Review: Hero by Samantha Young

Hero
Author: Samantha Young
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Publisher: NAL Trade
Source: NAL Trade/Penguin
Review by: Jenn

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....

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, it did not influence this review in any way.*

When I first got this book, it was a complete surprise. I wasn't expecting it and but I was extremely excited to read it. I hadn't read any of Samantha Young's previous work but after reading this book, I can't wait to get my hands on On Dublin Street. 

Hero follows the story of Alexa and Caine as they both battle with their past demons that still plague them. Caine is not the nicest person but Alexa can certainly stand up for herself and put him in his place. Their sexual chemistry is off. the. charts and had me fanning myself so many times. The UST between those two were so hot and when it finally came together, I was a happy girl. I couldn't wait for them to get together, hehe. Caine definitely knows how to make a girl happy.

I really enjoyed getting to know Alexa. She's very stubborn which is amusing at how much it irritated Caine. She's stands up for what she believes in and even when Caine would try to tear her down, she would stubbornly point out his flaws but at the same time see the good in him. Which is something Caine needed when he honestly believed he had no redeeming quality. I love how strong she is and how she can be so instrumental in pushing such a powerful man like Caine into seeing he is still a good person. She is also really funny and has a quality to put people instantly at ease. I loved getting to know her.

I really enjoyed this book and it was such a quick read for me. My only complaint is towards the end of the book. I don't want to give away spoilers but I will say that I feel like the "event" that happened with Alexa and how she had to be protected felt a little contrived. I could have done without that part and I feel like Alexa and Caine would have been ok without it too. Other than that, I loved this book and I feel like it was a great way to introduce me to this author's work.