Risking it All (Crossing the Line series Book 1)

When I’ve first been introduced to Bowen in His Risk to Take (Line of Duty #2), I found him an interesting character. Then, in Riskier Business (Sequel in the Crossing the Line series) I found him appealing and captivating and I really should have seen it coming. Sexy? Challenging? Powerful? Trouble? Check, check, check and check! After reading his story I was definitely captivated.

I love both Seraphina and Bowen equally. They are two amazing and lovable characters driven by the same determination; to save each other. The scenes between them are without a doubt crazy hot, so incredibly arousing. Like seriously scorching HOT! And dirty-talking alpha Bowen…Oh my! The BJ scene is one the hottest I ever read.

Sera is a rookie cop and the police commissioner’s niece. She wants to avenge her brother's murder and decides to go undercover to find the key evidence to put away the North Brooklyn crime boss Trevor Hogan, the man who had gunned her brother down.

Bowen was raised by a violent father in a world of illegal activities, a world of felony. He has a low distorted opinion of himself and thinks that he’s unworthy of love. But he was so wrong. I loved him from the very beginning and at some point my heart was bleeding for him. Bowen is just a victim of his circumstances and doesn’t belong in this world. He is a damaged complication of a man whose world Sera could never live in.

At every turn, Sera is making Bowen question his sanity as he makes a valiant attempt to fight against his strong feelings towards her, closing himself off to this emotion knowing they are from two different worlds, two different realities and how much danger existed around him. They didn't want to fall but their bodies and hearts hadn’t gotten the memo. The heart has its reasons that the reason ignores…

Could Sera save him or were they doomed to part ways as enemies once this ended? Could they negate the deceptions or change who they were?

Tessa Bailey nailed it once more with this intense and passionate love story that will own your heart.

I love love loved this book so freaking hard. You all know Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors, but OMG this book. It was on a whole new level.

I’ll admit that, before Tessa started putting out teasers for this book, I wasn’t entirely sure I was interested in a Bowen book. I mean, I would read the dictionary if she rewrote it, but Bowen, while interesting in Troy and Ruby’s book, wasn’t someone I yearned to know more about. I don’t read a lot of antihero books, but when I do, I tend to enjoy them. Once the teasers started and a new side of Bowen began to be revealed, however, I knew I had to read this book. And guess what? I have a new favorite book boyfriend. His name is Bowen Driscol. Despite his hard exterior and the mistakes he’s made, he’s all heart and completely amazing.

Sera was such a great heroine. I can’t help but admire a naïve, rookie cop who is willing to go deep undercover with the street thugs who were responsible for her brother’s death to try to avenge his death. It takes a strong woman to do that. She wasn’t exactly street smart, but she wasn’t a bumbling idiot either. I found it easy to relate to her and even easier to wish for her to get what she was looking for.

Sera couldn’t be more different than Bowen, but something about their pairing was absolutely magical. The heat was there from the start. They were so very passionate and connected. She definitely brought out the softer side of Bowen and aided in his character growth. And oh my god, the heat. Thank you, Tessa, for bringing this virgin heroine and dirty-talking hero together. They were totally combustible. Even with the heat of the love scenes, there was always a somewhat unexpected tenderness from Bowen. *swoons*

This book isn’t all about love and sex though. The scenarios that play out as Sera tries to get to the bottom of what happened to her brother and while Bowen tries to protect her definitely had me on the edge of my seat. The action scenes left me anxious to see what would happen next. Tessa’s writing ensures that I felt like I was right there beside them in every scene. (Except maybe the sexy ones because that would be AWK-WARD!) ☺ Bowen’s Brooklyn neighborhood came alive in the pages – and I was thrilled to see favorites from the Line of Duty series (*cough* Ruby and Troy *cough*) make appearances during this book. Oh, and one other special surprise appearance I can’t tell you about because it would definitely spoil the story. But, if you’ve read her Line of Duty books, you’ll be thrilled when you get there.

Risking It All was just a great book all the way around. Whether you’re looking for passion, action or love, you’ll find it between these pages. It’s a bit grittier than Tessa’s other books and I love that. This is the start to an incredible series and I can’t wait to see what happens in Up in Smoke.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Line of Duty readers might remember Bowen Driscol from His Risk to Take, and more recently the Crossing the Line prequel, Riskier Business. Bowen is not only ex-pool hustler, Ruby's, notorious half brother but a Brooklyn crime boss. Whether he wants the title or not. When he is forced to walk on the right side of the law for once and shadow an under cover officer, Bowen not only risks his life in the process, but also his heart. But Bowen knows that someone who is as beautiful and wholesome as Seraphia Newsom could never love a dirty criminal. No matter how tough she plays in Brooklyn's seedy underground. Can Bowen convince Sera that he is nothing like her brother's killer, or will he blow both their covers by exposing his heart?

