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Risking Everything: A Steamy Anthology of First Responders

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Discover ten spicy stories about brave first responder men and women from some of your favorite romance authors. All proceeds go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Romance on the Rig by Kara Liane: Finding love on and off the ambulance proves difficult for Air Force veteran Murf—until he meets Lana, a game-changer. Murf may be an EMT hero, but he’s only human. Mistakes happen in love, and a misunderstanding keeps them apart. It’s time to make things right and answer the call from the heart.

Reconstructed Heart by K.L. Montgomery: Trey Prince never expected to make a gruesome discovery at an accident scene only a few months into his new job with the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and he never expected Trooper Jenna Labato to be the one who helped him pick up the pieces. No matter how badly Jenna wants to help him heal, Trey isn’t sure his heart or faith can ever be restored—not without something close to a miracle.

Walk the Line: Gage by Harlow Layne: Gage Walker never thought a call to a scene would change his life forever until he met Claire Blake. Sparks fly, but when his fellow Brothers in Blue’s girlfriends are targeted, Gage wants nothing more than to protect her—even if that means he has to give her up.

Always Kind of Love by Amanda Siegrist: The last thing Ethan McCord wants to deal with is his old high school flame, even though his desire for her hasn’t diminished. Battling the burning blazes and an arsonist bent on destruction is nothing compared to fighting the temptation to rekindle the love he always wanted.

Beautiful Persuasion by A.K. MacBride: Raelyn wasn't supposed to fall for the rebound guy, but the moment Griffin opened his mouth, he drew her in with his sexy Irish accent and dark gaze. As one night of sizzling passion develops into something more, she's forced to choose between the man who sets her heart ablaze and the only family she has left.

Going Down by Jody Kaye: Devastated by her parents’ divorce, Kat’s looking to regain the stability she took for granted. Dash Newhouse is a drifter, paying his bills by skiing at a new mountain each season. Paired together on ski patrol, Dash reminds Kat that she can’t live life to the fullest while playing it safe. But when the snow melts, will he ride off with her heart?

Rescuing Ryan by Syd Ryan: Ryan is out of the frying pan and into the fire, working the oldest profession of all time to finish her last year of nursing school. On the first day, she meets Chris, the sexy firefighter, as he is licking his wounds of rejection. For Chris, rescuing Ryan will be the hardest rescue of his life.

Perfect For Me by Alyne Hart: Firefighter Luke O'Conner and ex-model Grace Adams shared all their firsts in a tiny cabin just outside Sugar Creek. Nine years later, Grace is back in town, and they find themselves waiting out a storm in that very same cabin. Fire burns between them as neither seems able to keep their lips or their hands to themselves.

Call of Fate by Kelsey Cheyenne: After surviving a school shooting, Aubrey Winters became a dispatcher, dedicating her life to helping people. One fateful call and a meet-cute at a coffee shop leads Aubrey into the arms of English teacher Noah Burgess. Can their trauma be overcome when true love calls?

Loving Lindsey by Larissa Gail: Firefighter Gavin Thomas has no desire to settle down anytime soon. He’s having too much fun playing the field. That is until he meets Officer Lindsey Allen, who’s moved to Oaktown to start over after a devastating loss. Can the blue-eyed beauty convince him to change his ways?

951 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2019

42 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

Kara Liane

12 books362 followers


Kara Liane is a USA Today Bestselling Author thanks to the 2021 Tangled Sheets anthology. She is a lover of all things romance and holds several degrees, including a master's in management from Wayland Baptist University. She works in the environmental science field. Her twin sons and miniature pinscher are her loves in life, and they reside with her in New Jersey.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Vicki Krebs.
3 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2019
I am part of the Advanced Reader group for the short story, Rescuing Ryan included in this anthology. I am receiving no compensation beyond being able to read the story.

First off, I loved getting a glimpse into a bit more of Jamie and Regan’s stories, and seeing how easy it was for Chris to let Jamie go. I like him a lot as a character, and I didn’t want to see him get hurt!

One of the things I love about Syd Ryan’s writing is that I can get totally invested in her characters, even in something as short as a typical novella. Ryan is so relatable, and I love her process of navigating a relationship with a character as strong as Chris. She doesn’t back down when he is upset about something she needs, and she doesn’t act stupid when he is there to meet needs she hadn’t foreseen. It sounds like a good relationship to me.

I am a quick reader, and it still took me about an hour and a half to finish the story. It’s well worth it to buy the anthology, even if you’re just a fan of Syd Ryan! I would also be interested in reading the rest of the stories when it is released, just because I do love a good first responder love story.
Profile Image for Kim Owens.
166 reviews
October 20, 2019
Going Down by Jody Kaye
So, if you know me, you know how much I adored the Kingsbrier Quintuplets series! Seriously, one of my faves of all times! I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of Dash and Kat's story (Thank you, Jody!!!! 💖)... I truly didn't expect it to hold a candle to the Quints, but how could you go wrong with Drew and Brier's son?!
Let's just say that I was literally hooked from the first page! Set on a ski slope in Colorado, both Kat and Dash work ski patrol. I instantly loved Dash's quirky personality and Kat's strength and loyalty!
My ONLY complaint is that it is a short story and was over waaaaay too soon! You MUST read this! I promise you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,641 reviews
November 5, 2019
I was fortunate to Beta Read for Syd Ryan’s story Rescuing Ryan & I can’t wait for people to get their hands on this story & the whole anthology!
427 reviews14 followers
November 3, 2019
I read Harlow Layne's story from this anthology and all my gosh it is perfect! We briefly meet Gage in Harlow's book Secret Admirer (which is also an amazing story) he's the hot cop. It is an insta love story between Gage & Claire with some sexy scenes 🔥and Gage has a twin brother, Tate whose story we get next year and I cannot wait!!!

I definitely pre-ordered this anthology and can't wait to devour the other stories.
Profile Image for Tara Lee.
Author 31 books293 followers
November 4, 2019
Review for Walk the line Harlow Layne.

A beautiful love story, steamy with a little drama that keeps you intrigued.
It gave me all the feels along with falling in love with Gage.

Gage and Claire are one hot couple and I loved the age difference, everything about this book just screams wow.
I wanted more, I loved how fast paced it was Gage and Claire had sparks from the start and I loved that.
1,304 reviews
November 3, 2019
Review for walk the line

Wow. This short story was fantastic apart from being longer I couldn't ask for more in a book. I was desperate to read more of the story that I just couldn't stop reading and I was so disappointed when it ended. I could have happily read about them all day long. A fantastic story.
Profile Image for Rachael Houlker.
21 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2019
Going Down by Jody Kaye.

The story jumps straight in with the two main characters of the book meeting for the first time. Kat on her way to work, as a first responder at a ski resort and her assigned co-worker for the day, Dash, a member of this seasons team she hasn’t yet worked with.

Dash is an extremely likeable character, open, funny, kind, handsome and can even cook! Kat is harder to get to know, doesn’t trust easily and is generally leary of Dash.

WOW. This book makes you feel highs, with laugh out loud moments, along with lows, that had me shedding a tear. And thought provoking. Had me examining my own attitude to how I deal with life’s daily challenges. Positive Mental Attitude goes along way!

This short story isn’t lacking any of punch of a longer novel. Loved the level of detail squeezed into this story. A snowy winter wonderland, realities of being the adult child of divorced parents and of living in a trailer etc.

A fantastic standalone story that was also lovely to read as a step forward in time from the Kingsbrier Quintuplets series

Already excited at the thought of re-reading. Afraid I’ve missed something in my rush to turn the page.

Received this as an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
November 1, 2019
I have only read Always Kind of Love by Amanda Siegrist so far but plan to read more. The story of these two is all about communication. Love and time lost, pain and anger, so much conflict and this author makes sure you share it all. This second chance romance has the friends to make it fun with their support and love, a little suspense to keep you wondering and characters make you want to stay. I can't wait to read the rest of the set.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
November 4, 2019
Walk the Line By Harlow Layne is a great little read I liked both Gage and Claire and thought they were really good together this is a well written quick read and I enjoyed it.
Beautiful Persuasion by A.K. MacBride I thought this was a good sweet well-written insta-love romance the storyline was good and it had good likable characters It was a good easy read and a great addition to this collection
7,813 reviews65 followers
November 3, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters are well developed and engaging and plenty of chemistry from beginning to the end. Storyline flowed smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
Author 5 books92 followers
October 28, 2019
Going Down by Jody Kaye
I enjoyed reading the ARC for Going Down. Kat and Dash's short story is a fun, steamy read with the depth of a full-length novel. Great settings, interesting detail, and quirky characters add to the passion. The story reads like a stand-alone, yet gives readers of the Kingsbrier Quintuplets series a peek into lives of characters they already know and love.
993 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2019
Walk the Line by Harlow Layne
It's hard to believe in love at first sight but that's what happens in this story only I feel Gage doesn't realize it. He's never been serious about anything other than his work. The attraction to Clare is big though. A great story with all kinds of feelings!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
439 reviews
October 24, 2019
I've not read the entire anthology as of yet, although I certainly intend to, so this review is solely for K. L. Montgomery's "Reconstructed Heart".

This story was short and sweet, but no less enjoyable for it. I do wish it could have been longer though. I read it so fast, it seemed to have barely begun before it was over!

Trey and Jenna were such a sweet pair to read about despite the circumstances throughout the story. There was a lot of sadness, awful events, and yet there was still light shining through. A true testament to the lives of police officers, the horrors they see, the pain they experience, the dangers they suffer, this story was a great reminder of the sacrifices of the thin blue line.
1,774 reviews9 followers
October 28, 2019
So far I've read Reconstucted Heart by KL Montgomery in this anthology and loved it. Trey and Jenna are such endearing characters. The twists and irony of life in this story are touching and heartbreaking. The struggle to not sink is real and well fought. This is such a beautiful read, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,891 reviews
October 22, 2019
This is review for Unconstructed Heart by K.L. Montgomery
“ We were expected to be made of steel and rock. Unbreakable. Unbendable. Nothing was supposed to shake us. We saw crisis, greed, pain, death—humanity at its very worst—day in and day out, but none of it was supposed to seep in through our impermeable exteriors. That armor we wore needed to cover every square inch of our bodies”
Men and women in uniform.
It was heartbreaking and emotional rollercoaster.
It’s no words to describe storyline,the journey to happiness. Everybody deals differently with problems and everyone needs support.Sometimes could be the last chance..
Very well written,great characters including supporting one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
October 28, 2019
Wonderful collection of stories of our men and women who are first responders.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teri Ditchman.
183 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2019
What a great group of authors and stories. However, my favorite was Reconstructed Heart. It is a very well written story, with wonderful characters you will care about. You will have some moments when you aren't sure what is going to happen, but you will have to read the story to find out. It is a very quick read and very enjoyable. I would definetly recommend it
Profile Image for Cindy Mathis.
209 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2019
I’ve only read Jody Kaye’s Going Down, and if the rest of these stories are this good, then Risking Everything is going to be a huge hit!! I was so excited to meet Brier’s son, Dash. He may be the perfect book boyfriend (If you haven’t read the Kingsbrier Quintuplets, go do that next!)
799 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2019
This is a review of Walk the Line, by Harlow Layne, one of the stories in the anthology:

Gage and Claire have a connection from the start, but, when Gage feels that their relationship puts Claire in danger, he pulls back. Now that is where I dropped a star. While his motives were awesome, he never really explained the decision or why, suddenly, it was no longer an issue. It didn’t appear that the attacker had actually been caught; the attacks had just stopped. This one niggle aside, this book is fantastic, and it’s also a great opener for Gage’s brother Tate’s story. I love instant connections, and Gage and Claire’s is just that. It’s also a fantastic tribute to first responders and everyone keeping citizens safe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,020 reviews65 followers
November 7, 2019
This is a great anthology that has ten hot stories of men and women working as first responders. Great authors, some new to me and others my favorite. Each story is different, you are sure to find your favorite among them. One of my favorites is Reconstructed Heart. I loved how I was pulled into the story from the beginning. Trey makes a nasty discovery at a scene of an accident. Now his heart and faith are in need of healing. Will Jenna be the one to heal him? I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Agata Jędrzejewska.
861 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2019
Harlow Layne - Walk the Line 5⭐️
This was beautiful love story. Her so attached to him, him so surprised he is as well. It take place in same town Secret Admirer is, and Gage do even mention the case with Bodhi and Coco. So much is happening in this town, so many crimes lately, luckily we have devoted cops on it, even if results are long to come. I loved twins connection with one another. But most of all I loved Claire and Gage’s connection. He wanted to protect her at any cost. It was very nice romance, and I certainly need to hear more about them.
Profile Image for Danielle Monteleone.
141 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2019
This story gives you all the feels for men in uniform and the wives and girlfriends of those men. Gage and Claire had a connection from the beginning that was strong and one that makes you appreciate those men and women for so much more for their courage and how strong all have to be... I can't wait to read about Tate and get inside his head as a detective.
Profile Image for Amanda Lisenko.
93 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2020
Walk the Line by Harlow Layne

Harlow Layne writes sweet, sexy alphas. She has a new novella coming out on November 5, 2019, featured in the Risking Everything anthology. This is a steamy first responders anthology. Walk the Line is about a sexy as sin cop named Gage Walker!

Gage is a gorgeous Henry Cavill look-alike, who will make your knees weak and make you swoon! Gage crosses paths with the weary but stunning Claire Blake and the rest is history. The energy that each of these characters possesses feeds right off the other. They are so real, vulnerable, and honest with each other from the minute they meet. It is beyond endearing. It is refreshing to find romance novel characters who are so open and honest with each other immediately. I adored these characters and only wish the story was longer so I could have a longer fix of them.

Keep an eye out for Tate’s book! He is Gage’s brother and you will meet him in Walk the Line and discover all he has to share soon! You are going to be so intrigued to read Tate’s book after reading Gage and Claire’s story!
1,015 reviews18 followers
December 28, 2019
From the Anthology, I read: “Always Kind of Love” by Amanda Siegrist

The McCord Family series is one of my favorites, and I was thrilled to see that the latest book featured Ethan, the brave firefighter who had never forgotten his one true love, Penelope.

Ethan and Penelope shared a storybook romance while in high school, but everything changed when they started making plans for college. Communication is the key to a successful relationship and because they truly didn’t listen to each other, Ethan and Penelope parted ways, and hadn’t seen each other in many years. What happens when Ethan realizes that Penelope has moved back home? Can Penelope trust her heart to Ethan again, or will she hide behind her fear of rejection?

Amanda Siegrist writes hopeful, romantic and endearing stories that make you smile and always believe in true love. This book is part of the “ Risking Everything Anthology”, and all proceeds go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which benefits Veterans and First Responders.
Profile Image for Rockin' Rita Mishkin.
44 reviews57 followers
Want to read
July 31, 2019
Ten amazingly talented authors created this incredible steamy romance charity anthology.about real-life heroes! What's not to love? Can't wait for everybody to get their hands on this book!
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,449 reviews79 followers
November 12, 2019
Risking Everything: A Steamy Anthology of First Responders by ten great authors. All the stories are about first responders from Police Officers, Firefighters, and Accident scene workers to Emergency Call operators and all are hard but wonderful stories to read. It is also great to see that the book supports a good cause. Each of these stories are highly emotionally charged stories and will have your heart beating rapidly as you journey along with the characters whilst they put their lives, their emotional wellbeing on the line every day. They are each beautiful stories in there telling and I shed a tear or two along the way.

Reconstructed Heart - K.L. Montgomery tells the sad tale of having to come face to face with an accident where someone you knew was involved. Not only that but having to deal with it and find there is far more to the story than it seems. What he also discovers is that he is not alone and that he may just be worthy of love. This is a very emotional story that had me on high alert and my heart breaking.

Romance on the Rig - Kara Liane is the story of a man who has been burnt and totally misreads that is going on. Until he can face his demons will he push the one good thing he finds away?

Walk the Line - Harlow Layne tells us of one man who helps calm a woman who has been in a serious accident. When things start to come together for them he is scared off because of nasty attacks involving other woman of police officers. Did he do the right thing or will it prove to be too much?

Always Kind of Love - Amanda Siegrist is about a woman he can’t stop thinking about who has returned to his life. She is the last thing he wants to deal with but she has always been his one love. He finds himself not only battling fires in buildings but also those of his heart.

Beautiful Persuasion - A.K. MacBride - Raelyn cannot say no to her girlfriends and one taste is all it took for her to know he was the one she needed, the air she needed to breathe but she also loves her family. Damn his sexy accent.

Going Down - Jody Kaye is the story of Kat who is struggling with her parents’ divorce and holding herself back from a life she should live, that is until one crazy man skis into her life.

Rescuing Ryan - Syd Ryan - Ryan has meet the man of her dreams but will he move out of his own way to go for what he needs?

Perfect For Me - Alyne Hart tells a story of one man who has been broken by love but when she returns to town all bets are off, that is if he can mend his broken heart.

Call of Fate - Kelsey Cheyenne - Aubrey has had so much heart ache in her life that she wonders where her bad luck will end. So when Noah comes in to her life and offers her more she is afraid to break down her barriers, she would rather leave than risk the man she loves.

Loving Lindsey - Larissa Gail this lovely tale is about a firefighter named Gavin, he is a player and loves his life. He sees what his friends have and is envious of them. Can he give up his way of life when a beautiful officer comes to town after suffering a loss of her husband? I loved this story and would like to read more. Oh who am I kidding I loved them all.

This anthology of tales is a must for anyone it really makes you appreciate what these wonderful men and women go through. Don’t forget the tissues.
Profile Image for Ariadna Basulto.
924 reviews64 followers
November 7, 2019
RISKING EVERYTHING
Risking Everything is a swoony, steamy, heart-pounding collection of ten incredible authors coming together to pay homage to first responders and all they lay on the line in the name of public service. Filled with ten captivating, wildly romantic stories that will hit your heart right in the feels and stay there for days to come!

