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Risky Business
From bestselling author Amy Andrews comes a new single-title romance about putting pleasure before business, and the risks we all need to take when we find someone worth risking everything for.
Samantha Evans’s life is going to hell. Not only has she rage-quit her beloved, high-powered job, but she is suddenly afflicted by hormones, free time, and an unavoidable, unignorable, undeniably gorgeous irritant in the form of Nick Hawke, her extreme sports star neighbour, who has come home to take over the reins of his grandmother's second-hand bookshop. Sam needs something to keep her from begging for her old job back until she's good and sure her boss understands how wrong he was, and taking a low-risk, low-stress job helping Nick at the bookstore might be just the thing.
After all, it's not like Nick is the right guy to help her with her hormones. He'll just be fun to look at while she searches for the one.
Nick has six months to get over an injury before Everest and a big, fat contract beckon. That means no sports, no danger and, above all else, no risks. It means playing it safe. And Nick Hawke doesn’t do safe. So he’s going to need something to stave off the boredom while selling books he doesn't read to people who wouldn't know a carabineer from a crochet hook. What could be safer than hiring a cranky, unemployed accountant to help run the bookstore? Sam is efficient and methodical and messing up her neat, post-it note world could be a fun way to pass the time….
Risky Business mixes the classic romance of Philadelphia Story, the humour and wit of When Harry Met Sally, and a strong, contemporary Australian setting to create a delightful, irresistible, utterly satisfying treat of a novel.
Samantha Evans’s life is going to hell. Not only has she rage-quit her beloved, high-powered job, but she is suddenly afflicted by hormones, free time, and an unavoidable, unignorable, undeniably gorgeous irritant in the form of Nick Hawke, her extreme sports star neighbour, who has come home to take over the reins of his grandmother's second-hand bookshop. Sam needs something to keep her from begging for her old job back until she's good and sure her boss understands how wrong he was, and taking a low-risk, low-stress job helping Nick at the bookstore might be just the thing.
After all, it's not like Nick is the right guy to help her with her hormones. He'll just be fun to look at while she searches for the one.
Nick has six months to get over an injury before Everest and a big, fat contract beckon. That means no sports, no danger and, above all else, no risks. It means playing it safe. And Nick Hawke doesn’t do safe. So he’s going to need something to stave off the boredom while selling books he doesn't read to people who wouldn't know a carabineer from a crochet hook. What could be safer than hiring a cranky, unemployed accountant to help run the bookstore? Sam is efficient and methodical and messing up her neat, post-it note world could be a fun way to pass the time….
Risky Business mixes the classic romance of Philadelphia Story, the humour and wit of When Harry Met Sally, and a strong, contemporary Australian setting to create a delightful, irresistible, utterly satisfying treat of a novel.
257 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
430 books1,440 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
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Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 13, 2014
Amy Andrews is one of the authors on my ‘must try’ list – so many people within my social media spectrum reckon her writing is awesome – but I’d never got around to it. After kicking myself thoroughly for waiting so long, I’d suggest that you jump into reading Risky Business quick-sticks if you enjoy witty romantic comedies with great characters, loads of sexual tension and of course, a happily ever after. There are many nods to popular rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally and more than enough Hugh Jackman references to keep you happy.
The heroine in Risky Business is Samantha – she’s a stressed out accountant who has woken up to find herself blocked on the corporate ladder by the boss’s nephew. Sam knows that he’s useless and unworthy, but unfortunately the boss thinks otherwise. Suddenly the corner office may not be here – and what’s the point anyway? Sam’s eggs are beginning to chirp desperately for some sperm company and in a fit, quits for a job at a second-hand romance bookstore. Birdie’s has always been salvation amongst pirate romances for Sam, but now that grandson Nick has taken it over, could it be a place for…romance? Nick’s an adventure junkie, biding time before climbing Everest. He’s not the kind of man Sam’s eggs want…really…maybe…kinda.
I loved the setting of Risky Business amongst the bookshelves – not only does it give Nick and Sam a lot of chances for conversation amongst the shelves, but we get to meet a variety of secondary characters as well, who are both funny and sweet. The bookshop also allows a quiet place for Sam and Nick to have some really deep and meaningful discussions, as well as develop a strong friendship (the best basis for a romantic relationship according to my father). Plus, because Nick and Sam really can’t get too far away from each other, there’s a lot of teasing and funny moments. A lot of teasing centres around Sam’s eggs (Nick knows that they’re squealing for attention) and the disastrous blind dates she goes on in an attempt to find ‘The One’. The characters Andrews makes up are amazing – I will never look at a plastic surgeon again without appraising his teeth!
There are a lot of hilarious scenes that will have you giggling as Nick casually springs Sam buying a vibrator and Sam’s condom shopping expedition. In contrast, there are some seriously sweet moments that show the caring side of Nick as he attempts to make Sam feel better about her body. Sam rejects him several times, but his perseverance is what really sold him for me. Not only is he a gorgeous Hugh Jackman lookalike, he’s a lovely bloke underneath who is willing to stand by Sam no matter what. I felt the length of time that it took for Sam to realise that was just right – it wasn’t too drawn out or too quick. The ending was sweet, but not over the top and keeping in line with the quirks of the characters. I could easily see Risky Business being a great movie.
Aside from the romance, there was a continuing thread about lamingtons which had me craving them and a subplot involving the tearoom that makes the lamingtons. Add to that a friend of Sam’s wanting more and Nick’s fondness for Westerns and you’ve got a winner. The setting of Brisbane was beautifully rendered (made me want to visit again) and the conversation cracking.
A wonderfully funny story!
Thank you to Escape Publishing for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The heroine in Risky Business is Samantha – she’s a stressed out accountant who has woken up to find herself blocked on the corporate ladder by the boss’s nephew. Sam knows that he’s useless and unworthy, but unfortunately the boss thinks otherwise. Suddenly the corner office may not be here – and what’s the point anyway? Sam’s eggs are beginning to chirp desperately for some sperm company and in a fit, quits for a job at a second-hand romance bookstore. Birdie’s has always been salvation amongst pirate romances for Sam, but now that grandson Nick has taken it over, could it be a place for…romance? Nick’s an adventure junkie, biding time before climbing Everest. He’s not the kind of man Sam’s eggs want…really…maybe…kinda.
I loved the setting of Risky Business amongst the bookshelves – not only does it give Nick and Sam a lot of chances for conversation amongst the shelves, but we get to meet a variety of secondary characters as well, who are both funny and sweet. The bookshop also allows a quiet place for Sam and Nick to have some really deep and meaningful discussions, as well as develop a strong friendship (the best basis for a romantic relationship according to my father). Plus, because Nick and Sam really can’t get too far away from each other, there’s a lot of teasing and funny moments. A lot of teasing centres around Sam’s eggs (Nick knows that they’re squealing for attention) and the disastrous blind dates she goes on in an attempt to find ‘The One’. The characters Andrews makes up are amazing – I will never look at a plastic surgeon again without appraising his teeth!
There are a lot of hilarious scenes that will have you giggling as Nick casually springs Sam buying a vibrator and Sam’s condom shopping expedition. In contrast, there are some seriously sweet moments that show the caring side of Nick as he attempts to make Sam feel better about her body. Sam rejects him several times, but his perseverance is what really sold him for me. Not only is he a gorgeous Hugh Jackman lookalike, he’s a lovely bloke underneath who is willing to stand by Sam no matter what. I felt the length of time that it took for Sam to realise that was just right – it wasn’t too drawn out or too quick. The ending was sweet, but not over the top and keeping in line with the quirks of the characters. I could easily see Risky Business being a great movie.
Aside from the romance, there was a continuing thread about lamingtons which had me craving them and a subplot involving the tearoom that makes the lamingtons. Add to that a friend of Sam’s wanting more and Nick’s fondness for Westerns and you’ve got a winner. The setting of Brisbane was beautifully rendered (made me want to visit again) and the conversation cracking.
A wonderfully funny story!
Thank you to Escape Publishing for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 5, 2017
What a fun romance! Sam is a high-powered career woman, Nick travels around the world doing daring extreme sports. Two things happen to allow them to meet. Nick's grandma dies and he returns to manage it while he sorts out a permanent manager - and Sam's biological clock ticks and her eggs start screaming to be allowed to develop into babies!
From this start the story develops into a really funny rom com of a book. Nick and Sam both lust after each other but she is determined to find her perfect match and have babies and a man who travels around the world engaging in dangerous activities is not who she wants to be the father of her children.
Disasterous dates, smouldering passion and lots of laughs. This is my first Amy Andrews book - and it won't be my last.
From this start the story develops into a really funny rom com of a book. Nick and Sam both lust after each other but she is determined to find her perfect match and have babies and a man who travels around the world engaging in dangerous activities is not who she wants to be the father of her children.
Disasterous dates, smouldering passion and lots of laughs. This is my first Amy Andrews book - and it won't be my last.
November 5, 2015
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When you put a career woman determined to fulfill the needs of her biological clock in the same orbit with a man renowned for taking risks and committed to an adventurous lifestyle, there’s bound to be an explosion.
All Samantha Evans can focus on is finding the perfect man to father her child. She hasn’t worked out all the details about how she will handle the challenges of motherhood, but as a career woman, she is certain that satisfying her “cheeping” eggs is the right thing to do.
Nick Hawke knows better than to get involved with a woman seeking a permanent commitment. He tries his best to help Sam in her search, setting her up with guys based on her listed requirements. He soon finds himself realizing that matchmaking can be risky business.
Author Amy Andrews delivers a quirky romance packed with a solid story line and enough one-liners to keep the laughter rolling in Risky Business. The supporting characters, including Sam’s sister and the bookstore customers, add to the overall flavor.
You will find yourself cheering for Sam as she navigates through the challenges of walking away from her job, dealing with some downright painful blind dates and then finally coming to the realization that maybe there are some things in life that simply can’t be scripted.
These two characters mesh well together, providing plenty of chemistry and some pretty crazy conversations. The off-the-wall dialog adds to the storyline’s impact, creating a sense that the reader has a seat in the bookstore while everything is happening. It’s a fun story that not only captured my interest, but reaffirmed my belief in happy endings.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When you put a career woman determined to fulfill the needs of her biological clock in the same orbit with a man renowned for taking risks and committed to an adventurous lifestyle, there’s bound to be an explosion.
All Samantha Evans can focus on is finding the perfect man to father her child. She hasn’t worked out all the details about how she will handle the challenges of motherhood, but as a career woman, she is certain that satisfying her “cheeping” eggs is the right thing to do.
Nick Hawke knows better than to get involved with a woman seeking a permanent commitment. He tries his best to help Sam in her search, setting her up with guys based on her listed requirements. He soon finds himself realizing that matchmaking can be risky business.
Author Amy Andrews delivers a quirky romance packed with a solid story line and enough one-liners to keep the laughter rolling in Risky Business. The supporting characters, including Sam’s sister and the bookstore customers, add to the overall flavor.
You will find yourself cheering for Sam as she navigates through the challenges of walking away from her job, dealing with some downright painful blind dates and then finally coming to the realization that maybe there are some things in life that simply can’t be scripted.
These two characters mesh well together, providing plenty of chemistry and some pretty crazy conversations. The off-the-wall dialog adds to the storyline’s impact, creating a sense that the reader has a seat in the bookstore while everything is happening. It’s a fun story that not only captured my interest, but reaffirmed my belief in happy endings.
May 24, 2014
Poor Nick sometimes I wonder why the boy tries to understand the female mind, "no it's not." Nick shook his head. "Jesus, why can't women just take a damn compliment?" I mean he gets all offended over certain things, "Nick blanched. "Nice is an insult to sex. Flowers are nice. Puppies are nice. Sex should not be nice." Sometimes the boy just goes too far and it makes for one hell of a funny scene, "Sam...Jesus! If I'd have known you were going to have to wipe yourself out with vodka to use the damn thing I would have never dared you. For god's sake it's a vibrator, not a cyanide pill." The boy tries so hard to understand the life of the female, "Nick blanched. This was a period?" Bloody hell! You do this every month?" If there is one thing we take away from this book it's the fact Sam can persuade the boy to do anything:
Samantha smiled at him. "Well, come to bed and I'll let you eff me twice."
Nick's heart practically stopped in his chest. He toes off his shoes. "I love it when you talk dirty."
This book had it all humor, sex, chemistry, a sexy man, and my full attention. I need to see what other books this author has and just read them.
Samantha smiled at him. "Well, come to bed and I'll let you eff me twice."
Nick's heart practically stopped in his chest. He toes off his shoes. "I love it when you talk dirty."
This book had it all humor, sex, chemistry, a sexy man, and my full attention. I need to see what other books this author has and just read them.
June 24, 2014
This is a great story it will have you smiling and laughing out loud throughout as Samantha realizes that her eggs are talking to her and she needs to have a baby at the age of 30 her eggs are dying and after the death of her friend Birdie who runs the local second hand romance bookstore she starts to get desperate then in walks Nick who could double for Hugh Jackman Birdie's grandson and her sometime neighbour when he is not out doing extreme sports Nick needs to take some time off after an injury and takes over running the bookstore and when Sam finds herself out of her powerful job she starts working with Nick in the bookstore and this starts an awesome journey to a HEA don't miss this one I loved it the story is fun exciting and very sensual as Nick helps Sam overcome the way she looks at her body.
September 20, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2016
Really cute. Females, we can be so screwed up about our body.
July 3, 2014
4.5 stars
I loved this book! It was such a breath of fresh air after reading some crappy or mediocre books the last couple of weeks. This is pure chicklit romance and it reminded me why I love this genre so much. With any book that has romance in it you know how it's going to end. I mean nobody wants to read a romance novel that will leave them sad or malcontent with the ending. It's the setting and the story in between the beginning and the end that determines how good of a book this is.
This is obviously not my first romantic read and I've pretty much read all possible variations of the same story. There are things that often come back and left me with the feeling of "oh this was fun and relaxing, but I've read this before and was ably to predict almost every detail". To be clear this was absolutely not the case with Risky Business! Sam and Nick's story was very original and even had me laughing out loud a couple of times.
Sam is hilarious in this non intentional way. Somehow the big 3-0 is approaching and with her neighbour dying, she realizes she has no friends and no live plus suddenly her eggs are revolting and demanding to be fertilized. I am not kidding you, the conversations about that topic throughout this book had me cracking up. Needing to re-evaluate her life, she quits her job because she wasn't getting the appreciation she deserved, starts working in the bookshop downstairs and is on a mission to find herself a baby daddy. Though not everyone would just do, the girl still has some standards.
Nick is almost the opposite of Sam. She's all list and goals, while he's more the go with the flow kind of guy. He's a professional mountain climber, but he now has to take things slow to help him recover from an injury. Thus he's the one who gets to take over his grandmother's book store and since he doesn't know much about it, he hires Sam to help him out. Nick, after hearing Sam's story, even decides to help her out with her man hunt, though they mostly end up with Nick laughing his ass of. There is a reason why this guy is a professional mountain climber and not a matchmaker.
The connection between these two characters was of the charts. Sam isn't blind and fully acknowledges the hotness and awesomeness that is Nick. They get along great, but she's looking for someone permanent in her life and casual sex just seems like a bad idea when you have to work together. Not that Sam actually believes Nick is attracted to her, though he very much is. He clearly agrees he's not the one for Sam, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have a little fun. Due time it actually becomes more difficult for Nick to set her up with other men and to keep his hands off of her.
I really liked how slowly and natural things progressed between them. There is that attraction, but neither of them really acts on it, so first there is this friendship before anything more happens. A couple of times I believed that it was finally 'the moment', but always something or someone interupts, leaving me with some frustration. This was all in a good way, because the anticipation only grows and you're not left disappointed.
The writing was excellent, the characters fabulous and the humor spot on. There is not one thing missing from this book. I will definitely be reading more from Amy Andrews.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this book! It was such a breath of fresh air after reading some crappy or mediocre books the last couple of weeks. This is pure chicklit romance and it reminded me why I love this genre so much. With any book that has romance in it you know how it's going to end. I mean nobody wants to read a romance novel that will leave them sad or malcontent with the ending. It's the setting and the story in between the beginning and the end that determines how good of a book this is.
This is obviously not my first romantic read and I've pretty much read all possible variations of the same story. There are things that often come back and left me with the feeling of "oh this was fun and relaxing, but I've read this before and was ably to predict almost every detail". To be clear this was absolutely not the case with Risky Business! Sam and Nick's story was very original and even had me laughing out loud a couple of times.
Sam is hilarious in this non intentional way. Somehow the big 3-0 is approaching and with her neighbour dying, she realizes she has no friends and no live plus suddenly her eggs are revolting and demanding to be fertilized. I am not kidding you, the conversations about that topic throughout this book had me cracking up. Needing to re-evaluate her life, she quits her job because she wasn't getting the appreciation she deserved, starts working in the bookshop downstairs and is on a mission to find herself a baby daddy. Though not everyone would just do, the girl still has some standards.
Nick is almost the opposite of Sam. She's all list and goals, while he's more the go with the flow kind of guy. He's a professional mountain climber, but he now has to take things slow to help him recover from an injury. Thus he's the one who gets to take over his grandmother's book store and since he doesn't know much about it, he hires Sam to help him out. Nick, after hearing Sam's story, even decides to help her out with her man hunt, though they mostly end up with Nick laughing his ass of. There is a reason why this guy is a professional mountain climber and not a matchmaker.
The connection between these two characters was of the charts. Sam isn't blind and fully acknowledges the hotness and awesomeness that is Nick. They get along great, but she's looking for someone permanent in her life and casual sex just seems like a bad idea when you have to work together. Not that Sam actually believes Nick is attracted to her, though he very much is. He clearly agrees he's not the one for Sam, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have a little fun. Due time it actually becomes more difficult for Nick to set her up with other men and to keep his hands off of her.
I really liked how slowly and natural things progressed between them. There is that attraction, but neither of them really acts on it, so first there is this friendship before anything more happens. A couple of times I believed that it was finally 'the moment', but always something or someone interupts, leaving me with some frustration. This was all in a good way, because the anticipation only grows and you're not left disappointed.
The writing was excellent, the characters fabulous and the humor spot on. There is not one thing missing from this book. I will definitely be reading more from Amy Andrews.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 12, 2014
A humor filled romance that will appeal to many readers. The hero and heroine are miles apart on what they want in a relationship but it is fun to see how they bridge the gap to find love.
Samantha Evans has a high paying high demanding job and loves it, that is until her boss employs his nephew who does not have the knowledge or experience she has, but promotes him anyway, so she quits soon after. She believes that her boss will eventually want her back to clean up the mess but in the meantime she is looking for something temporary while she makes plans for the future, you see not only is her work life a mess but her love life has disappeared and her biological clock is ticking loud and clear.
Nick Hawke is an extreme sports star who is in several documentaries where he travels to exotic locations; he is healing from an injury and getting ready to climb Everest in a few months. His grandmother Birdie was a well loved bookstore owner who was one of Sam’s great friends, so while he is healing he takes over the store and hires the unemployed Sam to help. While working there, she and Nick become good friends, she tells him about her “talking eggs” and he tries to help by setting her up on a few blind dates. The more time they spend together, the more these two polar opposites re-evaluate what they want in life, and when he helps her overcome some sexual issues, his 100% guarantee is just what she is looking for.
This is a cute story with witty dialog and humorous situations.
Sam is charming, she knows what she wants and believes she can have it all as long as everything fits neatly into her plans, but when she tells Nick, he has to hold in his laughter as he is one of seven children and knows that kids do not fit neatly anywhere. Sam frequently mentions her “talking eggs” and how they are driving her decisions lately and gets Nick involved trying to find the perfect man for her. There are several hilarious blind date disasters that had me smiling and Nick was only too happy to hear about them the next day. Sam may be confident in her job but she definitely needs some help with her body image and sexuality which Nick is only too happy to assist with.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Samantha Evans has a high paying high demanding job and loves it, that is until her boss employs his nephew who does not have the knowledge or experience she has, but promotes him anyway, so she quits soon after. She believes that her boss will eventually want her back to clean up the mess but in the meantime she is looking for something temporary while she makes plans for the future, you see not only is her work life a mess but her love life has disappeared and her biological clock is ticking loud and clear.
Nick Hawke is an extreme sports star who is in several documentaries where he travels to exotic locations; he is healing from an injury and getting ready to climb Everest in a few months. His grandmother Birdie was a well loved bookstore owner who was one of Sam’s great friends, so while he is healing he takes over the store and hires the unemployed Sam to help. While working there, she and Nick become good friends, she tells him about her “talking eggs” and he tries to help by setting her up on a few blind dates. The more time they spend together, the more these two polar opposites re-evaluate what they want in life, and when he helps her overcome some sexual issues, his 100% guarantee is just what she is looking for.
This is a cute story with witty dialog and humorous situations.
Sam is charming, she knows what she wants and believes she can have it all as long as everything fits neatly into her plans, but when she tells Nick, he has to hold in his laughter as he is one of seven children and knows that kids do not fit neatly anywhere. Sam frequently mentions her “talking eggs” and how they are driving her decisions lately and gets Nick involved trying to find the perfect man for her. There are several hilarious blind date disasters that had me smiling and Nick was only too happy to hear about them the next day. Sam may be confident in her job but she definitely needs some help with her body image and sexuality which Nick is only too happy to assist with.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
July 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy or chick lit style story from Amy Andrews. Like her previous stand-alone title, Holding Out For A Hero, this book features some very funny dialogue and a heroine with some 'balls' (if I can say that about a female character!). This was a laugh out loud story, when reading on the train. This is a big thumbs-up from me.
Samantha, the heroine, leaves her high-flying law career when the ignorant nephew of the boss snags her prized job and corner office. Biding her time until the dumbo stuffs up, she takes a job at her favourite romance bookshop. The lovely old lady owner dies, leaving her macho grandson Nick in charge. The tension between Samantha and Nick is sizzling from the outset - he's not looking for anything serious, just recovering from an injury in this extreme sports career. She's looking for more, ever since her hormones took control at the age of almost 30 and her eggs started talking to her. Demanding babies. Now. This was a nice setup, especially when Nick starts setting up a serious of heinous blind dates for Samantha.
No spoilers here, except to say that talk of romance stories with pirates and cowboys and back of store kissing escapades really added to the setup.
This is only a minor gripe, but there were a few grammatical errors still present in this e-book. This just annoyed me a little as a nit-picky type. But I had to laugh at the heroine's barren womb being described as 'baroness' - I'm sure her uterus wasn't really a landed noblewoman from the 17th century, but it made me snort. Then again, maybe this was on purpose, postmodern anti-grammar!
4.5 stars - highly recommended. I want to read it again.
Samantha, the heroine, leaves her high-flying law career when the ignorant nephew of the boss snags her prized job and corner office. Biding her time until the dumbo stuffs up, she takes a job at her favourite romance bookshop. The lovely old lady owner dies, leaving her macho grandson Nick in charge. The tension between Samantha and Nick is sizzling from the outset - he's not looking for anything serious, just recovering from an injury in this extreme sports career. She's looking for more, ever since her hormones took control at the age of almost 30 and her eggs started talking to her. Demanding babies. Now. This was a nice setup, especially when Nick starts setting up a serious of heinous blind dates for Samantha.
No spoilers here, except to say that talk of romance stories with pirates and cowboys and back of store kissing escapades really added to the setup.
This is only a minor gripe, but there were a few grammatical errors still present in this e-book. This just annoyed me a little as a nit-picky type. But I had to laugh at the heroine's barren womb being described as 'baroness' - I'm sure her uterus wasn't really a landed noblewoman from the 17th century, but it made me snort. Then again, maybe this was on purpose, postmodern anti-grammar!
4.5 stars - highly recommended. I want to read it again.
July 5, 2014
OMG, what a great book. I’ve come to realise that Amy Andrews does not write a bad book. I laughed all the way through this one.
Samantha is a 30 year old career woman who realises that her eggs are talking to her and she has decided that she needs to have a baby. The problem with this though is that she is a failure at relationships and she has body issues. Sam does like to spend time in the second hand bookshop run by her friend Birdie reading romance novels.
Enter her sometimes neighbour, the extreme sports sex god Nick, who is home for six months recuperating from an injury before he climbs Everest. Nick also happens to be Birdie’s grandson who takes over the bookshop after Birdie passes.
When Sam finds herself out of a job Nick offers her one at the bookshop. Sam also decides it’s time to find a baby father, only she has no luck with finding someone to date. Of course she asks for Nicks help in setting her up on blind dates.
There are some hilarious dates with freeky white teeth guy, boring as bat shit gut, too short guy, too tall guy, need to be medicated guy, wouldn’t shut-up guy, intellectual giant guy and Vincent the creepy guy. Not to mention the condoms and vibrator.
This is an amazing journey to a HEA as Nick helps Sam overcome the way she looks at her body. There is an attraction between them, but neither of them really acts on it, so there is a well-grounded friendship before anything more happens.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Samantha is a 30 year old career woman who realises that her eggs are talking to her and she has decided that she needs to have a baby. The problem with this though is that she is a failure at relationships and she has body issues. Sam does like to spend time in the second hand bookshop run by her friend Birdie reading romance novels.
Enter her sometimes neighbour, the extreme sports sex god Nick, who is home for six months recuperating from an injury before he climbs Everest. Nick also happens to be Birdie’s grandson who takes over the bookshop after Birdie passes.
When Sam finds herself out of a job Nick offers her one at the bookshop. Sam also decides it’s time to find a baby father, only she has no luck with finding someone to date. Of course she asks for Nicks help in setting her up on blind dates.
There are some hilarious dates with freeky white teeth guy, boring as bat shit gut, too short guy, too tall guy, need to be medicated guy, wouldn’t shut-up guy, intellectual giant guy and Vincent the creepy guy. Not to mention the condoms and vibrator.
This is an amazing journey to a HEA as Nick helps Sam overcome the way she looks at her body. There is an attraction between them, but neither of them really acts on it, so there is a well-grounded friendship before anything more happens.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review.
November 22, 2014
Samantha Evans is an accountant in a high powered job but lately her 'chirping eggs' having been sending her into a spin. Her boss suggests that she 'takes a holiday' but she resigns in a huff.
Meanwhile her good friend Birdie who runs the 2nd hand book shop (which is Sam's 2nd home) dies unexpectedly and Birdie's grandson Nick, takes over the shop. Nick is actually Sam's neighbour but not around much as he is often gallivanting around the world as an extreme sports star. This is an opportune break for Nick as he is recovering from injury before he attempts to climb Everest. Nick offers Sam a job and we see friendship develop and eventually sexual tension/attraction.
What can I say but.........I love a man who reads, especially pirate romances at Sam's suggestion! I loved the growing friendship between Nick and Sam and his total acceptance of her wanting to find someone to make her eggs happy. There are some very funny blind dates (some set up by Nick) and embarrassing shopping moments. And the growing angst between the two as they realise their attraction but not knowing where to go with it. I one thing I did find annoying was Sam's very negative body image issues as she continually put herself down, even after Nick told her she looked beautiful.
Still this was a really quick, fun read and since we know it's a HEA the fun is in the journey.
Meanwhile her good friend Birdie who runs the 2nd hand book shop (which is Sam's 2nd home) dies unexpectedly and Birdie's grandson Nick, takes over the shop. Nick is actually Sam's neighbour but not around much as he is often gallivanting around the world as an extreme sports star. This is an opportune break for Nick as he is recovering from injury before he attempts to climb Everest. Nick offers Sam a job and we see friendship develop and eventually sexual tension/attraction.
What can I say but.........I love a man who reads, especially pirate romances at Sam's suggestion! I loved the growing friendship between Nick and Sam and his total acceptance of her wanting to find someone to make her eggs happy. There are some very funny blind dates (some set up by Nick) and embarrassing shopping moments. And the growing angst between the two as they realise their attraction but not knowing where to go with it. I one thing I did find annoying was Sam's very negative body image issues as she continually put herself down, even after Nick told her she looked beautiful.
Still this was a really quick, fun read and since we know it's a HEA the fun is in the journey.
July 22, 2014
Fun, fun, fun ... Risky Business is a winning combination of sizzle, sex and hilarity and Amy Andrews totally rocks the natural, laugh-out-loud dialogue.
I loved the contemporary setting, Brisbane (where I live) and even more perfect ... a book store, Birdie's secondhand romance bookstore *sighworthy* - the almost tangible smell of aged ink on weathered paper. And pepermint. Two aromas synonymous with the shop.
Sensible, career focused, romance reading Samantha, of the body image issues and talking, tap dancing eggs HA. And then there's sexy, risk-taking Nick. After Nick's grandmother Birdie passes away he swaps his extreme sports career for running the bookstore while he recuperates from injury.
Despite Nick and Samantha's instant attraction I loved how naturally things progressed between them. Samantha's many blind date dramas cracked me up, not to mention the whole vibrator, vodka, Tim Tam scene. As much as I cringed over her self-deprecating comments, I adored Nick for building her up.
Have to say I was deliriously happy for Samantha (and myself) when her eggs finally shut the hell up with their cheeping ;)
I loved the contemporary setting, Brisbane (where I live) and even more perfect ... a book store, Birdie's secondhand romance bookstore *sighworthy* - the almost tangible smell of aged ink on weathered paper. And pepermint. Two aromas synonymous with the shop.
Sensible, career focused, romance reading Samantha, of the body image issues and talking, tap dancing eggs HA. And then there's sexy, risk-taking Nick. After Nick's grandmother Birdie passes away he swaps his extreme sports career for running the bookstore while he recuperates from injury.
Despite Nick and Samantha's instant attraction I loved how naturally things progressed between them. Samantha's many blind date dramas cracked me up, not to mention the whole vibrator, vodka, Tim Tam scene. As much as I cringed over her self-deprecating comments, I adored Nick for building her up.
Have to say I was deliriously happy for Samantha (and myself) when her eggs finally shut the hell up with their cheeping ;)
June 9, 2014
I received an eARC of Risky Business from the publisher, Escape Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 5 out of 5
I love Amy Andrews! It’s no secret. I always enjoy picking up my Kindle or one of the paperbacks when I know it is one of her stories, because I can pretty much guarantee that I will love it.
That was the case yet again with Risky Business. I had so much fun while I was reading this book, I wanted to let everyone know. So I began live tweeting as I read. Of course, I had to stop at a certain point to avoid putting the cart before the horse, but the live-tweeting was a lot of fun.
.....
I’m not going to get all spoilerish on you, because the book doesn’t come out for almost another month. But if you love smart romantic comedy, with bright and wonderful characters, references to fabulous 1990s ABC drama series, and talking eggs, you will love Risky Business.
For the full review, please click through here.
My rating: 5 out of 5
I love Amy Andrews! It’s no secret. I always enjoy picking up my Kindle or one of the paperbacks when I know it is one of her stories, because I can pretty much guarantee that I will love it.
That was the case yet again with Risky Business. I had so much fun while I was reading this book, I wanted to let everyone know. So I began live tweeting as I read. Of course, I had to stop at a certain point to avoid putting the cart before the horse, but the live-tweeting was a lot of fun.
.....
I’m not going to get all spoilerish on you, because the book doesn’t come out for almost another month. But if you love smart romantic comedy, with bright and wonderful characters, references to fabulous 1990s ABC drama series, and talking eggs, you will love Risky Business.
For the full review, please click through here.
July 1, 2014
Received an ARC copy from Netgalley for a honest review. Loved it. First book for me by this author but I can say I definitely liked the writing style. Storyline was a well written romantic comedy that easily had me entertained, laughing out loud and swept in from the beginning. As I was reading the book, page after page I kept think Good Lord what is going to happen next. I would recommend as a must read book.
May 29, 2014
this was definitely a fun read but there were some points in it, that did not work for me. nevertheless, I think it is a keeper
a more detailed review comes nearer the publishing date
a more detailed review comes nearer the publishing date
July 29, 2014
A cracking story that was a good laugh and a great read. It was great to read a book set in Brisbane.
November 17, 2014
This has all the elements of a great book. Lots of laughs, a few tears, real people emotions, and the kind of book shop I would love to have in my neighborhood.
September 11, 2015
Cute, funny and clever. Wonderfully sweet story.
September 24, 2018
Hilarious
Had so much fun reading this. The characters are so funny and adorable. I like the realization that love is more important than anything else.
Had so much fun reading this. The characters are so funny and adorable. I like the realization that love is more important than anything else.
November 20, 2024
Amy Andrews has just rewritten her 2014 book Risky Business, now called Breaking the Ice & set in a smallish American town, with Nick, the MMC, now a 38 year old ice hockey player with an injured knee, rather than a 29 year old extreme sports star with a back injury. As an Australian, I wanted to read the Brisbane-set version. Interestingly, the reviews for the new version aren't as good as those for the original.
There's much I like about the story but it has its problems. Samantha, 30, the FMC, craves stability. Her childhood was spent moving from town to town. For the past decade she's been focussed on her career as an accountant & had a series of 'beige' boyfriends. She's just run into the last one, Gary, who said he didn't believe in marriage or kids & dumped her a year earlier, with his pregnant girlfriend. When Sam's older sister & mother of four, Bec, suggests that running into Gary has tripped Sam's biological clock, she suddenly becomes obsessed with her 'cheeping' eggs (and goes on & on about them for the rest of the book). Her mission in life becomes finding a man to become the father of her children & she sets about dating men in the right demographic i.e. older. When her boss's incompetent, lecherous nephew gets the promotion which should have been Sam's, she resigns.
Sam lives in a flat above her happy place, a 2nd hand romance bookshop. When the beloved owner, Birdie, dies unexpectedly, her grandson Nick, who also occupies one of the flats when he's in town & is currently at a loose end due to a serious mountaineering injury, takes over the running of the shop. He offers Sam a job as a sales assistant.
Sam loves her new job. She & Nick get to know each other & develop a close friendship. They each lust after the other but don't say so because they want different things. Nick leads a peripatetic lifestyle & doesn't want children. Sam thinks casual sex with him would ruin their friendship & working relationship. Sam is a size 14 (i.e. average) & has body image issues. Nick is T,D & H & has had a string of young, skinny girlfriends but now he's attracted to Sam because, he says, she's a 'real' woman with curves. He tells Sam that she's attractive to men, including himself but, given the women she's seen him with, she remains unconvinced.
Sam is very naive for a woman of 30 who lives in a big city. She's never bought condoms, is too embarrassed to use the vibrator she buys & appears not to masturbate. When she & Nick eventually have sex, it's believably awkward, mainly because of her body image, not wonderful as first times usually are in books.
I like that the story takes place over six months, although, of course, Sam & Nick eventually realise that they've been in love all of that time. The development of their friendship is believable. There's lots of unresolved sexual tension but not much explicit sex. There are many funny moments & witty banter. Sam's observation that her wallpaper looks like female reproductive tracts had me snorting with laughter. It sounds like the wallpaper that used to be in my house. Nick's change of heart re children is unconvincing: he didn't want children but now that he loves her he wants lots?
To a book lover the 2nd hand bookshop setting & the cast of regular customers is irresistible. I enjoyed the loving relationship between Sam & her somewhat bossy sister Bec. Amy Andrews knowledge of & affection for Brisbane shines through.
There are quite a few typos & I didn't need to know the brands of Sam's designer clothes/shoes/handbags.
There's much I like about the story but it has its problems. Samantha, 30, the FMC, craves stability. Her childhood was spent moving from town to town. For the past decade she's been focussed on her career as an accountant & had a series of 'beige' boyfriends. She's just run into the last one, Gary, who said he didn't believe in marriage or kids & dumped her a year earlier, with his pregnant girlfriend. When Sam's older sister & mother of four, Bec, suggests that running into Gary has tripped Sam's biological clock, she suddenly becomes obsessed with her 'cheeping' eggs (and goes on & on about them for the rest of the book). Her mission in life becomes finding a man to become the father of her children & she sets about dating men in the right demographic i.e. older. When her boss's incompetent, lecherous nephew gets the promotion which should have been Sam's, she resigns.
Sam lives in a flat above her happy place, a 2nd hand romance bookshop. When the beloved owner, Birdie, dies unexpectedly, her grandson Nick, who also occupies one of the flats when he's in town & is currently at a loose end due to a serious mountaineering injury, takes over the running of the shop. He offers Sam a job as a sales assistant.
Sam loves her new job. She & Nick get to know each other & develop a close friendship. They each lust after the other but don't say so because they want different things. Nick leads a peripatetic lifestyle & doesn't want children. Sam thinks casual sex with him would ruin their friendship & working relationship. Sam is a size 14 (i.e. average) & has body image issues. Nick is T,D & H & has had a string of young, skinny girlfriends but now he's attracted to Sam because, he says, she's a 'real' woman with curves. He tells Sam that she's attractive to men, including himself but, given the women she's seen him with, she remains unconvinced.
Sam is very naive for a woman of 30 who lives in a big city. She's never bought condoms, is too embarrassed to use the vibrator she buys & appears not to masturbate. When she & Nick eventually have sex, it's believably awkward, mainly because of her body image, not wonderful as first times usually are in books.
I like that the story takes place over six months, although, of course, Sam & Nick eventually realise that they've been in love all of that time. The development of their friendship is believable. There's lots of unresolved sexual tension but not much explicit sex. There are many funny moments & witty banter. Sam's observation that her wallpaper looks like female reproductive tracts had me snorting with laughter. It sounds like the wallpaper that used to be in my house. Nick's change of heart re children is unconvincing: he didn't want children but now that he loves her he wants lots?
To a book lover the 2nd hand bookshop setting & the cast of regular customers is irresistible. I enjoyed the loving relationship between Sam & her somewhat bossy sister Bec. Amy Andrews knowledge of & affection for Brisbane shines through.
There are quite a few typos & I didn't need to know the brands of Sam's designer clothes/shoes/handbags.
July 7, 2017
I didn't love the main characters. I have serious body image issues myself, but Sam's made me crazy. There doesn't seem to be any real growth with how she feels about herself, either; it's more like she loves Nick so much that she ignores her feelings and finally has lots of sex with him, rather than starting to feel better about herself or more confident. Aside from that, her actions don't seem to support the idea that she's this super-smart businesswoman.
Also, Nick has a back injury so serious that he can't do any exercise for 6 months, but there's maybe one mention that he has any discomfort and there's no physical therapy or doctor visits or signs of progress and improvement. Doesn't make sense. It also doesn't make sense that a man who is about to climb Everest is an if-it-happens-it-happens kind of guy. Anyone who climbs the highest mountains in the world has to be driven, hard-working and motivated. It takes discipline, not just luck and chance. Bungee jumping and skydiving, sure, you can do those on a whim. But climbing mountains? No.
Also, Nick has a back injury so serious that he can't do any exercise for 6 months, but there's maybe one mention that he has any discomfort and there's no physical therapy or doctor visits or signs of progress and improvement. Doesn't make sense. It also doesn't make sense that a man who is about to climb Everest is an if-it-happens-it-happens kind of guy. Anyone who climbs the highest mountains in the world has to be driven, hard-working and motivated. It takes discipline, not just luck and chance. Bungee jumping and skydiving, sure, you can do those on a whim. But climbing mountains? No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
I read this in the Boardroom to Bedroom anthology, but I couldn't get into the other stories.
This one was good though. I love that this author thoroughly embraces the Aussie-ness of her characters. I really loved the Brisbane setting - it was fun to recognise places and events.
I really liked both these characters. They were mature and new what they wanted (even if maybe it wasn't what they needed).
The tension before they got to get her was great.
The heroine's body issues did get kind of old, but they were realistic. I liked that she took it upon herself to deal with them.
Another winner from this author.
This one was good though. I love that this author thoroughly embraces the Aussie-ness of her characters. I really loved the Brisbane setting - it was fun to recognise places and events.
I really liked both these characters. They were mature and new what they wanted (even if maybe it wasn't what they needed).
The tension before they got to get her was great.
The heroine's body issues did get kind of old, but they were realistic. I liked that she took it upon herself to deal with them.
Another winner from this author.
January 11, 2023
i didnt have the highest of hopes going in and turns out they were kind of right. i didnt feel any connection to the plot or the characters adn i feel it fell flat and was kind of cheap. i wasnt vibing with it. on top of those things i didnt love, it was written in third person, and while thats my issue ands not the authors, it made it even harder for me to enjoy. again, this is just my opinion, so im not going to say whether you should or shouldn't read it.
July 11, 2021
This wasn’t a bad book. Parts just felt...cheap? I wanted more for Sam. I wanted more for Nick. The plot seemed forced in spots and I found it disappointing. Still a decent, quick read if you’re looking for something to not think about too deeply.
February 26, 2022
Nick and Sam were totally opposite which made for some good and hilarious reading. A ton of buildup and interruptions up the wazoo. All great reading, could've used a prologue or a bit more to the quick happy ending.
May 18, 2019
Fantastic book!
Different than the normal, and great to have a staring heroine that isn't model thin! Love, love, love it! Give it a shot! You won't be sorry!
Different than the normal, and great to have a staring heroine that isn't model thin! Love, love, love it! Give it a shot! You won't be sorry!
October 5, 2019
Great story
This is a wonderful, romantic, sexy story. It has a slow burn that makes for a hot connection between the H/h. This my one of my favorites of Ms. Andrews.
This is a wonderful, romantic, sexy story. It has a slow burn that makes for a hot connection between the H/h. This my one of my favorites of Ms. Andrews.
December 28, 2014
Really slow to start and get going. Sam was a little too insecure and neurotic for me but I really enjoyed Nick. It has some truly funny moments and a lot of tender moments. Overall it was entertaining, if not a bit boring in the beginning.
May 14, 2015
This is a cute, but weird story. It got to be a bit much with the "eggs", but overall an enjoyable book.
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