First, I have to say (both as a reader and cover artist) that I love the cover, it's very eye catching and made me want to pick up the book.

Real characters, real conflict and a sweet, sexy romance sum up RECKLESS HEARTS

I don't like pat characters, I swoon over the broken dudes and the messed up misses who still have the courage to keep trying and fight for what they need.

Heather Van Fleet nails those for me.

(and, hot ex-military, rugby playing, alpha guys? Yes please.)

If you like an emotional rollercoaster of a read, this one will do that for you, I snickered, belly laughed, wanted to smack both Addison and Collin a time or three and still smiled when I finished the book.

Also, can we say bromance? I'm a sucker for that too. The interactions between Collin and his buddies is perfectly written and made me incredibly happy as a reader.

Pacing is good with few slow spots, and the side characters are intriguing, I'm looking forward to the second book.

A storyline of burly ex-military guys, living together and taking care of a baby, has all of the elements needed to be an adorable story. But while the premise of this book was cute, as a whole it fell short of the mark for me. There was no one part of it that reached out and grabbed me and held my interest. Unfortunately, I really struggled to finish this one.
My largest issue was that I wasn’t crazy about the heroine and didn’t feel a connection between Addison and Collin beyond a sexual one.
Addison just seemed cold to me. Her childhood with unloving parents was discussed, as well as her reliance on herself to survive. And that could certainly make any person stand-offish. But for a woman that was supposed to nurturing and love being with kids, she did not give me the warm fuzzies. From the start her and Collin had a contentious relationship, where all they seemed to do was bicker and hurl insults at one another. It wasn’t foreplay or full of sexual tension, which would have worked. It was just tiresome to read. By 50% into the story, Collin and Addison were clearly attracted to one another, but I was having a hard time understanding why. They went from one misunderstanding to another, issues that could have been resolved with a brief conversation, and it frustrated me to no end. Collin came across as a good guy and I just wanted him to find someone that matched him. He kept referring to Addison’s personality, but I never saw it. All I saw was a woman that seemed to take insult easily and didn’t want to open up.
As for Collin, Max and Gavin, the three friends and roommates, as well as Collin’s sister Lia, they were all sympathetic characters in their own ways. They all carried around their own baggage. But I felt that I was hit over the head with their issues rather than having it be just one facet of their personality. Everyone had such deep rooted issues that it always seemed as if there was an undercurrent running beneath the surface in every interaction. I think that the author was doing this to set up future stories, but unfortunately my interest in everyone was lost by the end of the book.
I typically like my romances a bit darker and this one was on the sweeter and emotional side. So, it may appeal more to someone else than it did to me. Unfortunately, it just didn’t connect with me the way I had hoped for such a cute premise.

DNF at 42%, I won't be reviewing this book because I couldn't finish it

***3 “Perfectly flawed - perfect for me” Stars

I read the blurb and my mind went straight to Three Men and a Baby, a movie I had watched way more than was probably healthy when it came out on VHS (Yes, I have dated myself) and decided to give it ago. And though I read the book in record time, I find that I only liked it, not loved it like I wanted to.

My biggest issue with this book was Collin. I can say that I ended up liking him, but it’s the kind of like that comes about because of a love/hate relationship. The man, unfortunately, took the whole broody, large and in charge, caveman alpha male thing too far for me, and believe me when I say that even I was surprised by my reaction to it because I typically LOVE that kinda male. I got why he felt he had to do it, I really did, but I was ready to knee him in the balls. What saved him from being on my sh*t list was how much he loves his daughter and truly cares about his friends and family. His heart is huge and he truly does want to take care of everyone.

Addison/Addie I actually loved. She’s doing her best to keep her head above water and do it all on her own. There is a lot of hurt in her past, but she’s come to terms with it and simply wants to live life on her own terms. I loved Addie’s strength and heart. She may have a penchant for running, but the girl wasn’t a doormat. She stood up for herself and though there were times when her reactions were a bit over the top, I couldn’t help but be firmly on Team Addie.

Collin and Addie’s relationship is a rocky one thanks not only to the crazy that they bring upon themselves, but the crazy their friends and family bring into the mix and I’m not ashamed to admit that it made my head spin. But even as it drove me wonky, I wanted to see them work their issues out and get to their HEA. The angst was high, but the sweet and smexy evened it out and I think that they ended up right where they were supposed to be.

This was my first read by Ms. Van Fleet and despite the things that made my head spin, it was still a book that I had a difficult time putting down because I wanted to know how everything worked out. The 1st person dual POV was done well, though I could have done with a little less inner monologuing. And though the supporting cast of characters drove me batshit, I found them intriguing and want to know more about what is going on in their heads.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.

I thought this was a cute story. Both Addison and Collin were flawed and had baggage, but that made them more believable. I loved that Addison was the more wary one of the relationship. I also appreciated that both characters were given time to get to know each other before the "I love yous". It helped me as a reader get to know them as a couple enough to buy into the romance. I do recommend picking this one up. It's a quick read and will draw you right in. I look forward to seeing Gavin and Max get their stories as well.

Occasionally, I think I am the only one. Everyone but me loves something, and I am the one standing there wondering what I missed.

In this case, the only character I found tolerable was Chloe. The 8 month old baby.

Collin was a jerk. Max and Gavin, complete jerks as well.

Addison, well, she was a whiny doormat...except when she was yelling, making scathing comments to all of the guys, or telling them how terrible they were...before whining about something else.

The first meeting of Collin and Addison goes horribly. They both hate one another, they are both terrible to the other...yet, it is somehow his fault.

And, this goes on through the whole book. It has been a while since I have read something in which I disliked the characters as much as I disliked this bunch. They were jerks. Terrible to one another, at turns terrible to Addison, who was awful to them right back. None of them seemed to have any idea how to treat another human being, and I got really tired, rerally quickly, of the scenes with any of the characters but the baby. Which, I guess makes sense, as Chloe really seemed to be the main character of the story.

I am not really able to say much about the pacing of the story, as I was so actively involved in disliking all of them that I really didn't care. I am not actually sure why I finished this one, I guess I was hoping for the silver lining, for something to happen that made me think the lot of them weren't all that bad. It never happened.

I am not really sure what I missed, honestly. There was no chemistry, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with any of the characters. I am not sure how there are 4 and 5 stars for this one. I can't remember the last time I reacted this strongly with a dislike of a character, and I am guessing it was me, as plenty of other people liked this book.

I do not recommend this book.

I love a wounded war hero book. Add in two best friends trying to help raise a baby. Instant swoon. Unfortunately, Reckless Hearts fell short for me. The back and forth between the main leads was too much and too drawn out. Getting to the heart of the story just wasn't happening and I had difficulty connecting with the characters because of this. DNF at 35%.

This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I read it voraciously and sometimes had trouble putting it down (like, when it was well past my bedtime and I had to work in the morning). I found parts of it completely addictive in this sort of intensely angsty way.

On the other hand, I had some issues…

I am a sucker for this storyline – single dad, military man, alpha, protective, damaged. This is right in my wheelhouse. However, I felt like Collin’s behavior was so erratic that it was hard for me to really connect with him. I maybe didn’t have enough insight into his struggles. The push/pull didn’t always feel authentic and sometimes it caused me to lose patience with him (and want to kick his butt a little).

Addie was far more patient than I would ever be – but I did love that she stood her ground. I just felt like she didn’t stand her ground consistently. She’s not a weak character. I actually liked her quite a bit – but I also would have liked to have seen her take a stronger stand against some of Collin’s more moody behavior and be more comfortable in her own skin.

All in all – I couldn’t stop reading this book. So while there were a few things that jumped out and pulled me out of the story, there was enough here to keep me moving through the story – wanting to know how everything resolved. I loved the concept. I loved the secondary characters (and definitely enough to want to know more about them). It’s funny and flirty and super steamy. There’s a lot to like here and I feel like it’s a decent set-up for the series it’s launching.

I will not be leaving a full review for this book. I did not enjoy the characters, and their decisions, lack of communication, and flip-flopping behaviors often left me frustrated with them and unable to connect.

Reckless Hearts by Heather Van Fleet is the first book I've read by this author. I was very intrigued to start reading after I read through the blurb. My heart did a pitter patter after seeing the 'Three Men and one baby' Three tough burly men who have the heart of a lion. I really liked the chemistry between Collin and Addison. What was truly unique about this story was that family meant everything to all the characters.

Will definitely read more from Heather Van Fleet.

I love an alpha hero. Collin is hot and sexy and... not for me. His frequent use of the word "sweetheart" was my main trigger. In and of itself, the word is harmless. However, use it as a direct address and my blood boils. Every time he called Addie sweetheart, I wanted to throat-punch him. So I'm sure 99.9% of the female population will think him sexy and charming, but I couldn't get past "sweetheart."

Like tall, gorgeous, hot alphas with dreamy blue eyes and dimples? Like smart, sassy women? Then this story is absolutely for you.

The other two hot alphas in the story show major potential, so I will definitely keep going with the series.

This was the first book I've read by this author. The blurg intrigued me and I had to wonder if it was going to be anything like the movie I loved growing up, Three Men and a Baby. Max, Collin and Gavin do have some moments, but it's not quite that. These three men are home from the Marines and are raising Collin's baby, Chloe. When he hires a nanny, the feisty girl from the bar walks in and he knows he is toast! Addison is hot and so feisty. She can dish it and take it. They have a battle of wills for a while, but both succomb to the feelings they've had for each other since the beginning.

I had a little harder time with the first half of the book. It seemed to me like Addison and Collin meeting and her going to work for him took a really long time. Once Addie started working there the book was an easier read for me. I had a harder time relating to Addie because she was so tough and guarded. Once I understood her story a little bit better I could see where she was coming from. I adored Collin and his support system. Gavin and Max were awesome and I'm hoping they get their stories told as was as Lia who I think is destined to be with Max. Really good read and I enjoyed it.

Help is something we all need but are afraid to ask for. So what happens when a soldier with attitude has the rug pulled out from under him? He gets a nanny? Collin is a newly minted single dad whose had his share of hard knocks. A war took away some of his soul, tragedy left him with a broken heart but one little lady is on the verge of putting the pieces back in place. With a great group of friends and a beautiful baby girl rooting him on, Collin may just get another chance at love. If he can open his heart and convince the woman of his fantasies to risk her heart on him. There is an emotional roller derby going on in this story but the single dad falling for his daughter was a weakness I couldn't pass on.

Heather Van Fleet’s debut novel is well written. The characters are complex and the story has interesting variations on the nanny theme. The tension between Collin and Addison is intense and spontaneous but never easy going. The sexual tension is mutual and strong. The emotional tension is too but in a much less positive way. Collin has so much baggage over the death his child’s mother that it causes him to pull back every time his attraction to Addie gets the best of him. Addie may be broke but she’s smart enough to see the red flags and turns down the nanny job for an obviously challenging man. Not only is Collin drawing her in but she falls instantly in love with little Chloe. Alter a series of events keeps pulling Addie further in, she finally takes the job. Life with Collin is never going to be an easy and he continues to vacillate between sexy and fun and dark and brooding.

Addie isn’t without her own issues. Her family has been anything but traditional and the rift with her parents has shaped her in ways that make trust hard. I wasn’t sure about Addie’s sudden need to find her long estranged parents. While it gave us some insight into her personality, it seemed out of place in the book.

It took Collin so long to get his stuff together that the misunderstandings dragged on a bit too long. It was nice that the romance wasn’t completely stereotypical though.

The supporting cast was interesting. They added to this story and begged for their own books.

I found the military inaccuracies distracting but the average reader will not notice.

All in all, Reckless Hearts is a solid and enjoyable book.

reviewed by Jem Stone

Collin left behind the woman he loved to become a marine and serve his country, little did he know he was also leaving a child behind too. While he is fighting overseas his girlfriend lost her life, and it killed him to not be able to attend her funeral and say goodbye, but duty called. Once he arrived home he got the surprise of his life, he had a nine month old daughter waiting for him, which meant he had a whole new mission ahead of him, being a single, first time father, which was completely overwhelming, lucky for him though he had the support of his friends. Caring for his daughter is his number one priority, as well as work, and keeping a roof over their head, and for the most part they are getting along fine, but he's finally ready to admit they might need a little help. So, he reluctantly decides to search for a nanny to step in and help out a little when he can't be with his daughter, and he finds Addison, she soon becomes the perfect fit for their busy and sometimes chaotic lives. And before long things start to feel more than perfect, and he finds himself wanting to make Addison a permanent fixture in their lives... but is he really ready to risk his heart again?

This was my first experience with Ms. Van Fleet's work, and I have got to say that I was extremely impressed with what I discovered between the pages of this captivating read. I love stories that come equipped with strong alpha male characters, and Collin was about as alpha as they come, he had my heart from the get go!! The chemistry brewing between these two was evident from their first encounter, and the anticipation of them finally letting everything around them go for just a moment and finally giving into their desires had me dangling on the edge of my seat... and bracing for one heck of a explosion...and oh my was it well worth the wait! I seriously loved everything about this one, it had everything you could possibly want in a story; an addictive story line sure to give you the feels, well crafted characters with smoldering chemistry, and plenty of toe curling romance that will leave you in dire need of a fan!! Highly recommend!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this title.

Did not finish.
read 50 pages and could not relate to the story or charactors

Sorry but I just cannot post a positive review for this one. I really wanted to like it. The whole idea seemed refreshing and fun. But the childlike behavior and mood swings of the characters and constant angst had me rolling my eyes and frustrating me to no end..

This is the first book in the series, and has a lot going on as it sets up the ones to follow. Possible spoilers in review.

Gavin, Max and Collin have been best friends since boot camp. They are as tight as brothers. They are different yet similar, and are each other’s source of support. When they got word Collin’s girlfriend died in a car accident, leaving behind their one month old baby, they move to Collin’s hometown to take care of her.

Gavin seems to be the most affected by their time in Afghanistan. A certain darkness surrounds him. Gavin initially thinks Addie is no good for Collin because she is a “runner.” Then, an incident occurs where he calls her for help with Chloe in desperation and he’s converted. Gavin is an EMT but he can’t handle a sick baby? Hmm.

Max is the eternal fun time playboy, only lasting short periods of time at various jobs before being fired, getting bored, etc and moving on. We get pieces of his background, problems with his family that he has to fly home to take care of. Also, there is an attraction, flirtation, weirdness between him and Lia, Collin’s sister.

Collin lived with his best friend Amy, also his platonic f@#* buddy, while in college. He thought they were fine until Amy confessed she was in love with him right before he left for boot camp. One unprotected round of sex while he was home on a short leave resulted in his daughter Chloe. Collin’s parents took care of Chloe until he could get home to take care of her. Now the 3 men rotate taking care of her with Collin pulling the daddy stuff and the other 2 filling in where needed.

Addison, “Addie” is an out of work preschool teacher who frequents the coffee shop where Lia works. Lia over hears Addie is out of work and decides she would be the perfect nanny for her niece and sets up an interview.

Collin and Addie have lots of emotional baggage that vacillates them both back and forth. Lots of miscommunications. And when Amy’s parents show up, stating they are moving back to town, more problems arise. This book drags in the beginning and the push and pull gets to be a little much, even after they get together. We are given dual POV, so it does help to fill in why so much angst.

The epilogue is more about setting up the next book (looks like Max and Lia are up next) than rounding up Collin and Addie’s story. All the characters in this book are interesting and all serve a purpose. I am curious about Max and Gavin’s stories.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

I have been wanting to read this book from before it even had a title . Heather Van Fleet simply describe it was 3 alpha men and a baby and the minute I heard that I knew I needed to get a copy as soon as possibly ,so when I got my hands on a copy of the arc I was thrilled and I dived into this story as soon as I possibly could I love it! Reckless Hearts was a fantastic story.

In this book we follow Collin and Addison and at first these two do not necessarily start of on the best footing but the sexual chemistry between the was just of the charts and could not be ignored . Watching Collins and Addison's story play out was just wonderful. Heather Van Fleet wrote these characters in way that I was just so invested in them that had to gently remind myself that they are not real people lol . Watching Collin and Addison relationship evolve from where it is in the beginning of this story to where we leave them at the end was such a wonderful journey and It gave me everything I could ever want from this story and more . If I had to describe this romance in three words they would be sexy , intense and passionate. I loved every word of this story! there was not a dull moment , the romance was red hot , I loved all the characters and of course I cannot forget one of the best parts of this story Chloe the most adorable fictional baby ever . I could go on and on about things I loved about this story It was just so good !.

Reckless Hearts was fun , sexy , emotional contemporary romance and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the Reckless Hearts series ,seriously Heather Van Fleet if you are reading this and you want to send me next book right now that would be wonderful .