Hero by Samantha Young

"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 her mother and she 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.... "--

This is another book that I just could not get into. Maybe it is an off day for me, but I just could not get excited about this story. It is strange because I normally do really like Biblical tales retold in modern times. Maybe at another time, but as for now I do not like this book or really recommend it. Lawhead did much better with [b: Hood 93007 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood Howard Pyle https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1389006722s/93007.jpg 1411202].

3 1/2 stars - I do want to read the next one badly enough that I considered giving this 4 stars even though I usually rate 3 1/2 star books as 3 on here since that's just supposed to be “liked it.”

Resenting the Hero is a delightful book with main characters easy to root for and empathize with, a fun plot and a world history that leads to some very intriguing social dynamics.

Full Review

If you've read FSOG and all that came after you may say that this a retread of that same story and up to a point it is. However if you have not or can set them aside you may be pleasantly surprised. It is well done, well written and the protagonists are much more likable, particularly Alexa Holland.In the usual fashion for these stories we have a man who has overcome a terrible childhood and made himself a Master of The Universe at a relatively young age. In this case Caine Carraway he has witnessed his mother's descent into drug addiction, death and later his father's suicide.Enter Alexa Holland who desperately wants to make some sort of amends for her family's role in Caine's terrible past. As these things go Alexa ends up working as a PA for Caine, who has hired her apparently just for the purpose of making her pay for family sins. And of course uncontrollable lust ensues and they embark on a friends with benefits and later lovers arrangement. Yep. One of those. Caine is the usual mixed-up a**hole up to about 70% of the book, always pushing her away and denying that they work as a couple and could be so much more than an affair. The real star here is Alexa. She's strong and clear on who she is and what she wants from life and is willing to put herself out there. She may not be one of those kick ass heroines, not in an overt fashion, but still has spine. It is true that she does stick around for maybe too much of Caine's nonsense but she's being a fighter for what she wants and deserves. Perhaps she skirts being a little too close to her mother's past mistakes. The sex is wonderful all the more so because Alexa is an unapologetic sexual being who enjoys sex and isn't some demure virgin. She and Caine are sizzling and heir puzzle pieces fit.I loved Effie and would have loved to have a second book about Henry but alas his story is wrapped up in the epilogue. Bummer. Finally this was an audio for me and all I have to say is that one whole star of my rating is for [a:Angelica Lee 12635942 Angelica Lee https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Her narration is perfection, including the male voices.