Risking It All By Jennifer Schmidt

Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.

 Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.

 Alone with Memphis in Alaska, Kennedy finds it increasingly harder to ignore temptation and wants nothing more than to give into her secret desires with the one man that has always been off limits. But is one night of passion worth the possible risk of losing their friendship over?

 Feeling torn between doing the right thing and doing what she wants, Kennedy fears losing her best friend. She knows she needs to sort out her feelings for the two men in her life and deal with the consequences of her actions, but how can she when everything seems to be falling apart so fast? And how much can Memphis take before he’s pushed too far and can no longer take Kennedy’s inability to make a decision about what and who she wants?

 Kennedy discovers the harsh reality of how one night can change everything and leave her risking it all.

Thessa's Review:

3.75/5  Stars 

Release Date: September 13,2012

You're about as close as I'll have to a wife,anyway,I'm sure.

First off, thank you to the Writer’s Coffee Shop for allowing me to read this ARC. I was so excited to read this and I am ecstatic to have been given the opportunity. Thank you!

Okay, where to begin, where to begin… I’ve always been a fan of love stories that involve two long time friends. When one of those friends happens to have had a reputation as a college Casanova with commitment issues, well, the story just got more interesting.

Kennedy first met Memphis Adams in college. She was well aware of his reputation, so when they met, Memphis’ charms didn’t really have the desired effect he wanted. Instead of being another notch in Memphis’ bedpost, they ended up being each others best friend. Fast forward twelve years and their friendship is as strong as ever. Memphis’ travels the world as a photographer, while Kennedy builds up her career as a painter and sculptor. No matter where Memphis is, he has always travel back home to be there for Kennedy. While he remains single, Kennedy has been in a relationship with Ian Brooks for the past two years. Brooks is thirteen years older than Kennedy and he has a very busy career as a Doctor. Memphis and Brooks do not get along. Brooks has always been suspicious of their friendship, while Memphis doesn’t approve of the fact that, Brooks always picks work before Kennedy.

Memphis is in between assignments, when he comes home. While catching up with Kennedy, he informs her that his next assignment is in Alaska, taking photographs for a resort that will soon open. Kennedy, having seen Memphis’ photos of his previous assignments in Alaska, has always dreamed of going there. Memphis makes a deal with the resort owner and is able to invite Kennedy along for the trip. She wants to go, but knowing Brooks’ reaction deters her from screaming out an immediate “yes!” Meanwhile, her career is taking off and soon finds her work up for display in an upcoming showing at an art gallery. This is a huge moment for her. When the big day arrives, Memphis is there, but where is Brooks? The good ole Doctor doesn’t show up. She has had it with his constant stream of excuses and decides that this trip to Alaska might be the space she needs to think about things. However, when discussing the situation with Brooks to Memphis, she inadvertently asks Memphis to kiss her. He does and that’s when things start to get interesting. So what happens in Alaska? What about Brooks? Is she willing to risk it all, their friendship, and her relationship with Brooks, to be with Memphis?

The drama in this story was laid on thick. There were times where I was left severely frustrated with both Memphis and Kennedy. They kept on giving each other mixed signals and not clarifying any of them. The phrase, “what did you mean by that?” must have been said dozens of times, without neither of them answering it. Ugh! However, when they finally succumb to the inevitable, man, oh, man was it hot.

Overall,I really liked the story, but I didn’t outright love it. Memphis is very swoon-worthy and any girl having a best friend like that would likely risk it all to be with him. He was extremely sweet and caring towards Kennedy. To say they have a strong friendship is an understatement. The story was relatable and I was able to understand Kennedy’s hesitation, but I did find myself getting flustered at her lack of balls, so to speak. lol. The ending felt a little rushed and I wanted just a little more. However, they did get their HEA, which made me happy and giddy, and that itself made this journey worthwhile.