I enjoyed this book, I almost didn't finish it because of the fmc. Her character was very harsh and defensive, but I'm glad I kept reading because I was able to find out why. The spice was definitely spicy. The storyline was good, but the banter was great.

I love a smitten man, especially one who doesn't hesitate to step up to a challenge. This sunshine hero fell for his sharp-tongued, complicated woman the moment he laid eyes on her, and I kinda loved that. It didn't have instalove vibes for me because of the way their love story progressed, but I adored the fact that our hero knew she was it for him. There was no one else for this playboy hero after that, which made the romance that much sweeter. I loved how steadfast and determined he was to make things work, and I even loved that he knew he needed to work on himself to earn that right. It's the kind of love story that would usually turn me off, but I couldn't help but fall for these two. We've seen Winter as this cold and aloof woman throughout the series, so it was fantastic to see that she could come alive with just the right person. It's a messy, emotional love story, but one that proved to be worth the struggle - I loved it! The story follows Winter, a woman most would consider an ice queen. Her past experiences have made her put up some walls, and that means she can come across as cold and unfeeling. When she finally makes the decision to leave her (terrible) husband, Winter knows she's about to start making some important changes in her life. Little does she know just how many. While trying to make amends with her estranged sister, Winter meets an incorrigible flirt, Theo. He's a bull rider with a reputation as a ladies man, but he's starting to realize that he's going to need to make some changes himself if he wants people to take him seriously. And if he wants a chance with a woman like Winter for more than one night, then he's going to need to put in the work. So when their one night stand results in a pregnancy followed by some serious miscommunication, Theo has his work cut out for him. Winning over a woman like Winter was always going to be a challenge, but now her walls are higher than ever. I always say that second chance romances are tough for me, but the only trope that I NEVER voluntarily read is secret baby - and this was billed as a combination of both. So I was very hesitant to jump into this, despite the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. And no one is more surprised than me that the secret baby scenario actually worked for me, mostly because it doesn't follow the traditional trajectory. (MINOR SPOILER) Winter reaches out to Theo as soon as she finds out she's pregnant, but someone else responds to the messages. That results in a separation where they're thinking very different things about each other, and it creates a lot of hurdles for Theo that he wasn't even aware of. The moment he meets his daughter for the first time absolutely ripped my heart out, and I knew that I was all in on the love story after that. It's heavier and more emotional than I expected, but I loved both characters. I liked seeing a different side of Winter for sure, but Theo steals the show here. He really steps up, and I loved the way he was with both of his girls. It's angsty and swoony in equal measure, and the slow-burning romance won me over in a big way. Another excellent installment in the series, this was a fulfilling read. Audio note: The audio is great! I've been listening to more Joe Arden recently, and I really love his voice. It's deep and gruff, and he's able to infuse so much emotion into his vocal performance. I've always been a fan of Savannah Peachwood, and she does a stellar job here as well. Her crisp voice works well for Winter, and the combination made for an enjoyable audio experience. The runtime (about 10 hours) meant that I binged over the course of two days, but I was always excited to get back to the book. I'm not sure I'd recommend this one for a workday listen - the spice doesn't really kick in until the back half, but I got pretty emotional at times. And once the spice kicked in, it was pretty intense. Other than that, highly recommended in the format!

I absolutely devoured this! I could not put this down. Elsie Silver did a fantastic job with Theo and Winters story! She pulls you in instantly into the Chestnut Springs Universe and you’ll never want to leave. I have ALWAYS had a soft spot for Winter since we first met her, and no the flood gates are open and I LOVE her. Winter Hamilton was known as an Ice Queen and she was anything but. Theo Silva, sure is a charmer with a dirty mouth and has got to me one of my favorite MMC’s. Theo and Winter’s story is so emotional and playful. I’m so happy they got the happy ending they deserved

Theo and Winter are so cute! I liked their book probably the most in this series. I love an unexpected couple love story. It takes a lot to break through someone's trauma to help them feel. Theo had so much love for Winter and it was so heartwarming to see her melt for him. Their banter was so cute! The plot was really good too. I loved Theo in all the other books as well so to see his story play out and watch him mature was so sweet.

“It strikes me that perhaps I’m not an easy woman to love, but Theo does it so effortlessly that I feel like I could be. Like I deserve to be.” I have full body chills. My mouth is agape. I am so pleasantly surprised with this amazing book, I truly have no words. I felt every single palpable emotion reading this story, and it felt amazing. I cried so many times, not because it was sad, but because of the sheer emotion this story made me feel. Winter Hamilton is officially my favorite main character ever. Elsie Silver wrote the most raw, and real character in the Chestnut Springs series. The redemption arc was nothing short of masterful. The execution was touching. Her backstory was heartbreaking at times. I think what will stay with me the most is how masterfully Elsie changed the narrative of Winter. Towards the end of the book, you feel her growth, you feel her healing, and you feel her as a completely different person than the one we face at the beginning of this story. Theo Silva was the most hilarious, endearing, and charming character. He has officially dethroned Cade Eaton, as my favorite Chestnut Springs mmc. One thing I absolutely adored about Theo was his vulnerability. His emotions. It gutted me at times, but it was so refreshing to see how in tune with his emotions he could be at times. While he tries to be the happiest, everyone breaks down; seeing this moment for Theo was everything. He’s also just the sweetest. So naturally considerate. And god, the things he says… The spice between these two is everything truly. God, I wish I had better ways of explaining how touching, fun, and endearing Reckless was for me. Also, the title mention of Reckless had me covered in chills, so while I start every Chestnut Springs series review with a quote of the title mention, I’ll keep it to myself so everyone can read it and feel all the things I felt. Definitely in my top 5 favorite books of 2023.