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Abandon Collection #2

Reckless Abandon

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A heart-wrenching breakup, an accident… a loss.
Stretching out my right hand, I am reminded of the worst year of my life and all the dreams that faded in one awful weekend.
For six months I was numb.
And then I met a man.
An intense, complex, emotion extracting, sinful man.
If there's one thing I notice it’s the piercing gaze he is giving me.
So piercing because of Golden Eyes.
But what my heart doesn’t know…is he here to save me or is he the one who needs saving?

385 pages, ebook

First published October 27, 2015

179 people are currently reading
887 people want to read

About the author

Jeannine Colette

47 books1,550 followers
When I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.

When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.

When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.

When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.

When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.

When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.

When I was 32, my someday came.

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Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter



Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

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5 stars
245 (49%)
4 stars
159 (31%)
3 stars
67 (13%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
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12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 7, 2018
4.5-5 ⭐'s

“I need something real.”

This book was sooo good even if I was spoiled by a few things. I really enjoy reading about a woman who can pull a man out of a bad place and that's exactly what Emma did. Of course, I wish it was even more "angstier"...more of the way Asher's last POV was in Pure Abandon.

I was shocked at Emma's first "view" of Asher...definitely wasn't expecting that and to be honest besides the shock value, it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

The story is broke up into two parts, the first in Capri, Italy - which was amazing and the second in New York...which was also amazing but for different reasons.

Likes:

💓Asher.
💓Leah is the best sister!
💓Playing cello together (reminded me of Ghost!)
💓Song lyrics and roses.
💓Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
💓All. In.
💓Epilogue.

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Dislikes:

💔Emma's first view of Asher.
💔Emma losing her things.
💔What happened to bring Emma to Italy. :(
💔What Asher did in Capri.
💔The vixen!

Overall, I was a bit disappointed in Asher. He certainly had to work through some things but I think he came out a better man because of it. I loved how he won Emma over...sooo romantic!
Profile Image for Robin Hill.
Author 3 books295 followers
May 8, 2017
There are two Alexander Ashers, and I fell in love with the Reckless one.

He was hard to resist in Pure Abandon, but I did. I was #teamgabriel all the way. “Pure” Alexander was a true "master of his universe alpha" with a small glimmer of his real self shining through. He tugged at my heartstrings. He made me hurt for him. But he wasn’t .

“Reckless” Alexander is a broken soul--cynical, suspicious, disillusioned. The alpha side of him is only a façade, a mask he wears for himself as well as the rest of the world. I was hesitant going into this book. As much as I loved him in Pure Abandon, I’m not a fan of the alpha male. I didn’t know if only getting a "glimmer" would be enough. I was presently surprised because he was the exact opposite of what I expected. I got the broken man with only a "glimmer" of his alpha side, and I’m a giant sucker for a broken man.

Reckless Abandon is a beautiful ride that kept me up way past my bedtime, not one, but two nights in a row. My shoulder aches from the awkward position I was in so I could read while my phone charged. My jaw aches from hours of grinning. My eyes burn and I’m exhausted. I’m sure I’ll be less than pleasant tomorrow. But...it’s all good. There’s a reason I torture myself; I want to feel all the feels and Colette delivered. It's why I read, and the pain is totally worth it.
Profile Image for Jean.
802 reviews51 followers
November 10, 2015
3.5 Stars

Okay, I am so sorry to say how disappointed I am in this book.  The anticipation for it was so high!  I mean, I pre-ordered it immediately upon finishing Pure Abandon which is not something I'd normally do. 

My expectations were high and that's because I have a "thing" for Alexander Asher.......damn that man is smoking and I loved him all through Pure Abandon.  I wanted him to get his happy ending.

Anyway, the insta-love thing kinda threw me.....I needed more build up between the two.  AND, my major pet peeve was not getting Asher's POV!  I needed it soooooo bad!!!  And when did I finally get it? The Epilogue!  That's right!  All through the book, I needed to know what Alex was thinking, feeling, everything.....and I didn't even get a slice of it until the Epilogue!!  Was I frustrated?!?!??!  YES I WAS!!

All in all, it was a good story, but Alexander Asher deserved more.....that's right, I said it!  He deserved more and I would be willing to take one for the team and give it to him!!! LOL!! 

I did love that cover though.....beautiful!
Profile Image for Chelsea .
637 reviews98 followers
March 14, 2017
4.5 Stars

I absolutely loved this book.

