Reckless Stunner: A gritty sports romance

by J. N. Stein

Margeaux Wild is an up-and-coming star wrestler for Professional Entertainment Wrestling (PEW). Known for her bad-girl reputation- covered in tattoos and piercings- this muscle-bound beauty is ready to make a splash this season and become a household name, and earn herself a permanent contract. A weekend away in Paramount leads to Margeaux finding herself in a messy situation that has her wrestling career and personal life up in the air. While trying to salvage her career, Margeaux can’t shake the creepy feeling that someone is watching her a little too closely. Amidst all these unknowns, Margeaux can’t shake the sudden attraction she feels for this quiet guy who is her opposite in every way.
Dr. Jon Jacob is set on achieving his becoming a world-class doctor and saving children’s lives. Making a name for himself in Paramount Hospital, Jon has never been one to break rules, or deviate from his plan. With a girlfriend pressuring him to make a bigger commitment, Jon feels the need to rebel and break free. A night out at a bar has him crossing paths with a woman who is wrong for him in every way, and yet, Jon cannot get her out of his head. Temptations and tensions run high, and Jon is able to discover a darker side of himself he didn’t know existed.

Genres: Sports Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Stunner by J. N. Stein

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I never thought I would be so invested in females sports romance the way I was during Reckless Stunner.

Margeaux is a force to be reckoned with, refusing to be swayed by the opinions of others. She's driven, outspoken, and passionate about creating a positive change for the future generations of the PEW Organisation. However, trouble seems to follow this Chaotic Queen wherever she goes.

Jon, in his final year of pediatric cardiology fellowship, becomes deeply invested in his first lead case. After his girlfriend convinces him to move in together, he starts to feel suffocated and seeks a release, joining his best friend for a drink at a local bar. As a quiet and reserved individual, Jon's life is turned upside down when he gets entangled in a bar brawl, marking the beginning of unexpected changes.

Secrets are revealed, choices are made in this hilariously entertaining book.

Life’s short…. live it Reckless!♥️

I would like to thank J. N. Stein and Naughty Nook PR for this fantastic opportunity. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I highly recommend🫶🏼🖤

[Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

JN Stein outdid herself with Reckless Stunner. The story-telling, pacing, banter were top tier. I had the best time reading about Margeaux and Jon. I was literally kicking my feet and giggling. Jon had me swooning. Although Margeaux portrayed herself as strong, and giving zero care of the world or their opinions of her. She had so much more depth to her. Jon was exactly what Margeaux needed, and vice versa. Jon was the supportive short king, Margeaux needed. When the plot twist was revealed, I was not expecting it. The spice be spicing ahem, mirror scene 🥵.

I cannot wait for the rest of the series, and whatever else JN has in store for us!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to Beta/ARC read this.

[Angela Drnd · Rating 5 out of 5]

•~•~•~ Reckless Stunner ~•~•~•
_______________

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️½

I didn’t expect to love a female sports romance this much, but Reckless Stunner had me hooked. Margeaux is bold, tattooed, unapologetic, and completely owns who she is. I loved her confidence and the way she refuses to shrink herself for anyone.

Jon is her total opposite—quiet, rule-following, and focused on becoming a pediatric cardiologist. Watching him slowly unravel and step outside his comfort zone because of Margeaux was one of my favorite parts. Their chemistry was intense, messy, and fun, with just the right amount of chaos.

This book had humor, tension, secrets, and solid spice without overdoing it. It was entertaining from start to finish and kept me invested the whole time.

Female sports romance done right. Highly recommend. 🔥💪

ARC received for an honest review. Thank you J. N. Stein & Naughty Nook PR.

[Brittaney Polle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the ARC team for letting me have a chance at taking a peak at this book early!
This is such a fun book. I’ll preface this with the “black cat” energy FMC are usually not my fave but I really enjoyed Margaeux! I loved how she was unapologetically herself and didn’t change a single thing for anyone. I think this book opens up conversations about our own personal opinions about the judgements we make on others based on appearances.
I think the spice scenes really reflected the personality and feel of the main characters. You can tell the author enjoys writing them. Plus I LOVED the twist and the sub story involved in her story!

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that this flipped the usual dynamic with a tall FMC and a shorter MMC. That alone made it feel fresh and different. Margeaux may be an Amazonian beauty on the outside, but I appreciated getting to see her vulnerable moments too. That balance made her feel layered and real.

Jon was absolutely perfect for her. Their chemistry worked, and he complemented her strength in a way that felt natural.

