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Risking It #1
Raising the Stakes
An alternate cover edition of this ASIN can be found here.
Emma Harris lets her best friend drag her to a popular Vegas club, expecting nothing more than to let loose after finals. But when she catches the attention of three magnetic strangers, and they each begin to pursue her, she wonders if there is more going on than meets the eye.
Unable to deny her curiosity, she lets Shane, Nicholas, and Cole chase her, questioning their motives even as she begins falling under their spell. When Emma uncovers the truth, will it ruin everything?
*Raising the Stakes is a reverse harem novella that was previously included in the Falling For Them anthology.
Emma Harris lets her best friend drag her to a popular Vegas club, expecting nothing more than to let loose after finals. But when she catches the attention of three magnetic strangers, and they each begin to pursue her, she wonders if there is more going on than meets the eye.
Unable to deny her curiosity, she lets Shane, Nicholas, and Cole chase her, questioning their motives even as she begins falling under their spell. When Emma uncovers the truth, will it ruin everything?
*Raising the Stakes is a reverse harem novella that was previously included in the Falling For Them anthology.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2021
208 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Reed
28 books783 followersAutumn is a lifelong bookworm with a penchant for sarcasm. She loves cloudy days, fluffy dogs, and murdering succulents. When she isn't bringing daydreams to life on the page, she can be found behind the lens of a digital camera or binge-watching Veronica Mars.
To learn more about Autumn Reed, visit www.autumnreed.com.
To learn more about Autumn Reed, visit www.autumnreed.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 23, 2021
Amazing!
Contemporary RH seems like the hardest genre to make convincing. Not having some supernatural or paranormal reason for the unconventional relationship makes the flow harder to reason through. This story does a fantastic job of reflecting the excitement and struggles that can occur in the "real world". Love everything about this story.
Contemporary RH seems like the hardest genre to make convincing. Not having some supernatural or paranormal reason for the unconventional relationship makes the flow harder to reason through. This story does a fantastic job of reflecting the excitement and struggles that can occur in the "real world". Love everything about this story.
December 26, 2017
The magical powers of chemistry.
[at least it's not insta-love, thank the Gods for small mercies]
Emma, the main character, thinks herself in love with three guys--Cole, Shane, and Nicholas-- that she barely knows (why is this a theme with books everywhere lately?). Her reason for going out with them in the first place is to find out what they're hiding, but just as soon as she's spent any time with them, she forgets her end goal (since, y'know, pretty *cue eyeroll*).
There's no character development, no buildup in the relationships; every situation was only a device to move the romance along.
The writing was pretty dry, and it only served to leave me apathetic to the story and its characters. This resulted in a book that often dragged on.
[at least it's not insta-love, thank the Gods for small mercies]
Emma, the main character, thinks herself in love with three guys--Cole, Shane, and Nicholas-- that she barely knows (why is this a theme with books everywhere lately?). Her reason for going out with them in the first place is to find out what they're hiding, but just as soon as she's spent any time with them, she forgets her end goal (since, y'know, pretty *cue eyeroll*).
There's no character development, no buildup in the relationships; every situation was only a device to move the romance along.
The writing was pretty dry, and it only served to leave me apathetic to the story and its characters. This resulted in a book that often dragged on.
April 23, 2018
Rating : 3 stars?
I would love to see the guys suffer a bit more!
I would love to see the guys suffer a bit more!
August 18, 2022
This is a cute contemporary reverse harem start. It is definitely bland/tepid on my scale, in story and heat level, but sometimes I am in the mood for that. I always enjoy this author's clean writing style too, it feels like it gives my brain a chance to relax. There are small differences between the three heroes, and I like that they are BFFs. Usually I like a little more conflict between the heroes (and at least one in conflict with the heroine) and more reluctance for a poly relationship but I think I was in the mood for this nearly conflict-free agreement to a relationship. I could have done without the intense insta-chemistry on all sides, and rapid escalation to feelings and wanting to be together, however. Additionally, though I enjoyed the individual dates and time she spent with each taken on their own, it felt formulaic and not organic as a whole. I did like the comfort of it enough to finish the series so will do so over the next couple months.
December 4, 2021
Why you shouldn’t let books go too long without getting to the review…
First in a trio, so I liked it. She’s a college senior and they are three best friends in business. Sound familiar? Yeah.