Woowee! I. Loved. This. Book! The fascinating characters, the urban world Tessa Bailey built under them, and the riveting plot she weaved around them created a mesmerizing story that I could not get enough of.

First, the characters... Sera and Bowen may seem like polar opposites on the outside, but on the inside they couldn't be more harmonized. The talking and flirting that passed between these two was just plain hot. Sera is a virgin with a religious upbringing, she says a hail mary if she even looks at someone the wrong way. But Bowen brings out the women in this Catholic school girl and I was seriously lady crushing on her along with Bowen. Bowen himself is a complex character with a multitude of layers. From abused boy to reluctant criminal and hidden artist, he makes a captivating hero with a heart of gold. But Sera was no different. At first glance you think naive, empty-headed virgin but she is far from any of those stereotypes.

As the story progresses and Bowen and Sera are forced to spend more and more time together the attraction between them ignites. But Bowen wants to do at least one good thing in his life and he thinks that if he takes that final step with Sera he will tarnish her with his ugliness. However Sera doesn't see it that way and the more she gets to know Bowen, the bigger her conviction is that he is more then just a brutal criminal. I really enjoyed the build up between Sera and Bowen in their relationship. There was chemistry sparking between the two from the beginning but it was a gradual build to the sex with some wonderful character development along the way. And when Sera finally pushed Bowen past the breaking point - hold on to your knickers ladies! Bowen and Sera getting down and dirty is a frackin inferno! I'm talking have a secluded spot to read-BOB-change of panties-and ice cold drink handy- inferno! You will need some relief after these sizzling scenes, no lie.

As for the rest... Sera wants to avenge her brothers death. It's a nice change up in protagonists and gave a clear purpose to the story that grabbed me as a reader. Action and romance was perfectly balanced in the plot with a flux of intrigue. There was also a deluge of depth and emotion that kept my ingrained in the story at all times.

I am really excited about where this series is headed and the return to the Chicago PD. If you love dirty-talking alpha bad boys and strong heroines with a captivating story line then you won't to miss Risking it All! It is a must-read for 2015!

*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Tessa you blow me away every time. Riskier Business started with Tessa Bailey' s signature bang. I love suspense that grabs me from the first chapter. Tessa never fails to suck me into her stories first, then she captures me with the romance. Bowen got my attention from the previous books and I love me a bad boy knocked on his knees by the love of a feisty heroine. This had all the elements of romance I adore. Suspense that kept me guessing and passion to burn the pages. Most of all I adored this love story for the fact it showed our pasts and circumstances don't show who we are inside. Bowen needed a home and someone to focus his intense brand of love on and Sera was the perfect innocent yet vibrant person to let him fill up with his explosive and passionate and so possessive devotion.

I'm in romance bliss right now. Can't wait for Conner. Heck I just want more period.

Seraphina Newsom is working undercover trying to find the gangsters responsible for her brother’s death. She may be a bit in over her head but she will do whatever it takes even put her life in danger. Suddenly, she finds herself alone in the middle of the most dangerous part of New York City.

Bowen Driscol is the reluctant gangster forced to take over his father’s criminal empire. Bowen isn’t exactly excited about his new gig. He is less excited when the NYPD blackmails him into protecting a newbie undercover agent gone rogue. However, Bowen never counted on the way Seraphina would make him feel. Now, he will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Tessa Bailey’s Risking It All is racy seduction. Seraphina and Bowen are both suffering emotionally in their own ways. They need each other to heal their broken souls but they don’t realize it at first. In fact, they go through quite a bit of drama. Bowen and Seraphina are both strong-willed and eager to complete their own agenda. They both have to decide what is most important to them before the danger catches up to them. Risking It All is a thrilling passionate read.

This book was reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.

Seraphina Newsom is working undercover trying to find the gangsters responsible for her brother’s death. She may be a bit in over her head but she will do whatever it takes even put her life in danger. Suddenly, she finds herself alone in the middle of the most dangerous part of New York City.

Bowen Driscol is the reluctant gangster forced to take over his father’s criminal empire. Bowen isn’t exactly excited about his new gig. He is less excited when the NYPD blackmails him into protecting a newbie undercover agent gone rogue. However, Bowen never counted on the way Seraphina would make him feel. Now, he will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Tessa Bailey’s Risking It All is racy seduction. Seraphina and Bowen are both suffering emotionally in their own ways. They need each other to heal their broken souls but they don’t realize it at first. In fact, they go through quite a bit of drama. Bowen and Seraphina are both strong-willed and eager to complete their own agenda. They both have to decide what is most important to them before the danger catches up to them. Risking It All is a thrilling passionate read.

