Hero by Samantha Young Publisher: NAL on February 3, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 404
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.
Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.
Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.
Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…
At A Glance
LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Good
I forget who, but someone said Hero is a way better version of Fifty Shades of Grey, and I have to agree, but no BDSM in this one. The rich, emotionally-unavailable guy wanting just sex with the young, sweet but strong girl. Drama, romance, and sizzling sex ensues. It seems so common of a concept now, but Young did it right. She really is an amazing writer.
First, Hero starts with a bang. Talk about complicated family drama. How Alexa and Caine know each other is pretty messed up, but it paved the way perfectly for the rest of the story.
Alexa is an amazing character. She is smart, driven, and passionate. She takes her job seriously, even when Caine tests her limits. Her family life is all effed up, but I love how it made her grow as a character. She will not let her past dictate her future, even if that’s the easy way out.
Caine starts out as a major jerk. I wasn’t sure if it was possible to even like him. But as Alexa helps him open up, you can’t help but start to fall for him. He is a tough nut to crack though. He is stubborn and unmovable as a rock. But that’s what makes him intriguing.
A great yet complicated romance with a little suspense and a satisfying ending. So happy I didn’t wait too long to read this one.
The Bad
I was so close to giving this book 5 stars. Two minor things held me back. First, there is a plot twist at the last quarter of the book that threw me off. I liked it in the end, but having absolutely no build up kind of sucked. Waste of possible suspense.
Second, I like Caine, but his reason for pushing Alexa away was weak and it took too long for him to get over himself. I would have never stuck it out as long as Alexa did. Caine pushed her away so much it got embarrassing.
The Snuggly
AMAZING sex. Some of the better sex I have seen in all the books I have read. It was hot, rough, soft, spontaneous, sensual…and on and on. It wasn’t too much, but there is a lot of it. I think it was a great balance of what you expect from sex in a contemporary romance.
Final Thoughts
I want to give this book 5 stars just from awesomeness. I might change my mind later, but for now, it was 4.5 stars of yummy angst, sex, and romance. Very, highly recommended.
Quotes
“I don’t know what this is you’re trying to do, but you and I are not the same.” He took another step back from me. “And I am not for you. I’m not your white knight. I’m just the guy who wanted to fuck you.”
“Arrogance can be obnoxious when it’s not earned. But if you’re good at something and you know it, then it’s fake and a waste of time to pretend that you’re not.”
“A man like me isn’t capable of being your fucking white knight. …
I felt the anger boil up inside me. “I’m not looking for a hero!”
He flinched at the emotion cracking my words.
“I never asked for that … I just wanted you, because despite what you might think, I see you. And no, you’re no fucking white knight, but you’re what I want.”
Red Iza
I do want to read this book, I really do ! I’ve seen mouthwatering reviews of it, including yours, but… I want to be reasonable this year : I’ve already got On Dublin street which I haven’t read yet and I want to finish it and that series before moving on to Hero. Being reasonable sucks big time !
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, being reasonable does suck!!! I still haven’t even finished Dublin Street.
Bieke @ Istyria book blog
I’m really excited to read this one after all the raving reviews! 😀
Jennifer Bielman
🙂 you will love it.
kindlemom1
Alright, seriously, I need, I must, try this author!
Wonderful review!
Jennifer Bielman
Oh yes you do!!!!
Lekeisha
I definitely need to read this. After my day at the theater yesterday, nothing would be more fulfilling than getting lost in something with sustenance. Not that I didn’t enjoy the movie. 😉 I’m glad you loved this one!!
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, did you see Fifty Shades?
Lekeisha
Yes. It wasn’t bad because I expected the slow pacing. What else is there besides the sex? I like him as Christian though. It lacked a whole lot of stuff. Don’t think I could watch it again. I guess if they added everything from the book, it’d have been straight up porn. LOL
Jennifer Bielman
I wish they could put everything from the novel into the movie, but I know they can’t 🙁
Christy
Alexa rocks. Unlike like annoying twat in FSoG. lol. But yeah, his secret… I figured that’s what it was and didn’t even bat an eye about it. Maybe we’re just too corrupted. LOL.
Jennifer Bielman
You might be right. Nothing shocks us anymore. So bad, yet sooooo good. 😀
Braine
O_o I hate FSOG so we’ll see… I got this but am heaitatnt to crack it open. I hope its not too angsty
Jennifer Bielman
No, this book is sooooo much better, it just has a similar premise.
Benish K
Ohh.. that first quote o.O I think I’ll pick this novel up now after seeing that one quote now lol. I’m glad you enjoyed reading it though <3
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, I found some awesome quotes for this one.
Brandi Breathes Books
Love a smart, driven and passionate character
Jennifer Bielman
Really great characters in this one.
Alreem
This sounds fabulous! Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks!
Olivia
This book sounds like it is almost perfect! I have been hearing a lot of positive reviews for this one, so I might have to read it myself :3
Check out my review: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/02/the-canary-room-review.html
Jennifer Bielman
It is almost perfect!
kimbacaffeinate
*dances* I adored this book and loved the characters too. Caine’s pushing didn’t bother me, I loved how she pushed back.
Jennifer Bielman
She did push back which I loved.
Jennifer Bielman
But the pride had to have taken a hit, you know.
Jaclyn Canada
I’m always drawn to those types of characters that are so stubborn at first and you get to see that awesome layer underneath the shell further into the story. So glad you loved it! Great review 😀
Jennifer Bielman
I wish you read contemp rom because I think you would love his one.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Woots! Oh man. I loved this one too. I did start feeling embarrassed for her. Goodness but she was a patient one. I so wouldn’t have been as resilient as her.
Jennifer Bielman
No, me either, that guy would have hit the road running if it were me.