let me just say… cade u have competition for my favorite chestnut springs man. 🤭🤭🤭 theo silva got me BLUSHING. like i’m actually in love with this man.

when i found out that this book was theo x winter i was so incredibly excited and miss elsie didn’t disappoint even once. in. love. with. them.

winter became one of my favorites ever and i’m so happy with the story elsie wrote for miss winter, theo is exactly who she deserved and i’m so in love with their story <3

This was a pretty good romance, and I give it 3. 5 stars. I've never read anything by Elsie Silver, and after reading this I'm wondering why? I enjoyed this story a lot, even though it had the accidental pregnancy trope, which usually isn't my cup of tea. I liked Theo and Winter, as characters, there chemistry and banter were great, and the spice was done well too.

This book is number four, in the Chestnut Springs series, which makes me want to go back and read the others!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC!

Was I excited to read Winter’s book? Not really. I wasn’t overly invested in her character after the few glimpses I got of her in previous books. I didn’t dislike her, I just wasn’t really intrigued. Same with Theo. He seemed cocky and frustrating.

WHOOPS. I love them both. Who knew? Elsie Silver is a phenomenal writer and can make me fall in love with any characters she writes. However, I am shocked that a book with the tropes found in this book became my favorite in the series.

The insta-attraction chemistry between these two characters felt palpable and believable. What we learned of both Theo and Winter in previous books perfectly setup their meet (not so) cute and enemies to lovers vibe.

I can’t go into too much detail without spoiling certain aspects of the plot of Reckless but the vulnerability shown by and character growth for both Theo and Winter were fantastic. The spice was so well done too. I just could not get enough of this book!

Now, off to procrastinate book 5 forever because I don’t want this series to end! 🙃

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this story. I'm usually not a fan of surprised pregnancies but this one I really enjoyed. Maybe because of the time jump, or the chemistry from the jump. I felt like I could relate to Winter. I really enjoyed her character development throughout the series and her friendship with Sloane.

Theo is such a cinnamon roll. I am obsessed with him. I wasn't sure if I was going to like being off the ranch completely, but it was good getting more insight to the Hamilton family and not being so Eaton family focused.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

Once again, Elsie Silver has stolen my heart. The continuation of this series is amazing! I do have to say *spoiler* I’m not a huge fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, but I’ll make an except for my queen, Miss Silver. I love it :)

i’d like to announce that Theo wins the nickname award because when he calls Winter: Tink , i absolutely melt!!!

”That night we were Reckless, but i’d be reckless with you over and over again if it means ending up here.”

Theo Silva took my breath away… he piqued my interest from the start, he seemed cocky and sure of himself and at the time in Flawless he was a bit of a player…. and then he meets Winter and that man fell hard.

”My girls.”
”My girls.”

*hyperventilates*

their dynamic is everything, THIS MAN treated her like a princess, treated her like she deserved because for her whole life no one put her first, finally Theo did.

”I think people mistake you being in a bad mood when you’re just overwhelmed. I think you needed to lie here for a few minutes with no one needing you. I think you’re overstimulated and even the best of us require some time to collect ourselves.”

tropes:
accidental pregnancy
reverse grumpy x sunshine
secret baby

“I want you unhinged for me. Just . . . disrespect me. Just for a bit.”

i related to Winter a lot, her Icy exterior and closed off personality and always questioning others motives because of the past, but just needing to find that right person that will fight with you and for you.

"Because the very last thing I need in my life is someone who makes me feel like there’s not enough oxygen in my lungs when I’ve only just caught my breath."

So I went into this book knowing that it wouldn’t exactly be my cup of tea. Only because pregnancy or anything with small kids is not my favorite trope (I have small kids at home, and I read to escape 😅). But I knew I wanted to read this to stay in chestnut springs. Overall, I enjoyed it. I still rated this 5 stars because I absolutely love Theo and Winter. To be fair, I knew I would love Theo the moment he said woof. I feel like this was the perfect redemption for Winter. Even if pregnancy/ new single mom isn’t your thing, the relationship between the two, and the banter will keep your invested in their story.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am going to be so sad when I finish all the books in the Chestnut Springs series because I am so obsessed with this group of friends and brothers. I love that each story is about a different couple but you get to enjoy cameos from all the other couples in the group.