This book was reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.

Risking It All by Tessa Bailey
Risking It All is the first full length novel in the Tessa Bailey’s new series Crossing the Line. For those of you who have read Tessa’s Line of Duty series, you have met the main character, Bowen. I was really hoping he would get his own book, and Tessa delivered. There is a prequel novella in this series, Riskier Business, and it sets the stage for Bowen’s book. It is not required to read this beforehand, but I would strongly recommend it. I mean, it’s Tessa. It’s not like you can go wrong or something.
So, I KNEW Bowen’s book was going to shatter me. Even from the little doses we got of him in previous books, I saw his beautiful soul…and I saw that he was trapped…and I saw that he was broken. In this story, you learn just how beautifully broken he is….and if you’re anything like me, his story will wreck you. But don’t worry…Tessa would never leave you in misery. She makes sure that Bowen gets the happily ever after he deserves so much.
Before I get into the review, I’ll share my initial reaction to finishing the ARC. I sent Tessa a message that read like this: “Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t! Holy SH*T!!!! TESSA!!! Bowen’s Book!!! O…M…G!!!! It wrecked me! He’s so beautifully broken! Gah! Ultimate perfection. Utter and sheer PERFECTION.” Basically, I was reduced to typing in shouty caps and using excessive exclamation points. That’s how FABULOUS of a read this was for me.
In most of Tessa Bailey’s books, the heroes are usually cops, detectives, hostage negotiators, explosive specialists, etc. But not Bowen, he’s just the opposite. Bowen is a good guy who feels trapped in a world where he is compelled to do bad things. He’s on the wrong side of the tracks and doesn't see a way to cross over. You see, he is the heir to a criminal empire and is standing in for his father who has recently imprisoned. He was trained by his father at a young age to use his fists as a weapon and has spent his entire life being the muscle and the debt collector. He sees himself as so far beyond redemption, and destined to continue this life.
He has connections to the NYPD and is offered a full pardon of his crimes, if he helps them out. An officer has gone rogue to seek vengeance on the man who killed her brother. And her uncle is the police commissioner. Bowen immediately rejects this idea. I mean WHY would HE work with the COPS? This all changes the minute he is shown a photo of the officer who needs protection… Seraphina Newsom. Something about Sera ignites a protective streak in Bowen. Maybe it’s her innocence…her sweet freckles. He doesn't know. But what he does know is that she is undercover…Alone… Surrounded by dangerous criminals. And all he knows is that he will do anything in his power to keep her safe.
Sera Newsom is fiercely independent. And she is determined to bring justice to the man who killed her brother. She took a leave from work to go undercover, without department permission, to seek out evidence that will take down the man responsible for her brother’s death.
But under her tough exterior, Sera is innocent…in all ways possible. And Bowen knows this.
During their first meeting, Bowen gives Sera a nickname, which from this point forward is my favorite endearment of all time. I swooned so freaking hard.
“Careful, Ladybug, you’re showing your spots.”
Ladybug??? Seriously??? I die. This name fits her so perfectly; I just can’t even describe the feels I had every time he called her that.
The sweetness that pours from Bowen is overwhelming. But he Just. Doesn't. See. It. He loathes the life he leads, and in turn, sees himself as unworthy. Unworthy of Sera. Unworthy of love. Unworthy of the chance to live a “normal” life. GAWD. My heart.
This story had no shortage of laughs. I loved Sera’s snark and Bowen’s humor. Together, they were hilarious! The church scene had me rolling.
“That’s Mrs. Cormac, my fifth grade teacher….there is a reason she doesn't look happy to see me. I once put a live chicken in her desk.” She slapped a hand over her mouth, but not quickly enough. Her clear, tinkling laugh sailed past her lips, drawing everyone’s attention….. all Bowen could do was shrug and give an apologetic smile, teeth and everything. Apparently, his apologetic smile was a little rusty, though, because it only seemed to p*ss them off more. “She’s just so happy to be here,” he called, making Sera bend at the waist to hide her face between her knees. “Please, continue.”
And the entire book was jam packed with sexual tension. Steaming HOT goodness. Bowen has a deliciously filthy mouth. I mean…for reals, babes…FILTHY.
“Ah, sweetheart, I don’t f*ck around with virgins.” His head dipped, teeth closing around her ear and tugging. “But I’ll get down on my knees and eat that untouched p*ssy like a mother*cker.”
And this??? Jeeeezus….
“You want to jerk me off, baby? Fine.” Sweat had started appearing on his forehead. “But don’t you dare put me in that innocent little mouth. I’m warning you, I won’t be able to keep myself from f*cking it until you know what I taste like.”
But even though the overwhelming desire to be with one another is evident, Bowen just can’t see himself as worthy. His internal battle is killing him.
“Can’t you see this is the last thing keeping me decent? I don’t have a f*cking shred of honor, except for this one thing. Leaving you untouched is all I've got left. All I can give you.” He shook her gently. “Do better than me.”
AHH! My freaking heart!!! Bowen, Bowen, Bowen. Sera, she sees so much in him. She knows he is a good man, the best kind of man, who has been handed a life of doing bad things. But she KNOWS he is capable of redemption…she just has to figure out how to make him see it too.
This book gripped me from start to finish. I simply DEVOURED it. Bowen had a special place in my heart before his book was ever written, but now that I have had his story??? MINE. Tessa did a spectacular job with this one…one of my FAVORITES from her yet…which is saying a lot because I didn't think ANYONE could push Oliver from Exposed by Fate out of his spot at the top. I’m SO excited to finally meet Tessa at Wicked Book Weekend. I am pretty sure there is a tackle hug in her future.
5+++ stars for storyline
5+++ flames for heat

