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Running Risk
Rylee Thompson swore she left town for bigger and better things, but when she’s forced to move back, it’s clear she was trying to outrun her past. Now her only escape is throwing herself into DIY projects and trying to grow her online audience.
Clayton Daniels needs his construction business to be a success, but finding the right help is easier said than done. It isn’t until he runs into his childhood best friend that he knows Rylee would be perfect for the job.
There’s only one problem. She’s too wounded from their past to entertain the possibility of a future.
He’d do anything just to be around her again, and she’ll do anything to hold onto her anger. But even Rylee can’t resist the undeniable pull between them.
Can she learn to trust her best friend again, or will Clayton never get the chance to prove to Rylee he might just be the love she’s always hoped for?
Clayton Daniels needs his construction business to be a success, but finding the right help is easier said than done. It isn’t until he runs into his childhood best friend that he knows Rylee would be perfect for the job.
There’s only one problem. She’s too wounded from their past to entertain the possibility of a future.
He’d do anything just to be around her again, and she’ll do anything to hold onto her anger. But even Rylee can’t resist the undeniable pull between them.
Can she learn to trust her best friend again, or will Clayton never get the chance to prove to Rylee he might just be the love she’s always hoped for?
284 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2025
8 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Anderson
2 books36 followersDawn Anderson is a contemporary romance author who writes RomComs with open-door spice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 10, 2025
Running Risk written by Dawn Anderson was adorable, emotional. sweet, short, heart warming, fall coded, and even heart breaking at times. I have never read anything written by Dawn Anderson before, but her writing style and story telling was absolutely breath taking, I was captivated from the very first page all the way until the very end, I will definitely read anything else she writes. If you are looking for the perfect palette cleanser to read on a chilly fall day with a warm drink in your hand, then please mark your calendars for September 12th, 2025 because you definitely don't want to miss out on this adorable story. I love dual POV because it gives the readers a backstory about the characters pasts, but in the beginning this one felt a little too YA for me, but as I kept reading it definitely started dealing with heavier topics and the story just became so emotional, by the end of the book I had tears streaming down my face. I was honestly a bit hesitant to read this book because of her mixed reviews, but it was just the right palette cleanser I needed in my life. Running Risk was the most beautiful and precious first love story. I was honestly so invested in these characters lives, it felt like I had known them forever, but of course I had to say goodbye to fictional people I have never met. I just wanted to jump into my kindle and be associated with their little friend group.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND ROOTED PUBLISHING LLC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
🎶MUSICAL PLAYLIST🎶
🎵Sweet Home Alabama- Lynyrd Skynyrd🎵
🎵Renegades- X Ambassadors🎵
🎵Heroes- Alesso🎵
🎵Country Girl- Luke Bryan🎵
🎵Florida- Taylor Swift🎵
🎵Homeboy- Eric Church🎵
🎵Please Please Please- Sabrina Carpenter🎵
🎵Boot Scootin' Boogie- Brooks & Dunn🎵
🎵Birds of a Feather- Billie Eilish🎵
🎵Ring of Fire- Johnny Cash🎵
🎵Tennessee Whiskey- Chris Stapleton🎵
🎵Stronger- Kelly Clarkson🎵
🎵A Thousand Miles- Vanessa Carlton🎵
"❤✨I thought it could be the start of a beautiful love story❤✨".
"💘😭Some things don't change, no matter how long it's been💘😭".
"💝💫Enjoying life together and knowing that we will be there for each other even when life gets hard💝💫".
"💓🍻To a night of fun with no regrets💓🍻".
Rylee Thompson is a frequent shopper at Home Goods because she is in the process of remodeling her house but not at all once because she hates the constant chaos of unfinished projects. Rylee is into DIY projects and making "how to" videos of herself remodeling her own home for her online audience. Rylee is a girl after my own heart because she loves reading Nicholas Sparks. Seven years ago, Rylee left her hometown of Ravenwood, Georgia to chase a boy she loved, but since then she has moved back to Georgia three months ago thinking she could avoid the boy she once loved who has also returned home. Seven years ago, Rylee moved to California because at eighteen years old she applied to a college and got accepted to the University of Southern California because she wanted to get away from all of the memories she had made with her first love. Clayton Daniels had the biggest damn crush on Rylee. As a boy- Clayton liked to stick to the shadows and not be noticed because he is most definitely not a people person. Clayton now works for a construction company that he bought from Rylee's dad who was a father figure in Clayton's life. At just twenty-two years old, Clayton was honorably discharged from active duty in the Marines after being shot which caused him to return home.
Clayton and Rylee first met when Rylee was ten years old and Clayton was eleven years old, Clayton was new to the neighborhood so Rylee's family invited Clayton's family over for dinner and ever since then these two have been inseparable, for seven years they did everything together, that is until Clayton enlisted into the Marines without telling Rylee after catching his father having an affair with another woman. Rylee was the brunette beauty who was Clayton's first love. During their childhood, Clayton always believed in Rylee even when she struggled to believe in herself. Rylee and Clayton planned to go to the University of Georgia together and even get an apartment together, they had both gotten their acceptance letters, but Clayton wanted to follow a different path than what was already planned because he wasn't feeling the college life. After seven years of being away from each other, Rylee and Clayton have reconnected. Rylee did a little designer job for Clayton, but now they are friends with benefits type of thing where they have sex with no strings attached because Rylee is terrified to trust Clayton again, but as they spend time together Clayton starts having real feelings for Rylee. I absolutely adored these two, but whenever things got tough they would just run away. I loved watching them reconnect, it was truly beautiful, I loved how they talked about their pasts and what went wrong and why Clayton had enlisted into the Marines. Rylee and Clayton actually communicated like adults even though they did push each other away a few times, but I'm so happy for them.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND ROOTED PUBLISHING LLC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!
🎶MUSICAL PLAYLIST🎶
🎵Sweet Home Alabama- Lynyrd Skynyrd🎵
🎵Renegades- X Ambassadors🎵
🎵Heroes- Alesso🎵
🎵Country Girl- Luke Bryan🎵
🎵Florida- Taylor Swift🎵
🎵Homeboy- Eric Church🎵
🎵Please Please Please- Sabrina Carpenter🎵
🎵Boot Scootin' Boogie- Brooks & Dunn🎵
🎵Birds of a Feather- Billie Eilish🎵
🎵Ring of Fire- Johnny Cash🎵
🎵Tennessee Whiskey- Chris Stapleton🎵
🎵Stronger- Kelly Clarkson🎵
🎵A Thousand Miles- Vanessa Carlton🎵
"❤✨I thought it could be the start of a beautiful love story❤✨".
"💘😭Some things don't change, no matter how long it's been💘😭".
"💝💫Enjoying life together and knowing that we will be there for each other even when life gets hard💝💫".
"💓🍻To a night of fun with no regrets💓🍻".
Rylee Thompson is a frequent shopper at Home Goods because she is in the process of remodeling her house but not at all once because she hates the constant chaos of unfinished projects. Rylee is into DIY projects and making "how to" videos of herself remodeling her own home for her online audience. Rylee is a girl after my own heart because she loves reading Nicholas Sparks. Seven years ago, Rylee left her hometown of Ravenwood, Georgia to chase a boy she loved, but since then she has moved back to Georgia three months ago thinking she could avoid the boy she once loved who has also returned home. Seven years ago, Rylee moved to California because at eighteen years old she applied to a college and got accepted to the University of Southern California because she wanted to get away from all of the memories she had made with her first love. Clayton Daniels had the biggest damn crush on Rylee. As a boy- Clayton liked to stick to the shadows and not be noticed because he is most definitely not a people person. Clayton now works for a construction company that he bought from Rylee's dad who was a father figure in Clayton's life. At just twenty-two years old, Clayton was honorably discharged from active duty in the Marines after being shot which caused him to return home.
Clayton and Rylee first met when Rylee was ten years old and Clayton was eleven years old, Clayton was new to the neighborhood so Rylee's family invited Clayton's family over for dinner and ever since then these two have been inseparable, for seven years they did everything together, that is until Clayton enlisted into the Marines without telling Rylee after catching his father having an affair with another woman. Rylee was the brunette beauty who was Clayton's first love. During their childhood, Clayton always believed in Rylee even when she struggled to believe in herself. Rylee and Clayton planned to go to the University of Georgia together and even get an apartment together, they had both gotten their acceptance letters, but Clayton wanted to follow a different path than what was already planned because he wasn't feeling the college life. After seven years of being away from each other, Rylee and Clayton have reconnected. Rylee did a little designer job for Clayton, but now they are friends with benefits type of thing where they have sex with no strings attached because Rylee is terrified to trust Clayton again, but as they spend time together Clayton starts having real feelings for Rylee. I absolutely adored these two, but whenever things got tough they would just run away. I loved watching them reconnect, it was truly beautiful, I loved how they talked about their pasts and what went wrong and why Clayton had enlisted into the Marines. Rylee and Clayton actually communicated like adults even though they did push each other away a few times, but I'm so happy for them.
November 26, 2025
Ugh. This book really had so much potential, but I finished it feeling so frustrated and disappointed.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Rylee has been gone from her hometown for seven years chasing her dream of becoming a designer, but coming back means facing the boy who used to be her whole world. Clayton was her best friend, the one she did everything with, until their friendship ended in heartbreak. Now he’s running her dad’s old construction business, and when he needs a designer, Rylee ends up working alongside him for a month. Their reunion forces them to navigate old wounds, hidden truths, and the tension between who they were and who they’ve become.
One thing I did appreciate about this book was how it portrayed men’s mental health. Clayton’s anxiety wasn’t brushed aside or minimized. It showed the reality of how constant and paralyzing it can be. Reading his perspective as a teen could feel a little drawn out and repetitive at times, but it also captured the truth of what it’s like to live with anxiety. I liked how Rylee supported him back then without trying to fix him or dismiss it but just showed up, supported him, and let him be.
But beyond that, a lot of the story didn’t work for me. The flashbacks gave me plenty of background, including family details, town information, and little pieces of their lives, but not enough depth in their actual friendship. I wanted to feel the strength of their bond, and instead I felt like I was being told a lot without really seeing it. Yes I understood they connected because Rylee accepted him as he was but I just needed more from their minds on how much that pushed them together.
And when the book finally revealed why they both fell apart, her reaction didn’t even made much sense. She never really listened to him, never gave him the benefit of the doubt, and even as an adult she still came across as immature and selfish. She strung him along in the present, getting close to him, then pulling back, while knowing how deeply he cared. She really was a horrible person😭 Meanwhile, Clayton was open, patient, and honest. He gave her more understanding than she ever gave him, and honestly, he deserved SO MUCH better.
The ending was also disappointing. Yes, they reconcile, but it felt abrupt, like Rylee suddenly decided to forgive without any real growth or reason????? Since his side of things already made sense, the whole conflict dragged on longer than it needed to, only to resolve in a way that felt so unearned. Like be for real. All that hate just for her to magically understand all of a sudden?? Like you literally just hated him 5 minutes ago there’s no way you changed your mind that fast after all this time. COME ON 😑
Overall, I appreciated Clayton’s character and the mental health representation, but the shallow flashbacks, Rylee’s immaturity, and the flat ending kept me from enjoying it. Clayton carried the book, and without him, I honestly probably wouldn’t have finished.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”Clayton has always believed in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself, and now I want to make sure he knows I'm here for him too.”
”Why would I want another girl in my life when Rylee is everything?”
(SEE?! this is so sweet and there was just so much hope for more 😭)
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🔨 second-chance
🔧 childhood-friends-to-lovers
🔨 dual pov
🔧 flashbacks from high school
🔨 slow-burn (ish)
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Rooted Publishing LLC, and Dawn Anderson for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
slowly catching up on my arcs…
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
Rylee has been gone from her hometown for seven years chasing her dream of becoming a designer, but coming back means facing the boy who used to be her whole world. Clayton was her best friend, the one she did everything with, until their friendship ended in heartbreak. Now he’s running her dad’s old construction business, and when he needs a designer, Rylee ends up working alongside him for a month. Their reunion forces them to navigate old wounds, hidden truths, and the tension between who they were and who they’ve become.
One thing I did appreciate about this book was how it portrayed men’s mental health. Clayton’s anxiety wasn’t brushed aside or minimized. It showed the reality of how constant and paralyzing it can be. Reading his perspective as a teen could feel a little drawn out and repetitive at times, but it also captured the truth of what it’s like to live with anxiety. I liked how Rylee supported him back then without trying to fix him or dismiss it but just showed up, supported him, and let him be.
But beyond that, a lot of the story didn’t work for me. The flashbacks gave me plenty of background, including family details, town information, and little pieces of their lives, but not enough depth in their actual friendship. I wanted to feel the strength of their bond, and instead I felt like I was being told a lot without really seeing it. Yes I understood they connected because Rylee accepted him as he was but I just needed more from their minds on how much that pushed them together.
And when the book finally revealed why they both fell apart, her reaction didn’t even made much sense. She never really listened to him, never gave him the benefit of the doubt, and even as an adult she still came across as immature and selfish. She strung him along in the present, getting close to him, then pulling back, while knowing how deeply he cared. She really was a horrible person😭 Meanwhile, Clayton was open, patient, and honest. He gave her more understanding than she ever gave him, and honestly, he deserved SO MUCH better.
The ending was also disappointing. Yes, they reconcile, but it felt abrupt, like Rylee suddenly decided to forgive without any real growth or reason????? Since his side of things already made sense, the whole conflict dragged on longer than it needed to, only to resolve in a way that felt so unearned. Like be for real. All that hate just for her to magically understand all of a sudden?? Like you literally just hated him 5 minutes ago there’s no way you changed your mind that fast after all this time. COME ON 😑
Overall, I appreciated Clayton’s character and the mental health representation, but the shallow flashbacks, Rylee’s immaturity, and the flat ending kept me from enjoying it. Clayton carried the book, and without him, I honestly probably wouldn’t have finished.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”Clayton has always believed in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself, and now I want to make sure he knows I'm here for him too.”
”Why would I want another girl in my life when Rylee is everything?”
(SEE?! this is so sweet and there was just so much hope for more 😭)
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🔨 second-chance
🔧 childhood-friends-to-lovers
🔨 dual pov
🔧 flashbacks from high school
🔨 slow-burn (ish)
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Rooted Publishing LLC, and Dawn Anderson for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
──────────
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
slowly catching up on my arcs…
September 1, 2025
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ 4 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Dawn Anderson for this arc!
I really liked this, the characters were both very likable and the storyline was so good and interesting. I loved the whole then and now storytelling, which i usually don’t like very often.
It was just a cute little romance book and i ate it up. I also loved the side characters 🤭🤭🤭
Thank you NetGalley and Dawn Anderson for this arc!
I really liked this, the characters were both very likable and the storyline was so good and interesting. I loved the whole then and now storytelling, which i usually don’t like very often.
It was just a cute little romance book and i ate it up. I also loved the side characters 🤭🤭🤭
September 11, 2025
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy!
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: -
I loved the cover and I definitely wanted to fill my autumn with books that match the vibe, so I picked up Running Risk.
I was very much hooked on the occupations of the main characters, I have never read much about home DIY but I happen to be incredibly interested in the topic. I loved the level of detail about both the contractor work and the design side, it was enough to make the characters more authentic but not too much to get lost in it. I love finding books that give something new for me that I have never seen before!
I am unbelievably happy to see some male mental health representation with this much depth. As someone struggling with anxiety, social anxiety and more I could relate to Clayton, his struggles were consistent through the book and I felt so much empathy toward him. In comparison Ry felt more like someone living in a bubble, a tiny bit entitled like the word revolves around her, but based on her background I think that was very realistic!
I loved the flashbacks, watching them grow up and the relationship turn from a really wholesome friendship into something more. I definitely expected better reason for their fallout, but Ry's bubble is quite thick. I wish she had some character development, I so want to see her burst that thing and get vulnerable, get better, I think it would have made the story much better for me.
Readers who are looking for a little autumn feeling, some healing and second chance at love will likely enjoy the book, I hope at least as much as I did!
A quote I loved from the book:
"I thought it could be the start of a beautiful love story."
I scoff.
"Oh, you might want to listen to her." Mr. Miller slings the rag over his shoulder. "It sounds a lot like how I picked up this fireball all those years ago."
"You hush." Mrs. Miller points at her husband with a twinkle in her eye.
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: -
I loved the cover and I definitely wanted to fill my autumn with books that match the vibe, so I picked up Running Risk.
I was very much hooked on the occupations of the main characters, I have never read much about home DIY but I happen to be incredibly interested in the topic. I loved the level of detail about both the contractor work and the design side, it was enough to make the characters more authentic but not too much to get lost in it. I love finding books that give something new for me that I have never seen before!
I am unbelievably happy to see some male mental health representation with this much depth. As someone struggling with anxiety, social anxiety and more I could relate to Clayton, his struggles were consistent through the book and I felt so much empathy toward him. In comparison Ry felt more like someone living in a bubble, a tiny bit entitled like the word revolves around her, but based on her background I think that was very realistic!
I loved the flashbacks, watching them grow up and the relationship turn from a really wholesome friendship into something more. I definitely expected better reason for their fallout, but Ry's bubble is quite thick. I wish she had some character development, I so want to see her burst that thing and get vulnerable, get better, I think it would have made the story much better for me.
Readers who are looking for a little autumn feeling, some healing and second chance at love will likely enjoy the book, I hope at least as much as I did!
A quote I loved from the book:
"I thought it could be the start of a beautiful love story."
I scoff.
"Oh, you might want to listen to her." Mr. Miller slings the rag over his shoulder. "It sounds a lot like how I picked up this fireball all those years ago."
"You hush." Mrs. Miller points at her husband with a twinkle in her eye.
September 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Dawn Anderson, and Rooted publishing. This book was sweet, heartwarming, lighthearted, and made me happy. Rylee & Clayton were best friends since the age 11. They had plans to go to the same college and were each others rock. Clayton decided to enroll in the Marines & couldn’t figure out to tell Rylee. After years apart they never once stopped thinking about each other. I love how these two really supported each other and yet so different. Rylee was a very optimistic happy teenager and Clayton while dealing with his father’s cheating was much more subdued and suffered from anxiety, which I can appreciate the relation. Seeing Clayton even after all these years go out of his way to make Rylee happy I LOVED 🥹 it was so sweet. I really enjoyed this book and alsooooo the spice I love even more.
❤️🔥small town romance
❤️🔥friends to lovers
❤️🔥second chance
❤️🔥slow burn
❤️🔥yummy spice
❤️🔥dual pov
❤️🔥he falls first
❤️🔥small town romance
❤️🔥friends to lovers
❤️🔥second chance
❤️🔥slow burn
❤️🔥yummy spice
❤️🔥dual pov
❤️🔥he falls first
September 12, 2025
I would like to say thank you to Rooted Publishing LLC for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC! I loved the dual POV and think that the past & present chapters were very well done. I loved the flashback chapters of Clayton and Rylee when they were teenagers the most. It really touched on their friendship and the love between them while growing up. It was so good and just added to the already really great character build. I also really liked the supporting characters, both of their best friends Avery and Trish. The spice wasn’t over the top and I feel like it was just the right amount for the story. I even got a little emotional when we finally find out why she was angry with him and what caused the break of their friendship. The airport scene had me tearing up! The ending wrapped up well and overall I just feel like it was a really cute, small town romance, cozy fall read. 💗
Rated 4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5!!
Rated 4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5!!
September 7, 2025
★★★★☆ (3.75/5) || @corriature on IG
Thank you to the author & netgalley team for the ARC!
Lovely second-chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romcom. A feel good story where you know exactly where it’s going, and it cozies you up in the best way.
Rylee and Clayton met as fifth graders and became inseparable best friends. Over the years, feelings became less and less platonic but they both felt so at home they didn’t want to disrupt the peace. Right before they were supposed to graduate high school and head off to college together, Clayton disappears from her life without an explanation and she’s left shattered. When they meet, and have to work together, seven years later and the love/attraction hasn’t disappeared at all, will she be able to protect her heart?
Basically, this all boils down to dumb teenage choices (been there!) and zero communication even as adults, which often makes for a very entertaining romance. I actually really liked both of these characters and think they’re a pretty good fit together. They made me smile and laugh a lot and I’m happy they worked through their issues to come out on top.
I think this story needed a little more, though. Rylee was so hung up on a choice Clayton made as a TEEN and never really let him explain why (and there was good reason), and then just decided to get over it one day without a big talk or anything. That mostly didn’t sit right to me, as it made the climax feel pretty anticlimactic. Otherwise, though, love the dynamic between them and all of the side characters!
Thank you to the author & netgalley team for the ARC!
Lovely second-chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romcom. A feel good story where you know exactly where it’s going, and it cozies you up in the best way.
Rylee and Clayton met as fifth graders and became inseparable best friends. Over the years, feelings became less and less platonic but they both felt so at home they didn’t want to disrupt the peace. Right before they were supposed to graduate high school and head off to college together, Clayton disappears from her life without an explanation and she’s left shattered. When they meet, and have to work together, seven years later and the love/attraction hasn’t disappeared at all, will she be able to protect her heart?
Basically, this all boils down to dumb teenage choices (been there!) and zero communication even as adults, which often makes for a very entertaining romance. I actually really liked both of these characters and think they’re a pretty good fit together. They made me smile and laugh a lot and I’m happy they worked through their issues to come out on top.
I think this story needed a little more, though. Rylee was so hung up on a choice Clayton made as a TEEN and never really let him explain why (and there was good reason), and then just decided to get over it one day without a big talk or anything. That mostly didn’t sit right to me, as it made the climax feel pretty anticlimactic. Otherwise, though, love the dynamic between them and all of the side characters!
August 30, 2025
Big thanks to Netgalley and Rooted Publishing LLC for the arc!
Running Risk hooked me from the start, and I was instantly invested in Rylee and Clay’s story.
I wanted to know more about why they stopped being friends, especially when it was so obvious how they felt for each other.
When the big reveal happened (via flashback, which there are a lot of btw😒) I was kind of let down. Like that’s it? Really??? After that the book kind of went down hill for me.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- childhood best friends to strangers to friends to lovers
- forced proximity
- friends with benefits
- second chance romance
- small town in Georgia
Running Risk hooked me from the start, and I was instantly invested in Rylee and Clay’s story.
I wanted to know more about why they stopped being friends, especially when it was so obvious how they felt for each other.
When the big reveal happened (via flashback, which there are a lot of btw😒) I was kind of let down. Like that’s it? Really??? After that the book kind of went down hill for me.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- childhood best friends to strangers to friends to lovers
- forced proximity
- friends with benefits
- second chance romance
- small town in Georgia
August 29, 2025
There was some potential in this book but the description led me to believe this would be a book about two adults but so much of the book focused on the flashback scenes when these two were teenagers. This led me to feel the book should be marketed as a young adult genre.
We have two independent people who were best friends growing up. Rylee knows that Clayton struggles with anxiety and he copes by running. I feel like later in the story she holds it against him that his family has fallen apart and he’s left to help his mother figure things out when his father leaves her. Rylee appears immature and selfish and stays that way for most of the story. I also don’t understand how her parents don’t convey what Clayton went through. How is it she never inquires about him. Why is it he never writes to her? For all their talk of being best friends, she tosses him aside so quickly.
Bottom line, this book was emotionally exhausting and I don’t think I really related to Rylee’s character.
We have two independent people who were best friends growing up. Rylee knows that Clayton struggles with anxiety and he copes by running. I feel like later in the story she holds it against him that his family has fallen apart and he’s left to help his mother figure things out when his father leaves her. Rylee appears immature and selfish and stays that way for most of the story. I also don’t understand how her parents don’t convey what Clayton went through. How is it she never inquires about him. Why is it he never writes to her? For all their talk of being best friends, she tosses him aside so quickly.
Bottom line, this book was emotionally exhausting and I don’t think I really related to Rylee’s character.
September 14, 2025
I read this book in one day!
Loved the dual timeline happening throughout the book. Rylee and Clayton knew each other since they were kids. Their friendship was so sweet as it grew deeper. It gave the story so much depth jumping from past to present.
Rylee comes back to her hometown and has a gift for home design. Clayton has a construction business and needs some help in the design area. You can feel the tension between them. But after having to work together for over a month, will they be able to resolve their issues? Enjoy the read, I know I did.
Read if you like:
-small town romance
-childhood friends
-friends-to-lovers
-slow burn romance
-banter
*I do enjoy books that are more closed door. For closed 🚪 readers like me, skip chapters 30, 35, start of 36, & 49. 🩷
Thank you Dawn Anderson and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions and ratings are my own.
Loved the dual timeline happening throughout the book. Rylee and Clayton knew each other since they were kids. Their friendship was so sweet as it grew deeper. It gave the story so much depth jumping from past to present.
Rylee comes back to her hometown and has a gift for home design. Clayton has a construction business and needs some help in the design area. You can feel the tension between them. But after having to work together for over a month, will they be able to resolve their issues? Enjoy the read, I know I did.
Read if you like:
-small town romance
-childhood friends
-friends-to-lovers
-slow burn romance
-banter
*I do enjoy books that are more closed door. For closed 🚪 readers like me, skip chapters 30, 35, start of 36, & 49. 🩷
Thank you Dawn Anderson and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions and ratings are my own.
September 12, 2025
“My world has always been loud and overwhelming, but when she came in my life, it quieted.”
You would almost think there is a training for a marathon, lots of threats to fire the construction manager, DIY is the way to go and lots of memories - literally.
First of all happy release day to Dawn!
Hope you had a wonderful day filled with love and could soak it all in.
Second, thanks for this ARC oppurtunity!
It’s funny how the past always catches up with us no matter how hard we try to outrun it. The same goes for Rylee when she is forced to move back to the small town she grew up in. She made a name for herself online, designing and creating DIY content to renovate your own house. However, her past catches up with her sooner than she likes. Except the boy she knew is now a man. A man that will do anything to prevent his construction business going down. Even if that means asking for help from his long lost childhood best friend. The only problem? There are some loose ends on both sides, both hurt from the past and neither of them truly processed what happened between them.
My first book of Dawn Andersen and I have to be honest here, I had to get used to the writing a little. Even though I truly enjoyed the storyline from the past as well and found it an enrichment to the story line, it was a bit unnatural at first. However the characters - most of them - were very lovely.
Rylee is an incredibly creative woman that is not afraid to get her hands dirty. HOWEVER, I found her quite unreasonable and harsh towards Clayton. I get that she was hurt by what happened, but to fully blame him while he tried both back than as well as now to explain and reconnect with her and her just shutting him out and ignoring him but still mad for him not "reaching out" just did not sit right with me. I did love how she immediately accepted Clayton during their younger years, accepting him and letting him be who he was.
It's not such a surprise that I felt for Clayton quite often during this story. And I have to admit that he truly carried this story for me personally. Do I think he could've handled things better? Yes. But at the same time he was a kid and handled like he thought was best by wanting to protect Rylee. He did not deserve the treatment he got right after as well as years later. I have to applaud Dawn for how well she managed to write Clayton and his anxiety. It really came across even increasing the feeling that you just want to hug and comfort him.
I enjoyed reading this one, but I did feel like the full capacity hasn't been reached. In the end it suddenly moved quite fast more in an unnatural way. I think that could've been worked out a bit more. But overall a very nice second chance small town romance
Running Risk is a heartwarming story that shows the growth of a friendship through the years next to the struggling relationship they have now as adults by changing between past and current time. A story that shows trust can be earned back as long as you are willing to move past your anger and truly see what's right in front of you.
Are you looking for a childhood best friends to lovers, second chance romance that takes place in a small town? Ready for some furry friends along the way, anxiety rep and lots of running - both literally as well as figuratively running away from problems. Then I think you would enjoy this one.
Tropes you can expect
👟He falls harder
⚒️Forced proximity
👟Dual timeline and POV
⚒️Small town
👟Male anxiety rep
⚒️Childhoods friends to lovers
👟Second chance
You would almost think there is a training for a marathon, lots of threats to fire the construction manager, DIY is the way to go and lots of memories - literally.
First of all happy release day to Dawn!
Hope you had a wonderful day filled with love and could soak it all in.
Second, thanks for this ARC oppurtunity!
It’s funny how the past always catches up with us no matter how hard we try to outrun it. The same goes for Rylee when she is forced to move back to the small town she grew up in. She made a name for herself online, designing and creating DIY content to renovate your own house. However, her past catches up with her sooner than she likes. Except the boy she knew is now a man. A man that will do anything to prevent his construction business going down. Even if that means asking for help from his long lost childhood best friend. The only problem? There are some loose ends on both sides, both hurt from the past and neither of them truly processed what happened between them.
My first book of Dawn Andersen and I have to be honest here, I had to get used to the writing a little. Even though I truly enjoyed the storyline from the past as well and found it an enrichment to the story line, it was a bit unnatural at first. However the characters - most of them - were very lovely.
Rylee is an incredibly creative woman that is not afraid to get her hands dirty. HOWEVER, I found her quite unreasonable and harsh towards Clayton. I get that she was hurt by what happened, but to fully blame him while he tried both back than as well as now to explain and reconnect with her and her just shutting him out and ignoring him but still mad for him not "reaching out" just did not sit right with me. I did love how she immediately accepted Clayton during their younger years, accepting him and letting him be who he was.
It's not such a surprise that I felt for Clayton quite often during this story. And I have to admit that he truly carried this story for me personally. Do I think he could've handled things better? Yes. But at the same time he was a kid and handled like he thought was best by wanting to protect Rylee. He did not deserve the treatment he got right after as well as years later. I have to applaud Dawn for how well she managed to write Clayton and his anxiety. It really came across even increasing the feeling that you just want to hug and comfort him.
I enjoyed reading this one, but I did feel like the full capacity hasn't been reached. In the end it suddenly moved quite fast more in an unnatural way. I think that could've been worked out a bit more. But overall a very nice second chance small town romance
Running Risk is a heartwarming story that shows the growth of a friendship through the years next to the struggling relationship they have now as adults by changing between past and current time. A story that shows trust can be earned back as long as you are willing to move past your anger and truly see what's right in front of you.
Are you looking for a childhood best friends to lovers, second chance romance that takes place in a small town? Ready for some furry friends along the way, anxiety rep and lots of running - both literally as well as figuratively running away from problems. Then I think you would enjoy this one.
Tropes you can expect
👟He falls harder
⚒️Forced proximity
👟Dual timeline and POV
⚒️Small town
👟Male anxiety rep
⚒️Childhoods friends to lovers
👟Second chance
August 30, 2025
ARC read courtesy of NetGalley and Rooted Publishing LLC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Rylee and Clayton meet at a very young age and just become inseparable. Running together, hanging out together and even school together. However that bond becomes broken with one secret decision. Can Rylee ever trust Clayton again?
Rylee moves back home and starts a renovation project on her home whilst Clayton takes over Rylee’s father’s construction business. After a couple of months they then finally bump into each and everything comes flooding back. Anger, sadness, happiness and betrayal. No matter what happens though Clayton is there for Rylee be it when she fell, when she was sick, hungover or even needed a tree cut down. He never hesitated to show her that he loves her and that she was always the one.
With an independent Rylee and a gentle man like Clayton this story just works.
I went into this book not knowing much and came out of all giddy, happy and routing for the main characters!
This is a two POV book that just flows. It’s a nice easy read with characters to fall in love with. I especially fell in love with Avery 😍. There are flashback chapters which just flowed so nicely with side characters that gave that bit of comedy aspect.
This is a cutesy romance to snuggle up with on a rainy day.
Thank you NetGalley and Rooted Publishing Limited LLC for an advance copy. I will be buying this for my trophy shelf!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Rylee and Clayton meet at a very young age and just become inseparable. Running together, hanging out together and even school together. However that bond becomes broken with one secret decision. Can Rylee ever trust Clayton again?
Rylee moves back home and starts a renovation project on her home whilst Clayton takes over Rylee’s father’s construction business. After a couple of months they then finally bump into each and everything comes flooding back. Anger, sadness, happiness and betrayal. No matter what happens though Clayton is there for Rylee be it when she fell, when she was sick, hungover or even needed a tree cut down. He never hesitated to show her that he loves her and that she was always the one.
With an independent Rylee and a gentle man like Clayton this story just works.
I went into this book not knowing much and came out of all giddy, happy and routing for the main characters!
This is a two POV book that just flows. It’s a nice easy read with characters to fall in love with. I especially fell in love with Avery 😍. There are flashback chapters which just flowed so nicely with side characters that gave that bit of comedy aspect.
This is a cutesy romance to snuggle up with on a rainy day.
Thank you NetGalley and Rooted Publishing Limited LLC for an advance copy. I will be buying this for my trophy shelf!
September 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This book isn’t a very long read and, to be honest, I found it a sweet little story that can easily be finished in a single day. I do think it’s written for slightly younger readers than me, but I’m still glad I picked it up, it was something different, and definitely worth the time.
It’s another second-chance romance! We first see them as best friends at around 11–12 years old, and then follow them as they grow up, with all the changes and heartaches that come from a bit of miscommunication. It has that lovely small-town setting, which I thought made it perfect for an autumn read. What really added to the cosy vibe was Rylee’s job, she’s an interior designer! With autumn just a week away, all the talk of decorations felt so fitting and adorable, like a warm pumpkin spice candle flickering in book form.
One detail I found particularly charming was when Clay clenched his hands, it instantly reminded me of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and even Conrad from TSITP! The relationship between Clay and Rylee had this quiet sort of magic, even when they sat together in silence, it felt as though they were exactly where they needed to be, at the perfect time.
My favourite quote was, “You’re the only girl I want to give extra attention to”. Hehe, Clayton is such a sweetheart! All in all, it’s a cosy, heartwarming book that’s just right for snuggling up with as the leaves turn and autumn rolls in.
It’s another second-chance romance! We first see them as best friends at around 11–12 years old, and then follow them as they grow up, with all the changes and heartaches that come from a bit of miscommunication. It has that lovely small-town setting, which I thought made it perfect for an autumn read. What really added to the cosy vibe was Rylee’s job, she’s an interior designer! With autumn just a week away, all the talk of decorations felt so fitting and adorable, like a warm pumpkin spice candle flickering in book form.
One detail I found particularly charming was when Clay clenched his hands, it instantly reminded me of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and even Conrad from TSITP! The relationship between Clay and Rylee had this quiet sort of magic, even when they sat together in silence, it felt as though they were exactly where they needed to be, at the perfect time.
My favourite quote was, “You’re the only girl I want to give extra attention to”. Hehe, Clayton is such a sweetheart! All in all, it’s a cosy, heartwarming book that’s just right for snuggling up with as the leaves turn and autumn rolls in.
September 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for this arc !!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - only because I loved the characters!!
🌶️🌶️ - not much
I loved this book just for the characters alone because I was really invested in the storyline of the main characters. (Rylee and Clayton)
I just loved how Rylee was a do it herself type of women I loved that and the only thing that threw me off was that she was mad because he went into the marines without telling her ?? And was still mad at him till present time ?? Like girl what but other than that I ate the book up it was good I sometimes can’t do miscommunication trope and it definitely had that in many ways.
I really loved Clayton though he was really hot like the way he was described and the way he had his way of dealing with stressors I loved how he was so down to earth and everything but also in touch with his emotions and not hide them.
I kinda wanna see the side characters get a book too because they seemed actually flirty and they would be cute and we would maybe see Clayton and Rylee come in since they are friends…
It was fast paced so if you are looking for that this is perfect for you!
Tropes:
🍂 Friends to hating each other to lovers
🍂Dual pov
🍂small town romance
🍂lovable side characters
🍂 he falls from the start really (he falls faster)
🍂 forced proximity
🍂 friends with benefits
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - only because I loved the characters!!
🌶️🌶️ - not much
I loved this book just for the characters alone because I was really invested in the storyline of the main characters. (Rylee and Clayton)
I just loved how Rylee was a do it herself type of women I loved that and the only thing that threw me off was that she was mad because he went into the marines without telling her ?? And was still mad at him till present time ?? Like girl what but other than that I ate the book up it was good I sometimes can’t do miscommunication trope and it definitely had that in many ways.
I really loved Clayton though he was really hot like the way he was described and the way he had his way of dealing with stressors I loved how he was so down to earth and everything but also in touch with his emotions and not hide them.
I kinda wanna see the side characters get a book too because they seemed actually flirty and they would be cute and we would maybe see Clayton and Rylee come in since they are friends…
It was fast paced so if you are looking for that this is perfect for you!
Tropes:
🍂 Friends to hating each other to lovers
🍂Dual pov
🍂small town romance
🍂lovable side characters
🍂 he falls from the start really (he falls faster)
🍂 forced proximity
🍂 friends with benefits
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
❤️ARC BOOK REVIEW❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of Running Risk, the second book I’ve read by Dawn Anderson, and I was hooked from the start. It’s such an easy read that completely pulls you in. The flashbacks were my favorite part, they made me love the characters even more by showing their history and growth, and really added depth to the story.
Rylee and Clayton are such a great match. I especially loved how Clayton continually does things for Rylee without being asked... it makes him the perfect book boyfriend, and Dawn has such a talent for writing the perfect man in her stories. Their friendship felt natural and heartfelt in the then chapters, and I loved how they overcame the heartbreak of Clayton leaving for the Marines in the last few chapters.
One scene that stood out to me was when Rylee met Ray at the tree — it gave me total Gilmore Girls vibes. I adored that Dawn even mentioned the series, since it’s my own go-to comfort show in the fall. It was such a fun, cozy detail that made me smile.
Overall, Running Risk is a heartfelt, nostalgic read full of warmth, friendship, love, and second chances. I loved every minute of it.
(ARC received voluntarily, and this review is my own honest opinion.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of Running Risk, the second book I’ve read by Dawn Anderson, and I was hooked from the start. It’s such an easy read that completely pulls you in. The flashbacks were my favorite part, they made me love the characters even more by showing their history and growth, and really added depth to the story.
Rylee and Clayton are such a great match. I especially loved how Clayton continually does things for Rylee without being asked... it makes him the perfect book boyfriend, and Dawn has such a talent for writing the perfect man in her stories. Their friendship felt natural and heartfelt in the then chapters, and I loved how they overcame the heartbreak of Clayton leaving for the Marines in the last few chapters.
One scene that stood out to me was when Rylee met Ray at the tree — it gave me total Gilmore Girls vibes. I adored that Dawn even mentioned the series, since it’s my own go-to comfort show in the fall. It was such a fun, cozy detail that made me smile.
Overall, Running Risk is a heartfelt, nostalgic read full of warmth, friendship, love, and second chances. I loved every minute of it.
(ARC received voluntarily, and this review is my own honest opinion.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐'s
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rooted Publishing LLC for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a childhood best friends ➝ “enemies” ➝ maybe something more romance. Don’t be fooled by the cute cartoon cover—there’s definitely some adult content 🌶️🔥. I also really appreciated the anxiety representation woven into the story.
I especially loved our MMC, Clay. Family drama forced him to make a life-altering decision at 18 that deeply hurt his best friend (and secret crush) Rylee. What followed unraveled their bond and left them out of contact for six years. Now, with Rylee back in their hometown after college in California, the two are forced to confront the past—and decide if friendship, and maybe more, can be rebuilt.
Where this book really shines is in Clay’s character: layered, vulnerable, and trying to make peace with a choice he made when he was still just a broken kid. On the flip side, Rylee’s inability to see beyond her own hurt—and her tendency to keep rehashing it—grew a little tiring.
Overall, though, I was invested in their story. This is a heartfelt second-chance romance with plenty of angst, some spice, and characters you’ll want to root for, even when they frustrate you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rooted Publishing LLC for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a childhood best friends ➝ “enemies” ➝ maybe something more romance. Don’t be fooled by the cute cartoon cover—there’s definitely some adult content 🌶️🔥. I also really appreciated the anxiety representation woven into the story.
I especially loved our MMC, Clay. Family drama forced him to make a life-altering decision at 18 that deeply hurt his best friend (and secret crush) Rylee. What followed unraveled their bond and left them out of contact for six years. Now, with Rylee back in their hometown after college in California, the two are forced to confront the past—and decide if friendship, and maybe more, can be rebuilt.
Where this book really shines is in Clay’s character: layered, vulnerable, and trying to make peace with a choice he made when he was still just a broken kid. On the flip side, Rylee’s inability to see beyond her own hurt—and her tendency to keep rehashing it—grew a little tiring.
Overall, though, I was invested in their story. This is a heartfelt second-chance romance with plenty of angst, some spice, and characters you’ll want to root for, even when they frustrate you.
September 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson
This book is everything you could want in a small-town romance! It was such an easy, engaging read that pulled me in from the very first page. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives and the jumps back in time—they gave so much depth and history to the characters while still being easy to follow. I even managed to fimish it in one night!
The spice towards the end? Absolute icing on the cake! Dawn Anderson has such a gift for making her readers feel—I was laughing, crying, and everything in between. I also really appreciated how the story included men’s mental health struggles in such a sensitive, well-done way.
The only thing holding me back from giving this 5 stars is the ending. Rylee forgiving Clayton felt really out of the blue. Don’t get me wrong, she should have done it sooner, but nothing seemed to change that sparked her decision, which left me feeling a bit unsatisfied.
That said, it wouldn’t stop me from recommending this book at all—I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be picking up more from Dawn Anderson in the future!
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson
This book is everything you could want in a small-town romance! It was such an easy, engaging read that pulled me in from the very first page. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives and the jumps back in time—they gave so much depth and history to the characters while still being easy to follow. I even managed to fimish it in one night!
The spice towards the end? Absolute icing on the cake! Dawn Anderson has such a gift for making her readers feel—I was laughing, crying, and everything in between. I also really appreciated how the story included men’s mental health struggles in such a sensitive, well-done way.
The only thing holding me back from giving this 5 stars is the ending. Rylee forgiving Clayton felt really out of the blue. Don’t get me wrong, she should have done it sooner, but nothing seemed to change that sparked her decision, which left me feeling a bit unsatisfied.
That said, it wouldn’t stop me from recommending this book at all—I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be picking up more from Dawn Anderson in the future!
August 27, 2025
They say not to judge a book by its cover, and with this story, I learned my lesson the hard way. I had high hopes for this book based on the description and the cover design. The title felt a little off, but I was willing to ignore it in hopes of a good romance novel.
I initially liked Rylee as a character, especially since I could connect to her with her love of reading. However, as the story progressed, I lost that connection. The story goes back and forth between the present day and what happened in the past with the MMC. At one point in the flashback, she openly acknowledges that she may have been the reason the MMC wasn't willing to open up to her in that she didn't give him the chance. And yet, a few chapters later, she acts like he was the only one to blame. Rylee comes across as a narcissist, and it makes her a very off-putting character. To be fair, Clay the MMC, also has his own problems, but he's written in such a way that he feels more relatable because he's accepting of those problems and he has a willingness to work on them.
The other major problem I had with the story was the passage of time. I'm not sure if it's because there were no page breaks or if it's due to something else. For example, one chapter starts off with a character clearly wishing Clay a good morning. Five paragraphs later, its some how already night and dark outside. There are several inconsistencies that stick out to me, but the passage of time was the biggest one.
Overall, it's a good premise, but the execution needs work.
I initially liked Rylee as a character, especially since I could connect to her with her love of reading. However, as the story progressed, I lost that connection. The story goes back and forth between the present day and what happened in the past with the MMC. At one point in the flashback, she openly acknowledges that she may have been the reason the MMC wasn't willing to open up to her in that she didn't give him the chance. And yet, a few chapters later, she acts like he was the only one to blame. Rylee comes across as a narcissist, and it makes her a very off-putting character. To be fair, Clay the MMC, also has his own problems, but he's written in such a way that he feels more relatable because he's accepting of those problems and he has a willingness to work on them.
The other major problem I had with the story was the passage of time. I'm not sure if it's because there were no page breaks or if it's due to something else. For example, one chapter starts off with a character clearly wishing Clay a good morning. Five paragraphs later, its some how already night and dark outside. There are several inconsistencies that stick out to me, but the passage of time was the biggest one.
Overall, it's a good premise, but the execution needs work.
October 11, 2025
thank you so much to the publisher for letting me read the advanced copy of this, even though I'm late getting to review it.
this book was everything I needed and so much more 🥹
the tension, the spice, the forgiveness, all of it was incredible.
Clayton and Rylee grew up together, and used to be inseparable, doing absolutely everything together. Clayton breaks Rylee's heart by leaving for the Marines while she goes off to college. years later, they end up running in to each other again, but Rylee can't forgive Clay for leaving her just yet. things heat up between them, but Rylee pushes him away again out of fear of him leaving again. Clay finally gets his shit together and has an honest conversation with Rylee about why he left, and things finally are looking up for the both of them.
this is a second chance, friends to enemies to lovers, spicy romance that keeps you interested from the first page.
I absolutely loved the redemption at the end of this book. this was an emotional rollercoaster that I never wanted to get off of.
this book was everything I needed and so much more 🥹
the tension, the spice, the forgiveness, all of it was incredible.
Clayton and Rylee grew up together, and used to be inseparable, doing absolutely everything together. Clayton breaks Rylee's heart by leaving for the Marines while she goes off to college. years later, they end up running in to each other again, but Rylee can't forgive Clay for leaving her just yet. things heat up between them, but Rylee pushes him away again out of fear of him leaving again. Clay finally gets his shit together and has an honest conversation with Rylee about why he left, and things finally are looking up for the both of them.
this is a second chance, friends to enemies to lovers, spicy romance that keeps you interested from the first page.
I absolutely loved the redemption at the end of this book. this was an emotional rollercoaster that I never wanted to get off of.
October 11, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me a copy in exchange for a review ✨
This was my first book by Dawn Anderson and I have to say, I loved every minute! It took me just over a day to read as I was completely swept away by this addictive, sweet and yes very steamy, love story.
Clay and Rylee have a history that goes back to their early childhood, but something changed in their late teens which means when they bump into each other years later, they aren't even on speaking terms. But unmistakably, the chemistry is still there.
We get snippets of the past and their childhood spent together and gradually the reason why Rylee is so resistant to having Clay back in her life is clear. Once inseparable best friends, it's going to take a whole lot of trust and healing to realise what they do have and what could be.
I loved everything about this book: the writing style, the characters, the feel and cosy small town vibes, the romance, the backstory, the fact HE falls first - honestly it was a total page turner which I couldn't put down!
This was my first book by Dawn Anderson and I have to say, I loved every minute! It took me just over a day to read as I was completely swept away by this addictive, sweet and yes very steamy, love story.
Clay and Rylee have a history that goes back to their early childhood, but something changed in their late teens which means when they bump into each other years later, they aren't even on speaking terms. But unmistakably, the chemistry is still there.
We get snippets of the past and their childhood spent together and gradually the reason why Rylee is so resistant to having Clay back in her life is clear. Once inseparable best friends, it's going to take a whole lot of trust and healing to realise what they do have and what could be.
I loved everything about this book: the writing style, the characters, the feel and cosy small town vibes, the romance, the backstory, the fact HE falls first - honestly it was a total page turner which I couldn't put down!
September 10, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far!
This story follows Rylee, a perfectionist, and her ex–best friend, Clayton. The two first met at age ten and were inseparable until one major decision caused a rift that kept them apart for years. Now, when Rylee returns to her hometown, Clayton’s construction business needs help—and the perfect person for the job happens to be Rylee, the best designer in town.
This book has it all: multiple POVs, dual timelines, a second-chance romance, and plenty of spice. The banter between Rylee and Clayton was sharp and fun, and I especially loved the little Gilmore Girls references sprinkled throughout. The romance was heartfelt yet fiery, and I found myself not wanting the story to end.
Dawn Anderson has written a fantastic second-chance romance, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends. I’m already hoping for a book two!
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far!
This story follows Rylee, a perfectionist, and her ex–best friend, Clayton. The two first met at age ten and were inseparable until one major decision caused a rift that kept them apart for years. Now, when Rylee returns to her hometown, Clayton’s construction business needs help—and the perfect person for the job happens to be Rylee, the best designer in town.
This book has it all: multiple POVs, dual timelines, a second-chance romance, and plenty of spice. The banter between Rylee and Clayton was sharp and fun, and I especially loved the little Gilmore Girls references sprinkled throughout. The romance was heartfelt yet fiery, and I found myself not wanting the story to end.
Dawn Anderson has written a fantastic second-chance romance, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends. I’m already hoping for a book two!
September 10, 2025
Thank you so much to Dawn Anderson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson was such a heartfelt and engaging read! This story beautifully blends past and present, with flashbacks that add depth and meaning to Rylee and Clayton’s journey. I adored both main characters, their chemistry is undeniable, and the push-and-pull between them kept me turning the pages. The small-town setting, layered emotions, and relatable characters gave the book a grounded warmth while still delivering plenty of tension and romance.
The writing flows seamlessly between timelines, making it easy to connect with their history while rooting for their future. It’s the kind of story that balances swoony romance with emotional depth, and I loved every bit of it.
This was an easy 5-star read for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson was such a heartfelt and engaging read! This story beautifully blends past and present, with flashbacks that add depth and meaning to Rylee and Clayton’s journey. I adored both main characters, their chemistry is undeniable, and the push-and-pull between them kept me turning the pages. The small-town setting, layered emotions, and relatable characters gave the book a grounded warmth while still delivering plenty of tension and romance.
The writing flows seamlessly between timelines, making it easy to connect with their history while rooting for their future. It’s the kind of story that balances swoony romance with emotional depth, and I loved every bit of it.
This was an easy 5-star read for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
August 18, 2025
This story grabbed me right away from the first couple pages. Normally it takes me a few chapters to get into a new read. However, this was not the case. The way the author writes between present and past made the story flow extremely well. For me personally, the ending could have used a little more but it did not take away from the story either.
I love an independent FMC, and Ry was just that. She showcased her determination and strengths through the art of design. 10/10.
Moving into Clay. Right away I felt connected to his character. The struggles he has both from the past and currently really hit home. Trying to find ways to cope with his emotions and triggers was eye opening. It’s not often that authors write about the men’s struggles with anxiety. Dawn Anderson hit it out of the park with Clay. It was perfect and you can tell how much care she put into her characters.
I love an independent FMC, and Ry was just that. She showcased her determination and strengths through the art of design. 10/10.
Moving into Clay. Right away I felt connected to his character. The struggles he has both from the past and currently really hit home. Trying to find ways to cope with his emotions and triggers was eye opening. It’s not often that authors write about the men’s struggles with anxiety. Dawn Anderson hit it out of the park with Clay. It was perfect and you can tell how much care she put into her characters.
September 24, 2025
This book is a warm mug of tea wrapped in a flannel blanket. Running Risk felt like fall in a small town—warm, nostalgic, and quietly romantic. I loved how the friendship started in high school and slowly grew into something deeper over the years. It’s a slow burn in the best way, full of second chances and rekindled sparks. If you’re into cozy vibes, heartfelt connections, and love that takes its time, I highly recommend the perfect fall read.
September 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!! I enjoyed this book so much and had constant butterflies and finished it super fast. The chemistry between Clay and Rylee was undeniable and the yearning was too good 😭 I’m a sucker for second chance romances and this was everything I wanted, especially them being friends first. Very happy with the ending and can’t wait to read more books from the author!
Bonus points for the Gilmore girls references!
Bonus points for the Gilmore girls references!
September 28, 2025
Fast-paced and heartfelt, Running Risk hooked me from page one. Dawn Anderson blends high stakes with raw emotion, delivering a romance that feels both thrilling and tender. I loved how the characters balanced vulnerability with strength—their chemistry leapt off the page. Perfect for readers who crave a mix of suspense and swoon.
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Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC! It was an amazing book ♥
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Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC! It was an amazing book ♥
September 6, 2025
This was so fun! I’m not normally a childhood friends to lovers girly but these two were perfect. The childhood scenes in this book reminded me of Cherry Trail 🫶
September 11, 2025
This was a nice and easy read, perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light. The plot could have been developed a bit more…
Thank you, NetGalley!
#netgalley #runningrisk
Thank you, NetGalley!
#netgalley #runningrisk
September 9, 2025
Running Risk by Dawn Anderson is a fantastic second chance romance where the characters are relatable and authentic. Rylee, the FMC, and Clayton, the MMC, are both flawed and have made past mistakes with each other, but that's what I love about this book. Having such authentic characters makes them seem more real and relatable.
You can sense the chemistry and tension between them, but also the vulnerabilities that keep you rooting for them. The flashbacks to their past relationship is the cherry on top, these flashbacks add depth to both and what each was struggling through silently. But the obvious chemistry is there and knowing their past just adds background and makes the romance feel deeper, more layered and believable.
I loved how the romance wasn’t all instant sparks; it’s built on connection, old wounds, and that “what if” feeling that makes second-chance love stories so addictive. I would definitely recommend this to anyone if you like second chance romance, emotional turmoil, and a HEA.
You can sense the chemistry and tension between them, but also the vulnerabilities that keep you rooting for them. The flashbacks to their past relationship is the cherry on top, these flashbacks add depth to both and what each was struggling through silently. But the obvious chemistry is there and knowing their past just adds background and makes the romance feel deeper, more layered and believable.
I loved how the romance wasn’t all instant sparks; it’s built on connection, old wounds, and that “what if” feeling that makes second-chance love stories so addictive. I would definitely recommend this to anyone if you like second chance romance, emotional turmoil, and a HEA.
September 17, 2025
Okay yeah i really loved this book!
working in the construction field i barely read about it & it was cool! I enjoyed these characters and as i’ve never read a book by this author i definitely will again!
banter and tension was good, plot was good, overall i enjoyed! would recommend to anyone who wants a good fall read. 🥰🫶🏻
working in the construction field i barely read about it & it was cool! I enjoyed these characters and as i’ve never read a book by this author i definitely will again!
banter and tension was good, plot was good, overall i enjoyed! would recommend to anyone who wants a good fall read. 🥰🫶🏻
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