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Reckless Billionaires #2
Reckless Desire
I cup her face with both hands. My eyes drop to her mouth and her breath hitches. It’s the softest sound, but it’s enough to silence the world outside, all the voices. The voice of reason included.
A charming billionaire single dad. A teacher with commitment issues. Can a failed one-night stand lead to a lasting relationship?
The rules are as no backstory, no intimacy.
I've never wanted to break them... Until her.
I work a job I never would’ve chosen to cover my sister’s medical bills. I stick to my rules to not blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Then a reluctant client walks into my life and changes everything but she slips through my fingers.
Three years, one staggering inheritance, and adoption later, I walk into my daughter’s classroom and the woman I worked hard to forget stares at me wide-eyed.
Chemistry sizzles between us.
This time, I won't allow her to get away.
This time, she’s mine... whether or not she's ready.
Reckless Desire is a standalone novel in the Reckless Billionaires series.
A charming billionaire single dad. A teacher with commitment issues. Can a failed one-night stand lead to a lasting relationship?
The rules are as no backstory, no intimacy.
I've never wanted to break them... Until her.
I work a job I never would’ve chosen to cover my sister’s medical bills. I stick to my rules to not blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Then a reluctant client walks into my life and changes everything but she slips through my fingers.
Three years, one staggering inheritance, and adoption later, I walk into my daughter’s classroom and the woman I worked hard to forget stares at me wide-eyed.
Chemistry sizzles between us.
This time, I won't allow her to get away.
This time, she’s mine... whether or not she's ready.
Reckless Desire is a standalone novel in the Reckless Billionaires series.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2023
234 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Henri
25 books127 followersMaxine Henri is a contemporary romance author who infuses her stories with steamy passion and complex characters. When she's not crafting stories that will have you swooning, she can usually be found sipping on a cup of black tea while reading a good book or traveling to new destinations.
Maxine believes that stories matter. They facilitate emotional journeys, inspire and entertain. And when it comes to books and fiction, stories are a great escape and probably the most beneficial addiction on this planet.
Her billionaire romances are the perfect escape, offering a taste of luxury and adventure. Maxine introduces heroes who may have a dark past, but are always balanced by a lighter side. And her leading ladies? They're strong, independent women who may be a little broken, but always find their way to love.
Maxine believes that stories matter. They facilitate emotional journeys, inspire and entertain. And when it comes to books and fiction, stories are a great escape and probably the most beneficial addiction on this planet.
Her billionaire romances are the perfect escape, offering a taste of luxury and adventure. Maxine introduces heroes who may have a dark past, but are always balanced by a lighter side. And her leading ladies? They're strong, independent women who may be a little broken, but always find their way to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 23, 2023
⭐️: 7/10
🌶️: 2,5/5
🤣: 2/5
🥹: 0/5
Tropes:
- Second chance
- Single Dad
- Off- limits
(EN) Being the first time I read this author, I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoy the development of the characters throughout the story.
Sidney, due to her past, has serious trust issues and perhaps starting a relationship with a former gigolo (that's how they met!) it's not ideal, but little by little Hunter is gaining his trust and knocking down all his fears.
I must say that my favorite character was Caroline, that girl is gorgeous!
Perhaps some problems that arise, being quickly resolved in the history, could have been ignored and I expected more fire between them but in general it was a very enjoyable reading.
Thanks to Maxine Henry and The Author Agency for bringing me to the ARC for reading.
(SP) Siendo la primera vez que leo a esta autora, quedé gratamente sorprendida. Es interesante el desarrollo de los personajes a lo largo de la historia.
Sidney, debido a su pasado, tiene serios problemas de confianza y quizás iniciar una relación con alguien que en su pasado fue un gigoló (así se conocieron!) no es lo ideal pero poco a poco Hunter va ganando su confianza y derribando todos sus miedos.
Debo decir que mi personaje favorito fue Caroline, esa nena es divina!
Quizás algunos problemas que se plantean, al ser tan efímeros en la historia, podrían haberse obviado y esperaba más fuego entre ellos pero en líneas generales fue una lectura súper amena.
Muchas gracias a la autora y a The Author Agency por acercarme el ARC para su lectura.
🌶️: 2,5/5
🤣: 2/5
🥹: 0/5
Tropes:
- Second chance
- Single Dad
- Off- limits
(EN) Being the first time I read this author, I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoy the development of the characters throughout the story.
Sidney, due to her past, has serious trust issues and perhaps starting a relationship with a former gigolo (that's how they met!) it's not ideal, but little by little Hunter is gaining his trust and knocking down all his fears.
I must say that my favorite character was Caroline, that girl is gorgeous!
Perhaps some problems that arise, being quickly resolved in the history, could have been ignored and I expected more fire between them but in general it was a very enjoyable reading.
Thanks to Maxine Henry and The Author Agency for bringing me to the ARC for reading.
(SP) Siendo la primera vez que leo a esta autora, quedé gratamente sorprendida. Es interesante el desarrollo de los personajes a lo largo de la historia.
Sidney, debido a su pasado, tiene serios problemas de confianza y quizás iniciar una relación con alguien que en su pasado fue un gigoló (así se conocieron!) no es lo ideal pero poco a poco Hunter va ganando su confianza y derribando todos sus miedos.
Debo decir que mi personaje favorito fue Caroline, esa nena es divina!
Quizás algunos problemas que se plantean, al ser tan efímeros en la historia, podrían haberse obviado y esperaba más fuego entre ellos pero en líneas generales fue una lectura súper amena.
Muchas gracias a la autora y a The Author Agency por acercarme el ARC para su lectura.
July 19, 2023
This book wasn’t my favorite, but i definitely wouldn’t be opposed to reading other books from this author. The writing itself was fine, but I just really didn’t like the conflicts that arose throughout the storyline.
I get the FMC has trust issues… but she just let her trust issues get in the way at the most RANDOM times. that was frustrating. Also frustrating that she spent 60% of the book deciding whether or not she wanted to hook up with the MMC… bruh. make a decision!!
It was just a lot of annoying things that the FMC did that ultimately led to the 3 stars. I don’t really have many qualms with the MMC but if i had to read him calling her beautiful one more time 😑
I get the FMC has trust issues… but she just let her trust issues get in the way at the most RANDOM times. that was frustrating. Also frustrating that she spent 60% of the book deciding whether or not she wanted to hook up with the MMC… bruh. make a decision!!
It was just a lot of annoying things that the FMC did that ultimately led to the 3 stars. I don’t really have many qualms with the MMC but if i had to read him calling her beautiful one more time 😑
July 31, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Review: I was beyond excited when I received this ARC (thank you @theauthoragency and Maxine Henri) because single dad + male escort + passionate story.... need I say more? 😅
Sydney is such a heartbreaking story but the way she is independent as hell is remarkable! I loved how driven, thoughtful and caring she was for everyone around her.
Hunter.... PERFECT BOYFRIEND! He checks off being sexy ass hell, his relationship with Caro is a perfect example of how thoughtful he is. When his dominate personality comes out 🥵🥵🥵 I want to say more... but no spoilers! Just know I claimed dibbs on him 💜
There was a twist at the end that left my mouth on the floor with Ash. I was so shocked 😅
I ended up signing up for the bonus scene and it melted my heart. Definitely worth it if you loved this book!
I cannot wait to read the next one with Londons secret!
Spice: 🌶🌶
Review: I was beyond excited when I received this ARC (thank you @theauthoragency and Maxine Henri) because single dad + male escort + passionate story.... need I say more? 😅
Sydney is such a heartbreaking story but the way she is independent as hell is remarkable! I loved how driven, thoughtful and caring she was for everyone around her.
Hunter.... PERFECT BOYFRIEND! He checks off being sexy ass hell, his relationship with Caro is a perfect example of how thoughtful he is. When his dominate personality comes out 🥵🥵🥵 I want to say more... but no spoilers! Just know I claimed dibbs on him 💜
There was a twist at the end that left my mouth on the floor with Ash. I was so shocked 😅
I ended up signing up for the bonus scene and it melted my heart. Definitely worth it if you loved this book!
I cannot wait to read the next one with Londons secret!
July 16, 2023
This book was sent to me as an ARC and not what I expected, but in a good way! I loved the relationship and the how the two main characters interacted with each other. There were also a lot of drama twists that I didn’t see coming and I loved how it all played out. Normally I’m not a second-chance trope girly, but I think this book helped me change my mind!
July 12, 2023
El's Review: Reckless Desire: by Maxine Henri *Hint Warning!*
Sydney Lowe is anything but ready for change when her sister London takes her out for some fun & tough sisterly love. It has been years since her husband Jeremy has passed and she has spent years reeling from his aftermath and betrayal. It just so happens that London knows exactly how to perk Sydney up with a surprise gift, only this gift is dinner and a room at the Ritz with Hunter, an exclusive male escort and he is built like a Greek God.
But can Sydney let go of her fear enough to enjoy the night? It's only a night after all...
Hunter Stuart knows he can't get close to anyone and cannot commit to anyone other than Caro's mother, after all, she is why he became a Gigolo. Though from the moment he laid eyes on his green-eyed goddess he knew she just HAS to be his — No matter the cost. He's spent years honing his skills to suit his secret job and he is ready to give her the time of her life. Keeping a strict code of ethics has maintained safety for himself, his daughter, his mom, and for his future.
"I'm scared, but I'd rather have one real day with you than a lifetime of misguided security"
— Maxine Henri, Reckless Desire
Our wounded gal (Syd) has fallen on hard times and taken a Job as a full-time teacher to follow her passion and commit to some stability. She has a passion for shaping young minds and helping children who need learning assistance, changing the ways of the school system, and undoing the lasting trauma it can have on a child. Too ashamed to ask for help from her family she finds comfort in her hermit-like ways and lack of outward passion.
When Hunter transfers his daughter Caroline to a new school they're in for a treat!
“But we don’t have control, do we? You can’t plan for a disaster, a robbery, a disease. What you can do is live your life every day in the best way possible. As if it was your last one. Because regardless of how well you think you’re prepared, the only control you have is over your attitude. How do you respond to all the bad shit life throws your way. And choosing to exist instead of live is not an option in my book.”
— Maxine Henri, Reckless Desire
This book can be read as a standalone but it is part of an interlaced series (Reckless Billionaires Series) telling the many stories of the Cassinetti-Lowe family, this big family is full of big surprises, danger, love, and most of all they're all so VERY different.
--
El's Notes: I requested to read this book through an ARC reader program, As anyone who reads my blog & reviews knows. I like going into books "blind" so to speak, from time to time, with indie authors specifically. This being my first Maxine Henri book I had no idea of her writing style, story style, or really anything at all. I read this as if it is a solo novel, and I will keep an eye out for her work so that I can meet more of the Cassinetti-Lowe family! (Especially London?! SHE IS AN ICON!)
My Rating:
Plot: ★★★★☆
Spice: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
My notes for this book were that Maxine has a unique writing style, some sentences/areas did feel long-winded and so I found myself glossing quickly over onto the next paragraph or sometimes page. The plot flowed swiftly after the first half it became quite busy, the first half of the novel was a slow start (keep in mind this is a sloooooow burn romance (no for real). While not my normal preferred writing style I will be diving into the Maxine Henri world so keep an eye out for reviews as we go.
Books like this I quite enjoy after binging a full series, it's lighter than my usual reads.
This is NOT an enemy-to-lovers book however it is a forbidden romance and second-chance meet romance. Hunter is more of a dominant man however the spice is vanilla so keep that in mind, and the scenes were over quite quickly while a lot of others seemed a bit long.
At first, I was wondering where the story took place the book begins mid-conversation so there is not much build-up at first or establishing of settings (again this is only one book in the Reckless Billionaires Series), however, the mention of Tribeca, Brooklyn, and Central Park clicked instantly. I would recommend reading them in order however if you read this as a one you'll find your pace before you know it!
As for character growth and development, this is an awesome story for Hunter, Syd, and Caro! Sydney is put through hell and back and yet she finds her way, this was so very relatable for me and I loved reading Syd's POV.
All of the characters are perfectly imperfect which is my favourite.
I do wish Hunter would have had to grovel more though you can tell Maxine had a vision for Hunter but you can tell he blossomed into so much more and she followed the path HE took her, adaptive writing for creative minds makes me happy!
Knowing what I know now, would I still pick this book up and buy it? YES, I would count this as a warm fuzzy read as it ends on a light HEA!
A Special Note From El:
This book has not yet been released and is set to release on July 19, 2023!
I received this book for free as an ARC reader and I am leaving a completely unbiased, unpaid, and authentic review as I always do!
Sydney Lowe is anything but ready for change when her sister London takes her out for some fun & tough sisterly love. It has been years since her husband Jeremy has passed and she has spent years reeling from his aftermath and betrayal. It just so happens that London knows exactly how to perk Sydney up with a surprise gift, only this gift is dinner and a room at the Ritz with Hunter, an exclusive male escort and he is built like a Greek God.
But can Sydney let go of her fear enough to enjoy the night? It's only a night after all...
Hunter Stuart knows he can't get close to anyone and cannot commit to anyone other than Caro's mother, after all, she is why he became a Gigolo. Though from the moment he laid eyes on his green-eyed goddess he knew she just HAS to be his — No matter the cost. He's spent years honing his skills to suit his secret job and he is ready to give her the time of her life. Keeping a strict code of ethics has maintained safety for himself, his daughter, his mom, and for his future.
"I'm scared, but I'd rather have one real day with you than a lifetime of misguided security"
— Maxine Henri, Reckless Desire
Our wounded gal (Syd) has fallen on hard times and taken a Job as a full-time teacher to follow her passion and commit to some stability. She has a passion for shaping young minds and helping children who need learning assistance, changing the ways of the school system, and undoing the lasting trauma it can have on a child. Too ashamed to ask for help from her family she finds comfort in her hermit-like ways and lack of outward passion.
When Hunter transfers his daughter Caroline to a new school they're in for a treat!
“But we don’t have control, do we? You can’t plan for a disaster, a robbery, a disease. What you can do is live your life every day in the best way possible. As if it was your last one. Because regardless of how well you think you’re prepared, the only control you have is over your attitude. How do you respond to all the bad shit life throws your way. And choosing to exist instead of live is not an option in my book.”
— Maxine Henri, Reckless Desire
This book can be read as a standalone but it is part of an interlaced series (Reckless Billionaires Series) telling the many stories of the Cassinetti-Lowe family, this big family is full of big surprises, danger, love, and most of all they're all so VERY different.
--
El's Notes: I requested to read this book through an ARC reader program, As anyone who reads my blog & reviews knows. I like going into books "blind" so to speak, from time to time, with indie authors specifically. This being my first Maxine Henri book I had no idea of her writing style, story style, or really anything at all. I read this as if it is a solo novel, and I will keep an eye out for her work so that I can meet more of the Cassinetti-Lowe family! (Especially London?! SHE IS AN ICON!)
My Rating:
Plot: ★★★★☆
Spice: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
My notes for this book were that Maxine has a unique writing style, some sentences/areas did feel long-winded and so I found myself glossing quickly over onto the next paragraph or sometimes page. The plot flowed swiftly after the first half it became quite busy, the first half of the novel was a slow start (keep in mind this is a sloooooow burn romance (no for real). While not my normal preferred writing style I will be diving into the Maxine Henri world so keep an eye out for reviews as we go.
Books like this I quite enjoy after binging a full series, it's lighter than my usual reads.
This is NOT an enemy-to-lovers book however it is a forbidden romance and second-chance meet romance. Hunter is more of a dominant man however the spice is vanilla so keep that in mind, and the scenes were over quite quickly while a lot of others seemed a bit long.
At first, I was wondering where the story took place the book begins mid-conversation so there is not much build-up at first or establishing of settings (again this is only one book in the Reckless Billionaires Series), however, the mention of Tribeca, Brooklyn, and Central Park clicked instantly. I would recommend reading them in order however if you read this as a one you'll find your pace before you know it!
As for character growth and development, this is an awesome story for Hunter, Syd, and Caro! Sydney is put through hell and back and yet she finds her way, this was so very relatable for me and I loved reading Syd's POV.
All of the characters are perfectly imperfect which is my favourite.
I do wish Hunter would have had to grovel more though you can tell Maxine had a vision for Hunter but you can tell he blossomed into so much more and she followed the path HE took her, adaptive writing for creative minds makes me happy!
Knowing what I know now, would I still pick this book up and buy it? YES, I would count this as a warm fuzzy read as it ends on a light HEA!
A Special Note From El:
This book has not yet been released and is set to release on July 19, 2023!
I received this book for free as an ARC reader and I am leaving a completely unbiased, unpaid, and authentic review as I always do!
July 19, 2023
Amazon
Sydney's sister thinks she needs to let loose and have some fun, so she's hired her an escort for the night. Well, the night doesn't exactly go as planned, and both are left thinking they'll never see the other again. Until years later and guess who is Hunter's daughter's new teacher? You guessed it...
Hunter is willing to do absolutely anything for his sister and his niece. And by anything, I mean that literally, considering what his secret occupation is. But it's that secret that first leads him to Sydney, the woman who will come to be his everything, even if she's unwilling to admit it at first.
This is a great second chance romance. Hunter in particular, adds so much to this story. He's so loving, putting his whole life to the side for his family, and falling head over heels for a woman whose issues almost keep them apart permanently. I had a lot of problems myself with Sydney, as her damage really made for a lot of unnecessary drama and pain. But I was actually rooting them both on until the very end. Their chemistry is absolute fire from their first meeting, and kept me reading, along with Hunter's swoony personality and his adorable daughter.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
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July 19, 2023
"𝕀'𝕞 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕕, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀'𝕕 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕘𝕦𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪"
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 2.5🌶️
So our FMC Sydney Lowe, was gifted a night out by her sister after being stuck in a cycle since the passing of her husband and his betrayal. This is where she first met out MMC, Hunter Stuart who is a male escort trying to pay his sister's medical bills, and they had an awkward one night stand experience that left them with conflicting feelings. Fast forward 3 years later and these two meet again this time as teacher and parent when Hunter's sweet daughter, Caroline, started at the school Sydney teaches at.
Now for my criticism. One thing about me is that I get annoyed easily and for majority of the book Sydney did just that. She has the trust issues of an hairpin trigger, not to say it isn't warranted my thing is it's almost like she is stuck in a well with no desire to get out.
“𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕, 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚎? 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝚊 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎. 𝙰𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎. 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎. 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔.”
Hunter however is just swoon worthy. While he doesn't hide his past he doesn't flaunt it either and his dedication to his family is so admirable. He is the right balance of sweet with his possessive nature and honestly I love that. The way he try to to protect his daughter, mom and even Sydney from what the truth of his past would mean for them.
This is my first book by this author and I want to thank Maxine Henri and The Author's Agency for sending me this ARC.
Tropes:
» Single Dad
» Billionaire Romance
» Second Chance
» Forbidden Romance
» Parent X Teacher
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 2.5🌶️
So our FMC Sydney Lowe, was gifted a night out by her sister after being stuck in a cycle since the passing of her husband and his betrayal. This is where she first met out MMC, Hunter Stuart who is a male escort trying to pay his sister's medical bills, and they had an awkward one night stand experience that left them with conflicting feelings. Fast forward 3 years later and these two meet again this time as teacher and parent when Hunter's sweet daughter, Caroline, started at the school Sydney teaches at.
Now for my criticism. One thing about me is that I get annoyed easily and for majority of the book Sydney did just that. She has the trust issues of an hairpin trigger, not to say it isn't warranted my thing is it's almost like she is stuck in a well with no desire to get out.
“𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕, 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚎? 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝚊 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎. 𝙰𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎. 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎. 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔.”
Hunter however is just swoon worthy. While he doesn't hide his past he doesn't flaunt it either and his dedication to his family is so admirable. He is the right balance of sweet with his possessive nature and honestly I love that. The way he try to to protect his daughter, mom and even Sydney from what the truth of his past would mean for them.
This is my first book by this author and I want to thank Maxine Henri and The Author's Agency for sending me this ARC.
Tropes:
» Single Dad
» Billionaire Romance
» Second Chance
» Forbidden Romance
» Parent X Teacher
July 9, 2023
My first read by this author and I have to admit I’m hooked and definitely want more!
The characters in the story are flawed with significant obstacles to overcome, including somewhat disreputable pasts. Hunter was an elite male escort to earn money to pay his sister’s medical bills. Sydney’s sister gifted her with an evening with Hunter to get her out of the hermit phase he’d been in since her husband’s death and the discovery of the extent and of his betrayal. Their awkward one-night together left both of them unresolved feelings and three years later the emotions and heat between them reignites when they have an unexpected reunion on the first day of school as Hunter walks his daughter into Sydney’s classroom.
Sydney had trust issues with a hair trigger and she reacted or overreacted to almost an surprise or deviation in her world. While I grew to like Sydney, it was a bit of a struggle until her interactions with Caroline (Hunter’s daughter). My frustration with Sydney was she seemed to do little to dig herself out of her predicament.
I adored Hunter! His sweet and caring personality was the perfect compliment to his strong dominant and protective nature. He is swoon worthy and his dedication to his family was so touching. While he didn’t flaunt his past he also didn’t hide from the it or the discomfort it caused. He was more concerned with how it would impact Caroline, his mother and Sydney.
I loved the large Lowe-Cassinetti family and hope it will provide a number of delicious stories in the future. The siblings and their pseudo-step-siblings are a diverse and talented bunch.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
The characters in the story are flawed with significant obstacles to overcome, including somewhat disreputable pasts. Hunter was an elite male escort to earn money to pay his sister’s medical bills. Sydney’s sister gifted her with an evening with Hunter to get her out of the hermit phase he’d been in since her husband’s death and the discovery of the extent and of his betrayal. Their awkward one-night together left both of them unresolved feelings and three years later the emotions and heat between them reignites when they have an unexpected reunion on the first day of school as Hunter walks his daughter into Sydney’s classroom.
Sydney had trust issues with a hair trigger and she reacted or overreacted to almost an surprise or deviation in her world. While I grew to like Sydney, it was a bit of a struggle until her interactions with Caroline (Hunter’s daughter). My frustration with Sydney was she seemed to do little to dig herself out of her predicament.
I adored Hunter! His sweet and caring personality was the perfect compliment to his strong dominant and protective nature. He is swoon worthy and his dedication to his family was so touching. While he didn’t flaunt his past he also didn’t hide from the it or the discomfort it caused. He was more concerned with how it would impact Caroline, his mother and Sydney.
I loved the large Lowe-Cassinetti family and hope it will provide a number of delicious stories in the future. The siblings and their pseudo-step-siblings are a diverse and talented bunch.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
July 18, 2023
Betrayal, insecurities, heat and chemistry this story has it all!
My first book by this author but it won’t be my last, I loved the storyline, Hunter from male escort to billionaire and in the sadness of ways left to raise the delightful Caroline who I am sure you will fall in love with as I did, the instant attract between Sydney and Hunter seeped from the pages, but surrounded in doubt and insecurities was played out brilliantly from the start. There was a lovely little bit of suspense which you didn’t really know was happening until near the end which added another dimension, both Sydney and Hunter have a lot going on personnel that makes their HEA not an easy one, she a widow who is left reeling from the mess her husband left behind that has made her feel vunriable and second guessing ever decision and Hunter who holds down a couple of jobs because his family need the money, so when Sydney’s sister gives her a birthday present of an escort to help her out or so she thinks its leads to Hunter for the first time ever not being able to keep his feeling out of his night with Sydney even though they only talked until the early hours, a misunderstanding sees the couple not seeing each other for a couple of years and then fate steps in and Sydney is thrown back in time and comes Face to Face with the man she has never forgotten and an adorable little girl, but Hunter is now a billionaire and his focus is on Caroline and his business but the attraction is as strong as ever, Hunter now just has to prove to Sydney she can trust him - but the past never stays in the past for long can Sydney be strong enough to trust again and be the woman that both Hunter and Caroline need.
July 19, 2023
4.5 Stars for Reckless Desire
This is the first book I have read by Maxine Henri but it certainly won’t be the last because I loved Sydney (Syd) Lowe and Hunter Stuart’s entertaining journey. I was captivated from the moment I picked this book up and there was no putting down until the final word had been read.
Sydney’s sister decides it’s time for her to get over the betrayal and her husbands death, she needs to move on and a male escort named Hunter is ordered to try and put the spark back in Sydney’s life.
But Hunter is not the man he plays and he is only working as an escort pay his sisters medical bills. Durning the evening he does his best to make Sydney feel like a desirable woman again and even goes as far as leaving her his card but the timing wasn’t right and when he walked away he knew he would never hear from her again. Fast forward a few years and a Hunter finds himself coming face to face with the woman who haunts his dreams when he walks into his daughter Cato’s new classroom…he is surprised when he realise Syd is Caro’s new teacher.
What follows is an entertaining and at times emotional journey as Hunter and Syd reconnect. The road was always going to be bumpy but this couple are perfect together but can they handle the twists and turns they didn’t always see coming. One click now to find out what the future holds for this couple and Caro.
This book touched me on so many levels, I connected with Hunter and Syd, I adored the wonderful Caro who is dealing with her own issues and I loved how this author tackled everyday problems and learning difficulties with knowledge and compassion. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to read more by this very talented author.
This is the first book I have read by Maxine Henri but it certainly won’t be the last because I loved Sydney (Syd) Lowe and Hunter Stuart’s entertaining journey. I was captivated from the moment I picked this book up and there was no putting down until the final word had been read.
Sydney’s sister decides it’s time for her to get over the betrayal and her husbands death, she needs to move on and a male escort named Hunter is ordered to try and put the spark back in Sydney’s life.
But Hunter is not the man he plays and he is only working as an escort pay his sisters medical bills. Durning the evening he does his best to make Sydney feel like a desirable woman again and even goes as far as leaving her his card but the timing wasn’t right and when he walked away he knew he would never hear from her again. Fast forward a few years and a Hunter finds himself coming face to face with the woman who haunts his dreams when he walks into his daughter Cato’s new classroom…he is surprised when he realise Syd is Caro’s new teacher.
What follows is an entertaining and at times emotional journey as Hunter and Syd reconnect. The road was always going to be bumpy but this couple are perfect together but can they handle the twists and turns they didn’t always see coming. One click now to find out what the future holds for this couple and Caro.
This book touched me on so many levels, I connected with Hunter and Syd, I adored the wonderful Caro who is dealing with her own issues and I loved how this author tackled everyday problems and learning difficulties with knowledge and compassion. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to read more by this very talented author.
July 23, 2023
Lonely and riddled with mistrust, 33 y/o widow Sydney Lowe is having drinks with her free spirited sister London at the Ritz Carlton. They are discussing Sydney’s nonexistent love life and her disappointment with the Tinder app, when London reveals her birthday present for Sydney…a male escort. Despite working as a personal trainer, Hunter Stuart needs additional income for medical expenses and his commitment to 5 y/o Caroline, so he also works part-time as a gigolo. What started out as a one night awkward engagement, evolved into an enjoyable evening of two people sharing personal likes - no sex was involved. Three years later they meet under entirely different circumstances. Hunter is bringing Caro to a new school where he meets her new teacher, Sydney!! 😳
No spoiler alerts needed. Read how their relationship blossoms as Sydney discovers the solution to Caro’s reading difficulties, Hunter’s real relationship with Caro and Caro’s mom, how Hunter really became wealthy, and as Sydney shares the details of her husband’s betrayal. There are a few obstacles to their reaching an HEA: Sydney’s ex BF trying to sabotage her teaching position, Hunter’s business partner’s betrayal and a former “client” of Hunter revealing his previous temporary occupation in an attempt to taint his reality show personae. Henri gives us memorable main characters interesting ancillary characters and both Sydney and Hunter’s complex families to enhance our appreciation of the novel. Enjoy this well written slow burn romance. Looking forward to the next story about Sydney’s sister London. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
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No spoiler alerts needed. Read how their relationship blossoms as Sydney discovers the solution to Caro’s reading difficulties, Hunter’s real relationship with Caro and Caro’s mom, how Hunter really became wealthy, and as Sydney shares the details of her husband’s betrayal. There are a few obstacles to their reaching an HEA: Sydney’s ex BF trying to sabotage her teaching position, Hunter’s business partner’s betrayal and a former “client” of Hunter revealing his previous temporary occupation in an attempt to taint his reality show personae. Henri gives us memorable main characters interesting ancillary characters and both Sydney and Hunter’s complex families to enhance our appreciation of the novel. Enjoy this well written slow burn romance. Looking forward to the next story about Sydney’s sister London. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
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July 13, 2023
✨single dad
✨billionaire romance
✨second chance
✨forbidden love
My first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. One of those I couldn’t put down, I just had to know what was going to happen. Hunter was amazing and probably my favorite character.
Sydney has major trust issues and has been in a long lasting slump in her life since the betrayal and passing of her late husband. Her sister decides to take matter into her own hands and hire an escort. Enter Hunter. And a connection is formed.
However, with some miscommunication and wrong assumptions, their lives go in different directions. Follow with a time jump and surprise surprise, Sydney is Hunters daughter (Caroline it Caro as they call her) new teacher.
I felt Sydney was completely stuck in the past as far as her trust issues go. I get it, when the trust is broken it is hard to get over, but at this point, she freaks out at any slight instance of someone doing something for her without her knowledge, even if that something was a good thing. Hunter has his own flaws and has taken much additional responsibility throughout the years but he knows Sydney is what he wants and will do anything to make that happen.
My only downside to this book was the ending. I love epilogues and seeing where the characters are or going. It was going then bam that was the end. Like hitting a wall. Lol. I don’t know how to explain it, but it could have had more to it. Other than that, I loved the book; plot and characters!
July 16, 2023
reckless desire follows hunter a former escort turned billionaire single dad and sydney a widow and hunter's daughter's newest teacher. hunter and sydney had a chance meeting years ago when sydney's sister hired him to spend a night with sydney. after one unforgettable night, they go their separate ways until hunter's daughter starts in sydney's class. they are instantly drawn together again, with a little hesitation after their heartbreaking time apart. sydney doesn't want to catch feelings because of her own trust issues, but hunter is down bad from the start (we're talking MAJOR he falls first). nevertheless, feelings arise between the two of them and they have to learn what it means to be in a relationship.
let me tell y'all, i was OBSESSED from their first meeting!! you could see that from that first night together that they felt deeply for each other but were the poster couple for right person wrong time. this was my first book by maxine henri and she blew me away with this one and i definitely can't wait to read more in this series!! i loved sydney with my whole heart and thoroughly enjoyed her character development and learning to trust after the hurt in her past; she felt so real to me. hunter is a romance girly's dream a single dad, billionaire who is willing to do whatever it takes for the people he loves. and don't get me started on how dedicated this man is to making sure his girl is taken care of [in more ways than one ;)]
thank you to the author agency and the author for sending this arc my way <3
let me tell y'all, i was OBSESSED from their first meeting!! you could see that from that first night together that they felt deeply for each other but were the poster couple for right person wrong time. this was my first book by maxine henri and she blew me away with this one and i definitely can't wait to read more in this series!! i loved sydney with my whole heart and thoroughly enjoyed her character development and learning to trust after the hurt in her past; she felt so real to me. hunter is a romance girly's dream a single dad, billionaire who is willing to do whatever it takes for the people he loves. and don't get me started on how dedicated this man is to making sure his girl is taken care of [in more ways than one ;)]
thank you to the author agency and the author for sending this arc my way <3
July 21, 2023
Reckless Desire is part of the Reckless Billionaires series. This was a new-to-me author, and I am so glad I got the chance to read the book. The characters were likable, and I loved their first meet. Caro was adorable and was such a sunshiny character even after all the heartbreak she had been through.
After her dead husband’s betrayal, Sydney pulls away from everyone, so she won’t be hurt again. Her sister thinks it is time she gets back out there, and gives her a birthday present to remember, much to her dismay. Sydney felt a connection to Hunter but thought she would never see him again. A few years later, to her surprise his daughter is in her class.
Hunter had come to terms with his life choices. He gave up dating but after meeting Sydney, he wishes it could be different. She had left a mark on him and discovering she is his daughter’s teacher was a surprise. He is determined to keep her this time.
Sydney’s plans for her life had been ripped away with her husband’s betrayal and I loved watching her grow and finally let down her guard enough to allow Hunter to be a part of her life. Hunter was such a great guy and gave up so much for his family. I was happy to see him finally find happiness. I loved meeting some of the Cassinetti-Lowe family and hope to read more of their stories in the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After her dead husband’s betrayal, Sydney pulls away from everyone, so she won’t be hurt again. Her sister thinks it is time she gets back out there, and gives her a birthday present to remember, much to her dismay. Sydney felt a connection to Hunter but thought she would never see him again. A few years later, to her surprise his daughter is in her class.
Hunter had come to terms with his life choices. He gave up dating but after meeting Sydney, he wishes it could be different. She had left a mark on him and discovering she is his daughter’s teacher was a surprise. He is determined to keep her this time.
Sydney’s plans for her life had been ripped away with her husband’s betrayal and I loved watching her grow and finally let down her guard enough to allow Hunter to be a part of her life. Hunter was such a great guy and gave up so much for his family. I was happy to see him finally find happiness. I loved meeting some of the Cassinetti-Lowe family and hope to read more of their stories in the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2023
Sydney’s husband has passed away for a few years and she is still not over his betrayal. Then her sister takes her out for her a belated birthday and got her a birthday present… A dinner and a room at the Ritz with Hunter, a male escort. And even though she shouldn’t want to, she can’t help but throw caution to the wind and spend the night with him… The next day she finds out his not the man she thought he was and vows to not let her walls down again…
Hunter knows he can’t get involved with anyone. The only person he can commit to is Caroline…But the moment he met Sydney he is head over heels. But the next day they go their separate ways and even though he gave her his number, she never called…
Now its three years later. And Hunter is dropping off his daughter on her first day of a new school and who happens to be her teacher…
I enjoyed the story. I liked that Hunter was such a good guy. His relationship with his daughter is so adorable, and Caroline just made this book so cute. Sydney, I understood what she went through was tough and it shattered her trust in men. Meeting Hunter made a difference in her life, and I thought she was coming around, and then he did something nice for her and she totally lost it. But in the end Hunter and his little girl was meant more to her than holding onto her anger… Loved the story, loved the characters, first time author -😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Hunter knows he can’t get involved with anyone. The only person he can commit to is Caroline…But the moment he met Sydney he is head over heels. But the next day they go their separate ways and even though he gave her his number, she never called…
Now its three years later. And Hunter is dropping off his daughter on her first day of a new school and who happens to be her teacher…
I enjoyed the story. I liked that Hunter was such a good guy. His relationship with his daughter is so adorable, and Caroline just made this book so cute. Sydney, I understood what she went through was tough and it shattered her trust in men. Meeting Hunter made a difference in her life, and I thought she was coming around, and then he did something nice for her and she totally lost it. But in the end Hunter and his little girl was meant more to her than holding onto her anger… Loved the story, loved the characters, first time author -😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
July 23, 2023
“𝒀𝒆𝒔. 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
Oh my god. At this moment I don’t even have words to describe this story because it was just so good and beautifully written???
Let me just start with saying that I have loved Caroline from the start. This little girl made me smile and laugh more times then I can seriously count and she made my heart melt to many times. Her whole sassy personality was so much fun to read about and seriously her own little magazine??? This little girl is to adorable for her own good and she deserves the absolute world for everything she has been trough.
Hunter is just the most perfect (gentle)man a woman could ever wish for and everyone deserves a man like him in their lives. The way he handles Caroline as his own is just too precious for words and I will forever love the bond they have. He does so much for his girls Caroline and Sidney and my heart couldn’t even handle it all anymore because it was to perfect. My girl Sidney also deserves the absolute world. Even though she had so many insecurities she is such a strong girl who also deserves the world and I’m so so so proud of her. Hunter and Sid just fit each other perfectly like two missing pieces of a puzzle who finally found each other and their story will forever stay with me.
Without spoiling anything of this story I strongly recommend you all to read this story (and the bonus epilogue🤭) !!!!
Oh my god. At this moment I don’t even have words to describe this story because it was just so good and beautifully written???
Let me just start with saying that I have loved Caroline from the start. This little girl made me smile and laugh more times then I can seriously count and she made my heart melt to many times. Her whole sassy personality was so much fun to read about and seriously her own little magazine??? This little girl is to adorable for her own good and she deserves the absolute world for everything she has been trough.
Hunter is just the most perfect (gentle)man a woman could ever wish for and everyone deserves a man like him in their lives. The way he handles Caroline as his own is just too precious for words and I will forever love the bond they have. He does so much for his girls Caroline and Sidney and my heart couldn’t even handle it all anymore because it was to perfect. My girl Sidney also deserves the absolute world. Even though she had so many insecurities she is such a strong girl who also deserves the world and I’m so so so proud of her. Hunter and Sid just fit each other perfectly like two missing pieces of a puzzle who finally found each other and their story will forever stay with me.
Without spoiling anything of this story I strongly recommend you all to read this story (and the bonus epilogue🤭) !!!!
May 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. As someone who has experienced financial betrayal from a spouse, Sydney’s struggles with trust hit hard. That feeling of discovering you didn’t truly know the person you were married to- the shock, the hurt, the fear of being that vulnerable again- it all felt incredibly real. I completely understood why Sydney kept people at arm’s length and why she didn’t trust Hunter at first. He was a gigolo, after all. She assumed the way he made her feel seen was just part of the job. And he did it so well. She had no idea he was genuinely drawn to her too.
Their second meeting- when Sydney realizes Hunter’s daughter, Caro, is one of her students- was such a perfect setup. As a teacher, I loved how Sydney worked with Caro. Her kindness and determination to support students with different learning needs made me connect with her on an even deeper level.
The tension between Sydney and Hunter was delicious, and once they actually communicated, the way their relationship slowly unfolded felt so genuine. Hunter was refreshingly honest in the way he pursued her, making her feel seen, wanted, and cared for, without pressuring her. The way he always put Caro first, and eventually Sydney too, was beautiful.
This story is about more than romance. It’s about trust, healing, and showing up for the people you love. It’s about choosing to open your heart even when it’s terrifying. And, like every one of Maxine Henri's books, it was beautiful.
Their second meeting- when Sydney realizes Hunter’s daughter, Caro, is one of her students- was such a perfect setup. As a teacher, I loved how Sydney worked with Caro. Her kindness and determination to support students with different learning needs made me connect with her on an even deeper level.
The tension between Sydney and Hunter was delicious, and once they actually communicated, the way their relationship slowly unfolded felt so genuine. Hunter was refreshingly honest in the way he pursued her, making her feel seen, wanted, and cared for, without pressuring her. The way he always put Caro first, and eventually Sydney too, was beautiful.
This story is about more than romance. It’s about trust, healing, and showing up for the people you love. It’s about choosing to open your heart even when it’s terrifying. And, like every one of Maxine Henri's books, it was beautiful.
July 20, 2023
4.5 Stars
2.5/5 Spice
Sydney and Hunter had a complicated relationship. When they first met, she couldn’t get past the fact that he was paid to be there with her even though she was pretty sure he felt a strong connection just like she did. She is so used to guarding her heart because her late husband did some shady stuff, and it’s hard for her to trust people. She let her guard down a little with him that first night, and she felt such heartbreak the next day when she followed him and thought he had a wife. Fast forward three years, and now his daughter is in her class. She swears she isn’t going to fall for him because she thinks he’s a liar and cheated on his wife all those years ago. When she finds out he is not married and made assumptions all those years ago, she doesn’t know what to think. Her brain knows that he’s a great guy, but her heart can’t catch up. She thinks that being lonely is better than the heartbreak she’s positive she’ll endure with a new relationship.
Hunter is such a good guy. When he met Sydney, he was only doing the male escort thing to help pay his sister’s medical bills. He knew that he could make money fast and put aside the guilt he felt about what kind of job it was. When he met Syd, he never had a connection so strong with one of his “clients” or anyone for that matter. It made him kind of sad because he knew that no one would want to date a male escort, yet he knew his sister’s medical bills were more important at the time. When him and Syd met years later, he knew he had a chance to show her what a good guy he was and that she could trust him.
Once Syd finally opened her heart a little, it was so amazing. Hunter showed her and told her how beautiful she was and did the nicest things for her. Their chemistry was undeniable… yet there was still a lingering feeling on her side about how deep the relationship was, and it scared her. She mistook one of his huge gestures as him going behind her back because he was trying to surprise her, and she ran. Once she got out of her own head and realized that not everyone was like her ex-husband, she truly let Hunter in, and it was so cute!
2.5/5 Spice
Sydney and Hunter had a complicated relationship. When they first met, she couldn’t get past the fact that he was paid to be there with her even though she was pretty sure he felt a strong connection just like she did. She is so used to guarding her heart because her late husband did some shady stuff, and it’s hard for her to trust people. She let her guard down a little with him that first night, and she felt such heartbreak the next day when she followed him and thought he had a wife. Fast forward three years, and now his daughter is in her class. She swears she isn’t going to fall for him because she thinks he’s a liar and cheated on his wife all those years ago. When she finds out he is not married and made assumptions all those years ago, she doesn’t know what to think. Her brain knows that he’s a great guy, but her heart can’t catch up. She thinks that being lonely is better than the heartbreak she’s positive she’ll endure with a new relationship.
Hunter is such a good guy. When he met Sydney, he was only doing the male escort thing to help pay his sister’s medical bills. He knew that he could make money fast and put aside the guilt he felt about what kind of job it was. When he met Syd, he never had a connection so strong with one of his “clients” or anyone for that matter. It made him kind of sad because he knew that no one would want to date a male escort, yet he knew his sister’s medical bills were more important at the time. When him and Syd met years later, he knew he had a chance to show her what a good guy he was and that she could trust him.
Once Syd finally opened her heart a little, it was so amazing. Hunter showed her and told her how beautiful she was and did the nicest things for her. Their chemistry was undeniable… yet there was still a lingering feeling on her side about how deep the relationship was, and it scared her. She mistook one of his huge gestures as him going behind her back because he was trying to surprise her, and she ran. Once she got out of her own head and realized that not everyone was like her ex-husband, she truly let Hunter in, and it was so cute!
July 13, 2023
4 Star Review Reckless Desire by Maxine Henri
Maxine Henri is a new author to me, and I am surprised I have not come across this author before now. Sydney (Syd) Lowe and Hunter Stuart have history.
Their initial meeting was unusual, trying to get over her husband’s betrayal and death, Sydney’s sister London arranges for her to have a night with a male escort, a gigolo, who turns out to be Hunter who needs the money to pay his sisters’ medical bills. Fast forward and when he walks into his daughter Caroline (Caro)’s school to meet her teacher he is surprised to find the Syd, the woman he has thought about for years.
I enjoyed the storyline, the characters are human, with flaws (something that doesn’t also occur in romance books) that made them easier to relate to. I also really loved the secondary characters, particularly London. Can they come to terms with their unusual past and move forward together? Syd has trusts issues and Hunter will have to work hard to bring down the walls she has surrounded herself with.
I did have some trouble following at times, but I could still read without too much drama. The connection between Syd and Hunter was intense and it was heartwarming to watch the relationship Syd developed with Caro.
When time permits I will look at other books from Ms. Henri
Maxine Henri is a new author to me, and I am surprised I have not come across this author before now. Sydney (Syd) Lowe and Hunter Stuart have history.
Their initial meeting was unusual, trying to get over her husband’s betrayal and death, Sydney’s sister London arranges for her to have a night with a male escort, a gigolo, who turns out to be Hunter who needs the money to pay his sisters’ medical bills. Fast forward and when he walks into his daughter Caroline (Caro)’s school to meet her teacher he is surprised to find the Syd, the woman he has thought about for years.
I enjoyed the storyline, the characters are human, with flaws (something that doesn’t also occur in romance books) that made them easier to relate to. I also really loved the secondary characters, particularly London. Can they come to terms with their unusual past and move forward together? Syd has trusts issues and Hunter will have to work hard to bring down the walls she has surrounded herself with.
I did have some trouble following at times, but I could still read without too much drama. The connection between Syd and Hunter was intense and it was heartwarming to watch the relationship Syd developed with Caro.
When time permits I will look at other books from Ms. Henri
July 16, 2023
Sydney Lowe and Hunter Stuart meet when her sister hooks her up with a special night out on her birthday. Attraction is mutual and instant, but Sydney has rules for her life and she doesn't trust easily.
Hunter has his own challenges, with a sick relative and taking care of an active 5 year old. All of this is too overwhelming to think about starting something that may not be worth it in the long run.
Fast forward three years and their paths cross again. This time Hunter's life has changed for the better and he's more than willing to see where things could go.
However, Sydney is just clearing the fog from her life and settling for simple and practical, even if that's not her ideal way to live.
The attraction burns hot and turns Sydney's world upside down. Will she be able to learn to trust Hunter and overlook his former lifestyle? Will Hunter be able to convince Sydney to break down her barriers and enjoy the ride?
With Sydney's new job and former fling in the shadows and Hunter's past waiting to catch up with him by a vindictive client, you will keep reading to see how it goes.
I enjoyed this read. The heat between Sydney and Hunter was just right. Caro was hilarious and London was...impressive.
I only wish Ash and Gigi got a bigger payback at the end!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this title.
Hunter has his own challenges, with a sick relative and taking care of an active 5 year old. All of this is too overwhelming to think about starting something that may not be worth it in the long run.
Fast forward three years and their paths cross again. This time Hunter's life has changed for the better and he's more than willing to see where things could go.
However, Sydney is just clearing the fog from her life and settling for simple and practical, even if that's not her ideal way to live.
The attraction burns hot and turns Sydney's world upside down. Will she be able to learn to trust Hunter and overlook his former lifestyle? Will Hunter be able to convince Sydney to break down her barriers and enjoy the ride?
With Sydney's new job and former fling in the shadows and Hunter's past waiting to catch up with him by a vindictive client, you will keep reading to see how it goes.
I enjoyed this read. The heat between Sydney and Hunter was just right. Caro was hilarious and London was...impressive.
I only wish Ash and Gigi got a bigger payback at the end!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this title.
March 31, 2024
3⭐
3.5🌶️
Deducted 0.5⭐ because the middle dragged.
I struggled at 80% but it picked right back up w the 3rd act conflict and resolution.
FMC, Sydney, is a teacher working sub jobs, trying to get her life together after being widowed then finding out her husband had gambled away her trust fund and owed money to bad guys. She's dating another teacher.
MMC, Hunter Stuart, first meets FMC when her sister hires him as a escort as a bday present for her. They end up talking and connecting, but she runs from the hotel.
A couple of years later, she accepts a full time teaching position, her BF proposes- she turns him down, then she gets to her brand new job and her now ex BF is the principal.
And, MMCs daughter is in her class, so now they are reconnected. He now runs a successful fitness/gym/training company. He had a client leave him a bunch of money. The other work he'd been doing to pay his sister's hospital bills, she had cancer and has passed. His "daughter" is actually his niece.
They start dating. Her ex is pissed.
3rd act: his business partner double crosses him, mad that the mutual client left MMC the money. He also releases info about his old side gig. The ex BF principal tries to get the daughter thrown out of school. The MCs are on the outs because he paid off her loan shark / ex husband's debt and she found out before he could tell her.
HEA.
3.5🌶️
Deducted 0.5⭐ because the middle dragged.
I struggled at 80% but it picked right back up w the 3rd act conflict and resolution.
FMC, Sydney, is a teacher working sub jobs, trying to get her life together after being widowed then finding out her husband had gambled away her trust fund and owed money to bad guys. She's dating another teacher.
MMC, Hunter Stuart, first meets FMC when her sister hires him as a escort as a bday present for her. They end up talking and connecting, but she runs from the hotel.
A couple of years later, she accepts a full time teaching position, her BF proposes- she turns him down, then she gets to her brand new job and her now ex BF is the principal.
And, MMCs daughter is in her class, so now they are reconnected. He now runs a successful fitness/gym/training company. He had a client leave him a bunch of money. The other work he'd been doing to pay his sister's hospital bills, she had cancer and has passed. His "daughter" is actually his niece.
They start dating. Her ex is pissed.
3rd act: his business partner double crosses him, mad that the mutual client left MMC the money. He also releases info about his old side gig. The ex BF principal tries to get the daughter thrown out of school. The MCs are on the outs because he paid off her loan shark / ex husband's debt and she found out before he could tell her.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
This book is my first read by Maxine Henri and I am on the hunt for more!
Each character had me invested after the first couple of chapters. There were a few things that had me jumbled for a bit but as I continued on, my questions were answered. I felt for Sydney and I was happy to see her learn to trust again, especially after DD (Douche Dan, that's what I'm calling him) and Jeremy. Caro was the absolute cutest and it was nice to have her included as a main character in the major decisions and plot instead of just being the token child in the story. Hunter had my empathy from the beginning. It was satisfying to watch someone who sacrificed his entire life to help his family (and gain a daughter) in a time of crisis get rewarded (monetarily, to provide opportunities) for his outstanding character. The whole story reminds you never to judge a book by its cover. Someone doing something you may perceive as immoral may be the best kind of person once you get to know them.
I am so incredibly impatient to see what Maxine has in store for us with London's book.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the eARC and the opportunity to read a new-to-me author! I am voluntarily leaving a review of my honest thoughts and opinions.
Each character had me invested after the first couple of chapters. There were a few things that had me jumbled for a bit but as I continued on, my questions were answered. I felt for Sydney and I was happy to see her learn to trust again, especially after DD (Douche Dan, that's what I'm calling him) and Jeremy. Caro was the absolute cutest and it was nice to have her included as a main character in the major decisions and plot instead of just being the token child in the story. Hunter had my empathy from the beginning. It was satisfying to watch someone who sacrificed his entire life to help his family (and gain a daughter) in a time of crisis get rewarded (monetarily, to provide opportunities) for his outstanding character. The whole story reminds you never to judge a book by its cover. Someone doing something you may perceive as immoral may be the best kind of person once you get to know them.
I am so incredibly impatient to see what Maxine has in store for us with London's book.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the eARC and the opportunity to read a new-to-me author! I am voluntarily leaving a review of my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 19, 2023
🐚 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐚
4.5 ⭐
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: billionaire, single dad, one night stand, male escort, forbidden
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: death of a loved one
This book is so good that it captures your attention from the first chapters.
Both characters had a lot to go through to get where they are now, but also to get together.
Sydney has trust issues because of her ex-husband who left her in debt. She refuses Hunter that night, but what brings them together is Hunter's daughter. The conversations between Sydney and her, but also with Hunter were so sweet!!
Hunter worked as a male escort to earn money to pay his sister's medical bills. He met Sydney when her sister hired him to spend a night with her. He does this, but not in that sense. They spend the time talking all night which ends only with a kiss. Years later, he appears in Sydney's life when he moves his daughter to a new school, where he discovers that the girl he never forgot is his daughter's teacher.
Honestly, you can't help but fall in love with these characters, especially Hunter. He is so sweet and caring, all he wants is for his girl, his mother and Sydney to be safe.
Thank you Maxine Henri for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 ⭐
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: billionaire, single dad, one night stand, male escort, forbidden
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: death of a loved one
This book is so good that it captures your attention from the first chapters.
Both characters had a lot to go through to get where they are now, but also to get together.
Sydney has trust issues because of her ex-husband who left her in debt. She refuses Hunter that night, but what brings them together is Hunter's daughter. The conversations between Sydney and her, but also with Hunter were so sweet!!
Hunter worked as a male escort to earn money to pay his sister's medical bills. He met Sydney when her sister hired him to spend a night with her. He does this, but not in that sense. They spend the time talking all night which ends only with a kiss. Years later, he appears in Sydney's life when he moves his daughter to a new school, where he discovers that the girl he never forgot is his daughter's teacher.
Honestly, you can't help but fall in love with these characters, especially Hunter. He is so sweet and caring, all he wants is for his girl, his mother and Sydney to be safe.
Thank you Maxine Henri for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2023
📖📖ARC REVIEW📖📖
✨Billionaire
✨Single Dad
✨Male escort
✨One night stand
✨Daughters Teacher
✨Second Chance
Hunter is a male escort, Sydney’s sister hires him for one night to help her relax and let loose.
He has rules but one night with her and he is reconsidering them all.
3 Years later there paths cross again, when Hunters daughter starts and new school and Sydney is her teacher, he thinks this is there chance to see where a relationship between to them goes.
Sydney has a lot of insecurities to work through, and Hunter has a ways to go to help her break down those walls, but in the end will there love for each other out way those shadows from their pasts.
I’m not a fan of miscommunication in books but this one I could get behind because they were not dating. But when they finally did get everything out in the open you could tell they where meant to be.
Title: Reckless Desire
Author: Maxine Henri
Method: Ebook
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️
favourite Quote: “I’m scared, but I rather have one real day with you than a lifetime of misguided security”
Would I read again: Yes
#bookreview #arcreview #bookreviewer #arcreviewer #bookish #bookstagram #singledad #billionaire
Thank you @maxinehenriromance and @theauthor.agency for the eARC.
✨Billionaire
✨Single Dad
✨Male escort
✨One night stand
✨Daughters Teacher
✨Second Chance
Hunter is a male escort, Sydney’s sister hires him for one night to help her relax and let loose.
He has rules but one night with her and he is reconsidering them all.
3 Years later there paths cross again, when Hunters daughter starts and new school and Sydney is her teacher, he thinks this is there chance to see where a relationship between to them goes.
Sydney has a lot of insecurities to work through, and Hunter has a ways to go to help her break down those walls, but in the end will there love for each other out way those shadows from their pasts.
I’m not a fan of miscommunication in books but this one I could get behind because they were not dating. But when they finally did get everything out in the open you could tell they where meant to be.
Title: Reckless Desire
Author: Maxine Henri
Method: Ebook
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️
favourite Quote: “I’m scared, but I rather have one real day with you than a lifetime of misguided security”
Would I read again: Yes
#bookreview #arcreview #bookreviewer #arcreviewer #bookish #bookstagram #singledad #billionaire
Thank you @maxinehenriromance and @theauthor.agency for the eARC.
July 18, 2023
It was my first Maxine Henri novel and it won't be my last. From the first lines, she made me enter her world, and I couldn't stop reading it.