4.5/5 stars

Holy moly this book was HAWT. Seriously- it probably should come with a warning label of some sort. I love Tessa's books, so I will read anything and everything this woman writes. It had been some time since I read His Risk to Take, so I didn't really remember Bowen. After this book? Yeah, I won't be forgetting that man anytime soon.

I really enjoyed the storyline of this one. Sera is undercover diving headfirst into a dangerous world that offers little to no mercy in order to bring down her brother's killer. I really liked Sera's character. She is determined to seek justice and isn't afraid to do it on her own. She knows who Bowen is when she meets him, but she doesn't know he's been sent to keep watch over her and protect her. She is attracted to him, which is crazy because she knows his reputation. The more time she spends with him, the more she actually gets to see the real Bowen Driscol- caught in a world that offers no solace.

Bowen is not your average hero- in fact, he's one of the bad guys. He now runs South Brooklyn and has taken over the 'family business'. He is ruthless when he needs to be and does what he has to do in order to maintain his position of power. When he is called in by the NYPD to assist and keep an eye on Sera, he has no idea just how much this woman will flip his world on its axis. His protective instincts kick into overdrive when he's around her and he not only finds himself wanting to protect her, but he is bent on making her his. He is so raw and rough around the edges, but would die before he hurt Sera. He might battle some pretty hardcore demons, but she is the one that can calm the storm raging within, and I just love how they balanced one another. She's the light to his dark, the soft to his hard, the pure to his wicked. It just works so well. His childhood is not a pleasant one and his father is a real piece of work. Having been abandoned by his mother, he is resentful of her and refuses to make amends.

The only thing I felt a bit unsettled about was how Ruby and Bowen left things. There is this one scene that absolutely shattered my heart and I really want to know if their relationship is truly irreparable or if it can be salvaged.

Bailey writes the sexiest scenes. Bowen can be so primitive and the primal lust between him and Sera is scorching hot. I know some people might consider this insta-love, but when you're thrown into a situation with someone and you are fighting for your LIFE and that person will literally kill to save you and protect your innocence while fighting his own darkness within? Yeah, I'd be in love too. My heart was all over the place because of the lengths they would go to protect one another, even knowing the danger they are putting themselves in.

The epilogue? I nearly died. I am so ready to see what the next book, Up in Smoke, has in store not only for the romance department, but also how this new development is going to play out. I am hoping we will see some more familiar faces in the upcoming books.

This is definitely one to pick up. I don't think you necessarily need to read Tessa's His Risk to Take to be able to enjoy this one, but it's always nice to know how certain characters fit in to the grand scheme of things. I also saw my blog was listed in the acknowledgements and I couldn't stop grinning for the longest time. (Thank you Tessa!) Trust me when I saw if you haven't already jumped on the Bailey train, it's about time to do so. Intense dirty-talking alphas and sexy scenes that will melt your face off await you!

