The Lovely Reckless
by Kami Garcia
Read: May 6 - 9, 2016
Published: October 4, 2016 by Imprint
Source: Galley from publisher (Thank You, Macmillan!)
Category: YA, contemporary, dead ex, street racing
Find: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound
Book Description: I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.
Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.
Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?
Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.
Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?
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1) The Lovely Reckless is a nostalgia fest. Indulgent and fun. It reminded me of classic YA contemporary romance by authors like Simone Elkeles and Katie McGarry. We have a rich girl + guy from the wrong side of town + street racing + other dangerous associations + past traumas + out of touch parents + a lot of swoon. The girl is a little bit broken and the guy is a little bit alpha. I forgot how much I love stories like this, especially because Frankie is smart and daring and a great match for Marco, who is also a sweetheart - I love how upfront he was about his feelings for her right away.
2) The romance in this book is a lot like the street racing these two love so much, Frankie and Marco shift and increase gears very fast. I actually don't mind instant attraction, and I can understand the connection these two shared (highlight for spoiler) though I think they got to the "I love yous" very fast. Many scenes between them I wanted to last longer, which shows you how much I enjoyed them as a couple.
While it doesn't break any new ground and could be over the top in places, The Lovely Reckless read very fast for me, and I couldn't put it down. I would love to see more stories in this world of street racing and car stealing (Frankie's dad is an undercover cop for auto theft - I'd take a story for him too).
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Standalone - Would love to see more from this world though. Maybe a story for Cruz?
2) The romance in this book is a lot like the street racing these two love so much, Frankie and Marco shift and increase gears very fast. I actually don't mind instant attraction, and I can understand the connection these two shared (highlight for spoiler) though I think they got to the "I love yous" very fast. Many scenes between them I wanted to last longer, which shows you how much I enjoyed them as a couple.
While it doesn't break any new ground and could be over the top in places, The Lovely Reckless read very fast for me, and I couldn't put it down. I would love to see more stories in this world of street racing and car stealing (Frankie's dad is an undercover cop for auto theft - I'd take a story for him too).
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Standalone - Would love to see more from this world though. Maybe a story for Cruz?
Okay...saying it reminded you of Simone Elkeles and the whole good girl meets a guy from the wrong side of the tracks has hooked me! Perfect Chemistry is one of my favorite reads! Great review! Miranda's Book Blog
ReplyDeleteThis sounds exactly like something I would enjoy, which is great because I'm excited to (finally) read it next week! I haven't read much Elkeles but I have had success with some of McGarry's books. I'm glad you liked this one, Lauren! That's a good sign for me. :D
ReplyDeleteWonderful review!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Lovely review Lauren :D Eee. So glad you enjoyed this one so much. <3 I'm pretty excited about reading it soonish. Yet nervous too, haha, because not my genre at all. But romance seems so awesome :D
ReplyDelete