Recklessly in Love

Alpine Ridge #2

by Melanie A. Smith

Sometimes you have to risk everything to find where you belong…

Joanie Morris thought she had it all figured out — a successful career as a lawyer, lavish vacations, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. But when she abruptly parts ways with her firm, Joanie finds herself wondering what comes next. Seeking a distraction in her best friend Mia's idyllic mountain town of Alpine Ridge, Joanie never expected to find herself drawn to the rugged charm of the local community center director.

Greg Tyler is content with his quiet life in Alpine Ridge, far from the chaos of the city. But when Joanie blows into town like a hurricane, he can't help but be captivated by her quick wit and fiery spirit. As they work together to navigate the challenges of incorporating the town, their connection deepens. But their journey isn’t without its challenges. Will the quirks of small-town life scare Joanie off her new path? Or will family drama and legal battles keep Greg from taking a leap of faith? Both will have to choose whether their love is worth fighting for in this dramatic tale of navigating life’s path and recklessly following your heart.

Genres: Contemporary, Adult, Christmas

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2024

About the author

Melanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.

Reviews

[Melanie A. Smith]

This steamy small-town forced proximity romance is now available in ebook, print, and audio! For buy links, book trailer, and more go to https://melanieasmithauthor.com/books...

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to hear that Joanie and Greg were getting a full story!

Joanie is largely independent (Note: when trying to type this, I accidentally misspelled "independent" bad enough autocorrect switched it to "indecent" and, yeah, Joanie can be shamelessly that way, too), and is not planning on settling down any time soon, or at all. Though after getting fired, she decides to spent the holidays is this cute little mountain town with her bestie where she meets an attractive mountain man. I really liked her ownership of her body and proclivities throughout the story; it's always refreshing when female characters are written that way. It was fun to follow along with Joanie as she figures out what she wants to do and who she wants to do it with, as well.
Greg is a good foil to Joanie. He offers a different take on things because he used to live in Seattle, but he has fully jumped on board to small town (more like an unincorporated township, really) life. He has his own super fun (not actually super or fun) family drama, and I liked how he incorporated Joanie with his solutions, rather than pushing her away.

The story starts off pretty quick, though it does slow down a little and I had to push through some bits, and I'm glad I did! It's a wonderful story with a mix of small town (unincorporated township) life and figuring out what you actually want to do with your life.

There are plenty of steamy scenes, some swearing, and talk of assault (not the main characters).

This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the stories in order for maximum enjoyment.
Note: This story was originally a novella and was expanded on to a full length story. The first 3rd-ish of it is the same, but after that it's all new wonderful story!!

[Lindsey Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alpine Ridge is my new small-town obsession. I absolutely loved Joanie and Greg’s story. The character growth of Joanie was perfect, and together, their story is full of hurdles they overcome, plenty of spicy moments, and those warm, fuzzy feelings.
Five stars, and I can’t wait for more from this world!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first novel by Melanie Smith and it was fun! I loved the comedy and sass that was Joanie. I loved that she was brave and zany in going after the man she wanted! Alpine Ridge may be cold and snowy but this novel was steamy! Joanie and Greg were great!

I loved that this was a hallmark feel novel only after dark! This was a great small town romance set in a mountain town. It captivated the holiday season and winter well!

I am so thankful for having had a chance to have been able to read an ARC of this thanks to NetGalley and the author!

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanie is a lawyer who lives in the big city, but when she realizes the company, she works for is more about the boy's club, she does what she has to. Now needing a break, she goes to Alphine Ridge to visit her friend.

Greg manages the community center in the town. but there is more to him. When Joanie shows up, he is drawn to her, but he knows she is not staying. Soon they find something that brings them closer together.

