Playing with Fire

Fire Trilogy #1

by Devika Fernando

If you’re playing with fire, prepare to get burned – or to fall in love.

Sparks fly when Felicia and Joshua meet. Discovering her inner fire and unleashing unimaginable powers makes her realize that all her life, she has been hiding her true self. When buildings burn and people are in danger, the tempting game of playing with fire becomes serious. Will their love and desperate struggle for control save her life, or will the fire magic turn itself against its mistress?

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2014

About the author

Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing. Her trademark are sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home. What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.

Facebook
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Reviews

[Neha Kaushik · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, the first chapter told me my mind wouldn't rest until I finish it.

Meet Felicia, who will stun you with every decision she takes and then there is Joshua, without who Felicia's character would lose its "fire". I had a smooth read until I got to the real twist.. Just like in our favorite TV series something shocking happens and we all go berserk over it, this book will give you exact same feeling.. The plot is so intense at few points that it'll evoke a spontaneous reaction (in my case it was : If the author were in front of me, I'd have stared at her in disbelief with a loud "whaaat, this is not possible!!")

That being said Playing With Fire was worth every second I spent reading it. With Felicia and Joshua, I went on an adventure so thrilling and powerful. I recommend this book for countless reasons, most prominent being that you get to live in an exciting world of adventure, power, mystery where love and heartbreak are cleverly intertwined in an utmost unconventional alliance of Felicia and Joshua.

You'll only end up with one thought about this author "When's she releasing her next!!"

[Patricia Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This is a good book. It kind of starts off slow but speeds up towards the end. It has some action and elemental magic. So get your copy and enjoy reading.

[Nikita Jhanglani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing with Fire is, for me, a Harry Potter meets a Mills and Boon romance!

More than just a love story, the tale revolves around the life of Felicia who, in the small town of Fairview, lives away from family and friends with her only acquaintances being Cindy, her roommate and her boss at the library. A fiery past haunts Felicia and, daunted by it, she chooses to live a life of seclusion, making as little human contact as possible.

Until enters Joshua! Felicia has never been in love before, neither has she seen anyone like Joshua. Obviously, she is very strongly attracted to him, the strength, however, unnerving her a little. Caution is thrown to the wind several times when Joshua reciprocates the attraction.

But there is more than meets eye. That is what the story about – what happens when the fire mistress, with the help of the ice master, explores her fire magic! Strange things happen around Felicia leaving her baffled and searching for meaning – like every time there is a fire in Fairview, miraculously, Felicia happens to be around it. With Joshua, she embarks on an exploration of the truth – which is hidden within her.

Several interesting twists and turns kept me hooked and I so could not put the book down until I’d read just one more page. The story is a fine balance of predictable and unpredictable. Towards the end, just about when I thought I had it figured out, the story took a slightly expected twist in an unexpected form! The end of the story has been wonderfully written. The pace is good, the romance sensual. The suspense keeps your head on the edge, the intense passion does that to your heart!

A very well-written story that spans less than 150 pages, I’d recommend this book to anyone and everyone! This is Devika’s first book in the 4 Elements of Love and I cannot wait to read the other three.

[Priyaanka Batra Harjai · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Don’t play with matches, fire catches” – remember the poetic slogan that we were taught during childhood days? Refresh your memories with Devika Fernando, who is a versatile author and proved her mettle with her previous works. With this offering, she dares to play with “Fire”, one of the five elements governing the lives on the planet earth. You must be thinking how is it possible? She has made it possible by deciding the fate of her “blessed” female character – Felicia.

Devika has adopted a descriptive and crafty style of writing which makes the simple features look attractive and glamorous. She develops the story to unsheathe the concept that we all are blessed with certain hidden capabilities and we should learn to tame them work for us instead of leaving them to make a rage of our lives. She has set an intriguing plot wherein Felicia depicts the traits of her elements by setting fire and Joshua decides to play with fire! What happens next is subject of the story. You will definitely enjoy her approach to observe and report in each every minute detail and relay of events with a smooth flow.

Source: https://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/...

[Azia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devika Fernando

I absolutely Loved this book, and can't wait to read more about these two!!I can not say enough good things about this one! I so enjoyed this book, that I am going to have to buy it in paperback version to add to my favorites bookshelf! So glad that the author is going to write more about these two. I want more. Such passion between them...super hot mix of Fire & Ice. This is Paranormal Romance at it's Best!!! This book has everything you can want and more. Loved it & highly recommend you read it! Can't help but think this would make an awesome movie or mini series too! I LOVE Playing With Fire!!!

