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I enjoyed Hero far more than I expected. I’ve been at my limit for angst, and have a low tolerance for it, but somehow Samantha Young writes it in such a way that I’m not annoyed, instead I’m moved. I was plunged into Alexa and Caine’s romance feeling everything they experienced, profoundly, right along with them. I forgot how addictive Ms. Young’s books are, so addictive that I read Hero in one day!

When Alexa Holland meets Caine Carraway for the first time she’s surprised and stunned. Not only is he handsome, and a famous self-made millionaire, he’s someone she shares a painful connection with. Both have been hurt by the same man, Alexa’s father, but Caine doesn’t want to hear any of that. He instead lashes out and turns her life upside down. What Caine doesn’t realize is that Alexa’s is determined and she won’t go down easy.

Alexa’s persistence lands her in a position close enough for Caine to torment her on a daily basis, but it also allows her a chance to get close and correct his assumptions. Yes, she’s attracted to him, but that’s only part of what draws her. It’s a shared connection in pain, and Alexa wants to find a way to say sorry for all he’s gone through. She has no hope that Caine would ever look at her, a Holland, with desire, but boy was she wrong. They kick off on a tumultuous, passionate affair, and Alexa knows her heart is headed for a spectacular break, but oh what a ride!

I felt more connected to Alexa than Caine, which is to be expected since the story was written from her POV. She was patient with Caine, hoped for more when he promised nothing, and at times I wanted her to step up and stand up for herself. BUT that may have backfired. I don’t think Alexa would’ve wedged herself into Caine’s heart so deeply had she let her pride get in the way of her feelings for him.

I didn’t get much insight into what Caine was feeling or his motives beyond speculation on what Alexa experienced with him. But his actions spoke louder than words, and his denials of feeling more for Alexa than just a desire to screw her didn’t match his actions. His possessiveness, protectiveness, and needy desire spoke volumes and shined light on his true feelings long before his words did.

As usual with Samantha Young, she expertly twisted my emotions, sending me on happy highs and then crushing lows before delivering a dreamy happily ever after. I loved every minute!

A copy was kindly provided by NAL in exchange for an honest review.