The Risk (Briar U, #2)

by Elle Kennedy

[stacey_is_sassy]

It’s Risky business falling in love…

I’ve been sitting looking at a blank word document for 45 minutes and I can’t think of a bloody word to write. I can’t believe I’m writing this review on Valentine’s Day and I’m not feeling the love. I’m feeling lots and lots of like but unfortunately not love. See, The Risk was a great read and I was left satisfied, but I just didn’t feel the love between Brenna and Jake. Maybe, it was because they didn’t really get to their happy place until right near the end. There wasn’t enough time for me to believe that these two could take it to the next level. No trust, commitment or connection had really developed by the end of the story. There was lust in their eyes and obvious attraction, just not enough connection between Jake and Brenna to convince me they were destined to be together forever.

I thought Brenna would have owned her love story and been the maker of her destiny. I pictured Brenna setting her expectations high, both in love and life, and refusing to settle for less. The confidence and self-assurance I expected, wasn’t there. So many times, I felt that the Brenna I expected, wouldn’t have put up with the rubbish she was facing and stayed quiet. What I thought was the real Brenna, ended up being something I imagined. I guess what I really hadn’t added to the equation was that Brenna had a past…and that past left her with scars. That confidence I thought she had, was just a mask and The Risk was going to be whether she was willing to let someone see behind the mask.

Jake Connelly is an egotistical, arrogant and selfish WINNER. I think he was one of the most realistic sports heroes I’ve ever met…read. It seems bloody obvious to me that anyone who wants to be at the top of their game must be egotistical and selfish. They must think of themselves constantly. It’s important that they look after their body and their mind by feeding it what it wants. Jake has no hesitation in telling you that he’s self-serving because he has ambition and drive, to be the best he can be. I admired Jake…but he doesn’t make a great hero when it comes to love.

Which brings me back to the beginning. Yes, I was a wee bit disappointed in Jake and Brenna’s love story, but I liked it anyway. Probably the first and last time I’ll ever say this, but I think I would have been happier without the *I LOVE YOU*. It would have been more realistic for me to see a *We should give this a go…* instead. They’re young and facing separation, busy schedules and social lives, don’t put pressure on their budding connection. I guess, not every romance story needs the big I LOVE YOU to satisfy me.

4 stars because Elle Kennedy is bloody brilliant. I love her writing and always feel a bond with the characters she creates. The storyline was interesting and kept me entertained from start to finish. There were plenty of highs and a few low too. The journey was hard but I can definitely see a bright future for Jake and Brenna. Maybe together…maybe not.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.