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paddlefoot55's review against another edition
4.0
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
Book 2 in the Risking It All series is a cute, sweet story that hits all the romance spots.
Ryan is the gorgeous guy Emma has been crushing on since she was a kid. Emma is Ryan's best friends little sister. Add in the promise Ryan made years ago to protect and never go after Emma and there really is a spanner thrown in the works!
I felt that our lovelies relationship developed organically. There was no big dramatic event that brought them together, it was just years of platonic love and friendship turning into something more. Sure, there were roadblocks to overcome, but this all felt natural.
The chemistry between Ryan and Emma is off the charts right from the get go. I tell you what, if Emma didn't jump on him when she did, I was going to jump into Haven and take him for myself (well, in my mind anyway!) I love the lingering looks across the room, the awkwardness, just all of it. He is the perfect amount of bad for her as she was the perfect amount of good for him.
I loved that we got more of the people from the first book (though I did struggle to remember where a couple of them fit in) and great set up for the 3rd book in the series.
Crazy for You is sweet, sexy and fun, and I can't wait for the next book.
Book 2 in the Risking It All series is a cute, sweet story that hits all the romance spots.
Ryan is the gorgeous guy Emma has been crushing on since she was a kid. Emma is Ryan's best friends little sister. Add in the promise Ryan made years ago to protect and never go after Emma and there really is a spanner thrown in the works!
I felt that our lovelies relationship developed organically. There was no big dramatic event that brought them together, it was just years of platonic love and friendship turning into something more. Sure, there were roadblocks to overcome, but this all felt natural.
The chemistry between Ryan and Emma is off the charts right from the get go. I tell you what, if Emma didn't jump on him when she did, I was going to jump into Haven and take him for myself (well, in my mind anyway!) I love the lingering looks across the room, the awkwardness, just all of it. He is the perfect amount of bad for her as she was the perfect amount of good for him.
I loved that we got more of the people from the first book (though I did struggle to remember where a couple of them fit in) and great set up for the 3rd book in the series.
Crazy for You is sweet, sexy and fun, and I can't wait for the next book.
emilyhei's review against another edition
4.0
When Emma Rush runs into an ex it reminds her that she had a plan in place to lose her good girl and find her wild side. Deciding to enlist local bad boy, Ryan Blake in her new outlook is a bit harder than she expected especially since the crush she once had for him is still in full bloom.
Ryan made a promise to Emma's brother when he enlisted to protect her and there is a line in doing so he can't cross. However, the more time he spends with Emma the more irresistible she becomes.
Wonderful read. I like this series a lot, I think the charm of it is that you feel like you are a part of their everyday life. Emma is delightful and I felt for Ryan because he has a reputation tat has lingered and it is not who he is. Can't wait for whats next.
Ryan made a promise to Emma's brother when he enlisted to protect her and there is a line in doing so he can't cross. However, the more time he spends with Emma the more irresistible she becomes.
Wonderful read. I like this series a lot, I think the charm of it is that you feel like you are a part of their everyday life. Emma is delightful and I felt for Ryan because he has a reputation tat has lingered and it is not who he is. Can't wait for whats next.
jcmbank's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
swancreates's review against another edition
2.0
I'm still not sure if I read this book already, or that this book is filled with so many romance cliches that this book felt both new and old. Ryan is the kind of know-it-all who thinks he has all the answers just because he's older and makes decisions for people instead of talking things out with the people in his life.
He just got his brother back in his life and instead of getting to know his brother, he's pushing him to go back to college just so that he can get on his brother's adoptive parents good side? He never asked if his brother was happy or heard in that household, he just made a decision for his brother and it infuriated me to no end.
He did the same thing with Emma. He still sees her as a little girl, even though she was practically an orphan like him. She's lived life and even though they are attracted to each other, HE finds that since he did not get permission from a male member of her family to date her, then it's not okay? As if Emma hasn't been making decisions for her own life since she was a teenager?
And all the sex, OMG, there were so many sex scenes in this book that I had to start skipping them since it got too much. And Emma was not that bad in the book, she's was basically the cliche I want adventure in my life so I want a bad boy.
I would have loved this book a year ago, but real life is creeping into my romantic reading and I think I need to take a break from reading romance for a while.
He just got his brother back in his life and instead of getting to know his brother, he's pushing him to go back to college just so that he can get on his brother's adoptive parents good side? He never asked if his brother was happy or heard in that household, he just made a decision for his brother and it infuriated me to no end.
