The Risks We Take Duet

The Risk We Take Duet #1-2

by Bella Matthews

From USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a Brother’s Best Friend, Forbidden, Star-Crossed Lovers Romance.

Cooper Sinclair is everything I’ve ever wanted, and nothing I could ever have.

He’s cocky and confident, with a sinfully sexy smile and a heart of gold hidden under a chiseled chest. He’s also completely clueless about the way my heart speeds up every time he’s near. Because this man is an entire parade full of red flags.

My brother’s best friend—Flag number one.

A Navy SEAL who moved across the country to risk his life every day—Flag number two.

My new step-brother—Flag number three, four, and five.

After years spent convincing myself we could never work, it only takes one look, one searing kiss, and one forbidden night to unravel everything I thought I knew.

It also only takes one day to shatter it all…

*The Risks We Take Duet Box set contains Worth The Risk, Worth The Fight, and a brand new additional bonus short story Worth It All*

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Emotional, Romantic Suspense, Forbidden Romance, New Adult

639 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2024

Reviews

[Bella Matthews]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/trwtdbs

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/trwtdbsgr

*The Risks We Take Duet Box set contains Worth The Risk, Worth The Fight, and a brand new additional bonus short story Worth It All*

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Worth the Risk was my first Bella Matthews book I read about two years ago. I have since read every book she has written, so to go back to my beginning was a treat. This current book is both books in the duet plus a bonus story at the end. Getting the entire journey of Cooper and Carys story.

A book that will tear your heart to shreds and put it back together, as these two are meant to be together, but getting there is messy and complicated. Family drama, angst, life changing news, all could have derailed them, but these two love each other.

The connection that Carys and Cooper share is a once in a lifetime, but it will take a risk or two to get to their HEA.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper my favorite

This book was wonderful. And the little extras at the end where the best. I loved this author Bella knows how to write

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

Coop and Carys will live in my brain rent free forever. This is a reread (with new material) and dear lord, their story hits even harder the second time.

I mean it ripped my heart out but I still wanted to thank Bella for ruining me and still beg her for more.

🩵 Angsty Romance
🩵 Alpha Hero
🩵 Secret Relationship
🩵 Forbidden
🩵 Brother’s Best Friend
🩵 Step-siblings

You know those stories that have you screaming that the couple are soulmates…. Well that’s Coop and Carys. They have so much to go through to be together but each up and down is absolutely worth it.

I was an emotional puddle the first time I read it, I’m and emotional puddle now that I’ve reread t and I cannot rec omens this story enough.

This was the story for me where Bella went from an author I liked a lot to an author I would follow to the ends of the earth and o will always, always recommend this duet.

Also yay for the extra short story because my heart needed that 🩵

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read Worth The Risk and Worth The Fight when they released over two years, but my heart is so happy revisiting these characters along with the added short story at the end to see what happens after the HEA for these two! This is still my favorite book(s) of Bella’s!

“Loving you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It was everything else that got in the way because I let it. But I’m not going to make that mistake twice.”

We have seen both Cooper and Carys in previous books. Cooper is the brother of Nattie and Declan and Carys is Aiden's sister. Carys's mom and Cooper's dad got married years prior, making them stepsiblings.

Carys has been in love with Cooper for over four years - dating back to BEFORE their parents got married and Cooper was just her brother’s best friend. Cooper went into the Navy right after high school and is doing exactly what he is meant to be doing – the Navy has always been his number one priority. Carys and Cooper see each other at a bar as soon as Cooper returns home from deployment - their first time seeing each other in years. Sparks instantly fly. Even though they both know it is wrong, they can't stay away from each other. They go through many tribes and tribulations throughout this duet and I don’t want to say too much. This book is best gone into blind.

God, the conclusion to their story was super emotional. Carys and Cooper go through so much in order to get their HEA. It is hard fought, gritty, and heartbreaking. But these two come out the other side and we get to see them live out their biggest dreams together!

I absolutely adored Cooper in the previous books and was SO looking forward to his book more than anyone else's. I loved seeing him with Carys - he is the epitome of an amazing boyfriend. The connection that they both have, and the chemistry is just off the charts. Their love is one that is forbidden in all the ways, but that same love is what outshines everything else. The two of them deserve all the love and happiness that is due their way.

