Reckless Love Special Edition

The Single Dad Playbook #3

by Willow Aster

A sexy small-town, single dad, friends-to-lovers romance by USA Today bestselling author, Willow Aster


I fell in love with Rhodes Archer the night we met thirteen years ago.

We made a pact that night to never cross the just-friends zone.

However, Rhodes crossed that line by kissing me recently, and I can’t get over it.

I’ve loved him, ached for him, craved him for years, but I've never wanted to ruin what we have.

And now, when I’m a cheerleader for the Colorado Mustangs and he’s their superstar tight end, we’re not even supposed to be in the same room, let alone be together.

But, he is everything to me.

And that includes my godson, Rhodes’ adorable three-year-old son, Levi, who I love as my own.

It’s impossible to stay away from each other. And I don’t want to when I can still feel his lips on mine and the lingering touches between us.

The lines have blurred, and rules are being broken…

I just hope we aren’t being too reckless and break each other’s hearts in the process.

Reckless Love is book three in The Single Dad Playbook series. Each book can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Found Family, Small Town Romance, Football

398 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.


Website: http://www.willowaster.com/

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Reviews

[megan ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

a perfect best friends to lovers!!!! (i even enjoyed the dual timeline, which is unheard of for me)

this series by willow aster has without a doubt been my favorite single dad series ever, i cant even begin to describe how excited it makes me each time i get to open one of these books and return to silver hills because i know im in for the swooniest magical love story 🥹

one of my favorite things about this bffs to lovers was when we got flashbacks in each of their POVs of the night they met because it was so obvious how much they wanted each other as more than friends but it was sweet how from the very start they did everything to protect one another and their friendship so they didnt mess anything up.

as much as i loved the first two books there were times when i felt like there couldve been a little more or a little less in certain areas but for elle, rhodes and levi’s story there was absolute perfection all around. i could not get over how precious these three were with each other at every possible moment.

if you look up soulmates in the dictionary youll find these two there. they were absolutely destined for each other and while a small part of me hates it for them how much time they lost out on being together as a couple, it truly was the best thing that could have possibly happened for them as had they gone for it anytime prior their entire relationship may have gone up in flames.

ALSO i loveeeeed elle’s secret little life, i felt like that was such a fun element to add to the story and the way it got to tie in the other side characters even more. the found family is one of my absolute favorite things about this series and i felt so spoiled by how often everyone was showing up and showing elle and rhodes nothing but all the love in the world 🥹

this truly was the most perfect way to end my 2024. it was a thrill (a silly one ik) to have read the most beautiful new year’s eve scene on the day itself, it made the entire thing feel more dreamier if im being honest 😂🥰

to literally no ones surprise im already gnawing at the gates of my enclosure for bowies book bc those sneak peaks of the FMC had me SCREECHING. i literally cannot wait to see all the ways shes going to bring him to his knees and every little bit of her and becca 🥹

[PeaceOfGod]

Idk man.....if I was in love with someone .... and he had a kid with someone else and didnt reciprocate my feelings, my crush would literally die right there and then. I guess Im pretty good at ...... not pining? And.... moving on. Hahaha.

[logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

rhodes and elle have been best friends for years after meeting in college and making a pact to always be friends…. just friends. but lately they’re both finding that pact hard to keep 👀 rhodes is a pro football player, and elle is now a cheerleader for the same team. team rules state that there shouldn’t be any fraternization between the players and cheerleaders. but some rules and pacts are meant to be broken 🙂‍↕️

i had the best time listening to this book! the mutual pining of two best friends who were nervous to ruin the friendship, the forbidden aspect of their jobs, it was so fun.

sean crisden and angelina rocca narrate this one and i loved it! i’ve only listened to a few books with these narrators but i thought they brought it to life so well. if you’re looking for a lighthearted friends to lovers romance with lots of pining and a sweet slowish burn, add this to your list!

