She thought it was a perfect life. A perfect love. It was a tragic lie.
Ana Pryce’s future was set. She had the love of her boyfriend Max, her job as an ER nurse, and her lifetime friendship with Xander Eberhardt. Then suddenly, everything changed. Growing up in the projects of Ridgewood, Xander understood how to accept what you were given. He never wanted perfect; he only wanted the one thing he could never have. Until Max was gone. In the wake of losing the only man she ever loved, she did the unthinkable—and turned to Xander for comfort. As the world they so carefully created begins to crumble, Ana and Xander are forced to examine the lies that held their lives together for so long. Trying to run from how they feel about each other might be the worst lie yet.
Love after Loss Friends to Lovers Forced Proximity
Reckless Liar is a medium-steam small-town romance. It serves as both a prequel to Faultless Notion and the first book in the stand-alone Ridgewood Series.
I was hooked on this love triangle immediately and couldn’t put the book down because I was dying to know what happened next for Ana. Having already read Faultless Notion, it was really exciting to see Eloise as such a big part of this book. I might have to reread FN again from this new perspective!The book is also inspired by my hometown and gave me all the feels referencing so many of my favorite spots. I highly recommend this Beautiful love story!
There is some tough topics in this book. I almost threw my kindle a couple times throughout just the way some characters behaved.
Not to say the book isnt good. It really is! It was something I didn't know I needed, and I have been thinking about it a lot recently! It hasn't left me since I finished reading it.
I have felt exactly like Ana before, put in her position, not exactly but similarly and the outcome was roughly similar. Just not the ending.... It helped to see how it ended for them to help me.
Now for why 3.5-4 stars.
While this is a really close to home story for me, the characters got a slight bit annoying at times, and the immediate thought I had when she went to the drug store, which I don't understand how she got there when she was just at work and there was no like page break to tell me there was a time jump, it was just the next paragraph after being at work and talking to people. But for the fact she even had to go, which caused so many problems could have been avoided... it was unnecessary imo, now I'm not sure if this was based on some truth and this all actually happened irl. I'm also wondering, she works in a hospital, could she not have just used one of the tests they have there? Instead of going to the drug store? It would have saved some time and it would have caused less problems, but I know a romance novel is supposed to have some shock value to it and some sort of fight I guess that the MCs need to work through to get to their HEA, and I'm not saying that it was bad. I feel like it could have been a just a little more thought out I guess.
Everything else though, the relationship that happened between Ana and Xander was beautiful how it developed and how she went through the stages of grief and Loss, and just I loved it.
That 'friend' from the restaurant though... he can find himself a hole to crawl into and just be forgotten... he angered me very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
RECOMMENDED: Yes for lovers of small town, overcoming grief, friend to lover
First my usual points: - I do not do spoilers unless warned. - Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate. - This is a standalone; but a prequel to the author’s first published book, Prevalent Notion - No errors that I caught as far as editing. - The author was not new to me
BOOK: - Cover adequately reflects the story - Genre/troupe: contemporary romance - 1st person from Heroine’s POV
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK) • Writing Quality: 5 stars • Story ingredient: 5 stars • Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars • Plot strength: 5 stars • Steam Level 4
Notes/Opinion (personal): This was not your typical romance (rest assured there is a HEA); it was a beautiful book built around a tragic event and the heroine’s journey to overcome it and find her true self. In the midst of her journey is the friend that has always been there and always loved her. He is not a perfect man but he is a perfect man for her. Theirs is a true love story in all it messiness and beauty. I was left with a slight book hangover (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) from all the feels.
I was extremely hopeful about Reckless Liar and the story of Ana, Max, and Xander. There was a twist in the Prologue that I didn’t expect but after that it was just “meh”. I did read Reckless Liar as an ARC Reader. I’m still new at doing ARC readings but the grammatical errors were a top annoyance for me. I don’t know if this is typical with ARCs but I’ve found that the last few I’ve read have been this way. I’m a stickler for details and some of these errors put a damper on the story for me as I had to decipher what Linnea was trying to write. While I did want to find out how the story ended, it wasn’t my favorite story and one I’m not likely to read again. I found Ana’s character to be whiny and self-centered even though she is portrayed otherwise. Also, I found that there wasn’t much “spice”. I did read some of the other reviews who said there was just enough spice and for me, I felt like there was hardly any and the little that was in there felt awkward with the wording. I will say that the attraction/feelings between the characters where strong and portrayed well. I did laugh a few times, there were tears (both happy and sad), and a few WTH moments. Overall it was a good story. Just not one for me.
Wow, okay whatever I was expecting, it was not this. It was my first book by Linnea, as with most of my arcs, and I am deeply impressed with the creativity this book had. It’s unlike anything else I’ve read because I’m usually the sappy, lovey romance type. It talks about loving after loss. It’s an angsty friends to lovers story with unintentional pining. I was hooked by the flirtatious manner of Xander and his deep and luring persona. This book is not suited for fans of smut filled pages as “Reckless Liar” has only a few steamy scenes. The ending was definitely better than the beginning. I think I needed to get used to the world building. I rated this book a 3.5 (rounded up to 4) as I found it difficult to get into. In the beginning, I thought it was pointless, however this is a story you love as you go on. There is a couple minor problems I would’ve changed but it is not my book and I still adored it. I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read Anas and Xanders story before the entire world. Lots of Love!
I was given this book as an arc in exchange for my honest review. I do recommend checking trigger warnings prior to reading.
I have to say that this is one of the most realistic love stories I have ever read. Liliana faces struggles early in the story and the author has done a great job giving her character the time she needs to recover and attempt to come to terms with the changes she faces. It is much more believable than a story that has an instant fix or instant recovery.
This story includes a "he falls first" story line and I found it so easy to root for Xander. He is super sweet and caring but is also realistic when it comes to the relationship he has with Liliana. I appreciated that in the story.
This was my first book by Linnea March and am impressed with her story telling. I will definitely be reading more from this author and can't wait to find out who she writes about next in this series.
This story has the reader and main character, Ana Pryce, looking at one thing while something important is happening elsewhere. Ana loves her nursing job, her boyfriend Max, and her friend Xander. These were “constants” in her life, things you could always count on. She wasn’t aware how Xander felt about her because he accepted what he couldn’t have and appreciated the deep friendship.
When Max was no longer part of the equation, it was Ana who turned to Xander to ease her pain and grief. Will Ana and Xander be honest with themselves about how they truly feel now? Or will they back off, say nothing, and let go of the love they could have cherished with each other?
This one has all the feels and will definitely touch the reader’s emotions. Xander is a “keeper” and holds things together for everyone. Grab your copy and share their story.
As with any book, please check trigger warnings before reading.
This was my first ever arc and Linnea March is wonderful and super helpful with the process. I made sure to really take my time with this book and let it all sink in. The author doesn’t hold back and the beginning few pages already takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This book can resonate with many people who have experienced death and grief in their lives as well as healing and love. The main characters are well written and although there is a bit build up to the story, I enjoyed the plot. Here are a few of my favorite quotes by the one and only Xander:
“You can love someone too much in the wrong way.”
“I don’t understand, how can you still have faith in a man who failed you?”
“Time passes a little differently when you’re stuck.”
I met Linnea through TikTok, give her a follow. @linnea_writes
Wowza. This was my first book from Ms March and it did not disappoint!
This definitely had a lot of emotional up and downs, but there was nothing I would deem to be ridiculous drama for the sake of drama. Grief is a weird journey to go through - it's not a straight line and it can be very messy. The author does an artful job presenting this in a way that wasnt overwhelming, but didnt drag on terribly either. All this to say, it had good pacing and excellent writing.
The spice was slow burn and very well done with well-rounded characters (even in death). I loved Xander and want to wrap him in bubble wrap and feed him cookies.
Overall, I enjoyed it a lot and will definitely be seeking out other books by Ms March to add to my ever-growong TBR queue!
This BOOK!! I loved the slow burn and forced proximity.
Jump on the Linnea March train, this author is phenomenal. You will not be let down. There is so much depth in this story. Linnea makes you feel like you are living this story. Your heart breaks, you swoon, you swore when you hit the HEA.
Possible spoilers….
Ana broke my heart. The garbage she went through was hard to read about. How she put up with it, I don’t know. I’ve never hated a dead man as much as I did Max.
Xander caring for her, loving her is just perfect.
Ana deserved someone that didn’t take advantage of her and Xander deserved Ana after waiting for so long. This couple is 🤌 Absolute perfection.
This was the perfect slow burn where you really connect with both Ana and Xander and you absolutely feel the highs and lows they go through and there id a lot leaving you at times just want to wrap them in a big hug and never letting them go. I read this in one sitting as there was no way I was putting it down I needed to know how it ended so while losing Max was devastating the chance for Ana and Xander to have something more than friendship had me turning the page. This is the first book in the series I have read and has me wanting to read the rest now!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5⭐️ This is such a heartbreakingly good story. I was given this ARC for my honest review. I want to say how adorable this couple is. This is about finding love after loss and one of my favorite tropes: friends to lovers.
This book seems more realistic than most books with this trope and it isn't an instant move on and fall in love. Were there parts I wish were different? Yes. Would I change a thing? No.
All in all it is a great story with an awesome plot (if not sad, but I live for sad books). I can't wait to see more snipits from this couple in the future.
Although not my typical style of genre I can say this was still a lovely book. I had the opportunity to receive this book as an ARC and wanted to share my honest thoughts. The love story was definitely a much slower burn and even though I enjoyed the story there were moments when I found myself getting frustrated with the MC. It's not a dual POV but I still think you would be able to get a lot of Xanders thoughts throughout the book so maybe dual POV was not needed. Definitely a different style of romance than the usual sappy love story which was nice
This is a truly beautiful and emotional story of heartbreak, betrayal, loss, recovery, self discovery, healing and love. Ana, Max and Xander have been friends since they were ten, she and Max have been together off and on since they were seventeen and the whole time Xander has been in love with her. When Max dies everything changes and it takes a lot of struggles for her to find her truth and accept it. Beautifully written with characters that touch your heart and a wonderful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book to read by Linnea March as well as the first book I was an ARC reader for. The only background I had when I signed up was a TikTok teaser. The night I started this book I didn’t put it down until I finished it! I fell in love with the characters almost immediately along with the story line. It’s a friend to lovers small town romance that I would recommend to anyone! It doesn’t get too spicy, so it’s perfect for anyone who like little to moderate spice. I am looking forward to reading anything of hers in the future!
Ana though she had it all in her life, with her boyfriend who loves her, a job she loves in the ER, and the love she has for her best friend Xander. But everything can change in the blink of an eye. Xander has always accepted that Ana will never be his, and she is unaware pf the feeling he has for her. This is a well written story with love after loss, friends / lovers, small town romance, and with emotions, loss, healing, heartbreak, romance, angst, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such an emotional read but I LOVED every part of it. What Ana had gone through this book had be bawling my eyes out at 7 in the morning. I’m so happy that she has all the support she needed from her friends (Xander & Scarlett) + her family.
Xander’s such an amazing friend to Ana. He was so patient with her. I wish I could find me a Xander one day 😤
All in all this was such an AMAZING read I hope this book would blow up cuz people should read or learn about this !⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg this book!!! Emotional rollercoaster to say the least but in the best way. The pain and heartache that Ana felt throughout the story is so relatable to so many of us. There friends and family care for her so much and she learns to love herself in the right way. Xander is amazing, the chemistry that you can tell is there from the get go, the slow burn is what I love in books. Everyone needs a Xander in their life. One of my tops reads.
I was honored to receive this arc from the author herself so thank you!!
This book had all the feels. If I had to pick a book that was close to real life “feels” this would be it. We follow Ana and Xander after a devastating loss between the two of them and the loss helps them find love together. Ana has always just loved max. The tumultuous relationship they had makes her question everything for her future and how she comes to love herself and her future love.
This was fantastic.
Now I did get an uncorrected version and there was one scene that jumped literally with no transition but that’s minor and a few misspellings but again minor!
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down once I started reading it. The plot is great along with the right amount of spice. I absolutely love small town romances lately and this one does not disappoint in my opinion. This will more than likely be a reread for me which rarely ever happens. I definitely recommend reading this and I can't wait to read more by Linnea March!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Talk about a book I refused to put down until I finished! Linnea March transports you into a story that captivates readers entirely. From characters that you truly care about to a story that many readers can see themselves in, Reckless Liar, is a book that I will be recommending to all my friends. Just enough spice, emotional moments, and description to keep me happy and wanting more!
This is my first book by Linnea so I was going in pretty blindly. At the beginning, it was hard to get into but about 40% in, I WAS HOOKED. I have a new book beau named Xander. I wish I had his POV because I know that I would’ve loved seeing it from his side. Overall, I would rate this small town romance 4.5/5 stars but I rounded it up.
Reckless Liar by Linnea March is a good, and enjoyable small town friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story has spice, slow burn and very well-rounded characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ana Pryce’s future was set. She had the love of her boyfriend Max, her job as an ER nurse, and her lifetime friendship with Xander Eberhardt. Then suddenly, everything changed. Xander understood how to accept what you were given. He never wanted perfect; he only wanted the one thing he could never have. This was an emotional one for me. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Fell in love with this story of love, death, heartbreak, and over all growth. The story between Ana and Xander was remarkably written and how far love can push someone and the healing process a person has to go through to fully accept it.
This was heartbreaking sweet book! Being my first book of Linnea March I was still presently surprised by this great read. Small town, friends to lover and with mild spice. Still a very cute story and would happily recommend 😊
What a story! I really enjoyed seeing the emotions and the ups and downs of Ana & Xanders relationship growing and forming. Character development was amazing along with a beautiful storyline. Everything fit perfectly together like a puzzle.
Good book definitely great for first time. It was a little difficult for me to get into it but after getting through the first couple chapters I really enjoyed it.