Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor

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Release day is February 3, 2015!

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.

 4.5 rating... 

In Worth the Fall this author surprised me by writing a very successful romance that revolved around a widow with four kids and one on the way! I'm still in love with Matt... what a man. Yes, we do get to see him again in book two... along with all the kiddies!
In Worth the Risk she creates a love story that blooms from the midst of tragedy. And not just any tragedy... the very violent and disturbing kind. The kind that changes a person forever and takes away their ability to feel and trust again. The kind that makes you want revenge in the worst way.
Stephen is the survivor... living with the guilt of the violent death of his fiancée. He has spent many years driven by deep seeded anger and hatred. He hates what he has become and doesn't allow himself to get close to anyone. His comfort zone is his career and it has made him very successful and wealthy.
Hannah is the victim of violence... what happened to her was both disturbing and horrific. She has scars that run very deep both physically and mentally. She is heavily guarded by her brothers who are having difficulty trusting her safety to anyone but themselves. Her comfort zone is also her job which keeps her safely tucked away at Freedom Farm.
Somehow these two find something in each other that they feel is 'Worth the Risk' of finally stepping out of their comfort zones and reaching for something real. It would've been easy for both of them to stick with hiding out and continuing on with life as it was. But, they each found something in the other that compelled them to want change. Strength can be found in the most surprising places. This was a very tender love story that grows slowly and with care.
Hannah is a physical therapist and she helps kids with rehabilitation using horses. I loved her character a lot and how much compassion she had for the children. Children and animals are the best medicine for what ails you... they are honest and they love unconditionally. I loved the 'how to know if he's your boyfriend' advice... LOL.. from the mouths of babes... very amusing.
This book is just a bit on the darker side and it bears no resemblance to book one. So, if you're looking for more of the same... don't... this story has a completely different tone and will definitely tug on your emotions. There is a lot of tragedy and sadness in this book but it all ties up beautifully in the end with love prevailing above all other things. I was definitely impressed with Stephen and what he gave up for her... I think he learned that the things we value most are worth big sacrifices.
With the addition of Hannah's crew of brothers, there are now an ABUNDANCE of men, women and children in this series... so there is definitely plenty more to come! Definitely can't wait for more of the McKinney Brothers...   

This can be read as a stand alone!

ARC provided by the publisher via netgalley 

Click HERE for T's Review!