Limecello’s review of Reckless by Saskia Walker
Contemporary romance published by Berkley 1 Jul 08
Although I’ve never read a book by Saskia Walker before, I have to admit, what I got wasn’t quite what I was expecting. However, that’s not always a bad thing, and it this case, it wasn’t. Reckless had a softer quality than what I thought one of Ms. Walker’s books would have, and that it was a pleasant surprise.
I’m not sure if it was my mood, or life (you all know how life can get crazy), but I had something of a difficult time getting into this book. The first chapter is very well written, and draws you in. However, the plot, it’s hard to describe-it quickly becomes complex, nearly convoluted, but slow at the same time. The man you think is the hero, isn’t. The characters seem a bit off, nothing is happening, etc. Luckily, the book picks up and things begin to fall into place.
Katrina Hammond is ready to make some changes in her life, and this new job opportunity provides the perfect lead in for that. The opening of the book also created a nice foundation for Katrina and gave the reader a good idea of who she was, or wanted to be. I also thought the fact that there was something of a language barrier throughout the book interesting, and I enjoyed reading about Katrina’s frustration, and seeing how that contributed to the plot. Katrina also had a vulnerability that added a depth to her character.
Sergio and Nicolas Teodoro were harder to place for me. Sergio is the first male character we’re introduced to, and he seems all charm and ready to mix work and play – exactly what Katrina is looking for. Nicolas, however, is the black sheep brother, and dresses up as the devil to lure Katrina out her first night in Spain. I liked the interplay between the brothers, though I would have enjoyed it if they were more a foil for each other. Also, it would have been nice if the relationships had been developed a bit earlier.
Still, around the middle of the book, the plot picked up, alliances and lines drawn, and the mystery began to be revealed. The purpose of the book, the trip, the secrets emerged, and at that point I truly began to enjoy the book. There was a lot of sneaking around, questions on who to trust or not trust, and each character had their own agenda. It was also nice that Katrina had to feel her way through situations, making the story quite believable. The devious machinations of the characters, god and bad, were also quite entertaining.
Another aspect I really liked, was the fact that Ms. Walker incorporated the title into the book – it made sense, and worked, even before it was laid out that Katrina was acting recklessly. (For her.) The chemistry between the characters (all the characters) was definitely there, and very hot. I did feel that the villains were a bit static.
Although much of the first part of the book didn’t draw me in, I continued on, and am glad I read Reckless. While the questions and the somewhat stagnant plot annoyed me at first, I enjoyed seeing them all come together, at the end. The determination of the characters, as well as the urgency of their actions was well written. The hero and heroine were nicely developed, and were both dynamic, complex characters. I’m glad I read Ms. Walker’s book, and look forward to her next one.
Grade: B
At the age of twenty-nine, London valuation expert Katrina Hammond is evolving into a stronger, more sexual woman. When she subsequently finds herself at the center of a struggle for power and dominance between two brothers, she welcomes the darkly erotic charge the situation brings.
Katrina’s job is to value a collection of art objects for auction in the Catalonia villa of the Teodoro family, where Sergio Teodoro rules. Sergio is a dominant master who compels her attention. Nicolas, his younger brother – a disinherited artisan – also seeks her out. As Katrina uncovers the subterfuge surrounding the collection, she finds that there is more to Nicolas and Sergio’s battle than meets the eye, and more to her growing allegiances than may be good for her.
Read an excerpt here.
