The Risk She Takes: A Rivals To Lovers Christian Romance

by Ella Marie

For Robyn, singleness isn’t some tragic waiting room for real life to begin.

By the grace of God, she’s built a life she genuinely loves, one that doesn’t require a man in the equation. Especially not a man like Lucien Monet, her insufferably—and apparently—charming French coworker who has an uncanny talent for pulling the rug out from under her at every turn.

Lucien crossed an ocean to escape a past where caring too much always cost him something.

America was meant to be a clean slate, a place free of attachments. But somehow, the woman who treats him like a sworn enemy for reasons only known by God is the one he can’t stop thinking about. Robyn doesn’t merely dislike him, she bristles at the sight of him. Which is baffling, given that Lucien has only shown patience, kindness, and every other fruit of the Spirit in her vicinity.

When an unexpected trip to Paris forces them into close quarters, tensions rise, sparks crackle, and the questions they’ve both been dodging become impossible to ignore.

Can two people who’ve piled up prejudices against each other ever find common ground and discover that real, Christ-centered love might be worth the risk?

The Risk She Takes is a heartfelt rivals-to-lovers Christian romance about surrender, healing, and the unexpected ways God softens even the most stubborn hearts.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2026

About the author

Ella Marie is a pen name of a wife to the man of her dreams, and a mama to a cute little boy. Jesus is her Lord and personal Savior, guiding her in all aspects of life. After publishing her first clean and sweet romance series, God put it on her heart to share the greatest gift in her life—Jesus—in her love stories.

All her future books will not only be heart-melting but will also point readers toward the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Expect to see broken characters finding healing, faith, hope, and of course, love in each of her Christ-centered love stories.

Her greatest prayer is that her books will encourage readers to live out their faith boldly, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and remember that no other book is to be cherished like God’s letter to us— the Bible.

Reviews

[ChildOfGod💜🙌🏽 (for God I live and for God I die) ~ in my Christian pop era · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Happy Release Day!!!!**

I enjoyed this masterpiece of a novel so much! As someone who is obsessed with learning about foreign people coming to the U.S. I knew I was going to enjoy Lucien’s POV. I love watching YouTube videos of reactions to coming to America and trying American things! A lot of what was mentioned in this book from Lucien’s POV was what I watched in those videos. Having a MMC who is French was such a fun idea!

And I adored the FMC! Tbh it kind of creeped me out how realistic she was! She reminded me of someone I knew in real life to the T! It was crazy but I loved it. I also loved the discussions and reflections she had with her views on men. When Lucien said that men aren’t what’s wrong but sin that entered the world. 👏🤏🤏🤏 😂. Anyways if you can’t tell I loved this book! Oh and also one trope that’s in this book that I’m starting to see I enjoy is the hidden identity but over social media. Like they already follow each other but don’t know it!

But yes so I enjoyed this book so much! I had fun learning about all the foods. I read this as a stand alone as well!

*Please note: My book recommendations are based solely on reading enjoyment. It doesn’t mean I agree with all religious content in the book as someone who is non denominational and believes baptism saves.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own*

[Maggie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Christian Contemporary Romance

"The Risk She Takes" by Ella Marie

CONTENT RATINGS/WARNINGS
kissing: 10&up
Fade-to-black: none
Violence: none
SA: none
Language: none
Themes: 16&up
broken relationships with parents
parental abandonment (on page flashback)
divorce
struggles with infertility (side character)

3rd book in the "A Healing Kind of Love" series

FORMAT/AVAILABILITY:
available now
kindle
Kindle Unlimited
paperback

TROPES:
Christian Themes
healing
rivals to friends to lovers
workplace romance
he falls first
she loves being single
she does not like him
trip to Paris
slow-burn
faith driven friendships
he takes care of her
adjoining rooms

COMMON THEMES:
redemption from needing constant control
surrendur to God's plan
learning to have patience
learning to trust
Biblical representation of men
healing from past hurt
building Christ-centered love
prayer and intercession for loved ones
true pursuit

REVIEW:
The tears I cried over this book! Every big picture and every little detail was so well thought out, and I felt like I was living every moment with them. I could understand every character's emotions so clearly, which drew me into the story.
The faith themes are incredible. Christianity is not an afterthought in this book. It is the forefront of the story, and every character exudes Christ-like qualities.
My favorite part was how biblical men were represented. Robyn's love of being single opened the perfect doorway for Ella Marie (the author) to explain God's design for men. Lucien was patient, he was kind, and he pursued Robyn in a way every woman deserves to be pursued. He did it all from a place of loving Christ first, and that's what I loved most.
If you love a book with all the romance, but driven by faith, and makes you think about the way you live? Then "The Risk She Takes" is perfect for you!

*I was given a copy of this book, and I was not expected to leave a positive review*

[Sam (The Favorites Shelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review/5 stars

(A Healing Kind of Love: book 3)

Every time I read a book in this series, I love it even more than the previous, which is really saying something because all of the books have been SO GOOD.

This clean romance is primarily set in Paris, where rivals Lucien and Robyn must work together during an unexpected business trip. I loved the setting! Even though the travel is technically for work, it feels perfectly adventurous with beautiful tourist destinations and French food descriptions!

The main characters are great together! Lucien is the sweetest guy, and although I was a bit frustrated with Robyn's initial attitude toward him, reading her POV allowed me to understand her in a way that balances things perfectly! Her personal journey is layered and complex - and Lucien's background has lots of extra depth as well!

I also appreciated glimpses into various characters' relationships beyond dating. They serve as wonderful reminders that marriage is a journey of trust, faith, and family (all while keeping the romance aspects clean - light kisses only). And the Christian faith content overall is very prominent, especially as supportive friends share prayers, Bible verses, etc.

If you're looking for Christian romances with depth and character growth, I'd definitely recommend this! (Also, while it can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend the series in order to fully appreciate the friend group... Book one: The Game She Hates/Book 2: The Class She Skips)

*Content to note*
.....May contain minor spoilers.....
Brief discussions of infertility. Scenes of familial tensions/strained relationships. Discussions of past emotional traumas/flashbacks to father leaving family for another woman.

**Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary e-ARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.**

[Kn.Ranchlifereads_25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmmm excuse me what?!!! I'm literally dyinggggg.... I have no words for how absolutely amazing this was and I cant wait to write my full review!!! the roller coaster of emotions was unreal and I neverrrr have the insane reactions in a book like I did this one, I honestly just want to spend a few hours crying now that its over 😭😭😭🤭🤭

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story! I loved it! Robyn has struggles with trusting men and I love how she overcame it. Lucien is the sweetest guy. I loved watching them become friends in Paris. They are just the sweetest! The Paris adventures were fun. The Christian content is great! Overall, a great read and I recommend!

[Kristina Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, super wholesome romance! The best one of the series.
Scripture, wanting to please Jesus, and Christian friendships.
For fans of Tracy Baack and Love Inspired.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ella Marie—y’all know she’s one of my favorite authors. So I knew this book was going to be wonderful, but I did not expect to be such an emotional wreck while reading it. 😭 I teared up more times than I can count. This book really got to me. I honestly wanted to savor it slowly…but that plan completely failed because I ended up binging the last half late into the night—we’re talking staying up past midnight and then past 1am to giggle and squeal over it with @kn.ranchlifereads_25 🤣 I just could NOT put it down!

Robyn and Lucien were amazing. I loved watching their friendship…or lack thereof 😆…start and seeing everything between them unfold throughout the story. It was done so so well. The faith content, as always, was amazing.! It was beautiful and meaningful and fit into the story in such a natural way. ❤️ I loved how Lucien and Robyn kept Christ at the center of their relationship and continually sought Him. I truly think everyone can get something from this book—even those who may not relate to Robyn or think like she did. There’s something here for everyone.

Lucien was everythinggg! 🫠🤭 Truly one of the most swoon worthy, God honoring MMCs I’ve read in a while.! He was respectful, patient, gentle, and so intentional in the way he pursued Robyn. He was perfect for her, and I loved watching Robyn slowly open up to him and realize that loving and being loved is a beautiful thing and not as scary as she thought.❤️🥺

I felt so connected to these characters..not only Lucien and Robyn, but of course also Pearl and Charlie. Getting to be back with them was so special. I love their friendship so much, how they’re always there for each other, whether it’s encouraging one another through the hard times or jumping for joy over the happy ones, and everything in between. There were moments that definitely broke my heart and made me cry. These characters have come to mean so much to me, and I truly love them.🥰🥹

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully put into words how much I loved this book. I want everyone to read not only this book but the whole series!! Seriously…you have to.!!!

Thank you Ella for the ARC❤️

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in the series! I absolutely adored Robyn & Lucien’s journey to love & their Christ centered relationship. The friendship Robyn has with Pearl & Charlie is priceless. This book had multiple layers that had you invested in multiple characters throughout the book. It was fully engaging & beautifully written & gave glory to God throughout.

[funkelbunt.liest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Risk She Takes is an absolutely wonderful Christian romance and I loved every second of it!

I loved Robyn from the beginning, though to be honest, her attitude towards Lucien was like really, really rude. Having both POV’s helped a lot in understanding both of them and in seeing where the miscommunication stemmed from. This is actually something I try to teach my kids - never assume to know someone else's mind or motivation.

I once listened to a lecture by Steve Gregg which was called something like “refuse to be offended” and it really resonated with me. He said that either the person who insulted you intended to hurt you, so you’re actually playing along by being offended. Or it was completely unintentional, they probably didn’t even notice that they hurt you, so being offended is not only unnecessary but unhelpful for everyone involved. This is something I have been actively working on and so even though Robyn’s attitude annoyed me at first, I could easily relate to her feelings.

She also has a great character growth. She reflects on her mistrust towards every man and I loved how both her friends and Lucien helped her through God’s word to see where she might have gone wrong.

Lucien is one of my favorite male characters lately. He is so sweet, patient and understanding. He could have easily become upset the way Robyn treated him without any reason (to his knowledge). But he kept being kind and even though he was interested in Robyn from the beginning he never crossed any lines with her - which I absolutely loved! They made such an adorable couple and this was slow burn at its best!

I could honestly go on and on about everything that was amazing about this book. Some might say the Parisian setting or the food descriptions, but I’m not a fan of either one. Don’t hate me, I have been to Paris 4 times and I think it’s extremely overrated, but I still enjoyed Robyn and Lucien’s sightseeings and I personally am a very picky eater, so most foods don’t sound appetizing to me at all, but I still loved this little side plot with Robyn’s food blog/account.

But to make a long story short, what stood out to me in this book (and also in both prequels) were the adorable characters, the friendships, how we could feel the emotional bond forming and how faith and prayer was woven through the whole story. This book and these characters just feel real. It’s a book with emotional depth, with a swoony but not cheesy love story and strong faith content that never felt preachy but can remind us how easy it is to misinterpret what we want - or what we fear - with God’s plans for us.

I highly recommend this book and even though you don’t have to read the prequels to understand and appreciate Robyn’s and Lucien’s story I would say you will enjoy it even more if you’re reading these books in order!

Minor spoiler - can we PLEASE have at least a bonus bonus epilogue for sweet Charlene?? My heart ached for her and I kind of need to know how her story continues and how she deals with the struggles she faced in this book! - end spoiler

I have to add a minor complaint which will not influence my rating, BUT - I am complaining constantly about main characters of romances, especially men, looking too good, being described as jaw droppingly attractive, being unrealistically hot or handsome, so this quote kind of struck a nerve:

“‘...You know what I think about physical appearances.’
‘They’re superficial,’ they both recite in unison, like I’ve drilled that truth into their heads.
And I have.
Because people act like beauty is something you’ve earned. Like being born with a certain nose or straight teeth somehow gives you the right to be above everyone else. But beauty standards are a load of nonsense. They tell you nothing about a person’s character, and if anything, they do more harm than good.
If we all just embraced how God made us, life would be a lot less stressful.”

I 1000% agree with this quote and while Ella Marie never empathizes the “hotness” of a character or trivializes ogling other people - like sadly other (Christian) romance authors do - I felt this was a missed chance to give us average looking characters who still get an unique and heartwarming love story. But I’m glad she even addressed it. It sometimes feels like I’m one of the very few readers who would actually want to read about characters that look like real people and not like Hollywood’s A list actors or underwear models.

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had the choice, I would happily live in Pearl, Charlie, and Robyn’s world forever. They are the definition of friendship goals, and I absolutely love the bond they share. After reading the author’s note, I was so excited to learn there’s another book set in this world because I truly need more of my girlies. At this point, I feel like I’m part of the friend group myself! Friends who take the time to pray for your needs, wounds, and desires are truly the best. 👌🏾

First of all, can we take a moment to celebrate Mr. Lucien for being an excellent book boyfriend? A man indeed—I stan! I especially loved the scene where he takes care of Robyn while she’s sick. That was such a top-tier bookish moment for me. 🥹😍 I also loved how, despite everything he felt for her, he still chose to listen to God. To me, that’s what a real man looks like—a man who listens to God and acts accordingly. That’s the kind of man I pray every woman finds. You deserve the kind of love where he listens to your Father to learn how to love and treat you.

And my girl Robyn—what a rare gem. She’s not your average female character, and I really appreciated how the author explored that. I saw Robyn and understood her—not because I’m exactly like her, but because I know there are women like her. Women who are genuinely content without marriage or children. Society often makes it seem like you’re strange if you don’t want those things, but the truth is, it’s perfectly okay to feel that way.

Once again, I’m walking away from this series having learned so much. I’m even leaving with a few new prayer points, which I’m grateful for. This series is truly a must-read. I can’t stress enough how it delivers not only warm, sweet romance but also beautiful friendships, top-tier male leads, faith-filled conversations, and an overall compelling story. I absolutely loved every book.

Please pick up this entire series and enjoy it.

Special thanks to the author for creating these brilliant and beautiful stories. I’m already looking forward to the next book.

[Kelsey Dicou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

If you're looking for a cute, Christian romance book, then you need to check out The Risk She Takes by @ella_marie_author

This story is about the romance skeptic, Robyn Lahey, and romance loving, Lucien Monet, and how they turn to God as they navigate their feelings for one another.

Robyn doesn't let just anyone in her heart. She has a very small circle of friends that include her girlfriends, Pearl and Charlie, and their husbands. They, along with her overbearing, matchmaking mother want her to find love with someone who will make her happy and share her life with. Robyn is completely against romance, and focuses solely on her work (and a little side gig with social media). She wants the promotion at work and will stop at nothing to get it, but Lucien keeps getting in the way of that.

Lucien moved to the states from Lille, France to escape a past that he wants to move on from. He keeps in touch with his sister, Valentine, and his matchmaking mother. He also works at the same company as Robyn. For the life of him, he can't figure out why she despises him so much. He's been nothing but kind and a gentleman towards her.

Robyn and Lucien are assigned to a three week work trip to Paris, and an incident with Robyn requires Lucien's help. She starts to learn that, maybe, he's not as bad as she's made him out to be. Her walls start to crumble as they get to know each other while he shows her around Paris.

Through Christ and the power of prayer, and of course, with the help of their loved ones, Robyn opens her heart wide enough to let Lucien in.

The Risk She Takes is set to release February 18, 2026, so be sure to grab this one! Thank you Ella Marie for sending me this ARC. I truly enjoyed this story!

#theproperromantic #theriskshetakes #ellamarie #christianeromance #arcread

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb read!!!!! Worth every moment. From the very first book, I knew Robyn's story was going to be uniquely hers. Her own heart needed a special someone, one who would see past her stoic facade just like her best friends and love her for who she was. And Luicen fit that bill all the way.
The way he didn't allow her strong defense stop him from being the man God wanted him to be in her life, the gentle understanding and support...swoon worthy. Robyn finally accepted what God planned for her and not what she planned for herself. The gift of a loving family and true friends.... she got it all.
The author did a beautiful job capturing the essence of Paris, the atmosphere and the ambience. I also love how Robyn even as focused as she was, knew when to open her heart to love, letting go of the pain inflicted by her father's leaving. The bond between her, Pearl and Charlie is simply amazing. Each different but so attuned to each other. True sisterhood right there. And the growing friendship betewen the men, Luicen got what he had always hoped for- friends with the same mind as him, loving God and also being there for each other.
FreshCravings born out of past struggles blossomed and united Lucien and Robyn as she let go of her insecurities and bonded in love. Just as Lucien reconnected with his father and grew a business from ruins. I thoroughly enjoyed the bonus epilogue and I am rooting for Charlie to get her happily-ever-after.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Queen-Esther Babagbale · Rating 5 out of 5]

To all the women who grew up with so many expectations placed on them because of the environment they were raised in, this book is for you.

Every time I think about this book, I internally thank God for the privilege of having read it. It shows Robyn’s strength, but beneath that strength, it also reveals her hurt. It shows the shards of glass within the fence she has built and the pain inflicted on her, both by her past and by herself. And yet, amid it all, Robyn is such a wholesome, wonderful babeee.
The way she shows up for her friends, her confidence, her intelligence, her talent, goshhh! I love her so much!🤩

This is a rivals-to-lovers story, but one thing this book captures so well is how sad, and sometimes funny, it is to be at war with someone who isn’t at war with you. Lucien, with his patience and kindness, was the perfect person to show her that life isn’t always as it seems.
Lucien… what a man you are! Goshhh!! Truly an all-rounder🤭🤭

Another beautiful part of this book is the friendships. Guys, have good, godly friendships, friends who can advise you, pray for you, show up for you; friends you can laugh, cry, and rage with; friends who ground you. Pearl and Charlie are those friends to Robyn, and this was one of my favourite things about this book🥹🥹

All in all, this was an easy 10/10 book by Ella Marie, and I can’t wait for it to be officially released so everyone can enjoy it.

[Ashley Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Robyn’s story and y’all, it did not disappoint!! This book had such a strong message of trusting God’s will. I loved the opposite tugs. Robyn was praying for strength to accept God’s will because she really didn’t like what she was seeing but she didn’t want to go against God’s plans. Lucien really liked what he was seeing, but he was praying for patience and to accept the timeline of God’s will. Robyn has always been such a strong character and in this book, we get to see the walls come down. I absolutely loved how Ella showed that by the end, Robyn was still this powerhouse character, but she was able to be open to vulnerability. It just so perfectly illustrated how God’s ways are always better.
The Game She Hates was the 2nd ARC I had ever done and I have been so hooked on every book in this series. I went in knowing this was probably going to be the third and final book and when I hit that last page, my heart cried just a little having to say goodbye to these characters I’ve grown to love. I was SO thrilled when I read that there will be at least one more story for my favorite couples! If you haven’t read The Game She Hates, The Class She Skips, or The Risk She Takes, y’all are definitely missing out on some faith filled, heart warming, healing/growth, romance novels.
I received an advanced copy from the author.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is a sweet Christian romance where the FMC, Robyn, has shut herself off from the potential of love and is working desperately to climb the corporate ladder so that she doesn't ever become like her mother.

Lucien is from France, but is working in the US. He is also battling his own demons and is trying to make up for past mistakes.

While this book can be read as a standalone, you get Pearl and Charlie's story in the first two books of the series.

This is a faith packed book, where the main characters rely on their faith and draw strength from their beliefs. I enjoyed this story and liked how Robyn and Lucien's relationship evolved once they were in the forced proximity situation of being assigned to a work assignment together in Paris. I also enjoyed the strong friendship bond between Robyn, Pearl, and Charlie. Everyone needs friends that they know will be there for them no matter what.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:

"Single women should get a Nobel Prize for constantly having to reassure people they're actually content."

"That's the thing about hanging your hope on someone else's choice - disappointment is never far behind."

"Fear of being hurt can't be the reason you push away love."

[Books_4_Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I wish more Christian romance books could be like this one. This book features flawed people, living in a flawed, hurtful world, trying to find ways to live life with the least amount of pain and the most success.

Sound relatable?

Robyn has experienced deep pain, and the life choices she has made are a direct result from that pain to shield her from possibly having to experience it again.