This book was awesome and read like a movie!
Seraphina finds herself in a precarious position when she goes rogue in the attempt to bring her brothers’ killer to justice by stealing a diary rumoured to show all of his dodgy dealings - but she overhears something she shouldn’t and is put on a hitlist. Unbeknownst to Sera, her superior/uncle knows what she’s up to and grabs Bowen off the street and blackmails him into giving Sera the back up she needs – because she is in way over her head. Bowen is the heir to his father’s criminal empire and seen as how he’s in prison, it’s left to Bowen to run things – a job he hates – but what can he do? It’s his life but not his choice. When the cops give Bowen no option but to do their bidding he is unprepared for the impact Sera will have on his life and libido, he is drawn to her, wants her like he’s never wanted a woman before but this must remain platonic for both of their sakes or they risk being even more of a target. Will Sera find what she’s looking for? Will Bowen? And will they both get out of this alive?
Risking it All was a thrilling read, the characters were relatable and very easy to connect to. Sera shows her mettle when she goes off on her own to bring down her brothers murderer, her character is determined and capable but has seriously underestimated what can happen. I liked her attitude though, she was admirable in the way she handled herself and played her role well. Bowen is very much the misunderstood antihero, a victim of circumstance really and had he not been born into that life – what would he have become? It’s apparent from the start that these two have a connection but that chemistry leads to a sexual tension that really steams up the pages, there are lots of ‘will they, won’t they moments’ that are super hot and really amps up the sexual tension until you’re as desperate as the characters for them to get it on.
Aside from the relationship developing, the storyline is really good and as I said, I could see myself watching this as a movie. I see that mafia/criminal organisation stories are becoming very popular lately and I find that I’m really enjoying them, this is no exception. There’s a certain amount of anticipation in these such books because we spend it wondering when someone will make a move and try to hurt our characters, we wait to see if Sera will uncover the diary and gain justice for her brother – the tension when she goes in search for it, wondering if she will get caught. Then there’s the fact that Bowen knows what Sera is up to but she isn’t in on it and Bowen also knows that the enemy wants Sera dead which again brings danger and tension to the plot -plus it could come from anywhere, so that when they’re not trying to get into each others pants, they’re looking over their shoulders. That’s what I mean when I say that this is thrilling, it gives you a great story filling you with anxiety, making your heart race in fear but it’s also makes your pulse race in other ways,
good ways and makes you route for a happy ending for Sera & Bowen because their plight is fraught with not only danger but the two of them being from different worlds and not seeing how they could get their own HEA and it all heads to the thrilling, surprising ending that has repercussions for everyone. I really hope this will become a series because it was just awesome!

Tessa Bailey's Line of Duty series is populated by heroes working in law enforcement, doing their part to protect and serve. The Crossing the Line series, however, deviates from this formula by straddling the divide between right and wrong as the main characters are faced with the decision of choosing between obligation and desire. The familiar trope combining the naive virgin and the experienced bad boy is turned on its head in Risking it All, as undercover cop, Seraphina Newsom, and seasoned criminal, Bowen Driscol, find that their palpable mutual attraction threatens to derail the jobs each has been sent to do. Pairing a cop and a criminal is potentially disastrous but, as protagonists Sera and Bowen prove in Risking it All, the reward is more than worth the risk.

Those familiar with Ruby and Troy’s story will recognize Bowen as the heir apparent to a criminal enterprise. Shady past and questionable morals aside, Bowen is coarse and crude and oh-so-sexy. He can turn on the charm as easily as he can inspire fear, switching gears from sexy and smoldering to badass and intimidating in the blink of an eye. He has been groomed to view the world not in terms of black and white, but in shades of gray, unlike Sera, who has a very cut-and-dry perspective of wright versus wrong. It’s a struggle finding a balance between their two vastly different worlds, especially when complications are placed in their path as reminders of whom and what they are.

Out of all the couples Tessa Bailey has created to date, Bowen and Sera are my favorite because, despite their differences, they work perfectly together, each challenging the other to step out of their comfort zone. The connection between them is evidenced by the depth of their insatiable lust and obvious affection for each other. These characters are so fascinating because of their contradictory natures. Bowen is a hardened criminal yet his obvious soft spot for those he cares about sets him apart from his peers. Sera is initially presented as this pure and innocent young girl, but her daring and sensual side blossoms under Bowen's attention, which, I must say is the highlight of the book. I thought Tessa Bailey’s previous heroes had ample experience in the dirty-talking department, but those guys don’t hold a candle to Bowen.