Covering everything from long stressful hours on the job to sacrificing their time with their families to putting themselves in the line of danger every single day and more, this anthology is a beautiful tribute to all these brave men and women. 5 stars.


—————


ROMANCE ON THE RIG
This was such a sweet romance! I absolutely adored Lana and Sean. Both were such great and deserving people. Lana a college student helping his sister with her two kids and Sean an EMT and former medical technician in the Air Force. I loved watching them both recognize and accept love from one another and appreciate the small things in life.

I loved the romance that Kara Liane created within the story. Lana and Sean both have a whirlwind type of romance, but it feels substantial all at once. My heart ached for Sean as he navigated his fears left from years of serving and seeing his fellow servicemen endure pain of failed relationships as well as his own failed relationship. It’s something that I had never given thought to before. It made me appreciate even more how much our service men and woman give.


WALK THE LINE
What introduction to Harlow Layne and her captivating writing! I loved getting lost in Claire and Gage’s story. Not only did I get a romance, but there was also a suspense interwoven into it perfectly. I adored Gage and all of his protectiveness. My heart also ached for him as he struggled with what I assume many other law enforcement officers also do namely having to worry about their significant other’s safety and just balancing what they give in public service and to their families. I loved seeing his relationship with his twin, Tate and of course, Claire.

The writing was captivating and story didn’t disappoint either. I’m very anxious to run and read everything she’s published and I really can’t wait for Tate’s book! #NeedIt


ALWAYS KIND OF LOVE
I love Ethan McCord. That is all. Not only is he a hot as sin firefighter, but the man can cook. Yes, please! Risking Everything by Amanda Siegrist was such a great introduction to her McCord Family series. I loved the second chance romance between Ethan and Penelope. They had everything I love in a great couple, heat, heart, and great banter. As much as I loved watching them volley one-liners at each other I also adored the way they loved each other. Especially how caring and protective Ethan could be. From dealing with assumed unrequited love to trauma in the form of PTSD and panic attacks to a dangerous arsonists, I couldn’t help but be pulled into the story from page one.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,582 reviews123 followers
November 25, 2019
5 Stars

Risking Everything: A Steamy Anthology of First Responders is a charity anthology, with all proceeds going to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. So, not only do you get ten superb stories from ten talented authors when you purchase Risking Everything, but you will also be helping out a very worthy charity in the process.
All the stories focus on the theme of ‘first responders’ from Firefighters, to Police Officers, EMT’s to Collision Investigators, and dedicated Emergency Dispatcher- are just a few of the many first responders who play a part in this fantastic book.
We get to see these everyday heroes as ‘real people’ with real issues and emotions. We get to look behind their professional mask, to the person behind the ‘job’. I really thought the authors did a great job of showing their characters vulnerabilities, quirks, and flaws. It made them all quite ‘real’, and entirely believable. It also made for some emotive reading which tugged at my heartstrings.
There is s define spicy element to the anthology too, which will keep you warm while you are reading. So, what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a copy and dive in. I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Thank you to all the contributing authors!
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,661 reviews179 followers
November 3, 2019
This is a review for Walk the Line by Harlow Layne.

Drama, steam and a hot cop. Sign me up! I DEVOURED this book. The moment I started reading the story I got sucked into the story and had to know what was going to happen next. Everything about this is completely addicting.

Claire was injured in an accident and found comfort in her rescuer, Gage. There was instant chemistry between the two of them. I loved that Gage felt the instant need to protect her no matter what. Gage is a little hesitant when it comes to Claire though, because the things he knows from his job and his twin brother.

I loved this story, I loved Claire and Gage. I couldn’t get enough of it and I can’t wait for more of the Walker Brother’s. Walk the Line is a great introduction to Tate’s (Gage’s twin) story and I can’t wait to see where this mystery leads us.

A MUST READ and a great introduction to a new series and to Harlow’s fantastic writing.




Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
November 8, 2019
I have only read Beautiful Persuasion by A.K. MacBride so far and this is my review for that story.

After the way Rae’s last relationship ended she is questioning her judgment when it comes to men, but during a girl’s night accepting a bet could be the best decision she ever made. Griffin has recently moved to town looking for a fresh start and trying to heal from a tragedy when a beautiful woman approaches him at the bar.

There is no denying the chemistry and connection between them but will Rae have to choose between her love for Griffin and loyalty to her brother?
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