Worth the Risk

Worth It #2

by Karen Erickson

How to make a strong man fall hard? Refuse him.
Hunter Worth lives life to the absolute fullest. As vice president and head of brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods, he’s brought his family’s business firmly into the twenty-first century. Ruthless yet charming, he’s now set his sights on the sexiest member of the marketing team. First thing on his agenda? Seduction.

Gracie Hayes needs her job at Worth—and she’s not about to let the gorgeous owner and her direct boss distract her—again. Orphaned, and with a rough childhood behind her, she’s worked too hard to compromise everything for a fling, no matter how tempting. Independent, strong and resourceful, she will fight off Hunter. She has to. Flirting, stolen kisses, a few nights of scorching hot sex…Hunter has all that in mind and more with the delicious Gracie. He never figures he’d fall in love or that she’d deny him. How will Hunter convince Gracie he’s the one for her? Contains yet another one of those sexy, bossy Worth brothers, though this one is too full of charm for his own good. Watch as he falls hard—and watch as she tries her hardest to dodge his every attempt at seduction.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Erotica, Ebooks, Adult

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her family. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.

She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

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https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wanted to scream at the characters in a book (in a good way, of course) because you could SEE that they belonged together, yet they couldn't? That's how i felt reading Worth The Risk!

I could understand where Gracie was coming from; growing up in the foster care system, she had no choice but to learn to depend ONLY on herself and that opening you heart inevitably (in her life) meant dissapointment.

I also felt for Hunter, the middle Worth brother. He felt like he HAD to be like his older brother, Alexander; succesful and always in control, and he was envious of his younger brother, Rhett, because in truth he wished that he too could be as carefree as him!

Don't be fooled; this is a very emotionally involved love story and you will keep turning the pages JUST to find out what happens and how Gracie and Hunter overcome all their issues to finally get together. Lest i come off sounding trite, this story is definitely "Worth A Read" [LOL... Score for the cheese-meister :)]

Thank you once again to Ms. Erickson for giving me a chance to read this early! I've loved you work for a while now and can i also say that I'M DYING TO READ RHETT'S STORY. He sounds like the YUMMIEST Worth brother and i can't wait!!

[Sonia N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie and Hunter Worth were destined to be together!
I love office romance with rich and alpha male and an equally beautiful heroine ❤️
Who knew that Hunter would fall so hard!
I enjoyed this book, the storyline and characters. This is such a great series.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was sweet, angsty and both characters were interesting. Love this author!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Worth Brothers are sexy! Love the series. I struggled a bit with this book because while I understand Gracie had truly a hard knock life, her back and forth with Hunter annoyed me. Gracie worked so hard to become a success, but her indecision made her look like an idiot. I mean to waiver on Hunter once, maybe twice, ok.. but the whole book was this back and forth. Hunter was trying so hard and she rejected him so many times, I justed wanted to shake her and say "what the hell is wrong with you?" The goofy grandma was a hoot -- I wasn't sure if she was mental or trying to get Hunter and Gracie to admit their feelings for each other. I'm going to just say maybe the hospital was over-medicating her during her stay..... at least love came full circle for a decent end.

[Nika · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww... another Worth boy falls hard. It's so fun to see the mighty fall, lol. I know it's a familiar theme in romance -- the man who swears no woman will ever hold his interest for the long haul -- but it's so much fun to see him fall so completely.

Hunter Worth is the second-in-command at Worth Luxury. He's the head of the marketing department. A few months ago, he enjoyed a few kisses with one of his employees, Gracie. Gracie grew up in foster homes and is truly a self-made girl, and she's been hurt in the past, so she never wants to let down the wall she built around her heart to protect herself. And she *really* doesn't want to relax herself around the yummy Hunter. Ultimately, they agree on a one-time-only sex thing, but neither one of them can really live up to it. Curiously, Hunter struggles with it so much harder than Gracie, although it's only because Gracie is better at pretending. She's completely befuddled by Hunter. She tries to keep her distance, but the more she back-peddles, the more Hunter advances.

Ultimately, life-and-death things happen, employee rumor things happen, and Hunter acknowledges what everyone around him already knows, and it all ends in a really sweet HEA. I can't wait to see how Rhett falls. He's the bad-boy youngest Worth brother. He's gonna fall hard!!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter Worth lives life to the absolute fullest. As vice president and head of brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods, he’s brought his family’s business firmly into the twenty-first century. Ruthless yet charming, he’s now set his sights on the sexiest member of the marketing team. First thing on his agenda? Seduction.

Gracie Hayes needs her job at Worth—and she’s not about to let the gorgeous owner and her direct boss distract her—again. Orphaned, and with a rough childhood behind her, she’s worked too hard to compromise everything for a fling, no matter how tempting. Independent, strong and resourceful, she will fight off Hunter. She has to.


Hunter Worth is another hot sexy alpha hero. Gracie is a strong, but skittish, women who grew up in the system. One drunken night and a stolen kiss leads to longing on both their parts. The push, pull in this relationship leaves you hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Do they make it to the HEA? You'll just have to read the book to find out.

[Sincere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter worth is a charming billionaire.
He's a head of marketing at Worth Luxury Goods company.
He had never want to sleep with his employee.

But there's she is , Gracie Hayes
She is not only beautiful , sexy and gorgeous but also smart and work hard
Hunter couldn't take his eye off her.

Only one kiss (then she turned him down,Afraid of losing her job and her heart)
Their chemistry was sparked,
just wait for both of them to lose to this tempting sensation.



I love this book so much <3

I love all the character
Gracie is great. She was intelligent diligent but she's still made mistake.
She seemed so real.
Hunter is ... Oh my god this guy is so sweet, not in his word but in his action

And absolutely love the story. This is sweet & lovely novel to read : ))

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie Hayes had a tough life and everything she has built for herself has been hard earned. It could all topple in a flash especially since she had a heated moment with her boss Hunter Worth. The problem is even as she tries to go along with business as usual, she can’t stop thinking about the kisses they shared.

Hunter Worth has a good life, everything he could ask for except getting close to Gracie. Gracie is an enigma to him, she comes off frosty at times but other moments she is a sensual firecracker. As a couple kisses lead to a earth shattering night in bed, Hunter wants to explore what is between them but Gracie is wanting to keep at a distance.


Full read on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=9630

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of the Worth brothers...this one about Hunter and the woman he realized he was falling for, Gracie. These two worked well together in the marketing department of his family's business. He worked hard like his brother, Alexander. Gracie was his best employee. On a trip to LA to the company's flagship store out west these two discover just how deep their feelings for each other really go. When they return to New York, Hunter thinks Gracie is keeping something from him and he desperately wants to know what it is. Gracie is keeping something from him but it's not what you might think and it nearly costs her her life.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunter Worth the middle Worth brother and Marketing manager for the company is used to getting what he wants and what he wants is Gracie Hayes. Gracie wants, needs her job and it doesn't matter how sexy her boss Hunter Worth is she can’t go there. Hunter lives up to his name and pursues Gracie with every skill he has. Will it take almost losing everything for Gracie to give in?
Hunter can be charming. But I found him to be a bit too arrogant for me. Maybe Gracie will bring him down to earth.

[Viv Oyolu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very nice!

First time reading this author, and I loved this book! Not over the top in any way. Very believable and realistic. Definitely going to read another one from this author.

[Ofelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have gotten annoying when Gracie kept pushing Hunter away but after her accident she realized the mistake she had made when it came to Hunter and finally accepted her HEA with him.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must better than first book. Characters believable

[Kaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson

Gamble and be happy with the outcome by taking a risk or play it safe and forever wonder.

Worth the Risk penned by Karen Erickson is a moving and sometimes troubling love novel that takes the readers and its characters on a wild ride through the tunnel of love where it is dark and tempting.

Ms Erickson develops an intriguing story about two people who are afraid to gamble in the game of love because no one wants their heart crush and their world tumbling in a fatal downward spiral. Ms. Erickson's talent leaves the reader breathless and anxious with a well defined plot, fortified characters carrying baggage from previous issues, beautiful, sumptuous settings and plenty of action and passion. Ms Erickson writing style is smooth and her narrative flows seamless. The characters in Worth the Risk are intelligent, reflective, apprehensive with intestinal fortitude that carries the reader on a all consuming cruise of emotions and blazing intimacies.The dialogue is rich and realistic and the energy oozing from Ms. Erickson's laptop has a charismatic pull that I felt from the first chapter to the very last sentence.

Worth the Risk wraps the key characters Gracie Hayes and Hunter Worth in a emotional blanket reminiscent of a Chinese Finger Trap. The more the pull away from each other the more complicated it is to free themselves. The secondary characters provide support that generates a smooth mix as the narrative grows.

Grace Hayes is a stoic, intelligent, overachiever who suffered a horrible childhood which has left her with deep battle scars. Grace buries these wounds of abandonment under her warrior's armor in an effort to keep emotions and the desires of at bay.
She knows what she wants but is reluctant to reach out and grab the golden ring (Hunter's love) so she goes around and around the carousel of passion, love and sensuality. Gracie guards her heart as if is of Fort Knox.

Hunter Worth the middle brother of the prominent Worth Empire. Hunter is intelligent, skillful, oh so sexy, debonair and his cavalier air many women find so irresistible. Hunter has what is often referred to as the middle child syndrome. Hunter wants to be like his eldest brother , Alex admired and highly respected yet he also desires WTH carefree attitude of the Rhett the youngest Worth. Hunger has a reputation for being a player leaving broken hearts littered everywhere. Could he leave that lifestyle for the woman, Gracie who makes him weak?

Ms. Erickson creates Hunger and Gracie extremely conflicted individuals locking up their hearts from pain. Gracie and Hunger remind me of beautiful birds separated by the gilded cages. As I read I wished I could unlock the gilded cage of carnality and love for Hunter and Grace allowing them the freedom to explore.
Gracie has everything to set the wheels of sensuousness in motions and she has plenty of what her mama gave her to keep Hunter's nature alive and experienced a tidbit of this awesome energy one evening at the bar. Hunter wants to know why Grace continues to push him away since both of them are being eaten alive by wicked lust. They want to be entwined like the grapes on a grapevine but will they go with the flow or restrain it avoiding the risk and blow it?

Ms Erickson permits the reader to feel the cravings shared by Hunter and Gracie. Ms. Erickson's writing keeps you connected to the characters and drives the reader crazy waiting for Hunter and Grace to scratch the carnal itch burning within.

Hunter would not mind spending more time with Gracie and getting to know her on deeper level and touch her all over to make her quiver and shake but that course of action maybe dangerous because there is so much at stake.

I wanted them to take the plunge and waddle in the emotion, setting their hearts free.
My heart ached wishing Gracie and Hunter would step up to the plate and feast on the passion that emanates between them. Will these two passionate, sexy people be able to bond together and let their fantasies come to fruition?

Worth the Risk is a book with heat, sexual tension, chemistry, tenderness and love and impossible to put down.
I enjoyed this novel and once again I am late boarding the ship of sensuality and missed book 1 of the Worth It series however I plan to catch up before book 3. :-)

[Dahlia (yadkny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter Worth is not used to being denied anything. From women to expensive cars, he likes to keep it loose and fast. Commitment is definitely not a word in his vocabulary or at least not when it comes to bed partners. What he is committed to is his work and the marketing team that is responsible for Worth Luxury flourishing into a new era. Hunter is determined to keep the company forging ahead and relies on his creative team to support that same goal. However, no one on his team is more brilliant or capable than Gracie Hayes. She is a visionary and vision that he just can't keep his mind off of and after one night of mixing business with pleasure that ended all too abruptly, Hunter has another goal – getting Gracie into his bed. Now he's committed to keeping her in his bed, but he's surprised to find she refuses to stay there.

Gracie Hayes has had a very rough go of life right from the beginning. Being abandoned by her drug-addict mother and bouncing through foster homes are the building blocks that have defined her for way too long. After clawing her way out of several disasters that could have changed her life horribly, Gracie now stands tall for the accomplishments she's achieved particularly while working for Worth Luxury. However, she didn't escape her childhood completely unscathed and has intimacy and trust issues as a result. When her boss Hunter begins his not-so-subtle seduction, Gracie is both excited and afraid. The possibility of it ending in disaster is just too great to ignore, so keeping their affair temporary seems the only way to go. Unknowingly, Hunter begins expecting more from their secretive, casual relationship, but Gracie's life is headed on a collision course with her past, present, and future.

The second story in the Worth It series is very relationship and character driven. Much of the storyline focuses on the growth that Hunter and Gracie go through as individuals and together. Although I enjoyed that aspect and reading their struggles to accept what they've always feared or believed to be impossible, I was a tad disappointed that the scandalous twist involving their working together wasn't explored upon further. Still Hunter and Gracie stole the show with their own drama as they would take one step forward in their physical relationship and two steps back when emotions come in to play. They are both fully aware of their short-comings and too many misunderstandings stand between them, but you still can't help rooting for them while at the same time wanting to shake sense into them. For the most part, the sex scenes are sizzling in the way you would expect from the charmingly, rakish Hunter, but each intimate scene felt a bit stuttered. The graphicness started out great and then waned as the story went along. Nevertheless, they are wonderful snippets of romance, passion, and tenderness that are instantly addicting.

I adore this series and how the Worth family is progressing and expanding. After having been given more Rhett face-time in this story, I am even more anxious to really get to know the misunderstood youngest Worth brother. Readers should definitely read the first in the series to fully enjoy this story, but it could be read as a standalone. Fans of contemporary romance will love these Worth brothers!

Review soon-to-be posted @ Night Owl Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read something other than werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, demons, angels, etc. This book was certainly a fresh start from me.

This book deals with a man who is too occupied with to work and perfection than to commit himself into a relationship, and a woman who will do anything, including quitting her amazing job, to avoid an relationship.

Yeah, you guessed it. They both have commitment issues. Needless to say though, professionally they work very well together. They are so good together on the job that they are amazing outside of it as well. Which kind of bring us to the main issue of the book.

Gracie is scared. She was abandoned by her mother when she was 5 years old and never knew who her father was. She grew up travelling from one foster home to another until she was old enough to work and make a living for herself. She developed a natural fear of people abandoning her, which lead to her so hesitant about the relationship between her and her boss, Hunter.

Hunter has other problems to deal with. He's running a company and is way too busy to be worried about developing a relationship with one of employees, even is she is hot, smart, sexy and independent.

But as we all know, they cannot stop the chemistry between them and all too soon, they have sex and grow very close together.

Here is why I have this book 4 stars:
- first, I liked the pace. For once in my life, I actually enjoyed how they were realizing each other's feelings, testing themselves, fighting the spark between them. I saw it all happening and it wasn't rushed at all.

- Second, I loved Hunter. I found him to be very....emotionally stable. Maybe it's because I am used to seeing men lose themselves to sex and the female heroine way too quickly which causes to like Hunter so much. He knows what he wants. He knows, tried to fight it and rationalizes with himself before taking a step forward. He's smart. He things with his brain, not with his cock (excuse my language). I like men who are confident in their decisions and are responsible. I like it when they don't beat around the bush and go straight for what they want after thinking it through.

- Third, Gracie is an excellent Heroine. Ms. Erickson depicts her character very well in term of mind-set and feelings. Gracie seems like a woman who is afraid of love, which is exactly what abandonment causes people. I like the act that her character made sense; to the her past and the story.

- Fourth, Hunter and Gracie fit together. I feel like they are made for each other and that they complete one another. She makes him think rationally and he ensures stability for her; something she lacks a bit. and let's not forget to mention the really well written love scenes.

I think Mrs. Erickson has done a fabulous job with his contemporary romance and I will definitely read more of her books!

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...


The Worth brothers are well worth the read…pun intended. Book two in the Worth It series is just as steamy and hot as the first, Worth the Scandal. The chemistry between these two stubborn people was burning up my reader and I couldn’t wait for their amazing moments of weakness. I wasn’t kept waiting for long.

Hunter is simply an arrogant womanizing jerk. As the middle man in the trio of brothers, he plays the part well. He's jealous of the baby of the family because of his carelessness and freedom. He's also always trying to prove himself to the elder, never feeling good enough and doesn’t want to be thought of as a burden. Feeling loved, but never quite fitting in, he's just witnessed his big brother fall helplessly in love, and what a fall it was. Hunter's determined to never be a victim of that feeling. The problem is he has an unexpected pull to his co-worker Gracie, which he just can’t deny or satisfy. He didn’t see the warning signs of danger ahead. Hunter's an accident waiting to happen.

Gracie's been alone forever. She was abandoned by her mother at a very young age and grew up in the system. She fought long and hard to get where she is and she will not make the mistake of falling into the bed of her over-sexed boss. But the one kiss they shared continues to haunt her. Could this warm fuzzy feeling be something worth looking into?

Hunter jumps in with a full frontal attack and Gracie never saw it coming. She may have her moments of weakness when it comes to this handsome man, but she stands strong and makes him work for it. It was apparent throughout the book that these two belonged together, but I could still completely understand the barriers they were facing. From the beginning to the end these two have to fight against love and fight for their freedom. It takes almost losing it all, to open their eyes.

My heart went out to these two people. It was almost painful to watch what Hunter had to go through. He was so strung out over his newly discovered feelings, it was poignant. Gracie was an amazingly strong willed woman who had so many inner demons to conquer, I wondered if she would ever make it.

Worth the Risk has amazing pacing, with no lulls and the style of writing was smooth. I was never bored and I didn’t feel rushed at all. The flow from scene to scene was flawless. It’s rare to find a novel that's so perfectly balanced.

Ms. Erickson knows how to write a compelling story that doesn’t allow any room for distractions. This book was hard to put down and kept my attention from beginning to end. So be prepared to spend the whole day with Hunter and Gracie. Worth the Risk made losing my day so Worth It!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Worth the Risk is definitely worth picking up and reading the next story in the Worth It series. Karen Erickson’s second book is the story of Hunter Worth, the middle brother, and vice president and head of the brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods. He’s got his eyes on one member of his team Gracie Hayes. He can’t seem to get her out of his mind the sexy encounter he had with her one day after drinks. She can’t seem to get Hunter out of her head either and that makes this story sweeter in the end because she fights the attraction.

Gracie has had a rough childhood and thinks she’s alone in the world. She’s worked hard to get to where she is today and won’t risk anyone getting in the way of want she wants. She’s never taken a chance on love since she straightened out her life and stopped living so recklessly. Those few kisses she felt with Hunter ignited something inside of her and she fights her attraction to want more than that because she doesn’t think she’s worthy of him.

Hunter’s never felt anything like this for a woman before and he tries his best to pursue her and get her to give in to him. She only allows herself a few nights with him of hot against the wall sex (they never seem to get to the bedroom) because she won’t allow herself to have more because she thinks the pain that she will feel is going to hurt when it is over and he leaves. It’s a shame that she never learned to live in the moment and love those with you in the NOW. It figures it took a tragedy to get her to understand what’s important in life.

Their love story is predictable but I like to see the twist and turns the story takes me. This story you see a little bit more of Rhett, Hunter’s younger brother. Light is shed on Hunter’s true feelings for his younger brother and it makes Hunter more realistic for me. In her own way Gracie is good for Hunter to show him what he should be seeing in both his brothers as individuals and not a narrow view of what the past actions were.

I like this series and would definitely recommend the Worth Brothers.

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge Karen Erickson fan and I always look forward to reading her wonderful romance novels. This time I read Worth the Risk (Worth It), book two in the "Worth It" series. Although it is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. These books are about the hardworking, yet wealthy lifestyle of the Worth brothers; Alex, Hunter and Rhett. This story is about Hunter, the gorgeous middle brother and successful businessman.

Hunter runs the marketing division of Worth Industries. His staff includes Gracie Hayes, a sophisticated, knowledgeable and smart marketing manager. Gracie's instincts and natural abilities to read the market trends prove invaluable time after time. Defying the odds of her upbringing, Gracie is a huge success. She was abandoned by her Mom when she was five and is a product of the foster care system. For the majority of her lie, she has relied solely upon herself for everything and anything.

Gracie has been an employee of Worth for about a year and loves her job. Hunter is her boss and she has been attracted to him from the moment they met. About a month ago, they shared a short, passionate make-out session in the back of a local pub. And from that day on, their lives have never been the same. Both think about each other constantly and relive their passionate encounter.

Working along-side each other platonically, along with some occasional mind-blowing sex, is creating havoc. Both Gracie and Hunter have trouble expressing themselves and communicating their true feelings. Gracie believes she is not good enough for Hunter and pushes him away. Hunter has never experienced being in love and is having difficulty adjusting to needing, as well as wanting someone. Luckily, they are able to work through some relationship barriers and map out a future together.

This is another well-written, spicy romance from Karen Erickson. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and fell in love with Hunter Worth, the hero in book 2 of this series. Hunter is sexy, wealthy and has never chased after a woman, until now. He cannot forget Gracie Hayes after the passionate kiss they shared one drunken night over a month ago. Now, all he can think about as he locks eyes with her at his older brother's wedding is how to get Gracie into his bed. Gracie is having similar thoughts as she remembers that night. The sexual tension between them is so great that they end up having sex back at his place. Their relationship is wrought with emotional uncertainty as they are both afraid to get hurt. I found myself rooting for Hunter because even though he's the guy, he put his heart out there more and tried to turn their relationship into something more. Who could resist a man who wants you so passionately with one glance? I liked that Gracie was a smart, strong, yet vulnerable woman who had a tough life and survived her past, but I wanted to shake her at times when she kept pushing Hunter away due to her feelings of unworthiness and fear of abandonment. I kept on hoping that she would get past her fear before it was too late. It was quite a journey to get to their happy ending which also included jealousy of a younger brother and a bit crazy "long lost" grandma but Hunter and Gracie know having a future together was "worth the risk" and it was worth it for me too. I cannot wait to read Rhett Worth's story in the next book.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

HUNTER BY NAME, HUNTER BY NATURE

After downloading the first book in this series when it was free Worth the Scandal: Worth It: Worth It Series, Book 1. I decided to read the next book. This edition is about the next oldest brother Hunter Worth, head of brand marketing, at Worth luxury goods. Like all of the Worth brothers Hunter has a reputation with the ladies. Just like his two brothers he's tall dark and handsome, charismatic and charming generally gets him what he wants. Except Gracie Hayes. Gracie works at Worth luxury goods, Hunter is her boss. Yes she's attracted to him, but after a few drinks in the pub. They had shared a few hot kisses together. Gracie put a stop to things before they went too far.

Gracie had not had the best of upbringings, she has been hurt in the past. This electric attraction can go nowhere as far as she's concerned. It will just mean more heartache. But Hunter is a determined man.

Another lovely and romantic read from this author. A traditional contemporary romance in every way. I just love the scenario of handsome, rich, playboy boss being brought to his knees. Gracie was a perfect foil for Hunter's self assured arrogance. Even if at times she drove me mad, with her reluctance to give them a chance.

But this is another nice easy read from this author, and a most pleasant way to pass a few hours. The youngest brother Rhett is up next, in his own story Worth the Challenge: Worth It Series, Book 3. I shall certainly be reading this.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Risk is book two in the Worth it series. I enjoyed every moment. I hated to see it end, but I desperately wanted to know how Gracie and Hunter would find their HEA.

Gracie is independent and never wants to get close to anyone, ever. Gracie's decisions to push Hunter away stem from her past. A few times I wanted to shake some sense into her. However, in her defense, I knew what was going on in Hunter's mind and how he felt about her. She didn't have that comfort so her hesitant behavior is justified. She is a vibrant character who is strong.

Hunter doesn't understand how his brother, Alex, can settle down with one woman for the rest of his life, which makes it even better as he falls hard for Gracie. He's the take charge type who has everything in control, but he can control nothing with Gracie.

The chemistry between these two heats up the pages. Hunter is downright yummy. They kept me enthralled. I couldn't put the book down.

I love that more of Rhett, the younger brother, is shown. He's grown in maturity from book one, Worth the Scandal. I can't wait for his book, Worth the Challenge. The glimpse of Rhett is just enough to make you eager for his book.

I recommend this book to any reader looking for a sexy, contemporary romance. Definitely worth reading.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Risk is the second book in the Worth It series. I love Hunter and Gracie together. You can feel the magnetism between them. But, as good as it may be between them, Gracie can't let her guard down. She was abandoned as a child. Went from foster home to foster home. She's had to take care and look out for herself because no one else did. She's never really been loved or cared for. She built this wall around her heart to protect it. She would like to have a loving relationship, but I don't think she feels she's worth it. She continuously pushes Hunter away. I give him so much credit for not giving up. While Hunter wasn't ready to make promises, he was ready to build a relationship. Something he has had no interest in. Hunter Worth was a ladies man. He could get just about any woman he wanted. He wasn't looking for anything serious, but something about Gracie got to him.

I really liked this story. Sometimes I just wanted to reach in and give Gracie a push. The obvious was right in front of her face, but she just couldn't see it. Same with Hunter. I don't think he realized what he felt for her or how strong his emotions were. It will take a life altering experience to get both Hunter and Gracie where they need to be. Once they get there though, it's absolutely beautiful. You can't help but smile and feel their joy.

[Lauren - SERIESous Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked this one a touch more than the first one. I found that Gracie's character wasn't as wish-washy as Tessa (Tessa, in my opinion, confused me because she would think one thing then do another). Gracie was definitely more consistant in her consitution and delivery. I felt that her character background easily explained her actions and thoughts.

To be honest, I didn't really get their connection intially and even as I write this I'm not too sure what it would be other than a physical one. I guess it would be that they could understand each other's feelings but I think that a stronger development in that area would improve the story. Like a majority of romances, the lack of communication between two people plays out in this one. I found it particularly irritating in this story but I felt that based on Gracie's character background I can understand where it stems from so I'll let it pass.

I liked all the plot points; they made me want to continue reading. And I am really excited to read the next one thanks to the set up at the end of this one.

Overall, a quick romantic read that fans of contemporary stories will enjoy.

(Find out if this series is "worth" reading as a whole at my blog: http://seriesousbookreviews.wordpress...)

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty:

4 out of 5 Licks

This is the second book in the Worth It series. We get to know the middle Worth child, Hunter, a little better in this one. Hunter and Gracie hit it off hot and steamy right off the bat in this book but then they both try hard to stay away from each other. But a work trip unites them and allows up to see a softer side to Rhett, the youngest Worth brother-I can't wait for his book!! I seem to really enjoy books where the hero and heroine fight the obvious insane attraction they have with each other. The harder they fight the more I love. lol I especially seem to like it when the woman is the one fighting the attraction. I won't tell you the events that lead up to it but of course they finally give in and wind up happy. I love my time with books. It's such a wonderful escape from the craziness of everyday life. Thank you Karen for writing another enjoyable book and for the future ones I know you are working on now! ;) So um Karen when do I get Rhett's book again? lol

Fine Print: This book was offered to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Amy Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this series a really long time ago with Worth the Scandal and I had really enjoyed the book. I have no idea why it took me so long to continue, but I am so glad that I did. Worth the Risk is simply about a woman (late 20s) who is successful in her career and at a moment of indiscretion makes out with her boss. Well, it's never that simple, is it? She then can't get him out of her mind and he can't get her out of his. There are ghosts from the past that are fighting against them along with those silly life rules that say you shouldn't sleep with your boss. The characters are very well developed. We meet Hunter in the first book and you will fall completely in love with him by the end of this one. We also get more of Alex and Tessa from the first book which really thrilled me. I found the first book story line extremely unique which always thrills me and while this one went more along conventional story lines there were elements that really made it so much more. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series to find out what is going on in Rhett's head - the youngest Worth brother.

[Brandy Dorsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a better read for me then the first Worth book. Hunter is an ass. He doesn't seem to see women as anything other then a distraction. Gracie is attracted to Hunter but knows his game and has no intention of losing her job, or her heart to someone she believes will not stay around. Having been abandoned all her life, she doesn't allow anyone to get close to her.

I think that Gracie needs some serious counseling but I can understand her reluctance with Hunter. She seemed willing to be co-workers with benefits but anytime Hunter tried to get serious she (literally) ran away. Hunter was supposed to be smooth with the ladies but he couldn't seem to make any sense with Gracie. It was nice to see him screw up time and time again.

I would like to know why these girls keep getting pregnant. It seems a little redundant that Gracie gets pregnant, especially since she is supposed to be a little more street smart. All in all, a good book and I would recommend it to anyone that likes a good series read involving brothers.

[HippieWitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to make a strong man fall hard? Refuse him.
Worth It, Book 2

Hunter Worth lives life to the absolute fullest. As vice president and head of brand marketing for Worth Luxury Goods, he's brought his family's business firmly into the twenty-first century. Ruthless yet charming, he's now set his sights on the sexiest member of the marketing team. First thing on his agenda? Seduction.

Gracie Hayes needs her job at Worth-and she's not about to let the gorgeous owner and her direct boss distract her-again. Orphaned, and with a rough childhood behind her, she's worked too hard to compromise everything for a fling, no matter how tempting. Independent, strong and resourceful, she will fight off Hunter. She has to.

Flirting, stolen kisses, a few nights of scorching hot sex... Hunter has all that in mind and more with the delicious Gracie. He never figures he'd fall in love or that she'd deny him. How will Hunter convince Gracie he's the one for her?