All Frankie wants is to remember — to recall how her boyfriend was killed. And more importantly, who killed him. In Kami Garcia’s breath-taking new novel, The Lovely Reckless, fans can expect an entirely new reading experience from this highly original and addicting teen drama. From illegal street racing to a heart-wrenching romance, Frankie’s story of love, loss, and self-discovery is sure to leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages.
The story begins with Frankie dealing with the loss of her best friend and boyfriend, Noah. But this is only the beginning of the tragedy that is about to strike. Soon after his death, Frankie is caught drinking and driving, leading to her being kicked out of her mother’s mansion of a home in the “heights” and being sent to her father’s small home in the “downs.” Frankie feels like she has lost everything that matters to her — that is until she meets the charming, mysterious, and dangerous Marco, who has more secrets than she could have ever imagined. Now falling hard for the bad boy who seems to be better than everyone says, Frankie has to decide to follow her heart or to do what she knows is right. Will Frankie risk everything to be with the boy she loves, or will she say goodbye in order to save both of their lives?
First of all, Kami Garcia blew me away with this novel. I have read (and loved) the Beautiful Creatures series that she co-authored with Margaret Stohl, but The Lovely Reckless was spectacular and definitely impressed me beyond belief. I loved both of her new characters, Frankie and Marco, who were incredibly brave and a little reckless. But the very best aspect of the novel was of course the street racing. I thought the scenes involving the illegal racing were very original and enjoyable for both male and female readers alike. For teen readers, this novel is absolutely a book that has to be read.
With an emotional love story and a tale of discovery, Kami Garcia brings readers the reality of economic division and the strength that comes from loss. The Lovely Reckless proves to be a novel that breaks free from the stereotype of a “teen romance” and is completely different from any other romance out on the shelves today. Pick up your copy of The Lovely Reckless, and follow Frankie and Marco as they discover the truth about one another, pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, and partake in an illegal street race or two.
*Thank you to Imprint Publishing and Kami Garcia for providing me with an Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Lovely Reckless.