Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Aestas Book Database
Book Review – Reckless (Thoughtless #3) by SC Stephens

Book Review – Reckless (Thoughtless #3) by SC Stephens

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6 HUGE STARS!!! (spoiler-free review)

WOW!!! I can’t breathe. Can’t think. Reckless just blew me away!

It was BRILLIANT!!! An utterly delicious, addictive, angst-filled, heart-felt EPIC rockstar romance!

I swooned, I laughed, cried tears of happiness and tears of angst, my heart raced, was tied up in knots and, at times, just stopped entirely. I truly can’t say enough good about it.

I could NOT put this book down. I read it in one sitting staying up through the night until I finished around 7AM. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. It was completely  engaging. I felt like I didn’t even want to blink. Literally my world ceased to exist for the duration of the read.

Just as with the first two books, SC Stephens’ smooth flowing, addictive writing style reaches right into your heart and wraps you up in the story. I was 150% invested in EVERYTHING that happened. Every single part of my heart was completely involved in the story. I was there. Right THERE. From the first page till the last. (and even now… I can’t let go yet. I’m still “there”)

Given the happy ending of Effortless, this book starts off with a blissfully peaceful, almost dreamy feel to it. After all the roller coaster they’d been through, it was so wonderful to see Kellan and Kiera have a moment to enjoy the happiness they so well deserved.

But the life of a Rockstar is neither smooth nor private and the road ahead of them was rocky and bumpy as the band skyrocketed to fame and got sucked into the scrutiny of the spotlight and the uglier side of the industry.

“Making an album, going on tour… am I making a mistake? … All I want is a quiet life with you,” he continued. “What I just signed up for… isn’t exactly a quiet life.”

Wondering how to comfort him – when I often thought the same thing – I reached up… “Kellan, your life will never be quiet, no matter what you do.” … I placed a hand on his chest and looked him square in the eye. “You belong on a stage. Its what you were born to do.”

I have to say that I’ve always understood where Kiera was coming from in book #1 even though I found it frustrating. I felt that she grew as a person in book #2, but it was in this book where I really felt her maturity hit home. Some of her decisions and actions were just SO self-less that I honestly found myself even thinking at time that, if I was in her shoes, I probably wouldn’t have been able to be as self-less and understanding as she was.

Kellan… well, Kellan Kyle was just perfect. Sex on a Stick, God’s Gift to Women… and also just one of those most lovable and swooniest guys you’ll ever read about whose back story and desire to be loved just made my heart ache for him. He is easily one of the best book heroes EVERwritten.

As a couple, they still had their issues but they had gotten SO much stronger. They had been tested, they had made their mistakes, and they had learned their lessons. But now their new-found strength was put to the very ultimate test as the pressures of fame and stardom came at them from every side. They had a lot working against them but… love conquers all, right?

I have to say though that, for me, the ANGST in this book topped both Thoughtless & Effortless. No. Freaking. Joke. There was this one particular issue that spanned from about 29-37% that just made my heart sink, drop, stop.. seriously, I could BARELY handle it. Holy freaking fuck. It made me cry tears of angst. No book has EVER made me cry tears of angst before. I’ve cried tears of sadness, heartbreak, betrayal and more but crying just ‘cuz the angst was so strong that I could barely handle it was definitely a first!

But, to offset the heart-wrenching angst, the romance was also back in full swoony force. On more than one occasion, Kellan’s words and actions made my heart clench and just brought tears to my eyes. The depth of his love for Kiera just rolls right off the page. You feel it so strongly. And you know Kiera felt the same way.

Never once did I doubt their commitment to each other – no matter what they were put through.

“I love you too, Kiera. Just you. You’re my always.”

This book really makes you consider the price of fame. At what point do you say no? Where does the line get drawn? There were so many time where truly I was just ready to say fuck fame – it just wasn’t worth this heart ache. The plot honestly pushed me to the very edge of my comfort limits and even a bit beyond. But I loved that they didn’t make the same mistakes twice. Lessons were learned. And that’s life, right?

I really have to commend Kiera on her whole attitude towards Kellan’s fame though. Seriously, she couldn’t possibly have been more supportive, more understanding. And my heart went right out to Kellan for trying with all of his heart to keep his girl’s heart safe while still following his dreams.

“I will always love you, Kellan. Your heart is safe with me.”

Kellan pulled me into a hug and let out a long, shaky breath as he held me. “Promise?” he whispered.

I squeezed him just a little bit tighter. “I promise.”

To soothe your worried hearts, I’ll say that I honestly never once actually worried for their relationship. It was what they had to go through that gutted me. This book is not about cheating or separation. Keira and Kellan spend the majority of it physically together in fact. What this book is about is testing the strength of their bond and the struggles of maintaining a relationship while under the spotlight.

“Never again. I don’t care what’s at stake. I don’t care who I have to let down. I won’t ever do that to you again. You… or me. I’m done playing their game.”

I loved that this book took the time to also focus on the other relationships. Anna and Griffin get their fair share of page time as do the other band mates, but my favorite side story line was the one between Kellan and Denny. I don’t want to say anything specific about it ‘cuz those interactions are ones you should experience for yourself but twice they brought me to tears. I was SO impressed and happy with where SC Stephens took their story. Seriously, touched my heart right to the very core.

She also took the story to places I never thought she would.. I mean she took Kellan Kyle and she….. gah! ok – lips are sealed. But seriously, around 80% I just had this huge “Holy shit. That did NOT just happen!!” moment! Still – like I said, I loved every minute of it… even the moments that made my heart stop.

But I did read the final 15% with my heart just filled to bursting with happiness, and I this huge smile on my face with happy tears in my eyes.

“I love you. I would do it all over again if I needed to. I’d go back to the beginning for you.”

By the end, I felt elated. I was emotional but my heart was completely satisfied and I can assure you that the ending is just PERFECT!

And I officially have the world’s biggest book hang over. EVER.

There are so many INCREDIBLE moment, lines, and scenes from this book that will be forever imprinted on my mind. I was thinking about mentioning some here but instead I’m going to just encourage you all to go read this amazing story and discover them for yourself. I’ve been re-reading a few of them while putting this review together and now have tears in my eyes. Seriously – LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, this journey, these characters… this story raises the bar and is one that will stay in my heart forever.

I don’t pull out the 6 star rating very often but this whole series truly deserves it. Any story that can take over my life so completely and make me fall in love with the characters so strongly needs that extra star. Above and beyond. That’s where this book went.

♥

MY CASTING:

  

Book #1 THOUGHTLESS – My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback

Book #2 EFFORTLESS – My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback

Book #3 RECKLESS – My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback

  

Comments

  2. Lived loved your review…..kellen and kiera did not disappoint….S.C. definitely delivered…..I felt every emotion you did ….and had that huge smile on my face at the end. This book made me laugh – Griffins antics and stuff he said had me laughing out loud, the book made me cry, thank you Denny and kellan and pissed me off – Nick and Sienna …..just loved this

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  5. Seriously….your best review yet. And I havent even read it yet. Anxiously awaiting my delivery from Amazon. I knew I HAD to have this one in paperback!!!

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  8. Okay okay you convinced me! Just one-clicked all 3 books. Now to figure out where to fit them into the reading schedule. Thanks for the note about there not being cheating/separation in the book. I always worry when people talk about the angst in a book and not knowing exactly what the means. Your comment made me decide to go for the 3 book buy 🙂

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  10. I reading Thoughtless now. Loving it. I would love to have a signed copy! Thank you Aestas for your awesome giveaways! They really make my day!

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  11. Amazing review and you completely nailed it with this story without giving away spoilers! Great job! I already just want to reread these forever and ever…sigh…tear..

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  16. This was one of the best reviews I have ever read. Brought tears to my eyes just reading it. Off to read Kellan now!

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  17. Wow I can’t wait to read this book…. I honestly feel a little put out because the hubby just got home from being gone for 3 days and I need to spend time with him but HELLO I want to spend my time with Kellan….:( Wish hubby would go back to work so Kellan and I can share our time together….:)

    [email protected]

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  19. I can’t believe that this series is ending! I am putting off reading the book because I don’t want the series to be over for me. Thank you so much for the giveaway 🙂 I love SC’s work.

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  38. Love the giveaway. I’m losing sleep and staying up all night to finish Kellan Kyle. He too worth it!!

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  42. I can’t wait to start the series, I wanted to wait until all the books were out so I could read them all, thanks so much for the giveaway!!

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  44. I am deeply in love with this series! And deeply in love with Kellan Kyle *sighs* They don’t quite make them like that here in Australia!

    Awesome giveaway!

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  57. Thank you, love this giveaway!!! But I’m convinced this raffle copter doesn’t work have never won a thing with this and I’ve always entered 🙁

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  60. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. I loved Thoughtless & Effortless and would love to win a copy of Reckless 🙂

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  67. OMG!!!! I didn’t know how much I missed Kellan until NOW!!!! So ready to read this book and catch up. I’m ready to cry… be pissed…. and mostly be HAPPY!!! Kellan makes me HAPPY!!!!

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  78. I am adding this series to my MUST GET list because I have to experience the awesomeness all for myself. I see and hear people talk about it all over the place and I must follow the noise and read it!!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  85. Love love love your review! I haven’t read Reckless yet, but I’m dying to! Thanks Aestas for the giveaway! <3

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  87. Decided to reread the series at the last minuite. halfway into thoughtless and im so glad i decided to reread, cant wait till i get to reckless!

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  89. Reckless, I haven’t bought it… yet! I just purchased the paperbacks and I’m currently reading them.

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  90. Sadly I’m way late to the party with these books so I’d love thoughtless so I can get started! Either way ill be reading them soon!!

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  91. I haven’t read this series yet because of the price. I would love to win Thoughtless! Thank you so much for the chance!

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  104. I just read Thoughtless and absolutely loved it I can’t wait till I get my hands on the next 1!!!!

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  105. I love love loved the first two books and have no doubt that this third one will be great! But after reading your awesome review I KNOW it is great! I am soooo very excited to read it. I have a feeling it is going to be one of those books you read the last bit very slowly because you are not ready for it to end! Thank you for the chance to win this awesome giveaway!

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  112. I love this blog post. I did nothing but read all day yesterday and went through all the same emotions. So good. My all time favorite series. Very sad that it’s over. But I’m sure I’ll reread it. I just can’t bring myself to move onto a new book yet.

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  118. I’m sorry, but I cannot read your review….not when I haven’t read the book. It’s killing me! I’m slowly dying everyday that I don’t read it….UGH! Patience. It will be worth the wait!

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  124. I think I may be one of the only people left who has not read this series…I need to correct this.

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  127. Wouls love an E-copy of Reckless since I only ordered the paperback and I won’t get it soon enough! 😉 You guys are awesome with your giveaways!

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  129. Sigh… I REALLY WANT TO READ RECKLESS!! I’m slowly making my way through the first two books again… Midterms are interrupting my otherwise flawless reading schedule.
    :\

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  135. I loved your Review !! I haven’t read any in the series yet…have been waiting to get them and have heard great things!! Now that I read your review I’m foaming at the mouth for some Kellan…and haven’t even read them 🙂

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  136. I haven’t had a chance to read this series, but I’ve been wanting to. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  146. I loved this series. I still have to get my hands on Reckless. I am headed to the BAE next weekend. I can’t wait to me S.C. Stephens!

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  147. I am crazy for not reading this book yet!! I’m just posponing my Kellan Kyle withdrawal!! arrghhh!!

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  149. I can’t believe it’s over! Wahhhh! I love the series so much! I actually love kiera now! But I’ll especially miss Kellan! I’ll be rereading this book and the series for forever and ever

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  165. Great review! Just bought Reckless and as soon as I finish the book I’m currently reading I will get right into this one.

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  167. I’ve heard so many great things os this books!! I can’t wait to read them!
    Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

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  168. I cannot wait to read these!! Been in my TBR and now that the third one is out….have to read them!!!

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  174. Aestas, once again you leave a wonderful review! Thanks for keeping us all posted on this awesome series! I’m in the middle of reading “Effortless”, right now and am enjoying it, of course!

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  180. I’m reading Effortless now so I’m playing catch up to the rest of you! I <3 Kellan!!! Would love to win =). Love the blog too!

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  182. What a great blog! So much great info in one place! Thanks for all your hard work and for an awesome giveaway! I would love to win!

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  188. I loved Thoughtless, and Effortless so much. I can’t wait to read Reckless. I AM A HUGE FAN!!!!!

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  196. Hello! Thank you for this giveaway! I’ve been excited to read this series. It’s been on my TBR. 🙂 I love my Kindle & am excited that this is a Kindle format giveaway! Thanks again!
    ~Kaleena

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  197. Thanks for the giveaway!So much great info in one place! I would love to win a kindle copy of Reckless please! Thanks!

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  204. Loved Reckless! Love you guys and I am completely and utterly in love with Kellan Kyle!!! 🙂

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  206. I am loving all these giveaways for this series. I am dying to get my hands on one of them and get to know Kellan!

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  207. Loved reading Thoughtless & Effortless! I need Reckless. Thank you for giving us readers such great books to read.

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  212. Gosh I would love to win one of these contests. The thoughtless series is my ultimate favorite series.

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  221. ‘This book will make you want to throw your book at the wall, it’ll make you laugh out loud, it’ll make you swoon and grin for pages on end, it’ll make you feel like your heart is ripped out, and you’ll love every minute of it!’

    you said it all!! :)) same feelings! can’t help smiling for 5 huge days!! i thought i might need to go to the hospital for some drugs to make me calm!! hahaha but i love S.C Stephan.. great books! 🙂

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  222. This is one of my favourite series and I adore your reviews on them, you’ve nailed my feelings to a tee!! Whenever I read books I always imagine the characters in my head but I like to reference them to a picture and Kellan was someone I had trouble picturing. I could imagine how he was described but could never find my Kellan in any pictures until I seen your picture reference, the last one you’ve linked on this review….OMG!!! All I can say is THAT IS KELLAN FREAKING KYLE (well done find that pic, lol) you lucky thing Kiera!!!!

    Reply

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