Recklessly Damaged

The Lies We Keep #3

by Steph Macca

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I survived, but at what cost?

They aren't going to stop until they get victory and more blood is shed. We're all in danger, fighting to stay on top.

The most unlikely alliances are forming. But I guess that's what happens when you anger the masses. It's a tale as old as time - rivals coming together when war is brewing on the horizon.

A deadly rival club threatens to bring us all down. But that's not the only problem I have. I have to fight to keep us all together.

And that might be the biggest challenge of all.

Recklessly Damaged is a reverse harem taboo romance - meaning the main female character will have more than one love interest, and yes - it's downright dirty and taboo. The characters are morally grey, hot, toxic as hell, and questionable. It contains adult themes, course language and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18. Recklessly Damaged is book 3 in The Lies We Keep series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Audiobook, Romance, College, Dark, Adult

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

About the author

Bestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪

Knock Knock, Little Killer

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, Nope, Nah, No Way Jose...
I absolutely will NOT accept that ending. If my favorite boy dies I will totally start a riot.

Aside from that heartbreaking cliffhanger, book 3 of The Lies We Keep Series was awesome!

[tane'a · Rating 4 out of 5]

just as i was questioning how they were gonna make everything work, they pull that ending…😀

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, should've stopped at book two.
A few things that bothered me:
"The ridiculousness of the current events feels like something from a poorly written book." because it IS.
"Does it suck? Of course it does. I want you all to myself. But I'd rather have any of you that I can get. So if that means dealing with that, I guess I'll learn to live with it." Absolutely not

And the thing that made me put it down:
"I'm not a drama llama" what

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recklessly damaged is the third book of the series, and if you already have indulge into book two you will know that you are being left on a cliffhanger, good news, book three picks up exactly where book two left us. In this one we get to see a deeper side of Rylee, performed by Michelle Sparks, giving her the vulnerability we were looking for, focusing on her mental health, healing and her relationships. Steph is a master of twists and turns that you don’t see them coming, and this story, will hit when you expect less.
With a full cast duet audiobook, you already get a layer of intimacy like no other, but hearing all this voices in a perfect chemistry is different. Joe Arden playing Asher, binging the battles of raw emotional turmoil to the surface. Sean Master as Zayn, he is just a flirt and absolutely delightful.Aaron Shedlock as Chuck, he is just perfection griddle and warm at the same time. But for me the MVP of this book was Anthony Palmini as Blake, finally cracking and opening up , seeing this gorgeous character unraveling and breaking down his walls, did something special for me.
Steph…. I’m so mad … another cliffhanger??? Really?? I’m going to start think you are a succubus, feeding on emotions and souls.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio, Steph and your teams for this amazing opportunity for an ALC, this review is my own thoughts and opinions.

[Bookish Spy · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Audiobook Re-read-
I truly do love these audios! This one went by in a flash, though I do still agree with everything I said in my original review, I think that the audio just adds a little something to an already fun read!

I do wish we got more of Chuck though especially considering that ending!

I did find it hard on re-read to believe that they all took that on their word alone though. Like when had they ever been trustworthy enough to just forget about 🥴

Either way I'm excited for the last audio in this series!

••••••

Chuck better be OK or I'll cry

I'm so tired of Chuck being thrown under the bus, though. Like I get that the step brothers are like the main course or whatever, but I feel like Chuck only gets these tiny parts in these books, and I just really want more of him

Also, the bros all had major personality swaps in this book, which was odd. One second, I was like ugh stop being so whiny, Asher.. next second, he was all magically grown up and accepting? Idk I think that shocked me. It needed to be slightly more gradual for it to feel more natural

Oh, and random side note, but if I ever read the words drama llama in a book again, I will rage.

On to the final book of my binge!

➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged is the third book in The Lies We Keep series. Book two left us on a huge cliffhanger, and we dive right into the wreckage in book three.

I feel like this book was a bit of a filler, but we do get to explore Rylee's backstory a bit more, which adds some nice depth to her character and helps us understand why she is the way she is. She still doesn't openly acknowledge her feelings, focusing more on her sexual desires, which she definitely has plenty of.

I do think this book helps build the reverse harem dynamic. Of course, I would've loved more Chuck in the story, but I did appreciate that Asher was no longer a whiny baby as the story went on.

Be ready for another shocking cliffhanger that will leave you needing answers immediately. I should've guessed Steph would end things like this, left us shocked and wanting more.

The multicast narration with Michelle Sparks, Joe Arden, Anthony Palmini, Sean Masters, and Aaron Shedlock makes this already fun story even better. They all work so well together, capturing each character's growth and emotion perfectly.

[Miasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The loud screech of “OH COME ON” yelled out got me in trouble 😅I thought this was the last book so I wasn’t expecting a cliffy and now I’m annoyed at myself.

This one was a lot less chaotically toxic than the last 2 and more streamlined and I enjoyed this one much more. All 4 of them were healing and maturing in the direction that is needed to make their relationship work.

And as previously stated with the last 2 books Joe Arden, Michelle Sparks, Aaron Shedlock, Anthony Palmin bring this series to life in the best way

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is getting better. Now that all the guys are on board and the harem seems set it feels different.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

November 2024
Kindle edition

Binge read and moved on, so dragging up memories of this one. I think this started after the cliffhanger in the previous book where Lee was chased off the road and the intro to multiple POV. I liked that Lee and B finally got their shit together. Gutted about Chuck and the cliffy.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg omg omg

Another amazing book. And a huge cliff hanger. I can’t wait to start book 4. This series is by far one of my favorite to date.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little slower then the rest of the series, but that ending! They killed Chuck off, seriously! I really really hope he is just injured, but I doubt it. Chuck being dead would push the two motorcycles clubs togather to shut the Norsemen down.

[Julie Redman-lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Steph Macca need I say more lol

[Sarah Roebuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m just bored with this series now, story line is just not it

[Lisa Garrido · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this was OK!

It was more smut over plot which would have been fine by me in another point in time.

We get all the reverse harem vibes with all MMCs being onboard. But Rylee is still a brat that whines about everything for now apparent reason. Look, call me cruel or what not but this girl has no reason whatsoever to rebel against her family. Asher is now tolerable while the twins continue to be their cheeky selves (Zayn and Blake are the main reasons I finished this).

Now, is this book THAT TABOO as promised in the blurb? Three bros sharing a girl and keeping it in the family? IDK, not that wild. Some families are close like that lol. It could be more tabooing.

Anywho, because of HOW this book ended, I will be listening to the fourth one.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
😈😈
🥵🥵

Action packed and full of steam , great read

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as it’s just “padding out” the relationship with the brother (lots of sex) however it does reference important points about the book, her trauma and Chuck.

Poor Rylee does deal with a lot and you can see how she struggles I wish Phoebe was a more involved character so you can see some balance

October 25reread

I enjoyed this more on the reread their trip to Rosevale was cute and out of all the brother's I like Blake the best the ending with Chuck though you don't see coming

[Mandi Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up right where we were left and I am not disappointed at all! Rylee’s grown so much from the start, even if she still has a ways to go and the growth of the guys is amazing to watch too! I enjoy seeing how realistic their interactions with each other are and all the uncertainties that come with anxiety and depression and it not be sugar coated. The spice is top notch as is the progress until we got kicked by that cliffhanger. August is too far away but at least I’ve already preordered!

[Shelby 🩷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 - Stepbrother / Taboo Why Choose
🌶️🌶️����️🌶️ 4 - The honeymoon suite...

CHUCK!!! 😭😭

Also, holy smut. The living room with Zayn and Chuck...the bike with Blake...the honeymoon suite with all three brothers?! Jesus Christ the amount of face fanning. 🥵🫠

Definitely my favorite book so far in the series.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt short and did little to advance the plot or characters. Chuck was not really in this book and it leaves a lot to fix in future book. Hope I don't have to wait too long...I'll forget about it

[Melanie Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly this will probably be the last Steph Macca book I'll read, and won't be bothering with the 4th instalment of this series. I'll try be constructive but this book has left a sour taste, which has been growing through the last 2 series. For lack of better explanation this book particularly feels lazy, and is very lack lustre. More and more it appears Maccas books get shorter and shorter, and get left of predictable "cliff hangers" with very little plot in the book. This 3rd book for example is nothing but a few spicey scenes (that's actually the only thing in this 3rd book at all), and one blindingly obviously 'cliff hanger' at the end. Lately, all Maccas books feel like the author just chopped 1 book into 3. They are VERY short, erring almost on short story side if they get any shorter. And are becoming more repetitive. It feels like a cash grab, sorry. Considering my average read/listen list the books are anywhere from 80,000-130,000 (some 145 000) and from 8-16 hours audio, it's a let down getting 50,000 and 4 hours and paying full price. i listened to in fast forward due to slow pace and lack lustre plot and it took just on 3 hours. I love the male voice actors, they are the ONLY reason I finished it, I purposefully look for their books irrespective of author. Unfortunately I think this book will make me permanently shelf Macca, which is sad as I like to support local authors, but my money and time is better invested elsewhere. I can get 1 book of almost any other author and enjoy it for days/hours reading or listening, with this author it's lucky to be a few hours and 4x times the price having to fork out for 4 books that easily could be 1.
PROS
-the male voice actors are great (female I had to listen in 1.3x speed due to terribly slow pacing)
- good if you need something to fall asleep to
CONS
-Repetitive, far too much repetition on Rylee trying to make it seem deep but was the same thing over and over (and this character I've had many same life experiences so I tried to relate but got bored)
- way too short, first 3 books could be 1 book EASILY
- terminology and spice scenes also repetitive
- "cliff hangers" are predictable and honestly seem like lazy chopping to get 2 books instead of 1
- MMC book 1 seems to fade away with limited role in this book until end
- I hate saying this but it was boring (so sorry), I fell asleep so so many times, then just skipped parts as it droned on
- the only thing in this book is spice scenes (1 star), and a thin weak "twist" at end.

Having gone from Dance with my Demons series to this, I wish I'd just not read this series at all. Total waste :(

[Letty Garza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged by Steph Macca throws us right back into the chaos the exact second book two ends, and Steph does not ease up for a moment. The tension between Rylee and the guys is sharper than ever. Asher is battling jealousy while trying to accept that wanting her might mean sharing her. Zayn is fully thriving in the mess… flirty, bold, and very clear about what (and who) he wants. And Blake, the last stoic wall standing, finally cracks. His quiet surrender is one of the most satisfying emotional moments in the entire series.

The MC drama tightens around them, loyalties shift, and old connections resurface. The twins step up, Chuck is dragged back into the mess, triggering Asher in all the best ways and suddenly this chaotic group finds themselves united around Rylee even as they’re still stumbling through jealousy, hurt, and their own morally gray decisions. And that cliffhanger? Steph Macca really looked at us and said, “Let’s hurt them again.” I was stunned.

The audiobook is phenomenal.
Michelle Sparks is Rylee… bratty, vulnerable, chaotic, and painfully human.
Joe Arden gives Asher a raw, emotional edge that makes every scene hit.
Sean Masters nails Zayn’s flirty, fearless spark like he was born for the role.
Anthony Palmini brings Blake’s stoicism and eventual emotional unraveling to life with perfect restraint.
Aaron Shedlock gives Chuck that gritty, rough-edged warmth that makes every moment with him stand out.

This isn’t just narration, it’s a full-cast experience that breathes life into every second.

Recklessly Damaged is messy, emotional, addictive, and absolutely wild. I could not stop listening, and with that ending? I need the next audiobook immediately.

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged by Steph Macca
The Lies We Keep, Book 3 (this is a true series and must be read in order)
Performed in full cast duet by Michelle Sparks, Aaron Shedlock, Anthony Palmini, Joe Arden & Sean Masters
Approximate listening time: 5 hours and 15 minutes

This series is an addiction....A bit of a warning..... It is a bit taboo, the characters are toxic and completely unhinged, but I love it all the same. Please check the content before diving in as this will become your next obsession by the amazing Steph Macca. As this is a true series I cannot give away too much because I think you will love it without the spoilers. I will tell you that I am on the edge of my seat the entire story. You never know what is going to happen. The characters do things that are CRAZY and keep you guessing. This is dark but I love it all the same... That ENDING.......WTH????? I need book 4 IMMEDIATELY! Yes I am screaming with my capitalized letters but trust me when I say that you will feel the same. Luckily for me, I know Steph loves an HEA so I am hoping for the next book to give me that! I swear, I will riot if something bad happens to you know who!

As always our brilliant narrators nailed this performance. Each one is brilliant in their own ways but together they are a force to be reckoned with. This voice actings is so good and I cannot recommend this series to those who love dark and sometimes disturbing romance.....dont say I didn't warn you, this will be your next infatuation!

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged picks up right where the second book in The Lies We Keep series leaves off, dropping us back into the turmoil without a moment’s pause. While this installment feels quieter in terms of plot (and at time places feels more like filler to the finale), it gives the story some needed emotional weight. Much of the focus falls on Rylee as she confronts her mental and physical recovery, and we finally get a fuller picture of the history that shaped her. These moments help explain her guarded nature and the complicated way she approaches intimacy.