Work drama. Family drama. Relationship drama. This is a story that takes you on a whirlwind ride that leaves you breathless.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving her job as a lawyer behind Joanie decides to spend time in Alpine ridge her best friends idyllic mountain town. Although she'd prefer a sunny beach or private hit hideaway instead but she wants time with her friend Mia. Joanie is a go getter not stopping and loves lavish travel and being organised, so a mountain town is totally out of her comfort zone. Greg loves his quite mountain life by no means a recluse but he prefers to blend in the background and just live his peaceful life. When thrown together these opposites don't necessarily attract to begin with but sometimes forced proximity and letting yourself enjoy the simple life can sometimes be difficult and freeing at the same time. This is part of a series but I haven't read the first book but it doesn't hinder the story in any way.

[Alexsis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie is the greatest at writing a book that sucks me in; her writing is incredible and I can’t get enough of it. Every book I’ve read of hers has the ability to grab hold of me and I binge read them as fast as possible, they’re that good.

Recklessly in Love is no different! There is so much going on that you’re never bored or wondering when something is going to happen. In this one we have a romance, a predator, life changes, city changes, fun small town holiday activities, more romance and of course some smutty smut! I loved seeing Joanie and Greg again and their character growth both individually and together is so beautiful. It was fun to see Joanie take on the small town life! This was such a riveting book and I loved the ending with Mia and Nate! Definitely read this one! 💕

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew, talk about a feisty 🔥 steamy 📖

Joanie has absolutely an insatiable appetite when it comes to men and is not shy about going what she's after. Enter Greg, Joanie wastes no time going after what she wants - him. Greg has been burnt but he finds himself opening up to Joanie.

Putting aside how loud and descriptive their intimate relationship is, I believe this is about Joanie growing up, realising that there is more to life one night stands and Greg getting through his one-man pity party; in other words, Joanie and Greg are good for each other.

Please don't even try to read this is you are not comfortable reading descriptive sex scenes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KH_mama_08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start the steam of Smith's novel is coming off the pages. Although I worried the storyline might be more intense than I had planned, Smith balances the attraction and subsequent romantic development between Greg and Joanie excellently. Greg and Joanie's characters grow and mature throughout the novel and are quite likeable while maintaining their spicy natures! Steamy interludes are woven consistently and naturally throughout the novel as other plot lines progress. I really enjoyed both the underlying plot line and the romance aspects of Smith's work. I would definitely recommend it to others who like spicy romance with legitimate plotlines.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Gosh! This book had me laughing with the unapologetic sass that is Joanie… I loved that she knows what she wants and goes for it and doesn't give two hoots about what 'society deems appropriate'. Greg is such a sweetheart, with his patience and understanding, you can't help but swoon! There is mention of sexual assault (off page) so may affect some readers. But the main plot is a mix of opposites attract, loving someone faults and all, family drama, small town drama and a lot of steamy moments and heartfelt ones too, with a touching HEA.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie does it once again! Greg and Joanie take us on another journey in Alpine Ridge and they do not disappoint. Joanie finds herself back in this quaint mountain town after she blew up her career in only a way Joanie could…on her own terms. Never in a million years did she expect to change her city girl ways, find a problem she could fix, or fall in love. Reserved a little at first, Greg gave as much as Joanie in their lust to love progression, and he falls first! I loved that there was no real conflict between our main characters, just bumps that could be overcome. I just loved being in this setting once again and witnessing the characters evolve and I simply can’t wait for more in the series. Highly recommended read that I hope you enjoy.💋

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg and Joanie. Joanie is impulsive and loves taking risks. Because of this she got fired from her job. She is a lawyer but the firm is not for her. She calls her best friend Mia and tells her what happened. Mia suggests that she come to Alpine Ridge for a visit while she is between jobs. Joanie is reluctant about the visit because Alpine Ridge is a small town and she likes big busy cities. Should she go or not? She thinks she might as well. There may be some cute guys there. Well we know we’re her mind is at. Let’s see how she will do in a small town. It may be more challenging, you think? And she does meet Greg there. Think that might be challenging?

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written small town romance with strong characters in Joanie and Grey. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with an opposites attract with plenty of emotions and steam and kept me reading with the drama and humor. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Cecilia Stoute · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I need more. It was a roller coaster of emotion. Once imI started reading I couldn’t stop reading it! This book is the type of book that you say “one more chapter” and finish the entire book in a sitting. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanie is a lawyer and just quit her job in the city due to her treatment by the men in the company. She heads to Alpine Ridge to catch up with her friend Mia. Greg lives in the small town and owns the community centre. He comes from a very uptight family who are forever on his case. These two lost souls meet, and the sparks sure do fly. I have now found myself another author as I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie A. Smith's second novel in her Alpine Ridge series is an entertaining, steamy small town romance, Recklessly in Love. When lawyer Joanie's life shifts after the jet-setting lawyer abruptly quits her job, she heads to small-town Alpine Ridge to regroup. Greg is her opposite, the small town community director working to incorporate the town. But despite their differences, sparks fly as they work together towards a common goal. In spite of the chemistry, though, will small town life be too much for Joanie, and can Greg keep up with the feisty legal eagle? Entertaining, well-written, steamy romance and fabulou characters make this small town love story a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanie and Greg had an instant attraction and their romance was fast paced. I just couldn’t put this down and read it in one day.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Lejanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Which girl doesn't want a mountain man who worships you 😭🔥

First book I've read by the author. Must say am sad that I didn't discover her earlier! Melanie is able to write spicy, heartfelt fiction where I've been struggling to put the book down. I was blushing at some parts, as this was definitely the spiciest book I've ever read (I'm quite new to the genre). Loved the storyline of Joanie and Greg. Both very cocky/pompous individuals with a past that explains a lot. Will not spoil anything, but definitely worth the read!

Cannot wait to continue the stories around Alpine Ridge.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[D. Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read and hard to put down after starting it. read it today.

[Jessica Register · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was such a good read. Nothing better then a city girl and a mountain man and lots of fun time.

[Erin Knuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One kiss that is somehow both comfort and fear. Love and loss. Fight and surrender. But that’s Joanie and me. A contradiction that shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow does.”

Recklessly in Love is everything you want in small-town romance, plus HEAT that can melt alllllll the snow in Alpine Ridge! I love when a temporary fling becomes more; when characters can’t fight the rightness they find in each other. Home. This book has that feeling in spades, and is a fabulous follow-up to Tough Love. More grown-ups finding love, please! More adults making life changes and forging their own paths! Empowerment is a definite theme in this novel.

Read if you love:
-Small mountain towns
-Hallmark vibes, but hotter
-Snowy naughtiness & underwear races
-An unapologetic FMC who knows what she wants
-Swoony mountain man MMC
-Smart dialogue & real-world problems
-Feel great HEA

So eager to see what comes next in this series!

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Joanie and Greg. Joanie is a lawyer. Greg runs the community center. Joanie has recently lost her job and decides to go visit her best friend. She goes to Alphine Ridge where her best friend lives, she meets Greg. There is an instant attraction. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

[Louise - romance.movies.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

City girl meets her mountain man. This book has that much chemistry and physical activity it zapped the battery life out of my kindle to just keep up with Joanie and Greg.

I am not sure if I took a breath whilst reading this full-on story. There is so much to take in, but I just couldn’t put it down. I think a few times my jaw has hit the floor due to a couple of the triggers mentioned below.

Watch as Cyclone Joanie and mountain man Greg must steer their feelings, towards themselves, their family and, friends plus the actions of a town call Alpine Ridge

Even though this book is about Jo and Greg - Nate and Mia (Tough Love – Alpine Ridge) and Sera and Bryce (The Safeguarded Heart) are in this book as well. It is great having amazing friends like these guys.

