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Worth the Risk
When everything's at stake, how close is too close?
Forensic Psychologist, Grace Weatherford, wants her old job back with the Covert Intelligence Squad, but on her own terms. Yet when CIS offer up a case with a mysterious female perp at the centre, she can't say no. The catch? Grace's speciality is undercover guidance – she now has to go all in.
Nadia Florescu is nobody's fool. She's survived worse than the grim CIS cells and suffered in ways Grace cannot imagine. So giving up the names that CIS demands is a game she can play and win – no matter the cost.
When their worlds collide, and Nadia's shocking story begins to unravel, professional lines blur. But is Nadia really who she says she is? And how many boundaries will Grace cross for justice – and an uncompromising and beautiful suspect?
Forensic Psychologist, Grace Weatherford, wants her old job back with the Covert Intelligence Squad, but on her own terms. Yet when CIS offer up a case with a mysterious female perp at the centre, she can't say no. The catch? Grace's speciality is undercover guidance – she now has to go all in.
Nadia Florescu is nobody's fool. She's survived worse than the grim CIS cells and suffered in ways Grace cannot imagine. So giving up the names that CIS demands is a game she can play and win – no matter the cost.
When their worlds collide, and Nadia's shocking story begins to unravel, professional lines blur. But is Nadia really who she says she is? And how many boundaries will Grace cross for justice – and an uncompromising and beautiful suspect?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2021
46 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Chard
2 books63 followersCrystal loves travelling, driving around in her Fiji green Z3, and singing (wailing) along to power ballads. Her early experience in the field of psychotherapy began an ongoing fascination with human behaviour and a need to understand what makes people ‘tick’. She enjoys exploring this through her characters. Crystal hopes to sell heaps of books, so she can quit her day job, packing toilet parts in a dusty warehouse, which is really not that glamorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 15, 2021
Full disclosure: I read an early version of this book and loved most of it. I read the final novel for this review and loved it even more.
4.5⭐️ – Don’t pick up this book on any given day. Choose the right time. It’s not an easy read. There’s a beautiful love story but there’s also a lot of hard, depressing things happening. It’s written on the cover, Worth the Risk is a “gritty psychological romance”. You’ve been warned. It definitely is gritty.
After a huge mistake that almost cost her team an arrest and ended with her getting shot, forensic psychologist Grace never expected the Covert Intelligence Squad (CIS) to want her back. So when her former colleague asks for her help on a case, she’s wary but intrigued. Even more so when it turns out she won’t be guiding an undercover agent this time, she will be the one going in.
Depending on your willingness to believe in the human soul’s weakness, you might have to suspend your disbelief. I went along, but I can see why not everyone would. Because yes, Grace will fall for the suspect even though she’s a professional. But nothing is what it seems in the world and the villains might not be the designated ones.
If you’ve read Crystal Chard’s debut, Rough Around The Edges (if you haven’t, you should), don’t expect more of the same. I loved both books for very different reasons. What they have in common is good writing and characters you can’t help loving. Grace’s smarts and ability to read others are not foolproof and is it okay to do the right thing for the wrong reasons? Nadia’s been through so much and she appears emotionless, but Grace, with patience, empathy, and that little je ne sais quoi that makes two people connect despite everything, will get her to open up, and that’s when her strength will shine.
I’m not going to delve too deep into what I love in this book because it’s very easy to spoil and we can’t have that, can we? I’ll just say that it hurts, in that the heavy topics I alluded to at the beginning of this review are very real. Crystal Chard didn’t have to make up any of the awful things her characters are up against, and some of the horror is described on the page. The fact that I believe these sections are necessary doesn’t make them any easier to read. Humans suck sometimes. Violence and cruelty exist. If you’re looking for escapism, keep this book for another time. If, however, you’re willing to dive into the darkness of the world, Grace and Nadia make it all worth it. They’re flawed, they’re hardened, they’re strong, they’re endearing when you least expect them to be. Though my favourite character may very well be Leslie, Grace’s sister, whose immaturity sometimes gives way to the most accurate albeit surprising insights. This book is a reminder that while there are a lot of awful people doing awful things, there are also a lot of people fighting the good fight, and winning often enough that it doesn’t all seem pointless. Grace’s former colleagues are a good example of what I like in secondary characters. They’re complex, have their own motivation, and feel very much like people I could know.
It wouldn’t be a romance if it didn’t end with hope. Grace and Nadia get their perfect happy ending in an imperfect world. I could totally picture them coming back for future world-saving adventures.
4.5⭐️ – Don’t pick up this book on any given day. Choose the right time. It’s not an easy read. There’s a beautiful love story but there’s also a lot of hard, depressing things happening. It’s written on the cover, Worth the Risk is a “gritty psychological romance”. You’ve been warned. It definitely is gritty.
After a huge mistake that almost cost her team an arrest and ended with her getting shot, forensic psychologist Grace never expected the Covert Intelligence Squad (CIS) to want her back. So when her former colleague asks for her help on a case, she’s wary but intrigued. Even more so when it turns out she won’t be guiding an undercover agent this time, she will be the one going in.
Depending on your willingness to believe in the human soul’s weakness, you might have to suspend your disbelief. I went along, but I can see why not everyone would. Because yes, Grace will fall for the suspect even though she’s a professional. But nothing is what it seems in the world and the villains might not be the designated ones.
If you’ve read Crystal Chard’s debut, Rough Around The Edges (if you haven’t, you should), don’t expect more of the same. I loved both books for very different reasons. What they have in common is good writing and characters you can’t help loving. Grace’s smarts and ability to read others are not foolproof and is it okay to do the right thing for the wrong reasons? Nadia’s been through so much and she appears emotionless, but Grace, with patience, empathy, and that little je ne sais quoi that makes two people connect despite everything, will get her to open up, and that’s when her strength will shine.
I’m not going to delve too deep into what I love in this book because it’s very easy to spoil and we can’t have that, can we? I’ll just say that it hurts, in that the heavy topics I alluded to at the beginning of this review are very real. Crystal Chard didn’t have to make up any of the awful things her characters are up against, and some of the horror is described on the page. The fact that I believe these sections are necessary doesn’t make them any easier to read. Humans suck sometimes. Violence and cruelty exist. If you’re looking for escapism, keep this book for another time. If, however, you’re willing to dive into the darkness of the world, Grace and Nadia make it all worth it. They’re flawed, they’re hardened, they’re strong, they’re endearing when you least expect them to be. Though my favourite character may very well be Leslie, Grace’s sister, whose immaturity sometimes gives way to the most accurate albeit surprising insights. This book is a reminder that while there are a lot of awful people doing awful things, there are also a lot of people fighting the good fight, and winning often enough that it doesn’t all seem pointless. Grace’s former colleagues are a good example of what I like in secondary characters. They’re complex, have their own motivation, and feel very much like people I could know.
It wouldn’t be a romance if it didn’t end with hope. Grace and Nadia get their perfect happy ending in an imperfect world. I could totally picture them coming back for future world-saving adventures.
December 23, 2021
This is HEAVY, and I do really mean that. Confronting, raw; a psychological thriller. Kindle Unlimited.
Our MC Grace is {supposedly} a highly skilled forensic psychologist in London, who has been asked to come back for a new case, after she had essentially messed up on the last one, causing the entire case to unravel, and her to be fired.
She quickly finds herself in over her head with Nadia. A Romanian/English woman who is under arrest as they are desperately trying to get her to turn evidence and name names, but she simply won't. She is guarded, and equally psychological adept as Grace. But we do not get to know her alleged crime, until late in the book. Which I think was a mistake.
This did feel too unbelievable, the whole setup of Grace coming in, as the only option after screwing up so badly, and them suddenly trusting her with a major witness/possible perpetrator of major crime, and yet NOT filling her in on the details to illicit the right information and help from the Nadia?? I struggled with the believability and ineptness of the people in charge.
I also struggled with believing the two women's ultimate connection they end up having, because most of the time both are playing an angle, being psychologically manipulative, although real moments do break out - it's still clear there's a lot hidden and shadowed around the edges, which means believing this deep connection in such a circumstance was a far too unconvincing.
Once we find out the crime and the circumstances, your heart just breaks open for Nadia, as it does for Grace. It's confronting, and despicable, and very hard to swallow. There's one graphic scene of a flashback and generalized information, that I would put a major trigger warning on, it's here under a spoiler:
This revelation also makes the more 'romantic' parts a lot harder to swallow. In my mind, there just wasn't enough work done to get to that point, when it happens. Plus Grace seemed to act very out of character in that moment, too. Not caring about her own education as a psychologist, the ramification for both of them being intimate, nor the professional boundary.
I get it, that's probably the entire point of the novel, both women finding it "Worth the Risk" as the title suggests, but I just didn't fully buy in. Plus I couldn't help but think how unhealthy it was for both Nadia and Grace to engage as they had at that point, and how Grace put aside so much professional knowledge {and personal success} to do so.
The ending broke me apart, further, but it did attempt to put me back together again. However the damage had been done.
EDIT: I've gone back and forth on my rating for this, everyone else loved it - but for me the believability and professional standards here weren't able to be swallowed. I get that a lot of it was part of a ploy, but it still screamed forced in many ways.
I also question the author not being up front about the plot, and trigger warnings for the book, with such a despicable raw subject matter.
Our MC Grace is {supposedly} a highly skilled forensic psychologist in London, who has been asked to come back for a new case, after she had essentially messed up on the last one, causing the entire case to unravel, and her to be fired.
She quickly finds herself in over her head with Nadia. A Romanian/English woman who is under arrest as they are desperately trying to get her to turn evidence and name names, but she simply won't. She is guarded, and equally psychological adept as Grace. But we do not get to know her alleged crime, until late in the book. Which I think was a mistake.
This did feel too unbelievable, the whole setup of Grace coming in, as the only option after screwing up so badly, and them suddenly trusting her with a major witness/possible perpetrator of major crime, and yet NOT filling her in on the details to illicit the right information and help from the Nadia?? I struggled with the believability and ineptness of the people in charge.
I also struggled with believing the two women's ultimate connection they end up having, because most of the time both are playing an angle, being psychologically manipulative, although real moments do break out - it's still clear there's a lot hidden and shadowed around the edges, which means believing this deep connection in such a circumstance was a far too unconvincing.
Once we find out the crime and the circumstances, your heart just breaks open for Nadia, as it does for Grace. It's confronting, and despicable, and very hard to swallow. There's one graphic scene of a flashback and generalized information, that I would put a major trigger warning on, it's here under a spoiler:
This revelation also makes the more 'romantic' parts a lot harder to swallow. In my mind, there just wasn't enough work done to get to that point, when it happens. Plus Grace seemed to act very out of character in that moment, too. Not caring about her own education as a psychologist, the ramification for both of them being intimate, nor the professional boundary.
I get it, that's probably the entire point of the novel, both women finding it "Worth the Risk" as the title suggests, but I just didn't fully buy in. Plus I couldn't help but think how unhealthy it was for both Nadia and Grace to engage as they had at that point, and how Grace put aside so much professional knowledge {and personal success} to do so.
The ending broke me apart, further, but it did attempt to put me back together again. However the damage had been done.
EDIT: I've gone back and forth on my rating for this, everyone else loved it - but for me the believability and professional standards here weren't able to be swallowed. I get that a lot of it was part of a ploy, but it still screamed forced in many ways.
I also question the author not being up front about the plot, and trigger warnings for the book, with such a despicable raw subject matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2021
Crystal Chard is the REAL DEAL!! After reading and rereading her debut novel, I didn’t think she had much room to improve. I was wrong. Although her second novel is completely different from her first, it is exceptional.
This story is sensational and ‘gritty psychological romance’ describes it best. Grace is a second chance Forensic Psychologist with the Covert Intelligence Squad after making a grave mistake on the job. Now, she has a second chance to make things right and get her job back in the process. Nadia is a woman with a mysterious and devastating past. The two women come together from different sides: law enforcement and criminal. Keeping things professional may just be too much to ask.
Worth the Risk is unique from other lesbian romance novels you’ll read. The subject matter is serious, and it stays that way through most of the book. If you are looking for a light romance, this is not for you. However, it is such a great book, I think it is WORTH THE RISK!
The main characters are so extremely well written that you feel every bit of their emotions. You sympathize and possibly empathize with them numerous times throughout the novel. I found myself constantly wondering what would happen next. What’s insane is that I never once predicted the outcome. Chard writes at an extremely high level. I feel both entertained and challenged at the same time.
I feel as if this book was two love stories in one, in a sense. It captures not only the romantic love of the two main characters but the love of sisters as well.
I truly could go on and on about Chard and her high level of writing, but I just want people to read her books and find out for themselves. This was, without hesitation, a 5-star review for me. I can’t wait to read more from Chard in the future.
**This book does have a content warning by the author, appropriately in my opinion.**
This story is sensational and ‘gritty psychological romance’ describes it best. Grace is a second chance Forensic Psychologist with the Covert Intelligence Squad after making a grave mistake on the job. Now, she has a second chance to make things right and get her job back in the process. Nadia is a woman with a mysterious and devastating past. The two women come together from different sides: law enforcement and criminal. Keeping things professional may just be too much to ask.
Worth the Risk is unique from other lesbian romance novels you’ll read. The subject matter is serious, and it stays that way through most of the book. If you are looking for a light romance, this is not for you. However, it is such a great book, I think it is WORTH THE RISK!
The main characters are so extremely well written that you feel every bit of their emotions. You sympathize and possibly empathize with them numerous times throughout the novel. I found myself constantly wondering what would happen next. What’s insane is that I never once predicted the outcome. Chard writes at an extremely high level. I feel both entertained and challenged at the same time.
I feel as if this book was two love stories in one, in a sense. It captures not only the romantic love of the two main characters but the love of sisters as well.
I truly could go on and on about Chard and her high level of writing, but I just want people to read her books and find out for themselves. This was, without hesitation, a 5-star review for me. I can’t wait to read more from Chard in the future.
**This book does have a content warning by the author, appropriately in my opinion.**
October 31, 2021
Absolutely worth the read…
This book was simply WOW! Crystal Chard maybe only two books in - but each one has been AMAZING! And I am a fan!
In “Worth the Risk” Crystal Chard takes on the thriller genre and weaves a tale filled with intrigue and smoldering tension.
The plot revolves around a forensic psychologist Grace who is trying to win back her place at CIS by trying to crack a case from an unco-operative and mysterious prisoner Nadia.
The story telling is gripping as the motivation behind why the CIS is holding Nadia is kept at bay and the tension just builds beautifully. As we are provided answers, the story again takes a twist and at the end there is so much emotion - it leaves you breathless and maybe a few lumps in your throat. The writing is soo good. Crystal even captures the grammatical inconsistencies one hears from someone who’s first language is not English and its details like these that just draw the reader in and in my mind it was like watching a movie unfurl.
This has easily become my best thriller for the year! 5 stars.
Fair warning: There are some disturbing situations described that could be hard to read for some.
This book was simply WOW! Crystal Chard maybe only two books in - but each one has been AMAZING! And I am a fan!
In “Worth the Risk” Crystal Chard takes on the thriller genre and weaves a tale filled with intrigue and smoldering tension.
The plot revolves around a forensic psychologist Grace who is trying to win back her place at CIS by trying to crack a case from an unco-operative and mysterious prisoner Nadia.
The story telling is gripping as the motivation behind why the CIS is holding Nadia is kept at bay and the tension just builds beautifully. As we are provided answers, the story again takes a twist and at the end there is so much emotion - it leaves you breathless and maybe a few lumps in your throat. The writing is soo good. Crystal even captures the grammatical inconsistencies one hears from someone who’s first language is not English and its details like these that just draw the reader in and in my mind it was like watching a movie unfurl.
This has easily become my best thriller for the year! 5 stars.
Fair warning: There are some disturbing situations described that could be hard to read for some.
November 29, 2021
I haven’t reviewed anything in months due to work/life, but wanted to do a quick “omg, I loved this!” because I did - more so than Chard’s first book (and I really, really liked that one too). Yes, it’s heavy and confronting, but also a beautiful story that’s well written. Definitely worth taking the risk on this one (see what I did there?) :)
November 4, 2021
To say never judge a book by its cover... I didn’t read the blurb, and somehow this cover gives me a joyful fluffy vibe. I was so wrong lol. The book is on a heavy subject with explicit detail that definitely is not for everyone, and it would be nice if there’s a CW for other readers.
I felt suffocated and hopeless and had no idea how the story would end because those ending you’re hoping for rarely happen in the real world. But then there’s light and hope and full of love that even deep down in your heart you know it’s too idealistic, but you just don’t care anymore, we all need that hope and love and happy ending even is fiction😭
I felt suffocated and hopeless and had no idea how the story would end because those ending you’re hoping for rarely happen in the real world. But then there’s light and hope and full of love that even deep down in your heart you know it’s too idealistic, but you just don’t care anymore, we all need that hope and love and happy ending even is fiction😭
January 24, 2025
4.5 Stars
Worth the Risk by Crystal Chard is an emotionally gripping novel that blends psychological depth with suspenseful storytelling. Before anything else, TW on very heavy topics such as human trafficking, SA and psychological trauma. Because I do not read fine print, I went in blind and got smacked in the face but I was too invested to retreat.
The author’s characters and scenes were complex and felt very authentic. The raw emotional layers woven into the characters’ interactions felt genuine, their struggles were portrayed with sensitivity and depth, like as a reader you have front row seats to someone’s therapy session. Despite the heavy themes, the author managed to balance the dark with a strong undercurrent of hope and perseverance. Another noteworthy aspects is the pacing. It was tight which kept me on edge 90% of the time and the writing style was quite immersive. Before you know it, you’re into deep.
Worth the Risk is a powerful story, with a blend of psychological thriller and suspenseful in a “Line of Duty” sort of way.
Worth the Risk by Crystal Chard is an emotionally gripping novel that blends psychological depth with suspenseful storytelling. Before anything else, TW on very heavy topics such as human trafficking, SA and psychological trauma. Because I do not read fine print, I went in blind and got smacked in the face but I was too invested to retreat.
The author’s characters and scenes were complex and felt very authentic. The raw emotional layers woven into the characters’ interactions felt genuine, their struggles were portrayed with sensitivity and depth, like as a reader you have front row seats to someone’s therapy session. Despite the heavy themes, the author managed to balance the dark with a strong undercurrent of hope and perseverance. Another noteworthy aspects is the pacing. It was tight which kept me on edge 90% of the time and the writing style was quite immersive. Before you know it, you’re into deep.
Worth the Risk is a powerful story, with a blend of psychological thriller and suspenseful in a “Line of Duty” sort of way.
November 3, 2021
Wow.
I’ve been waiting for this after reading her debut. And it’s surely worth the wait. Ms. Chard is not shy to write stories with themes that are almost taboo. And it’s not fade-to-black kind of thing, making the story feel more intense, making you feel a lot of feelings—anger, sympathy, disgust, and more anger. 😁
Okay, Ms. Chard. You have my full attention now. No pressure but when is the next one? 😅
I’ve been waiting for this after reading her debut. And it’s surely worth the wait. Ms. Chard is not shy to write stories with themes that are almost taboo. And it’s not fade-to-black kind of thing, making the story feel more intense, making you feel a lot of feelings—anger, sympathy, disgust, and more anger. 😁
Okay, Ms. Chard. You have my full attention now. No pressure but when is the next one? 😅
November 2, 2021
5 ⭐ ++
October 6, 2025
Grace a forensic psychologist has to unlock the secrets of arrested criminal Nadia and she has her work cut out.
The interogation cat and mouse between them was well written and compelling. Grace keeping professional and guarded tries to get the details of her past. Nadia counters with her own technique; seduction.
The plot itself has a very serious dark theme so its subsequently a slow burn romance.
Overall really enjoyed this book. Important subject matter covered with some care and attention. The author is underrated and creates strong believeable characters with depth.
Caution book has no trigger warnings and it probably should have.
The interogation cat and mouse between them was well written and compelling. Grace keeping professional and guarded tries to get the details of her past. Nadia counters with her own technique; seduction.
The plot itself has a very serious dark theme so its subsequently a slow burn romance.
Overall really enjoyed this book. Important subject matter covered with some care and attention. The author is underrated and creates strong believeable characters with depth.
Caution book has no trigger warnings and it probably should have.
January 17, 2022
This is by no means an easy or light read, but you should already know that from the line on the cover. This book is indeed gritty.
Grace is a forensic psychologist, she risked and lost her career at CIS because she made a wrong judgment call. For someone who should be top of her field she sure isn't the smartest. Grace is asked to return to CIS for a special case, one they believe only she can crack. The case she needs to work involves a female perp, Nadia, which is interesting because that doesn't happen too often. Grace is used to training the undercover agent that goes in, but now she is the one going in.
I already said Grace doesn't seem like the smartest and why I say this, Grace of course falls for the suspect. However much she wanted to be a professional about it all, she just couldn't, we all have our weaknesses. You can either go with it and be rewarded with a beautifully gritty story or just not read this book, those are the two options in my opinion.
Grace and Nadia are flawed and scarred by the life they lived. I believe their motivations are similar, their circumstances are different. By giving details about it I would probably be spoiling this book and I'd much rather you read it yourself. As said it's gritty, the author writes about some of the most gruesome and horrible acts people undertake. Humans can be so awful. And what's worse? The story doesn't feel fictional at all, because it could just be any other news story. It's a little disheartening and scary. For me, it was an absolute page-turner, even though I had to work the next day I read well into the night to finish this book. It's not full of suspense or some of the more standard things that keep you reading. It just has this certain something that made me want to read on. This book is super interesting, but you absolutely need to be in the right headspace to read this. If you're looking to escape the horrors of this world, a bit of escapism, leave it for another time. I would recommend reading this to anyone looking for a book that is different but still delivers on the hope that comes with a standard romance. It's beautifully gritty.
Grace is a forensic psychologist, she risked and lost her career at CIS because she made a wrong judgment call. For someone who should be top of her field she sure isn't the smartest. Grace is asked to return to CIS for a special case, one they believe only she can crack. The case she needs to work involves a female perp, Nadia, which is interesting because that doesn't happen too often. Grace is used to training the undercover agent that goes in, but now she is the one going in.
I already said Grace doesn't seem like the smartest and why I say this, Grace of course falls for the suspect. However much she wanted to be a professional about it all, she just couldn't, we all have our weaknesses. You can either go with it and be rewarded with a beautifully gritty story or just not read this book, those are the two options in my opinion.
Grace and Nadia are flawed and scarred by the life they lived. I believe their motivations are similar, their circumstances are different. By giving details about it I would probably be spoiling this book and I'd much rather you read it yourself. As said it's gritty, the author writes about some of the most gruesome and horrible acts people undertake. Humans can be so awful. And what's worse? The story doesn't feel fictional at all, because it could just be any other news story. It's a little disheartening and scary. For me, it was an absolute page-turner, even though I had to work the next day I read well into the night to finish this book. It's not full of suspense or some of the more standard things that keep you reading. It just has this certain something that made me want to read on. This book is super interesting, but you absolutely need to be in the right headspace to read this. If you're looking to escape the horrors of this world, a bit of escapism, leave it for another time. I would recommend reading this to anyone looking for a book that is different but still delivers on the hope that comes with a standard romance. It's beautifully gritty.
March 8, 2022
I should preface this review with the fact that I have two small children and since having them, I've been unable to stomach anything to do with any type of criminal acts towards children. I've even stopped reading as many crime novels as I used to and initially thought this would ease as time goes on but it hasn't. My brain just can't let it go once I read it.
I really wish this book came with a trigger warning. When we go into this, there isn't any warning to what this book deals with and I truly think this is integral for certain readers. I got through this read, but there's a few scenes that I know will stay with me for a long time. It's just the way my head works unfortunately and this is why I've stayed clear of certain genres and books. It'll replay when I least expect it, and it'll continue to impact me.
In saying this, there's an interesting plot in regard to the criminal element Nadia is involved in, however I didn't really believe the romance between the main characters, mainly because of the way it unfolds and where its set.
This book just wasn't for me.
I really wish this book came with a trigger warning. When we go into this, there isn't any warning to what this book deals with and I truly think this is integral for certain readers. I got through this read, but there's a few scenes that I know will stay with me for a long time. It's just the way my head works unfortunately and this is why I've stayed clear of certain genres and books. It'll replay when I least expect it, and it'll continue to impact me.
In saying this, there's an interesting plot in regard to the criminal element Nadia is involved in, however I didn't really believe the romance between the main characters, mainly because of the way it unfolds and where its set.
This book just wasn't for me.
February 17, 2022
This was a very intense story with a background of horrible human behavior. So sad that anyone has to endure this. The love story was fabulous and the type of story I truly enjoy.
November 8, 2021
*Warning: I tried to keep the spoilers at the minimum, but I couldn't not say something about the strong content in it.
Heart-gripping, eye-opening: it leaves you questioning what’s right and what’s not
After an unlucky past working as a forensic psychologist for the Covert Intelligence Squad, Grace Weatherford is confronted with the reality of her current situation: her temporary contract as advisor in a crime documentary series is about to end, and she has doesn’t know how to keep on living the life she has always lived. It’s only when Rory, an ex-colleague of hers, contacts Grace for a new assignment that she thinks she might as well go with the flow in her life and just think about what’s more important for her: having a job and keeping herself busy.
All her assumptions about what she has always wanted in life, and how righteous her life has been, will be questioned when the Covert Intelligence Squad assigns her to the new case of Nadia Florescu, a Romanian criminal with a mysterious past. Grace is supposed to extrapolate information out of Nadia, using her behavioral psychological skills and her deep knowledge of the human mind. But what happens when the tricks she relied all her life on start collapsing one after the other, and she’s faced with professional and personal dilemmas about what’s right and what’s not?
I recommend Worth the Risk to all the readers who are willing to rethink about how nowadays society is, how life can be easy on some of us and how it can be a never ending stair down to hell, where your only thought is how to survive, what makes you do the things you do in life, in order to survive, in order to protect what it’s sacred for you.
There are some very actual strong themes treated in the book, in relation to what Romania has been infamous for, but there are also some elements that will bring you joy and hope for the future generations. I’ve always been fascinated by Romania, and I must confess that it’s always been for the futile reason that I liked the mystery around the country and the past intertwined with that of Dracula. I’ve always wanted to see more this side, the desolated mountain-like country where people are simple and worked on the land and had a legendary past. But every time I’m in Italy and I turn on the television, I’m also confronted with the other side trafficking women, children, organs, stealing, together with the Italian malavita. In Italy, Romanian women are what are nowadays called “badanti” (in-home nurses), they are the cheap labor, while a lot of the men work in the farms. It’s a sad reality and it’s even sadder when it involves prostitution.
Worth the Risk plays with your emotions, it makes you crave for a happy ending, for justice. The psychological game between Grace and Nadia is so well written, that you end up asking yourself who’s the psychologist in it and who is playing who, if there’s a game to be played at all. Who is saving who?
Both women are wisely characterized, on one side, the stuck-up, stiff, miss-perfect, always doing what’s right, Grace Weatherford, and on the other side this apparent ice-queen void of all feelings and speech, Nadia.
I loved how their worlds collide into each other, how their relationship evolves and arrives to touch what’s prohibited. For Nadia, Grace means feeling “safe”, while for Grace, Nadia is anything but “safe”. Nadia makes Grace doubt of everything she thought was right, about her contempt in life, about her role as a human, about work being her only reference point: no friends, no one to love, no one to be loved by. It’s amazing how Nadia, who has never known love herself, manages to pull those strings and capture Grace’s heart.
I only feel admiration for Nadia’s character, such a strong woman, someone who repressed all her feelings, who was dead to the world, who had lost “her voice”, only to find it again thanks to Grace. And what a melodic, inspiring and beautiful voice she has. When spoken, her words cut like a knife, they bleed all the horrors of reality, the kind you switch off when you turn off the TV.
This book is heart-gripping. It will leave you with a sweet and sour taste, but with a lot of hope for the future. It plays with your sense of justice. It will punch you in the stomach and caress you till you are in tears.
Pain will never go away. Pain is a solitary animal. Each of us carry some of it, at some extent. What you can do is although share your pain, so that you know that you are not alone. Someone will listen to you. Someone will see you. Someone will have kind words for you, not pitiful, but understanding words.
Heart-gripping, eye-opening: it leaves you questioning what’s right and what’s not
After an unlucky past working as a forensic psychologist for the Covert Intelligence Squad, Grace Weatherford is confronted with the reality of her current situation: her temporary contract as advisor in a crime documentary series is about to end, and she has doesn’t know how to keep on living the life she has always lived. It’s only when Rory, an ex-colleague of hers, contacts Grace for a new assignment that she thinks she might as well go with the flow in her life and just think about what’s more important for her: having a job and keeping herself busy.
All her assumptions about what she has always wanted in life, and how righteous her life has been, will be questioned when the Covert Intelligence Squad assigns her to the new case of Nadia Florescu, a Romanian criminal with a mysterious past. Grace is supposed to extrapolate information out of Nadia, using her behavioral psychological skills and her deep knowledge of the human mind. But what happens when the tricks she relied all her life on start collapsing one after the other, and she’s faced with professional and personal dilemmas about what’s right and what’s not?
I recommend Worth the Risk to all the readers who are willing to rethink about how nowadays society is, how life can be easy on some of us and how it can be a never ending stair down to hell, where your only thought is how to survive, what makes you do the things you do in life, in order to survive, in order to protect what it’s sacred for you.
There are some very actual strong themes treated in the book, in relation to what Romania has been infamous for, but there are also some elements that will bring you joy and hope for the future generations. I’ve always been fascinated by Romania, and I must confess that it’s always been for the futile reason that I liked the mystery around the country and the past intertwined with that of Dracula. I’ve always wanted to see more this side, the desolated mountain-like country where people are simple and worked on the land and had a legendary past. But every time I’m in Italy and I turn on the television, I’m also confronted with the other side trafficking women, children, organs, stealing, together with the Italian malavita. In Italy, Romanian women are what are nowadays called “badanti” (in-home nurses), they are the cheap labor, while a lot of the men work in the farms. It’s a sad reality and it’s even sadder when it involves prostitution.
Worth the Risk plays with your emotions, it makes you crave for a happy ending, for justice. The psychological game between Grace and Nadia is so well written, that you end up asking yourself who’s the psychologist in it and who is playing who, if there’s a game to be played at all. Who is saving who?
Both women are wisely characterized, on one side, the stuck-up, stiff, miss-perfect, always doing what’s right, Grace Weatherford, and on the other side this apparent ice-queen void of all feelings and speech, Nadia.
I loved how their worlds collide into each other, how their relationship evolves and arrives to touch what’s prohibited. For Nadia, Grace means feeling “safe”, while for Grace, Nadia is anything but “safe”. Nadia makes Grace doubt of everything she thought was right, about her contempt in life, about her role as a human, about work being her only reference point: no friends, no one to love, no one to be loved by. It’s amazing how Nadia, who has never known love herself, manages to pull those strings and capture Grace’s heart.
I only feel admiration for Nadia’s character, such a strong woman, someone who repressed all her feelings, who was dead to the world, who had lost “her voice”, only to find it again thanks to Grace. And what a melodic, inspiring and beautiful voice she has. When spoken, her words cut like a knife, they bleed all the horrors of reality, the kind you switch off when you turn off the TV.
This book is heart-gripping. It will leave you with a sweet and sour taste, but with a lot of hope for the future. It plays with your sense of justice. It will punch you in the stomach and caress you till you are in tears.
Pain will never go away. Pain is a solitary animal. Each of us carry some of it, at some extent. What you can do is although share your pain, so that you know that you are not alone. Someone will listen to you. Someone will see you. Someone will have kind words for you, not pitiful, but understanding words.
October 27, 2021
Wow and Wow! Thank you, Crystal Chard, for writing such an outstanding and well written book. It certainly lived up to a ‘gritty psychological romance novel’ tag. After reading Crystal’s debut book RATE I didn’t think it could be topped, the bar was set high but this new book managed to exceed my expectations. I can’t imagine how challenging it is to write a book like Worth the Risk. This book touches on serious and dark themes and yet manages to have a touching romance as well, between Grace and Nadia who are the MC’s. The book is one of those ‘food for thought’ stories, no fluffy stuff just pure serious issues and well written story. This is one of those books for me which I love reading. You have two strong characters from different worlds, Grace is a Forensic psychologist and Nadia is a victim of circumstance, the book completely drags you in and makes you love both characters and empathising with Nadia. The later part of the book cranks up the gears, just gets better and better. Starting from the court scene and right up til the end, keeping you in suspense. I’m not a crier but the scene in jail caught me by surprise and made me choke up – happy tears. No spoilers you just need to read this book. Well done Crystal! It definitely was worth the read.
November 20, 2021
Another great book for Crystal Chard!
I started this at midnight thinking I'll just read myself to sleep. I was dead wrong. Finished it at 5AM in the morning. Worth it! XD
I started this at midnight thinking I'll just read myself to sleep. I was dead wrong. Finished it at 5AM in the morning. Worth it! XD
November 5, 2021
Take the time to read every word
I couldn’t put it down. The story engaged me and I felt the roller coaster emotions throughout as I connected so viscerally with the characters.
I couldn’t put it down. The story engaged me and I felt the roller coaster emotions throughout as I connected so viscerally with the characters.
January 8, 2022
I wish this book had a different crime then it would be 5* and all over every social media post.
Everything lured me in, the characters and their different worlds. The characters own identities and masks. The fact it was a suspect to interviewer table turner. The fact the perp was female. The fact the interviewer was going in blind. And the romance was truly as beautiful as an opera!
However, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. NO TRIGHER WARNINGS about a brutal rape and child sex trafficking. Life doesn't get more sick than that. That's DNF/ dont pick up material.
I literally feel sick that this is included and not "skip pages 1-3" or a different crime altogether!!! Please trigger warnings!
It sickens me that more books are published and become popular everyday with r*pe in it - regardless of genre. It shouldn't have a platform (unless perps are locked up).
However I'm glad the children were rehabilitated and there was work being done to keep children safe and out of sex trafficking and organ trafficking.
Seriosuly vile though. I don't know how to feel. But the writing was so brillaint and the author pushed you through rings to love the characters and feel so bad for them that they are an incredible author. Again if this was a different crime it would of blew my mind.
Everything lured me in, the characters and their different worlds. The characters own identities and masks. The fact it was a suspect to interviewer table turner. The fact the perp was female. The fact the interviewer was going in blind. And the romance was truly as beautiful as an opera!
However, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. NO TRIGHER WARNINGS about a brutal rape and child sex trafficking. Life doesn't get more sick than that. That's DNF/ dont pick up material.
I literally feel sick that this is included and not "skip pages 1-3" or a different crime altogether!!! Please trigger warnings!
It sickens me that more books are published and become popular everyday with r*pe in it - regardless of genre. It shouldn't have a platform (unless perps are locked up).
However I'm glad the children were rehabilitated and there was work being done to keep children safe and out of sex trafficking and organ trafficking.
Seriosuly vile though. I don't know how to feel. But the writing was so brillaint and the author pushed you through rings to love the characters and feel so bad for them that they are an incredible author. Again if this was a different crime it would of blew my mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
The tagline says it all
I loved it! This is not a 'fluffy' romance, but I knew that going in. It is a gritty, psychological romance. I loved the characters, the story (although parts were hard to read but I think it's important that we have stories like this), and the writing. This was the first book I have read by this author, it will not be my last.
I loved it! This is not a 'fluffy' romance, but I knew that going in. It is a gritty, psychological romance. I loved the characters, the story (although parts were hard to read but I think it's important that we have stories like this), and the writing. This was the first book I have read by this author, it will not be my last.
December 30, 2021
With this book Crystal Chard has established herself as a writer not afraid to tackle the tough topics. I always love discovering new authors who write outside the usual boxes in lesfic, and Worth the Risk offered me a plot that's unapologetic in its intensity.
Ms. Chard isn't shy with the difficult details, a lot is hard to swallow, but she trusts the reader and gives you the story in all it's raw and heartbreaking pieces.
The flashbacks into Nadia’s past worked really well for me. Without them it would have been difficult initially to connect with the character because of how she’s trying to protect herself in the present. But by giving me these snippets from her past it helped thaw some of the coldness, and you knew underneath there was a softer side that you hoped
Grace would get to know.
Leslie offered some lighthearted relief from the heaviness of Grace and Nadia's predicament, she let you breathe for a while before you were plunged back into the mystery. With Ana, Chard gave you the hope you needed to hold onto along with Nadia to survive her past.
The romance was slow and charged, the anticipation of what might happen between them building alongside the various "reveals", and the pacing of both totally worked.
I'm here for whatever Crystal decides to write next, and fully expect something as gut-wrenching and explosive.
Ms. Chard isn't shy with the difficult details, a lot is hard to swallow, but she trusts the reader and gives you the story in all it's raw and heartbreaking pieces.
The flashbacks into Nadia’s past worked really well for me. Without them it would have been difficult initially to connect with the character because of how she’s trying to protect herself in the present. But by giving me these snippets from her past it helped thaw some of the coldness, and you knew underneath there was a softer side that you hoped
Grace would get to know.
Leslie offered some lighthearted relief from the heaviness of Grace and Nadia's predicament, she let you breathe for a while before you were plunged back into the mystery. With Ana, Chard gave you the hope you needed to hold onto along with Nadia to survive her past.
The romance was slow and charged, the anticipation of what might happen between them building alongside the various "reveals", and the pacing of both totally worked.
I'm here for whatever Crystal decides to write next, and fully expect something as gut-wrenching and explosive.
December 23, 2021
This will be my only read (DNF) by this author. Ever. There is NEVER a reason to have child rape on screen. Not even a single instance. EVER. Hell I'll DNF for adult rape. But to a child? You should be banned from ever authoring a book again.
March 15, 2023
Deep and meaningful
Grace is trying to get her job back with Covert Intelligence when she takes the case of Nadia, who has been accused of awful things but they know she isn’t in it alone. Getting close to Nadia wasn’t what Grace had planned but when she learns what really happened for Nadia to find herself in the position she is, Grace is determined to get justice.
I loved this, despite it having quite dark themes and traumatic experiences, Crystal was careful, handling it all with the upmost sensitivity to deliver a very emotional story. Nadia’s experiences were painful but a reminder that no matter what you should never judge someone when you truly don’t know what they have been through. What happened to Nadia was what shaped her life and landed her in a difficult and trying position that again highlighted how let down some people are by justice systems that just want to put someone away for a crime without properly exploring whether they are actually guilty of what they have been accused.
My heart broke for Nadia because everything was deeply personal for her. Her motivations came only from a place of true love and she really risked everything trusting in Grace. Sharing her story wasn’t easy but when she finally opened up it was obvious that Grace wasn’t going to be able to just stand by and not act further on the information. The sacrifices Grace made were selfless and also came from a place of love after taking time to really get to know Nadia properly instead of making assumptions (although once emotionally invested she made a few).
A great story that really broke my heart and left me contemplative of how many people go through this treatment after they themselves have been the victim of horrible crimes. We really got to know Grace and Nadia so intimately it was hard not to get caught up in their story and wish them all the happiness in the world.
If you like a gritty drama with a touch of romance and great connection between two strong and brave women, this is the story for you.
Grace is trying to get her job back with Covert Intelligence when she takes the case of Nadia, who has been accused of awful things but they know she isn’t in it alone. Getting close to Nadia wasn’t what Grace had planned but when she learns what really happened for Nadia to find herself in the position she is, Grace is determined to get justice.
I loved this, despite it having quite dark themes and traumatic experiences, Crystal was careful, handling it all with the upmost sensitivity to deliver a very emotional story. Nadia’s experiences were painful but a reminder that no matter what you should never judge someone when you truly don’t know what they have been through. What happened to Nadia was what shaped her life and landed her in a difficult and trying position that again highlighted how let down some people are by justice systems that just want to put someone away for a crime without properly exploring whether they are actually guilty of what they have been accused.
My heart broke for Nadia because everything was deeply personal for her. Her motivations came only from a place of true love and she really risked everything trusting in Grace. Sharing her story wasn’t easy but when she finally opened up it was obvious that Grace wasn’t going to be able to just stand by and not act further on the information. The sacrifices Grace made were selfless and also came from a place of love after taking time to really get to know Nadia properly instead of making assumptions (although once emotionally invested she made a few).
A great story that really broke my heart and left me contemplative of how many people go through this treatment after they themselves have been the victim of horrible crimes. We really got to know Grace and Nadia so intimately it was hard not to get caught up in their story and wish them all the happiness in the world.
If you like a gritty drama with a touch of romance and great connection between two strong and brave women, this is the story for you.
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January 6, 2022I'm a bit torn with this book. I think the writing was good and the premise/characters were original and different enough to stand out. There were some twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.
The storyline bothered me for a number of reasons - not just the subject matter. There were a whole bunch of ethical issues with the set up and portrayal of both the main characters as well as the twists/machinations. And there were some big gaps in logic and credibility when it came to certain elements. I'm not sure I could buy that Grace would make the decisions that she did and fall so quickly/completely for Nadia.
The subject matter is important and I appreciate that the author took the chance on building a story around it. It is a bit difficult to square up the passionate romance between the mains and the fact It made for an awkward blend.
The storyline bothered me for a number of reasons - not just the subject matter. There were a whole bunch of ethical issues with the set up and portrayal of both the main characters as well as the twists/machinations. And there were some big gaps in logic and credibility when it came to certain elements. I'm not sure I could buy that Grace would make the decisions that she did and fall so quickly/completely for Nadia.
The subject matter is important and I appreciate that the author took the chance on building a story around it. It is a bit difficult to square up the passionate romance between the mains and the fact It made for an awkward blend.
November 2, 2021
So much better than the story I assumed
There's not a lot say here. Ms. Chard has written a book that's as inspirational as it is despairing. The sexual trafficking of young girls is abhorrent and real. That there's hope for women who've been through hell and survived is heartening and also a call to action for the rest of us.
There's not a lot say here. Ms. Chard has written a book that's as inspirational as it is despairing. The sexual trafficking of young girls is abhorrent and real. That there's hope for women who've been through hell and survived is heartening and also a call to action for the rest of us.
November 14, 2021
This book was superbly written, it made me laugh, cry, smile and feel a host of other emotions. I was in suspense on what would happen next and how things would end right up till the last page. I loved the characters, the story development and all the twists and turns. The book was gripping from start to finish and a must read for anyone!
November 13, 2021
I enjoyed Ms Chard's first book and was looking forward to her next. I was not disappointed with this one. Just beware that it deals with very heavy subjects and it might not be for everyone. Saying that, this book had me thinking and crying, a few days after I've read it. Maybe because I have lived a life where these sorts of things didn't touch me personally. I knew these things happened, but I was/am so blind and naive to how these things happen in real life.It's not an easy read, but it is so worth it. This was such an emotional read. Look forward to her next book ,but for now , I'm looking for a lite read to decompressed.
November 18, 2021
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book. The depths to which the characters are written is really amazing. Would recommend and just downloaded author’s other book
I really enjoyed this book. The depths to which the characters are written is really amazing. Would recommend and just downloaded author’s other book
December 1, 2021
great book with deep psychological aspects. however, there are several plot holes that make no sense. Like how Ana got inherited after their father's death if nobody knew who she is and the only official record was at the ophanage that someone under false name took them? and if their father was a powerful man, even in prison, wouldn't he do anything if he knew his daugther was sold to the brothel?
could the love this deep happen in 2 weeks?
well, if you just go with the flow and just absorb what the book said without thinking too much, it's definitely an enjoyable reading!
could the love this deep happen in 2 weeks?
well, if you just go with the flow and just absorb what the book said without thinking too much, it's definitely an enjoyable reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2022
I'm a psychologist and work with traumatised individuals and offenders. So much of the detail was off in this book, I found it really frustrating. A lot of the book was not at all believable.
In addition to that, not only was this psychologist not at all skilled, she abused an extremely vulnerable client who had a horrendously abusive past, prioritised what she wanted above her professional duty and the author passed this off as "romantic" and acceptable. It wasn't, Grace abused Nadia and got away with it.
In addition to that, not only was this psychologist not at all skilled, she abused an extremely vulnerable client who had a horrendously abusive past, prioritised what she wanted above her professional duty and the author passed this off as "romantic" and acceptable. It wasn't, Grace abused Nadia and got away with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down when I picked it up. The story line is so captivating and you get so attached to the characters! Absolutely amazing book
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