Risk and Reward ~ Rachael Duncan

 

Grass isn't always greener...

DIVORCE.

I never dreamed this would become my reality. 

But it is.

After feeling neglected and alone for far too long, I end it,

Blindsiding my husband in the process. 

He's hurt, torn, and confused, 

Never expecting me to leave.

His pain tears at my heart, begs me to stay.

And I almost do.

Almost. 

Moving on isn't as easy as it seems.

The memories tap at my conscience,

Reminding me of what I'm missing,

What I used to have.

But, I walked away,

From the man I promised forever,

Possibly making the worst mistake of my life.

I've let go, given myself a promise of a new life, new hope.

But does the other side have more risk than reward? 

Warning: Emotional Roller Coaster!

I read Risk and Reward in one day. I loved it. Rachael tackles the hard topic of divorce and the effects that it has on both parties. While the story is in Charlotte’s view, we see what her decision does to Nate. This book also tells us what we put our significant others through. While not meaning to, many of us take advantage of what our partner in life is giving us. The comfort, companionship…..it’s always there so we don’t necessarily go the extra mile like we do at the beginning of a relationship. The “I Love Yous” become a regular thing and don’t have the excitement and it doesn’t cause the same flutters like they used to.

Rachael really dives in to what both characters did to cause their marriage to break up. Unfortunately, Charlotte doesn’t realize what she didn’t do to help their case until it was possibly too late. She was so determined to move on, I mean kudos to her, but her anger clouded where she could have gone wrong too.

I think Nate realizes exactly what he did wrong as soon as Charlotte utters the words “I want a divorce.” That being said, he knows his wife and knows she won’t listen to a word he says, so he sets out to prove how much she means to him. Charlotte’s stubbornness and determination pushes her to move out, get a new job and think that she is over Nate, which makes it difficult for him to complete what he needs to.

I rooted for Charlotte and Nate from the beginning. You could see from flashbacks how in love they were and all the time they shared together. The ups and downs, with the downs being really hard. The time apart from each other was emotional and dramatic. That’s why I say this is an emotional roller coaster. Hits you right in the feels.

I love Rachael’s writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 books I have read of hers. They keep me interested and wondering what would happen next. I cannot wait for the next story in this series!! 

Calculated Risk ~ Rachael Duncan

I thought the ring on my finger would do the trick and keep men away. All I wanted was to save my heart from shattering--again. The truth is, I'm not married. The ring was just a ploy--a ploy to keep me safe, protected from pain.

But then Marcus Riley came along with his goofy pick-up lines, and he saw right through the facade. He knew the truth, and he wanted me. God help me, I wanted him too--in so many ways. But love is a risk, a painful, scary risk. One I'm too afraid to take.

Unless...

He's the one risk worth taking.

But it just might come at a price.

I really enjoyed Calculated Risk. Rachael Duncan is a fav of mine, so I didn't even read the blurb before signing up. I wasn't sure what the premise was, but the plot twists and little suspense she threw in with Marcus and Lydia's love story, totally sucked me in. I finished the book in a few days! Her writing was smooth and the story flowed really well.

I will say Lydia’s reservations about not getting hurt again were warranted, but at times I just wanted to smack some sense in to her. All men are not the same and it bothered me a bit that she gave Marcus such a hard time at the beginning. That being said, Marcus worked for her attention and made sure she knew she was special. That sealed my approval for him.

Marcus is a smart and sexy cop. Hello! What’s not to like?! He’s definitely persistent and has a great personality. I loved his quirky pick up lines. He made me giggle a few times. We could tell he was head over heels for Lydia and we could tell he was definitely not like Lydia’s ex. I saw it right away, so I was hoping it wouldn’t take Lydia so long, but I know her last relationship was a disaster.

I loved the other characters in the book too. Lydia’s friends were supportive, but at the same time had to exert some tough love. I cannot wait to see them in their own stories. 

First and Last ~ Rachael Duncan

 Mia’s my best friend.

We’ve been inseparable since she moved next door when we were six years old. Then it all changed.

I don’t know when or why, but suddenly I want more. I wanther. The problem was she didn’t.

At first.

But everything changes when you cross that line between friends and lovers. 

I thought convincing her to give us a chance would be my biggest hurdle. Little did I know that was only the beginning. 

Mia consumes all of my thoughts when we’re apart, and all of my senses when we’re together. There’s no going back to the way things were and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she isn’t just my first, but also my last.

Will we be able to hold on, or will our relationship go up in flames?

First of all, I absolutely love this cover!! Holy Hotness!! 

I really liked First and Last!! My heart broke a couple of times there, but thankfully Rachael put it back together. 

This story is told completely from Blake’s point of view. I was surprised it was all from the male’s perspective, but I think Rachael did a great job writing him. He was definitely one of those book boyfriends you want to hold on to. A little sappy, yes, but a definite lover. Did he make mistakes? Absolutely, but he always did so with good intentions. He did everything for Mia.

Mia was kind of like the dude in this relationship. She was very hesitant to get in to the relationship with Blake since they were best friends since being kids. At the same time, she was all in when they did start dating. She was a great heroine, super sweet, beautiful and smart. These two were meant for each other, which made some of Blake’s decisions give me heart burn.

The twists and flashbacks kept me teary-eyed. The story was not how I was expecting it to be told and without giving too much away, the ending, just ahhh. Then the epilogue in Mia’s perspective….GAH!! Get your box of tissues!

Hopeless Vows ~ Rachael Duncan

It was a modern take on an arranged marriage that was supposed to lead to my happily ever after. The rules were simple: 

1. Marry a complete stranger chosen for you by professionals.
2. Live together as man and wife for eight weeks while cameras record your every move.
3. Make a decision to stay together or get a divorce.

Call me crazy, but I had complete faith in the process, until I saw who was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Austin James has never met me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know him. With no other choice, I say my vows and pray I can make it through the next eight weeks. Then I’ll leave. What connects us is my best kept secret, and I’ll protect it at all costs even if that means walking away from the only person I’ve ever cared about. 

I absolutely loved Hopeless Vows!! Bravo Rachael Duncan!! She was able to take this fast growing concept of reality TV and enter a new twist…. “First Comes Marriage.” Such a different concept and great idea!

I had insta-love for Austin and Jillian. They are such a sweet couple and diving in to a social experiment like this could not have been easy. I mean, there is so much angst that goes in to planning a wedding anyway, imagine not know who you were marrying! Crazy, I know, but these two pulled it off and their chemistry could be felt instantly. Even though Austin was all in from the on-set, it took Jillian some time to let her guard down. Most women do not meet a man like Austin in their lifetime, so for Jillian to be paired with him…..Jackpot!!!

Through their own secrets and insecurities, which every couple has, they were able to grow strong. That is until this explosive twist comes into play (Darn you Rachael!!!), along with some nasty people that I still want to punch in the throat. I was a mess and had to close the door to my office to finish reading to find out what happens. (Sorry, work, but I was sucked in and needed to cry in peace.) Completely hit me in the feels!!