Reckless by Gemma Rogers is a standalone gritty thriller. This is the first time I have read anything by Gemma and after this I will be looking for her other work. The subject matter for this book is quite a tricky one, but, if you can get past this, then the story is an explosive one that kept me reading until the small hours.

The book revolves around Isabel (Izzy) Cole, David, and their daughter 15-year-old Charlotte who make the decision to move from London to Rusper a small village in West Sussex. This is because Charlotte has been getting in with the wrong crowd at school and starting to get in trouble, as well as the fact that Izzy has recently suffered a miscarriage, so everyone needs a fresh start.

Izzy has a job at the secondary school that Charlotte will be attending so her mind is at rest in that direction. On their way to school, they almost end up in an accident due to a stupid driver. The driver turns out to be a 6th form pupil at her school, Nicky. He is the most cocksure pupil she has ever met! He proceeds to shamelessly flirt with her at every available opportunity. Izzy is in a vulnerable place due to believing David is having an affair and the miscarriage has changed their marriage more than she could have expected, so in the event of attention from a younger, good looking lad she is truly confused and is struggling to deal with it.

The book highlights how the boundaries that are in place for everyone can be blurred on one moment of recklessness and the overreaching consequences for all involved. A thought-provoking, fast-paced gritty read. Nicky is a manipulator of top-grade, a brilliant example of a narcissist at work! When Izzy comes to her senses he knows the best way to manipulate her and put her through the wringer emotionally and he goes for it! Making Charlotte his focus. It is really clear he has no conscience so is like a firework going off with no warning.

In conclusion, Reckless is a very well written, fast-paced page-turner. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for letting me be part of this brilliant book’s Blog Tour.