Limecello’s review of Reckless (Indecent Proposals Trilogy, Book 2) by Tori Carrington
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Nov 08

This is the second book I’ve read by Tori Carrington, and I enjoyed it a lot. This is also the second book in the series Indecent Proposals, which focuses on love triangles of a sort. I read an excerpt for Reckless a while ago, and was pleasantly surprised when I picked up the actual book.

The story itself is interesting – the premise is one of my favorites (though I know a number of people dislike it) – a love triangle. However, Tori Carrington takes a slightly different stance on the issue. Rather than involving all three characters in a competition for affection, the focus is on one character, and in this case, her internal dilemma. It’s quite interesting (although I do enjoy some healthy vying for attention and one-upmanship in romances).

Heidi Joblowski is an extremely real character. She’s confused, and has a number of issues to work through. I liked how complex she was, and I never felt that it was too much. Heidi has been in a relationship with Jesse forever – and has never really gotten along with Jesse’s best friend Kyle Trapper. However, that’s beginning to change. Amidst her romantic confusion, Heidi decides to focus inward, and ends up reconnecting with the family she essentially shunned. At times, I felt that Heidi was a bit clueless, but I also understand the lengths people – especially women – will go to hide truths in order to salvage a relationship.

Kyle Trapper is a great character. He’s an all around good guy. It’s a tiny bit cliché that he hides his attraction to Heidi by being cold – but it’s understandable. I enjoyed seeing things from Kyle’s point of view as well as getting some background on all the characters. I thought it was sweet how persistent Kyle was in pursuing Heidi once he got started. Kyle was also very introspective, and it helped me understand and like him more. I know there’s the stigma of someone “moving in on” his best friend’s girl – but I didn’t get the smarmy vibe from Kyle, and I think that Kyle’s character was extremely well written.

I loved the opening of Reckless – it was unusual, unexpected, and gripping. I enjoyed the story, but did find a few things a little less appealing. First of all, all the references to “Jesse’s Girl” became too repetitive. I know it’s a cute concept to reference the song (and that’s in the “Dear Reader” letter at the beginning of Reckless as well) I just found it a bit of an overkill. I also felt that at times all the characters were a bit too clueless or oblivious. Then personally, the “twist” with Jesse – it provides a convenient out for Heidi and Kyle, but I wonder how it would have worked without. (Although I realize a lot of readers would not have accepted Heidi and Kyle otherwise.)

I found the emotions in Reckless real, and engaging. It was fun seeing characters from the previous book making little cameo appearances, without them taking over the story. I liked all the secondary plots, and how they worked together with the main storyline. I appreciated how Heidi and Kyle were also able to take some time and evaluate their relationship. It was nice to see how practical the characters were – which made the story much more believable. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Restless, which I bought after reading Reckless. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable contemporary romance.

Grade: B

Summary:

Heidi Joblowski has her life perfectly on track. Education: check. Career: check. Marriage: soon-to-be checked. Has she missed anything? Yes, actually: Kyle Trapper. Tall, blue-eyed, blond hottie. Check, check, check! The problem? She’s just about to marry Kyle’s best friend, Jesse. But that doesn’t stop her and Kyle from indulging in some incredibly perfect sex….

Hmm. With her careful life plan off track, Heidi needs a new blueprint, and fast. And it just doesn’t have room for Kyle Trapper in it.

Unless, of course, he has anything to say about it. Which he does—every time he lures her back to his bed!

Read an excerpt here (scroll down).

Other books in the series: