Reckless Vows: A Small-Town Second Chance Romance

by Denise River

I ran from my wedding. He gave me his guest room.
Now I’m falling into his bed—and Jack Ryder is the one man I can’t afford to want.

He isn’t the scrawny kid I once saved with a jar of paint.
He’s six-foot-three of stubborn, a builder who kisses like he’s calculated the exact angle to make me forget my own name.

I showed up on his doorstep with my veil torn, mascara streaked, my ex’s voice still ringing in my ears. I should’ve said no to his offer.

But Jack doesn’t do halfway—not when his hands teach me the difference between being taken and being worshipped.

And when my ex threatens to sabotage Jack’s dream resort, I’m the reason it all might fall apart.

I came back to Marigold Cove to hide.

I didn’t expect to find the one man who makes me want to fight.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 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

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first chapter of this book and thought it sounded promising. I’m sorry to say that promise didn’t hold too long. To begin, the blurb for the book is incorrect. Stella doesn’t show up on Jack’s doorstep after running out on her wedding. Jack is at the wedding and drives her to his place when she changes her mind. The author also writes Stella is wearing her hair down, in waves, for her wedding. Yet, after leaving the wedding, Jack sits in his truck with her and takes the pins out of her hair until it falls down. When they arrive at his place he offers her some clothing to wear and leaves them on the bed. A bit later he gets her some clothing and leaves them on the dresser. And on and on.
I also found the writing style quite trying. It sounded so pretentious. For example:
“The cursor blinks like it’s tapping its foot. I stare at the empty page and pretend I’m the kind of person who finds that exciting. Coffee sits in the mug to my right, cold enough to wear a sweater. Outside my rental cottage, gulls argue on the roof like they paid for the shingles.”
And:
“I move toward the kitchen to give the moment space. My hand finds the counter edge, familiar groove under my thumb. I turn on the kettle because the house seems to want another thing that smells calm. Behind me, her bare feet whisper across the floorboards. The boards say her name to themselves.”
I could take a smattering of that, but the entire book is written that way. I found it exhausting. And I have never heard anyone speak like this outside of a movie:
“‘Losses,’ I say, because I promised myself no lies tonight. ‘Phone. Dress. Reputation. My father’s temper.’ I pull a breath in, let it out slow. ‘My book.’
He nods like each item is a board he can see, one by one. ‘Replacements: I can take you to the lighthouse at dawn to look for the phone. Dress… we can’t fix. Reputation’s just a chorus; they’ll change songs. Your dad’s temper isn’t your job.’”
The story itself was a basic romance. Stella begins to find herself and Jack patiently waits for her. Her ex causes problems. They live happily ever after. I really didn’t find anything compelling about the story.
I DID find many instances of the tense changing in the text, though. From present to past and back. Between that and the continuity errors, the book needs some serious editing and proofing. I honestly have to wonder if this was even written by a person or by AI.
All things considered, I recommend steering clear of this one.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

He wanted to help her rebuild

This is a brilliantly sweet read full of kind banter and helpful chaos. Full of great characters, slow build chemistry, romance, family drama, heat and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.

Stella had come back to Marigold Cove for her wedding but she'd felt that the rumours were true and when she turned and ran (from her groom and father) she found Jack was there to support her. He gives her a room and offers her a new place to work, in the resort he's renovating, though he keeps reminding himself that he's just supporting her as she did when she saved him from bullies as a child.

But as their romance is building her ex starts to cause problems for the build, threatening everything.

I love the characters and banter in this and haven't been able to put it down. There are some great supportive side characters as well, particularly Gabe and Aurora.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Reckless Vows” by Denise Rivers

-A reunion in Marigold Cove sparks a tender, steamy second-chance romance tangled with danger. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Jack’s loyalty and Stella’s courage shine as an obsessed ex threatens everything they’re building. A fast, engaging small-town love story that delivers heat, heart, and plenty of gripping turns.

My favorite part is the relationship and communication between Jack and Stella. They communicate with their eyes in a special touching way. I enjoyed their story of fighting together for what matters.

[J.p · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im sorry to say this but this book wasn’t as good as some others I’ve read from Denise, don’t like giving negative reviews as I know the authors work very hard, I read the description and thought it sounded like a really good book but once I got into it I found myself skipping chapters. The narrative was all wrong for me, too descriptive and unnecessary imo. I really liked Jack tbf he really came through for Stella and was a good guy, found Stella weak and a bit of a pushover. This book had some nice touches, bit of romance, twists, turns and a pushy father, liked it but not loved it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for one heck of a page turning romance book that will have you smiling over Jack and Stella's romance. This romance book by Denise is hands down one amazing page turning romance book that I literally could not stop reading. I stayed up late finishing this book and let me just tell you that it has an engaging storyline. The romance, steamy and suspense makes this the BEST 10-star story to read.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's a runaway bride who breaks away from the man her father wanted her to marry right into the path of one that Jack a man she once saved as a child. Their path begins and is filled with challenging twists and turns but when her ex reappears and start making waves will he come between her and Jack's newfound relationship. This story had me cheering these two on to getting their chance for happiness.

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

[L KQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflict

This Denise River story felt a bit off from her usual writing and left me conflicted. While I did enjoy the overall premise of the story and the characters were interesting, I could not find myself as invested as I usually am for this author. However, with some refinement I think the potential could be improved.

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

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not your usual Denise River writing. The plot and storyline is interesting and had me excited to read but the pacing is very very slow and not what I was expecting from the author. IMO way too much descriptive writing on the building of the hotel and not enough engagement of Stella and Jack. I’ve reviewed quite a few of this authors books almost all 5⭐️ with exception of one or two 4 stars.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Vows by Denise River is part of the Steamy Small Town Romances series. Stella and Jack's story was an enjoyable second chances, small town romance. Their story has twists and turns, drama and suspense. I enjoyed reading their story and plan to read more in the series.

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

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Stella's story was an engaging and enjoyable second chance, small town romance. Great characters, great chemistry and fascinating storyline. I'd recommend it. Look forward to reading more from Denise River.

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