Title:  Recklessly Yours (Half Moon Lake #4)

Author:  AJ RanneyPublished:  January 3, 2025

Source:  ARC received in exchange for a review

Type:  e-copy

Blurb: 

Hattie Williams.
Gorgeous.
Frustrating.
And completely off limits.

I promise her brother to protect her from a stalker. Now she’s staying in my house, making me want to cross that line.

With every vulnerable look and innocent touch, it becomes increasingly harder not to break the rules.
I can’t afford to be distracted. Protecting her needs to be my only focus.

But she keeps invading my every thought. Being stuck in the same house, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep resisting my best friend’s little sister.

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads 

Introduction

Recklessly Yours by A. J. Ranney is the fourth book of the Half Moon series and it delivers a thrilling blend of romance and suspense. The story follows Hattie, a young woman who finds herself in a dangerous situation, and Detective Jackson, the man tasked with keeping her safe.

My Thoughts

Hattie doesn’t take the threats seriously, until the stalker takes things to a different level. Once her feelings for Dylan start to manifest, she becomes worried for herself, for him and the security of his home.

Detective Dylan Jackson is the quintessential alpha hero. He is strong, protective, and deeply carrying. His dedication to Hattie’s safety is impressive and his own personal struggles add depth to his character. His worry of having his judgement clouded by his growing feelings for her is well presented.

One of the central themes of “Recklessly Yours” is safety and protection. Hattie’s journey is one of vulnerability and her need (whether recognized or not) is for someone to watch over her. Detective Jackson embodies the protector role, and their evolving relationship highlights the importance of trust and reliance on others. Another prominent theme is friendship, with Dylan’s worry over his best friend finding out about his feelings for his sister. Hattie’s friends, some a bit loud, are a welcome distraction.

I did enjoy the story, but I did not like the intimate scenes. It jumped so quick from Hattie being vulnerable to her being too bold somehow. I am all in for some spicy scenes, but they need to blend well with our characters and their personalities, as well as the action. The constant complaining of not having a breakthrough was tiresome. Still, I liked how the story left some glimpses into what the series will offer next.

Cover Review: a classic cover. I don’t like it, I don’t hate it either.

Conclusion

All in all, “Recklessly Yours” by A.J. Ranney is a well-crafted novel, that combines romance and suspense. The author’s writing is engaging and evocative, bringing the reader into the world of Half Moon Lake. The characters are well developed, and the themes of protection, self-discovery and redemption resonate throughout the story. This book is a must read for romantic suspense, and it leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Have you read any books by AJ Ranney? Which one would you recommend ?

Until next time, happy reading!

 About The Author 

A.J. Ranney lives in Maryland with her ever-growing zoo, including two kids, two cats, an attention loving dog, a bunny, a cricket eating lizard and her lovable well-meaning husband. She likes to leave the chaos of her real world behind and lose herself in a steamy romance novel. Her passion for reading romance prompted her writing journey, leading her to create relatable happily ever afters that come from her own dreams and experiences. She loves coffee, sushi, wine, and her family. Not necessarily in that order. Her inner peace comes from the water, always relating to her zodiac sign the Pisces. It’s no wonder the small town she created in her stories is situated on a lake.

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