Winter and Theo’s story was by far my favorite in the series. Theo couldn’t be a more swoon worthy baby daddy, and the way he swept Winter off her feet just melted my heart. Not to mention the spice in this book, was OFF THE CHARTS good.

Winter is stuck in a loveless unhappy marriage to a horrible man. Her relationship with her sister Summer is also strained because of her terrible husband. Heading to Chestnut Springs for work she decides to call Summer, and she invites her to the ranch for dinner. At dinner Winter comes face to face with the infuriating cowboy she was checking out at the gas station. He gets on her nerves from the moment they exchange words. But after knocking back enough tequila in the bar with Theo, she ends up spending one hot and perfect night in bed with him. The best night of her life ends up being the night she got pregnant from her one night stand. But what is she supposed to do because she’s still technically married, and Theo is so busy with his bull riding travel schedule.

Their love story was seriously swoonworthy, and gave me butterflies to read it. You don’t want to miss this one!!

This was one of my favorite books in the series. I loved seeing a different side of Winter from the previous books and Those was such a great character.

OH MY SWOONY DADDY GOODNESS! Elsie Silver truly can go no wrong- every book makes me fall madly in love, every couple perfectly tuned. Reckless completely WRECKED me- it’s charming, heart-hitting, poignant and swoony. Another all encompassing, heartfelt romance from Elsie Silver that swept me away completely. My heart is full of love - what a profound and perfect story of redemption and healing!


Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if Reckless would own me in the way the other stories in this series have stolen me. Theo was charming but a bit of a cheeseball- could he really rise to the occasion of swoony leading man? And Winter had been a villain. We knew she’d been somewhat misunderstood, but even Summer’s rose-colored glasses could make me full buy into her being a likable heroine. But boy was I ever wrong about them both. Elsie effortlessly matures Theo into a heart-poundingly delicious leading man. He’s still bright and playful, flirty and fun-loving, but he’s also thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, patient and giving. Despite being a relatively straight forward character emotionally, he has a keen ability to see into the marrow of people, to find the core of them beneath what they project. And there is NO ONE who needs to be seen for who they truly are more than Winter. And Theo sees her- and sees her so well and so devotedly that he helps us as the reader see her in a new light. And in that light Elsie delivers perhaps one of the most compelling and emotionally rich redemption arcs for a heroine I’ve ever read. Winter is perhaps Elsie’s most compelling and layered heroines to date- she’s relatable, she’s flawed, she’s hurt and broken, and in all of that, she’s beautiful.


What I love MOST about the redemption arc is that Elsie doesn’t actually alter who Winter is, and who we’ve seen her be. Yes, she’s done some crappy things, either willingly or passively. We learn more about her experiences and the decisions she’s made- but this is less about Elsie (or Winter) trying to explain away her choices and more about Winter finding a pathway forward- to forgiveness, redemption, and a path she wants for herself. Winter still has bite- she’s not bubbly or light. She’s not all of a sudden a warm carebear or a bright unicorn- she’s still Winter, stoic, reserved. But we see underneath all that to learn she’s also insecure, wracked with guilt and remorse, and so so very lonely. But she’s also really got a lot of love she wants to give. She’s thoughtful and reflective, self-aware and witty. There’s so much likable about her- so much endearing and delightful. And I am so glad Elsie gave us her story.


THEO is so damn swoony. I love a he- falls-first narrative, but Elsie practically reinvents, or perhaps elevates, the archetype in Theo. Theo falls hard, but he doesn’t fall blindly. From the first fiery and caustic encounter between these two, Theo lasers into all that is amazing about Winter. And what makes this story so precious is that he not only woos her so effortlessly (JAYSUS IS THIS MAN CHARMING!) but that he also helps her fall in love with herself too. He sees beneath the icey and biting defensive exterior into the heart of a woman who is a survivor, who is guarded because she’s been alone and unloved, a woman capable of love but denied a safe and supportive opportunity to exercise it. And that makes me fall in love with Theo all the more- that he so unapologetically loves Winter for ALL that she is, even when she’s moody and defensive. He’s the first to truly see her as more than “character” her family has cast for her- and that’s liberating in a way she’s terrified and thrilled by. And what a beautiful journey it is- to see her helping Theo grow into the man he wants while he liberates the heart of Winter beneath all her sharp edges and bite. And don’t even get me started on Theo with baby Vivi and his old man dog. I can’t even with the cuteness!


But Winter- well Winter stole my whole heart. I never expected to, but she’s the heroine in the series I relate the most to. She’s made mistakes that she owns and acknowledges but is scared to confront. She’s terrified of vulnerability because people have used that power against her, and for so long one narrative has been told about her that she almost feels powerless to not fall into the self-fulling prophecy of it. She’s fiercely broken and brokenly fierce, a soft heart wrapped in barbed wire. I think we’ve all felt a little bit unlovable at some point- I know I have. And that’s the core of Summer’s damage- she doesn’t feel lovable. At times invisible. The universalism of her emotional journey makes for a really meaningful character arc for her to find a love that not only shows her just how lovable she is but that also helps inspire her to stop hiding behind her walls and to lean into the “her” she wants to be. Their love is touching, powerful, and just so darn sweet.


Their chemistry is so fun- full of banter and teasing but also really tender and thoughtful. I just love the way THeo loves her- how perfectly he knows what she needs to hear, how easily he fields her edges and doubts. And she needs Theo in the way he wants to be needed- believes in and supports him in the way a true partner does. Theo charms, Winter barbs, and the fireworks ignite. Elsie gives this one a bit of a slower burn (ironic since it’s one night stand turned secret baby), and I loved watching them connect emotionally and TRULY build trust before they really go all in. Their love just feels really mature and considerate, two perfectly balanced elements that bring out the best in each other.


I am just obsessed with this series- and I CAN NOT WAIT for Beau. I know it’s gonna be a heart-wrencher from what we saw in this story, and I am ready for all the angst. THis small town series can’t be missed- truly one of the best there is!

Daddy Theo- omg! I was really unsure how this surprise baby was going to work out but I loved this story more than I could have ever anticipated. Maybe as a mom myself, I just found the story so freaking sweet. Theo is the dirty mouth golden retriever we all want. So good!

I would sell my soul for a real life Theo.

He was literally everything in this book & I couldn't stop myself for falling more and more in love with him. Elsie Silver never fails to put me in the cowboy romance mode with her Chestnut Springs boys. I've loved every book she's written about these boys and it's no surprise that I loved Winter and Theo with my whole heart.

They may be my favourite couple of this series because they were just so real and so much fun.

Can't get enough of them!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

UGH, ELSIE! Elsie Silver has a chokehold on me that I'm afraid is never going to loosen. 10/10 per usual!

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Reckless re-releases December 5, 2023

- doctor x bull rider
- one night stand
- secret baby/single mom
- reformed playboy
- neighbours

There’s very few books I find difficult to get through emotionally, and this one seemed to be one of them. The weight emanating was like a ton of bricks on my chest and I can’t even determine why that was, but I guess the misunderstood character learning to trust and accept love is a large factor.

Theo is quite literally everything you’d want in a fictional man. He’s so caring, I could cry.
The protectiveness and need to have Winter see that she’s lovable, deserving, and wanted was everything.
He’s suave, carefree, and nice, yet somehow also knows how to balance pushing her buttons just enough in order for her to slowly open up and become a little less icy.
All of the “baby girl” and “watch your fucking tone when you’re talking to the mother of my child”!!
There was no hesitation on his part to slide into this role despite everything he missed out on in the first 18 months.

As much as I loved the familial dynamics between Theo, Winter, and their daughter Vivi, I can’t get past the abysmal set up in the first 30%.
A one night stand that was completely off page and then incorporating it in at 80%? Telling him you’re pregnant through text? Then skipping 18 months into the future?
The reader doesn’t get to experience any of their initial chemistry and intimacy in real time, or the highs and lows of finally being pregnant after dealing with past infertility and miscarriage, or any of the reactions from the rest of the Chestnut Springs characters.
I really wish Elsie took the time to develop some of this to achieve a more rounded and full-bodied read.
I also felt that some of the characterizations from other leading characters didn’t quite line up with what we’ve previously seen of them in their own books.

side note (and this is just me being so nitpicky) — how are you gonna write a mmc fondling the breasts of a woman who’s actively breast feeding but not account for any leakage or anything of the sort even though she mentioned how large her oversupply was? Like come on, she was super hormonal and crying every other page LOL

What a fun addition to the world of Chestnut Springs! I love the realistic nature and depth to the main characters of Reckless, Winter and Theo. Both Winter and Theo make up a rom-com couple in this book BUT they also have imperfections (such as Winter's trust issues and Theo's past as a player). I think this brings a lot to the book and makes it so good!
Also, spoiler alert, there is a surprise pregnancy BUT I would say that this trope is done so well, where it happens right in the beginning and it's not second chance romance, that the way this trope was handled almost felt fresh to me! Also, there is no third act breakup so it kind of makes up for it to me!😂
I loved this new book in the Chestnut Springs series and cannot wait to get my hands on book #5! Thank you so much to Bloom Books for a free ARC for the rerelease of this great book!💖

This might be my new favorite book in this series. I loved Winter & Theo. I’m not usually a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope but Elsie Silver did it right! I am enjoying this series and can’t wait for book #5!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

I’m usually not a fan of the unplanned pregnancy trope but I love Elsie and she didn’t let me down! While it’s not my fave I love how Elsie handled it in Reckless and it’s honestly one of my faves in the series!

I love Theo so much. He’s just so freaking great. And Winter went through so much, we finally get to see her break down that cool exterior she presents to the world. And sweet Vivi is the cutest! I will def be reading this one over and over again in the years to come.

I really really liked this book, its my favorite in the series. Theo and winter gave me the all the right vibes. I loved the banter, loved how opposite they were and how they were together. I don't usually like accidental pregnancy in books but I enjoyed this one. I'm glad there was a time jump and we didn't have to see winter pregnant because that's what I normally don't like. I loved them being a family and their dynamics with Vivi, it was so cute. Winter was a great character, I loved Theo but Winter's character development was amazing and she's such a strong character. The romance was great and well paced though some of the smut was odd.

Overall this was a good book. Read if you like:
- Small town romance
- Opposites attract
- One night stand
- Accidental pregnancy
- Found family
- He falls first
- Grumpy fmc/sunshiny mmc

Rating:4.5/5

There has to be more to Winter than what there appears, right? Oh, definitely. She’s actually who I expected her to be under that facade. She cares so much that she’ll hurt herself repeatedly to keep others happy. She’ll stand alone, on the outside looking in, rather than own the selfless things she’s done to keep others safe and loved. And somehow, no one sees through it? No way. Because not only does Theo see it from jump, but I’m pretty sure Willa does also. And if Willa does, then Summer either does or will soon enough.

And Theo. He is outrageous to his core. He threw me for a loop at a pivotal time, but I figured there must be an explanation. Once that explanation is flying free in the air, Theo acts. And he does so with brutal, precise vengeance. Who wouldn’t love someone like that? Heck, even when he and Winter fight, they communicate and own up to mistakes fast, so I knew he’d step in when it really counts.

This is an excellent tale of finding yourself, finding love, finding family, and letting go of the things that hurt. Because sometimes, you’re better off if you just say f it and live loud.

I don’t typically enjoy the pregnancy trope, but I will make an exception for this book!
Elsie seriously made this trope into something great with Theo and Winter. I think it was because of the unexpectedness of it all. While we knew the pregnancy was going to happen, I was so thrown off by the perceived indifference when Winter called Theo to tell him. Of course we know that this was a mistake, but it completely threw my off because I knew that there was no way that Theo would not care. I am glad that my initial impressions of him were proven correct.

When Theo found out he was the father I think I was in a puddle. He cared so much and all he wanted to do was be there for Winter and all of the special moments. Theo though was not the one who went through the character development and journey of improvement, it was Winter. When we first met Winter in Flawless we were introduced to a cold and distant woman who seemed to have a deep hatred for Summer. We were also shocked my her trash bag of a husband. Luckily in this book Winter begins to accept the love of others, thaws a bit and reconnects with her sister.

Theo and Winter balance each other so well. Theo teaches Winter to relax and accept the help and love of others, while Winter helps teach Theo responsibility. Their relationship is truly one that makes each other better. the pacing, constant guessing, and romance of this book were amazing. I found myself unable to put it down.