In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister’s engagement. She also rejoices in her part in transforming the family’s dilapidated plantation manor into a luxurious and lucrative resort hotel. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for … managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.
But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He’s tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge’s murder.
Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world–and God in particular–is out to get him. But just as she’s on the verge of cracking Zane’s defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.
Award-wining author Beth White closes out her Daughtry House series with this exciting and emotional tale of two strong-willed people who may have met their match.
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This entire series, The Daughtry House, has been wonderful! I hope to eventually read all three in succession to better follow each character.
Each book is based on one Daughtry sister. This book has the youngest as the main character. She has much spunk in her small frame, and she tended to chatter. This led to Aurora frequently saying things she meant to just think. She is a really fun character as is the man she falls in love with, Zane. He is not the typical hero. This one bears seen scars from the war as well as those not seen. He is a well developed character with much depth.
Of course, the characters that the reader so enjoys from the previous books are present in the last. That makes the read even more enjoyable. The suspense is well done as is the historical research for the book and series.
I really enjoy the storyline plot and characters, but the hope and faith in this series is what makes it stand out in my book! That was much needed after The War Between the States. The faith theme is well done and incredibly natural to the storyline. This book will go on my forever shelves…along with the other two in the series. This novel can be read alone, but I do recommend reading the series. It makes for a much richer experience. I honestly cannot pick a favorite in this series. I have enjoyed all of them.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Reckless Love is the third book in The Daughtry House Series. This book tells the story of the youngest of the three sisters, Aurora Daughtry. Aurora finds out that she and her sisters have inherited a local saloon, and she has decided to turn the establishment into a boardinghouse. As renovations begin, Aurora’s brother-in-law, Levi Riggins, returns to town along with Deputy Marshal Zane Sager who is guarding two prisoners until their trial. Keeping these two men safe is important to Zane’s bigger goal, catching Sam Jones, the Confederate officer responsible for the torture of so many Union soldiers at Cahaba Prison, and, Zane believes, the man responsible for the sabotage of the Sultana. Aurora and her boardinghouse become key to keeping Zane and the prisoners safe, but Zane and Aurora quickly find themselves at odds with each other, a situation that might only be remedied by the mutual attraction that they share.
I loved this story. I thought the first two books in this series were fantastic, and this one did not let me down. I enjoyed the way the story carried over and continued from one book to the next. And I love the way Beth White ties true, and often little known, history into the story. Aurora is a well-written, exciting, comical character, and Zane balances her well. The story is exciting, moves at a quick pace, and keeps you wanting to read more. And I appreciate the role that faith plays in Beth White’s books. The three Daughtry House books are ones that I will go back and read again.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Having enjoyed book 1, A Rebel Heart, I know this author can write an engaging post Civil War romantic tale. However, book 3, A Reckless Love, just seemed too slow paced and overly verbose/drawn out. A sure sign was by Chapter 10 the main couple had barely interacted. At 63% into it, they finally were having conversations but, again, too much verbiage and other drawn out content kept getting in the way. I found myself skimming through this book a lot. Just when I thought they were going to make some relationship progress, time would be diverted back to Zane’s mission in one form or another and/or rehashing/adding details revolving around the very large cast of past and present characters instigating or caught up in the political mayhem of that era. I honestly could not and did not want to keep up/track of it all. In fact, more characters kept getting added to the plot pot. If you don’t read for mostly romance, this may not bother you at all. Based on the title, I thought their relationship would be more of the focal point.
Here’s to hoping others really enjoy this book. If you don’t mind putting the love story on the back burner, you may enjoy this post Civil War era drama. I did really like the main couple and wanted to see them get a HEA. However, the author chose to leisurely stroll, split up events, and meander here and there to the point I couldn’t stay constantly engaged.
So far, I have skipped book 2, Reluctant Belle. Some major events that happened there are discussed here. If you don’t like spoilers, read that book first. Now I’m not so sure I will bother to attempt to read it. Not that there likely isn’t a decent love story there. I’m just afraid it also is buried too deep within the pages.
Title: A Reckless Love, Series: Daughtry House (Book 3), Author: Beth White, Pages: 368, Pub. date: 6/2/20, stand-alone but part of a series, clean romance, Christian content, post Civil War era, some violence.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)
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