[Amundeep Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered Bella Matthew and the first book I’ve read of hers was Tempting. Since I started the books with the new generation it was a little weird reading about Nixon and Callen as kids but I was interested in Cooper and Carys story since I read about them in Redeeming. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions especially with all that occurs and the hardships they both had to deal with. I cried, I felt joy and I was on the edge of my seat with this book. I really related with Carys medical journey and I loved the PCOS representation. As a person who has struggled for years not receiving a diagnosis about what is going on with my body I really felt like I could relate to Carys. I especially understood her worry about the potential struggle with conceiving and carrying to term. Coopers reaction to Carys at the end of book one, Worth the Risk, was not what I was expecting and I was so upset. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait to find out next what happened and why copper reacted to the way he did. I can’t wait to read all the stories Bella has written about this family.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Duet in Single Book
Author: Bella Matthews
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 4/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Cooper and Carys
Trope(s): Forbidden, Stepsiblings, Military, Second Chance

“I Love him, coach. I have for years. But I knew I wasn’t supposed to. I knew everyone would think it was wrong.” I knew in my heart it wasn’t, but everyone else would have tried to push us apart.

“Love is never wrong, Carys. It’s complicated.” He sighs. “Between The two of you, more so than most. But it’s not wrong.”

Changing The Game and Ending The Game have been combined into one book. This book is connected with characters from Bella’s Kings Of Kroydon Hills and Restless Kings Series. So, if you have been keeping up with all of Bella’s words- Cooper and Carys are not new to you. This story takes us to the past and the beginning of their story. The way Bella builds the story, weaves the words, draws me in and has me completely invested to the point of madness had me hooked from the first chapter.

Carys Murphyis in her first year of college at San Diego University of Fine Arts. She is a far way from her hometown of Kroydon Hills, Pennsylvania. And, it’s completely deliberate. Wanting to break free from her loving family and figure out her future.

Cooper is a Navy Seal and is stationed in San Diego. As he enjoys finishing a seven month deployment with his team at a local bar, his gaze is transfixed on the stage as the band gets going. Because the singer is none other than Carys, his best friend's little sister and his stepsister.

And, what Cooper doesn’t know is just how deep Carys feelings run or the fact that he is the major reason she decided in San Diego for college.

Their lives become even more interconnected through their San Diego friends and when Carys moves just doors down from Cooper and friends the real complications begin.

Being in close proximity, away from the prying eyes and opinions of their families, they begin to explore how they feel for one another.

But, their family situation is complicated. Carys feels at a crossroads between school and her budding business with her partner and friend Chloe. Add in Cooper leaving at a moment's notice when duty calls. However, there is no denying how intense their connection is.

Then life unexpectedly takes a turn for Carys and her future is not as clear and the thought of dragging Cooper down a Rabbithole has her questioning their future together.

Just when we think we cannot take anymore heartbreak, Bella says “hold my beer” and rips out what is left of our tattered hearts.

Carys is dealing with the fallout from breaking the news of her and Cooper’s secret relationship, plus his rejection.

It was heartbreaking, mind blowing, soul deep with feels watching these two overcome ALL the obstacles.

What a journey.

“Cooper gathers my face in his hands and holds my half-lidded gaze with his as he surges up once more and then comes with my name in his lips like a silent prayer.
I don’t know how I ever thought I could live without this man.”

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet was so good!
I loved how it's all in one boxed set, so I'm able to continue reading without having to get out of one book to get into the second book.

I've always wondered about Carys and Cooper as I started reading Bella with her Defiant Kings series.

Carys and Cooper's story is raw and emotional. Like I literally had tissues nearby. Carys has had a huge crush on Cooper. He leaves to become a Navy SEAL, and she goes to her first year of college.

They connect in California, where she's going to college, and he's stationed. There's definitely angst, drama, and tension going on.

Tropes:
Brother's best friend
Step-siblings
Forbidden
Star-Crossed Lovers Romance

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Loving you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It was everything else that got in the way because I let it. But I’m not going to make that mistake twice.”

Oh boy, this is a high-angst read! Just when things are looking up, the hits start coming. Still, despite the tears and sobs, I couldn't stop reading and binged this completed duet over two nights.

I am incredibly thankful that this is a completed duet, as the ending of Part One broke me. While I knew Cooper and Carys' story ended in a HEA (having first fallen in love with them in Redeeming), the road to get there was ROUGH. I loved that I was able to immediately continue their story after that cliffhanger.

That doesn't mean their story is immediately resolved. No, there is still a lot of heartache to get through until these two find their way together. But at least I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and keep repeating to myself "they get their HEA in the end... they get their HEA in the end..."

I can't say enough about how healing the additional short story at the end was. The icing on the cake, it soothed my aching heart and had me shedding happy tears.

This is a medium-burn and spicy MF romance that DOES end in a HEA. I promise. A really beautiful and perfect HEA for these star-crossed lovers.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Risks We Take Duet includes the complete Cooper and Carys story - Worth the Risk and Worth the fight as well as a bonus story, Worth it All.

Growing up Carys was the youngest in her family and protected by her brother. She headed to San Diego for college and to follow a certain someone across the country. It was her chance to find herself and start fresh. Cooper was always the one for Carys. Being her brother’s best friend, and now her step-brother complicates things slightly. Loving each other was simple, it was everything else that was complicated. Both need to figure out if they can shut off all the outside noise and let love prevail.

Cooper and Carys’ relationship was not simple. There were so many obstacles in their way, but that made the payoff so much better. I loved how much these two loved and cared for each other, but they go through so much to get to their happy ending. The connection between these two is so beautiful and their chemistry is smoking! Both Carys and Cooper are faced with life changing things, and they hurt each other in the process. Some of the things these two went through broke my heart, but I trusted that Bella Matthews would put it back together again and she did, in the most beautiful way possible. Even when these two were not together, they were drawn to each other and loved each other so much.

Along with Cooper and Carys comes an extra large family and friend group. I loved seeing more of the Sinclair/Murphy family as well as all the 2nd generation babies being born. I also loved seeing the friends of theirs in California and would love to see what happened to them all. Cary and Cooper have managed to surround themselves with a great group of people who are honest with them and call them on their nonsense.

This book is heartbreaking. You may need a box of tissues to get through it, but the payoff is worth it. Bella Matthews wrote a wonderful story about a deep love that is taken through its paces. Thank you to the author for a copy of this series. All opinions are 100% mine.

Read if you like: brother’s best friend, forbidden, step siblings, secret romance, alpha here, it’s always been you

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

I'm so glad this Duet is finally combined to but together with bonus epilogues at the end. You get another inside look into their future and what goes on in their family life.

Tropes:
- Step-Sibling Romance
- Brother's Best Friend
- Star Crossed Lovers
- Navy SEAL
- Forbidden Love
- Secret Relationship
- Alpha Hero
- Angsty
- Band of Brothers

You get so much love, angst, and emotion when it comes to Cooper and Carys. She's always loved him, but her older brothers best friend becomes her stepbrother when her mom marries his dad. Although, Cooper was already out of the house when this happened.

Cooper is Navy Seal. Something he's always wanted to be. We get to see into what goes on his mind and how it affects him, being a seal, throughout this book. I'm so glad we got that aspect along with so many feelings.

Carys is in CA for college, where Cooper is stationed. The more they become close, they more they lean on each other for support. I've never seen so much love in a couple when it came to a book.

You don't just dive right into them together and all the spice and heat. You get to see what happens when they start this when Cooper can't be around. It makes their bond that much stronger.

When something happens with Carys, she pushes Cooper away to save him. Cooper is a strong man, though, and protects those he loves.

Then you're brought into heartbreak, anger, and suspense when things go wrong on a mission for Cooper. Now, the danger is back and threatening those he loves. Well, 1 particular person. Cooper will protect her with his life.

Not only is he not dealing with everything that had happened in his life up until the present,. You start to set how all this affects Cooper's mental health. He only has 1 goal, and that is to keep Carys. Even if they aren't together.

Carys fights for her love in this beautiful story. She is a fighter, and she does that throughout this book. Now, she needs to fight for Cooper, too. She needs to fix everything she broke. She just needs to convince him that he's everything to her, but it may be too late. Especially when danger comes knocking.

I loved this book. I can't express how much this Duet is my favorite of the amazing Bella Matthews. This couple is everything and is such a beautiful and steamy story to read. You will become addicted to Cooper and Carys and will love this book. If you haven't read any Bella Matthews, you'll be an addict to her books after this. Such a wonderful love story and a must-read.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most beautiful, angsty, gut wrenching story and I cried 90% of it. Yes, there were extremely sad portions, but this book brought on a whole slew of personal emotions for me. As a military spouse, I felt this book down to my very soul. That anxiety of not knowing, not hearing or waiting for a spouse to get back is the worst feeling in the world. This book nailed it on the head with the trauma and hardship it takes being with someone in the military. Absolutely a gut wrenching story for me.

As for Carys & Cooper, they are soulmates. Perfect together, no matter the circumstances. I loved their undying love for each other. Thank goodness for those text threads to throw in some humor, or else I would have been an emotional wreck the entire time 🤣

Bella can write no wrong, this one just broke me a little before we got to that HEA 🥹

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
“I’ve wanted you for years. I’ve waited for you, Cooper Sinclair. Don’t you dare break that promise.”

“You’re wrong, baby. You and I . . . We’re going to be the easiest thing we’ve ever done. Loving you has come so naturally, I’m not even sure when it happened. I love you”

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
• Military Romance
• Forbidden
• Step Siblings
• Found Family
• Angst
• It’s always been you
🌶️🌶️

Thank you Bella Matthews & Valentine PR for an ARC in exchange of my honest review.

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some Cooper!!!....

I read these books when they first released but I was more than happy to go in for a re-read and I was even happier to read the extras that have been added on!!

If you've read any of Bella's other books, you will know that every character is connected to another, they take large families to the extreme lol.
But throughout them all, Carys has crushed on Cooper, big-style!
And eventually they get together but after some life-changing health news, she steps back and I'm not gonna lie - I took a dislike to her. There,I've said it 🤷🏻‍♀️ but I can't lie, she maddened me. I wholeheartedly understood why she did what she did but that doesn't mean I liked it or that I'll forgive her!

Then more drama happens and be prepared for your lil heart to smash! Because it will, if you're anything like me you will feel every emotion and you will cry for them, you will hurt for them and you will pray that it all turns around for them 💙

I'll leave it there! It's a must-read book that will have you smiling, crying and hoping. I loved it.





*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review. 4.5 stars.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly happy that I was able to read this due (plus bonus short story) in one boxset.

For someone who has not read all of Bella's previous series or books, this boxset really makes me want to go and read those. This duet is about Carys and Cooper but we meet so many other family members and connections, you want to know their stories too. And no, I was not once confused or lost or overwhelmed by all the characters and how they are all interconnected. It just added another layer to Carys and Cooper's story.

Carys and Cooper's story put my heart and emotions through the ringer. These two will have you sad, mad, angry, laughing, grinning like a fool and feeling hot through the entirety of their story. Bella delivers it all and keeps things moving at the perfect pace.

I loved that we see growth from these two in so many ways. Growth as individuals, growth as a couple and growth in life. You understand and empathize with their decisions. I felt everything these two went through.

This story is raw and emotional. Have tissues at the ready because you will need them. But it is worth every tear you shed.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Risks We Take is the perfect angsty brother's best friend, forbidden romance. Despite all of the red flags Cooper and Carys are meant to be. 


"I wanted a love that would set the world on fire".


Carys is Cooper's best friend's little sister and he is her step brother. Cooper is a Navy Seal. He is very territorial and protective of Carys. Touch her and ☠️ vibes right off. 


Carys has been in love with Cooper since she was fifteen years old even though he'll never know. Cooper is cocky and confident and an entire parade of red flags yet somehow it is like they belong together. 


"How do you know if it's worth the risk"? 


The angst and desire between Carys and Cooper is unmatched. This book ripped my heart out and then put it back together! I absolutely love this world that Bella Matthews has created. 


Tropes 

-Brother's Best Friend 

-Step Siblings 

-Forbidden Romance 

-Star Crossed Lovers Romance 


Grab those tissues for this Forbidden Romance that will have you feeling all of the feelings in the best way possible.

