What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweetheart, South Carolina #1
The Risk-Taker
Subject: Totally buff ranger Gage Harper
Current Status: Walking wounded—both physically and mentally
Mission: Finally get the girl he could never have
Obstacle: She may just be the biggest risk he's ever taken
All returned POW Gage Harper wants to do is forget, even if he has to let some gym rat beat him to a pulp to do it. He certainly doesn't want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he's no hero…. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop-and she's the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage's romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But now she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she's willing to do anything to get it.
Current Status: Walking wounded—both physically and mentally
Mission: Finally get the girl he could never have
Obstacle: She may just be the biggest risk he's ever taken
All returned POW Gage Harper wants to do is forget, even if he has to let some gym rat beat him to a pulp to do it. He certainly doesn't want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he's no hero…. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop-and she's the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage's romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But now she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she's willing to do anything to get it.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
8 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Kira Sinclair
138 books105 followersDouble winner of the National Readers Choice Award, Kira Sinclair writes passionate contemporary romances. Her first foray into writing fiction was for a high school English assignment, and not even being forced to ready the love story aloud could dampen her enthusiasm...although it did make her blush. She lives in North Alabama with her two amazing daughter, their pet chinchilla and hedgehog. She loves to hear from readers at Kira@Kirasinclair.com or visit her website at www.KiraSinclair.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 8, 2014
Opening Line: “A heavy fist connected with this jaw.”
The Risk Taker is part of Harlequin's “uniformly hot” series and well I’ll be honest, the cover caught my eye! Then after reading the blurb I was hooked because I’m a bit of a sucker when it comes to the tortured heroes plus in this case we also have a reunited lovers theme which is another one of my fav’s -well let’s just say reunited they never actually made it to the lovers part all those years ago, not for lack of trying on the heroes part.
Anyways with all that going for it I wish I could say I liked this more but for some reason I just never engaged with the story. The premise and opening chapters are great; Gage Harper returns to his hometown from Afghanistan after a high profile rescue from Taliban insurgents. Blaming himself for a mission gone WAY wrong resulting in his teams capture, torture and the fact that his best buddy is now in hospital minus a limb. Gage has a lot of guilt to live with and is dealing with it by allowing his opponent beat the crap out of him in the underground (full contact) boxing ring. Every news agency in the country now wants his story and Gage finds himself an instant celebrity but all he wants is to be left alone and the blessed numbness the next blow to his face will provide.
Enter Hope Rawlings willing to do just about anything to get his story as it will guarantee her dream job with the Atlanta Courier and a way to get out of her hometown. As Hope puts it “Gage Harper was her ticket out of Sweetheart” She’s also willing to use her IN that none of the other reporters have, She and Gage grew up together in fact they were best friends right up until he enlisted and stupidly told her he loved her, they haven’t spoken since and now she’s got to make sure he doesn’t get himself killed at “Fightclub” before she gets her story.
So like I said the first few chapters are great but as soon as the story takes us back into the town of Sweetheart “where Valentine’s Day was sacred and folks started celebrating a week in advance” it started to lose me. There was a fair amount of world building done here –is that right? I don’t know, but we meet a bunch of family members and get their back stories while Gage and Hope dance around each other and help prepare for Valentine’s day which includes a “Cupid couples week” that the two are paired up for.
One of the other problems I had was with the writing and maybe this is just me but Kira Sinclair spends a lot of time with internal dialogue, so much so that kept having to go back to figure out what they the hell they were talking about or what question was being answered. They even manage to have a full-on conversation complete with about a page of internal dialogue during an oral sex on the kitchen counter scene (it is Blaze after all). I'm thinking really; they said all that with her Va-jay-jay two inches in front of his face?
Anyways Gage is still all kinds of awesome as our hero riding around on his Harley and pining over his childhood love, all muscled up and full of angst, trying to forgive himself. And I really enjoyed the buildup to the love scene that takes place at the bowling alley, who knew bowling alleys could be so hot?
There are some good moments towards the end too where Hope explains why she was never able to return Gage’s love before and ultimately had to let him go. Cheers.
