Review: Reckless by Danielle Weiler

Reckless
written by Danielle Weiler
published by Ranga Books

find it here: (affiliate links) Amazon, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I participated in the blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: This book was alright. Did I enjoy it? Not really. Did I keep reading it? Yes.

First, I didn’t realize this book was set in Australia or written by an Australian writer when I started reading this book. It took a little while to get into that language and rhythm. Once I got in the groove, it was fine.

I understand that everyone experiences grief differently. I just never understood the whole “I’m going to do everything and anything to tick off my family and everyone around me because I have a great excuse” way of dealing with grief. Milly is 19 years old. She’s old enough to realize that she isn’t the only one hurting and that she is hurting her family.

I kept expecting something more out of this book. All the way to the end, I was wanting something more. I felt so bad for Milly throughout but I was angry with her as well. She just didn’t make much sense to me. I really liked her aunt Charmaine. She had her head together and knew how to get to Milly. She was there but didn’t push. She was what Milly needed. I felt bad for Rose. She was left behind yet she seemed to get it the most.

Why 3 stars? It was a decent story. I couldn’t really fault it. It just wasn’t for me. It just didn’t resonate. This is a topic that should resonate. It should be powerful. This just didn’t hit that mark for me.

Would I recommend it: I don’t know. If you like angsty new adult books, then yes, check this one out. If you’re tired of the “I’m out of control because I lost someone and know one understands me and know one cares,” then don’t read this book.

Will I read it again: I will not.

About the book: ‘Are you going to ask me in?’ he replied, a cheeky smile forming on the edges of his lips. Then he leaned towards me conspiratorially. ‘We aren’t strangers, you know.’

Milly Benton wants it all to go away. Wants to flip the bird to the nightmares and her parent’s grief and the incessant questions about when she’s going to make something of herself.

But when her parents exile her to the country, Milly has to cope with her annoyingly helpful aunt and three cousins instead. Bitter at the hand she’s been dealt, Milly has stopped dreaming of a future.

In steps Jerome with his tormented blue eyes. Familiar from her childhood and as broken as she. They need each other. But how can they forget?

 

About the author: Danielle Weiler loves all things written. She has her best story ideas in the middle of the night when there’s no chance to remember them the next day. Her first YA novel, Friendship on Fire, was published in 2011. Reckless is Danielle’s first novel for new adults. She has lived and taught high school in New South Wales and Victoria but prefers the sunny weather in Perth. She is kept company by her husband, son and naughty cat, Ginger.

Find Ms. Weiler here: web, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads