testing her costantly in class, to her despair. The tension is palpable, and when professor and student have to work together, something's gotta give.
Chanel Cleeton has this funny way of writing her her trilogies in crescendoes. In this case, I was seriously biting my nails to get my hands on this as soon as I finished the previous book, and it definitely did not disappint.
Blair and Gray have life esperiences and pasts that I don't think Will and Jackie had, and which gave this book more intense and emotional, even when there wasn't much character interaction. I also loved the fact that these characters were more complex, with more 'layers' to peel and a longer journey to take. I also appreciated the fact that, even with all the sexual tension, this story didn't feel like it was as much about sex.
I really doubt anything can beat the intensity of this one, but I'm already waiting for the last story in the trilogy!
Gray isn't exactly a ray of sunshine. He's a ruthless, moody and somewhat arrogant professor who is traching only for a year in a bid to get his life back on track. Unfortunately, he seems hell-bent on making poor Blair, who enrolled after a series of scandals, including a wedding that never was, miserable by testing her costantly in class, to her despair. The tension is palpable, and when professor and student have to work together, something's gotta give.
Chanel Cleeton has this funny way of writing her her trilogies in crescendoes. In this case, I was seriously biting my nails to get my hands on this as soon as I finished the previous book, and it definitely did not disappint.
Blair and Gray have life esperiences and pasts that I don't think Will and Jackie had, and which gave this book more intense and emotional, even when there wasn't much character interaction. I also loved the fact that these characters were more complex, with more 'layers' to peel and a longer journey to take. I also appreciated the fact that, even with all the sexual tension, this story didn't feel like it was as much about sex.
I really doubt anything can beat the intensity of this one, but I'm already waiting for the last story in the trilogy!
August 7, 2015
I've really been enjoying this series by Chanel Cleeton. Although it plays into all-too-stereotypical tropes about the overblown celebrity-status that politicians enjoy and the minute actions they perform that become breaking news stories, it's still wildly romantic, smart, funny, and steamy to boot. Yet, it turns out that after years, the alpha male just isn't doing it for me anymore. I found Will, from the previous novel in this series, to be far sexier as the down-to-earth "nice guy" who could be hot when the situation called for it. Somehow, the chiseled "bad boy" professor didn't amp up the steam factor, as I expected he would. Nevertheless, though the steamier aspects of this romance didn't impress me, the characters and story play out well. Don't expect anything too different with Playing with Trouble but if you don't mind a classic romantic storyline against the backdrop of sisterhood and D.C. politics--with some really great conversations about not having your life figured out even after undergrad--then this is for you.
June 6, 2015
I LOVED Playing With Trouble. Chanel Cleeton has a breezy extremely readable style coupled with fantastic characters, setting and plot making the Capital Confessions series my favorite reads of 2015. Can hardly wait for Falling for Danger, if you haven't read Flirting With Scandal the first in the series it is definitely one-click worthy.
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