ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hero
Author: Samantha Young
Published: March 5th 2015 by Piatkus
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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…
The general consensus among the readers of Samantha Young's On Dublin Street series seems to be highly positive. I haven't had the opportunity to find out what the winning formula of this Goodreads Choice Award winning author is so I was pretty excited for Hero.
Hero, the New Adult Contemporary Romance follows the story of Alexa Holland and Caine Carraway set in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. When Alexa meets Caine, the meeting is hardly a happy one because the history between the duo is both messy and painful. The ensuing scene results in Alexa being fired from her job. When Alexa is left with no job and bleak prospects, Caine swoops in and offers her a job as his PA. But Caine makes it quite clear that he is no hero and holds his new PA in contempt. Tough cookie, Alexa is having none of it as she swears to put right her father's wrongs. Soon both realize that they are attracted to each other but Caine is reluctant to acknowledge this because he associates Alexa with his broken childhood.
Alexa's snarky personality shines throughout the book especially when she refuses to cower during Caine's mood swings. Her strength, persistence and love for Caine holds together her tempestuous relationship with him. The banter between the duo was quite an amusing element and is proof of Samantha Young's intriguing writing style.
Caine is New Adult's formulaic brooding, high-handed billionaire and as swoony-worthy as he was, there were a couple of instances where I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his words/actions. When he starts up an affair with Alexa he tries to convince himself that it is a no strings attached sort of affair and that he doesn't really care for her. Soon his plan backfires when he realizes that he cares for her more than he'd like to admit.
There is no denying that the chemistry between the characters was off the charts. However, there were moments especially in the second half of the book when I felt that it was overly angsty. The whole push and pull between Alexa and Caine became a bit too repetitive and completely unnecessary. Perhaps, it was this factor that made the pacing wonky in the second half of the book.
Hero starts off with a bang but the weaknesses in the second half and a contrived ending lessened the impact of an otherwise wonderful novel.
THE RATING
3 Stars
QUOTE-WORTHY
“Tomorrow you'll receive your employment contracts. Once you sign those I'm your boss." When I didn't answer he said, "That means you act the way I want you to act. That means you shelve your attitude and the twenty questions."
"Should I shelve those next to 'personality'?”
“Finally I said, my words soft, “How did you get so wise, Effie?” “I’ve survived seventy-seven years on this planet,” she answered wryly, “and by making the right choices I even managed to live for most of them.”FINAL VERDICT:
If you loved the On Dublin Street series or if you are in the mood for a New Adult hate to love story with a happily ever after you should give Hero a chance.
Hero by Samantha Young is published by Piatkus in paperback and eBook. You can find of all Samantha Young’s titles in the Kobo website.
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Have you read Samantha Young's On Dublin Street series? What are your thoughts on Hero?
Have you got any great New Adult recommendations for me?
Great review Nuz! I've just read ODS by this author and really loved it. I've seen this one around quite a bit and it does sound like something I would enjoy. Shame the second half wasn't as strong but I'm glad it was an enjoyable read for you nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteI need to pick up ODS soon, I've heard so many good things about it! When you do read Hero, let me know how it goes. :D
DeleteI've heard of the On Dublin Street series but I haven't read anything (yet) by her. Hmm...when I feel up for that sort of angsty book I'll definitely check this one out! :D
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about On Dublin Street and it's on my list, but I just haven't gotten around to it. :/ I know a lot of people loved it and recommend it, but it's one of those books I'm still pretty iffy on. NA is the sort of genre you have to be in the mood for, in my opinion. But this does sound interesting! Almost like a tamer 50 Shades, but still interesting. :P
ReplyDeleteSigh, it makes me sad that the relationship takes a turn for the worst when it becomes riddled with unnecessary drama :( Angst that's overdone is that one thing in NA books that I would like to avoid, if at all possible. I'm just really over it, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato