RECKLESS: An Option Zero Novel

by Christy Reece

Family is everything to OZ operative Jazz McAlister, who once lost everyone and everything she loved. The mysterious disappearance of her brother years ago left a deep ache in her heart that she’s never forgotten. When circumstances bring him abruptly back into her life, Jazz will do anything to find out the truth of where he’s been and what happened to him. Revealing her plans to Xavier Quinn, her OZ partner and best friend, is out of the question. He would never understand. This is something she must do on her own.

Xavier has been in covert ops a long time, but he’s never had a partner like Jazz. She’s smart, brave, and fiercely loyal, and with one look, she can melt his heart of stone. Together, they make a formidable partnership, and it’s one he treasures, which is why he’s stunned when she goes out on her own without any explanation.

Jazz thought she had a plan, but how could she forget that life can turn on a dime? When her life is upended once again, Xavier and her OZ teammates are the only ones she trusts to help her. If only her recklessness hadn’t put her in the crosshairs of a sadistic predator bent on stealing her life.

As the Option Zero team rush to save Jazz, forces no one could ever have predicted will do everything within their power to see that Jazz and her team are destroyed forever.

But love is stronger than hate, and family is often more of the heart than blood, proving once again that evil cannot win.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

390 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2024

About the author

Award winning and NYT Bestselling Author Christy Reece lives in Alabama with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Jazz and Xavier’s book since the start of the series and I wasn’t disappointed. This is a book full of twists and turns, heartbreak and happiness. As usual, Christy Reece weaves a wonderful tapestry of a story that keeps you guessing all the way until the end. I highly recommend that you read this series in order to get the full benefit.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is just the best!! I adored Xavier and Jazz’s story, and I can’t wait for Serena & Sean’s story, I am so intrigued by this.

In Reckless we get closer to identifying the players within Wren Project, it’s an ongoing storyline but the author does enough background to keep up, this is friends to lovers as Jazz & Xavier have been work partners for years but both afraid to act on their feelings, plenty of twists, turns, action, suspense, intrigue & romance.

For people who have read this series, I’m intrigued by what else Kate knows or is holding back?, who does Brody work for?, will Sean have any answers? Where has he been?….oh and if by any chance the author reads this…I NEED a Brody HEA 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

This author is a must read for romantic suspense fans

[Lynne Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic addition to the Option Zero series. The twists and turns were totally unexpected and I can’t wait to see what’s next.Xavier and Jazz are an incredible pair and Jazz’s backstory is unexpected and intriguing. Sometimes its is difficult to tell friend from foe and there are secrets being kept at every turn. Each story comes closer to revealing who is behind all the plots and maneuvering like a game of chess. I cannot wait to find out why Sean left and where he is. If you love romantic suspense with all the twists and turns and heart this is a must read.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Christy Reece fan for years and this is another great book by her. She builds fantastic worlds with characters with flaws and redeeming qualities that make up for the flaws. :) Her ability to create love stories that will keep you up late reading is amazing!
Jazz and Xavier’s story has been building over the last few books and I so enjoyed the story. Thank you, Christy!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Reckless! Jazz and Xavier were made for each other. They e been partners for a while, both too scared to admit their feelings for each other, scared to lose the relationship that they already had. Once they admit their feelings, more turmoil comes along and tests the new love they’ve found. The two must learn who is threatening Jazz’s life and take them out. The result is spectacular and the two finally get a taste of happiness that they deserve. I can’t wait for the next book to see how all of it plays out!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

That right there! The ending and what took place was perfect for Jasmine and Xavier.
No spoilers … just grab the book/series and enjoy. The majority of everything fell in to place and summed up however we get a small glimpse into where it is headed in the next book. Well done! I do have a few questions but I’m sure CR will keep tying up the loose ends as the stories continue.
Next up is “Fearless” and will be Serena and Sean’s story. So ready!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jazz and her brother grew up on their own when they lost their family. Jazz’s brother raised her, took care of her and kept her safe as they lived on their own with their nasty father after their mother died. Jazz depended on her brother for everything.

However, one day, Jazz’s brother went out to get food and other necessities, and he never returned. Jazz was scared to death, until she finally went out on her own and eventually became an Option Zero operative (OZ).

Oz took Jazz in and trained her to become part of their organization. Xavier Quinn has been her partner for years and he, has become her pseudo brother. He has taken over her care and safety treats her like sister. However, Jazz has never forgotten her brother, and is constantly searching for him. She is afraid that he had been captured when he left and is no longer alive.

After an unusual situation happens, Jazz realizes that she recognizes some of the people involved. She decides that she must recklessly leave her OZ family, and discover what is going on between OZ, and the murder that seems to have touched a very strong nerve about her past.

Jazz and Xavier are courageous, smart, independent, and very loyal to their friends. Jazz spends her life, doing everything she can to find her brother. On the other hand, Xavier blames Jazz’s brother for leaving her one her own when she was a very young girl.

This story is filled with non-stop action, lots of love and loyalty between Jazz, Xavier and the OZ group, who are a fantastic loving family, work together to keep each other alive and safely living on their own. Xavier, who loves Jazz, gets everyone in the OZ organization to find Jazz and make sure she is alive and living safely on her own.

I have been a Christy Reece fan for years, and she never disappoints! Her books always have complex plots with independent, courageous, in-depth characters. This is another fantastic hit!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars
Jazz and Xavier have been partners for years but have kept their feelings for each other to themselves. Just when they decide to begin a romantic relationship, Jazz is kidnapped. It is clear that she is the target and not a random abduction, but what isn't clear is why they want her. Also, Jazz has just seen her long lost brother for the first time in years, but he appears to be a paid assassin, so she can't bring herself to tell her friends at Oz about him, fearing an ugly confrontation.

Reckless begins by setting up several interesting mysteries and a long awaited romance between Jazz and Xavier. Unfortunately, there are just too many things going on in this book for any of them to become fully realized. While some of the storylines are tied up by the end, others are left open until the next book in the series. Also, many of the narrative elements have unsatisfying or underdeveloped endings. Overall, Reckless showed promise, but uneven pacing and ineffective execution made it seem as though this novel could have been so much more.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest installment of the Option Zero series, Christy Reece delivers a powerful story of romance and overcoming. One of the best things about the elements of these stories is that not only does everything come together with a winning love story, but also the journey takes us on a thrill ride on the way. The author has an amazing ability to draw readers in, not only to the developing romance, but also sucking us in to the drama surrounding not only our hero and heroine, but the Option Zero group as well.

Reckless delivers us the story of Jazz and Xavier, two characters who are not only perfect for each other, but also necessary for piecing together the wider storyline - the mysteries that connect all of the Option Zero books. The heart of the matter, so to speak, is putting together just who the bad guys are and what danger lays ahead of our amazing group. I thoroughly enjoy trying to figure it all out myself as our characters build on the answers.

I love the balance this author works between the individual love story brewing and the broader suspense that is going all around couple. Reece has always had a special way of putting the puzzle together while also keeping the reader guessing and hooked in.

I cannot wait to see what secrets are spilled in the next book of the series and what justice is able to be brought as well.

[Superbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the wait!

I’ve waited a year for Jazz and Xavier’s story and, was not disappointed. Her courage and strength drew me into the struggles she had to overcome to finally reach her happy ending made me feel all kinds of ways. And the addition to this Brody and Serena’s stories [both different books I hope) The dedication to detail and the beautiful flow between characters was flawless, keep them coming!
are giving me the “I can’t wait another year!” vibe so please get to writing Ms Reece.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Option Zero (OZ): A group of warriors working to help the innocent, the abused, and the missing.
Reckless is the latest installment of the OZ series. Two operatives: Xavier inside OZ; Jazz outside OZ. Both stubborn, both biased against the other and now having to work together to try and find some missing girls. Both with a past involving family where dreams were destroyed. And now a chance to find some answers and right the past. It’s an adventure, it’s a roller coaster ride, it’s heartfelt. A story not to be missed.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fabulous story

Ihave loved all the OZ stories and this one was sooooo good! Jazz and Xavier were partners of the team, and had loved each other for years while not telling the other. The romance was good, but the suspense for this story even better. It centered around Jazz who had a difficult upbringing and really didn’t know who her family was. Such great writing and a wonderful story line. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Iman · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like a transition between two books, and somehow I ended up hoping to hear more about Brody and less about Jazz and Xavier 😂
Let’s hope the book about Serena and Sean will be great, and that he will grovel like hell :)

[Mrs.J.C.Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a Keeper!

Christy Reece never disappoints and the book is no exception. It's by far the best read I've had in a long while. A well deserved Five Star rating. Highly recommended.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked all the characters but I loved the bond between Jazz and her brother and wanted to read more about them.
I hope Brody gets his own story.

[Alima Livzletlivz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love is a terrible weakness. It gives your enemies a perfect target, clouds your judgement, makes you reckless… and that’s on a good day.” ~~ Jeaniene Frost


Jasmine McAlister - Behind the calm, cool facade of a coolly sophisticated woman was a giddy lovesick woman who was silently screaming, Xavier kissed me!

Xavier Quinn - “You take my breath away, McAlister.”

Jazz, badass OZ operative yet vulnerable to feelings and emotions, went through a childhood that leaves her with trust issues. She grew up relying only on herself and asking for help is not on the top of her list. So, trying to find her brother Brian all by herself without her OZ family lands her in a situation that brings her close to death.

Xavier Quinn always always relied on his gut feelings and it’s screaming that Jazz is in trouble and he would go to the ends of earth to save her. He’s been in love with her for so long yet never acted on it as he treasures their relationship more than anything.