The Risk Taker is part of Harlequin's “uniformly hot” series and well I’ll be honest, the cover caught my eye! Then after reading the blurb I was hooked because I’m a bit of a sucker when it comes to the tortured heroes plus in this case we also have a reunited lovers theme which is another one of my fav’s -well let’s just say reunited they never actually made it to the lovers part all those years ago, not for lack of trying on the heroes part.
Anyways with all that going for it I wish I could say I liked this more but for some reason I just never engaged with the story. The premise and opening chapters are great; Gage Harper returns to his hometown from Afghanistan after a high profile rescue from Taliban insurgents. Blaming himself for a mission gone WAY wrong resulting in his teams capture, torture and the fact that his best buddy is now in hospital minus a limb. Gage has a lot of guilt to live with and is dealing with it by allowing his opponent beat the crap out of him in the underground (full contact) boxing ring. Every news agency in the country now wants his story and Gage finds himself an instant celebrity but all he wants is to be left alone and the blessed numbness the next blow to his face will provide.
Enter Hope Rawlings willing to do just about anything to get his story as it will guarantee her dream job with the Atlanta Courier and a way to get out of her hometown. As Hope puts it “Gage Harper was her ticket out of Sweetheart” She’s also willing to use her IN that none of the other reporters have, She and Gage grew up together in fact they were best friends right up until he enlisted and stupidly told her he loved her, they haven’t spoken since and now she’s got to make sure he doesn’t get himself killed at “Fightclub” before she gets her story.
So like I said the first few chapters are great but as soon as the story takes us back into the town of Sweetheart “where Valentine’s Day was sacred and folks started celebrating a week in advance” it started to lose me. There was a fair amount of world building done here –is that right? I don’t know, but we meet a bunch of family members and get their back stories while Gage and Hope dance around each other and help prepare for Valentine’s day which includes a “Cupid couples week” that the two are paired up for.
One of the other problems I had was with the writing and maybe this is just me but Kira Sinclair spends a lot of time with internal dialogue, so much so that kept having to go back to figure out what they the hell they were talking about or what question was being answered. They even manage to have a full-on conversation complete with about a page of internal dialogue during an oral sex on the kitchen counter scene (it is Blaze after all). I'm thinking really; they said all that with her Va-jay-jay two inches in front of his face?
Anyways Gage is still all kinds of awesome as our hero riding around on his Harley and pining over his childhood love, all muscled up and full of angst, trying to forgive himself. And I really enjoyed the buildup to the love scene that takes place at the bowling alley, who knew bowling alleys could be so hot?
There are some good moments towards the end too where Hope explains why she was never able to return Gage’s love before and ultimately had to let him go. Cheers.
April 11, 2017
The Risk-Taker is a story about how childhood friends Gage and Hope was able to rekindle their love when Gage returns home to Sweetheart, North Carolina. However, like all true romances, it never runs smoothly. Readers of Risk-Taker will follow the twist and turns of Gage and Hope's bubbling romance. Kira Sinclair portrayal of her characters in Risk-Taker will make you laugh and at times cry.
Readers of Risk-Taker will learn about the problems that POW's had when they came back home to their families and friends. Kira Sinclair makes the readers of Risk-Taker realise that parents were young and restless once too. Also, reading Risk-Taker, you learn about the importance of using helmets when riding a motorbike and the consequences when you do not.
I recommend this book.
Readers of Risk-Taker will learn about the problems that POW's had when they came back home to their families and friends. Kira Sinclair makes the readers of Risk-Taker realise that parents were young and restless once too. Also, reading Risk-Taker, you learn about the importance of using helmets when riding a motorbike and the consequences when you do not.
I recommend this book.
December 9, 2012
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Subject: Totally buff ranger Gage Harper Current Status: Walking wounded—both physically and mentally
Mission: Finally get the girl he could never have
Obstacle: She may just be the biggest risk he's ever taken
All returned POW Gage Harper wants to do is forget, even if he has to let some gym rat beat him to a pulp to do it. He certainly doesn't want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he's no hero…. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop-and she's the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage's romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But now she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she's willing to do anything to get it.
