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Willow Brook Falls #1
Reckless Abandon
Single and pregnant at eighteen was not what I had planned for my life, but after my fiancé skipped town on our wedding day, I had no choice. When his best man handed me the goodbye note, I thought my life was over.
Three years later, his best man is now my best friend. My family likes him. My daughter adores him. And me? Well, I’m hopelessly in love with him. Too bad I can never tell him how I feel.
A drunken kiss after our friend’s birthday party threatens to reveal my secret. I have two choices: confess my feelings for him or pretend I was too wasted to remember. Lying could mean missing out on a future with the man I love. Telling the truth could ruin our friendship forever. Should I play it safe or risk it all for our happily ever after?
*Reckless Abandon is the first book in the Willow Brook Falls Series and is a complete standalone with no cliffhanger
Three years later, his best man is now my best friend. My family likes him. My daughter adores him. And me? Well, I’m hopelessly in love with him. Too bad I can never tell him how I feel.
A drunken kiss after our friend’s birthday party threatens to reveal my secret. I have two choices: confess my feelings for him or pretend I was too wasted to remember. Lying could mean missing out on a future with the man I love. Telling the truth could ruin our friendship forever. Should I play it safe or risk it all for our happily ever after?
*Reckless Abandon is the first book in the Willow Brook Falls Series and is a complete standalone with no cliffhanger
292 pages, ebook
First published June 12, 2022
1045 people are currently reading
2421 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Cade
18 books928 followersAshley is a USA Today Bestselling author who likes her small town romance extra spicy with a touch of angst and a splash of humor. Her swoon worthy heroes will melt your kindles (along with your undergarments). She resides in Ohio with her husband and two sons where she pens emotionally gripping love stories about imperfect people who find their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
October 15, 2025
I wanted to love this book more than I did. But I found myself so frustrated. I was hoping we'd get a real cute family story. But it didn't read that way to me.
Reckless Abandon begins with a prologue. Brynlee is 18 years old just found out she is pregnant to her boyfriend Sean. They are pressured into marriage due to their circumstances from their parents. Sean leaves her at the altar with a Dear John letter delivered by his best friend Macon. Sean takes off and leaves Brynlee alone and pregnant, a scandal in her town.
Cut to years later. Brynlee is a single mother to her 3 year old daughter Harper. She goes to school part time and works at a bookstore. Her parents/sister help her with Harper and Macon has now become her best friend and Uncle Macon to her daughter.
I loved the beginning of this book. Brynlee and Macon are both good friends while fighting their feelings for one another. But they both adore little Harper. He's been there for them both since Brynlee was pregnant. Harper is attached to Macon it seems. They have some cute little moments at the beach and a football practice.
But all the cute family moments just stop after a couple of scenes. Harper barely exists in the novel. She's always being shuttled off to Brynlee’s parents so we barely get any family bonding scenes between the 3 of them which really disappointed me. I felt sad we lost those moments. I read love stories of single parents more for the family aspect than I do the romance. Macon had been Harper’s only male role model. Macon had been there from the beginning. To lose that special connection made the book suffer to me. Replacing the family moments was just about 50% Macon and Brynlee having miscommunication after miscommunication, not fessing up to their real feelings.
Eventually they get their shit together and confess how they feel. But then their relationship becomes all about sex. It lost that friendship they had built. Exes come into play to try to mess with their newfound romance and you guessed it, more miscommunication comes up. I kept having to remind myself they were young 21 years olds.
But then the worst happens... good old Sean comes back out of nowhere when things are finally going good between Macon & Brynlee. What shocked me was that Sean was welcomed back by everyone. He had his sob story (addict/joined the army) and was instantly forgiven and embraced by everyone. All it took for him to come back was a near death experience to realise what he'd lost. It infuriated me. I don't give a shit what your excuses are... you never abandon your pregnant girlfriend and unborn child.
Poor Macon couldn't get Brynlee to talk to him for weeks after his girlfriend said something nasty to her. But Sean left her alone for 3 years to raise his kid on her own and he's welcomed back with open arms. She lets him right back into their daughter's life the day he returns. I couldn't believe it. I'd be calling a fucking lawyer.
I was all for Sean wanting to be in Harper's life... but the way he went about it just rubbed me the wrong way. Everyone felt sorry for him. I didn't. Sending money while helpful doesn't excuse not knowing your daughter. For leaving Brynlee to handle everything on her own.
If your an addict - get help. Go to rehab. Tell your partner you need her.
If you want to join the army - I do believe they have pens you can use to write letters. Computers to skype. Phones to call. You don't just disappear off the face of the earth.
But of course everyone feels sorry for him for being wounded in combat and for his horrible upbringing with alcoholic parents. Brynlee and Macon felt guilty for not knowing he was using.
I didn't feel sorry for Sean because the way he threatened Macon at Harper's party. To take custody away from Brynlee if he didn't get what he wanted. Which was her back and for Macon to step aside out of their lives.
What bothered me even more is Brynlee acting surprised every time Sean did something bastardly. Sean didn't hide his intentions. And Macon told her repeatedly Sean wanted her back. Even stupidly Brynlee herself was continually calculating why Sean was bringing her coffee or hugging her or using Harper to delay his stay.
Brynlee doesn't have a go at Sean for punching her boyfriend at their daughter's birthday party? She doesn't go to bat for her guy? Instead Brynlee is busying drooling over Sean because he answered the door shirtless. I kept thinking WHAT ABOUT MACON! I was actually starting to wonder who the love interest intended to be because it felt like the author couldn't choose between Macon and Sean.
Eventually when Brynlee does finally lose it on Sean which I had been hanging around for... she feels guilty for yelling at him and it turns into a tender hugging moment. SERIOUSLY?? A moment witnessed by Macon who has become insecure and jealous about Sean and Brynlee. Then another miscommunication happens and he bolts. Ugh.
By the time I got to the end of Reckless Abandon I was emotionally wrung out by the stupid decisions these characters made.
Reckless Abandon begins with a prologue. Brynlee is 18 years old just found out she is pregnant to her boyfriend Sean. They are pressured into marriage due to their circumstances from their parents. Sean leaves her at the altar with a Dear John letter delivered by his best friend Macon. Sean takes off and leaves Brynlee alone and pregnant, a scandal in her town.
Cut to years later. Brynlee is a single mother to her 3 year old daughter Harper. She goes to school part time and works at a bookstore. Her parents/sister help her with Harper and Macon has now become her best friend and Uncle Macon to her daughter.
I loved the beginning of this book. Brynlee and Macon are both good friends while fighting their feelings for one another. But they both adore little Harper. He's been there for them both since Brynlee was pregnant. Harper is attached to Macon it seems. They have some cute little moments at the beach and a football practice.
But all the cute family moments just stop after a couple of scenes. Harper barely exists in the novel. She's always being shuttled off to Brynlee’s parents so we barely get any family bonding scenes between the 3 of them which really disappointed me. I felt sad we lost those moments. I read love stories of single parents more for the family aspect than I do the romance. Macon had been Harper’s only male role model. Macon had been there from the beginning. To lose that special connection made the book suffer to me. Replacing the family moments was just about 50% Macon and Brynlee having miscommunication after miscommunication, not fessing up to their real feelings.
Eventually they get their shit together and confess how they feel. But then their relationship becomes all about sex. It lost that friendship they had built. Exes come into play to try to mess with their newfound romance and you guessed it, more miscommunication comes up. I kept having to remind myself they were young 21 years olds.
But then the worst happens... good old Sean comes back out of nowhere when things are finally going good between Macon & Brynlee. What shocked me was that Sean was welcomed back by everyone. He had his sob story (addict/joined the army) and was instantly forgiven and embraced by everyone. All it took for him to come back was a near death experience to realise what he'd lost. It infuriated me. I don't give a shit what your excuses are... you never abandon your pregnant girlfriend and unborn child.
Poor Macon couldn't get Brynlee to talk to him for weeks after his girlfriend said something nasty to her. But Sean left her alone for 3 years to raise his kid on her own and he's welcomed back with open arms. She lets him right back into their daughter's life the day he returns. I couldn't believe it. I'd be calling a fucking lawyer.
I was all for Sean wanting to be in Harper's life... but the way he went about it just rubbed me the wrong way. Everyone felt sorry for him. I didn't. Sending money while helpful doesn't excuse not knowing your daughter. For leaving Brynlee to handle everything on her own.
If your an addict - get help. Go to rehab. Tell your partner you need her.
If you want to join the army - I do believe they have pens you can use to write letters. Computers to skype. Phones to call. You don't just disappear off the face of the earth.
But of course everyone feels sorry for him for being wounded in combat and for his horrible upbringing with alcoholic parents. Brynlee and Macon felt guilty for not knowing he was using.
I didn't feel sorry for Sean because the way he threatened Macon at Harper's party. To take custody away from Brynlee if he didn't get what he wanted. Which was her back and for Macon to step aside out of their lives.
What bothered me even more is Brynlee acting surprised every time Sean did something bastardly. Sean didn't hide his intentions. And Macon told her repeatedly Sean wanted her back. Even stupidly Brynlee herself was continually calculating why Sean was bringing her coffee or hugging her or using Harper to delay his stay.
Brynlee doesn't have a go at Sean for punching her boyfriend at their daughter's birthday party? She doesn't go to bat for her guy? Instead Brynlee is busying drooling over Sean because he answered the door shirtless. I kept thinking WHAT ABOUT MACON! I was actually starting to wonder who the love interest intended to be because it felt like the author couldn't choose between Macon and Sean.
Eventually when Brynlee does finally lose it on Sean which I had been hanging around for... she feels guilty for yelling at him and it turns into a tender hugging moment. SERIOUSLY?? A moment witnessed by Macon who has become insecure and jealous about Sean and Brynlee. Then another miscommunication happens and he bolts. Ugh.
By the time I got to the end of Reckless Abandon I was emotionally wrung out by the stupid decisions these characters made.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Single Mom
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Brynlee tiene 18 años, apenas se acaba de graduar y ahora está embarazada y el día de su boda su novio la deja y la noticia se la da Macon el mejor amigo.
Tres años después, Brynlee estudia, trabaja y tiene una niña a la cual está criando pero sin la ayuda de Macon que fue su roca en los momentos más difíciles no habría sobrevivido, ahora es su mejor amigo y adora a su hija,pero sin darse cuenta sus sentimiento han cambiado y se ha enamorado de él pero sabe que es un amor no correspondido, tiene novia y sólo la ve como su amiga.
Siento que pudo ser una mejor historia, no es mala es un muy entretenida pero el conflicto final como que no me gustó.
Aunque si amé el epílogo sobre todo el extra es que soy bien cursi.
Friends to Lovers
Small Town
Brynlee tiene 18 años, apenas se acaba de graduar y ahora está embarazada y el día de su boda su novio la deja y la noticia se la da Macon el mejor amigo.
Tres años después, Brynlee estudia, trabaja y tiene una niña a la cual está criando pero sin la ayuda de Macon que fue su roca en los momentos más difíciles no habría sobrevivido, ahora es su mejor amigo y adora a su hija,pero sin darse cuenta sus sentimiento han cambiado y se ha enamorado de él pero sabe que es un amor no correspondido, tiene novia y sólo la ve como su amiga.
Siento que pudo ser una mejor historia, no es mala es un muy entretenida pero el conflicto final como que no me gustó.
Aunque si amé el epílogo sobre todo el extra es que soy bien cursi.
June 20, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥🔥🔥
This is my first time reading this author and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. I read this entire book in one sitting. It had my at small town, single parent romance. I definitely found a new book boyfriend.
I couldn’t imagine being left at the alter eighteen and pregnant, but that what happen to Brynlee and three years later Macon the best man at her wedding is now her best friend. Brynlee was such a strong woman and mother to her daughter Harper and Macon is one of her best supporters through everything, he loves her daughter so much and he was there for her whenever she needed help. I love reading how their relationship develops from best friend to lovers and their fears of losing each other. I also love all the character main and side. Most definitely one of my favorite friends to lovers book I’ve read.
I would definitely recommend if you like:
* Friends to Lovers💙
* Single Parent
* Small town
* Spicy scenes 🔥
Thanks to Wildfire Marketing and Ashley Cade for this ARC!
🔥🔥🔥
This is my first time reading this author and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. I read this entire book in one sitting. It had my at small town, single parent romance. I definitely found a new book boyfriend.
I couldn’t imagine being left at the alter eighteen and pregnant, but that what happen to Brynlee and three years later Macon the best man at her wedding is now her best friend. Brynlee was such a strong woman and mother to her daughter Harper and Macon is one of her best supporters through everything, he loves her daughter so much and he was there for her whenever she needed help. I love reading how their relationship develops from best friend to lovers and their fears of losing each other. I also love all the character main and side. Most definitely one of my favorite friends to lovers book I’ve read.
I would definitely recommend if you like:
* Friends to Lovers💙
* Single Parent
* Small town
* Spicy scenes 🔥
Thanks to Wildfire Marketing and Ashley Cade for this ARC!
June 26, 2022
Single mother, friends to lovers and a lot of difficulties with this couple. They are both sweet and not overly dramatic.
I liked that many of the moments representing her daily life felt real and included all the small things that many times get overlooked in stories about motherhood and tiredness and how scary it is to think about starting a new relationship when your life is not at all as you have wished for. Their connection was felt on the page from the beginning and that chemistry was boiling.
Overall, it's a nice romance that many readers will enjoy.
Arc review
I liked that many of the moments representing her daily life felt real and included all the small things that many times get overlooked in stories about motherhood and tiredness and how scary it is to think about starting a new relationship when your life is not at all as you have wished for. Their connection was felt on the page from the beginning and that chemistry was boiling.
Overall, it's a nice romance that many readers will enjoy.
Arc review
June 10, 2022
I’m obsessed. I want everyone to find their own Macon, I want my own Macon. Brynlee and Macon had been friends for over 3 years, after she was left in her wedding dress and pregnant at 18. Flash forward 3 years, and Brynlee is a strong and independent woman of newly 21 and mother. You watch their relationship unfold, with some jaw dropping moments along the way. A cute small town romance that evolves into a spicy beautiful relationship but not without its bumps in the road (cough baby daddy pops back in, who just so happens to be best friend to Macon). I really enjoyed the writing, you could feel the small town southern-ness in the characters, even though I don’t usually like when there are little kids, Ashley allowed her to speak as a 3 year old would and didn’t depict her as older.
June 10, 2022
This was such a sweet and compelling friends to lovers, small town romance.
Macon is definitely ultimate book boyfriend material and the way he was with Brynlee and Harper just will have you melted into a pile of goo.
This story wasn't without its hardships between the main characters but also secondary characters as well but the author did a fantastic job of crafting a story that will tug on your heart strings and wanting to see more after the HEA.
Macon is definitely ultimate book boyfriend material and the way he was with Brynlee and Harper just will have you melted into a pile of goo.
This story wasn't without its hardships between the main characters but also secondary characters as well but the author did a fantastic job of crafting a story that will tug on your heart strings and wanting to see more after the HEA.
June 19, 2022
In a story that had me hooked from page one, single mom Brynlee and swoon-worthy Macon won my heart. Brynlee has had a rough three years, raising her daughter alone, working part-time, and attending school, but she is strong and works hard; she has goals. In addition, she has the support of her family and best friend, Macon.
Three years have passed since she was left at the alter; Macon was the one who delivered the news. He has been her rock since stepping in where his best friend should have been. Despite the speedbumps along the way, watching the relationship bloom makes for a book that was hard to put down.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Three years have passed since she was left at the alter; Macon was the one who delivered the news. He has been her rock since stepping in where his best friend should have been. Despite the speedbumps along the way, watching the relationship bloom makes for a book that was hard to put down.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️✨️ 2.5 stars
This book had so much more potential to be better than it was. Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet story. But it was predictable and had SO much miscommunication.
The story started off promising. Brynlee, 18 pregnant and scared abandoned by her high school sweetheart the day of their wedding and Macon, the runaway grooms best friend left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. I enjoyed watching Macon and Harper's interactions and seeing Macon and Brynlee fight their feelings. It was angsty.
As the story progresses it becomes apparent shit is gonna get messy and predictable. Also as the story and Macon and Brynlees relationship progresses we see less and less of sweet Harper. And we see less of that friendship that existed between the MCs.
Shit hit the fan and went downhill for me when Sean -the runaway groom/baby daddy makes a surprise return. I hated how everyone welcomed him back so easily and just accepted it like he didn't hurt Brynlee and left her high and dry with a baby on the way. And just abandoned everyone. Also his excuse for leaving was such bullshit. HE COULD HAVE CALLED OR WRITTEN A FUCKING LETTER. Brynlee got on my nerves, like not her being all "goo goo ga ga" over seeing him shirtless when she has a whole ass boyfriend. Also Sean just constantly gave me red flag vibes.
I liked Macon and Brynlee and I liked them together. Spice/smut was okay.
Also how do you pronounce Macon? - is it like Mason or like bacon but with an M lmao
This book had so much more potential to be better than it was. Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet story. But it was predictable and had SO much miscommunication.
The story started off promising. Brynlee, 18 pregnant and scared abandoned by her high school sweetheart the day of their wedding and Macon, the runaway grooms best friend left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. I enjoyed watching Macon and Harper's interactions and seeing Macon and Brynlee fight their feelings. It was angsty.
As the story progresses it becomes apparent shit is gonna get messy and predictable. Also as the story and Macon and Brynlees relationship progresses we see less and less of sweet Harper. And we see less of that friendship that existed between the MCs.
Shit hit the fan and went downhill for me when Sean -the runaway groom/baby daddy makes a surprise return. I hated how everyone welcomed him back so easily and just accepted it like he didn't hurt Brynlee and left her high and dry with a baby on the way. And just abandoned everyone. Also his excuse for leaving was such bullshit. HE COULD HAVE CALLED OR WRITTEN A FUCKING LETTER. Brynlee got on my nerves, like not her being all "goo goo ga ga" over seeing him shirtless when she has a whole ass boyfriend. Also Sean just constantly gave me red flag vibes.
I liked Macon and Brynlee and I liked them together. Spice/smut was okay.
Also how do you pronounce Macon? - is it like Mason or like bacon but with an M lmao
March 15, 2022
Everyone needs a Macon!
Brynlee is strong and incredibly resilient. Being a single parent is a hard but rewarding job and she does it all with grace.
Macon is a passionate and kind hearted man.
Friend to lovers romance with a beautiful ending in ways you are hoping for from the first page.
Ashley has done it again. This story is captivating in all accounts. From the main characters to supporting characters you are drawn to loving (or hating) them.
