 Author: Beth White Genre: Historical Romance Series: Daughtry House #3 Release Date: June 2, 2020 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 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.
 Reviewer: Amy Smelser This is the third book in the Daughtry House Series and this is the youngest sister, Aurora's story. Happily, her two older sisters, one married and the other engaged, are moving beyond the horrors of the war and the prejudices that seem to still plague their home/business. Aurora could not be more happy for them, especially when they find out that their late father has kept more secrets from them. Determined to do her part now in the world, Aurora who may be small in stature but she is fiery in nature, determines to take things into her own hands. Federal Deputy Marshal Zane Sager has a few qualms about some of the plans Aurora has in mind. He is on the hunt for a murderer and he also has in his custody two witnesses he is trying to keep safe. Sparks fly between these two as each sees things their own way, and maybe sparks are flying for another reason. I was delighted that there was some sweet romance in this series for little sister Aurora. I liked Zane as a hero as well. At first glance he looked like a pirate with the loss of one of his eyes and his eye patch, but that doesn't put off tough little cookie Aurora. I was glad these sisters rose above their circumstances and fought for what they believed in and though maybe a little afraid, did not back down. I was delighted by the ending of this series especially after the harrowing beginning. I was provided a copy of this book courtesy of Revell publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Joan Dowell This is truly a five-star book. The setting is wonderful and draws you in from page one. It gives a clear picture of what life was like after the Civil War. This final book in this series is the icing on the cake. Some content may not be suitable for the teenage audience, but all in all, it was written well and factual. This novel had me laughing, crying, and hanging on to every word. I would highly recommend The Daughtry House Series to anyone who enjoys the historical romance genre. A Reckless Love is a perfect ending to a perfect series. I received a print copy of this book from Revell Books, through Interviews & Reviews, in return for my honest review. Reviewer: Lori Parrish I gave this book five stars because it was so very good! A story that will not let go of your heart even after it's long over. Set after the Civil War, I found this one to be the best yet! All the characters, especially Aurora, who isn't afraid to voice her opinion on anything is a woman before her time. She's a delightful young lady that was fun in getting to know, and I loved her story. I liked Zane even better. He was just as determined to do his job and to right a wrong. I have to admit there were parts in this book that made me smile and others that tugged at my heart. I enjoyed the historical events that were the backdrop of this wonderful book. I learned quite a bit, and some events matched up with what I had learned in school. This author has done a wonderful job researching these events for her story. The things that took place in this story reminds me of today's rioting, looting, and the demand for justice. As they say, history tends to repeat itself. Overall, this is a book you can't put down, and you will find yourself rooting for Aurora and Zane as they work their way to the top, so to speak and come out even better. I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and all opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis I have read all three books in the Daughtry House series and I think A Reckless Love by Beth White is my favourite. I found the character of Aurora delightful. She was so much fun! I loved that she would say what was on her mind (sometimes without thinking) and was a "take-charge" kind of gal. The object of her affection, Zane Sager, didn't stand a chance. I adored their romance. I read the final chapters as racial tension in the States hit a new low. While reading about the mobs in this book, mobs were rioting all over America. It was somewhat surreal to be reading about the Klan and then see white supremacists destroying cities across the nation. How sad that hundreds of years later we are still dealing with racism. The author captured mob mentality perfectly. There was one loose end in regards to a character named Alonzo Maney. This seemed like the final book in the series, but the question of what happened to Maney was never answered and so now I'm wondering if there will be a fourth book. If there isn't, then there is a major piece of the puzzle missing in this book. Hence the four stars. Overall, the Daughtry House series is one you should read. I highly recommend them. This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through NetGalley.  