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Playing Away
by Adele ParksConnie Green's perfect life is turned upside down when she meets sexy bad-boy John Harding and begins a wanton affair. Everyone wants what she already has: a wonderful, caring husband; a lucrative career; a secure home; and a circle of close friends. The trouble is, Connie is bored, and her cravings for excitement and debauchery lead her into a spiral of obsession for John and disdain for Luke. Connie's lack of discretion eventually catches up with her, and she is forced to analyze who and what she really wants in life.
Playing by the Baby Rules
by Michelle CelmerSLEEPING WITH HER BEST FRIEND…Sweet-yet-hard-nosed lingerie store ownerMarisa Donato wanted a baby in the worst way, but falling in love with a potential father candidate was not an option. So, Marisa wondered, should she hit up a sperm bank…or go about making a baby the old-fashioned way? Enter Marisa's best friend, Jake, whose looks and charm weakened her knees…and her resistance.Man-about-town Jake Carmichael lusted after his gal pal, but didn't feel worthy of true love and family. While he volunteered his services as father of her child, in his heart he hoped to be her forever lover. But when passions grew hot, could Marisa and Jake handle a love that broke all the rules…?
Playing by the Greek's Rules: Playing By The Greek's Rules (Puffin Island)
by Sarah Morgan“Morgan’s powerful page turner is a tale of two opposites. Her narrative is richly entertaining and informative.” —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick, 4 ½ stars)RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee Love Story Award Nominee—Best Short RomanceRules are made to be broken . . .Idealistic archaeologist Lily Rose craves a fairy-tale love, but in her experience it always ends in heartbreak. So now Lily’s trying a different approach—a fling with her boss, infamous Greek playboy Nik Zervakis!Anti-love and anti-family, Nik lives by his own set of rules. There’s no one better to teach Lily how to separate sizzling sex from deep emotions. But while Nik has the world at his feet, he also has dark shadows in his heart . . .It starts as a sensual game, but can Lily stick to Nik’s rules? And what’s more, can he?Praise for Sarah Morgan“A masterful storyteller.” —Booklist“Jane Green meets Sophie Kinsella.” —Jill Shalvis, New York Times–bestselling author“Escapist fiction at its absolute best, full of warmth, humour and heart.” —Katie Marsh, author of Unbreak Your Heart
Playing Dead: A Journey Through the World of Death Fraud
by Elizabeth GreenwoodIs it still possible to fake your own death in the twenty-first century? With six figures of student loan debt, Elizabeth Greenwood was tempted to find out.So she sets off on a foray into the world of death fraud, where for $30,000 a consultant can make you disappear--but your suspicious insurance company might hire a private detective to dig up your coffin...only to find it filled with rocks. Greenwood tracks down a man who staged a kayaking accident and then returned to live in his own house while all his neighbors thought he was dead. She takes a call from Michael Jackson (yes, he's alive--or so some would have her believe), talks to people contemplating pseudocide, and gathers intel on black market morgues in the Philippines, where she may or may not succeed in obtaining some fraudulent goodies of her own. Along the way, she learns that love is a much less common motive than money, and that making your death look like a drowning virtually guarantees you'll be caught. (Disappearing while hiking, however, is a great way to go.) Playing Dead is an utterly fascinating and charmingly bizarre investigation into our all-too-human desire to escape from the lives we lead, and the men and women desperate enough to lose their identities--and their families--to begin again.
Playing Dirty
by C. L. ParkerFor fans of Bared to You and Beautiful Bastard comes the start of an irresistible new series in which competition is the ultimate seduction. "Loaded with wit and snark, great characters, and lots of hot, steamy, naughty sex, Playing Dirty is sure to satisfy."--New York Times bestselling author J. KennerShaw Matthews plays to win, and he intends to snag a coveted partnership at San Diego's hottest sports agency by signing America's top athlete. Only one woman stands in his way: rival agent Cassidy Whalen. But eliminating the competition will be Shaw's pleasure when he concocts an ingenious plan to seduce Cassidy and show the beautiful ballbreaker who's the better man for the job. That is, until Cassidy turns the tables--and their steamy encounters start breaking all the rules. Cassidy has worked hard to make it in a man's cutthroat arena, and she isn't going down without a fight, not even against the six-two alpha hunk whose rock-hard body awakens desires she's never known before. As Cassidy shares night after night of unending passion with Shaw, the game begins to change. Now Cassidy stands to lose everything--unless a fiery contest of wills can become a winning proposition for two people who keep raising the stakes. Playing Dirty is intended for mature audiences.Praise for Playing Dirty "Fun, action-packed . . . Readers will be eager to read the sequel, hoping for more rough and dirty sexual acrobatics, friendship, backstabbing, and empathy."--Publishers Weekly "This snappy, sexy novel moves at breakneck speed, with abundant snark and sports euphemisms. . . . [C. L.] Parker's penchant for dry humor and vivid, voracious sex scenes breathes life into a well-trodden premise."--Library Journal "Parker writes intense storylines that anyone can relate to. Her characters are complex, with long and sometimes turbulent pasts that they have overcome, that still continues to affect their present. . . . I cannot wait to see where she takes this new series."--Fresh Fiction "Playing Dirty is [a] top ten hottest book for this year."--Under the Covers "Smokin' hot, toe-curling, yummilicious! Yup . . . just a few words to describe this hot, hot read."--The Reading Cafe "A story and characters that are unforgettable and equally super hot, intense and emotional!"--Collector of Book BoyfriendsFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
Playing Flirty
by Shameez PatelThe game is on for two nerds who love to outplay each other . . . even when their hearts are on the line, in this charming and geeky romantic comedy perfect for fans of Olivia Dade and Jen DeLuca. For Rose Marie Jones, risks are a hard no–except for Game Night. For one precious evening a week, Rose can forget about her demanding boss and her lackluster love life and focus on beating the pants off her friends. But none of them brings out her hyper-competitive side quite like William Ashdern. Her best friend&’s half-brother, William is the paragon of a sexy nerd. The tall, dorky, and handsome game designer is Rose&’s playing nemesis. But when Rose decides to enter a contest with the board game she&’s secretly invented, there&’s only one person who can help her win. Now what has always been a game between Rose and William is getting a lot more serious. And after spending her entire life trying not to lose, Rose might finally be ready to risk it all–and play to win.
Playing for Keeps
by Luann MclaneOlivia Lawson is peeved when ex-ace pitcher turned soap opera star Noah Falcon roars back into Cricket Creek, Kentucky, after all these years, to take the lead opposite her in the community theater's summer play. Noah's beloved hometown is having major financial woes and needs his status to turn this small-town play into a big-time hit. But Noah has bigger plans for this small town. And this time he's determined to show Olivia he's not just playing around-he's playing for keeps. .
Playing for Keeps: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel (Heartbreaker Bay #7)
by Jill Shalvis<P><P>If you’re planning on falling in love… <P><P>When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s yoga pants, he’s a suit. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. <P><P>But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.you’d better be sure… <P><P>Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.… someone is there to catch you. <P><P>Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk. <P><b>A New York Times Bestseller</b>
Playing For Keeps: A fun feel-good read! (Heartbreaker Bay #7)
by Jill ShalvisThe seventh in New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis's Heartbreaker Bay series, featuring her trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts and Marie Force. If you're planning on falling in love you'd better be sure someone is there to catch you... When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark - the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She's yoga pants, he's a suit. She's a tattoo artist, he's a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.Caleb doesn't do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he's learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He's never worried about it before - not until he finally gets behind Sadie's armor and begins to fall.Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they're each willing to risk...Want more warm, funny romance? Check out the other Heartbreaker Bay novels starting with Sweet Little Lies, visit stunning Wildstone, gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.
Playing for Pizza: A Novel
by John Grisham#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him. Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job—as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers ... of Parma, Italy. The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player—any former NFL player—at their helm. And now they&’ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn&’t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy—the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano—holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.Don&’t miss John Grisham&’s new book, THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM!
Playing Grace
by Hazel OsmondA romantic comedy about love and learning to let go. Perfect for fans of Sarra Manning, Ellie Adams and Rosie Blake.Grace Surtees has everything carefully under control - her work life, her home life and her love life -especially her love life. But then her boss hires Tate Saunders, a brash American, to spice up the gallery tours his company provides. Messy and fond of breaking rules, Tate explodes into her tidy existence like a paintball, and Grace hates everything about him... doesn't she? Because, for Grace, the alternative would be simply too terrifying to contemplate: to love Tate rather than hate him would mean leaping out of her comfort zone, and Grace's devotion to order hides some long-kept secrets... secrets she's sure someone like Tate Saunders could never accept or understand.Discover Hazel Osmond's other novels, Who's Afraid of Mr Wolfe?, The Mysterious Miss Mayhew and The First Time I Saw Your Face.
Playing Grace
by Hazel OsmondA romantic comedy about love and learning to let go. Perfect for fans of Sarra Manning, Ellie Adams and Rosie Blake.Grace Surtees has everything carefully under control - her work life, her home life and her love life -especially her love life. But then her boss hires Tate Saunders, a brash American, to spice up the gallery tours his company provides. Messy and fond of breaking rules, Tate explodes into her tidy existence like a paintball, and Grace hates everything about him... doesn't she? Because, for Grace, the alternative would be simply too terrifying to contemplate: to love Tate rather than hate him would mean leaping out of her comfort zone, and Grace's devotion to order hides some long-kept secrets... secrets she's sure someone like Tate Saunders could never accept or understand.Discover Hazel Osmond's other novels, Who's Afraid of Mr Wolfe?, The Mysterious Miss Mayhew and The First Time I Saw Your Face.
Playing House (Uptown #1)
by Ruby Lang“Playing House is relatable, heartwarming, and oh so sexy. I zoomed through this thoughtful and joyful story about two people finding themselves and each other.” —Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date and The Proposal <p><p>Romance blossoms between two city planners posing as newlyweds in this first in a bright new series by acclaimed author Ruby LangThe last thing Oliver Huang expects to see on the historic Mount Morris home tour is longtime acquaintance Fay Liu bustling up and kissing him hello. He’s happy to playact being a couple to save her from a pushy admirer. Fay’s beautiful, successful and smart, and if he’s being honest, Oliver has always had a bit of a thing for her. <p><p>Maybe more than a bit.Geeking out over architectural details is Oliver and Fay’s shared love language, and soon they’re touring pricey real estate across Upper Manhattan as the terribly faux but terribly charming couple Darling and Olly. <p><p>For the first time since being laid off from the job he loved, Oliver has something to look forward to. And for the first time since her divorce, Fay’s having fun. <p><p>Somewhere between the light-filled living rooms and spacious closets they’ve explored, this faux relationship just may have sparked some very real feelings. For Oliver and Fay, home truly is where their hearts are. One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Playing Mr. Right: A Billionaire Boss Workplace Romance (Switching Places #2)
by Kat CantrellUSA TODAY bestselling author“We’ll be working very closely together.”Investigative reporter Laurel Dixon wants to save the world. And she’ll do it by exposing fraud at LeBlanc Charities, by playing the man in charge. Yet smart, sexy, caring Xavier LeBlanc is unexpected. Going undercover allows her to be the bold woman she’s always wanted to be. But when she ends up under his covers, will she choose the story of a lifetime…or a life with Mr. Right?
Playing the Billionaire's Game
by Pippa RoscoeHer job is spotting forgeries—but figuring out if one man’s desire for her is genuine is a challenge of another kind . . . Fourteen days. That’s how long exiled duke Sebastian gives art valuer Sia Keating to try to prove he stole a famous painting. Once she has proof, she’ll demand her job back! She’s worked too hard to build her reputation and throw off her father’s corrupt shadow. She won’t go down without a fight.But having complete access to his life doesn’t mean Sia can breach the gap Sebastian keeps between himself and the world. That’s something only embracing their dangerous attraction can do . . .
Playing the Moldovans at Tennis
by Tony HawksIt doesn't take much - "£100 is usually sufficient" - to persuade Tony Hawks to take off on notoriously bizarre and hilarious adventures in response to a bet. And so it is, a pointless argument with a friend concludes in a bet - that Tony can't beat all eleven members of the Moldovan soccer team at tennis. And with the loser of the bet agreeing to strip naked on Balham High Road and sing the Moldovan national anthem, this one was just too good to resist.The ensuing unpredictable and often hilarious adventure sees him being taken in by Moldovan gypsies and narrowly avoid kidnap in Transnistria. It sees him smuggle his way on to the Moldovan National Team coach in Coleraine and witness (almost) divine intervention in the Holy Land. In this inspiring and exceptionally funny book, Tony Hawks has done it again, proving against all odds that there is no reason in the world why you can't do something a bit stupid and prove all of your doubters wrong. Or at least that was the idea....
Playing the Palace
by Paul RudnickTHEIR LOVE STORY CAPTIVATED THE WORLD…THE CROWN PRINCE AND THAT GUY FROM NEW YORK When a lonely American event planner starts dating the gay Prince of Wales, a royal uproar ensues: is it true love or the ultimate meme? Find out in this hilarious romantic comedy. After having his heart trampled on by his cheating ex, Carter Ogden is afraid love just isn&’t in the cards for him. He still holds out hope in a tiny corner of his heart, but even in his wildest dreams he never thought he&’d meet the Crown Prince of England, much less do a lot more with him. Yes, growing up he&’d fantasized about the handsome, openly gay Prince Edgar, but who hadn&’t? When they meet by chance at an event Carter&’s boss is organizing, Carter&’s sure he imagined all that sizzling chemistry. Or was it mutual? This unlikely but meant-to-be romance sets off media fireworks on both sides of the Atlantic. With everyone having an opinion on their relationship and the intense pressure of being constantly in the spotlight, Carter finds ferocious obstacles to his Happily Ever After, including the tenacious disapproval of the Queen of England. Carter and Price Edgar fight for a happy ending to equal their glorious international beginning. It&’s a match made on Valentine&’s Day and in tabloid heaven.
Playing the Part
by Darcy DanielAnthea Cane is a successful actress-well, action star. Her films are mostly about how hot she looks silhouetted by fiery explosions. But Anthea is determined to prove she's more than just a body. With the role of a lifetime up for grabs-a serious adaptation of her favorite novel-Anthea sets off to her small hometown in the name of research.Cole Daniel is a blind farmer with no patience for divas, especially one who mercilessly teased him as a young boy. When Anthea shows up using a fake name and pestering him into letting her stay, he can't pass up the opportunity to torment her just a little.But Anthea won't let the stubborn farmer deter her from her goal, even if he is hotter than any man she's ever met. Cole finds his form of payback less than satisfying when Anthea keeps turning the tables on him, proving her mettle and gaining his respect. Will Anthea's research land her a man, as well as the part?65,000 words
Playing the Part
by Lynn RaeWhen Melanie Sheraton takes a job as a chauffeur for the movie company that has just come to town, she has to fight hard to keep her dreams and desires buried. Especially when jaded action-hero Thomas Locke catches her eye. Thomas is hoping to take his career in a new direction, the last thing he needs is to fall for the curvy driver who jump-starts his heart. Playing the Part, Book 3 of Lynn Rae's Love Around the Corner series, takes you on a romantic romp as Mel and Thomas find that opposites really do attract.Independent Melanie Sheraton has to hustle for odd jobs in her small town to eke out a living. When the opportunity to act as a driver for some movie folks comes up, she jumps at the chance to earn an extra paycheck. What she didn't bank on was one of her passengers invading her imagination, something she resists since no movie star would ever be interested in her.At a crossroads in his professional life, action star Thomas 'Wheeler' Locke is in Ohio for a role he hopes will launch his career in a new, serious direction. Instead of concentrating on his acting, he finds himself growing more and more distracted by his feisty driver and her irascible ways.Dancing around the attraction growing between them, both Mel and Thomas struggle to maintain their distance as the time for filming grows short. Will a reunion at the movie's London premiere bring them together, or will their disparate lives keep them apart?Content Notes: Spicy, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Playing To Win: Play-By-Play Book 4 (Play-By-Play #4)
by Jaci BurtonPlaying To Win is the fourth seductive thrill ride in the Play-By-Play series from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton. Perfect for fans of Lori Foster, Maya Banks and Jill Shalvis.Someone's going to have to let down their guard... Football star Cole Riley is notorious for doing as he pleases - on the field and off. But if he doesn't clean up his act, his career is over - so Cole reluctantly agrees to work with image makeover consultant Savannah Brooks. He's not used to being told what to do, especially by some (admittedly hot) southern belle. As for Savannah, she's not convinced she can transform this cocky (and aggressively sexy) force of nature. But she's determined to give it her best shot. When the sparks start to fly, Savannah lays down the ground rules: no personal complications. But for two people determined to have it all, a hands-off policy can only last so long before one of them yields.Want more sexy sporting romance? Don't miss the rest of this steamy series which began with The Perfect Play. And check out Jaci's gorgeously romantic Hope series beginning with Hope Flames.
Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru
by Hugh BonnevilleHugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, whose credits include Downton Abbey, W1A and the Paddington films. 'I don't remember when I last read a book that gave me so many laughs' Christina Patterson, Sunday Times'A writer of considerable urbanity and wit' Lynn Barber, Daily Telegraph'Deliciously witty' Celia Imrie'Utterly charming' Jack Whitehall'Funny, touching, revealing' Gyles Brandreth'A great read' Graham Norton'A gorgeous book' Richard Curtis'Beautiful. Touching. And funny' Gary OldmanHugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro's right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father's dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.
Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru
by Hugh BonnevilleHugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, whose credits include Downton Abbey, W1A and the Paddington films. 'Deliciously witty' Celia Imrie'Utterly charming' Jack Whitehall'Funny, touching, revealing' Gyles Brandreth'A gorgeous book' Richard Curtis'Beautiful. Touching. And funny' Gary Oldman'Charming, joyous and entertaining' Griff Rhys Jones'Shows a great verve for storytelling' The Independent Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro's right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father's dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.
Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru
by Hugh BonnevilleThis exclusive recording includes 6 extended chapters that are unique to the audiobookHugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, whose credits include Downton Abbey, W1A and the Paddington films. 'Deliciously witty' Celia Imrie'Utterly charming' Jack Whitehall'Funny, touching, revealing' Gyles Brandreth'A gorgeous book' Richard Curtis'Beautiful. Touching. And funny' Gary Oldman'Charming, joyous and entertaining' Griff Rhys Jones'Shows a great verve for storytelling' The Independent Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro's right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father's dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.
Playing with Fire (A School for Spies Novel #1)
by Bruce HaleJuvenile delinquent and budding pyromaniac Max Segredo belongs in juvie hall. At least, that's what his most recent foster family would tell you. Instead, Max ends up on the doorstep of Merry Sunshine Orphanage-their very heavily guarded doorstep. As he begins to acclimate to his new home, Max learns a few things straightaway: first, cracking a Caesar Cipher isn't as hard as it seems; second, never sass your instructor if she's also holding throwing knives; and third, he may not be an orphan after all. Soon, Max and the rest of the students are sent on a mission to keep a dangerous weapon out of the hands of LOTUS, an international group bent on world domination. Of course, all Max cares about is finding out more about his father, the man he's now sure is still alive. As the stakes get higher, Max must make some difficult choices, including who to trust, and finally learns the true meaning of family.
Playing With Matches: Misadventures in Dating
by Amy CameronPart Sex & the City, part Bridget Jones's Diary, Playing with Matches will make you laugh, cry, and thank the dating goddess that at least it didn't happen to you.Playing with Matches is the answer to every single woman's wail of "Why does this happen to me?"Honey, it happens to everyone. Women from all over the world have contributed to Playing with Matches, answering the call for tragic dating tales in all their nasty and delicious detail. And as a survivor of countless terrible evenings, Cameron is an expert. She's dated an overweight manic eater who picked fights and an anaesthesiologist twenty years her senior who really did put her to sleep. Each new bad date made her swear off men forever. Until, of course, another hopeful possibility presented himself.Bad dates happen. Every night, another woman returns home reeling from a missed match. But each evening spent with Mr. Wrong teaches us something about our own love limits. Can I cuddle with a man who blows his nose in a cloth napkin? Do I like to spank my lover? Do I have something in common with the director of a funeral home? Does a pierced nipple bother me? How about a pierced scrotum? We need to embrace our misadventures, share the pain, and find the humour. Playing with Matches will remind us all that no matter how awful a date was, there is always someone else with a worse story.Four of us -- the single women at the baby shower -- are hunched in a corner drinking bloody Marys and ignoring a chorus of cooing over a Winnie the Pooh breastfeeding pillow. "All night long he talked to me through the bloody cat," Julie complains. "'Does Mummy like to snuggle? Isn't Mummy funny?'" I snort my drink all over her winter white skirt. She brushes it off without thinking and continues, "I bought leather knee-high boots for this guy? ". . .Everyone knows the recipe for an ideal date: one nice guy plus great hair day, a cup of good lighting, remove five pounds, a sprinkle of new perfume and a liberal splash of Stoli vodka. That someone actually manages to cook up a date like this is rare.Playing with Matches is for women who, let's face it, have much more experience with recipes of disaster than recipes for romance. We know that there are more bad dates out there than good ones. Intellectually, we also know that these misadventures build character. As Mom says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?--from Playing with MatchesFrom the Trade Paperback edition.