Reckless Hunger

Reckless Billionaires #5

by Maxine Henri

I want him to be my first everything. If only he wasn’t my professor.
Ivy
I’ve been the good girl for too long. I’m ready to lose control... to give him my v-card.
Andrea Cassinetti.
Infamous bad boy billionaire in the art world, known for his talent and vices.
He’s too old for me. Too arrogant. Too everything.
But nothing matters anymore because my professor has a new addiction. Me.

Andrea
I’m a man known for his vices.
Talent, sure, but mostly I’m the arrogant artist.
One who would set himself on fire to see what the fire looks like when it burns me to the bone.
I’ve seen it all. Done it all. The world has become painfully dull.
Until her.
She’s too young for me. Too sweet. Too pure.
It doesn’t matter, my obsession latches onto her like she’s my new fix.
I already know, right or wrong, forbidden or not... She's mine.
I’m going to burn and I’m taking her with me.
A part of the Reckless Billionaire series, Reckless Hunger is an age-gap, forbidden love standalone romance with a HEA.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Billionaire Romance, Dark Romance, Smut

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

About the author

Maxine 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.

Reviews

[Ashley Oestreich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Spice 3/5

Reckless Hunger was an ARC book I received and it’s my first Maxine Henri book. It isn’t a typical read for me so I’ve struggled with rating it properly.

This book was a good book and it had a good story line. A few keys would be that the lead was a virgin, age gap, professor/student so forbidden love and a lot of angst. Ivory is a student studying art with a complex home life and Andrea is a taking a break from being a very successful artist to teach. There is a lot more to those stories on their own and then there is the story of Ivory and Andrea. Maxine did a great job at creating a story that flowed and tied in but I felt like there was too much going on for one book. I personally like the backstory of characters to be a little less focused than the main story which in this book is the building romance. My biggest complaint would be the angst…there was A LOT and I just don’t prefer so much back and forth but to someone else they may love that in this story.

This is a good book but not my typical style. If you like angst and back and forth then this really would be a book you like!

Maxine’s writing, character development and story telling is absolutely wonderful. I don’t want my rating to take away from that.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I absolutely adored it.

We are introduced to Ivory who is in her early twenties and has always obeyed by her father’s wishes while taking care of her mother. She has finally had enough and gained the courage to follow her dreams, she’s taking a year off of her normal studies to go to Art School.


Andrea who is a bit older than the fmc is a tortured soul artist who doesn’t believe he is deserving of love, especially the love of the beautiful soul who literally came crashing down with him at his art show.

When he shows up to the first day at his new job as a professor, Ivory is the last person he expected to see as the model and his instincts to protect her kick in.

This age gap romance takes us on a wild ride, keeping us longing for Ivory and Andrea to end up together.


Is age just really just a number? Can true love concur all?


You’ll just have to read reckless hunger for yourself to find out!

[Sabrina Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ARC! I adored this book! Both main characters were so likable and their romance took my breath away 🥰

[Grace Farnsworth PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It gives ‘The Words’ vibes. The world building and character development are on point. And the MMC has a filthy mouth 🥵. I would get in my knees for him.


Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness 💀
Spice 🥵🥵🥵

[Sandra Lail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like such a broken main character

The male H is a drug and alcohol addicted person with so many issues it's hard to believe he is functioning at all. The female h is an immature person with no self esteem. It was really hard to read this. There is no depth to explore why they are obsessed and in love with each other. They continually have misunderstandings that are silly. There is a lot not explained.

[Marina Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF in CHAP1
To much of longing and needing in the first few pages she was already obsessed and wanting to dry hump the fam who was so high he knocked her over and won’t remember her tomorrow.. also very artsy..

[Remnah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This js the last time i am letting tiktok recommend me books. MC is supposed to be an adult with a successful career as an artist but throughout his thoughts and actions are worst than teenage baby. So much angst, so much blabbering. DNF at 30%.

[Ami Harrison-Orme · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 60%. I just couldn’t get into this story and didn’t connect with either main character.

[anna-lena · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at idk what percent. wtf is this? i expected so much but it was SO cringey and annoying and just bad overall

[Meg Owens · Rating 1 out of 5]

These characters were absolutely insufferable.

[Elizabeth Faye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly loved the plot but hard to get past the writing. The immaturity was annoying

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

TROPES:
~age gap
~professor/student
~surprise vcard (he thought she had slept with someone else)
~forbidden love

This was an interesting read. I adore the student/teacher and age gap tropes and this book was FULL of it! The tension and spice were incredible. I just wasn't a fan of the OM/OW drama and jealousy.

The scene where the hero steps behind the heroine and makes her look in the mirror while he tells her what he thought all the most beautiful things about her was... incredible.

SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama: yes to both, but they don't sleep with others
Cheating/sharing: none!
Triggers: hero is a recovering addict (alcohol & drugs)
HEA?: yes!

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxine has written a superb story that really broke my heart and healed it too.
Andrea is a Tortured soul. He is a talented artist but he feels like a fraud. He definitely has the imposter syndrome. So when he creates his masterpieces, he struggles to accept the praise game and recognition. This leads to him using and drinking to drown the thoughts in his head. Eventually he hits the lowest of lowest and goes to rehab.
So after rehab, he is advised to steer clear of creating art and do something normal. So he goes into teaching.
Ivy is just as tortured but due to a suffocating society expectations and she isn't the Heir her father wanted. She is trapped in a toxic relationship where she can't leave because of her mother. She has no confidence or identity because her father is manipulative and is constantly belittling her with so many shortfalls. The amazing thing is those still fights to keep going and smile. Her best friend is the best that gives her the warmth and love she needs.
Andrea and Ivy meet at his lowest time. But when soul mates find each other it's instant and you know.
We then meet them 2 months later. This is at the college and that crackling chemistry is still there and more intense. They are off Limits and forbidden.
The fight they both put up is futile.
I loved seeing each of them lowering their wall, even with fear looming and suffocating them. It was written so well, the mental health issues felt so real and relatable.
The strength and vulnerability between them was just as beautiful, because you could actually feel them connecting.
Their journey isn't an easy one. There is not just internal fight but the whole social sides of things are all against them.
Ivy dad is arranging a marriage for her.
Can these two overcome their own fears and claim each other?
Will it be too late for Andrea to realise his love for her?
The person he becomes in the end really made my heart sing. Also the Spicy scenes were super hot!!!
This was very emotional with sensitive topics so please check triggers.
I loved seeing the other characters and their love for Andrea.
Now Paris, what are you upto? Can't wait

Quotes I Liked:

“Make no mistake, little vixen, under different circumstances I would be taking care of you, and you would love every minute of it.”

“Looking at your art, I can almost hear you thinking. And those thoughts are dark. They are like mine.”

"You’re mine, Vivid. But I can’t have you. You’re too young, and I’m broken.”

"We’re two lost souls, drawn to each other to burn for eternity."

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW
Reckless Hunger by Maxine Henri

Get ready to embark on a journey of forbidden love, a broken family, addiction recovery and most importantly, a journey of self-love and inner strength.

This story begins with our innocent Ivory, who lives a very sheltered and privileged lifestyle, but resides in a considerably broken home. Ivory takes on the role of parent to her mother, who is a broken due to the hostile nature of her husband and his multitude of affairs with other women. We meet Ivory hurriedly making her way to an art gallery showing, where she is inexplicitly drawn to one particular painting. The artist’s painting belonging to our MMC Andrea Cassinetti (or Cassie as he is often referred to.)

“I stand there mesmerized, ignoring the bumps and shoves of people around me. They disappear into the avalanche of emotions that seep through me as I try to understand why I’m drawn to this particular painting.”

Our first encounter of Ivory and Andrea begins accidentally by his drunken fall onto Ivory, but in a mere instant our main characters are left breathless and an instant connection is sparked. However, Andrea’s gallery showing caused him to relapse into his addiction and he checks himself into rehab. It is there that he decides that painting is his addiction trigger and swears off painting for good.
Several months later, Ivory decides to take a gap year from her studies at Columbia University, in order to attend a nearby Arts College and pursue a different path. However, this is met with a stern disapproval from her father but he acquiesces. Because what Ivory doesn’t know is that her father has duplicitous plans for her and his machinations are already underway. While attending her new Arts College she begins working as a portrait model for a meager income, in order to establish some independence from her overbearing father. Fresh out of rehab, Andrea takes a teaching position and shows up as a new faculty member at Ivory’s college. He quickly recognizes that she is the same girl from his gallery exhibition and his inner caveman makes itself known, where under no certain terms will he let her continue posing as a model.

While Andrea is not her professor in any of her classes and despite their growing infatuation, stolen glances and fantasizing about one another, there is a very clear line of the inappropriate nature of student and faculty member relationship that cannot be crossed. Ivory sees the mask he is hiding from the world and her curiosity gets the better of her when she begins to pursue him to paint her. He repeatedly turns down her request until she explains that she sees him for who he is and what his art is saying.

As the book evolves, Ivory and Andrea succumb to their passions and begin an illicit affair. Andrea finally realizing that his addiction and triggers are under control begins painting again with Ivory as his muse. Ivory herself, finds inspiration from her own personal struggles and self-doubt and channels those feelings into sculpting.

Make no mistake, their path to an HEA is not an easy one and Ivory and Andrea both have their inner demons and insecurities to battle, but they do so with the help of friends and family. They each learn to find their inner strength and become a better version of themselves, in order to come together and have a healthy relationship.

Maxine wrote these characters beautifully and can inspire even the hardest of hearts. This book has it all and I can’t wait to read the next book released in this series.
“You think I’m in charge here, but all the power is in your hands. Your beauty is a source of light for me.”

Tropes:
•Virgin Heroine
•Two Wounded Souls
•Forbidden Lovers

*ARC courtesy of the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author and publisher for providing a copy.*

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty girl, pretty words, pretty pictures—but behind it all lies a lot of pain. Reckless Hunger is Andrea and Ivory's story. Two people who, to the world, seem to have everything, but behind closed doors, they feel shackled by their lives and the expectations bestowed upon them. Drawn to each other, they fight their attraction, but it's a fight for freedom, for the chance to break free and just be, and there's nowhere else they want to be but together.

This is an age-gap/professor-student romance, but so much more at the same time. We first met Andreas in Reckless Deal, where he came across as a complete ass at his art show. We are taken back to that art show in this book too, and it's in that instance that he meets Ivory for the first time. The spark is instantaneous, but they both fight it and then, when he starts a new job as a professor, he sees the girl he hasn't been able to get off his mind again as she's a student.

Andreas is a recovering addict, and his coping method is to self-destruct and self-sabotage. While he tries to avoid going back to his vices, his destructive behaviours see him pushing Ivory away with his short temper. I really enjoyed the way the author explored his demons and reasons for his behaviours, as well as the fact that he found solace and peace with Ivory. Ivory had her own demons. Living with two parents who didn't love each other and who constantly criticised her and saw her only as a way to benefit them caused her pain, but to see Andrea break through her barriers and show her that she is worthy and beautiful was *Chef's kiss*

"I snap my eyes back to the mirror and look at myself—really look. And for the first time in my life, I don't see the imperfections. I see me, and a smile stretches across my face."

This book was quite an angsty read. It did have some spice, but even without those moments, the passion and chemistry were palpable. Every moment that Andrea and Ivory spent together was electric, even when they weren't together as a couple. It was a beautiful journey between the two of them, and yes, there were plenty of bumps along the way, but I loved every moment of it, and the end destination was so worth it.

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Reckless Hunger is a steamy story about a clandestine affair between a college student and professor, and how his obsession throws them both for a loop.

Ivory is a college student, a little lost in her direction in life and kept on a tight leash by her parents. She applies for and attends art school, much to her father and mother's chagrins, where she runs into the man who literally knocked her off her feet a few weeks back.

Andrea has recently hit rock bottom. He's a famous artist but can't seem to find his artistic spark without drugs, alcohol or women. After a stint in rehab, he applies to become a professor at the Celestial Art Institute in Chelsea, hoping to nurture students' inspiration while his has seemed to dry up.

When Ivory and Andrea first met, sparks flew. The second time they run into each other, Andrea is now a professor at Ivory's school. Despite their undeniable chemistry, a relationship between the two of them would jeopardize not only Andrea's employment, but also Ivory's reputation. The two dance around each other until Andrea's obsession with Ivory resembles an addiction... one she's all too happy to feed into.

I really liked this book! I was a bit weary of an age-gap AND a professor/teacher trope, but it wound up being less taboo than I anticipated. Characters and their storylines were a bit repetitive and circuitous, but overall I liked the world build. Spice was spicin' but wasn't enough for a three pepper rating. I gasped at a few things which was surprising and entertaining.

I liked this standalone book and would recommend it as a read. I finished it really quick!

Tropes in this story:
✨ Age-gap (she's 21, he's 31)
✨ Professor/Student (although she isn't in his classes)
✨ Billionaire
✨ A bit of grumpy MMC/sunshine FMC

I received an advanced copy of this book via HiddenGemsBooks, but my review is all my own.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW

This book was such an amazing read, I loved the whole plot, and the characters were to die for. Age gap, Billionaire, forbidden love, and just the fact he is a professor at the college she is attending - instant read for me, and I'm so happy I got to ARC read this book. I completely devoured this book, and also, the cover is just utterly gorgeous, I love it so much!

The book follows Ivory, who has lived under her father's thumb for all of her life and finally convinces him to let her take a year at an art college with her friend. Only there she meets Andrea, the Billionaire artist who Ivory happened to fall on when she saw him at one of his last showings that he did. So you can only guess both of their surprises when they see one another. The whole scene where this happens is just hilarious. The way Andrea did not handle the situation at all made it so good!

They both have an instant attraction to one another and it soon comes clear to Andrea that Ivory is his muse he has needed all this time and is the one who can help him with all of the struggles that he has been facing. With the whole forbidden aspect, it made their secrets so much more enticing, and I loved seeing them together. And with the help from Ivory's best friend always there to push her towards what she wants just like losing her viginity - that scene as well is also amazing, I loved seeing the different sides to the characters.

Reckless Hunger is so spicy and just amazing, all I want is to see more of their future together as they were just made for one another and it made me so happy to see them striving in a healthy relationship. Obviously, there were some bumps in the road leading to this, but it was handled pretty well, I think, and I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 ❤️‍🔥

This is where I started my journey with the Reckless Billionaires series, and what a way to begin - this book excites me in all the ways, humour, spice, story, you name it this has it. I was reeled in by a $400 suit, and the rest is history (art history 🤭)

Don’t let the amazing humour shadow the fact it’s also hot AF, the sexǔal tension makes you desperate to read “fck it,”, but if I’m honest the story is what stole my heart, their struggles were so well written I had tears in my eyes feeling all of their hopes and pains.

Lets be real. We all wish for someone to speak of us the way Andrea sees Ivory (or at least I do because it’s heart melting) but alongside their healing from the painted shackles and the sculpted chains it’s like a match made in freedom.


—— ❗️𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ❗️——

_____________

🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Let Me Love You, Age Gap(21/31), Billionaire Perks, Two Wounded Souls, Forbidden, He Falls First, Troubled Artist

😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Firsts 🍒, Hand Necklaces, Dirty Talk 👌🏼, Spnking 👋🏼, Praise, TLC, Slow Tease, Stxual Tension 🔥

🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Marking it as mine.”
—> “I don’t share.”
—> “Watch your mouth.”
—> “My good girl.”
—> “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
—> “My beautiful girl.”
—> “Eyes on me.”

🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Student/Professor, Jealous Possessive

🌍 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲:
This book is part of a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone, however, it may include spoilers for previous books.

⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
• Toxic Father • Recovering Addict • (M) Suičide • and other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW before diving in, otherwise close your eyes and buckle in.

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Reckless Billionaires Series
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: interconnected family saga
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: billionaire romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Ivory “Ivy” Harrington & Andrea “Cassi” Cassinetti
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Vivid/Vixen
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👫

—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

Release date: January 10 (Available Now)
🔸Reckless Billionaires series (standalone)🔸

Purely based on my personal opinion:
4⭐️ 2.5🌶🌶️ ⚠️Check TW⚠️

Thank you to Maxine and theauthoragency for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release.


𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞.

This is my first book from this author and I'm happy to say that I did enjoy reading it. The book was written really well, the way Maxine would describe things within the book was unlike books I've read before, it's like an artist deeply describing a painting. Really I don't know how to explain it, I just enjoyed the writing style.

Ivory (FMC) is a college student in her early twenty's who's been kept on a tight leash by her parents all her life. Andrea (MMC) is a 31 year old famous artist who can't seem to find his artistic spark without heavy partying. The characters, are portrayed as multifaceted individuals with their own flaws and desires. This forbidden romance isn't all sunshine and rainbows, 'Reckless Hunger" dives into triggering topics and themes while Andrea and Ivory face serious challenges.

The only thing I'd say I didn't like about the book was the back and forth, on again off again situation between the two characters and the slight miscommunication but that's just a me thing. All in all, I read it pretty fast and this book was a good first read of the year.


WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
🎨Age gap
🎨Professor × student
🎨Billionaire romance
🎨Virgin heroine
🎨Forbidden romance
🎨He falls first
🎨Two wounded souls
🎨"Good Girl"
🎨Let me love you

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to be my favorite of this series I can already tell. I am a sucker for when both MC’s are damaged, and this book has that. This book is about Ivy and Andrea. Ivy is a tortured soul because she isn't the heir that her father wanted. Well screw her father tbh. I like Ivy. She was amazing. Ivy is trapped in a very toxic environment and can't leave because of her mother. She has no confidence or much of an Identity because of her manipulative father who belittles every chance he gets. Like I said, screw her father. I love her fight that she has to keep going even with everything going on in her life. I just wanted to hug the crap out of her and tell her it was all going to be okay. I loved her bestie. She really was there for Ivy giving her the love that she very well deserved. Then you have Andrea the sweet tortured soul of an artist who very well has imposter syndrome if you ask me. He struggles with praise and recognition which leads him down a dark path of destruction of drinking to drown his thoughts. My heart broke for him. Once he hits rock bottom he enters into rehab and that was the best decision for him. Once he's out he's advised to stay away from creating art and to do something else thus leading to him becoming a teacher. You see where I'm going with this right? Student/Professor yes please. Ivy and Andrea meet when Andrea is at his lowest time but 2 months later they meet again at the college where Andrea is teaching now. Can you say forbidden? It's futile to put up a fight when your soul mates spoiler alert it doesn't work LOL. I really enjoyed this book so much. I couldn't put it down once I started. The characters are so relatable and this story definitely pulls on your heart strings a lot. It deals with some sensitive topics so just be sure to check any TW’S before reading but I'm telling you this book is so amazing.

[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥 Age Gap
❤️‍🔥 Virgin heroine
❤️‍🔥 Billionaire
❤️‍🔥 Professor/Student forbidden love
❤️‍🔥 He falls first
❤️‍🔥 Two wounded souls
❤️‍🔥 Good girl
❤️‍🔥 Let me love you

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Reckless Hunger" by Maxine Henri delves into the provocative and forbidden territory of a student-teacher relationship, exploring the complex dynamics between Ivy, the eager but inexperienced student, and Andrea Cassinetti, the seasoned and enigmatic art professor. The story revolves around Ivy's yearning to break free from her good-girl image and embrace the thrilling unknown, with Andrea becoming the catalyst for her transformation.

The story showcases the tension between societal norms and personal desires, as Ivy grapples with her attraction to the older, more experienced Andrea. The juxtaposition of Ivy's innocence and Andrea's world-weary demeanor sets the stage for a passionate and tumultuous journey, where boundaries are tested, and consequences are inevitable.

The characters, Ivy and Andrea, are portrayed as multi-faceted individuals with their own flaws and desires. Andrea, with his reputation as an arrogant and vice-ridden artist, brings a sense of mystery and unpredictability to the narrative. Ivy, on the other hand, represents the longing for something more, a desire to break free from the constraints of societal expectations.

In conclusion, "Reckless Hunger" takes the readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring the complexities of desire, morality, and the consequences of forbidden love.

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to this author was quite a ride, as this book unfolded with a whirlwind of drama! Ivory, a 21-year-old from the upper class, had been following her parents' wishes for most of her life until she made the bold decision to leave college and pursue her passion for art. Enter Andrea, a 31-year-old tormented artist, who literally crashes into her life, setting off an unexpected spark.

Despite never exchanging words during their first encounter, fate brings them together again when Andrea turns out to be a professor in the same environment where Ivory models and studies. The two wrestle with their forbidden desires and mutual attraction, finding themselves in challenging situations time and again.

Andrea becomes fixated on Ivory, yet she becomes a stabilizing force in his life, steering him away from destructive habits like drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. In turn, Ivory serves as Andrea's muse, reigniting his passion for art. Their connection goes beyond the surface, with Andrea boosting Ivory's confidence and enhancing her artistic abilities.

This forbidden romance isn't all sunshine and rainbows. This book delves into dark topics and themes, and the couple faces serious challenges. However, the knowledge that the story concludes with a happily ever after makes enduring the darkness entirely worthwhile!

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

This book was a forbidden, steamy, gritty and daring romance!!

So when I read the tropes in this book I knew I needed to read it. It's been a hot minute since I've read a student/professor romance and Maxine Henri gave me everything I was hoping for.

Ivory is a young woman with very little experience in life. Mostly all her time has been spent trying to please her father while taking care of her mother. When she is giving the green light to take a year off to study art she jumps into this opportunity without knowing her life was going to change in a way she never thought possible.

Andrea is an artist who is trying to recover from addiction and has lost his inspiration and while trying to do something with his free time he accepts a position as an art professor. This is where once again he runs into the young woman who he first met in his last art show, a woman who he hasn't been able to forget.

Ivory and Andrea is a forbidden relationship in all aspects but their attraction is undeniable. With Andrea, Ivory learns to feel beautiful, he is extremely passionate and truly adores her but their relationship was not an easy one and there were many bumps along the way but what I loved about this story is how the main characters learn how to heal from their own demos to become what each others need.

-Professor/Student
-Age Gap
-Forbidden
-Artist/Muse
-Virgin FMC
-Angsty & Steamy

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea and Ivory should be the poster children for a forbidden student x teacher romance. And they were insanely hot. This book will make you drop your panties and demand your husband, or wife, and demand a student x teacher roleplay. While I am not a big fan of this trope, Maxine wrote this story beautifully. Andrea has a sad backstory being that he is a recovering addict trying to find the THAT thing to start painting again and he found it. In his Vixen. In his own ray of sunshine, Ivory. Ivory is so sweet, innocent but drawn to a darker side. A side that will let her run free and explore her talents. Because her parents always told her what she needed to do. Or how to act. And Andrea really did teach her how to stand up for herself and how to bring out her art. But boy did he learn her a couple of other things. The spicy scenes were so good that I was blushing. The sexual tension that these two had was insane. They both brought out the best in each other, yet they both needed to learn how to be strong on their own. Their character arc’s were superb and I definitely recommend this book!

📕 * I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.

[Rujuta Desai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read an ARC copy of Maxine Henri's "Reckless Hunger," and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! The story revolves around Ivory, a young art student, and Andrea Cassinetti, a bad-boy billionaire artist who also happens to be her professor. The forbidden love between them unfolds with a mix of angst, steamy scenes, and a lot of back-and-forth tension.

The characters are well-developed, especially Ivory's journey from a sheltered life to finding her true passion in art, and Andrea's battle with addiction, which adds depth to his character. The writing is elegant, and the pacing keeps you hooked. However, I felt there were a lot of themes packed into one book – virginity, age gap, professor-student dynamics, family issues, and addiction recovery. It got a bit overwhelming for me, but if you enjoy complex romances with lots of drama, this might be your thing.

"Reckless Hunger" explores the forbidden lovers trope with tastefully written steamy scenes. While it wasn't entirely my cup of tea, the passion and self-discovery themes are well-executed. Maxine Henri's storytelling shines through, making this a compelling read for those who enjoy a mix of intense romance and complex characters.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional story of a girl who has always done what she was supposed to. Listened to her father in every way. Her parents were horrible to her treated her like she was nothing. When she has a literal run in with Andrea the artist whose paintings speak to her. Andrea is a man with deep seated issues including addition. Both these characters have deep emotional scars that hold them back. When she finally starts doing things for her and going after her dreams, she has another run in with Andrea but know he is a professor at the college. The push and pull while these two try and stay away from each other is heart breaking as they both feel so strongly about each other. She becomes his muse while she wants to see herself through his eyes. These two see into each other's soul and complete each other. They calm each other's demons. They are struggles and twists as you read that just gives so much more depth to the story. The ending was perfection for these two I don't think it could have gone any other way they had to choose each other before giving themselves to another person.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, let's start with the biggie, this book is very spicy, hot hot hot!
However, I hear you say , why the four stars?
I found out male lead, Andrea, initially far too introspective for my liking. Yes, the tortured artist with addiction problems due to his negative self image and constant feelings that he is a fraud. But I just felt his musings went on too long but I do understand when you can't truly believe in yourself it is all consuming. However, once we got going, this book has a great storyline. I do not give spoilers so you will have to read it yourself to judge if I'm right or wrong.
There are plenty of twists in the tale, the characters in here are written so well. We get embroiled in our female leads' family, and a nasty piece of work her father is too.
I loved the energy between our lead characters and the sex, off the scale. I loved the way he built up her shattered self confidence and made her see that she was beautiful. This book was a joy to read and has left me with a smile on my face.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Andrea Cassinetti is the perfect depiction of a “tortured artist” & everything that comes along with that title. He’s gifted, he draws people in, and at the same time unsure, insecure & afraid.
Enter Ivory…aka Vivid/Vixen. From their initial meeting, the pair are drawn to each other, obsessed, and y uncertain of the intensity of their attraction.

I loved watching Andrea find his way to & through Ivory. And the way he encourages & speaks love in&to Ivory is everything.

Ivory is every bit as tortured with insecurity as Andrea, carrying a burden she’s unsure how to unshackle herself from. But it’s Andrea who helps her find her way, her voice, & her inspiration.

The overall feel of their love story reminded me of Reckless Dare in its depth & intensity. I was drawn to Andrea & Ivory much like I was to London & Dominic. Similar tortured, unsure spirits who are drawn to one another & to what potential they see/feel in and from one another.

AND now! We get to dive into Paris. And I can’t wait for what Henri has set up for us!

[Ada’s Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two tortured souls finally come together and complete one another. Maxine Henri brought that type of story to life with Reckless Hunger, and I ATE it up. I was unsure how I would feel while reading this story due to the big age gap, but my concerns went away with the quality of the story. The sexual tension was thick, and the spicy scenes were scrumptious.

I related to the FMC, Ivory, through some of her struggles and how she overcame them. She finally stood up for herself putting her foot down for what she deserved, and will not settle for anything less.

Andrea, the MMC, made me melt with how he cares for Ivory and puts her first. She is what gives light to his dark world and makes everything vivid. Andrea knows he must better himself to be what Ivory needs in her life and he is willing to do that for her because he needs her in his life. She is his anchor as he is hers. He shows her that ”love isn’t a sacrifice. It’s the simple joys to share with another person. When the two come in equally, it’s the most wonderful feeling in life. Fulfilling. Satisfying. Comforting and inspiring.”

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.85 Stars

Ivory lives in a privileged home, but even though she has everything she could want, her home life is not great. She is sweet and innocent. She meets Andrea at an art gallery showing, and their first encounter was definitely instant connection.

Andrea also doesn’t have the best of life right now. During one of his art shows he meets the sweet and innocent Ivory, but it's one of those right persons, wrong time situations. He is an addict and checks himself into rehab. Months later Andrea takes a teaching position at Ivory’s college and seeing her again definitely brings out the alpha in him. Especially when he sees her posing as a art model 😊

Thus begins the student and teacher affair. Both of these characters have their own insecurities and demons to fight. Dealing with addictions, is not an easy ride for Andrea and the people around him, but he finds his strength from friends and definitely from Ivory. Being with each other might just be what they both need to find some form of happiness 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner