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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wasn’t able to connect with any of the characters, topic would have been interesting but somehow fell flat for me.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jax Calder is a great writer, and the writing in this book is not an exception. You can feel the emotions the characters are going through, and you feel sympathetic to them. It also has some very well-done tropes: the sibling's best friends, second chance, and friends with benefits to lovers. I'm not a big fan of second-chance romances, but I think it was well done here: the two MCs were very young, and something neither could predict derails their relationship. What didn't work for me was the "before" part of the story. We see Marcus as a moody 20-something during college, and it doesn't feel like someone struggling in life, but just a moody young person. In the "present" time, we see his mental health deteriorating really fast. I would have preferred not to see the "before" time, and focus more on how things had gotten worse for Marcus and why. But this overall is just personal taste: the story is lovely anyway.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- series
- sister's best friend
- hidden relationship
In the spirit of complete honesty, while I know this is the second in a series, I don't recall the first book at all, I'm afraid. But that's okay, as I absolutely loved this one. This is Marcus and Seb's story, following them all the way from teenagers, through long distance all the way to an extremely satisfying HEA.
That being said, it's far from an easy ride for these two. Quite honestly, Seb's family have a LOT to answer for in the way they treat him and obviously favour his sister, quite blatantly. At the start I didn't care for Saskia (the sister) at all, she was a spoiled brat who treated her brother like crap. She redeemed herself by the end though. Marcus isn't without his own issues though, and it's a slow burn to find out what happened to make him the way he is, and it's super-sad. I loved these two together though, the heat between them is insane and I loved how the relationship built, the bad jokes and banter and the getting to know each other.
The twist, when it comes, almost broke my heart along with Seb's though. I knew it couldn't be plain sailing for them, but that was hard. What a way to declare and bring them back together though, such a feelgood moment and so satisfying. I loved this story so much.
- sister's best friend
- hidden relationship
In the spirit of complete honesty, while I know this is the second in a series, I don't recall the first book at all, I'm afraid. But that's okay, as I absolutely loved this one. This is Marcus and Seb's story, following them all the way from teenagers, through long distance all the way to an extremely satisfying HEA.
That being said, it's far from an easy ride for these two. Quite honestly, Seb's family have a LOT to answer for in the way they treat him and obviously favour his sister, quite blatantly. At the start I didn't care for Saskia (the sister) at all, she was a spoiled brat who treated her brother like crap. She redeemed herself by the end though. Marcus isn't without his own issues though, and it's a slow burn to find out what happened to make him the way he is, and it's super-sad. I loved these two together though, the heat between them is insane and I loved how the relationship built, the bad jokes and banter and the getting to know each other.
The twist, when it comes, almost broke my heart along with Seb's though. I knew it couldn't be plain sailing for them, but that was hard. What a way to declare and bring them back together though, such a feelgood moment and so satisfying. I loved this story so much.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know where to begin with this book. I wanted to throw my kindle so many times but I realized that it's because it was so well written. I was literally feeling everything Seb was feeling. I swooned with him, I hurt with him, I wanted to throttle Marcus with him. I wanted to be there for Marcus and I wanted to rip my own heart out to help them get their HEA. This book was a massive roller-coaster but it was so well written. That speech at the end. Yep. Perfection.
Jax Calder gives off sweet vibes, but don’t be completely fooled, she will absolutely wreck you (in the best possible way of course). Her writing always blows me away. Especially these books in the Rainbow Redemption Series. I had anticipated that this would take a few days to read, but by ¾ of the way through I knew there would be no sleep until it was done.
Reckless Heart manages to find every soft spot and bruise and poke at them repeatedly. These two likeable but very different guys can’t stay away from each other, but their lives just never completely mesh, instead they live in a place that keeps breaking their hearts, even though it is clear they are meant to love each other.
Marcus’ past has consumed him and their different careers and passions keep a wall between them. It’s a beautiful journey.
You’ll have to read to figure out how things work themselves out. Just make sure you bring a box of tissues with you.
Seb • Marcus…(!!!)
….
“But sometimes life surprises you beyond anything you could ever imagine.”
….
I don’t even know why I act surprised because the first installment in the Rainbow Redemption series obliterated me. I think the reason is that I haven’t read a book quite like this in a long time. This book represents the epitome of “vintage” angst. In its finest form. I felt like I was back to day one when I started my reading journey and it felt so greatly nostalgic. It reminded me why I continued to read, how reading devoured all my time. I honestly had to gather my heart from the floor after this because it was everything I needed.
By that I mean, I got beautifully flawed characters, a story so well written I couldn’t hold on, the kiss of all kisses, chemistry of the charts, Seb’s heart and mind, like Marcus had no chance, no chance, two boys who naturally become best friends, care, so much care, the greatest of heartaches, what it really means to be “meant to be”, a journey to self-acceptance and fairy terns.
So thank you Jax, for the reminder 🖤.
Third book? Felix and J? Please tell me there will be a third… I can start selling my body parts for it.
….
Leona Lewis, Calum Scott - Give A Little Bit
….
“Marcus has the power to wipe my mind clean.” // “I’ve never had a kiss like it.” // “The problem is my attraction isn’t just physical anymore.” // “Do the guys know they’re part of a game? // “I can’t help wrapping my arms around him from behind and placing a gentle kiss on the back of his neck.” // “You look after yourself.” // “But I have the sneaky suspicion I’m currently homesick for a person, not a place.” // “It’s rediscovery and revelation.” // “Even knowing the risk, I’m not sure I can resist.” // “It’s like coming home after a long day of pretending to be someone else.” // “It’s too late. I’m already worrying about your heart.” // “You are everything to me, I want to whisper to him.” // “I know you can’t.” // “Yes, I’m prepared to put in the work.” // “A fairy tern” …♾️.