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Once again, Ms. Colette manages to capture my interest that had me reading this till the early morn.

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This was the second book of the Abandon series and although this could read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you also read Pure Abandon as to fully understand the hero on this book.

**Please stop here if you have any plans of reading Pure Abandon **

I love how the author describe the setting on the island of Capri, Italy. It really sounds amazing.

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Not only that, the author was able to write secondary characters that I don't find boring at all.

There was an instant attraction between Emma and Asher, but I 'm happy to say that I wasn't bothered by it because I really want both of them to find their happiness. I even liked how they first met and how everything turns out because really, I cannot blame Asher after everything he experienced.

They get along pretty well until....

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All because of a misunderstanding.

Both Emma and Asher's passion were music and both were damaged because of their past. Emma, with a cheerful and supportive family while Asher has no one.
Asher was quite sweet at Pure Abandon with his short messages, but to be honest, I felt nothing for it. Maybe because I know it was wrong. But here?

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Awwww

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Overall, I loved this book. It has the right amount of angst and is definitely way better than the first book.

So why not 5 stars?

Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
July 17, 2016
Reckless Abandon by Jeannine Colette
4.5 stars!!!

“There is a fire between us…and I know we’re gonna get burned.”


After reading Pure Abandon my heart broke for Asher, I absolutely adored him, but I guarantee that by the end of Reckless Abandon you will be going Kathryn who? Jeannine Colette manages to deliver a woman worthy of Asher and vice versa. These two were similar in so many ways, with shared interests in music and kids. Even though between these two they had lost so much, together they gained a lot and gave even more and as their story pans out over the pages you cannot help but be drawn into Emma and Asher’s story.

This book starts on the Island of Capri where Emma is on holiday with her sister. It should have been her sisters honeymoon but due to a family tragedy the wedding was postponed. As Emma was in dire need of a break her sister takes her away from it all and is determined to find that light in her sisters eyes once again.

“…do you want to be the girl who cries in her hands or do you want to be the girl who has fun?”


Emma has had the worst year in the history of years and because of this she has lost her direction and her vibrancy for life. Everything she had worked so hard for had been cruelly taken away and the emotional loss of a loved one has left an indelible mark on her heart and soul. She is truly at rock bottom and not even a trip to the glorious Island of Capri is going to change it, until she meets Asher.

Asher is also finding himself by hiding out from work and all the pressures and decisions he knows he needs to make. Asher takes to his boat where communication is spotty at best and he can be left to his own devices, thoughts, opinions and hopefully can find his own direction. As we know Asher has trust issues and he definitely doesn’t trust easily, but when a life and death scenario puts Emma and Asher’s paths together, finally he thinks he may want to try.

“I’m falling for a woman who seized my soul with the play of a piano and arrested my heart with a walk until dawn. And she made me fall for her with the words of lyrics we may not have written but they’re still ours.”


Capri though may not be their time, but when their paths cross once again back home, is this karmas way of telling Asher he was wrong the first time?

Emma was a beautiful character on the inside and out. Despite the tragedy that she is recovering from she was generous to a fault, fiercely independent and headstrong yet knew when to give and take. She had a heart of gold and a personality to match once you got past her walls, but once bitten twice shy…would Asher get a second bite?

“I’m a wreck. He ruined me. But by God he owns me.”


Jeannine Colette delivered a realistic romance where trust was hard to come by and easily broken. She delivers a heart-felt romance with a little insta-lust but makes them work hard second time around. With lovable characters that you just want to hug and make feel okay you can’t help but get whisked away in their love story and you will championing them along despite their mistakes. These two are incredibly suited and between the songs, the roses and them opening up and comparing stories and trying to write new ones you cannot help but be captivated and Jeannine Colette held my undivided attention throughout.

“Well, if that boy doesn’t light your fire, your wood is wet.”


I only found this author a few weeks ago and have now read all her books, she has now become a firm favourite and I cannot wait to see what she pens next. I love this authors writing style, her ability to totally submerse me into her stories and the emotion that she manages to evoke page by page. If like me, you crave character connection and emotional but well written stories then this author is definitely for you. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,565 reviews488 followers
October 28, 2015
5 Big Fat Yellow Roses (Ahem Stars!!!)

I absolutely loved this book, loved it! This is a beautiful, amazing love story. One that will stay with me forever. I’m admittedly a Jeannine Colette fan, love her books and love her, she’s awesome. I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and felt more than honored. Yet Jeannine asked me to be honest, so I’m being honest. The book is awesome, everything I expected from Asher’s story and then some.

Like most other fans of Pure Abandon (Jeannine’s first book, which I loved), I fell in love with Alexander Asher and was rooting hard for him and Kathryn to end up together. Yes, Jeannine’s writing is so good I was rooting for the lover. Anyway, little did I know when I read Pure Abandon that Alexander Asher’s story will end up being bigger and better. You definitely do not have to read Pure Abandon to completely enjoy this book, but you totally should because is really good!

So, Reckless Abandon, what can I say. This book grabs you from the first page of the prologue. The story follows the heroine Emma Paige and her sister Leah on vacation in Capri, Italy. Emma has had a really bad year, really bad, full of loss and regret. She has lost someone very dear to her, ended a long term relationship and also lost her livelihood and career. Her family is extremely worried about her well-being and her sister, who is awesome and hilarious, takes her on this vacation to cheer her up. Through a series of unfortunate but fortunate events, she meets Alexander Asher. Asher is gorgeous, mysterious and also damaged. He is also rich, very rich, but Emma has no idea who he really is. They instantly connect, they are both broken and damaged and share the same passion for music. They can’t stay away from each other, find each other’s company great for their healing process and the passion is off the charts.

The story is told in two parts, the first part in Capri, Italy and the second part of the story continues in New York City where Alexander/Asher lives and where Emma has recently moved to. Part of why I love Jeannine’s writing is because of her attention to detail, she has a great way of describing scenes and places without boring you to death, she makes you feel like you’re part of the story. The story has some twists and turns, some minor angst, misunderstandings, hurt and lack of trust but the romance is swoony. Their courtship is amazing, the way serious topics are combined with humor is flawless. I loved all the symbolism of the roses, the music and the color yellow. I also loved the way music is such a big part of the story. But above all, I loved the characters. Emma is so precious, so brave and strong, my kind of heroine. She spoke her mind, opened her heart and loved this man that was so deserving of love. Which brings me to Asher. My beautiful, amazing Asher. He’s the stuff dream book boyfriends are made of, beautiful, amazing, sexy, super alpha male, simply swoon worthy. There were a few times, where I wanted to slap him, lol, but he redeems himself in the most awesome way. In the end, they both needed each other so much and they both deserved to be saved and loved. There is no doubt in my mind that Asher and Emma are just perfect for each other, perfect! I also loved the secondary characters, especially Emma’s sister Leah (with her Matthew McConaughey obsession) and her friends from work.

So, you must get this book now! Go get it! It’s awesome, it will leave you with the biggest grin in the world! It will keep you glued from the first page and will bring all the feels. All of them! Oh and I’m a sucker for epilogues and that epilogue was epic <3

I take her hands off my face and hold them in mine, up close to my heart. “A long time ago I asked you a question. When was the last time someone gave you a gift so monumental it made you cry? This is my gift. You have given me the greatest gift.” “What is that?” she asks. “Love. You gave me love.”



*ARC generously provided by the author and Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review*

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Profile Image for diann bryan.
535 reviews
April 18, 2019
My heart! Emma’s story! Heartbreaking but Not all of it is sad. Leah, Emma’s sister takes her on what should of been her honeymoon after the devastating loss of their brother Luke. When fate steps in and brings Alexander into Emma’s life. So much hurt and loss but hope of what could be just waiting for one of them to see what’s in front of them. In all good things...Time is needed to make this couple not only realize they could trust each other but they could be good for one another given the chance.
I appreciate how Jeannine Colette brought not only this story together but how she tied in my favorite couple from Wrecked( Leah & Adam) and there was plenty of HEA. To make any reader completely satisfied!
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,473 reviews56 followers
October 28, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

After reading Pure Abandon, I was dying to read the next book by Jeannine Colette. Reckless Abandon features one of the characters from the previous book, but it can be read as a standalone. Reading the first book would show you what he went through and you’d understand why he has trouble trusting people and letting them close, but is not at all necessary.

Emma… her story made my heart ache! The prologue shocked me and I had to keep reading to see what happened and whether or not she would come back from that. She had scars on the inside as well as the outside, and seemed to be coasting through life. The trip to Capri with her sister was the beginning of change for her. She met a guy who showed her that it’s ok to take risks again and how to open up to another person. They shared a passion for music, and I could see that it was the beginning of something amazing!

But of course there were twists thrown in! Misunderstandings, lack of trust and misdirected blame pushed them apart. I watched as they tried to repair what they had. Emma tried to keep her distance because her heart had broken, but the sweet things that happened would’ve had me caving for sure! The accident was a pivotal aspect in regards to Emma, on how she healed and every detail I learned about it caused tears to well in my eyes numerous times, and one scene in particular almost brought me undone!

This is the second book that Jeannine Colette has written, and she has continued to rock my world! If her early work is this good, she is going to be huge in the future. The emotion she wove into this story made my heart to ache, the passion the characters had for one another was off the charts, and how music continued to bring them back together was magnificent! It was an incredible read that I didn’t want to end… What are you waiting for? GET THIS BOOK, NOW!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gina *loves sunshine*.
2,227 reviews93 followers
September 14, 2016
I do need to thank whoever(???) posted this spring on GR about Jeannine Colette and her new book Wild Abandon...which is actually the 3rd book in her abandon series. Me being one of those crazy I must read in order kind of females...started with Book 1 Pure abandon....which I loved. In this sequel Reckless Abandon we get the next chapter in the life of Alexander Asher from book 1!!! And what a story!!

I pretty much read this in within 24 hours - sometimes when you get a chance to read a book in 1 day - you really get to absorb it all from start to finish. I loved it!! The story of 2 broken souls who have a hard time trusting. Colette weaves a beautiful story and if you are a lover of music and musical instruments - your connection to this book could be over the top!!!
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
919 reviews17 followers
March 17, 2024
I finished reading Reckless Abandon last night, and even if this could be considered a standalone novel, I would highly recommend reading Pure Abandon first. We met the male main character in Pure Abandon and learned how the tragic events in the young life of Alexander (Gutierrez) Asher led to him having serious trust and abandonment issues.

It is in Capri, Italy under very strange and unusual circumstance, that our book leading lady Emma Paige meets Asher. She is there with her sister Leah on what was to have been her sister’s honeymoon. Emma is broken and grieving so given up on life, after having the most heartbreaking and tragic year. Emma is so depressed that her sister postponed her wedding and took Emma on her scheduled honeymoon, to try and help start her mending the pieces of her heart back together.

The sister’s first glimpse of the handsome and eligible Asher is through binoculars and at such a great distance that they didn’t know who he was, but it made a very lasting and unforgettable impression. Fate seemed like it really wanted these two to meet, and with Leah’s persistence, “I didn’t give up my honeymoon so you could wallow the entire trip.” So, she was forced out and met Devon when she accidently fell overboard. He saved her life, plus was who led her to meet Asher.

They are two broken people “I’m broken and loving someone, or something is just not worth it because when you lose it…when you lose them…the pain is too much to bear.” No matter how intrigued, attracted or needy of each other a lifetime of distrust for Asher and Emma has convinced them their life is destroyed. Sometimes the wounds are so deep, the heart broken into so many pieces, that nothing and no amount of love can fix. “He wants me to save him. He wants to fix me.”

This is a complex love story and quite filled with obstacles to a Happy Ever After, but you will be reading and wishing they can overcome all the past to have a good future. I really liked Emma’s sister Leah and her grandma: “Well, if that boy doesn’t light your fire, your wood is wet!”
Profile Image for Lauren Runow.
Author 46 books1,331 followers
August 19, 2016
Do you ever have those moments when you're lying in bed, trying to sleep and images pop in your head and when you try to think of what you're remembering you realize you're thinking of a book scene and not real life? Well, I can't tell you how many times that has happen to me with this book. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I must tell you, I read it in one sitting. It was a lazy Sunday and I was mesmerized by it. Best day I've had in awhile!! There wasn't a time I got bored at all. I had to keep turning the pages.

So take my advice. You must read this book!!!! It will leave you smiling with the happiest of thoughts afterwards. And though I highly recommend you read the other book by Jeannine, Pure Abandon, it is not totally necessary when it comes to this one. In Pure Abandon the main character has to chose between two amazing men, this book is the story of the man she didn't choose. I'll give no names though so I don't ruin anything for you
Profile Image for Pam.
401 reviews34 followers
November 18, 2019
WOW!! Just wow! How has this book been out since 2015 and I am just learning of it?!!! Alexander is amazing in this story and he may very well be one of the best book boyfriends in a very long time!!! This story and these characters kept me on my toes and kept me absolutely breathless at times! I adore this Author and I have just discovered her through a book friend that recommended Pure Abandon days ago. I loved that SO much, I just HAD to see what happened with Alexander!!! Now, I must go to her other books, I can't get enough and I NEVER do that!!! Have never done it before and I read....ALOT!!! Highly recommend this 'series' and all can be read as stand alones. Now to 1-click another!!! :-)
Profile Image for Meredith.
82 reviews30 followers
December 30, 2019
4.5 stars

I loved Asher's story!