[Kristie-Anne Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5

Up until this point I have only read the second generations stories so I have absolutely loved getting to see the parents in their youth throughout this duet & it's made me excited to read more of their stories.

Carys & Cooper while always being destined to be together had to go through a range of obstacles. From managing Coops military commitments & finding a way to disclose their relationship to their family, before finally getting their happily ever after.

The guys group chat was one of my favourite parts of the story, I just love the banter that they have with each other.

I do wish that we had gotten a little bit more interaction with their friends from California at the end of the books.

Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:

*Military
*Brother's Best Friend
*Stepsibling
*Protective MMC
*Death
*Betrayal
*HEA

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Samantha Scheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“You are the air I breathe, Carys Murphy.”

Welp. Bella Matthews has destroyed me once again with her books, but in the best way. When I tell you that I would do anything for Carys and Cooper, I mean anything. They are so perfect together and I admire them and their strength!

This book was a straight up roller coaster of emotions. This new box set offers the first book Worth the Risk, the second book Worth the Fight, and a novella at the end called Worth it All.

“Love is never wrong, Carys. It’s complicated.”

I knew it was ending but I just wanted more! I was so invested in these characters and their lives. I loved seeing both first gen and second gen being represented in this story as well. especially since I’ve read about some of them!

And yes this is a step sibling romance but not in a creepy way. They didn’t grow up together and were friends first, so that helped me personally with that trope.

I literally cried, screamed, and cheered while reading this entire thing. I can’t wait to add these beauties to my shelf!

[Sydney B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘐𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”

5/⭐️
2/🌶️

This might be my new favorite Bella book?? How have I not read Cooper and Carys before? I was missing out. These two had me captivated. This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story, and I could not get enough of them.

Bella has created the most perfect little fictional world, and I absolutely never want to leave. Cooper and Carys take you for a ride. So much happens, so many things that are out of their control, so many times I was screaming for them to just be together. I felt so many emotions, and the absolutely shock that I was blindsided with. I love going in blind to books, so if you’re like me just dive right in (don’t let anyone spoil anything for you!)

I truly just don’t even have the words that I feel for these two. A Navy Seal with huge aspirations and a college student starting her own lingerie company, newly step siblings, best friend’s little sister… the list goes on with why they’ll never work.. but let me tell you, THEY DO WORK!

Cooper and Carys have my heart, and are firmly at the top of my Bella faves 🫶🏼

tropes - Alpha hero, Angsty, Band of brothers, Brother’s best friend, Forbidden/Secret romance, Star crossed lovers, Step sibling, Navy Seal

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2.5🌶️

- Brother’s best friend
- Step siblings
- Forbidden
- Star-crossed lovers romance

This duet was WOW….I didn’t know what to expect going into this duet and although it’s long (since it’s 2 books together) it was absolutely worth the time it took to read it. There were so many things going on in both books, but they were so good! I loved the suspense aspect of it and really enjoyed seeing it all play out. Carys and Cooper’s relationship was EVERYTHINGGGG. I absolutely loved Cooper and how he loved Carys and was there for her through everything. Their story was one of my favorites that I’ve read by Bella and this duet is definitely going on my shelf! I can’t wait to meet Bella at IIP tomorrow and rave about her books!

[Hayley Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🩵 Brother’s Best Friend
🩵 Forbidden Love
🩵 Step Siblings
🩵 Angsty
🩵 Star Crossed Lovers

Cooper & Carys really were End Game!! I absolutely loved their journey. The angst and emotion were incredible and I got lost in every page of this duet.

As always, Bella’s writing kept me fully consumed the whole way through. Cooper was completely swoon worthy, and had me melting in every way!! Carys was a fabulously fierce FMC. She’s a pillar of strength for her friends and family, as well as for Cooper. In saying that, I loved that in Cooper, she found someone that would care for her in the ways she was there for everyone else.

This duet is an absolute must read! The new bonus story Worth It All, wrapped things up with a pretty little bow, and made my heart so happy!!

[Daphne Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet was everything I hoped for and more. Having it all in one boxed set made it easy to stay completely immersed in Carys and Cooper’s story without interruption.

Carys has always had a crush on Cooper, but when he leaves to become a Navy SEAL and she heads to her first year of college, their lives take different paths. They reconnect in California—she’s in school, and he’s stationed nearby—and their chemistry is undeniable. But their journey is anything but smooth, filled with angst, drama, and emotional tension that kept me hooked.

Their story is raw and real, full of heartbreak and healing. I literally needed tissues nearby for some of the more emotional moments. If you’re looking for a duet that’s passionate, intense, and unforgettable, this one’s for you.

[deannathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about this duet the love, spice even the angsty feel of it at times.

But even though I loved everything about it I feel that this is probably one of the series that I never read again because of the emotional sickness I get during and after reading them even if they have a HEA.

But besides the feels it brought at times I really loved reading about Cooper and Cary’s and the perfect little bonus novella/epilogue(I’m not sure the correct term) that brought it to a close.

I will definitely be reading more from the author!🩵

⭐️Thank you to Bella Matthew’s and Valentine PR for the free Arc!⭐️

[the endless tbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is fantastic!
I devoured it in one afternoon, I just couldn’t stop reading it.

Cooper and Carys’s story is a wild one, there is a forbidden aspect that just makes it so much better. I fell in love with them within the first chapters.

Cooper is a navy seal, protective and possessive.
He is also charming and so swooning. His love for Carys knew no limits, he has a mouth that was 😮‍💨🔥

Carys is a fierce FMC who has a heart of gold, she is always thinking about others before herself, and her character development is phenomenal, when she puts herself first and fights for the love of her life I was cheering and gasping. My girl is a badass! 😏

The story was beautiful, emotional, and addictive.
This book made me cry, smile, and swoon. I love it when a book brings all the emotions.

The spice scenes were perfect, hot and so well written. I absolutely loved this duet.

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Risk We Take Duet series
By Bella Matthews
This book had a great mix of sports/family drama/ military/ health issues. That all played into the story. There were many different stories all tied into one but all added to the story.
Cooper and Cary have an unconventional family leading to an unconventional relationship. They go through so many issues pushing each other away. Fighting what they want for what they think is right.
This was definitely a read you need to check your trigger warnings.
Three-star read for me.

[Jamie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much. It was definitely emotional but so worth the read to see Carys and Cooper's HEA. I hadn't read their story until now and it was so worth the wait. I loved how their story played out and all the things they had to go through in order to end up together. Carys and Cooper were both amazing characters and the chemistry between them was great. They had such a strong connection and it definitely showed. I loved everything about this book and their story.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I read this duet multiple times before? Yes I have! Did I read it again? You betcha! and it’s still so good!!

At times this book is heartbreaking but it’s a beautiful love story.

I absolutely loved Cooper and Carys and the relationships with both sets of friend groups.

I have laughed and cried throughout this book.
I don’t wanna say too much and spoil it but I 100% recommend this duet to everyone.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story featuring Careys and Cooper. It also included characters from the previous books in this series. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the story and felt a deep connection to the characters. Being a military spouse is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling and challenging jobs. My heart goes out to them and their families. The story kept me thoroughly engaged until the very end.

[Ashtyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*arc review*
4.5/⭐️
3/🌶️
I was introduced to Bella’s writing during her second generation stories, so finally getting around to reading one of the first generations, especially in this duet makes me want to read the rest of them.

Usually, I’m not for angsty romances this sucked from beginning to end.
They Love between our characters was perfection and you can feel it.

Cooper was so sweet and swoony and perfection.
Carys was so strong and feisty and everything cooper needed.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic story. I absolutely loved Carys and her tenacity for life. She has been in love with Cooper Sinclair for years. Two problems, he is her brothers best friend and her stepbrother.

Cooper is a Navy Seal with the world at his feet. He and Carys have tip toed around each other for years, and finally, the feelings come to the surface. They know that there will be trails ahead with their families, and Carys wants to keep them a secret. But all secrets come out eventually, and after a life changing event, their little bubble collapses.

Full of sweet moments, tears, fireworks, and compassion. I fell in love with these two and their perseverance for love. The risks they take are worth it in the end.

[Brianne C · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girl strikes again! ❤️🫶 Love love Cooper and Carys story so much and the last 30 pages.. swoooon.