Whether it's the main characters or the secondary ones, I liked them all (except one, but he's normal). I must admit that I sometimes had a little trouble with Sydney, but she remains a very good character and very endearing. What annoyed me with her is what made her real.
Her relationship with Hunter is just wow. Despite her problems with trusting others, she does everything to make her relationship work with him. She's there for Caroline (Hunter's daughter). This little girl broke my heart several times, I just wanted to hug her. She is very lucky to have a father like Hunter who is there for her and ready to do anything for her.
I really liked the different interventions of Sydney's family, especially her two sisters.
This book has one of the tropes that I particularly like, that of the single father.
I can't wait to read the next volume, because it looks just as great as this one.
I got this book in exchange of my honest review.
Whether it's the main characters or the secondary ones, I liked them all (except one, but he's normal). I must admit that I sometimes had a little trouble with Sydney, but she remains a very good character and very endearing. What annoyed me with her is what made her real.
Her relationship with Hunter is just wow. Despite her problems with trusting others, she does everything to make her relationship work with him. She's there for Caroline (Hunter's daughter). This little girl broke my heart several times, I just wanted to hug her. She is very lucky to have a father like Hunter who is there for her and ready to do anything for her.
I really liked the different interventions of Sydney's family, especially her two sisters.
This book has one of the tropes that I particularly like, that of the single father.
I can't wait to read the next volume, because it looks just as great as this one.
I got this book in exchange of my honest review.
July 20, 2023
Oh Hunter and Sydney....
I enjoyed the rawness of these two characters. Both have been handed a hard deck of cards and how they process those dealings and try to pull themselves out of it is such a journey.
When they first meet, Sydney is a widow and Hunter is the male escort hired (by her sister) to entertain her for the night. They both are instantly attracted to each other but more importantly they find comfort and companionship in each other. Because deep down they are both lonely. Which makes them relatable characters.
Three years later and guess who's daughter is now in Sydney's classroom? Hunter's! The attraction never went away and the pull they have to each other reconnects. Not only do they fit together but their relationships pushes them to be better individuals. "You cast a spell over me three years ago, and all I want is to be a better man for you. To be worthy of you."
Sydney's first reaction is to push others away but Hunter reads her and it comes naturally him to care and push her boundaries to open up and express her emotions.
You will definitely be on a rollercoaster of emotions with these two but the end is worth it!
I enjoyed the rawness of these two characters. Both have been handed a hard deck of cards and how they process those dealings and try to pull themselves out of it is such a journey.
When they first meet, Sydney is a widow and Hunter is the male escort hired (by her sister) to entertain her for the night. They both are instantly attracted to each other but more importantly they find comfort and companionship in each other. Because deep down they are both lonely. Which makes them relatable characters.
Three years later and guess who's daughter is now in Sydney's classroom? Hunter's! The attraction never went away and the pull they have to each other reconnects. Not only do they fit together but their relationships pushes them to be better individuals. "You cast a spell over me three years ago, and all I want is to be a better man for you. To be worthy of you."
Sydney's first reaction is to push others away but Hunter reads her and it comes naturally him to care and push her boundaries to open up and express her emotions.
You will definitely be on a rollercoaster of emotions with these two but the end is worth it!
December 30, 2023
A good read!
This was a good read. The two met on a date with him being hired by her sister as a male escort. They had a wonderful time, spent the night together, fell for each other, but nothing happened. There were a few misunderstandings that kept them apart until three years later when they meet again at the school where she teaches.
I was definitely a fan of the male main character. I liked the female main character as well, but she seemed to constantly look for reasons to doubt his (Hunter) intentions even though he made his intentions clear. In the previous book, it seemed like she (Sydney) had a closer relationship with her brother the chef, but not in this book. Just a few things that felt a bit disconnected. For the most part I enjoyed the story. I loved the way the school staff had her back and how she went to bat for Hunter when the principal was trying to judge him by his past. I also loved the fact that she did not judge him by his past once she got to know him. There were a few things regarding Ash, his business partner, that could have used a bit more attention; however, I kinda expected Ash to act the way he did. I never liked him anyway.
This was a good read. The two met on a date with him being hired by her sister as a male escort. They had a wonderful time, spent the night together, fell for each other, but nothing happened. There were a few misunderstandings that kept them apart until three years later when they meet again at the school where she teaches.
I was definitely a fan of the male main character. I liked the female main character as well, but she seemed to constantly look for reasons to doubt his (Hunter) intentions even though he made his intentions clear. In the previous book, it seemed like she (Sydney) had a closer relationship with her brother the chef, but not in this book. Just a few things that felt a bit disconnected. For the most part I enjoyed the story. I loved the way the school staff had her back and how she went to bat for Hunter when the principal was trying to judge him by his past. I also loved the fact that she did not judge him by his past once she got to know him. There were a few things regarding Ash, his business partner, that could have used a bit more attention; however, I kinda expected Ash to act the way he did. I never liked him anyway.
July 12, 2023
3.75/5 stars!
This is the second book in the Reckless Billionaires series by Maxine Henri. This is a interconnected stand-alone and can be read on its own.
Sydney is needing to get out of her funk. The story starts with her going to dinner with her sister, and it ends up being a blind date. It turns out that her sister heard of her date, and he came "highly recommended." Hunter was a male escort, who was using his payments to help his sister. This one night together caused both to pine after each other for three years.
Three years later, they see each other again, as Sydney is Caroline's teacher. The romance was very slow burn, but it made sense. Both had to learn to trust each other.
This is my first read by this author, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed this story and the character growth, especially Sydney's. I adore Hunter, and his protectiveness over Caroline and Sydney.
Tropes: Forbidden, Second Chance, Billionaire Romance
thank you so much to The Author Agency and the Author for ARC of this story.
This is the second book in the Reckless Billionaires series by Maxine Henri. This is a interconnected stand-alone and can be read on its own.
Sydney is needing to get out of her funk. The story starts with her going to dinner with her sister, and it ends up being a blind date. It turns out that her sister heard of her date, and he came "highly recommended." Hunter was a male escort, who was using his payments to help his sister. This one night together caused both to pine after each other for three years.
Three years later, they see each other again, as Sydney is Caroline's teacher. The romance was very slow burn, but it made sense. Both had to learn to trust each other.
This is my first read by this author, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed this story and the character growth, especially Sydney's. I adore Hunter, and his protectiveness over Caroline and Sydney.
Tropes: Forbidden, Second Chance, Billionaire Romance
thank you so much to The Author Agency and the Author for ARC of this story.
July 19, 2023
Meet Sydney. A teacher with trust issues in need of de-funking. Her sister sets her up on a blind date that comes "highly recommended." That blind date is hunter. A male escort. Hunter is blindsided by Syd and breaks all his rules. They part ways and bump into each other 3 years later. At his daughters school... where Sydney is her new teacher.
I loved Hunter. He's a classic case of a good guy in the streets but a freak in the bed. His drive to do everything to provide for his family made him 10× hotter. I loved how he never hid his past and was only concerned when it affected Caroline.
Sydney has trust issues, and it pretty much affects her whole life. She lets it dictate her entire world to the point where she'll make mountains out of mole hills. She didn't start to grow on me until she put Dan in his place (fu dan), but watching (or reading?), Her overcome her issues and embrace her relationship with hunter was heartwarming.
Tropes:
Single dad
Billionaire
Forbidden romance
Miscommunication
I loved Hunter. He's a classic case of a good guy in the streets but a freak in the bed. His drive to do everything to provide for his family made him 10× hotter. I loved how he never hid his past and was only concerned when it affected Caroline.
Sydney has trust issues, and it pretty much affects her whole life. She lets it dictate her entire world to the point where she'll make mountains out of mole hills. She didn't start to grow on me until she put Dan in his place (fu dan), but watching (or reading?), Her overcome her issues and embrace her relationship with hunter was heartwarming.
Tropes:
Single dad
Billionaire
Forbidden romance
Miscommunication
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