Reviewer: Abigail Harris Ahh, A Reckless Love, this story does indeed show recklessness at times and love. I really will have to go back to the first book in the series, "A Rebel Heart," and read it since I was slightly lost when reading the second and now the third books in the series. That didn't stop me from enjoying the book though, and I want to mention here that I did skim at parts, only because I couldn't get into the writing style. Yet, I loved the story and characters. A Reckless Love is a strong ending to a strong series of healing after a horrible time in America's history. I enjoyed seeing more than one side of the Civil War and the aftermath of the war's end. Some content makes this a book for readers older than 18, just mentions of things that you wouldn't want to read. And the last pages of the book are between a husband and wife after a nightmare and she suggests he love her. It made me somewhat uncomfortable. Otherwise, from what I have read, this is a great book. This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.  Reviewer: Marie Edwards Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books, for sending me a complimentary advanced reader edition through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own. As a member of street teams, and review teams such as Interviews & Reviews, I usually look for books that I might want based on previous author experience, are highly rated, or are part of a set I already have. If I can't find one I'm looking for (or it isn't up in queue), I look for a book that I wouldn't ordinarily have bought but still holds some level of curiosity for me, especially new books that my library may not have. Over the past year, I've found that this is a good way to sample genres or authors I wouldn't know about or have ordinarily experienced, and see if I would be interested in their other work(s). It is also a good way to broaden my fiction experiences genres I wouldn't normally seek out. Since last year, I've been reading a LOT more Historical Fiction. It's one I am still navigating. Yet, as I have discovered – it isn't necessarily that I don't like the genre. I'm not that familiar with it. In most cases, the genre has never interested me. There has to be some element that would make me pick out the book, get me to read the first pages, and keep me interested until I close the book. There have been some that have not interested me at all. And, despite a continually stacked calendar, I still enjoy reading and reviewing. The problem was that I couldn't find anything I didn't have or that interested me. Apologies in advance, Ms. Davis (Interviews & Reviews) – so, I went for a challenge. Yup, another Historical Romance – A Reckless Love (The Daughtry House Series #3). It had a blurb that immediately caught my eye. In addition, Beth White was a new-to-me author. Definitely a good pick. But she didn't stay that way. I can honestly now say this is the third (3rd) book of hers I have read. And it was a GREAT pick! Seeing that the title I requested was book three of this series, I uncharacteristically went and bought the previous two books from Amazon: ** A Rebel Heart ** A Reluctant Belle With the beautiful covers – who could blame me for giving them a try? Unlike some series that vary with the design, these are all the same basic design. The house at the bottom, and the featured sister on top. Each one has their own different "color" scheme that contrast and complement each other - blue/Selah; orange/Joelle; pinkish-purple/Aurora. I thoroughly enjoyed the Daughtry House Series because they weren't just a Historical Romance series about a trio of sisters – they also had an element of suspense to them. Usually, the suspense revolved around the sister's intended love interest. For me, there is more emphasis on the suspense rather than the romance, so I'm not too disappointed in that. It is this suspense that the sisters find themselves in the middle of. What makes this series even better – it is connected. Not by a town or a character, but a sequence of violent events that begins with the first book. And that plot is carried over into books #2 and #3. Since this is part of a series, I definitely don't recommend it as a standalone read. While it could work, it would greatly benefit the reader to read the previous two novels mentioned above. Since I did read them, that's probably what enhanced my enjoyment of the series, and this book in particular. After all, the first book, A Rebel Heart, literally started off as a train wreck. The second book, A Reluctant Belle, was explosive and fiery. This third one, A Reckless Love – is quite the bullet. Readers of the books will notice the slight "puns," I added. The books pick up one right after the other – five (5) years after the final shot of the Civil War. The first book began in February 1870, and this picks up in June. This series/storyline doesn't stretch out over the years or an undetermined amount of time. The timeline is coherent, believable, and practical. The books are in the order of the sisters' birth order – Selah, Joelle, Aurora. A Reckless Love is the youngest sister, Aurora's story. Some trigger warnings might include murder, racism, slavery, the KKK, questionable language, gender insults. This book is far less controversial than the middle book but still as exciting. There is less emphasis on the racial tension/tones while relying heavily on the "action" and the investigation. In the blurb on the ARC, along with the description on Goodreads – Zane's last name is Sabiere. Yet, in the ARC I have, it is Sager from beginning to end. As I don't have a finished copy – I can't exactly state what his last name is. The description on the author's website, Amazon, and Bookbub also stated SAGER. That is what I am going to use in this review. In the prologue, set in April 1865, there is an explosion aboard a boat, the Sultana, which is being used to ferry former Union troops home. This is where we learn about the strong friendship between Deputy U.S Marshal Zane Sager and Judge Teague. Readers familiar to the series will remember that Teague was murdered in book two. That murder is currently unsolved … until now. Sorry for the spoiler if you haven't read book two, but that is what brings Zane to us in this installment. This also brings in Aurora and her grandparents' connection to one of the men in the "plot" and Zane. Like some have noted – the romance is left on the back burner for the suspense element. Some previously mentioned "minor" characters return, and some do not. Some have little to no lines or have been reduced to background players. What I enjoyed about this book (and series) was the aspect where the case was still being solved despite the arrest of two men. This is because the main villain(s) have yet to surface and/or be captured. This also touches on why Zane is as standoffish as he is. However, he can't seem to resist Aurora's charm. Nor will she let him. Zane and Aurora were so mismatched that it was a sheer delight to watch them interact. Despite being the youngest, she didn't let it deter her from staking her claim on the lawman. But, Zane isn't the only thing on Aurora's mind – she and her sisters have been left a shuttered saloon. This is the part I found endearing and even humorous. For me, it was a spark of some normality in a rough period. In addition, it was like some ray of sunshine through dark clouds. As they had and were still in the process of renovating their home, they now had another project. Immediately the thought is to turn it into a boarding house. But, it comes with two occupants – Bedelia and Rosie, two former saloon girls. As usual – the Daughtry girls (namely Joelle and Aurora) are going to attempt to fine-tune the two saloon girls and fix up what would become Dogwood Manor to be a respectable rooming house. Even in the end, it (like the Daughtry House) had a way to go before being ready to take in guests. Also, the two men from the previous novel are heading to trial and need protection. This is where it gets tense, and that tension gets broken appropriately with Zane and Aurora's unconventional courting. Some of the previous characters will be "exposed" for who they are. As I had already read the previous books, I sort of saw these changes, digs, and barbs leading up to a final confrontation. A slight spoiler – I am still waiting for Gil to get his comeuppance. Like the other two – this is well written, engaging, riveting, and attention-grabbing. There were times it was even thrilling and an edge-of-seat read. I found I held my breath in a few places. It doesn't really differ from the previous two novels. The plot runs smoothly and coherently. Given this is an advanced review copy, the typos are minimal. Even in the finished version of A Rebel Heart, there was a huge double sentence error. Thankfully this book escapes major errors. In the author's notes, White is careful to admit that there may be small plot threads she wasn't able to wrap or tie-up due to a lack of space. I did have some questions, but since the author acknowledges them and explains them – mentioning them isn't necessary as I know why they weren't tied up. She is right in that the main story is concluded to some degree of satisfaction. To me, it was a little quick with the ending, but still somewhat satisfactory. I was slightly disappointed with a few things in it, but naming them would result in major spoilers. Despite this being what I assume to be the last book of the series – as the books end, it keeps the momentum that started in A Rebel Heart and A Reluctant Belle. It carries it through all the way up until the startling end. This was very difficult to put down. I have to admit it does stand out as one of the best of the series. I was far too busy reading it to keep notes. In addition, I had to re-edit when I read the book on Goodreads as I read this so fast I forgot to mark that I was CURRENTLY READING it. As far as the other characters – I already admire how much Aurora grew and matured from the first novel. There was so much more to her than the dainty little girl some were intended to present her as. Her tenacity and spunk were quite admirable. More growth here, even during a few surprising confrontations. There wasn't much of Selah in it this time around. Levi and Schuyler remained the same and drifted somewhat to the background more than I expected. Joelle was less focused on her writing and her school efforts (though I do hope they rebuild the school). ThomasAnne and Doc's relationship makes progress towards the end of the novel, but it is mostly left out. However, ThomasAnne does reveal something to Aurora that I wouldn't have expected at all. And, given the time it is set in – it was scandalous. I praise the author for tackling it as tactfully as she did. It was stunning but provided insight into her character. As of note – I would definitely be interested in reading her story as part of a standalone novel (hint to the writer). What shocked me the most was what Grandmama Winnie did at the end when Aurora was in danger. From the first book, I wasn't sure what to make of this grand ole gal. She seemed pretentious and uptight. But, by the end of this book – I was almost laughing at her tenacity. Despite a tragic and gruesome incident, I was laughing. This was a good thing as I came to respect the crusty lady and her gumption. It was a character trait that, in retrospect, I should've expected, but I sure didn't see it coming. I enjoy those sweet surprises. There was a balance of character development, suspense, and a family theme that truly rounds out this novel. While I knew that the era was a painful time for the country (and even now it is a sore spot) – this novel truly highlighted it respectfully and tactfully. As this is distributed by Revell, a Christian/faith themed publisher, there are several references to God and faith. They are not a central part of the plot or focus of the story. It is a clean read with no sex scenes or foul language. The only questionable thing might be when a business owner refers to the Daughty siblings using not only a somewhat racial slur but a gender slur as well. To some, it could be vulgar or alarming. Some words of "caution" for potential readers – PLEASE note that this takes place about five years AFTER the Civil War in 1870. There will be some references to slavery, prejudice, racism, as well as other language and terms that are authentic to the era. While some of it can be offensive, using it in this story, set in that time, gives the story historical accuracy while being respectful and sensitive to the complex social issue on race relations. One cannot write or author an authentic Civil War or Re-Constructionist Era novel without being authentic to the vernacular or attitudes. The author herself acknowledges that some of the language back in that time was offensive and that some of the terminology was toned down due to the fact she and her editor felt there was no reason to be deliberately inflammatory. I respect White for remaining as historically accurate as possible and believe she has done a wonderful job balancing that accuracy while maintaining a respectful/sensitive tone towards slavery, the injustices as a result, and the feelings of those involved. These historical romance/fiction/suspense novels are also a great way to learn about history or learn enough about it to find more information. I would suggest this to anyone who is a fan of her previous works, anyone interested in the re-constructionist era that loves great suspense with a touch of romance. But, as stated previously, I do very much suggest reading the previous two books. I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney
" . . . . .your jabbering is like a cool glass of lemonade after walking around in the desert." Seasoned lawman Zane Sabiere has just been outmatched by a confection in a yellow dress; a little dynamo with a head full of gorgeous red hair, Aurora Daughtry is a force to be reckoned with on any given day. A man of few words, or at least he used to be, Zane's task of guarding key witnesses for a federal murder trial somehow got him tangled up with a southern belle whose sharp wit and spirited demeanor . . . . . . well, "no wonder he didn't stand a chance. She was fearless". Tired of being viewed as the "baby of the family" Aurora Daughtry is certain about what she feels for the handsome Deputy U. S. Marshall, whose eye patch makes him all that more distinctive. Determined to help Zane solve his case, Aurora places herself in the position to endanger those that she loves the most, including Zane. A "reckless love," indeed. Soak in the flirtatious banter between Zane and Aurora, while becoming reacquainted with favorite characters from the first two books in the series (they haven't changed a bit!!). All humor aside, there is deep inspiration lurking between the pages of this book with its sobering glimpse of the turbulent years following the close of the Civil War. The author has done a really good job of coating reality with an entertaining character like Aurora (not to mention Grandmama). I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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