Proceed With Caution:
This book has a mention of pet death.
The Basics:
Speaking of Love is the second book of the series, but it does stand alone. I still recommend reading Playing at Love first, since that is where Mac and Rick first meet. Their meeting is recapped here though in case you don't want to.
My Thoughts:
I liked Speaking of Love, but I was also kind of disappointed. It felt like it started in the middle of the story! Mac and Rick have now known each other for six months, and apparently had some kind of arrangement. This "arrangement" was mentioned several times, but never really explained. It seemed like they both had agreed to accompany each other to events that required a date, but were not actually dating. Why they entered this arrangement, and what the exact terms were, I have no idea. It's essentially one step away from fake dating--my favorite trope! I wanted to know more!
Speaking of Love also contains my second favorite trope: stranded together! Mac and Rick are suppose to spend the weekend at his family's cabin along with two others. One being her cousin who Mac set Rick up with. Of course, there's a storm that delays her flight, so the two are alone in a cold, secluded cabin. Feelings happen, but then...well, they're interrupted because of course they are. It's very low drama, but I was still invested.
Along with the budding romance, Speaking of Love also touches on some community issues. Rick's father's company wants to buy part of a park and build a strip mall. Mac is not having that! Luckily, this doesn't cause too much of a problem for the couple, since Rick shows that he's not heartless like his father. In fact, there's a very cute ending that made me smile hugely.