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Reckless: Book 1 in the Shattered Series

Morgan Windwalker Alexander considered herself to be a most fortunate woman. She loves the ranch where she and her husband, Cord, live and raised their family. She loves her work as a large animal vet and is proud of what Cord has accomplished in his career in Mechatronics.

She couldn't and wouldn't ask for more. As far as she is concerned, at 42, she has it all.

Then Cord gets a call in the middle of the night and from that moment, things start to change. Her once perfect husband, a man who is methodical in all he does, displays a recklessness she finds troubling. Cracks start to appear in her perfect life, revealing lies and betrayals she didn't want to believe were possible.

Can she keep the cracks from multiplying, keep all the pieces intact, or is she fighting a losing battle? Can she patch the wounds in her life or will this reckless path Cord is on shatter their once perfect life completely?

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2019

68 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Ciana Stone

130 books253 followers
Ciana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.

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5 stars
45 (48%)
4 stars
30 (32%)
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11 (11%)
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2 (2%)
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4 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,323 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2018
Cord Alexander and Morgan Windwalker have built a good life together and are still very much in love, but things start to fray around the edges when forces they are not aware of begin to threaten their life. As alarming things begin to happen around them, they hold on to their love for and trust in each other, but will that be enough for what’s coming?

This is an action-packed roller coaster of drama, intrigue, suspense and steamy passion. The characters are well-developed and appealing. I liked the flashbacks which give us a quick look into past events that help establish a better understanding of their current relationships. The action is fast paced and extremely engaging. You will easily become absorbed in the story, finding it hard to set aside. It’s not exactly a standalone, but it has an HFN ending. There’s more to come in Cord and Morgan’s story in the next book, “Ruthless.” I strongly recommend this very engrossing and rousing romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,210 reviews21 followers
January 15, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation. 4.5 stars

Reckless is tied to the Cotton Creek saga (Shattered book 1) by Ciana Stone and as always she keeps you on the edge of your seat...

Morgan Windwalker Alexander and Cord Alexander have been happily married for over 20 years, life has been perfect. Suddenly after a call in the middle of the night things are no longer perfect in Morgan’s world. Cord has always been methodical in all he does now appears to be reckless, has secrets, leaves in the middle of the night for something at work...then all breaks loose!

Lots of suspense, danger, kidnapping, action packed with people who are not what you think, lies and while this ends in a cliffhanger with plenty of loose ends...it makes you think...what’s going to happen in the next book!!!!
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
903 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2019
Reviewed on http://bookaddict.live,
This is a different kind a book than the usual books based in Cotton Creek. This is thriller through and through, the love interest is between the main couple Morgan and Cord Alexander who have been married for over 20 years and are still madly in love.

Unfortunately, someone is up to no good, and putting everyone in danger and pointing the finger at Cord. This full of action with the FBI and CIA and a malicious adversary controlling everything behind the scenes.

This is more along the lines of some Ciana early thrillers that I adored. This one kept me gripped and wanting more. I can’t wait for Ruthless in March.
Profile Image for Raj.
750 reviews62 followers
January 27, 2019
This book leaves one totally in the dark which could be a good thing or bad thing depends on how you handle diabolical cliff hangers as one married couple become the target of revenge.Did he or didn't he?
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews19 followers
April 16, 2019
Oh my, I totally loved it! Word of warning. She'll leave you on a cliffhanger unfortunately. But the story more than makes up for it!

Morgan is a woman who is happy with her life and couldn't ask for anything more. But when her husband Cord gets a weird message in the middle of the night. It's up to her to try and rest her uneasiness that not all is what it seems. Is someone after them and if they are...who is it and why?
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,259 reviews106 followers
January 2, 2019
First, I want to thank Ciana Stone for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Ciana Stone is bringing her loyal readers like myself a new exciting series to read! Reckless is the first book in the Shattered Series. It is a book in the Cotton Creek Saga. One thing I adore about Ciana is she writes as I read in many different genres! She likes to keep her fans on their toes!!

There are many things that I really enjoyed about this book. How Chord and Morgan met and their bond, how Morgan seemed to have psychic dreams, the incredible fast paced storyline at the end.

My heart strings were pulled when I learned that Morgan’s parents died at a young age.

The weirdest thing to me in this book was when the characters were talking about offspring. They kept talking about selling seamen or doing it the old-fashioned way. I just was cracking up laughing. I don’t know why. I know Ciana probably didn’t mean for it to be funny. But it was to me.

The story got really good and intense and kudos for Ciana with the interrogation of who Juan was in all of this. I really got into that part. That whole section was the highlight of the whole book.

I am a huge fan of Ciana’s and have read many of her series before. I have a strong feeling that this might be one of her best.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
3,847 reviews
January 6, 2019
Normally, I would not give a book 5 stars because it's a cliffhanger and I hate cliffhangers.

This book was exciting. It was intriguing. It was a suspenseful mystery. There are number of "hold your breath" moments. It did not have SEALS (former or current) jumping out of the woodwork to save the day. These were just seemingly ordinary people going about their lives.

I say "seemingly" because there is something special about Morgan and I don't feel like everything about her has been fully revealed. Cord is not the average geek because you have to consider the whole cowboy/rancher vibe.

There is a hint of danger and anticipation so you're always waiting for that something else to happen; for that other shoe to drop. That thing that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

Well written characters who are interesting, and although ordinary, not completely without survival instincts in spite of being manipulated at each turn. Let's no forget Morgan and Cord's relationship. It is romantic, sexy, and connected. There is also something special about Joe and in addition, his connection with Morgan, that will hopefully come to light in the second book.

I'm really looking forward to the next book so that we can see how this plays out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
2,253 reviews36 followers
December 30, 2018
An exciting beginning to a new series by Ciana Stone. Morgan Windwalker Anderson has been married to her husband, Cord, for almost twenty years. They have two adult children, son Trevor and daughter Cable. Although together for many years, Morgan and Cord have not lost the passion that they feel for each other. Morgan is a large animal veterinarian, working primarily from the ranch that they own. Cord has his own company designing software and working with the NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration). Cord’s software keeps track of nuclear deposit sites, but his business keeps him away from the ranch more than he would like. When Cord receives a call in the middle of the night, he leaves for Washington. Danger begins to follow him...who is trying to kill him? Why is the FBI and the CIA so interested in his work? When Morgan arrives in Washington, was it Cord who asked her to join him or is someone after both of them? Evil is getting closer and closer and Morgan is not sure who she can trust. A non-stop romantic suspense which does end in a cliffhanger, but is well worth the read and the wait for the second book “Ruthless”. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Stacy Gragg.
146 reviews
January 14, 2019
I'm not sure if writing a review will give Reckless Justice! I am in awe of Ciana Stone's ability to write what I call, edge of your seat suspence, whodunit, what just happened and I can't put it down stories!
Reckless is set in the fictional town of Cotton Creek, Texas. I got to tell you that it starts off with a bang and just keeps going! If you have read Ciana Stone's Honky Tonk Angels series of her Heartbreakers and Heroes series then you will recognize some of the characters that are mentioned.
Morgan Windwalker and Cord Alexander have been happily married and in love for years. Morgan is a vet and loves her work and having a working ranch. Cord writes computer programs and is very successful in that field. That is until a late night phone call from a business associate throws their lives into chaos and the couple doesn't know who they can trust! A great thriller that has a little bit of everything for anyone who likes romance, suspense, turn the page excitement and mystery, oh did I mention a little bit of paranormal activity too?
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
738 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2019
Learning after I started reading that this is in the same universe as another series explained a lot of things. While this can be read as a standalone, I feel like doing so will leave you with lots of questions, so keep that in mind.
Cord and Morgan are an enviable couple. True, deep love in a couple that has been together for a significant number of years. Cord's work puts them into a series of bizarre situations that honestly I'm still trying to figure out how they just went home after and tried to move on from.
Pros: I like these characters. I like the development of their life and their world and the accompanying cast, particularly Joe and Myrtle. The deeper plot is intriguing, but this book barely skims what's happening.
Cons: Without the perspective from the other series on these characters and their world, reading left me feeling a bit out of sorts. The underlying plot is hinted at but a bit confusing without this perspective as well.
Overall, a good read and I'd like to try it again after picking up the other series first!
Profile Image for Shae.
939 reviews33 followers
April 29, 2019
Action packed romance thriller

Wow! Action from the first chapter. This book is entertaining. Meet Morgan and Cord, a couple married for 20 years with grown kids and still so much in love; they can't keep their hands off each other. Both independent and successful in their careers, yet still finding that much needed time for each other. We are then introduced to Cord's career with full force including strange interviews and car scences with the CIA, FBI and other strange forces. These unexpected interactions start to sow and show little cracks in the relationship, making the story even more interesting. The supporting characters also provide many perspectives that will keep you reading to the end. Unfortunately it ends in a cliff-hanger but that also makes wanting to read book 2 exciting. This is my first Ciana Stone story and I loved it!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Page-turner, Romantic, Steamy, Twisted, Wonderful characters

1,667 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2019
Loved It! This is a powerful and action packed romanitc adventure for the mature look into the investigation of some 30 kilograms of waste missing, but not missing on the tracking system that Cord Alexander created even though his co-worker Tom who found the problem just keeps nick picking him. Morgan Windwalker his wife, successful Vet and the woman he loves is trying to figure out what is going on when she was just suppose to turn on Juan's computer and before she can get back home she is suppose to get on a flight to meet her husband but when she gets there some men or going through her husbands belongings, and so it begins drama, action and some laughs.
Morgan finds that she is being tested, Cord goes off to the facility outside Odessa, Texas to checkout what was really going on along with his a runaway partner, the Government and a Handsome sexy Italian who wants revenge. A very entertaining series. Page turner. There are lots going on in the background that leave questions for the next book. Adult content. Yes it's a Cliff hanger. I was given a copy as a gift from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
1,585 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2018
This was a book full of suspense. Part of it takes place in Cotton Creek, but the most exciting and suspenseful take place in Washington. Cord and Morgan have been together for years and have two adult children. He is a computer geek/cowboy and she is a large animal vet. He gets called away due to a probem with his program that he created and from almost the exact minute he leave his job, chaos ensoues. Between bullets, running, and the CIA (I am still not sure if they really were the CIA), Cord has to fight for his life. When Morgan gets a call asking her to come to Washington, she arrives and her life is also in danger. Neither understand what is going on. When Morgan runs into a woman who tells her that Cord has been cheating, she has to decide if she believes her or not. Just who is after Cord and why? What a cliff hanger!
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
January 15, 2019
This first story in the 'Shattered' series, "Reckless" is filled with so much suspense and action, it is a real page turner. Morgan and Cord are a married couple of 20 years, and the drama that surrounds them is so action packed that I can almost forgive the cliffhanger/HFN ending. Morgan is by no means a weak woman. She gives as good as she gets, and heaven help the person that threatens her family, while Cord works to solve the mystery and get to the bottom of the secret nuclear containment plant. With so much content and action in this first book of the series, it sets up the reader to wait on pins and needles to read what will happen next with these two. I especially look forward to see what is next for Morgan as she is one kick a** woman that can hold her own. I was gifted "Reckless", and my opinion is my own based on my reading. 4.5 Stars!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.3k reviews91 followers
January 18, 2019
Morgan was living the life she had always dreamed of as she and Cord have been happily married for 20 years and have two grown children. She manages her veterinary business from the ranch and her husband is a computer programmer for the Government. She thought she knew everything about her husband until a mysterious phone call takes him to Washington and the mystery starts.

When she is summoned to Washington as well the trust between them is challenged and she must decide whether to believe what the evidence is showing her or her heart. This story takes you on a wild adventure filled with suspense, twists and action as their investigation leads to more questions than answers.

This is the first book in the series and ends on a cliffhanger leaving us wanting more of this intriguing couple. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
1,810 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2019
Absolutely terrific! A Cotton Creek must read that a mix of a thrilling suspenseful mystery along with a sweet and sexy love between our married couple Cord and Morgan. Cord's work takes a deadly turn and Morgan is pulled into the fray. Morgan's Native American heritage gives her a special ability but will she be able to save her husband from the danger that threatens? I love this author's fabulous storytelling and her incredible characters. Cord is another swoon-worthy hunk with all the goods. Smart, sexy, honorable and so in love with his wife after 20 years. Morgan is a special character with her big brain and undying love for her husband. I was so excited to read about a couple that is older than the usual. Didn't care for the cliffy but can't wait for the next installment. Ciana Stone, you rock! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,729 reviews54 followers
May 12, 2019
Reckless😀

To be totally honest, after I read the first few chapters this book certainly had me and my anxiety on high alert! Cord and Morgan have been together for years and when he’s suddenly called away to Washington one night, Morgan has a bad feeling about his trip. Cord leaves but a string of events for him and a weird call to his wife, has Morgan leaving to join him.

Suffice to say a couple of people stop by from the alphabet agencies and Cord is trying to figure out what’s happening with his business and some missing material. The more I get to learn about Morgan I’m getting the feeling she’s a badass which I always like with my female heroines but I’m still a bit on the fence when it comes to Cord!

Thank you to Ciana for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review 💕 To be continued...
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
January 18, 2019
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

Wow is all I can say about this amazing book. I love stories that involve older couples. Not that this couple is old, I can't just relate more to these stories. Reckless was no exception to that. Cord and Morgan have an amazing life together. They have a love that has lasted over 20 years. Now their live together is being threatened.

This book truly has is all, drama, suspense, steamy moments, and intrigue. I loved everything about this book. I loved getting pulled into the amazing story. I could not put this book down. Ciana Stone kept me coming back for more. I loved the attention to detail and the way she made me feel like I was right there watching everything happen in real time. Please check out this awesome book.
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2019
Reckless was a great suspenseful action packed mysterious story, by the very talented author Ciana Stone. This is a story that will have you hanging on to your seat and waiting to see what is on the next page. The characters are very likable and intriguing, Cord and Morgan are two people who have been with one another for a while and you can just feel the great connection between them. A story that captures your attention from the get go. I absolutely loved and recommend this great book. It is a story that will end in a cliffhanger and you will definitely want more. Can’t wait for book 2. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,856 reviews60 followers
January 8, 2019
Reckless by Ciana Stone is book one in the Shattered serial, : a book tied to the Cotton Creek Saga.
Meet Morgan Alexander. She has native roots, is married to the love of her life and everything could be good. But her husband, formerly an loving man is changing before her eyes. He becomes reckless and cracks are showing in their marriage.
Reckless is a story full of unexpected twists and turns, well written and the characters are easily to connect with. But I recommend the previous books in the Cotton Creek Saga, there'll be a much better understanding of the storyline. I did not and was lost at times. The story ends ina kind of cliffie - I give 4 thrillerish stars.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2019
Start of something new...

This is book 1 in a the new "Shattered" series and ends with HFN/cliffhanger. I guess that is my only complaint about this story. Although it does leave me with something to look forward to....book 2. Morgan and Cord are wonderful characters with an endless love. What happens when outside forces start to interfere with that love? All I can say is Ms. Stone has once again written a story consisting of suspense, twists & turns and plenty of character chemistry. I can't wait for the next book.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,782 reviews20 followers
January 14, 2019
Ciana Stone will keep you on the edge of your seat with this story.I have read all of the Cotton Creek stories and each time they will bring you back to the people and how they interact with each other. Morgan is special and her husband Cord . They have been together for over 20 years and time did not diminish the passion they feel for each other. But danger is lurking in Cotton Creek, does somebody want to kill Cord or do they want to destroy them both. The story is full of angst, drama and suspense. But it will leave you with a cliffhanger that will leave you reeling and wanting more! I voluntarily reviewed an arc.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
2,885 reviews22 followers
January 15, 2019
Well dang, Ciana Stone...when you decide to mix it up, you REALLY mix it up! I think you might be onto something with this new series. If the rest of the books come together with just a tad less jumping all around, it’s going to be absolutely kickass.

This first book, Reckless, has one helluva storyline; with such diverse characters you almost need a scorecard to keep up; twists and turns galore; and no sign of a HEA anytime soon. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat...and like a bad drug, you can’t get enough! You definitely want to grab a copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and can’t wait for the next one!) ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Sandie.
683 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2019
Other new series for the folks in Cotton Creek. I expected to read about familiar friends in this small Texas town but there was barely a mention. This story is centered on a married couple Morgan, a rancher, and large animal vet and Cord a software developer contracting with the US Government. Cord gets called to Washington with a problem and the action begins. Lots of shoot-um-up, car chasing, and intrigue with the FBI, CIA, and the bad guys. The plot has been set and the characters introduced in this first book as it ends with a cliffhanger. The appetite has been wet. Can't wait for the continuation of Morgan and Cord's story.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,118 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2019
There this author goes and does it again getting me caught up into another one of her novels and series. The characters are able to have such a strong pull I was quickly caught up into this one. Morgan and Cord each have their careers but they do intertwine in this one. Intuition and a call get things in motion also with you becoming so attached to what is going down. A mystery for sure but a enemy lurks with you following their moves. You get so caught up into this one that you are left with your mouth open at the end wanting to know more.
254 reviews
January 3, 2019
There is suspense and intrigue in spades in Reckless the first book in a new series by Ciana Stone. I have to say that it is a bit different than what I was expecting, but in a good way. There were numerous twists and turns in the plot and I was with Morgan and Colt in trying to figure out who were the good guys and who was out to get them! The whole tale kept me on the edge of my seat turning pages! What I really wasn't expecting is that this is a serial book as in there is a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next section to come out.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,150 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2019
This definitely sheds a different light to Cotton Creek. It is action-packed, suspenseful, dangerous and drama-filled. It is engaging and the anticipation of what will happen next did keep me glued to the pages. It is a cliffhanger though which is really not my cup of tea and as their "perfect life" is drastically challenged I just wish their established relationship had felt more solid and heartfelt before all these shattering events. I am voluntarily reviewing a free copy provided by Candid Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2018
Cord and Morgan

Now this book for me is a bit of a departure story wise. This couple is older and married for over twenty years with a strong relationship.

When trouble comes knocking at their door. They will be tested like nothing they have ever seen. Loyalties will be questioned, lies will be told, revenge is just option, and vanity will be ignored.

Oh let's not forget murdered and double crossing will serve a purpose in this book.

Intrigue is the name of the game.
68 reviews
January 15, 2019
Reckless

First book in the series. This is not a standalone book, but totally worth reading. This is the story of a couple that has it all but there are cracks beginning to show in their marriage. There are so many forces at play in this story and it does not get cleared up in the first book. That’s why you will need to get the next one. Do not pass this story over because of that! I promise her books are worth the wait. Love all the series she has!
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