I won Reckless Abandon though GR giveaways. In preparation for this book I bought and read the 1st book in the series Pure Abandon.

You don't have to read the 1st book to get what is going on in this one, but I have to say it will make it a lot more enjoyable.

We meet and learn a little about Asher in Pure Abandon but this book is where he really shines.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'm a little afraid to talk about anything :)

This book had a little of everything sweet, soulful, humor, drama, loss, grief. It was so beautifully done. I couldn't get enough and I was so happy with the ending.
Profile Image for BeautyandtheBooks.
272 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2017
I was lucky enough to read this book early. Hands down, most beautiful story I have ever read. My heart is so full right now it may burst. I read Pure Abandon and fell in love with Asher. I pined for him to find a happy ending. There was no skimming. Every sentence pulled me in. Emma Paige is made for him. Kathryn who? Leah, Emma's sister, cracked me up. All the feels in all the right places. I couldn't have asked for a better ending for Alexander. An Infinite amount of stars is what this story deserves. Truly amazing.
Profile Image for Laurie Breitsprecher.
112 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2015
Jeannine Colette has done it again!! If you loved Pure Abandon, you're going to fall head over heels for this. If you were #TeamGabriel, I have a feeling this book is going to change your mind. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Finally we get a deeper look into Asher's life, and why he is the way he is. While reading Pure Abandon, I was cheering for Kathryn to be with Asher. Not anymore, Emma is perfection! Asher and Emma are made for each other. I had no idea what was going to happen next, Jeannine did such a beautiful job!!
Profile Image for Jen.
766 reviews116 followers
July 19, 2016
Another home run from Jeannine Colette!!! I absolutely adored this book. So many feels, my emotions were all over the place! From her writing style to her storytelling ability, Jeannine has quickly come to be one of my favorite authors! I was so invested in this book and couldn't put it down. I'm not going to go into detail here, but I will say that it's a MUST READ!! It can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend you read Pure Abandon first!!! Fantastic!!!
Profile Image for Quinn's Quippy Quotes.
1,444 reviews143 followers
January 21, 2023
4.5 Mallory is a Twunt Waffle Stars

That better be the last of Mallory because someone needs to end that bitch.

Now that that’s out of the way, I. LOVED. EMMA. Alex really needed someone that was extremely genuine and that is 100% Emma. I love stories of good people coming back from something devastating. I loved Alex’s pursuit of her. Hella romantic.

I’m am super impressed with Jeannine’s writing. It feels incredibly seasoned for these to be her earliest novels. I’ll be looking for more from her in the future.
Profile Image for Daisy.
999 reviews107 followers
February 7, 2017
Loved it, couldn't wait to finally read Asher's book and it did not disappoint. It lived up to Alexander's grandeur.
Profile Image for Lindsay Detwiler.
Author 31 books369 followers
January 31, 2016
“Our lips entwine, melding together like branches of a hundred year old tree and my entire body melts into his embrace.”

Reckless Abandon is a perfect mix of emotion, romance, drama, and spice. I read Colette’s Pure Abandon and really liked it. However, I have to say Reckless Abandon was even better!

Emma Paige has experienced a lot of tragic loss in her life. While on vacation with her sister in Capri, however, things seem to turn around for her. She meets Alexander Asher, and the two connect on an emotional and physical level. A few major events lead to the destruction of their connection, however, and Emma decides to leave Asher in her past. Thanks to fate and some relentless assistants, Emma and Asher re-enter each others’ lives in New York City. As the two try to overcome emotional hurdles and issues, they come together. There are plenty of twists and surprises, however, in the plot. Just when I thought everything was going to wrap up neatly, there was always another surprise. This kept me wanting to read more, and I really enjoyed the plot. Sometimes in this genre, plot takes a backseat to character development. Colette, however, expertly crafted both character development and plot to create a story that will resonate with you long after you close the book.

