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Not all fairy tales are as simple as meeting your handsome prince and living happily ever after. Nobody knows this better than Rebecca Sharp. She thought she met her prince at the tender age of eight. As their friendship grew stronger, childhood infatuation culminated into a desire for romance. But untimely circumstances shattered Rebecca’s dreams of true love and left her broken and alone. A fresh start was the only way she could close the door to her painful past. Now, harboring a dark secret, Rebecca has returned home to attend her ten-year class reunion, mostly to prove she isn’t afraid to see Jackson again.

Jackson Strickland had his own secrets, but his love for Rebecca wasn’t one of them. Tormented by the memories of the only girl he ever loved, his life spiraled out of control. When Rebecca unexpectedly returns, his life is shaken even more. No longer the young girl he remembered, she was a strong and beautiful woman. Despite his bitterness, he can’t resist her or the fire in his heart that’s been smoldering for the past ten years. But secrets from his past still haunt him and danger looms as a killer lurks.

Will they be able to overcome their past and risk everything for love?

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2020

13 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Davis

4 books291 followers
Shannon Davis grew up in Northwest Florida where she developed a love of writing as a young girl, keeping countless diaries and notebooks filled with short stories. After working as an educator for nearly three decades, she retired from the classroom to pursue her lifelong dream of writing. When she is not working on new stories, Shannon enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with family. A military wife and mother of three, she and her husband reside in Georgia with their two cats.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Tara Wright.
527 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2021
Loved this story. Can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Mia Reads Romance.
597 reviews31 followers
March 25, 2024
This book had some really great aspects and some that I did not like as much or found problematic. I loved Rebecca and Jackson and was incredibly invested in their relationship. I really like books where a childhood friendship develops into a love story. One thing I wasn't totally sold on was that they both knew at age 8 they wanted to one day get married but I have read that in other books. I was very boys are gross at age 8 but I know other people have other experiences. Shannon Davis also did a great job with describing settings. I loved her descriptions of Florida, and the house Rebecca grew up in and even fell in love with the coffee shop she described. I also thought she created interesting and deep characters and did a good job making me care about them. There were a few things that didn't work for me. The characters in this book experience a lot of trauma and different kinds of trauma. It made it very hard to handle it all well. I felt like picking one traumatic event and really exploring it in depth would have improved the book. The start was also a little slow for me. Overall I enjoyed this one but there were some problematic elements that I feel would have to be corrected if I was going to recommend it.

Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,680 reviews181 followers
June 22, 2020
Worth The Risk was unexpected in the best way possible. Shannon Davis is a new author and as far as debut novels go this one was fantastic. The moment I started reading I was sucked into the story and this one will take you on an emotional ride.

The book is split into two different parts. The first part starts when Rebecca and Jackson are eight and instantly become best friends and continues until they are seniors in high school. Their friendship is precious and seeing that progress into more for the both of them was beautiful and sweet, however, despite feeling love for each other neither of them could fully show the other. The second part of the book jumps ahead ten years and it is their high school reunion. What happened during that ten year span is explained and is just as emotional as the first part.

I love these characters. Rebecca is strong, she is fighter and after learning everything she experienced I have so much respect for her, but I also just want to give her a hug. Jackson, my heart broke for him throughout the entire book. For everything he experienced as a child, to the struggles he has to continue to face as an adult. However, even after ten years have passed the chemistry and connection between Rebecca and Jackson is strong.

Worth The Risk is a beautifully written and emotional journey with a hint of mystery and suspense that will have you falling in love with Rebecca and Jackson from the start. A MUST READ!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
June 25, 2020
As children Rebecca and Jackson were the best of friends but when they became teenagers that friendship evolved into love but tragedy struck which forever changed the direction of both their lives and it would be a decade later before they would see each other again.

Rebecca has returned to her hometown for her high school reunion which brings her and Jackson together once again. The feelings between them haven’t diminished but overcoming their pasts may be the biggest challenge of all.

Rebecca and Jackson’s journey has all the feels and after everything they have endured if anyone is deserving of a happy ever after it is them.
Profile Image for Paula White.
609 reviews35 followers
June 22, 2020
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.

In the first part of this book you get to know Jackson and Rebecca. They met when they were eight became the best of friends and destined to be more. Then at the end of the first part something horrible happens. The reader is then catapulted 10 years on wondering what happened. We get to find out gradually and then Rebecca and Jackson meet up again. These two were destined to be together, not too much angst. A sweet story of fate and finding your soul mate.
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
2,015 reviews159 followers
June 14, 2020
Worth the risk is a really sweet story about two childhood friends who are meant to be. Rebbeca and Jackson met when they were just eight years old and had a beautiful and tender relationship.
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Sweet first love. This book stole my heart. I loved its warmth and its vibrancy, its heartache and its pain, its humor, its meanness, the ugliness, the beauty, the crying, and the laughter. I loved Rebecca and Jackson. And I am full on in love with Jackson!! 🥰
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Big kudos to you, Shannon Davis!!
Profile Image for Erin Knuth.
315 reviews8 followers
January 25, 2021
Southern fairy tale, indeed.

What a sweet story about a childhood friendship that blossoms into more. Full of Southern charm and people you want to know (three exceptions we can liken to the Stepsisters and the ultimate Villain), Worth the Risk is about love, heartache, and faith. About embracing your path and trusting where it takes you. There's the trusty sidekick (the bestie), some swoony Prince Charmings, a sweet little sprite, and even a grandmother who reminded me of a Fairy Godmother - all wrapped in a small-town contemporary romance.

This was my first book by Ms. Davis but will not be my last!
Profile Image for Ali Cox.
18 reviews
February 1, 2021
Great read!

Jackson and Rebecca start as the best of friends. I love their connection. The story kept me interested the whole time. I felt like I personally knew the characters. The author does a great job and relaying their thoughts and feelings. It held an even more special connection for me as my husband and I dated in high school so their love was so much more real to me. I loved this debut novel and look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Marie McGrath.
Author 12 books74 followers
April 2, 2021
Initially I purchased this novel because of its gorgeous cover and the promise of a southern fairy tale. My TBR list was fairly long and I finally decided to pick up this one yesterday... and I finished it today.

This story absolutely captivated me from the start. Shannon's ability to weave in different perspectives over decades was absolutely amazing. I was compelled to keep reading page after page, reality be damned.

It's full of so many wonderful moments. I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face, I sighed so contentedly from the beautiful sentiments, and nearly cried several times when life got in Rebecca and Jackson's way. I fully recommend this novel and will absolutely be checking out her other novels.
Profile Image for Andrea Wimmer.
498 reviews40 followers
January 22, 2021
My heart is pumping so damn hard after this adrenaline rush!

What a beautiful and heartfelt story! I can't express how much I loved it, it gave the me vibes of those romantic dramas from the 80s I used to watch with my mom when I was little and gave me all the feels. Literally al the feels.

I adored that this book was divided in two parts, I love when I'm able to see the entire picture of the beginning of every relationship in a second-chance romance and believe me, this first part is so full of intrigue and heartbreaking surprises that I couldn't stop turning the pages. From the moment they met, I could definitely tell that Jackson and Rebecca were meant for each other, their friendship was pure and sweet. The different points of view were well written and very descriptive, they gave a beautiful perspective to visualize what they were going through and understand their intentions and the later reactions better.

The second part made me skip a couple of heartbeats for different reasons. The initial reactions towards one another were definitely reasonable. I was able to feel the angst and pain of both characters as they made their way back to each other, the innocence and beauty of the first love was still visible although Jackson and Rebecca were older and were carrying heavy baggage and painful wounds. Their eagerness to be together was translated so well in the dialogue and every gesture, it made my heart swell so much. I was able to see their love maturing and the same care and attraction intact. The deep connection, the patience and understanding towards one another made the steamy parts incredibly swoony. The mystery detail of this book added the right amount of drama and angst this couple need to finally get the happy ending they deserved.

I absolutely loved the slow burn in this book, the anticipation and intrigue for the big moment was so beautifully written that brought tears to my eyes when it finally came.

The beautiful prose and storytelling were utterly romantic. Each chapter was filled with Jackson and Rebecca's need and strong feelings. It was uplifting and inspiring to see them getting such an emotional and heartwarming happy ending.

A story about forgiveness, faith, redemption and the true love that endures forever. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jamie Saunders.
638 reviews58 followers
April 18, 2023
What a great bunch of characters! I would love to spend the day with almost any of the characters in Worth The Wait. This was a story about a second chance at romance for Rebecca and Jackson and I'm here for it. There were many moments my jaw hit the floor. Shannon did a great job of surprising me and I just loved the southern charm spread throughout the book! I can't wait to see what the next story will tell.
Profile Image for Ashlee Wahl.
Author 4 books50 followers
August 11, 2020
Jackson and Rebecca have been best friends since childhood. They've been inseparable since they met. Unfortunately Jackson's family is less than perfect and he has his own battles to fight, but it doesn't stop him from sticking up for Rebecca any chance he gets.


I loved the connection between Jackson and Rebecca. This is a friends to lovers romance. It was a super sweet read. Jackson's father and mother don't treat Jackson like a parent should treat their child. He's had a tough upbringing, but it doesn't stop him from being a wonderful person, no doubt, thanks to his grandmother. Rebecca is bullied in school and while I wish she was a bit stronger and stood up for herself a little bit more, I did love the fact that Jackson would step in to protect her. The only thing that threw me with this book is that it is done in multi person view. I can keep up with two point of view's fairly easily, but I did catch myself going back to the beginning of the chapter to find out which of the four point of views I was reading. I DO feel that if it was just in Rebecca and Jackson's point of view - especially after a tragic event instead of jumping forward ten years, that it would have made the story more impactful. Otherwise, I thought it was a great read!
3 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2021
In the beginning, Jackson and Rebecca are childhood best friends who meet at 8 years old. They grow to love each other but are scared of heartbreak. After a tragic accident, the book zooms 10 years into the future. The details of the accident and what all had happened within those 10 years is explained throughout the rest of the story, which builds suspense. The characters each have their own quirks and charm, which makes it easy to follow the story. The book is told from multiple POVs, but it is easy to follow if you pay attention to who is speaking/thinking. This is the author's first book, and I enjoyed it so much I will be reading the rest of the series when it's available!
Profile Image for Perrie Tucker.
4 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2020
I had the privilege to receive an ARC copy to review. As an author myself, I know how awesome it is for someone to love your work. I did enjoy this book. I think as a debut, the author has done a great job. I really loved the first chapters, especially the one during thier high school lunch period at the oak tree. I felt everything with that passage and it took my breath away! But, after reading the hospital chapter it leaves you hanging and the next chapter jumps 10-years ahead. You do find out everything that went on between hospital and 10-years down the road, but it would have been nice to have a little bit of forshadow before jumping 10-years into the future because it felt abrupt. I also felt that when the two MC's met again, the argument coupled with hot make-out seemed off. It felt off, too. I think argument and rage with chemistry and thoughts of how much they want to kiss, etc... but yelling then making out then stomping off was weird. Some descriptions seemed TMI, too much discription of a beachside public restroom for example. Overall, a good story, loved the mystery and suspense and a good love story.
340 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2020
I really enjoyed the story. The base story was well done, unique and highly enjoyable!!! The author did a great job giving the characters depth. Their history and traumas were heart wrenching and well told. I felt some parts didn’t need to be there, such as; the drunk mall story. Some of the other descriptions I found myself skimming over, as it didn’t really have any bearing on the story. A lot was put in that I felt didn’t need to be there. It seemed like the author was trying too hard or putting too much in. It was already a great story on its own and didn’t need it.
The part of her modeling and living with a roommate who had an eccentric aunt sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place where I‘ve heard it before. The details about the aunt and her sisters was a lot and didn’t really have any bearing on this story, so I was wondering if the author was connecting characters from another book, some type of crossover??
Bottom line, the main story line is highly enjoyable. I will definitely keep this author on my radar!