This book will have some triggers for some readers – the author has provided the triggers as being – attempted drugging, mentions sexual assaults of woman and minors (off-page/non-graphic) and abusive parents (emotional/mental), explicit language and graphic sexual activity.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Greg and Joanie’s story. Joanie Morris thought she had it figured out — a successful career as a lawyer, lavish vacations, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. But when she abruptly parts ways with her firm, Joanie finds herself wondering what comes next. Seeking a distraction in her best friend Mia's idyllic mountain town of Alpine Ridge, Joanie never expected to find herself drawn to the rugged charm of the community center director. Greg Tyler is content with his quiet life in Alpine Ridge, far from the chaos of the city. But when Joanie blows into town like a hurricane, he can't help but be captivated. As they work together to navigate the challenges of incorporating the town, their connection deepens. But their journey isn’t without its challenges. Will the quirks of small-town life scare Joanie off her new path? Or will family drama and legal battles keep Greg from taking a leap of faith? Both will have to choose whether their love is worth fighting for in this dramatic tale of navigating life’s path and recklessly following your heart. It was an engaging read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[_bookswithhart_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanie is a lawyer in Seattle who loses her job due to a scandal. For a change and a little break, she goes to Alpine Ridge where her best friend Mia and her fiancé’ Nate live. She is a city girl who never could see herself living in a small town. That is until she meets Greg. Could he be the one who breaks down her walls?
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t think I have come across a Melanie A. Smith book I didn’t like. She knows how to write great characters and get you hooked.
I will say I am usually used to the MFC being more sunshine and rainbows, so it was nice to come across one that was more confident in herself and a hard hitter. Joanie is one tough cookie! Greg was a great character cause he new how to handle such a strong woman who we later learn is a bit scared of commitment and letting people in. I was glad there was just the right amount of drama without being too over the top yet not too mushy.
Her writing brings you in and you get lost in the story and don’t want to put it down till you finish! I highly recommend this book and series!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie was able to capture the small town, Hallmark feeling with ALL the spicy goodness! A town full of quirky characters, pastries, hot chocolate, and a town festival gives you all the feel good moments. And then, add in the sexy, independent, corporate lawyer, city girl and the HOT, smart, alpharoll, mountain man and the steam is off the charts.

This is an instalust/instalove. Their attraction was instantaneous and their banter as they tried to navigate their lust with their mutual friends, gave me some laugh out loud moments. Joanie & Greg came with their own separate baggage they were trying to work out. Issues of trust and commitment phobia kept their walls up. It was satisfying to watch as they learned to navigate who they wanted to be with also being part of a couple. The trust and compromise relationships take.

If you love open door, feel good stories, this one is for you. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun--and steamy--read!

Joanie and Greg's story is an opposites attract, small town holiday romance with a delicious side of forced proximity. I loved watching this "city girl" and "mountain man" go from two happy-to-be-single adults into a loving couple who work together to meet shared goals...with quite a few sexy interludes along the way, of course ;)

Recklessly in Love is the second book in her Alpine Ridge series, though it should read just fine as a standalone. I can't promise you won't want to go back and read Mia and Nate's story, though, or that you won't be counting the days until book 3 comes out (November 1!) #sorrynotsorry

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Joanie is reckless, Greg usually veers towards being safe. Despite their differences, they are attracted to each other and over time, they soon realise that they want a long-term relationship and not just a hookup.

There are various side plots including the winter festival preparation, Greg’s family drama and the incorporation of the town. While interesting, it also drags the pacing a bit in my personal opinion.

There were various misunderstandings as well throughout the book, which initially helped to push them closer, once it was resolved but it got a little tedious after a while.

Ps. I loved those double dates with Nate and Mia.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanie had a successful career in the city as a lawyer, living large and only no strings attached with men. When she is fired from her job due to an office indiscretion, she decides a trip to see her bestie in Alpine Ridge is just what she needs. She never expects to find herself interested in a mountain man, the community center director, Greg.

Greg very much likes living far away from the city but Joanie takes him by storm. Joanie with her go after what she wants, sets her sights on Greg. Is this her usual no strings, with her blowing out of town to her next path? Or can this be the start of something more?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I wasn’t a huge fan of Recklessly in Love. I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Joanie and Greg. I did love Alpine Ridge, and I wouldn’t mind visiting again, but I couldn’t get behind the love story. Joanie felt way too forward and promiscuous to me. Greg was fine, though. Joanie and Greg also felt very childish to me, even though they were supposed to be older. So much miscommunication and selfishness. And their entire relationship was almost entirely physical, with not much more substance. It was definitely steamy, though.

I received an ARC of Recklessly in Love from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.