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Red River #1
A Risk Worth Taking
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00BQMOHNC.
Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...
Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take...
Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...
Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take...
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2013
111 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
Victoria James
30 books1,025 followersVictoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
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March 14, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
A Risk Worth Taking is book one in the Red River series by Victoria James. This is the first book I’ve read of Victoria’s. I won this paperback a LONG time ago in a giveaway. My New Year’s Resolution this year was to read at least one paperback a month and this is my pick for the month. I ended up loving it so much!
Holly Carrington is twenty eight years old and is an interior designer for a large and prestigious firm in Toronto. She’s about to get the promotion of her dreams after ten years of working so hard to get there. But then tragedy strikes and she becomes the guardian of her infant niece, Ella. The plan had already been set that Holly was to spend two months in the small town she grew up in, Red River, at the home she grew up in, her Grandparent’s home that she inherited after their death. The home had fallen into serious disrepair and needed a complete renovation. It’s a home filled with love and memories. But now all those memories do is remind her that she has lost everyone she has loved. So she will reno the house, then sell it and return to her big city life and figure out how to fit taking care of Ella with everything else.
Quinn Manning is thirty five years old and is part owner of Manning and Son Construction in Red River where he also grew up. He knew Holly when she was a teen and knew she had a crush on him. It’s been ten years since they’ve seen each other, since Holly confessed her love for him. Ten years since he had to say no, to let her go, because at the time, she was eighteen and he was twenty five. He was surprised when she hired him to do the reno on her house. He was even more surprised at his reaction to seeing her for the first time. She was more beautiful than ever. And those same feelings were still there after all these years. The best part was now those seven years of age difference don’t mean a thing.
Both Quinn and Holly are carrying around ghosts of their pasts, though. Holly is determined that her heart can’t withstand any more loss so she will guard her heart and remain alone. But the feelings between she and Quinn are undeniable. And the way he is with Ella has her fantasizing about them as a family, something she can’t let herself do. She will return to Toronto when the house is done, back to her life. But Quinn is determined to convince her otherwise!
I loved this story. I loved the way this author told it. Both characters are strong but also vulnerable. And of course, little Ella was adorable. It is clear from the start that these two were each other’s “one!” They just had to realize that it was finally their time. The next book in this series is The Best Man’s Baby, which is Holly’s best friend, Claire and Quinn’s younger brother, Jake’s book. I definitely want to read it!
“It was as though she was finally coming home to the only man who’d ever been able to reach her heart and soul.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
A Risk Worth Taking is book one in the Red River series by Victoria James. This is the first book I’ve read of Victoria’s. I won this paperback a LONG time ago in a giveaway. My New Year’s Resolution this year was to read at least one paperback a month and this is my pick for the month. I ended up loving it so much!
Holly Carrington is twenty eight years old and is an interior designer for a large and prestigious firm in Toronto. She’s about to get the promotion of her dreams after ten years of working so hard to get there. But then tragedy strikes and she becomes the guardian of her infant niece, Ella. The plan had already been set that Holly was to spend two months in the small town she grew up in, Red River, at the home she grew up in, her Grandparent’s home that she inherited after their death. The home had fallen into serious disrepair and needed a complete renovation. It’s a home filled with love and memories. But now all those memories do is remind her that she has lost everyone she has loved. So she will reno the house, then sell it and return to her big city life and figure out how to fit taking care of Ella with everything else.
Quinn Manning is thirty five years old and is part owner of Manning and Son Construction in Red River where he also grew up. He knew Holly when she was a teen and knew she had a crush on him. It’s been ten years since they’ve seen each other, since Holly confessed her love for him. Ten years since he had to say no, to let her go, because at the time, she was eighteen and he was twenty five. He was surprised when she hired him to do the reno on her house. He was even more surprised at his reaction to seeing her for the first time. She was more beautiful than ever. And those same feelings were still there after all these years. The best part was now those seven years of age difference don’t mean a thing.
Both Quinn and Holly are carrying around ghosts of their pasts, though. Holly is determined that her heart can’t withstand any more loss so she will guard her heart and remain alone. But the feelings between she and Quinn are undeniable. And the way he is with Ella has her fantasizing about them as a family, something she can’t let herself do. She will return to Toronto when the house is done, back to her life. But Quinn is determined to convince her otherwise!
I loved this story. I loved the way this author told it. Both characters are strong but also vulnerable. And of course, little Ella was adorable. It is clear from the start that these two were each other’s “one!” They just had to realize that it was finally their time. The next book in this series is The Best Man’s Baby, which is Holly’s best friend, Claire and Quinn’s younger brother, Jake’s book. I definitely want to read it!
“It was as though she was finally coming home to the only man who’d ever been able to reach her heart and soul.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 4, 2019
This is not a book I will reread because of the subject matter. I despise it when the woman you care about leaves for school and planned to come back to you in a year asking you to wait for her. The same day she leaves he is screwing another woman he didn't care about and BOOM preggers. Then the h finds out the man she loved married someone else. Wow! Just no. Not for me. And then while he is telling her all this he talks of all the experience he has with high maintenance women.
Don't waste your time or money...especially if you like safe books!!!
Two years after first reading. I tried to reread this to see if I felt any different and simply could not finish.
Don't waste your time or money...especially if you like safe books!!!
Two years after first reading. I tried to reread this to see if I felt any different and simply could not finish.
March 22, 2020
DNF at 70%
Poop on a cracker! This one just crosses too many lines for me.
1. 10 years wasted
2. Stupid excuse for turning her away
3. He is obviously not true to her even though he 'says' she means/meant a lot to him
4. She is a 30 year old...
Way back when they were both uncrushed by life, she was 18 and he was 25. They grew up as neighbours and were close. She declares her love for him and he turns her down because 'she is too young'. Does he ever regret this? Apparently not, since he marries another woman not long after. Does he feel remorse for what might have been? Apparently not. At least I sure didn't feel it.
Can't say I liked Quinn and his lame ass reason for keeping her at arms length for the first 65% of the book. Seems to me, she had WAAAAAY better reasons to not commit.
Not feeling the romance... nope not at all.
It's a shame really, because I quite enjoyed the next book.
The audio reader was OK, but I often got confused during dialogue as to whether Quinn or Holly was speaking.
Poop on a cracker! This one just crosses too many lines for me.
1. 10 years wasted
2. Stupid excuse for turning her away
3. He is obviously not true to her even though he 'says' she means/meant a lot to him
4. She is a 30 year old...
Way back when they were both uncrushed by life, she was 18 and he was 25. They grew up as neighbours and were close. She declares her love for him and he turns her down because 'she is too young'. Does he ever regret this? Apparently not, since he marries another woman not long after. Does he feel remorse for what might have been? Apparently not. At least I sure didn't feel it.
