Giveaway, Review & Tour: Reckless by S.C. Stephens

5 Hearts


Goodreads SummaryCan love survive when life gets Reckless? When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other withstand the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they’ve formed, the new family they’ve found, and the history they’ve forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band’s exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price—but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?
My ThoughtsLike everyone else, I have been counting down the days for the release of this book for what feels like FOREVER!! I just knew as soon as I got my hands on it, I would devour it in one sitting, only coming out of my Kellan coma when absolutely necessary. So, as soon as I heard paperbacks were released early, I was one of the crazies stalking the local bookstores trying to find a copy. And I did!! But then once I had it in my hands and started reading, I realized something...
This is it!!!! 
Once I finished Reckless, there would be no more Kellan (except of course for those dozens of rereads I will be doing of all three books) and I freaked. I decided to slow down my reading and only take it a few chapters at a time. Call me crazy but I was just not ready to say good bye in a day. 
So, after a week I am finally done and sitting here trying to think of what to say. I am kinda speechless. This book was the PERFECT ending to Kellan and Kiera's journey. Just like with the other two books, I cried. But this time they weren't all bad tears. They were mostly happy ones. There are so many sweet and touching moments through out this book between Kellan and Kiera, you remember all over again why they are perfect for one another.
There were also a few times I wanted to knock both of them upside the head and ask what the hell were they thinking?! They fought way too hard and long to let the weight of touring wear on their relationship. But there were so many times that I felt they were a little too willing to go with the flow to appease the record label. 
Needless to say, it didn't have as big of an affect as I feared and they definitely got the HEA they both deserved (take that Sienna!!).
And before I wrap up this review, I have to give an honorable mention to Griffin. He was never one I cared for in the first two books. With his rude crude behavior, I just always felt he was an ass. Well, I am here to tell you, Griffin will steal a piece of your heart in this book! Shocking i know, but very true. He had moments that caused me to read the paragraph again just to make sure I read it right the first time. 
Kudos to Ms. Stephens on another great book. This series is what opened my eyes up to the world of indie authors so long ago and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. And now I am crying because it just hit me that it is really over!!






Read the first two chapters of Reckless: http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/29520/reckless-chapter-one Reckless on GoodreadsReckless on AmazonReckless on Barnes & NobleReckless on iBooks




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4.5 stars “You’ll never know how incredible you are to me, how desperately I love you. I would do it all over again if I needed to. I’d go back to the beginning for you."


  



Reckless picks up right where Effortlessly beautifully left off. Kellan and the D-Bags are hitting it big, him and Kiera are doing great, their friends and families are in a good place. But along with the fame that is growing at a faster rate than expected, comes some unwanted attention and issues for the happy couple.
 Unlike in Thoughtless and Effortless, the drama, angst, and issues in this one aren’t stemming from secrets, half truths, and lies within Kellan & Kiera’s relationship. The problems are all from outside influences and dealing with the crazy new life that they have been thrust into. They are in the public eye and are scrutinized over their every move, with decisions being made by the record labels and others who don’t have their best interests at heart. Through it all they are actually surprisingly open and honest. Their communication completely amazed me and it showed just how much they have growth as individuals and as a couple since the over the top antics in the last two books. Kiera is leaps and bounds better than the girl we first met in Thoughtless. She is stronger, more confident, decisive, and completely unselfish. It was such a huge transformation! Her actions and decisions in this sometimes surprised me because there were times I even wouldn’t have wanted to support what the label was asking Kellan to do, but she did. She always did.
 ”And you’re not annoying or wishy-washy. At least, not anymore.” He laughed and I smacked his shoulder. Jerk. Kellan. Oh… Kellan! He is just as swoon worth as ever. It was so awesome to see just how deep his commitment is to Kiera. Even though she has never been one of my favorite heroines, there connection is off the charts HOT! You can always feel Kellan’s love for her and there is definitely something sexy about a man whose devotion is that intense. We get a few protective moments that I absolutely crave and many sweet little gestures. Kellan is also very vulnerable, he has always been a softie at heart, but it definitely showed even more throughout the book. What I have always loved about Kellan, other than how he can make me giddy with one word, “Mornin,’” is his confidence and his little cocky, teasing moments. I have to say that there weren’t as many as I would have liked, but when there was, I was very excited! :) “I know you love my hair.” I pulled back to look at his amused face; he could barely contain his smile. “I mean you really love my hair...almost obsessively so. I had no idea.” His grin turned bright and boyish. “And my abs.” He cocked an eyebrow at me. “Would you like to try etching them with a marker? I’ll let you. Although, edible paint is a lot more fun.” The secondary characters were fantastic as always. Denny makes a few appearances. His friendships with Kellan & Kiera still kind of baffles me though. They are in a good place with each other, but at times I was surprised by the level of emotional/heartfelt things that they would say to each other. Like, “For the record, I always thought you were gorgeous. I’m sorry if I didn’t make you feel that way.” But I guess it works for them, so hey…
 Griffin was really, really the one who stole my attention! We get to see him talk about more than tits and tail and he sometimes surprised me (and Kiera). I love his relationship with Anna, they are perfect for each other, “Milfums” & “Dilfums!” LOL! He can be sweet, but then of course he has to throw in that level of crudeness we’ve come to know and love. “I didn’t want to fuck either of those girls because I’m in love with your fucking sister! Are you happy now, bitch! I’m fucking whipped . . . just like these other pussies.” Overall, I loved Reckless! I have some conflicted feelings though because especially after reading Effortless a second time, I was so incredibly content with where that book had ended. I felt like if the story had ended there, I would have known the same as I know now after finishing Reckless. Of course I enjoyed getting more time with Kellan, the D-Bags, Kiera, and the rest of the bunch, but I felt like it was a little too long and very predictable. I kept thinking some bomb was going to drop and because of that I kept freaking out over tiny things that could possibly happen. My inner drama queen definitely reared her ugly head a few times during this! Woops... LOL! Am I still glad I read it? Yes, absolutely! We get to indulge in all the things we have always wanted for these characters! (view spoiler) Some parts really made my heart happy and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, it really does end up being really special, even with the slight layer of cheese! :)
 “My journey here had been tumultuous at best, but it was worth every scrape, heartache, and tear. Kellan and I were who we are now because of it.”