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Riggs Brothers #3
Work Me Up
Baseball player. Single dad. Hot mess. No woman has ever tamed him… until now.Everyone knows Ryan Riggs—everyone who follows minor league baseball, that is. He's the player with the hair-trigger temper, the bad shoulder, and the smoking hot looks. He's also a single dad in need of a nanny—which makes him my new boss.Simple. Except for one We had a one-night stand five years ago.We're trying to be professional. But it was one of the best nights of my life, and the more I work with him, the more I'm thinking about a repeat.He's battling his demons, and I might be the only one who can help him win.He's impossible.He's unforgettable.He's unwinnable.Looks like I have my work cut out for me.The Riggs Brothers Drive Me Wild (Book 1)Take Me Down (Book 2)Work Me Up (Book 3)Make Me Beg (Book 4)
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 21, 2019
4 stars
After reading the first two Riggs Brothers books, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ryan Riggs story. Single dad, baseball player, all around hot mess, I mean… come on. And his love interest is his nanny. I was so excited to read this one and it didn’t let me down.
Ryan and Kate met each other five years ago. They had intense chemistry and a one night stand neither one of them have forgotten. Since then, Ryan has been through a lot. His baseball career is on the rocks due to an injury, and he’s a single dad to seven year old Dylan, who was dropped off by his maternal grandparents a few years ago (Ryan has no clue he existed at that point) and Ryan needs help.
Kate applies to be Dylan’s nanny, and Ryan sees her for the first time in five years when she applies. Sparks still fly between these two, but now things are complicated… As much as Kate and Ryan try to resist each other, that chemistry between them just won’t let up. And eventually they’re bound to give in. It’s just, what will happen when they do? They have more to think about then themselves now.
The audio book of Work Me Up is narrated by Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood. It was a quick listen (I think around 5-6 hours) and fast paced. The narration was excellent and the audio quality was good. I would definitely recommend listening to this one. I hope the fourth and final Riggs book comes out on audio soon, because I can’t wait to listen to it!
I’ve enjoyed listening to this series so much. Though I still think Jace’s book is my favorite, this is a close second. It’s on the short side, but has a lot of heart, steam, and was highly entertaining!
After reading the first two Riggs Brothers books, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ryan Riggs story. Single dad, baseball player, all around hot mess, I mean… come on. And his love interest is his nanny. I was so excited to read this one and it didn’t let me down.
Ryan and Kate met each other five years ago. They had intense chemistry and a one night stand neither one of them have forgotten. Since then, Ryan has been through a lot. His baseball career is on the rocks due to an injury, and he’s a single dad to seven year old Dylan, who was dropped off by his maternal grandparents a few years ago (Ryan has no clue he existed at that point) and Ryan needs help.
Kate applies to be Dylan’s nanny, and Ryan sees her for the first time in five years when she applies. Sparks still fly between these two, but now things are complicated… As much as Kate and Ryan try to resist each other, that chemistry between them just won’t let up. And eventually they’re bound to give in. It’s just, what will happen when they do? They have more to think about then themselves now.
The audio book of Work Me Up is narrated by Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood. It was a quick listen (I think around 5-6 hours) and fast paced. The narration was excellent and the audio quality was good. I would definitely recommend listening to this one. I hope the fourth and final Riggs book comes out on audio soon, because I can’t wait to listen to it!
I’ve enjoyed listening to this series so much. Though I still think Jace’s book is my favorite, this is a close second. It’s on the short side, but has a lot of heart, steam, and was highly entertaining!
November 6, 2019
Audiobook review. Ryan and Kate made a cute couple. They had instant chemistry and a whole lotta passion to go with it the one night they met and had together. Ryan is a responsible single dad now though and as his priorities shifted, so did his way of thinking.
When reading the other brothers’ stories, I grew to be curious about Ryan. I wanted to know if there was more depth to him than being a baseball player, a hot guy, and a clueless father. Let me tell you, there definitely was!
Ryan was flawed and made mistakes along the way but he showed consistent growth. Kate too was flawed but she brought with her exactly what Ryan’s little family had been missing.
The plot was good. No real surprises but it was still entertaining. The writing was solid and the prose had a nice flow. The narrators, Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood,did an excellent job with their roles. Their tone, pitch, inflections, and transitions were smooth.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
When reading the other brothers’ stories, I grew to be curious about Ryan. I wanted to know if there was more depth to him than being a baseball player, a hot guy, and a clueless father. Let me tell you, there definitely was!
Ryan was flawed and made mistakes along the way but he showed consistent growth. Kate too was flawed but she brought with her exactly what Ryan’s little family had been missing.
The plot was good. No real surprises but it was still entertaining. The writing was solid and the prose had a nice flow. The narrators, Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood,did an excellent job with their roles. Their tone, pitch, inflections, and transitions were smooth.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
July 2, 2020
4,5 stars
Reading the blurb, it's easy to expect an overused trope about an athlete, and a kid, and a Nanny - we all know how that usually goes... But not with Julie Kriss!! Damn, this lady is amazing and she manages to do so much more out of a very simple premise!