Brynlee is strong and incredibly resilient. Being a single parent is a hard but rewarding job and she does it all with grace.
Macon is a passionate and kind hearted man.
Friend to lovers romance with a beautiful ending in ways you are hoping for from the first page.
Ashley has done it again. This story is captivating in all accounts. From the main characters to supporting characters you are drawn to loving (or hating) them.
June 23, 2022
Ahhhh I absolutely loved this story.. I didnt want it to end! 😩 Brynlee finds herself knocked up and talked into marrying Sean... who cowardly decides to jilt her at the altar. 3 yrs later she's got a new bestie in Macon, (her ex's best friend!) who is there for her and her little girl in everything. He is absolutely amazing, hes so loving towards Brynlee and Harper and it comes to a point where they just can't hide their feelings anymore, they over come some trust issues involving certain people, but This book will have your heart melting, and i suggest everyone who loves a good sweet romance with a side of spice reads this! Macons and Brynlee's chemistry is literally 🔥, they're definitely made for each other!
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
July 20, 2024
Sweet romance
It was a really sweet and cute read. Not really smutty or full of annoying drama. It was just a solid sweet romance read.
It was a really sweet and cute read. Not really smutty or full of annoying drama. It was just a solid sweet romance read.
June 9, 2022
I absolutely adored this story!
Being a young mom is hard work, and Brynlee had an even harder start at it!
Macon is a true hero and dream man!
Harper is cute as a button and Brynlee did an amazing job raising her!
There was a ton of twist and turns but they needed perfectly!
I wanted to shake Macon and Brynlee and bomp their heads together so they would finally let eachother know how they felt!!
Their dedication and determination and real love could move mountains 💕
Being a young mom is hard work, and Brynlee had an even harder start at it!
Macon is a true hero and dream man!
Harper is cute as a button and Brynlee did an amazing job raising her!
There was a ton of twist and turns but they needed perfectly!
I wanted to shake Macon and Brynlee and bomp their heads together so they would finally let eachother know how they felt!!
Their dedication and determination and real love could move mountains 💕
June 8, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. ❤️ Macon and Brynlee are the definition of soulmates. I couldn't recommend this book enough. This was a first read by Ashley Cade & I look forward to reading more by her.
June 10, 2022
Can we all just have our own Macon please?!
I got an ARC ebook of this for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book, and could not put it down. Brynlee was such a strong woman, and an amazing single mom. Add in Macon best friend of Sean, Harper's daddy. Macon was such a pillar to Brynlee and Harper and reading Harper and Macon's relationship was just so touching. Along with Bryn and Macon's love for each other. Ugh everyone needs that lovin.
I honestly was with Brynlee for most of the book in hating Sean, BUT in the last little bit you get what he went through. Still I'm not a huge fan but I get it. We all go through things differently and all make mistakes but he did come back and make the effort to get to know his daughter.
All in all this is a definite curl up on the couch under 2 or 3 blankets with a warm drink and get lost in the pages type of book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
I got an ARC ebook of this for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book, and could not put it down. Brynlee was such a strong woman, and an amazing single mom. Add in Macon best friend of Sean, Harper's daddy. Macon was such a pillar to Brynlee and Harper and reading Harper and Macon's relationship was just so touching. Along with Bryn and Macon's love for each other. Ugh everyone needs that lovin.
I honestly was with Brynlee for most of the book in hating Sean, BUT in the last little bit you get what he went through. Still I'm not a huge fan but I get it. We all go through things differently and all make mistakes but he did come back and make the effort to get to know his daughter.
All in all this is a definite curl up on the couch under 2 or 3 blankets with a warm drink and get lost in the pages type of book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
June 10, 2022
Macon and Brynlee omg they are everything! I love this book! I literally told Ashley she can’t stop writing and Im on pins and needles waiting for more in the series!
June 4, 2022
Stop right now! Brynlee and Macon are everything! I legit could not put this down!!!! This the perfect love story!!!!! They are goals! I couldn't get enough of them ! And the love and friendship they have is amazing ! Run don't walk with this one!!!!
November 12, 2022
Some parts of this were so great, like the MMC was an amazing guy with the biggest heart. Mr. Fix It, and he was always looking out for her and her daughter. I also like the way they got over their worries and doubts and started talking stuff out. It really made a difference to have them communicate what was going on in their lives, even if a couple times the communication took place some days later.
What I didn't like at all was all the other woman and other man drama. There was so much. I get that with this being a friends to lovers story, they've got to have had other relationships, but the entire story was hinged on issues with their past (and present, in the beginning) lovers. It wasn't just a few instances, it was the entire story, and that tainted their relationship a bit.
