A Harrowing True Story of Deception, Survival, and Family Strength
In this powerful memoir, Coleen Greenwood and her sister Karen Crear share the devastating true account of how a seemingly perfect romance turned into a nightmare of manipulation and deceit. “Playing with Fire” chronicles Coleen’s relationship with James Scott, a man who presented himself as a heroic firefighter but whose identity was built on an intricate web of lies.
The narrative unfolds with a compelling pace that pulls readers into Coleen’s world from her initial joy at meeting James to the gradual unraveling of his deceptions. The authors skillfully balance emotional depth with factual clarity, creating a reading experience that is both moving and informative.
What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching portrayal of coercive control and narcissistic abuse. The dialogue reconstructed throughout the book provides chilling insight into the subtle ways manipulation can occur within relationships. Particularly effective are the conversations that reveal how Scott systematically isolated Coleen while maintaining his heroic façade to others.
The authors excel at conveying the psychological impact of romance fraud, not just on Coleen but on her entire family circle. Karen’s perspective adds a crucial dimension to the story, highlighting how such deception creates ripple effects through families and communities. Their bond emerges as the book’s emotional cornerstone—a testament to the strength that can be found in familial love when facing betrayal.
The pacing remains consistent throughout, building tension as Coleen gradually discovers Scott’s lies while simultaneously finding her own inner strength. Rather than rushing to resolution, the narrative takes time to explore the complex emotions of disbelief, grief, anger, and ultimately, determination to seek justice.
“Playing with Fire” transcends being merely a victim’s account. It stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showing how Coleen and Karen transformed a traumatic experience into a platform for awareness. The story behind the popular BBC Sounds podcast “Love-Bombed with Vicky Pattison” and subsequent television documentaries is fully explored here, with additional details and emotional depth that only a memoir can provide.
This book offers both a warning about romance fraud and an empowering message to others who might face similar circumstances. Through Coleen’s journey from victim to advocate, readers witness the power of truth, family support, and the courage to reclaim one’s narrative.
A testament to human resilience that educates while it moves, “Playing with Fire” is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the realities of coercive control and the journey toward healing and justice.
I award 5 stars.