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Reckless
Reckless --Phoebe Layton had always imagined Gabriel Banner a brave and valiant knight, which was why she went to him when she was in desperate need of help. but when she lures her shining knight to a lonely midnight rendezvous, Phoebe finds herself sparring with a dangerously desirable man who is nothing like the hero of her dreams. She fears she's made a dreadful mistake when Gabriel sweeps her into his arms and passionately embraces her. Yet it's a kiss that seals her fate. Now Gabriel must possess her -- even if he has to slay a dragon to do it!
*A New York Times Bestseller
*A New York Times Bestseller
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1992
552 people are currently reading
2376 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
96 books5,513 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
May 16, 2017
Ugh. This book made me so ANGRY. Livid, in fact. The kind of angry that makes me want to destroy furniture, maybe hulk smash something. Or both.
I'm going to admit right off the bat that this book contains my least favorite romance trope. The good ol' revenge plot. If I'd known, I wouldn't have read it. I've never been a fan and honestly, I have no idea why it's even a thing. I find nothing romantic about it in the least. I just don't get it. "I'm a terrible person bent on doing something terrible, but now that I see how great you are, I'm going to forget that. Will you marry me give me many sons?" No. Just no. Even when this kind of plot is done well, I still don't like. And when it's not? It just makes me want to throw shit. But then again, this is Amanda Quick, I thought to myself. If anyone can do it right, she can. Ha.
I don't even want to spend the energy necessary to describe the plot, but I will because it was half the reason I disliked the book so much. So, we have Phoebe, who has been writing Gabriel letters that are signed "The Veiled Lady", for anonymity, concerning some very old and beautiful manuscripts that they both want. Once upon a time, eight years ago, Gabriel was very taken with Phoebe's sister Meredith and used to send her books about knights and romance and Arthurian legends. Meredith did not share his enthusiasm (or his affection) and instead, Phoebe would read them and so began her love of such books, and a bit of love for Gabriel too. She saw him as a knight straight out of the books. When Meredith was told to marry some bore she didn't know and didn't want to know, Phoebe convinces her that Gabriel (who was courting her?) would help, seeing as he was knightly and all, and when he rescues her sister, obviously the thing he does is insist they marry via Gretna Green. Meredith is horrified and wants no part of that. When Meredith and Phoebe's father finds out what almost happened, he is also horrified and thinks Gabriel wanted to whisk her away to marry her for money (Gabriel was not well off), so he ruins Gabriel in every way possible. Gabriel takes his ruined self and sets off to sea to make his fortune and get away from the general awfulness of society. Eight years later he is back with a bucket load of money, buys a crumbling castle, and stays away from society. And the love of books never went away, so he continues to collect. Phoebe and Gabriel have that in common. While Gabriel was gone, Phoebe became very good friends with a man named Neil Baxter and while she didn't love him, she adored him in a friendship kinda way. Neil professes to love her but was broke, so he tells Phoebe he is off to the seas to make his fortune. Years later, Phoebe finds out he was killed by a pirate that stole a book Phoebe gave him before he left. She has recently found out the book is once again in London. Phoebe happens to feel that Neil's death is her fault so she sets out to get justice by finding the book and therefore Neil's killer. Oh my god this synopsis is taking forever. Phoebe uses her and Gabriel's mutual love of old books/manuscripts to lure him out of his castle so that he can help her find the book and therefore who killed Neil. He has no interest helping really (for his own reasons), but once he figures out that the Veiled Lady who wants his help is, in fact, the daughter of the man that ruined him so completely, he sees his opportunity. He is a bitter petty douche who decides to ruin Phoebe, who did absolutely nothing to him. Phoebe still sees him as this noble knight who will help her find justice and all Gabriel sees is a beautiful woman he will enjoy seducing thereby ruining her reputation, life, and a chance at marriage. Because, you know, revenge. There's a bunch of other stuff, obviously, but you get the point.
From the very beginning, I disliked Gabriel. Intensely. Within the first couple of chapters, I was ready for Phoebe to find out the awful things he was planning and throw them in his face. I looked forward to her ripping out what little heart he had and throwing it in his face. I was amazed at the crazy amounts of schadenfreude I had from the get go. He knew what he was doing and it was just so, so, seriously wrong. Phoebe told Gabriel over and over how wonderful he was and just how much what he was doing meant to her and he told her was stupid for believing it and just went on ruining her. While I was indeed frustrated by Phoebe's complete blindness to Gabriel's flaws, I was more pissed at Gabriel's selfishness. He quite literally did nothing without thinking of himself. He was even a greedy lover. Not just once, but most of the time. This especially pissed me off. The world is filled with selfish lovers that are well aware of their selfishness, don't put them in my romance novels, damnit. I don't care how realistic it is. That's the entire point of these books. These books are fiction. Fantasy. It added nothing to the plot. There wasn't some thematic reason. It wasn't like this was an arranged marriage between two people that didn't know each other and therefore lacked intimacy. They were friends. They spent a lot of time together. They had a history. He should have wanted to do good by her. Instead, after a good minute and thirty seconds (if you want to argue, we'll say five, max), he rolls over with a “sorry about that, better luck next time.” That's great. Juuuuust great. He knows she adores him, sees the very best in him, and he just takes what he wants and rolls off. On the floor. That's right. On the damn floor. Keeping it classy, Gabriel.
Then we come to the title of this book, Reckless. Phoebe is impulsive and stubborn and loves her freedom. She is smart (except when it comes to Gabriel) yet is seriously TSTL. While that isn't unusual in books like this, I mean, how else is a cold, heartless man going to realize he loves his woman unless she almost dies, amiright? I hated that every time Gabriel forbid her from doing anything, she did it anyway, and Gabriel was always proved right. He was a controlling, condescending ass that wouldn't let her do anything and when she, of course, ignored his commands, she always needed rescuing. Yes, she was in danger and I get the rescuing was done on purpose, to prove he was a knight or something like that, but I hated it. It always made his overbearing controlling demands seem necessary. It would have been far more interesting if she could figure out that she didn't need a knight to rescue her. But no. Gabriel had come to her rescue every damn time and walk around smugly saying, “See, you should have obeyed your husband like a wife is expected to. Good thing I don't beat women who disobey me, other men do.” He wasn't even kidding. He literally said that men have beaten their wives for less.
The writing was just fine. Obviously, Amanda Quick knows how to write. But man, some of the sex scenes were just cringe-worthy. At one point Gabriel makes a really terrible sailing metaphor during sex and all I could think of was Sex in the City. You know, when Charlotte and Trey are having trouble and they name their bits Schooner and Rebecca. “My Schooner is approaching your Rebecca!” It was laughable and so very awkward.
I feel like there must be something I'm missing. Everyone loved this book. I get it that it's nice to see someone who believed they would never be loved, finally understand that they are indeed loved. I get that Gabriel had a terrible fear of abandonment, but I would have liked it better if he didn't express it by being a complete asshole. There are better ways.
Needless to say, you can probably tell I did not like this book. Perhaps I'm missing the point. Maybe there is some grand message I just didn't receive. Maybe I'm just too cynical. Regardless, I cannot and will not recommend this book. If you want a nice Amanda Quick, try something like Ravished. Or anything else ever.
I'm going to admit right off the bat that this book contains my least favorite romance trope. The good ol' revenge plot. If I'd known, I wouldn't have read it. I've never been a fan and honestly, I have no idea why it's even a thing. I find nothing romantic about it in the least. I just don't get it. "I'm a terrible person bent on doing something terrible, but now that I see how great you are, I'm going to forget that. Will you marry me give me many sons?" No. Just no. Even when this kind of plot is done well, I still don't like. And when it's not? It just makes me want to throw shit. But then again, this is Amanda Quick, I thought to myself. If anyone can do it right, she can. Ha.
I don't even want to spend the energy necessary to describe the plot, but I will because it was half the reason I disliked the book so much. So, we have Phoebe, who has been writing Gabriel letters that are signed "The Veiled Lady", for anonymity, concerning some very old and beautiful manuscripts that they both want. Once upon a time, eight years ago, Gabriel was very taken with Phoebe's sister Meredith and used to send her books about knights and romance and Arthurian legends. Meredith did not share his enthusiasm (or his affection) and instead, Phoebe would read them and so began her love of such books, and a bit of love for Gabriel too. She saw him as a knight straight out of the books. When Meredith was told to marry some bore she didn't know and didn't want to know, Phoebe convinces her that Gabriel (who was courting her?) would help, seeing as he was knightly and all, and when he rescues her sister, obviously the thing he does is insist they marry via Gretna Green. Meredith is horrified and wants no part of that. When Meredith and Phoebe's father finds out what almost happened, he is also horrified and thinks Gabriel wanted to whisk her away to marry her for money (Gabriel was not well off), so he ruins Gabriel in every way possible. Gabriel takes his ruined self and sets off to sea to make his fortune and get away from the general awfulness of society. Eight years later he is back with a bucket load of money, buys a crumbling castle, and stays away from society. And the love of books never went away, so he continues to collect. Phoebe and Gabriel have that in common. While Gabriel was gone, Phoebe became very good friends with a man named Neil Baxter and while she didn't love him, she adored him in a friendship kinda way. Neil professes to love her but was broke, so he tells Phoebe he is off to the seas to make his fortune. Years later, Phoebe finds out he was killed by a pirate that stole a book Phoebe gave him before he left. She has recently found out the book is once again in London. Phoebe happens to feel that Neil's death is her fault so she sets out to get justice by finding the book and therefore Neil's killer. Oh my god this synopsis is taking forever. Phoebe uses her and Gabriel's mutual love of old books/manuscripts to lure him out of his castle so that he can help her find the book and therefore who killed Neil. He has no interest helping really (for his own reasons), but once he figures out that the Veiled Lady who wants his help is, in fact, the daughter of the man that ruined him so completely, he sees his opportunity. He is a bitter petty douche who decides to ruin Phoebe, who did absolutely nothing to him. Phoebe still sees him as this noble knight who will help her find justice and all Gabriel sees is a beautiful woman he will enjoy seducing thereby ruining her reputation, life, and a chance at marriage. Because, you know, revenge. There's a bunch of other stuff, obviously, but you get the point.
From the very beginning, I disliked Gabriel. Intensely. Within the first couple of chapters, I was ready for Phoebe to find out the awful things he was planning and throw them in his face. I looked forward to her ripping out what little heart he had and throwing it in his face. I was amazed at the crazy amounts of schadenfreude I had from the get go. He knew what he was doing and it was just so, so, seriously wrong. Phoebe told Gabriel over and over how wonderful he was and just how much what he was doing meant to her and he told her was stupid for believing it and just went on ruining her. While I was indeed frustrated by Phoebe's complete blindness to Gabriel's flaws, I was more pissed at Gabriel's selfishness. He quite literally did nothing without thinking of himself. He was even a greedy lover. Not just once, but most of the time. This especially pissed me off. The world is filled with selfish lovers that are well aware of their selfishness, don't put them in my romance novels, damnit. I don't care how realistic it is. That's the entire point of these books. These books are fiction. Fantasy. It added nothing to the plot. There wasn't some thematic reason. It wasn't like this was an arranged marriage between two people that didn't know each other and therefore lacked intimacy. They were friends. They spent a lot of time together. They had a history. He should have wanted to do good by her. Instead, after a good minute and thirty seconds (if you want to argue, we'll say five, max), he rolls over with a “sorry about that, better luck next time.” That's great. Juuuuust great. He knows she adores him, sees the very best in him, and he just takes what he wants and rolls off. On the floor. That's right. On the damn floor. Keeping it classy, Gabriel.
Then we come to the title of this book, Reckless. Phoebe is impulsive and stubborn and loves her freedom. She is smart (except when it comes to Gabriel) yet is seriously TSTL. While that isn't unusual in books like this, I mean, how else is a cold, heartless man going to realize he loves his woman unless she almost dies, amiright? I hated that every time Gabriel forbid her from doing anything, she did it anyway, and Gabriel was always proved right. He was a controlling, condescending ass that wouldn't let her do anything and when she, of course, ignored his commands, she always needed rescuing. Yes, she was in danger and I get the rescuing was done on purpose, to prove he was a knight or something like that, but I hated it. It always made his overbearing controlling demands seem necessary. It would have been far more interesting if she could figure out that she didn't need a knight to rescue her. But no. Gabriel had come to her rescue every damn time and walk around smugly saying, “See, you should have obeyed your husband like a wife is expected to. Good thing I don't beat women who disobey me, other men do.” He wasn't even kidding. He literally said that men have beaten their wives for less.
The writing was just fine. Obviously, Amanda Quick knows how to write. But man, some of the sex scenes were just cringe-worthy. At one point Gabriel makes a really terrible sailing metaphor during sex and all I could think of was Sex in the City. You know, when Charlotte and Trey are having trouble and they name their bits Schooner and Rebecca. “My Schooner is approaching your Rebecca!” It was laughable and so very awkward.
I feel like there must be something I'm missing. Everyone loved this book. I get it that it's nice to see someone who believed they would never be loved, finally understand that they are indeed loved. I get that Gabriel had a terrible fear of abandonment, but I would have liked it better if he didn't express it by being a complete asshole. There are better ways.
Needless to say, you can probably tell I did not like this book. Perhaps I'm missing the point. Maybe there is some grand message I just didn't receive. Maybe I'm just too cynical. Regardless, I cannot and will not recommend this book. If you want a nice Amanda Quick, try something like Ravished. Or anything else ever.
March 27, 2023
Another super fun historical from Amanda Quick! I love how much adventure her books have and this one has so much going on. There are multiple villains and the heroine is a book collector tracking down rare editions of books. She enlists the help of the hero and they embark on some fun shenanigans. I was never bored in this book and I really loved the dynamic between the hero and heroine! This also includes a fun marriage of convenience and I just loved how the heroine made the hero work for her love. I can't wait to pick up more from Amanda Quick's backlist!!
January 29, 2023
4 stars
Taking the word 'reckless' very seriously, Reckless is another lively adventurous romp from Amanda Quick (Ravished being my first read from her), if you enjoyed bookish hero/heroine, wholesome family dynamic, rich atmosphere and mysteries aplenty — this one will serve you well.
One's ability to accept the heroine's personality will dictate to their overall enjoyment; Phoebe is reckless personified. While I appreciate the novel setting her apart from the typical naive, inexperienced historical romance heroine, her unwillingness to comply can be a bit irritating, especially in the later half of the novel when she should've known better. As much as I love a plot-driven story, the third act of Reckless feels messy, where events are made purposely complex (relying on characters concealing things from each others), when easy solutions should be quite obvious.
Perhaps Amanda Quick is Tessa Dare from the 90s? Reckless might not be the most romantic, or the best structured historical romance, but it is still solid, enjoyable and kept me fully immersed and entertained.
**Historical Romance Readathon 2021: Holiday Edition | Bingo Board Prompts: Wallflower / Book You Already Own**
Taking the word 'reckless' very seriously, Reckless is another lively adventurous romp from Amanda Quick (Ravished being my first read from her), if you enjoyed bookish hero/heroine, wholesome family dynamic, rich atmosphere and mysteries aplenty — this one will serve you well.
One's ability to accept the heroine's personality will dictate to their overall enjoyment; Phoebe is reckless personified. While I appreciate the novel setting her apart from the typical naive, inexperienced historical romance heroine, her unwillingness to comply can be a bit irritating, especially in the later half of the novel when she should've known better. As much as I love a plot-driven story, the third act of Reckless feels messy, where events are made purposely complex (relying on characters concealing things from each others), when easy solutions should be quite obvious.
Perhaps Amanda Quick is Tessa Dare from the 90s? Reckless might not be the most romantic, or the best structured historical romance, but it is still solid, enjoyable and kept me fully immersed and entertained.
**Historical Romance Readathon 2021: Holiday Edition | Bingo Board Prompts: Wallflower / Book You Already Own**
January 6, 2017
Yes! I am finally done with my reads of some of Amanda Quick's earlier works (from the 90s). I think I hit peak over this two days ago though. I can't wait to move onto some other authors. This is the same set-up of most of Quick's earlier books. Quirky Original in her mid-20s who is in danger of "staying on the shelf" and an older male who knows he should not be attracted to said female, but is, and then denies he is falling in love with her for most of the book.
The heroine for this book is Phoebe Layton. The hero, Gabriel Banner, the new Earl of Wylde. Random comment, how come none of these dudes are ever a duke?
Phoebe and Gabriel have a weird history. Phoebe found herself at 16 falling in love with Gabriel and seeing the guy as some modern version of a knight (yeah this is a regency romance book so for Phoebe this was the modern era) and actually encouraged her older sister to run off with him to escape marrying someone she didn't know much about. Of course running off with a woman to Greta Green is not the thing to do, Gabriel and Phoebe's sister were caught, and then Gabriel ended up having his life ruined by Phoebe's father and brother. They think the guy was a fortune hunter out to snare a wealthy heiress and Gabriel is forced to go off in the East (yeah that word again) to make his fortune. Cue almost a decade later and we have Phoebe and Gabriel coming face to face again due to Phoebe seeking out Gabriel for stupid reasons.
Seriously, sometimes the heroines in Quick's novels are painfully aggravating and Phoebe was definitely one of them for me while reading this (one of the many reasons why I just gave this 2 stars) she is still determined to have Gabriel be her knight for no reason that I can tell. I think maybe having a prologue showing Phoebe and Gabriel younger and showing maybe why Gabriel was someone that Phoebe was in love with would have made things better. But no, we get a painfully naive Phoebe throughout this entire book.
Gabriel runs around for most of the book thinking about getting revenge against the Layton family because he can't see why they would be upset about him running off with their daughter. I don't even get why the guy doesn't understand why they went out of their way to ruin him for what he tried to, no matter his justifications. Though Phoebe's sister Meredith is not totally blameless in the whole thing, and I wish she had acknowledged she was wrong to run off with him even though Phoebe encouraged her to. Wow, I just realized that I don't like most of the people in this story besides Phoebe's parents and her brother. And there is a side plot about a past love from Phoebe that may be more dangerous than he appears which of course has Gabriel all riled up because he actually encountered the guy while out gaining his fortune.
There really is not much to this novel. Honestly, most of this book really is people telling Phoebe things that she doesn't want to hear (that are true) and her saying she doesn't know who to believe. For example, a man that Phoebe thought was in love with her that she called her Lancelot, is now back, though Gabriel knows of him and has given her information about what the guy was really up to when Phoebe thought he was off somewhere else. By the way it's not just Gabriel that tells her about this guy, it's her father, her mother, her brother, and her sister. I wanted to shake her after a bit.
The writing was not Quick's best work. There are a lot of asides about Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot and how Phoebe is much smarter than Guinevere. I maybe laughed a bit about that line because I never quibbled about Guinevere not being smart, it was the whole faithless thing that was the main issue. Can I say thought that I am heartily sick of hearing about Camelot right now after reading the Mary Stewart books.
The flow was up and down. I think because Quick realized she had to add some intrigue in this one and she tried to, but it doesn't really work. While Phoebe is whisked off to Gabriel's home (of course it's a freaking castle) attempts on her life are being done and this leads to Gabriel trying to keep her confined to their home so he can keep her safe. Though Phoebe doesn't like it since this proves Gabriel doesn't trust her, or something, I don't know. It made no sense to me. And I realize that in a lot of Quick novels the heroine is sometimes confined to the home in order to keep her safe and said heroine is always irked about it. Yes let's get irked about your husband trying to keep you from being murdered! Ugh. This book.
Things get tied up in the end, but it doesn't make much sense to me. The villain of the peace was readily apparent and based on what we know about the guy. I still don't understand why Gabriel didn't have him locked up but will just wave my hands at the book and say plot reasons.
I read this for Romance Bingo 2017, and this book fits my free space square!
The heroine for this book is Phoebe Layton. The hero, Gabriel Banner, the new Earl of Wylde. Random comment, how come none of these dudes are ever a duke?
Phoebe and Gabriel have a weird history. Phoebe found herself at 16 falling in love with Gabriel and seeing the guy as some modern version of a knight (yeah this is a regency romance book so for Phoebe this was the modern era) and actually encouraged her older sister to run off with him to escape marrying someone she didn't know much about. Of course running off with a woman to Greta Green is not the thing to do, Gabriel and Phoebe's sister were caught, and then Gabriel ended up having his life ruined by Phoebe's father and brother. They think the guy was a fortune hunter out to snare a wealthy heiress and Gabriel is forced to go off in the East (yeah that word again) to make his fortune. Cue almost a decade later and we have Phoebe and Gabriel coming face to face again due to Phoebe seeking out Gabriel for stupid reasons.
Seriously, sometimes the heroines in Quick's novels are painfully aggravating and Phoebe was definitely one of them for me while reading this (one of the many reasons why I just gave this 2 stars) she is still determined to have Gabriel be her knight for no reason that I can tell. I think maybe having a prologue showing Phoebe and Gabriel younger and showing maybe why Gabriel was someone that Phoebe was in love with would have made things better. But no, we get a painfully naive Phoebe throughout this entire book.
Gabriel runs around for most of the book thinking about getting revenge against the Layton family because he can't see why they would be upset about him running off with their daughter. I don't even get why the guy doesn't understand why they went out of their way to ruin him for what he tried to, no matter his justifications. Though Phoebe's sister Meredith is not totally blameless in the whole thing, and I wish she had acknowledged she was wrong to run off with him even though Phoebe encouraged her to. Wow, I just realized that I don't like most of the people in this story besides Phoebe's parents and her brother. And there is a side plot about a past love from Phoebe that may be more dangerous than he appears which of course has Gabriel all riled up because he actually encountered the guy while out gaining his fortune.
There really is not much to this novel. Honestly, most of this book really is people telling Phoebe things that she doesn't want to hear (that are true) and her saying she doesn't know who to believe. For example, a man that Phoebe thought was in love with her that she called her Lancelot, is now back, though Gabriel knows of him and has given her information about what the guy was really up to when Phoebe thought he was off somewhere else. By the way it's not just Gabriel that tells her about this guy, it's her father, her mother, her brother, and her sister. I wanted to shake her after a bit.
The writing was not Quick's best work. There are a lot of asides about Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot and how Phoebe is much smarter than Guinevere. I maybe laughed a bit about that line because I never quibbled about Guinevere not being smart, it was the whole faithless thing that was the main issue. Can I say thought that I am heartily sick of hearing about Camelot right now after reading the Mary Stewart books.
