Worth the Risk

Worth It #3

by C.F. White

Some risks are worth it.

Jude Ellison thought he’d escaped him. A new town, a quiet job, two years of hard-earned peace. But when his abusive ex walks free on early release, Jude finds himself trapped all over again. Only this time, the bruises are invisible. Callum Reid never needed fists to destroy him. He only needed time.

Warren Bailey is the new PE teacher at Worthbridge Secondary. Or so everyone thinks. In truth, he’s an undercover officer sent to dismantle a trafficking network tied to Jude’s ex. Warren’s job is to stay detached. To watch, listen, and wait.

But the moment he meets Jude, detachment stops being an option.
What starts as surveillance quickly spirals into something far more dangerous: a bond Warren never expected, and a desire he can’t ignore. As Callum tightens his hold, Warren must decide between the mission he’s sworn to uphold and the man he can’t let go.

Because Jude isn’t the target. He’s the reason Warren is willing to risk everything.

In Worthbridge, tensions are reaching breaking point.

And some loves are worth breaking every rule for.

Worth the Risk is the third book in the Worth It series—a gritty MM romantic suspense series set in a storm-battered coastal town. Featuring an undercover detective sergeant haunted by past mistakes and a teacher ensnared by his own history, their love story collides with a criminal case that threatens not just the community they serve, but the people they love.

Genres: M M Romance, Abuse, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Crime, Contemporary, Suspense

Unknown Binding

Published December 31, 2025

About the author

Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.

She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.

She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the end of the series! I've enjoyed this so much. I said it before, but this series feels like every British emergency services TV drama rolled into one. I haven't read a series like this before that's set in England and I loved how at home I felt for once because I get so confused with America based emergency services books 😂

The humour was subtle again but really funny - I especially enjoyed the crack about Oak Furniture Village and their perpetual sales!

Jude's story brings us the downfall of the big bad and it was probably the heaviest of all three books in terms of character back stories. Jude is a survivor and I was so happy he got his HEA.

Warren had me in two minds. I loved how he was struck by Jude as soon as they met, and the way he would do anything to make sure Jude is happy and safe was exactly what Jude deserved. But I also wanted to shout at him to look at the bigger picture! The man was infuriating, but I did actually agree with his views on how the operation was using Jude. I don't trust police either and if I was in Jude's position there's no way I'd have cooperated!

I wish there were more books to come because I don't feel ready to leave Worthbridge yet!

*****

I received an ARC of this book from CF White, and this is my honest review   

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no doubt in my mind that CF White is a bloody good writer of gritty drama, it takes no time to delve into her character's minds, and get to know them.This final installment of the the Worth It series, is such a satisfying and emotionally charged conclusion to this trilogy. The suspense nigh on gave me a heart attack! It has all the high drama you'd expect from CF, I loved both the previous books, but this one takes the story to the next level. The star of this one is the undeniable and unforgettable spark between the MCs, Warren and Jude. While the story is set against a backdrop of criminal activity and danger, what truly stands out is its exploration of the intense connection between Jude and Warren. This connection is at the absolute centre of the story and dominates every page.

What I really love about this book though is Jude's incredible strength; despite a tragic past defined by a family who should have loved him, and subsequent abuse, he is anything but a victim. He successfully rebuilds his life, becomes a successful teacher, however, he is lonely and longs for love. He goes on to have his world transformed by the arrival of Warren, an undercover P.E. teacher. I absolutely love these two together, they compliment one another so well. ​Their connection is immediate, offering Jude a chance at true happiness. CF, handles their relationship beautifully. Warren gives Jude the courage to finally let go of his past, while Warren finds stability and a home with Jude. Their growth culminates in a high stakes confrontation, and in a brilliant move CF makes the unassuming ​Jude the hero of the series. He demonstrates tremendous courage by risking his life to finally bring down the drug dealer and child trafficker, Radley.

The story concludes on a lovely, hopeful note, where Jude finally gets the man he deserves. Also, it was great seeing once again again the couples from the previous books, together and happy. This book is definitely my favourite of the series. The whole thing is absolutely worth a read.

TW: sexual/domestic abuse, stalking, PTSD from abusive past
​

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Worth the Risk is the third book in the Worth It series and works best if read after the other two. We have seen Jude briefly in the other books and now we get his full story. He’s trying to recover from circumstances that only he knows. Jude was kicked out of his home and wound up in a bad situation with an abusive man. He never reported anything, so even after Callum went to jail, Jude remained unconnected in public, but he lives with trauma every day. There’s a spark of light when Warren appears, but Jude knows good things don’t happen to him and he’s proven correct once again when Callum invades his life.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Christina | readingthroughatlanta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly satisfying ending for an underrated, well written series!

I DID NOT expect this to be Jude’s story, but what a well done and exciting story it was. Appreciated getting to understand Jude. I felt for him deeply and wanted his well deserved happily ever after. I didn’t expect to love Warren as much as I did. He was so frustrating at times, but he was all in and ready to jump in and Jude deserved nothing less.

Besides the romance, like the other books, this plot was sound and kept me turning the page. The undercover cop, the overarching big bad, and pasts coming back to haunt? I ate it up! And this small town shines - everyone feels connected and integral. Great pacing. Great action and suspense. Character cameos that made me go reread book 1 and 2! And a well rounded read through and through.

Sad to see this series end but so happy to have it read it this year! I hope more people find it.

READ FOR
- mm romantic suspense
- false identity
- small town romance
- interracial romance
- teacher/cop

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Risk is the third book in the Worth It series. This book features an undercover detective sergeant haunted by past mistakes and a teacher ensnared by his own history.

This was such an incredible read for me and I could truly not get enough of this story and these characters.

[Mirjam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude Ellison's story grabs you by the heart from page one and refuses to let go. This third installment in the Worth It series is everything I love about gritty romantic suspense: emotionally charged, beautifully written, and pulsing with danger, longing, and hope.







Warren Bailey, undercover officer, reluctant protector, and one of the most compelling love interests I’ve read in a long time.
His struggle between duty and the fierce pull he feels toward Jude is heart wrenching. He’s tough where it matters, gentle where Jude needs it, and flawed in a way that makes him achingly real. The chemistry between them is electric, but it’s the emotional intimacy, the trust, the vulnerability, the slow realization that they mean more to each other than either expected, that truly shines.







The suspense plot is just as gripping. The criminal network surrounding Jude’s ex is woven into the narrative with sharp precision, raising the stakes chapter after chapter. By the time tensions in Worthbridge reach their breaking point, you’re holding your breath, not just for the case, but for these two men whose lives have become so intricately intertwined.

This novel shines brightest in its emotional depth: the slow, fragile rebuilding of trust; the courage it takes to reach for something better; and the devastating realization that love can be both a sanctuary and a risk.
The author balances darkness and light masterfully, giving us a story that is as heart pounding as it is heartwarming.







Part of the Worth It Series, a gritty MM romance series set in a small coastal town featuring first responders entangled in a severe criminal case that threatens the community they serve… and the people they love.





ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hint of scandal, a potential for betrayal, a touch of danger and a whole freakin’ truckload of chemistry…

Shake it all together and serve!

I had a great time reading this one. It’s book three of a connected series, each book featuring new heroes, and I had not read the first two books but had no trouble following along; it stood well enough alone, though I imagine would be enhanced by knowing the previous stories.

Popular high-school history teacher and man with a grim secret past Jude about swallows his tongue when he lays eyes on the new PE teacher, Warren Bailey. Years ago, Jude barely survived first life on the streets and then a truly disastrous toxic relationship, and had only just started dipping his toe in the dating pool only to be disappointed by his potential person getting back together with his ex (heroes book 1). Nothing much had happened (thank goodness for me!), but the promise of a future with a decent man had offered hope only to end in disappointment, and Jude’s not ready to be shot down again. Lusting after the new guy can remain his own private fantasy.

But Warren too has a secret, and it’s literally his job to get to know Jude and keep track of him…

Hee hee! I loved the tension in the dramatic irony, knowing undercover police officer Warren has an agenda and is on probation/his last chance after screwing up a previous undercover job, and is also quite inconveniently drooling over his target, Jude. The two wind up chaperoning a school trip together, and as Warren finagles his way onto Jude’s radar, it becomes inevitable that they’ll end up in bed, despite each separately thinking it’s a terrible idea.

Whoopsie!

Jude’s ex of long ago is out of prison and is the real problem. Warren and his team’s job is to catch him out and possibly use him to take down a bigger fish…through Jude. The stakes keep rising, Jude is put in an impossible position, trying to carry on with his new life as the past lands on his doorstep and refuses to leave. Danger, desire, and secrets make for a delicious combo as it all goes to hell. And if things turn out a little too conveniently well? Oh well! It is a romance, after all.

A few issues, for me. I was frustrated by Jude hiding things and not standing up for himself. He carries a lot of trauma, but, man I wanted him to try harder, reach out for help, and not just go belly up. He also still carries a symbol of the past that seemed a detriment rather than something he should keep, and the fact that he still had it seemed sad to me. Warren also makes a few TSTL moves/calls for someone in his position, though it was from love, soooo…I forgave him. 🫣🥰

Overall I had a good time!

HEA, confident undercover officer deceiving a sweet teacher who just wants to get on with his life, romantic suspense. Secrets, lies, and steamy sweet sex. No OM/OW action, but, OM/OW are part of the story and create various amounts of drama. Warren is partnered with his ex as part of his cover (they claim they’re cousins), and Jude is stalked and abused by his ex who is a truly horrific human being. Jude also previously dated a man in town who is a previous book’s hero and still around, offering help and potential friendship; nothing bt them went farther than kissing. Safe enough for me. Recommended.

My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Penumbra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Risk is the third, and possibly final book, in the ‘Worth It,’ series. It stars Jude Ellison, a history teacher, and Warren Bailey, the new PE teacher who is really an undercover officer. This is told in third person from Jude and Warren’s pov.

First the cover. That’s Jude on the cover and I think the cover model does look like Jude as described in the book.

The blurb does a good job of describing the outline of the plot. I’ll add a bit more, but I don’t want to give away details of the plot. This story ties up the loose ends from the previous two books. The drugs and the child trafficking headed up by an upstanding community leader needs to be taken down. That’s why Warren arrives as an undercover officer working as a PE teacher at the same school as Jude. This is Warren’s second chance to return to duties after he blew his cover to help someone in a previous mission. Problem is, Warren is immediately attracted to Jude, and the conflict for Warren is to stay the course and not get personally involved. Jude’s problem is wanting to get closer to Warren, but he’s built up huge thick walls to protect himself from people in his past, and that person ends up finding Jude again. This book is as emotionally intense and complicated as the previous books in the series. I had to take breaks and read fluffy Christmas stories to catch my breath.

The author does an excellent job of creating distinct personalities for Jude and Warren. The conflicts they deal with internally show who they are as people, how they feel about their pasts, and how they feel about each other. My heart hurt for Jude. He went through so much abuse when he was young when all he wanted was to be loved and cared for. He’s been on his own trying to recover from that past, yet still lives in fear that it will find him again. Readers first met Jude in book one when it looked like him and Freddy would get together, but they didn’t. Freddy wasn’t the right person for Jude and I think Jude would’ve only ended up being hurt more than he was. Warren on the other hand, was the kind of guy who would fully commit to protecting and comforting Jude. Warren was terribly conflicted with wanting to protect Jude and doing his job. That leads to a lot of emotional tension in the story. I could absolutely believe in the two men as a couple.

The one thing I wondered about, was once the arrests were over, how could Jude’s past, along with the photos and videos, not be revealed? When Jude goes in to testify, the defense attorneys will bring up his past. There is some mention of word getting out about his past, but I still can’t believe that the videos and photos wouldn’t have surfaced or made it onto the web. There’s no mention that the investigators helped scrub whatever they found of Jude, off the web. So, I found that situation a bit unbelievable.

Overall, Worth the Risk is an intense emotional ride. I especially hurt for Jude and what he went through. And I could believe in Jude and Warren as a couple. I recommend this book despite the issue I had with the photos and videos, I give this story, 5 Stars.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overall story arc that stated in book one is finally resolved by the end of this book, so although each book contains new MC's, it is essential to read them in order. MC's from the first two books make appearances, but the focus here is on Jude and Warren and finally resolving the criminal activity and those behind it.

Jude is the local high school's history teacher who is well liked by teachers and students alike. He had a pivotal role at the end of book two. He is also a survivor of such horrific things, many of which were caused by his ex, a man he initially thought was his savior, but became the man who controlled him completely and left lasting damage. He finds out his ex has been released from prison when he enters his home to find him waiting there for him.

Warren is a Detective Sergeant who had spent a decade working undercover, but during his last assignment, he chose to ignore orders and put a victim first, thus putting him on desk duty. He's given a second chance, going undercover as a physical education teacher so he can keep an eye on Jude to see if his ex makes contact because that ex is believed to be working for the man they've been after, and to see if Jude is involved.

