Reckless Flames

Steamy Small Town Romances

by Denise River

I returned to Finch Valley for my sister’s wedding, not to sleep with my brother’s best friend who’s a decade older than me.

Or for Ben Protective Culver to sweep me off my feet in a torrid one-night stand.
As if the age gap wasn’t bad enough, I discover that his lavish estate now neighbors my childhood home.

I can’t believe that the bad boy from my past has become this brooding, successful billionaire.
Or for him to hide his softer side with a secret son.

I crave the way he looks at me with desire but holds me so protectively.
Despite his grumpy attitude, I can’t get our passionate night together out of my head.
Or the urge to repeat it.

But when my career as a bestselling author attracts a stalker, Ben’s training as a former CIA agent becomes the biggest surprise.

Looks like I am not the only one keeping secrets.

With my fame, his protectiveness, and our age gap, our relationship faces the ultimate test.

Genres: Romance

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Denise River is an author who writes sassy and steamy contemporary romances. She lives outside of Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two kids. Her love for romance book boyfriends and the strong heroines who captivate them began when she learned to read, way before she was meant to dive into romance novels. Her books are filled with witty banter, tension, and steam that lead to unforgettable climaxes.

She loves cooking, traveling and spending time with her family. Denise enjoys the serenity of her five o'clock mornings, where most of her writing takes place. It is during these early hours that she can savor a warm cup of coffee while crafting romantic stories to delight her readers.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deniseriver...
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@denise.rivers...

Reviews

[Victoria Golby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story, with good characters, steamy chemistry, romance, family drama, intrigue and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.

Sophie has come home for her sister's wedding, and possibly to get some inspiration for her next novel. She's pleased when she sees her brother with his best friend, having always had a crush on him. As they begin to keep running into each other, feelings are admitted and desires start to take over, but one of them always seems to pull back.

Since leaving the CIA, Ben has been buying up properties to renovate and then lease or sell and when he purchases the place next to Sophie's parents he's nervous about what will happen with her being so close. Sparks seem to fly when he's close to her but he's unsure how she'll react when she finds out about his son. When he notices someone keeping an eye on her house his previous CIA training kicks in and he's worried for her safety.

Can Ben help Sophie with her secret stalker and will she accept him when she uncovers his secrets?.

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

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with some strong and accomplished characters. Sophie and Ben have known each other for a long while as he is her brothers best friend and her childhood crush . She’s now an accomplished writer and Ben was ex CIA, now in property, they reconnect for her sisters wedding and soon sparks fly, they are attracted to each other but he’s hiding something and she has a unwanted admirer. Can Ben help with Sophie’s dilemma and will she understand why he kept his secret from her? A good story with a some drama, lovely family dynamics and some heat.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding love in troubled times
An enjoyable story of returning home, danger from an unknown source and an unexpected connection with someone from the past.
Follow Sophie and Ben as they try to navigate their attraction to each other whilst trying to stop the evil that is lurking around them.
I did at times find some of the story repetitive but overall liked the storyline and the characters.

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

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

an okay-ish read, not really my thing cause his 'secret son' was kept hidden way too long. he never actually fessed up to having a kid and h had to find out on her own after seeing him with his kid one day.

and the minute he finishes screwing her, he kicks her out of his house just so he could keep his son hidden from her. ditches her, runs out on her every time with no explanation cause again, he needs to keep his 'secret'. it just made him very slimy and unreliable 🫣

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is an author who is being stalked. She needs a safe place to live.
Ben has known Sophie all his life as she is his best friend’s little sister. However, now that she is all grown up, he starts seeing her from a different point of view.
This is a sweet story with suspense and mystery that engages you from the start. It is well-written and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise has written an AMAZING romance story just for you. This book was such a heartfelt read with great characters, a wonderful storyline that makes this a page turning romance book. This is my first time reading a book by this author and man can she write a book that captures your heart from page 1. I STRONGLY recommend this author as well as her book for you to enjoy reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my typical reading style.
Written more narrative than conversational which puts too much of a wall between me and the characters. Also it's a single dad story with not much of the kid in the story.

With that being said. I don't want to say it's horrible. Just not my type of writing style. The plot was good. And it had a good ending.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure I like the writing style. It kinda felt all over. He was very hot and cold with no real reason behind it. I got it on Kindle and it was missing chapter 6 so not sure if maybe it was hit on it that chapter. I felt like her sister was whiny. I was just a miss for me but I did finish it and it was a quick read.

[Nancy Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! The instant affection and want at their first meeting in years was breath taking. The quick desire to love and protect Sophie was just heartwarming.
The lengths Ben was willing and able to go to was heartwarming.

Received ARC copy and am voluntarily submitting this review.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was enjoyable and was an easy read. A part of me wishes there was a bit more detail to Ben’s past. I know the story was focused on Sophie tho. If anything I just wanted more! Overall it was a good story tho!

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, enjoyable and an easy read. Filled with drama, romance, is steamy and has a great HEA. Sophie and Ben are good characters with great chemistry. I would definitely recommend it.

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

[Sandrina Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good story
I really enjoyed reading it
I really loved the drama and the suspense
I really enjoyed the characters.

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

[Robin D. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make a great movie!

Ben was Sophie's rock and she never kept serious problems from him. Stalker never stood a chance with protection Ben provided with his CIA background. Movie material but make stalker kidnap Sophie (Hollywood added drama).

[kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

no. not what i wanted nor expected. genuinely got whiplash from how fast and horrible the storyline was..

[Kendall Geer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story, but at times the author used the wrong names. Could use some more editing.

[Chelsea Ream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was not a five fan of this book and I did not want to DNF this one since it was on my list for a while now. However I would have given it a 5 if the spice was more and the anticipation with the stalker was better and the romance was more.