Playing With Trouble by Chanel Cleeton Series: Capital Confessions #2
on July 21st 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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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?
Liezel’s Thoughts:
Although this is the second book in the Capital Confessions Series it is safe to say that it can be read as a standalone… but why would you just read one? Both books are equally impressive that I wouldn’t hesitate recommending reading both. Playing With Trouble features Jackie’s sister Blair Reynolds who we’ve met in the first book. We only catch a glimpse of her in “Flirting With Scandal” yet even if she played a minor part I found her quite remarkable even then.
In this book, we find her starting anew as a law student. Considering how heartbroken she was after her “fail” wedding, I couldn’t help but admire her ability to bounce back. However, as soon as that scandal dissipates she finds herself a topic of another. One involving her and her hot professor, Graydon Canter. Gray was immediately caught in Blair’s web as soon as she walked into his classroom. The attraction between these two was astounding. At first you would think that the interest was all based on lust and the fact that this relationship was off-limits but as the story develops we discover that what they feel is so much deeper than that.
What I loved most about this story was delving further into these amazing characters. I already knew that Blair was great and it turns out that Gray was the same. He wasn’t anywhere near perfect – he has a very troubled past and tons of baggage but this is what made him feel so much more real. I admired that he learned his lesson and felt remorseful. Given what he had been through it was great to see how Gray used his past experiences to guide and motivate Blair. In return she was able to influence him in continuing to make a difference. I thought their chemistry was beyond magnificent. In all aspects these two were a perfect match.
There is just one aspect of the story that I found troubling and that would be Kate. As much as I adored all the characters in the first two books I find Kate worrisome. I just can’t believe what she was willing to sacrifice in attempts to get her revenge. She is an unbelievably miserable person and I am wondering if Chanel Cleeton will able to change my impression in the next installment. Let’s just say that I am definitely looking forward to seeing how she spins her story.
Overall ,I thought “Playing With Trouble” was a fantastic follow-up to the first book. If you are a looking for a captivating story that consists of likeable characters and has a perfect balance between angst, romance and scandal, look no further because “Playing With Trouble” delivers just that.
The Verdict:
About Chanel Cleeton
Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure.
Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her husband.
Chanel writes contemporary romances. She is published by Harlequin HQN, Penguin/InterMix, and Penguin/Berkley and is the author of the International School, Capital Confessions, and Wild Aces series.
