Pretty Reckless

Savages #2

by E.M. Rose

Violet Parisi has been in survival mode for a very long time.

After a series of traumatic events, Vi is relying heavily on drinking and partying to help her cope. After she’s held hostage in Vegas, her sister informs her that they’re no longer going back to their apartment in Florida, but they’re heading to Briarwood, Massachusetts, instead.

Vi is distraught, and this news is too much for her. It causes her to spiral even more than she already has been.

Jace Savage and Hayden Ford are the bodyguards who rescued her in Vegas. They’re also the guards in charge of watching the penthouse where she’s currently residing. They see her struggling, and despite knowing that they shouldn’t get involved, they want to help her.

The three of them become very close, and when people from Violet’s past start reappearing, both of the guys realize that they’ll do anything to protect her.

Will they get the happy ending that they deserve?

Genres: Dark Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

About the author

Briarwood Series
1. Sinful Secrets (Dom + Ava)
2. Deadly Obsession (Kaleb + Elena)
3. Wicked Lies (Cole + Aria)
4. Dangerous Savior (Mason + Bianca)
5. Safe Haven (A Novella) (Landon + Blaire)
6. Beautiful Revenge - 5.15 Release Date (Asher + Lili)
7. TBD (Xander + Paige)
8. TBD (Gray + Harper)

Savages Series
1. Savage Love (Killian + Mia)
2. Pretty Reckless - 5.31 (Jace, Hayden + Vi)
3. Wild Rogue (A Novella) - 6.30 ("Rogue" + Tatum)
4. Chaotic Captive - 7.27 ("Ransom", "Riot", "Kash", Palmer)
5. Cruel Deception - Summer 26 (Gabe + Madison)

Kings Series
1. Spoiled Rotten - Summer 26 (Dakota + Hailey)

Black Rose Society Series - Fall 2026

Reviews

[Kayleigh Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
Pretty reckless E.M Rose
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chilli 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Pretty reckless is book 2 in the savages series and it did not disappoint!
Wow! Firstly this is Erica’s first MFM book and my god she did good! She’s well and truly put the MFM in this! Violet is so sweet, she struggles, she has urges. She’s a god damn strong ass woman. The boys love her unconditionally. They would do absolutely anything for her. Jace is a sweet heart and Hayden is a soft arse. The 3 of them love with no boundaries. This is a real MFM in every way! The bond between Lili and Violet is so sweet. Those sisters have gone through hell and back but can still joke and laugh.
The twists, the turns, the revenge. THIS IS EVERYTHING AND MORE!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful to have received an ARC of this book. I just finished it and my mind is still spinning. This story pulled me in right from the start. I felt every bit of Vi’s pain and couldn’t help but root for her the entire time. Watching her accept the help she deserved and start to heal was so powerful.

As for Jace and Hayden… honestly, I don’t blame her one bit. I wouldn’t have been able to choose either. The connection between all three of them was intense, emotional, and beautifully developed. The author did such an incredible job crafting an MFM dynamic that felt natural, not forced. It was more than just physical, you really get to see them grow together emotionally. It was sexy, yes, but also meaningful and genuine.

[Katie McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

Am I surprised that E.M. Rose knocked yet another book out of the park?!? Absolutely not! I have loved every single book I’ve read of hers.

Pretty Reckless is no exception. Savages #2 went to a whole new level and I DEVOURED IT! With the MFM trope?? Soooooo gooooddddd!!

We met Violet is Beautiful Revenge and through this book we got her whole story and we got to see why she did all the things she did and it was so great! I LOVEEEE Jace and Hayden. Jace is the grumpy bad boy and Hayden is the loveable golden retriever. Until you get them behind closed doors and their personalities switch. IT WAS SO DANG FUN!!

As always I cannot wait for the next book!!! I’m hoping Savages Book 3 is Tatum??😏😏

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with this one because E.M. Rose has truly outdone herself.

Pretty Reckless wrecked me in the best possible way. This story hit so deep and felt so real that I couldn’t put it down. Violet’s journey pulled me in immediately. You feel her pain, her spiraling, her fight to survive everything life keeps throwing at her. It’s raw, messy, and so beautifully written that it honestly took my breath away more than once.

Watching Vi navigate her trauma while trying to hold herself together had my heart in a chokehold. And then you have Jace and Hayden. These two men are everything. Protective, intense, and so emotionally layered. The way they see her, care for her, and step in even when they know they shouldn’t had me completely invested. Their dynamic together and with Vi is powerful, complicated, and full of tension that keeps building in the best way.

The emotional depth in this book is on another level. It is not just romance. It is healing, survival, and finding light in the darkest places. And yes, the spice is there and it delivers, but it never takes away from the story. It adds to it and makes everything feel even more intense and consuming.

E.M. Rose, you already know how much I adore you, but I need to say it again. You are one of the most genuine, kind, and talented people I know. The way you pour your heart into your stories shows on every single page. I am so beyond proud of you and everything you create.

If you love emotional reads with protective men, deep trauma healing, and a connection that feels all consuming, you need this book on your list immediately.

This one will stay with me for a long time.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy, Frustrating, and Couldn't Put Down

Besties... we are officially back in the Briarwood universe, and at this point I'm fully addicted to this found-family chaos. This time we're following Vi, Jace, and Hayden in "Pretty Reckless". NGL... Vi tested my patience for a good chunk of this book. 🙄

After everything that happened previously, I could not understand some of her choices or why she seemed determined to push away the people trying to help her. There were several moments where I was questioning every decision she made and wondering if I was ever going to connect with her character.🤔

What kept me invested was watching her struggle with her trauma, addiction, and self-destructive behavior while Jace and Hayden refused to give up on her. Hayden especially had my heart from the beginning. 🥰 His story, his loyalty, and his vulnerability made some of the emotional moments hit even harder.

While parts of the romance felt a little rushed for me, I appreciated seeing Vi slowly take accountability, work on healing, and begin rebuilding important relationships. Her redemption arc ultimately won me over.

The story is packed with drama, suspense, protective bodyguards, lots of spice, and some twists to keep the pages turning. Even when I had questions, I stayed completely invested and can't wait to see where this series goes next.

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4/5  ▪︎  🥵 4/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Chloe V · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
Pretty Reckless by E.M. Rose

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5

Release Date: May 30th, 2026

Literally blew me out of the water!!! I read Beautiful Revenge first since E.M. Rose recommended it and I really enjoyed that book and it has the back story on Violet (FMC) in Pretty Reckless. This book was absolutely amazing! I was NOT a fan of Violet in Beautiful Revenge at all she irritated the life out of me. BUT I read Pretty Reckless and I think I liked this book even more than Beautiful Revenge (crazy right!!).

Violet (FMC) has LOTS of trauma and I really feel for her. She hasn't picked the right guys in her past and she needed a lot of TLC. In comes Jace (MMC) and Hayden (MMC) they both rescued her (literally) at the end of Beautiful Revenge and from there it was meant to be. Jace is a hard exterior shell of a person with a ooey gooey heart and its absolutely endearing. Hayden comes off as the boy next door who is super sweet and caring on the outside but on the inside he is a man hardened. Violet even mentions this in the book saying Jace appears to be the doberman and Hayden is the golden retriever but it is in fact the opposite.

This love story put me in my feels because Hayden and Jace unconditionally love Violet and make it known and she has a hard time accepting it at first but eventually comes to her senses. 100% a MUST READ imo!! Really great writing from E.M. Rose yet again!!

[Tracys Book Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Reckless
E.M. Rose

Violet has been dealt one bad hand after another, and she has learned to cope by any means available. After a recent rescue, she is spiraling and searching for the answers at the bottom of a bottle.

Hayden and Jace are the bodyguards protecting her from outside threats as well as from her own self-destruction. Can they help her see she is worthy of love before it's too late?

Choices? Why make choices when you can have it all? The relationship is fun, spontaneous, and never feels forced. Vi realizes good things will come to those who wait and follow instructions. Will she let them protect her, or will she keep going rouge?

If you have read any of the Briarwood Series you know you are in for a spicy story and the spice in Violet’s story is pretty reckless. Please check the trigger warnings and tropes for your own reading pleasure. Pretty Reckless won't be for everyone, but if you love flawed characters who are fighting their way to a HEA in an unconventional way, then you will want to add Pretty Reckless to your TBR.

Thank you to E.M. Rose for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Teresa Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start with this book... For this being E.M. Rose's first MFM she did an excellent job. The connection between Hayden, Jace & Violet was genuine. They tried to fight how they felt, but when there's that spark there's no denying those feelings. Each one of these characters have been through something in their lives, something similar to the others', so they know what it's like to go through these personal struggles, these trials & tribulations. This just makes their connection that much stronger.

Violet has basically been on her own, struggling with her past, since her mother died. This book was wonderfully written and the way she incorporated the struggles of alcoholism, anxiety, depression & PTSD was beautiful. She took a real world situation, something many people have struggled with and wrote it with perfection.

Even though this is part of the Savages series & can be read as a standalone, to get the full picture & experience as to what Violet went through it's best to read Beautiful Revenge first. Violet not only found two men who deeply care for her & love her, but she also found a family. They all did. Something they didn't even realize they needed.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
📖 Pretty Reckless by E.M. Rose
🖤 Savages #2

Thank you to E.M. Rose for the ARC opportunity.

This is book two in the Savages series, and while I think you could technically read this one on its own, I definitely recommend reading Beautiful Revenge first because it gives you the full background on Vi and makes this story hit a lot harder.

This book picks up where Beautiful Revenge leaves off and follows Vi after everything she’s been through. Vi honestly just cannot catch a break. She’s self-destructing, struggling with the aftermath of her past, and trying to navigate everything life keeps throwing at her.

Jace and Hayden are the two bodyguards assigned to protect her, and this is an MFM romance. The chemistry and tension were definitely there, and the spice did not disappoint 🌶️👀

This was a quick read that kept me turning pages, and I really enjoyed getting more of Vi’s story after meeting her in the previous book. If you enjoy bodyguard romance, MFM dynamics, protective MMCs, and a faster paced read with plenty of spice, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Reckless was an engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Violet is a complex character carrying a lot of trauma, and it shows in the way she navigates the world—often making impulsive, reckless decisions that had me both frustrated and rooting for her at the same time. Jace and Hayden are tasked with protecting her, but keeping Violet safe is no easy job when she constantly slips through their fingers.

As the story unfolds, they make the decision to remove her from the chaos of the city and help her heal. While things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s clear growth—not just for Violet, but for all three of them. The emotional development paired with the evolving dynamic between Violet, Jace, and Hayden adds depth to the story.

I especially loved seeing Violet find her voice and start asking for what she wants and needs—it was empowering and long overdue. Jace and Hayden balance each other perfectly, bringing different strengths that complement both each other and Violet.

If you enjoy emotionally driven romance with strong character growth, tension, and a bit of heat, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Angel Basri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
To say I'm addicted to E.M books is an understatement!
Good time, fast paced, with spice and the suspense to keep you flipping pages.

This is a Delicious MFM my absolute favorite fantasy ...

After Violet was rescued from her kidnapper, she is then sent to a safe house, with not one, but TWO bodyguards. Asher ( her brother-in-law and head CEO of the security company that rescued her ) made sure she is safe and in good hands ... not that he anticipated their chemistry would be explosive !

Violet turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the demons from her past.

But with the help of Jace and Hayden she is finally feeling safe, letting her guard down and opening her heart to be loved by two amazing men. Men that would lay the world at her feet, making sure to find out who is stalking her.

The Spice in this book was done so well I have no words... like seriously I can't gather my thoughts, still fanning myself .

Thank you Erica for the ARC, now I need to catch up on the other books, I have FOMO!!

[Savannah N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review

Pretty Reckless is the second book in the Savages series and I enjoyed it more than I expected. It has a strong mix of emotion, tension, romance, and a MFM dynamic that is handled well. It doesn’t feel confusing or forced.

Violet is dealing with a lot of trauma from her past while trying to move forward. She struggles with trust and has a hard time letting people in. Her development throughout the book felt believable and consistent, even when things got difficult for her.

Jace and Hayden both play big roles in her life. Jace is more intense and reserved, while Hayden is calmer and more open. They are both very protective of Violet and clearly care about her. The relationship between the three of them develops at a steady pace and feels natural.

The story kept me interested with its twists and emotional moments. The romance includes spice, but it stays tied to the characters and plot. Overall, it is about healing, trust, and building relationships after difficult experiences.

Thank you so much Erica for allowing me to read it early!

[Payton Lollar · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! YES! 100% YES! This book had me feeling such an array of emotions that I didn’t even know a book could make me feel! This was such an amazing read!! The story had me in my feels and the character growth is perfect!

I truly felt for Violet and her recognition and progress as the book goes on is both refreshing and heartwarming. The way that Jace and Hayden are there for her melts me! They both won my heart so fast! The dynamic that forms between these three quickly became one of my absolute favorites! They all have such a strong connection together and it works!

This story started out with defiance and deep emotion, and it progressed into so much more than I expected with a twist that caught me off guard. So many pages had me gasping like there was no oxygen left in the room! The spice was spicing! The characters were growing! The plot was plotting! I was hooked until the very end! My recommendation? READ. THIS. BOOK!

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review — Pretty Reckless 📚

Vi (Violet) has been surviving for so long that being reckless feels easier than trusting people—especially with the danger tied to her ex still hanging over her.

Then there’s Jace and Hayden… and the energy difference between them was everything. One gave total Doberman energy—protective, loyal, intense, always watching and making sure Vi was safe. The other was full Golden Retriever energy—warm, caring, patient, and constantly showing up for her. Together they balanced each other so well. 🖤✨

What I loved most was that they didn’t instantly jump into feelings. There was uncertainty, figuring each other out, and realizing they all wanted the same thing. Watching them slowly discover that maybe one girl and two men actually could work made the relationship feel natural and emotional.

Protective MMCs, healing, tension, care, and characters learning they don’t have to carry everything alone—this one pulled me in 💫📚

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. The characters felt real, emotional, and so easy to connect with, and the chemistry was absolutely unforgettable. I found myself completely invested in every twist, every emotional moment, and every bit of tension along the way.

The writing flowed so naturally and made it impossible to put down. I laughed, stressed, swooned, and honestly did not want the story to end. The author did an amazing job creating a world that felt immersive and addictive while still giving the characters depth and heart.

If you love emotional moments, incredible chemistry, and a story that keeps you hooked until the very last page, this is definitely a must read. Easily a 5 star read for me and I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

This book was the perfect combination of dark and sweet romance 🖤✨

Honestly, I felt compassion for Vi. She’s young and wants to run from her feelings. Drinking to escape reality is an easy short term fix. The guys, Hayden and Jace, really embraced her in the best way possible. Real friends are the ones who have the harder conversations with you.

I didn’t realize sis would end up with two men 👀👏🏻 Yes indeed… she was well taken care of 😂 What surprised me was that I didn’t see any jealousy. I’d lean toward saying that’s not fully realistic, but also, good for them.

The plot was entertaining and can honestly say I don’t expect the ending ♥️

[Kaitlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so worth loosing sleep!

This book was such an easy read and so excited that it had me hooked from the beginning. This story follows Violet who’s recovering from multiple traumatic experiences and is trying to find a sense of normalcy in life. After meeting Hayden and Jace, she very quickly finds that normalcy. But with ghosts of her past still trying to get in it’s a rough journey.

I absolutely loved the depth each of these characters held and how the plot flowed so naturally. Nothing felt rushed or thrown in. I loved how Violet felt so relatable and easy to connect to. And the spicy was absolutely phenomenal. Each time the three of them are together there is so much love and communication that it seems so natural. I absolutely loved E.M. Rose’s writing and can’t wait to read the third book!

[tattyabbsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

Violet has been using alcohol as a crutch to survive for years. After being taken hostage, she is saved and has two bodyguard to protect her, Jace and Hayden. They both want to protect her from the outside world and herself so they make sure she has around the clock surveillance. Violet and the two men become close in more ways than one. 😋

The spice scenes in this book are phenomenal!! I enjoyed this book and the chemistry between the main MCs. I found Violets story to be very moving and was routing for her to get better the entire time. Hayden and his golden retriever personality in the outside world vs his dominating behavior in the bedroom was absolutely delicious!! Also, Jace and his inability to tell Violet “no” was so precious and I definitely wasn’t expecting it. will for sure read more from this author in the future.

Tropes:
✨ Bodyguards
✨ Why choose (MFM)
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine

I was sent this arc by the author, E.M. Rose. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book and provide my honest opinions.

[Andrea Hendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 to the savage series and it did not disappoint. Violet has been through it all. She sweet, loving and just trying to survive. Haiydn and Jace are trained bodyguards who are set on protecting Violet no matter what. Haiyden is your soft golden retriever while Jace is suppose to be the hardcore Doberman. They both fall fast for violet and are determine to bring to an end whatever is causing her to have to hide. This was a phenomenal read. The twist and turn I never saw coming. If you love a love triangle, bodyguard and revenge type of book, you will love Pretty Reckless.

[Alona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im so happy I got this as an ARC! This is such a good book, i was hooked from the very beginning!!

Vi’s story pulled on all my heart strings and i wanted nothing but for her to succeed, it really was such a great story line for her!

Jace and Hayden, i fear i love them more than I loved Asher 👀 i wouldnt have been able to choose between the both of them either lol. Hayden surprised me thou bc hes such a golden retriever but that didn’t stop him from being dominant at all!!!! The dynamic of mfm didnt feel forced and it flower naturally

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotionally gripping romance and a total must-read that perfectly balances passion with healing and survival. An exploration of how shared trauma and personal struggles forge an unbreakable bond between Violet, Jace, and Hayden. The spice definitely delivers, making an already raw and emotional story feel way more intense and consuming. If you love deeply moving stories, you need to add this one to your TBR list.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up where Beautiful Revenge leaves off and is packed with suspense, protective bodyguards, lots of spice, and some twists to keep you invested.

As Violet slowly takes accountability for her choices and work on healing Jace and Hayden are there for her through all the ups and downs. They don't give up on her.

You can read this as a standalone but to get the full effect of what Violet went through it's best to read Beautiful Revenge first. Please check the trigger warnings and tropes as there is spice.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc.

[Samantha Abram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge why choose girl, so I knew I would love this MFM book. Especially because it’s set in one of my favorite worlds, Briarwood.

Hayden and Jace are polar opposites but work so well together when it comes to Violet. And our girl, Vi.. she’s got a lot going on. But seeing the three of them come together so perfectly was amazing. And the spice, Erica.. miss ma’am.. you did your thing and i ate up every second of it.

I cannot wait to continue this series!! 🖤

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Book in The Savage Series

This is a MFM that loves with no boundaries.

Jace is the grumpy bad boy while Hayden is the loveable golden retriever. The way the guys see Violet, care for her, and protect her while she is healing from the trauma of her past pulls you in. Both men won me over quickly .

These men will do anything to find out who is stalking violet.

Tropes
MFM
Spicyyyy
Bodyguards
Forced Proximity
Touch Her and 💀

[GeorgiaReads234 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

E.M.Rose knocked it out the park with this MFM. I love these types of books and the dynamics between the characters. You really see a character development for Violet during this book as she coms into her own.

And Jace and Hayden well 🥵 enough said. Spice and Dominance was off the charts definitely one to read.

[anidayneow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way more drama than I was expecting. Not a bad thing, for me. It was definitely more interesting than Lili and Asher's story but to each there own. Another quick read that turned into a fun ride. I knew that one horrible character from the other book would come back somewhere. Vi, Jace, and Hayden compliment each other so well.

[ShannonL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me a good whychoose. The story itself was short but it was still good. We have our FMC that has gone through some things that explains why she acts the way she does. But she also knows she needs help. This is where our 2 MMC comes in. They will do anything and everything to help her.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a why choose dark story. This is amazing read that I read in one sitting. This is the second part of this series.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved another series by this same author so I was excited so find out about this one and let’s just say it did not disappoint. Definitely one I will be making all my friends read.

[Taylor Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review -
This, like the first book in the series, also felt like a lot was missing and everything happened so fast. Some of the scenes seemed like they were taken from the first book, changed names, and put into this one. Again, it was entertaining enough and short enough to finish it but if there’s more added to the series, i won’t be reading them.