That ending though???? ‼️ SPOILER ‼️ how he showed up as she was getting ready for the wedding to hold her hand through the door and reassure her that he would be at the alter "I'll meet you at the alter" because that's the moment her previous fiance had left her--and then him choking back tears as she walked down the aisle--THOSE moments were worth it all. That's what I read romance for *sigh*
What I didn't like at all was all the other woman and other man drama. There was so much. I get that with this being a friends to lovers story, they've got to have had other relationships, but the entire story was hinged on issues with their past (and present, in the beginning) lovers. It wasn't just a few instances, it was the entire story, and that tainted their relationship a bit.
That ending though???? ‼️ SPOILER ‼️ how he showed up as she was getting ready for the wedding to hold her hand through the door and reassure her that he would be at the alter "I'll meet you at the alter" because that's the moment her previous fiance had left her--and then him choking back tears as she walked down the aisle--THOSE moments were worth it all. That's what I read romance for *sigh*
March 13, 2024
Woman has kid...because bad choices
Happy accidents obviously
Woman also has best friend
Best friend has girlfriend
Girlfriend does not like woman or kid
Girlfriend insults woman
Best friend hears
Best friend leaves girlfriend. She is now ex-girlfriend
Woman gets drunk
Woman kisses best friend
Best friend stop kiss, woman is drunk, cannot kiss when drunk, good best friend
Woman wakes up next day, hungover and remembering everything
Best friend brings up previous night
Woman pretends not to remember
Best friend leaves it because he good Best friend.
Woman once again dumb as fuck.
A poem by me
Also
This book gave an aneurysm.
Happy accidents obviously
Woman also has best friend
Best friend has girlfriend
Girlfriend does not like woman or kid
Girlfriend insults woman
Best friend hears
Best friend leaves girlfriend. She is now ex-girlfriend
Woman gets drunk
Woman kisses best friend
Best friend stop kiss, woman is drunk, cannot kiss when drunk, good best friend
Woman wakes up next day, hungover and remembering everything
Best friend brings up previous night
Woman pretends not to remember
Best friend leaves it because he good Best friend.
Woman once again dumb as fuck.
A poem by me
Also
This book gave an aneurysm.
February 22, 2023
This was a sweet story. I really enjoyed it. I'm excited to read more in this series.
June 16, 2022
What a great small town romance between two stubborn main characters lol. Swoon worthy for sure. So many authors would have gone another way especially with all the history of characters.
January 16, 2025
Honestly the only reason why I didn’t dnf this was bc I’ve done that to my last 2-3 books.
June 18, 2022
4.1 stars
One of my guilty pleasures, when it comes to reading, is small-town romance. Add in a single mother that defies the odds and is standing on her own despite the obstacles of single parenthood, it is even better. That is why I was so excited after reading the blurb for this book. I was cautious about it at the same time though because these books often come across as cheesy, especially, from an author that I had never read before. I need not have worried because this author did a great job.
The book felt realistic in how it approached life as a pregnant teenager followed by a very different life than what was envisioned by Brynlee. However, those dreams weren't crushed but rather rerouted. I loved her support system and also her friendship with Macon. I could see how there were risks involved for both of them because they had become best friends and they also had to think about Harper. The progression felt natural.
I knew that there would be someone from Brynlee's past that came forward. It was no surprise and a little cliche. I would have liked it better had he just come back and pursued a friendship at that point. Especially, as he had grown as a person and really had no one else. In my opinion, it didn't need to follow so many other stories out there. I was glad to see that things did get smoother. I did struggle a little with Reese too. I didn't like her actions, but I understood her jealousy. I am not saying that it validated her behavior but I think if I had been her, I would have also been uneasy about it.
Even with the couple of areas that I struggled with, this was still a solid book. I am glad that I took the chance on an unknown to me author. It paid off.
One of my guilty pleasures, when it comes to reading, is small-town romance. Add in a single mother that defies the odds and is standing on her own despite the obstacles of single parenthood, it is even better. That is why I was so excited after reading the blurb for this book. I was cautious about it at the same time though because these books often come across as cheesy, especially, from an author that I had never read before. I need not have worried because this author did a great job.
The book felt realistic in how it approached life as a pregnant teenager followed by a very different life than what was envisioned by Brynlee. However, those dreams weren't crushed but rather rerouted. I loved her support system and also her friendship with Macon. I could see how there were risks involved for both of them because they had become best friends and they also had to think about Harper. The progression felt natural.
I knew that there would be someone from Brynlee's past that came forward. It was no surprise and a little cliche. I would have liked it better had he just come back and pursued a friendship at that point. Especially, as he had grown as a person and really had no one else. In my opinion, it didn't need to follow so many other stories out there. I was glad to see that things did get smoother. I did struggle a little with Reese too. I didn't like her actions, but I understood her jealousy. I am not saying that it validated her behavior but I think if I had been her, I would have also been uneasy about it.
Even with the couple of areas that I struggled with, this was still a solid book. I am glad that I took the chance on an unknown to me author. It paid off.
June 17, 2022
This book was so hard to put down! I loved it so much! Best friends ex !? I really enjoyed how the story was played out.
Brylee was pregnant and stood up by her fiance on her wedding day. In the 3 years since then, Macon (who was the fiance’s best friend) has now become Brylee’s rock and her best friend. The way those two tried to deny their feelings for each other and lie about them was physically and emotionally painful! The sexual tension between them was present from the very beginning which almost made it feel like a slow burn. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with Macon. He was so sweet, and always put Brynlee first even when he had a girlfriend, and the way he loved her daughter was so special!
The two of them had to overcome their fears of losing each other and what it would do to their friendship. There was also some OW and OM drama that came into play but you will still be cheering for Brynlee and Macon to work it out in the end.
Brylee was pregnant and stood up by her fiance on her wedding day. In the 3 years since then, Macon (who was the fiance’s best friend) has now become Brylee’s rock and her best friend. The way those two tried to deny their feelings for each other and lie about them was physically and emotionally painful! The sexual tension between them was present from the very beginning which almost made it feel like a slow burn. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with Macon. He was so sweet, and always put Brynlee first even when he had a girlfriend, and the way he loved her daughter was so special!
The two of them had to overcome their fears of losing each other and what it would do to their friendship. There was also some OW and OM drama that came into play but you will still be cheering for Brynlee and Macon to work it out in the end.
January 13, 2025
4⭐️
“She was the drug I didn’t know I needed and now that I’d had a dose, I never wanted to stop.”
A single mom who finds herself pregnant at 18 and left at the alter. This is a friends to lovers with so many obstacles to overcome. I thought this book was the perfect amount of problems without being extremely dramatic.
This book was sweet, it gave such a spicy wholesome vibe. I mean their first date he was so thoughtful and included her daughter.. I am deceased!! Harper was such a sweet girl! 💗
I appreciated in this book that her day to day life seemed realistic. I think often single parent tropes don’t represent the fear of a sick child and the exhaustion. I thought this author did so well to clearly show Bryn’s struggle as a mother and trying to make sure her daughter knows she is her world. I also love that Macon was not embarrassed or concerned with what others thought about how he cared for and loved Harper and Bryn! It made me like him more and more as the book went on.
“She was the drug I didn’t know I needed and now that I’d had a dose, I never wanted to stop.”
A single mom who finds herself pregnant at 18 and left at the alter. This is a friends to lovers with so many obstacles to overcome. I thought this book was the perfect amount of problems without being extremely dramatic.
This book was sweet, it gave such a spicy wholesome vibe. I mean their first date he was so thoughtful and included her daughter.. I am deceased!! Harper was such a sweet girl! 💗
I appreciated in this book that her day to day life seemed realistic. I think often single parent tropes don’t represent the fear of a sick child and the exhaustion. I thought this author did so well to clearly show Bryn’s struggle as a mother and trying to make sure her daughter knows she is her world. I also love that Macon was not embarrassed or concerned with what others thought about how he cared for and loved Harper and Bryn! It made me like him more and more as the book went on.
June 15, 2022
I love this book!!!!
Reckless Abandon is book #1 in the Willow Brook Falls series. Its a standalone.
Everyone needs a Macon in their life!!!
Brynlee 18, happy and excited to marry her high school sweetheart and she is pregnant with his baby. On the day of their wedding, he leaves her, with no explanation, just a letter that his best friend gives to her.
3 years later, Brynlee has a beautiful daughter named Harper that she is raising on her own, and Macon, her exs best friend, is now her best friend. Feelings start to change between them, and oh my God, they are perfect together!!!!
I absolutely devoured this book!! Brynlee is such a strong character and Macon is so amazing and supportive. I couldn't put this book down! I can't wait for more in this series!!!
Reckless Abandon is book #1 in the Willow Brook Falls series. Its a standalone.
Everyone needs a Macon in their life!!!
Brynlee 18, happy and excited to marry her high school sweetheart and she is pregnant with his baby. On the day of their wedding, he leaves her, with no explanation, just a letter that his best friend gives to her.
3 years later, Brynlee has a beautiful daughter named Harper that she is raising on her own, and Macon, her exs best friend, is now her best friend. Feelings start to change between them, and oh my God, they are perfect together!!!!
I absolutely devoured this book!! Brynlee is such a strong character and Macon is so amazing and supportive. I couldn't put this book down! I can't wait for more in this series!!!
June 20, 2022
3.85 Stars
My first story by this author and it was an okay read 😊
After Brynlee became pregnant by her high school boyfriend, it was just assumed they would get married. But when he runs away on the day of the wedding, Brynlee becomes a single parent. With the help of her parents and her daughters father’s best friend, Macon she is getting by. Slowly but surely she realizes that she has feelings for Macon, but he has a girlfriend. So why does it seem like he might have feelings for her too…
Macon was attracted to Brynlee in high school, but when his best friend started dating her, he put his feelings aside. But now that best friend is gone, left her alone with a little girl, he has become her best friend. And even though he has feelings for her, he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and he is dating someone else… Right…
I enjoyed the story. It was sweet and you definitely felt the attraction between these two. Macon’s girlfriend was terrible. I liked that when there was issues or arguments it didn’t take forever to solve it. Brynlee was independent and a good mother, Macon was like her go to for everything and I loved their friendship. Liked seeing how that developed into something more. Definitely a good friends to lovers single parent read 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
My first story by this author and it was an okay read 😊
After Brynlee became pregnant by her high school boyfriend, it was just assumed they would get married. But when he runs away on the day of the wedding, Brynlee becomes a single parent. With the help of her parents and her daughters father’s best friend, Macon she is getting by. Slowly but surely she realizes that she has feelings for Macon, but he has a girlfriend. So why does it seem like he might have feelings for her too…
Macon was attracted to Brynlee in high school, but when his best friend started dating her, he put his feelings aside. But now that best friend is gone, left her alone with a little girl, he has become her best friend. And even though he has feelings for her, he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and he is dating someone else… Right…
I enjoyed the story. It was sweet and you definitely felt the attraction between these two. Macon’s girlfriend was terrible. I liked that when there was issues or arguments it didn’t take forever to solve it. Brynlee was independent and a good mother, Macon was like her go to for everything and I loved their friendship. Liked seeing how that developed into something more. Definitely a good friends to lovers single parent read 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
June 17, 2022
This was the first book I've read by Ashley Cade. It was excellent. An "I'm going to read it again" excellent. It was well written, the storyline broke my heart, and the characters moved me. I am such a huge fan of second chances, but this wasn't quite how I anticipated a second chance at love to go. I'm not a fan of triangles. But this was so good. I cried sad tears and happy tears. And sighed frustrated sighs and happy sighs. I smiled, frown, groaned, and laughed. So many emotions. This book made me feel and I couldn't put it down. A great read that I'll put in my read again "pile". I definitely want more of Macon, Brynlee, and Harper. I hope Sean gets a HEA too!
June 22, 2022
Brynlee is left single and pregnant at 18 after her fiancé leaves town on their wedding day.
Now 3 years later, his best man is now her best friend.
Her family likes him, her little girl adores him and she's in love with him.
This is one of the best friends-to-lovers I've read ❤️
I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down.
Brynlee is incredibly strong and resilient. She's working hard at college and a part time job to provide for her daughter.
Everyone needs a Macon in their life!
He's caring and sweet but also incredibly passionate.
They have amazing chemistry and I loved the angst with them not wanting to ruin their friendship without being sure of each others feelings.
❤️ Single mum
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Angst
❤️ Steamy scenes 🔥
Amazing start to this series. Can't wait to see what happens next
Now 3 years later, his best man is now her best friend.
Her family likes him, her little girl adores him and she's in love with him.
This is one of the best friends-to-lovers I've read ❤️
I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down.
Brynlee is incredibly strong and resilient. She's working hard at college and a part time job to provide for her daughter.
Everyone needs a Macon in their life!
He's caring and sweet but also incredibly passionate.
They have amazing chemistry and I loved the angst with them not wanting to ruin their friendship without being sure of each others feelings.
❤️ Single mum
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Angst
❤️ Steamy scenes 🔥
Amazing start to this series. Can't wait to see what happens next
June 20, 2022
Young Love…
Brynlee was 18 and pregnant when her boyfriend Sean skipped out on their wedding day leaving his best friend to let her know. Macon has always liked Brynlee but his best friend asked her out first and so he backed off. After Sean leaves her at the altar Macon steps up to be Brynlees friend. He’s there for her through it all but never crossing the friendzone.
This was a sweet friends to lovers story. I enjoyed reading about Macon, Brynlee and Harper.
Brynlee was 18 and pregnant when her boyfriend Sean skipped out on their wedding day leaving his best friend to let her know. Macon has always liked Brynlee but his best friend asked her out first and so he backed off. After Sean leaves her at the altar Macon steps up to be Brynlees friend. He’s there for her through it all but never crossing the friendzone.
This was a sweet friends to lovers story. I enjoyed reading about Macon, Brynlee and Harper.
October 19, 2024
This is a sweet romance about finding love after getting your heart broken. I loved the connection between the main characters, especially as they learn to trust each other while dealing with people trying to tear them apart. It’s a feel-good story with a satisfying ending that left me smiling.
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