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A Rockstar Romance of a different kind.


Chad McLoughlin is the lead guitarist for Reckless. He wants his best friend in his band as well as in his bed. Achieving this is no easy task, but he's determined to succeed.


Crystal Atkinson is ecstatic when the band welcomes her as more than just a groupie. It brings her closer to Chad, who doesn’t hide his feelings. She cannot see him as a potential boyfriend or lover, no matter what he says or does.


An unforeseen betrayal strikes both Chad and Crystal. They continue on alone until Paulie walks into their lives. He is exactly what Crystal and Reckless need. He takes the band and Crystal's heart for a ride none of them will ever forget.


Reckless, the band that started it all.


Warning: For those 18+. May not suitable for all readers. Prepare for a dose of reality.

Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

11 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Bella Jeanisse

48 books494 followers
Bella Jeanisse lives for rock music. Addicted to concerts, Avenged Sevenfold, fictional rockers, and blasting music in the car, she can’t get enough. After her father turned her on to Queen, there was no going back. Of course, it didn’t stop there. Playing guitar became a pastime, which didn’t turn into a career… until she started to pen her fantasies and publish them.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York City, she grew up with access to clubs like L’Amour and CBGBs, hung out in Greenwich Village, as well as had plenty of friends in bands. No wonder rockers stayed on her mind. Bringing her ideas to life was a long time coming.

She is now living near Tampa, FL with 3 kids and 2 grandkids, as a single mom. Her family supports her writing even when it seems to take up more time than they feel is necessary. Can’t stop the muse, ya know!

Besides erotic rock star romances, Bella also writes about wild bikers, hot college men and more.

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5 stars
33 (53%)
4 stars
14 (22%)
3 stars
9 (14%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa Wester.
Author 20 books168 followers
February 28, 2015
Bought this after talking to the author online...

A "vivid" description of Crystal's coming-of-age.

I enjoyed the story arc, but at times I wanted to shake Crystal really badly. I consider myself lucky to have never come across the jerks she did, but luckily the right one does come along eventually.

Her childhood friend, and neighbour, Chad is too over-possessiveness for me overall - I NEVER had a friend like that.

In fact, I have never heard guys talk like this... I lead a sheltered life, or us Brits are just way more conservative! Ha ha...

Nice one, Bella. If this is tame, I'm scared to read any others... BUT, I'm really glad I gave it a go and got out of my comfort zone in buying a book.

Definitely for 18+
Profile Image for Jamie Ellis.
1,131 reviews15 followers
April 13, 2017
Teen angst....

Loved this intro into these characters. Loving the storyline just a little ticked off with Crystal though. Don't get me wrong I love Paulie but she should really go for Chad. I mean I kind of understand her reasoning but dangit he loves her. Chad has her back through everything and I mean everything. Would also like to see their band really get their big break. Love the closeness of the two families, chemistry and over protectiveness shown for Crystal. Hate to say it but Crystal needs to grow up a little and grow some lady balls lo!. Well onto the next book in this series because I can't wait to see what unfolds.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Profile Image for Doris.
3,658 reviews139 followers
March 13, 2017
Who wouldn’t love to have a Chad in their life? This is a guy who was a guitar player in a band, he was sexy, he believed in Crystal, protected her, someone she could lean on in the worst of situations and he was also the guy who loved her. Crystal didn’t want to jeopardize the amazing friendship they have had all of these years so she wasn’t willing to take a chance on the feelings that she also had for Chad. Did her turn her on…hell, yes! Did he make her jealous when he was with other women? Yep. But none of this was worth the risk of losing her best friend.

Within this story we see Crystal join the band and all the ups and downs she and Chad have trying to keep their band and their friendship on track. There is plenty of sex, betrayals and secrets that make this a book that you won’t put down. I was so drawn in to these people I can’t wait to read what is next for everyone.

I received this book as an ARC for a freely given and honest review.
Profile Image for Anita.
212 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2014
So when this book first came out I wasn't going to read it. Knowing it was about before Chad and Crystal became part of Triple Threat I honestly didn't think I would like it. Bella, I apologize greatly for that oversight!!! It was only after reading Evolving Urges that I realized there was a major story for Crystal and Chad BEFORE Triple Threat and so I decided to read it.
WOW....that sums it up quite well about how I feel about this book. I am so very happy I read this because I now have a much needed insight into Crystal and why she is the way she is. Reading about her relationship with Paulie all the while dealing with her growing feelings for Chad.....it really set the stage for the beginning of Triple Threat. Bella has a knack for making her characters all loveable no matter what they end up doing or how they behave in the books. I have so much jumbled up in my head about how much I loved the book I can't get it all out! I honestly recommend this book for anyone who has read the Triple Threat series, or any of the others for that matter since they all interconnect. And for those of you who haven't read any of Bella's books yet, if you love erotica books, books about rock stars, and books with multiple partners....ANY of Bella's books are for you....but I would start with Reckless!
330 reviews
August 19, 2014
Thank you Bella for allowing me to be a Beta reader on this book. I absolutely loved learning how Triple Threat came about.

This is a wonderful back story to all the cast in Triple Treat, and I highly recommend this book. As usual Bella pulls you in with her amazing writing and hot sex scenes. Please keep them coming. Love your writing and I can always get lost in your books you have a true gift.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2014
Very nice background on the Characters and the making of a band. This book allows us to see how Crystal became part of Reckless and a past that helps explain what shaped these interesting characters. The background detail of the bands influence is wonderfully complete and for some will bring on fond memories of what we have experienced and loved.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
11 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2014
Another awesome book! Gives the beginning story of the band Triple Threat. This is a great prequel for Triple Threat and Raw. Gives background to Chad and Crystals friendship and their relationships with other people. I am always amazed at the complexity to Bella's books entwining all the stories together. Can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Maria Bernard.
Author 18 books63 followers
May 7, 2015
In order to really appreciate the relationships between the main characters, I believe that you need to read these books in order. I really enjoyed Reckless and getting to know the personalities of each of the band members. I may have to reread Tragic Soul before I read Triple Threat. I can't wait to see where this story goes. Thanks Bella.
Profile Image for Liz Cabrejos.
113 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2014
Bella takes us back in this book, how it all began. It was nice to get a little more background on how it all started. Still love chad & crystal, they have great chemistry together. Good addition to the series.
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
August 13, 2014
I received this book for an honest review. I'm a big fan of Bella's books and this was another great read for me. The character's were well written and the story easy to follow. I loved it thank you for letting me read.
Profile Image for Traci Lamothe.
212 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2017
Great book. Loved the fact that it gives you more of the background of the characters.
Profile Image for Cassie Hess-dean.
669 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2014
Good lead up to the story. Gives some back ground information about how the band came together.
Profile Image for Keri Anderson (Gilson).
275 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2014
Another great read written by Bella! We get a look back at Chad and Crystal in this book. I love being able to see where they came from and how the band came together. Add this to your TBR list!
Profile Image for J. Lynn.
Author 52 books279 followers
June 14, 2017
From a young teenager to a rock band, Bella Jeanisse kicks butt in this story.
Crystal wants nothing more then to be in the rock band Reckless with her best friend Chad. Read the struggles she goes through growing up from a naive 17 year old to a young adult being the only girl in the rock band. Fans don't take her seriously until she ripps on her guitar and can play like no one else. Read the struggles she must face growing up with heartache and heartbreak to love and music. I only gave this a 4 start because I really like Chad who is Crystals best friend and want more from him. Other then that Bella does a really good job portraying Crystal and her struggles.
Profile Image for Jackie.
170 reviews18 followers
July 17, 2014
I was received this book in exchange for an honest review.

1.5 frustrating stars.

Warning was found on both this book and the first novel in the series.

Fair Warning: This an explicit book, with sex acts in almost every other chapter. There are things some consider kinky. The language is harsh at times, and the sex is graphic. If that is not what you are looking for, this book is not for you.

This wasn’t true for this book, although I’ve heard there’s practically no plot in the first novel. So not sure why the warning is included in this book, I can count on one hand how many sex scenes were in the entire book.

I don’t understand how this prequel novel has received such high reviews, since the first novel has nearly all negative reviews. At the time of writing this there are only 10 reviews, all 4 and 5 stars. I’m the only 2 star.


I’ve never been so frustrated by a book in my entire life. Nor have I heard the “baby” thrown around so many times.

We are introduced to Crystal and Chad, best friends who are truly in love with each other, even though neither will admit it to the other. Well Chad frequently shows how much he loves Crystal, but Crystal shoots him down every time, she’s unwilling to act on her own feelings for the young man. Why, we are never really told, beyond the fact that they are best friends and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that.

Within the first few pages we see Chad willingly cheat on his girlfriend with Crystal. Although Chad…and I’m pretty sure Crystal don’t see what they are doing because it’s just kissing. CHAD SAID THIS! “It’s just kissing, so it’s ok.” With him grinding against Crystal.

I almost DNFed right there….Kissing is another girl that is not your girlfriend is CHEATING!! This hit me so hard, and I was so angry. He keeps asking Crystal to make out with him, and have sex with him because he wants to be her first.

She keeps denying him, and eventually meets some guy named Keith. Also a detestable douchebag who only wants Crystal because she is hot, and he wants to have sex with her. I hated Keith almost as much as Chad.

Chad at least tried to get Crystal to see how horrible of a person Keith was, but she wouldn’t listen. Keith repeatedly told her how much he wanted her, to the point that it was getting painful because they weren’t having sex. He was getting blue balls..which is completely false!

He pressured her into having sex in HOT TOPIC!! WITHOUT A CONDOM!! How were there no repercussions from that? I was expecting her to get pregnant, or contract and STD, but nope…nothing…

Throughout this whole time, every random guy hits on her, wants to hook up with here and worst of all calls her Baby. In fact every other word out of any male characters mouth was baby. “Baby are you ok”, “Baby I love you”, Even something as simple as “ok baby?” Dear god I wanted to punch my kindle! Why the excessive use of baby? Ugh, one of the most frustrating things in a book ever.

Crystal repeatedly told Keith she didn’t want to have sex with him, that it wasn’t the right time, and especially she didn’t want to have it in public. But he didn’t listen, he begged and pleaded and whined how bad it hurt if he didn’t get it. She kept saying no, but finally gave in to shut him up. BORDERLINE RAPE!! SHE SAID NO!! He should have backed off.

Finally something big and drama-y happens that forces the two to break up. You think she would admit how much she loves Chad at this point, and get together with him. Of course they kiss and grind and all that, which is pretty disgusting. But no, she stays single for a while before ogling the new band member. Paulie! Who was actually really cool, sweet, genuine and faithful!

In comes Chad, who’s been overprotective to the point of extremity. I know Crystal is his best friend and love, but she repeatedly told him to back off, and to trust her. Which he should have done. While I commend him for protecting her from some sleazy guys, he does take it too far and lets his temper fly more then once. Which was grating on my nerves.

Paulie was everything Crystal could ever need in a boyfriend. He knows how to treat her and love her. I wish they had gotten together sooner!

We’re left with a bit of a cliffhanger. Paulie and Crystal are together and happy, but it’s clear from the last sentence of the novel that their journey together is just beginning.

I’m debating on wether or not to read Tripple Threat, especially since there are so many negative reviews, and I really wasn’t found of this book. But I do want to know what happens to Paulie and Crystal! How Crystal went from being in a committed relationship to jumping from bandmate to bandmate in the next book.
Profile Image for Bella Jeanisse.
Author 48 books494 followers
February 8, 2016
I decided to rate my own books, just to tell you what I feel about them.

The only reason this book is a reality is because Chad wanted to explain how deep his friendship with Crystal went. Then Crystal started to talk louder than Chad. Throw in all the other people in their lives then who vied for my attention. What started as just a few scenes to give you come background, had become another Triple Threat novel. I decided to start the day Crystal joined a band because that is the point of this series, music.

If I didn't think this was worth 5 stars, I wouldn't expect my readers to enjoy it.
330 reviews
February 8, 2017
Chad and Crystal, what to say about these two. Chad is so in love with Crystal but she's worried that if they get together and they don't make it, it will ruin their friendship. Reckless is a kick ass book, I love seeing the details of being in a band. The relationship that Crystal and Paulie have is truly sweet. Cant wait to read more in this series!
Profile Image for Aundrea Mielke.
133 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2017
Young love, trials, and music. What more can a book have. Crystals life changes when she joins her best friends band. She struggles with coming of age. Has a horrific thing happen to her, but she pulls through and finally finding a decent guy to help her through. Paulie is a great guy, easy to fall in love with. Will be glad to read the rest of thier story.
1 review1 follower
April 6, 2017
Such a great story. The author has away of making you addicted to her stories. This is a great story aabout friendship , love, & finding yourself . I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Aundrea Mielke.
133 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2017
Young love, trials, and music. What more can a book have. Crystals life changes when she joins her best friends band. She struggles with coming of age. Has a horrific thing happen to her, but she pulls through and finally finding a decent guy to help her through. Paulie is a great guy, easy to fall in love with. Will be glad to read the rest of thier story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 11, 2017
Chad McLoughlin is the lead guitarist for Reckless, and he's in love with his best friend, Crystal. They have been close for a very long time, and she's afraid that if they get serious, she will lose him. Now he's decided that he wants her in his band, and will do anything to make it happen. Crystal Atkinson is over the moon when Reckless welcomes her as a member, and it only brings her closer to Chad, but she still won't cross that line. When a shocking betrayal strikes them both, they go on alone, until Paulie walks into their lives, and he's exactly what Crystal, and Reckless needs. Since I'm late to this off the charts insane party, I'm sure many pretty much know the path I'm on. First of all, I LOVED this story, and second, it nearly killed me! I'm an instant fan of Crystal and Chad together, and this push and pull has me cussing like a sailor. It doesn't make it any better that it's a long journey to see if my dream comes to fruition, so I'm just throwing this down now, Welcome Bella Jeanisse to the list of authors trying to KILL ME, and I'm going proactive, and just hash tagging her from the get go as an #EVILWHORE forevermore! Her talented writing style has my emotions all up in knots, and with the twisting and turning, the f-bombs are dropping loud and proud! I'm fully addicted already, so I know that I'm going to cuss like a sailor for 8 more books. In any case, obviously, I CANNOT WAIT to read more, so with that I'm going to HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Reckless to all, especially if you're a person who is always fashionably late to parties!
Profile Image for Janee.
2,718 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2017
No,No,No

I hate writing a bad review. This book drag for me. Crystal was annoyingly immature. She was either so sheltered or very naïve about sex that I was rolling my eyes at her. I wanted to give up on the book at the beginning, but thought maybe it would get better for me. But it didn't.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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