Intense. Passionate. Consuming. It was everything they both wanted—until it wasn’t.
When trust is shattered and doubt creeps in, Gabriel and Mia must decide if fighting for what they have is worth the compromise or if their devotion will only end in devastation.
***This is book two in the duet. It is intended for mature audiences due to adult content, language, and sexual situations.***
Jennifer Domenico writes contemporary and erotic romances. She loves alpha males with a soft spot, flawed characters, and strong, sassy women. Her characters usually have a side of kink and aren't afraid to demand what they want. The author doesn't apologize for that. She's a sucker for a happy ending as long as it comes with a lot of heat.
She lives in Phoenix, Arizona but is a Bostonian at heart. The way to her heart can be reached with a foreign accent, a shot of Fireball, and an unlimited supply of cupcakes.
She is also known under her alter ego, Jaelyn LaStoria, author of time traveling romances, because why not. The first title is Lost Within.
Once I finished the first book of Reckless Devotion, I was addicted. I needed more of Mia and Gabriel. They're characters are relate-able in the sense that we all have flaws and sometimes it takes losing what we love most to realize it. Jennifer Domenico has a way with words, she entraps you in her world and you get so lost in the characters you lose track of everything else. I really enjoyed reading Reckless Devotion Books One and Two, they were both so hot! I really liked Gabriel's character and in book two we get to see another side of him, a side that isn't as controlled as he always believed.
This book consumed me from the beginning just like Gabriel and Mia did to each other. They have to figure out how to navigate their differences and learn to fight their demons. This story is raw, intense, and captivating. You will find yourself rooting for them. The twists and turns are unexpected and exciting. Jen's attention to details make her books more enticing and you find yourself invested in the characters. Everyone should experience pure devotion. This story is bold, beautiful, sexy, compassionate, and inspiring. A 5 star must read!
After reading book one, I could not wait to see what happened next! I needed more Gabriel and Mia!!!! Will they be able to overcome their struggles? We got a deeper look into both characters and got to see their relationship develop. The chemistry between the two.....wow! This was a great read and I can't wait to see what's next!!!!
Usually these generic books depict D/s relationships as unmitigated bliss: like the great dance teams of Hollywood yore, we know that the MC are made for each other because they click so well when they dance engage in BDSM play together. But what happens when the kinky couple aren't well matched: when one, say, wants a 24/7 TPE and the other is only a bedroom submissive?
This is the second of two books about Gabriel and Mia, and it's absolutely necessary to read Reckless Devotion to understand why the two aren't together at the beginning of this one. In the first, Gabriel and Mia were set up by Sara, the former's sister and the latter's best friend. Both have a long history of using and leaving their partners: coming from single-parent homes, neither has faith in monogamy or HEAs. They do, however, experience incredible insta-lust that might have turned into something more had dominant Gabriel not pushed not-submissive Mia too far in the first book. This entry details the couple's growth as both decide for the first time in their lives to work on their problems and compromise rather than walk away.
Ms. Domenico's premise engenders plenty of tension that arises from organic differences between the two rather than ott, contrived melodrama. Because this is my preferred plotline, I really wanted to like this more than I did. I will say that if you're looking for competently-written, consensual kink between two likeable people who exhibit some character growth and fight for their HEA, you will enjoy this. I particularly liked that Mia was strong and stayed that way -- while she experienced more than her share of betraying body syndrome, she sobered up before it was too late. I also appreciated that Gabriel, unusually for this genre, apologized when he was wrong and did not value the lifestyle more than he did her.
What kept me from really liking this, however, were three aspects (what I have to say is for both books):
1) Pace: The first book was too abrupt, while this was too drawn-out. In the first, the relationship -- for lack of a better word -- begins and ends very quickly (more on this below). Thus, when the explosive event that causes Mia to put on the breaks occurs, it was hard for me to care that much since I didn't see any real connection between them: the two never had a conversation about anything other than sex. Here, they actually begin to talk and look for ways to achieve an emotional -- rather than just physical -- rapport. While this was great, it quickly became repetitious as the two not only made up rather quickly (so there was little tension), but also rehashed their problems over and over again. I ended up skimming a lot of this book.
2) Lack of Detail: This book is competently written and edited, but I can't tell you what Mia looks like; what either does for a living; whether or not Mia and her sister have different fathers; why she never introduces her sister to her boyfriend; if the MC ever does anal; or what happens with Sara and Jamie.
3) Depiction of BDSM: I get that these aren't BDSM manuals. I also get that the author was trying to depict healthy vs. unhealthy power exchanges. That said, you have to accept that Gabriel, an experienced dominant, has been to only heteronormative kink clubs; seen only one type of power exchange; and played with only one type of submissive -- in Paris, no less. Even given his very limited experience and lack of exposure to disparate BDSM practices (which are the rule rather than the exception), his insistence that a woman who he's just met and who has no reason to trust him immediately and without question do anything he says stretched my disbelief to the breaking point. His past power exchanges could be excused by the fact that he played in clubs, with known submissives, but this was not the case with Mia. While she did have a safeword, not once did he discuss limits, explain anything to her, or answer any of her questions. Her behavior was equally inexplicable. Yes, I get that she was hot for him, but for a woman who kept saying she wasn't submissive and that she wouldn't be "owned," she gave in awfully quickly. In truth, once he demanded access to her checkbook and she gave it to him, I was done. Who would take such a serious step after only a few days of knowing someone? It simply strains credulity.
3 stars. I note that other readers liked this better than I did; you should read their reviews.
The first book ended when they parted ways over a trust issue. Gabriel realized that Mia was the one woman that was his other half. She stood by him while he came to terms with his dark side and she helped him move past the desires of it. Mia gave into her heart and trusted Gabriel, and he in turn trusted her to help him overcome his dark tendencies. Well written story about BDSM, and how relationships work around it.
Reckless Devotion starts where book one left off. This is a truly emotional, heartbreaking journey of self discovery. Gabriel and Mia’s love story isn’t a fairytale. It’s raw, real, and emotional. Both trying to make their relationship work while working through their struggles. Loved this duet and look forward to more from this author.
I was completely thrilled to learn that there was more to Gabriel and Mia’s story, and Reckless Devotion did not disappoint!
This book picks up directly where book one leaves off. Both Mia and Gabriel are feeling lost, hurt and confused by their whirlwind relationship and while Mia has called it quits, neither one can really let the other go. Mia’s trust in Gabriel is shattered, and he knows he must change his ways and rebuild what was lost in order to have a change at having Mia in his life.
When Gabriel makes the decision that Mia is both worth fighting and changing his ways for, he seeks out a therapist. Dr. Nashito helps Gabriel explore his current feelings for Mia, his past actions both with Mia and with other submissives in his life and where he wants to go in the future. The sessions are extremely enlightening for the reader as we get a true glimpse of the dark that consumed Gabriel while living in France. When Dr. Nashito suggests that Gabriel invite Mia to a session, she tentatively agrees and realizes just how far Gabriel is willing to go to right the wrongs in their relationship and change from the man he used to be.
Will the changes, however be enough to rebuild the trust that was lost and have a lasting relationship when Mia and Gabriel appear to be on opposite ends of the spectrum?
Jennifer Domenico wrote an extremely powerful and emotional story. Gabriel’s sessions with Dr. Nashito show his vulnerability as well as the strength of his convictions to make changes to better his life in order to be both the man he wants to be and the man he feels Mia needs in her life. We also see just how strong a woman Mia is once she decides that Gabriel is worth the risk. She agrees to trust again as well as promises not to let Gabriel fall back into destructive behaviors. All of which is put to the test throughout this book as Mia and Gabriel explore what their limits truly are and what risks they are willing to take.
Sara is an amazing ancillary character and adds a lovable and comedic element as Gabriel’s sister and Mia’s best friend. She allows readers to see different sides of the couple which adds a lot of depth to the story.
This book is intense emotionally. The chemistry between Mia and Gabriel continues to burn white hot and burns up the pages of this book and there are a few unexpected surprises I didn’t see coming, but absolutely loved.
This series is not to be missed, and Reckless Devotion 2 was a stunning end to Gabriel and Mia’s story! 5 stars!
Merged review:
I was completely thrilled to learn that there was more to Gabriel and Mia’s story, and Reckless Devotion did not disappoint!
This book picks up directly where book one leaves off. Both Mia and Gabriel are feeling lost, hurt and confused by their whirlwind relationship and while Mia has called it quits, neither one can really let the other go. Mia’s trust in Gabriel is shattered, and he knows he must change his ways and rebuild what was lost in order to have a change at having Mia in his life.
When Gabriel makes the decision that Mia is both worth fighting and changing his ways for, he seeks out a therapist. Dr. Nashito helps Gabriel explore his current feelings for Mia, his past actions both with Mia and with other submissives in his life and where he wants to go in the future. The sessions are extremely enlightening for the reader as we get a true glimpse of the dark that consumed Gabriel while living in France. When Dr. Nashito suggests that Gabriel invite Mia to a session, she tentatively agrees and realizes just how far Gabriel is willing to go to right the wrongs in their relationship and change from the man he used to be.
Will the changes, however be enough to rebuild the trust that was lost and have a lasting relationship when Mia and Gabriel appear to be on opposite ends of the spectrum?
Jennifer Domenico wrote an extremely powerful and emotional story. Gabriel’s sessions with Dr. Nashito show his vulnerability as well as the strength of his convictions to make changes to better his life in order to be both the man he wants to be and the man he feels Mia needs in her life. We also see just how strong a woman Mia is once she decides that Gabriel is worth the risk. She agrees to trust again as well as promises not to let Gabriel fall back into destructive behaviors. All of which is put to the test throughout this book as Mia and Gabriel explore what their limits truly are and what risks they are willing to take.
Sara is an amazing ancillary character and adds a lovable and comedic element as Gabriel’s sister and Mia’s best friend. She allows readers to see different sides of the couple which adds a lot of depth to the story.
This book is intense emotionally. The chemistry between Mia and Gabriel continues to burn white hot and burns up the pages of this book and there are a few unexpected surprises I didn’t see coming, but absolutely loved.
This series is not to be missed, and Reckless Devotion 2 was a stunning end to Gabriel and Mia’s story! 5 stars!
Jennifer Domenico is my new heroine and I am her humble devotee. This review is very vague in terms of what happens as I can't say much without spoiling your read.
I love me a good BDSM or Dom/sub book, but only when the control is part of sex/playtime (be that in a club or at home). I hate it when (and often despite all agreement to keep it to the bedroom) suddenly the Dom/man decides it is o.k. to punish the sub/woman about things she says/does in her everyday life or at work. For me that is a HUGE turn off and a big NO - it's crossing the line from a consensual relationship to a domineering/controlling, and therefore abusive, one.
Well Mia (the heroine of this book) feels the same and after reading Book 1 I couldn't see how the story would develop. To me the ending of the first book was what I wanted to happen, I didn't want Mia to loose any of her strength or independence. I was almost scared to read this as I was certain that it would be the usual case of "her will and decision making being subsumed by his" c**p. At this point I have to add that the first book is amazing and DOES need to be read before this one.
I'm pleased to say that my fears were unfounded and this story developed in a way I could never have foreseen at the end of Book 1. I LOVED this story, and whilst the book was not as 'steamy hot' as the first one, this was more than made up for by the depth of emotion and the development of Mia and Gabriel as characters. They are so alive and believable that they felt real.
I had half expected to either not finish the story or to end up throwing my kindle across the room in anger and frustration. But no, it remained gripped in my hand as I ferociously consumed every word of this book as quickly and thoroughly as I could. I didn't want to, and at times COULDN'T, put this down. In my wildest imaginings I wouldn't have dreamed up the plot line for this and yet it was perfect and exactly what I wanted to read.
The author is now high on my list of favourites and I am off to add all her books to my TBR list. If you are wondering about buying/reading this book all I can say is do so - but only after reading book 1 of course.
🔥IF THERE WAS A BOOK THREE, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING MY REVIEW YET, I'D BE READING IT!!!🔥 I feel like I want...no I need to write this one review for both Books 1&2, because you can neither read just Book 1, nor can you read just Book 2...Neither of these are standalone books...Just order them both at the same time, because I guarantee after you read Book 1, you'll not just WANT to read Book 2, you'll NEED to read Book 2!!! 🔥🔥 I have just recently "discovered" Jennifer Domenico, and as many books as I read, I have no clue how she slipped under my radar, but she's now one of my favorite authors. She does her research to write the characters and language true to life, and I fell in love with both Gabriel and Mia....🔥🔥 As much as I love all-alpha males, (Gabriel is a true experienced DOM), they usually fall in love with a less than alpha female...but Mia is just as strong as Gabriel...In fact, in my opinion, at the end of Book 1, it turns out, Mia may be the stronger of the two...🔥🔥 I don't want to tell you anymore about these books, because you deserve to go in blind and read it with no preconceived notions from other people's opinions...just like mine. Let me say this: From the time Gabriel and Mia meet, I could hardly hold my kindle, the heat between them was combustible, and it wasn't just me who knew it....they felt it too...and that heat NEVER ends!!!🔥🔥 Jennifer Domenico knows how to write a love story...either one that is a slow gradual burn like Londyn Falls or a hot as fire from beginning until the end like Reckless Devotion....I don't know what the next book I read will be, but I'm not worried about whether or not I'll love it....she's gained a HUGE fan...And, seriously, wear gloves while holding your e-reader!!!!! 🔥🔥
What a conclusion to a beautiful story. Reckless Devotion 2 cannot be read as a standalone. It is the conclusion of Reckless Devotion. I love that it is told in dual points of view and we can get into the heads of Mia and Gabriel.
We find Mia and Gabriel where they left us at the end of the first book. They have gone their separate ways and just like any relationship, they are hurting and struggling at their loss. Gabriel knows he needs Mia in his life. Mia misses Gabriel and craves what he was giving her. Gabriel will do whatever it takes to earn back Mia’s trust. Mia must be strong enough to resist Gabriel and let them figure out how to be what each other needs. Gabriel must fight the demons that consume him before he can be what Mia needs. Mia must decide if Gabriel is worth waiting for.
I really enjoyed that effort Gabriel puts in finding the good in him for both himself and Mia. I was proud of Mia for keeping Gabriel at arm’s length and being strong when she needed to be. They still have hurdles and struggles and that’s what makes their story so special. I like that this book focused on them and how to build their relationship without losing themselves. I was also happy to see Sara, Gabriel’s sister. Secrets will be revealed and eyes opened in this conclusion.
This story left me recklessly devoted to Mia and Gabriel.
Reckless Devotion Book 1 must be read first as Reckless Devotion Book 2 begins right where the first book ended.
Mia and Gabriel have just broken up as they want different things from their relationship however that doesn’t make their feelings for each other any less intense. Mia’s strength and independence causes an internal conflict with what Gabriel needs out of their relationship and Gabriel has his own issues that must be dealt with before he can truly will what Mia needs. Is their love strong enough to overcome what they perceive they want their relationship to be to finding a relationship that makes both of them stronger and more complete?
I loved the love story of Mia and Gabriel as it outlines of struggle of being willing to compromise so that they each find a common ground that will make them happier and more fulfilled. Book 1 was more focused on their physical relationship whereas Book 2 focused more on their emotional relationship and together you get the whole picture. I voluntarily reviewed a Reader Copy of this book.
Reckless Devotion Book 2 was everything I hoped it would be! Mia and Gabriel start off a little rocky, and Gabriel is realizing he needs some help to figure out why he feels the need to be so controlling and to push beyond even his own boundaries. The attraction between Mia and Gabriel is as strong as every, but it's constantly fraught with challenges. As they continue to explore their relationship, they learn so much more, not just about each other, but about themselves as well. I love how poetic and romantic Gabriel can be. He's not afraid to say what is on his mind. I love Mia's strength and ability to stay true to herself. Another exquisitely done and book filled with steam and emotion. It was even more intensely hot than Book 1, yet still very sweet and romantic. Well done! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The truth is I am not big fan off BDSM but occasionally I read books that have some of it. But this book actually went into some more of the mental element of it and helped me to understand it all a bit more. The book is very erotic and some of that eroticism makes me cringe sometimes. Jennifer wrote a fantastic, well written, well thought out book. It's sensual, passionate, humorous, heartbreaking, sinful but also very emotional. This book did not change my mind related to BDSM books. I still am uncomfortable with the life style but this book was amazing. Kudos to you Jeniffer!
This was such an anticipated release for me as the first book left me craving for more and like Book 1, I could not put Book 2 down! Jennifer Dominico delivers a perfect ending to an incredible duet!
Book 2 is everything in the way of happily ever afters but not before giving you a more in depth look into the characters we've grown attached to. The story begins just where Book 1 left off, and as Gabriel and Mia struggle to be together you are privileged to what I feel is a very realistic way of how couples who want to be together are able to work through their problems. The Reckless Devotion Duet is an absolutely must read! 5 out of 5 roses!
This author has a way with words that I just can not explain. Her writing is perfection and she writes characters and stories that just consume you.
We carry on with Gabriel and Mia as the navigate their life together with their differences, it is full of ups and downs and so emotional that you feel everything that character is going through.
This is a very sexy, emotional, bold & beautiful story that everyone needs to read!! Kudos to the author for both this book and the first book in the series!!
I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Rockstar Book Muse
Not your typical erotica characters, Mia and Gabriel are characters that are down-to-earth and relatable. Whether you're strong, independent Mia, unsure of how ok with something that gives you so much pleasure and makes you want, for once, to not always be the strong one, or Gabriel, wrestling with your inner demons so you can settle down with the one you love and respect. Sexy, steamy, and totally relatable, you won't want to leave their world!
5 devoted stars! One of my top favorite books this year<3
Eeeeeeeekkkkkkk I absolutely LOVED this book so much! That cliffy in book one had me dying for more Gabriel and Mia. They had some struggles to overcome and once they reunite we get to see their relationship truly develop into something recklessly sweet and ridiculously hot! #GabrielIsMine no ifs or buts about it! I honestly can't express how much I loved this book and can't wait to read Jen's next book<3
OMG!!!! Warning this is book two in the series!!! Gabriel and Mia have held me captive since book one!! Their conclusion is bittersweet!! Their love story is beautiful!! It is full of heartache that can destroy you, but also can put you back together again that much stronger!! Gabriel and Mia's story is intense and raw!! The emotions that Jennifer Domenico pulls out of her characters is awe inspiring!! Such a phenomenal book!! Such a beautiful couple!! Would highly recommend this series!!
I loved the second book in Gabriel and Mia's story!! The first book is a must read before reading this one. I am not going to into a lot of detail because I don't want to provide spoilers. But let me say this has to be what every reader of book one wanted for the conclusion. It had passion, romance, sadness, laughter, love and compromise. This book is what happens when you have to figure out if love is enough to save a relationship. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Gabriel and Mia are soul mates but will they prevail through the turmoil, heated confrontations, soul searching and dominance to gain the love and respect they need for one another. You can't miss the hot,steamy and dominant scenes that Jennifer Domenico has a talent for writing. Don't miss reading book 1 first and then to here. These are a must read. This is my honest review.
The continuing story of Gabriel and Mia. After book one's cliffhanger it's great to get it all sorted out. Gabriel is able to work through his struggles with Mia's help and all is reviled in the end. Not to be misssed this book will keep you hooked to find out what is next! Love Jennifer Domenico!