Reckless: The Story of Samantha Smith #2 Paperback – October 15, 2013

A lot of times sequels usually just aren't as good as the original books but that wasn't the case here. As much as I loved Fearless, I enjoyed Reckless even more. I'm really amazed at Devon Hartford, he's already a very good writer but I think it's pretty rare and wonderful to see an author who's already very talented become so much better in such a short time. Fearless was really good but Reckless was even better. It had all the things that I loved from the original and also so much more. More depth, more humor, more romance, more drama, just more everything and I had a really good time hanging out with Samantha, Christos, Mads, Romeo, Kamiko, Brandsome (sorry, can't get that name out of my head) and yes even Hunter the new jerk in town. Seriously, Hunter and Tiffany should totally get together, their evil love would destroy the universe. Reckless picks right up where Fearless left off. Samantha and Christos have taken their relationship to the next level. Not only that but Samantha is taking her art to the next level and everything is going great. So where's the drama? Don't worry, there's plenty of it here and not just from Tiffany who's personal goal in life is to make everyone around her miserable, especially Sam. Everything's going wonderful them BAM! Roadblocks start appearing all over the place. Roadblocks to Sam's art and school, her and Christo's relationship and even her friendship with Kamiko. Things continue to escalate, going from about 1 to 175mpg about as fast as Christos on his Ducati right up until the very end where we crash head first into a guard rail and are hanging over a steep mountainside starring at the tiny dots of trees below us as our life hangs in the balance. Well, that didn't happen literally but it's a good enough analogy. I for one happen to love yet hate cliffhangers at the same time but I loved this one. Don't worry, we're not left off too badly, we get a full self contained storyline but we do have to wait until the next installment in the Story of Samantha Smith to find out what happens to everybody. I can't wait for the next book. Is Christos going to be okay? Will Samantha's parents ever see reason? Will Tiffany ever grow up? Yeah right! I'm also hoping that Romeo as well as Kamiko get a little love. Heck, maybe they should get their own spin-off series. I'd also really like to know more about Brandon. Is he really such a jerk? Why was he so caring and nice to Kamiko only to be such a jerk later? I hope there's more to him than that, maybe he's under pressure from his family the way Samantha is, or maybe he's just afraid of true love. Of course he could just be a jerk, only time will tell. This is just a fun series, there was a lot more humor this time around along with a lot more romance. It seems to me like Mr. Hartford really had a good time writing this one, it just shows. His characters have a great amount of depth to them, the pacing was very good and all in all just a great read. If you enjoyed the first one then don't miss this one, you'll be sorry that you did. This is a great book/series and is definitely on my "must read" list the second each new book comes out.

I title this review coming home because in many ways Christos finds his true self, his authentic self as his relationship to Samantha deepens. He has been surrounded by friends and family who for one reason or the other have a "hand out" and Christos is a product to be used, "managed" or sought after from woman who want the "Christos" they want to see. Samantha goes through a transformation process of letting go of the past and discovering she is worthy of love which begins by her forgiving and loving herself and trusting in her talent as a artist. Christos's unfailing love and adoration are things that shock Sam, and represent something she is afraid she will wake up and find it was all a dream.I think she ask herself "Out of all of them, you could have chosen, and yet you chose ME?!" Christos and Sam have similar journeys in the respect that, they both have to let go of the past, and allow themselves to embrace that love from the other person. I like that even in the intimate scenes, Devon portrays Christos with both strength and vulnerability that shows Sam she is cherished. I am sure some readers will label this as "weakness" in their reviews. I applaud this author's courage to portray love not one more sexual conquest but something that is beautiful and touches the heart. I identified with Sam because she has to learn to embrace her abilities in art and "allow" herself to succeed which can be tough to do .I think when you find that special someone who loves you for you, no masks, no facades to hide behind I think there is such a freedom there that is addictive. I think you will see that to be fearless, and to be reckless, takes a willingness to be vulnerable and let someone else "in"!I can't wait for the next step in Samantha and Christos journey!

I have enjoyed reading this series but I have to say Samantha is a little too immature for my liking. She has a lot of growing up to do. I understand where this lack of confidence, insecurity and immaturity come from. Her parents are beyond controlling but there comes a point where you have to put your big girl pants on and take life by the horns. She did grow a lot in this book. Christos is a curious character to me. You get little snippets of his POV in this book. He is cocky, brave, sexy and totally smitten. When he goes seeking the automatic responses from his female fan club,I just shake my head. I can't figure out why he needs that confirmation. He does not come off insecure, ever. So he confused me a little. I wish he could see how selfless and loyal he is. Until he does and leans on Sam and his family he will suffer greatly. The cliff hanger at the end makes me grateful I waited to read it when the third book was published. Tiffany was he uber bitchy self. Romeo and the rest of the cast of characters were as always entertaining. The beginning of the book was a bit slow and Samantha s idle inner pradling was tedious at times but by the time the proverbial s*** hits the fan you are swept away in the plot. The next book of calling my name so I hope my review helps you decide to read this series. It's a gem.

The story got off to a good start about 2 young kids at college not my normal read but as it was free I thought why notBoy meets girl she has a crush on him he is under grad in art and nude model in life art class ... sam was in accounting like mum and dad wanted ... her extra class was art the story is very slow and keeps going back to Taylor and been called slag slut tease throughout the book she keeps saying it to herself you don't know what on earth it means til about 93%in the book and what a let down really Devon what on earth was u thinking as if they would have got away with it ...in know it's a book and not real ..but as it takes the majority of the book to find out then rushes at the end!!!!Good bits the banter between the friends us funny .. the love story is sweet the friendship between her and maddison is lovely but the bad but was not only how long it took to find out what sam did and the end ....do I really want to pay nearly £3 fir the next book no way ...

Enjoyed this book just as much as i did the first.The story is starting to unfold, and things are starting to unravel for Christos.Sam's parents are worse than before, will they ever understand what their daughter really wants or keep putting her down.Had me wanted to read more.The only reason i gave 4 stars is because for me personally it's took along time to get to where we are in sam and Christos story, and some words, praises are repeated alot after sam was talking to her in her head.I.E Drone, etcOther than that its a really good read and I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book 👍

Really enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait for this one, it certainly didn't disappoint. Only problem is having to patiently wait for the next book, 2014 just can't come soon enough!Again, plenty of smiles and good humour included along with all the other usual range of emotions (Tiff is just so outrageously hateful) but was surprised by how this one ended, certainly didn't see it coming.Another brilliantly written book, well done Devon.

FANTASTIC! Really enjoyed the 2nd instalment. Just love Christos & Samantha! the story lines have been brilliant and would recommend but must read the first book first which is Fearless. Could not put either books down. Shame we have to wait until early 2014 for the next book but seems that this is the way a lot of Authors seems to do it these days. Well done Devon Hartford.Just hope all ends happy as the characters have been through soooo much.

I have read both books and really enjoyed the romance but the ending on the second book is just wrong, completely out of character and just plain wrong. A Cliff hanger of an ending - literally. The most frustrating thing is that the next sequel is not out until next year - why do writers do this, why not publish all books when they are ready, there's nothing worse than being left in limbo!Disappointed reader!