The flow was up and down. I think because Quick realized she had to add some intrigue in this one and she tried to, but it doesn't really work. While Phoebe is whisked off to Gabriel's home (of course it's a freaking castle) attempts on her life are being done and this leads to Gabriel trying to keep her confined to their home so he can keep her safe. Though Phoebe doesn't like it since this proves Gabriel doesn't trust her, or something, I don't know. It made no sense to me. And I realize that in a lot of Quick novels the heroine is sometimes confined to the home in order to keep her safe and said heroine is always irked about it. Yes let's get irked about your husband trying to keep you from being murdered! Ugh. This book.
Things get tied up in the end, but it doesn't make much sense to me. The villain of the peace was readily apparent and based on what we know about the guy. I still don't understand why Gabriel didn't have him locked up but will just wave my hands at the book and say plot reasons.
I read this for Romance Bingo 2017, and this book fits my free space square!
January 9, 2023
I absolutely loved everything about this historical romance! First, as a reader myself, it was an absolute dream to read a romance involving a passionate reader and an author. The quotations between them both regarding books and reading was a delightful and beneficial treat in an already incredible story.
I loved both of the main characters of Phoebe and Gabriel. True, between them both there were aspects of their personalities that were frustrating but I think their individual personalities balanced each other out and made me love their relationship more.
Similarly to Phoebe's personality, I just loved her character overall with her persistent stubbornness and independence (even if it made some of her actions dangerous and questionable).
An additional bonus of this novel is that it includes both Medieval elements as well as a pirate storyline (but keep in mind that the characters are not at sea). Medieval and pirate stories are some of my favourites so this made for the perfect book for me!
I loved both of the main characters of Phoebe and Gabriel. True, between them both there were aspects of their personalities that were frustrating but I think their individual personalities balanced each other out and made me love their relationship more.
Similarly to Phoebe's personality, I just loved her character overall with her persistent stubbornness and independence (even if it made some of her actions dangerous and questionable).
An additional bonus of this novel is that it includes both Medieval elements as well as a pirate storyline (but keep in mind that the characters are not at sea). Medieval and pirate stories are some of my favourites so this made for the perfect book for me!
April 5, 2022
Full review will be in Monday's vlog 4/4/22
December 14, 2019
3 Estrellas. Uno muy correcto de Amanda Quick, pero también muy corrientito, no esperaba mucho, salvo que me entretuviera y así ha sido. Lo cierto es que leído un libro de ésta mujer, leídos todos, porque suelen tener un modus operandi similar en todas sus obras. Personajes fuertes y atrayentes con hobbies un tanto extraños, sumidos en una trama de investigación y con intriga hasta que se desvela el final.
En éste libro tenemos a Gabriel Wylde, un hombre solitario que no cree en el amor ni espera nada de él, ni mucho menos encontrarlo; que fue engañado por una mujer, la hermana mayor de la protagonista. Y Phoebe, la hija de un poderoso conde, la pequeña, la más aventurera y la más imprudente.
Phoebe ha sido la extraña en su tan excéntrica familia. A pesar de tener una buena posición social, tiene casi los veinticinco y no se ha casado, Phoebe es fiel así misma y sólo se casará por amor. El hobbie de Phoebe es el coleccionismo de libros antiguos, y para su misión particular necesita a un hombre valiente e intrépido ¿Por qué no el hombre al que acudió su hermana en busca de ayuda? Gabriel parece ser la reencarnación del caballero que busca Phoebe.
Gabriel fue engañado por Meredith, la hermana mayor de Phoebe, y despojado de sus bienes materiales por el padre de ambas, así que no le quedó más remedio que buscarse la vida como comerciante por los Mares del Sur. Han pasado ocho años y Gabriel ha vuelto, convertido en conde tras un fallecimiento familiar que nadie esperaba.
Phoebe desea conseguir un libro, un libro que le regaló a un antiguo pretendiente, que partió a los Mares del Sur en busca de fortuna para poder pedir su mano. Phoebe no lo amaba, pero supo que éste resultó muerto a manos de un pirata, por lo que se siente desolada y en su conciencia no puede si no intentar recuperar el objeto para averiguar quién fue su asesino.
Con la ayuda de Gabriel, Phoebe pretenderá conseguir el libro, pero en seguida queda claro que entre los protagonistas hay una gran atracción a la que ninguno de los dos puede resistirse, y lo que empieza como una peligrosa amistad, acaba convirtiéndose en una relación en toda regla.
Desde el principio el lector es testigo de cómo Phoebe se va enamorando poco a poco de Gabriel, pero personalmente, Gabriel no ha sido el personaje masculino que más me ha gustado de Amanda Quick, lo he visto más bruto y retrógrado en comparación con otros protagonistas suyos, y no me ha llegado tanto.
El romance no ha sido lo que más me ha atraído del libro, si no la historia de trasfondo, pues me ha parecido muy bien hilvanada durante todo el libro. No sólo tenemos la aventura del principio, y el intento de Phoebe por hacerse con el libro que regaló a su pretendiente, si no que también tendremos a alguien que quiere hacer daño a los protagonistas para hacerse con el dichoso libro.
El general un libro divertido y entretenido pero creo que lo olvidaré tan rápido como lo he leído, es decir, en unos días.
En éste libro tenemos a Gabriel Wylde, un hombre solitario que no cree en el amor ni espera nada de él, ni mucho menos encontrarlo; que fue engañado por una mujer, la hermana mayor de la protagonista. Y Phoebe, la hija de un poderoso conde, la pequeña, la más aventurera y la más imprudente.
Phoebe ha sido la extraña en su tan excéntrica familia. A pesar de tener una buena posición social, tiene casi los veinticinco y no se ha casado, Phoebe es fiel así misma y sólo se casará por amor. El hobbie de Phoebe es el coleccionismo de libros antiguos, y para su misión particular necesita a un hombre valiente e intrépido ¿Por qué no el hombre al que acudió su hermana en busca de ayuda? Gabriel parece ser la reencarnación del caballero que busca Phoebe.
Gabriel fue engañado por Meredith, la hermana mayor de Phoebe, y despojado de sus bienes materiales por el padre de ambas, así que no le quedó más remedio que buscarse la vida como comerciante por los Mares del Sur. Han pasado ocho años y Gabriel ha vuelto, convertido en conde tras un fallecimiento familiar que nadie esperaba.
Phoebe desea conseguir un libro, un libro que le regaló a un antiguo pretendiente, que partió a los Mares del Sur en busca de fortuna para poder pedir su mano. Phoebe no lo amaba, pero supo que éste resultó muerto a manos de un pirata, por lo que se siente desolada y en su conciencia no puede si no intentar recuperar el objeto para averiguar quién fue su asesino.
Con la ayuda de Gabriel, Phoebe pretenderá conseguir el libro, pero en seguida queda claro que entre los protagonistas hay una gran atracción a la que ninguno de los dos puede resistirse, y lo que empieza como una peligrosa amistad, acaba convirtiéndose en una relación en toda regla.
Desde el principio el lector es testigo de cómo Phoebe se va enamorando poco a poco de Gabriel, pero personalmente, Gabriel no ha sido el personaje masculino que más me ha gustado de Amanda Quick, lo he visto más bruto y retrógrado en comparación con otros protagonistas suyos, y no me ha llegado tanto.
El romance no ha sido lo que más me ha atraído del libro, si no la historia de trasfondo, pues me ha parecido muy bien hilvanada durante todo el libro. No sólo tenemos la aventura del principio, y el intento de Phoebe por hacerse con el libro que regaló a su pretendiente, si no que también tendremos a alguien que quiere hacer daño a los protagonistas para hacerse con el dichoso libro.
El general un libro divertido y entretenido pero creo que lo olvidaré tan rápido como lo he leído, es decir, en unos días.
January 15, 2023
Reckless is a historical romance from Amanda Quick. This was I think my 4th or 5th read from AQ and I’ve had some I’ve loved and some that were just okay. I always do have an entertaining time with her reads.
This story jumps right into it with Phoebe. Phoebe’s family has always treated her like the baby of the family, they know she’s impulsive and headstrong. And we get a glimpse of that in the very beginning when she ends up meeting up with the hero at midnight after writing to him. Phoebe writes to Gabriel, Earl of Wylde, as “The Veiled Lady” and requests his help on a quest. She first met Gabriel when she was just 16-years old (he was once involved with her sister) and thought he was a handsome, gallant knight. So now 8 years later she sought him out when she needed a hero and someone’s help. Phoebe wants his help in finding a murderer. Gabriel and Phoebe are also rivals of sorts, they both share an interest in medieval manuscripts and trying to acquire them first.
I liked how many Arthurian references there were in this read, with the medieval manuscripts and Phoebe referring to a past beau as her “Lancelot”. Phoebe and Gabriel do end up married and I liked how Phoebe kind of gives him a hard time and teases him about their wedding night being a bit lackluster and hopefully will improve with time. 😄 Gabriel doesn’t trust love, people who have claimed to love him in the past have always left him so Phoebe is determined to teach him to love. There is a lot going on in this one as far as a lot of plot, some things I wasn’t as interested in and it did take away from the overall for me. There is also a bit about Phoebe being his publisher and not wanting him to know and another time when Gabriel puts Phoebe under house-arrest so to speak because of her “reckless” nature! My fav AQ’s remain Ravished and Dangerous!
This story jumps right into it with Phoebe. Phoebe’s family has always treated her like the baby of the family, they know she’s impulsive and headstrong. And we get a glimpse of that in the very beginning when she ends up meeting up with the hero at midnight after writing to him. Phoebe writes to Gabriel, Earl of Wylde, as “The Veiled Lady” and requests his help on a quest. She first met Gabriel when she was just 16-years old (he was once involved with her sister) and thought he was a handsome, gallant knight. So now 8 years later she sought him out when she needed a hero and someone’s help. Phoebe wants his help in finding a murderer. Gabriel and Phoebe are also rivals of sorts, they both share an interest in medieval manuscripts and trying to acquire them first.
I liked how many Arthurian references there were in this read, with the medieval manuscripts and Phoebe referring to a past beau as her “Lancelot”. Phoebe and Gabriel do end up married and I liked how Phoebe kind of gives him a hard time and teases him about their wedding night being a bit lackluster and hopefully will improve with time. 😄 Gabriel doesn’t trust love, people who have claimed to love him in the past have always left him so Phoebe is determined to teach him to love. There is a lot going on in this one as far as a lot of plot, some things I wasn’t as interested in and it did take away from the overall for me. There is also a bit about Phoebe being his publisher and not wanting him to know and another time when Gabriel puts Phoebe under house-arrest so to speak because of her “reckless” nature! My fav AQ’s remain Ravished and Dangerous!
January 25, 2024
This was my first Amanda Quick and it brought the drama! Like the same amount of drama that you would get in a Highlander drama and I love that for me and everyone reading it.
Phoebe loves books (girl, same) but she also loves to go on adventures and cause trouble (that were our similarities end). Gabriel also loves books and at one time he liked a good adventure but that’s when he was trying to pick himself back up from financial ruin. Now he would just like to be left alone.
Phoebe will not leave him alone and gets him involved in her adventures. If I’m being honest these two weren’t my favorite characters. There were times I liked them but there were other times when they both annoyed me and I wanted to shake them a little.
Phoebe loves books (girl, same) but she also loves to go on adventures and cause trouble (that were our similarities end). Gabriel also loves books and at one time he liked a good adventure but that’s when he was trying to pick himself back up from financial ruin. Now he would just like to be left alone.
Phoebe will not leave him alone and gets him involved in her adventures. If I’m being honest these two weren’t my favorite characters. There were times I liked them but there were other times when they both annoyed me and I wanted to shake them a little.
January 7, 2024
This one is a rollercoaster. When I tell you the title "Reckless" is not a lie, you better believe it because the heroine is so brash I was rolling my eyes most of the time. If you're not ready for that, better not try this one. So in short, I'm not fond of the heroine, the hero, and the romance. But once I see this one as an adventure/comedy/mystery story, I felt a lot better and settled on 3 stars.
The story is about Phoebe who is a naive woman in her mid-twenties, likes to read and to go on adventures. One day she set up a meeting with Gabriel (who had once run off with her sister), she picked this man because she considered him a knight in shining armour, an honorable one. She had a quest for him to do: investigate the murder of her "intended" who died at sea.
The story itself is not bad. The romance, however, is... problematic(?) Phoebe fell in love too fast and Gabriel too slow- in my opinion. Their romance story is agitating.
I will describe the romance part of this book with two gifs, exhibiting the question and the answer:
Yes, the story does revolve around their love life, but gosh the conflict and story were a lot better if the reader is not overly invested in the love story. At first, I cared too much for their relationship and I hated the book, but as it went on, I try not to care about the relationship, only the plot, and I enjoyed it a lot more.
The heroine... oh my god. Phoebe is a dumb girl. She has no sense. She's so impulsive it was so tiring. She like to read books but is oblivious of evil schemes. She's 25, had substantial proof that the villain is lying because her husband and father told her and yet she still played dumb, like "who to trust?" Broooooo multiple people told you what's up, I think it's pretty clear by now who to trust. But then she got angry at the hero about him not trusting her.. GIRL! ME MYSELF AND I, THE READER, DON'T EVEN TRUST YOU.
The hero... is not romantic. He's good, but I don't see why Phoebe sees him as the knight in shining armour. He admitted to her he was using her for revenge, and it's no secret from the start, Phoebe was just too naive to see it. If he's a little smart because he likes to read and write, sure. But that's not the main indicator one should look for in a man. She's ready to fall at his feet because of what?? I have no idea how her brain works folks. This man shows nothing that indicates he's a generous knight (he admits it too). This girl is not only naive she's also nuisance to deal with.
Do you know what grinds my gears? *obvious spoilers ahead*
Also, In the middle of conflicts and fights, Gabriel and Phoebe share one brain cell. They have a problem with communicating. Phoebe once ran off to another room because she got mad and refused to listen to her husband, but once she's alone she goes on and on about "There must be an explanation?" GIRLLL!!!! YOUR HUSBAND WAS ABOUT TO EXPLAIN AND YOU RAN OFF !!AND U OUT HERE WONDERING WHAT's UP???! HE WAS ABOUT TO TELL YOU A SECOND AGO!!! I can't with her.
Gabriel is also not good at communicating, he seems to always take the hard road even when he could just search for alternatives, he likes making his own situation more difficult.
After that point of the conflict, I was over the romance and focused on the conflict instead. This helped a lot. Anyway, aside from the Romance, the story is predictable, but it managed to entertain me enough to finish this book when I was dreading it like a chore. And in the end, I don't hate it as much as I did in the middle.
The story is about Phoebe who is a naive woman in her mid-twenties, likes to read and to go on adventures. One day she set up a meeting with Gabriel (who had once run off with her sister), she picked this man because she considered him a knight in shining armour, an honorable one. She had a quest for him to do: investigate the murder of her "intended" who died at sea.
The story itself is not bad. The romance, however, is... problematic(?) Phoebe fell in love too fast and Gabriel too slow- in my opinion. Their romance story is agitating.
I will describe the romance part of this book with two gifs, exhibiting the question and the answer:
Yes, the story does revolve around their love life, but gosh the conflict and story were a lot better if the reader is not overly invested in the love story. At first, I cared too much for their relationship and I hated the book, but as it went on, I try not to care about the relationship, only the plot, and I enjoyed it a lot more.
The heroine... oh my god. Phoebe is a dumb girl. She has no sense. She's so impulsive it was so tiring. She like to read books but is oblivious of evil schemes. She's 25, had substantial proof that the villain is lying because her husband and father told her and yet she still played dumb, like "who to trust?" Broooooo multiple people told you what's up, I think it's pretty clear by now who to trust. But then she got angry at the hero about him not trusting her.. GIRL! ME MYSELF AND I, THE READER, DON'T EVEN TRUST YOU.
The hero... is not romantic. He's good, but I don't see why Phoebe sees him as the knight in shining armour. He admitted to her he was using her for revenge, and it's no secret from the start, Phoebe was just too naive to see it. If he's a little smart because he likes to read and write, sure. But that's not the main indicator one should look for in a man. She's ready to fall at his feet because of what?? I have no idea how her brain works folks. This man shows nothing that indicates he's a generous knight (he admits it too). This girl is not only naive she's also nuisance to deal with.
Do you know what grinds my gears? *obvious spoilers ahead*
Also, In the middle of conflicts and fights, Gabriel and Phoebe share one brain cell. They have a problem with communicating. Phoebe once ran off to another room because she got mad and refused to listen to her husband, but once she's alone she goes on and on about "There must be an explanation?" GIRLLL!!!! YOUR HUSBAND WAS ABOUT TO EXPLAIN AND YOU RAN OFF !!AND U OUT HERE WONDERING WHAT's UP???! HE WAS ABOUT TO TELL YOU A SECOND AGO!!! I can't with her.
Gabriel is also not good at communicating, he seems to always take the hard road even when he could just search for alternatives, he likes making his own situation more difficult.
After that point of the conflict, I was over the romance and focused on the conflict instead. This helped a lot. Anyway, aside from the Romance, the story is predictable, but it managed to entertain me enough to finish this book when I was dreading it like a chore. And in the end, I don't hate it as much as I did in the middle.
September 11, 2018
I never thought I'd give one of Amanda's books one star but here we are.
The plot was uninteresting, the characters were stupid and the romance was cringeworthy.
In comparison to some of her other books, this one deserves a -5.
The plot was uninteresting, the characters were stupid and the romance was cringeworthy.
In comparison to some of her other books, this one deserves a -5.
February 2, 2017
I have long been a fan of Amanda Quick, the pseudonym under which Jayne Ann Krentz writes her historical romances. This is one of her earliest ones, long before she delved into the paranormal elements of the Arcane Society and even before the Vanza novels, in which the heroes have been trained in a secret philosophy/martial arts in the Far East. Even in her earliest novels, her unique voice is present. While it is true that her books have become rather formulaic over time, I applaud that she has maintained that tone that is distinctively AQ.
The heroine in this novel is Lady Phoebe Layton, daughter of the Earl of Clarington. Phoebe is a fun heroine, independent and headstrong and yet naive. For a year she has felt guilty over the death of a former suitor; since he went to the South Seas to seek his fortune so he would have something to offer her in marriage, she feels his death there is her fault. She is attempting to recover an ancient book that she gave him before he left, entitled The Lady in the Tower.
She has pleaded, coerced and bribed an old acquaintance for help, Gabriel Banner, the newly titled Earl of Wylde. Several years ago, he attempted to elope with Phoebe's older sister to save her from a loveless marriage. Phoebe believes that Gabriel is, therefore, a noble gentleman in the mold of King Arthur or one of his chivalrous knights. Little does she know that Gabriel is the man who killed Neil Baxter, who was actually a pirate, and that Gabriel has the book. (Those aren't spoilers because they are revealed very early.)
The romance isn't very complex. The best part of the book, IMO, is Phoebe's family and their relationships with each other and how they accept Gabriel into the fold.
3.5 stars. Darn, I wish we could actually give 1/2 star ratings!!!
The heroine in this novel is Lady Phoebe Layton, daughter of the Earl of Clarington. Phoebe is a fun heroine, independent and headstrong and yet naive. For a year she has felt guilty over the death of a former suitor; since he went to the South Seas to seek his fortune so he would have something to offer her in marriage, she feels his death there is her fault. She is attempting to recover an ancient book that she gave him before he left, entitled The Lady in the Tower.
She has pleaded, coerced and bribed an old acquaintance for help, Gabriel Banner, the newly titled Earl of Wylde. Several years ago, he attempted to elope with Phoebe's older sister to save her from a loveless marriage. Phoebe believes that Gabriel is, therefore, a noble gentleman in the mold of King Arthur or one of his chivalrous knights. Little does she know that Gabriel is the man who killed Neil Baxter, who was actually a pirate, and that Gabriel has the book. (Those aren't spoilers because they are revealed very early.)
The romance isn't very complex. The best part of the book, IMO, is Phoebe's family and their relationships with each other and how they accept Gabriel into the fold.
3.5 stars. Darn, I wish we could actually give 1/2 star ratings!!!
dnf
January 18, 2023DNF at 49%. The romance feels very secondary and rushed, while the adventure and mystery aspects quickly went from interesting to ridiculous. Another book I might’ve given 3⭐️ if I had pushed through, but I’m sticking to my goal of DNFing anything that seems like it’ll be 3⭐️ or lower.
November 9, 2015
This is one of the few Amanda Quick good oldies that I have no intention of re-reading.
Don't get me wrong, this book has all the Amanda Quick signature charms. Formulaic but well-written. Not to be missed if you have read and liked Quick's romance novels.
In this story Phoebe Layton is the reckless heroine who dreamed of chilvary and gallant knights. Her prince on the white horse was Gabriel Banner, who once eloped with Phoebe's sister. They met again when Phoebe was 24 and tried to engage Gabriel in some kind of a quest. Odd girl meet emotionally unavailable boy, oh my she is so different from any other women, why won't he love me? I am plain but smart. I can get him to love him. Handsome hero finds odd heroine intriguing. blah blah blah I love you, the end.
Phoebe is your typical Amanda Quick heroine: an impulsive, practical, un-pretty and no one finds her attractive except said hero but supposedly has her own charm kind of woman. I really have the feeling that Amanda Quick is writing about herself in these novels. And just how many queer women are there who all met handsome and hot earls who have eyes only for odd women?
When I read this book years ago I thought ugh I really do not like Phoebe. But the earl is alright. This is pretty much the case for all of her novels. I like her heros but why must they all have the misfortunes of being paired with women who are odd and unpretty but oh so smart? While in some books Quick managed to present the heroines in more attractive lights, Phoebe in Reckless belongs to the unfavorable group in my eyes. A headstrong, impulsive, dreaming of her own knight woman, god help me, I want nothing to do with such women and pity the men who have to marry them. Amanda Quick does not just make them headstrong and impulsive. She makes her heroines practical to a fault. A few examples:
"I am no beauty so i must accept my lot."
"I am odd so it is ok if everyone thinks of me as an oddball."
"I have my interests so it is ok if i am a spinster."
"I am not pretty so I don't care for fashion. I dress for comfort and I am plain. It's ok if my husband is not overcome with love. It is only natural since I am not beautiful. But have no fear, I have my brains."
I don't know why Amanda Quick has to make them so.....un-femenine and so typically spinsterish? They can be odd, but must they all lose their femininity as a result?
I do realize however, that my feelings toward Amanda Quick's heriones, in particular Phoebe in this book, are my personal view. I suppose such females would appeal to readers who can appreciate such characters. I, regrettablly, am not one of them.
Don't get me wrong, this book has all the Amanda Quick signature charms. Formulaic but well-written. Not to be missed if you have read and liked Quick's romance novels.
In this story Phoebe Layton is the reckless heroine who dreamed of chilvary and gallant knights. Her prince on the white horse was Gabriel Banner, who once eloped with Phoebe's sister. They met again when Phoebe was 24 and tried to engage Gabriel in some kind of a quest. Odd girl meet emotionally unavailable boy, oh my she is so different from any other women, why won't he love me? I am plain but smart. I can get him to love him. Handsome hero finds odd heroine intriguing. blah blah blah I love you, the end.
Phoebe is your typical Amanda Quick heroine: an impulsive, practical, un-pretty and no one finds her attractive except said hero but supposedly has her own charm kind of woman. I really have the feeling that Amanda Quick is writing about herself in these novels. And just how many queer women are there who all met handsome and hot earls who have eyes only for odd women?
When I read this book years ago I thought ugh I really do not like Phoebe. But the earl is alright. This is pretty much the case for all of her novels. I like her heros but why must they all have the misfortunes of being paired with women who are odd and unpretty but oh so smart? While in some books Quick managed to present the heroines in more attractive lights, Phoebe in Reckless belongs to the unfavorable group in my eyes. A headstrong, impulsive, dreaming of her own knight woman, god help me, I want nothing to do with such women and pity the men who have to marry them. Amanda Quick does not just make them headstrong and impulsive. She makes her heroines practical to a fault. A few examples:
"I am no beauty so i must accept my lot."
"I am odd so it is ok if everyone thinks of me as an oddball."
"I have my interests so it is ok if i am a spinster."
"I am not pretty so I don't care for fashion. I dress for comfort and I am plain. It's ok if my husband is not overcome with love. It is only natural since I am not beautiful. But have no fear, I have my brains."
I don't know why Amanda Quick has to make them so.....un-femenine and so typically spinsterish? They can be odd, but must they all lose their femininity as a result?
I do realize however, that my feelings toward Amanda Quick's heriones, in particular Phoebe in this book, are my personal view. I suppose such females would appeal to readers who can appreciate such characters. I, regrettablly, am not one of them.
April 17, 2021
Reckless
4 Stars
The revenge/ secrets tropes have the potential of going seriously wrong. Thankfully, Quick does an admirable job of keeping the angst to a minimum by writing two of the most straightforward characters in Romanclandia.
Phoebe is a delightful heroine who is incapable of keeping her opinions to herself for even one second and Gabriel's armor might be tarnished, but he is a knight nevertheless.
The first half of the storyline revolving around Gabriel's history with Phoebe and her family is wonderful and the chemistry between the leads is tangible. The plot does begin to lag during the second half with Phoebe and Gabriel's reactions to the unsurprising appearance of the villain. It is at this point that Phoebe's intelligence and Gabriel's charm vanish for a few chapters.
Thankfully, everything is ultimately sorted out, but this is an Amanda Quick novel after all, so no big surprise there either.
Looking forward to continuing with my read through of Quick's backlist.
4 Stars
The revenge/ secrets tropes have the potential of going seriously wrong. Thankfully, Quick does an admirable job of keeping the angst to a minimum by writing two of the most straightforward characters in Romanclandia.
Phoebe is a delightful heroine who is incapable of keeping her opinions to herself for even one second and Gabriel's armor might be tarnished, but he is a knight nevertheless.
The first half of the storyline revolving around Gabriel's history with Phoebe and her family is wonderful and the chemistry between the leads is tangible. The plot does begin to lag during the second half with Phoebe and Gabriel's reactions to the unsurprising appearance of the villain. It is at this point that Phoebe's intelligence and Gabriel's charm vanish for a few chapters.
Thankfully, everything is ultimately sorted out, but this is an Amanda Quick novel after all, so no big surprise there either.
Looking forward to continuing with my read through of Quick's backlist.
February 19, 2016
I remember reading these when I was in high school and loving them so much. Twenty plus years later and it still made me grin like a loon.
October 30, 2021
This is the third Amanda Quick book in my "Reread the Author" and like the previous two books I enjoyed this one years later. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two I read, I'm not surprised as this is how I felt the first time reading her books. Nevertheless, this book is a solid 4 stars.
Phoebe Layton is our heroine this time around and she is determined to track down the murderer of a beau she had. She didn't love said beau but she does feel guilty, thinking she's the one responsible for his death. In order to find the culprit, she enlists the help of Gabriel Banner, She does it in a rather unusual way. They both love old books and she snaps up one he's been trying to find and tells him she will give it to him if her helps her find the on responsible for this death. What she doesn't know is Gabriel is the last one to see him alive - or is he. And her beau is not the heroic type she thinks he is.
Amanda Quick has a formula for her heroes/heroines but it works very well for me. Her heroines tend to be more on the intellectual type, though rather naive and innocent. Her heroes tend to be smitten right off the bat and become a bit bossy. Gabriel is a bit bossier than the heroes in first two books thus the slightly lower grade.
But still, like the previous books, this one stood well the test of time and I'm ever so glad I read it again after so many years. For those newer romance readers, I say give Amanda Quick a read. I think you will enjoy her books
Phoebe Layton is our heroine this time around and she is determined to track down the murderer of a beau she had. She didn't love said beau but she does feel guilty, thinking she's the one responsible for his death. In order to find the culprit, she enlists the help of Gabriel Banner, She does it in a rather unusual way. They both love old books and she snaps up one he's been trying to find and tells him she will give it to him if her helps her find the on responsible for this death. What she doesn't know is Gabriel is the last one to see him alive - or is he. And her beau is not the heroic type she thinks he is.
Amanda Quick has a formula for her heroes/heroines but it works very well for me. Her heroines tend to be more on the intellectual type, though rather naive and innocent. Her heroes tend to be smitten right off the bat and become a bit bossy. Gabriel is a bit bossier than the heroes in first two books thus the slightly lower grade.
But still, like the previous books, this one stood well the test of time and I'm ever so glad I read it again after so many years. For those newer romance readers, I say give Amanda Quick a read. I think you will enjoy her books
July 30, 2024
★★★ (3.0)
This book is quite interesting and fun to read. I liked how some stakes were introduced into the plot, making it more than just a mediocre historical romance. However, the main characters both got on my nerves. They are so insufferable. Phoebe, as the title suggests, is very reckless and always gets into trouble, requiring Gabriel to save her. For Gabriel, although he actually cares for her, he is somehow rude to her. Overall, it was a nice experience to read this book, and I can't wait to read her other books, especially Ravished which is often mentioned as her best one.
This book is quite interesting and fun to read. I liked how some stakes were introduced into the plot, making it more than just a mediocre historical romance. However, the main characters both got on my nerves. They are so insufferable. Phoebe, as the title suggests, is very reckless and always gets into trouble, requiring Gabriel to save her. For Gabriel, although he actually cares for her, he is somehow rude to her. Overall, it was a nice experience to read this book, and I can't wait to read her other books, especially Ravished which is often mentioned as her best one.
November 26, 2020
Soy muy fan de Amanda Quick y de sus protagonistas aunque los perfiles sean algo parecidos de un libro a otro pero me gustan ellas, sabihondas y frikis y ellos, amables e intelectuales.
Aquí la situación de la familia es muy graciosa cuando se libran de tener que estar pendientes de su integridad física. Recomendable, entretenido.
Aquí la situación de la familia es muy graciosa cuando se libran de tener que estar pendientes de su integridad física. Recomendable, entretenido.
August 27, 2017
I read this one many years ago and found it on sale recently. I love Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) - I've read most of her books. This was an enjoyable trip down memory lane but not my favorite. It was a little too formulaic in character to receive higher than 3 stars.
August 13, 2023
I enjoyed this but it wasn’t my favourite. I quite liked the plot, it was very fun and it kept me interested and the chemistry between Phoebe and Gabriel was good. However, I found Phoebe a bit of an annoying character, her decisions were frustrating to me and often didn’t make much sense, and Gabriel was a bit too domineering at times. An enjoyable read but not one I’ll be rereading again.
Content Notes:
Warnings:
Other: .
Content Notes:
Warnings:
Other: .
January 13, 2023
A fun adventure with interesting characters.
July 4, 2018
"Reckless" is the story of Phoebe and Wilde.
Basically, our heroine, Lady Phoebe has been trying to hire Gabriel, Earl of Wylde to avenge the murder of her late fiance and find a lost book, because years ago he "rescued" her sister, and since then he has been a "perfect knight" in her eyes.
But whom she meets instead is a blackguard with seductive smile and brooding glances. They soon embark on an unwilling quest, which starts from a veiled kiss and ends with a marriage. But as demons from past intrude, can Phoebe truly make Wilde realize his feelings for her.
*Sigh* I'm disappointed.
The blurb was AMAZING. When the book started- an unusual love story between two bibliophiles who collect books and rare manuscripts and one of them is an author and another is was just so relatable and fantastic.
The plot and flow of story however, not so much. The characters were very indecisive and impulsive- one minute the motive is revenge, next it is forgotten. Initially the h is striving for love, later she is fine with whatever he can give. She doesn't trust anyone, is gullible, dreamer and always gets into trouble.
The last 1/2 is just comedy of errors filled with drama and chase sequences.
Yes, the heroine is brave, reckless and determined. Her family is dysfunctional but loving and forgiving. The hero is ambitious. And thats why I gave this a 2 star.
SWE
2/5
Basically, our heroine, Lady Phoebe has been trying to hire Gabriel, Earl of Wylde to avenge the murder of her late fiance and find a lost book, because years ago he "rescued" her sister, and since then he has been a "perfect knight" in her eyes.
But whom she meets instead is a blackguard with seductive smile and brooding glances. They soon embark on an unwilling quest, which starts from a veiled kiss and ends with a marriage. But as demons from past intrude, can Phoebe truly make Wilde realize his feelings for her.
*Sigh* I'm disappointed.
The blurb was AMAZING. When the book started- an unusual love story between two bibliophiles who collect books and rare manuscripts and one of them is an author and another is was just so relatable and fantastic.
The plot and flow of story however, not so much. The characters were very indecisive and impulsive- one minute the motive is revenge, next it is forgotten. Initially the h is striving for love, later she is fine with whatever he can give. She doesn't trust anyone, is gullible, dreamer and always gets into trouble.
The last 1/2 is just comedy of errors filled with drama and chase sequences.
Yes, the heroine is brave, reckless and determined. Her family is dysfunctional but loving and forgiving. The hero is ambitious. And thats why I gave this a 2 star.
SWE
2/5
September 26, 2018
Luštna zgodba. Stare Amandine knjige so res pravi cukrčki.
September 30, 2021
3 stars ｡･:*˚:✧｡ This one was just okay for me. I didn’t feel very connected to the characters and the whole revenge thing at the start gave me a lot of distrust towards the hero of the book. I liked the whole collecting book concept and the writing style was actually quite good. I have heard that this is not one of her best, I’m still excited to read her others.
December 18, 2016
3.5 stars.
The storyline rather silly especially after Dangerous.
Too comical for my taste but interesting enough to finished.
Maybe because the chemistry between H and h is very strong.
No matter how they behave, you know they deeply devoted in each other.
Currently I'm doing Amanda Quick's books marathon, hah!:)
December 7, 2009
True confession - I think I've become a historical romance junkie.
Perhaps I have a corset-wrapped heart. I keep returning to these books and think Amanda Quick is one of my favorite.
I found the characters quirky and likeable.
Perhaps I have a corset-wrapped heart. I keep returning to these books and think Amanda Quick is one of my favorite.
I found the characters quirky and likeable.
October 8, 2021
Standard fare by Ms. Quick but as always, highly entertaining and definitely readable! I caught myself grinning from time to time whilst reading due to the funny moments and witty banters. If you're looking for a light-hearted read, this one is for you.
January 13, 2023
Reckless is an overly dramatic fun time. I loved the characters, the setting, the side characters, and pretty much everything about the book. The sex scenes were at times cringy with the language used (ie: the hero is a stallion). I had such a fun time, I will definitely read another Amanda Quick novel. 4.5 stars.
June 3, 2020
Hey did you know the name of this book is called RECKLESS?
And that the heroine, Phoebe (the only name you can give to a quirky heroine, this is law), is very RECKLESS?
If you don't know by now that the name of the book is Reckless and it is in reference to the reckless heroine, well don't worry because it is the most popular word in this book.
And you know what, this was such an enjoyable read! Charming and funny, it made me laugh out loud so many times. If you read the blurb, it might turn you off but it's one of those silly stories that embrace its wonky plot. Also, it helps that it's like the only title of Amanda Quick's that is slightly cheaper in the Kindle store. Phoebe decides to solicit the services of Gabriel, once upon a time her sister's ex-suitor because she believes he is a knight in shining armour who can help her figure out who killed her suitor, Neil.
Oh, but Phoebe doesn't arrange a meeting with him by calling on him. No. She decides to meet him face-to-face by inviting him along as she goes to purchase a rare manuscript at midnight. Yes, this meeting is happening and Phoebe ruminates about what her tombstone shall say, She finally paid the price of her reckless ways as she waits to meet Gabriel. Gabriel's first words upon meeting her? "I received your most recent note, madam. I found it extremely irritating, just as I did the others."
It's such a fun little read. Don't put too much store into Gabriel's revenge plot because that doesn't ever manifest itself before the marriage bells ring. However, Phoebe is another one of those enterprising females with successful side hustles, and Gabriel has a backstory that makes his jealousy of Neil a real thing. The mystery of who is the villain certainly kept me on my toes. Loved this story!
And that the heroine, Phoebe (the only name you can give to a quirky heroine, this is law), is very RECKLESS?
If you don't know by now that the name of the book is Reckless and it is in reference to the reckless heroine, well don't worry because it is the most popular word in this book.
And you know what, this was such an enjoyable read! Charming and funny, it made me laugh out loud so many times. If you read the blurb, it might turn you off but it's one of those silly stories that embrace its wonky plot. Also, it helps that it's like the only title of Amanda Quick's that is slightly cheaper in the Kindle store. Phoebe decides to solicit the services of Gabriel, once upon a time her sister's ex-suitor because she believes he is a knight in shining armour who can help her figure out who killed her suitor, Neil.
Oh, but Phoebe doesn't arrange a meeting with him by calling on him. No. She decides to meet him face-to-face by inviting him along as she goes to purchase a rare manuscript at midnight. Yes, this meeting is happening and Phoebe ruminates about what her tombstone shall say, She finally paid the price of her reckless ways as she waits to meet Gabriel. Gabriel's first words upon meeting her? "I received your most recent note, madam. I found it extremely irritating, just as I did the others."
It's such a fun little read. Don't put too much store into Gabriel's revenge plot because that doesn't ever manifest itself before the marriage bells ring. However, Phoebe is another one of those enterprising females with successful side hustles, and Gabriel has a backstory that makes his jealousy of Neil a real thing. The mystery of who is the villain certainly kept me on my toes. Loved this story!
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