I love how reflective and honest the characters were, but that's what the author does best - she writes honest and real characters, having real life problems and managing the best they can. I adored Ryan and Kate together, and Ryan's son Dylan was delightful! And even though there was some angst and drama, it all made sense. I think they were my favourite people in this series so far!
Even if the whole series is not the steamiest, I'm still enjoying it. And now I'm excited about Dex.
Reading the blurb, it's easy to expect an overused trope about an athlete, and a kid, and a Nanny - we all know how that usually goes... But not with Julie Kriss!! Damn, this lady is amazing and she manages to do so much more out of a very simple premise!
But where do you go, I thought, when every choice you've ever made has sent you further to the bottom?
I love how reflective and honest the characters were, but that's what the author does best - she writes honest and real characters, having real life problems and managing the best they can. I adored Ryan and Kate together, and Ryan's son Dylan was delightful! And even though there was some angst and drama, it all made sense. I think they were my favourite people in this series so far!
...that's what I am. Ryan Riggs, the crude bad boy player. Your mess with me, you get dirty.
And if you are Kate, you get everything.
Even if the whole series is not the steamiest, I'm still enjoying it. And now I'm excited about Dex.
January 10, 2022
Work Me Up is simply ordinary. There is no hold my breath twist/ plot. Just plain. Maybe I read too much this type of romance that I found myself bored.
I read the other 2 books from this series. Long time ago. I do not remember when. When I found Work Me Up on the back of my TBR, I just thought let's finish this series.
I am expecting more from Miss Kriss.
3 stars
I read the other 2 books from this series. Long time ago. I do not remember when. When I found Work Me Up on the back of my TBR, I just thought let's finish this series.
I am expecting more from Miss Kriss.
3 stars
July 9, 2020
Ryan & Dylan + Kate = perfect little family.
This two have some history together ( a one night stand 5 years ago) and apparently the flame hasn't extinguished at all. They still have the hots for eachother but fight it for quite a while. It was rather a slow burn this book compared to the first two. Since Dylan came into Ryan's life his priorities change and I actually liked him as a father, very cool.
A bit of OW drama, but nothing that take away from the story.
Overall I loved Ryan, he wasn't a bad boy at all, he might have been a manwhore in his youth years, but not really a bad boy, he is actually sweet and caring. I had some disagreement with Kate towards the end, but she was ok too once she took the right decision.
And now DEX, the reason why I started this series. Bring me the crazy!
This two have some history together ( a one night stand 5 years ago) and apparently the flame hasn't extinguished at all. They still have the hots for eachother but fight it for quite a while. It was rather a slow burn this book compared to the first two. Since Dylan came into Ryan's life his priorities change and I actually liked him as a father, very cool.
A bit of OW drama, but nothing that take away from the story.
Overall I loved Ryan, he wasn't a bad boy at all, he might have been a manwhore in his youth years, but not really a bad boy, he is actually sweet and caring. I had some disagreement with Kate towards the end, but she was ok too once she took the right decision.
And now DEX, the reason why I started this series. Bring me the crazy!
July 14, 2020
This series has been the perfect binge read. I am so glad I one clicked Drive Me Wild as a freebie because I am so hooked on these beautiful broken men from the wrong side of the tracks. Each of these books can be read as a standalone but having read them back to back I am loving watching the Rigg's brothers become a family. And watching each relationship grow and develop.
So I went into this book with a vague idea of what I was expecting. But I wasn't sure what I was going to get with Ryan. Sure we know he's a single dad hiring a nanny who he's previously slept with. I knew there was going to be a whole mess of sexual tension. And since I read this as part of the series I knew about some of Ryan's other demons and the fact he was a massive player. So I was expecting some angst and drama.
What I got was so far from what I was expecting, in that, it avoided a lot of the cliches I was anticipating. And I enjoyed every second. I was so emotionally invested in the story and not just because of Ryan's sex on a stick persona. But because he was so much deeper.
Kate was probably a little less perfect than the last two ladies. And even though she was a little less patient and understanding I could understand her feelings and reactions to everything going on around her. Dylan was such a great character and was so involved in the story it made it all very realistic.
Now I am diving into Dex and Lauren's story and I can't wait. I have been dying to get to the bottom of them since the start.
So I went into this book with a vague idea of what I was expecting. But I wasn't sure what I was going to get with Ryan. Sure we know he's a single dad hiring a nanny who he's previously slept with. I knew there was going to be a whole mess of sexual tension. And since I read this as part of the series I knew about some of Ryan's other demons and the fact he was a massive player. So I was expecting some angst and drama.
What I got was so far from what I was expecting, in that, it avoided a lot of the cliches I was anticipating. And I enjoyed every second. I was so emotionally invested in the story and not just because of Ryan's sex on a stick persona. But because he was so much deeper.