I liked Alexander Asher’s character in Pure Abandon, but I wasn’t absolutely obsessed with him. He had a Christian Grey, alpha male feel, which isn’t really my thing. In this book, however, I got to see a much softer side of him. I really, truly liked him better in Reckless Abandon. He still felt like the same character from Pure Abandon, but just more mature and likable. I would like to think that is because Emma Paige brings out better qualities in him. There are still “selfish,” alpha tendencies to him at times, but I found them much more forgivable in this book.

I also loved Colette’s writing style again. She has a very descriptive, emotional style that pulls you in from page one. She has a lot of relatable references and always gives her characters just enough quirkiness to make them memorable. I also liked how there were some spicy scenes, but they were still tastefully done. I felt like they perfectly complemented the development of the storyline and relationship. Emma and Asher’s relationship, thus, was a perfect balance of emotion and passion. It never felt out of balance.

Overall, I really enjoyed Reckless Abandon. It had so many great things about it. The setting, the storyline, the characters—they were all memorable and enjoyable. I will definitely be looking for more work by this talented author!
Profile Image for Andrea.
51 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2015
**Not just a 5 star read, A MILLION STAR read!**

Where do I even start? Jeannine Colette has done it again! This book has exceeded my expectations by the umpteenth power! After being completely wrecked by Pure Abandon I had to see how Asher's story continued. Reckless Abandon follows Emma Paige on vacation with her sister in Capri, Italy. Through misadventures, Emma falls into the hands of Asher. In Italy, they become healing to one another and share emotions (and bodies) with each other. The story continues in New York where we learn more about Emma and Asher as a couple and as individuals.

There are just too many things I loved about this book. First, my hometown (Pittsburgh, PA) is mentioned, I can't tell you how excited I was when the steel city was referenced! Two, Emma and Asher's relationship is so much different than I expected. Emma isn't the shy, timid heroine that lets her counterpart walk all over her. She stands up for herself, she's strong, and she can give it back to Asher just as well as he dishes it out. Three, Alexander Asher has made it onto my list of all time favorite book boyfriends. Christian Grey's damaged soul has nothing on Asher! Asher makes the reader want to save him and love him. My favorite part of this book are the love notes, song lyrics and roses exchanged between Asher and Emma

Emma and Alexander have a relationship that any couple can relate to, there's betrayal and heartbreak, but there's also angst, trust, and love. This book captures everything you could want in a well rounded, magnificently written love story. Expect to tear-up (or even full on bawl), want to scream at Emma, want to scream at Asher, want to throw your kindle, want to hug your kindle, and lastly not stop until you've devoured this book! This book will absolutely tear you apart and then put you back together!
Profile Image for Steph Moles Krayeski.
234 reviews27 followers
January 1, 2016
When I read Jeannine Colette's first novel, Pure Abandon, I remember how much my friend, Nancy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! We both fell in love with the sexy philanthropic billionaire with golden eyes, Alexander Asher!

So it should come as no surprise that I was excited to read Asher's continued story in Reckless Abandon (Book #2)! And this sequel DID. NOT. Disappoint! In fact, I loved the second book even more!

Reckless Abandon gave me the big-time "Feels!" I'm sometimes amazed that romance novels forget the main ingrendient: romance! But that's so-not-the-case with this novel. The author didn't skimp on the excitement, the passion, the wooing, the flirtation, and the sentimental moments in-between.

And music had a huge impact on the overall storyline! I listened to the music/lyrics mentioned as I read along. It put me in the right mind space to experience what the characters were feeling.

The music, paired with some amazing scenes between the hero and heroine, gave me some of my favorite swoon-worthy moments! (Contains some very slight spoilers ...)

I'm quickly becoming a huge Jeannine Colette fan! Pure Abandon and Reckless Abandon were such beautifully written stories! I highly recommend you read both books to get the full Alexander Asher impact! You won't regret it!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Profile Image for Francoise.
768 reviews34 followers
March 9, 2016
4,5 Happily-ever-after Stars !

After reading and enjoying Pure Abandon, I was definitely #Team Asher. I was happy his story continues in this second installment, that can be read as a standalone. I felt that we finally get to discover the complex character that is Alexander Asher.

His encounter and the beginning of his relationship with Emma Paige are amazing. The setting is the beautiful island of Capri, where Emma is enjoying a sister sabbatical after a drama that left her deeply traumatized. Their attraction is instant, they have so much in common. But Alexander has huge trust issues, and being the player he is, he leaves Emma without a word of explanation, deeply hurting her.

