Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Reckless Radiance

Rate this book
After a heartbreaking loss, Valerie Gilmore ran away to start over. Her days are filled with regret and her nights are spent with a man who only helps to numb the pain.

Everything changes when a mysterious stranger named Russell walks into her life. He’s sweet, but odd and Valerie is sure he’s hiding something. She finds herself unnerved every time his familiar blue eyes seem to look straight into her soul.

She’s desperate to know his secret—who he is, what he knows and why he’s protecting her at all costs.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2013

2 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Kate Roth

18 books302 followers
Published since 2012, Kate Roth is addicted to all things romance. Her passion for love stories, both traditional and unconventional, has led her to write in various sub-genres of romance including New Adult, Paranormal and Erotica. Kate is inspired by everything from music to the real-life romance tales she's heard through her years as a professional hair stylist.

One thing is certain, Kate Roth writes steamy connections, sassy dialogue, and strong heroines & heroes.

Kate spends her time away from the keyboard with her insta-love husband, Adam and their faithful pound puppy, Sampson.

Find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/authorkateroth

and follow me on Twitter @katerothwrites

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (42%)
4 stars
18 (38%)
3 stars
6 (12%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Joood Hooligan.
518 reviews34 followers
March 18, 2014
I've been looking forward to this book for months, and I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed. This story had a perfect flow of drama where I didn't feel like I was going to die because I couldn't breathe (I'm an emotional reader!), but it kept me on the edge of my seat.

I really liked how Valerie was written, and how she turned out with everything that was thrown at her. It made the story seem more realistic.

My one issue is that there were times in the story I felt the story was being told and not described. Although it didn't take me out of what I was reading, changing that would have easily made this story go up to 5 stars.

Highly recommend this book. Read it immediately!

4/5 platypires
Profile Image for Reaganstar.
69 reviews45 followers
October 22, 2013
I had never read any of Kate Roth's books before Reckless Radiance. I was happily surprised to find myself wrapped up in this book. Within the first few pages I was loving Valerie and how she just didn't allow her life to end when she was faced with a challenge. Having the support of friends/co-worker was also a nice change. Then Russell got introduce and you instantly fall for him and his mysterious side.

I love the slight amount of paranormal in this book and how it wasn't overpowering. Both characters grew through the story not only together but in there own lives as well. I am now a huge fan of Kate's work and will look forward to her continued releases.
Profile Image for Lisa.
Author 15 books172 followers
September 29, 2013
Another wonderful story by this talented author. The storyline pulled me in from the beginning and kept me gripped. It's emotional, warm and over all a very enjoyable read that I will be recommending to my friends.
Profile Image for Abi Estrella.
15 reviews
October 7, 2013
Read this book cover to cover in 3 hrs and I loved it. I cried about 3 times through the book. Great story for those that like a little fantasy romance.
Profile Image for B. Maddox.
Author 3 books13 followers
July 27, 2014
This was the first book I have read from this author and I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed. Reckless Radiance has a its on spin to a girl/ angel relationship. Valerie and Russell's unique situation hooked me from the beginning of the story and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Valerie, the lead female character, endured so much. She went from a scared girl to a grown woman throughout the story. Russell had his own issues that threatened keep him from finding love, but in the end there unconventional and unique relationship made them both stronger. This amazing book was filled with love, drama, suspense, friendship, and so much more that will take you on an emotional roller coaster, but won't overwhelm you.
I can definitely say I will be reading the next book from this talented author.
Profile Image for Reaganstar.
69 reviews45 followers
December 31, 2013
I had never read any of Kate Roth's books before Reckless Radiance. I was happily surprised to find myself wrapped up in this book. Within the first few pages I was loving Valerie and how she just didn't allow her life to end when she was faced with a challenge. Having the support of friends/co-worker was also a nice change. Then Russell got introduce and you instantly fall for him and his mysterious side.

I love the slight amount of paranormal in this book and how it wasn't overpowering. Both characters grew through the story not only together but in there own lives as well. I am now a huge fan of Kate's work and will look forward to her continued releases.
Profile Image for Peach.
790 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2015
This was an interesting read with a paranormal undercurrent feel to it. After the death of her first love, Valerie was existing and was a shell of her former self. Out of the blue, she was asked on a date by a handsome stranger while waitressing. During this time, she was also trying to get out of an abusive relationship. The stranger, Russell, oozed of mystery, but she was drawn to his sweetness and protectiveness nevertheless. With each page, we uncovered who this stranger was and also about Valerie’s past. The scenes where she nursed her first love unconditionally were so moving and demonstrated how admirable she was.
Profile Image for Adrianne James.
Author 12 books149 followers
April 12, 2014
I have read other books by Kate Roth and loved them. She has a way with words and relationships that just floats off the page and into your heart. Reckless Radiance is no different. Except it is.

Being her first paranormal romance, I have to applaud her for the creativity and yet still believable (as much as possible with paranormal) story line. I found myself unable to put the book down and wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I hope Mrs. Roth writes more paranormal novels. She certainly has the talent for it.
Profile Image for Josh Zimmerman.
23 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2013
Kate Roth set the bar high with her debut novel, but I feel she really stepped up to the plate with Reckless Radiance. Roth paints the scenes so well throughout the book, making something with which I'm otherwise unfamiliar suddenly come to life and make perfect sense. I found my eyes struggling not to jump to an opposite page when the suspense was high. The whole book -cover, title, story and characters- flows naturally and beautifully. I cannot wait for further releases from Kate.
Profile Image for Shawna.
198 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2015
Supernatural is not my normal reading material and I was VERY skeptical about how it was going to go and if I would enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprise. The story kept me on my toes and I honestly never knew for sure where it was going. I am glad I took the leap out of my comfort zone to give it a try. Great read, give it a try!
6 reviews
May 27, 2014
***Spoiler Alert***
The reason I gave it 4 stars is because it kept me interested and reading, I read it in just two days. At first I thought it was going to be same as the movie "City of Angels", but it had it's own story and spin on it. I cried like a baby but truly did enjoy the book!
3 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2014
An especially pleasant fantasy. Well defined characters that make the reader care about hope for a happy ending.

Valerie's questioning of her faith and belief in God and her valid questions made her return to faith and belief heartwarmingly poignant.
Profile Image for Roz Ward.
661 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2014
This was a nice easy read with a rather different storyline to what I'm used to. I liked the characters and the way the story didn't drag on by telling every little unnecessary snippet of information. A good light hearted story :-)
Profile Image for Katie SBR Media- Senior Literary Agent.
335 reviews26 followers
September 17, 2018
Loved this book! I went in blind knowing that I’ve loved everything else Kate has wrote and I was not disappointed.

Paranormal romance is not my typical book choice but this one will always be my favorite!
Profile Image for Robin1831.
174 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. A very nice read. Nice change of pace for me.
5 reviews2 followers
Read
February 21, 2014
A very beautiful story. I could feel the deep love and determination Russell has for Valerie. Kate never leaves me disappointed!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
257 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2017
I'm rating this book mostly just on the love story. I read it because the reviews all mentioned just a touch of paranormal but really the whole thing is one big unrealistic plot. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that if that's what you like. I tend to avoid anything with characters that are even remotely unhuman because I am a realist and don't really enjoy reading about things I can't believe would ever happen. Having said that, aside from the very "paranormal" aspect of this it was actually very well written and thought out so I did like it even though I can't believe it.
Profile Image for Sara Mack.
Author 7 books197 followers
September 23, 2015
Sometimes I think a book finds you at just the right time. With a recent death in the family, a book about an fit the bill. However, I didn't realize it was about an until a few chapters in. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised.

I loved Reckless Radiance. Valerie, the heroine, has been through some tough times. She lost her first and only love, Gabriel, to tragic circumstances. The way the author reveals her past throughout the story makes the reader not only fall for Valerie, but Gabriel, too. And then there's Russell.

Oh good Lord, Russell! **swoon** The mysterious hero who saves the day - in his own way. RR is told from dual points of view, so we get to hear from Russell as well as Valerie. When he reveals his connection to her, I think I lost my heart. There is a true, Titanic-size, love story here. Throw in a little paranormal twist and, for me, you've got a five-star read. I flew through Reckless Radiance and was so very pleased with the ending. Things could've gotten ugly, but, thanks to Ms. Roth, they didn't.

I highly recommend Reckless Radiance. If you're looking for something outside your typical genre, or just looking to get lost in a good love story (complete with tears), this book is for you.

133 reviews12 followers
May 4, 2014
This was a very cute book but some parts felt really rushed to me. (Not the relationship itself.) It's my first Kate Roth book but won't be my last!
Profile Image for Tammi.
2,175 reviews30 followers
January 17, 2016
This is the first I have read by this author. Such a beautiful story with a bit of paranormal. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be looking for more of her books!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.