As with all of Tessa Bailey's books, Risking it All has two important components: a captivating narrative that demands your unwavering attention and characters that draw you in to their lives so thoroughly that you are just as invested in the outcome of their journey as they are. The narrative is fast-paced and suspenseful, making your heart pound from both the danger lurking around every turn and from the crackling sexual tension between Bowen and Sera. With Bowen and Sera's narrative, Risking it All takes the Crossing the Line series into a new and unexpected direction and I'm impatient to discover how Connor measures up against the author's long line of irresistible Alpha male heroes.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

4.5 - "You Catholic girls and your filthy minds." Stars!

Tessa Bailey has a formula and it works. You cannot dispute that, and I wouldn’t want to. Her heroes are strong, alpha, dirty talking guys, who happily back up their words with knee trembling results.

”We both know it’s only a matter of time before I’m pounding the purity right out of you.”

Her heroines are on-the-surface confident, spunky and take-no-shit from the men pursuing them. The storyline may change, but the people involved generally have the basic characteristics every-time. I think this is in part (along with her frigging awesome writing skills) the reason her books work, you know what you are getting, and you get given it good and hard, sometimes fast but always fully satisfied at the end.

”Fighting was in his blood. He did it often and he did it well.

Bowen Driscol is not an unknown name to Bailey aficionados, the guy appears heavily in His Risk to Take and Riskier Business as someone who is extremely important to Ruby Elliott. But this is Bowen’s book, you get Bowen’s story in all its dirty talking, hard fighting, and unashamedly sexy Technicolor glory!

His Bible had been a notebook filled with debts.

Sera Newsom is out for revenge, because of that emotions have somewhat clouded her judgment, when it comes to investigating the man who potentially had a hand in killing her brother. She is undercover, and finds herself in a position that ultimately puts her life on the line, if her real identity is discovered. Bowen adds to the danger, but in a completely different, and totally unexplored way for Sera.

The romance and suspense flow along at a really steady clip in Risking in All. Sera and Bowen’s coming together, the building of the relationship between them, and the breaking down of the barriers they both have around their hearts and emotions offers the reader an exciting and really emotive read. Bowen is a complex character, and Tessa went a step further with this book in relation to the Alpha-Male she delivered up for the reader’s enjoyment.

I think Risking it All is possibly one of Tessa’s finest books to date. But to be fair all of her books are seriously good so it would be difficult to pick an out an out favorite if put on the spot. You won’t regret reading this one, you will fall in love with Bowen and you will love the direction in which the series is being taken!

”I’m f****d for life over you.”

ARC generously provided by Entangled, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

Lindy's Thoughts:

It's official, Bowen Driscol has ruined me for other book boyfriends! Can there possibly be a sexier, more seductive, alluring leading male? I tell you what, Ms. Bailey nailed the perfect romance, when she wrote, Risking It All. My head was stuck in this book, and I didn't want this story to ever end! Every moment between Bowen and Sera was breathtaking. The passionate love scenes were sigh worthy, the magnetic chemistry palpable, and the plot had me on the edge of my seat! All of these qualities made for an unbelievably addictive and downright sensual read!

Bowen Driscol is a very complex character. He inherited a life of crime from his father. He believes himself to be evil, but with the love and loyalty that he has shown his half sister, Ruby, in the previous book, we as readers know that there are two sides to Bowen. One side is dark, dangerous, and unpredictable, while the other side is protective, loyal to those he loves, and in need of saving him from himself.

Seraphina "Sera" Newsom comes from a long line of law enforcement officers. Her older brother died in the line of duty at the hands of a powerful crime lord. She has decided to go undercover without permission, in order to gain justice for her brother by bringing down the man who took his life so easily.

Bowen is blackmailed by the NYPD to protect and watch out for Sera, so that she can get what she needs without getting killed. However, he is not allowed to divulge the information that he knows who she really is, and that he is tasked with protecting her.

When Bowen and Sera saw each other for the first time, sparks flew, and the sexual tension between them continued to grow, until it turned in to something more. These two made for one of the sexiest couples I have ever read about in a romance novel. Ms. Bailey has a special way with words. She completely brought, Risking It All, to life for me! I loved every moment of it, and I know that other romance fans out there are in for one very exciting reading treat!

My Rating:

I give, Risking It All, by Tessa Bailey, 5 Tantalizing Inferno, Erotic Seduction, Corrupt, Dramatic, Suspense Filled Stars!

My Favorite Quote:

"You're my home, Sera. The only one I've ever had. I want to be yours, too. Let me." (eARC, Loc. 3007)

~Bowen

Risking It All by Tessa Bailey was scorchingly hot and deliciously sexy!! Tessa Bailey never disappoints her readers when it comes to steam, passion, lust, desire, and sex but Tessa took it up a notch when she delivered one of the most dirty-talking alpha hero that I absolutely loved. Ladies, I must warn you not only will your kindles be heating up because Ms. Bailey will leave you panting and begging for more Bowen Driscol. The only prayer and name you will be reciting is Bowen because hearts will be swooning and panties will be melting because this dirty talking alpha hero has ruined me. Risking It All is hands down my favorite Tessa Bailey book so far and it needs to come with a WARNING LABEL that reads panty-melting HOT!!!