[Willow Aster]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
https://geni.us/Recklesslove

Audible: https://bit.ly/3DHNGRA
Narrated by: Sean Crisden & Angelina Rocca

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4eLwM13

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ | 3🌶
THE BIGGEST FOREHEAD KISS FOR WILLOW FOR WRITING THIS MASTERPIECE!
I mean, what a way to start 2025! Everything was perfection! The pining, the chemistry, the found family LEVI! oh my goodness, Levi Archer was the sweetest boy! Rhodes' parents, I adored them. Elle's parents not so much. i hated how insecure carrie was. she was a child in a grown woman's body. and what was his name... oh, right, Bernard. Move on already. He was like an annoying fly. Anyways, one major thing about this series for me, is that rhodes and the other dads are all perfectly capable of displaying their emotions and are not ashamed of themselves or their emotions for it. I LOVED that Amara was from South Africa, that just felt so refreshing to have part of my heritage represented.
Willow, you have truly outdone yourself. Will I ever shut up about rhodes, elle, levi and the others? NEVER. Thank you to valentine pr for this arc ☄️

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely a comfort for me. When I step into a book by Willow Aster, I know I am in good hands. There will be love and joy and happy times. Even the little bit of angst that is between Elle and Rhodes was perfect. Their friendship is deep and their connection is beautiful.

They made a pact that they would always be friends but I love that Rhodes knows that can be more than that. Who better to fall in love with than your best friend? Add in Rhodes adorable little boy and I swooned the whole way through.

There are a few other obstacles, both from their past and in the present. Yet, their connection is greater than all of that noise. I loved that so much! If you've loved the first two books in this series, you will love this one too.

This was narrated by Sean Crisden & Angelina Rocca to wonderful effect. I really loved listening to them tell me this story. I really got lost in their romance.

5 stars
3 on the spice scale

*Thank you to VPR, Must Love Audio, and the author for an ALC & ARC of this title.*

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reckless Love is the 3rd book in the interconnected standalone Single Dad Playbook series. I’ve enjoyed this series overall but the first book, Mad Love, still remains my favorite!

This is a small town, sports romance (he’s a football player, she’s a cheerleader for the team), friends to lover, single dad romance!

Rhodes and Elle have been best friends for years, the night they met they made a friend pact. Now it’s years later, he’s a single dad to his son and a pro football player and Elle is a cheerleader for the team and a secretly successful author. Rhodes has more of a backstory, he’s the son of famous parents (his dad is a movie star, mom is a supermodel) and he never knew if people wanted to get to know him or just be around him because his parents are famous/wealthy. So I liked his friendship with Elle right from the start.

We get flashbacks in the story with this one of their friendship over the years and the blurring of that line/feelings. I wasn’t super sold on this couple and the flashbacks/dual timeline of the story just didn’t really work for me. I wanted a bit more of the single dad aspect to the story, sometimes I’d forget he even had a kid. Not my favorite in the series, but the audiobook was great! Like I said, the first book in the series has remained my favorite, but overall the friend group of single dads is cute and fun.

I received an audio ALC, all thoughts are my own.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet as sugar, and if you're looking for a comfort read with low stakes and a worshipful hero, this is for you.

[Kelli M.E · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have rated higher if the author didnt use the cliche of the male has had so many partners and great sex while the female had a few but only ever had disappointing sexual encounters before the male.
It’s like the authors don’t want women to actually enjoy sex unless the man allows it. It’s extremely disappointing.

Also the cliche of he always loved her but it didn’t stop him from having probably hundreds of one night stands and her having to witness a lot of it. This just feels painful not romantic

[Emma Skapetis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was so cute and sweet.
Tropes
Friends to lovers.
It's always been you.
Single dad.
Sports romance (Rhodes is a football player).
Secret identity (Elle is secretly a writer).
RTC.
Reckless love follows Rhodes and Elle who have been best friends for 13 years.
Rhodes has a three year old son called Levi that both him and Elle adore. Elle is even the godmother to Levi.
However things are not the same between them since they shared a kiss.
Elle doesn't want to risk losing Rhodes but he is determined to be with her.
They have always been in love but they have never been together.
Elle ends up needing to move in with Rhodes after a situation near her house and they finally end up in a relationship.
My thoughts
I liked this one and Elle and Rhodes were cute together. I enjoyed the then and now timeline and how it gave me more insight into their relationship.
In terms of spice it had a similar amount to book 2, which was three or four scenes.
I love how friendly all of the characters are with each other and the small town kind of reminds me of Chestnut Springs though this series is more like Rose hill with the single dad element.
This book didn't focus as much on the male main character being a single dad as it was more about Rhodes and Elle's relationship but it was still an important part of the story.
I'm looking forward to reading book 4, which is coming out in a few days. The setup for it sounds so good.

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Love by Willow Aster
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️

"I have never had any doubts about my feelings for you. I've only ever wondered if I would be able to make you feel the same about me."

This is the third book in the series, but you can dive into it as a standalone! I’ve been eager to read this series because I’m a huge fan of the single dad trope, and this series is all about them. While friends-to-lovers isn’t usually my favorite, I enjoyed this book! From the beginning, you can feel the chemistry between Rhodes and Elle—it practically sizzles off the page! Even though they try to convince themselves they’re just friends, it’s clear that their feelings run deep. I’ll admit, there were a few times I found myself getting a bit frustrated with them, but seeing them finally come together was super satisfying.

Rhodes and Elle have been friends for thirteen years, ever since they met at a college party and made a pact to be best pals no matter what. Fast forward to now: Rhodes is a pro football player, and Elle is a cheerleader for his team. But there's a tricky fraternization rule that keeps cheerleaders and players from dating, which makes everything even more complicated—especially since Elle is also Rhodes’ son's godmother! When life throws a curveball and Elle ends up living with Rhodes, he jumps at the chance to show her there’s more between them than just friendship.

"Your friendship will always be what carries me, what fills me with joy, but it's your love that sustains me and fills the void that always missing."

What I loved most about this book was the depth of their connection. They’re always there for each other, cheering each other on and being that shoulder to lean on. I enjoyed the dual timeline, which let me witness their journey and the growth of their relationship unfold beautifully. Plus, the bond between Elle and Levi (Rhodes' son) is adorable! Elle has been such a constant presence in his life from the very start. I admired Elle for finally starting to live life on her own terms, especially after feeling the pressure to meet her parents’ expectations. Rhodes is incredibly supportive and proud of her achievements, which warms my heart.

This book was a quick, delightful read packed with swoony moments, steam, and a cast of lovable characters. There are characters from the previous books that piqued my curiosity, and I'm excited to read the next book in this series! Huge thanks to Willow and Valentine PR for the gifted eARC—I really appreciate it!

"You're forever for me. I've waited a long time to say that you're mine and I'm going to be grateful until the day that I die that I can say it now. And I'm yours. Always have been. Always will be."

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Oh my heart, this is the most beautiful friends-to-lovers romance! Best friends with lifelong feels for each other finally come together in this chemistry-filled, slow burning, single dad, forbidden love story.

This is the third book in the Single Dad’s Playbook series, and it’s my fave so far! Centered around a group of NFL-playing best buds and single dads living in a small town in Colorado, there is character crossover, but you can read this one as a standalone.

Rhodes is a NFL star and single dad to an adorable three year old, Levi. His best friend since college is Elle, and though they’ve had feelings for each other since they met, they made a pact all those years ago to keep their relationship platonic and free of complications. They’ve stayed the best of friends, always there for each other, and are a hugely significant part of each other’s lives. But Elle is a dancer and she’s gotten a job as a cheerleader for Rhodes’ team – and there is a strict no-fraternisation rule in place. They’re not even allowed to be in the same room as each other if it’s not work related, and they’re both struggling with missing each other.

But recently, their relationship has changed – not only their forced absence from each other’s lives, but something happened to make things different between them, and the sexual tension that always simmered has been dialled up to undeniable levels. They realise that they can’t stay away from each other. And when Elle runs into trouble, Rhodes is there for her as always, quietly moving her into his home and setting them up for close proximity and all kinds of epicness.

“Don’t you think lines might get confusing if we’re together all the time after--”
“I’m. Not. Worried.”
“Why not?” …
“I’ve been living with how I feel about you since the night we met.”

Oh. My. God. The chemistry between Rhodes and Elle is sensational! I could feel everything that they were feeling - the desperate longing, the mad lust and the intense love they have for each other, and it’s just gorgeous. They both accept that the feelings are there, though they’ve never really spoken about it, and once they had a taste, there’s no going back.

“Woman, you and I have been participating in the longest foreplay known to man.”

“You know I want to kiss you, right?”
… “Yeah, I kind of thought so.”
He stares at me, his hazel eyes glued on me. “We already know how fucking amazing it would be.”

Rhodes has decided that he’s not playing anymore, and the build-up to something more is so freaking good! It’s playful and flirty, teasing and sexy, and there’s so much emotion behind it all. Rhodes puts his heart on the line for his girl, and I loved watching it all unfold.

I want her to say she’s mine so bad I can taste it.

When the shift comes, it’s effortless. All walls are down, and it’s sexy, swoony and heartfelt, and feels so right for these two. We see plenty of them together and happy, and though there is drama for them to deal with, it’s external to everything that is happening between them, and together with the forbidden aspect, it creates an “us against the world” feeling that makes the romance even better.

“I’m in this. I love you, Elle. I’ll take whatever I can get.”

Huge shout out here, to Elle. I loved her story as she figures herself out and finds the strength to live her life on her own terms. She has some great character growth which is great to watch, and Rhodes is right there with her, supporting her through all of it.

The book is written in dual POV, and is mostly set in the present, with glimpses back at key moments of their friendship where they almost took things further, but never did. We come to understand their dynamic and the strength of their friendship and their importance in each other’s lives.

We get to see lots of their extended friend group, and I loved seeing them all again. The guys and the girl friend group are all so close, and the chosen family feels are there. Their actual families also play an important part, and I enjoyed the scenes where we get to see those interactions. And I have to give a shout out to little Levi who is absolutely adorable. His relationship with his dad and with Elle are so sweet, and he’s such a cute addition to the story.

This is such a gorgeous read. I fell in love with these characters and their story, and can’t wait for more from the series.

5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Woman, you and I have been participating in the longest foreplay known to man.”

Phew this was one heck of a friends to lovers.
Rhodes & Elle have a friendship pact.
We all know how that goes…

Rhodes, the NFL tight end single daddy.
Elle, the cheerleader (forbidden gasp)

This book was cute and sweet.
Friendship group goals
The cutest little town

Arc review ✨

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect friends to lovers romance. Rhodes and Elle have been friends for thirteen years. And when they first met, they made a pact, “nothing would ever come between their friendship”…even though they’ve had secret feelings for one another since. This was a super cute read. I loved Rhodes and Elle’s friendship. I loved the flashbacks throughout the story and how they slowly brought the reader into the present situation. I felt it added another layer to Rhodes and Elle and solidified how strong their chemistry was together.

I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I wasn’t full on board with the conflict. Seemed a bit extreme for a job to tell you that you cannot be friends with someone you’ve known for 13 years and they refuse to make any type of exception.

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate a well-written friends-to-lovers story, and Reckless Love fulfilled all my expectations.

•It's always been you
•Family
•Forbidden romance
•Chemistry
•Right person/wrong time
•Dual POV

Generally, I am not fond of flashbacks, but their integration into the narrative was seamless.

This story masterfully blended romance and sensuality. Elle and Rhodes are undeniably soulmates.

[Mandy (Bestie Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Single Dad Playbook is quickly becoming a favorite series. Elle and Rhodes met back in college and made a pact to always stay friends. This pack has been honored through many trying times in their personal lives while they stuck by and supported each other. Sometimes I struggle with Friends to Lovers because I mean why did it take you this long! But in Reckless Love we see not only the present but the past and how their friendship has evolved. I loved the way this was written and I was cheering for Elle and Rhodes. Also, how relatable was Elle when Rhodes got in the car and her audiobook was blaring a not suitable for passengers scene! Speaking of audiobooks - I also listened to this one done by Angelina Rocca and Sean Crisden. They both did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life, thankfully only in my headphones! 5 stars! Don't miss out on this epic love story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Rhodes Archer. Sir, you are everything and I now identify as Elle Benton. You can call me Elle baby anytime 🤭🫠
I have absolutely enjoyed every book in this series so far and this one is hands down my favorite. I used to not really like reading friends to lovers but damn it has taken over as one of my favorite tropes to read. This one is definitely top 5 that I’ve read!

Rhodes Archer is quite literal perfection. The way that man compliments Elle, the words of affirmation, the nicknamesss. Every time he said Elle baby or Elle love had me swooning so hard. I’m a puddle 🫠 The banter and the joking had me laughing out loud. Him calling her a “dirty bird,” well you just gotta read to find out why.

Elle I just want to give a big hug because oh girl could relate to so many things she went through in this book. I want to be friends with her. The way she has always felt like she had to do what her parents wanted and to please everyone else and not follow her dreams because of the scrutiny that would come from it. Until she just says fuck it and honestly, I’m here for it.

The pining on both sides made for some delicious tension. They both have some secrets of their own 🤭 They have so much history, 13 years being best friends and don’t want anything to change. Rhodes reassures Elle at every turn that nothing will change & when they both finally break, oooohhh baby was it good. 🥵

The relationship Elle has with Levi, Rhodes son, is literally the sweetest. The found family vibes in this book is absolutely immaculate. I am so excited for Bowie’s book and to get more of the single dad’s playbook men!

Read if you love:
🧡best friends to lovers
🧡forbidden romance
🧡single dad
🧡it’s always been you
🧡found family
🧡pro football romance

Thank you Willow Aster & VPR for an early ARC in exchange for my honest opinions & review!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable, truly. This series is so cute I can’t take it
.
.
.
.
Thank you mustloveaudio for the ALC

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad. Best friends to lovers. The hero fell first - sign me up! This was perfection in so many ways especially the pressure the heroine was under having a father that was a pastor. The expectations that she experienced, needless to say I could more than relate. That life is long gone in my rear view mirror. I Love Jesus, but realized that religion like that is the type Jesus flipped tables over. This story had everything that is pure catnip to me and one I could easily reread. Love love love this series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this is how you write friends to lovers!! Elle and Rhodes have a long history and early on they made a pact to be only friends. I loved their strong foundation and how they could truly just be their authentic selves with each other, so so cute. Levi is Rhodes son and his bond with Elle was adorable 🥹 I adore this series and love this group of single dads so much, if you want a cute series with all the good vibes and a quirky small town try this!

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

This was a fantastic friends to lovers story. I just adore this entire series and Rhodes and Elle were no exception. The friend to lovers vibes were so good. The dual timeline added so much depth to their story, and the pining between them was perfection.

I highly recommend this entire series.

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Elle and Rhodes, who met thirteen years ago at a college party and made a pact to be friends. Both secretly pined for each other and struggled to cross the line over the years, despite their deep love for each other. But what happens when they finally cross that line? Can they resist each other?

This was a cute read, with both characters sharing great chemistry and delaying the inevitable for so long. I loved how Elle was hiding a secret career that unraveled throughout the story. She worked hard for her parents’ approval, but whatever she did, it was never good enough. However, Rhodes always supported her in following her dreams. I found Rhodes to be flirty, fun, and always putting Elle and his son first. Levi, his son, is such a cute kid. Carrie and Bernard were frustrating; one was insecure, and the other just didn’t get the message that Elle wasn’t interested. Loved the intimate spice and connection the main characters shared. I also recommend the audiobook if you wish to pick this up. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 8hrs 20mins
Narrators: Sean Crisden and Angelina Rocca - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book Three In The Single Dad Playbook Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Single Dad, Sports (NFL), Best Friends To Lovers, Secret Identity, Fake Dating, Mutual Pining, Chemistry, Its Always Been You, Mine, Past and Present, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Shower Scene and Kitchen Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph |Fable | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[OutsideOfTheTrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 🌶️🌶️.5

What an absolutely adorable read! Friends-to-lovers isn’t usually my go-to trope since I don’t always find the dynamic as captivating, but this one totally surprised me—I loved it! A big part of that is Elle, the FMC. She’s a smut author, cheerleader, and reformed preacher’s daughter, and she’s so relatable and likable that I could totally see myself being friends with her. And then there’s Rhodes—hot, a fantastic daddy, and a reformed playboy. Who doesn’t love a reformed playboy?

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators nailed it. Their voices and narration styles were absolutely perfect for these characters, which just elevated the entire experience for me.

[TiffanyPReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fav of the series so far!! The dual style audiobook performances were perfection! I felt all the longing from Angelina Rocca and Sean Crisden.

It's book 3 but can be a stand alone.

💗Best Friends to Lovers
💗Right Person Wrong Time
💗Mutual Pining
💗Purity Culture Unpacking
💗Single Dad/Football Player

ALC

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Love is book 3 in The Single Dads Playbook series and can be read entirely fine as a standalone. It was a really fast and adorable read that was a true delight to read. I enjoyed the storyline, the past and present timelines. I loved seeing how their friendship started, blossomed and how everything happened. They have a long history of friendship and a strong foundation.

Elle & Rhodes have great chemistry. Their love for one another was absolutely evident to everyone except to each other. Once they finally got together it was magic. Levi is the cutest little boy. I love that we get to see the dads from the previous books. This group of characters is just truly awesome.

Overall, I enjoyed this addition to the series. Friends To Lovers is usually a hit or miss for me and this one was a hit. The author did a great job with showing us their relationship and progress it took. I can't wait for the next book.

🎧 The narration by Sean Crisden & Angelina Rocca was really good. They showcased the friendship and affection they had for one another really well. They portrayed the emotions accurately and brought the characters to life. Very enjoyable!

✨️Thank you to @valentinepr & @willowaster for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah - Lifeofabookqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am GIDDY! Can that be the whole review? 😆😍 like… kicking my feet, squealing and melting into a puddle on the floor, giddy. You must read this book!

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚.”

Expect —> Football Romance, Best Friends to Lovers, Forbidden, Single Dad, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Mutual Pining, It’s Always Been You

Rhodes and Elle have been best friends since college. Ride or die. Each other’s person. She’s even the god mother of his child. But when she takes on a new job as a cheerleader for his nfl team, fraternization is strictly prohibited.

Freaking GIDDY. Okay, so let me tell you about Rhodes okay? He’s this massive Tight End who worships his best friend. He spoils her, he is honest with her (with everything but his desperately-in-love-with-her feelings), he is mature, he is an incredible father and friend. He is protective and is just there. He drops everything to be there. And I am absolutely in love with this man.

The relationship that he and Elle have is so special. THIS book is why I love friends to lovers. The pining! 🫠

And did I mention the narration? Wow. Sean Crisden and Angelina Rocca were flawless. This is technically book 3 of the series but can be read as a standalone.

[Brittney (brittandlit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You put the single dad trope in a book and I’m probably going to read it, but I must say that this series by Willow Aster has easily become some of my favorite single dad romances of all time!!

If you are looking for swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers, forbidden love, slow-burn romance then this is the book for you! Rhodes and Elle’s story was definitely my favorite in the series so far.
In this book we get:
•dual timeline
•dual POV
•friends-to-lovers
•forbidden romance
•sports romance ( football/cheerleader)
•single dad
Like need I say more?!!

I am beyond excited for the next book in the series and highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Elsie Silver or Laura Pavlov!!

Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for the ARC to read and share my thoughts!

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio Review **
Friends-to-lovers perfection! Reckless Love by Willow Aster was a small-town sports romance that squeezed my heart in all the best places. Elle and Rhodes’ journey to HEA was full of longing, heartache, and swoony desire that I simply couldn’t get enough of. This is book three in Aster’s Single Dad Playbook series, and each new couple makes me fall a little bit harder.

Angelina Rocca and Sean Crisden perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing embodied Elle and Rhodes in every way possible! Angelina’s performance encompassed all of Elle’s passions, vulnerabilities, and desires as she went after her dreams and finally let her heart love Rhodes. Sean’s deep, warm timbre captured Rhodes’ “it's always been you” protective and charismatic persona, making this man irresistible. Both narrators built and created the perfect amount of tension and undeniable chemistry between Elle and Rhodes.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a hot single-dad football player, a dedicated professional cheerleader, college friendships, now and then chapters, an adorable little boy, secret romance author life, fake dating, mutual pining, creepy neighbors, Christmas morning surprises, baby mama drama, slow burn steamy times, love declaration, truths about the past, and a HEA that you will fall recklessly in love with, then you will love Elle and Rhodes’ story. I always look forward to more from Willow Aster.

[Jamie]

Is 2025 my best friends to lovers year😱 I never thought I’d see the day. 20 year old me is sliding down a wall disgusted and throwing up at 26 year old me

[Quetzalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hasta el momento mi favorito de la serie ☺️

Y estoy ansiosa por el siguiente 🙌🏽