REVIEW: You know, I’ve never read a book of Ms. Sinclair’s and if anyone follows the amount of reading I do, do, you’d understand that as a shocker. Reading over 125 books a year, I opened this one and for the rare times I am able to say this, couldn’t put it down!
The premises and plot of this story was unbelievable, and in a good way! I loved the in-depth characterization Kira was able to develop and found the building of the relationship between the hero and heroine just right. It wasn’t too rushed, nor did you feel like things were dragging out.
In my experience the whole childhood love thing is often looked at as overused, but that wasn’t the case in this piece. It was all very well played out and I found my heart aching for them both. It took me about four hours to read this and when I was done, I wanted to read it all over again.
If you are looking for great action, read-worthy angst, and hot, sensually raw scenes, then pick this one up! I’ll warn you now though, have the fan and ice ready though, because this gets HOT!
Five out of five stars for a job well done.
Subject: Totally buff ranger Gage Harper Current Status: Walking wounded—both physically and mentally
Mission: Finally get the girl he could never have
Obstacle: She may just be the biggest risk he's ever taken
All returned POW Gage Harper wants to do is forget, even if he has to let some gym rat beat him to a pulp to do it. He certainly doesn't want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he's no hero…. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop-and she's the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage's romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But now she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she's willing to do anything to get it.
REVIEW: You know, I’ve never read a book of Ms. Sinclair’s and if anyone follows the amount of reading I do, do, you’d understand that as a shocker. Reading over 125 books a year, I opened this one and for the rare times I am able to say this, couldn’t put it down!
The premises and plot of this story was unbelievable, and in a good way! I loved the in-depth characterization Kira was able to develop and found the building of the relationship between the hero and heroine just right. It wasn’t too rushed, nor did you feel like things were dragging out.
In my experience the whole childhood love thing is often looked at as overused, but that wasn’t the case in this piece. It was all very well played out and I found my heart aching for them both. It took me about four hours to read this and when I was done, I wanted to read it all over again.
If you are looking for great action, read-worthy angst, and hot, sensually raw scenes, then pick this one up! I’ll warn you now though, have the fan and ice ready though, because this gets HOT!
Five out of five stars for a job well done.
July 25, 2020
Gage Harper is a POW come back to Sweetheart, SC a hero. He's mainly avoided seeing Hope, his childhood friend and crush who rejected him horribly right before he enlisted. But she seeks him out because she's a journalist and desperately wants an interview on his experience so that she can get a job at a bigger paper. Gage refuses outright, but Hope isn't quitting. And Gage figures he'll use her determination and constant presence to finally get her into bed where he's always wanted her. But once he finally gets Hope to accept him and he's head over heels for her once again, he's reminded that she has an agenda and starts wondering if she isn't using him for her own ambitions.
This is a sort of trope that is tricky to pull off...the romance while one partner wants something from the other kinda thing. At least in this case, Hope is up front about what she wants (though it kinda sucks that the only reason she went to see Gage in the first place was for an interview, but in fairness he hadn't said one word to her in 12 years). The only "deceit" on Hope's part is that she manipulates situations so that she can be with Gage and initially maybe thinks of using what she learns, but never without his permission. But she still feels guilty so when Gage confronts her about using him, he interprets her guilt incorrectly. So, yeah, this was done nicely because I didn't feel like Hope was lying and I didn't feel like she actually was using Gage at any point. But this was kind of a side-plot sort of thing. They had another point of contention in their relationship. See, Gage is something of a risk-taker and it's kinda one of the reasons that Hope rejected him in the first place...because he told her he loved her at the same time he said he was enlisting in the army. Well, Hope knew that wouldn't end well with his need to take risks, so she protected herself by rejecting him (which apparently hurt him quite a lot, although I got the impression that he was a playboy teenager and hadn't exactly been pining for her). Well, she conveniently forgets this reason for not entering a relationship with him until it comes back to bite her in the ass. Fortunately for her, Gage claims that Hope cures him of his risk-taking needs so they can be HEA. Not sure I'm buying that, but it's a convenient excuse for him to finally settle down. Overall a good story with an introduction to the next characters coming up - Lexi, Willow and Tatum (Lexi mostly...she's intriguing.)
