Deanna Drivas is a spitfire. Feisty, bold, a queen.
And she’s torturing me every single day.
From the moment I met her outside my gym at the yoga studio she just opened, I haven’t been able to think about anything but her.
Now she’s in my office as I help her with business things, she’s in my gym in those tight little yoga pants, and I am hanging on by a thread.
Even though I shouldn’t, I want nothing more than for her to be my queen.
My father taught me to love recklessly, and with her I want to be reckless in every way. Give her my heart, my life, my business—put it all on the line.
But when the one constant in my life is threatened to be ripped away, I start to wonder if love is too big of a risk to take.
Andre & Deanna’s story is a small town workplace romance featuring a curvy, spunky yoga teacher and a cocky former boxer turned gym owner, a fiery instant connection, lots of flirting and banter, swoony moments, a slightly chaotic family, plenty of steam, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Recommended for readers aged 18+
*This is an updated version with minor changes and extended character and story arcs published in 2024*
Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith
I loved this book! Honestly, from the moment I picked it up I wanted to know where the author was taking Andre & Deanna's story. Since their love is smack bang in your face (in a very, very good way) from the start, I was eager to see what challenges would arise for the couple. The scenes were beautifully written, though I sometimes felt like things DID just happen a little too easy for them, hence the 4/5 stars. Everything else was lovely, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the couple potter about in the background of the other books in the series!
While I was reading Faking It for the Holidays, I really began to love all of the side characters in their group of friends and their families. So I was incredibly happy that Andre and Deanna got a book to tell us the story of how they met and how the relationship between them started. From the very first moment that the two of them met, you could tell that there was something special there between them. Just every little interaction made me eager to see where things between them were going to go. Their relationship quickly turned into something incredibly beautiful and I fell in love with them more and more as I read on. There were parts of the story that made me want to jump in the pages and knock some sense into someone but in the end, things were able to turn out good between them. Reading this book also managed to make me fall in love with all of the other characters even more. It was especially nice to see snippits of Sam and Kalia while they were dating other people/recently broken up and still trying to pretend like there was nothing there between them.
This story is a sweet romance about love, loss, and fighting for what you want. I love the family and the support for both characters in this book and how the author presented the whirlwind romance. When the going got tough, it was touching to watch friends and family rally with advice and help make things right. The advice on relationships, life, and love is fantastic and swoon-worthy. This story is a must-read if you love a steamy romance with all the feels.
Andre is an ex-boxer who now owns his gym. He believes in loving recklessly; just like his father, he is also helping—a lady in need.
He meets Deanna, the new owner of the yoga studio near his gym. She is hesitant and shy when he approaches but soon warms up. I like that we get both characters' perspectives.
De is very impulsive, but she likes Andre and thinks he is hot. De is brave and goes to the cafe to meet people and see what the rave is about; she has put a few things together and meets Marion, Andre's mom, and his sister.
So from the conversation, I'm surmising that this book takes place a little before Faking it for the Holidays and partly at the same time. Andre finally asks her out, and I love how clear he is with intentions makes a girl feel special. Things get steamy as their chemistry is off the charts.
Wow, this is a whirlwind romance, but something about the reckless actions honestly speaks to their feelings. Unfortunately, a startling revelations rocks this couple and will bring you to tears. I love how Andre fixed his issues and the support they both received. The advice in this book is amazing. I love the playlist at the end of the story.
I absolutely fell in love with Andre and Deanna from their meet cute til the end. I love their instant connection. Sometimes this is done a little too aggressive but Bethany handles it well. I love the closeness of Andre’s family and friends. They are tight knit and support each other in everything. When they accept De with open arms, I swooned a little bit. I loved watching their love story unfold… until the unthinkable happens. Andre has a big heart, but when all he knows comes crashing down, can he deal with the outcome? Can De push past his defenses and make him see that they are stronger together? I absolutely loved watching how the family deals with Andre’s struggles and Jimmy is the kind of dad everyone should have. This story is fast paced, and swoon worthy, but not without heartache. You’ll not want to miss this beautiful story.
I love love love Andre and Deanna and their instant connection. I thought their meet-cute was realistic and funny. But what I loved most was the way they slowly and organically became part of each other's daily lives before deciding to explore the chemistry between them. And the chemistry is reeeeeaallll good. Holy smokes! Whew!
The most refreshing part of this love story was honestly Andre as a sexy Black business owner. The author, Bethany Monaco Smith, touches on the social injustices of being a person of color in a predominantly white community with care and dignity. Even though the two main characters become involved in a interracial relationship (sorry for the minor spoiler), the heart of the story is about the fierce love they have for each other. Having one of the main character be a person of color is a just lovely bonus.
Reckless For You is an incredibly heartfelt, emotional story of Andre and Deanna.
I fell in love with these characters while reading Faking It For the Holiday and was so excited to read their story!
Their chemistry was instant and explosive. Andre is an independent, successful man that knows what he wants. Can we also talk about how hot he is, because wow! Deanna is someone you want as your friend. She’s incredibly loving and supportive and the perfect fit for Andre.
I couldn’t put this book down! I highly recommend his (and Faking It For The Holidays) to get a fix of insta love with a lot of heat!
I cannot express my love for these characters and their story enough! Andre is the definition of The Perfect Boyfriend! I mean he even says he did give me my favorite quote on true love! All though they try to fight it they are drawn to each other immediately! This book brought me to the world of Ida and gave me a home with this amazing chaotic family. So much happens and tears may have fallen but it was worth it all. This is a fast pace story But it will not leave you wanting….unless you count wanting more of tHis world!
The book contains natural and witty banter between the characters. It presents another slightly different take on the hot neighbor trope. If you are into or believe in true love this is definitely the book for you.
Also about the snow? Me too Kaila, me too. And Lauren might be the only sane person in this book. Love her to bits!
I'm not usually one who cries a lot, but I might have shed a year or two(think the cop in Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs)
“I am possibly completely insane, but I’ll be insane for her any damn day of the week.”
So normally insta love isn’t my jam because it doesn’t seem like it’s real. But I loved that these two both were like hey this is crazy this can’t happen this fast. It made it work. And I loved it. Plus after reading faking it for the holidays I couldn’t wait to rejoin this group again. And seeing them early on was such a fun sneak peak of the past. Can’t wait to read more of this series.
Deanna and Andre. It seemed as if their souls fused from the minute they met. Well, the flame was lit at least and then it just burned brighter each time they were together. This story is one that refused to be rushed even though for them it happened so quickly for me it was a drawn out affair. A page here, a chapter there. Their story was one to be savored. There is something about this family, all three of them, that just draws me in. I knew they were special when I read Sam and Kaila’s story. Getting to read to De and Andre’s story was like walking back in time to see how it all started and even knowing how ot would end, I would do it again. Each couple, each story is so special and unique to them. ♥️
After reading Faking It For The Holidays, I had to read this book. It was so good! I loved all the characters so much. This book starts off with the "perfect" relationship between the two. It was going so well, that I knew something had to happen...and it did. Bethany broke my heart but ended up gluing it back together somewhat by the end. I cried a ton in this book, but I loved it so much.
This novella (and prequel to Faking It For the Holidays) is amazing. I admit, I am a bit of a sap, and I cry at commercials, but I openly sobbed while reading this. We're talking ugly cry people! Don't let that deter you. It's an incredibly moving story.
This was a sweet and spicy read. I loved the characters so much and I thought they were well-developed. The love started fast but I’m ok with that because I adore a quick burn and I love love!
The pacing on this story was spot on. I loved the meet cute and felt the connection between the two. Andre is hot but so sweet and gentlemanly. Deanna finds her person, her place in the world. The side characters are fantastic and make me want a HEA for every single one. I will definitely be following this author and series!
This book is so sweet I think I might have become diabetic. It's one of those reads that you do when you're feeling down and need to warm your heart a bit. Cute to the next level, Reckless for You is a insta-love fast-paced romance that will make you say "aaawww" every two sentences.
Andre Barnes is a former boxer who owns a gym at the small town of Ida. During one regular week night, he sees a woman trying to enter the neighbor building, but not succeding. This woman is Deanna Drivas, the new owner of the yoga studio next door that has just been sold. They fall immediatly and so hard, I think they should've gone to the hospital to check for a possible concussion.
I loved that they acknowledge that they're not the norm. People don't fall in love in an instant. People don't fall in love just by looking at other people. "This is insane!" But they keep going, they take things slowly just to really get acquainted with each other, but as soon as they feel it's time, they take it to the next level.
Oh, and the group of friends!!! I loved all of them! They have a closeness so real and so funny. And they are not afraid to call Andre on his bullsh!t. They're amazing.
Another thing that I really enjoyed on this book was that the conflict that led to the climax of the book had nothing to do with their relationship. No third wheel, no jealousy, nothing like that. It was refreshing to see how they came back together in the end.
Overall, the book is amazingly cute! The couple is cute, his family is adorable, their friends are sweet... The characters are relatable and their struggles feel real. I honestly loved it and am looking forward to reading more by the author.
For more reviews, follow @thatbrazilianreader on Instagram.
❤️🔥What I loved ❤️🔥 • Their back-stories and how Andre and Deanna chose to love recklessly despite all odds.
• BOTH MAIN CHARACTERS are Alpha dominant and confident = Power couple goals!! *Swoon*
• I loved how invested and supportive all their friends and family were and how in the small town of Ida, everyone really is a main character in their own regard
Honestly the family support and networks were the absolute cutest! 🥰🥰
The steaminess - yep there was a good dose of it throughout the novel. (🌶🌶🌶)
❤️🔥 Overall this book exudes Hope, Love and Intimacy, Friendship and Family. It was both sexy and steamy but super sweet and heartfelt!
If there is one thing I'm going to take away from this novel (AND there are lots of things to take away),
It's to love and live more recklessly.
**Swoony Sigh**
Andre and Deanna I think I'll let you guys live rent-free in my head a little longer.
Listen. I don’t know what Bethany puts in her books but I’m pretty sure it’s some kind of crack because I can’t seem to ever put them down once I pick them up and I’m always waiting for the next release.
Andre and Deanna. The perfect embodiment of love at first sight. When Deanna and Andre first meet after her getting locked out of her yoga studio. The sparks fly and they instantly become close. First as business owners. As they become close and their relationship progresses Andre gets some life altering news that shakes him to his core and he ends up shoving everyone away. After some self reflection, a slight verbal butt kicking from his dad, some groveling and a grand gesture. They find their way back together. Their love story was intense, sweet and absolutely swoon worthy. With a little bit of spice thrown in there.
Looking for a quick read, a new author or even a new series. I HIGHLY recommend Bethany as a whole and the Ida Romance Series. Completely binge able.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Sweet tea” was said approximately 17 times in this book and one time was too many. It was really hard for me to believe that when Jimmy found out he had cancer, Andre tucked himself away without even being there for his family. As somebody who comes from a similar family and who lost my brother, yes, I was angry, yes, I was emotional, but I showed up for my family even more. There was also a part where De and Lauren were talking right after that as well. You’re telling me Lauren was checking on De’s broken heart, but De never thought to ask how Lauren was doing? Nah, that took me right out of it as well.
Other than those 3 items that really annoyed me, I loved everything else about this book! De was a really phenomenal character. I loved her strength, body positivity, and her clarity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Andre & Deanna have instant attraction which turns into instant love. Can’t say I’m a big fan of the love happening just so quickly. They did seem perfect for each other and were great together. Their friends and family definitely added to the story and Andre’s struggle was understandable. I read Faking it for the Holidays by @bethanymonacosmith last month and feel like I should have read this book first to keep the time lines straight. This was an enjoyable, very sweet, hot read.
I love a good small town romance, and this one was super sweet and steamy! Andre and Deanna have just become business neighbors; she’s new in town and the moment they meet, sparks fly. I thought their romance was super good; insta love isn’t my favorite trope but I loved it for them. De was so sassy, and I loved the way she never gave up on what she believed in. And Dre! He made mistakes, yes, but overall he was super kind and sweet. I completely recommend!!!
I loved how there was never a dull moment in this book! I also loved how Andre and De listened to their hearts and let love in! It’s a very hard, and complicated thing to do, especially when you don’t know the other for very long. I love how they never gave up! Thank you for letting me arc read this! I can’t wait to see what book two has in store!!
I enjoyed this story so much! It took me through all the feels in such a perfectly natural way. It was so real which really enabled me to drop into the story! It was easy to relate to Deanna, being a curvy girl myself which just made me love her more. Andre was such a great guy with an awesome family! Love Jimmy! Fantastic read!
This book was so good, but also so heartbreaking. I felt all the pain with the characters during the hard parts and all the love that they felt with each other. Bethany really pulled at my heartstrings with this one.
Man Bethany did it again with the emotional tears. Every book from this author will have you happy sad anger and sobbing all in the span of a chapter! She writes with real feelings and emotions and it’s just amazing to watch it all unfold in her books.