[Ruchi Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks really fly when Felicia and Joshua meet under intriguing circumstances. The sensuous chemistry between the two ignites, sizzles and consumes both in their quest for controlling her inner power. The brisk plot takes us through various twists and turns, and ending with a surprising, atypical climax.

This is the first book in recent time that I’ve read, where the author has successfully mixed wisdom of both western and eastern culture through various lessons learned by Felicia. I loved the metaphoric (can’t reveal much) maturing of her power and found it very sweet and apt for the fire theme. Another thing which I liked was skillful weaving of details like colors, weather, clothing, food with respect to magical power into the plot. The eloquent portrayals made me want more as I came to the end of the story.

A fabulous entertainer!

[Aarti Raman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devika Fernando's Playing with Fire gives us two strong and etched out characters in Joshua and Felicia. Their chemistry, though slow to sizzle starts to heat up as the book progresses. Felicia's character growth arc is remarkable for a quiet, shy librarian to the Girl who plays with fire. The plot too is brisk and the ending is a surprise rush. Highly recommended for fans of Paranormal Romance! Playing with Fire

[Mia Epsilon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I can't say much about the plot line without 'spoilers', but I will say I loved how the author tied the elements and title together so neatly, cleverly and with twists, turns, and a story you simply can not put down! Felicity is a heroine to route for and struggle with, especially when her life changes almost before her eyes. The true power of this book is the emotional depth of each character, the interactions and especially the dialogue. I can't wait for the next one!

[Kam · Rating 1 out of 5]

3 chapters in and this one just doesn’t do it for me. The h seems so immature. There’s probably a good story here, it’s just a bit too slow paced for me.

[Usha Narayanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book opens with the crackle of fire. Hissing, spitting, devouring fire. The flames leap out of the broken windows of a two-story house while a woman watches. Who is she and why is she so drawn to the fire? Is it her house or is she the one who set it on fire? Or is there someone inside she is desperate to save? And who is the man hurtling towards her as she moves forward in a trance to subsume herself in the pyre?

`Playing with Fire' opens like no book you have read. Meet Felicia, the woman who has a special relationship with fire. And the man who would save her, whether she wants to be saved or not. He follows her into her alternate life as a librarian, making her aware of something special within her, something she cannot understand. His eyes are a luminous blue, glittering like a jewel and reminding her of ice and glaciers. At one level, he is normal, just another man who wishes to become a member at the library. He is Joshua Norton, a 32-year-old private investigator. And she tries to convince herself that his turning up at her library is just a coincidence.

Then he appears inexplicably outside her home too, bringing her a gift. A book with a nonsensical title: The Magic in You – How to control your healing powers. But is there something inside which will help her understand herself and her gift? Her nerves jangle in alarm each time she meets him. He transmits an unspoken message that both of them are special and meant for each other. She wants him, yet fears him. “Trust me, Felicia,” he says. But how can she? She can hardly trust herself or exercise any control over her fearsome powers which have brought hurt and humiliation in their wake.

Contrasts. Contradictions. Ice versus fire. The conflict builds. The little fire dragon inside her grows larger by the day and flaps its wings, ready to take off and incinerate the world. Unless… unless she learns the truths he has fathomed the hard way. They grow closer, sharing kisses and secrets they have never told before to man or woman, or even to themselves. What does the future hold for them? Is there hope or only devastation when fire and ice extinguish each another? Twists and turns, thrills and chills keep the plot racing ahead, as Felicia battles fear and foreboding in her quest for love. You must read the book to find out how it all plays out.

Devika’s language flows smooth as honey as she wafts you through regions of the mind and body that are unfamiliar and magical, creating fairytale worlds that are rich in the colours of the imagination. The descriptions of the dragon that cartwheels in joy, the blue-eyed Norse god, the sensation within her that tiptoes the fine line between ecstasy and pain, the voice within her that guides her to her destiny… you must read Playing with Fire to experience it all. Take a little flight into a fantasy world and come back refreshed and with your eyes opened to a hitherto unseen world where anything is possible.

[Inderpreet Uppal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read the second book by Devika as I had high expectations as I had already reviewed her first book When I See Your Face earlier. I was not disappointed 

This book is very different from her previous work and it made me appreciate her versatility as a writer. This is the first part of a four part series and I immensely enjoyed it. The nature theme for a paranormal genre, references to the “X-Men” and the likes really got me glued to the book. (Ps: I am a big paranormal fiction fan.) I have re-read passages of the book; just because I liked the way they expressed the fire or water element. The descriptions and personalities are very well written and the characters come alive within the pages of the book.

As usual in the emotions department Devika was in her element and she has brought out the pain and disillusionment of the Felicia and Joshua and made me sob at many a paragraph. The isolated little boy, the alone man, standing on the sides, apart and trying so hard to be detached; but like all of Devika’s main protagonists, so very human.The images of Felicia as the small ignored child; yet growing into a strong, friendly woman were very well written. I was surprised she didn’t burn out as a teenager with the attitude of her family.

The emotions are the strong suit of this story as is the chemistry between Joshua and Felicia. I just loved the sparks that flew when they met; the author has done full justice to their love story and has meshed beautifully the paranormal part of their nature as well as the love story!

I really enjoyed the story line and how the element of paranormal was always there, just waiting to grab you as a reader. The descriptions when they are controlling or letting go of their elements of Mother Nature is a treat to read.

The climax was a liberation of emotions (literally) and I enjoyed the slow build-up that led to it. Kind of like a simmering pot that overflows.

I enjoyed this one because it was different from the regular paranormal. If you like this genre you will dig it!

[Rubina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will start by shamelessly by quoting the author, Devika Fernando - "Eternal Flame and perpetual Ice." This is exactly what one feels after reading this book. A blow hot and a blow cold kind of feeling. The funny part is after reading about Joshua, you wish the author made him the Fire.. he is so bloody HOT.....

The story….
Felicia was not an ordinary girl. Her fascination with fire made her apart from any normal girl. She kept to herself especially since she had to bear the hatred of her parents for being different. She couldn’t control how she felt, specially when she saw a fire. It was something within her. While a part in her craved for normalcy, yet she knew she was beyond normal.
Soon she meets Joshua. He understands her. She finds another element bearer in Joshua. But they both are poles apart. While she is fire, he is ice. Can fire and Ice ever meet?

What I liked…
I found the meeting of Felicia and Joshua very interesting. The author introduced her characters right away and I found my self caught up in Felicia’s life from the beginning.
I just loved the anecdote of little Felicia. It was very heart-touching. Though as a parent I don’t know what I would have done under the given circumstances but the pain and anger of little Felicia was very touching. How she builds her life around her powers is very well etched out.
Felicia’s character has many shades. Withdrawn to witty, one cannot but not like her. I actually liked the way Fernando has tried to portray the girl-child lurking behind the withdrawn exterior.

What I did not like …
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[Sundari Venkatraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest novel by Devika Fernando is Book 1 of the series, “4 Elements of Love” and is all about Felicia who represents Fire. But there’s one more person in the love story – Joshua, who represents Ice.

Felicia is unable to deal with herself as she has been fighting the strangeness – a fascination with fire to the point that she is able to create her own from thin air – within her since she was a child. Her parents never understood her and soon she is estranged from them. She shares an apartment with Cindy and works at the local library.

Into her life steps Joshua, a handsome stranger. He insists that he is a private investigator. But is he what he says he is? Then there is this oddity that makes him different from the people she meets at the library. Why would he try to teach her to control the fire element? What does it matter to him? What about the sparks the two strike off each other? You will need to read Playing With Fire by Devika Fernando to find out.

The story begins with a bang, making the reader sit up and take notice. That’s a great way to catch one’s attention for sure. I have to congratulate the author on that.

Nature has been described in a number of places in the novel. It has been done with great taste and has turned out in an excellent fashion. I especially loved reading those sections.

The scene when the baby dragon breathing fire unleashed by Felicia has been very well written. It’s cute as well as dangerous which is exactly how it should be.

Devika Fernando has the ability to spin a good story. I must say a stronger editor would have made it a great one.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Devika Fernando’s book, Playing with Fire from the author herself, and I would like to thank her for the same. I do not read paranormal generally, but felt that this is different. This is first book of the four book series.

Felicia works as a librarian, having left her home. Her contacts are limited to her contacts and sister; her boss at the library and her roommate, Cindy.

Seeing a house burning, Felicia is attracted by it and starts walking towards it. Part of her wants her to react as a normal human being but there is another part beyond normalcy which wants her to become one of the flames. She has a great night vision that does not need so much illumination. Joshua, a private investigator, sees her and runs to protect her only to realize that fire has had no effect on her.

Joshua tells her that he feels that she is not common or normal or boring and gifts her a book, ‘The Magic in You- How to control your healing powers’. For her to succeed at living, he tries to make her control her powers and starts giving her lessons but she feels he scares and attracts her at the same time.

Joshua and Felicia are as different as ice and fire. He’s all about ice and she’s all about fire. They are opposites and opposites attract.

My take:

The author has described the characters very well making them relatable and some of the scenes have been well depicted, making them easy to visualize. Describing their lives and their childhood, she makes the reader realize why the characters are how they are,

Overall, a book well written. Though, I must confess, I had goosebumps reading some scenes.

[Shilpa Garg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felicia seems like an ordinary woman who works at a local library, but there is something different about her. Anybody in their right mind would be scared out of their wits at the sight
of a raging fire. But not, Felicia. She feels the fire tempting her, pulling her closer with its heat and energy, and with its promises of passion. There’s a dangerous, undefinable strength lurking inside her which makes her restless and she is unaware of her unique magic.

Joshua, a private investigator, ‘saves’ her and sees the power inside her. She is a fire mistress and he is, well, the ice master! They are exactly opposite to each other and as expected create and share some intense chemistry, from the very beginning.

Playing with Fire is a paranormal romance between Felicia and Joshua who are people with special talents and mysterious gifts. Mystery is the driving force of the plot and I was immediately drawn into the story. It captured and held my attention from the beginning. I was sufficiently intrigued and kept turning the pages, one after the other to know about their journey as they explored their special powers.

The story has sufficient twists and turns along with thrills and chills to keep you engrossed and entertained. The end comes as a surprise too. With a fast-paced narrative that has you on the edge of your seat, strong characters, Devika creates vivid images with her words. I like her voice which is very clear and strong.

If paranormal and supernatural stories interest you, you will enjoy Playing with Fire!

http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/11/playin...

[Swathi Shenoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felicia, the fire lady, has lived her entire life in isolation, afraid of the strange power she possesses. Fire, which signifies danger to many, calls to her and she couldn't help but be enthralled by it. Fire doesn't hurt her and those few who witnessed this seem to be scared by her. So, Felicia has been leading her life trying to suppress her powers and blending in as much as she could. All this changes when Felicia meets Joshua, who seems to wield a special power just like her.

When Felicia meets Joshua, the blue eyed mysterious stranger, she feels an instant pull towards him. And to add to it, he is like her and understands her. Her life begins to change when she begins to embrace her power. But life isn't too rosy for our fire girl. Just when she thinks life is finally getting better, she comes face to face with the biggest truth of her life that leaves her shaken to the core. Pick up the book and discover what happens when Felicia's world turns upside down with this revelation.

Things I Liked:

Read the full review here - Escape Reality - Book Reviews

[Reet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing with fire is the first paranormal I have read - kudos to Devika for trying her hand at something different. Felicia is gorgeous - just as fiery as the cover suggests. I am impressed by how the author manages to imbue Felicia's character with fire, and Joshua's with ice. Their caresses are eloquently described - can you imagine fire and ice intermingling? Whoa! It is really something!
There are several pages where Felicia and Joshua are kept apart by circumstances - I would have enjoyed them engaging in more action and less internal thought. The strength of the story is that it is rich with simmering heat, mystery and suspense; there is hatred and distrust and longing and love. If you like magic, do give this book try!

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was brilliant, a stunning plot that will have you thinking for a time after you have read this book. Nice start to the story and Devika writes incredibly well as the conclusion is fantastic. I've even had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Devika's first book 'When I see Your Face' and that was a brilliant story too. I love the cover too as it adds a certain mystery to what will happen in this story. Intriguing story.

[Ruchira Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with a bang. This bang symbolizes sparks flying, window panes bursting, and loud noises of structures falling. Felicia was slowly approaching this ball of fire to test her guts, when suddenly she gets a push, and her plan gets busted when another main character of the novel, Joshua enters the scene.

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[Nilima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone has a special ability, but seldom we know or acknowledge it?This book will make you think hard about yours?Felicia is a normal girl with a fire core inside her.Joshua emits coolness, Norse god looks, statue like face giving away nothing going on in his mind. What will happen if she looses control? How will their love & life struggle to appear normal work out?
Read the full review here: http://grabthebook.blogspot.in/2014/1...

[Angela Peixoto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the first book I read in the paranormal romance genre as it is not my favourite genre. However I gave it a try just because I really enjoyed all the other books I had read by author Devika Fernando. I ended up reading the Fire Trilogy but before I read more books in this genre I have to finish reading all the many other books I very much want to read!

[Rajan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranormal romance is a new rage. This adds another dimension and tension to stories. Otherwise love stories tend be pretty boring. Boy meets girl, they fall in love and marry. Or don’t.

The story opens with a burning house. She is fire and can’t burn. But Joshua doesn’t know this and tries to save her. Then they meet again in the library where she works. Sparks fly and attraction she feels is electric.

The story has potential and as this is book 1 story is developing. Characterization is good so is descriptions. Language is impressive. I liked the book though I don’t read paranormal. Let’s see what book 2 has in store.