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“But sometimes life surprises you beyond anything you could ever imagine.”
….
I don’t even know why I act surprised because the first installment in the Rainbow Redemption series obliterated me. I think the reason is that I haven’t read a book quite like this in a long time. This book represents the epitome of “vintage” angst. In its finest form. I felt like I was back to day one when I started my reading journey and it felt so greatly nostalgic. It reminded me why I continued to read, how reading devoured all my time. I honestly had to gather my heart from the floor after this because it was everything I needed.
By that I mean, I got beautifully flawed characters, a story so well written I couldn’t hold on, the kiss of all kisses, chemistry of the charts, Seb’s heart and mind, like Marcus had no chance, no chance, two boys who naturally become best friends, care, so much care, the greatest of heartaches, what it really means to be “meant to be”, a journey to self-acceptance and fairy terns.
So thank you Jax, for the reminder 🖤.
Third book? Felix and J? Please tell me there will be a third… I can start selling my body parts for it.
….
Leona Lewis, Calum Scott - Give A Little Bit
….
“Marcus has the power to wipe my mind clean.” // “I’ve never had a kiss like it.” // “The problem is my attraction isn’t just physical anymore.” // “Do the guys know they’re part of a game? // “I can’t help wrapping my arms around him from behind and placing a gentle kiss on the back of his neck.” // “You look after yourself.” // “But I have the sneaky suspicion I’m currently homesick for a person, not a place.” // “It’s rediscovery and revelation.” // “Even knowing the risk, I’m not sure I can resist.” // “It’s like coming home after a long day of pretending to be someone else.” // “It’s too late. I’m already worrying about your heart.” // “You are everything to me, I want to whisper to him.” // “I know you can’t.” // “Yes, I’m prepared to put in the work.” // “A fairy tern” …♾️.
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was crying so much while reading, I love Jax for being able to rip my heart out, stomp on it and stitch it all back together, so that in the end I'm crying tears of joy. This definitely was an emotional roller coaster.
Marcus & Seb both have their baggage, Seb as the younger sibling to a perfect older sister who gets all the attention of their parents, Marcus as a survivor of multiple traumatic experiences, and their relationship is basically doomed from the start. The forbidden aspect of Marcus being the best friend of Seb's mentioned perfect sister was executed really well and Marcus' journey through the overwhelmingness that is Hollywood felt so real. It was deep and dark (but actually not as dark as some other books by Jax), but it always got lightened up through Seb being a nerdy scientist with a lot of fun shirts and actually really interesting scientific facts. I think I've never learned so much about birds that face the danger of extinction.
All in all, it's a beautiful hurt/comfort story with a strong emphasis on the hurt part, and it's a sibling's best friend/best friend's sibling story.
Also, please read the trigger warning, there's a lot of potentially triggering content.
⭐️ Why it was "only" 4.75 stars for me ⭐️
I felt some lengths in the middle part, because there were a lot of spicy scenes I felt didn't really contribute to the story besides showing how deeply the MCs care for each other, and I know it's a me-thing, because I'm ace and would rather have less spicy scenes (but not zero, I'm complicated lol) in books, so I'd guess this would have been a 5 stars flat book for most people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol
emotional
medium-paced
Every now and then you come across a book which sucks you in, chews you up and leaves you emotinally drained.
Reckless Hearts is such a book. Keep the tissues and emotional chocolate support handy.
Jax Calder did a tremendous job writing these characters. It's hard to describe the level of emotions you go through when reading the book.
From the first chapter you know that Marcus and Seb belong together, that there is a lot more than first appears on paper. The fun chasing, carefree Marcus is a front, hiding hurt, loneliness and the feeling that he is not worthly of love and can't love anyone.
It is painful to read how Marcus is catching straws by seeing likes on social media and positive reviews as a measure of him being worthy. On the other hand he is a caring and loveable person when he is with Seb.
I love seeing Seb develop during the book's storyline. From the nerdy teen with a crush to a confident post-phd candidate while staying adorable nerdy. He is anchoring Marcus to some extent but their long-distance is not creating a sustainable basis.
When Marcus' house of cards is wobbling and Seb has to take some difficult decisions, I don't know if I should cry with Seb or throttle Marcus and then cry with him as well. The last 1/4 of the book is difficult but the ending is beautifully written and you will cry again.
I even came to like Saskia in the end. Seb and Saskia have a very complicated sibling relationship and I like that they are both grown up in the end to realise what is happening and making strides towards a better one.
Reckless Hearts is such a book. Keep the tissues and emotional chocolate support handy.
Jax Calder did a tremendous job writing these characters. It's hard to describe the level of emotions you go through when reading the book.
From the first chapter you know that Marcus and Seb belong together, that there is a lot more than first appears on paper. The fun chasing, carefree Marcus is a front, hiding hurt, loneliness and the feeling that he is not worthly of love and can't love anyone.
It is painful to read how Marcus is catching straws by seeing likes on social media and positive reviews as a measure of him being worthy. On the other hand he is a caring and loveable person when he is with Seb.
I love seeing Seb develop during the book's storyline. From the nerdy teen with a crush to a confident post-phd candidate while staying adorable nerdy. He is anchoring Marcus to some extent but their long-distance is not creating a sustainable basis.
When Marcus' house of cards is wobbling and Seb has to take some difficult decisions, I don't know if I should cry with Seb or throttle Marcus and then cry with him as well. The last 1/4 of the book is difficult but the ending is beautifully written and you will cry again.
I even came to like Saskia in the end. Seb and Saskia have a very complicated sibling relationship and I like that they are both grown up in the end to realise what is happening and making strides towards a better one.