I want to thank NetGalley and Bloom Books for supplying me with an egalley of this book to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Theo Silva is young, and definitely not what Winter Hamilton needs or wants in her life. But when the two get thrown together because of their mutual family connections, the attraction is undeniable and sparks fly. But over a year later, Winter has a secret that will change Theo's life and when it's revealed, he does everything in his power to show her he's what she needs in her life.
I have truly enjoyed all the books in the Chestnut Spring series. I just love the characters Silver creates. Their personalities are fun. And the conflicts within their relationships are very real. So given the chance to read this next book in the series, I jumped on it.
Now, can you read this book without reading the others? Yes, it can definitely be a stand alone. But, in truth, I feel like it's important to read the others and learn about all the side characters. Plus, you get a glimpse of Winter in the other books that really helps you understand her in this one. And the others books are just so much fun and funny and sexy!
Her pacing is great. I flew through this book. She injects funny and sexy and emotion that keeps you wanting to turn the pages. Her writing flows well and I was never bored. As a matter of fact, I finished this within 24 hours, even with work and other life events. I honestly never thought I'd enjoy small town, horse riding, country themes but Silver has truly shown me how much fun it can be.
Theo, he's younger than her other male characters. I kind of like that about him. But despite this, he still comes off as mature. He has his flaws, for sure, which I was happy to see because, really, who wants perfect since it doesn't truly exist. But he is kind and caring and definitely wants to show Winter she's worth being worshiped and loved. Plus he's so witty and charming. He makes me laugh, and makes Winter laugh, which I love. Winter is a character we've seen before. Her name has always followed her personality: Cold. But when it comes down to it, there's a lot of heat beneath that ice. She's spent her life holding people back because she never thought she was good enough and never wanted to cause ripples. But once she separates herself from her abusive marriage and her family, she finds herself opening up and becoming so much more personable than I would have ever thought possible. I loved her growth in this book. She was like a flower that learned to open and face the sun, becoming warm and welcoming the more she let people in.
Silver really knows how to write sexy without it coming across as total smut. She weaves in the scenes to help sow the connection between Theo and Winter. And it especially shows Winter's growth because she has always been about sex not being for her. Theo shows her she can be worshiped and pleasured. And she really does come alive under his ministrations.
I think my favorite part of Silver's books is how they focus on the family unite. For Theo, the Eaton's are a found family. While he still does have his mom, he's been mentored by one of the Eaton brothers for a few years. And this is where he has found a home. I love the gatherings Silver creates. I love how there is banter and love all around the family table. And I adore how they welcome people into their home and treat them like they belong. I saw this in Jasper's book and now it's continued to Theo's book.
For me, Silver truly knows how to write a love story. I'm looking forward to reading more from her (and maybe even venturing into her other series to learn a little about Violet Eaton!).

Not Theo being kinda annoying to being a full on Zaddy (literally) in Reckless!

In Books 1-3, Theo is basically the youngin’ who works under Rhett, I got immature, rowdy, cocky vibes but he is FAR from that. Honestly, this may have become my favorite book in the series. I loved his softness towards Winter’s harshness and how she evolved into being a bit softer too.

This book has accidental pregnancy, which I know is not a fan favorite, but I think this trope can be written well, and I think this book did that. As soon as Theo finds out he has a baby, he is just perfect. He’s all in, and is so supportive. I just can’t help but gush about him.

However, there is more to this book then him, there’s she’s grumpy/he’s sunshine, found family, small town romance, bull riders, and just a ton of sweet sweet moments.

I will never get tired of rereading this book. The best book in the series and my favorite of Elsie’s. The tropes were excellently executed and honesty, I will never get over how incredible this book is.

After reading the prior books in the series at an alarming rate, I was very excited to read this book! Theo and Winter a true match made in heaven! Winter is the classic eldest daughter, with a sprinkle of daddy issues, and a heavy handful of mommy issues. And Theo well..... he's Theo.

Now to my surprise when he didn't know he had a daughter, and how my heart ached at those first few scenes of their little family. This book is my favorite in the entire series!

5/5 stars! I absolutely loved Reckless! I have read almost every book in the Chestnut Springs series and this one just might be my favourite in the series. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. Thank you to Netgalley, Elsie Silver and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for an opportunity to read this book.

Reckless may just be my favorite Chestnut Springs romance yet, although it's difficult to beat Cade and Willa's story in Heartless.

Theo is a twenty-something up and coming bull rider. Winter is a medical doctor in her thirties. On paper, they don't have anything in common, and then of course there's the age gap. But Theo and Winter are PERFECT together. Winter desperately needed someone to want her for who she is after her messy divorce. Theo needed a reason to step up and be the kind of man he wanted to be deep down. When their night together leaves Winter pregnant, she decides to keep the father's identity a secret and throws herself into parenting her precious daughter, surrounded by her sister and the whole Eaton clan. Theo comes back to town and realizes that the baby girl in Winter's arms has to be his, and he commits to being the best father and co-parent he can be--although of course, he wants to be so much more than just Winter's co-parent.

I loved their dynamic so much. Watching Theo embrace fatherhood was such a wonderful, precious thing. And Winter became more than just Summer's cold, older sister. We, as readers, finally got to see a softer side of her, and we gained a deeper understanding of why Winter was the way she was earlier in the series.

And let me just say, once again, because it bears repeating (I'm pretty sure I say this about every Elsie Silver book I review)--Silver writes really really good steam.

Went into this one with low expectations as it was dealing with some of my least favorite tropes and characters I didn’t really care for. But somehow it’s become my favorite of the series. I devoured this book. Theo and Winter are one of the best pairings I’ve written about. Their chemistry is insane and beautiful. I loved reading their story and my only complaint is that I wish it were longer.

Theo is so BF!! I didn't think I would like Winter but diving into her character was super interesting. This book was so fun, the banter, teasing, tropes and chemistry is too good.

This book is PERFECTION in every possible way, shape and form. Theo has set the bar HIGH for book boyfriends, and his love story with Winter was healthy, mature, honest and just everything! Plus, Theo’s mom added so much warmth to the story, and I loved how the characters from the previous books played a big role as supporting characters.

What to expect:
-One night stand —> secret pregnancy
-Sweetest cinnamon roll hero
-Professional bull rider
-Grumpy heroine with a traumatic past
-Found family
-Small town life
-Mending sister relationship

Thank you to Elsie Silver, NetGalley and Bloom books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was by far my favorite of the entire series!! Everything about this book was perfection… and that is coming from someone who typically hates the pregnancy… but Elsie made it WORK!! Utter perfection Elsie🫶🏼

honestly loving this series and i love the new reprints of the covers it was so fun and western and sportsy it was fun

“The mother of my child” is the new “my wife” hands-down!
Theo is EVERYTHING and Winter is me. My heart ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️

Theo Silva & Winter Hamilton may seem like a pair that doesn’t make sense, and yet… they are perfect.

I can’t give much of a synopsis without spoilers, so I’ll just share my thoughts!

“I cleaned up my act.”
“Why?”
“Because I wanted to be the type of guy who could land you for more than one night.”

Winter’s insecurity is so relatable and makes me so sad, and the way Theo lifts her up is perfection. As a mom of a little one, and someone with anxiety, I could empathize with Winter’s exhaustion & overstimulation. She reminded me so much of a woman who went through so much trauma, and was raised without enough love.

“Careful, that one’s got claws.”
“That’s okay. I like having my back scratched.”

“It strikes me that perhaps I’m not an easy woman to love, but Theo does it so effortlessly that I feel like I could be. Like I deserve to be.”

These two seem like opposites, but they have more in common than we’d think. They both want to be seen differently than how those around them see them - Theo wants to move forward from being an immature ladies man, and Winter just wants to be liked and build friendships (unlike her cold/unfriendly persona she’s built).

Read if you enjoy:
🤠 (failed) One night stand
🤠 Opposites attract
🤠 Bull rider & doctor
🤠 Secret baby (sweet little Vivi!)
🤠 Grumpy sunshine (her/him)
🤠 He falls first
🤠 Forced proximity
🤠 Dual POV/first person

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Solid romance and strong storyline make this a bit more than the usual romance. Theo is definitely drool worthy in every way! Add a strong cast if characters and multiple subplots, and it is a definite fun read.

I absolutely loved this one! It hooked me from the beginning and kept me hooked the entire time. Highly recommend.

Reckless is the fourth book of the Chestnut Springs series of interconnected standalones and is Theo and Winter’s story. Geez! This book was everything I could ever want in a romance! I shall bow down to Theo Dale Silva (I’m sorry Daddy Cade!) He is so swoony! Theo is a dirty talker with a golden retriever take on life. He is everything that Winter needs even if she fights it every step of the way. Winter is so relatable and my heart hurt for her while reading this book! From her snarky attitude to her love for her daughter, I loved everything about her…even though going into this book I didn’t care for her. But now I understand why she is the way she is and I love her! This book is about finding ones self and learning to love yourself. It is also about opening your heart to being loved and knowing you are worth it. I didn’t want this book to end and already want to reread it! Thank you Elsie for another amazing love story for me to obsess over! I’m sad that this series is almost over but I can’t wait for Beau’s story!

Such a fun read! There were a few parts that I did not enjoy due to personal preference, but I thought the setting was fun and I can't wait to read more from Elsie Silver

DADDY CADE EATON. I loved this book. Single dad, nanny story, The mouth on this man y'all I cannot. This had the spice and the comedy from the first book. Elsie Silver is gem.

📖 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝙀𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘪𝘤𝘦.”

❄️Winter is living with regrets after the way she treated her younger sister, Summer, for years. Now she’s finally separating herself from her toxic husband and trying to build a relationship with Summer. After a wild and heated first encounter with up and coming bull rider, Theo Silva, Winter has to make some hard decisions.

🔥Eighteen months after meeting Winter, Theo finds himself at the top of the rodeo circuit in bull riding. He has devoted himself to being the best and has done away with his playboy days. When he sees Winter again, he is shocked to be given such a cold shoulder. Secrets start to come out forcing Theo and Winter to try understanding their feelings for one another.

I was probably the most excited for Winter’s story from the beginning of this series. She is such a strong character and had to build a wall around her heart in order to survive her toxic mother and the lack of love from her father. Winter’s character was so relatable as a woman. She’s learned to do everything by herself without asking for help because help was never there for her when she needed it.

🩶Theo and Winter complement each other so well. Their story melted my heart. Theo is 100% a book boyfriend! The spice in this book was great, especially when we finally get a chapter about “That Night”! 🔥🥵 Spice level: 3🌶️

🧚🏼‍♀️ “𝘐’𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸.”

Tropes:
👊🏼 Enemies to Lovers
🫶🏼 Found Family
🤠 Bull Rider Romance
💋 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥 Spicy Romance
💪🏼 Strong Woman Representation

🩶 The new cover artwork is stunning! Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for my free eARC so that I can share my honest review!

THIS IS NOT JUST FIVE STARS. IT'S INFINITY STARS!

I not only related to Winter's character. But I am her, without the children and the sexy bull rider of course. The way I had my entire being written in this book--and the way she found someone to love her so unconditionally--was so wonderful. There is nothing I love more than the "I'm unlovable" fmc meeting the "I want to give you the love you never had" mmc. Theo said it best: "What's happening is Miss Independent met the treat-her-like-a-princess guy, and she's freaking out." Treat me like a princess, Theo Silva, and I swear I'd do anything.

Onto Theo.

What a man. What a wonderful, amazing man. My heart was GUTTED when I realized that he didn't know that Winter had his baby. Absolutely gutted. that geoff that hid the information from him. I felt so bad for him. He really has a heart of gold and I loved everything he did in this book for Winter. Because he was THERE for her, since day one, knowing that she isn't some ice princess or cold-hearted. That she's just been mistreated and unloved for so long that she doesn't know what to do when someone wants to love her. And I love when the MMC's do absolutely everything for their heroines. And he took care of her and took care of Vivi the first minute he knew she was his. And I'm sorry, but a sexy, rugged bull rider calling their baby 'baby girl'? My ovaries are exploding. I don't even want kids, but I want to experience that at least once in my life.

The romance.

I loved it. I loved every second of it from the minute I opened this book. I loved the timeline though it was funky. Before I started the book, I thought we'd see the journey over Winter's pregnancy. Not nine months after the fact with no baby daddy in the picture. But it was MUCH better this way. Theo's dirty talk? The way he made her see stars? Heaven. I ate that UP. Breakfast lunch and dinner. Though I do wish there was more.

Overall, this is my favorite book of the series. I don't even like surprise pregnancy/kid tropes but this one was phenomenal. It was probably because Vivi couldn't speak that she didn't bug me but everything else would have overpowered it anyway. It was THAT good.

Theo Silva might be my favorite MMC from this series! Never wavering, he was always all about Winter. More men need to be like Theo!

I loved this story. Parts of it made me sad, parts of it made me proud, definitely lots of spice and an HEA. I think Winter totally got her redemption story because I did not like her when we first met her in Flawless, but there are always multiple sides to a story. I’m glad we got to see hers!