This is a sort of trope that is tricky to pull off...the romance while one partner wants something from the other kinda thing. At least in this case, Hope is up front about what she wants (though it kinda sucks that the only reason she went to see Gage in the first place was for an interview, but in fairness he hadn't said one word to her in 12 years). The only "deceit" on Hope's part is that she manipulates situations so that she can be with Gage and initially maybe thinks of using what she learns, but never without his permission. But she still feels guilty so when Gage confronts her about using him, he interprets her guilt incorrectly. So, yeah, this was done nicely because I didn't feel like Hope was lying and I didn't feel like she actually was using Gage at any point. But this was kind of a side-plot sort of thing. They had another point of contention in their relationship. See, Gage is something of a risk-taker and it's kinda one of the reasons that Hope rejected him in the first place...because he told her he loved her at the same time he said he was enlisting in the army. Well, Hope knew that wouldn't end well with his need to take risks, so she protected herself by rejecting him (which apparently hurt him quite a lot, although I got the impression that he was a playboy teenager and hadn't exactly been pining for her). Well, she conveniently forgets this reason for not entering a relationship with him until it comes back to bite her in the ass. Fortunately for her, Gage claims that Hope cures him of his risk-taking needs so they can be HEA. Not sure I'm buying that, but it's a convenient excuse for him to finally settle down. Overall a good story with an introduction to the next characters coming up - Lexi, Willow and Tatum (Lexi mostly...she's intriguing.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
I'll keep this short and sweet just like this book. The premise reminded me a lot of vixen and the vet by the ever lovely katy regnery. Interestingly enough this book was the opposite of most of my reads of late in that the writing was less structurally sound (not spelling wise but the sentence structure was often awkward) but I got really drawn into the characters and their lives. However everything felt sort of shallow and glossed over and the change of hearts happy ending happened way too fast. We get some nitty gritty details but it doesnt have a lot of emotional impact, same thing with their recounting of their past. I think flashbacks would've been a much better way to lay out those scenes. I liked this couple together but the romance felt a bit rushed. The sex scenes though were pure magic-beautifully written, filled with emotion, and steam up the windows sensual. Both of the characters seemed nice enough but I really didn't get much of a sense of who they were apart from each other.
Bottom line: This was a lovely little book and though it left some to be desired i'd still recommend it because the ending was definitely awwww worthy. If you loved vixen you might not like this one because katy brings a very similar story to a level mere mortal authors can't touch but if you like this definitely go check vixen out....or even if you didn't like this one do it anyways :D
Bottom line: This was a lovely little book and though it left some to be desired i'd still recommend it because the ending was definitely awwww worthy. If you loved vixen you might not like this one because katy brings a very similar story to a level mere mortal authors can't touch but if you like this definitely go check vixen out....or even if you didn't like this one do it anyways :D
February 22, 2013
I simply love boxing and boxing without rules is even better. This book is going to be fun reading it. All right I finished it much slower than I expected. The story was pretty much simple. One about a military guy who has been captured and tortured and then somehow gets out, returns to his hometown. He realised he is to be blamed for his team's capture. Back home he is in bhi trouble. His best friend has stayed on and she is the one he has been wanting forever and measuring everyone up against. Their romantic fires rekindle and now is the time to take a decision. Of course there's more to the story but I'm hoping you readers would find out. All in all it was a good read. It bt least kept me reading it and finishing in one go though it does drag towards the middle. I think its a good read for those tiny breaks we need in our daily stressed lives.
December 9, 2012
Her damaged warrior
His childhood sweetheart
The minute Gage returns to Sweetheart his home town he realizes that not only can he not have the woman of his fantasies but he also won't have a single moment of privacy. Journalists are out to get his story of what happened to him as a POW, including his high school sweetheart.
Read my complete review on Harlequin Junkie
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
His childhood sweetheart
The minute Gage returns to Sweetheart his home town he realizes that not only can he not have the woman of his fantasies but he also won't have a single moment of privacy. Journalists are out to get his story of what happened to him as a POW, including his high school sweetheart.
Read my complete review on Harlequin Junkie
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
June 14, 2018
It was a bit of a slog for me to get through this one. Hopefully, that was partly setting up the series. I may read the next one in the series but I'm not sure.
I'm not a huge fan of angsty heroes and heroines so that was a negative for me. The heroine was supposed to be a strong character, but she just seemed to whine about being stuck in her hometown. If you like internal drama, silent angsty heroes, and lots of hot sex, this is for you. But it really wasn't for me.
I'm not a huge fan of angsty heroes and heroines so that was a negative for me. The heroine was supposed to be a strong character, but she just seemed to whine about being stuck in her hometown. If you like internal drama, silent angsty heroes, and lots of hot sex, this is for you. But it really wasn't for me.
April 17, 2021
Easy to read, with a fairly predictable storyline. Nice fluffy read, but not for the kids.
February 6, 2013
I'm all about military men so I was pretty stoked to read this book. I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read this book because the cover was just so yummy that I couldn't pass it up. Add to the fact that the hero was a POW, yeah my interest in this book was sky high.
So I went into this book, very interested in getting to know the hero and meet the kind of a woman that would snare this very troubled hero's attention. There has to be a special kind of woman that would catch his attention, right?
Well, let's just say that Hope got onto my shit list early on and had to dig her way out but even after all was said and done, I didn't really like her and it had a lot to do with the fact that she was a reporter, looking for a story and that story was Gage.
Gage and Hope were best friends growing up. They did everything together and Gage was not shy about letting Hope know he was way interested in being more than just friends. He asked her out time after time and Hope turned him down, each and every single time. At first, Hope thought that he was just kidding and she refused to be one of the string of girls that Gage took up with but the last time that he asked her out, asked her to take a chance on him, she turned him down and it broke his heart.
I understood why she turned him down but what I didn't understand was why she wasn't up front with him about why she turned him down. They were best friends. He just professed his love for you and you said no. A good best friend would have told him why, all of the why and not just what suited you at the time. He was heading out to the military, to put his life on the line and you were scared that he wouldn't come back. You were scared of losing him the way that you lost your mother, alright...TELL HIM! But nope, she didn't do any of that, she just let him go off and think that he wasn't good enough for her so off he goes to war.
Now he's back in town, recuperating from being a prisoner of war and he's obviously dealing with some major shit but he's not talking about it with anyone. He's not ready to tell the story to reporters, he's not holding any interviews because he went through some major shit overseas and just wants to be left alone....but no, Hope needs that story and she's going to get it. No matter what she has to do to get it.
Everything ends the way that it's supposed to end but the way that Hope handled everything surrounding Gage and the story and well, everything left a sour taste in my mouth and though I didn't absolutely hate this book, I didn't love it either. I did like getting to know Gage and I really liked his family, especially Lexie but Hope left a lot to be desired in a heroine.
Grade: 2.75 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena.
So I went into this book, very interested in getting to know the hero and meet the kind of a woman that would snare this very troubled hero's attention. There has to be a special kind of woman that would catch his attention, right?
Well, let's just say that Hope got onto my shit list early on and had to dig her way out but even after all was said and done, I didn't really like her and it had a lot to do with the fact that she was a reporter, looking for a story and that story was Gage.
Gage and Hope were best friends growing up. They did everything together and Gage was not shy about letting Hope know he was way interested in being more than just friends. He asked her out time after time and Hope turned him down, each and every single time. At first, Hope thought that he was just kidding and she refused to be one of the string of girls that Gage took up with but the last time that he asked her out, asked her to take a chance on him, she turned him down and it broke his heart.
I understood why she turned him down but what I didn't understand was why she wasn't up front with him about why she turned him down. They were best friends. He just professed his love for you and you said no. A good best friend would have told him why, all of the why and not just what suited you at the time. He was heading out to the military, to put his life on the line and you were scared that he wouldn't come back. You were scared of losing him the way that you lost your mother, alright...TELL HIM! But nope, she didn't do any of that, she just let him go off and think that he wasn't good enough for her so off he goes to war.
Now he's back in town, recuperating from being a prisoner of war and he's obviously dealing with some major shit but he's not talking about it with anyone. He's not ready to tell the story to reporters, he's not holding any interviews because he went through some major shit overseas and just wants to be left alone....but no, Hope needs that story and she's going to get it. No matter what she has to do to get it.
Everything ends the way that it's supposed to end but the way that Hope handled everything surrounding Gage and the story and well, everything left a sour taste in my mouth and though I didn't absolutely hate this book, I didn't love it either. I did like getting to know Gage and I really liked his family, especially Lexie but Hope left a lot to be desired in a heroine.
Grade: 2.75 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena.
October 31, 2013
I’m all about military men so I was pretty stoked to read this book. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to read this book because the cover was just so yummy that I couldn’t pass it up. Add to the fact that the hero was a POW, yeah my interest in this book was sky high.
So I went into this book, very interested in getting to know the hero and meet the kind of a woman that would snare this very troubled hero’s attention. There has to be a special kind of woman that would catch his attention, right?
Well, let’s just say that Hope got onto my shit list early on and had to dig her way out but even after all was said and done, I didn’t really like her and it had a lot to do with the fact that she was a reporter, looking for a story and that story was Gage.
Gage and Hope were best friends growing up. They did everything together and Gage was not shy about letting Hope know he was way interested in being more than just friends. He asked her out time after time and Hope turned him down, each and every single time. At first, Hope thought that he was just kidding and she refused to be one of the string of girls that Gage took up with but the last time that he asked her out, asked her to take a chance on him, she turned him down and it broke his heart.
I understood why she turned him down but what I didn’t understand was why she wasn’t up front with him about why she turned him down. They were best friends. He just professed his love for you and you said no. A good best friend would have told him why, all of the why and not just what suited you at the time. He was heading out to the military, to put his life on the line and you were scared that he wouldn’t come back. You were scared of losing him the way that you lost your mother, alright…TELL HIM! But nope, she didn’t do any of that, she just let him go off and think that he wasn’t good enough for her so off he goes to war.
Now he’s back in town, recuperating from being a prisoner of war and he’s obviously dealing with some major shit but he’s not talking about it with anyone. He’s not ready to tell the story to reporters, he’s not holding any interviews because he went through some major shit overseas and just wants to be left alone….but no, Hope needs that story and she’s going to get it. No matter what she has to do to get it.
Everything ends the way that it’s supposed to end but the way that Hope handled everything surrounding Gage and the story and well, everything left a sour taste in my mouth and though I didn’t absolutely hate this book, I didn’t love it either. I did like getting to know Gage and I really liked his family, especially Lexie but Hope left a lot to be desired in a heroine.
So I went into this book, very interested in getting to know the hero and meet the kind of a woman that would snare this very troubled hero’s attention. There has to be a special kind of woman that would catch his attention, right?
Well, let’s just say that Hope got onto my shit list early on and had to dig her way out but even after all was said and done, I didn’t really like her and it had a lot to do with the fact that she was a reporter, looking for a story and that story was Gage.
Gage and Hope were best friends growing up. They did everything together and Gage was not shy about letting Hope know he was way interested in being more than just friends. He asked her out time after time and Hope turned him down, each and every single time. At first, Hope thought that he was just kidding and she refused to be one of the string of girls that Gage took up with but the last time that he asked her out, asked her to take a chance on him, she turned him down and it broke his heart.
I understood why she turned him down but what I didn’t understand was why she wasn’t up front with him about why she turned him down. They were best friends. He just professed his love for you and you said no. A good best friend would have told him why, all of the why and not just what suited you at the time. He was heading out to the military, to put his life on the line and you were scared that he wouldn’t come back. You were scared of losing him the way that you lost your mother, alright…TELL HIM! But nope, she didn’t do any of that, she just let him go off and think that he wasn’t good enough for her so off he goes to war.
Now he’s back in town, recuperating from being a prisoner of war and he’s obviously dealing with some major shit but he’s not talking about it with anyone. He’s not ready to tell the story to reporters, he’s not holding any interviews because he went through some major shit overseas and just wants to be left alone….but no, Hope needs that story and she’s going to get it. No matter what she has to do to get it.
Everything ends the way that it’s supposed to end but the way that Hope handled everything surrounding Gage and the story and well, everything left a sour taste in my mouth and though I didn’t absolutely hate this book, I didn’t love it either. I did like getting to know Gage and I really liked his family, especially Lexie but Hope left a lot to be desired in a heroine.
December 28, 2012
Copied from my blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/201...
Gage Harper returns to his hometown, Valentine, after being rescued from a horrific experience in Afghanistan. Now a hero and instant celebrity, he has to learn how to deal with his emotions. Running into Hope Rawlings, his childhood best friend and crush, he discovers that his love for her has never died. He has to convince her to want him as much as he wants her. Lucky for him, they are paired up in the city's Cupid Couples week, where they are forced to spend time together. Little did he know that Hope paid to be paired up with him, because as a journalist, she wants his story - and only his story - if only her heart wouldn't get in the way.
What a wonderful story with real characters and real emotions. Of course, since this is a Blaze, there are some hot scenes that I could read over and over. Gage is a likeable hero with pure Alpha tendencies. However, his hurt and pain is so true that I want to reach into the book and hug him myself. A real wounded soldier in need of some tenderness which is given by Hope.
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories. This one won't disappoint!
Gage Harper returns to his hometown, Valentine, after being rescued from a horrific experience in Afghanistan. Now a hero and instant celebrity, he has to learn how to deal with his emotions. Running into Hope Rawlings, his childhood best friend and crush, he discovers that his love for her has never died. He has to convince her to want him as much as he wants her. Lucky for him, they are paired up in the city's Cupid Couples week, where they are forced to spend time together. Little did he know that Hope paid to be paired up with him, because as a journalist, she wants his story - and only his story - if only her heart wouldn't get in the way.
What a wonderful story with real characters and real emotions. Of course, since this is a Blaze, there are some hot scenes that I could read over and over. Gage is a likeable hero with pure Alpha tendencies. However, his hurt and pain is so true that I want to reach into the book and hug him myself. A real wounded soldier in need of some tenderness which is given by Hope.
I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories. This one won't disappoint!
January 28, 2015
3 Stars –
The Risk-Taker
is an adult contemporary/military romance by Kira Sinclair, and part of the Harlequin Blaze
Uniformly Hot!
series. The Few. The Proud. The Sexy as Hell!
All Army Ranger Gage Harper wants to do is forget. A former POW, he certainly doesn’t want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he’s no hero. If he hadn’t taken unnecessary risks and pushed his team straight into a trap, his buddy wouldn’t be lying in a hospital bed looking at months of rehab, learning to live without a limb and the possibility that his military career was over. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop—and she’s the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage’s romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she’s willing to do anything to get it.
I just love a man in uniform! The Risk-Taker is a fun, sexy, steamy read with a satisfying HEA, perfect for the beach or a lazy afternoon.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex, and oral.
All Army Ranger Gage Harper wants to do is forget. A former POW, he certainly doesn’t want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he’s no hero. If he hadn’t taken unnecessary risks and pushed his team straight into a trap, his buddy wouldn’t be lying in a hospital bed looking at months of rehab, learning to live without a limb and the possibility that his military career was over. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop—and she’s the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.
Hope Rawlings never took Gage’s romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she’s willing to do anything to get it.
I just love a man in uniform! The Risk-Taker is a fun, sexy, steamy read with a satisfying HEA, perfect for the beach or a lazy afternoon.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex, and oral.
February 5, 2013
This book tell the story of Gage, who is back to his hometown from his enlistment wounded and tortured, found himself to be in the centre of attraction where every journalists wanted a piece of his story included Hope, his first love (still is!). Hope, who afraid of love and being loved has rejected his love in their younger days, has always wanted to trade her hometown for bigger city. And the opportunity present itself where she have to produce Gage’s story as a condition in order to get her dream job with Atlanta Courier. Hence, she paid to path the way for herself to be his partner during a cupid event where they get to be together to discover each other.
Overall, It is a refreshing new story of a wounded warrior and his childhood sweetheart and their love journey together. Moreover, the main character in this book is very lovable.
Overall, It is a refreshing new story of a wounded warrior and his childhood sweetheart and their love journey together. Moreover, the main character in this book is very lovable.
December 5, 2015
What I liked
Well we have military men, isn't that enough? No? Okay we have a wounded war hero, a life long unreciprocated love and a stupid girl who is afraid to commit and makes a full of herself because of it. Still not enough? What about betrayal, guilt and fistfights? Ahh got you there didn't I? Well what are you waiting go read the dang book...
What I didn't like
I ended up to fast!! Was it that short or was I that unable to put it down? *puzzled*
Overall
I loved the story and the characters. There was something about this wounded man that got to me. Maybe because many of my cousins and one of my brothers are in the military. At some point in the story I was misty eyed which I love in a romantic story. As for that ending I could have leaped into the book and smack the crap outta her!!
Well we have military men, isn't that enough? No? Okay we have a wounded war hero, a life long unreciprocated love and a stupid girl who is afraid to commit and makes a full of herself because of it. Still not enough? What about betrayal, guilt and fistfights? Ahh got you there didn't I? Well what are you waiting go read the dang book...
What I didn't like
I ended up to fast!! Was it that short or was I that unable to put it down? *puzzled*
Overall
I loved the story and the characters. There was something about this wounded man that got to me. Maybe because many of my cousins and one of my brothers are in the military. At some point in the story I was misty eyed which I love in a romantic story. As for that ending I could have leaped into the book and smack the crap outta her!!
January 27, 2013
love, love, love military books..& the spicier the better...being a military wife, these stories hit home for me of the frustration of the military husband almost never being home & how to handle the soldier when he does finally get here...great story, lots of sizzle...read this in 3 hours....Harlequin has renewed my faith in them with this story...a must read....
December 25, 2012
Book provided by the publisher.
An enjoyable read. I always seem to be draw to the wounded ones and gage was no exception. With scars inside and out he made a compelling character.
Its a quite romantic and sweet read, great plot. Kept me glued
An enjoyable read. I always seem to be draw to the wounded ones and gage was no exception. With scars inside and out he made a compelling character.
Its a quite romantic and sweet read, great plot. Kept me glued
February 11, 2013
This is a character- and plot-driven romance, which made me very happy. The smut was barely there, and very tastefully written. I loved both Gage and Hope, though Hope did drive me bonkers with her insecurities at times. And I soooo wanted a Gage of my own. :P
December 7, 2012
This story made me think, cry, laugh, and well... other things. And very rarely does a blaze make me feel and do all of the above. Highly recommend this book. Great Job, Kira!
December 15, 2012
A wounded SEAL, a love that got away, and a friendship that made it all sweet.... I loved this book!
Read
August 14, 2017Miniseries: Uniformly Hot!
Category: Passion
New Look!
Category: Passion
New Look!
January 20, 2013
Not bad for a $3 romance.
April 28, 2013
loved it!
July 21, 2013
Hope and Gage were an great couple.
May 26, 2013
a quick fun read.
December 19, 2013
Exactly what I was looking for right now...a light romance that I'd be able to put down easily when I was busy with other things.
September 20, 2013
made me cry. 4 stars. :')
September 5, 2013
I liked the story, the writing was good. It was just predictable. Nothing crazy or exciting.
December 21, 2013
Very hot & sexy story, had me hooked!
February 21, 2014
What not to love about this book!? Hot military guy, romance in the South!
Would have been a 5 star except the ending kind of was a let down.
Would have been a 5 star except the ending kind of was a let down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews