Reckless at Heart

5 - "It’s never boring here…" Stars!

It’s been years since I read anything by this author, but the blurb for Owen and Kerry’s story grabbed my attention, and I couldn’t wait to dive into their story. Six hours later, most of the day had passed and I finished with a smile.

She liked his brittle crust, the way he wore it like a Viking going into battle…

I love me a grumpy hero, and Owen Kincaid has more than a few reasons for being so, having spent half of his life bringing up his daughter, Becca is finally reaching the age where she will likely pack up and head off to college. As much as he loves Becca, her going off to live her life, also means he can start to have a life of his own too, something that has mainly been put on hold for the last eighteen years.

"I’ve waited a long time… For it to be my turn again."

I loved how Zoe gave him two personas; all-alpha man forced to grow up quickly due to fatherhood at a young age, but also because he was also the main caregiver for his brothers at the same time after their parents passed away. The responsibility is not something he has shied away from, but having done it for so long, he is struggling to loosen those strings as well. Then on the other side you have a fully grown man who has still not experienced a lot of things that most men go through as a right of passage in their late teens and twenties, and the contrast between the two made Owen someone I wanted to hug and do deliciously naughty things to in equal measure, pretty much the same as Kerry!

It was the most perfect thing in the world, if only for right now…

The first half is slow burn romance at its best, with Kerry being Becca’s midwife, Owen very much starts out hiding his attraction, but the longer the pregnancy progresses, the more the feelings grow, so much so that as soon as Kerry signs off on Becca’s maternity care, all bets are off, and full shenanigans begin. I loved it because of the build up to them having their own time really gave you a chance to get to know them, and even though its clear they both have expectations for a casual type of arrangement and it’s what they both agree on, due to them both want different things in the long term. It doesn’t take long for both of them to realize that the expiry date they believe is coming is something they don’t want anymore.

Full on feels for this reader with this one, I loved the Owen & Kerry, I also loved the secondary characters, and the Kincaid brothers are all single so there are plenty of books to come (YAY!). It was also good to see that this is a spin-off series from the original Pine Harbour books, of which upon checking my Kindle I have a couple of, so while I wait for the next Kincaid book I can revisit the locale and get to know Zoe’s original characters.

"The only thing I don’t regret in all of this is waiting for you…"

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read lots of books by Zoe York and enjoy her style of writing.
I really loved the character of Owen, particularly for the amount he loved his daughter and his focus on her despite becoming a parent so early himself. I also loved his relationship with his brothers.
A sweet, easy to read romance which I read in almost one sitting. A feel good book which made me smile.
4 stars

*POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW!*



Reckless at Heart was a solid, sweet, safe read. My only complaint was so glad that Owen and Kerry worked through their issues and FINALLY got together , it took them FOREVER to get there. I usually don't mind slow burn romance, but I feel like they met, fell in lust, decided to date and then went straight into having an epic relationship?!

My nitpicking aside, this was an enjoyable, easy read. York did a great job creating likable characters with real world problems that are relatable. This is my first book by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much she was able to accomplish in a shorter page count, and was happy to see that character and world building as not sacrificed for length. I realize that this is a spin off of another series by York, and did not have any problems/was confused when starting Reckless at Heart. If you're looking for a beach/picnic read, I would highly recommend picking up this book.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, THAT premise? It was an instant SIGN. ME. THE F UP. Former teen dad now facing history repeating itself when his teenage daughter got pregnant? YES, SOLD.

I have so many feelings for Owen Kincaid. He straight up took over Zander Minelli's spot as my #1 Zoe York hero (sorry Zander, still love you and your sexiness). I love his grumpy ways, and his inability to string words around Kerry. I also love Owen's relationship with his daughter. I think I mostly cried whenever he and Becca had their father-daughter talks.

I also have a lot of feelings about Kerry as a character. She's so relatable to me on how she's still figuring out her life as a 30-something year old, how she feels like she's only living in the now while everyone else around her is settling down and planning for the future.

Overall, this was a great start to a new series. Totally worth sleeping late to finish it LOL what is sleep? I love the dynamic between all the Kincaid siblings, and I can't wait for Adam and Josh especially to get their HEAs!

Holy smokes! Ms. York is a “new to me” author, but after this incredible read, I’m definitely going to be checking out her backlist!

Owen has spent a lifetime as a single dad, raising his daughter and taking on his younger brothers after his parents died. He spent all of his time taking care of their needs and was quickly coming up to the time where everyone is grown and gone; and was anticipating his bachelor life. Life threw in some new challenges for him though...his barely adult daughter becomes pregnant, and her midwife, Kerry, has him rethinking his plans.

I loved how Owen and Kerry fought the emotions until his daughter had the baby to avoid impropriety, but also how they soon started dating after Charlie was born. It was interesting to watch them both review what they thought they wanted for their lives, only to realize they wanted each other more.

5 stars from me!

Owen Kincaid, oldest brother of the Kincaid family, has paid his dues. Married at eighteen, with a baby on the way, he is ready for the bachelor life. Well, he was, until his eighteen year old daughter made her announcement…”Daddy, I’m pregnant”. His daughter Becca is the light of his life and he will always be there for her no matter what. The feelings he has when he meets Becca’s midwife, Kerry Humphrey, has tilted his world again. He had no intention of getting serious with anyone, no intention of being a grandpa this soon and no intention of worrying about anyone but himself after raising Becca and his four younger brothers, but this is life, his life and he accepts the challenge. A truly wonderful and heartwarming story of unexpected moments in life that change the direction of your future. I look forward to the next book in the series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

This concept was a refreshing take on a single dad romance. Zoe always writes an enjoyable story but she's out done herself with this one. I loved the many facets to her hero and the kind and supportive heorine. My only minor issue was I'm getting a bit tired of "lwts just have sex for a bit with no feelings". Zoe does this story line well and I loved this book. I'm just in general bored with characters that are resistant to even dating. Can't wait to see where this series goes.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Once again we are in Pine Harbour and even though this is the start of a new series it feels like we are back with old friends If you haven't read any of the previous don't worry you won't be lost but if I was you I would do yourself a favour and read them all You won't get a better small town romance series. Like all Zoe's books this flows extremely well you become fully engaged with the characters and you are sad to turn the last page

Owen Kincaid has had a very busy life and he is looking forward to finally having time to do the things he wants in life This is because first his girlfriend fell pregnant when they where only young and he did the right thing and married her that marriage didn't last but they managed to work together to raise their daughter But as his ex wife remarried he became his daughters primary carer then his parents died and he had to step up to raise his younger brothers but finally with his daughter hitting eighteen and his brothers grown he can have a life of his own That is until his daughter drops a bombshell she is pregnant now he has to step up yet again and be her support. The only problem is this brings Kerry Humphrey his daughters midwife into his life and to say they don't get on is an understatement but when Kerry realises that is surliness is actually shyness and that he is crushing on her things change. Kerry is baby hungry herself and a night of passion with Owen changes everything but can they have a future when she wants to settle down and he wants to escape. You will have to read to see but make sure you have the tissues handy because you are going to need them

I was left when such a happy feeling when I finished this book! Like, deep down, my friends figured it all out, and are living their HEA happy 😊 Kerry and Owen were so alive, so real, in the book, I did feel like they became by friends. Her, realizing her life as she was living it had been all good, but now she wanted more. Him, waiting for all the things he felt he had put on hold to happen, only to have that promise dimmed. Of course, they were attracted to each other, but that too, was put on hold until the time was right. Then the sparks flew, the sheets tangled, and the hearts engaged. Still, timing and time was off, that is, until they both realized, after making me cry a few times, life isn’t about timing, life is about living. Regrets and worries will always be there, but finding the moments in everyday things, that is what love and life are about. See, ridiculously happy that these two fell in love and worked it out <3

Wow, let me start by saying I absolutely loved this story and if I could give it a 10 stars rating, I would.
Owen Kincaid is a man that when he became a teenage father and shortly after, responsible for his younger brothers, his life changed forever. Nineteen years later, he thinks his “bachelor” years are within reach, until his daughter, Becca, tells him she’s pregnant.
When Owen feels he’s getting things under control, a new curveball comes his way in the form of Kerry Humphrey, the new midwife in town and Becca’s midwife. The attraction is instant but neither will cross that boundary, at least not until Becca is no longer Kerry’s client.
As a relationship develops, feelings get in the way, and what each thought they wanted starts to change. Will the end result be getting hurt and each going their separate ways leaving behind a part of themselves?
At times heartbreaking and at others heartwarming , the story reminds us that sometimes our hopes and goals change for the better. Also, that life is messy, and unpredictable, but it’s what we do with it , that makes it wonderful and worth the ride.
As an aside, I foresee more wonderful stories in store for us with the rest of the Kincaid brothers.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book was a four hankie cry fest for me. It gave me all the feels. Owen is responsible for - well everyone. He had a baby at 19 and also contributed significantly to raising his younger brothers. Now his daughter is pregnant at 18 - and he feels his chance at an empty nest is being deferred again.

Kerry is Owen's daughter's midwife. They are very much attracted to each other but Owen isn't very nice to Kerry at first. He doesn't know how to handle his attraction to her at the same time he feels like his life is falling apart. Kerry is attracted to Owen against her will - because he is so grumpy and pretty rude - plus closely related to her patient. When they do finally come together it is electric - but they still have a lot of hurdles to cross.

I enjoyed so much about this book - the family dynamics, the grumpiness of Owen, the supreme capableness of Kerry. I also liked that they both talked to each other and communicated well - with notable exception (that seemed kind of off to me TBH). Overall - this is a great big family, small town read.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Owen Kincaid is ready to embrace his bachelor life best self, dreaming of turning his 18 year-old daughter's room into a home gym and maybe, just maybe starting to date. But life has a funny way of playing with your plans as Owen finds out he's actually about to take on a new title, that of grandpa.

Owen is determined to be there for his daughter, even if some of his own experiences as a teen father cause him to worry, even if his daughter's midwife is making him have some very un-grandfatherly thoughts.

Deftly navigating issues of pregnancy, professionalism, and the hurdles life throw's in our way, this is a heartfelt and deliciously steamy romance. I adored Owen and Kerry's heated banter, figuring out they really do like each other, and fighting to stay away until it is okay for them to try. Oh the pining and the very real fear of falling in love with someone who you know is wrong for your long term plan. I always worry a bit about characters changing their mind about babies, but York did an amazing job navigating this plot point.

While York has many other romances set in Pine Harbor and other characters/couples do show up in Reckless Heart, this is an amazing place to start even for a newbie.

Thank you to Netgallely for the ARC!

4 1/2 Stars for this down to earth story!

This is the first book that I have read by this author ... and it won't be my last!

Owen became a father and husband at the age of eighteen and even though the marriage never worked out, he was a good dad. A few years after he became a father, his dad died and six months later his mom died ... so he became the guardian to his four younger brothers. Present day: his brothers are all grown and his daughter is eighteen and heading off to college in the fall ... and Owen can't wait to become a bachelor and do all the things that bachelors do. But when his daughter becomes pregnant, all his plans go out the window and he's starting all over again with a baby in the house. When Owen meets his daughter's midwife, he is immediately drawn to her. When Kerry moves to Pine Harbour to help her friend set up a midwife practice, she never dreamed she would fall for a patient's father. And not only that, but she best describes him as a neanderthal who only knows how to grunt and scowl.

I just loved the characters in this book .., they are just so down to earth and have everyday problems. I found the banter between the characters very realistic. This book made me laugh one minute and swoon the next. Who wouldn't fall for a hunk that is a caring father with a heart of gold ... no really, who? And I loved how Kerry just went after what she wanted in life. I hope that each of Owen's brothers get a book because I just know they all have stories to be told. A great start to a new series that I would highly recommend.

I received a copy courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Coop through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

All the feels for this story. This story touched so many emotions that I was crying near the end, which was a good cry not a bad one. Owen has not had an easy life, first he got his teenage girl pregnant, they got married had a daughter and got divorced. Then his father died, so he had to come back home and help his mom with his four younger brothers, but six months later their mom was gone. Now Owen was not only trying to help raise his daughter, but also his brothers. Now fast forward about 18 years and Owen has just heard his daughter tell him that she is pregnant.
Kerry is a midwife and is involved in a clinic with her best friend and fellow midwife, Jenna. They decide to open a branch office in Pine Harbour and one of their first clients is Owen's daughter, Becca. Sparks start flying between Owen and Kerry once she figures out that he is Becca's dad not boyfriend and once Owen realizes that he doesn't really resent Kerry he just doesn't have much practice in the dating department.
Owen's brothers are a fun and colorful group, Becca's baby's daddy is trying in more ways than one and there are common friends between Owen and Kerry, but the biggest obstacle just might be the subject of children. Read the book to see if Owen and Kerry can find an HEA together or if they are destined to only be friends.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op I was able to voluntarily read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reckless at Heart is different! It's not your usual guy meets girl, girl and guy fall in love novel. This is a contemporary romance, relatable to the times we live in.

I appreciate how it includes the many age ranges often excluded in most romance novels. It was a great read and I loved it.

New to me author.
I enjoyed this one. I have found as I’ve gotten older I’m enjoying older characters more and more and this one did not disappoint.

Owen is a 37 year old single father to a 18 year old daughter who has just discovered she’s pregnant. Not exactly what he was hoping for when his daughter graduated high school. He was hoping she would move out and he could get that home gym he’s always wanted.
Kerry is a 33 year old single woman who has recently moved to this town to set up shop as a midwife. She’s Owen’s daughter’s midwife.
The chemistry between these characters were great and I really enjoyed the supporting characters.
I recommend you give this one a chance.

I really enjoyed this, I do love single dads in a romance, even with grown up pregnant daughters ! This is a great contemporary romance, love the fact it was broader in coverage of age groups than a lot of romances are nowadays, especially with such relevant issues. I adored the banter between characters and how it turns to chemistry. Just a great real romance

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion