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The McKinney Brothers #2
Worth the Risk
When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.
Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.
Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.
Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.
Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.
Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
About the author
Claudia Connor
15 books2,381 followersClaudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers.
Claudia writes, warm, heartfelt contemporary romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. When she's not writing, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, with a heavy dose of daydreaming during all three. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.
You can find out more about Claudia’s books at http://claudiaconnor.com
or stop by and say hello on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaConnor.
Claudia writes, warm, heartfelt contemporary romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. When she's not writing, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, with a heavy dose of daydreaming during all three. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.
You can find out more about Claudia’s books at http://claudiaconnor.com
or stop by and say hello on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaConnor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 823 reviews
May 25, 2017
4 Goldilocks stars
*Spoilers*
Worth the Risk the second book in the The McKinney Brothers series was so good. It was darker and had more angst then the first book but it was still sweet and beautiful too. The only reason it didn't get a five star like the first one is because although I did love Stephen I loved Matt more. Sorry Stephen but Matt is one hell of a show stopper!
"Don't. Please." She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. "Don't play with me."-Hannah
"You're the bravest, strongest, most amazing person I've ever known and....I didn't handle it well. I don't....handle things well. Not for the past few years anyway. I -Shit, this is hard."-Stephen
Stephen was broken by love. His fiancee was beat, tortured, raped(or at least it was hinted that she was raped) and murdered in their home five years ago. Stephen was full of rage, closed off from his family and consumed in guilt. He wanted revenge, dreamed of torturing the men that murdered his fiancee and that made him think he was dark with evil in him. Stephen was charming, sweet, but was battling his own demons and sometimes he did or said things that would hurt Hannah, but never on purpose. I think Claudia Connor did a great job of showing a man so consumed with rage and guilt that it was like a poison in his soul. I could feel his pain, his anger, his fear. I loved Stephen and my heart broke for him.
He'd been with plenty of women, had a longtime girlfriend and fiancee, and still, he couldn't ever remember being so moved. So consumed.-Stephen about Hannah
"And you know what?" "What?" "I like who you are now."-Hannah and Stephen
Hannah was broken by evil. When Hannah was 14 an evil man tortured her for days cutting her, pealing her skin, breaking her bones with bats ect for years she was in so much pain she wanted to die. She was withdrawn and didn't speak, didn't live, until she seen horses. They gave her a sense of freedom. She became a Hippotherapy(physical therapist that work with children using horses) and she has a little farm called Freedom Farm. Hannah was amazing. She had such strength and love. I loved Hannah. Thought she a brave and admirable heroine. She really stood out to me. She didn't just give up but she made something of herself and helped others.
"I haven't kissed another girl since the first time I kissed you over a bowl of ice cream. I haven't wanted to. Haven't even thought about it."-Stephen
They'd both been broken, Stephen by love, her by evil. Both of their lives changed by monsters.-Hannah
There was a ton of chemistry between Stephen and Hannah. Stephen made Hannah feel beautiful and she made him feel alive again. There was a great build up to their love. There were some really sweet tender moments in this book. Stephen could really work the charm when he tried. I loved getting to see how Matt, Abby, and the kids where doing and the news Matt and Abby had was like a awesome bonus. I also really loved Hannah's brothers. Nick, Luke, Zach, and Dallas(although Dallas wasn't in the book just spoken of) I thought they were all so damn cute and protective.
FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.-Hannah I want Nick and Mia's story so bad I can taste it. Just saying I am going to need me some more Walker men! I am so glad that I requested Worth It All from netgalley and decided to read all the books in this series, because it introduced me to an awesome author I didn't know about. I am loving me some Claudia Connor and can't wait to read more books from her!
"No." He caught her face in his hands. "I love you. You're what I need, Hannah. You're what I think about. Not a building. Not a company. I'm alive again because of you."-Stephen
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
*Spoilers*
Worth the Risk the second book in the The McKinney Brothers series was so good. It was darker and had more angst then the first book but it was still sweet and beautiful too. The only reason it didn't get a five star like the first one is because although I did love Stephen I loved Matt more. Sorry Stephen but Matt is one hell of a show stopper!
"Don't. Please." She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. "Don't play with me."-Hannah
"You're the bravest, strongest, most amazing person I've ever known and....I didn't handle it well. I don't....handle things well. Not for the past few years anyway. I -Shit, this is hard."-Stephen
Stephen was broken by love. His fiancee was beat, tortured, raped(or at least it was hinted that she was raped) and murdered in their home five years ago. Stephen was full of rage, closed off from his family and consumed in guilt. He wanted revenge, dreamed of torturing the men that murdered his fiancee and that made him think he was dark with evil in him. Stephen was charming, sweet, but was battling his own demons and sometimes he did or said things that would hurt Hannah, but never on purpose. I think Claudia Connor did a great job of showing a man so consumed with rage and guilt that it was like a poison in his soul. I could feel his pain, his anger, his fear. I loved Stephen and my heart broke for him.
He'd been with plenty of women, had a longtime girlfriend and fiancee, and still, he couldn't ever remember being so moved. So consumed.-Stephen about Hannah
"And you know what?" "What?" "I like who you are now."-Hannah and Stephen
Hannah was broken by evil. When Hannah was 14 an evil man tortured her for days cutting her, pealing her skin, breaking her bones with bats ect for years she was in so much pain she wanted to die. She was withdrawn and didn't speak, didn't live, until she seen horses. They gave her a sense of freedom. She became a Hippotherapy(physical therapist that work with children using horses) and she has a little farm called Freedom Farm. Hannah was amazing. She had such strength and love. I loved Hannah. Thought she a brave and admirable heroine. She really stood out to me. She didn't just give up but she made something of herself and helped others.
"I haven't kissed another girl since the first time I kissed you over a bowl of ice cream. I haven't wanted to. Haven't even thought about it."-Stephen
They'd both been broken, Stephen by love, her by evil. Both of their lives changed by monsters.-Hannah
There was a ton of chemistry between Stephen and Hannah. Stephen made Hannah feel beautiful and she made him feel alive again. There was a great build up to their love. There were some really sweet tender moments in this book. Stephen could really work the charm when he tried. I loved getting to see how Matt, Abby, and the kids where doing and the news Matt and Abby had was like a awesome bonus. I also really loved Hannah's brothers. Nick, Luke, Zach, and Dallas(although Dallas wasn't in the book just spoken of) I thought they were all so damn cute and protective.
FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.-Hannah I want Nick and Mia's story so bad I can taste it. Just saying I am going to need me some more Walker men! I am so glad that I requested Worth It All from netgalley and decided to read all the books in this series, because it introduced me to an awesome author I didn't know about. I am loving me some Claudia Connor and can't wait to read more books from her!
"No." He caught her face in his hands. "I love you. You're what I need, Hannah. You're what I think about. Not a building. Not a company. I'm alive again because of you."-Stephen
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
November 30, 2014
4 stars!
Worth the Risk is book two in the McKinney Brother’s series and focuses on Stephen. The rich, single and successful brother. It’s been five years since Stephen has suffered a tragic loss. Since then, he’s focused on his work. Never lets anyone get too close. Including his own family.
Hannah has been through so much in her short life. Her parent’s died when she was young. She went through something even more traumatic as a teen. She has chosen to take what has happened to her and turn her life into something beautiful. She works as a physical therapist, but she isn’t a normal PT. She works with disabled children and horses. She doesn’t have a lot of friends or any love interests, but she has her four big brothers who are there for her. Even when she doesn't’ want them to be.
When Stephen first sees Hannah, he sees something there he likes. He can’t stay away from her. And the more time he spends with her, the more he notices that something special she has. Hannah is damaged and has her own scars, but Stephen could care less. He wants her.
Hannah is hesitant to be with someone like Stephen. She is inexperienced and he is the opposite. Hannah is a sweet girl. She genuinely likes Stephen and his family. But she see’s something in him. She knows that he has a past just like she does. For some reason, they are both able to open up to one another. But Stephen can’t tell her everything. Regardless of all that, she is starting to fall for him.
Stephen has his own walls up. He has his own darkness in him. Both of their pasts are a lot to handle. And when Stephen starts to fall for Hannah, it scares him. He’s kept people out for so long, he’s afraid to let anyone else in. But most of all, he’s afraid to hurt Hannah. After all she’s been through, he couldn’t stomach it if he hurt her.
Hannah was one of the best heroines I’ve read about recently. I loved everything about her. Her strength and determination, the beauty inside and out. Honestly, I think my biggest issue with this story was the fact that I loved Hannah so hard, I wanted her to be someones great and only love. I feel like there was never that major closure between Stephen and that showed Hannah wasn’t second place. Maybe it’s just me, but I wanted something more. I did love the growth Stephen showed. And the grand gesture he made at the end was wonderful. It made my heart happy. Stephen is one of those characters that took me a while to warm to. When I read book one in this series, I fell for Matt early on. Not Stephen. It’s safe to say I loved him dearly by the end, but it wasn’t instant by any means.
This book was not as light and sweet as the first. It was much more emotional for me. Hannah’s past was hard to read about. Their journey wasn’t that quick insta-love and I appreciated that. It took a while for both of them to open up and trust, but it was a beautiful thing. I think they both realized it wasn’t a ‘place’ that fully healed them like they once thought, but each other.
The McKinney Brother’s series have been heartwarming and great reads. I’m very anxious for a TJ book, just with the little bit we’ve heard of him. Honestly, I think I want some of Hannah’s brother’s stories more than anyone else! I loved the Walker boys!
This story was full of tragedy and heart break, but still had moments of humor, love, family and romance. In the end, my heart was happy and I had a big smile on my face! Worth the Risk gets a solid 4 stars from me!
Worth the Risk is book two in the McKinney Brother’s series and focuses on Stephen. The rich, single and successful brother. It’s been five years since Stephen has suffered a tragic loss. Since then, he’s focused on his work. Never lets anyone get too close. Including his own family.
Hannah has been through so much in her short life. Her parent’s died when she was young. She went through something even more traumatic as a teen. She has chosen to take what has happened to her and turn her life into something beautiful. She works as a physical therapist, but she isn’t a normal PT. She works with disabled children and horses. She doesn’t have a lot of friends or any love interests, but she has her four big brothers who are there for her. Even when she doesn't’ want them to be.
FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.
When Stephen first sees Hannah, he sees something there he likes. He can’t stay away from her. And the more time he spends with her, the more he notices that something special she has. Hannah is damaged and has her own scars, but Stephen could care less. He wants her.
Hannah is hesitant to be with someone like Stephen. She is inexperienced and he is the opposite. Hannah is a sweet girl. She genuinely likes Stephen and his family. But she see’s something in him. She knows that he has a past just like she does. For some reason, they are both able to open up to one another. But Stephen can’t tell her everything. Regardless of all that, she is starting to fall for him.
Every look, every touch. The feeling in her heart grew stronger, sharp enough to sting. Not falling in love with him wasn’t going to be an option.
Stephen has his own walls up. He has his own darkness in him. Both of their pasts are a lot to handle. And when Stephen starts to fall for Hannah, it scares him. He’s kept people out for so long, he’s afraid to let anyone else in. But most of all, he’s afraid to hurt Hannah. After all she’s been through, he couldn’t stomach it if he hurt her.
Hannah was one of the best heroines I’ve read about recently. I loved everything about her. Her strength and determination, the beauty inside and out. Honestly, I think my biggest issue with this story was the fact that I loved Hannah so hard, I wanted her to be someones great and only love. I feel like there was never that major closure between Stephen and that showed Hannah wasn’t second place. Maybe it’s just me, but I wanted something more. I did love the growth Stephen showed. And the grand gesture he made at the end was wonderful. It made my heart happy. Stephen is one of those characters that took me a while to warm to. When I read book one in this series, I fell for Matt early on. Not Stephen. It’s safe to say I loved him dearly by the end, but it wasn’t instant by any means.
This book was not as light and sweet as the first. It was much more emotional for me. Hannah’s past was hard to read about. Their journey wasn’t that quick insta-love and I appreciated that. It took a while for both of them to open up and trust, but it was a beautiful thing. I think they both realized it wasn’t a ‘place’ that fully healed them like they once thought, but each other.
The McKinney Brother’s series have been heartwarming and great reads. I’m very anxious for a TJ book, just with the little bit we’ve heard of him. Honestly, I think I want some of Hannah’s brother’s stories more than anyone else! I loved the Walker boys!
This story was full of tragedy and heart break, but still had moments of humor, love, family and romance. In the end, my heart was happy and I had a big smile on my face! Worth the Risk gets a solid 4 stars from me!
March 7, 2015
5 'soooo Worth the Risk' stars!
You know, the billionaire playboy / struggling naïve woman trope doesn’t usually go over well with me…but wow. WOW! There’s just something about the way Claudia Connor tells a story that grabs my heart from the start and doesn’t let go!
Blurb…
When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.
Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.
Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.
Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.
My thoughts…
Worth the Risk is the second book in the McKinney Brothers series and every bit as wonderful as the first. I wasn’t too sure about the billionaire playboy angle…falling for a woman who is so far from his usual type it isn’t even funny. But Stephen is a great guy who’s struggling with a tragic loss, and when Hannah crosses his path, he knows… there’s something about her that draws him in and he can’t deny the need to be with her.
Hannah has a tragic past of her own… horrific, in fact. But it’s that experience – and the almost stifling protectiveness of her brothers – that has made her an amazing woman… the perfect woman for Stephen.
Honestly, start to finish this is a poignant story about letting go of the past so you can hold on to the one person in the world who can free you from your demons. It’s at times heartbreaking, and at times uplifting. At times laugh out loud funny, and at times had me in tears. Worth the Risk has everything I love in contemporary romance, including some burn up the pages sexiness. Hannah and Stephen’s romance is beautiful, and is one of the most hard fought and deserved happily ever afters I’ve read.
The bottom line…
The short and sweet of it - I absolutely loved this story! Loved it! Every deeply poignant, deliciously sexy, beautifully romantic bit of it!
An ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept. To show my appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.
February 14, 2015
I read the first on in this series and I liked it. It didn't blow me away, it was just OK. This one was way better. Loved Stephen, a tortured soul with a past that still haunted him. Hannah, tortured also with a past history that was horrifying. Could they learn to trust each other and heal?
Hannah's brothers are very overprotective. They want the best for her and to them, Stephen is not the best. He is a player and not for their little sister.
Look forward to reading about Nick and Mia.
And I got my Epilogue.
Liked catching up with the characters from the previous book. I am wondering who the next book will be about. JT, the absent brother intrigues me.
Hannah's brothers are very overprotective. They want the best for her and to them, Stephen is not the best. He is a player and not for their little sister.
Stephen McKinney, Norfolk's Most Eligible Bachelor
Look forward to reading about Nick and Mia.
It was hard to rebuild bridges,
even harder to cross them.
If not seeing her caused a knot in his gut, seeing her brought a damn entanglement
And I got my Epilogue.
Another perfect moment
Liked catching up with the characters from the previous book. I am wondering who the next book will be about. JT, the absent brother intrigues me.
November 30, 2014
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Worth the Risk (The McKinney Brothers #2)
Series: Standalone series
Author: Claudia Connor
Rating: 2 stars
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam meh
Triggers?
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .No.
Über Douchebagery .Quite a bit.
Taboo Subject Matter .No.
Cheating:
Love Triangle
I apologize in advance but I'm about to go on a major rant about this book.
After reading and absolutely loving the first book in the series I was so excited to have received an ARC off of Net Galley. Unfortunately, my excitement ended nearly as soon as I started the book. I could not stand the hero.
So basically the heroine went through an extremely traumatic event when she was 14 years old. So now she's this recluse who is always protected by her brothers and she's a virgin all that etc etc.
The hero also had something happen to someone he loved a few years back so he's this tortured hero turned manwhore. He refuses to ever let someone in the way he did before and this damn issue lasts pretty much the entire book.
The MC's bump into each other at the super market and he wants to take her to dinner. She's never been on a date or anything and what's so weird is she says yes and that she'll meet him there. WTF? Her inner monologue is about how she can't forgive herself for having allowed what happened to her years ago to happen and now she's agreeing to meet some strange man?
The blurb makes it seem like he pursues her relentlessly, which is not the case at all. She says no at first then in the same 5 mins says ok. That already had me cringing because I was looking forward to reading about a man who pursues this sweet recluse woman and shows her she deserve love blahblahblah.
Now here's the part that pretty much KILLED the story for me:
Fast forward to their second date. He invites her to his brothers house for one of the kids birthdays. He think's she's really lovely but he knows he'll never pursue anything serious with her. He can't let anyone else in all that tortured hero bullshit you read about all the time. At one point she is holding his siblings infant baby and she smiles over at him and it freaks him out because he thought it was beautiful or something and leaves the room. His sister tells him she likes the heroine and that he should give it a chance. He yells at the sister saying
"Hell, no. I was just being nice, for God's sake. Does she look like the kind of woman I'd want to spend time with?"
Are you kidding me? So of course the heroine has accidentally walked into the room at this point and overheard everything. Does he apologize? No. He lets her leave the party and doesn't bother to go apologize or anything. What really killed about this is how badly something like that could affect someone with her past.
do not read if you don't want major spoilers! So obviously having just received the attention from a very attractive man was a big deal for her. Putting herself out there at all was such a big deal for her.
From this point on I was never able to like him because this was NEVER properly addressed. She never asks him about it even when he does apologize. I needed him to elaborate and explain how he was just panicking and that he didn't mean it at all. Later on when they hang out it's like it never happened. That was so weird to me. I know it's petty but I needed it to be discussed.
Throughout MOST of the book he just always did or said things to make the heroine confused about what he wanted. Hell I was fucking confused too! He wanted her but he didn't want anything serious.
I just feel like if you're going to write about a heroine that has issues as bad as the heroines it just doesn't work to have a hero that keeps pushing her away. I want someone who is going to make this poor heroine feel like she is the most amazing thing in the world.
TO TOP IT ALL OFF the mother of all asshole scenes takes place.
He wasn't a bad hero he was just absolutely nothing special.
The last thing that bothered me might have just been an error on the authors part (I hope).When the heroine asks if he's seeing anyone else he tells her no and that he hasn't even kissed anyone since the day he kissed her on the boardwalk. The boardwalk kiss happened quite a while after the first time they met. It doesn't make sense because the author makes it seem like he doesn't hook up with anyone else. He only went on one date which he says he didn't do anything with the woman afterwards and it was to push him to stay away from her. So wtf? Why wouldn't the author say that I haven't kissed anyone since I've met you? So does that mean he hooked up with someone after he meets her? It made no sense to me and it's never elaborated on.
To say this book didn't work for me is an understatement. It was a mess. I will say that I think I might be in the minority when it comes to how I feel about this book so please don't let it deter you from reading it. Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the first book.
April 6, 2016
***4 "Goldilocks" stars***
Another one wonderful story from Mrs. Connor's signature!!!
I can say that I'm a huge fan of the McKinney brothers and i feel so sorry that i delayed to read them so much...
To be honest, i liked very much this book, but i think that my heart will always linger toward the first book...
But what thrilled me in both books is the change of scenery... Nothing in this book reminds the first book and i liked that very much!!! So different and so wonderfull...
Even the brothers were so opposite between them....
Well, in this book, we met Stephen McKinney...
Stephen has the label of the playboy millionaire and that role it fits him so well...
It's true that he had built an empire on his own and it's true that there is a parade of women for the pleasure of meaningless sex...
But Stephen have so much darkness inside him...
Five years ago lost someone very important and with that he lost himself inside fury...
He wants to destroy, and that's the reason that he is keeping his distance from the important persons in his life, as his own family...
"He’d never been able to separate the two. His rage and his grief...
He’d nursed it until his fury was a living, breathing thing, so much a part of him he was afraid of what might happen if he let it go."
Hannah Walker spents her days isolated in her farm with only cause in life to heal with her horses, young children with disabilities...
She adore her job, her horses and her farm and she wants so desperately to heal those broken souls...
Because she knows very well how is to be a children who lived a nightmare... She is carrying the scars of her past in her body and her soul...
"She knew what a knife could do. What a man could do. How he could strike and slice and break your body until he broke your soul."
One day, Stephen and Hannah's paths collide...
Stephen is drawn to her from the very first moment and he wants to take her out for dinner...
Hannah is refusing, but Stephen is an insisting bastard...
Even though that he knows that he had to stay away from this vulnerable creature, he just can't...
And Hannah for first time in her life, she wants to take the chance even though she is scared of her self...
"If they were ever going to believe she was really okay, if she was going to believe it, she had to prove it. Time to push herself out of her comfort zone. For herself. For all of them." {Hannah}
"Damn, he was in trouble. Because if there was something in between everything and nothing, he was going to have it with Hannah." {Stephen}
They both have nightmares and unhealed scars that keeps them up at night...
Can they be the salvation for each other???
Can they mend their broken souls and to become whole together???
And that's not the only problem that they are having...
Can they survive everything that life is about to throw in their way???
Will they take the risk to be together???
"They’d both been broken, Stephen by love, her by evil.
Both of their lives changed by monsters. And both of them saved by places."
My heart was aching so much about Hannah...
She got through a living hell and i think that she is a very brave person, because after all, she lived... and she devoted her life to help other children with similar problems and nightmares...
Stephen was the first man that made her think that he worth the effort...
Of course, she had so many insecurities and with good reasons...
How can a person walk untouched of this kind of situation???
"“Don’t play with me.”
“I’m not.”
But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game."
Stephen preffered to skip the grief that he was supposed to live before five years and he focused to the rage... He threw himself in work as a mending way but he never fully recovered...
Hannah had catch his interest from the very first moment that he laid his eyes upon her and as the time was passing he discovered that she was having the power to expell the darkness that was eating him alive...
He supposed that he wasn't the right man for Hannah, but as much as he tried, he couldn't stay away...
He’d been with plenty of women, had a longtime girlfriend and fiancée, and still, he couldn’t ever remember being so moved. So consumed.
I loved so much those two together...
Their souls and spirits were shattered, but their love had the power to gather all the broken pieces and to put them back together...
I think that through each other's eyes, they manage to revaluate the things that was worthying in life...
“I love you. You’re what I need, Hannah. You’re what I think about. Not a building. Not a company. I’m alive again because of you.”
For once again, i adored all the McKinneys and i was so happy that Matt, Abby and the children was having a big part in this story...
I just don't understand why all those McKinney boys are isolated themselves from a wonderful family when they are heartbroken...
In this book, we had and Walkers... Hannah's brothers...
They were overprotective and i liked them... Especially, this grumpy ass, Nick!!!
And now, it's J.T.'s turn!!! Yeah!!!!
“She loved four brothers, and she wouldn't say they suffocated her, though the hum of their hovering could be deafening at times. FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.”
Another one wonderful story from Mrs. Connor's signature!!!
I can say that I'm a huge fan of the McKinney brothers and i feel so sorry that i delayed to read them so much...
To be honest, i liked very much this book, but i think that my heart will always linger toward the first book...
But what thrilled me in both books is the change of scenery... Nothing in this book reminds the first book and i liked that very much!!! So different and so wonderfull...
Even the brothers were so opposite between them....
Well, in this book, we met Stephen McKinney...
Stephen has the label of the playboy millionaire and that role it fits him so well...
It's true that he had built an empire on his own and it's true that there is a parade of women for the pleasure of meaningless sex...
But Stephen have so much darkness inside him...
Five years ago lost someone very important and with that he lost himself inside fury...
He wants to destroy, and that's the reason that he is keeping his distance from the important persons in his life, as his own family...
"He’d never been able to separate the two. His rage and his grief...
He’d nursed it until his fury was a living, breathing thing, so much a part of him he was afraid of what might happen if he let it go."
Hannah Walker spents her days isolated in her farm with only cause in life to heal with her horses, young children with disabilities...
She adore her job, her horses and her farm and she wants so desperately to heal those broken souls...
Because she knows very well how is to be a children who lived a nightmare... She is carrying the scars of her past in her body and her soul...
"She knew what a knife could do. What a man could do. How he could strike and slice and break your body until he broke your soul."
One day, Stephen and Hannah's paths collide...
Stephen is drawn to her from the very first moment and he wants to take her out for dinner...
Hannah is refusing, but Stephen is an insisting bastard...
Even though that he knows that he had to stay away from this vulnerable creature, he just can't...
And Hannah for first time in her life, she wants to take the chance even though she is scared of her self...
"If they were ever going to believe she was really okay, if she was going to believe it, she had to prove it. Time to push herself out of her comfort zone. For herself. For all of them." {Hannah}
"Damn, he was in trouble. Because if there was something in between everything and nothing, he was going to have it with Hannah." {Stephen}
They both have nightmares and unhealed scars that keeps them up at night...
Can they be the salvation for each other???
Can they mend their broken souls and to become whole together???
And that's not the only problem that they are having...
Can they survive everything that life is about to throw in their way???
Will they take the risk to be together???
"They’d both been broken, Stephen by love, her by evil.
Both of their lives changed by monsters. And both of them saved by places."
My heart was aching so much about Hannah...
She got through a living hell and i think that she is a very brave person, because after all, she lived... and she devoted her life to help other children with similar problems and nightmares...
Stephen was the first man that made her think that he worth the effort...
Of course, she had so many insecurities and with good reasons...
How can a person walk untouched of this kind of situation???
"“Don’t play with me.”
“I’m not.”
But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game."
Stephen preffered to skip the grief that he was supposed to live before five years and he focused to the rage... He threw himself in work as a mending way but he never fully recovered...
Hannah had catch his interest from the very first moment that he laid his eyes upon her and as the time was passing he discovered that she was having the power to expell the darkness that was eating him alive...
He supposed that he wasn't the right man for Hannah, but as much as he tried, he couldn't stay away...
He’d been with plenty of women, had a longtime girlfriend and fiancée, and still, he couldn’t ever remember being so moved. So consumed.
I loved so much those two together...
Their souls and spirits were shattered, but their love had the power to gather all the broken pieces and to put them back together...
I think that through each other's eyes, they manage to revaluate the things that was worthying in life...
“I love you. You’re what I need, Hannah. You’re what I think about. Not a building. Not a company. I’m alive again because of you.”
For once again, i adored all the McKinneys and i was so happy that Matt, Abby and the children was having a big part in this story...
I just don't understand why all those McKinney boys are isolated themselves from a wonderful family when they are heartbroken...
In this book, we had and Walkers... Hannah's brothers...
They were overprotective and i liked them... Especially, this grumpy ass, Nick!!!
And now, it's J.T.'s turn!!! Yeah!!!!
“She loved four brothers, and she wouldn't say they suffocated her, though the hum of their hovering could be deafening at times. FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.”
November 4, 2017
I fell head-over-heels in love with Worth the Fall this past summer, so I’ve been excitedly anticipating Worth the Risk, and it did not disappoint! Worth the Risk was a little darker, the character’s pasts were heart wrenching, but their romance was a moving story of mending wounds and melding hearts, one I LOVED so hard! I read it and couldn’t part with the characters, so I immediately read it again!
Hannah has lived in a protective bubble provided by her brothers and her life on Freedom Farms for years. Fear and doubt made it impossible to even think of the opposite sex. But Hannah’s finally ready to take some baby steps towards having a relationship when Stephen shows up in her life. He’s successful, confident, larger than life, and gorgeous. Someone Hannah is sure she should avoid. But he’s persistent and Hannah can’t resist, especially when he sparks something in her she’s never really felt before: desire.
Stephen doesn���t date, at least not since tragedy turned his life upside down five years ago. Since then he’s buried his emotions by focusing on his business. Being around his big, loving family just reminds him of what he’s lost, so he’s avoided them until he spies Hannah. Something about her innocence and vulnerability speaks to him and has Stephen opening up his heart and stepping back into his old life again.
Hannah was a compelling character, and it was hard not to be awed by her strength of spirit, being so brave after everything she went through. Instead of curling up in a fetal position and shutting the world away, Hannah chose to help others work through tragedy, injuries or disabilities through hippotherapy, physical therapy that incorporates horses and riding instead of traditional methods. She had insecurities, and understandably so, but she never wallowed in self-pity. If she was feeling down she grabbed onto the things that uplifted her in the past: horses, riding, hard work and helping others. However, it was Stephen who awakened desires she didn’t ever imagine having, and made her feel wanted, beautiful, and safe.
Hannah and Stephen’s romance was a tentative process at first: attraction that sparked arousal, a slow and steady build of sexual tension to the point of explosion! I anxiously hung on every step but the slow progression felt right for these characters. No games were played on either side. Hannah just was not the type of girl that would ever play them:
“Don’t. Please.” She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. “Don’t play with me.”
“I’m not.”
But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game.
Hannah affected Stephen in such a profound way (whether or not he fought it) he wouldn’t consider putting her through that. Their relationship felt real, raw, and passionate, and there were some missteps along the way, but not just to add angst to the story. Stephen REALLY put his foot in it at the beginning but it was easy to forgive him knowing his issues. That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack him a couple of times! Thankfully, sufficient groveling ensued. Lol!
One of the things I absolutely ADORED about Worth the Risk was the McKinney family and kids! I appreciated how the whole family rallied around Stephen and Hannah, and did everything they could to help things along. I was thrilled that we got so much of Matt and Abby and the kids! Baby Mary was just too cute, squealing, smearing gooey graham crackers, running naked from the bath! Of course Gracie stole my heart all over again with her curls, dimples and love of horses:
Gracie skipped along beside him as they walked to the barn, so overflowing with sunshine and rainbows, you couldn’t help but get splattered with it.
Stray water balloons, falling hot dogs and demands for ICEES, I smiled and laughed at the general chaos that came with this large, loving McKinney family!
Not to be left out was Hannah’s four loving, and protective brothers. Each brother held potential for a story in the future, but I would love a second chance romance for Nick and Mia! (Hint, hint, Ms. Connnor!)
Claudia Connor swept me off my feet AGAIN with this beautiful, heartfelt, and passionate romance! The epilogue was just so completely, and utterly perfect. I’m eagerly counting the days until her next story!
A copy was kindly provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
Hannah has lived in a protective bubble provided by her brothers and her life on Freedom Farms for years. Fear and doubt made it impossible to even think of the opposite sex. But Hannah’s finally ready to take some baby steps towards having a relationship when Stephen shows up in her life. He’s successful, confident, larger than life, and gorgeous. Someone Hannah is sure she should avoid. But he’s persistent and Hannah can’t resist, especially when he sparks something in her she’s never really felt before: desire.
Stephen doesn���t date, at least not since tragedy turned his life upside down five years ago. Since then he’s buried his emotions by focusing on his business. Being around his big, loving family just reminds him of what he’s lost, so he’s avoided them until he spies Hannah. Something about her innocence and vulnerability speaks to him and has Stephen opening up his heart and stepping back into his old life again.
Hannah was a compelling character, and it was hard not to be awed by her strength of spirit, being so brave after everything she went through. Instead of curling up in a fetal position and shutting the world away, Hannah chose to help others work through tragedy, injuries or disabilities through hippotherapy, physical therapy that incorporates horses and riding instead of traditional methods. She had insecurities, and understandably so, but she never wallowed in self-pity. If she was feeling down she grabbed onto the things that uplifted her in the past: horses, riding, hard work and helping others. However, it was Stephen who awakened desires she didn’t ever imagine having, and made her feel wanted, beautiful, and safe.
Hannah and Stephen’s romance was a tentative process at first: attraction that sparked arousal, a slow and steady build of sexual tension to the point of explosion! I anxiously hung on every step but the slow progression felt right for these characters. No games were played on either side. Hannah just was not the type of girl that would ever play them:
“Don’t. Please.” She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. “Don’t play with me.”
“I’m not.”
But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game.
Hannah affected Stephen in such a profound way (whether or not he fought it) he wouldn’t consider putting her through that. Their relationship felt real, raw, and passionate, and there were some missteps along the way, but not just to add angst to the story. Stephen REALLY put his foot in it at the beginning but it was easy to forgive him knowing his issues. That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack him a couple of times! Thankfully, sufficient groveling ensued. Lol!
One of the things I absolutely ADORED about Worth the Risk was the McKinney family and kids! I appreciated how the whole family rallied around Stephen and Hannah, and did everything they could to help things along. I was thrilled that we got so much of Matt and Abby and the kids! Baby Mary was just too cute, squealing, smearing gooey graham crackers, running naked from the bath! Of course Gracie stole my heart all over again with her curls, dimples and love of horses:
Gracie skipped along beside him as they walked to the barn, so overflowing with sunshine and rainbows, you couldn’t help but get splattered with it.
Stray water balloons, falling hot dogs and demands for ICEES, I smiled and laughed at the general chaos that came with this large, loving McKinney family!
Not to be left out was Hannah’s four loving, and protective brothers. Each brother held potential for a story in the future, but I would love a second chance romance for Nick and Mia! (Hint, hint, Ms. Connnor!)
Claudia Connor swept me off my feet AGAIN with this beautiful, heartfelt, and passionate romance! The epilogue was just so completely, and utterly perfect. I’m eagerly counting the days until her next story!
A copy was kindly provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
November 29, 2014
3.5 Stars
”Both of them had been touched by evil. How was it she’d come out the other side so much more intact than he had?”
This is a story of two broken characters finding love in one another. Sadly, the story lost me towards the end with drama that was placed exactly where I just wanted Stephen and Hannah to grow together. I think I was looking for more of a love story between the two.
Stephen and Hannah had so much baggage and heartbreak in their pasts that I just wanted so much more for them than what I was given. Still it was a good read, the writing was strong and I enjoyed the story for the most part especially the family interactions, the horse training and Hannah.
**An advance reading copy of Worth the Risk was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
”Both of them had been touched by evil. How was it she’d come out the other side so much more intact than he had?”
This is a story of two broken characters finding love in one another. Sadly, the story lost me towards the end with drama that was placed exactly where I just wanted Stephen and Hannah to grow together. I think I was looking for more of a love story between the two.
Stephen and Hannah had so much baggage and heartbreak in their pasts that I just wanted so much more for them than what I was given. Still it was a good read, the writing was strong and I enjoyed the story for the most part especially the family interactions, the horse training and Hannah.
**An advance reading copy of Worth the Risk was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 4, 2015
4.5 stars
"No"...funny how this one little word can mean so many things and can change your life forever; either for the better or the worst. In Stephen and Hannah's case it set off the inevitable chase that least to where they are today. Each needing to prove to their family that they are really okay, that they have moved on from the past that haunts them and are finally back to "normal". But can anyone ever really go back to who they were after events such as theirs, No, it changes you, marks you and drives you in a totally different way. You may not be able to go back but you are able to determine the way it changes you, hopefully for the better.
Stephen McKinney, Norfolk's Most Eligible Bachelor, used women as a sleep aid to rid himself of the nightmares that plagued him, content with drowning everything out and working himself to success.
Hannah is a hippotherapist, she is like a physical therapist, but with horses. She gives a safe haven for kids to go to take control back in their life and heal. Over-protected by her brothers, she finds it hard to move on when they won't let her. Is Stephen a safe choice to do "normal" with...what could a playboy-millionaire want with someone like her, one who is ugly and marked.
One thing that Stephen and Hannah have in common is the fact that they see each other for who they really are and not what their past or present defines them to be.
Would you be willing to risk it all, to love and be loved, to the point you are brought to your knees???
Worth the Risk was a sexy-heartfelt tale of second chances, redemption and healing. Stephen is a man who knows what he wants and what he desires. He was a beautiful broken man who lost his way and didn't know how to find his way back. Hannah was a beautiful broken woman who was lost even before she found her way and now is trying to live her life. Without knowing they healed each other in a way that no other could, but held back by the risk of it all. I truly enjoyed their story, it was a balance of sexy & sweet. So far this series is 2 for 2, that I love and I can't wait to see whose up next and what's in store.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
You're my first everything.
"No"...funny how this one little word can mean so many things and can change your life forever; either for the better or the worst. In Stephen and Hannah's case it set off the inevitable chase that least to where they are today. Each needing to prove to their family that they are really okay, that they have moved on from the past that haunts them and are finally back to "normal". But can anyone ever really go back to who they were after events such as theirs, No, it changes you, marks you and drives you in a totally different way. You may not be able to go back but you are able to determine the way it changes you, hopefully for the better.
They'd both been broken, Stephen by love, her by evil. Both their lives changed by monsters. And both of them saved by places.
Stephen McKinney, Norfolk's Most Eligible Bachelor, used women as a sleep aid to rid himself of the nightmares that plagued him, content with drowning everything out and working himself to success.
Hannah is a hippotherapist, she is like a physical therapist, but with horses. She gives a safe haven for kids to go to take control back in their life and heal. Over-protected by her brothers, she finds it hard to move on when they won't let her. Is Stephen a safe choice to do "normal" with...what could a playboy-millionaire want with someone like her, one who is ugly and marked.
"Don't. Please." She dropped her gaze from a man too used to getting what he wanted, too used to being wanted. "Don't play with me."
One thing that Stephen and Hannah have in common is the fact that they see each other for who they really are and not what their past or present defines them to be.
He refused to let her hide. And he was the only man she didn't want to hide from.
Would you be willing to risk it all, to love and be loved, to the point you are brought to your knees???
Worth the Risk was a sexy-heartfelt tale of second chances, redemption and healing. Stephen is a man who knows what he wants and what he desires. He was a beautiful broken man who lost his way and didn't know how to find his way back. Hannah was a beautiful broken woman who was lost even before she found her way and now is trying to live her life. Without knowing they healed each other in a way that no other could, but held back by the risk of it all. I truly enjoyed their story, it was a balance of sexy & sweet. So far this series is 2 for 2, that I love and I can't wait to see whose up next and what's in store.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
March 3, 2015
So this was my first book by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Of course I jumped into the series with book #2 but it didn’t matter. This one can certainly be read as a standalone. In Worth the Risk we get Hannah Walker and Stephen McKinney’s story. I loved both them both.
Hannah ~ She was a beauty. She had such a kind soul. Life hasn’t always been so kind to her. She experienced both emotional and physical suffering that no one should. She was a survivor which let her kindness and beauty shine through.
Stephen ~ He was your typical well packaged man. He had the looks, the job and the woman. One would think that would be enough. But he lost the love of his life and struggles to get past what happened.
At a moment of sadness Stephen enters Hannah’s life. Letting Stephen in was something Hannah would not typically do but she does anyways. She is ready to take a chance. Leaping out of her comfort zone isn’t easy for her but Stephen shows her tenderness and sweetness that makes her want more.
Hannah is doing something that she has come to love. Working with horses as a form of therapy for handicapped children has made her whole again. Stephen loves to see Hannah happy and would do just about anything to protect that happiness.
Stephen and Hannah stayed within this perfect little bubble. But things start to slowly fall apart. People within Stephen’s life and pain from his past begin to threaten their happiness and their bubble pops. Will what they have be enough for them to heal each other? Is their relationship worth fighting for?
I loved how Stephen was so sweet and tender with Hannah. It melted my heart. Both of their families were great too. Hannah’s brothers were pretty fantastic. They were a bit over bearing and controlling but you knew it was coming from a good place. They loved her. Had reasons and in the end they only wanted her to be happy. ❤
I’d recommend this to my GR friends! It was a sweet and sexy read.
Hannah ~ She was a beauty. She had such a kind soul. Life hasn’t always been so kind to her. She experienced both emotional and physical suffering that no one should. She was a survivor which let her kindness and beauty shine through.
Stephen ~ He was your typical well packaged man. He had the looks, the job and the woman. One would think that would be enough. But he lost the love of his life and struggles to get past what happened.
At a moment of sadness Stephen enters Hannah’s life. Letting Stephen in was something Hannah would not typically do but she does anyways. She is ready to take a chance. Leaping out of her comfort zone isn’t easy for her but Stephen shows her tenderness and sweetness that makes her want more.
Hannah is doing something that she has come to love. Working with horses as a form of therapy for handicapped children has made her whole again. Stephen loves to see Hannah happy and would do just about anything to protect that happiness.
Stephen and Hannah stayed within this perfect little bubble. But things start to slowly fall apart. People within Stephen’s life and pain from his past begin to threaten their happiness and their bubble pops. Will what they have be enough for them to heal each other? Is their relationship worth fighting for?
I loved how Stephen was so sweet and tender with Hannah. It melted my heart. Both of their families were great too. Hannah’s brothers were pretty fantastic. They were a bit over bearing and controlling but you knew it was coming from a good place. They loved her. Had reasons and in the end they only wanted her to be happy. ❤
I’d recommend this to my GR friends! It was a sweet and sexy read.
February 3, 2015
LIVE
3.5 Stars
Stephen McKinney is hot, successful and a playboy. Why not when he is considered Norfolk’s Most Eligible Bachelor. He has everything going for him, but he is still haunted by his past and the decisions he made. So he has withdrawn from his family and has completely submerged himself in his company.
Everything changes the day he sees a beautiful woman crying in the grocery store. Normally, Stephen would walk on by, but he is captivated by this woman. Hannah Walker isn’t interested in meeting people. She let her guard down before and it almost cost her everything, she won’t make that mistake again.
When Hannah declines Stephen’s offer for dinner and drinks, he is at a loss - women don’t turn him down. This just makes Stephen more determined to see Hannah again. Finally, Hannah agrees to meet him somewhere for drinks. Despite her nerves the date goes well and Stephen wants to see her again. Hannah is no longer apprehensive and agrees.
While reading this you think the hardest part is over and now we can focus on their connection - not quite. This is actually just the beginning. Hannah and Stephen are both damaged and getting together isn’t easy. It is heartbreaking.
I loved Hannah. Hannah isn’t like a lot of heroines, she is a damaged girl who devoted her life to helping disabled children. Despite all she has been through she still devotes her life to helping others - I seriously loved her character. Stephen…well he is a damaged playboy who slept around to help try to mend his brokenness. Shocker, it didn’t work. Throughout the story we see Stephen growing and beginning to live again.
Why this isn’t a five star read for me. Stephen upset me and I still don’t think I am over it. He isn’t a bad guy and I think he tried, but the disconnect came when we had too many other things happening towards the end. I needed to see more connection between them, so I could forgive Stephen and believe his sincerity.
Overall, I think it is a good read. I will continue to read about the McKinney’s, I just wanted less drama and more couple time. Also, Ms. Connor we need more WALKERS!!!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Stephen McKinney is hot, successful and a playboy. Why not when he is considered Norfolk’s Most Eligible Bachelor. He has everything going for him, but he is still haunted by his past and the decisions he made. So he has withdrawn from his family and has completely submerged himself in his company.
Everything changes the day he sees a beautiful woman crying in the grocery store. Normally, Stephen would walk on by, but he is captivated by this woman. Hannah Walker isn’t interested in meeting people. She let her guard down before and it almost cost her everything, she won’t make that mistake again.
When Hannah declines Stephen’s offer for dinner and drinks, he is at a loss - women don’t turn him down. This just makes Stephen more determined to see Hannah again. Finally, Hannah agrees to meet him somewhere for drinks. Despite her nerves the date goes well and Stephen wants to see her again. Hannah is no longer apprehensive and agrees.
While reading this you think the hardest part is over and now we can focus on their connection - not quite. This is actually just the beginning. Hannah and Stephen are both damaged and getting together isn’t easy. It is heartbreaking.
I loved Hannah. Hannah isn’t like a lot of heroines, she is a damaged girl who devoted her life to helping disabled children. Despite all she has been through she still devotes her life to helping others - I seriously loved her character. Stephen…well he is a damaged playboy who slept around to help try to mend his brokenness. Shocker, it didn’t work. Throughout the story we see Stephen growing and beginning to live again.
Why this isn’t a five star read for me. Stephen upset me and I still don’t think I am over it. He isn’t a bad guy and I think he tried, but the disconnect came when we had too many other things happening towards the end. I needed to see more connection between them, so I could forgive Stephen and believe his sincerity.
Overall, I think it is a good read. I will continue to read about the McKinney’s, I just wanted less drama and more couple time. Also, Ms. Connor we need more WALKERS!!!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2014
4 Healing Stars.
Worth The Risk is the story of Stephen, one of the McKinney’s brother and Hannah, a physical therapist who helps children healing with horses.
Broken by his past Stephen buried himself in work trying to forget, but now, not even the fortune he made can feel he emptiness in his life. Destiny puts Hannah in his path and even knowing that she is as broken as himself and with even heavier ghosts can’t stay away from her.
When a love that neither of them wants to acknowledge starts to grow, they realize the worst thing against them is their ghosts and their capacity to get rid of them.
This was a great love story and so different from the first book. While the previous installment was sweet this one had a darker edge, was more angst while they struggled against their feelings and tried to sort the relationship between them and had a slow rhythm. It was an amazing reading with some heartwarming moments and some tearful ones. Even you haven’t read the first book, or even If you didn’t like it that much, give this one a try. It will be worth it.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Hannah was so amazing. Despite everything that happened to her (or more, in spite off) she still dedicated her life to help people in need. She was loyal, sweet and the most humble girl I’ve read about. Yes, she was insecure but that was perfectly understandable considering her past. I really liked her. Stephen was also pretty good, He was sweet, sexy and completely respectful of Hannah. For a while I was really afraid that he would never move on from his past, but he completely redeemed in the end and it was beautiful to see. Again, it was amazing to see more of their families, I really hope Nick has we own book pretty soon.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
*ARC kindly provided in exchange of honest review.*
Worth The Risk is the story of Stephen, one of the McKinney’s brother and Hannah, a physical therapist who helps children healing with horses.
Broken by his past Stephen buried himself in work trying to forget, but now, not even the fortune he made can feel he emptiness in his life. Destiny puts Hannah in his path and even knowing that she is as broken as himself and with even heavier ghosts can’t stay away from her.
When a love that neither of them wants to acknowledge starts to grow, they realize the worst thing against them is their ghosts and their capacity to get rid of them.
This was a great love story and so different from the first book. While the previous installment was sweet this one had a darker edge, was more angst while they struggled against their feelings and tried to sort the relationship between them and had a slow rhythm. It was an amazing reading with some heartwarming moments and some tearful ones. Even you haven’t read the first book, or even If you didn’t like it that much, give this one a try. It will be worth it.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Hannah was so amazing. Despite everything that happened to her (or more, in spite off) she still dedicated her life to help people in need. She was loyal, sweet and the most humble girl I’ve read about. Yes, she was insecure but that was perfectly understandable considering her past. I really liked her. Stephen was also pretty good, He was sweet, sexy and completely respectful of Hannah. For a while I was really afraid that he would never move on from his past, but he completely redeemed in the end and it was beautiful to see. Again, it was amazing to see more of their families, I really hope Nick has we own book pretty soon.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
*ARC kindly provided in exchange of honest review.*
February 17, 2015
4.5 Stars! No risk at all, definitely a safe bet! Claudia Connor brought her "A" game!
My eyes could hardly keep up with how fast I wanted to read!I got Kindle burn, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
While I didn't care for one particular aspect in Worth the Fall, the first book in this series, I still enjoyed it very much, but, Worth the Risk was pretty close to a perfect read for me.
Stephen and Hannah were a great couple, with amazing chemistry, even though they couldn't have been more different. She has trust issues and he is dealing with demons, both stem from tragic events in their pasts. This common thread of heartache and sadness is what I feel draws them together, and the need on both their parts, to uncover the other's secrets and help them heal.
The family element, something I'm partial to, was very strong in this book, and Hannah's brothers added an extra layer of testosterone...more like four layers...they are extremely protective of her, but they have good reason and the best of intentions, even though at times it was a bit much.
She loved her four brothers, and she wouldn’t say they suffocated her, though the hum of their hovering could be deafening at times. FBI, Special Forces, firefighter, cop. It was like her very own big-brother protection force.There was plenty of dialogue, appealing characters, a unique setting, some misunderstanding, suspense, passion, and it all leads to a beautiful ending! So the way I see it, the author's proved herself twice over and is getting better with each story she writes. Now Claudia Connor needs to write a Walker Brother's series too! Wow...what an amazing spin-off series that would make! McKinneys and Walkers...that's enough to give me a heart attack!
*A copy of the book was provided by Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley*
September 6, 2015
3 ***Trauma Overload***stars
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was happy to get my hands on Matt's brother Stephen's story. The characters in the this book were great, I liked both Stephen and Hannah. There were also some awesome side characters, especially Hannah's perfect alpha male older brothers, I kind of hope the next book is about one of them:)
This was an okay read, but I liked the first book more. Hannah and Stephen both had a very traumatic experience with violence in their past that they have been unable to move on from. My struggle with this book is that everything seemed so over the top, I didn't find it to be believable. Overall, I just felt like there was too much going on, especially toward the end of the book. When I was supposed to be feeling emotional, I just kept thinking, really??? This on top of everything else? I guess I just didn't connect with this one, but I am still looking forward to the next book in the series.
My review for book #1 :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
* arc provided by Netgalley*
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was happy to get my hands on Matt's brother Stephen's story. The characters in the this book were great, I liked both Stephen and Hannah. There were also some awesome side characters, especially Hannah's perfect alpha male older brothers, I kind of hope the next book is about one of them:)
This was an okay read, but I liked the first book more. Hannah and Stephen both had a very traumatic experience with violence in their past that they have been unable to move on from. My struggle with this book is that everything seemed so over the top, I didn't find it to be believable. Overall, I just felt like there was too much going on, especially toward the end of the book. When I was supposed to be feeling emotional, I just kept thinking, really??? This on top of everything else? I guess I just didn't connect with this one, but I am still looking forward to the next book in the series.
My review for book #1 :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
* arc provided by Netgalley*
February 3, 2015
NOW LIVE!! =))
Worth the Risk is the second book in the McKinney brothers series. We meet Stephen and Hannah, two people who have experienced lot of troubles throughout the years.
Stephen is of course Matt's brother, the character from the first book. We discover a man who is successful in business, with money and who has nearly a different girl in his bed every night. He seems confident but we quickly realize that it's all a facade. The loss of his fiancée, 5 years ago, has left him completely devastated and lost.
Hannah is a young woman of 26 years who was raised by his brothers after the death of their mother. She also had terrible events in his teens who has marked her for life. It's by reconstructing herself that she found her vocation as a physical therapist with horses.
From the moment they met, you can feel an strong pull toward each other. Hannah is very reserved because It's hard for her to trust someone. She has no experience when it comes to men and she sometimes feels a bit lost when she is with Stephen.
Stephen is intrigued by the girl whom he finds very sweet and very comely. He lived for nearly 5 years in a rather solitary way, keeping at arm's length his family and Hannah's arrival in his life puts many things in question.
Will Hannah manage to trust Stephen?
Will Stephen manage to see beyond his hatred and beyond his sadness?
I enjoyed and loved this story so much! I'm not someone who loves particularly when characters are too much broken, or too on the edge but here the author managed to take me in her story and all the moments between Hannah and Stephen are beautiful, natural.
I didn't read the first book and that didn't disturb me because even if Matt appears regularly, the story is focused on Hannah and Stephen.
I was afraid at the beginning that a lot would be focused on the pain they both feel but in fact not at all. We see their love grow over the time and in a very normal, very natural way. Nothing is rushed and everything comes at the right time
Once again I spent a wonderful Sunday with an great book and a new author I loved to discover.
Ps: Small request if one day the author read this review: Do you think to make/write a book about the Walker brother (Hannah's brothers)? Because they are all single and I'm sure they are great story to tell there .
Meet Matt:
Worth the Risk is the second book in the McKinney brothers series. We meet Stephen and Hannah, two people who have experienced lot of troubles throughout the years.
Stephen is of course Matt's brother, the character from the first book. We discover a man who is successful in business, with money and who has nearly a different girl in his bed every night. He seems confident but we quickly realize that it's all a facade. The loss of his fiancée, 5 years ago, has left him completely devastated and lost.
Hannah is a young woman of 26 years who was raised by his brothers after the death of their mother. She also had terrible events in his teens who has marked her for life. It's by reconstructing herself that she found her vocation as a physical therapist with horses.
From the moment they met, you can feel an strong pull toward each other. Hannah is very reserved because It's hard for her to trust someone. She has no experience when it comes to men and she sometimes feels a bit lost when she is with Stephen.
Stephen is intrigued by the girl whom he finds very sweet and very comely. He lived for nearly 5 years in a rather solitary way, keeping at arm's length his family and Hannah's arrival in his life puts many things in question.
Will Hannah manage to trust Stephen?
Will Stephen manage to see beyond his hatred and beyond his sadness?
I enjoyed and loved this story so much! I'm not someone who loves particularly when characters are too much broken, or too on the edge but here the author managed to take me in her story and all the moments between Hannah and Stephen are beautiful, natural.
I didn't read the first book and that didn't disturb me because even if Matt appears regularly, the story is focused on Hannah and Stephen.
I was afraid at the beginning that a lot would be focused on the pain they both feel but in fact not at all. We see their love grow over the time and in a very normal, very natural way. Nothing is rushed and everything comes at the right time
Once again I spent a wonderful Sunday with an great book and a new author I loved to discover.
Ps: Small request if one day the author read this review: Do you think to make/write a book about the Walker brother (Hannah's brothers)? Because they are all single and I'm sure they are great story to tell there .
Meet Matt:
March 7, 2015
DNF @ 40%
I cannot take this "Hero" anymore...
This Hero pretty much killed the book for me...I was so disappointed with this turn of events! The book started really well and I was looking forward reading about a "second chances" love story that is a favorite of mine! BUT NO! Instead we had to read about an indecisive, contradictive, insensitive and dislikeable "Hero" that cannot make up his mind! I felt the heroine was "REALLY" sweet and honorable...after what she had to endured, her inner strength, goodness and determination to live a normal live was really a real treat to watch, but the author has given her a "WRONG HERO" that could not appreciate her strength of character, her kindness, her good heart and humbleness and be the person that could be patient and appreciate a "real values" of what he had developed over time with her...He should be portrayed in the manner of worthy Hero that bought peace and solace to the heroine's wounded heart!
The author did not balanced "Both" their life baggage's....The author should introduce a healing process for both characters suffering their demons and I felt it was one sided! The heroine was not compensated enough for her traumatic ordeals and it seems "the Hero" was taking more out of their relationship, but not giving enough of himself in my humble opinion!
What ultimately ruined the book for me were the Heroes actions that completely contradicted his character! One minute he thinks she's very special and the next insulting her with hurtful worlds...
Then in the middle of the book, he was at the stage of developing feelings for the heroine on a physical and emotional level, so at that point the reader would expect more grounded and reserved reactions from the hero to the opposite sex, especially being so enthralled by the heroine.. BUT NO! he was having lustful thoughts about his ex lover...
But another line with his ex lover that sped my pulse to a heightened level that I no longer felt the need to be engage with "This hero"...
So he was already giving heroine the impression that "HE WAS REALLY INTERESTED" even moving on by way of wanting to see her,"kissing and hugging her, but STILL he felt there was no reason not to take what his ex lover was offering him???
So not very honorable Hero!
Sadly, this was just a waste of my time...
I cannot take this "Hero" anymore...
This Hero pretty much killed the book for me...I was so disappointed with this turn of events! The book started really well and I was looking forward reading about a "second chances" love story that is a favorite of mine! BUT NO! Instead we had to read about an indecisive, contradictive, insensitive and dislikeable "Hero" that cannot make up his mind! I felt the heroine was "REALLY" sweet and honorable...after what she had to endured, her inner strength, goodness and determination to live a normal live was really a real treat to watch, but the author has given her a "WRONG HERO" that could not appreciate her strength of character, her kindness, her good heart and humbleness and be the person that could be patient and appreciate a "real values" of what he had developed over time with her...He should be portrayed in the manner of worthy Hero that bought peace and solace to the heroine's wounded heart!
The author did not balanced "Both" their life baggage's....The author should introduce a healing process for both characters suffering their demons and I felt it was one sided! The heroine was not compensated enough for her traumatic ordeals and it seems "the Hero" was taking more out of their relationship, but not giving enough of himself in my humble opinion!
What ultimately ruined the book for me were the Heroes actions that completely contradicted his character! One minute he thinks she's very special and the next insulting her with hurtful worlds...
“So you’re not trying to keep her?” “Hell, no .” Stephen turned to stare at her, appalled she would even think that, that anyone would think that. He’d wanted a date, a diversion. Not a— “I was just being nice, for God’s sake. Does she look like the kind of woman I’d want to spend time with? Jesus, Lizzy.”
Then in the middle of the book, he was at the stage of developing feelings for the heroine on a physical and emotional level, so at that point the reader would expect more grounded and reserved reactions from the hero to the opposite sex, especially being so enthralled by the heroine.. BUT NO! he was having lustful thoughts about his ex lover...
He watched her move. Drank in the sight of her dress gaping generously to reveal half a breast. One he’d been intimate with. One of many.
But another line with his ex lover that sped my pulse to a heightened level that I no longer felt the need to be engage with "This hero"...
"They drove several blocks in silence until he felt her clever hand inching up his leg. There was no reason not to take what she offered"
So he was already giving heroine the impression that "HE WAS REALLY INTERESTED" even moving on by way of wanting to see her,"kissing and hugging her, but STILL he felt there was no reason not to take what his ex lover was offering him???
So not very honorable Hero!
Sadly, this was just a waste of my time...
January 3, 2017
4.5 stars
December 10, 2014
***3.5 Drama Overload Stars*****
(Arc kindly provided by netgalley)
I Love this author's writing style and I loooooove The McKinney Family, but there was enough drama in both of the main character's past already, nonetheless on almost every chapter more and even more complicated issues between this couple kept adding to their already hard struggles, ugh! overkill! This took away from the story, making it very unrealistic; not that I didn't enjoy it, because it was a very tender story, one with a lot of other great aspects, that definitely makes me a fan of the series.
Hanna Walker met Stephen McKinney on a sad day when she had to put her beloved dog to sleep. He was immediately drawn to her, because, despite her obvious sadness he could see the light surrounding her. Hanna lives her life always on the safe side, she always follows a routine, doesn't stay out late or socializes much, she's always keeping an eye out for possible danger, this after a terrible tragedy marked her life for ever. Her brothers, are always around her too, protecting her, they love her dearly but feel guilty because their parents died when Hanna was very young and because they weren't able to prevent what happen to her. Stephen doesn't date, he already loved and lost and the guilt from what happened in his past, makes him scare to love again. These are two broken hearts that will come together to heal each other.
Both Hanna and Stephen have amazing families and those interactions were my favorite scenes in this book. I also loved how sweet and patient was Stephen with Hanna, very slow and carefully he was able to heal her wounds, falling in love with her in the process; very sweet story. I'm now dying to read JT's story....
(Arc kindly provided by netgalley)
I Love this author's writing style and I loooooove The McKinney Family, but there was enough drama in both of the main character's past already, nonetheless on almost every chapter more and even more complicated issues between this couple kept adding to their already hard struggles, ugh! overkill! This took away from the story, making it very unrealistic; not that I didn't enjoy it, because it was a very tender story, one with a lot of other great aspects, that definitely makes me a fan of the series.
Hanna Walker met Stephen McKinney on a sad day when she had to put her beloved dog to sleep. He was immediately drawn to her, because, despite her obvious sadness he could see the light surrounding her. Hanna lives her life always on the safe side, she always follows a routine, doesn't stay out late or socializes much, she's always keeping an eye out for possible danger, this after a terrible tragedy marked her life for ever. Her brothers, are always around her too, protecting her, they love her dearly but feel guilty because their parents died when Hanna was very young and because they weren't able to prevent what happen to her. Stephen doesn't date, he already loved and lost and the guilt from what happened in his past, makes him scare to love again. These are two broken hearts that will come together to heal each other.
Both Hanna and Stephen have amazing families and those interactions were my favorite scenes in this book. I also loved how sweet and patient was Stephen with Hanna, very slow and carefully he was able to heal her wounds, falling in love with her in the process; very sweet story. I'm now dying to read JT's story....
February 5, 2017
If you haven’t read then I suggest you do but take a look at my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I wasn’t too sure about
as I didn’t really get a feel for Stephan in the first book. But in saying that this book was beautifully heart wrenching with a kind of sweet not seen very often. 4.5 “as it made me cry” stars. I actually didn’t sleep very well last night as I was thinking on how to put my feelings into writing without making the review sound lame or even cheesy. So if it does then please forgive me.
Stephan McKinney is a 32 year old playboy millionaire. He works in a cut throat industry where greed rules and men as well as women can be ruthless. Living 5 years of pure hell as he lost someone lead him to the comfort of the bottle, then women and then work and women. Stephan has it all but yet he has nothing.
For him life isn’t exactly grand but a facade to the outside world can only help so much. He is not the man he used to be and nor will he ever be that man again.
“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” – James Baldwin-
Hannah Walker at 26 years old has survived her hell and has the scars to prove it. Being kept for 42 days and surviving is a miracle in itself, piecing your life back together hard as hell. She was brought up by her four older brothers (Nick, Zach, Dallas and Luke) and has been wrapped in cotton wool ever since the accident. She is a physical therapist and works with disabled children and horses on the farm that she kind of inherited. She is tired of her life and wishes to live and love rather than watch. Hannah realizes that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
A chance encounter at a supermarket where two lost souls meet change the course of their situation. How do you open up? Can you trust again? It starts with a teardrop, grows with a kiss and leads to love with a smile.
Stephan is a tortured soul and without realizing it he opens up and heals with Hannah’s help. As Hannah also heals with Stephan’s help.
It is a rollercoaster of ups and downs and of hope that the couple get it together with their love and gut wrenching loss but face their future. The chemistry between the two was really good but sometimes the joint navigation wasn’t always right. Stephan’s family sees him as broken, Hannah likes the “him” now and not then.
William Wordsworth said
“There is a comfort in the strength of love;
'Twill make a thing endurable, which else
Would overset the brain, or break the heart.”
Which pretty much sums up this book but there is also much, much more. Whereas the first book was light, a fun and spontaneous read this book goes straight to the heart and shines light in the darkest places of our souls.
I don’t want to give the ending away but what Stephan gave up to be with Hannah color me impressed. In the end Hannah and Stephan came to realize that
Love offers no guarantees or blueprint, but the joy of intimacy is worth the risk. Trust yourself and step out in trust. The world is waiting to meet you halfway and open doors to exciting new realtionships.
Fingers crossed that there is a book planned for J.T. And I hope and please hear my plea Ms. Connor that the hawt, funny, alpha Walker Brothers get books as well.
This book was an ARC and given to me by Random House Publishing via Netgalley. I would also like to give April a shout out as she is the bee’s knees, in exchange for an honest review. Please also note that this is my personal opinion and therefore each individual will perceive things differently.
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
then I suggest you do but take a look at my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I wasn’t too sure about
as I didn’t really get a feel for Stephan in the first book. But in saying that this book was beautifully heart wrenching with a kind of sweet not seen very often. 4.5 “as it made me cry” stars. I actually didn’t sleep very well last night as I was thinking on how to put my feelings into writing without making the review sound lame or even cheesy. So if it does then please forgive me. Stephan McKinney is a 32 year old playboy millionaire. He works in a cut throat industry where greed rules and men as well as women can be ruthless. Living 5 years of pure hell as he lost someone lead him to the comfort of the bottle, then women and then work and women. Stephan has it all but yet he has nothing.
For him life isn’t exactly grand but a facade to the outside world can only help so much. He is not the man he used to be and nor will he ever be that man again.
“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” – James Baldwin-
Hannah Walker at 26 years old has survived her hell and has the scars to prove it. Being kept for 42 days and surviving is a miracle in itself, piecing your life back together hard as hell. She was brought up by her four older brothers (Nick, Zach, Dallas and Luke) and has been wrapped in cotton wool ever since the accident. She is a physical therapist and works with disabled children and horses on the farm that she kind of inherited. She is tired of her life and wishes to live and love rather than watch. Hannah realizes that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
A chance encounter at a supermarket where two lost souls meet change the course of their situation. How do you open up? Can you trust again? It starts with a teardrop, grows with a kiss and leads to love with a smile.
Stephan is a tortured soul and without realizing it he opens up and heals with Hannah’s help. As Hannah also heals with Stephan’s help.
It is a rollercoaster of ups and downs and of hope that the couple get it together with their love and gut wrenching loss but face their future. The chemistry between the two was really good but sometimes the joint navigation wasn’t always right. Stephan’s family sees him as broken, Hannah likes the “him” now and not then.
William Wordsworth said
“There is a comfort in the strength of love;
'Twill make a thing endurable, which else
Would overset the brain, or break the heart.”
Which pretty much sums up this book but there is also much, much more. Whereas the first book was light, a fun and spontaneous read this book goes straight to the heart and shines light in the darkest places of our souls.
I don’t want to give the ending away but what Stephan gave up to be with Hannah color me impressed. In the end Hannah and Stephan came to realize that
Love offers no guarantees or blueprint, but the joy of intimacy is worth the risk. Trust yourself and step out in trust. The world is waiting to meet you halfway and open doors to exciting new realtionships.
Fingers crossed that there is a book planned for J.T. And I hope and please hear my plea Ms. Connor that the hawt, funny, alpha Walker Brothers get books as well.
This book was an ARC and given to me by Random House Publishing via Netgalley. I would also like to give April a shout out as she is the bee’s knees, in exchange for an honest review. Please also note that this is my personal opinion and therefore each individual will perceive things differently.
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
February 3, 2015
5 - "Are you always this nervous or is it just me?" Stars!
Claudia Connor has without doubt become one of my auto-buy authors, after finishing book two in The McKinney Brothers series. I really thought she would struggle to top Worth the Fall (book one), but she topped and surpassed it with Worth the Risk.
”I’ll help you… if you let me.”
Stephen and Hannah’s story is just as engrossing and emotional as Matt and Abby’s was, but in a wholly different and unexpected way. The McKinney family vibe is still running strong though the story as whole, but this installment was a little darker than its predecessor, not in a bad way. But it added another dimension to the characters and the series development as a whole for me.
Hannah and Stephen are both complex personalities, and the layers that are gradually peeled back on each of them as the book progresses give you as the reader an emotional journey to go on with both of them.
What I loved about both Stephen and Hannah was the strength to both of their characters that you see in them, but they only see in themselves as they take steps towards their own healing and recoveries from the things that have haunted them.
This was a thought-provoking read on some levels, but not in a bad way, it highlights that strength can be seen in so many different ways, and not all of them where you would expect to find them. Compassion and empathy, patience and belief, have the strength to heal, give courage, and rebuild lost confidence. I loved it; I didn’t want it to end.
”I’m alive again because of you.”
On a lighter note, we are also introduced to Hannah’s, sexy, single and totally over-protective brothers ��
FBI, Special Forces, Firefighter, Cop.
I hope against hope Ms. Connor has something lined up for these boys, after she has finished with the McKinney Brothers, because quite frankly I think the Walker Brothers have the potential to be just as tempting to the literary taste-buds as their predecessors!
Lots of firsts. And onlys.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
LOVE. THIS. AUTHOR!
Claudia Connor has without doubt become one of my auto-buy authors, after finishing book two in The McKinney Brothers series. I really thought she would struggle to top Worth the Fall (book one), but she topped and surpassed it with Worth the Risk.
”I’ll help you… if you let me.”
Stephen and Hannah’s story is just as engrossing and emotional as Matt and Abby’s was, but in a wholly different and unexpected way. The McKinney family vibe is still running strong though the story as whole, but this installment was a little darker than its predecessor, not in a bad way. But it added another dimension to the characters and the series development as a whole for me.
Hannah and Stephen are both complex personalities, and the layers that are gradually peeled back on each of them as the book progresses give you as the reader an emotional journey to go on with both of them.
What I loved about both Stephen and Hannah was the strength to both of their characters that you see in them, but they only see in themselves as they take steps towards their own healing and recoveries from the things that have haunted them.
This was a thought-provoking read on some levels, but not in a bad way, it highlights that strength can be seen in so many different ways, and not all of them where you would expect to find them. Compassion and empathy, patience and belief, have the strength to heal, give courage, and rebuild lost confidence. I loved it; I didn’t want it to end.
”I’m alive again because of you.”
On a lighter note, we are also introduced to Hannah’s, sexy, single and totally over-protective brothers ��
FBI, Special Forces, Firefighter, Cop.
I hope against hope Ms. Connor has something lined up for these boys, after she has finished with the McKinney Brothers, because quite frankly I think the Walker Brothers have the potential to be just as tempting to the literary taste-buds as their predecessors!
Lots of firsts. And onlys.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
LOVE. THIS. AUTHOR!
February 25, 2016
LIVE - >AMAZON
$2.99
4 Playboy stars
It’s Stephen’s story, yay! Or I should say LICK! Stephen is sexy, rich and has a bad past. His fiancé was murdered and after years of drinking and going off the deep end, he’s trying to get control of his life. He’s working more and building a relationship with his family again.
Hannah was tragically abused when she was a teenager. She’s older and wiser now, but her scars still linger. She works on a farm and uses animals for physical therapy for special needs children. Doesn’t that melt your heart?
Both are struggling to move forward.
Hannah doesn’t date. She’s very cautious of men, but Stephen notices her beauty and asks her out. I like the beginning because there is instant attraction. I usually cringe away from this, but it really worked for me. I liked that Stephen was really into Hannah and I love it when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
I found the pursuit cute and Hannah being shy and very hesitant towards Stephen adorable. She should be, the poor girl was abused when she was younger. They have this sweet relationship that I enjoyed reading. I also liked reading how much Hannah loves working with her horses and kids.
I always have a soft spot for kids in books. I don’t know why. I kind of wished she was a single mom, but that’s just me. So Hannah doesn’t want to go out with Stephen, but he invites her to his niece’s birthday party. Hannah, a sucker for kids and attends. I really liked this. I liked how much Stephen’s family includes Hannah into the fold.
Like I said, it’s really cute
Of course, nothing is easy. Stephen has issues. I’m not a fan of dead ex’s. It’s hard to get over a ghost, especially if that ghost is perfect. However, Stephen’s ex isn’t that much into the picture and it didn’t distract me while I was reading. It was enough to let me know he really loved her and he just can’t get over the way she died.
Hannah needs to learn to trust the opposite sex, but it doesn’t come easy. She’s very guarded and her brothers’ over protectiveness doesn’t help either, but I sure love reading it!
Overall, if you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed. It’s a completely new storyline and new brother, but same writing style that people enjoy.
REVIEW | AMAZON $3.99
AMAZON$2.99
$2.994 Playboy stars
It’s Stephen’s story, yay! Or I should say LICK! Stephen is sexy, rich and has a bad past. His fiancé was murdered and after years of drinking and going off the deep end, he’s trying to get control of his life. He’s working more and building a relationship with his family again.
Hannah was tragically abused when she was a teenager. She’s older and wiser now, but her scars still linger. She works on a farm and uses animals for physical therapy for special needs children. Doesn’t that melt your heart?
Both are struggling to move forward.
Hannah doesn’t date. She’s very cautious of men, but Stephen notices her beauty and asks her out. I like the beginning because there is instant attraction. I usually cringe away from this, but it really worked for me. I liked that Stephen was really into Hannah and I love it when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
I found the pursuit cute and Hannah being shy and very hesitant towards Stephen adorable. She should be, the poor girl was abused when she was younger. They have this sweet relationship that I enjoyed reading. I also liked reading how much Hannah loves working with her horses and kids.
I always have a soft spot for kids in books. I don’t know why. I kind of wished she was a single mom, but that’s just me. So Hannah doesn’t want to go out with Stephen, but he invites her to his niece’s birthday party. Hannah, a sucker for kids and attends. I really liked this. I liked how much Stephen’s family includes Hannah into the fold.
Like I said, it’s really cute
Of course, nothing is easy. Stephen has issues. I’m not a fan of dead ex’s. It’s hard to get over a ghost, especially if that ghost is perfect. However, Stephen’s ex isn’t that much into the picture and it didn’t distract me while I was reading. It was enough to let me know he really loved her and he just can’t get over the way she died.
Hannah needs to learn to trust the opposite sex, but it doesn’t come easy. She’s very guarded and her brothers’ over protectiveness doesn’t help either, but I sure love reading it!
Overall, if you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed. It’s a completely new storyline and new brother, but same writing style that people enjoy.
REVIEW | AMAZON $3.99
AMAZON$2.99
February 21, 2019
ZACH WALKER is COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waiting For You
Waiting For You
February 7, 2015
Worth the Risk is the second book in The McKinney Brothers series. I absolutely adored the first book and have been anxiously anticipating the debut of Stephen McKinney.
Just like his brother Matt's story, Stephen is a damaged, stubborn, strong, "alpha male" who is alone. He finds peace in booze, women, and pours everything into his job. He is the epitome of a polished business man and he looks to be living the good life.
"Stephen McKinney, Norfolk’s Most Eligible Bachelor."
Strip away the fancy clothes, fast cars, booze, and women and you see that Stephen is broken. He has detached himself from his family in order to be alone in his misery. After loosing his fiancé, he swore that he would never love again.
"Little remained of the old Stephen since he’d lost his fiancée almost five years ago."
While making a quick stop at the local grocery store, Stephen bumps into Hannah. Hannah is like a breath of fresh air and he is automatically drawn to her. He asks her out for a drink. Hannah surprises even herself and accepts the offer.
Hannah is just as damaged as Stephen. She has been through hell. She has a few crazy protective brothers that are hanging on to her so tightly that she is afraid she might break. Stephen offers her a chance to live like a normal girl.
The attraction between these two ignites faster than a firecracker. One of the lingering themes in this series is family. There are so many moments of the heroes with their brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews,etc. While Hannah is attending a birthday party at Matt and Abby's house, Stephen begins to have a breakdown and remember why he can't be with anyone.
"Hannah’s arms were full of baby. She reverently touched a finger to the baby’s downy head. After a few minutes of reverent staring, she looked at Stephen with a smile so bright, her expression so radiant, so full of love, that for just a second it felt… good. And then his heart imploded."
The painful memory of all that he lost is just too much for him to take in. He decides to brush off his feelings for Hannah by pushing her away. Hannah over hears Stephen tell his sister-
“I was just being nice, for God’s sake. Does she look like the kind of woman I’d want to spend time with?"
Hannah of course is heart broken and runs far away from him. It takes some meddling from the family to put Stephen back on to Hannah's path. Stephen knows what he feels for Hannah and tries his best to make things right.
“I was wrong. I am interested. More than interested, though I’m so far from the type of man you should be with I shouldn’t even be standing here. Yet here I am, asking for another chance.”
I really admire Hannah. Even though she has been through hell, she doesn't want to settle.
“Don’t play with me.” “I’m not.” But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game."
Eventually these two come together and believe me it is BEE-U-TI-FUL! There are lingering kisses, heartfelt talks, bantering between Stephen and Hannah's protective brothers, and the sexy factor is spot on!
What's not to love about a damaged hero and heroine finding peace and solace in each other's arms? Ms. Connor's writing style is fluid and rich with colors. I absolutely adore reading the scenes when the whole family is together. The bond of family makes everything better.
Why not a five star rating? I would say around the 75% mark the drama factor increased quite a bit. Stephen continues to struggle with letting go of his past. And the were just some really stupid misunderstandings! I felt like the story had enough going on and maybe didn't need the extra bits? However, I still really enjoyed this read and look forward to more in this series. And that ending! It left me smiling for hours! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sweet romance between a damaged "alpha" hero and a beautiful spirited heroine! Cannot wait to read the next brother's story!
Just like his brother Matt's story, Stephen is a damaged, stubborn, strong, "alpha male" who is alone. He finds peace in booze, women, and pours everything into his job. He is the epitome of a polished business man and he looks to be living the good life.
"Stephen McKinney, Norfolk’s Most Eligible Bachelor."
Strip away the fancy clothes, fast cars, booze, and women and you see that Stephen is broken. He has detached himself from his family in order to be alone in his misery. After loosing his fiancé, he swore that he would never love again.
"Little remained of the old Stephen since he’d lost his fiancée almost five years ago."
While making a quick stop at the local grocery store, Stephen bumps into Hannah. Hannah is like a breath of fresh air and he is automatically drawn to her. He asks her out for a drink. Hannah surprises even herself and accepts the offer.
Hannah is just as damaged as Stephen. She has been through hell. She has a few crazy protective brothers that are hanging on to her so tightly that she is afraid she might break. Stephen offers her a chance to live like a normal girl.
The attraction between these two ignites faster than a firecracker. One of the lingering themes in this series is family. There are so many moments of the heroes with their brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews,etc. While Hannah is attending a birthday party at Matt and Abby's house, Stephen begins to have a breakdown and remember why he can't be with anyone.
"Hannah’s arms were full of baby. She reverently touched a finger to the baby’s downy head. After a few minutes of reverent staring, she looked at Stephen with a smile so bright, her expression so radiant, so full of love, that for just a second it felt… good. And then his heart imploded."
The painful memory of all that he lost is just too much for him to take in. He decides to brush off his feelings for Hannah by pushing her away. Hannah over hears Stephen tell his sister-
“I was just being nice, for God’s sake. Does she look like the kind of woman I’d want to spend time with?"
Hannah of course is heart broken and runs far away from him. It takes some meddling from the family to put Stephen back on to Hannah's path. Stephen knows what he feels for Hannah and tries his best to make things right.
“I was wrong. I am interested. More than interested, though I’m so far from the type of man you should be with I shouldn’t even be standing here. Yet here I am, asking for another chance.”
I really admire Hannah. Even though she has been through hell, she doesn't want to settle.
“Don’t play with me.” “I’m not.” But she went on, desperate to make him understand. “Because I can’t play, I don’t know how.” And she didn’t want to. She wanted someone to share her life with, someone to want her. When she found him it wouldn’t be a game."
Eventually these two come together and believe me it is BEE-U-TI-FUL! There are lingering kisses, heartfelt talks, bantering between Stephen and Hannah's protective brothers, and the sexy factor is spot on!
What's not to love about a damaged hero and heroine finding peace and solace in each other's arms? Ms. Connor's writing style is fluid and rich with colors. I absolutely adore reading the scenes when the whole family is together. The bond of family makes everything better.
Why not a five star rating? I would say around the 75% mark the drama factor increased quite a bit. Stephen continues to struggle with letting go of his past. And the were just some really stupid misunderstandings! I felt like the story had enough going on and maybe didn't need the extra bits? However, I still really enjoyed this read and look forward to more in this series. And that ending! It left me smiling for hours! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sweet romance between a damaged "alpha" hero and a beautiful spirited heroine! Cannot wait to read the next brother's story!
February 23, 2015
3.5 sweet but traumatic stars
After falling in mad love with Claudia Connor’s debut, Worth the Fall, earlier this year, I have been beyond excited to get my hands on this, the next book in the series. This book has a really different feel to it than the first one, with a definite darker edge, but still with a gorgeous romance, and a fantastic cast of characters.
The darkness comes into the story as both the hero and heroine have demons in their pasts. They have both experienced horrifically violent trauma, and it is something that continues to haunt them, hugely impacting who they are and how they have chosen to live their lives.
Stephen is the enigmatic younger brother of Matt (hero of book 1). Confident, sexy and powerful, he holds himself back emotionally and has coped with his past by throwing himself into his real estate investment business and sleeping with random women, making him a millionaire playboy who has recently been labelled the city’s most eligible bachelor.
Hannah’s dark days saw her retreat from the world (and understandably so), but after experiencing both physical and emotional healing through riding horses, she has opened a riding school for disabled children, providing physical therapy with her horses. She is shy and innocent but has proven herself to be incredibly resilient, and she has a huge heart.
When Stephen meets Hannah, she is nothing like the women he is usually drawn to, but there is something about her that attracts him. And Hannah, for the first time in her life, decides to come out of her shell and take a chance with the dangerously handsome man. It’s an awkward beginning for them as they explore something that is so new to both of them, but as they start to figure things out, the slow and tentative way that things develop for them creates a beautiful build up.
I love a smutty book as much as the next girl, but I loved that this book was a change of pace. There was no overtly sexual flirting or banter, no jumping into bed, no games or kinky goings on. This was slow and sweet. It was courting. That’s not to say that there is no sex, because there is. But there is a deliciously slow build up to it. And instead of it being gratuitous, overly descriptive smut, it’s passionate, tender and emotive and it suits the story really well.
I love the way that Hannah starts to open up to Stephen. She has a lot of issues, but he treats her so beautifully – respectful, protective and so gentle – it is just what she needs, and I enjoyed watching her learn to love him and trust in him. Stephen’s journey was also very heartfelt. After what he has been through he is terrified of his dark side – the hatred that he has been nursing that still burns deep – and as much as he cares for Hannah, he lives in fear of being consumed by his anger so is reluctant to completely let go, not wanting to hurt her.
So there is some angst as they battle their way forward, and things going on in other areas of their lives also impact on what is developing between them. There is a bit of a mystery element woven through the ending of the book as a bad guy emerges, and there are all kinds of misunderstandings with both Hannah and Stephen being hurt because of it. And then there is a big climax just came out of nowhere. Honestly, it felt a bit over the top for me. I was reading it thinking ‘really?’. I mean, after the unimaginably appalling and seemingly random violence they have dealt with in their pasts, how much more do these people have to endure?
But it all ends beautifully, if a little bit rushed. Once again, I was left thinking ‘really? That’s it???’. I wanted more!!! Specifically, more time after everything is resolved – we deserve it after all of the drama. But thankfully there is a fantastic epilogue which gives us a glimpse into the future and left me smiling
Fans of Worth the Fall will be thrilled to know that there is a nice amount of time spent with Matt and Abby and their brood, with some great progression for their story together. I loved getting the chance to check in with them. And the extended family all gets a look in as well, including Hannah’s older brothers - I’m hoping we get to see those big, strong alphas again, especially with a story already nicely set up for Nick.
Overall, I really liked this book. I didn’t feel is as much as I did the first book, and I’m thinking that may be due to the slow pacing, and some of the OTT elements , but I enjoyed Stephen and Hannah as characters, and their love story which was beautifully sweet. I’m looking forward to more from this series.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After falling in mad love with Claudia Connor’s debut, Worth the Fall, earlier this year, I have been beyond excited to get my hands on this, the next book in the series. This book has a really different feel to it than the first one, with a definite darker edge, but still with a gorgeous romance, and a fantastic cast of characters.
The darkness comes into the story as both the hero and heroine have demons in their pasts. They have both experienced horrifically violent trauma, and it is something that continues to haunt them, hugely impacting who they are and how they have chosen to live their lives.
Stephen is the enigmatic younger brother of Matt (hero of book 1). Confident, sexy and powerful, he holds himself back emotionally and has coped with his past by throwing himself into his real estate investment business and sleeping with random women, making him a millionaire playboy who has recently been labelled the city’s most eligible bachelor.
Hannah’s dark days saw her retreat from the world (and understandably so), but after experiencing both physical and emotional healing through riding horses, she has opened a riding school for disabled children, providing physical therapy with her horses. She is shy and innocent but has proven herself to be incredibly resilient, and she has a huge heart.
When Stephen meets Hannah, she is nothing like the women he is usually drawn to, but there is something about her that attracts him. And Hannah, for the first time in her life, decides to come out of her shell and take a chance with the dangerously handsome man. It’s an awkward beginning for them as they explore something that is so new to both of them, but as they start to figure things out, the slow and tentative way that things develop for them creates a beautiful build up.
Stephen leaned in. Closer and closer as if in slow motion, until his lips hovered a breath from hers. His fingers slid through the hair at the side of her face
“Hannah”
Just her name, and it was terrifying and magical, and before she had time to process the enormity of it, he kissed her. His lips were soft and firm and every cell in her body tuned in to that single spot where their lips met. She didn’t know what to do next, but it didn’t matter.
I love a smutty book as much as the next girl, but I loved that this book was a change of pace. There was no overtly sexual flirting or banter, no jumping into bed, no games or kinky goings on. This was slow and sweet. It was courting. That’s not to say that there is no sex, because there is. But there is a deliciously slow build up to it. And instead of it being gratuitous, overly descriptive smut, it’s passionate, tender and emotive and it suits the story really well.
I love the way that Hannah starts to open up to Stephen. She has a lot of issues, but he treats her so beautifully – respectful, protective and so gentle – it is just what she needs, and I enjoyed watching her learn to love him and trust in him. Stephen’s journey was also very heartfelt. After what he has been through he is terrified of his dark side – the hatred that he has been nursing that still burns deep – and as much as he cares for Hannah, he lives in fear of being consumed by his anger so is reluctant to completely let go, not wanting to hurt her.
So there is some angst as they battle their way forward, and things going on in other areas of their lives also impact on what is developing between them. There is a bit of a mystery element woven through the ending of the book as a bad guy emerges, and there are all kinds of misunderstandings with both Hannah and Stephen being hurt because of it. And then there is a big climax just came out of nowhere. Honestly, it felt a bit over the top for me. I was reading it thinking ‘really?’. I mean, after the unimaginably appalling and seemingly random violence they have dealt with in their pasts, how much more do these people have to endure?
But it all ends beautifully, if a little bit rushed. Once again, I was left thinking ‘really? That’s it???’. I wanted more!!! Specifically, more time after everything is resolved – we deserve it after all of the drama. But thankfully there is a fantastic epilogue which gives us a glimpse into the future and left me smiling
Fans of Worth the Fall will be thrilled to know that there is a nice amount of time spent with Matt and Abby and their brood, with some great progression for their story together. I loved getting the chance to check in with them. And the extended family all gets a look in as well, including Hannah’s older brothers - I’m hoping we get to see those big, strong alphas again, especially with a story already nicely set up for Nick.
Overall, I really liked this book. I didn’t feel is as much as I did the first book, and I’m thinking that may be due to the slow pacing, and some of the OTT elements , but I enjoyed Stephen and Hannah as characters, and their love story which was beautifully sweet. I’m looking forward to more from this series.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2015
3 .. STARS
Stephen and Hannah ♥
Okay. Uhmmm. Was not expecting this. Going into this novel I was extremely excited! My feelings went along the lines of this..
The story line had potential and started off strong but then it just started .. not! I'm not sure if it's just me? I just had HIGH expectations for this one especially coming out of reading the first one. I didn't hate it or love it; I thought it was average which is why it got the THREE. However, I'm not giving up YET .. still looking forward to the next part in the series and hoping it will be as amazing as the first! The writing was still brilliant as for the characters .. questionable.
Worth the Risk Claudia Connor
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
Stephen and Hannah ♥
Okay. Uhmmm. Was not expecting this. Going into this novel I was extremely excited! My feelings went along the lines of this..
The story line had potential and started off strong but then it just started .. not! I'm not sure if it's just me? I just had HIGH expectations for this one especially coming out of reading the first one. I didn't hate it or love it; I thought it was average which is why it got the THREE. However, I'm not giving up YET .. still looking forward to the next part in the series and hoping it will be as amazing as the first! The writing was still brilliant as for the characters .. questionable.
Worth the Risk Claudia Connor
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
May 9, 2023
Reread I hated the frequent mentions of Stephen's manwhoring and still felt Hannah deserved much better 😤
Spoilers ahead, 1.5* rounded up only because of Hannah
Hannah had potential to be a great h and for that reason I halfway regret my low rating but in the end everything else just wasn't worth it
Hannah went through something truly horrific as a teen and I admired the way she pulled her life together and even her willingness to try with Stephen BUT she really needed to stand up for herself both with her brothers and Stephen
Stephen was basically punishing himself after his fiancee was murdered, while this was a tragic event I felt Hannah deserved a more considerate hero who'd put her first. He had a lot of internal struggle just to give them a chance and it came across as self centered. His past too made it really hard for me to even like Stephen, a couple years after his fiancee's murder he went back to having sex and he had a LOT of it, with lots of references that just made the whole book sleazy especially in contrast to Hannah's sweet innocence, all the slutty OW drama just sank the nail into Stephen 's coffin for me firmly cementing him as one of the H's I truly did not like
With Hannah's brothers who came across as overbearing and overprotective and Stephen's family who overdid the meddling in this one this book just didn't work for me,
Stephen you suck
Hannah boo you deserve better
****Ironically I loved their relationship in the next book 😂 go figure
No cheating
H was a NASTY MANWHORE
h was innocent(it's said her kidnapper did stuff but not rape so??)
OW drama
h was held in a basement and brutally abused at 14
H's fiancee was murdered
Spoilers ahead, 1.5* rounded up only because of Hannah
Hannah had potential to be a great h and for that reason I halfway regret my low rating but in the end everything else just wasn't worth it
Hannah went through something truly horrific as a teen and I admired the way she pulled her life together and even her willingness to try with Stephen BUT she really needed to stand up for herself both with her brothers and Stephen
Stephen was basically punishing himself after his fiancee was murdered, while this was a tragic event I felt Hannah deserved a more considerate hero who'd put her first. He had a lot of internal struggle just to give them a chance and it came across as self centered. His past too made it really hard for me to even like Stephen, a couple years after his fiancee's murder he went back to having sex and he had a LOT of it, with lots of references that just made the whole book sleazy especially in contrast to Hannah's sweet innocence, all the slutty OW drama just sank the nail into Stephen 's coffin for me firmly cementing him as one of the H's I truly did not like
With Hannah's brothers who came across as overbearing and overprotective and Stephen's family who overdid the meddling in this one this book just didn't work for me,
Stephen you suck
Hannah boo you deserve better
****Ironically I loved their relationship in the next book 😂 go figure
No cheating
H was a NASTY MANWHORE
h was innocent(it's said her kidnapper did stuff but not rape so??)
OW drama
h was held in a basement and brutally abused at 14
H's fiancee was murdered
February 25, 2021
Misery porn.
It’s hard for me to write a review when the two main character’s backstories are so full of pain, horror and angst. Hint: the book starts off with the heroine’s old dog getting put down, and it doesn’t lighten up.
Worth the Fall, a sweet, cheesy, schmaltz fest on steroids with a hunky and besotted hero, a sweet but bland heroine, and a passel of cute plot moppets ready to throw rainbows and unicorns in the air, tickled my romance fancy. This book was just a dark cloud. Perfect for people who love their main characters to suffer and suffer and...
It’s hard for me to write a review when the two main character’s backstories are so full of pain, horror and angst. Hint: the book starts off with the heroine’s old dog getting put down, and it doesn’t lighten up.
Worth the Fall, a sweet, cheesy, schmaltz fest on steroids with a hunky and besotted hero, a sweet but bland heroine, and a passel of cute plot moppets ready to throw rainbows and unicorns in the air, tickled my romance fancy. This book was just a dark cloud. Perfect for people who love their main characters to suffer and suffer and...
December 29, 2016
Loving. These. McKinney. Brothers.
Each McKinney brother is so unique, and Oh! So! Irresistible! If a second chance romance is your cup of tea, you will enjoy every drop.
Stephen McKinney, thirty-two, and gorgeous from head to toe, is a real estate mogul, a millionaire playboy and Norfolk's most eligible bachelor who is never seen without a beautiful woman on his arm. He lost his fianc�� five years ago in a horrific way, and since then, anger, grief and guilt are his constant companions. The first few years he filled the void and numbness left by her death with liquor, but currently using women for meaningless sex is his vice of choice. But all that is about to change, you see, because he unexpectedly meets a woman named Hannah. There isn't a woman who has ever said no to him, except Hannah. He cannot concentrate on anything or anyone, except Hannah. He wants to bed no one, except Hannah.
Hannah Walker, a twenty-six year old beauty herself, is a physical therapist who incorporates the horses on her farm as a way to help heal her patients, specifically handicapped children. She lost her parents when she was two years old and was raised by her four older brothers who always hover over her. And Hannah doesn't date. As a teenager, she trusted a "boyfriend" and has been paying a heavy price ever since. She does not trust her instincts when it comes to distinguishing the good guys from the bad. But when she accidentally bumps into Stephen at a grocery store and he asks to take her to dinner, something about him finally allows her to let her guard down and take a chance. For some reason, even though she knows nothing about him, he makes her feel safe.
The road to Stephen and Hannah's HEA is a bumpy one, but I enjoyed the ride getting there.
This is the second book in the McKinney Brothers series, but is definitely a stand alone. I fell in love with his Navy SEAL brother, Matt, in the first book "Worth The Fall", and couldn't wait to read Stephen's story. Now onto book three, "Worth It All" where we get to read about the elusive JT McKinney, the youngest of the seven siblings, who refuses to come home.
Each McKinney brother is so unique, and Oh! So! Irresistible! If a second chance romance is your cup of tea, you will enjoy every drop.
Stephen McKinney, thirty-two, and gorgeous from head to toe, is a real estate mogul, a millionaire playboy and Norfolk's most eligible bachelor who is never seen without a beautiful woman on his arm. He lost his fianc�� five years ago in a horrific way, and since then, anger, grief and guilt are his constant companions. The first few years he filled the void and numbness left by her death with liquor, but currently using women for meaningless sex is his vice of choice. But all that is about to change, you see, because he unexpectedly meets a woman named Hannah. There isn't a woman who has ever said no to him, except Hannah. He cannot concentrate on anything or anyone, except Hannah. He wants to bed no one, except Hannah.
Hannah Walker, a twenty-six year old beauty herself, is a physical therapist who incorporates the horses on her farm as a way to help heal her patients, specifically handicapped children. She lost her parents when she was two years old and was raised by her four older brothers who always hover over her. And Hannah doesn't date. As a teenager, she trusted a "boyfriend" and has been paying a heavy price ever since. She does not trust her instincts when it comes to distinguishing the good guys from the bad. But when she accidentally bumps into Stephen at a grocery store and he asks to take her to dinner, something about him finally allows her to let her guard down and take a chance. For some reason, even though she knows nothing about him, he makes her feel safe.
The road to Stephen and Hannah's HEA is a bumpy one, but I enjoyed the ride getting there.
This is the second book in the McKinney Brothers series, but is definitely a stand alone. I fell in love with his Navy SEAL brother, Matt, in the first book "Worth The Fall", and couldn't wait to read Stephen's story. Now onto book three, "Worth It All" where we get to read about the elusive JT McKinney, the youngest of the seven siblings, who refuses to come home.
February 26, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
4 Stars!
I like to lose myself in a romance novel every once in a while. I have read so many romance novels in my life that while I enjoy most of them very few surprise me anymore. This book surprised me. I had hoped for a nice entertaining story but what I got was a book that I couldn't put down. The characters have both been through hell and back but somehow learn to navigate their lives together. This is the second book in the McKinley Brothers series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. I actually have not read the first book in this series (yet - I plan to soon) and I didn't feel lost for a minute.
This book really grabbed me at the beginning. Hannah is at the grocery story during a horrible day and starts crying when Stephen notices her. He asks her out in the parking lot of the grocery store. I loved this. This is a reasonable way for two people to meet each other. There was not talk of falling instantly in love in the produce section. He was attracted to her so he asked her on a date. I wish more books included believable meetings.
Hannah has had a very tough life and is fiercely protected by her 4 older brothers who actually raised her. As she decides to take a chance and date Stephen, they don't make things easy for her and try to stop her from seeing him and actually go along on one of the dates. Stephen's life has also been pretty tough and he fights his own demons. While Hannah has dealt with her fear by living a solitary life, Stephen has lived the life of a playboy avoiding family and anything that makes him feel.
This couple really worked for me. The chemistry was outstanding and I really could feel their emotions coming off the page. I actually believe that these two people could make each other stronger. The supporting characters were equally wonderful. I really liked Stephen and Hannah's families.
My only real complaint would be the major conflict between Stephen and Hannah towards the end of the book that could have been resolved if they had just talked to each other. They talked to each other every other time they had an issue and I don't understand why they wouldn't this time. It really is a very minor complaint and I love how everything ends up being resolved.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance. This is the first book by Claudia Connor that I have had a chance to read and I cannot wait to read more in the very near future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
4 Stars!
I like to lose myself in a romance novel every once in a while. I have read so many romance novels in my life that while I enjoy most of them very few surprise me anymore. This book surprised me. I had hoped for a nice entertaining story but what I got was a book that I couldn't put down. The characters have both been through hell and back but somehow learn to navigate their lives together. This is the second book in the McKinley Brothers series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. I actually have not read the first book in this series (yet - I plan to soon) and I didn't feel lost for a minute.
This book really grabbed me at the beginning. Hannah is at the grocery story during a horrible day and starts crying when Stephen notices her. He asks her out in the parking lot of the grocery store. I loved this. This is a reasonable way for two people to meet each other. There was not talk of falling instantly in love in the produce section. He was attracted to her so he asked her on a date. I wish more books included believable meetings.
Hannah has had a very tough life and is fiercely protected by her 4 older brothers who actually raised her. As she decides to take a chance and date Stephen, they don't make things easy for her and try to stop her from seeing him and actually go along on one of the dates. Stephen's life has also been pretty tough and he fights his own demons. While Hannah has dealt with her fear by living a solitary life, Stephen has lived the life of a playboy avoiding family and anything that makes him feel.
This couple really worked for me. The chemistry was outstanding and I really could feel their emotions coming off the page. I actually believe that these two people could make each other stronger. The supporting characters were equally wonderful. I really liked Stephen and Hannah's families.
My only real complaint would be the major conflict between Stephen and Hannah towards the end of the book that could have been resolved if they had just talked to each other. They talked to each other every other time they had an issue and I don't understand why they wouldn't this time. It really is a very minor complaint and I love how everything ends up being resolved.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance. This is the first book by Claudia Connor that I have had a chance to read and I cannot wait to read more in the very near future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
January 1, 2016
After absolutely adoring book one.. I dove into this one with a hopeful heart only to find an amazing beautiful strong heroine. . that unfortunately was paired up with a very selfish and drama filled hero. His actions after a very catastrophic past.. were abhorrent. . sickening. . . no honor found.. and being broken hearted doesn't give someone a free pass on treating people like door mats. I give this rating .. to the heroine. . I never got past the heroes treatment. . half truths..and how he played with a girl who had been thru enough for a lifetime. Now. . Luke..I WANT HIS STORY NOW. Please Claudia. . please give us respectable and loyal protective heroes.. please. Drama.. isn't always necessary .. in romance.. but loving characters are.. not just at the end but throughout. Hannah deserved so much better.
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