Kate was probably a little less perfect than the last two ladies. And even though she was a little less patient and understanding I could understand her feelings and reactions to everything going on around her. Dylan was such a great character and was so involved in the story it made it all very realistic.
Now I am diving into Dex and Lauren's story and I can't wait. I have been dying to get to the bottom of them since the start.
November 26, 2019
Hello Riggs brother number three! These brothers are all troubled and broody, misunderstood, underestimated, and beyond sexy.
Ryan was able to make his escape from a town that looked down on his family by becoming a professional baseball player. He never liked the game, but it gave him the out he needed. But an injury and a son being dropped on his doorstep changed everything.
Kate was never sure what she wanted to do with herself. She had ample opportunities available to her in life, but was condescendingly looked at by her parents as a late bloomer. Taking a job as a nanny to an ex-baseball player seemed like a good idea.
Kate and Ryan just fit because they were both finding their way and getting their footing. Ryan as a father and in a second career, moving back to the town he always hated, and back to brothers that never worked well as a family. Kate as a woman becoming secure of herself and her value and knowing where she wanted to be. And that was with Ryan and his son.
I enjoyed the slow burn of this book. Although Ryan and Kate had met years before, they didn’t know each other. Watching the way Kate worked herself effortlessly into Ryan’s life and world until he didn’t want to be without her was sweet and organic in how their relationship grew.
Work Me Up can be read as a stand alone, but I feel that it’s that much better as part of the series so you can get the benefit of knowing all of these brothers. Their relationships with one another are just as much of the story as their relationships with their women, and this is one series that is not to be missed. It’s sexy alpha-bad boy men, strong women and solid storytelling.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Ryan was able to make his escape from a town that looked down on his family by becoming a professional baseball player. He never liked the game, but it gave him the out he needed. But an injury and a son being dropped on his doorstep changed everything.
Kate was never sure what she wanted to do with herself. She had ample opportunities available to her in life, but was condescendingly looked at by her parents as a late bloomer. Taking a job as a nanny to an ex-baseball player seemed like a good idea.
Kate and Ryan just fit because they were both finding their way and getting their footing. Ryan as a father and in a second career, moving back to the town he always hated, and back to brothers that never worked well as a family. Kate as a woman becoming secure of herself and her value and knowing where she wanted to be. And that was with Ryan and his son.
I enjoyed the slow burn of this book. Although Ryan and Kate had met years before, they didn’t know each other. Watching the way Kate worked herself effortlessly into Ryan’s life and world until he didn’t want to be without her was sweet and organic in how their relationship grew.
Work Me Up can be read as a stand alone, but I feel that it’s that much better as part of the series so you can get the benefit of knowing all of these brothers. Their relationships with one another are just as much of the story as their relationships with their women, and this is one series that is not to be missed. It’s sexy alpha-bad boy men, strong women and solid storytelling.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 1, 2018
DNF @ 73%.
I didn't enjoy anything or anyone here. I tried to hold on but after the baby-mama fiasco, I just didn't want to be bothered. Who has time to actually finish a forgettable story? Same plot different cover. Next.
Don't think I'm gonna be interested in book #4 after all.
I didn't enjoy anything or anyone here. I tried to hold on but after the baby-mama fiasco, I just didn't want to be bothered. Who has time to actually finish a forgettable story? Same plot different cover. Next.
Don't think I'm gonna be interested in book #4 after all.
November 11, 2019
I am totally sold on the Riggs boys and the amazing writing talent of Julie Kriss. She's given me back to back excellence with this series. This time it was Ryan Riggs and while he may have been dubbed the bad boy of baseball, he proved himself to be a really good guy at heart. His vulnerability was endearing. He had moments of cockiness but he still had baggage from his past and struggled with it. His relationship with his nanny Kate was great to experience. They had met previously, had a one night stand, and still decided to work together five years later. I enjoyed the way it was all done. It wasn't riddled with angst and torment about the past. I felt like they handled that part in a unique and mature way. Their present was where the real story was and it was still fantastic.
I loved the narrators for this story too. Both were different from the previous books in the series but still excellent. Savannah Peachwood I already knew I loved, but Jason Clarke is definitely one I'm gonna need more of. They both gave amazing performances and were a pleasure to listen to.
July 7, 2021
Ryan ♥♥♥ Kate! I absolutely LOVED their story! It's not your classic baseball player falls in love with his nanny plot. The twists were perfect and the intimate moments steamy! I really enjoyed it!
April 13, 2023
Since I'm on a roll with this series, I continued on with this third book. Unlike the last book where I downgraded it, I adored this book yet again. This was a combination of listening to the audio book ad reading. I liked the narrator better, his voice was deeper, trigger and more suited to the character. For me, this one was a solid fiver stars and ended excellent comfort read.
\*/\*/\*/\*/\*/\*/\
I’ve said it once that I love books by Julie Kriss. I’ve said twice I love books by Julie Kriss. I’ve said thrice I love books by Julie Kriss. I’m sure I’ve said four, five and six times or at least thought it. And with her newest release of the Riggs Brothers books I’m saying it again.
The hero of this book is Ryan Riggs. He’s the second oldest of the Riggs brothers, but he’s actually the result of an affair and is only a half-brother to the others. But like the other brothers, he’s also lived on the wrong side of the tracks. His mother left him with the poor excuse of a father that the others did. But he had something else that could have taken him out of his rather dead end life and that was baseball. He was talented and got a pretty good contract with a minor league club with hopes of making it to the big leagues but that petered out when he was suspended for punching a fellow player and then hurting his pitching arm. When the book opens he’s kind of in a state of transition. He knows his baseball career is about to come crashing down on him and he’s kind of made plans to work at the family garage but for the moment he’s still living in Detroit and he needs a nanny for his son. It seems he was quite the player when he was a younger man and had a son he didn’t know about that he’s now raising.
Turns out the nanny he’s thinking of employing and he have a past as they shared a night of passion some years ago. But both of them are determined to look past it and work together for the sake of Dylan, his son. But it was an unforgettable night for Kate, our heroine. And though she manages not to let him know, she still has a real case of the hots for Ryan. And it turns out he still has them for Kate. What are these two to do?
This book is shorter than some of her others at only 195 pages but that doesn’t mean I still didn’t enjoy it. I did. Ryan has done a lot of growing up and he’s not the bad boy of baseball any longer. I like the new and improved Ryan, not that I knew the old one of course. But this Ryan puts his son ahead of his own needs and that’s appealing.
Kate is at kind of a crossroads. She’s 27 but still not entirely sure what she wants to do with her life. She agrees to be Dylan’s nanny first because she still has some mighty fine memories of his papa, but also as a time filler. The job doesn’t pay much at all since Ryan is “between jobs” but Kate has a small trust fund she can fall back on.
Eventually Ryan moves back home to take on the role of car mechanic. I love a good car mechanic. Kate has done a great job with Dylan and Ryan has growing feelings for Kate so he asks her to move with him.
One of the things I most appreciate about this series is the growing bonds between brothers in this series. They pretty much raised themselves and as such didn’t get into the whole brotherly love thing. But with each book, the roots are really starting to grow between them.
As with ALL her books, I highly recommend this newest Julie Kriss book.
\*/\*/\*/\*/\*/\*/\
I’ve said it once that I love books by Julie Kriss. I’ve said twice I love books by Julie Kriss. I’ve said thrice I love books by Julie Kriss. I’m sure I’ve said four, five and six times or at least thought it. And with her newest release of the Riggs Brothers books I’m saying it again.
The hero of this book is Ryan Riggs. He’s the second oldest of the Riggs brothers, but he’s actually the result of an affair and is only a half-brother to the others. But like the other brothers, he’s also lived on the wrong side of the tracks. His mother left him with the poor excuse of a father that the others did. But he had something else that could have taken him out of his rather dead end life and that was baseball. He was talented and got a pretty good contract with a minor league club with hopes of making it to the big leagues but that petered out when he was suspended for punching a fellow player and then hurting his pitching arm. When the book opens he’s kind of in a state of transition. He knows his baseball career is about to come crashing down on him and he’s kind of made plans to work at the family garage but for the moment he’s still living in Detroit and he needs a nanny for his son. It seems he was quite the player when he was a younger man and had a son he didn’t know about that he’s now raising.
Turns out the nanny he’s thinking of employing and he have a past as they shared a night of passion some years ago. But both of them are determined to look past it and work together for the sake of Dylan, his son. But it was an unforgettable night for Kate, our heroine. And though she manages not to let him know, she still has a real case of the hots for Ryan. And it turns out he still has them for Kate. What are these two to do?
This book is shorter than some of her others at only 195 pages but that doesn’t mean I still didn’t enjoy it. I did. Ryan has done a lot of growing up and he’s not the bad boy of baseball any longer. I like the new and improved Ryan, not that I knew the old one of course. But this Ryan puts his son ahead of his own needs and that’s appealing.
Kate is at kind of a crossroads. She’s 27 but still not entirely sure what she wants to do with her life. She agrees to be Dylan’s nanny first because she still has some mighty fine memories of his papa, but also as a time filler. The job doesn’t pay much at all since Ryan is “between jobs” but Kate has a small trust fund she can fall back on.
Eventually Ryan moves back home to take on the role of car mechanic. I love a good car mechanic. Kate has done a great job with Dylan and Ryan has growing feelings for Kate so he asks her to move with him.
One of the things I most appreciate about this series is the growing bonds between brothers in this series. They pretty much raised themselves and as such didn’t get into the whole brotherly love thing. But with each book, the roots are really starting to grow between them.
As with ALL her books, I highly recommend this newest Julie Kriss book.
September 3, 2018
The Riggs brothers just continue to get sexier and sexier
I'm finding fewer and fewer contemporary romances that hold my attention. I seem to be drifting back to my first love of all things sci-fi or fantasy, along with a not-so-secret addiction to dark reads. However I've enjoyed this author's work before and, having read about Ryan in the previous two books of the series, was curious to know his story.
