Risky Gamble

Risky Series #1

by Vivian Ward

From Vivian Ward comes a story of pleasure, lies, lust, and love. He must have her—all of her. And she must write a story that will blow her career wide open. Colton tries to keep his sadistic needs to himself but the young, beautiful journalist is far too tempting. He doesn't know she's collecting information to publish his dirty laundry. She doesn't know how dirty things are about to get. Will they both get what they want? Or is it too much of a risky gamble? **** This book contains sexually explicit content that some may find offensive or disturbing. This is the MILDEST book in the series. You have been warned.****

Genres: BDSM, Dark, Erotica, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2018

About the author

Vivian Ward is a romance author from St. Louis, Missouri. She pens dark and dirty stories about alpha heroes and strong heroines with emotional HEAs. Vivian is happily married to her real-life Prince Charming who is also her best friend. One of her guilty pleasures is reading and writing smut while indulging in chocolate caramel candies.

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Reviews

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire Colton Kaswell opens a restaurant/sex club. The sex club is part of the restaurant but hidden. Ally’s a good girl. She works very hard, interning in journalism plus working two jobs and waiting for her big break. Colton and Ally cross path one day while Ally is working her second job at a florist’s. He enlisted her advice and she ends up with a meeting at his club to help him choose arrangements for a Valentine’s Day Party. Ally's friend talks into trying to get into the club and write about it. Ally doesn’t know if she can do that for how far is she willing to go for a huge story ? To what lengths ? Well Ally is tested when she ends up getting a part time job with Colton after their meeting and Colton hires her to be a part time bartender so now what does she do ? Does she go for broke and get info to write the story? Its hard because she is falling head over heels for Colton and they have this intense sexual chemistry going on whenever they are around one another. But Colton finds out where Ally works and wants her to sign a NDA to protect himself and the club before anything really happens. Ally knows that is something she doesn’t want to do. Colton is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the club but at the risk of what? Who? This is a darker storyline than Ms. Ward normally writes and I liked the plot, the characters and the cliffhanger of the story. I look forward to seeing what book 2 – what happens between Colton and Ally. Will there be an HEA or will what happened push them too far apart for the HEA to happen? If you like steamy, sexy, angst ridden stories, then you need to read the latest by Alice Ward and get ready for book 2 in this series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So don't expect a BDSM story here. Colton is a sadist that loves to choke girls while he is screwing them. Of course the woman know what they are getting into, but still just to warn you, this man is not "normal"

Ally is just a normal girl working at her friend's flower shop when Colton comes in for some party arrangements. Ally is offered a job when she stuns Colton with her bartending.

Although there isn't a lot of sex between Colton and Ally, there is sex going on. And the chemistry is thick. Colton does go into what he likes and does show it a couple times with other women that are not Ally. But Ally and he are not in a relationship so its not cheating in my view.

All in all, its the start of an interesting new series and I can't wait to see where it goes. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/2/2018)!💝

Blurb:
He must have her—all of her.
And she must write a story that will blow her career wide open.

Colton tries to keep his sadistic needs to himself but the young, beautiful journalist is far too tempting. He doesn't know she's collecting information to publish his dirty laundry. She doesn't know how dirty things are about to get.

Will they both get what they want? Or is it too much of a risky gamble?

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book. The characters were good and the story was interesting but the ending left mms e hanging. As I like this author, I will be on the lookout for more from her.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review is gonna be harsh but this story isn’t interesting or crédible whatsoever. Colton is supposed to be really cautious but he Let slip the missing nda. Ally is supposed to be a journalist but it really doesn’t seems like she really investigated or collect information for her story. It just full of cliché

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally is an intern for journalism and is helping her friend out by working in her florist. With Valentines Day approaching it has been very hectic. When Colton comes in looking for some table arrangements, Ally has no idea who he is. Colton has no idea what flowers he needs, but he certainly wants what he sees. Ally agrees to meet him at Kaswell’s Lounge to discuss the flower arrangements. He proceeds to tell her what needs he has by opening up a very private part of his life. Colton hasn’t felt like this since Mel died and exposing himself to her is one of the biggest gambles he has ever taken. I really enjoyed this book and would give it five stars but it’s quite short and ends with a cliffhanger. I will definitely be putting in a pre-order for Risky Pleasures.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an amazing read. I was captivated from the very beginning and it exceeded all my expectations. It is very well written with a nice storyline and plot. The characters of Colton and Ally, have a chemistry and a connection that keep you turning the pages. I can't wait for the next book, but readers beware it does end in a cliffhanger.

Rodney Falcon's narration was superb!! Any book narrated by him will be an automatic download for me!!!!

I received a free audible for my honest review.

[bluepits73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

The author does a fantastic job of drawing us into this short listen and series in this intriguing first installment in the series. The characters draw us in and there is some serious chemistry between them as they pursue their own selfish goals. Characters are well written and we can already see things will get even hotter between them as the series continues.

Loved the narration, perfect fit for this style of romance and he really made this a super hot quick listen.

[Bookbytch5 janet Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story Vivian, What a great start to the Risky Series. Love this story about Colton and Ally, OMG they really heat up the pages with there chemistry.Can't wait for part 2 to see were there story is at. ONE-CLICK NOW TO START.

WARNING THIS STORY ENDS WITH A CLIFF-HANGER!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a warning, the couple in this book did not do anything dark, etc....but I can see it coming. But we do see some of that darker stuff and there are descriptions of it.

Aly is an intern and wants to be a journalist, and while working at a flower shops happens to meet Colton. And while she didn't know who he was at first, she learned from her friend. This is how she winds up working at his club. Aly appears sweet and innocent (not necessarily virginal) and I like that we didn't really see that change throughout this book.

It is told from dual POV and that is always my favorite. It is nice to see how both are thinking/feeling throughout and really helps me see the story moving along and leaves no doubts to feelings. This leaves on a slight cliffhanger.

[Maura Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Dangerous & Delicious story
The story flowed so well that I was surprised when I reached the end of the book. It held my interest from the very first. The story is well written and the characters are interesting and believable within the context of the storyline. This is a dark erotica bdsm story. There are some secrets that Colton and Ally are keeping. Its not just about steamy sexy fun between the two main characters. I cant wait to see where the next book takes Ally and Colton. There’s no HEA is this book and it ends on a cliffy. A cliffhanger, for me, just makes me want the next book in the series even more. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risky Gamble is a great start to a new series.

Ally is an aspiring journalist working at her friend's flower shop when she meets hot billionaire, Colton Kaswell. She may not recognize him, but her friend does, and that's when the idea to do an exclusive exposé about his secret sex club comes about. But after she finagles her way into a job at his club and finds out that her employment requires a signed NDA, how will she manage to write her story? And more significantly, how will she react when the attraction between her and Colton flares out of control and he demands she sign a contract to play with him? Or when she sees the man passionately kissing someone before she can even decide if she wants to sign his contract and become his for the duration?

I liked Risky Gamble and Ally, but I didn't really warm to Colton. For one, his desires are pretty dark, and while I normally love dark romances, this story isn't really dark, but Colton's desires and the way he goes about conducting his sex life are pretty offensive. I'm hoping the next installment will shed some light on Colton and make him a bit more likable at the very least. I will say that Risky Gamble is intriguing, though, and the developing relationship between Ally and Colton has the potential to be pretty great. Can't wait for more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning...you will not be able to stand the wait for book 2! I really enjoy books by Vivian Ward mostly because the story is ALWAYS a good one. She spends time developing the characters, keeps the story moving and you are always guaranteed tons of super hot and steamy action! This story is a little darker than usual in her writing, but that doesn't mean the chemistry between the two main characters in this book, Ally and Colton isn't smoking...No spoilers except if you are new to this genre, this is a good place to start, and (small spoiler alert) there is a cliff hanger...but you won't be sorry you picked this book up and who knows, you might just find your new favorite Kindle melting author!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in this series about a billionaire with very dark tastes. Colton owns a variety of rental properties and businesses, but his biggest interest is in a private sex club he owns. Colton meets Ally when he enters the floral shop where she is working and he asks her to come to his club to discuss floral arrangements for a party. Colton is intrigued with the young woman who didn't know who he was and when she learns he needs a bartender for the sex club, she tells him she will work there. Ally thinks working in the private club will be her big break into journalism by writing about the club that is only rumored to exist. Ally and Colton share an attraction and Colton asks her to sign a non disclosure contract for him and another for the club. Colton wants to have control over Ally and be allowed to explore his dark desires. Things are just starting when Ally learns things about Colton which have her leaving him ending on a cliff hanger. I really enjoyed this first book. I loved how Colton found something in Ally, even when he wasn't looking for anything. Ally had a decision to make about her career and her heart. I loved their connection and chemistry. I can't wait for book two.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Get Too Hot
Oh my!  What a series this is going to be with Colton and Ally going into this 'professional' relationship it is so obvious that emotions are going to get involved too.  Prepare to have your fans set to MAX cool as you're going to need it.  This is a fabulous start to Vivian Ward's book 1 of Risky Gamble.  Can't wait for book 2 to be published. With amazing characters and a plot that is so HOT and with the promise that this is the mildest of the books then we are in for a heatwave! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Definitely Recommended

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHHH Vivian has started us on another amazing dark and sexy ride. This book is not only HOT but
you get very connected to both Ally and Colton in this first part of this series, Colton has inherited his
families dynasty and has made it even more than it was, on top of that he has opened his Lounge
and a private Sex Club, lets just say Colton has some VERY DARK Desires. Ally is a recent college
graduate who is working as an intern as a journalist and is also helping out her best friends family
with their flower shop it is just a few weeks until Valentines Day.
When Colton needs arrangements for his lounge and his club for a special Valentines party he is throwing
he meets Ally. He asks her to come to his lounge to look around for ideas for arrangements. and then
takes her to the basement where the Club is. Ally wants a story on Colton and his club she feels this will
make her career, But will working for him be the way to do it. Colton has all employees sign an NDA, Ally
knows if she signs this she cannot write her story, so she puts him off by lying and saying she forgot.
This does end in a cliffhanger but it is a trilogy so we know the next book is going to pick up where Colton and
Ally let off. and I CANNOT Wait!

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally works 2 part-time jobs between helping her friend's family florist shop and her inteternship in journalism, this sweet young woman is discovered one night in the florist shop coming up to Valentine's day by Colton Kaswell a wealthy business man who find himself in need of Ally's help, however it quickly becomes clear that Colton can't keep his hands to himself. Ally's friend tells Ally who Colton is and the rumours about him. Ally think that this maybe her dream story to get her name known in journalism "The sexy club owner who has a basement sex club hidden beneath his legitimate club" However what lengths will Ally go to secure the breaking story to expose the sex club. Colton offers her a job after meeting her in the florist shop to work in his club after she helps him with floral arrangements for the club. This leads to all sorts of tension for a good girl feeling and wanting to be so bad with Colton. Book 1 is a great introduction of what's to come Book 2 is set to continue with the sexual tension the jealously steamy fallout of their first encounter together. I received a copy of this book and happily leave this review.

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is book one in a 3 book series and does end on a cliffhanger. If you are willing to wait for the next books in the series, you will be so glad! This was a great book from Vivian Ward though a bit darker than most of her past books. This has heavy and dark sides of BDSM. It may have some triggers so if the darker side of BDSM is an issue for you, you might want to pass this up. I personally loved this!!! Really great book and I cannot wait for book 2 to see what happens with Colton and Ally. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Colton = 5/5
Heroine, Ally = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action =  1/5
Darkness = 4/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally wants to be a journalist but in the interim she is interning at the newspaper and she also works two part-time jobs. One of the jobs is at a flower shop and when Colton comes in to discuss arrangements for Valentine’s Day for his club she has no idea how much her life is about to change.

They arrange for her to come to the club to discuss the arrangements but when she finds out that it is a sex club she thinks this would be the perfect story to get her career of the ground and she ends up with a bartending job. The only problem is that he expects all his employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement and when the chemistry between them erupts will she choose her story or Colton especially once she finds out about his true desires?

I really enjoyed the first part of their story and look forward to where their relationship goes.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book in this series and while it doesn't actually end as a cliffhanger, I believe it leaves you knowing that there is more to come.

Colton is a billionaire who owns a s*x club and he is into some very kinky, rough s*x. He is tasked with having to get flower centerpieces for both his cocktail lounge and his other club, because the girl who normally handles it is out on maternity leave. He goes to the flower shop where he meets Ally. Ally is working in her friends flower shop to make some extra money since she's working as a low paid intern at a newspaper where she hopes to get a permanent reporter position, but she needs a good breaking story. After Colton invites her to check out the lounge and club so that she can figure out what types of centerpieces he needs, she agrees and then realizes that getting the scoop on the hidden s*x club could be the break she's been waiting for. This first book draws you in and it definitely leaves you wanting more. A definite must read and I'm dying for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a 3 part series that I was very excited to read. And this book did not disappoint. Risky Games will bring you into the world of a very handsome man named Colton Kaswell, who happens to own a sex club. Here we get a glimpse of what he likes and what dirty things he is into. Ally becomes his employee and is slowly introduced to a part of his dark games. The mutual attraction is making them both go nearly insane. There is no way they can walk away from each other but there are situations that arise that threaten their new relationship. I can not wait to read what happens next and how the author will develop the next phase in the risky series. Keep in mind Ally and Colton's story is not over, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned to find out how their story develops in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book... and if you think about it...
Love is a risk. Life is a risk. Saying that you will remember where you hid your half a bottle of your favorite wine(or drink) is a risk.

No matter what you do in life you’re going to have risks, and by taking a gamble on your heart is a big wager when your not confident in yourself.
Even a Dom or alpha with unlimited means has to take risks and trust that the One they’re with will be honest and trusting...
But I digress... I am eagerly awaiting to see what happens next...
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book and I am happily leaving this review.
I received this book via Booksprout.

Onto Book 2: Risky Pleasures

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally, a journalism intern, meets Colton, a rich man with a dark side, when helping her friend at the floral shop. As the story progresses the reader gets to see just how far down the rabbit hole the main characters will go to make their lives happy. There is plenty of drama, steam, and adventure going on, reader beware there is a cliffhanger that leaves the series open as the author intends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A good look at the dark side of relationship risks

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I was a bit nervous to start this book knowing it had a cliffhanger ending, but I'm so glad I did. I absolutely loved it. Sure, it continues but this book pulled me in and kept me there until the last word.

Colton, rich as sin, playboy has extremely dark sexual tastes; Ally, just this side shy of innocence has caught this bad boys eye and he knows he wants her. This budding reporter is looking for a breakthrough story but the attraction she has for Colton is distracting.

Can't wait to read the rest of this series, it's definitely darker than Vivian's normal work but it's well-written and gripping.

[💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review.
Colton and Ally meet at a flower shop where she works part time they both are attracted to one another and he asks her out to his sex club. Ally is also a journalist and a friend thinks she should write about this secret club, but that would be betraying the man she is starting to care for and Colton will do anything to protect his secret club. Ally wants Colton but he has some pretty dark needs does Ally submit to him, will she write her story this story does end in a cliffhanger so I am patiently waiting for book 2 do these two finally get their happily ever after?


Xoxo,

💕Meme Chanell Book Corner💕

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darker story to a new series than this author is known for but the author’s well written storyline shows she knows what she is writing about. Ally is waiting for her break in the journalism field and when she meets Colton she found out she hit the jackpot. What follows is a intense chemistry that just gets hotter and hotter as they both give in to the desire that can’t be denied. But will secrets they are hiding from each other end their explosive loving or will it just heat things up to a frenzy? You need to one click to find out when the truth comes out will they have a HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally is an intern journalist that is helping out at a friend's flower shop to make some extra money. She never anticipated that a chance run in with an Alpha Billionaire would open the door to an opportunity to take her career to the next level. The only problem is she's starting to catch feelings for her mark and now she's conflicted.

Colton Kaswell is a man with a specific sexual taste that needs to be kept a secret. He never engages in business or pleasure relationships without a contract in place, but he finds himself breaking all of his rules for Ally.

This is a dark and sexy quick read that will leave you wanting more. l'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book. Loved this book, it’s another hit for Vivian! Colton and Ally meet by happenstance, he is looking for flower centerpieces and she just happens to work at the florist he goes to. Ally is there making extra money and working as an intern at a newspaper with the hopes of becoming a reporter, but in order for that to happen she needs something big and in walks Colton and he just might be her ticket to her dream, because he just so happens to own a restaurant/sex club and has just invited her to come and check it out. Could this be her big break or will it turn out to be something more? I guess you need to grab this one for yourself, this is the first this new series and you can’t miss out!!

[Hannah Brat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella had me hooked from the start. I fell in love with sassy Ally and sexy Colton. He was the bossy alpha male, she the heroine who took no slack. Their relationship seemed a little rushed for me, but even at their first meeting, I was biting my lip and screaming, "Get together already!" The scenes were steamy and enjoyable, but I felt like Colton was too dark, too sadistic, and not enough loving.
All in all, I recommend this to people who love really dark (bordering on sadistic and torture) sex and dominating males.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc.
Billionaire Colton Kaswell opens a restaurant/sex club. The sex club is part of the restaurant but hidden. Ally's friend talks into trying to get into the club and write about it. Ally was hoping that if she could write about the club and it would start her journalistic journey. Meanwhile while at the club speaking with Colton she finds out he needs some help while his manager. He hires Ally to be a part time bartender and she was happy because she could dig up dirt.

Colton has Ally investigated and he found out they she worked at the local newspaper and realized she could be writing an expose. He tried to get her to sign a DNA but she keep putting it off. Finally he hands her two DNA's one for the club and one for him. Now Ally has no idea what to do will she sign or not? This book keeps you on your toes