Risky Business

by Savanna Rose

When Ivy returns to her small coastal hometown of Willows Bay, she knows she has to battle the demons of her past. It has been two years since the tragic accident that forced her away from her friends, family, and the beloved sandy beach that holds a special place in her heart.

After reuniting with her twin brother, she finds out his best friend, JJ, from university, will be staying with them for the summer. Only to realise he's the guy she had a steamy—and very spontaneous—one-night stand with five nights ago.

Ivy knows one thing for sure—her brother can never find out.

As Ivy tries her hardest to settle back into her childhood home and avoid JJ despite his intrigue, it proves impossible when they live under the same roof. She might feel an intense pull towards him, but she knows she shouldn't entertain it, even if the night they shared was the most fun she has had in years.

Dating her brother's friend once was a disaster, but twice is risky business.

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

Savanna Rose is a sweet and spicy romance author from London, England, who loves to write about strong women and swoony men. When she’s not creating one hundred new book ideas, she is either reading anything with spice, hitting the dance floor with her friends or sipping on a well deserved Aperol Spritz.

You can find Savanna on Instagram - @savannaroseauthor

Reviews

[Janalee Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Savanna Rose and I am in love!

I was not ready for this emotional roller coaster but I am sure glad I got on it. I kept thinking to myself, "I'm in a glass case of emotions".

There are deep and emotional topics that are the root of this story, and this book discusses them beautifully.

This book has everything I didn't know I needed. To say I love JJ and Ivy is an understatement. JJ is perfection. Kind, thoughtful and protective all while going through his own struggles. Ivy is silently strong, loyal and slowly taking her life back and finding her way to happiness.

The character growth of the main characters was emotional and felt so earned for them. I also found myself deeply invested in Ivy’s brother and his journey.

I'm still thinking about this story and I found myself putting the book down and distracting myself so I could make it last longer.

Thank you for the arc of this book and this my honest review.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine that you decide to be spontaneous one night and hook up with a handsome stranger after spending hours getting to know each other. Now imagine that a few months later, that same stranger is introduced to you as your twin brother’s best friend and is staying at your family home for the summer. (Shock)

Enter Ivy Thompson and JJ Woodford. They are perfect for each other, but because Ivy previously dated one of her brother’s friends and that relationship ended terribly, she decides she must stay away from JJ. What is that saying, “The heart wants what it wants”?

Ivy Thompson survived a tragic accident 2 years ago that changed her life forever. Throughout this story we see Ivy navigating being back in her hometown after staying away for 2 years. She is strong, beautiful, brave, sweet and intelligent woman that over comes her anxiety time and time again. Ivy puts walls up to push JJ away, but will that deter JJ from pursuing her or will it make him work harder to help her see that they are meant to be together?

JJ Woodford is going through a difficult time when his best friend Finn (Ivy’s twin brother) invites JJ to come back home with him for the summer. JJ is a caring, loving, protective, strong, supportive, sweet, patient, and passionate man. He is very calm and loving. When JJ sees Ivy, he believes that fate has brought them together again. JJ is there for Ivy when she really needs someone to comfort and support her. JJ does not understand why he can’t be with Ivy but in time the reason is revealed. Will JJ fight for what fate and his heart tells him is meant to be?

I love Ivy and JJ so much. There is a lot that I can relate to Ivy about and seeing how JJ helped her love herself truly meant so much to me. Everyone deserves to have a JJ in their life not only as a partner but as a friend as well.

[valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆

“i dare you to tell me this only feels like lust.”

tropes.
- one night stand
- second chance
- brothers best friend
- summer romance
- he falls first and harder.

mini synopsis.
ivy moves back to her small coastal hometown after a tragic accident two years ago, trying to escape her past and find peace. she reunites with her brother and discovers that his best friend jj, is the same guy she had a spontaneous one-night stand with just days before, and he is spending the summer living with them. ivy tries to avoid jj, especially since her brother must never find out about them. but living under the same roof makes that impossible.

my thoughts.
this story surprised me way more than i thought it would. i started it thinking it was gonna be a cute second chance book after a one night stand, but it ended up being so much deeper and more interesting than i expected.

i really loved ivy and daisy’s relationship. it felt real, and after years of internalized jealousy, they actually managed to work through their issues in a mature way.

on the other hand, jj and ivy were just adorable. i loved how their relationship developed beyond just physical attraction. jj is literally a prince. such a sweet relationship that grew little by little.

i honestly recommend it.

[Natalie | nats.bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ brothers best friend
✨ ONS to lovers
✨ summer romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ forbidden romance x secret

Are you ready for the PERFECT summer romance? With a heaping of sweet, a heavy dose of angst, and the most delicious addition of spice in this brother’s best friend romance.

Ivy is on a terrible date when she runs into JJ, tall dark and tattooed. With a one night stand under her belt Ivy goes home for the first time in years to spend the summer and focus on what’s next. Only she didn’t expect her one night stand that she ran out on to show up, as JJ her brother’s best friend from Uni. And now he’s forbidden after what happened just two years ago. Only JJ staring at the one girl who got away, who’s now his best friends little sister.

Ahh did I love this so much. The angst of the forbidden ness, the stolen away moments were so perfect! Adding in some of the best jealousy scenes on both ends added the perfect amount of will they won’t they 😩 and JJ earning a place for one of the hottest men to read about, the way he knew exactly what Ivy needed, someone on her side, someone to show her how beautiful she is and when she needed him rough and dirty. (I need him rough and dirty).

Releasing on June 20th and a book you must add to your TBR 😩

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivy has a spontaneous one night stand with JJ, and while it was amazing, she doesn’t expect to ever see him again. Imagine her surprise when she moves back home and her older brother’s best friend staying for the summer is no other than JJ. Will they pursue something more or will an incident from Ivy’s past be too much of a barrier.

This book actually ended up being a lot darker and heavier than I thought it would be with topics including alcoholism, near death experience and a past toxic relationship. Nothing is super graphic but just a heads up.

At times, the main characters were a bit immature with their lack of honesty and communication but it improved over the course of the book which resulted in me enjoying it more.

I think that every person deserves to have someone see them the way JJ sees Ivy.

Pick this up if you enjoy:
- Summer Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Small Town

Thank you to Savanna Rose for the ARC copy.

[Belle Roehsler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book.
JJ and Ivy were the definition of meant to be, they had an instant connection and it blossomed into mature love. They were support systems for each other, and had that undeniable pull to one another. As much as Ivy wanted to fight it, JJ was THAT man that didn’t give up and she slowly lowered her walls for him. They were such authentic characters together, there was such an ease to their relationship, no toxicity just pure emotions and feelings.

JJ - has my heart! ❤️
He was so honest, charming, and patient. Ah he was so so patient, everyone needs a JJ. He reminded Ivy time after time just how beautiful she was, and he knew she just needed someone to appreciate and value her. To lift her up when traumas from her past tried to bring her down.

The spice was perfection, the beach hut scene will live free forever in my head, and JJs mouth…wow the things he would say..hotttttt! Specifically when he calls her princess, and good girl…swooon ❤️‍🔥

Thank you Savanna for an ARC of this, I loved it - I look forward to reading whatever comes next for you! I really really enjoyed this one!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice, fun read following two incredibly sweet characters.

I had such a good time reading this but beyond the nice romantic moments and the fun spicy scenes, there were some really deep emotional storylines happening in the background which made you really connect and root for the characters. Savanna did an amazing job at writing these issues and I found myself tearing up at moments and cheering on our leads throughout the entire thing.

Thank you so much to Savanna for providing me with an early copy of this for review!

[Maddy Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!! JJ and Ivy are such beautiful characters and I truly loved reading their story. I love the summer setting, the side characters and the found family. This book had all the perfects elements of a romance book all fit into one. This book covered so many emotional themes, however did this so well! Such a sweet romance that everyone will love.

Thank you Savanna for an arc copy of this release! 🩷

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and JJ are two sweet souls who instantly connect and are so damn hot together.
Even if they try to deny it for a while.

But their connection is undeniable, which leads to so much spicy goodness.

At this point, I will read anything Savanna writes!

As holy hotness!!

Thank you Savanna for an early copy.

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute summer read, the way this had me immediately intrigued with their connection!! I loved their little meet cute, especially after the horrendous night they’d both been having before it. The spark between them was there without any effort, which is what had my attention right away.

“Life isn’t easy, but being with Ivy is. Falling for her is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

“this woman is a form of art. Beautiful in every sense. Beyond words. Beyond measure. She’s fucking mine.”

“I couldn’t let you slip through my fingers. I wanted you, and I wanted nothing more than to love you.”

I thoroughly enjoyed their summer together. The relationship Ivy has with her brother was also so strong, and JJ’s friendship with him so genuine. It’s easy to understand the didn’t want to tarnish any of it, especially with the backstory Ivy had.

Overall I enjoyed reading this next to the pool, it gives perfect summer vibes!

“Sometimes I wish I knew what exactly was going on inside my head, rather than having one hundred different emotions attacking me at once.”

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅Many thanks @savannaroseauthor for the opportunity to read Risky Business for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
What a heartfelt and emotional read.
Ivy and JJ are the main characters in Risky Business. Their unexpected meet up turns into a big surprise!
🩷Summer romance
🩵Chance meet up
🩶Spice for sure
💙One-night stand
💚Hilarious banter
🖤Forbidden love
🤎Brothers best friend
💜Addiction issues
🧡Trauma
♥️Seaside town
🤍No 3rd act break up
This is a book that will have you feeling all the feels….so emotionally charged!
Add Risky Business to your summer reading tbr list!
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Katy Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly!

I absolutely adored this book! Savanna Rose is a master of romance and storytelling🫢

Writing about parental Illness is hard and rarely done right but Savanna wrote this part of the story so delicately and honestly was beautiful to see a good ending for JJ’s mum.

The characters in this book have so much depth! I love how Ivy’s confidence grew within herself and how JJ supported her throughout this story.

Spice was insane and I don’t think I’ll look at a beach hut the same way 🫢

There were so many twists and turns in this book and the hard stuff was amazingly written!

Savanna knocked this one out the park 🫶🏻

I received an ARC copy in return for my honest review so thank you to Savanna for choosing me 💜

[Nicola Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY. GIRL. DESERVES. A JJ. I absolutely devoured, gobbled, chomped this book down. It was so cutesy and sweet with a pinch of serious topics, but just the right amount. I couldn’t help but fall in love with JJ and Ivy and Willows Bay, and I am so thankful for being selected to read the ARC! So, thank you Savanna 🥹. Their chemistry, banter, healthy communication and love they found for each other despite circumstances melted me. I am putty in your hands Savanna!

Ivy, our FMC, is so relatable. She started off as an insecure girly who had low self-esteem and was so healing to see her confidence grow and see her learning to set boundaries. I loved her friendship with Daisy towards the end who was always the ‘popular’ girl growing up and Ivy always felt in her shadow. Which, having been there, I know sucks! Seeing her relationship with her brother Finn was a tough read and I wasn’t expecting the heavy topics, but I am very interested to see if there will be a second book on him as I feel like I want to see him heal too ❤️‍🩹.

JJ, our MMC, is a gentle guy and honestly so unproblematic like hello emotionally intelligent and healthy man?! He fell first and fell hard, and his communication was lacking at first – I didn’t appreciate how he dealt with Daisy I kinda wanted him to have a backbone – however his communication with Ivy was always stellar and he was her biggest fan and I just loved it😭. Also, he calls her PRINCESS and has such a filthy mouth, like HELLOOOO!?!?!🫠 His relationship with the guys and Finn were also so great and I’m glad by guy Finn had someone to lean on. He needed that tough love! My guy was healing everyone’s wounds in this book. There’s so much I can say but we spoiler free over here hehe.

There were so many romantic scenes in this such as stargazing, kissing in the rain, their first date-not-date at the bar in the first chapter, the spicey scene in the beach hut... I just couldn’t get enough! From a trope’s perspective, if you love:

~ Close proximity
~ Forbidden Love
~ He falls first, and hard
~ Brothers best friend
~ Summer Romance

Then this book is for you!!!

[powerlireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 STARS ⭐️

I kindly received the ARC copy of Risky Business from Savanna Rose via BookFunnel.

Release Date: 20th June 2025

This was a sweet romance but also deals with some heavier topics throughout. The chemistry is instant between the two main protagonists, JJ and Ivy, and the banter between them is fun to read.

JJ is very likeable, he’s the perfect blend of cocky and confident yet gentle and kind. He’s not afraid to show his emotions, despite of his rugged exterior.

Ivy is still trying to find herself in a lot of this book, and is a very vulnerable character. I do feel that this element of her personality drags on a little too long. The same reservations and issues keep arising, which although understandable, can make the plot feel a little stagnant at times. As much as I enjoyed the slow build up to their relationship, I found myself getting irritated rather than intrigued, so was relived when the story started moving forward.

However, I did enjoy seeing her character develop and the author does a great job at showing the different elements to Ivy’s character and how she feels more vulnerable when she’s back home, faced with the memories of her past.

I really like the way the author set up the spicier scenes in this book, adding a little humour while also perfectly demonstrating the difference in their characters and where they are in regard to the relationship. However, I did feel like the scenes themselves were a little repetitive.

The relationship between Ivy and her brother Finn brought a deeper element into the story, aswell as the mystery surrounding their past. I really warmed to Finns character and found myself feeling somewhat protective of him, as I think what he has been through was understandably overshadowed by Ivy’s experience.

The dialogue between the characters seemed a little juvenile to me at times, especially for characters who were in university, and given the issues they were dealing with.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable read, with great chemistry between the main characters. It’s just a shame that Ivy’s insecurities/reservations took up so much of the story.

[brianna ! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

|ARC|

⋆ dual pov
⋆ forbidden love
⋆ one-night stand
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ summer romance
⋆ brothers best friend
⋆ he falls first and harder
_____________

my goodness!! I’m so damn obsessed!! such a great book to bring in summer! Risky business is a w best friend romance filled with healing and angst where we follow our FMC Ivy as she tries to put her pieces back together after a traumatic accident while also navigating a one night stand turned into the whole summer together and our MMC JJ as ever growing feelings for his brothers sister become harder and harder to control. We watch through their eyes as they try and navigate their ever growing attraction towards each other. We watch as they grow, heal, forgive and fall in love.

I absolutely fell in love with both Ivy and JJ for the beginning! They are both such complex and incredible characters that had such incredible journeys. I absolutely loved watching Ivy take back her happiness and joy. Watching her healing journey was so inspiring and she deserves every bit of happiness the world can offer! I loved JJ and how much he cared for everyone around him. That man wore his absolute heart on his sleeve and was always there for the people who he loves. Watching his journey throughout this book was so special! The absolute tension between these two the entire book was addictive, I was so obsessed! I ate up every second of these two!

This book was such an emotional roller coaster! Omg I loved the writing in this book! I was not expecting it to be so heavy but it was honestly so good! I loved the vibe of this book, it was a perfect mix light summer and heavy angst! They balanced each other out perfectly. I have been absolutely in love with small town summer romances and this one checked every single one of my boxes and I cannot wait to read more from Savanna in the future!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! it was raw, real and was such a perfect read to start off the summer! I would like to thank Savanna Rose for the amazing ARC and I can’t wait to read more in the future 🩵🎡🍦

[Shend · Rating 4 out of 5]

💫ARC Review💫

4 1/2 Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh my goodness, Risky Business still has a chokehold over me. Savanna Rose delivered an emotional, raw, and unexpectedly tender story that completely swept me off my feet. This wasn’t just a summer fling romance—it was a full-blown journey through grief, healing, and love that caught me off guard in the best possible way.

After a disastrous date, Ivy Thompson ends up having a one-night stand with a kind and handsome stranger… only to later discover he’s none other than JJ Woodford—her brother Finn’s best friend. Cue the tension, the longing, and all the forbidden spark flying off the page.

What I loved the most about this book was the emotional depth of Ivy and JJ’s relationship. Their bond unfolds through quiet, meaningful moments and the kind of soft intimacy that feels rare, beautiful and precious. JJ is the sort of man every woman deserves—gentle, patient, fiercely protective, and quietly devoted. You can feel his heart in every word, like when he says:

💬 “She’s not living, she’s just surviving. And I want to help bring that soul back, a soul that is in need of some tender care. Even if Finn forbids it.”
💬 “How can I stay away when being around her makes me lose my breath?”

Ivy is beautifully written—grieving, guarded, and slowly learning how to let someone in again. Her growth is quiet but powerful, and her chemistry with JJ is undeniable.

💬 “Because in this moment, there is no one else. It’s just us.” – Ivy Thompson

The side characters truly enriched the story. Finn is stubborn and overprotective, but clearly loves his sister. And Daisy, Ivy’s best friend, might be one of my favourite parts of this book—loyal, supportive, and full of heart. Her words are ones I won’t forget:

💬 “It’s okay to be perfectly imperfect because everyone is beautiful in different ways.” – Daisy

And of course, JJ delivers one of the most swoonworthy lines of the entire book:
💬 “Forever, princess.” – JJ Woodford

Risky Business also tackles heavier themes—alcohol addiction, emotional trauma, life after a traumatic accident, and parental illness. These elements are written with sensitivity and emotional honesty. Nothing is glossed over; every struggle is met with compassion, and every moment of healing feels truly earned.

If you love:
💛 Brother’s Best Friend
🌞 Summer Romance
🛏️ Forced Proximity
💔 Grief, growth & second chances
🫶 Found family and fierce friendships
🔥 Tender, emotional spice

Then Risky Business belongs on your TBR. I laughed, I swooned, I teared up—and I felt everything. This one stays with you.

Thank you, Savanna Rose, for the opportunity to read this beautiful ARC.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh! Savanna Rose 🥹❤️ I am so incredibly proud of you! From following and reading your work on Wattpad to now reading your published work 🥹🫂❤️ Ivy and JJ are MAGNIFICENT 🧎‍♀️🔥 I couldn't put them down. The twists and turns, spice, tension, angst, and romance 🤭 I was literally giggling and kicking my feet. I also cried 😂😭❤️ Thank you so much for this ARC 🥹

JJ Woodford 😌✋️ This man is mine! and he is FINE! Tall, handsome, intelligent, videographer 😏 iykyk, tortured, pulls off a buzz cut like a Daddy 🫦, charming, golden retriever, protective, knows how to use his hands and... 😏 kinky, and will do anything to ensure his woman never loses her smile 🥹 JJ did not expect his ons runaway 😂 to be his best friend's twin sister. Imagine his surprise when he goes to their beach town for the summer 🤭 As much as he wants to keep their past hidden, he can't stop looking at her and pining! He is absolutely sweet, gentle, and caring towards her. The fire in his eyes🧎‍♀️🔥🫦

Ivy Thompson 😌🥹 This woman is an inspiration! Her sheer bravery and strength had me nodding and backing her up! Beautiful, intelligent, shy, brave, tortured, biomedical science student 😌, gentle, caring, protective, kinky, and can't stop finding herself in JJ's orbit. Ivy has a mindblowing night with the one man who's made her feel the most comfortable she has in 3 years, or honestly ever. But she leaves the next morning thinking they won't work out. Now she's in the same house for the summer and trying to ignore her feelings and the looks they share 😌🔥

They had me giggling, kicking my feet, and also 🤦‍♀️ But their journey was so beautiful to watch. If you haven't read them yet, you need to do so asap!!

[Allie Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/ 5 ★
A little late because life gets in the way but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share my thoughts on this fun summer read! 🌊

We have Ivy who had a tragic accident that has left her with insecurities and anxiety, when she is attempting to start dating she finds herself fleeing from an awful first date, when she runs into JJ a tall tattooed gorgeous guy that ends up leading to a one night stand…thinking she’d never see him again she leaves the next morning before he wakes. Only to have him show up five days later at her costal hometown as her brothers best friend. 🫣

This story was truly one of my favorite of the year. It’s not only a cute fun summer read but deals with heavy topics that are written beautifully. I was hooked from the beginning wanting to figure out what had caused Ivy’s insecurities as well as JJ’s family issues. I loved their love story and truly enjoyed JJ falling so hard for Ivy but also giving her time to move at her own pace and always ready to protect her at all cost. 🥰Little bit of a spoiler but I also loved how she was so aware of how the situation would affect her brother and was caution of that especially with the demons he was also having. If you are looking for a beachy read this book is already out now and you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to check your trigger warnings! 🌊

I made this cute little polaroid collage of some of my favorite moments of the book that had me swinging my feet! ☀️

Tropes:
Brothers best friend ✔️
Summer romance ✔️
Forbidden love ✔️
One night stand ✔️
Forced proximity✔️
He falls first and harder✔️
Trauma and healing✔️

[Asia Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risky Business by Savanna Rose is a very entertaining romance to say the least. Not only was the romance fiery, so were the side plots. This book follows our two main characters Ivy and JJ. Ivy has had bad luck to say the absolute least when it comes to love, but when it is time for summer vacation, she is forced to go back to the small town she once was pleading to never return to. Before this, Ivy decides to go on a date that ends up less than fortunate where she eventually meets JJ and they hit it off, leading to a one night stand. When she arrives at the beach house to reunite with her brother, and meet the friend that will be staying with them for the summer, she realizes that that friend is not a stranger, and it is JJ. What happens from there, you will have to read. I loved the way we got to take a deeper dive into both of the characters' lives as individuals rather than just them as a couple. Ivy and JJ are for sure meant for each other and I can only hope one day for someone to yearn for me the way JJ yearns for Ivy. I loved how the storyline was realistic, it wasn’t insta-lovey like a lot of romance books with these tropes, which I appreciate, I feel like we were able to see in a realistic timeline the progression of their relationship. This book is stacked with tropes so if the following tropes are something you like to read, I would highly recommend this book; forced proximity, one night stand to lovers, brothers best friend, and small town vibes. Thank you Savanna Rose for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ll ever get over this book! It was a perfect summer read that definitely pulled on my heart strings, I’m obsessed with these characters and the dreamy beach vibes 🩵

Ivy is an FMC I’ll be thinking about for a very long time!! What a strong FMC!! After everything she’d been through she always put everyone before herself and I just love her so much!! She’s such a beautiful person and I truly loved seeing her confidence grow throughout this book, it was very special.

JJ. The man you are. WOW! I’m in love with him!! He’s such a sweet character, the care he gives to everyone around him had me swooning. JJ also had his own problems but still made sure everyone around him was happy?! Literally obsessed with him! He’s the perfect book boyfriend.

This book has my entire heart, I loved everything about it and I didn’t want it to end at all. I loved the story and how it was all dealt with so beautifully and so carefully. It had me feeling all words of emotions. And the spice.. wellll that spice was HOT! I was screaming, crying, blushing throughout! I love it when we love a book starting with a one night stand! The connection between the characters felt so natural and I LOVED the location of this book. If I could read this again for the first time I’d jump at the chance because I’m genuinely so obsessed and this was a 5 star read for me from the start!

Thank you so much Savanna for this incredible book, this arc is one of my fave reads for sure 🥹

[Bookish girly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a touching and heartfelt read.🥹

Savanna Rose always has me in awe with her beautiful writing when writing about serious topics. My heart ached for Ivy with her self image struggles and her brother, Finn with his alcohol addiction. Not to mention some things that JJ also had to deal with in this book. Savanna Rose wrote about these topics so well.

I absolutely loved our two main characters Ivy and JJ. I loved seeing Ivy who was so guarded in the beginning slowly start to open up her heart to JJ, who treated her like absolute gold. Ivy really deserves the world for the way she puts everyone first.😭 I also loved seeing JJ teach Ivy to love herself again, scars and all and more importantly to put herself first at times. They honestly couldn’t be a better pair! Another thing I loved seeing was how Ivy was there for JJ, how she became someone he could talk to and share his worries with. These two really show how important it is to choose the right partner who you can lean on and will always support you 🥹🫶

Overall I really liked this book sm! It was such a beautiful story. (While spicy as well.) The fact that we got not one, but TWO epilogues felt like getting a sweet treat and made me so happy!🍪 I'm so glad to see Ivy and JJ get their well deserved happy ending!

Thank you so much to the author for an e-arc of this book! I already can’t wait to read your next book!

[Natalia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

[ ARC review ]

Risky Business follows Ivy and JJ, who, after a one-night stand that was only supposed to stay like that, find out that Ivy’s brother, Finn, is his best friend from university.

One thing I do not like about brother’s best friend stories is the fact that the brother is always so overprotective that he is getting in the way of the main characters’ happiness for no reason at all. This was not the case here. There was definitely a reason behind Finn’s behaviour, and as the truth slowly became apparent not just to us but to JJ as well, you can totally understand where he was coming from.

It was the plot twist at the end that I did not see coming at all! It was so unexpected, but in a good way, because it added to the book’s drama without it feeling like it was something different from the book. I really enjoyed Ivy as a main character, especially her evolution throughout the whole story and how she slowly learnt to love herself. And I, of course, loved JJ, who always put her first and helped her without expecting anything in return.

They were so perfect together; they are definitely one of those couples that stay together after the end of the book!

[Cara bunnypop_bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance reads you can devour in a day or two then this is for you. I read this in 48 hours!

My third book of Savanna’s and I am addicted 😍 something about the way she writes reels you in and hooks you!

JJ is our MMC in Risky Business, those blue eyes, that body *swoon* I love the passion and little bit of jealousy JJ brings early on.
I enjoyed seeing the softer side of JJ and everything going on with his family.

I’m a sucker for a brother’s best friend trope and this one had me feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. The spice was 🔥

Ivy is the FMC you just want to befriend and look after. I loved how we get a good look at all the kinds of relationships in her life and it shows what a well loved person she is.

I thought seeing some of the immaturity in the characters at the start and their journey showed how well they developed.

There are definitely some tough topics in here that had me feeling emotional and I thought they were written in a respectful but heart wrenching way.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away but some favourite scenes that stick out for different reasons were the bar scene where ‘old friends’ show up, the garden scene with Ivy and JJ plus the scene after Ivy has been shopping for something confidence boosting!

Thank you to the author for an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Bookish Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivy Thompson ❤️ JJ Woodford


Unfortunately this book wasn't for me overall. It's a forced proximity romance, kind of a second chance after a one night stand . There's a few different plot lines, such as the mystery of what happened to Ivy, the FMC. I would've liked for the eventually reveal of this to be a bit more detailed, maybe as a flashback, as it felt like a lot of build up for a few pages of recounting the accident. I'm used to reading a lot by American and Canadian authors, and the style of this was distinctly British, which is by no means a bad thing, it's just not what I prefer (maybe bring British myself, I like the cultural differences I learn about through North American writers) There were some spicy scenes, that were well written, but the more romantic areas weren't written in a style that appeals to me. I think the writing style was the main issue for me. I'm disappointed as I wanted to like this, and based on the tropes, assumed I would. I'm sure others will enjoy it, and I wish the author all the best.

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I loved Risky Business, I truly mean it. JJ and Ivy’s story felt so special and will stay with me for a long time; it’s rare that characters feel so relatable to me that I can picture them as my friends. I fell in love with them both instantly, and the growth of their relationship throughout was beautiful to read. The healing, the angst, the jealousy, the tropes - this story really has everything I love from a romance. The spice level was also perfect for me! The beach hut scene… enough said.

The book deals with some potentially triggering topics, such as panic attacks, parental illness and alcoholism, but in my opinion everything is handled so beautifully and carefully. Ivy is one of my favourite FMCs in a long time as somebody with anxiety myself - I felt so connected to and seen by her. I think this book will be a comfort reread for a long time!

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this wonderful book before publication!

[Spice_and_Spine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC just a few days ago and ended up finishing it within 24 hours! The story follows Ivy and JJ, and features tropes like brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and a hint of second chance romance. While those aren’t necessarily my favorite tropes, the storyline was engaging enough to keep me reading.

One thing that didn’t quite land for me was the central reveal about Ivy. The build-up suggested something more intense, but when it was finally shared, it didn’t feel as impactful as expected. The reactions from the characters felt overly dramatic in comparison to what was actually revealed, which made the moment fall flat.

That said, the chemistry between Ivy and JJ was great—the spicy scenes were well-written and believable, and their connection had a nice spark to it. Overall, it’s a fun, easy summer read with some heat and heart, even if a few elements didn’t quite hit the mark

[Bereniice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect match between funny, sexy, touching and romantic. It had me kicking my feet, intrigued, smiling but it also had a side to the book that I didn’t expect! It touched on mental health, passed trauma and being in touch with your emotions in a way that was touching but also easy to read.
I absolutely loved JJ, the way he was strong and protective but also soft and caring, he had me swooning. The mysterious touch that the author added to the story, giving the hint that there was a deeper topic the story was going to touch on had me intrigued since early in the story. Even though I had an idea on what passed trauma they were going to touch on, I was really surprised to find there was something even deeper that made the plot twist even more intriguing.
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, but my opinions are sincere. I had a blast reading this book!
Also, the spice was so on-point 😏 👌🏼👌🏼

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very happy release day and a big thank you to Savanna Rose for the early review copy of Risky Business. I really enjoyed the first two books that are out in Savanna’s fantasy series so I knew I absolutely HAD to read her first contemporary book!

2025 Read: #66
Rating: 4.5 ⭐

What you can expect:
✨ Small beach town summer romance
✨ Brother’s best friend
✨ Forced proximity
✨ One night stand

MY THOUGHTS 💭
✨ The beach vibes would make this the perfect summer read but I definitely did enjoy this even in the middle of winter here in Australia
✨ Ivy had a lot of personal stuff to work through which was a big reason for them having to keep it all a secret
✨ I really loved JJ for giving Ivy space when she needed it but making it clear that he wanted her as soon as she was ready and also helping her relearn to love herself
✨ The beach hut scene 🔥
✨ This one felt on the longer side for a romance but not in a bad way at all

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a a story about returning home and unraveling the knots of a life you ran away from.

After meeting a great guy and having a fling with him, Ivy returns home for the first time in over two years. There she discovers her fling is, in fact, her brother’s best friend who is spending the summer with them.

It’s a common trope, but this story takes it further by exploring past relationships and deep seated insecurities. Before Ivy can move forward, she must make peace with her past.

The book deals with some heavier issues such as cancer, alcoholism, controlling relationships, physical scars and sense of self worth. It somehow manages to be both an instalust and a slow burn story, and is 100% open door.

It’s a sweet romance where he always believes in her. It comes with a tattooed hero, surfing lessons, a dog called Rufus, stargazing, lots of banter and a snapped heel. It will appeal to any fan on contemporary romance.

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

“I’ve always seen you, Ivy,” “Always”

JJ is THE book boyfriend. The one who helps you when you’re having a panic attack. The one who gives you space when you need it. The one who defends you when you need it.

If i was looking for someone, it would be a JJ. Ivy is so scared to love, and to be loved, and to be confident, but he is so patient and shows her how beautiful she is. Ugh. And her confidence blooming as the story went on, i could almost imagine being there and seeing it play out in real life.

The beach is such a calming place for so many people, so i fully understood her need to be free at her home.

Also, my parents would never let me have stay home for weeks on end without supervision. That would have been a dream!

Also, that beach shack scene? Yes please…