Risking It All

Sep 26, 2012 AJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, romantic, steamy, kindle

I’m really torn over how to rate this book. I absolutely loved the beginning. A friends to lovers story set 12 years after Kennedy and Memphis met in College, and became instant, if unlikely, friends. It reminded me very much of Travis and Abby from Beautiful Disaster - if they had never actually gotten together. But towards the end, the book dissolved into a love triangle that became a bigger issue than it really needed to be, and turned an otherwise likable heroine into an absolute idiot.

But f...more

like 15 likes · see review

Sep 29, 2012 ✿Alyssa✿ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Shelves: favorites

To sum it up: Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.

Twelve years later Kennedy and Memph...more

like 10 likes · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

For whatever reason, I never read the summary past the first paragraph and thought this was a mature YA/new adult book.

Then I went back right before I started and read the summary and glanced briefly at the GR shelving and thought I was going to be reading an erotic book.

If I'd taken more than 10 seconds to look, I would have found that this is a contemporary romance.

Note to self number 1 : figure out what you're reading before you start, so you're not completely puzzled about why you were expe...more

like 10 likes · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: september-2012

Reviewed at http://toughcriticbookreviews.blogspo...

This book found my "g" spot! BEST FRIEND ROMANCES!

In fact, that's what attracted me to Risking it All to begin with. Nothing's better than BFFFF's (best friends forever finally f**ing). It's like my Christmas!

First, let me tell you the things about the book that ~~turned me on~~ I loved. Memphis Adams! Sex with Memphis Adams, all things Memphis Adams! Seriously, Jennifer Schmidt knows how to write ~~sex~~ physical intimacy. I really think the flames on...more

like 13 likes · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Sara (is in love with boys who love boys) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-ng, erotica, friends-to-lovers, romance

I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

I could not be more pleased with this book at this moment. I stayed up until 1am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. I could not go to sleep and not know what happened!

Kennedy Monroe meets the handsome, charming and womanizing Memphis Adams in college. Firmly stating that she would NOT sleep with him the two become friends, best friends and a friendship that l...more I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

I could not be more pleased with this book at this moment. I stayed up until 1am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. I could not go to sleep and not know what happened!

Kennedy Monroe meets the handsome, charming and womanizing Memphis Adams in college. Firmly stating that she would NOT sleep with him the two become friends, best friends and a friendship that lasts 12 years. Through their relationship they have always been there for one another, supporting and encouraging each others paths in life. Though Kennedy has a boyfriend (Brooks) Memphis is there for her when she needs it the most, and is there for her when Brooks is not.

Memphis a travel photographer, gets an assignment in Alaska which just happens to be the one place Kennedy has been dreaming of going. He invites her to go with him and what we find between these two long time friends is the decision to Risk it All or not.

Memphis and Kennedy have great chemistry, both as friends and more. The way they both know each other so well makes this such an interesting read. I found myself falling in love with Memphis from the beginning and just wanting him to have everything he deserves. Kennedy was really confused with her decision she needed to make and I felt for her, it wasn’t simple though it really seemed that way.

One of my favorite scenes was in the cabin when Kennedy tells Memphis their first kiss wasn’t about Brooks…that scene was so intense it rivaled the speech Holden (Ben Affleck) gives Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in the car in the movie Chasing Amy! There was so much emotion just spilling from her mouth and then when he responds “Are you done?” Holy Hot Sex Scene! Can I get a high five for sex on the wall/door! Goodness that scene was steamy. Ms. Schmidt really has these scenes down; I could not get enough of them. The scenes are not just about sex; they portray the emotion, sensuality, playfulness and down right levels of erotica that had me blushing. I can say that I have never thought of a handicap bathroom being as sexy as I did in this book. I need a fan and a glass of cold water please.

Memphis Adams ranks high on my list of hot, romantic men in books. He is up there with Brian Ross from Rock Me and Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless/Effortless.

Risking it All takes you on a journey of emotions; the ones you wear on your sleeve and the ones you keep deep inside because of fear. Friendship, lust, love, angst, anger, happiness, fear, frustration and more…it is all in this book! The story doesn’t make you feel like a voyeur but draws you in that you become one with the characters. I felt Kennedy’s struggle as well as Memphis trying to do what was right regardless of what he felt. I even felt something for Brooks though it wasn’t kind at all. I cannot get my favorite scenes out of my head and that always leads me to how I will rate the book. I am giving this book 5 stars; I cannot stop thinking about the story and I have taken way too long writing the review because I kept getting lost going over my favorite scenes.(less)

like 11 likes · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Natasha is a Book Junkie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

