Author’s note: the original title of RISKING IT ALL was THE MAN WHO LOVED CHRISTMAS. The book has been fully revised and updated and also contains cameos from the Hidden Cove Firefighters.She’s the only woman he can’t charm. He’s the only man she can never love.Dylan O’Roarke has the ideal existence. As a firefighter, he’s been at the top of his game. Even when he’s reprimanded for his … for his risk-taking, the accolades far exceed the censure. Women fall at his feet, and he always has a blond bombshell on his arm.
By-the-book Beth Winters does everything with precision and caution in her job as an EMS instructor and recruit trainer, even if she is considered stern and stoic. She has a few good friends she manages to keep some modicum of distance from. Life is best lived on its outskirts, where it can’t wound you so badly you might not survive.
The only place the two of them “lose it” is with each other. When Dylan was her student at the academy, she sought out ways to focus on his flaws. And he irritated her intentionally, snidely nicknaming her Lizzie Borden. With eight years of open animosity that rivaled that of the Hatfields and McCoys, they were both grateful when he graduated.
Years later, fate throws them together again when he’s assigned as her EMS partner to train new recruits. Working side by side with him, Beth can’t deny his rapport with the students or his warm and giving nature. And Dylan sees the vulnerable side to her, caused by a past that would level an ordinary person. When physical attraction flares between them, they can’t stop their inevitable coming together.
Falling in love isn’t in the cards for Beth and she rejects the hand they’re dealt. She can never be part of the family Dylan wants. And he can’t break down her final, indestructible wall.
Nail-biting fire scenes, sizzling sexual encounters and the revelation of background that will make you cry buckets permeate this beautiful story of compromise and undying love.
Be sure to follow up with the rest of the Rockford Fire Department Series: FEEL THE HEAT, CODE OF HONOR and NEVER FAR AWAY.
*** NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kathryn Shay spent five years riding fire trucks with a large city fire department, eating in their firehouses and interviewing hundreds of America’s Bravest.
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everyone faces their own fears. The way these two learn to face their own battles and how to accommodate one another’s personal battles is admirable
Yet another lovely book from Kathryn Shay. Thank you
This book gives some insight into what it takes to become a firefighter. I cheered for the struggling female candidate in the class along with a couple of others. The main characters were interesting and I was pleased they got a happily ever after!
Couldn’t hold my attention.
Love, love, loved this book.
As usual another quick read by Katheryn shay. One of my favorite authors
Loved this book and all the rest of the series. A must read
Love this author
Another great book by Kathryn Shay! Her books are ones you don’t want to put down! I have never been disappointed with any of her novels!
This book was slow and repetitive.
Wow! Such a touching story!
Heartfelt romance I couldn’t put it down. Tears and laughter as Dylan and Lizzie finally make it to where they both want to be
Slow in spots and very emotional but I’ve enjoyed others by this author
Beth has been through many tragedies that she has been able to hide from people while being a successful EMS trainer. Dylan is a former student who is now a daredevil firefighter and assigned as a trainer with Beth. The two butt heads but find an unusual but steamy way to get along and work together which starts breaking down Beth’s walls. A great read and a great way of showing what firefighters must go through to keep others safe.
I have read a lot of books by Kathryn Shay. I have enjoyed every one of them. Would definitely recommend reading any of her books.
I loved this book. It made me, laugh and cry all at once. Highly recommend it.
Believable characters and interesting story line.
This is actually a second read for me. The offer of the book indicated it had had a significant rewrite. I recall liking it the first time. It is amplified and has more detail. It is an interesting relationship problem between the 2 leads. From the view of each side, it is clear that there are issues for both. This is a really good rewrite, but a tad too long.
Truly a realistic and inspiring work.
Engaging story about paramedic and a line firefighter teaching a recruit class together. A bit wordy with the hostility between the two characters and their past. Liked the humor of the line firefighter, Dylan and the no nonsense of Beth.