Except this is genuinely three separate relationships. Like,independent of each other. To tell anything more would be spoiling.
The three installments could have been joined into one book, really.
This was refreshing setup this way. Got to see differences between the heroes and understand how it could happen this way. It’s more realistic than the RH porn out there, IOW. And there was a lot more character and plot development. An actual story!
First in a trio, so I liked it. She’s a college senior and they are three best friends in business. Sound familiar? Yeah.
Except this is genuinely three separate relationships. Like,independent of each other. To tell anything more would be spoiling.
The three installments could have been joined into one book, really.
This was refreshing setup this way. Got to see differences between the heroes and understand how it could happen this way. It’s more realistic than the RH porn out there, IOW. And there was a lot more character and plot development. An actual story!
November 24, 2017
It has been a while since I read a contemporary RH and love it. Autumn Reed is one of my favorite authors and every novel just gets better and better. If you are like me and hate to buy books since you have KU like me, then know that this series is so worth it. Well, anything by Reed is worth it. I would pay even more if she could write faster...hint hint hint. If you have never read RH, then you are missing out. I am firmly behind #whychoose in novels. In reality, it would be way too much ego to handle but I love the fantasy. Great book and series. Another win!
Want to read
December 15, 2024🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2020)! 🎁
October 25, 2021
I love Autumn Reed's writing and this is one of her series I actually hadn't read yet. I am glad I held off because I read the extended, new version and I loved every second of it! I couldn't get enough of it. I was sucked in from the first chapter, and didnt want to get to the end, but am happy there are 2 more books for me to devour. I loved the tenacity of Emma but her vulnerability was fabulous too. I feel like all readers can relate to her in that respect, and it doesnt hurt she gets all these scrumptious guys too! I loved how different they were and the hints of their bachelor past haha. I am intrigued to get to know them more in books 2 and 3, because we just start to scratch the surface in Raising the Stakes.
I loved Nic I think the best, the big teddy bear who is very observant and sorta shy too. Loved the date with Shane involving the charity, so adorable. And Cole had that nerdy but flirty side, and kinda loved his thing for providing for her (I am jealous about the shoes haha). Great job making the guys so different but mesh so well together. I could tell this was an Autumn and Julia mash-up, made me reminisce of the Stardust series. Very different, but gave me the same good, comforting feeling while reading. I needed this kinda of contemporary, RH story after some of the darker books I have been reading. I have been listening to a lot of books recently, but Raising the Stakes was the first book in awhile to make me want to just sit down and read, ignoring my other responsibilities for a bit haha.
Highly recommend, loved it had the right amount of tension, angst, happy and sad moments, but the plot felt really good, great pace and things flowed really well.
I loved Nic I think the best, the big teddy bear who is very observant and sorta shy too. Loved the date with Shane involving the charity, so adorable. And Cole had that nerdy but flirty side, and kinda loved his thing for providing for her (I am jealous about the shoes haha). Great job making the guys so different but mesh so well together. I could tell this was an Autumn and Julia mash-up, made me reminisce of the Stardust series. Very different, but gave me the same good, comforting feeling while reading. I needed this kinda of contemporary, RH story after some of the darker books I have been reading. I have been listening to a lot of books recently, but Raising the Stakes was the first book in awhile to make me want to just sit down and read, ignoring my other responsibilities for a bit haha.
Highly recommend, loved it had the right amount of tension, angst, happy and sad moments, but the plot felt really good, great pace and things flowed really well.
March 10, 2017
Reverse Harem - No spoilers, but alludes to details.
This was a great read. Nice and easy whilst short and sweet. I pretty much read it in one sitting.
Emma Harris is a college student, who after finals goes out for a night on the town with her best friend. While at a club, three different men, all just a couple of years older than her, but all decidedly mouthwateringly gorgeous approach her at different points throughout the night. Emma chooses to leave the club before she lets herself get carried away by any of them.
A few days later, and a couple of coincidental meetups with the same set of men, Ems quickly realizes something is up. She does some P.I. work and figures out what's going on. Don't worry, no spoilers, but there is a suitably awesome scene that every women wishes she could play out if/when she finds herself in a similar situation. I was literally cheering her on. My husband looked at me like I was crazy because I was literally laughing out loud and smiling.
The guys are your standard dreamboats, rich, smart, and gorgeous. They all want to love her. They are all, all about Emma.
I am always interested in reading a 'real world' reverse harem, because the idea of one woman with multiple men, in a happy polygamous relationship, without the need for a magical bond to make everything 'okay' really intrigues me. Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke manage to pull off a very believable situation in this book. There is no stretch of the imagination, no awkward dialogue, and no over the top dramatics. I could actually see this relationship working out for Emma and her three men.
Looking forward to the next book!
This was a great read. Nice and easy whilst short and sweet. I pretty much read it in one sitting.
Emma Harris is a college student, who after finals goes out for a night on the town with her best friend. While at a club, three different men, all just a couple of years older than her, but all decidedly mouthwateringly gorgeous approach her at different points throughout the night. Emma chooses to leave the club before she lets herself get carried away by any of them.
A few days later, and a couple of coincidental meetups with the same set of men, Ems quickly realizes something is up. She does some P.I. work and figures out what's going on. Don't worry, no spoilers, but there is a suitably awesome scene that every women wishes she could play out if/when she finds herself in a similar situation. I was literally cheering her on. My husband looked at me like I was crazy because I was literally laughing out loud and smiling.
The guys are your standard dreamboats, rich, smart, and gorgeous. They all want to love her. They are all, all about Emma.
I am always interested in reading a 'real world' reverse harem, because the idea of one woman with multiple men, in a happy polygamous relationship, without the need for a magical bond to make everything 'okay' really intrigues me. Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke manage to pull off a very believable situation in this book. There is no stretch of the imagination, no awkward dialogue, and no over the top dramatics. I could actually see this relationship working out for Emma and her three men.
Looking forward to the next book!
October 12, 2021
I loved this new version of Raising the Stakes!!! It has a lot more content that makes it more interesting and dramatic, but also keeping the mystery and romance! I love Emma. She’s so naturally funny and smart that she draws you in from the first page. Her wit and charisma are on point throughout the whole book and you can’t help but love her and root for her! Shane, Nicholas, and Cole are highly competitive and committed friends who make a bet to win Emma, but she turns out to be more than they ever could have expected. They end up really really liking her and their rocky start ruins their chances with Emma because she’s sharp and figures it out. Now they have to win her back! It’s a good thing they all look like models and they all are uniquely awesome and good to her because they have a lot to make up on. This series has always been one of my very favorites by authors, Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke!!! I can’t wait for the next revamped book in this series!! I highly recommend this book to all RH romance readers!! It’s a must read! Also, the new covers for this series are so pretty, but the book itself is definitely worth it!
August 29, 2018
Not exactly what I expected
So, if you're looking for a racy four-way story, this isn't it. There is no sex in this novella. If you're looking for a full resolution of the relationship, again, don't expect that. While the book has an ending, so I can't call it a cliffhanger, ultimately it's just the set up for the next book(s) in the series.
Overall, I did like the plot, the writing is decent, and other than finding the heroines reaction to the guys with other women unrealistic when they hadn't discussed exclusivity, the story played out well. Too bad for the authors that they pigeonholed this book into a limited market of people who want to read about a girl dating multiple guys at once but wisely avoiding sex while doing so.
So, if you're looking for a racy four-way story, this isn't it. There is no sex in this novella. If you're looking for a full resolution of the relationship, again, don't expect that. While the book has an ending, so I can't call it a cliffhanger, ultimately it's just the set up for the next book(s) in the series.
Overall, I did like the plot, the writing is decent, and other than finding the heroines reaction to the guys with other women unrealistic when they hadn't discussed exclusivity, the story played out well. Too bad for the authors that they pigeonholed this book into a limited market of people who want to read about a girl dating multiple guys at once but wisely avoiding sex while doing so.
August 8, 2019
This was a cute little story in the Falling For Them mix-mash of “why choose” novels.
That being said, I really did hate where it ended. Honestly, it’s probably the perfect amount of suspense and teasingly delicious romance to needle most readers into having to complete the series. I was hoping for more in the first book of this series though. A little bit more about her dating all of them. There wasn’t much in the department of harem, really. More like she had three separate boyfriends who just happened to all be friends and were fine with the arrangement.
