Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

Never Say Never #6

by Remi Carrington

Picking up a stranger off the side of the road is risky. Falling in love with him is . . . not going to happen. Probably.

My life is all doughnuts and sprinkles, and I can’t lie to save my life.
None of that is a problem until I find a man beaten up on the side of the road. In the dark. In the rain. And even though I promised I’d never again pick up a stranger, I load him into my car—not an easy task—and drive him to a hospital. I couldn’t just leave him there.
That’s how I end up spending a week in a luxurious house, soaking in a hot tub, gazing at the stars, and playing nurse to Garrett. Besides the bandages and bruises, it’s a recipe for romance.
Except I want no part in anything romantic. Dating will land my heart on the butchering slab, and I refuse to be hurt again.
He’s interested. I wish I could lie and say I’m not.
Instead, I suggest we just stay friends. What’s the risk in that?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2021

About the author

Remi Carrington is the figment of Pamela Humphrey's imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego.

She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her new series, Bluebonnets & Billionaires, will launch in Jan 2019. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I have so enjoyed binge reading this series this week. I was looking forward to Tessa's story and finding out a little bit more of her background and why she has no desire to date ever! This was a sweet story, and Garrett was perfect for Tessa. I loved how patient and kind he was with her, but also was always letting her know how he felt. Tessa is smart though and know she has to make some changes so she doesn't loose Garrett. This was another engaging story with likable characters and a sweet romance.

Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all... I am so sad right now! I know they say all good things must come to an end but I'm just not ready for the Never Say Never series to end! I'm already going through withdrawals. 😭

Guys! I don't want to write my review. Why? Because if I write my review then it makes all of this final and I'm not okay with that! But alas... I can't leave this amazing book without a review! That would be very un-KJ of me! 😂 Okay. Here goes...

Tessa struggles with things that happened in the past and because of it she has a hard time seeing her true self. I feel her pain on this one... literally. My heart broke for her because having to face and overcome her fears sucked. She holds back because she never wants to go through that again.

Garrett is seriously amazing! He quickly realizes why she's holding back and respects her decision. However, that doesn't stop him from being the best freaking hero ever! He's so patient and loving towards her. He allows her to go at her own pace and does everything in his power to help her face her fears.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved Tessa and Garrett. These two quickly stole my heart. I loved getting to know them better and watching them get their HEA. This book definitely pulls at the heartstrings. I laughed, got teary eyed, and swooned like there was no tomorrow. I found myself savoring every minute I read and cursed as I got further and further into the book. I really did NOT want it to end!

I will say that there's a special treat at the end in the epilogue. It was seriously the BEST way to end the series! But I AM hoping a few of the characters in this series get their own books. Crossing my fingers for a spinoff series! 😉

Y'all. It's no secret that I love this series! And this series is why I've added another favorite and auto-buy author to my list. I have adored all the books I've read by Ms. Carrington and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And of course we can't forget my casting. Y'all. Be still my little heart! I love these two!

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I like this cover. I like when romcoms are something other than pink or purple, or pastels. Don't get my wrong. Those are adorable and as we all know, I judge books by their covers, and I absolutely read them all. This cover is just fun and bright and red and that's all.
.
By the time I finished this book, I had butterflies pretty consistently living in my stomach. It is so swoony and Garrett is seriously so sweet. I loved the growth you get to see in Tessa. I loved the epilogues. Both of them. A lot.
.
Book Notes:
- Garrett and Tessa
- this book is adorable
- it's kind of fun to see a strangers to friends to lovers play out
- Garrett is such a good guy. So patient
- okay their relationship is adorable.
- the hot tub and the patio. I don't like hot tubs but this makes me want a rooftop patio!
- my heart is breaking a little for Tessa
- my heart has been healed.
.
So, if you like nice guys, funny heroines, donuts, revisiting old friends and patios, this book is for you. Even if you like bad boys, unfunny books, carrots, canceling friendships and solid ground, this book is probably still for you. Just saying.
.
Thanks for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness where do I start with this one?! I have to say I had my favorites from this series and yet somehow this book quickly flew to the top of my list. Definitely my favorite from this series- I absolutely adored Tessa and Garrett!

From the very beginning the story sucks you in- Tessa finds a man badly hurt on the side of the road late Thanksgiving night. She does all she can to help, and only later does she realize she has met this stranger once before.

Enter Garrett, and oh my word can you say swoony?! He is a perfect hero- thoughtful, kind and strong, and willing to meet Tessa where she’s at. I loved watching them become friends. Tessa is not ready to break down her walls, but Garrett definitely has her thinking about it.

And the ending?! Wow I love how this author gives such a satisfying epilogue, and then takes it further by giving you another one! It wrapped the series up so well and was the perfect way to bring all the other characters from past books together.

[Barbara DeNamur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best Never Say Never stories by Remi Carrington. Though it is a Rom-Com, there is a lot of soul searching and personality development with the main characters. Tessa, the doughnut baker, and friend of Delaney has sworn off dating because of a very bad break up with another guy. Garrett is a private detective on a case that has gone very wrong. He is beaten up badly and thrown on the side of the road on a cold November night. Tessa finds him and drives him to the hospital. She doesn’t recognize him because of his injuries and Garrett can’t speak. The next day, Tessa finds out that he is the son of a prominent rancher. Garrett doesn’t want to worry his family and needs a place to recuperate. How far will Tessa go to help his stranger who is tugging at her heart? I found I could not put this book down and had to keep reading. And, now I want a hot tub, too!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romantic rom com with strong characters in Tessa and Garrett. There's tons of action as well as all the twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. I loved the characters and their chemistry and enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Mia's Sweetest Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we add a 6th star? 5 is not enough!

This one was my FAVORITE book of the series. Seriously Garret and Tessa were THE BEST! I loved the tenderness and patience of Garret and how he treated Tessa and all of her hurt from the past, the way they grew closer together through friendship.

Overall the whole series was one joy of a journey and I could not put it down. I don't think I've ever binge read a series but it quickly became my favorite! The only thing that I really hate is that it's over and I just want more.

I love how the author created this little world and each book added to it with more amazing characters and we got to know more with each book and I just wanna go live there. The humor was also my cup of tea with all the puns and jokes. At some point I was really expecting we'd get Mr and Mrs (w)Right.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought Three Rules I’d Never Break was unbeatable, but I loved Garrett and Tessa’s story just as much! The romantic aspect was phenomenal; the characters were like old friends. I’ve smiled all day after finishing this book! Side note, don’t read this book hungry because when Tessa starts experimenting with doughnut recipes your stomach is sure to growl. Another great clean addition to an amazing series.

[Wysteria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got the ARC I realized I had the first book in the series so why not try to read it first. Well I did read it and then I had to buy the second book. LOL

I did enjoy One Guy I'd Never Date more than this one so I gave this book a 4 1/2 star.

It was cute watching Tessa take care of Garrett but what I loved was when he started to get better he didn't demand she keep taking care of him. I even thought it was cute that he didn't want to ask her to put the cream on his bruises. This was after he tried to get them.

Garrett was a great guy and he seemed to be very patient and understanding of what Tessa was going through.

This was a nice sweet romance but their are innuendos and lingerie and string bikinis. We also find out Tessa was used by her ex-fiance. Obviously from the blurb their is some drama but that was really it for the most part.

I received a free copy via Booksprout and am leaving an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa was a Good Samaritan to Garrett when she picked him up from the roadside after he had been badly beaten and dumped by the husband of a treacherous client. She took him to the hospital and then spent the next week nursing his wounds until he was able to return home. Garrett may be one of my favorite book heroes ever because of his patience and willingness to wait without pressuring Tessa who had been mistreated by her former fiance and had sworn to never give her heart away like that again. It was such a great love story! I also really liked that the author included a bonus epilogue that brought together all of the couples that were featured in this series and gave the readers an update on their marriages and families. It is bittersweet when a wonderful series ends but there was a teaser that gives me hope of a spin-off series to come. Highly recommend! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Garrett's Story . . .

In the pouring rain, Tessa saw a man who had been beaten up and dumped on the side of the road. She stopped, struggled to get Garrett into the car, and took him to the hospital. She stuck by him while he was healing, caring for him and doing the things he could not do for himself. And he never pushed her for a relationship. He saw her pain from the past and gave her his patience and kindness until she was ready to love him. Sigh….

There is something very sad when we reach the end of a good series because it’s the feeling that what we have been enjoying and looking forward to is over. The author gave us an awesome book to end with in Tessa and Garrett’s story. The overall series was a very good one that does keep the reader’s full attention from start to finish. I look forward to continued excellent stories, but I will miss this one for sure.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blessing Of Epic Proportions -
When Tessa risked her life to pick up a badly hurt stranger on the side of the road at night, should couldn’t have thought for a second that it was the beginning of a wonderful journey between herself and Garret, that will heal their hearts and bodies. The connection between them from the beginning was indescribable, but Tessa’s insecurities and Garrett’s injuries helped the slow the pace, which allowed them the get to know each other better and acknowledge their feelings for each other.

This was a truly amazing read, that pulled me into the story from the beginning and made it is hard for me to put down until I reached the end. It appears each of the books in the Never Say Never series keeps getting more fascinating with each new release and book six definitely didn’t disappoint. I am happy to recommend this book to any romance reader looking for a great book to read.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Pavlek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story With A Heart

After reading Ava’s story, I loved it! Then I read the second one, and it was my favourite. Then the third,....and after each one I believed that one was my favourite. Well, I sent an email to Remi Carrington praising Romantic Comedy books. She was gracious to answer, thanked me and said leaving a review will be better. So, here it goes: this last one, 6th, is now my favourite. The compassion, humour, love and crime weaved into a perfect story you would love. Read it and you will see what I mean.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the fact that Tessa had been burned and was basically off dating men she did not let that stop her from helping one. So when she finds Garrett by the side of the road on a crappy night she comes to his rescue and she does not desert him. This couple were so neat together as they both healed - him physically and her emotionally. They took good care of one another and were good for one another and it made for a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Garrett's romance is heart warming. She is afraid to risk love and he is steadfast in his patience. The story makes you realise how what one person says can have a profound and lasting impact, good or bad, on another's life.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.

[Charlene Amsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved The Best for Last

I know I’ve said it with every book in the series, but this was the best one ever. Sweet sigh. I especially loved the wrap up at the end.

This is a stand alone sweet romance but it is also book six in a series and you’ll love it best if you read them in order.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant start to a book, I did laugh, especially when Tessa pushed the umbrella into Garrett's hand so she didn't hit him with the car when she drove forward!
So after picking up a strange injured man and taking him to the hospital, it turns out that she knows who he is. It's decided that they ought to hide away from the people who beat him up and left him to die. They spend a week together, Tessa is certain that she doesn't want a boyfriend but is happy for Garrett to be a friend who happens to be a man.

This is a great read from Remi, the characters are believable and it's humourous.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love Garrett and Tessa! What a sweet, gentle love story. This book was a great ending to a fantastic series, the bonus epilogue was the perfect finishing touch! And a warning, it will also make you want to find a little donut shop and eat all the things!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet read with good characters, humour, twists, turns, chemistry, connection, kindness, respect, patience, friends, family, romance and love. It's a good story in a good series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Loved this book! I was hooked from page one and it held me til the fabulous end! I don't know how Ms. Carrington does it! Can make you laugh out loud and swoon so bad so many times! One of my favorite books ever! The whole series is great !

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Setting: Texas
Content: super sweet romance

Remi told me I would love Garrett and she wasn't wrong. Now I can't decide who my favorite is, Eli or Garrett. They are both perfect.

[Kaziah Mustard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Never is one of those series I am sorry to see end. I really liked the way the author included nearly all the couples in the epilogue. I look forward to reading the stories of some of the older characters in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Risks I'd Never Take Again is an awesome, friends to lovers with a twist, romantic comedy. I highly recommend this entire series. This book is such an amazing story. I love Tessa and Garrett. I absolutely did not want their story or this series to end. There is a lot happening in this book as Garrett gently helps Tessa overcome her fears. I could not put it down. The ending is perfect.

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance about a woman afraid to try for love again and the man she finds broken and battered on the side of the road.
Giving up closely held fear isn’t easy, but his patience and kindness win over her heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa is heading home on a dark raining day when she see a arm move in a distant . Tessa when to what it was and found out it was a man laying down in a ditch . Garrett is save by and angel who did all she can to get him in the car and take him to the hospital . This story is beautiful and sweet romance Tessa and Garrett is meant for each other .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Risks That I'd Never Take Again is a book that you should only read if you want something to lift your spirits and get some swoony romance. Tessa and Garrett are fantastic characters. Tessa has been hurt in the past and Garrett goes above and beyond to woo her. I love how Garrett had been welcomed into the family and that because he was family, Tessa was treated like family too. I also liked how Ms. Carrington wrote about Tessa's parents. As expected of Remi Carrington's romantic comedies, there's a lot of humorous dialogue and situations. There's a fabulous HEA and a wrap up of the earlier characters in the series, however, this book can certainly be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written and totally delightful romantic comedy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read! Tessa and Garret's story is full of twists and turns and will keep you turning the pages. This book deserves more than 5 stars! Loved it!

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down my favorite book in this series! There is a bit of a mystery woven into this sweet romance as well as relatable obstacles to overcome. You get all the feels in this delightful story! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Miranda Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is # 6 in a series but can totally be read as a stand alone as well. I actually started this series by reading #5 😅 and was ready for # 6 as soon as I finished #5.

I am constantly on the hunt for sweet, clean romances and this did not disappoint. In my opinion, it had a creative twist to a “friends to lovers” trope.

I felt like I really got to know Tessa through the author’s writing and just loved Garrett for her. Tessa had sworn off ever finding someone to be with due to past heartbreak and closed herself off. I felt like Garrett was a refreshing character because he was direct in expressing how he felt, but then he was also very respectful of her boundaries. I don’t want to talk too much about him to give spoilers away!

Anyway, you get a few chapters written from Garrett’s perspective and I feel like they really help complete the “feel” of the book and I just absolutely loved it!!

[Mandi Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Garret had so much chemistry in this one. I loved the twists and action to pulled them together, and I was cheering for Tessa as she overcame her fears. This is one of my favorites from this series!