Can't say I liked Quinn and his lame ass reason for keeping her at arms length for the first 65% of the book. Seems to me, she had WAAAAAY better reasons to not commit.
Not feeling the romance... nope not at all.
It's a shame really, because I quite enjoyed the next book.
The audio reader was OK, but I often got confused during dialogue as to whether Quinn or Holly was speaking.
July 8, 2017
The heroine was celibate for 10 years waiting for the hero. He married another soon after rejecting heroine. She was a fool to stay a Virgin this long and not have relationships while he went on with his life.
August 15, 2013
4.5***
This is the first book in the Red River series and it was beautiful. I was introduced to this author with the second book in this series and was simply hooked.
Holly,the heroine ,is still recovering from the death of her sister and brother in law.She became an instant mom to their baby Ella.She puts her life on hold for two months,packs up baby and heads back to her childhood hometown.She plans to renovate her grandparents old house and do a flip sale.
Enter Quinn,the hero,who was the object of Holly's affection when she was a teen.They parted when she was 18 because Quinn felt that he was too old for her and that she did not really love him.Holly had blurted out to him that she loved him that fatefull last night.Quinn is hired to do the renovation.
What I loved about this story is the hero owned up to his feelings at the beginning with all his internal dialogues.He was such a sweetie to baby Ella,she was a little magnet to him that he could not resist.Their scenes together were a joy.I fell a little in love with this hero,he was sweet,caring,funny and sexy.He also had a somber side that was sad.
Their hea was rocky with the heroine's feelings of loving and loosing all the people that she had loved.But with the love of Quinn and Ella, the family that the three of them created, she was able to let go and have love.
This read was a sweet romance and will gladly read more from this author.
This is the first book in the Red River series and it was beautiful. I was introduced to this author with the second book in this series and was simply hooked.
Holly,the heroine ,is still recovering from the death of her sister and brother in law.She became an instant mom to their baby Ella.She puts her life on hold for two months,packs up baby and heads back to her childhood hometown.She plans to renovate her grandparents old house and do a flip sale.
Enter Quinn,the hero,who was the object of Holly's affection when she was a teen.They parted when she was 18 because Quinn felt that he was too old for her and that she did not really love him.Holly had blurted out to him that she loved him that fatefull last night.Quinn is hired to do the renovation.
What I loved about this story is the hero owned up to his feelings at the beginning with all his internal dialogues.He was such a sweetie to baby Ella,she was a little magnet to him that he could not resist.Their scenes together were a joy.I fell a little in love with this hero,he was sweet,caring,funny and sexy.He also had a somber side that was sad.
Their hea was rocky with the heroine's feelings of loving and loosing all the people that she had loved.But with the love of Quinn and Ella, the family that the three of them created, she was able to let go and have love.
This read was a sweet romance and will gladly read more from this author.
March 21, 2013
One of the biggest (and best) surprises of 2012 was discovering Victoria James and reading her debut novel The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby. So as you can see A Risk Worth Taking started with an unfair head start it had to measure up to its predecessor, and I am very happy and relieved to report that not only did it not disappoint, it was just as wonderful as Victoria James’ previous novel!
A Risk Worth Taking is the first book in Victoria James’ new contemporary romance series taking place in the small town of Red River and featuring the Manning brothers (Quinn, Jackson and Evan). A Risk Worth Taking is Quinn’s, the eldest brother’s story.
Our heroine, big city girl, successful interior designer Holly suddenly becomes the guardian of Ella, her little niece of 6 months when her sister and her husband are killed in a car accident. She goes back to renovate her childhood home and sell it to put the money in a trust for the baby and since Quinn is the local and successful contractor who will help her with her plans.
Holly was a heroine I not only liked but admired. She was ambitious yet warm-hearted and she took on the role of guardian of her orphaned niece even though she didn’t know anything about babies or mothering. Not only was she grieving for her sister (and her husband), she also felt guilty for being the one alive to take care of Ella and scared that one day when was all grown up she would resent her and hate her because it was Holly who brought her up and not her own mother. My heart went out to her when reading about her grief and vulnerability, but her strength and how she tried to cope with these were admirable. Holly is all alone having lost her parents when she was little, then her grandparents who brought her up and now her beloved sister with whom she was so close, she doesn’t have any other family than Ella, and all the loss and grieving sadly left their mark on her.
"A few weeks ago, he’d called her cold for selling the house. Now, he knew. The vulnerability that she tried so desperately to hide was staring him in the face. Holly was afraid. This place was her old house, but everyone she loved was gone. The memories were haunting her."
Quinn was a dreamy hero: all responsible and gentleman-like, and it didn’t hurt he was swoon-worthy sexy either ;-)
Quinn and Holly go way back: they practically grew up together and Quinn was Holly’s first crush and teenage love, and on her last night before leaving for college she declared her love, but he refused her.
"She’d been naïve and trusting—and told him that she loved him. He knew, looking into her eyes, that he loved her, too, but never said the words aloud. He didn’t want to be the guy to hold her back. She’d been too young to know what she wanted for the rest of her life."
Although a decade has gone by the humiliation is still fresh in Holly’s mind, and to make matters worse Quinn is even more drop-dead gorgeous than before. She feels her traitorous body reacting, melting to his proximity. Kudos to Victoria James, because the chemistry and attraction between Holly and Quinn was palpable, off the charts!
“Holly, do you know what I want to do right now?” Holly swallowed. Hard.
“Take a hot bath?” He shook his head and took a step closer. She could barely breathe.
“A hot shower?” He shook his head again and his eyes dropped to her mouth. Her lips parted involuntarily.
“Coffee?” she managed to whisper as she heard the beep signaling the brew cycle had finished. He shook his head again and stood a few inches away from her.
“I want to kiss you,” he said, his voice deep, and then he gently took her wrist and tugged her toward him.“I want to kiss you and taste you and never stop.”
I loved Quinn’s intensity, the strength and conviction behind his words were so powerful I could feel them resonate through the pages:
"Quinn turned, ready to leave, but then paused.“I never kissed you the way I wanted to because I knew that if I did I wouldn’t be able to stop. I wouldn’t be able to get enough of you. And if I had thought for one second that you meant what you said that night, I would have come after you,” he said."
There were lots of delicious sexual tension and sparks flying, but their relationship was so much more than just physical. Loved all the scenes where Quinn teased Holly, made me chuckle out loud.
And of course besides the romance aspect of the story I have to point out that A Risk Worth Taking is as much a story of a woman becoming a mother and a man finding himself a family as it is the story of how Holly and Quinn found love.
"Quinn’s eyes opened slowly, and Holly held her breath. Her heart constricted painfully as his hand immediately went to smooth Ella’s hair. And then his eyes landed on hers, filled with the emotion that she wanted to run from. He was the man that she could never forget—hard and strong, combined with that mix of tenderness that only he could pull off so well. He made her want to give up her solitary existence, abandon her career in Toronto. He made her want to believe that people stayed, that people lived, that love could conquer everything."
Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking had everything I loved in The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby: it had just as much heart and heart-warming/heart-squeezing emotion, equally wonderful and lovable characters and a terrific, captivating romance with such a vivid chemistry that you could feel those sparks flying off the pages. A Risk Worth Taking has everything and more you could expect and want from a contemporary romance, with her captivating writing style, engaging characterization, witty humour and steamy scenes, Victoria James gifts us with another keeper. A Risk Worth Taking is a wonderful first instalment to this new series, I can’t wait to read about the other Manning brothers. Readers, you’d better put A Risk Worth Taking on your to-be-read lists, trust me, you don’t want to miss this series!
I give A Risk Worth Taking 5 stars!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Cover: 6/10 a bit too bland and forgettable
A Risk Worth Taking is the first book in Victoria James’ new contemporary romance series taking place in the small town of Red River and featuring the Manning brothers (Quinn, Jackson and Evan). A Risk Worth Taking is Quinn’s, the eldest brother’s story.
Our heroine, big city girl, successful interior designer Holly suddenly becomes the guardian of Ella, her little niece of 6 months when her sister and her husband are killed in a car accident. She goes back to renovate her childhood home and sell it to put the money in a trust for the baby and since Quinn is the local and successful contractor who will help her with her plans.
Holly was a heroine I not only liked but admired. She was ambitious yet warm-hearted and she took on the role of guardian of her orphaned niece even though she didn’t know anything about babies or mothering. Not only was she grieving for her sister (and her husband), she also felt guilty for being the one alive to take care of Ella and scared that one day when was all grown up she would resent her and hate her because it was Holly who brought her up and not her own mother. My heart went out to her when reading about her grief and vulnerability, but her strength and how she tried to cope with these were admirable. Holly is all alone having lost her parents when she was little, then her grandparents who brought her up and now her beloved sister with whom she was so close, she doesn’t have any other family than Ella, and all the loss and grieving sadly left their mark on her.
"A few weeks ago, he’d called her cold for selling the house. Now, he knew. The vulnerability that she tried so desperately to hide was staring him in the face. Holly was afraid. This place was her old house, but everyone she loved was gone. The memories were haunting her."
Quinn was a dreamy hero: all responsible and gentleman-like, and it didn’t hurt he was swoon-worthy sexy either ;-)
Quinn and Holly go way back: they practically grew up together and Quinn was Holly’s first crush and teenage love, and on her last night before leaving for college she declared her love, but he refused her.
"She’d been naïve and trusting—and told him that she loved him. He knew, looking into her eyes, that he loved her, too, but never said the words aloud. He didn’t want to be the guy to hold her back. She’d been too young to know what she wanted for the rest of her life."
Although a decade has gone by the humiliation is still fresh in Holly’s mind, and to make matters worse Quinn is even more drop-dead gorgeous than before. She feels her traitorous body reacting, melting to his proximity. Kudos to Victoria James, because the chemistry and attraction between Holly and Quinn was palpable, off the charts!
“Holly, do you know what I want to do right now?” Holly swallowed. Hard.
“Take a hot bath?” He shook his head and took a step closer. She could barely breathe.
“A hot shower?” He shook his head again and his eyes dropped to her mouth. Her lips parted involuntarily.
“Coffee?” she managed to whisper as she heard the beep signaling the brew cycle had finished. He shook his head again and stood a few inches away from her.
“I want to kiss you,” he said, his voice deep, and then he gently took her wrist and tugged her toward him.“I want to kiss you and taste you and never stop.”
I loved Quinn’s intensity, the strength and conviction behind his words were so powerful I could feel them resonate through the pages:
"Quinn turned, ready to leave, but then paused.“I never kissed you the way I wanted to because I knew that if I did I wouldn’t be able to stop. I wouldn’t be able to get enough of you. And if I had thought for one second that you meant what you said that night, I would have come after you,” he said."
There were lots of delicious sexual tension and sparks flying, but their relationship was so much more than just physical. Loved all the scenes where Quinn teased Holly, made me chuckle out loud.
And of course besides the romance aspect of the story I have to point out that A Risk Worth Taking is as much a story of a woman becoming a mother and a man finding himself a family as it is the story of how Holly and Quinn found love.
"Quinn’s eyes opened slowly, and Holly held her breath. Her heart constricted painfully as his hand immediately went to smooth Ella’s hair. And then his eyes landed on hers, filled with the emotion that she wanted to run from. He was the man that she could never forget—hard and strong, combined with that mix of tenderness that only he could pull off so well. He made her want to give up her solitary existence, abandon her career in Toronto. He made her want to believe that people stayed, that people lived, that love could conquer everything."
Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking had everything I loved in The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby: it had just as much heart and heart-warming/heart-squeezing emotion, equally wonderful and lovable characters and a terrific, captivating romance with such a vivid chemistry that you could feel those sparks flying off the pages. A Risk Worth Taking has everything and more you could expect and want from a contemporary romance, with her captivating writing style, engaging characterization, witty humour and steamy scenes, Victoria James gifts us with another keeper. A Risk Worth Taking is a wonderful first instalment to this new series, I can’t wait to read about the other Manning brothers. Readers, you’d better put A Risk Worth Taking on your to-be-read lists, trust me, you don’t want to miss this series!
I give A Risk Worth Taking 5 stars!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Cover: 6/10 a bit too bland and forgettable
April 5, 2013
Victoria James did it again. She pulled me into the story with her wonderful voice and amazing characters. I couldn't help but identify with Holly and the tough decisions she has to make not only for herself but the child she's caring for. And Quinn, her high school crush, is definitely sexy. This book held me captive until the end.
I can't wait for the next book. :-)
I can't wait for the next book. :-)
May 21, 2013
Holly Carrington worked hard to finally make a name for herself as an interior designer with one of the top firms in the country. On the day she was promoted, she got that awful phone call, learning that her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident, leaving her as guardian to their six-month old daughter Ella. Holly had arranged to take two months off to help her sister renovate their grandmother’s house in her home town in Red River, not far from Toronto where she currently lives. Now she was left to complete the project but had no plans to keep the property. Plus, she was in no hurry to face Quinn Manning, the man who rejected her ten years ago and was handling the renovation (he runs his family’s building construction company).
This ended up being a bittersweet romance as Holly struggled to deal with the loss of her last relative, learn to take care of an infant and keep her career afloat. She never got over Quinn and he’s ready to pursue a relationship and wants her back in Red River for good. What I loved about the story is that it didn’t fall into the trap of Holly not knowing how to keep all the balls in the air but focused on her emotional turmoil around so much loss. Her fear of commitment made sense as a part of her closed down to protect herself. That included Ella, who she loved dearly but related to her as an aunt instead of what she was destined to be, her mother.
It’s a simple story and one I really enjoyed. Quinn is highly appealing as he is committed to not only Holly but little Ella. There were lots of heartwarming moments as they not only bonded with each other but with this charming little baby. So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet story set in a small town with a romance that heats up rather nicely (and hotly), try out this book. I’m already looking forward to going back there when Quinn’s brother, Jake, and Holly’s best friend Claire, are center stage.
This ended up being a bittersweet romance as Holly struggled to deal with the loss of her last relative, learn to take care of an infant and keep her career afloat. She never got over Quinn and he’s ready to pursue a relationship and wants her back in Red River for good. What I loved about the story is that it didn’t fall into the trap of Holly not knowing how to keep all the balls in the air but focused on her emotional turmoil around so much loss. Her fear of commitment made sense as a part of her closed down to protect herself. That included Ella, who she loved dearly but related to her as an aunt instead of what she was destined to be, her mother.
It’s a simple story and one I really enjoyed. Quinn is highly appealing as he is committed to not only Holly but little Ella. There were lots of heartwarming moments as they not only bonded with each other but with this charming little baby. So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet story set in a small town with a romance that heats up rather nicely (and hotly), try out this book. I’m already looking forward to going back there when Quinn’s brother, Jake, and Holly’s best friend Claire, are center stage.
August 24, 2013
Second book I read by this author and will definetaly be reading more in the future. Really like her characters, her story line and she definetaly engages my emotions. Great book, really enjoyed it.
March 11, 2013
It's been 10 years since Holly Carrington lived in Red River. She left at the age of 18 to go to school and pursue a career in interior design, which she has become very successful at. She has finally achieved her goal and worked her way up into the position of senior designer. The only family that Holly has left is her sister, brother-in-law, and baby niece Ella, who she adores. When she receives word that there has been a tragic car accident that has taken the life of her sister and brother-in-law, she is completely devastated. Thankfully, baby Ella is fine, but now Holly finds herself as Ella's sole guardian, a task that she fears she can't handle or live up to. Having already planned to take 2 months off to renovate her grandparents home in Red River for her sister, she and baby Ella pack up and head home. Home has lots of memories, good and bad....memories that Holly doesn't know if she can handle. She has called Quinn Manning to head up the renovation project for her and is really nervous about seeing him again. She has had a crush on him since she was big enough to have a crush. At 18, she confessed her feelings to Quinn, who was 25 at the time, and was crushed when he didn't reciprocate, telling her she was too young. When she sees him again, all those feelings come back to the surface, the crush and the hurt caused by Quinn's rejection. Quinn is also faced with his feelings, the past, and has his own wounds and guilt to deal with. Will these two be able to overcome the obstacles set before them and find love once again, or will Holly's fears for the future and Quinn's guilt from the past be more than they can overcome?
I really loved A Risk Worth Taking. Holly's character was great and I enjoyed getting to know her as she transitioned into her role as Ella's mom. Her Coach bag, which was once a symbol of her success has now become a diaper bag, and her fancy clean car is now filled with baby stuff. Holly is very strong and very stubborn, but she also has a lot of hurt that she has buried deep inside. She totally adores Ella, and Ella is an absolute doll that will melt your heart, a fact that Quinn Manning finds out shortly after meeting her. Quinn is a total hottie. I mean the man just has it going on. He steps in to help Holly in any way he can, but soon realizes that the feelings he once had for her are still there, and the feelings that he has for Ella really throw him for a loop. Quinn and Holly are both stubborn, and dealing with the renovation of the house proves to be both entertaining and challenging, with some really humorous situations that I totally enjoyed. The chemistry between Quinn and Holly is undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they dealt with their desires, their hurts, and their fears, butting heads along the way. I found A Risk Worth Taking to be a wonderful contemporary romance that is funny, sexy, fast paced, with some sad moments,and some really heartwarming ones. If you are a contemporary romance fan, then A Risk Worth Taking is something you should definitely check out.
I really loved A Risk Worth Taking. Holly's character was great and I enjoyed getting to know her as she transitioned into her role as Ella's mom. Her Coach bag, which was once a symbol of her success has now become a diaper bag, and her fancy clean car is now filled with baby stuff. Holly is very strong and very stubborn, but she also has a lot of hurt that she has buried deep inside. She totally adores Ella, and Ella is an absolute doll that will melt your heart, a fact that Quinn Manning finds out shortly after meeting her. Quinn is a total hottie. I mean the man just has it going on. He steps in to help Holly in any way he can, but soon realizes that the feelings he once had for her are still there, and the feelings that he has for Ella really throw him for a loop. Quinn and Holly are both stubborn, and dealing with the renovation of the house proves to be both entertaining and challenging, with some really humorous situations that I totally enjoyed. The chemistry between Quinn and Holly is undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they dealt with their desires, their hurts, and their fears, butting heads along the way. I found A Risk Worth Taking to be a wonderful contemporary romance that is funny, sexy, fast paced, with some sad moments,and some really heartwarming ones. If you are a contemporary romance fan, then A Risk Worth Taking is something you should definitely check out.
December 1, 2021
Not as good as the second book.
March 18, 2013
Review:
This book had me invested in Holly’s life by the end of the first chapter. It was heart-breaking. It’s her big day at work, and she has worked the last ten years for this moment. Her wardrobe was carefully picked out, and she is glowing with happiness. She is finally going to be made a partner at the prestigious design firm where she’s employed when she gets the call that makes her realize how pointless her achievement really is. Her sister and brother-in-law have been killed in an accident, and now she’s left reeling, the guardian of her infant niece. How can she raise a child alone? How will she recover from yet another loss? Everyone she has loved has died – her parents, the grandparents who raised her and her sister, and now her sister’s gone, too. It’s just too much, and Holly is devastated.
Returning to her rural hometown to renovate and then flip her grandparents’ house, she is confronted with painful memories of her past. She has loved Quinn for a lifetime, but he rejected her when she was eighteen. Now she has to put on a brave front and face him, and all of her childhood memories. All she wants to do is get the house finished and get out of town, and back to her life in the city where she’s so busy she doesn’t have time to dwell on the emptiness of her life.
I enjoyed A Risk Worth Taking very much. I loved the interactions between Holly and Quinn, and even enjoyed Ella, Holly’s little niece. I usually am not a big fan of babies in romances, but Ella wasn’t just window-dressing here. She was central to the storyline, and she helped both Holly and Quinn’s hearts to heal. Despite her best efforts to not get caught up in her feelings for Quinn, which still burned bright, Holly’s resolve crumbled as he became an important addition to her new family. And Quinn, though he didn’t feel worthy of Ella’s love or trust, was able to put his painful past behind him with the baby and Holly’s help.
A Risk Worth Taking is a feel good read. You’ll get caught up in Quinn and Holly’s romance, and cheer along as they both learn to trust again. As Holly puts aside her sadness, she begins to remember all of the happiness she has turned her back on. As she remembers what is really important in life, she is willing to face the risks, and the rewards, of loving Quinn.
Grade: B+
This book had me invested in Holly’s life by the end of the first chapter. It was heart-breaking. It’s her big day at work, and she has worked the last ten years for this moment. Her wardrobe was carefully picked out, and she is glowing with happiness. She is finally going to be made a partner at the prestigious design firm where she’s employed when she gets the call that makes her realize how pointless her achievement really is. Her sister and brother-in-law have been killed in an accident, and now she’s left reeling, the guardian of her infant niece. How can she raise a child alone? How will she recover from yet another loss? Everyone she has loved has died – her parents, the grandparents who raised her and her sister, and now her sister’s gone, too. It’s just too much, and Holly is devastated.
Returning to her rural hometown to renovate and then flip her grandparents’ house, she is confronted with painful memories of her past. She has loved Quinn for a lifetime, but he rejected her when she was eighteen. Now she has to put on a brave front and face him, and all of her childhood memories. All she wants to do is get the house finished and get out of town, and back to her life in the city where she’s so busy she doesn’t have time to dwell on the emptiness of her life.
I enjoyed A Risk Worth Taking very much. I loved the interactions between Holly and Quinn, and even enjoyed Ella, Holly’s little niece. I usually am not a big fan of babies in romances, but Ella wasn’t just window-dressing here. She was central to the storyline, and she helped both Holly and Quinn’s hearts to heal. Despite her best efforts to not get caught up in her feelings for Quinn, which still burned bright, Holly’s resolve crumbled as he became an important addition to her new family. And Quinn, though he didn’t feel worthy of Ella’s love or trust, was able to put his painful past behind him with the baby and Holly’s help.
A Risk Worth Taking is a feel good read. You’ll get caught up in Quinn and Holly’s romance, and cheer along as they both learn to trust again. As Holly puts aside her sadness, she begins to remember all of the happiness she has turned her back on. As she remembers what is really important in life, she is willing to face the risks, and the rewards, of loving Quinn.
Grade: B+
April 25, 2015
4. 5
When I read 'The Billionaire's Christmas Baby', I fell in love with the story, the characters and Victoria's way of bringing a great romance to life. I was sad to know it was her only book at the time. But really excited when I knew she'd have a new series coming soon.
'A Risk Worth Taking' is the first book in her Red River series and like her previous book, it doesn't disappoint. Holly and Quinn's story will grab you from the start and won't let you leave it until you turn the last page. Both have history and a past that left them a bitter-sweet taste, but they are meant to be; and because of it, they get a second chance to reach their and Ella's happily ever after.
I'm so looking forward to the next books with Quinn's brothers: Jake and Evan. Also, I hope to see some of Holly, Quinn and Ella, because even though their book's done, they've stayed with me and I don't want to let them go, yet.
If you're a contemporary romance fan looking for an enjoyable and sweet love story that will make you smile from time to time and make you want to root for the characters' HEA, go buy this book ASAP. It's worth it.
When I read 'The Billionaire's Christmas Baby', I fell in love with the story, the characters and Victoria's way of bringing a great romance to life. I was sad to know it was her only book at the time. But really excited when I knew she'd have a new series coming soon.
'A Risk Worth Taking' is the first book in her Red River series and like her previous book, it doesn't disappoint. Holly and Quinn's story will grab you from the start and won't let you leave it until you turn the last page. Both have history and a past that left them a bitter-sweet taste, but they are meant to be; and because of it, they get a second chance to reach their and Ella's happily ever after.
I'm so looking forward to the next books with Quinn's brothers: Jake and Evan. Also, I hope to see some of Holly, Quinn and Ella, because even though their book's done, they've stayed with me and I don't want to let them go, yet.
If you're a contemporary romance fan looking for an enjoyable and sweet love story that will make you smile from time to time and make you want to root for the characters' HEA, go buy this book ASAP. It's worth it.
January 27, 2018
Very sweet, heartwarming book. Loved the chemistry between Quinn and Holly. They just belonged to one another. Loved baby Ella too and how comfortable she was with Quinn and he was with her. Also, loved the Manning brothers - really enjoyed their teasing and friendly banter.
Thoroughly enjoyed it overall.
Thoroughly enjoyed it overall.
September 19, 2016
Very emotional storyline but didn't way you down too much.
I love small towns & alpha brothers
I love small towns & alpha brothers
April 3, 2013
4.5 stars
Ack! I loved A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James. This book was light on the graphic sex scenes, but you didn’t miss it so much. This was a sweet romance with witty banter and a wonderful, sweet, sometimes heartbreaking story.
Holly Carrington has had so much tragedy in her fairly short life. Losing her parents at a very young age she was raised by her grandparents and had a wonderful upbringing. Once they were gone it was just her and her sister left. Holly moved away to make a career for herself as an interior decorator, while her sister got married and started a family of her own. As fate seems to hate Holly she loses her sister and brother in law in an accident leaving her the guardian of her beautiful 6 month old niece. Now, she has found herself heading back to her childhood home for 2 months. The plan is to get it renovated and sell it, so that she can get back to her life. Of course, she is going to have to suck up her pride and work with her childhood crush to get this project done. He’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, but she hasn't been alone with him since her humiliating attempt of seduction the night she left for college. She doesn't expect the memories and nostalgia to affect her so strongly, nor does she expect her lifelong attraction to Quinn to still be burning just as hot.
Quinn Manning hasn't been able to get the one kiss he has ever had with Holly out of his mind. Yes, he turned her away that night, but it was the right thing to do. He was 6 years older than she and she had college and a bright future ahead of her. He couldn't hold her back, no matter how hot the kiss was.
“I never kissed you the way I wanted to because I knew that if I did I wouldn't be able to stop. I wouldn't be able to get enough of you. And if I had thought for one second that you meant what you said that night, I would have come after you,” he said.
Now, she’s back in his life and he refuses to fight the attraction this time. He has his own demons, but Holly and the baby have a way of keeping them at bay. Now, he just has to find a way to convince Holly that she isn't cursed and that the family they could make together is worth leaving her fancy job in the city.
This book has all of the makings of a great trilogy, but I can’t find anywhere that says it’s more than an independent story. Please, please, please Ms. James I really want to know Jake and Evan Manning’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
Ack! I loved A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James. This book was light on the graphic sex scenes, but you didn’t miss it so much. This was a sweet romance with witty banter and a wonderful, sweet, sometimes heartbreaking story.
Holly Carrington has had so much tragedy in her fairly short life. Losing her parents at a very young age she was raised by her grandparents and had a wonderful upbringing. Once they were gone it was just her and her sister left. Holly moved away to make a career for herself as an interior decorator, while her sister got married and started a family of her own. As fate seems to hate Holly she loses her sister and brother in law in an accident leaving her the guardian of her beautiful 6 month old niece. Now, she has found herself heading back to her childhood home for 2 months. The plan is to get it renovated and sell it, so that she can get back to her life. Of course, she is going to have to suck up her pride and work with her childhood crush to get this project done. He’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, but she hasn't been alone with him since her humiliating attempt of seduction the night she left for college. She doesn't expect the memories and nostalgia to affect her so strongly, nor does she expect her lifelong attraction to Quinn to still be burning just as hot.
Quinn Manning hasn't been able to get the one kiss he has ever had with Holly out of his mind. Yes, he turned her away that night, but it was the right thing to do. He was 6 years older than she and she had college and a bright future ahead of her. He couldn't hold her back, no matter how hot the kiss was.
“I never kissed you the way I wanted to because I knew that if I did I wouldn't be able to stop. I wouldn't be able to get enough of you. And if I had thought for one second that you meant what you said that night, I would have come after you,” he said.
Now, she’s back in his life and he refuses to fight the attraction this time. He has his own demons, but Holly and the baby have a way of keeping them at bay. Now, he just has to find a way to convince Holly that she isn't cursed and that the family they could make together is worth leaving her fancy job in the city.
This book has all of the makings of a great trilogy, but I can’t find anywhere that says it’s more than an independent story. Please, please, please Ms. James I really want to know Jake and Evan Manning’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
September 21, 2014
***This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Judging this book by its cover:
The cover is OK. I would have liked it to be a little more in line with the book. If the female character was dressed in an outfit that was sophisticated and the male character as he is it would have been a better reflection of the story.
Plot/Execution:
The plot of this book is one of my favorites--reunited after not quiet being united. After throwing herself at Quinn after high school and he refused her, Holly left home and chased her dream of becoming an interior designer and achieved the success she'd dreamed of. I liked how Holly was living, by all accounts, a 'nice' life, but somehow she was still lonely. And after being thrown several curve balls in her life, she was making it as best as she could.
I loved that after being thrust into the role of being a mom, she was doubting herself and wondering if she'd be able to measure up to the life her sister would have provided for the baby. I think this was such a realistic reaction, and it just made the story more authentic.
As I've said before and will say again, I love stories where the main characters have a history, and this was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Characters:
Holly – I really liked Holly. I thought she was likable, and she had a good head on her shoulders. As I said before, I thought the author did a nice job relaying realistic reactions to the situations she was put in.
Quinn – I liked Quinn, especially when the scenes included his brother. I felt that's when we got to know the most about him. I liked reading about his interactions with Ella, and the way he teased Holly was fun. He pushed her and made her think about things in different ways.
I would've given this book a solid five stars if the sex had been a bit more descriptive. Don't get me wrong--the sex scenes were nice, but after all the years of pent up passion between them, I wanted all the details!
This was nice, quick read that I really enjoyed, and I would recommend it if you like stories about starting over, and ending up where you least expect to.
Judging this book by its cover:
The cover is OK. I would have liked it to be a little more in line with the book. If the female character was dressed in an outfit that was sophisticated and the male character as he is it would have been a better reflection of the story.
Plot/Execution:
The plot of this book is one of my favorites--reunited after not quiet being united. After throwing herself at Quinn after high school and he refused her, Holly left home and chased her dream of becoming an interior designer and achieved the success she'd dreamed of. I liked how Holly was living, by all accounts, a 'nice' life, but somehow she was still lonely. And after being thrown several curve balls in her life, she was making it as best as she could.
I loved that after being thrust into the role of being a mom, she was doubting herself and wondering if she'd be able to measure up to the life her sister would have provided for the baby. I think this was such a realistic reaction, and it just made the story more authentic.
As I've said before and will say again, I love stories where the main characters have a history, and this was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Characters:
Holly – I really liked Holly. I thought she was likable, and she had a good head on her shoulders. As I said before, I thought the author did a nice job relaying realistic reactions to the situations she was put in.
Quinn – I liked Quinn, especially when the scenes included his brother. I felt that's when we got to know the most about him. I liked reading about his interactions with Ella, and the way he teased Holly was fun. He pushed her and made her think about things in different ways.
I would've given this book a solid five stars if the sex had been a bit more descriptive. Don't get me wrong--the sex scenes were nice, but after all the years of pent up passion between them, I wanted all the details!
This was nice, quick read that I really enjoyed, and I would recommend it if you like stories about starting over, and ending up where you least expect to.
March 13, 2013
Ten years ago Holly Carrington bared her soul to the one man she loved only to be rejected because she was to young, amongst other things. Who would have thought that after the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law leave her an unexpected guardian to her niece, Holly needs Quinn Mannings help.
Now an interior designer, Holly wants to renovate her childhood home and sell it within the span of eight weeks returning to Red River for possibly the last time. Quinn knows he hurt Holly years ago, but he had good reason trying to protect her. Quinn made his own path which has left him tainted, until Holly returns. Everything that Quinn has lived as his new mantra is about to be destroyed, especially with a hot tempered women who won't back down to any challenge.
I saw this on the stream today and had to read it right away. I thought this was a lot of fun, very entertaining. I felt for both Holly and Quinn, they are both struggling with ghost and afraid to let the other in. I liked that they interacted with baby Ella and she was firmly placed in the story.
Now an interior designer, Holly wants to renovate her childhood home and sell it within the span of eight weeks returning to Red River for possibly the last time. Quinn knows he hurt Holly years ago, but he had good reason trying to protect her. Quinn made his own path which has left him tainted, until Holly returns. Everything that Quinn has lived as his new mantra is about to be destroyed, especially with a hot tempered women who won't back down to any challenge.
I saw this on the stream today and had to read it right away. I thought this was a lot of fun, very entertaining. I felt for both Holly and Quinn, they are both struggling with ghost and afraid to let the other in. I liked that they interacted with baby Ella and she was firmly placed in the story.
April 19, 2019
dnf @63%. And that was after skimming for half of that.
April 9, 2013
Victoria James paints a poignant picture using words in this story of unrequited teen love and the losses that happen to all of us as we journey through life. I absolutely fell in love with these characters and you will too.
Holly Carrington is promoted at work and in the next few moments her joy is overtaken by intense sorrow after being informed that her sister and brother-in-law are dead. Holly takes custody of her niece and returns to her hometown to remodel her grandmother's house and sell it. She has chosen Quinn Manning's company to do the renovations. Quinn is the man Holly has loved all of her life. It's too bad he turned down an opportunity to be in a relationship with her when she was 18.
This is the classsic the one that got away story with a twist that involves an adorable baby girl, Ella. I loved that both characters were honest, had integrity, and courageously shared their vulnerabilities. I enjoyed how the author allowed the reader to understand the backsory to Quinn and Holly's romance. Quinn was such a strong, sensitive character that showed love for Holly and Ella. Holly experienced the loss of her parents, grandparents, and her sister. She was afraid to open up and love anyone because she felt that it would destroy her to lose anyone else. For anyone that has ever felt the loss of someone you loved with all of your heart it's easy to see how Holly would withdraw from an emotional attachment with Quinn. Quinn felt that he was undeserving of happiness because he wasn't a good husband to his former wife.
Through the pages you can see how their love helps each one to heal and find the courage to love each other and take ""a risk worth taking"". There were some romantic scenes and definitely chemistry that crackled between them. The real treasure is the emotional connection between the two of them. The story is well written and the characters will stick with you long after you put the book away.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
Holly Carrington is promoted at work and in the next few moments her joy is overtaken by intense sorrow after being informed that her sister and brother-in-law are dead. Holly takes custody of her niece and returns to her hometown to remodel her grandmother's house and sell it. She has chosen Quinn Manning's company to do the renovations. Quinn is the man Holly has loved all of her life. It's too bad he turned down an opportunity to be in a relationship with her when she was 18.
This is the classsic the one that got away story with a twist that involves an adorable baby girl, Ella. I loved that both characters were honest, had integrity, and courageously shared their vulnerabilities. I enjoyed how the author allowed the reader to understand the backsory to Quinn and Holly's romance. Quinn was such a strong, sensitive character that showed love for Holly and Ella. Holly experienced the loss of her parents, grandparents, and her sister. She was afraid to open up and love anyone because she felt that it would destroy her to lose anyone else. For anyone that has ever felt the loss of someone you loved with all of your heart it's easy to see how Holly would withdraw from an emotional attachment with Quinn. Quinn felt that he was undeserving of happiness because he wasn't a good husband to his former wife.
Through the pages you can see how their love helps each one to heal and find the courage to love each other and take ""a risk worth taking"". There were some romantic scenes and definitely chemistry that crackled between them. The real treasure is the emotional connection between the two of them. The story is well written and the characters will stick with you long after you put the book away.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
June 15, 2013
Reviewed by: Crystal
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I had the privilege of reading this author’s first book so I am glad that I got to read the second one.
Holly is finally getting the job that she has worked hard for, for six years. It just seems everything in her life is finally going the way she wants it. That is until she gets a phone call that will change her life forever. Now she has to become a different person so that she can take care of her niece Ella.
Quinn is the guy that has been through some things in his past and he never wants to get married again. He is the oldest in his family and he has taken care of his two brothers. He has a great business. He just does the same old thing everyday until he gets that call from Holly that she’s coming back to town.
This is a very warm story. It touches that place in your heart that you forget that you have. In this story you find out that it doesn’t matter what plans you make for your life, they can change in a blink of the eye. It is up to you how you how you plan for it to go after that.
I loved how the characters finally tell each other about the feelings that they had in the past. It is up to them to figure out what they want for their future. I love how they take nothing for granted. This story makes you sit back and think and to make you feel thankful for the people that you have in your life. Even if we have lost love ones we need to be thankful for the time that we had with them.
So I recommend that you get this book and find you a quiet place and sit back and relax. This story will really touch you.
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I had the privilege of reading this author’s first book so I am glad that I got to read the second one.
Holly is finally getting the job that she has worked hard for, for six years. It just seems everything in her life is finally going the way she wants it. That is until she gets a phone call that will change her life forever. Now she has to become a different person so that she can take care of her niece Ella.
Quinn is the guy that has been through some things in his past and he never wants to get married again. He is the oldest in his family and he has taken care of his two brothers. He has a great business. He just does the same old thing everyday until he gets that call from Holly that she’s coming back to town.
This is a very warm story. It touches that place in your heart that you forget that you have. In this story you find out that it doesn’t matter what plans you make for your life, they can change in a blink of the eye. It is up to you how you how you plan for it to go after that.
I loved how the characters finally tell each other about the feelings that they had in the past. It is up to them to figure out what they want for their future. I love how they take nothing for granted. This story makes you sit back and think and to make you feel thankful for the people that you have in your life. Even if we have lost love ones we need to be thankful for the time that we had with them.
So I recommend that you get this book and find you a quiet place and sit back and relax. This story will really touch you.
April 22, 2013
Holly has had so much loss in her life, loss her mother and grandparents, but she refuses to let it hold her down.She leaves her small town pursue her dream of interior design. She made it, just got a huge promotion a senior designer, she's ecstatic. Then with a phone call her whole world changes. The death of her sister and brother-in-law, leave her a new mother and the feeling that she has no one left. Deciding to go back to her hometown, where she hasn't been in 10 years, to renovate and sell the family home, to ensure a secure future for her niece. Well she is there her perspective on life changes.
Quinn is a old friend of Holly's family, he also runs a large contractual business. Holly hires his company to complete her renovations. During the time spent together there is a lot of tension between them. Before Holly had left for school she had professed her love for him, he turned her down and now realizes that was a mistake.
I thought this was a wonderful story, that has a beautiful lesson. I felt for Holly and her fears that she had developed through her life. I loved Quinn!!! All the characters were very likable and relatable!!! I can't wait to read another of Victoria James books!!!
Quinn is a old friend of Holly's family, he also runs a large contractual business. Holly hires his company to complete her renovations. During the time spent together there is a lot of tension between them. Before Holly had left for school she had professed her love for him, he turned her down and now realizes that was a mistake.
I thought this was a wonderful story, that has a beautiful lesson. I felt for Holly and her fears that she had developed through her life. I loved Quinn!!! All the characters were very likable and relatable!!! I can't wait to read another of Victoria James books!!!
April 2, 2013
This is a tear-jerker. Who says you can never come home again? Holly only planned to return to Red River with her sister to renovate their family's home. As an interior designer they could finally make their dreams come true and renovate the house for her sister to live in with her own family. Then tragedy strikes and she is the guardian of her niece Ella. Now she is returning home to renovate and sell her home. The problem is Quinn, the man she fell in love with when she was in high school. Quinn let her go once and doesn't plan on doing it again. He has his work cut out for him though because she has no intention of getting close to anyone ever again.
Holly has endured more heartache than any person ever should. No-one can blame her for wanting to protect herself from more loss. I spent a large part of the book wondering when she was going to realize her heart already belonged to Ella. Now she has to figure out that Quinn isn't a risk but someone to help her hold it all together.
Thank you To Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read.
Holly has endured more heartache than any person ever should. No-one can blame her for wanting to protect herself from more loss. I spent a large part of the book wondering when she was going to realize her heart already belonged to Ella. Now she has to figure out that Quinn isn't a risk but someone to help her hold it all together.
Thank you To Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read.
January 20, 2014
I was disappointed because I love these second chance stories, where one of the MCs has had a crush on the other forever, but these two seemed to fight over everything, and it wasn't fighting and talking things out, they'd start talking, trying to work through the issues in their past, but then one of them would say something to hurt the other, whether intentional or not, and then there'd be an interruption, and they wouldn't talk for days. I don't feel like they ever actually worked things out either. They did finally talk about why he did what he did 10 years ago, but they don't know each other anymore... it's been 10 years, so when they just up and decided . All of that being said, I do plan to read Claire and Jake's story.
August 28, 2017
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A Risk Worth Taking is a beautiful, easy read. You won't find alot of angst or too much drama with this story.
I love that Holly is a strong character and come across as a damsel in distress. But being thrown back into your past where all your happiest memories, reside can really take a toll on a person who has lost everyone she has ever loved. Quinn is what you expect - strong, handsome and sexy. He knows that he messed up things in the past with Holly but he had his reasons.
The story is nicely written but don't expect any twists or extremely heated moments. It's a love story with a nice HEA.
If you're looking for a nice, easy read. This is the book for you.
A Risk Worth Taking is a beautiful, easy read. You won't find alot of angst or too much drama with this story.
I love that Holly is a strong character and come across as a damsel in distress. But being thrown back into your past where all your happiest memories, reside can really take a toll on a person who has lost everyone she has ever loved. Quinn is what you expect - strong, handsome and sexy. He knows that he messed up things in the past with Holly but he had his reasons.
The story is nicely written but don't expect any twists or extremely heated moments. It's a love story with a nice HEA.
If you're looking for a nice, easy read. This is the book for you.
October 13, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this sweet, romantic and funny book. It was a nice change of pace from all of the dark and erotic books I've been reading. When we got to the sexy time, the scene would fade out a bit, but the build up to this climax was well-written and evenly paced. Although Holly is a stubborn character, she's not over the top. Quinn was a nice contrast to her personality and would humorously counter her behavior when it began to escalate. The friendship between Claire and Holly really got me excited to read the 2nd story in the series. The two of them brought a lot of humor to the story. This story from both points of view can be a standalone, but does a little setting up for Jake (Quinn's brother) and Claire's story.
April 2, 2013
4.5 of 5
A very sweet and funny read with lots of heart tugging tenderness.
Holly not only has to cope with tragedy, but the responsibility of bringing up her baby neice. To add more complication to her once ordered life, step forward Quinn, her hot schoolgirl crush and the only man able to renovate her former home.
There are lots of sweet moments throughout and laugh out loud teen stalker moments. But also when Quinn and Holly are forced to revisit their past, there are very tender emotional moments, especially when Holly shares her fear of failure and they have to consider the future.
Great read.
A very sweet and funny read with lots of heart tugging tenderness.
Holly not only has to cope with tragedy, but the responsibility of bringing up her baby neice. To add more complication to her once ordered life, step forward Quinn, her hot schoolgirl crush and the only man able to renovate her former home.
There are lots of sweet moments throughout and laugh out loud teen stalker moments. But also when Quinn and Holly are forced to revisit their past, there are very tender emotional moments, especially when Holly shares her fear of failure and they have to consider the future.
Great read.
December 28, 2013
Okay, so I completely read this series out of order. Funny thing, though is, it didn't seem to matter. I loved this story! Holly and Quinn are THE perfect couple. And I love his interaction with Ella. Nothing wins me over like a masculine guy wrapped around a baby's little finger.
Great storyline, loved the emotions that played out through the book, and terrific, likeable characters. What more could I ask for? Oh yeah, sexual chemistry. Yep, that's covered, too. Great book!
Great storyline, loved the emotions that played out through the book, and terrific, likeable characters. What more could I ask for? Oh yeah, sexual chemistry. Yep, that's covered, too. Great book!
December 8, 2015
Holly & Quinn
My heart broke for Holly. I won't give anything away but it was plane to see why she keep trying to push Quinn away and run.
Oh how I loved this story. The heart break the longing the love and family either the one's your born in to or the one's you make yours.
This is a feel good read all the way with a few tears or it was for me.
My heart broke for Holly. I won't give anything away but it was plane to see why she keep trying to push Quinn away and run.
Oh how I loved this story. The heart break the longing the love and family either the one's your born in to or the one's you make yours.
This is a feel good read all the way with a few tears or it was for me.
May 12, 2022
Cute, quick, clean read. Holly was a bit prickly, and Quinn was a bit standoffish. But ya know that's the makings of romance ha! But since I read book 2 first, I can confidently say the Manning brothers are sweet.
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