Together they are a force to reckon with, separated exposes the depth of their feelings for each other. Together they have to unravel the mystery surrounding Jazz’s childhood and her brother’s disappearance to put an end to the evil that’s dogging her, if they want to have a chance for a future.

And when Christ Reece tells a story, she does so with “Reckless”abandon, to its fullest and her absolute best.

Looks like Serena was able to track the love of her life, Sean and let’s not forget that Iris Gates is still lurking in the shadows. I bet Christy Reece has some big plans for her!

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

[Traann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing and exciting read. I couldn't put it down and read it in less that 24 hours. I just want to read more about what is to come and I hate that I will probably have to wait another year for what is next. Christy Reece is an amazing author and a must buy for me.

[Hope Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy is an auto-buy author for me and this book shows just why that is. There is so much to unpack in this book. This book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but it would make more sense if you read them in order. Jazz and Xavier are "easy" friends and partners first, followed by more. There wasn't any weird drama with their relationship, the drama comes in their cases. This book offers so much in suspense, drama, a few chuckles (gotta love a runaway goat), and intrigue.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite of the Option Zero series so far. Jazz and Xavier are the perfect match. Jazz overcoming all the horrible things that have happened to her in her past and finding love with Xavier was heartwarming. Of course alot of bumps in the road to get there but the book was amazing. Already looking forward to next one.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jazz and Xavier's book was an amazingly addicting addition to the Option Zero series. These characters did not disappoint, and everything we thought we knew about these two characters, became so much more. They make great partners both professionally and in their personal life. A past that Jazz doesn't even know about comes to affect her life, and secrets are being kept that affect her life. There are so many twists and turns, heartbreak, happiness, love, and found family. Each story in the series gets us closer to finding out who is behind everything. I cannot wait to find out the answers to all of the questions that this book brings up. There is another book that I want now from a character that appears in this book. If you love romantic suspense then this is a must read book and series.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from Christy Reece.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless, book 5 in the series is another great read. Xavier and Jazz are two of my favorite characters in the series. Since the two have been paired together, they have danced around their feelings for each other. Once they do share their feelings, their world gets turned on its side. Xavier is fierce and will do anything to keep Jazz safe. While Jazz is a spitfire and determined to solve her past. When she goes out on her own to find her long lost brother, she finds herself in peril. Xavier will move heaven and earth to find her and ensure her safety. This story grabs its reader in the beginning and makes it hard to put down.

There is a quote at the beginning of the book by Barbara Bush, it represents this series and all the characters you meet along the way.
*To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.*

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up for crazy ride. This was a fast paced, edge of your seat story from beginning to end.

Jazz McAlister and Xavier Quinn have been partners at OZ for years and we've known they belonged together from the start of the series. When Jazz's past comes back and puts her in danger Xavier can no longer hide his true feelings and will do anything to protect her.

Man, the revelations on her past and the ongoing investigation of trying to find the head of the snake of the Wren Project were crazy.. Cannot wait for more..

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is action from the first page on! Love the OZ team, and of course Xavier and Jazz. They had been partners for years, each hiding their feelings, but when things started to get dangerous, Xavier could no longer hold himself back.
Can’t wait for Serena and Sean’s story!

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Xavier and Jazz

Jazz has gone through a lot from the death of her parents, an abusive adult, the abandonment of her brother and homelessness. But OZ found her and now she is with Xavier whom she has loved for a very long time. She just needs to trust others to help her face her past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jazz and Xavier’s story is one I have been eagerly awaiting and it did not disappoint. Reckless has everything that I have come to love from the OZ series—action, romance, suspense—and I couldn’t put it down once I started. The team has been steadily closing in on a shadow organization, and this book brings them another step closer, raises even more questions, and throws them some new curveballs when Jazz’s past comes back to haunt her. It was over much too quickly, and the next book can’t come soon enough.

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an incredible story. Great lovable characters with a fantastic storyline which kept me enthralled from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to you. A must read.

[Randi Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jazz and Xavier's story and you don't want to miss it.
Christy Reece takes you through all the emotions in this story.
This was a book I couldn't put down with all the twist and turns and new information that comes to light. Hope yall enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Terri Brunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are well developed but most important is the fact that you just love them from the start. Jazz has a rough start in life but she's a fighter and just never gives up. Xavier and Jazz have loved each other from the first time they met but they both hide their feelings from each other. They are two loveable characters that you root for the entire time. This is an outstanding book and series. I definitely recommend this book and series.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the exciting Option Zero series. This is an excellent addition to the series. I enjoyed Jazz and Xavier’s story. There were surprising twists. Lots of drama, action and suspense. I hope we get Jazz’s brothers story next.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action and romance will keep you turning the pages. This is part of a series but could easily be read as a stand alone. I look forward to the next book in the series.