What neither of them expected were the genuine feelings growing between them. For Warren, he found himself playing this role more as his true self, rather than just his made up personna. He is surprised by his feelings for Jude, and is majorly conflicted due to being undercover, and having previously thought of himself as straight. As for Jude, he finds himself trusting Warren, and for the first time since his ex, truly interested in getting closer, even intimately.

What follows is a sweet, but sometimes awkward connection growing between two truly likeable who eventually, once everything else is resolved, manage to find something worth risking everything for.
There are also panic attacks and PTSD, threats, violence, secrets, intense emotions, acts of bravery, and a new beginning for two very deserving men.

The only drawback, for me, was that I found parts of the book to be too drawn out, to the point that I wanted to skim through those areas.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. There are many characters to love, an engaging storyline, and two men with a lot to work through, both individually and together, before getting the HEA they deserve.

I received an ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to C.F. White for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Jude, a History teacher building a life after his abusive past and Warren, an undercover agent, pretending to be a PE teacher.


Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual third person POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-History Teacher/Undercover Agent
-Slow Burn
-Interracial Romance
-Forbidden Attraction
-Hurt/Comfort
-British Small Town
-HEA


Likes:
-Compelling storyline, beginning to end
-The internal struggle and pull between duty and morals
-Character relationships
-This book hurt me and I was okay with it, Jude's trauma broke my heart
-How characters from all the books keep making appearances and form community around each other
-Lots of tension, high stakes
-Warren's protectiveness and willingness to protect Jude over everything else
-Jude


Quotes:
-"He didn't know how to hold that kind of praise. He never had"
-"History had an echo. And it had found him"
-"Ironic, really. Wearing chains to remember freedom"
-"I imagine there are plenty of people who have fond memories. Ones they can sit in without choking on them"
-"Because that edge was coming fast, and he wanted the crash as much as the climb"
-"Trust had been the slowest, hardest thing to relearn. To believe a man wouldn't use his size as a weapon. Wouldn't turn the weight of his body into a cage"
-"Sweetness had never been free. Yet with Warren...it felt unvarnished. Real. And Jude let himself believe it, let himself soak in the warmth after years in the cold"
-"Warren was his calm. His sea"
-"Sometimes family's not the ones you start with" "It's the ones who stay when everything else burns down"


This is the third and final book in this series and I am sad there isn't more, but also feel like it came to a smooth conclusion. I loved reading these books. This book wreaked more emotional havoc than the others. Jude has a dark past and it all catches up with him. C.F. White does a great job of setting scenes and making you feel emotionally invested in the characters. There is tons of tension and betrayal, but also healing and discovery. I enjoyed the plot twist at the end and how Jude finally got the life he deserved. I recommend this book, especially if you like reading about hurt characters trying to win an internal battle and open themselves up to each other while also fighting the looming danger.

[M. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my favorite of the series!
I had a bit of a struggle to find time to read lately due to personal stuff. But with this book I sat down and only got up again after I finished it. It might’ve been at 3 a.m. but who needs sleep when you get books like this!

While reading I had barely time to take a deep breath. So much happens in the book.

His throat had closed, locked down tight around the panic rising in his chest. The part of him that wanted to run— bolt, vanish, disappear— was still at war with the part that had learned, slowly and painfully, that sometimes survival meant staying very, very still.

I love the whole thing with Warren being undercover. Because there is just so much potential for angst and doubts and hurt.
All the steps he took were so believable. He struggles with his feelings towards Jude and towards his job. It hurt so good that he didn’t just throw everything in the wind and only focused on his feelings but stayed rational at first and took his duty seriously.

The mask was gone. The cover blown. And whatever trust he’d managed to build with Jude, whatever fragile thing had sparked between them, burned away right there on the pavement.

And poor Jude. He is just so precious. He needs all the love and protection! You learn so much of him through the whole book. He got hurt so bad in the past and I just loved to see him learning to trust Warren and falling in love with him.

“You can trust me.” Warren whispered those words so softly they slid under Jude’s armour and something inside him loosened. The old strings he’d tied around himself, the knots of survival keeping him upright slipped free. He tipped forward, forehead finding Warren’s chest. Strong arms wrapped around him at once. No urgency. No demand. Just holding. As if that was Warren’s whole purpose.

There’s the mystery plot line through all three books that gets resolved in this one. It was really thrilling! I didn’t like how it got solved with this one guy, but it made sense and didn’t feel like the easiest solution as it does in some books.

The couples from the previous books all get a little part in this one as well. So great to see them again and to actually have their lives so interwoven.
I don’t know if it is so, but the book felt the longest and it still wasn’t long enough! I really hope there’ll be more with these guys!

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warren goes undercover at a school in a small town where a known trafficker and gang leader, Radley, has ruled. His undercover team has an operation to get evidence on him to put him away for good.

His assignment is to be the PE teacher and get to know Jude, who used to date an associate of Radley’s. It’s unclear if he’s part of the trafficking or a victim, but it doesn’t take Warren long to see he’s innocent.

Jude left behind a life with Callum, who abused him and left him no way to leave, until he was caught and jailed and Jude ran away. He feels guilty for not coming forward but he couldn’t face what he’d done while with Callum. He created a new life for himself, becane a teacher, and noticed Warren after being alone for a L long time.

They talk, banter, and Warren tries to get close, but when Callum is released from prison and shows up at Jude’s he’s too afraid to get rid of him, worrying Cal will reveal his shameful past.

Instead he starts sleeping in his car, and Warren finds him one night and decides to break all the rules to protect him. They start a relationship, but Callum’s pulls a knife on Warren, who then arrests him, and the truth about who he is is revealed.

Jude is upset but still wants to be with Warren, and he becomes part of a plan to catch Radley. He wears a wire to a party Callum also attend, but a bomb goes off and Callum’s runs, while Jude stays behind to save Radley, who has a broken leg.

Radley talks about his dealings with Cal, and Jude gets it on record, so everyone is caught. Warren quits the force and decides to settle in town and be the PE teacher, choosing Jude to make his life with.

This was a dark story, and it was difficult to read about Jude’s experience, but it was told with sensitivity and insight into the horrors of being a trafficking survivor. I would have like Callum’s to suffer more than he did, but it was still satisfying to read about Warren beating him up.

A good ending to the series with the capture of the head honcho and peace brought to the townsfolk.

I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review with gratitude.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WORTH THE RISK is the last book in the Worth It series, rounding off the overall story about Radley.

It's time for Jude to take the spotlight, something he's become familiar with after staying with Alfie in the last book. And for him, the only one who would match him is Warren. He is an undercover officer, on his last chance, after he was reprimanded for going off-script. The only trouble is, with Jude, it doesn't feel like a script, but all too real.

I liked Jude in the other stories, and really wanted his. What I didn't expect was for it to be as good, or as heart-wrenching, as it was. And the thing that I absolutely loved was although things happened that shook the ground underneath him, he was prepared to listen to explanations, rather than just run away with misconceptions or miscommunications.

Warren was perfect for him. A big squishy marshmallow who knows how to protect. While I found it funny to read how he disregarded all protocol, I'm sure he would be a nightmare to work with!!! Still, he was perfect for Jude and the story. I'm so glad I got to read their story.

The overall arc also gets sorted, with a couple of twists here and there that I did not see coming! I loved how it not only gave me a very satisfying ending to the series, but also caught me up to date with the couples and their families that I have met while reading the stories.

This was an outstanding series, and I really hope it's not the end of Worthbridge! The best of a really good bunch, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 29, 2025

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am struck dumb, I did not think I could like a series as much as To love a Psycho that one had a grip on me like how but here we are - I don’t think CF White can write a book that doesn’t get it’s hooks in you and settle in for the long haul. I loved loved loved both the first books and those characters are exceptional but something about this story - yes it’s definitely a favourite of the series for me.

Maybe that’s because of Jude, omg Jude, must be protected, god what he’s been through, I am heartbroken at his story. Yet, his resilience, his journey. Starting over is so so difficult in ideal circumstances- his were far from ideal and even when everything is threatened he still deals with it one day at a time clinging to what he built and we Entally protecting others- also his soul is so poetic. The character’s language lends itself to deep waters of the soul, specially when his passion is triggered, this is a layered character with tons if dichotomy and growth.

Then again Maybe it’s Warren, the hardened softie, the protector, the righter of wrongs, the one who sacrifices and has lost a large part of himself. A part he now seems to find, to enjoy when he’s met Jude.

The author gives us a stellar good and evil plot, criminal underbelly against the task force led by Patel, a good and a bad ex in the mix. A true romantic suspense with thrills, chills and action to keep you on the edge of ur seat, NOTHING is going to be predictable or really go to plan. I loved the ride.

We get to see the previous characters and found family in action, expect all the feels, slowwww slow burn, sweet first times, a ton if danger, hidden identities and hearts and lives on the line. Expect SWOON in spades.

Highly recommend this series, don’t wait on it.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.F. White wraps up her Worth It series nicely with Worth the Risk.
Jude Ellison is a kind teacher with a heroic streak who has been a quiet presence interacting with couples in previous books. I found him charming and couldn’t wait for his story.
Warren Bailey is an undercover cop reassigned to Worthbridge after a London op goes wrong. He’s a chameleon and his new cover is as PE teacher at the school where Jude works. His mission? Keep an eye on Jude and see if he has anything to do with his criminal ex who has ties to local crime lord/philanthropist Graham Radley.
I’m not gonna lie, Jude’s story almost broke me. It was heartbreaking, angsty, and you just want him to have every good thing. Watching him slowly relax and find a connection with Warren, even if it isn’t entirely real, is lovely.
And Warren. His conscience got in the way of his last assignment. And his fine-tuned spidey sense tells him Jude is just what he seems: a popular, dedicated history teacher with a sly sense of humor.
When Warren uncovers Jude’s secret, it …complicates things.
Watching Warren navigate the line between duty and his need to protect Jude is so fascinating. You’ll root for these two, even as the odds stack up against them.
Talk about a hard-won HEA! The way the overarching story is resolved is a thrilling, heart-pounding ride. And both men dare to put it all on the line for love. Because things that are worth it, like the title says, are worth the risk.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I was hanging out for Jude’s story after his appearance earlier in the series. I enjoyed meeting Warren, and the complications of his relationship with Jude. The series conclusion with this book is very satisfying, and I’d recommend reading it in order.

I love Jude. He’s been through so much, and is a wonderful teacher. I felt for him starting over after a nasty relationship, especially when his past catches up with him and his supposed safe places become anything but. I loved his and Warren’s friendship, which very quickly becomes more despite both men determined it won’t. I love how Warren has never been able to walk away from someone in need, despite knowing the ramifications to his career.

I enjoyed seeing the MCs from the previous books again, and how they’re all linked through friendships and more. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from the very real danger with dealing with crime, especially one that runs as deep as this.

I loved how everything played out with both Jude and Warren showing their strengths. They both deserve their HEA.

I hope we haven’t seen the last of Worthbridge as I’d love to see Trent’s friends get their HEAs too.

[Elaine Gray]

Worth the Risk delivers a tense, emotionally charged story that dives deep into trauma, resilience, and the fight for justice. Warren’s undercover assignment—posing as a PE teacher in a small town ruled by trafficker Radley—sets the stage for a narrative that balances danger with genuine human connection. His mission becomes far more personal when he meets Jude, a gentle, wounded teacher whose past is tangled with Radley’s network through his abusive ex, Callum. Jude’s backstory is heartbreaking, and the author handles his experiences with care. His guilt, fear, and attempts to rebuild his life feel painfully real. Watching Warren slowly earn his trust through banter, patience, and quiet support is one of the most rewarding parts of the book. Their relationship grows in the shadows of Jude’s trauma, but it never feels rushed or forced. A dark, gripping story that handles trauma and survival with care. Warren’s undercover mission leads him to Jude, whose past with an abusive ex still haunts him. Their slow‑building connection is heartfelt, and the tension ramps up as Jude becomes part of the operation to bring down Radley. The ending is satisfying, with justice served and hope finally within reach, and a very strong ending for this series.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! The thrilling conclusion of this trilogy is a high-stakes, fast-paced race to catch a criminal delivered with the same raw, gritty intensity C.F. White is known for. The Radley crime ring has sunk its hooks deep into Worthbridge, but all that ends now.

All eyes are on Jude — the quiet history teacher turned local hero. He’s woven himself into the fabric of the community in a way that conceals his traumatic past and belies his loneliness. When that past unexpectedly catches up to him, Jude finds himself in danger with nowhere to turn. Or so he thinks.

Because unbeknownst to Jude, his new colleague Warren isn’t exactly who he seems. Warren’s past is no less messy; peeling back his many layers and really getting to know him is supremely satisfying. The element of secrecy around Warren’s undercover assignment and the complications it creates are perfection and had me absolutely hooked.

I’m not sure there have ever been two guys who are more complementary than Jude and Warren. They are the perfect manifestation of strength, perseverance, and resilience, and they just seem to fit in all the ways that matter. Their story is emotional, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire series and hate that it is ending.
Each book can be read independently of each other.
But you shouldn't.
The series is best enjoyed in order since they provide background information which enriches the experience.

You have organized crime, a teacher who is haunted by his past, an undercover officer trying to leave this posting with a clean slate, an abusive ex, and a police procedural that will make you want to pull your hair out!

The characters range from selfish, self-absorbed, violent, immoral, sensitive, strong and courageous.

The towns people themselves are interesting in how they look the other way when crime is right next door.
Almost like they feel powerless to do anything.

Jude is the hero in this story with lots of help from Warren and his undercover partner.
The police come across as underhanded in their treatment of Jude, while looking at the end game...the greater good.

You will love this book, this series, and the pure joy which reading a C.F./ book will bring you.
You won't regret a single moment spend between the covers.

Thanks to C.F. and GRR for this exhilarating ARC.
I feel so fortunate that I received a copy.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This one snuck up on me. I thought the basic premise sounded good, was drawn in by two adorable MCs, and despite my general objection to outside plot I even got into that as well. I read it despite not having read the first two, and I picked up the plot pretty much immediately, as the author provides helpful reminders without constantly rehashing the previous books.

This book caught my attention immediately and kept me company all through Christmas Day. The only reason it's not five stars is some minor beta and continuity errors, just annoying bits that should have been picked up in the beta stages, but I doubt they would bother most readers. Just tiny things like one character saying he's driving then the car is in the shop and he's getting an Uber, and one of the more heightened action scenes was spoiled for me because I could not envision how he was handcuffed to the side pillar of a car and then pinned against the bonnet. Just silly little things that should have been picked up and sorted out-- hopefully they were for the final copy. Even with that, I was fully invested in these guys and their story. I am really enjoying this author recently.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of CF White’s writing for a while now and I’ve loved everything I’ve read. Worth the Risk is a slow-burn, complicated, edge-of-my seat story that left me nearly speechless. I’m not normally a mood reader but I admit that I put off reading my advanced copy because I was a bit nervous to get into something a little darker during Christmastime.

Worth the Risk was a great way to wrap up this series. It resolved all of the unanswered questions from the previous books and provided this reader with a very satisfying end to a series that I enjoyed while sometimes holding my breath because of the suspense. You could probably read this book as a standalone but I highly recommend reading this series in order to get the most enjoyment out of it.

The descriptive writing was so perfect. It made me feel everything that Jude was feeling and had me rooting for Warren as well. His undercover work and his feelings for Jude crashed into each other but they received a well-deserved HEA. The epilogue was also much appreciated.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled when this ARC showed up in my email. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series and I had a feeling that Jude's story was coming. Jude initially appeared in book one. He was dating PC Freddie Webb... briefly and then the love of Freddie's life turned up once again. Poor Jude was left alone again - and maybe he was okay with that because his history, the things he had bolted from ... that was all a lot to explain.

Enter new PE teacher Warren Bailey who is actually an undercover officer assigned to find out about Jude and his involvement in the darker side of Worthbridge.

The problem for Warren immediately is that he isn't just attracted to Jude, he can sense there's something special about him...something fragile and yet strong at the same time. thus begins his full bi-awakening at the most inopportune time and place.

Warren is lovely with Jude and manages to find a way past the walls he has built up around him. For a book that deals with such confronting subject matter, this is a very gentle relationship.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in series (Worth It), might be better if read in order. Coworkers. Secret identity. POC representation. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

DS Warren Beckford is sent in for another undercover job, but the cute history teacher he’s supposed to befriend makes him feel things he’s never experienced before. Jude escaped a rough and horrible life and is happily a small town teacher when his past revisits and he’s thrown back into the trauma he barely survived.

The attraction between these two is actually slow and sweet, Warren knows he’s crossing lines and tries not to, while Jude is afraid to trust anyone. I’m not a fan of keeping secrets from another MC, but these characters were so very likable and really seemed to have a genuine connection. I enjoyed the romance, the kind supportive characters, and the underlying dangerous plotline. Overall, I am a fan of this series and I am sad to see it end, but I was happy with each couple and Jude and Warren as well as all the other MC characters get lovely HEA’s. 4.5 rounded up

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one was harder to read than the others, and I struggled. Jude’s story hit too close to home in certain aspects, and… I’m going to say I’m just glad he gets his HEA with an amazing guy. I loved how their story developed, and how FINALLY the bad guys get their comeuppance! It just took them almost 1000 pages total, but it was worth sticking around to see it happen. But Jude… he’s so strong and tries so hard to do things right, I just wanted to bundle him up and keep him safe from eve and everyone. And it’s beautiful to see he does not need that. He makes a life for himself, risks his heart in loving again, and gains so much more than he lost. I really like how CF White writes life like characters. It feels like the author observes people closely, reads their minds somehow, and turns their lives into stories we can all find ourselves into someway or other. I love it. And even though I still don’t like Freddie, I am glad to see him and other characters from previous books continuing to be happy, gathering around their family and friends, and beating evil out of their midst.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series ended with a bang!
I loved this last book in the series just as much as I did the previous two.
Not going to lie, CF White’s become one of my go-to authors, especially these grittier, rawer stories; there isn’t one single book of hers I haven’t love to pieces, her writing is so engaging, so immersive, with characters that are broken, flawed, but so real!
In this book my heart went out to Jude, he is stuck in a situation he sees no way out, with his past showing up threatening to destroy the live he has managed to build for himself with effort and pain. I totally understood Warren wanting to protect him at all costs, despite common sense, protocol and every sensible thought in his head telling him he must not get involved and let his feelings take command. How can you let a sweet man like Jude in danger? He can’t. so he takes the risk, and it’s worth it.

[Anouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit more of a slowburn than I thought it would be. I thought Warren would meet Jude and be like screw my assignment I want him. But that didn't happen😭
Jude is really struggeling with his past, but I really admire him. He is super strong and holds out.
Warren is an undercover cop on his second chance, because he screwed up his last assignment. He is immediatly attracted to Jude, but he doens't know which side Jude is on. He is also struggeling with his consiousness, because he wants Jude and Jude doens't know he is an undercover cop. Of course this will blow up in his face, because well.... it always does.
Again. I really want Alfie to get his own book. We get kind of a glimpse of his happy end, but I want more❤️



P.S. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC I really liked reading this book and the entire series.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I got my hands on the ARC copy, I devoured it in one go. I just NEEDED to know how everything was gonna turn out, and of course, I wanted sweet Jude to have his own HEA.

Jude's past is... not a nice one. And unfortunately, after building his life in Worthbridge, even trying to open up to dating (we know from book 1 how this ended for Jude), everything comes crumbling down when his ex comes back into his life. But luckily, Warren is there to investigate Jude's ex and his connection to a certain bad guy.

This book actually focuses more on the ex being the bad guy (which he is!!), and what felt like less on the whole Radley family, we do get closure with all of that.
Overall, a very satisfying end to this trilogy, and I definitely recommend you read this.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the risk is the final book of the Worth It series.

I can't believe it's over. It was the book I was most looking forward to, because I loved Jude in the first book and was eagerly awaiting his HEA. And here I am, crying and writing this because it's been such a roller coaster.

In addition, the plot that connects the three books is finally resolved.

Jude is a high school history teacher who has rebuilt his life after suffering abuse from his ex-partner, who is released from prison and is monitored by a team of police officers, one of whom has infiltrated the school as a physical education teacher, Warren.

Read the entire series, it's underrated and truly wonderful.

[Mommysuz]

Reading the previous books, I never would have guessed Jude’s background. He went through so much, yet he was incredibly strong. Jude rebuilt his life, escaped his past, and became a history teacher. Even so, the PTSD never fully left him, and my heart absolutely broke for everything he endured.
Then there’s Warren, who arrives at the school as the new PE teacher but no one knows he’s actually undercover. Warren and his associates are working to take down a dangerous trafficking and drug ring, and the tension surrounding his mission adds another intense layer to the story.
I can’t believe this is the last book in the series. While each book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the characters and their journeys.

[R]

Warren, an undercover policeman and Jude, a history teacher stumble into each other’s lives. Jude by accident and Warren with a hidden purpose. Each changing the other in unanticipated ways.

I really enjoy British cop shows so I figured this book would be right down my alley. Both main characters were likeable and had depth. It had a degree of angst which I also enjoy. The story was interesting but it also seemed kind of ho-hum and I kept losing interest. Not really sure why it didn’t work for me.

Every story doesn’t work for every person. As with any review this is just my opinion and I definitely seem to be in the minority.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.