I thought I might have to force myself to get through this book, I was happily very mistaken. I loved Ryan and Kate's story of two lost souls struggling to find their way. This is quite a slow-burn romance, with the relationship developing over a believable time period. I totally bought into their connection and the chemistry they had.
Work Me Up is really well written, the plot is kept fairly simple, allowing the author to concentrate on word building and developing complex and real characters. I felt the emotion in this story, my heart ached for Ryan and Kate and rejoiced in their love. There is passion, angst and conflict but not an unnecessary or annoying amount, just enough to add depth to the story.
I fell in love with Luke, cheated on him with Jace but have dumped both of them for Ryan (and the ever gorgeous Dylan). I'm just wondering if Dex will blow them all out of the water, I can't wait for his story as I know it will be special.
If you've not read a Julie Kriss book before then I can honestly tell you that you're missing out. Whilst this can be read as a stand alone I do think you'd enjoy it more if you read all 3 books in order. And I do highly recommend not just this but all the books in the series.
I'm finding fewer and fewer contemporary romances that hold my attention. I seem to be drifting back to my first love of all things sci-fi or fantasy, along with a not-so-secret addiction to dark reads. However I've enjoyed this author's work before and, having read about Ryan in the previous two books of the series, was curious to know his story.
I thought I might have to force myself to get through this book, I was happily very mistaken. I loved Ryan and Kate's story of two lost souls struggling to find their way. This is quite a slow-burn romance, with the relationship developing over a believable time period. I totally bought into their connection and the chemistry they had.
Work Me Up is really well written, the plot is kept fairly simple, allowing the author to concentrate on word building and developing complex and real characters. I felt the emotion in this story, my heart ached for Ryan and Kate and rejoiced in their love. There is passion, angst and conflict but not an unnecessary or annoying amount, just enough to add depth to the story.
I fell in love with Luke, cheated on him with Jace but have dumped both of them for Ryan (and the ever gorgeous Dylan). I'm just wondering if Dex will blow them all out of the water, I can't wait for his story as I know it will be special.
If you've not read a Julie Kriss book before then I can honestly tell you that you're missing out. Whilst this can be read as a stand alone I do think you'd enjoy it more if you read all 3 books in order. And I do highly recommend not just this but all the books in the series.
September 12, 2019
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
This series continues to get better and better! This book follows the third brother of the Briggs family; Ryan. Ryan was a baseball star that had a kid dropped on his doorstep and ends up getting injured. Ryan needs help so when he hires a nanny and Kate shows up on his doorstep things get interesting. Kate knew Ryan when he was known as the "Bad Boy of Baseball" but oh how people change when life throws you a curve ball. Kate and Ryan have instant chemistry after they meet again and that attraction only continues as they move back to Ryan's hometown. There is a bit of suspense in this story and some flashbacks but not enough to throw me out of the story. I am really excited to get to the last book and last brother in this series.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This series continues to get better and better! This book follows the third brother of the Briggs family; Ryan. Ryan was a baseball star that had a kid dropped on his doorstep and ends up getting injured. Ryan needs help so when he hires a nanny and Kate shows up on his doorstep things get interesting. Kate knew Ryan when he was known as the "Bad Boy of Baseball" but oh how people change when life throws you a curve ball. Kate and Ryan have instant chemistry after they meet again and that attraction only continues as they move back to Ryan's hometown. There is a bit of suspense in this story and some flashbacks but not enough to throw me out of the story. I am really excited to get to the last book and last brother in this series.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
December 30, 2019
When baseball’s bad boy, Ryan Riggs, is sidelined by a career ending injury, his life turns into a hot mess. Add in the fact that he finds out he’s now a single father to a seven year old courtesy of a hook up many years ago and Ryan knows he needs help in the form of a nanny.
Kate Washington needs a job. She may come from a wealthy family, but since graduating from college, no job seems to hold her interest and she’s broke. She also likes rebelling against what her parents expect making her a bit of a black sheep in the family, which led to her one and only one night stand five years ago . . . with the super hot baseball player that’s about to be her new boss.
Both trying to act professional, neither Ryan nor Kate can deny that their chemistry burns just as hot as it did five years ago. Both want more, but neither thinks the other wants anything more than a casual hookup. Can Ryan and Kate figure things out or will they be relegated into nothing more than a failed friends with benefits relationship when unexpected drama enters into their relationship dynamics?
I loved getting to know Ryan and Kate as they both rediscover who they really are and what they really want out of life as they dance around one another throughout this book. I adored that Ryan realized just how much he really was a Riggs and that it was okay and that his real passion wasn’t what he thought it was. And, I loved that Kate, who seemed to have it all needed Ryan and the rest of the Riggs to finally show her what it means to be a part of a family with unwavering love and support even if there is some wicked baggage to wade through. 5 stars.
Kate Washington needs a job. She may come from a wealthy family, but since graduating from college, no job seems to hold her interest and she’s broke. She also likes rebelling against what her parents expect making her a bit of a black sheep in the family, which led to her one and only one night stand five years ago . . . with the super hot baseball player that’s about to be her new boss.
Both trying to act professional, neither Ryan nor Kate can deny that their chemistry burns just as hot as it did five years ago. Both want more, but neither thinks the other wants anything more than a casual hookup. Can Ryan and Kate figure things out or will they be relegated into nothing more than a failed friends with benefits relationship when unexpected drama enters into their relationship dynamics?
I loved getting to know Ryan and Kate as they both rediscover who they really are and what they really want out of life as they dance around one another throughout this book. I adored that Ryan realized just how much he really was a Riggs and that it was okay and that his real passion wasn’t what he thought it was. And, I loved that Kate, who seemed to have it all needed Ryan and the rest of the Riggs to finally show her what it means to be a part of a family with unwavering love and support even if there is some wicked baggage to wade through. 5 stars.
May 15, 2023
Ok this book was my favorite so far!!! I'm not sure my love rest solely on this couple and this book - or the fact that I am 3 books in and I love this little family of men!!!!! But I did love this couple so much!!!!! Washed up ball player and the nanny - it's a great trope!!!!! throw in the cute son and you can't help but swoon!
I say it again - do not read this book as a standalone. This set of 4 books reads more like 2 books in length with an overall story going on. Much like peeling layer and layer or an onion....or even better a cinnamon roll....sweet and yummy and gooey in the middle once you get there it's a winner!!!! I have been looking forward to Dex and Lauren's story since it was eluded to in book 1, so I can't wait to pick up the 4th and final!!!!!!
I say it again - do not read this book as a standalone. This set of 4 books reads more like 2 books in length with an overall story going on. Much like peeling layer and layer or an onion....or even better a cinnamon roll....sweet and yummy and gooey in the middle once you get there it's a winner!!!! I have been looking forward to Dex and Lauren's story since it was eluded to in book 1, so I can't wait to pick up the 4th and final!!!!!!
October 10, 2021
Ryan the Riggs brother that got out and became somewhat semi famous ended up with a sweet kid but lost when he was injured.
I loved that he knew Kate from before and the way she comes into his life just when he needed her. Well I am a sucker or a romance like that.
The ways he handled things with the mother and his brothers well I just liked his class. I liked that he stood up for himself and his son.
Great narration I really enjoyed Savannah and Jason’s voices.
I loved that he knew Kate from before and the way she comes into his life just when he needed her. Well I am a sucker or a romance like that.
The ways he handled things with the mother and his brothers well I just liked his class. I liked that he stood up for himself and his son.
Great narration I really enjoyed Savannah and Jason’s voices.
July 24, 2023
4 Solid Stars!
Work Me Up is the Riggs half-brother Ryan’s story. He’s the baseball minor league player and single dad who lives life like a monk, trying to break the mold, wanting to be a great dad to his young son Dylan. Ryan suffered an injury that has him at a career crossroads. When he hires a nanny to help out with his young son, Ryan is shocked and pleasantly surprised when Kate shows up — a one night stand from 5 years ago.
In Kate’s mind, Ryan is a gorgeous athlete who is way out of her league. She’s kind of at odds with the direction she wants life her life to take and Ryan, on the outside seems to have his life together. For Ryan, Kate is a sophisticated college graduate, comes from a wealthy family and is way out of his league. They both still feel the intense attraction from all those years ago, and it’s not long before they are contemplating spending nights together.
Both Kate and Ryan have their issues, and when Dylan’s mom shows up after eight years, it strains their comfortable routine and Kate questions her feelings and the direction of their relationship. Neither one of them were honest with the other about their true feelings…..until now.
I loved getting updates on Jace and Tara, and seeing Luke and Emily finally get married! Now I’m diving into Dex and Lauren's story and I can't wait!! I have been dying to get to the bottom of that seemingly odd attraction….I have a strong feeling there’s much more to Dex then we’ve seen in books #1-3!
Work Me Up is the Riggs half-brother Ryan’s story. He’s the baseball minor league player and single dad who lives life like a monk, trying to break the mold, wanting to be a great dad to his young son Dylan. Ryan suffered an injury that has him at a career crossroads. When he hires a nanny to help out with his young son, Ryan is shocked and pleasantly surprised when Kate shows up — a one night stand from 5 years ago.
In Kate’s mind, Ryan is a gorgeous athlete who is way out of her league. She’s kind of at odds with the direction she wants life her life to take and Ryan, on the outside seems to have his life together. For Ryan, Kate is a sophisticated college graduate, comes from a wealthy family and is way out of his league. They both still feel the intense attraction from all those years ago, and it’s not long before they are contemplating spending nights together.
Both Kate and Ryan have their issues, and when Dylan’s mom shows up after eight years, it strains their comfortable routine and Kate questions her feelings and the direction of their relationship. Neither one of them were honest with the other about their true feelings…..until now.
I loved getting updates on Jace and Tara, and seeing Luke and Emily finally get married! Now I’m diving into Dex and Lauren's story and I can't wait!! I have been dying to get to the bottom of that seemingly odd attraction….I have a strong feeling there’s much more to Dex then we’ve seen in books #1-3!
January 27, 2019
Awesome
Loved this one!! Kate and Ryan are so adorable together and she seems to be just what Ryan and Dylan need. Definitely recommend this one.
Loved this one!! Kate and Ryan are so adorable together and she seems to be just what Ryan and Dylan need. Definitely recommend this one.
November 6, 2019
OMG...I am so loving these Riggs brothers novels and Work Me Up, the third book in this series was no exception. This slow burn romance was Ryan and Kate's story and what a tale it was. These two had intense chemistry and I loved the development of their relationship throughout the story. I loved the inclusion of Ryan's brothers and the characters from the previous novels and I absolutely loved Ryan's son Dylan. This story was funny, sweet and sexy and included tropes of single dad, second chance and sports romance into one fabulous novel. This was a fantastic page turner I would highly recommend it to all lovers of single dad romance.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel which was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Jason Clarke. They were perfectly suited to these characters and they did an excellent job with the narration infusing the right amount of emotion where needed. It was a pleasure listening to them narrate this novel.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel which was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Jason Clarke. They were perfectly suited to these characters and they did an excellent job with the narration infusing the right amount of emotion where needed. It was a pleasure listening to them narrate this novel.
November 7, 2019
5 Stars!
Julie Kriss slays again with the Riggs Brothers series, giving me the much anticipated Ryan's book (he's the baseball player brother!) and I'm totally here for it all y'all. He's been an intriguing one and a mystery that I want cracked. Well I got what I wanted y'all and so much more... so many layers, such a flawed yet beautiful romance.
Woke Me Up is a standalone, the third in this series but you'll only be shorting yourself out by skipping books one and two because these brothers are crazy complicated (slight understatement!), complex to the core, so very deep, broken but mendable, so very different, and completely unforgettable in all the ways.
He's a single dad. She's his boss. Ryan and Kate shouldn't cross those lines yet.... it's unstoppable from the moment that she lands on his doorstep. Smoldering tension. Steamy heat. Touch of suspense. All the high and low feels. Loads of angst to keep you on the edge of your seat. An unputdownable journey that'll leave you all worked up and totally breathless by the end.
I can't wait to dive into the last in this series!!
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Julie Kriss slays again with the Riggs Brothers series, giving me the much anticipated Ryan's book (he's the baseball player brother!) and I'm totally here for it all y'all. He's been an intriguing one and a mystery that I want cracked. Well I got what I wanted y'all and so much more... so many layers, such a flawed yet beautiful romance.
Woke Me Up is a standalone, the third in this series but you'll only be shorting yourself out by skipping books one and two because these brothers are crazy complicated (slight understatement!), complex to the core, so very deep, broken but mendable, so very different, and completely unforgettable in all the ways.
He's a single dad. She's his boss. Ryan and Kate shouldn't cross those lines yet.... it's unstoppable from the moment that she lands on his doorstep. Smoldering tension. Steamy heat. Touch of suspense. All the high and low feels. Loads of angst to keep you on the edge of your seat. An unputdownable journey that'll leave you all worked up and totally breathless by the end.
I can't wait to dive into the last in this series!!
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
July 30, 2020
Honestly, this was the book in the series I was the least excited about. I even debated if I could skip it because it just seemed so typical and played out but I was so wrong. First of all, Ryan is an amazing dad! Getting to hear his thoughts about how hard he tried to make everything good for Dylan was the best- Ryan Riggs, world’s number one father. Both Ryan and Kate were very different from what you expected and I loved that. Also you really got to see different sides of Ryan and Dex than what had been portrayed in the first two books. I also really like that you get to see these four brothers, who were not close at all growing up, really start to rely on each other and become family. And finally, the drama was not contrived and did not last forever! It was a breath of fresh air to not be yelling at characters for their stupidity.
Anyways… loved this book! 5 out of 5:)
Anyways… loved this book! 5 out of 5:)
November 30, 2019
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, danger, and naughty fun.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Drive Me Wild (Riggs Brothers #1)
Take Me Down (Riggs Brothers #2)
This is Kate and Ryan’s story. He’s a single dad who needs help she is the help. He’s the boss but with the chemistry who is really in charge? Steamy and passion filled with a touch of suspense thrown in. With a one night stand they had before she took the job can they hold it together or will the pull just be too much? Can they figure out what they want before one of them decides to walk away?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, danger, and naughty fun.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Drive Me Wild (Riggs Brothers #1)
Take Me Down (Riggs Brothers #2)
This is Kate and Ryan’s story. He’s a single dad who needs help she is the help. He’s the boss but with the chemistry who is really in charge? Steamy and passion filled with a touch of suspense thrown in. With a one night stand they had before she took the job can they hold it together or will the pull just be too much? Can they figure out what they want before one of them decides to walk away?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
November 1, 2019
These Riggs brothers are absolutely something else! Now we get the famous injured single father's story. This book is super hot and single dad Ryan is WAY more than his past or even just the Bad Boy of Baseball, his son is his life and his manwhore ways nonexistant, he is not expecting a blast from his past to rock his world and ingrain so seemlessly into his life. But, he is a Riggs, life is never that easy, right?
All in all, great book. Julie Kriss is AMAZING at creating SUPER hot and steamy scenes and Work Me Up is no different. The story is entertaining and the characters are realistic, even in their worries! I definitely recommend you checking it out!
All in all, great book. Julie Kriss is AMAZING at creating SUPER hot and steamy scenes and Work Me Up is no different. The story is entertaining and the characters are realistic, even in their worries! I definitely recommend you checking it out!
November 3, 2019
Once again, the author has gifted the reader with a real treat. This is such an easy story to read, and is easily my favourite in the series so far.
The way these characters interact, and their restrained chemistry just honestly make this story one you could easily imagine unfolding. I mean, I know that in romanceland, the guys are all pretty much perfect at all things, but here, it is obvious that a certain Riggs brother doesn't have all the answers, or even all the moves. And I loved him more for it.
And Kate? She was the perfect counterpoint. Not overly confident - somewhat lost - and yet ideal for Ryan.
This is a great piece of romance escapism.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
The way these characters interact, and their restrained chemistry just honestly make this story one you could easily imagine unfolding. I mean, I know that in romanceland, the guys are all pretty much perfect at all things, but here, it is obvious that a certain Riggs brother doesn't have all the answers, or even all the moves. And I loved him more for it.
And Kate? She was the perfect counterpoint. Not overly confident - somewhat lost - and yet ideal for Ryan.
This is a great piece of romance escapism.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
June 25, 2023
This one was rough. There wasn't a whole lot I liked about it, unfortunately.
To start, I really did not enjoy the writing style. It was very tell not show and just read very immaturly. I also saw a couple errors in the writing which always bugs me. How did someone not catch it before publishing?!
The main characters were frustrating and lacked depth, although they both had character development. Kate just needed to use her words and put on her big girl pants and Ryan needed to just go to therapy and work through his traumatic childhood.
The most bizarre part of this whole story was the lack of relationship with Dylan?? He felt like an after thought and just someone they popped in there a couple times to stand in as the reason they were doing this and then conveniently sent him to a friends house whenever they didn't want him. Dylan didn't feel like a real child to me.
I also am so confused as to why neither of them have friends?? Like the fact that Kate just moves out there with them is absolutely wild to me. Kate has nothing tying her to the city but also no support system. I'm also shocked that Ryan has no friends or connections in the baseball world. It was all just strange and honestly unhealthy.
I had high hopes for this one but I was sadly really disappointed.
To start, I really did not enjoy the writing style. It was very tell not show and just read very immaturly. I also saw a couple errors in the writing which always bugs me. How did someone not catch it before publishing?!
The main characters were frustrating and lacked depth, although they both had character development. Kate just needed to use her words and put on her big girl pants and Ryan needed to just go to therapy and work through his traumatic childhood.
The most bizarre part of this whole story was the lack of relationship with Dylan?? He felt like an after thought and just someone they popped in there a couple times to stand in as the reason they were doing this and then conveniently sent him to a friends house whenever they didn't want him. Dylan didn't feel like a real child to me.
I also am so confused as to why neither of them have friends?? Like the fact that Kate just moves out there with them is absolutely wild to me. Kate has nothing tying her to the city but also no support system. I'm also shocked that Ryan has no friends or connections in the baseball world. It was all just strange and honestly unhealthy.
I had high hopes for this one but I was sadly really disappointed.
November 5, 2019
Kate and Ryan have a history no one knows about. She gets a chance to work with Ryan, but neither of them were expecting to see one another again. In the years since they first met, a lot has happened and Ryan had some growing up to do. I enjoyed this story, the chemistry between the characters and seeing what moving home was like for Ryan. Ryan's priorities were changing and Kate was there for him and fit into their lives. The bad boy wasn't all that bad and I enjoyed his relationship with his son and his brothers.
January 4, 2021
it wasnt terrible but it definitely wasnt a book for me. everything was happening very fast and i felt no connection to either of the main characters. their relationship felt very fast-paced for me, there was no real development, i actually felt like they barely knew each other. 2 stars.
August 31, 2019
Not my fav of the series, but still a solid 4 star read.
God, I love these brother's - i'm excited to start Dex's book...
God, I love these brother's - i'm excited to start Dex's book...
July 8, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Ryan and Kate
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Ryan and Kate
October 28, 2018
Yeah, Ryan was hot and a little arrogant. Falling for the smart girl is always a fun read. The boy though, how the author handled the boy in the hard situations really hit home for me and I loved the hell out of her for how she handled it.
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