Back in New York he can not forget Emma and when fate with the help of his friend/bodyguard brings them together again, he finally begins to lower his emotional walls in an effort to show Emma his true feelings.

Emma was a wonderful character, independant, generous and caring. She was so perfect for Alexander. They share the same love of music and children. But together they are a mess of emotions they both have issues to handle.
I loved their funny and endearing exchange of song messages.

This was a very good story, sexy, deeply emotional and romantic. I adored both characters and Alexander's redemption was a treat to read.

I highly recommend Reckless Abandon, and will read anything Jeannine Colette writes next !
Profile Image for Christine.
457 reviews29 followers
October 29, 2015
I have never had such a hard time coming up with words to describe a book review before. Jeannine Colette's Reckless Abandon is perfection. It has everything a reader is looking for - beautifully damaged lead characters, interesting sub characters & a story that is just an amazing page turner from beginning to end.

Emma Paige has had the worse 6 months of her life, loss, death & depression have been her highlights. Leah, Emma's sister, invites Emma for a "sisters sabbatical" to go to Capri, Italy on vacation in hopes to bring Emma out of her rut. As fate happens Emma meets a tall, dark, mysterious man with eyes like warm honey.

Alexander Asher has been running form life for the past year. After loving someone who he could never really, the playboy millionaire ran from his home/life in New York to sail around Europe. While stopped in Capri he falls for Emma, but in true Asher form - runs from his feelings.

While I want to go more into the story I won't. I don't want to ruin this for anyone wishing to read this book. Just take my word and the many other reviews of Reckless Abandon word and pick up this title! You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see what Jeannine has coming up for us in her next book.

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
Profile Image for Becky Cox.
433 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2015
Reckless Abandon is the second book in this series, following Pure Abandon which I believe is the authors debut novel. I have not read Pure Abandon yet, but had no trouble enjoying Reckless Abandon as a standalone.

Emma and her sister are in Capri, Italy, on what should have been her sister's honeymoon but for the tragic accident that changed their lives. While in Capri Emma meets the magnanimous Asher. They spend some time together then he is gone as a result of some misunderstandings.

A while later they reconnect in New York and the story continues...

Asher is hot alpha male, but has a sweet romantic side and has a past that has left him scarred.

Emma has been through a tragic accident and it altered the course of her life. She fell quick and hard for Asher in Capri and doesn't see herself giving him another chance.

"You think you're broken but maybe it's me who needs to be saved"

Wonderfully written story about two damaged people not only healing themselves but each other. I read it as a standalone fine, but if Pure Abandon is as good as Reckless Abandon, and I hear that it is, I would recommend reading it first.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.


Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Profile Image for Aubrie Brown.
76 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2015
Reckless Abandon. I was given the chance to read this early and I'm so delayed about writing my review. Goodreads has been hectic so I shall do my review again. But I can honestly say that this has to be one of the best books I have read this year.

It's just one of those books where you find yourself relating to it, continuously thinking about it as you piece your life back together after you read the whole book. It's raw, beautiful and full of so much pain and love. And I loved every single moment. Just how the words flowed so sweetly.

Reckless Abandon is about trying to move on after a traumatic loss and a life-altering choice. About letting your guard down and finding that one person who loves you both inside and out. No façades, no walls. Just revealing your heart and soul.

Congratulations, Jeannine. Another home run for you. Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Kate Stacy.
Author 35 books607 followers
January 4, 2018
Sometimes the most beautiful things in life grow from tragedy. This story is heartbreakingly beautiful. I met Alexander Asher in Pure Abandon and I hated to love him, but I did. His life hasn't been easy and he's dealt with a lot of heartbreak, but he deserves his happy ending. Poor Emma, so beautifully broken by losing so much at once. Reckless Abandon made me laugh, cry, and want to throw things, but it made me smile. I love when damaged characters are able to find love and happiness through their tragedies.
Profile Image for Nat Fontenot.
216 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2015
I was honored to receive the ARC from Jeannine... and started reading right away unable to put the book down. After falling in love with Asher in 'Pure Abandon' I had to know what happened with him after... Jeannine has a very unique way of capturing the heart of the reader and keeping them asking for more! This story is full of heart felt emotions you'll feel every moment to your core!! Hands down to Jeannine!! Can't wait for the next one!
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