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A review by elegantfantasy_blogs
Playing with Fire by L.J. Shen
5.0
“The worst day of your life gave me the best version of you.”
Okay so when L.J. Shen posted a few excerpts and sneak peaks from the book on instagram, I had no idea what this story was going to be about. I thought it would be about the typical broken bad boy who rides a motorcycle and a poor girl who heals him. But, this book was so much more, it exceeded my expectations. The first chapter itself was so shocking and emotional, it completely consumed me and made me curious to know more about both the main characters' tragedies.
West St. Claire was the popular bad boy on the campus of Sheridan U, he always rode his red motorcycle and took part in underground fights to make money as he had problems back home to take care of.
Grace Shaw was the insecure but sassy girl who was majoring in drama & theatre. She used to be confident and beautiful before a big accident ruined it all. She tried to be normal after that but she didn't think that she had the same confidence as before. She was nicknamed "Toastie" by the people in her small town (you have to read the book to understand why). She worked with her best friend in a food truck called "That Taco Truck"
West was the kind of guy who everyone wanted to be associated with (except Grace) but he didn't sleep with the same girl twice (he was the one night stand type of guy) so when West decides to make money by taking a job at food truck where Grace works, her best friend gives him a job on the spot because of the popularity West would bring to their business. Since then Grace and West began to work together and Grace discovered the other softer side of West. Even though West acted like a mean aashole bully, he had his own grief to get over from. West gets to know a lot about Grace's life and her past as well and the both of them eventually become friends.
"He was going to soar and burst like a supernova once he was out of this small Texas town, and I was going to remain the ashes he left behind—the stardust that slowly descended the earth in his wake."
When sparks fly between Grace and West, it becomes difficult for both of them to deny their feelings and remain just friends. No matter how much mean and rude West seemed, I loved his caveman attitude and his protective and caring side that was only reserved for Grace. He didn't treat her like she was fragile and loved her even with her battle scars and insecurities. This book was a slow burn but it was so raw and emotional, I was crying throughout the whole part where Grace and West's past is revealed. The chemistry between West & Grace was hot and swoon worthy. The depth of their feelings was expressed so beautifully, it was utterly absorbing ;-)
"This was going to be temporary. And painful. And worth it."
Another good thing about this story was that no matter how many mistakes the main as well as the side characters made, I couldn't truly hate any character in this book, eventually everyone redeemed themselves. This book gave me a major hangover. It was utterly heartbreaking yet soul consuming.
I loved Grace's journey to rise past the ashes of her past and develop her self confidence. L.J. Shen said that this book is close to her heart and it was definitely my best read of 2020. I can't recommend it enough!
Okay so when L.J. Shen posted a few excerpts and sneak peaks from the book on instagram, I had no idea what this story was going to be about. I thought it would be about the typical broken bad boy who rides a motorcycle and a poor girl who heals him. But, this book was so much more, it exceeded my expectations. The first chapter itself was so shocking and emotional, it completely consumed me and made me curious to know more about both the main characters' tragedies.
West St. Claire was the popular bad boy on the campus of Sheridan U, he always rode his red motorcycle and took part in underground fights to make money as he had problems back home to take care of.
Grace Shaw was the insecure but sassy girl who was majoring in drama & theatre. She used to be confident and beautiful before a big accident ruined it all. She tried to be normal after that but she didn't think that she had the same confidence as before. She was nicknamed "Toastie" by the people in her small town (you have to read the book to understand why). She worked with her best friend in a food truck called "That Taco Truck"
West was the kind of guy who everyone wanted to be associated with (except Grace) but he didn't sleep with the same girl twice (he was the one night stand type of guy) so when West decides to make money by taking a job at food truck where Grace works, her best friend gives him a job on the spot because of the popularity West would bring to their business. Since then Grace and West began to work together and Grace discovered the other softer side of West. Even though West acted like a mean aashole bully, he had his own grief to get over from. West gets to know a lot about Grace's life and her past as well and the both of them eventually become friends.
"He was going to soar and burst like a supernova once he was out of this small Texas town, and I was going to remain the ashes he left behind—the stardust that slowly descended the earth in his wake."
When sparks fly between Grace and West, it becomes difficult for both of them to deny their feelings and remain just friends. No matter how much mean and rude West seemed, I loved his caveman attitude and his protective and caring side that was only reserved for Grace. He didn't treat her like she was fragile and loved her even with her battle scars and insecurities. This book was a slow burn but it was so raw and emotional, I was crying throughout the whole part where Grace and West's past is revealed. The chemistry between West & Grace was hot and swoon worthy. The depth of their feelings was expressed so beautifully, it was utterly absorbing ;-)
"This was going to be temporary. And painful. And worth it."
Another good thing about this story was that no matter how many mistakes the main as well as the side characters made, I couldn't truly hate any character in this book, eventually everyone redeemed themselves. This book gave me a major hangover. It was utterly heartbreaking yet soul consuming.
I loved Grace's journey to rise past the ashes of her past and develop her self confidence. L.J. Shen said that this book is close to her heart and it was definitely my best read of 2020. I can't recommend it enough!