It was missing something. That’s all. A little too short of a novel for my taste. So that’s why it’s lacking the Stars. I kept getting the dates confused, like who did what with her. And who knew what. So, obviously I couldn’t be a journalist. But, I’m not really sure if that’s the writings fault or my own crappy memory. I guess it wasn’t memorable enough.
But still very cute all around. Definitely not upset to have dedicated a couple hours to this one.
That being said, I really did hate where it ended. Honestly, it’s probably the perfect amount of suspense and teasingly delicious romance to needle most readers into having to complete the series. I was hoping for more in the first book of this series though. A little bit more about her dating all of them. There wasn’t much in the department of harem, really. More like she had three separate boyfriends who just happened to all be friends and were fine with the arrangement.
It was missing something. That’s all. A little too short of a novel for my taste. So that’s why it’s lacking the Stars. I kept getting the dates confused, like who did what with her. And who knew what. So, obviously I couldn’t be a journalist. But, I’m not really sure if that’s the writings fault or my own crappy memory. I guess it wasn’t memorable enough.
But still very cute all around. Definitely not upset to have dedicated a couple hours to this one.
September 3, 2017
I love these two together. I love their Stardust series, and now with the Risking It series, I predicted that it would be just as awesome. And it was. Raising the Stakes is about Emma Harris, after finals are done she lets her best friend take her to a vegas popular club. There she meets three gorgeous men Shane, Nicholas and Cole. Sparks fly with each one of them, how can she be this attracted to them all. But the guys have a secret, and will it be an end all?
The story is fast paced, and flowed very smooth. Emma and her men had great banter, with lots of chemistry. I cannot wait more from this series!
The story is fast paced, and flowed very smooth. Emma and her men had great banter, with lots of chemistry. I cannot wait more from this series!
March 10, 2019
Wanna Bet!
Raising the stakes is a contemporary RH romance. There is insta-attraction but it’s a slow burn just a bit of kissing here and there.
Unusual circumstances may have brought them together but after getting to know Emma a bit better Cole, Shane and Nic are determined to right wrongs and keep a relationship going.
Each character has their own troubles and bit by bit is revealed but being in the spotlight comes with certain expectations how will they cope; will their relationship grow or will they crumble?
Raising the stakes is a contemporary RH romance. There is insta-attraction but it’s a slow burn just a bit of kissing here and there.
Unusual circumstances may have brought them together but after getting to know Emma a bit better Cole, Shane and Nic are determined to right wrongs and keep a relationship going.
Each character has their own troubles and bit by bit is revealed but being in the spotlight comes with certain expectations how will they cope; will their relationship grow or will they crumble?
September 27, 2019
"Raising the Stakes" received THREE stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in first five pages."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for these items:
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically buy anything s/he writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in first five pages."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for these items:
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically buy anything s/he writes."
October 17, 2021
I read this book when it first came out and I really enjoyed it, so having it updated and new scenes added was really exciting. Warning, this book does not resolve anything as it is the first in a trilogy and tells the story of the beginning of a relationship. If you are someone who does not like a book that moves too fast you will really appreciate the world-building and relationship-building that goes into telling this story, the whole book flows at a steady pace and really immerses you into the characters' lives.
October 20, 2021
This is the first in a series. Originally it was supposed to be a standalone but due to great response to this story it is turned into a series and it is newly edited and extra content was added! Thank you to Autumn for listening to readers! In this novella Emma meets the guys and they chase after her. She at first doesn't know that they know each other or that they all own the club called Loft25. They in the end make her an offer she can't refuse. I love the caracters in this book as they are in depth and feel real and alive.
October 28, 2017
I first read this book in the anthology ‘Falling for them volume one, and absolutely loved it. Autumn and Julia are a great writing team, they write fantastically together.
I don’t want to say much and spoil things but I can not recommend this book enough. I could not put this book down but all their books have that effect on me. Looking forward to reading more of this series which is a spin off of the stardust series.
I don’t want to say much and spoil things but I can not recommend this book enough. I could not put this book down but all their books have that effect on me. Looking forward to reading more of this series which is a spin off of the stardust series.
Read
October 31, 2021Raising the Stakes draws you in from the first page. Emma is smart, funny, and she may not know what she wants after graduation, but she isn't going to let anyone tell her what to do either. She's content to finish out her last year of college focusing on school. Que the Three T's. They have other plans.
What starts out as a misguided attempt at fun, becomes real for all four of them. Will it end as quickly as it started?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What starts out as a misguided attempt at fun, becomes real for all four of them. Will it end as quickly as it started?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2018
Amazing
What a great read! I loved this book.
We see Emma who is finally letting lose after a break up. And she catches the attention of 3 gorgeous men on her night out.
We get to see a little it into the characteristics of the 3 men and how hey are as friends. We get little pieces of information on their pasts.
What a great read! I loved this book.
We see Emma who is finally letting lose after a break up. And she catches the attention of 3 gorgeous men on her night out.
We get to see a little it into the characteristics of the 3 men and how hey are as friends. We get little pieces of information on their pasts.
October 27, 2018
Interesting
This book caught my interest and kept it. It’s a short, fairly easy read that sets the stage for the next book I’m assuming. I liked that it wasn’t an insta-love story as you often find in reverse harem novels. I am looking forward to finding out where their relationship goes from here.
This book caught my interest and kept it. It’s a short, fairly easy read that sets the stage for the next book I’m assuming. I liked that it wasn’t an insta-love story as you often find in reverse harem novels. I am looking forward to finding out where their relationship goes from here.
August 21, 2022
This was…weird 😂. I liked it for the most part but man did Emma get 👏on 👏 my 👏 nerves. She was way to whiny and clingy from the get go. Also I didn’t realize this was a series and if I’d known I wouldn’t have read it. Romance novel series are just incredibly unnecessary and dumb unless it’s a different character type thing
August 21, 2017
I need more Emma, Shane, Nicholas, and Cole, please!!! I really love their connection to each other and to Emma, most importantly...I hope Nicholas can get over his family fears and get even closer to Emma. Can't wait to find out more in the next book!!
December 8, 2017
Wonderful
5 stars Autumn Reed! I loved this wonderful book, the characters are mysterious and I cannot wait to read more about the guys backgrounds. Knowing that the guys have playboy rep, I cannot wait to find out how Emma cannot resist these amazing guys!
5 stars Autumn Reed! I loved this wonderful book, the characters are mysterious and I cannot wait to read more about the guys backgrounds. Knowing that the guys have playboy rep, I cannot wait to find out how Emma cannot resist these amazing guys!
March 6, 2018
Another Great Book!
You just cannot go wrong with these two authors! I love the storyline in this book and although I absolutely love paranormal RH books it is really nice to read a contemporary RH for a change!!! I will definitely be continuing this series!
You just cannot go wrong with these two authors! I love the storyline in this book and although I absolutely love paranormal RH books it is really nice to read a contemporary RH for a change!!! I will definitely be continuing this series!
July 24, 2018
Amazing book
As always another amazing book from Autumn Reed. I absolutely loved this book, it was fun and sexy. The characters were great and likeable, and I always enjoy a slow burn, can't wait to read the next one.
As always another amazing book from Autumn Reed. I absolutely loved this book, it was fun and sexy. The characters were great and likeable, and I always enjoy a slow burn, can't wait to read the next one.
August 29, 2018
I liked this but not the cliffhanger. I am interested to see where this goes. There is no sex in this book though if you are hoping she finally is with one of them it doesn't happen. I am going to read book 2 and I am hoping Emma will not be annoying but I have a feeling she is going to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
Ridiculous
I didn’t like this book at all. The storyline was ridiculous, and there was nothing likable about any of the characters, including the protagonist. The grammar and punctuation were terrible, and I found myself mentally editing about every other line.
I didn’t like this book at all. The storyline was ridiculous, and there was nothing likable about any of the characters, including the protagonist. The grammar and punctuation were terrible, and I found myself mentally editing about every other line.
December 31, 2018
If you’re looking for a fun read this book is for you. I will warn you it is a page turner so if you start reading it at bed time and forgoing sleep it’s your fault!
I hope you choose to read this book because Emma, Cole, Nic, and Shane are awesome!
I hope you choose to read this book because Emma, Cole, Nic, and Shane are awesome!
October 19, 2021
This book was a good read. Its a fun story and I read it quickly. I enjoyed the characters. I really liked these guys with Emma. I'm excited to see their relationship progress and where the story goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews