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Playing With Fire (Glasgow Lads Book 3) Kindle Edition
”I don’t want options. I just want you.”
Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBTQ soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste.” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video games, he’s finally ready to be his true self. The only thing keeping him in the closet is…his gay best friend?
Liam Carroll has a problem. His gorgeous best mate wants to kiss him and touch him and…everything with him. But for how long? With Robert embarking on a bright future—far from their rough-and-tumble East End streets—Liam may soon be left behind. He can’t risk falling in love with a man he can’t live without. His solution? Keep things casual, see what happens.
Aye, right. After a single camping trip, the bridge back to mere friendship has been well and truly burned. Now Robert wants more than sex, but diehard cynic Liam won’t drop the barriers around his heart. These two tough center-backs must find a way forward as lovers, or their lifelong bond—the heart of the Warriors team—will rupture for good.
Glasgow Lads series
More Lads are on the way! The series features a recurring cast of teammates, but each novel contains its own stand-alone romance, so they can be read in any order.
- Play On, Duncan & Brodie novella
- Playing for Keeps, Fergus & John novel
- Playing to Win, Colin & Andrew novel
- Play It Safe, Fergus & John short story
- Playing with Fire, Liam & Robert novel
- Play Dead, Colin & Andrew novella
- Playing in the Dark, Evan & Ben novel
- Play Hard, Liam & Robert novella
- All Through the House, Duncan & Brodie short story
Glasgow Lads on Ice (spinoff/crossover series featuring curling):
- Throwing Stones, Luca & Oliver novel
- Must Love Christmas, Garen & Simon novel
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 29, 2016
- File size2.6 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
--The Novel Approach
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys the friends-to-lovers trope and yet still manages to tackle and discuss the serious issue of biphobia.
--Heroes and Heartbreakers, M/M Romance Best Bets of 2016
In the context of this city she presents us with a gay-friendly culture that is at the same time full of gritty reality and simmering with love thwarted by poverty and disappointment...Intense and true and emotionally captivating.
--All About Romance, Desert Island Keeper
From the Author
In the shower, they didn't speak. There seemed nothing to say, nothing even to think.
Robert kept his focus on this very moment, with Liam kissing him under the warm streams of water; and this moment, with Liam's soapy hands slicking their way over his chest and abs; and this moment, with Liam's fingers slipping up behind his neck, into his hair, thumbs brushing just under his ears, hands holding his face so gently, as if he were something precious.
He didn't think about the past, not even what they'd just done in front of the mirror. He didn't think about the future, not even what they were going to do in those beds. Robert knew if he let his thoughts come unstuck from Now, even for a split second, he'd remember how precarious the two of them were.
After they dried off--haltingly, between kisses--Liam looped his towel around Robert's waist. "Now that I've got you clean," he said, reaching back to open the bathroom door, "I mean to get you pure filthy." He towed Robert out into the hotel room and guided him toward the near bed. "Lie on your stomach."
Product details
- ASIN : B01BA13WXE
- Publisher : Amazon Digital Services (January 29, 2016)
- Publication date : January 29, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 2.6 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 370 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1790810000
- Best Sellers Rank: #396,920 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2,083 in Bisexual Romance
- #3,537 in Sports Romance (Kindle Store)
- #5,301 in Sports Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn) lives in the great State of Maryland with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book's story quality and character development. They found the characters engaging with fine personalities and a desire to be the best they could be. The educational elements blended seamlessly with the romantic elements, providing an emotional and thought-provoking read. Readers appreciated the sweet, sexy romance with a dash of drama. They also appreciated the Scottish accents and language. Many enjoyed the mismatched lovers' relationship. The covers and style were praised as beautiful. However, opinions differed on the narrative quality; some found it emotionally moving, while others felt it was too slow or overly emotional.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the well-crafted story. They find it a hearty, good read and another excellent installment in the series. The characters are described as three-dimensional and the writing is passionate.
"...Overall, this book was a great story, had characters I cared about and gave me a window into a world I don't live in--that of gay men...." Read more
"...laden with chemistry and complication and all of the things that make a story great, that helped make all of the previous books in this series..." Read more
"This has been one big gem of a series. I am a binge reader, once I find an author I like I have to devour everything they have written back to back...." Read more
"...It was still the marvelously crafted story I've learned to expect from Avery Cockburn...." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the characters have fine personalities and a desire to be the best they can be. The characters are three-dimensional and love each other and their town of Glasgow. They appreciate that earlier characters make guest appearances and the author's attention to pertinent issues.
"...You root for both of them. They each have a fine personality and a desire to be the best they can without being hurt and destroyed by love...." Read more
"...I love that earlier characters make guest appearances, I love how the author addresses pertinent social issues pertaining to Scotland, I love the..." Read more
"...This was a remarkably risky group of characters who love each other and their town of Glasgow in Scotland more than some people in the real world..." Read more
"...Ms Cockburn’s ability to weave such complex layers and character into contemporary time...." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They say the educational and romantic elements blend seamlessly, providing thought-provoking insights. The book offers poignant love stories with insightful social commentary. Readers appreciate the small details about life in Glasgow and the characters' courage and determination. Overall, the book portrays the heart of Glasgow and its people.
"...Instead I got a poignant loving story of two people who were really struggling to find out who they were to themselves, to each other in the..." Read more
"...didn’t match the deep, history-filled, intense, important, loving friendship they share...." Read more
"...I did enjoy this and got a better grasp on Liam’s issues. I also saw his raw honesty as meanness and its not...." Read more
"...is masterfully woven together so that the educational bits blend seamlessly into the romantic bits that lead to the naughty bits...." Read more
Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it sweet, sexy, and with drama. They also appreciate the details about the leads' history.
"...crafted series I'd reccomend to anyone who loves a meaty, sexy romance with a dollop of drama." Read more
"...But this one is just splendid, such a loving and crazy and very roller-coaster ride through the egos (and bodies) of both Liam and Robert that I am..." Read more
"In addition to all the delicious pining, I loved the tiny details about the life in Glasgow...." Read more
"...Great chemistry and history between the leads, sweet and heat (that do-it-yourself "kilt" scene), an important message about an often overlooked..." Read more
Customers enjoy the Scottish accents, words, and glimpse of Scotland in the book.
"...pertinent social issues pertaining to Scotland, I love the sprinkling of Scottish accents..." Read more
"...It does give a glimpse of Scotland I don’t know we’d ever get to know unless one lived there. So I’m always in awe of this series...." Read more
"...ingredients I love about Glasgow Lads: the Warriors, Glasgow, Scottish words. And the writing is as always amazing...." Read more
Customers enjoy the chemistry between the characters. They say the author is skilled at creating mismatched lovers and putting them through emotional turmoil.
"...Another out right winner for me. Avery Cockburn is the master of creating mismatched lovers, putting them through the wringer and some how pulling..." Read more
"...Robert and Liam have been bests mates since childhood but Robert has been keeping a secret that not even Liam knows...." Read more
"...Each book is better than the last. I love Liam and Robert together and I can't wait for the next book" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's style. They praise the covers, characterization, and societal awareness. Readers also appreciate the backdrop of Glasgow and the social/political aspects.
"...of soccer (sport romance not always my cup of tea) and I love the backdrop of Glasgow and the social/political atmosphere that exists at the moment...." Read more
"...Her covers are beautiful, the characterization is incredible - each book tackles another, separate huge aspect of life in Glasgow and I just cannot..." Read more
"...I'm still smiling. That last line is beautiful." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the narrative quality. Some find the emotional scenes good and intense, with a rollercoaster ride through the characters' egos. Others feel the story lacks the epicness of its predecessors and is less dramatic.
"...It most especially didn’t match the deep, history-filled, intense, important, loving friendship they share...." Read more
"This instalment was decidedly less dramatic and had lower stakes than the first two...." Read more
"...one is just splendid, such a loving and crazy and very roller-coaster ride through the egos (and bodies) of both Liam and Robert that I am quite..." Read more
"3.5 Stars for an underwhelming story with fantastic characters..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2016I was expecting a jock story with lots of hot and heavy sex. Instead I got a poignant loving story of two people who were really struggling to find out who they were to themselves, to each other in the envelope of Glasgow and its environs.
Liam and Robert are two of the strongest characters I have encountered in along while. You root for both of them. They each have a fine personality and a desire to be the best they can without being hurt and destroyed by love. The gay world that Liam inhabits is drawn with fine detail . Robert is the bisexual. I was intrigued by the mistrust and fear that the fact of him being bisexual brings to the story. At one point Liam tells him that being bisexual gives Robert an "out" if things get tough in the gay relationship. It was a point of view I hadn't expected. Just goes to show my prejudice is different from these characters. My bisexual friends don't cheat on their mates whether same sex or opposite sex. But having read this story I can really see where it could be a problem for a gay man and a bisexual man to make a trusting life together.
Overall, this book was a great story, had characters I cared about and gave me a window into a world I don't live in--that of gay men. But most of all, this book gave me things to think about, truths to understand. I don't mean to be too philosophical about it. I liked this book on many different levels and plan to purchase the other books in series. Avery Cockburn is a damn good writer.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2016I so very much enjoyed being back in Glasgow, a town in which I’ve recently spent some real in-person time and plan on going back to some day.
I have to admit, though, that this entry in this Glasgow Lads series felt kind of… middle of the road in terms of storyline, excitement, and storytelling. It was almost like the author was ticking boxes, most of them plot devices that rang false and, frankly, cheap. They lessened the otherwise wonderful, heartfelt and heart-filled characterization of both Robert and Liam, the two leads this time around. There was that ~something~ missing from this story that was evident in all of the previous. It was, unfortunately, predictable, like the author didn’t quite know what story to build around these two characters in order to give us all time with them. That I did very much enjoy, the time spent with both Robert and Liam, especially whenever they were together, in whatever capacity, against whatever emotional scene they were working through.
That is, when they were permitted to be on the same page together. So much of this story is about Robert and Liam working through their, well, I’m just going to say it: seemingly manufactured issues and differences because, really, when you’ve been best mates with someone since before your voices changed from young boy to burgeoning man, it usually takes a LOT to cause the kind of quick-to-judgement thoughts and actions these two exhibited towards each other, all in the name of creating tension, conflict, and therefore story.
I’m sorry, but it just didn’t match at all the other 90% of the personalities of either of these guys. It most especially didn’t match the deep, history-filled, intense, important, loving friendship they share.
I do think the experience by and discussion about Robert and his self-identifying bisexuality was done quite well. Like many, he realized early on that he was attracted to both men and women, but didn’t quite know how to define or incorporate it into his everyday life, and all of his previous relationships were with women. Once he did realize, both what he was identifying as and that Liam was the man he most wanted to be with, he then struggled with how to do exactly that.
He went through many emotions, trying to decide whom to tell and when, and how, especially Liam. This last point, this didn’t take him long to do because, ya know, ~best mate~. He hoped Liam would understand, accept him, and maybe even, gloriously, want him, too.
So. Some of Robert’s friends, most of whom are common to Liam, were accepting, curious, had questions, and were happy for him once he started telling everyone – this took place over the length of the story, not all at once. However, his best mate, was not so ready to accept this new-to-him reality and reacted in not exactly the best ways. Yes, I know, Liam has his own history and experiences coloring his thinking, his ideas about the future and possible relationships, especially with Robert, and about bisexuality in particular. Still. Best mate. This is your best mate, man. The one person you’ve shared all of this stuff with, and vice versa. For me, every time Liam found a reason to get angry with or push away from Robert, most of them felt false, not at all fitting their relationship, whatever that might be on any given day. Yep, Robert had his own moments of confusion and doubt and worry, but at least he thought about Liam and how he might feel. Liam was mostly selfish, and that rubbed against what we’d come to know of him and his willingness to do for and with others.
It was great to also spend a bit of time with the likes of Fergus & John and Colin & Andrew, especially given the circumstances surrounding the reasons for their involvement in this story. There were some good scenes emotionally, and the heat between Robert and Liam is palpable. Most of the sex scenes felt unique to them and for the most part didn’t fall into anything typical.
When Robert and Liam were together in any scene, they were powerful, electric, laden with chemistry and complication and all of the things that make a story great, that helped make all of the previous books in this series crackle with excitement, the feeling of not knowing what was going to happen next, and wanting to learn right along with these characters about whatever they were working through. In this case, there was a large amount of missed potential in having Robert and Liam work through this “new” reality of their friendship and future relationship and how it would all work if they were willing to try. And they were, so very much. I usually try not to wander into ‘if the story had been told this way’ territory in a review, but these main characters should not have been kept apart as much as they were if the goal was to have a powerful exploration of the aspects I’ve described.
Overall, I was underwhelmed. Robert and Liam’s story was hampered by everything I’ve shared here. I did very much enjoy the warmth, humor, caring, passion, and big hearts of both Robert and Liam. And Robert’s bisexuality being a front and center ingredient, never shoved to the background, is fantastic. The writing itself is good, just as quality as the other books in this series. Unlike those stories, the characters were underserved by the story itself.
*Buddy Reviewed originally for Prism Book Alliance®
- Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016This has been one big gem of a series. I am a binge reader, once I find an author I like I have to devour everything they have written back to back. Lucky for me my timing in discovering Cockburn was great as this third book was just released. Another out right winner for me. Avery Cockburn is the master of creating mismatched lovers, putting them through the wringer and some how pulling everything together for an HEA against all the odds. The full series combines typical romance tropes in an atypical way. They are written with love and passion, the characters are three dimensional, and your heart goes out to each and everyone of them. I love that earlier characters make guest appearances, I love how the author addresses pertinent social issues pertaining to Scotland, I love the sprinkling of Scottish accents (just enough to make it authentic, not too much to make it difficult to translate. I even love the elements of soccer (sport romance not always my cup of tea) and I love the backdrop of Glasgow and the social/political atmosphere that exists at the moment. This is brilliantly crafted series I'd reccomend to anyone who loves a meaty, sexy romance with a dollop of drama.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 20164/21
Kind of a crappy review I did before! I did enjoy this and got a better grasp on Liam’s issues. I also saw his raw honesty as meanness and its not.
Original review 2/1/2016
I just never got to completely understand where Liam's issues were coming from. Yes, his past with his family and Tom was brought up but he was so mean to Robert sometimes. I loved Robert and felt that he was the more mature. I think I enjoyed the dynamics of the prior books more. The political, class and ideological issues held my interest better.
It was still the marvelously crafted story I've learned to expect from Avery Cockburn. This will absolutely be a re-read for me and hopefully I'll grasp more of the nuances.
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent conclusion to Series One
Another great read and concludes another chapter in this excellent series. The characters, richness of language, sights and sounds of Glasgow and Scotland in general are a brilliant backdrop. Each character has their own story to tell and you can't help but get immersed in their lives, loves and commitment. Can't wait for further episodes in the continuing life that is the Rainbow Warriors.
- Sean AlexanderReviewed in Canada on March 9, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars This was a good story - Robert seemingly straight
I read the whole series. This was a good story - Robert seemingly straight, but not so straight falls for his best friend Liam with lots of fireworks!
-
PeabodyReviewed in Germany on February 18, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Diese Serie ist und bleibt unbedingt lesenswert
Ich bin ein Fan von emotional und psychologisch gut geschriebenen Romanzen - dabei ist es mir eigentlich egal, ob es "steamy" ist (das ist hier massiv der Fall), oder wer sich da in wen verliebt, Hauptsache, die Geschichte ist stimmig und gut erzählt. Ach ja, und ich mag es, wenn sich am Schluss herausstellt, dass es die Liebe des Leben ist. Nennt mich romantisch, aber eine Romanze ohne Happily Ever After? Nix für mich.
Bei den Glasgow Lads sind es Mitglieder eines LGBT Fußballvereins in Glasgow, die sich verlieben dürfen. Die Männer sind schon von ihrem sozialen Hergrund so unterschiedlich von einander, wie eine Romanautorin es sich nur vorstellen kann - bisher in der Reihe zumindest. Trotzdem ist ihre Beziehung nie verkrampft oder klischeehaft aufgebaut, es passen eben einfach die Unterschiedlichkeiten zusammen.
In "Playing with Fire" kommen Liam und Robert aber aus dem gleichen Viertel von Glasgow, sind miteinader aufgewachsen, kennen sich so gut, wie 2 Freunde sich nur kennen können - denkt man. Während beide aber seit ihrem 13. Lebensjahr wissen, das Liam schwul ist, hat Robert bisher niemandem verraten, dass er bi ist. Er hat sich immer Freundinnen gesucht, obwohl er sich schon seit langem immer mal wieder auch von Männern angezogen fühlt. Und bei einem Fotoshooting für den neuen Woodstoun Warriors-Kalender ist ihm klar geworden, dass es speziell Liam ist, der ihm wichtig ist. Aber wie verwandelt man eine perfekte Männerfreundschaft in eine Liebesbeziehung, ohne die Freundschaft komplett zu zerstören?
Ich will hier nicht spoilern, deshalb fasse ich es kurz zusammen: Die Entwicklung der Geschichte ist einfach schlüssig. Vom ersten Mal, dass Robert Liam die Wahrheit sagt, über viele Panikreaktionen beider Männer, die auch einen desaströsen Einfluss auf ihr Fußballspiel haben, bis hin zum Moment, wo beiden unmissverständlich klar wird, dass das keine "friends with benefits" -Situation ist. Und deshalb werde ich auch das nächste Glasgow Lads Buch kaufen, sobald es herauskommt.
- pipstaReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 15, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read
Easy escapism in the style of previous works in the series. A bit cliched at some points. Need to take a break between books to avoid boredom as they’re all a bit formulaic
- HJReviewed in Canada on October 12, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars you just want to get burned by these lads;
Oh PLAYING WITH FIRE.
Seriously, what is there left to say about this series? I've talked about it's brilliance so many times now, and almost back-to-back considering I've basically binged these. Each one is crafted so well, with wonderful characters, as well as detailing the brilliance of Glasgow and all that's happening within (and around) her borders.
This book, number three in the Glasgow Lads series, tackles a friends-to-lovers relationship with a spotlight on bisexuality. And how there is a definite bi-phobia for a lot of those in the LGBTQ community. I love how Cockburn handles each book, each subject, be it like one like this, the political or religious themes or homophobia and safe sex. Each one is perfect for the particular couple and I just can't get enough.
Liam and Robert's story definitely seemed the angstiest of the series so far but considering the struggle, not only in Robert's reveal of his sexuality being a little less straight (couldn't help it) forward than everyone believed, there's also the big risk in taking that next step with your best friend. And so the angst, the fear, the heartbreak, was all perfectly understandable. I don't know that they are my favourite couple, but thankfully as with each book featuring the other members of the Warriors, we never lose track of the rest and it's really the whole of the crew that make each book so wonderful.
The line-up, at least for the next few upcoming, was listed at the back of my eBook -- not that it wasn't obvious who is up next based on the ending of PLAYING WITH FIRE, but I'm glad to see that Cockburn has no intention of stopping this series. At least not for a little while! These books are a pure pleasure. Nothing guilty about it at all