Calculated Risk

by Zoe M. McCarthy

"Dating on the rebound, meddling parents, opposites fighting the attraction. . .with humor and tenderness, Zoe M. McCarthy puts fun, fresh spins on these favorite themes. No risk involved in picking up this romantic read!" Becky Melby, author of the Lost Sanctuary Series                   "It's easy to enjoy this story of faith, family and how two people find love at the exact time in their lives they need each other most. I loved spending Thanksgiving with Nick's family almost as much as Cisney did! Calculated Risk is a perfect title for a story of two people whose lives and livelihood must include measuring risk, but there is no risk for a reader in choosing this delightful romance!" Maureen Lang, author of All in Good Time                 Jilted by the latest of her father's choices of "real men," Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father's "list." Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.                  Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he's stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she's his perfect match. He'll do what he can to keep his distance, but there's just one problem--he's starting to believe Cisney's magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the cover on this book in Netgalley I knew I had to read it. It looked like it would be a fun and entertaining read. I can honestly say that it did not let me down. This book was awesome. It was such a heartfelt, funny book. A Rom-Com like the movie with Sandra Bullock “The Proposal”.

In this story Cinsey Baldwin has just been dumped by her boyfriend over the phone. Yes! I said over the phone. What a jerk!! Well Cinsey is devastated and her co-worker Nick LeCrone invites her to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with his family instead of alone crying. Cinsey accepts his invitation. I mean what is worse. Spending the holiday with strangers or home crying her eyes out.

Nick is kicking himself. Why did he invite Cinsey to spend the holidays with his family? Because he doesn’t know how to deal with a crying lady. Ugggh could this be a mistake.

He has stressed to his family that she is only a co-worker. But when a pearl ring is on the wrong finger rumors fly and things get worse for Nick. How will he let his mom down without breaking her heart.

Cinsey shows her real side to his family and they are eating her up. Nick is kicking hisself harder. Why does she have to be so perfect? Why can’t she be the mess that she is at work? What does God have in store for him?

I fell in love with the characters in this book. They were so down to earth and sweet. Cinsey is so full of life and she holds back her true self in order to please her father. Nick is sweet, caring fun and a believer. He is stuck in a group that hides his true self. He really comes alive around his family and shows his true nature.

The story was wonderful and it flowed so smoothly. It is a page turner for sure. I could not put this book down. Just reading about Cinsey and Nicks adventure to self discovery is an amazing journey that you would not want to miss. I highly recommend this book to all you romantics out there.

*ARC provided by Netgalley and Pelican Books

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first picked this book up, I had no idea that it was a Christian romance novel. Not that this genre is a bad but I just prefer to not read them. I enjoy a well placed f-word and based on the previous Christian romance books that I've read in the past, they are just very slow paced and everyone is sugary sweet and almost unrealistic.

Unfortunately, that's what I found with this one as well. The characters were ... okay. I didn't find myself drawn to either character because I wasn't interested in them at all. They had these emotions about breakups that should have endeared Cisney and Nick to me but it didn't happen. I think it may have been because the conversations were dull and honestly, the characters were dull as well. I was just plain bored after the first chapter or so.

There were these weird things that would happen ... this thing with the post-its ... Cisney would write basically every thought that she had, on a post-it. Nothing wrong with that and it doesn't seem weird to me ... I do it all the time. But the way this author wrote about her habit, she made it sound like Cisney was hiding dead cats in her bathtub and then reading them a bedtime story at night. McCarthy made Cisney sound like a weirdo for writing on pieces of paper. I totally didn't get that.

I don't want to give anything away but in the beginning, Cisney is talking to someone about this piano and someone refers to the piano as "The Old Girl" and Cisney thinks that it's crass for them to call a piano that name. I guess it's just me but I don't see how calling an inanimate object The Old Girl is being insensitive. OR irreverent. If someone runs into the middle of a church service and starts heckling the pastor, THAT would be irreverent. I mean ... I guess you could say that the nickname is irreverent if you worship the piano or something ... I don't know. It was just weird. I didn't get those two things and that is where I started to pull away from the book.

The rest of the novel was uneventful. The characters within the book are perfect - particularly Nick's family - and it made for a very bland read. Something was just missing and it was a healthy dose of umph. You know, the stuff that makes you think back on a book and be like, "WOW! THAT CHANGED MY LIFE". Unfortunately, this didn't change anything except my views on Christian romance novels ... I'll not be reading another one. Ever. I just need a tad bit more excitement to keep me interested, I guess.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when your future isn’t what you thought it would be? Can the sticky note queen be worth the risk of falling in love? These characters felt like family members. I didn’t want to leave them at the end of the story. Looking forward to many more books by Zoe McCarthy!

Cisney Baldwin and Nick LeCrone work together. She is a marketing rep who loves her sticky notes and he is an actuary who loves his numbers. When Cisney’s boyfriend jilts her right before Thanksgiving, Nick invites her to his family’s house for the long weekend. Sparks start flying.

Cisney suspects Nick has a problem communicating. She thinks he needs remedial communication classes. Shouldn’t he know how to handle conversations? Nick thinks Cisney should ask questions instead of waiting for him to tell her. She has the outlook of a fairy princess. Can these two get past their hurdles and find true love? Don’t miss this book to find out!

Nick gets upset when Cisney impresses his family. Why would he? She’s not his girlfriend. He just invited her when her plans with her boyfriend fell through. But will his matchmaking family push them farther away? Can they get past what they think they know about each other?

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. God gives us the scriptures we need to help others. We just have to listen. Cisney and Nick must learn to trust God; he’s always on your side.

Memorable characters, engaging plot, and great romance kept me turning the pages to finish this story. I laughed at Cisney and Nick’s assumptions, and cried when things didn’t go as planned. For a book to get lost in, pick this one up today!

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cisney Baldwin accepts an invitation to spend a Thanksgiving weekend with Nick LeCrone. (Father's choice.)

This book is filled with Christianity, personality, and fun. The characters can get on each other's nerves or fall for each other.

I'm an eavesdropper. While sitting in Olive Garden I noted the people sitting across from my wife and me. A man and woman in their forties, sitting next to each other, obviously waiting for someone or someones. They were constantly looking at the front entrance. Then two young people arrived. By the expression on the woman's face, she seemed very pleased to meet her son's girlfriend for the first time. By the man's facial expression, he was going to hold his opinion for now. He simply said, "We finally get to meet you." The woman and the young girl excitedly talked, while the young man got a few words in, while the man sat appearing to be bored.

This eavesdropping event was prior to reading the book and made Calculated Risk that much better.

[Suzy Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every-girl Cisney Baldwin is thrust into the middle of a family Thanksgiving with a family she doesn't even know, except for co-worker Nick LeCrone. Nick invited Cisney on a spur-of-the-moment bit of empathy, which he quickly regrets. Cisney is the exact opposite of his ex-girlfriend. Nick has no romantic plans for Cisney, just rescue her out of a sad holiday alone, as her boyfriend has also dumped her. The friction between the two is well-written and the chapters propel you forward, making you want to know who ends up with whom.

[Jan Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun characters and good story lines.

Even if Cisney disappoints her father by losing boyfriends, she still tries to always please him. When the last jerk of a guy that Dad approved drops her, she learns to stand up for herself and ends up falling for a guy that her dad tries to dismiss. She learns to appreciate the type of man he is, and learns that they are not all the same. Good story!

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars ⭐️ I was completely surprised by this book. I really had no idea what to expect with this one. I picked it up at a book sale. The cover does not do this book justice at all. The cover in way reflects how cute this story is. If you looking for a clean Christian based Romcom well here it is! I have never read one before and really enjoyed it. I would read more from this author in the future.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize this was a Christian romance book, but I loved this story! I had a hard time putting the book down to go to work. It was a fun book to read & I really enjoyed the main characters!

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5☆
This is my first book by Zoe M. McCarthy.

What I liked:
The writing style
Standalone
HEA

I had a hard time staying interested in this book.
I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so much fun. I enjoyed the family dynamics. I appreciated the spiritual truths woven throughout the story.

[Katie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book that was such a page turner for me. I had to finish it as soon as I picked it up. I highly recommend that you read it for yourself and see what I mean.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calculated Risk by Zoe M. McCarthy is a cute quirky read. First time that I have read this author but it is fun. When Cisney is dumped by her father's choice of boyfriends she accepts an invitation by a colleague from work. Nick feels sorry for her because he has been through the same thing, but he wants nothing to do with her. But opposites attack and learning to lean on God is the best advise to follow! Enjoyable.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two unlikely people meet and spend a Thanksgiving holiday together. Cisney Baldwin, the heroine, just broke off a relationship with the man her father believed she should marry. Enters Nick, a fellow employee who just survived his own break-up. Cisney is the type of wounded and broken heroine who wants to seek comfort for her pain, but she doesn't want to make a mistake in front of Nick's family. Nick, on the other hand, tries to break down the wall around Cisney's heart. While the characters are fully developed and the writing is tight and grammatically sound, I believe the holiday items Nick's family does in the local community seem "too perfect" for me. Most families argue or try to butt in. Not Nick's family. They are totally okay with Cisney coming home for the holiday, even after a little mess up with a ring on her finger. I would have liked to have seen the family argue and not act so perfect.

Overall, Zoe McCarthy's book is a deep study of character and great writing, showing that Zoe will be around for a while, but I think there should be more dilemma with Nick's family.

[NancyC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cisney Baldwin, a marketing rep, takes a phone call at work - her boyfriend dumps her! Her overbearing father pushed Jason as his choice of a 'real man' for a son-in-law, and in trying to please her father, Cisney believes she has once again failed him. Her meltdown is witnessed by Nick LeCrone, an actuarial hired by Cisney's company to calculate the risks of following new strategies. He feels sorry for her and as it is just before Thanksgiving, invites her to spend the holiday with his family. After accepting, she begins to have second thoughts, as does Nick - they are such opposites! He comes from a family of actuarials - will they spend the time around the turkey talking numbers and charts? She's quirky and spontaneous - can he take being around so many sticky notes?
This is a well written, inspirational, Christian romance; a fun read. I look forward to more from Zoe M. McCarthy.
I received this from a Meet the Pelican Group party on Facebook and was asked for my honest opinion

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calculated Risk

by Zoe M McCarthy

Pelican Book Group

White Rose Publishing
Christian, Romance

Pub Date 21 Nov 2014
I was given a copy of Calculated Risk through the publisher and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

Cisney Ann is a self proclaimed sticky note queen .

Nick sees Cisney Crying over man troubles and out of sympathy decides to invite her to Thanksgiving dinner but as soon as his Mother finds out he's afraid she will make more of it than what it is.

Cisney's Father can't seem to understand why her and her ex Justin are over she thinks she needs to fight for him but he hurt her and she no longer has interest in him. She finds herself falling for Nick instead.

Will Cisney and Nick take a risk and dare tell of their feelings for one another after being hurt by others?

Find out in Calculated Risk

Five out of five stars

Happy Reading

[Gavinsmommaloves2read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was generously provided an arc from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. Im going to be completely honest here. I dont read Christian Romances, I like my stuff a little more dirty. But this book sounded good and I got it before I saw it was CR! But Im here to say Im so glad I choose this book and read it. Cisney the sticky note queen and Nick the number loving fella captured my heart straight from the first word. I couldn't see how this would work out they were so different and how things kept going so wrong it was funny. His family kept pushing them together and it just made it more difficult. But it worked it worked so good I cried, I laughed, and I definitely swooned at the end! So while this isnt usually what I would read it definitely something you should read!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly heartwarming opposites attract story, but it's not your TYPICAL opposites attract kind of story. Cisney and Nick are just about as opposite as can be. Unfortunately, they are both dealing with horrible break-ups or maybe it's fortunate for each other that they are at this point in their lives. There is humor, mixed emotions, and aggravation throughout this story, but it maintains it's Christian theme and flows from one page to the next. It left a smile on my face when I read the last line and I think it will yours too.

[Jan Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calculated Risk was one of those books I couldn't wait to get back to once I'd put it down (in the middle of the night when I could no longer keep my eyes open). Loved it. Cisney made me smile, and I wish I could meet her in the local coffee shop down the street. We'd be best buds in no time. Nick, well Nick is a serious delight and there is one scene where the two are dancing and then that leads to...well you'll just have to read about one of the sweetest moments in the history of contemporary Christian romances. Truly, when these opposites attract, sparks fly! Did I say Loved It?

[J I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Novels, much less romance novels, are not my preferred reading. Since I follow Zoe McCarthy's blog on creativity and writing, though, I was curious to read her debut novel. Turns out that I thoroughly enjoyed Calculated Risk. Why? Zoe McCarthy is a master storyteller. She paints vivid word pictures, saturated with sharp yet kindly wit, which keep the reader turning the pages to follow her all-too-human heroine and hero navigating the twists, turns, and tumbles along the path to a satisfying ending.


I look forward to her future books.

[Katie Fucito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a romance -- especially one that doesn't involve "perfect" people and lots of time consuming sexual descriptions.
This is a charming story of two people who follow their faith to live their lives. It's an easy read, but worth the time. It combines humor and serious thoughts to keep the reader interested and entertained.
I look forward to future books from Zoe -- hopefully more stories about this couple and their life together.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe M. McCarthy weaves a light, heart warming read on Calculated Risk. Cisney has recently been dumped by a man who has her father's approval. Her coworker, Nick, invites her to his family's house for the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the holiday, both realize the folly of judging a book by its cover and the dangers of assumption. As Cisney's faith grows, her judgement improves and her self-awareness comes into play. I look forward to reading more from Ms. McCarthy.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book, with dialogue that gets you chuckling out loud and a fun plot. If you are ready to be entertained and enjoy yourself, I highly recommend this clash of opposites. I was privileged to read it before it went to press, and pre-ordered it. I can't wait to hold the real thing in my hands. It would make a wonderful gift. (Books are always tops on my shopping list.)

[Marcia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make a bowl of popcorn before you open the first page of Calculated Risk. Zoe M. McCarthy does not waste words. She draws you through the book as though you were watching a movie and delivers what the picture on the cover promises. Humor and romance. And something more as her main character learns to look to God in all her relationships.

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. From the beginning, I wanted to see how Nick and Cisney(love this name) got together. The end of the story made me smile.

It was well-written, funny, touching, and heart-warming, all wrapped in a charming story. I enjoyed it immensely.

The above books were given to me by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCarthy chooses interesting characters--and occupations--for her contemporary Christian romance. I liked how Cisney's preconceived notions about Nick, and his job as an actuary, throw her off base. Nick's family dynamic adds to the fun of this romance. I love a happy ending and this book does not disappoint.

[MaryElizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story. I didnt realize it was a Christian Romance novel at first but it was a really good story of two people leaving their life and descisions up to god. I really enjoyed the strength it took for Cisney to break away from her fathers ideal match and pursue her own ideals of the perfect match. I am glad Nick was able to break Cisney's stereotype of the "normal" Actuary.

[Joelle Teague · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. I enjoyed the clumsiness of both Nick and Cisney in getting to know each other despite their differences. There was also a good focus on their past relationships and how they were shaped to be just right for each other. Will be exploring more work by this author.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters never came off the page for me. It always seemed like I was reading a story about fictional people in a contrived plot with dialogue that did not come across as realistic. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

***Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read! As someone who works with actuaries, there were a lot of laughs. Would definitely recommend, loved how it read like my new favorite Hallmark holiday movie.