I also loved that this was a female sports romance. It had a darker, edgier, thrilling tone that set it apart and kept me locked in. Overall, a bold and engaging read. 🔥🏟️✨

Thank you to J.N. Stein & Naughty Nook PR for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[AndreasBookFinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

misunderstood strong female lead

For once, a story about a strong female lead who’s an athlete in a controversial sport. Margeaux is a tattooed wrestler trying to earn a permanent spot on her team, and she’s so misunderstood by the people around her, including her soon-to-be sister-in-law. When she meets Doc Jon, she realizes he just gets her… even though their worlds are completely different.

I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the story went in a direction I wasn’t expecting, and the ending really worked for me.

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

I absolutely love J.N Stein's dark, gritty, edgy and thrilling writing. She pulled me in from the very beginning with intriguing characters that I instantly wanted to know more about...and BAM. I WAS HOOKED. Once hooked she had an interesting world that had me wanting more again.

Kudos!

If you love wrestling (WWE), sassy and edgy characters and SPICE, this book is definitely for you.

[Kt Gerbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Who would have thought i would enjoy a sports book? 😉 I got emotionally invested in Margeaux and Jon's relationship (all the while really hating his nurse girlfriend). Give it a read. If you already enjoy JN Stein's writing, don't sleep on this one. And if you haven't read anything from her yet, it's time to get started!

[Melanie Gardhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon and Margeaux had such tension from the moment they met. The way that it just progressed was sooooo good. So happy Jon got rid of the Barbie and got with Margeaux! It’s just what they both needed.

🖤sports romance
🖤female wrestler
🖤tall queen
🖤short king
🖤opposites attract
🖤secret stalker

Thank you so much J.N. Stein for this opportunity.

[Janet Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first page!!!! Addictive hot hilarious read!!! Jon and Marg were so effin cute! Tysm to this amazing author🖤

[Sarah Mickus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book with a strong female as the main character. You get it all in this book. Spice, banter and suspense. This book was a really enjoyable read that I finished in a day!!!

[Romancegirl]

I love a good strong FMC! Margeaux the tattooed sexy wrestler is working for her spot on the team. In walks Jon and boy you can feel the chemistry ! I love the opposites attraction that they have going on! Quick but enjoyable read. I highly recommend !!

[Kathleen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was so good if you like sport books and like wrestling and a good love story of first seeing rhen lovijf the person the person of that one person u knew for a long time highly recommend

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Stunner by J.N. Stein

I read so many sports romances that feature the man in that role that it was great see Margeaux Wild as a female being in the position of being the athlete in wrestling. She was unapologetically herself. Tattoos and piercing. She just didn’t care what others thought of her and that is bada$$. Dr. Jon Jacob (32) was the nerdy doctor who is trying to help children quiet and shy until things get spicy and then, who knew he was going be a dirty talker!
These two were totally opposite who just worked. Making this a good story with all the roles and reversed. Be aware there is cheating but not between the two main characters.

Athlete Wrester FMC | Doctor MMC | Complete Opposites | Tattooed FMC | Pierced FMC 🍼 & 👅 | Sports Romance | Height Difference Tall Queen Short King | Nerdy MMC | Suspense w/Staıker

[Naty's Naughty Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Stunner is a wild opposites attract romance between Marguex Wild (professional wrestler in the PEW) and Jon Jacobs (doc from posh suburban hospital). Marguex is a young, confident, up amd coming wrestler who knows her worth and fights to make sure others do too. Jon is a new doctor specializing in peds, he's a quiet, sweet, golden retriever type until he meets Marguex and a spark he didn't know was missing from his life ignites.

This story was fun, informative and unique. Having a strong FMC and an all green flags MMC is definitely a different direction from the morally grey, red flags for days MMC's I normally drool over. I recommend this tale. Great spice too.

[Alyssa Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in TWO DAYS!! I absolutely LOVED IT!!

Margeaux is the definition of wrecking ball! She steps into a room and you know she’s there. I love how fierce Margeaux is, she says what she thinks and fights for what she wants…literally! She is such a badass! I loved her character and the way she was unapologetically her.
Jon is a nice guy, a doctor, someone who follows the rules and shows up on time…until he meets Margeaux. He starts taking what he wants and being his true self! I loved watching him bloom. When Jon was first introduced I thought he would be this “damsel in distress” type of guy but damn did he prove me wrong!
I know nothing about wrestling, but if it’s anything like this book, I might stat watching it.🤣 I like how JN wrote the wrestling scenes! I was turning the pages seeing who would win and who would do what to their opponent. I was mad at Eva for a hot minute because that first fight was BS but she did what she was told to do and it made everything so much better in the end!
I am super excited for the rest of this series! To meet the next sports player and see what their story has in store for us readers.

[Spade Sixx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has that PERFECT book for them right? Well that’s how I feel about this book. Being a muscular girl, we get overlooked or treated as far meaner than a lot of us actually are, and I found pieces of myself in this book. We are the girls that are “too much”, “too impulsive”, “too big”. So being able to really relate to the character gave me a feel good moment.

Secondly, as an AVID wrestling fan, Margeaux reminds me so much not just of Rhea Ripley, but of Chyna, aka the 9th Wonder of The World (rest in peace), so it was nice to be reminded of my FAVE wrestler growing up.

I love that Margeaux is both self-assured and wants someone to make space for her. I love that she really puts her best foot forward and how she shines even when others try to dim her light. And Dr. Jon Jacob being ever the sensitive cutie patootie, complements her so well. He reminds me a lot of my bf too! It’s really Margeaux’s world and we’re just living in it!

I need stories of the other girls because clearly, this author can write a budding romance filled with an ambitious and meaty plot. Give me more wrestling romances!!! Give me Below Zero! Give me Glam Squad!

[Kerdesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Stunner by J.N. Stein was such a refreshing read. This is my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last. I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read from start to finish. Growing up as a huge wrestling fan, I loved how much of the story centered on wrestling, especially through a female wrestler. I honestly cannot recall reading another book where wrestling played such a strong role, and it brought a wave of nostalgia that made the story even more enjoyable. The fight scenes were especially well written and easy to visualize, which added a lot of excitement and realism.

The relationship between the two leads was another highlight for me. I really appreciated the balance between physical strength and emotional vulnerability in the female lead. Her toughness in the ring contrasted beautifully with the layers of trauma she carried, making her feel very real and relatable. There are themes of trauma and assault, so readers should definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings before diving in. Overall, this was a great read and I am looking forward to checking out more of J.N. Stein’s work.

[Camryn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨arc review✨

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★ ★ ★ ★

Tropes- Sports Romance, Opposites attract, Pro Wrestler Fmc x Doctor, Tall Fmc x Short King


-

Definitely devoured this book in one sitting. The twists and turns made me have whiplash but l loving every second of it. This is my first time reading a book that has Wrestling in it and it being a FMC and I was obsessed! Margeaux was an amazing fmc, she's funny. And badass. Jon is a doctor and an excellent one! I love me a good short king and Jon was no different he's just chef kiss and idc loll. The chemistry and spice with these two!? Absolutely loved it. I just couldn't get enough of them

“Once you get a taste of Margeaux Wild, you’re doomed. I’m an addict. I’m addicted to Margeaux Wild. And like every other addict, I keep telling myself this is the last time that I’ll think about her. That I’ll allow myself this last indulgence. Bad people lie to themselves, too.”

Thank You For giving me this arc!

[Michelle Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-freaking-tastic read! I LOVED that we got a sports romance that a) was not about football or hockey (I mean I LOVE my hockey romances but girls, we need a change of pace every now and again) and b) the sports star in question was the FMC! YES!! And frankly, those are the only two reasons I signed up for this ARC when I saw the chance (thanks J.N.). I am not at all invested in wrestling, so even if you're not - still READ THIS BOOK! Margeaux is an up and commer in the wrestling world - strong, driven, outspoken and dealing with some past traumas. MMC Jon is a doctor and his world is flipped upside down when he sees Margeaux. And he SEES her too - which I really loved. There's some pretty serious moments - but also some light moments and overall this book was such an entertaining read! I can't wait to read more from JN and the Harsh Realities world! Thanks Naughy Nook PR for the ARC.

[Wisdom Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it okay if I talk my ish again?


To know me is to know the things I love. Wrestling, dirty books, and my dogs. This book had almost everything but I can't blame the Author for not wanting to take the attention away from the FMC and MMC by having to talk about the best boy and girl with four legs.

This is the first sports romance that I've read where the athlete was a female who gives off major Rhea Ripley vibes and let's be honest we all want a Rhea in our life. I really did love that Margoux was different than what I am used to reading about. Even Doctor Jon, my short king, was a nice difference from what I'm used to.

This was a fun read and different than anything I have read yet. If you're into the badass FMC and a cinnamon roll MMC then this book is a good read for you.

