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Shattered Sisters #1
Reckless
True Crime Writer Toni Rio follows a wise guy straight from his brief stint behind bars to his execution in a dirty alley. When his two killers see her witnessing their gruesome work, she runs, but she doesn’t get far.
FBI agent Nick Manelli has to keep his cover intact and keep the sexy witness alive, and there’s only one way he can think of to do both. He has to kidnap her.
RECKLESS (formerly Reckless Angel) was the first published novel of romance superstar Maggie Shayne’s stellar career. This romantic thriller, a RITA Award nominee that garnered raves from RT Book Reviews, has been completely revamped for today’s readers.
Maggie Shayne writes wonderful romance with page turning thrills that have a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.”
~New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Robards
FBI agent Nick Manelli has to keep his cover intact and keep the sexy witness alive, and there’s only one way he can think of to do both. He has to kidnap her.
RECKLESS (formerly Reckless Angel) was the first published novel of romance superstar Maggie Shayne’s stellar career. This romantic thriller, a RITA Award nominee that garnered raves from RT Book Reviews, has been completely revamped for today’s readers.
Maggie Shayne writes wonderful romance with page turning thrills that have a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.”
~New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Robards
ebook
First published August 1, 1993
2250 people are currently reading
1871 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Shayne
257 books2,571 followersI live in the teeny, tiny town of Taylor, NY, (Alliteration Alert!) though my mailing address is Cincinnatus, my telephone exchange is Truxton and I pay taxes and vote in Cuyler. All of these are at least in the same rural county in the southern hills of New York State; Cortland County. There are more cattle than people here. The nearest “big” cities are Syracuse and Binghamton and they are an hour away, in different directions, and not really all that big by most standards, though they both seem humongous to me. I look out my window to see rolling, green, thickly forested hills, wildflower laden meadows and wide open blue, blue skies. My road is barely paved. The nearest neighboring place is a 700 acre dairy farm.
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
September 23, 2022
I found Maggie Shayne through some freebies. Can’t remember if it was her newsletter or someone else’s promoting her work. Doesn’t matter…because now she is a must read author for me. I find a little bit of her personal life leaks into her novels, so be sure and check her out. She writes in several genres, and does them all very well.
I love a series that follows each character in a complete standalone novel. Shattered Sisters has hooked me, and this is my second read in the series. Though it is the first book, it didn’t matter that I read Book II, Forgotten, first. The covers are all fantastic and create a theme.
I love that Toni is an author, writing about a character she wishes she could be. She is tenacious and when she makes up her mind, she does not waver.
Nick is on a mission, but never planned on meeting someone like Toni.
Two damaged characters, brought together by…fate? A mobster that both are determined to bring down.
Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres. It doesn’t matter if I can figure out the ending ahead of time…boy meets girl, falls in love, happy ever after…maybe even a puppy. It is the journey that I revel in and I look forward to many hours of reading pleasure with Book III of the Shattered Sisters series, Broken.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Reckless by Maggie Shayne.
I love a series that follows each character in a complete standalone novel. Shattered Sisters has hooked me, and this is my second read in the series. Though it is the first book, it didn’t matter that I read Book II, Forgotten, first. The covers are all fantastic and create a theme.
I love that Toni is an author, writing about a character she wishes she could be. She is tenacious and when she makes up her mind, she does not waver.
Nick is on a mission, but never planned on meeting someone like Toni.
Two damaged characters, brought together by…fate? A mobster that both are determined to bring down.
Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres. It doesn’t matter if I can figure out the ending ahead of time…boy meets girl, falls in love, happy ever after…maybe even a puppy. It is the journey that I revel in and I look forward to many hours of reading pleasure with Book III of the Shattered Sisters series, Broken.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Reckless by Maggie Shayne.
May 1, 2016
Maybe I liked this because it was more suspense than romance, maybe I liked it because Toni wasn't waxing about how well-defined his muscles were every few lines. Maybe I liked it because there were no penis metaphors, maybe I liked it because there was no "clenching of her sex".
It did feature certain tropes that one does commonly come across in books like this, like instalove, and sure there were some super cheesy moments, but somehow, the author in this takes the 'suspense' in 'romantic suspense' seriously. The plot read more like a crime procedural (which I watch more than I should) than a book of this genre. This, I would recommend. Go for it.
It did feature certain tropes that one does commonly come across in books like this, like instalove, and sure there were some super cheesy moments, but somehow, the author in this takes the 'suspense' in 'romantic suspense' seriously. The plot read more like a crime procedural (which I watch more than I should) than a book of this genre. This, I would recommend. Go for it.
August 3, 2018
Awesome pacing, awesome characters, awesome writing. Loved everything about this story.
Free at the time of posting - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C1Z2DYM/...
Genre - Romantic suspense.
Free at the time of posting - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C1Z2DYM/...
Genre - Romantic suspense.
October 28, 2008
The plot in this book seemed very unrealistic. I know Ms. Shayne is not an expert on FBI procedures- especially under cover- but, it felt so made-up. And, the chemistry between the hero and heroine seemed very forced. They were both attracted to each other from the get-go of the book. But, that was only lust. I have no idea how that eventually turned into love. They just seemed to wake up one day and though “well, I think I’m in love!” It felt like one of the stories where the heroine fell in love with her captor. As for the hero, Ms. Shayne tried to give him dimension by giving him a tragic background- mainly how he grew up, and what happened to his family. This did not give him dimension, what it did was subtract years from however old he was supposed to be. By the end I was envisioning a teenage boy with a 30-year old woman. Not very romantic. This book did have a lot of promise until the first third of the book was read. Then it kept going downhill from there. Even as a Maggie Shayne fan and avid reader of her books, I wish I would have passed this one up.
February 14, 2018
The first book in the Shattered Sisters series by Maggie Shayne. Toni Rio comes upon a murder and Nick Manelli is forced to fake her death and kidnap her to keep her safe. But Nick doesn't know she is Toni Rio, famous crime novelist. But then Toni doesn't know that Nick is an undercover FBI agent.
Entertaining read. I liked it enough that I think I will continue the series sometime in the future.
Entertaining read. I liked it enough that I think I will continue the series sometime in the future.
April 28, 2019
I thought this was good. want to continue the series.
May 7, 2016
The first half of Reckless was a five-star read for me. I'm not much into romance novels, but this one wasn't trashy at all; rather, it was entertaining, exciting, and sweet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Maggie Shayne for not subjecting me to long drawn out sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but such scenes are laden with so many cliches that they bore me to tears. I loved the dynamic of Toni believing (yet not truly believing) Nick was a hardened criminal, and likewise Nick believing that Toni was an unfortunate witness in the wrong place at the wrong time. The two of them slowly falling for each other under faulty premises and mutual distrust made for some fun reading.
The second half of the book dropped a star for me, when Nick kept convincing himself not to love Toni due to his abandonment issues. I've just seen this done too many times in romance lit. It feels like a fall back to me, like the author needs to stall the two characters from coming together until the climactic ending, so she creates this faux-issue to keep them apart. I really loved Nick--his sense of humor, self-assuredness, patience, and upbeat nature--all the way until he started all of that woe-is-me-no-one-can-ever-love-me narration.
But oh my goodness,
Overall, a total page-turner that was hard to put down. Thrilled to get this one from BookBub for free.
The second half of the book dropped a star for me, when Nick kept convincing himself not to love Toni due to his abandonment issues. I've just seen this done too many times in romance lit. It feels like a fall back to me, like the author needs to stall the two characters from coming together until the climactic ending, so she creates this faux-issue to keep them apart. I really loved Nick--his sense of humor, self-assuredness, patience, and upbeat nature--all the way until he started all of that woe-is-me-no-one-can-ever-love-me narration.
But oh my goodness,
Overall, a total page-turner that was hard to put down. Thrilled to get this one from BookBub for free.
March 21, 2016
Good crime story..
I read one other book by Ms. Shayne so I thought it would be a little different, since a year had passed since her other one. Hmm, there was change. There was absolutely NO sexual attraction and there was NO sex in this book. There were hints of it, “he took her to the stars.” That’s about it. So, if you’re looking for something hot and steamy don’t stop here. Ms. Shayne doesn’t write hot and steamy, but she does write some pretty good crime stories.
I did like the story and I might move on to the next since it’s about a serial killer and fake amnesia. I like stories about serial killers more than I like a plain old romance, but I do like some romance in the story, too.
I liked Nick and Toni, a lot. And I felt really bad about Nick’s brother’s death; even though it happened a long time ago it still played a big part of the story. I liked Carl; he was a good friend and partner. I like Joey, too, and the next story is about her. I did not like Lou and Viper, yuck. They were terrific bad guys. Loved to hate those two and they got exactly what they deserved.
Anyway, this was a good cops-n-drug dealers book.
I read one other book by Ms. Shayne so I thought it would be a little different, since a year had passed since her other one. Hmm, there was change. There was absolutely NO sexual attraction and there was NO sex in this book. There were hints of it, “he took her to the stars.” That’s about it. So, if you’re looking for something hot and steamy don’t stop here. Ms. Shayne doesn’t write hot and steamy, but she does write some pretty good crime stories.
I did like the story and I might move on to the next since it’s about a serial killer and fake amnesia. I like stories about serial killers more than I like a plain old romance, but I do like some romance in the story, too.
I liked Nick and Toni, a lot. And I felt really bad about Nick’s brother’s death; even though it happened a long time ago it still played a big part of the story. I liked Carl; he was a good friend and partner. I like Joey, too, and the next story is about her. I did not like Lou and Viper, yuck. They were terrific bad guys. Loved to hate those two and they got exactly what they deserved.
Anyway, this was a good cops-n-drug dealers book.
June 17, 2021
Not my kind of read. More of a weird love story. I was brought them for Christmas, not something I would of picked out myself, but thought what the hey. I really enjoyed 'The Gingerbread Man' so I give this one ago. I finished reading Reckless a year ago and haven't even picked up the 2nd one of the Trilogy yet, won't be something I will rush to read 😞.
March 28, 2018
Oh my goodness, this took a long time for me to get through. I thought it had a great start, but as it drug on, it got more and more unbelievable and slow and ugh. I'd read it because I'd heard good things about this author. I won't be picking up another one for a while.
April 3, 2017
Well written, vividly graphic, heart grasping sexy, intoxicating and inviting...It's dangerously delicious, yet fun! - Nook Books and More Blog
A Phenomenal read that pulls at your very core. I could not wait to start this book because Sweet Venom was an unusual different twist to this beautiful world. The author gives such a freshness to it that you dint get bored with the sane read after time as avid readers do.
Reckless lures you in, intrigues you, turns your world upside down. Just when you think you have it figured out it changes on you. I was so happy to see a deeper glimpse within a different characters and leaves you each time with a new adventure.
An undercover cop and a writer oh my! 'Reckless' was one of those stories that pull you in and doesn't let go. Full of action, questionable actions and suspense that rocks your core. Nick and Toni had the chemistry that makes your heart scream with adrenaline and passion as you read. The writer flows with her words effortlessly off the pages and is so in depth with characters that you are pulled in and on edge the entire time! This suspenseful read leaves you gripping on the edge of your seat not knowing which way to turn. It's a definite roller coaster ride! So. Hold on to your seat!
I would highly recommend this series and really any book that this author has ever written . She pulls her heart in soul into her writing. She's impeccable in her writing skills let me tell ya! The flow is epic as usually never leaving you wondering far from this book. You stay glued from front to back cover. Way to go Maggie!!
A Phenomenal read that pulls at your very core. I could not wait to start this book because Sweet Venom was an unusual different twist to this beautiful world. The author gives such a freshness to it that you dint get bored with the sane read after time as avid readers do.
Reckless lures you in, intrigues you, turns your world upside down. Just when you think you have it figured out it changes on you. I was so happy to see a deeper glimpse within a different characters and leaves you each time with a new adventure.
An undercover cop and a writer oh my! 'Reckless' was one of those stories that pull you in and doesn't let go. Full of action, questionable actions and suspense that rocks your core. Nick and Toni had the chemistry that makes your heart scream with adrenaline and passion as you read. The writer flows with her words effortlessly off the pages and is so in depth with characters that you are pulled in and on edge the entire time! This suspenseful read leaves you gripping on the edge of your seat not knowing which way to turn. It's a definite roller coaster ride! So. Hold on to your seat!
I would highly recommend this series and really any book that this author has ever written . She pulls her heart in soul into her writing. She's impeccable in her writing skills let me tell ya! The flow is epic as usually never leaving you wondering far from this book. You stay glued from front to back cover. Way to go Maggie!!
November 30, 2020
"Comfort zones"
I make the occasional foray into different genres. In this case, the treatment of romantic suspense within the context of the undercover FBI agent and the intrepid investigative reporter/writer was enlightening. I imagine it gave this author scope for more gritty scenarios than would appear in her usual offerings. A change is as good as a rest. I found this an easy read and I'm sure others who enjoy a ripping yarn will too.
I make the occasional foray into different genres. In this case, the treatment of romantic suspense within the context of the undercover FBI agent and the intrepid investigative reporter/writer was enlightening. I imagine it gave this author scope for more gritty scenarios than would appear in her usual offerings. A change is as good as a rest. I found this an easy read and I'm sure others who enjoy a ripping yarn will too.
October 29, 2017
I obtained this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Toni is a true rime writer that uses actual true cases and facts that are written in fiction that lead to actual arrests. While following one of the current suspects involved in her new book she witnesses the murder of the man by two hitman in a dark alley. Nick an FBI agent is deep undercover working for the drug lord that was responsible for the overdose and death of his younger brother. He saves Toni's life by staging her murder and kidnapping her to keep himself and her alive and his cover intact.
August 12, 2022
Super fast paced, I loved every minute of it. Undercover FBI and a writer falling in love after Toni witnessed Nick assisting a murder for a drug lord. This was a revamped version of the original title from 1996. I did note a lot of grammar and spelling errors. Excited to read more in the series
October 16, 2017
Nick Manelli - FBI; undercover; vendetta to put Taranto out of drug business because his older brother died of an overdose of Taranto's drugs; almost in the inner circle, until...
Tony Rio - successful true crime author, targeting Taranto business, has gathered a lot of evidence (which she will turn over to police as the book is published), and she follows a member who changed his mind about testifying against Taranto and was released from protective custody, into an alley and witnesses his death... undercover Nick is just in time to see her, and sends the hitman to cover tracks of killing to chase her down, convinces her to cooperate and look shot dead, and he throws her into trunk telling the hitman he'll dump her body (someplace different from the con he killed)...
and he takes her to the cover house he's been living at... into the safe room...
fear, attraction, words vs behavior... she figures out pretty quickly he's not going to hurt her... she imagines he might be undercover, but isn't sure... she writes and writes... they give into the attraction... he is hurt... she takes care of him... he tells her the truth... they work out a plan to finish the undercover plan... she gets taken... he rescues her... end of Taranto!!!
beginning of them...
Tony Rio - successful true crime author, targeting Taranto business, has gathered a lot of evidence (which she will turn over to police as the book is published), and she follows a member who changed his mind about testifying against Taranto and was released from protective custody, into an alley and witnesses his death... undercover Nick is just in time to see her, and sends the hitman to cover tracks of killing to chase her down, convinces her to cooperate and look shot dead, and he throws her into trunk telling the hitman he'll dump her body (someplace different from the con he killed)...
and he takes her to the cover house he's been living at... into the safe room...
fear, attraction, words vs behavior... she figures out pretty quickly he's not going to hurt her... she imagines he might be undercover, but isn't sure... she writes and writes... they give into the attraction... he is hurt... she takes care of him... he tells her the truth... they work out a plan to finish the undercover plan... she gets taken... he rescues her... end of Taranto!!!
beginning of them...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2017
Harlequin Romance impersonating a thriller
Grossly improbable tale of a true-crime author who witnessed a murder and was subsequently kidnapped to save her from being murdered by a ruthless gangster. Immediately, chemistry between the kidnapper and the witness kicks in and the romance novel takes over. Ugh...false advertising.
Grossly improbable tale of a true-crime author who witnessed a murder and was subsequently kidnapped to save her from being murdered by a ruthless gangster. Immediately, chemistry between the kidnapper and the witness kicks in and the romance novel takes over. Ugh...false advertising.
April 29, 2016
The book was well-written, but I didn't particularly care for it. Too much suspense, not enough romance, and I still find it hard to believe that when you are trying to stay alive you have time to get romantically involved with someone.
April 1, 2018
Just didn't work for me. Couldn't work myself into feeling any chemistry with this book, which is especially disappointing considering all the good reviews. But these things happen.
September 14, 2025
#369 "In a way, she was Katrina.
She shook her head. She’d like to be Katrina. Katrina had the courage to do things Toni could never do. While Toni snooped and eavesdropped behind the scenes, Katrina stormed the front gates and faced whatever was behind them. While Toni dreamed of finding the perfect man and having a home and a family, Katrina dressed in slinky gowns and seduced dangerous rogues. Katrina had all the courage Toni lacked. If Katrina had been Tito’s daughter, she would never have watched in stunned silence as her father was slowly destroyed. She’d have done something about it."
BOOK : Reckless Angel / Reckless
SERIES: #shatteredsisters, Book 1
AUTHOR : #MaggirShayne
GENRE: #romance #suspensethriller #fiction
RATING: 5.0 ✨
Antonia (Toni) is a true crime novel writer , always putting herself in dangerous positions researching on her writing material. She deals with real threat everyday with her love for danger , it's just like playing hide and seek with the devil and this time she is secretly following a drug mafia for her book .She witnessed a murder and she runs . She entangles herself in the life of Nick , both of them can't understand who each other are. She thinks he is a gangster , but she is deeply attracted to him and he can't place if she has any ulterior motives, yet he feels drawn to her. There they begin an uncertain tango of to and fro, giving in a little to each other and then moving a step back and wondering if this move feels right . What happens when the Mafia lord finds Toni ? Is Nick a good guy ? Will Toni and Nick fall in love with each other ? This book is a dreamy romance novel, the first book of Author Maggie Shayne , we can say it was her dream and goal. I loved this romance story , I'm not so much big on romance but since the ice planet barbarians opened me up , I can be a dreamy cheesy girl occasionally dreaming about a handsome hunk , tough on the outside and soft on the inside from the fictional world. #suggested.
#toniandnick
#reckless
#recklessangel
#romancefiction
#fiction
#romance
#whirlwindromance
#happyending
#reader
#reviewer
#read
#reviews
#bookstagram
#mafia
#drugmafia
#writerandthug
#goons
#captivity
She shook her head. She’d like to be Katrina. Katrina had the courage to do things Toni could never do. While Toni snooped and eavesdropped behind the scenes, Katrina stormed the front gates and faced whatever was behind them. While Toni dreamed of finding the perfect man and having a home and a family, Katrina dressed in slinky gowns and seduced dangerous rogues. Katrina had all the courage Toni lacked. If Katrina had been Tito’s daughter, she would never have watched in stunned silence as her father was slowly destroyed. She’d have done something about it."
BOOK : Reckless Angel / Reckless
SERIES: #shatteredsisters, Book 1
AUTHOR : #MaggirShayne
GENRE: #romance #suspensethriller #fiction
RATING: 5.0 ✨
Antonia (Toni) is a true crime novel writer , always putting herself in dangerous positions researching on her writing material. She deals with real threat everyday with her love for danger , it's just like playing hide and seek with the devil and this time she is secretly following a drug mafia for her book .She witnessed a murder and she runs . She entangles herself in the life of Nick , both of them can't understand who each other are. She thinks he is a gangster , but she is deeply attracted to him and he can't place if she has any ulterior motives, yet he feels drawn to her. There they begin an uncertain tango of to and fro, giving in a little to each other and then moving a step back and wondering if this move feels right . What happens when the Mafia lord finds Toni ? Is Nick a good guy ? Will Toni and Nick fall in love with each other ? This book is a dreamy romance novel, the first book of Author Maggie Shayne , we can say it was her dream and goal. I loved this romance story , I'm not so much big on romance but since the ice planet barbarians opened me up , I can be a dreamy cheesy girl occasionally dreaming about a handsome hunk , tough on the outside and soft on the inside from the fictional world. #suggested.
#toniandnick
#reckless
#recklessangel
#romancefiction
#fiction
#romance
#whirlwindromance
#happyending
#reader
#reviewer
#read
#reviews
#bookstagram
#mafia
#drugmafia
#writerandthug
#goons
#captivity
December 17, 2018
I really didn’t know what to expect when I was reading this novel – I had read a Maggie Shayne short story in an anthology, wanted more, and this was the first in a series that I could get in one of my local bookstores. That was the entirety of my decision making when it came to getting this and reading it. and I’m really glad that I did. I’ve been on a romance hit lately, but the fact that this wasn’t paranormal, or historical, or any of my normal genres made me incredibly happy. I now have a new shelf on my bookshelves – Romantic suspense!
Although this was a romance that you knew who the two leads were straight away (there really weren’t overly many secondary characters), I like that neither of them succumbed until quite far through the story. Both leads had strong characters and a lot of secrets that prevented them from falling for their lustful fantasies. Which was really refreshing. Particularly Toni’s spunk when she is placed in situation after situation that would make less independent and stubborn women wilt. Which is exactly the kind of characters that I love to read about – they are able to fight and be themselves regardless of their circumstances.
To complement the romantic storyline of this novel, Shayne writes a great, fast-paced story of action and crime. The use of a mob boss, the FBI and a woman who is an incredible investigator not only helps to move along the romance, but it helps to up the stakes. Actually, unlike most other romances that I’ve read, I found myself more interested in the suspenseful outcome than the romantic one.
Although this was a romance that you knew who the two leads were straight away (there really weren’t overly many secondary characters), I like that neither of them succumbed until quite far through the story. Both leads had strong characters and a lot of secrets that prevented them from falling for their lustful fantasies. Which was really refreshing. Particularly Toni’s spunk when she is placed in situation after situation that would make less independent and stubborn women wilt. Which is exactly the kind of characters that I love to read about – they are able to fight and be themselves regardless of their circumstances.
To complement the romantic storyline of this novel, Shayne writes a great, fast-paced story of action and crime. The use of a mob boss, the FBI and a woman who is an incredible investigator not only helps to move along the romance, but it helps to up the stakes. Actually, unlike most other romances that I’ve read, I found myself more interested in the suspenseful outcome than the romantic one.
September 15, 2018
I've given this two stars because it has a decent plot that holds together fairly well. I really had trouble with the characters. At the outset of the book, they are one-dimensional--completely flat. The depth of their characterization improves only slightly over the course of the novel. Their "romance" struck me as completely implausible. Nothing revealed in the course of the story ever supports them becoming an actual couple. Unless they are both suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. In addition, their only sex scene happens in a cold rain, in the mud and pine needles, when they are each severely injured and should have been experiencing intense pain, while in danger of being discovered by mobsters, and I was left wanting to throw the book against the wall.
I realize this is the author's first book. I'm not sure how likely I am to read a more recent one to see if her skills improved.
I realize this is the author's first book. I'm not sure how likely I am to read a more recent one to see if her skills improved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2016
Reckless (Shattered Sisters Book 1)
by Maggie Shayne
Toni Rio a True Crime Writer follows a guy straight from his brief stint behind bars to his execution in a dirty alley. When his two killers see her witnessing their gruesome work, she runs, but she doesn’t get far.
FBI agent Nick Manelli has to keep his cover intact and keep the Toni alive, and there’s only way he can do this is to kidnap her.
Toni does not know that Nick is a FBI agent, yet is trying to figure out why he did not kill her....Nick thinks Toni was in the wrong place at the wrong time...This book was mostly a crime story and Nick and Toni getting to know each other and not much of the sexual scenes....which was really nice for a change.
Maggie Shayne's writing is amazing!! The characters are great, lots of suspense and drama....great read.I
by Maggie Shayne
Toni Rio a True Crime Writer follows a guy straight from his brief stint behind bars to his execution in a dirty alley. When his two killers see her witnessing their gruesome work, she runs, but she doesn’t get far.
FBI agent Nick Manelli has to keep his cover intact and keep the Toni alive, and there’s only way he can do this is to kidnap her.
Toni does not know that Nick is a FBI agent, yet is trying to figure out why he did not kill her....Nick thinks Toni was in the wrong place at the wrong time...This book was mostly a crime story and Nick and Toni getting to know each other and not much of the sexual scenes....which was really nice for a change.
Maggie Shayne's writing is amazing!! The characters are great, lots of suspense and drama....great read.I
March 29, 2022
Toni was over-the-top for me. Supposed to be savvy and smart and gutsy, she had too many moments when emotions made her stupid. Also, I have a pet peeve about authors who hurt or wound their characters, only to have them jump up and do something they would be completely incapable of doing. For example, one of these characters is left for dead, is taken to the hospital before he expires, and hours later is up and running around in time to save the day. Honestly. Any author, even those personally unacquainted with pain and injury, should know better. This kind of things happens repeatedly in this book, so it lowered my interest quotient in what was going on, since it made it totally unbelievable from beginning to end. The writing, on the other hand, was smooth and managed to keep me invested enough to read to the end.
January 20, 2018
Our protagonist, toni Rio, is a strong woman with a haunted soul. She feels responsible for her father's death. Therefore, she has become a crusader, going after serious criminals, sending her evidence to the authorities just as her book version is published. Following a low level thug who worked for her current mark, she stumbles onto his fatal hit. Observed by the hitmen, she is confused to find herself kidnapped rather than killed.
Nick is panicked when an innocent stumbles on Viper just after he has killed for his boss. Quick thinking prevents the need to kill the woman, but she is clearly trouble.
Toni will not go quiet into anything and fights every move Nick make for her to be comfortable. After all, Nick is a gangster, so why does she find him so handsome?
Nick is panicked when an innocent stumbles on Viper just after he has killed for his boss. Quick thinking prevents the need to kill the woman, but she is clearly trouble.
Toni will not go quiet into anything and fights every move Nick make for her to be comfortable. After all, Nick is a gangster, so why does she find him so handsome?
November 10, 2017
Contemporary fiction that starts off with a murder and a second almost murder then a kidnapping and then taking down a city's mafia with an undercover FBI agent and a writer looking for her next best-seller.
True Crime Writer Toni Rio is a the wrong place for the right reasons, so when FBI agent Nick Manelli tries to save her from her certain deadly fate but then she does everything to make his life miserable while being kidnapped and held at his secret getaway.
There is a LOT of violence in this story. If you can handle that part then this was a crazy ride of a read. I'm not sure that Nick was a good 'hero' and I almost want to see Toni with a more normal guy, but this is a fictional world where their HEA will turn out fine.
207 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
True Crime Writer Toni Rio is a the wrong place for the right reasons, so when FBI agent Nick Manelli tries to save her from her certain deadly fate but then she does everything to make his life miserable while being kidnapped and held at his secret getaway.
There is a LOT of violence in this story. If you can handle that part then this was a crazy ride of a read. I'm not sure that Nick was a good 'hero' and I almost want to see Toni with a more normal guy, but this is a fictional world where their HEA will turn out fine.
207 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
December 1, 2017
I was very disappointed in this book to be honest. I am a big fan of Maggie Shayne and have loved all her books but this one I just couldn't get into. I couldn't relate to the characters and there was so much detail about every little thing that I was so bored with it. Also I hate when authors describe sex as "going to the stars" as they climax. Its so fake. I have stopped reading certain authors due to that fact. I hope this isn't a regular thing now with her books. I did give it 3 stars because I did end up liking the end and want to give the 2nd book a try. I am being very generous with the 3 stars.
June 27, 2019
This book was a pleasant surprise.
Action, violence with mafia baddies, a feisty woman and a hunk of an undercover guy.
What more could you want in a romance thriller.
The story was engrossing and very believable. The back story/motivation for both of them was engrossing. I liked the chemistry between Toni and Nick but they resisted because they both had secrets to hide from each other.
A nice, romantic ending with both hurt or injured saving the day.
Action, violence with mafia baddies, a feisty woman and a hunk of an undercover guy.
What more could you want in a romance thriller.
The story was engrossing and very believable. The back story/motivation for both of them was engrossing. I liked the chemistry between Toni and Nick but they resisted because they both had secrets to hide from each other.
A nice, romantic ending with both hurt or injured saving the day.
August 11, 2019
Twisting turns
Can Tori trust Nick? With a hit man and his boss after her she is going to have to even if it seems everything is not as it seems. Nick an undercover agent has infiltrated Taranto crime boss and is intrigued by Tori who witnessed the hit man kill, neither wants the other to know the truth...Undercover FBI agent and expose all writer. Can they both survive to tell the tale and bring Taranto to justice.
Can Tori trust Nick? With a hit man and his boss after her she is going to have to even if it seems everything is not as it seems. Nick an undercover agent has infiltrated Taranto crime boss and is intrigued by Tori who witnessed the hit man kill, neither wants the other to know the truth...Undercover FBI agent and expose all writer. Can they both survive to tell the tale and bring Taranto to justice.
July 29, 2023
Toni Rio is a true crime writer she witnesses a murder and she runs. Nick Manelli is an FBI agent working undercover for the mob and kidnaps Toni to protect her from the people trying to kill her. Toni is tough and doesn’t want Nick’s protection and they slowly have a mutual attraction for each other. This was Maggie’s first book she wrote and the title was originally Reckless Angel which was the first book in the Shattered Sister series. I really enjoyed this fantastic romantic suspense novel.
January 23, 2017
Two characters with secrets. The hero and heroine are both willing to risk everything to bring down a drug overlord, but they don't know if the other is friend or foe. In the end, they have to go with their instincts and trust each other and find they make an amazing team. The romance and suspense are equally good.
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