I read an ARC of this book. My fair and honest review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Booksfoodanddrinks.
836 reviews16 followers
June 14, 2020
*I recieved an ARC for an honest opinion.. "
📖📖📖📖
"Love is the biggest motivator of courage.."
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This is a book of second chances, courage and the great discover of first love .
I like the multiple POV, is a rare thing on books, and I could met this characters thinking, and feelings.
Rebecca met Jackson at eight years old. Became best friends, all along their childhood they protect each other and when they grow discover that feeling of butterflies and the meaning of love.
Unfortunately, life happens and they broke apart.
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Is there a chance for this lovers to find each other again?
I love Jackson, sweet, charming and loveable.
And I love Katie and Andrew too, the friendships through time.
Granny Ruby has a special place on my heart.
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"Make the most of what you have right now and let everything else go.."
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"I finally let my guard down and actually surrender to the idea I'd intimacy..."
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Great debut Shannon!
#bookreader
#bookclubsofinstagram
#booknerd
#bookworms #bookworld #bookish #bookinstagram #bookshop #bookreaders #allaboutbooks #romanceisabonusbook
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,132 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2020
This is Shannon Davis' debut book and I just say that she started with mastery.
This book left me with a roller coaster of emotions.
The first part of the story shows us how Rebecca Sharp and Jackson Strickland met at the age of eight and how their relationship developed from a childhood friendship to a desire for romance. While dealing with the feelings that arise, Jackson also needs to deal with the problems he faces at home, but luckily he has all the support of his grandmother Ruby, who is a fantastic character.
When a tragic event disrupts all of Rebecca and Jackson's dreams and plans, they are left with broken hearts.
Ten years later, Rebecca returns to town to attend her ten-year class reunion and when she and Jackson meet again, they both need to understand the feelings that still exist between them, as well as clarify everything that happened in the past. At the same time, they need to face a threat that can put everything to waste.
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
June 15, 2020
Is love worth the risk? Something that challenges us all. Rebecca and Jackson meet as 8-year-olds and become best friends. Their journey is a great example of finding the one at a young age but even though you found your soulmate, whether you end up together is never a sure thing. I enjoyed how this friendship built allowing each friend to be the ‘rock’ for the other when needed. They are a perfect complement to each other. But life is never easy and pulls them apart. When they do reunite, will that love still burn? Has there been too much hurt to allow forgiveness? I don’t want to give away any of the ups and downs. This couple kept me guessing and enthralled as they navigated what life challenged them with. There are a few moments for me that resolved a little too easily but nothing that took away from the ultimate journey. Dive in and see if you get swept away into Rebecca and Jackson’s love. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2020
This book is told from multiple points of view so FYI if you are someone that can find that hard to follow or confusing. The author made it flow well in my opinion though.

Jackson and Rebecca are childhood best friends that grew up to be teenagers who feel in love. Rebecca is the girl next door with the perfect family while Jackson’s family is dysfunctional at best.

Tragedy strikes and in the blink of an eye you are seeing them 10 years in the future. I do wish the story expanded more on the tragedy that occurred in the midst of it so we could get more details instead of getting the details 10 years later. Being that far removed from the emotion in my mind took away from the story a bit. We needed to see and feel what they went through that lead Rebecca and Jackson to be apart.

Once we hit the part of the story of them meeting again it moved fast. This is a first time read for this author for me and I did enough it enough to decide to read more from her.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 24, 2020
Worth the Risk was an amazing debut from Shannon Davis, and I'm super excited for more of her stories. Rebecca & Jackson met when they were 8 years old, and from that moment, they built a close friendship which went through many ups & downs through the years. By the time they were 18, they had caught feelings for each other but something big tore them apart. Fast forward 10 years (& we don't know what happened yet), they come back face to face when she comes home for their 10 year reunion. The angst is big time as little clues start dropping at the heartbreak that each went through. Plus, there were quite a few twists & turns which had me dropping f-bombs while I was on the edge of my seat needing to see the big picture. And that's all that I'm willing to say about it all because it's better to just experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Book Estuary.
16 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2021
A Heartfelt Story

Worth the Risk by Shannon Davis is a heartfelt story that tackles the importance of family, friends, and life long love.

The conflict in the story came mainly from Jackson’s past that gives this story the element of suspense. At some point, there was really pure evil there. I had some thoughts that such evil was unsubstantiated. I just could not understand or the author failed to make me understand the depth of such evil in a person towards a family.

On the other hand, I was hooked on the part when Rebecca and Jackson were about to get back together. I was excited about how it would happen and I was not disappointed.

Despite the conflict, there are several warm and heartfelt moments in the story. I like granny Ruby and Rebecca’s best friend Katie. The story is filled with swoon-worthy lines and some steamy scenes although some are bordering on excessive showings.

Also, I don’t really find the fairy tale connection that much except on the matter of Rebecca’s wish that came true.

Overall Rating and Final Thoughts about Worth the Risk

Worth the Risk by Shannon Davis is a story with great depth especially on the way Shannon Davis created the backstories of her characters, Rebecca and Jackson. It hooked me on some parts but there were also parts that I lost interest in. There is a great deal of suspense however I’m not really convinced how such evil existed in a person towards a family. But, overall I find the story unique and worth telling. It brought a smile to my face several times and it is a guaranteed happy ever after. Given all these points, I give Worth the Risk my 4.6-star rating.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,056 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2020
I love the way this author writes a story. It begins at the first introduction at the age of eight, and takes you right through their lives. The characters in this story are very relatable.

As much as I routed for the main characters of the story, it was Mrs. Rose that was my favorite character. That old girl, helped raise three generations of her family, had a sixth sense and a healthy relationship with God.

Rebecca and Jackson endure more than any young couple should. Especially at the hands of Jackson's Dad. As my mother would say, "he is a piece of work".

Worth the Risk, is Worth the Read! I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,075 reviews45 followers
June 20, 2020
A sweet romance. Rebecca and Jackson met when they were 8. The became best friends and it grew with them. By the time they are 18 they are both are eager to let the other know their true feelings, tragedy strikes and they are separated for 10 years. When Rebecca returns for her high school reunion they pick up right where they left off. The first part of the book focused on the early years full of sweet friendship and school age drama like bullying, friendship and crushes. The second part dealt with their adult lives. a lot happened in 4 days. Reunion between Rebecca and Jackson, an engagement, kidnapping and HEA. Maybe a little too much.
Copy provided for honest review
Profile Image for Nicole Ann Nielsen.
Author 17 books38 followers
June 27, 2020
Worth the Risk is set in Florida and steeped in southern charm and quirky characters.

Jackson and Rebecca meet as children and the first part of the book covers the ten years leading up to their leaving school.
Tragedy strikes and they are separated.
The second part skips ahead ten years. Rebecca is back for her high-school reunion and she needs to face Jackson again.
Bit by bit, the events during the intervening ten years are uncovered while Jackson and Rebecca deal with seeing each other again. A lot (maybe too much?) was packed into the short time frame and I felt their HEA happened too easily and too quickly.
That said, the author’s style is detailed and descriptive, loaded with small-town charm and folklore, and worth the read. Pun intended.
Well done, Shannon Davis, on your debut novel.
Profile Image for one_more_chapter .
421 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2020
Worth the Risk is an eloquently written debut novel with it's words effortlessly flowing and weaving into a sweet, spicy, and suspenseful romance. Detailed, and descriptive, this book will easily draw you in and sweep you up in it's southern charm. With an overall solid start, I'm looking forward to more from this author👍!
Profile Image for Jess Moore.
Author 8 books145 followers
June 25, 2020
Wonderful debut novel from Shannon Davis! I especially loved how descriptively she wrote about living in the Florida panhandle - I felt like I was there. This is an epic tale of love, from childhood best friends, through trauma and a madman, all the way up through a satisfying happy ending.
Profile Image for Laiba Malik.
509 reviews
June 25, 2020
I received an ARC  of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.

A beautifully written and an amazing read by Ms Davis. Action packed, romance, suspence, emotional and mystry this book has it all.
Profile Image for Shannon Burton.
313 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2020
A true love story

Nothing better than a second chance romance with tragedy uncertainties and a little bit of danger. This book covers some dark issues and resentments in family but also love conquering all, especially when you choose to forgive.
1 review1 follower
July 13, 2020
"Worth the Risk" by Shannon Davis is is an amazing story. Mrs. Davis describes each of her characters so well that by the end of the book they will be your best friends. She also puts twists and turns in places you are not expecting which keeps you turning the pages. Once you read this book, Mrs. Davis will be your new favorite author. Be sure to keep your eyes open for her next novel!
Profile Image for Stephanie Renee.
Author 42 books439 followers
July 6, 2020
This book really took me by surprise and kept the twists and turns coming. Of course, I knew there would be a happy ending (It literally says "fairy tale" in the title), there was some surprises thrown in as to how Rebecca and Jackson got their happily ever after.
And yes, the book is sweet, romantic, sexy, and everything else you expect to find in a contemporary romance novel, but the thing that drew me in from page one was the Southern charm of it all. The way the author writes it makes you feel like you are really there shooting the breeze on the porch with these characters.
Such a good, fun, sweet read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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