[Haley Kates · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!
Reckless Stunner by J.N. Stein @j.n.stein
@naughtynookpr

🥊Dirty talk and fun relatable banter
🩺Grumpy/Sunshine RomCom
🥊She takes the lead!
🩺He's a gooey cinnamon roll
🥊Say Amazon punk-rock supermodel
🩺He premature ejaculates and steals her panties!

This story made me feel fuzzy all over and you will just fall in love with Margeaux and Jon! She's an upcoming star female wrestler and he's an out of bounds pediatric doctor. There's no way they could ever work but their story is absolutely one for the books. I loved the opposite dynamic of the book because it brought something a little bit different, which was great! It was a breath of fresh air. Dont forget to bring your towel because the dirty talk will have you drooling!

#RecklessStunner
#RomCom
#DirtyTalk

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Stunner is book one of the Harsh Realities Series.

I loved how this was a sports romance, but the female was the athlete and was a wrestler. You don't read many stories with the female being the more dominant in the relationship, but this was a refreshing read. Jon makes a few mistakes along the way with Margeaux, but we get to see how great of a guy he truly is. There is a hint of suspense through the story and once you get about three quarters through, you really get into the more suspenseful part of the read. There is a healthy amount of spice, but it didn't overwhelm the story. Instead, we get to see these two make a connection with each other and build on it. This was a great read and I can't wait to read more of the series.

[Classically_crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
3 🌶

I loved everything about this edgy & darkish sports romance. I wasn't sure how I would feel about knowing wrestling really isn't my thing but I loved it!

Margeaux is an up and coming wresting baddie and takes no crap from anyone which is how she meets Jon. He takes one look at her and is instantly like ya I want her!
Jon was a nerdy doctor with an absolutely dirty side and together these two were amazing. Throw in a secret stalker and you have a great book.

I loved how the story had a great plot and flowed really well, you will also see that the characters lived in different cities and make the long distance thing work without ether one of them having to give up anything to be together.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margeaux Wild is an up-and-coming star wrestler for Professional Entertainment Wrestling (PEW).

Dr. Jon Jacob is set on achieving to be a world-class doctor and saving children’s lives.

Both are going through the troubles of life, ones career and personal life is in shambles and the other is being pressured by there other half. Both meet at a bar and Jon can't get the beauty Margeaux out his head. And finds a dark side of himself. Two complete opposites but attraction is everything and instant.

It's such a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, couldn't put it down, amazing characters, action packed and spicy.

Highly recommend

[VeroReadBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the ARC and I highly recommend the book. I never imagined myself immersed in a book about a female PEW before. The author focusses on diversity, inner conflict, suspense, and unconventional HEA. As a result of being assaulted, Margeaux reinvents herself by adopting a new identity that may seem rebellious but is all part of her empowering process. Then you have Dr. Jon Jacob, the pediatric cardiologist with a traumatic past and humble beginning who was stunned by the "reckless" wrestler. Two people from different worlds that somehow found their way to be together. And the spice was incredible🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you, J. N. Stein, for this amazing story.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️.5

I didn’t realize I needed a book like this in my life until I read it! Thank you JN Stein for the ARC!

You have a tall, athletic, sassy QUEEN as your FMC and a sweet (but is he sweet? 🤭) short king who is immediately obsessed with her.

The story centers around Margeaux and her professional wrestling career (think Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) and her mutual attraction with a sexy doctor. There is also a bit of intrigue in this story that will keep you guessing!

This book is the best one by JN Stein so far (and I loved her previous series!). The spice is spicing, the sass is sassy the pace is perfection and the tension between these characters is palpable! It is a great start to a new series! I can’t wait for more!

(PS. This is a standalone in a new series, so no waiting required! Just go for it!)

[Amber Falleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margeaux Wild a professional wrestler(PEW), Jon Jacob a doctor( from a suburban hospital), their banter was amazing and had me laughing out loud in some parts while giggling in others.
This book was so much fun to read. I couldn’t put it down till I finished it.
I received this as an ARC read and this is my honest review.

[A. Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 5/5 ⭐️
Spice - 3/5 🌶️

Black Cat FMC
Green Flag MMC

I really enjoyed this book. Jon and Margeaux are just so cute together. The Spice. The Banter. JN has you hooked from chapter one.

The twists and sub stories keep you well engaged through out the book.

Highly recommend this book!

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book!!!!! My first J.N read and not my last!!! This story was just amazing and I loved the vibes it gave off. Very wwe inspired! I couldn't stop reading once I started. Now I need to read more of her books.