Seraphina Newsom is a hot young NYPD detective who goes undercover trying to gain evidence on her brother’s killer. Once she has infiltrated herself into the life of the man responsible for her brother’s death, there is no turning back now. She will go at all cost to get the evidence to bring justice for her brother. But what Sera doesn’t know is that Bowen Driscol, another well known heir to a criminal enterprise, is blackmailed by the NYPD to help Sera. Soon Bowen finds himself attracted to this virgin detective. He is drawn to her like a moth to a flame and the same goes for Sera. Bowen brings out this new sexual side of Sera that has been dormant. She wants him to bring out this newfound pleasure that he can only deliver. Bowen Driscol ruined Sera for any other man and the same can be said for him as well. When these two are together, sparks of passion and heat are bursting into flames.

Sera and Bowen’s relationship was pure fire. The sexual chemistry and attraction was so palpable that you could feel the love, passion, and bond that was emanating off of them. Each touch, words exchanged and look was so raw and full of emotion. Honestly, Ms. Bailey delivered a story that was sexy, touching and beautiful. Bowen Driscol will capture your hearts and have you yearning for more. Risking it All was the perfect blend of steam, love, romance, and suspense. All I have to say is, Risking It All is a must read and I can’t wait for Connor’s story.

Reviewed by Michelle of Four Chicks Flipping Pages

This sexy suspenseful contemporary romance is the story of Sera and Bowen. When policewoman Sera goes undercover to find incriminating evidence on the man who killed her brother, she encounters Bowen, current kingpin of the Brooklyn underworld. Bowen is everything she shouldn't want in a man - a dangerous criminal who runs on the wrong side of the law. But the searing attraction she feels for him and vice versa can't be denied. They are both keeping secrets from each other, ones that can get them killed. Will they open up to each other about their true feelings before it's too late?

There are certain things that Tessa Bailey is known for in her stories, and the dirty talking hero is chief among them. But while the sex between Sera and Bowen is explosive and steams up the pages, Tessa is equally as skilled at creating characters that really click with the reader. Bowen fits the bill in this regard. He's a broody, anti-hero with a tongue in cheek attitude and a tough outer core that hides well the care and affection he has for very few people in his life - his sister Ruby and increasingly as the story goes on, Sera. Sera herself is engaging as a brave, virginal heroine, drawn to the dichotomy of Bowen, seeing his bad side as well as the good. She's naïve in thinking that she can go undercover and find out the answers she is looking for without getting hurt. Bowen sees this naiveté and appoints himself her protector whether she likes it or not - and she increasingly finds that she does. Along with interesting and flawed characters, the setting of the story is well written, drawing the reader into the seedier side of New York's boroughs and bringing to life the realities of the lengths one must go to, to survive in a tough world. From the first pages of the story the stage is set for an entertaining and dramatic tale, with the clock ticking down until time runs out for someone - but for whom? You'll have to read it and find out! I enjoyed this story immensely and I look forward to the next in the series. 5 stars!

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
RISKING IT ALL took me by surprise. I was honestly expecting some hot sex, as Tessa Bailey always does so well. But for the first time in the last few releases, I found that Bailey took the time with the story and developed her plot and characters well before throwing in the sex. I couldn’t be more happier for this!

As the first full length novel in the Crossing the Line series, Bailey presents readers with two tough characters that have very different personalities but the same beliefs. They carry themselves with an armor that keeps most people out. However, Sera and Bowen weren’t that different from one another and that’s wherein I thought the romance really worked between the two.

Sera wants nothing more than to avenge her brother’s death. This drive, this passion gives readers something to catch on to. It gives Sera a reason and I think in doing that it not only gives some depth to her character but also provides a path for the plot where Bowen comes in.

I don’t know whether this is because Bailey has written a longer book or because she simply she took the time on other aspects of the story, but RISKING IT ALL has to be her strongest book yet. Just when I began to doubt, the author pulls through and this makes me excited to see where the rest of the series is heading.

*ARC provided by publisher

Tessa Bailey is THE undisputed queen of dirty-talkers! Loved Bowen and Sera.