This is one of those books that will appeal to the friends-first-lovers-later romantics of the world. Kennedy and Memphis (such rockstar names!) have been best friends since college. They agreed early on that their friendship was simply too precious to both of them to ruin it by sleeping together. They are always there for each other, open and honest, keeping no secrets from one another, except … that they actually would like nothing more than reconsider the no-sex policy. While Kennedy is in a...more This is one of those books that will appeal to the friends-first-lovers-later romantics of the world. Kennedy and Memphis (such rockstar names!) have been best friends since college. They agreed early on that their friendship was simply too precious to both of them to ruin it by sleeping together. They are always there for each other, open and honest, keeping no secrets from one another, except … that they actually would like nothing more than reconsider the no-sex policy. While Kennedy is in a committed relationship with a self-involved workaholic who is never there for her when it counts, Memphis is still the incorrigible two-week-relationship-record womaniser.

Memphis asks Kennedy to accompany him to Alaska on a business trip where he is meant to take photos of a new couples resort. Even before they reach their romantic destination, one night after her boyfriend didn’t show up at another important milestone in her life, Kennedy and Memphis kiss. They both want to dismiss the kiss as a drunken mistake but secretly they are overwhelmed by how right it felt to kiss one another. So they leave for Alaska. Beautiful sceneries, romantic activities, open fires, you would think they would be at ‘it’ like bunnies, but instead all they do is fight. Yes, they do end up having steaming-hot sex and all but they just can’t stop fighting, on and on… It felt like a game of push and pull - I want you, you don’t want me, I don’t want you, you want me, …. Argh!!! I was pulling my own hair. The chemistry between them was sizzling and undeniable but it got so annoying listening to them bickering about their relationship, doubting each other, never finishing a damn thought, that half way through I was already spent.

I understand that when two people have been best friends for so long as Kennedy and Memphis have, the scariest thing is to lose that friendship by taking it to the next level. They were a perfect match in every possible way. They made each other better and stronger people and a deeper connection between them could have made it all even better, but bringing sex into the equation also had the potential of destroying everything. I understood why they were both so reluctant and spooked by it but their ups and downs were making me dizzy. Kennedy also had the added complication of the boyfriend back home, Brooks. He was not the man she hoped he would be, he was neglectful and he didn’t make her feel the way Memphis did, but he offered her stability, something that Memphis up to that point didn’t even have in his DNA. She is torn - I am with Brooks, I shouldn’t be doing this, I don’t want to be with Brooks anymore, I should be doing this… So she runs back home to ‘think things through’. Personally, I would have suggested a lobotomy at this point…

We do get a nice little HEA in the end and all is right in the world, but I was left unsure about the ‘journey’ to that HEA. I know that I sound overly critical of this story and all this might appear to be in conflict with the high number of stars I am giving this book, but I actually enjoyed reading it and never, not even once, wanted to give up and not finish it. It fed the masochistic romance glutton in me and I enjoyed it for the same reasons I occasionally sneak a peek at Bold and the Beautiful to see who is sleeping with whom and who is pulling whose hair. No judging please. It was well written, it was engaging even though the engagement on my part included pulling my own hair at times, and I am glad I read it.

~ N ♥

See this review on my blog!(less)

like 3 likes · see review

Aug 14, 2012 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I really loved this book! Something about these two characters really crawled right under my skin! Sometimes there is just a book that grabs you and holds on tight all the way through and this was that book for me!

Any one who knows me knows that I am a total sucker for a friends to lovers story and that is really what this wonderful book was but with so much more!

In college Kennedy Monroe heard all the gossip about Memphis Adams and knew there was no way she was going to simply be another notch...more I really loved this book! Something about these two characters really crawled right under my skin! Sometimes there is just a book that grabs you and holds on tight all the way through and this was that book for me!

Any one who knows me knows that I am a total sucker for a friends to lovers story and that is really what this wonderful book was but with so much more!

In college Kennedy Monroe heard all the gossip about Memphis Adams and knew there was no way she was going to simply be another notch on his bedpost and told him exactly that. Memphis decides that he wants Kennedy as a friend too much to simply had sex with and alas, a beautiful friendship is born! They become inseparable, best friends.

Over a decade later and they are both adults in the real world and still thick as thieves. When Kennedy begins to realize her long time doctor boyfriend just may not be the one for her she starts to wonder if the one for her has been with her all along. Knowing that bringing sex and her feelings into the equation with Memphis could ruin what they have Kennedy is very hesitant, especially since she doesn't believe he feels anything more than friendship for her, until the one amazing kiss....

Memphis has been in love with Kennedy for as long as he can remember and was content to be her friend but that is all about to change. A photographer, Memphis has an assignment in Alaska, someplace Kennedy had always wanted to go so he asks her to come along. Things don't go exactly as planned but I will say this is where EVERYTHING changes! From this point on I felt the story became very emotionally charged and at times I actually wanted to smack Kennedy in the face my own self but I soon realized, like the rest of you will, that she just needed to work everything out on her own to come to the right conclusion. The thing I loved most about this book was the authors ability to show the true strength of the friendship between Kennedy and Memphis above all else.

If you are a fan of friends to lovers stories please give this one a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!!

***This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley!(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Aug 15, 2012 Lee Anne - Give me a Good Romance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, for-review-not-lendable, romance

This is a wonderful story of two best friends, risking it all for love. I read this all in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! My heart bled for Kennedy and Memphis. They kept trying and doing everything wrong.

Memphis and Kennedy definitely had that spark and energy of two people dying to be more than friends, but neither one was willing to take that chance. Once they did finally take the plunge, they kept saying and doing the wrong things. They just ended up hurting each other as only...more

like 3 likes · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, romance, netgalley, 2012, e-book, angst

Kennedy Monroe was warned away from bad boy Memphis Adams in her first year of university; she had only to watch all of his bitter and dejected one night stand's to see why. But when she met him, she found herself becoming his friend instead of his latest conquest - and the two have been best friends ever since.

Twelve years have gone by since that first meeting, and with Memphis's support Kennedy has finally made it as an artist with her own exhibition - never mind what her parents wanted her t...more Kennedy Monroe was warned away from bad boy Memphis Adams in her first year of university; she had only to watch all of his bitter and dejected one night stand's to see why. But when she met him, she found herself becoming his friend instead of his latest conquest - and the two have been best friends ever since.

Twelve years have gone by since that first meeting, and with Memphis's support Kennedy has finally made it as an artist with her own exhibition - never mind what her parents wanted her to do. Memphis is a successful photographer for a travel magazine, and gets to fly around the world to snap locations - and he's still a commitment-phobe, or so Kennedy has always believed. Kennedy doesn't have that problem: for two years now she's been going out with the head neurosurgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, Ian Brooks. Over a decade older than her, he seems to be everything she wants, and yet his job always comes first and he never wants to talk about the baby they lost just months into their relationship, no matter how devastated Kennedy is by the loss.

Things become even rockier with Brooks when he forgets to turn up for the opening of her exhibition, while Memphis is, of course, there for her. When Memphis tells her he's going to Alaska again to photograph a new resort and talked the owner into letting him bring a guest, Kennedy jumps at the chance. She's never travelled, and has wanted to see Alaska since she saw the photos from his previous trip. And it will give her time to decide whether she will keep trying with Brooks or simply end it, though her feelings are even more confused after the drunken kiss she shared with Memphis the night of her exhibition.

In Alaska, things change between the best friends, when their growing sexual tension explodes into fulfilment. But what does it mean, really? Kennedy is now torn between her best friend and her boyfriend. She'd like nothing more than to be with Memphis, but she doesn't believe he's looking for something long-term and permanent, whereas Brooks is stable, predictable. Mostly. Things get even messier when she returns early to Vancouver and Brooks wants to start over. Kennedy's fear of being alone threatens to cause her to make a decision she will always regret.

This is an intense, emotionally-taught story in the vein of Beautiful Disaster and similar contemporary romances, with boiling sexual tension and some serious angst. I have a mixed reaction to this, as I usually do with such stories: on the one hand, I loved the sexual tension, it was practically throbbing on the page, and I easily let myself get sucked into the story, like watching a soap opera (which I don't do - this is as close as I get). But the angst was so much, and Kennedy's flaws, her insecurities and the things she put the two men through because of them, did make me gnash my teeth. I tend to look on the positive side: I cared enough to be annoyed. Nothing worse than reading a book and feeling completely disinterested.

The drama - or melodrama, as you could easily call it - was something I enjoyed while reading it, and afterwards felt a bit surprised at myself for getting into it as much as I did. I put the success of that down to Schmidt's compulsive writing style, which flows well from scene to scene and has that dose of realism that really makes it come alive in your head. It's easy to visualise the story, and get caught up in the characters' lives.

But Kennedy, oh Kennedy! She has me conflicted because, adhering to that realism I mentioned above, she's a likeable character, a woman who's worked hard to be independent and follow her own interests and make a career out of it. She values her friendships. She respects Memphis even though she secretly thinks he's a womaniser. And I could empathise with - or at least understand - why she stuck it out with Brooks. Even though they weren't living together, Kennedy's fears and insecurities around losing him and being alone were understandable, even if they were too often the basis of causing hurt to others - including Brooks. Her fears were all too understandable, including her worry about giving in to the intense sexual tension between her and Memphis - introducing sex could destroy their friendship, and she doesn't feel that she could live with that.

You can see Kennedy's flaws clearly from early on, her fears, but it takes Memphis pointing them out to her in a moment of raw honesty for her to really own up to them. By that point, I wanted to shake her myself, and I was proud of Memphis for putting his foot down and stopping her from dicking him around constantly. She was getting ridiculous. But Memphis himself could have helped by being clear about his feelings and motivations and hopes for the future - though, if he had, Kennedy wouldn't have learnt her lesson and stopped using people to plug her own hole of fear. Still, whenever I read stories with seemingly needless misunderstandings and the heartache that ensues, I tend to get a bit frustrated. One of the key ingredients in a relationship is open communication, and when none of the characters practices it, I start to wonder whether they can work as a couple at all. But I think there are a lot of people like Kennedy and Memphis.

Memphis was perhaps the real strength of the novel. He is a fantastic romantic lead, revealing a vulnerable, sensitive side at key moments, ferocious in bed, intensely charismatic and so clearly in love with Kennedy, even if she can't see it (and he does a good job of dissembling and protecting himself from rejection). His character is revealed in the small, thoughtful details, and while he has his moments of over-reacting too, he gets my respect for owning up to it and apologising once he's cooled down. He's not domineering, and while that final scene the night Brooks proposes is heartbreaking, it's also cleansing, and increased my respect for Memphis even more. He wasn't going to let Kennedy use him forever, and toy with him. She needed that, boy did she need that. It has to be one of the most satisfying yet sad scenes I've read in ages. What makes it work exceptionally well, is that you can see - and feel - from the beginning that these two should be together, that they make each other better people, complement each other, make each other happy. Without that, the story would never have worked, and their chemistry is spot-on.

As a romance, it was highly satisfying. It hit all the marks, even the ones I don't care for. As a drama, likewise. This will be compulsive, engrossing reading for people who enjoyed dramatic romance, or should we call them "intense love stories full of drama, gentle tender moments, real life and flawed characters, and incredible chemistry". That works. I definitely enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more by Schmidt.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Jude rated it 1 of 5 stars

*deep breath*

I finished this book a couple of days ago, and I was so incredibly angry and disappointed with it - well, not with it, more like with her, Kennedy (main character) - that I decided to give it a few days before I tried to review it, that way I would cool off and give a review that was not harsh at all. Turns out I feel worse, I was planning on giving it two stars and with all my thinking it went down to one.

Now I'm going to take a really deep breath and try to do this in the most ci...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 22, 2012 Annejhoyce rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys, loved-and-hated, heartbreaking, made-me-swoon

Read reviews at: www.everythingatoc.blogspot.com

Photographer Memphis Adams has always been easy with the ladies but never one to take them seriously. Kennedy Monroe was a girl all too familiar with his reputation and the fallout of being with Memphis, so despite the instant attraction for him, she want nothing to do with him at all. Until one day at a coincidental visit at the beach, Kennedy sees the other side of Memphis that softened her judgment for the boy and they've been best friends ever...more

like 1 like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Kirsty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

This book actually had one of the most infuriating heroines in it. I really don't know how i managed to keep from throwing my kindle across the room with every dumb decision Kennedy made. But.. boy did Memphis make up for that. He was just perfect in this book.
It was full of angst and the last 50% of the book I had to read in one go to find out how it ended. And many times I didn't think it would it how I wanted. The author kept you guessing right until the very end.
I would highly recommend thi...more

like 2 likes · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Sunshine :) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-couples, best-friends-to-lovers, favorites

I only have like three things to say. one: Memphis is so freaking sweet and hot! two: Kennedy was so freaking stubborn and undecisive! but I'm glad at the end she took a stand & made HER choice three: I really enjoyed their story :) i wish there was a second book!!!!!
p.s. I REALLY wish there was a second book!!

like 1 like · see review

Oct 02, 2012 Shraddha rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are very rare people who values there friendship more than anything ...!! Memphis and Kennedy put their love on side so they can be friends, but love is stronger than anything or any friendship too...!! And there is nothing you can do, they tried so hard not to get involve and risk their friendship. But one mistake ruined their friendship and one thing that they valued most was lost because of that...!!

I don't even want to mention the other character because I didn't think it was any good...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Review source: Publisher

A passionate romance that's more about relationships and friendship.

My Take
Oh, I like this. I don't agree with the assessment that this is erotica so much as it's passionate about relationships and Schmidt sucks us in and relates an excellent life lesson to be true to yourself.

It's today with a flashback that introduces us to a major influence on Kennedy's life. Memphis is the man who, through his own existence, gives Kennedy the courage to choose to follow her own path....more

like 2 likes · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Charlotte Black rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

The first thing to say about this book is the male lead Memphis Adams is a GOD!!! The author got his character absolutely perfectly. He is the kind of guy you dream about. Okay, he has a few issues and clams up with his feelings towards Kennedy but I think she just needed to push him a little bit more to get him to open up. Possible in the bedroom! He's romantic, kind, thoughtfully, fun-loving, sexy, and thoughtful (did I say that already?!)

Kennedy isn't as straight-forward a character. I got al...more

like 1 like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Capri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jennifer-schmidt, erotic, fan-yourself-sex-scenes, friends-to-lovers, jealous-hero, possessive-hero, protective-hero, will-read-again-keeper

Risking It All is an addicting and edge of your seat story of best friends of 12 years that risk their friendship from a simple kiss.

I am secretly crushing on Memphis. I just love how he is always calling her beautiful instead of her name, unless he is ticked off or confused. I am a sucker for heroes who use endearment words and Memphis is that hero who will have you eating at the palm of his hands. Memphis is more of a playboy then the committed type and something in his past has made him this...more Risking It All is an addicting and edge of your seat story of best friends of 12 years that risk their friendship from a simple kiss.

I am secretly crushing on Memphis. I just love how he is always calling her beautiful instead of her name, unless he is ticked off or confused. I am a sucker for heroes who use endearment words and Memphis is that hero who will have you eating at the palm of his hands. Memphis is more of a playboy then the committed type and something in his past has made him this way, but the way he treats Kennedy his best friend since college he is totally opposite. He is always there for her, offering her encouragement, attentive, possessive and protective.

Kennedy is confused as her boyfriend of some years is not there for her. But she is always there for him with his work etc.. He seems to be drifting away and she is starting to wonder does she still love him. Memphis is the one who is always there for her. The way he treats her is the way her boyfriend should be. Usually it is the hero who has issues and does stuff that makes the heroine and the reader go crazy for their actions. Not in this case. Jennifer Schmidt did an amazing job at creating a heroine who’s actions make me want to pull out my hair.

Risking It All really starts off when Memphis and Kennedy take a trip to Alaska for his work. This is when their friendship is tested. You feel the chemistry they have together and will love their friendship. Jennifer Schmidt did a superb job at keeping me on the edge of my seat with Memphis and Kennedy. I never knew what was going to happen next. Most of my favorite parts are in Alaska. The scenes I loved the most was there, like the restaurant, lake, snowball fight and my favorite is when she got a painting and a note from someone she met there. That is a scene not to be missed. It is playful, sweet and steamy.
　
Jennifer Schmidt has a talent for writing in first person POV. I really could feel when Kennedy and Memphis were happy, sad, confused and mad. Memphis and Kennedy’s journey together had me smiling, hot to be bothered and even shed a few tears. Risking It All is a keeper for me. I would not want to change a thing except maybe it be a series. I hated to see their journey end and want more.

I highly recommend Risking It All. Jump on board and get this book. This is one journey you will not want to miss. I absolutely loved Risking It All and look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Schmidt.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
(less)

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Michelle [Helen Geek] rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Did not finish ... so no one.

Shelves: tbr-kindle, ntm_authors_2012, arc-netgalley, buddy-read, awful, less-than-3, too-damned-spensive-lucy

**** ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION COMING SOON ****

Overall Rating: DNF after 60% read [1.5]
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 1 / 3 = total of 2
Writer’s Voice = 2
Character Development = 3
Story Appreciation = 1
Worth the Chili = 1 [ARC from Pub via Netgalley, but didn’t finish]

Well the premise was good. And the book started pretty good. I read to the 60% mark and didn’t see it going anywhere really. Bored me silly.

We had Kennedy Monroe and Memphis Adams. They meet in college. He is a “bad boy”, and she i...more

like 6 likes · see review

Sep 02, 2012 waterbaby786 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Best friends Turned soulmates. this kind of story has been done and then some.
The writing was okay. the chemistry between Kennedy and Memphis is based on physical attraction as far as what i could see. maybe too much of there bonding days was skipped. im sure the author wanted to emphasize on how much they relied on each other and been by each others side yad yada but alas we are taken on this whirlwind ride to *spoilers alert* to Alaska. a gift from Memphis to Kennedy. Apparently she has no ide...more

like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Stephanie Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. More of a Rom/Com with sex. Interestingly enough, as I read the book, I thought this book could be a really cute Lifetime Rom/Com if the sex wasn't involve.

I think I liked it more than I should have for a couple of reasons. Memphis and Kennedy had WAY too many miscommunications. Especially for two people who have been friends for 12 years, it just seemed implausible. They had moments of clear deep honesty, but then they would turn around and not say what they really meant but what they thought t...more

like · see review

Aug 21, 2012 Shelley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: boring-as-fuck, heroine-i-want-to-head-butt, sucky-love-triangle

I think I have grown up. Perhaps this type of book would have appealed to me more at a different stage of my life. Or then perhaps not.

Kennedy and Memphis. So who's the Hero, who's the Heroine? I had a problem with these androgynous character names. I am not familiar with American names and I got lost in who was was who, constantly having to remind myself that Kennedy's the girl, Memphis...oh right the guy. Painful!

Memphis (the guy) is a sexy Casanova who decided to be just friends with Kennedy...more I think I have grown up. Perhaps this type of book would have appealed to me more at a different stage of my life. Or then perhaps not.

Kennedy and Memphis. So who's the Hero, who's the Heroine? I had a problem with these androgynous character names. I am not familiar with American names and I got lost in who was was who, constantly having to remind myself that Kennedy's the girl, Memphis...oh right the guy. Painful!

Memphis (the guy) is a sexy Casanova who decided to be just friends with Kennedy (she's the girl). Seeing something in her that was worth more than a one night stand. I liked Memphis, he was a good guy, a great friend.

Kennedy was just one on those heroines that you would like to punch in the head. Honestly, she needed to grow a set. There was absolutely nothing that endeared me to her. She was immature, manipulative and selfish. I skimmed so many of her ramblings, because really Kennedy? I just didn't care!

At about 22% in I started thinking about taking a long walk off a short pier to wake up! I was a wandering in my head again. The only emotion I felt was ennui.

I've read this all before. It's nothing new, nothing to get me all fired up. That was until I dragged my mind back from the fog at about 80% when the Memphis (the guy) decided to see the light and Kennedy managed to annoy me even more with her indecisive selfishness. I'm not a fan of the love triangle, but I get it when it's worthy of a fight or when the indecision is warranted. Kennedy confessed to what and who she wanted halfway through, so why then for the next half of the book do we have to be regaled with her BS?

There was far too many negative emotions in this novel that only fed my annoyance and frustration. I've never felt so relieved to finish a book.
I really do not like rating a book so low. I understand how much work goes into a novel. So when I do rate a book negatively, it is because it left me feeling unhappy, annoyed and angry that I wasted my time. In this case it has no reflection on the Author's writing ability. It has everything to do with the plot and characters. It just was not for me. Not at all.

Sent to me for an honest unbiased review from the publisher via netgally.(less)

like 7 likes · see review

Aug 12, 2012 Lizzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

This book had me from the premise. I love best friend romances. Risking it All hit all the right spots for me. This book was a 4.25 star read for me. There was really hot sex, good romance between the characters and an okay storyline.

Memphis and Kennedy met in college and even though he was the college heartbreaker, they became fast friends but nothing more. Fast forwa...more I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

This book had me from the premise. I love best friend romances. Risking it All hit all the right spots for me. This book was a 4.25 star read for me. There was really hot sex, good romance between the characters and an okay storyline.

Memphis and Kennedy met in college and even though he was the college heartbreaker, they became fast friends but nothing more. Fast forward twelve years to today when they are both fairly accomplished artists, him photography and her with paintings and sculpture. They are still the best of friends and always there for each other. And then comes our story in, with Kennedy's boyfriend who is not a great catch and she finally starts seeing Memphis as maybe more than a friend.

I will not post any spoilers but want to give a thorough review. I love Memphis. I want him to be my best friend and my boyfriend. He is understanding, hot, sexy, good at his job, sexy, a true friend, oh and did I mention sexy?! My problem arose with Kennedy. In the beginning, I though okay I got myself a strong female character, not a weakling like I have been seeing in a lot of books recently. I though when she originally put Memphis in his place early on that she was going to be no nonsense throughout the book. Well that did not happen. I guess over the twelve years since meeting Mephis, she became a pushover that let people walk all over her. How disappointing it was. As you can probably tell I was not a huge Kennedy fan. I just think she could have been so much more.

The romance was great and the sex, oh my, get the shower ready. The sex was super hot especially when the photographs were happening, oh my goodness! Wow! I thought the story was just okay and I think that is mostly because I just thought so much more could have been done with Kennedy. Even though she drove me crazy, I still really loved this book and it hit all my hot buttons with my romances.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Mae rated it 3 of 5 stars

RISKING IT ALL by Jennifer Schmidt was a fast, steamy read. Best friends since college, good girl Kennedy Moore and heartbreaker Memphis Adams are forced to confront their “strictly platonic friendship” when a drunken kiss opens up new possibilities in their relationship. To complicate the situation even further, Kennedy takes up Memphis’s invitation to accompany him to Alaska for a work-related project taking professional photographs of a new resort, leaving Kenney’s much older boyfriend at hom...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Misti Bauer rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Risking It All" by Jennifer Schmidt was a very good read. The book, while lengthy, was well paced and did not suffer its length. I found Ms. Schmidt's writing to be above average for the genre - definitely comparable to the current 'queens' of erotica.

Initially I hedged on reading this novel - embarrassed to say I almost fell prey to 'judging a book by it's cover' - but overlooking the cover (which IMO resembled a self-published ebook-to which I have not had gratifying experiences,) I was immed...more "Risking It All" by Jennifer Schmidt was a very good read. The book, while lengthy, was well paced and did not suffer its length. I found Ms. Schmidt's writing to be above average for the genre - definitely comparable to the current 'queens' of erotica.

Initially I hedged on reading this novel - embarrassed to say I almost fell prey to 'judging a book by it's cover' - but overlooking the cover (which IMO resembled a self-published ebook-to which I have not had gratifying experiences,) I was immediately drawn into the story and rewarded for my time.

The relationship between the H/h offered enjoyable anticipation and kept my attention as the story progressed. I appreciated the lack of secondary story lines - I feel too many authors use this ploy to sell sequels when it's often irrelevant to the story being told.

If I had any criticisms, I did often have difficulty discerning which character was speaking, as dialogue from multiple characters was often in the same paragraph and not delineated. I would assume this issue will be rectified during final edit/publication.

The only other suggestion I would offer - this book is written in third person, however, I often felt like the author used first person treatment of Kennedy (you were made aware of her thoughts and feelings), but the same was not true of Memphis. I would have enjoyed knowing his internal dialogue as well - which is often the true of third person writing - having both the male and female perspectives. However, that being said, Memphis was a bit of an emotional hermit - so Ms. Schmidt may have used this tactic on purpose.

I would recommend this book as it was very well written and the story quite enjoyable. It had good tension and I appreciated that Ms. Schmidt used 'adult' words for anatomy and describing sex play (none of this 'his member' and 'down there' used by some authors - we are adults and it is erotica).

I would definitely read more from this author as I think she has a clear voice and I am sure a promising career ahead of her.

Copy provided by the publisher for honest review. This review submitted to NetGalley and Goodreads.com. (less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 12, 2012 Claire rated it 3 of 5 stars

Summary
Kennedy Monroe was a freshman at college when she literally bumped into the gorgeous Memphis Adams. Kennedy had been warned about womanizer Memphis and his love 'em and leave 'em attitude when it came to the other girls in college and Kennedy was determined not to become another notch on his bed post, instead became his best friend. It is now 12 years later and Kennedy and Memphis are still best friends and as close as can be without having a sexual relationship. Memphis is still a womani...more Summary
Kennedy Monroe was a freshman at college when she literally bumped into the gorgeous Memphis Adams. Kennedy had been warned about womanizer Memphis and his love 'em and leave 'em attitude when it came to the other girls in college and Kennedy was determined not to become another notch on his bed post, instead became his best friend. It is now 12 years later and Kennedy and Memphis are still best friends and as close as can be without having a sexual relationship. Memphis is still a womanizer but Kennedy has a boyfriend, Brooks, who is a Doctor and is 13 years older than her. However things are not going to well for Kennedy and Brooks at the moment. Brooks is very career driven and never has time for Kennedy. He is always letting her down unlike Memphis who is always there for her. Kennedy accepts an invitation to join Memphis in Alaska, somewhere she has always wanted to go. Only when they get there Kennedy starts looking at Memphis in an entirely different way to that of best friend. Can Kennedy stay away from temptation? Or will she risk it all and cheat on her boyfriend whilst possibly ruining her friendship with Memphis along the way.

Review
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, it is from the same publisher of Fifty Shades, has a book cover that reminds me of Gabriel's Inferno and starts off a little bit like Beautiful Disaster. Would it have lots of sex in it? Yes there is and it is good and hot too. Would it have lots of kink in it? No not really. Would it be a classic Romance novel? Yes it most definitely is.

I found the plot to be very predictable but still an enjoyable read. There was lots of misunderstandings between the characters that was a little annoying because you knew what was going to happen in the end anyway but the story getting to that point was good. I really liked Memphis he is HOT! At the start of the book I also liked Kennedy too but the last third of the book she just infuriated me and at times I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall at her stupidity. And that is where my uncertainty with the books lies. I would give the book 4 stars based on 70% of it but the ending really let it down and because of that I am going to give it 3 stars.

Risking It All is a nice romantic read, nothing really exciting happens in it but it is enjoyable none the less and I would recommend reading it. Just be prepared to get annoyed at Kennedy towards the end but it is worth it to read about Memphis *swoon*.(less)

like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Chanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, net-galley

The synopsis of this story sounded amazing! Long time best friends falling in love are the best kind of books. And I thought for sure that I would love it.

I will start with the positives. I really liked Memphis. He had a lot going on for him. He was sexy, sweet, and I could definitely fall for a guy like him. I liked that he and Kennedy have been friends for years. The sex was HOTT too!

Now for what I did not like. I really did not like the heroine Kennedy. She really annoyed me. I don't know wha...more

like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Patrizia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Whoa! What a book! I really enjoyed it! I mean..I actually hate books with love triangles in it, but I didn't mind this one..because I could feel since the beginning how Kennedy really felt so I was able to survive this story because I kinda understood why she made some choices even If I didn't agree with them at all, sometimes I actually wanted to slap her..and tell her how stupid she was being..but at the end everything worked out so i'm pretty okay with it.

Well..the person that made everythin...more

like 1 like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Evie rated it 4 of 5 stars

*sigh* Best Friends Forever to Lovers....

In college, Kennedy makes it clear to Memphis she will not sleep with him. In return, he offers to be her friend. What starts as a simple friendship becomes a 12 year best friends forever relationship.

Kennedy dates, Memphis dates, they see each other every time they get a chance. If they don't see each other, they text, they call, they mail, etc. Nothing can set them apart.

Kennedy is in a relationship of two years with Dr. Brooks. He's handsome and has...more

like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Michela Walters rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-netgalley, romance, erotica

This book felt really familiar. And by familiar, I mean it felt a bit like a P2P fic I've read somewhere. For a minute in the middle of book, it actually had a lot of promise, but then the author decided to throw in a few more loops into an already complicated roller coaster of a story and it sort of ruined it for me.

The back and forth between Kennedy & Memphis - was endearing at first, but by the last third of the book, I honestly wanted to bash their skulls in for being so freaking obtuse...more

like 4 likes · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-read

I was very fortunate to have an opportunity at an ARC of Risking It All. My first impression with the blurb was wonderful. One of my favorite story lines is the friends to lovers theme.

Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends for 12 years. Their relationship began back in college when Memphis attempted to turn his ladies man charm onto Kennedy. Not in anyway keen to the idea of being just another notch in Memphis's bed post, Kennedy immediately turns him down.. After their initial meeting the...more I was very fortunate to have an opportunity at an ARC of Risking It All. My first impression with the blurb was wonderful. One of my favorite story lines is the friends to lovers theme.

Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends for 12 years. Their relationship began back in college when Memphis attempted to turn his ladies man charm onto Kennedy. Not in anyway keen to the idea of being just another notch in Memphis's bed post, Kennedy immediately turns him down.. After their initial meeting they both decided that though a romantic relationship would never work, they enjoyed each other's company and from that point on they were best friends.

Twelve years later Kennedy is an artist, in a serious relationship with a work aholic doctor, and harboring secret feelings for her best friend. Memphis is a well known travel photographer and makes Kennedy the offer of a life time when he lands a job photographing a new resort in Alaska. Kennedy has dreamed of visiting Alaska for years and though she takes Memphis up on his offer for the trip, she finds herself in over her head when both she and Memphis can no longer hold their feelings towards each other in check.

The premise of the book started out great, the characters had personality and though I can't say I always (or really ever) liked Kennedy, Memphis was truly a great hero. His character stayed true to his nature throughout the entire book, unlike Kennedy's. Kennedy just had too many wishy washy and TSTL (too stupid too live) moments that I just couldn't bring myself to route for her. I find it a problem that instead of waiting with baited breath for the hero and heroine to find their happily ever after together, I was hoping he would leave her and find someone else.

Character driven books can be wonderfully entertaining to read, most of my favorite books are character driven. The reader doesn't always have to LIKE the characters. I feel the important part is that the characters inspire some sort of strong emotions. Hate, disgust and anger can be just as important as love, hope and happiness. Unfortunately the feeling of irritability is not an emotion I like to feel while reading. The main conflict throughout the whole book was that the heroine continued to be her own worst enemy and made horrible decision after horrible decision. Her poor choices and then continuously feeling sorry for herself following those choices brought this book down to a 3 star read for me. The H and h need to be evenly matched out, in this instance however the heroine just didn't measure up.

(less)

like 3 likes · see review

title link	preview: Risking It All
avg rating	preview: Risking It All Goodreads rating: 3.79 (589 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15723852-risking-it-all?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340739196l/15723852.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15723852-risking-it-all?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Risking It All by Jennifer Schmidt[/url]

Risking It All

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Jennifer Schmidt

Books by Jennifer Schmidt

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Risking It All