Risk

by Drew Taylor

***For newsletter subscribers only! Visit my website (link in bio) to subscribe!***

Sam Martin is in a pickle.

The male lead in her play broke his leg, and her best friend’s brother, Ethan Jenkins, refuses to turn down the dare to replace him. To make matters worse, Esme, the best friend and sister, has started seeing a new guy, and she can’t seem to see the glaring red flags that Sam and Ethan notice. Together, they must find a way to break through Esme’s limerence while not ruining their relationship with her… or complicating their budding romance.

Risk is a prequel novelette to Reverie exploring a moment of Esme’s missing memories through the eyes of Sam.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Christian Fiction

ebook

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Drew Taylor writes modern closed-door chick-lit romance stories from a Biblical worldview. She believes faith-based romance can be full of heart, humor, healing, and hope while showcasing the reality of our fallen human condition. Her redemptive and engaging stories point to the One who embodies true love–Jesus Christ.

Drew lives in the great state of Mississippi where she teaches high school English. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys reading, baking, researching conspiracy theories, and spending quality time with the people who mean the most to her.

Follow Drew:

Instagram: @authordrewtaylor
Facebook: Drew Taylor, Author
TikTok: @drewtaylorwrites
Pinterest: @authordrewtaylor
YouTube: @authordrewtaylor

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know you’ve been waiting for this! 🤍🎭

Risk is coming to your inbox on JUNE 1ST! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out <3

www.drewtaylorwrites.com

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

how precious Sam and Ethan are 🥹🫶 This was such a delightful prequel to the events of "Reverie", I had a grand time. 4 stars from me!

**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a Drew Taylor story—of course it was amazing! 🤭

*sighs happily* This novelette was so much FUN. Sam and Ethan are adorable, hehe, and my Shakespeare loving heart was delighted from start to finish!

I read this in one sitting and it put a huge smile on my face! Love, love, love 😍

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading)]

I got the blessing of proofreading this one. It was so fascinating to see what Esme's life was like before Reverie occurs, and it was super fun getting to know Sam and Ethan better!

[India Tungate · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Drew Taylor writes it, I’m going to read it! This woman knows how to create stories that grip your attention and have you swooning page after page. I love how bold she is on her faith and the things she believes in, that as a person I just respect her so much. The fact that she unapologetically weaves in Jesus into her novels is *Chefs Kiss*

And, to top off the praise, because I could keep going, she is giving away a free novel! What! 🤯🥰

If you want to read this fun, flirty, and “dramatic” romance story, all you have to do is subscribe to her newsletter. Trust me, if you love her books, you’re going to want your hands on this one.

You’ll enjoy this book if you like:

🩵 Best Friend’s Brother
🩵 Childhood to Grown
🩵 She takes care of him (after she accidentally hurts him 😂)
🩵Play within a novel
🩵 faith filled

[Praise Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this story literally had me in stitches! Imagine being a single lady, coming home to your apartment, and realizing someone is in your shower. Afraid that this stranger is a dangerous stalker, you grab a kitchen knife, stealthily approach the bathroom, and slash blindly at the person as they step out dripping wet. Only, wait for it... it turns out to be your best friend's brother, who you also happen to have a massive crush on!

The plot only gets better from there, especially when the "Truth or Dare" trope comes into play! During a game with their friends, he is dared to step into the role of the male lead for her theater performance. When that happened, I was literally cheering, "Yes, let's go, Truth or Dare!" I absolutely loved how each character's unique personality shone through during these moments.

The writing style in this novelette is fantastic because it doesn't overcomplicate things. The story is straightforward and incredibly easy to follow.

Since I was privileged to read the main book (Reverie) as an ARC last year, it was so incredibly cool that this is a prequel. I really loved getting to see some of my favorite characters, like Esme and the other side characters, featured in this story again! I absolutely recommend this for everyone who loves a good faith-based romcom.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Drew Taylor's Reverie, so when I learned that she was writing a prequel novelette and giving us a glimpse of what happened before that story from Sam's POV, I was very excited. And it did not disappoint! Sam and Ethan drew me into their story right away... and honestly with the way they were 're-introduced' in the story... how could they not!? (No spoilers here but trust me... it's a memorable one!) Throw in a game of truth or dare that ultimately ends in a happily ever after and the sweetest best friend's brother romance and there was a lot to enjoy in this one. It may not have been very long (easily read in just a sitting or two), but it wasn't lacking in great story, faith or a swoon worthy romance. If you loved Reverie and wanted to get a little more of Esme's backstory before the story, this is definitely one to check out. Even better? This one is free when you subscribe to the author's newsletter!

Risk is a closed-door Christian romance with kisses only and no language. It is a prequel to the Daydreams and Disasters series.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all I keep saying it, I feel like Drew Taylor writes books just for me! This little novella is perfect! When I read Reverie, I could not put that book down. It was so intense with all the twists and turns; I loved it! Then when Drew announced she was going to be releasing Sam and Ethan’s backstory I was a little taken back. They didn’t seem like they were characters that important to the story line. But was I wrong! I LOVED reading their story and also how it ties in with Esme’s back story. I love Sam, I’m pretty sure we’d be best friends. And Ethan is so awesome! And, like pretty much every Drew Taylor book I’ve read, I found little pieces of life advice that I absolutely needed to hear right now! I found myself flying through this novella and then being so sad that I had reached the end because I wanted more! Seriously, you’re going to want to sign up for her newsletter and grab yourself this little gem.
I’m so grateful to the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This novelette is a newsletter exclusive. It’s is a prequel to Reverie.

I absolutely loved Reverie and enjoyed getting to the story behind how Sam and Ethan got together. Drew Taylor really made them shine and show how perfect they are together. I liked how it started with a dare, but Ethan put in the work to help Sam with her theater show. There relationship was so cute, and I hope to see more of it in future books!

I also liked getting parts of Esme’s missing memories from Reverie. I didn’t feel great about Bryan (her ex) in Reverie, and the red flags 🚩 are even worse in this novelette. I need to know more in future books!!!

Loved the theater aspect and how “Shakin up the Sphere” was seen as part of her ministry to others.

🎭 Theater
🎭 Best friend’s brother
🎭 Beard + “dad bod”
🎭Toxic relationship
🎭Truth or Dare

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk is the perfectly-named story of Ethan and Sam. It’s always a risk admitting your feelings to someone, especially if that someone is your best friend’s brother! I enjoyed their journey to realizing their feelings for one another, and Sam’s journey to making her theater ministry dreams a reality. What a cool idea! I also enjoyed the scenes with Esme, and seeing just how terrible of a relationship she was in prior to Reverie ( if you haven’t read that one yet, what are you waiting for?!?).
This is a perfect novelette to add to your summer reading tbr- and I hope you will! Be sure to sign up for Drew’s newsletters to receive access!
Thank you to the author for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts above are my own.

[Bobbi Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I really loved it. It gives you a small insight into Sammie and Ethans world and how they became a couple. I honestly hated how short, this book had to be, I wanted more of their story. It was very beautifully written, thank you drew for making sure I got to read it!!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute novelette. It’s a prequel novelette to Reverie and I recommend checking this out before picking up the first book in the series🥰

🎭Best Friend’s Brother
✨She Stabs Him(kinda)
🎭Novelette
✨Faith Themes
🎭Shakespeare
✨Chick-Lit

🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Chloe Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella. Getting to see Sam and Ethan before they got together and seeing them start there relationship. I also appreciated seeing the kind of person Bryan was. I didn’t like him in Reverie and I definitely didn’t like him in this.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST TRUTH OR DARE DARE EVER!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Novella!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Ethan & Sam's sweet, caring, laugh out loud, hopeful, supportive, swoony happily ever after!!

[Ashley Kroese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this prequel to reverie! Great insight to Esmes time before her memory loss. Loved the quick but cute story with her brother and her best friend! Must read! 🩷

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book!