HeroAuthor: Samantha Young
Published by: NAL
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
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…
Oh boy, Hero was so much more than I expected and I couldn’t be happier. On the surface this book sounds similar to so many out there. Which is why I didn’t go in expecting much. Ha! This was my first Samantha Young experience, and now I am a fan after reading this gem.
I notice this book has been labeled NA quite a bit, but that isn’t accurate. These are adults out in the adult world with adult careers. Caine is the CEO of a prominent company, and Lexi is an established personal assistant. Their adultness isn’t all that new. So there.
Honestly, I was a little worried in the very beginning of Hero. When it first started, I groaned a little thinking it was going to be this whole cliché with the woman struck dumb by the handsome, powerful man. Whew! Not the case. Lexi is a tenacious, stubborn and patient woman. And such a smartass. Definitely can’t forget that. I didn’t really understand her drive to help Caine at first, why she was so determined. But it all became clear as the story unfolded, peeling away Lexi’s own layers. Caine wasn’t always easy to deal with, so Lexi certainly had her work cut out. It was so worth it, though!
Their chemistry was off the charts! Antagonistic romances are my absolute favorite, and oh, did I ever love this one. Caine pushed Lexi’s buttons and would act like such a jerk, but it was so much fun, because she was a total smart ass and held her own. Plus, even when he was in jerk mode, you could feel the attraction and sparks flying.
Hero is a lot more than Caine and Lexi hooking up, though. It’s also an emotional story about healing, forgiveness and love. My heart was aching at times, but I damn, do I love it when a book makes me feel so much. Plus there’s danger and family drama, which adds a whole other layer to what what went down.
One of my favorite secondary character types are those like Henry. He’s Caine’s funny, flirtatious playboy of a best friend. I love how he was more insightful than they thought, and enjoyed pushing Caine’s buttons when it came to Lexi. And I adore Effie, Caine’s 70-something year old neighbor. She’s so much more than that, though, and plays a significant roll in their lives. Seriously, we all need an Effie!
I’m just super happy that I gave Hero a chance, because I loved it! Now I need to go grab more of Samantha Young’s books …
Review twins and we agree..I am not surprised. Bout’ darn time you tried this author I adore her novels
sound like a good read, I’m adding this one to my pile 🙂 lovely review
I’m glad that you found this to be a gem! I haven’t read anything from her yet. 🙂
I really really need to read this author. She is one of the few that I have yet to read that everyone raves about. I have no idea what is holding me back from picking up one of her books because I even think I own them all.
Great review Christy!
I loved this book so much, Christy. I was worried too, but it turned out to be awesome. I agree with you on Lexie! She was a fiery one! And Caine was swoony too when he wasn’t being an ass.
Lovely review! 🙂
YEAH CHRISTY!!!! Wasn’t this fantastic?! I agree, it does seem a little worrisome in the beginning, but Lexi is a force to be reckoned with and I just loved how she didn’t take any of Caine’s bullshit. You definitely, DEFINITELY, need to read her On Dublin Street series, I think you’ll love them!
This was my first of hers too and I really had a good time as well. I so don’t understand the NA tag it keeps getting. I was really really not looking forward to it when I saw that and so glad when Kimberly said it was an adult one.
You and Kimba both loved this. I have only read one of Samantha Young;s book, and I liked it well enough, I don’t know why I haven’t picked up anything else by her. I need to.
I’m so excited! I got it today. You and Kimba are more than a great recommendation. I hope the narrator doesn’t screw it up. Her books have had a really good narrator in the past, so I’m crossing my fingers this is one is a good too, I don’t know her.
Thanks Christy 🙂
This will be my first SYoung too when I get around to reading it. I hope I love it as much!
Caffeinated Kim and you both loved this one so I’m going to have to dig in. Samantha Young is great at creating chemistry and I’m glad she didn’t disappoint with Hero. 🙂
Great Review!
Hehe! Love the smartass characters, so I know I’d like Lexi! This sounds like such a fun, emotional read! Fab review!
It’s interesting how deceiving a book’s cover and blurb can be, or in this case, how an author can turn something completely ordinary into gold. I have a habit of falling for secondary characters, and Caine sounds like an absolute delight!
Wait. You haven’t read On Dublin Street?! What?! You must. You must. I’m glad this book wasn’t a cliche. I really want to read it.
I love antagonistic romances too! Adding this, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Between you and Kim, I just one-clicked this sucker. I love Samantha Young too much to not read it at some point, and after this is was impossible to wait. *grumbles* *sees Hero on kindle and stops grumbling b/c YAY!*
I guess if you AND Kimba give this book great ratings, I must check it out. 😛
I’m reading all the comments above and I’m afraid my comment isn’t all that original, lol. between yours and Kimba’s review for this one, I’m making sure to pick this one up ASAP! A new Samantha Young book? Yes please!
I really love Young’s writing, so i will be starting this one next 😀
I hope to read this one soon. Wow, you haven’t read Young’s Dublin Street series??? That is a must.