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RECKLESS
Loving her is reckless.
Loving her will be the death of me.
In Arcadia, the land of peace and harmony, everyone is equal, because everyone is the same. The unquestionable will of the United Council determines how people dress, how they believe, and who they can love. Being different is heresy; heresy is death.
Val Haven, the orphaned daughter of heretics, cannot seem to hide how different she is, and she knows she'll eventually pay for her defiance. But when her sister is arrested instead, Val’s life crumbles around her. Val searches for answers about what led to her sister committing heresy, but doing so will require the help of the vivacious Stefani Andreou. But the only thing more dangerous than Stefani being an Arcadian leader's child - making her an enemy - is the way that Stefani makes Val feel.
Stefani knows that helping Val Haven uncover secrets is a mistake because no one has more secrets to hide than Stefani. But she can’t seem to stay away from the authentic, rebellious Val. What she feels for her is nothing short of reckless. What she feels might just cost herself—and her family—everything.
As long-buried secrets are uncovered, Val and Stefani must face the truth of how they feel for one another and decide-- once and for all-- if love is worth risking everything for.
RECKLESS is a novel of THE HERETICS SAGA, and events take place prior to the start of Book 1: HERESY. RECKLESS can be read in any order.
A portion of the author's royalties for these books will be donated to The Trevor Project, which strives to protect, support, and create a better world for LGBTQIA+ youth. Thank you for supporting this cause.
Loving her will be the death of me.
In Arcadia, the land of peace and harmony, everyone is equal, because everyone is the same. The unquestionable will of the United Council determines how people dress, how they believe, and who they can love. Being different is heresy; heresy is death.
Val Haven, the orphaned daughter of heretics, cannot seem to hide how different she is, and she knows she'll eventually pay for her defiance. But when her sister is arrested instead, Val’s life crumbles around her. Val searches for answers about what led to her sister committing heresy, but doing so will require the help of the vivacious Stefani Andreou. But the only thing more dangerous than Stefani being an Arcadian leader's child - making her an enemy - is the way that Stefani makes Val feel.
Stefani knows that helping Val Haven uncover secrets is a mistake because no one has more secrets to hide than Stefani. But she can’t seem to stay away from the authentic, rebellious Val. What she feels for her is nothing short of reckless. What she feels might just cost herself—and her family—everything.
As long-buried secrets are uncovered, Val and Stefani must face the truth of how they feel for one another and decide-- once and for all-- if love is worth risking everything for.
RECKLESS is a novel of THE HERETICS SAGA, and events take place prior to the start of Book 1: HERESY. RECKLESS can be read in any order.
A portion of the author's royalties for these books will be donated to The Trevor Project, which strives to protect, support, and create a better world for LGBTQIA+ youth. Thank you for supporting this cause.
Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 7, 2023
Words can't begin to describe how excited I was to be able to ARC read this book. Val who was already one of my favorite characters from the other two books in the heretics saga takes center stage here... Well okay shares center stage with Stefani. This story is both heartwarming and devastatingly heart breaking at points. It's about loss and love and not feeling good enough and out of place in the world around you while also finding that you are enough and that having the right person or people in your life can set your world on fire in ways you didn't expect. Especially when it involves unexpected frosting fights. it covers the grumpy sunshine trope as well if you're into that. If you've already read C.A.'s other two books in the saga you're definitely gonna wanna check this one out to become even more immersed in the world and characters that the authors created. If you haven't read the other two books yet still read this book and then immediately go and read the other books. You wont be disappointed.
May 17, 2023
OMG I knew this would be good but I had no idea how good. This prequel was the perfect addition to the Heresy series.
I love Val and Stefani the other books but to see their story unfold was both sad and amazing I just wanna wrap them both up in bubble wrap and save them.
These two will be on my mind for days 🥰
I love Val and Stefani the other books but to see their story unfold was both sad and amazing I just wanna wrap them both up in bubble wrap and save them.
These two will be on my mind for days 🥰
June 6, 2023
Wow! Reckless is now my favorite part of the Heretics saga! I loved learning Val and Stef’s history and how they became the hottest most adorable couple ever. I also enjoyed finding out Hope’s part of the story too. Even ol Jakey-Boy, still ever ever the knight in shiny armor :). Can’t wait for the next chapter of this story!
I so happy to be part of the street team!! Thank you for having me!
I so happy to be part of the street team!! Thank you for having me!
March 28, 2023
It was quite possibly the greatest honor of my LIFE to get to beta read this book. I loved HERESY and DISSENT (they were my two favorite books read in 2022), but holy craaaaaaap. Something just hit different about this one. I don't think I could even explain it with words.
Sapphic romance. Friends-to-lovers. Grumpy sunshine. And just a *hint* of heresy. SO FROQING GOOD.
Overall, 10 out of 10. Would read again (and I did lol). Would recommend to a friend. Or a stranger. Or anyone who will listen.
