Running Risk

By: Dawn Anderson

Narrated by: Megan C Tyler

Rylee Thompson swore she left town for bigger and better things, but when she’s forced to move back, it’s clear she was trying to outrun her past. Now her only escape is throwing herself into DIY projects and trying to grow her online audience. Clayton Daniels needs his construction business to be a success, but finding the right help is easier said than done. It isn’t until he runs into his childhood best friend that he knows Rylee would be perfect for the job.

There’s only one problem. She’s too wounded from their past to entertain the possibility of a future. He’d do anything just to be around her again, and she’ll do anything to hold onto her anger. But even Rylee can’t resist the undeniable pull between them. Can she learn to trust her best friend again, or will Clayton never get the chance to prove to Rylee he might just be the love she’s always hoped for?

©2025 Dawn Anderson (P)2025 Dawn Anderson

Great second chance romance.

This story spans many years as two childhood best friends slowly become more until things go very wrong. There’s a dual timeline that wasn’t difficult to follow. I liked the alternating POV. Clayton did something that Rylee can’t seem to forgive but she wasn’t blameless; I think she was too hard on Clay.

This was the first book I’ve read by Dawn Anderson and I enjoyed it very much. I thought Megan C Tyler did a good job overall but I thought the voice she used for grownup Clayton sounded a bit too much like Rylee’s.

Childhood friends, broken plans, and a love that finds its way back.”

I received this audiobook as a gift from the author and I'm grateful for the opportunity to
listen and share my honest thoughts.

This story moves between the past and the present, slowly revealing the history between the two main characters.

They grew up next door to each other and became inseparable best friends, always dreaming about the future and what their lives might look like. But life doesn’t always follow the plans we make when we’re young, and circumstances eventually pull them in different directions.

Years later, they find themselves facing old memories, unresolved feelings, and the question of whether some connections are strong enough to survive time and distance.

Heartfelt Second Chance Romance

This story pulled me in from the first chapter. Rylee’s return home is full of emotional landmines, and watching her navigate old wounds while trying to rebuild her life felt authentic and deeply relatable. Clayton is the perfect balance to her guarded heart — steady, patient, and quietly determined to earn back the trust he lost.

Their chemistry grows naturally, and the tension between wanting to reconnect and wanting to stay angry is beautifully written. The DIY and construction elements add charm, grounding their relationship in shared work and small moments that matter. A tender, satisfying romance about forgiveness, growth, and finding the love you didn’t think you deserved.

lack/miscommunication

this was a cute love story. bestfriends that had a falling out. then they finally find each other again. trigger warning The MMC's father is verbally abusive especially when drinking. the FMC and MMC have a falling out because of lack of communication. I understand stand this as it is from their teenage years. it got frustrating in the last forth of the book when they were adults and the FMC still acted like she was 15. the narrator had few loud moments like she was trying to edit in a word.

Cute Story

I enjoyed this love story. I do feel that the conflict dragged out a bit too long. I would have enjoyed to get it resolved and had a little more story after the resolution. But all in all I enjoyed it. Thank you Dawn Anderson for the free audiobook.