Even with the slower pacing, the relationships between Rylee and the men continue to deepen. The reverse harem dynamic gains more nuance, and each character has space to grow. Blake’s emotional unraveling is especially memorable, while Asher feels far more grounded. Zayn brings charm, and Chuck remains a scene stealer even in limited moments. (AND OMG STEPH DON'T HURT OUR FAV!)

The audiobook truly enhances the narrative. The full cast performance by Michelle Sparks, Joe Arden, Anthony Palmini, Sean Masters and Aaron Shedlock adds a lot of energy to the story. Chemistry is great, and each narrator captures the emotional shifts of their characters with real care. (but Sean Masters remains my favorite to listen to)

Of course, Steph drops another cliffhanger that hits hard, leaving you frustrated in the best possible way and immediately hungry for the final book. On to the finale!

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrrrrgghhh!!! No no no nooooooo!! Book 4 isn't out till September!!! I have to wait 2 months and the cliffhanger was a doozy!!!

After the horrendous ending of the last book the 3 brothers rally around Rylee and help her thru the after effects such as her nightmares, her fear of getting in a car and her self esteem bombed.

Things really do finally seem to be going right for Rylee! She's living back in the home house with Asher, Zayn and Blake and as the book goes on, but their tricky relationship goes from strength to strength.

What's amazing is Chuck is included a couple of times with Zayn and it feels right for her.

But. Of course there's a but!

Things seem to be going better with the nightmare Norsemen who have been the ones causing all the trouble.
Zayn and Blake even take her to their clubhouse.

For a surprise she's taken by chuck to wheels for a drink and poker to celebrate..... But oh how it ends badly.....

I need the next book!!!!!! 🙈🙈🙈🙈

That's all I can say! Again, well written, with a good pace for Rylee finally getting things going for her... But there are still things to be faced like their parents, and if they're going to continue as the foursome. They suit each other well but we'll see!!

[Lovedarkbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Three in The Lies We Keep series and picks up right where the second book ended, with the tension high on what will become of Rylee.

I felt that this installment focuses primarily on character development and the coming together of the 'Reverse Harem' dynamic.. definately critical to the progression of the story in preparation for the final installment.

I'm very familiar with Steph's writing at this point and genuinely thought we weren’t getting that cliffy - how wrong was i 😆

Rylee's vulnerability definately surfaces in this book, providing insight into why she is, the way she is, hard, fiesty, selfish, but all in the name of self preservation .. which now I'VE finished this installment makes alot more sense. But i cant deny that rylee does have a very healthy s3x life, which is fundamentally built on her desires rather than her feelings - as she doesnt acknowledge she has feelings for any of them until the latter of this book.

Steph does write mental health challenges really well. Her attention and care into trauma, depression and anxiety is depicted accurately and respectfully.

Michelle sparks, Joe arden, Anthony Palmini, Sean Masters and Aaron Shedlock give an excellent representation of the growth and development of these characters and the evolving relationships.

As always please familiarise yourself with the content.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged (Book 3 in the Lies We Keep series) turned the heat up to inferno level and never looked back. The full cast duet narration — Michelle Sparks, Aaron Shedlock, Anthony Palmini, Joe Arden, and Sean Masters — absolutely brought this world to life. Each voice fit the characters so perfectly that switching POVs felt seamless.

This installment leans heavily into Rylee’s relationships: individually with each of her stepbrothers, with them together, and with Chuck as they all try to figure out how this complicated dynamic is supposed to work. The external plot with the rival club is still simmering in the background, but the emotional focus is Riley herself —
• recovering from her accident
• navigating her self-worth struggles
• trying to hold this unconventional relationship together

The character work shines, the tension is constant, and the spice… well… it’s definitely the spiciest of the series so far.

And then there’s the cliffhanger. Truly explosive. I need the next audiobook immediately.

This was a wild, addictive installment with a cast of morally grey, messy, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of reverse harem romance with high stakes, strong emotion, and plenty of heat

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steph Macca wastes zero time dropping us right back into the chaos surrounding Rylee in book 3, which picks up right where book 2 left off.

Recklessly Damaged peels back some of Rylee’s layers and dives a little deeper into the complicated dynamic forming between her and the men circling her orbit.

The multicast narration, featuring Michelle Sparks, Joe Arden, Anthony Palmini, Sean Masters, and Aaron Shedlock, adds real texture to the story as a whole. Every single voice actor brings a distinct emotional tone that matches their character perfectly: the tension, the frustration, the heat… it all lands that much harder in audio.

And of course…Steph looked at us and said, “Cliffhanger? Let’s do it one more time for good measure.”

If you’ve been hooked since book one, you’ll want to devour this one immediately. It sets the stage perfectly for the finale and develops the relationships in ways that feel essential. Prepare to get attached, get frustrated, and absolutely need the next book the second you hit the last chapter.

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steph always knows how to write a story and drag me in and forget about everything else, Recklessly Damaged is no different. Should I be still moving things? Yes. Should I be unpacking and organizing? Yes and yes. Did I spend all morning reading the majority of this book? Yes, yes I did, and I have zero regrets.

Anyway, I absolutely love Rylee's story. This one picks up right after that doozy of a cliffhanger in Pretty Savages. I didn't know what to expect going into it as I wasn't sure how it would pan out. With that being said, Recklessly Damaged now has me in the same spot. I don't know what is going to happen next. Everything was fine and then the next moment, everything is falling apart.

I did love seeing the relationships grow stronger in this book. Rylee is starting to have her life go the way she needs it to go. I cannot wait to see what comes next and will be impatiently waiting for the next one.

[Erica Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so if y’all thought the last cliffhanger was rough… this one was wayyyy worse. I knew something terrible was going to happen! I just felt it. And this WAS BAD. Noooo… He's my favorite! 😭 Ugh… I am sooo not happy about this cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed this one and devoured the audio! This was angsty and fun. I love the banter between them all too. It’s so good. I also laughed out loud multiple times.

"ℐ 𝓃ℯℯ𝒹 𝓉ℴ 𝒻𝓋𝒸́𝓀 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓂ℴ𝓊𝓉𝒽. ℐ𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝓈𝓊̈𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝒶𝓈 𝑔ℴℴ𝒹 𝒶𝓈 𝒾𝓉 𝓊𝓃𝓁ℯ𝒶𝓈𝒽ℯ𝓈 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓊𝓁𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒶𝓇𝒸𝒶𝓈𝓂, 𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓃 ℐ'𝓁𝓁 𝒷ℯ 𝒾𝓃 𝒽ℯ𝒶𝓋ℯ𝓃."

I love watching Rylee’s relationships develop with her stepbrothers. They are all so different and I love them all! I also loved that we got to see Chuck again! And Oh. My. God. That scene with Zayn, Chuck, and Rylee will live rent free in my head forever. Holy Moly, it was hot! 🥵 Oh, and the hotel scene! 🥵🥵

"𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓂𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒷ℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓆𝓊ℯℯ𝓃 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓈ℯ 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁ℯ 𝑔𝒶𝓂ℯ𝓈, ℛ𝓎𝓁ℯℯ. ℬ𝓊𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓇ℯ𝓂ℯ𝓂𝒷ℯ𝓇… 𝓌ℯ'𝓇ℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈."

The full cast audio for this series is so good. Every single narrator is amazing and perfectly cast for their role!

I love Michelle Sparks as Rylee. She is the perfect mix of sassy and sweet. She’s got her banter and sass down. She’s one of my favorite female narrators.

Aaron Shedlock as Chuck is pure perfection! I just love his voice. That man and his mouth. 🥵

Joe Arden was amazing as Asher. He’s full of so emotion and angst and you can feel it in his voice.

Sean Masters was incredible as Zayn. His spicy scenes were so hot. Sean definitely has Zayn’s dominant personality and his playful side down.

Anthony Palmini was so amazing as Blake. He definitely brought the broody dad of the group to life. I love his tone. I loved that we got more of him in this one.

🖤 Morally Grey
🖤 Stepbrothers
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Tab00

[Sheila Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recklessly Damaged picks up right where book two left us hanging, throwing us back into the chaos, heat, and emotional mayhem that makes The Lies We Keep one of my favorite reverse harem series. The stakes are high — both in the MC war brewing backstage and within the complex, messy relationships between Rylee and her three step-brothers.

What I loved most about this installment was how much deeper we get into Rylee’s inner world — her trauma, self-worth battles, and gradual growth feel real, raw, and layered. The dynamic between her and Asher, Zayn, and Blake continues to evolve in unexpected ways, and the added tension from Chuck’s re-entry into the story injects both drama and genuine emotional weight.

Steph Macca balances fiery spice with character development more confidently here than in the earlier books — whether it’s jealousy, loyalty, or reluctant vulnerability, every moment lands with impact. The pacing feels tight without dragging, and each POV shift enriches the world rather than muddling it.

Be warned: that ending is a cliffhanger for the ages. I was equal parts devastated and totally hooked — already desperate for book four. If you’re into morally grey heroes, emotional growth wrapped in chaos, and reverse harem with serious heat, this one delivered.