A Risk Worth Taking

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 1,513 ratings

Price: 2.99

Last update: 01-03-2025


About this item

"Deliciously sexy and unbearably tender." - Mazey Eddings, author of The Plus One

Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco. It's a fresh start she can't—and doesn't want to—refuse.

Her second chance? That appears on her last night in Portland in the form of a gorgeous attendee at the holiday party where she's bartending. Lingering glances turn into a chemistry-filled exchange, and by the end of the night Claire knows exactly what she wants: one night and no strings with Connor Stella. It'll be one last hot memory to close her chapter in this city.

But the weather has other plans: a winter storm grounds all flights for the weekend, Claire's included, and suddenly one night turns into an entire weekend. It would be a true inconvenience if Claire and Connor weren't already forging an electric connection. Instead, three nights cooped up in Connor's apartment together is the gift that keeps on giving. The only real inconvenience is that she's starting to get attached to the gorgeous stranger who feels more familiar than anyone she's ever met.

Claire's new adventure is on the other side of PDX's de-iced runways, but her biggest—and most worth—risk might be opening her heart up to the man she's leaving behind.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Anne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jessica Joyce is Queen
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    How Jessica Joyce puts all of the passion, tenderness, joy and spice into such a short book only speaks to her powers as one of my favorite writers.
    Read this book. Immediately. Quickly. And then read it again, savoring the sweetness of this short story.
  • Malene_D
    4.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt novella
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2023
    This novella by Jessica Joyce was such a joy to read. There’s something special about her writing. It has the ability to pull me in with ease. Also she writes romance to my desire. Claire and Connor gave me chemistry, amazing steam but most of all feels! The one night stand that slowly turns into more worked flawlessly because of the writing. It felt real and the little nod to You, With a View was a treat as well. I’m very excited to read more from Jessica Joyce.
  • SUSAN PETERSON
    5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic Christmas romance
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Jessica Joyce packs a big emotional, steamy, and fun novella! Claire and Connor leapt off the page, their delightful banter and the sparks that flew between them were fantastic to read. I could feel the chemistry!
  • JSM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Holiday Novelette from a favorite author
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
    When you discover a new author and love their books and they drop a holiday novelette on a Friday, you immediately buy it, read it in one sitting, and then immediately wish you didn't so you can read it again. I am unwell! This was less than 100 pages, and it was everything. A one night stand, turns into a cozy snowed in weekend, turns into burning hot chemistry. Claire and Connor are dreamy, and Jessica Joyce's writing is beautiful. Jessica Joyce has become a must read for me basically the second I read the last word of "You, With A View", which was in the acknowledgements, because I literally will read all her words. I devoured the novelette in a single evening, and then immediately wished for memory loss so I could experience it again, which seems to be a thing right now ????. Connor and Claire were adorable right from the beginning. Their chemistry was on point ???????? and the banter...my god the banter. It's so good, Connor even has to say "you give good banter." Can we also discuss the levels of consent in this story? One of the most well done conversations around safe and comfortable sex, especially considering the context of sleeping with someone the same night you meet them. Not only refreshing, but this is ????. It was all the holiday feels you want this time of year without the FMC totally changing course ???????????????? after meeting the guy. And why did seeing Theo (and Noelle) completely destroy me? I'm so desperate for YWAV that I literally died. What Jessica Joyce did with 78 pages is a Christmas miracle and I thank her for it.
  • Amy A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A steamy holiday novella absolutely worth reading
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
    ???? A Risk Worth Taking
    ✍ Jessica Joyce
    ???? Holiday Romance Novella
    ⭐4.5/5
    ????️ ????️ ????️
    ➡ A year after a her last relationship fizzled and her job became mundane, risk averse Claire is about to embark on an adventure in a new city. The night before her move, she meets Connor Stella with and the two have immediate chemistry. Can they keep their steamy connection to a single night or will one night be worth risking everything for?
    ◾
    ???? What I loved: This was short, sweet and spicy! It was the perfect mini follow-up to Joyce's You, With a View (with a little cross-over action too!) that had a holiday twist. It was festive without feeling Hallmark-y and like You, Joyce's characters balanced each other well and had banter that felt natural and fun. Definitely a cute & quick read
    ◾
    Read if you love:
    *holiday Novellas
    *immediate attraction
    *one night stand to more
    ◾
    See also: You, With a View, The Mistletoe Motive, Forget Me Not
  • Jessica
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jessica Joyce has given me no choice but to read this annually!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
    “A Risk Worth Taking” follows Claire Ashford as she prepares to pursue a job opportunity in San Francisco after she realizes how much her cautious nature has cost her. The night before she leaves, she decides to take a risk and spend it with Connor Stella, the gorgeous stranger at the holiday party where she’s bartending. But the weather has other plans, and soon one night with no strings attached turns into an entire weekend. Claire’s new adventure is just a plane ride away, but her heart belongs to the man she’ll have to leave behind.

    This was simply the most delightful little novella I’ve ever read. It was only 78 pages and it had me giggling and smiling like crazy!

    I am simply in love with Claire (my kindred spirit), Connor (my golden retriever boy), and their relationship. Sparks fly the moment they cross paths and Joyce works her magic to make their connection palpable. Their banter, the way take care with each other, and their physical compatibility made it clear that they were meant to be more to each other than a one night stand and I loved watching that come to fruition!
    Customer image
    Jessica
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jessica Joyce has given me no choice but to read this annually!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
    “A Risk Worth Taking” follows Claire Ashford as she prepares to pursue a job opportunity in San Francisco after she realizes how much her cautious nature has cost her. The night before she leaves, she decides to take a risk and spend it with Connor Stella, the gorgeous stranger at the holiday party where she’s bartending. But the weather has other plans, and soon one night with no strings attached turns into an entire weekend. Claire’s new adventure is just a plane ride away, but her heart belongs to the man she’ll have to leave behind.

    This was simply the most delightful little novella I’ve ever read. It was only 78 pages and it had me giggling and smiling like crazy!

    I am simply in love with Claire (my kindred spirit), Connor (my golden retriever boy), and their relationship. Sparks fly the moment they cross paths and Joyce works her magic to make their connection palpable. Their banter, the way take care with each other, and their physical compatibility made it clear that they were meant to be more to each other than a one night stand and I loved watching that come to fruition!
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    Customer image
  • Kaitlyn Kenny
    4.0 out of 5 stars Holiday Novella Done Right
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023
    Joyce has easily led her way to top authors for me. I loved her debut and am so happy she did a little holiday novella to tide everyone over before her sophomore novel.

    One-night stand turned three-night snowed-in sleepover turned pining from different states turned happily ever after. Joyce did THAT in less than 100 pages. Incredibly impressive.

    The pacing was quick for how much these characters fell so quickly, however, I read longer novellas with the same time frame and felt less for those characters than I did for Clair and Connor. This was such a fun holiday novella and made me eager for Joyce's next full-length project.
  • Lauren
    5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect blend of sweet and steamy!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
    Jessica Joyce of the absolutely fantastic You with a View has released a surprise holiday novelette. As I have already come to expect, her writing is phenomenal. The descriptions and use of language just catch me. I can't even tell you how much I have highlighted.

    This is a sweet holiday romance with a lot of steam and chemistry. And it's set here in Portland! I absolutely loved it. If you are looking for a delightful and quick read, grab it now.

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