REVIEW - 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 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…

I have read every single one of Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street novels. So, to say I’m a huge fan would be an understatement. With that being said, I was scared to venture out and read Hero. I didn’t know what to make of the synopsis, but I took the plunge anyway. And now all I have to say is, TAKE THE PLUNGE. I “accidentally” devoured it in one sitting. I was not expecting it to be so hot (in hindsight, I should have known that Samantha Young would make it scorching hot) and I did not expect it to captivate me so quickly (again, something I should have foreseen).

“This was lust. This was what all those books and films were always going on about. This wasn’t the sexual attraction I’d felt for other men. This was full-blown desire.

Yet—I closed my eyes, remembering the way he’d held my gaze as he moved inside me—it could be more between us. If we tried, who knew where extraordinary could take us?”

What did surprise me was that Hero was told solely from Alexa’s POV. I mean, I know all her On Dublin Street books are just from one character’s POV, but the trend these days tends to be dual POVs, so that was a pleasant surprise. But, I would have loveddd to get into Caine’s head. That sexy, sexy, mysterious man. Caine was the perfect blend of alluring and alpha that I crave in a book boyfriend. Alexa was a sassy, independent woman. I loved her strong personality and how well (or unwell—depends on your perspective) she clashed with Caine. Their sexual tension was insane, and when they gave into it, it was even more amazing. They were off the charts hot—every word, every encounter was electric with them.

“Friendship, intimacy—it hadn’t made us any less uncertain of each other because of the temporary nature of our relationship. Other couples, normal couples, could admit how they really felt…but admitting anything more than we already had meant setting ourselves up for an even bigger fall.”

Plot wise, the book was unique in a perfect blend of things I’ve never seen before and things I had seen before. I loved the whole aspect of Alexa having to hide her identity. I loved that Caine kept his secret till the end. And I especially loved the suspense factor that was added in. As always, I don’t know how to discuss the plot without disclosing any spoilers. But, the plot was intricate and well-woven with twists that I didn’t see coming. Granted, I was easily swooped up in Alexa and Caine drama. I was rooting for Alexa the entire time, even when Caine tried to push her away. I loved the push-pull of their relationship—the trials they went through, the past that kept them apart, I adored it all.

“Don’t you get it? I’ve never met anyone like you before. There’s no one like you. I keep waiting to not feel like this, because there are times I can’t bear it. To care this much. To worry about you day in and day out, even before the attack. I love you so f***ing much. I sometimes…I feel consumed by it.”

I will always adore every book that Samantha Young writes. Especially when they involve sexy alpha males and strong, amazing women. That’s one thing I know that I can always count on when it comes to her books. That and a plot that strengthens every relationship. Every time I finish a Samantha Young book, I know that her characters are meant to be. She has the equation for my next favorite book down pat: strong characters, humor, swoony lines, hot sex, a compelling plot… I will always come back for more Samantha Young. Always,

“You love me…You love me, and you’ll never hurt me. And I will never hurt you. I will never use you like they did, like they all did. Because I want you. Just you. No one will ever understand you like I do. You’re so different with me, baby. You take care of me. You make me feel safe. You’re not who you think you are. Didn’t you tell me people aren’t just one thing? You’re so much more to me than anything you might have done in the past.”

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has sold in twenty-five countries.

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