Make sure to check trigger warnings. <3
Sapphic romance. Friends-to-lovers. Grumpy sunshine. And just a *hint* of heresy. SO FROQING GOOD.
Overall, 10 out of 10. Would read again (and I did lol). Would recommend to a friend. Or a stranger. Or anyone who will listen.
Make sure to check trigger warnings. <3
April 23, 2023
I happened by chance upon this series because of TikTok and have never been more grateful for a TikTok. It has been an honor to watch this series grow. Heresy and Dissent highlighted so much of this world that I hate and hope to be a vessel of change for. Reckless, however, reminded me of why I do the work that I do as a mental health therapist. It has been an honor and pleasure to be on the street team for this series.
Reckless, was everything and more that I hoped it would be. C.A Campbells heart and soul is bleed through out these pages. I could not put it down. There were so many moments in this book where it was apparent she was writing from her own struggles.
The best kind of books take you to another world and at the same time make you feel so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more.
Seriously, stop sleeping on this series.
Reckless, was everything and more that I hoped it would be. C.A Campbells heart and soul is bleed through out these pages. I could not put it down. There were so many moments in this book where it was apparent she was writing from her own struggles.
The best kind of books take you to another world and at the same time make you feel so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more.
Seriously, stop sleeping on this series.
May 12, 2023
Five mother-froqing stars, ya froqin' endspheres!
And don't you forget it.
How in the name of the council did this author manage to outdo herself yet again?
Book 3...a prequel, no less, and still so beautiful and painful and unfair that it's my new favorite.
Sapphic love in a world that executes the non-compliant, the different, the brave. That really is Reckless.
But what a way to go!
TW: child abuse, neglect, homophobia, SA, depression, death, loss, religious persecution and so much more.
All done tastefully and mostly off page.
100% recommend this book for anyone that loves a good f/f love story, dystopian reads or badass females that refuse to fit the mold.
#LetsBeHeretics
And don't you forget it.
How in the name of the council did this author manage to outdo herself yet again?
Book 3...a prequel, no less, and still so beautiful and painful and unfair that it's my new favorite.
Sapphic love in a world that executes the non-compliant, the different, the brave. That really is Reckless.
But what a way to go!
TW: child abuse, neglect, homophobia, SA, depression, death, loss, religious persecution and so much more.
All done tastefully and mostly off page.
100% recommend this book for anyone that loves a good f/f love story, dystopian reads or badass females that refuse to fit the mold.
#LetsBeHeretics
June 8, 2023
*I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We're going 4.6 stars rounded up to 5.
(The minus .4 is something minor and a personal preference, not even worth mentioning. If you loved "Heresy" and "Dissent" you will love this story!)
I loved Val and Stefani in "Heresy" and "Disstent" so when I found out they were getting their own story, I was ecstatic!
This story takes place before the events leading up to Heresy, and it's so well written. I loved getting to visit this world again and getting to meet young Jake and Shiloh. AND HOPE! (The girl we hear so much about but never actually meet.)
I loved the storyline. I loved getting to know both these characters and seeing everything they do and accomplish together.
I highly recommend it if you love dystopian books.
We're going 4.6 stars rounded up to 5.
(The minus .4 is something minor and a personal preference, not even worth mentioning. If you loved "Heresy" and "Dissent" you will love this story!)
I loved Val and Stefani in "Heresy" and "Disstent" so when I found out they were getting their own story, I was ecstatic!
This story takes place before the events leading up to Heresy, and it's so well written. I loved getting to visit this world again and getting to meet young Jake and Shiloh. AND HOPE! (The girl we hear so much about but never actually meet.)
I loved the storyline. I loved getting to know both these characters and seeing everything they do and accomplish together.
I highly recommend it if you love dystopian books.
June 6, 2023
I have been fully invested in this world since Heresy last year. Dissent was even better and I was already so in love with Val and Stefani. Reckless just amplified all these feelings. I’m so happy and excited that CA Campbell decided to write this book as I feel it explains so much more about the society these characters live in. This story is an important one as it gives us a look into a dystopian future that feels more and more relevant everyday. The whole storyline is amazing and I feel even more invested in this story and can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
July 14, 2023
When I tell you I absolutely RAN to sign up for an ARC read as soon as C.A. announced… man I am so happy I did. This is my first LGBTQ love story read and I can not be more happy that this was it. Val & Stefani have always been my favorite side couple since I began reading this series and this just aided that. Val and Stefani’s relationship is absolutely amazing. The banter between them is absolutely hysterical sometimes and they just perfectly match eachother. They certainly have a black cat-orange cat type relationship. Val being the black cat.
Side note: if you know the series, you know the “code worded” cuss words. I absolutely love the way Stefani cusses. Everytime she does, her analogies are absolutely hysterical. I love her. For example: “”Motherfroging icicles on my tatas!" she curses, pushing herself into a sitting position. "That water is froqing colder than a mole rat's balls in the Artic!"” Absolutely love her!
Moving on from specifically Val & Stefani(even though the book is pretty much about their relationship and how it came to be) the story by itself is absolutely wonderful to read. C.A. has a way of writing in all the books that draws you in. The drama, banter between any characters, the plot twists, you never want to stop reading. Which is why as soon as another chance arrives for an ARC read, I’ll be one of the first signing up. :D
Another thing I would like to add, go look at trigger warnings! There are a few for this book but that is not a bad thing. There are times where trigger warnings in books make the book seem very heavy and dark but the way C.A brings them about, they almost make the characters seem more real. That may sound odd but the way they are written into the story and the way things are played out. They are not just thrown in there for a “sudden plot twist”. They might do something to the plot but they are not used in a way to poke fun at certain triggers or just thrown around like they are no big deal.
!! Disclaimer: I may be an ARC reader but all of these opinions are my own personal ones. I am not being forced to write a positive review. The review is based on my own feelings ONLY! !!
Side note: if you know the series, you know the “code worded” cuss words. I absolutely love the way Stefani cusses. Everytime she does, her analogies are absolutely hysterical. I love her. For example: “”Motherfroging icicles on my tatas!" she curses, pushing herself into a sitting position. "That water is froqing colder than a mole rat's balls in the Artic!"” Absolutely love her!
Moving on from specifically Val & Stefani(even though the book is pretty much about their relationship and how it came to be) the story by itself is absolutely wonderful to read. C.A. has a way of writing in all the books that draws you in. The drama, banter between any characters, the plot twists, you never want to stop reading. Which is why as soon as another chance arrives for an ARC read, I’ll be one of the first signing up. :D
Another thing I would like to add, go look at trigger warnings! There are a few for this book but that is not a bad thing. There are times where trigger warnings in books make the book seem very heavy and dark but the way C.A brings them about, they almost make the characters seem more real. That may sound odd but the way they are written into the story and the way things are played out. They are not just thrown in there for a “sudden plot twist”. They might do something to the plot but they are not used in a way to poke fun at certain triggers or just thrown around like they are no big deal.
!! Disclaimer: I may be an ARC reader but all of these opinions are my own personal ones. I am not being forced to write a positive review. The review is based on my own feelings ONLY! !!
February 17, 2025
I know it is only January, but this is my favorite book for this whole year. (It is going to be very difficult to top this) I could not stop reading it and at the same time I took my time.
For a moment I thought this was going to be short and I am forever grateful it wasn’t!
Val and Stef have a very complicated relationship. For one, they live in a world where being gay is illegal, so that alone brings a whole can of worms. For second, Val’s friend was reported for Heresy and no one knows who reported her. All Stef wants to do is be there for Val, but because of all the rules, she can’t. Stef also has to keep up appearances since she is one of the tops of the political food chain.
This story broke my heart, raised with it back with hope, and suspected complete betrayal. What hurts the most is how realistic this supposed dystopian world is.
The only criticism I can give is that Val and Stef’s feelings for each other is borderline just horny and repetitive, to be fair they are teens.
For a moment I thought this was going to be short and I am forever grateful it wasn’t!
Val and Stef have a very complicated relationship. For one, they live in a world where being gay is illegal, so that alone brings a whole can of worms. For second, Val’s friend was reported for Heresy and no one knows who reported her. All Stef wants to do is be there for Val, but because of all the rules, she can’t. Stef also has to keep up appearances since she is one of the tops of the political food chain.
This story broke my heart, raised with it back with hope, and suspected complete betrayal. What hurts the most is how realistic this supposed dystopian world is.
The only criticism I can give is that Val and Stef’s feelings for each other is borderline just horny and repetitive, to be fair they are teens.
July 11, 2023
Loving you is reckless, but I’m in love with you, anyway.
This book is a very empowering read for women of all ages. The Heretics Saga is the perfect dystopian YA. It has the right amount of romance, and rebellion to keep you intrigued throughout. This installment in the Saga was everything I didn’t know I needed to know about Val and Stefani. Their beginning, their trials and even some stories on Stefani we didn’t expect. I got so much more out of this than just a romance. If you haven’t picked up a copy of “Heresy” or “Dissent” those should be your next reads after this one!
I received a copy of this as an ARC all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is a very empowering read for women of all ages. The Heretics Saga is the perfect dystopian YA. It has the right amount of romance, and rebellion to keep you intrigued throughout. This installment in the Saga was everything I didn’t know I needed to know about Val and Stefani. Their beginning, their trials and even some stories on Stefani we didn’t expect. I got so much more out of this than just a romance. If you haven’t picked up a copy of “Heresy” or “Dissent” those should be your next reads after this one!
I received a copy of this as an ARC all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 28, 2025
I loved Val and Stef’s story , and learning about their history! It’s the perfect addition to the heretic saga!! I would read again and I can’t wait for the next chapter of this series!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews