The book opens as Hannah Walker, a hippotherapy physical therapist, meets Stephan McKinney—a stranger who becomes infatuated with her at first sight. He wants to dine her, woo her, bed her, but all his plans go down the drain as she rejects him not once but twice, until she agrees.
The two of them could not be more different from each other; one is confident and arrogant, whereas the other is shy and unsure. Or more similar? Both carried a dark past—a nightmare they wanted to forget. They searched for a new start, but did each truly offer the fresh beginning the other hoped for? Or were they just a cruel reminder of what had happened to each other?
The Book Blurb
Two hearts locked away … Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.
Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night … or so he believes.
Both desperate for a second chance … Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again … to a side of himself he’s tried to forget… a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.
Characteristics
Stephen is portrayed as a billionaire playboy fighting his past and himself. A loving family who cares about him, but also serves as a reminder of what could be. He loves a challenge, and when Hannah rejects him, he gets intrigued. Something in her attracts him, but also scares him. He doesn’t want commitment, and she doesn’t do casual.
Hannah’s four elder brothers raised her like wolves guarding their own. Hannah’s four elder brothers raised her like wolves guarding their own. They fiercely protect her, not just as brothers, but with the vigilance of parents, shaped by the scars she’s endured and the kind of watchful strength that people who serve to protect others often show.. A recipe for disaster.
Hannah wanted to experience something new. Wanted to step out of her comfort zone, which becomes hard when three of your brothers think you are making a huge mistake by getting in contact with Stephan.
Hannah has already faced a lot in her life. Now she doesn’t want a heartbreak in the list, but Stephen attracts her, makes her feel safe in a way she never felt before.
The book Vibe
Worth the Risk gives off the vibe of change, of embracing something new. To get out of your comfort zone, even if it ends up hurting you, cause sometimes, it is Worth the Risk.
The book also beautifully embraces the dynamics of family. The love between brothers and how they show up for each other, no matter what. It highlights the challenges faced by differently abled children and offers a fresh perspective on how we can support them. It also shows how reconnecting with nature can bring healing and help in countless ways.
The book also talks about the horrors faced by women at the hands of psychos.
Let’s talk spice
The book has a medium level of open-door spice. Cause let’s be real, even in the most critical circumstances, we crave the touch of another human skin, and this was their journey of moving forward.
The story might be seen as a slow burn. Especially if you count the first kiss—which doesn’t happen until around the 40% mark—as the turning point.
Content Warning: PTSD, violence against women, body scars, panic attacks, torture, and blood
The Takeaway
At times, I felt the story lost touch with certain smaller details. The author brings up various past scenarios, but fails to fully explain or follow them through. It often felt like some key pieces of background information—details that would have added depth and clarity—were missing.
I liked the book and really appreciated its theme. I won’t recommend this book to everyone, but you should definitely give it a try.
⭐ 4.2/5 stars: Liked it, would recommend.
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