Risking It All is sexy, hot and has a thriller aspect to it! I loved the whole undercover cop story and my word, Bowen is HOT!! And that's saying a lot for a TB hero. He is right up there with the dirtiest-talking alphas EVER. This story is fact-paced, action-filled and has tons and tons of heat, tension and sexy times. TB's books literally melt your Kindle and Risking It All is one of her hottest books ever.

Favorite quote in the book:

"We both know it's only a matter of time before I'm pounding the purity right out of you."

RIA is a passionate mix of romance and action and I highly recommend it for all fans of Ms. Tessa Bailey!!

This one has a serious case of insta-love. Bowen, the hero is so OTT and his possessiveness from day one is creeping me out. I nearly threw the towel with all his craziness over a woman he just meet. I have a feeling he will start making up babies name before the month ends.

However despite how much I want to roll my eyes at some of the cliche and dramatic moments, this book is freaking addictive. There isn't a lull moment in the plot. I'm sure the panty melting sex scene is one of the major draw. Holy goodness. Bowen's dirty talking is to die for. Deep down he is a good guy that show so much vulnerability. And before long, I even love his brand of crazy over the top passionate love.

The story line was really interesting, and both bowen and Sera had this complicated backgrounds that make me feel drawn to it really fast.

The first encounter is always so important, and this one didn't let me down, just plain hot.

I found it a little hard to believe the "virgin" part, it was just too much, in addition to the fact that she was extremely sexual and didn't hesitate before wanting to go all the way.

The rest of the book was intriguing and fun, i really enjoyed his protective side towards her, I can't get enough of the alpha male craziness.

Very angsty, this hero was one suffering troubled guy. I did not mind it, but he was memorable because of it and not because he was sexy. The heroine was a wishy washy female who somehow was a nurse and a cop and and an undercover agent gone rogue all at the same time. Also she was the most beautiful, sweetest, loveliest person in the whole world, insert eye-roll. Overall though an interesting read, but this author's writing needs to mature.

4/4.5 | White-Hot Steam

Darker and dicier than Bailey’s previous novels, RISKING IT ALL is no meet-cute—leads-to—easy HEA. Set in NYC’s grittiest neighborhood, teeming with criminality and imminent violence, Sera and Bowen’s tortured hearts collide inciting a pulse-pounding and all-consuming affair that commands your full attention.

Equal parts blissful pleasure and shattering heartbreak, I was transfixed by this sinner and saint's perilous path to love. Deftly drawn, Sera and Bowen’s vivid drama lives and breathes and shouts in pure ecstasy. I found myself moved not only by their uncommon chemistry and enviable passion but by the stellar characters themselves. Sera and Bowen’s individual complexities, differences, phantoms and foibles made for one of the more compelling matches that I’ve encountered in a long time.

Bowen and Sera’s exceptional romance is testament to Tessa Bailey’s incomparable talent as well as a glittering addition to my latest series obsession, The Crossing the Line Series. I can’t wait until UP IN SMOKE, Connor and Erin’s story, is unleashed upon us! June 23rd can’t come soon enough!

Bottom Line: Read this book!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Am loving this super sexy series with some of the best dirty talking bad boys around! There's more excitement going down in Brooklyn when a newbie cop goes undercover digging for info on her brother's killer. When Bowen Driscol is asked to keep an eye on Seraphina Newsom he never expects her to rock his world.

This one is awesome and I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys their reads on the steamy side.

4.5 stars

Bailey brings her A game to this deliciously raw and emotional romance between a reluctant mob boss and an innocent undercover cop. A high risk game of chance crosses lines that spells death if they are ever caught. If you like your heroine's bold and your heroes deliciously dirty then Bailey is the author for you.

what a great book! I have always enjoyed police books but if you add Bowen's dirty talk that just makes the book perfect. It was an interesting story and a nice twist at the end. Looking forward to read the next one in the Series.

Tessa Bailey never disappoints. I knew Bowen would be hot when we met him in His Risk to Take but I never imagined how deep he could be. Sera was the perfect heroine for such a strong hero. Great story. And the chance to see another character from the Line of Duty series was just the icing on the cake.

In Risking it All, Tessa Bailey departs from her usual beach-reads to something grittier and deeper, but keeps her signature sexy style. She keeps the crime storyline moving while developing the star-crossed love story between Bowen and Seraphina. Bowen is a bad boy, like bad-to-the-bone, nurse-turned-undercover-cop Seraphina Newsom is the sweetest of the sweet. Tessa brings the two together in a combustible combination of chemistry and intrigue. The twists keep the pages turning and you’re kept guessing until the very end.

Gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. See more reviews at Shamelessbookclub.com