Lucien has also had a rough past filled with hurt and shame. The way he handles his past hurt differs from Robyn, but they are both ultimately trying to hide from the past and protect themselves.

The beauty comes in watching their journey of fear turn to one of faith. Lucien and Robyn both help each other through their journey, but the best part is that they do not become each other's crutch. They give one another the push they need to open up their heart and eyes, but that push only pushes them into the hands of the One who can set them each free.

-No Spice
-Strong faith themes
-Workplace romance
-Contemporary romance
-Travel romance
-French male lead
-French foods
-A dash of hidden identities
-Enemies - to friends - to more
-Tight female friend group

*Content warning: Discussions of infertility and child abandonment/neglect

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien Monet. That’s it. That’s the review. Full SWOON. Watching Robyn slowly let her guard down with him, especially while they were in Paris, had me kicking my feet. The way he takes care of her without expecting anything in return was total chef’s kiss.

I really loved Robyn. She knows who she is, she loves the life she’s built, and she doesn’t feel like she’s missing something just because she’s single. That felt so refreshing to read. The tension between her and Lucien was so good, with the banter, the misunderstandings, and that slow burn that keeps you hooked.

Paris was such a dreamy setting, but what really stood out to me was the emotional depth and the faith woven naturally throughout the story. It was tender, heartfelt, and felt very real.

This book gave me all the swoony feelings while still having so much heart. If you love faith based romance, enemies to lovers, and a hero who takes care of his girl, this is a must read.

Thank you to the author for the advanced ebook! These thoughts are my own!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy enemies to lovers (well—enemies to friends, and then more) and forced proximity flawlessly interwoven with faith, The Risk She Takes, the third book in the A Healing Kind of Love trilogy, is for you.

The Risk She Takes is Robyn’s story—a character readers have come to know and love through the first two books in the series. In this installment, we finally learn why Robyn is so career-driven and seemingly uninterested in romance. Watching her character develop and evolve is absolutely riveting. And Lucien, the MMC, could not be more perfect—he is positively swoon-worthy.

As the story unfolds, faith is beautifully woven throughout the novel in an encouraging and meaningful way. Readers will find themselves growing alongside the characters, making this book both emotionally satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[xonokuuuxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you very much Ella for this wonderful ARC! It has been highly anticipated and I am one among many and GOODNESS! It did not disappoint.

Ella is gifted in writing characters who are authentic, real, full of heart, faith and amazing personality. Robyn is a loveable busybody, modern christian women, has a heart of gold when it comes to appreciating family and friendship, and has more to her than what it may appear to be.

I was delighted to see her life blossom into something beautiful as the story progressed. Her walls of uncertainty, fear and hurt fall as she let life unfold as she grew to tolerate our MC and trust her life into the hands of the maker of heaven and earth. It truly is a wonderful testimony of the love of God reaches us when we least expect, and a clear revalation that Jesus is interested in our healing and wholeness as his precious children.

I am so pleased to hear that the series is not yet over.
All opinions are my very own (X AI)

[Emmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

First things first, can we talk about the fact, that there’s a whole lot of food involved (as a food-lover myself, this I just LOVE) :)
Also the fact, that I feel like each book just keeps getting better and deeper.
After the last one I didn’t know how there would be a better portrayal of real life faith but truly Ella outdid herself - it was just so raw and real and vulnerable!
The depiction of Christ-like love in friendships as well as in relationships, how they come together and stand in for each other, especially in the hard things - beautiful.

Let’s not forget our MMC Lucien! Gentle, kind patient, so loving and of course he falls first, eeek!!!

And Robyn! Who doesn’t love a headstrong woman! The way she evolves is inspiring and awesome to read!

This book simply is filled with real life, hard, tender, gripping, emotional moments.
But also an oh so beautiful love story!

A must read!

[Ta-Nika Ruddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this book for ages and so excited to dive into it. It did not disappoint.

For all the single pringles, not yet ready to mingle, we have a relatable character in Robyn. And I love having a sense of comraderie with a character. It hits closer to home and offers a new insight into our own thoughts and perspectives.
Lucien is the kind of man I'd hope for myself if I were so inclined, a perfect blend of green flags and golden retriever energy, a man pursuing God and trusted to follow His will in his relationship.
It was a blast seeing into Robyn's mind after following her from a distance in the previous books. Her journey through Paris and love is beautiful, giving a sense of calm courage throughout.
Uncomplicated but spiritually testing, you'll be rooting for the characters on every page.

[Kyle Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Dear. GOODNESS!!! What a delight this trio series of books was BUT "The Risk She Takes", by far, was the most scrumptious!!! It was a joy to meet Robyn in "The Game She Hates" and dream about her potential love story but it was an entire new level of excitement actually reading it! This book was like a love story blanketed in a devotional and as if God himself was speaking to you as a reader through Ella Marie's words. I HIGHLY recommend the entire series and even just this book as a standalone. So pleased that I can finally share a love story with my middle school daughter since this is wonderfully encouraging and appropriate for all readers. Continuing to share with my church, friends, and social followers!!! THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT ELLA MARIE!!!

[Alayna (the.bookstrovert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope at least a few of them manage to tell her how much she’s come to mean to me.”

I’ve been looking forward to Robyn’s story since she was first introduced in this series, and it did not disappoint! I was a teary mess by the time I made it to that epilogue. 😭
I loved seeing the growth Robyn went through, and just how patient, caring and romantic Lucien was 🥰

I gotta say, this was probably my favorite book out of the series and I’m kinda sad to say goodbye. 🥹

Thank you to the author for the advance copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: I’m so thankful to Ella Marie for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for The Risk She Takes! I can’t wait until you all get to read this amazing story that takes you through Robyn and Lucien’s relationship. I loved reading through the Robyn’s childhood and how that influenced her view of love and men and seeing the importance of community and friendship with Pearl and Charlie. I really enjoyed the emphasis on leaning and trusting in the Lord in all aspects of life, even when it may be uncomfortable or unknown and having faith in His timing! LUCIEN is AMAZING! I absolutely love him and his character throughout the plot and pursuit for Robyn!

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, moving romance that has a very strong Christian faith thread throughout the book! This story does a deep dive into the main characters pasts, and the hurts that have shaped them into who they are today. Both characters are believing Christians and they both grow in their faith throughout the book. This is a very slow burn romance that is well executed. The side characters are fun and it was nice to see the couples from the two previous books in the series again, although this book can definitely be read as a stand alone. I read an advanced copy of the book from the author. This review is my own honest thoughts and opinions.

[Gloria. Gloria. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! If you’ve read the first two books in the series, then you know Robyn was waiting pretty patiently for her story to be told.

This Christian romance wraps you in a warm hug while holding a mirror to some of the ways we discuss singleness and marriage. Ella Marie tackles big topics, giving space for complex and nuanced answers. But it’s also a cozy contemporary romance read.

I really loved the French elements in the book and the way Lucien pursued Robyn was as decadent as a mille feuille🥹

[MyBookNest7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the utmost honour of beta reading this one last year and nobody could’ve been happier about seeing Robyn get everything she deserves and more.

All the swoon in this one is amazingly channeled by Charlie and her reaction to meeting Lucien for the first time. I clearly remember yelling comments back to @ella_marie_author because it was THAT much fun. I can only hope she thinks of me for her next book too!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! I so thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very first page. There is nothing better than true Christian relationships (both friends and romances) and both play out beautifully on every page. Seeing Robyn’s and Lucien’s pasts play out into their present fears and then the healing to overcome them was amazing. Their love for Jesus sets the perfect foundation for this rivals to lovers story.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enemies to love sweet romance with forced proximity that drew me in. Lucian is the kindest man, and can’t understand why Robyn doesn’t like him, when they are forced to go to France together and spend so much time together, can she keep her walls up? A beautiful story that is sweet, inspiring and all-around great read.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! The romance was great, but how God was woven into this story and how Lucien pursued Robyn in light of God was so beautiful. Each character was well written, so I felt like I knew each one. The plot was exceptional. It wasn't slow and dragging or too fast-paced. It all worked together to tell an excellent story! I can't wait to read everything this author writes!