He did the same thing with Emma. He still sees her as a little girl, even though she was practically an orphan like him. She's lived life and even though they are attracted to each other, HE finds that since he did not get permission from a male member of her family to date her, then it's not okay? As if Emma hasn't been making decisions for her own life since she was a teenager?
And all the sex, OMG, there were so many sex scenes in this book that I had to start skipping them since it got too much. And Emma was not that bad in the book, she's was basically the cliche I want adventure in my life so I want a bad boy.
I would have loved this book a year ago, but real life is creeping into my romantic reading and I think I need to take a break from reading romance for a while.
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
Bolstered by her friends, Emma has decided that it's time to divert from her normal stream of dull boyfriends and shake things up a bit. Her target? Her (now dead) brother's best friend Ryan. She's had a thing for him for years and is ready to act on int.
Ryan has a thing for Emma as well but he promised her brother that they would never hook up. Plus, his biological half-brother is in town and Ryan is trying to be a good example so that his brother's family will allow him to keep in contact.
It's Ryan's rigid adherence to the dead brother's promise that made me enjoy this book less. It's repeated over and over and over with no growth on Ryan's part until the very end of the book. And Trent (Ryan's brother) is little more than a plot moppet (albeit eighteen-years-old).
I really liked the first book in the series but just couldn't get into this one in the same way. I'm holding out hope for the next book when a wounded warrior and the woman he loved are getting their second chance.
Ryan has a thing for Emma as well but he promised her brother that they would never hook up. Plus, his biological half-brother is in town and Ryan is trying to be a good example so that his brother's family will allow him to keep in contact.
It's Ryan's rigid adherence to the dead brother's promise that made me enjoy this book less. It's repeated over and over and over with no growth on Ryan's part until the very end of the book. And Trent (Ryan's brother) is little more than a plot moppet (albeit eighteen-years-old).
I really liked the first book in the series but just couldn't get into this one in the same way. I'm holding out hope for the next book when a wounded warrior and the woman he loved are getting their second chance.
katrinamarie's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & MoreI have so much love for this book. It's fun, swoony, and exactly what I needed to read right now.
I loved Emma and Ryan. Emma tries shaking things up in her life in the most fabulous way. I'm always a fan of people getting ink, and I loved seeing someone's first time experience, if only to relive those moments for myself again. I don't think she's a boring as she thought she was. She tries new things, and some of those experiences help her in so many ways. Ryan is a former bad boy. While he gives off the whole bad boy persona, he's a pretty awesome guy. He uses caution when he should, and that's something I really admire in book boyfriends.
There are funny moments, awkward situations, and a group of friends that are always there. They are tight-knit and I love that. It's also kind of a friends to lovers story, and those always make my heart beat faster.
Crazy for You is the perfect book to gear up for Summer, or even read by the pool.
I loved Emma and Ryan. Emma tries shaking things up in her life in the most fabulous way. I'm always a fan of people getting ink, and I loved seeing someone's first time experience, if only to relive those moments for myself again. I don't think she's a boring as she thought she was. She tries new things, and some of those experiences help her in so many ways. Ryan is a former bad boy. While he gives off the whole bad boy persona, he's a pretty awesome guy. He uses caution when he should, and that's something I really admire in book boyfriends.
There are funny moments, awkward situations, and a group of friends that are always there. They are tight-knit and I love that. It's also kind of a friends to lovers story, and those always make my heart beat faster.
Crazy for You is the perfect book to gear up for Summer, or even read by the pool.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Crazy for You is a fun, sweet read--Emma and Ryan are easy characters to root for, and the best friend's little sister troupe is one of my weaknesses. (Really, Mom and Dad, what were you thinking, not giving me an older brother? Very short sighted of you.) The secondary characters are great here too--Ethan and Gabby from book 1 ([book:Run to You|28119216]), Carly from the prequel novella ([book:Rock with You|29905104]), even poor Mark and Jess, who don't get their chance at a second chance until the next book ([book:Can't Forget You|31933234]--but that's at least better than Mandy, who doesn't even have that...yet), plus Ryan's long lost baby brother, Trent--interesting characters, all. If it's your first trip to Haven, though, no worries--it'd work just fine as a standalone too.
There really aren't a lot of surprises in this story, which is fine--Ryan hasn't really been a "bad boy" since he moved back to town, and it's clear from the start that he's going to have no problem seeing Emma as a grown up instead of the little sister hanger-on that she used to be, once he gives himself permission to look. The promise-to-her-big-brother part was going to be trickier, but then again it always is. The solution to Emma's future was honestly so easy to see from the beginning, I was surprised that it took so long for that part of it to be resolved, but it wasn't any less satisfying for being obvious.
What makes the story stand out, though, is the writing. Ms Lacey manages to make rock climbing sound sexy when she writes scenes like this one:
Still. Fun to imagine in the abstract, while we wait for Mark's book :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
There really aren't a lot of surprises in this story, which is fine--Ryan hasn't really been a "bad boy" since he moved back to town, and it's clear from the start that he's going to have no problem seeing Emma as a grown up instead of the little sister hanger-on that she used to be, once he gives himself permission to look. The promise-to-her-big-brother part was going to be trickier, but then again it always is. The solution to Emma's future was honestly so easy to see from the beginning, I was surprised that it took so long for that part of it to be resolved, but it wasn't any less satisfying for being obvious.
What makes the story stand out, though, is the writing. Ms Lacey manages to make rock climbing sound sexy when she writes scenes like this one:
"Watching you climb that rock is the biggest f-ing turn-on."Yeah. So maybe not...
Really? She must have looked ridiculous, failing around as she scrambled for the top. "It would be really bad if you took me right here." She emphasized the word as fantasies of them having wild sex up here on top of the world exploded through her brain.
He groaned. "Bad in all the wrong ways. Bad in the 'bruises and scrapes where the sun don't shine' and potentially fall to your death in the throes of passion kind of way."
Well, when he put it that way...
Still. Fun to imagine in the abstract, while we wait for Mark's book :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
lauraanne9's review against another edition
4.0
***ARC Provided via NetGalley and Tasty Book Tours***
4.5 Stars
This book was good. And it was really hot. I admit, at the beginning, I was not sure I believed in the idea of Emma and Ryan as a couple, they were friends, and there were reasons.
The more I got into it, the more it really worked for me. I loved the idea that while Ryan was trying to be good, Emma wanted him to be bad, because she had always been so good, and so perfect. The balance that they each wanted the thing from the other that was kind of who they are at their core really worked for me, and really made them a compelling couple.
I loved the exploration of dreams, and of how they can change, how life happens and the things you think you want evolve into the things life gives you...and then you realize it was what you wanted all along. Or, if it wasn't, that things have changed enough that the dream you had years ago and the life you want now are different.
When this is rolled up into a romance, you forget that you weren't sure about the Ryan and Emma at the beginning, and you are fully on board. I love how, at the end, they were able to figure out a way to be together while still being the people they were when they met and started their fling.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog “Booked All Night” http://bookedallnightblog.com/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/BookedAllNight/***
4.5 Stars
This book was good. And it was really hot. I admit, at the beginning, I was not sure I believed in the idea of Emma and Ryan as a couple, they were friends, and there were reasons.
The more I got into it, the more it really worked for me. I loved the idea that while Ryan was trying to be good, Emma wanted him to be bad, because she had always been so good, and so perfect. The balance that they each wanted the thing from the other that was kind of who they are at their core really worked for me, and really made them a compelling couple.
I loved the exploration of dreams, and of how they can change, how life happens and the things you think you want evolve into the things life gives you...and then you realize it was what you wanted all along. Or, if it wasn't, that things have changed enough that the dream you had years ago and the life you want now are different.
When this is rolled up into a romance, you forget that you weren't sure about the Ryan and Emma at the beginning, and you are fully on board. I love how, at the end, they were able to figure out a way to be together while still being the people they were when they met and started their fling.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog “Booked All Night” http://bookedallnightblog.com/ and here: https://www.facebook.com/BookedAllNight/***
bookbriefs's review against another edition
4.0
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Crazy for You is a new adult/adult contemporary romance by Rachel Lacey. It is the second book in the Risking it All series; however it can be read as a standalone. This was my first book in the series and my first book by Rachel, and I have to say, it was so much fun! I really enjoyed Crazy for You. It made me want to go back and read all the other books.
Crazy for You is the story of Emma and Ryan. Emma is a small town in North Carolina's resident good girl and Ryan has a bad boy image from his teenage years still following him around no matter what he does to try and change it. So when Emma comes to him and tell him she wants to shake things up and have some fun he is really torn. For many reasons, but you will just have to read the book (and the summary) to figure those out. I really, really liked both Emma and Ryan.
Ryan is a big ole softie deep down. I loved the way he couldn't say no to Emma. Even when he tried to initially it didn't take much for him to come around. I loved the mountain setting in this story. I love a small town romance and when the characters are as sweet and have as much chemistry as Emma and Ryan it is even more fun.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of small town romances with some spice and a whole lot of chemistry, The Risking it All series is going to be a great one for you. Character driven readers will love Crazy for You just as much as I did.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Crazy for You is a new adult/adult contemporary romance by Rachel Lacey. It is the second book in the Risking it All series; however it can be read as a standalone. This was my first book in the series and my first book by Rachel, and I have to say, it was so much fun! I really enjoyed Crazy for You. It made me want to go back and read all the other books.
Crazy for You is the story of Emma and Ryan. Emma is a small town in North Carolina's resident good girl and Ryan has a bad boy image from his teenage years still following him around no matter what he does to try and change it. So when Emma comes to him and tell him she wants to shake things up and have some fun he is really torn. For many reasons, but you will just have to read the book (and the summary) to figure those out. I really, really liked both Emma and Ryan.
Ryan is a big ole softie deep down. I loved the way he couldn't say no to Emma. Even when he tried to initially it didn't take much for him to come around. I loved the mountain setting in this story. I love a small town romance and when the characters are as sweet and have as much chemistry as Emma and Ryan it is even more fun.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of small town romances with some spice and a whole lot of chemistry, The Risking it All series is going to be a great one for you. Character driven readers will love Crazy for You just as much as I did.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
kimmylovestoread's review
4.0
4 1/2 stars!
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.
This book is the perfect storm of storylines. To start, you have the best friend's little sister. Then throw in the fact that the best friend died in the line of duty and the H feels that it's his duty to protect said little sister, despite the fact that he has developed feelings for her. BUT then you have the little sister who has decided to take a walk on the wild side and wants the H to help her. Uhhh...YES PLEASE.
Emma has lived her life as the ultimate good girl. She had to grow up and be an adult at a very early age and that has been her life since. When she makes the decision to break free of her good girl persona, Emma and her friends realize that Ryan is the man to help her. It takes a bit of convincing and despite his early reservations, Ryan eventually agrees to help her out.
I enjoyed this book so much. Ryan was such an awesome guy. He overcame a lot in life to get to where he is today. He runs a successful business and a missing piece from his past has finally reappeared, making him extremely happy. Then there is Emma. She is the one thing he never thought would happen and now that it looks like it might, he has to decide if he deserves the happiness that is right in front of his face. I loved how the rest of the crew saw the writing on the wall way before he did and they had no problem giving him lots of flack for it.
This book is sweet, sexy and a whole lot of fun. As a couple, Emma and Ryan worked so well. They have known each other forever so they are not only comfortable around one another, but once they get involved it's like they are starting off on the 20th date. They don't need to wade through all the necessary "getting to know you" crap. Ryan becomes her partner in crime and they get up to some fun (and super sexy) stuff. We also get a little insight into the next book and I can't wait to read Jessica & Mark's story!
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.
This book is the perfect storm of storylines. To start, you have the best friend's little sister. Then throw in the fact that the best friend died in the line of duty and the H feels that it's his duty to protect said little sister, despite the fact that he has developed feelings for her. BUT then you have the little sister who has decided to take a walk on the wild side and wants the H to help her. Uhhh...YES PLEASE.
Emma has lived her life as the ultimate good girl. She had to grow up and be an adult at a very early age and that has been her life since. When she makes the decision to break free of her good girl persona, Emma and her friends realize that Ryan is the man to help her. It takes a bit of convincing and despite his early reservations, Ryan eventually agrees to help her out.
I enjoyed this book so much. Ryan was such an awesome guy. He overcame a lot in life to get to where he is today. He runs a successful business and a missing piece from his past has finally reappeared, making him extremely happy. Then there is Emma. She is the one thing he never thought would happen and now that it looks like it might, he has to decide if he deserves the happiness that is right in front of his face. I loved how the rest of the crew saw the writing on the wall way before he did and they had no problem giving him lots of flack for it.
This book is sweet, sexy and a whole lot of fun. As a couple, Emma and Ryan worked so well. They have known each other forever so they are not only comfortable around one another, but once they get involved it's like they are starting off on the 20th date. They don't need to wade through all the necessary "getting to know you" crap. Ryan becomes her partner in crime and they get up to some fun (and super sexy) stuff. We also get a little insight into the next book and I can't wait to read Jessica & Mark's story!
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