Quick Take

Penn Scully has had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to him, and now his heart is completely iced over.He took her first kiss, and she took away the only person he ever loved.He asked her to save the rest of her firsts for him, and she walked all over his heart in stiletto heels and left it bleeding out on a bright summer day.Now, everything has changed.When circumstances leave Penn homeless in his senior year, the Followhills take him in as their latest shiny project. That means, for the time being, he's Daria's housemate, living right across the hall.And once he sees her again, he's determined to make this spoiled princess pay for ruining the only good thing in his life.But Daria is used to being misunderstood. Being slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot she puts in the way of the people who hurt her.Being the girl everyone wants to see cry, and keeping her tears hidden. Penn wanted her firsts, but she wants to be his last everything.The problem is, once they see past each other's cutting barbs and wounded hearts, the truths they uncover might just start something new altogether.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Pretty Reckless (All Saints High, #1)

Introduction

"Pretty Reckless" by L.J. Shen is the first book in the All Saints High series, taking readers on a rollercoaster ride of high school rivalries, enemies-to-lovers romance, and heart-wrenching angst. This book has garnered rave reviews from readers, who praise the author's ability to create multilayered characters, deliver plot twists, and keep them hooked until the very end. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author information, analysis of views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommendation.

About L.J. Shen

L.J. Shen is a USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author known for her contemporary romance books. She writes angsty stories featuring unredeemable anti-heroes and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees. Shen's writing style is characterized by high-octane angst, heart-wrenching emotions, and guaranteed HEAs (Happily Ever Afters). Her passion for creating compelling characters and storylines has earned her a loyal following among readers.

Analysis of Views

Emotional Depth: Readers rave about the emotional depth and complexity of the characters in "Pretty Reckless." They appreciate the exploration of vulnerability and the way the protagonists grow and change throughout the story. The angst factor is high, making it a perfect choice for fans of NA (New Adult) romance.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in this book are praised for their depth and complexity. Readers enjoy getting to know Daria and Penn, as well as supporting characters like Vaughn and Knight. Their interactions and relationships are well-crafted, adding depth to the overall story.
Plot Twists and Surprises: The plot of "Pretty Reckless" is filled with surprises and plot twists that keep readers engaged. Readers appreciate the unexpected turns in the story, which add excitement and keep them guessing until the end.
Angst and Emotional Turmoil: The book's angst and emotional turmoil are highlighted as major draws for readers. They find themselves immersed in the characters' emotions, experiencing the highs and lows alongside them. The angst factor is high, making it a perfect choice for fans of NA romance looking for a heart-wrenching read.
Emotional Connection: Readers feel an emotional connection with the characters in "Pretty Reckless." They empathize with their struggles, root for their happiness, and become invested in their journey. The emotional connection to the characters adds depth to the overall reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Angsty Romance: If you're a fan of NA romance with high levels of angst and emotional turmoil, "Pretty Reckless" is a must-read. L.J. Shen delivers a gripping and addictive story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in this book are well-crafted, with complex personalities and relationships that add depth to the story. You'll find yourself invested in their journeys and rooting for their happiness.
Plot Twists and Surprises: The plot of "Pretty Reckless" is filled with unexpected turns and surprises that keep you engaged from start to finish. The book's pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both emotional moments and exciting revelations.
Emotional Connection: Readers feel an emotional connection to the characters in "Pretty Reckless," making it a highly relatable read. The exploration of vulnerability and growth adds depth to the overall story, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of NA romance.
Highly Anticipated Series: If you're a fan of L.J. Shen's previous work or the Sinners of Saint series, "Pretty Reckless" is a highly anticipated addition to her writing catalogue. The book sets the stage for an exciting new series with promising potential for future installments.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Formulaic Nature: Some readers find that "Pretty Reckless" adheres too closely to a formulaic romance structure, with predictable elements such as enemies-to-lovers relationships and betrayals. While these elements may be appealing to some, others prefer more unpredictable storylines.
Lack of Convincing Side Relationships: While some readers appreciate the side relationships in "Pretty Reckless," others find them unconvincing or distracting from the main plot. The side characters may not fully develop or contribute significantly to the overall story, leaving some readers feeling underwhelmed by their presence.

Conclusion

"Pretty Reckless" by L.J. Shen is a highly anticipated addition to the NA romance genre, delivering high levels of angst, complex characters, and emotional turmoil. Readers rave about the book's ability to captivate them from start to finish, immersing them in a world filled with bittersweet moments and heart-wrenching revelations. While some readers find it formulaic or lacking in convincing side relationships, others appreciate its well-developed characters, plot twists, and emotional connection to the storyline. Whether you're a fan of L.J. Shen's previous work or seeking a gripping NA romance with high levels of angst, "Pretty Reckless" is worth considering as part of your reading journey.