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 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 … 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….
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I love books like this. Lots of conflicts, high emotions, and undeniable attraction.
This book is a a stand-alone, which makes it a little different from her On Dublin Street series most of her fans are used to. It’s a light read. Loved the story and the chemistry between the characters, love her complex men and her strong, fearless women who fight for them. Samantha Young is one of my favorite authors and this book only confirms that.
So let’s just say that this book was one that my checkout from the library expired when I was at a VERY important point in the story, at 75%. It was almost a whole month before I got it back to finish listening to. It expired right before I went to Apollycon and got to see the author for the second time. Once again you have the “secret” that one wants to keep and the other doesn’t, which is something in a lot of stories for drama, but in real life I don’t think would happen. But I loved so much about the book. Once again Young writes wonderful characters, especially the side characters sometimes. In this case it was Caine’s neighbor Effie. I loved her so much! And then to have the characters that you felt you loved turn out to be the ones in the end that weren’t the ones you should love, so much drama and emotion, and another wonderful book from Samantha Young.
The sins of the parents…5++ stars!
Samantha Young delivers a richly intricate story that is complicated and intriguing. It is a seductive and sexy plotline with flawed characters and scenes that are intensely emotional.
Caine Carraway and Alex Holland’s lives are intertwined by the reckless affair each of their parents made leaving a path of destruction and deep grooves of hurtfulness. That leads to Caine being orphaned at the young age of thirteen and put into foster care. He beat the odds and became a successful and rich businessman, owning Carraway Financial Holdings. OMG. His past holds secrets which, because of it, he feels undeserving of love or any relationship. My heart really hurt for Caine, he is a complex mix of confidence and insecurity. He is ashamed of what his ambition had led him to do.
Alexa Holland withstood the betrayal of her father. The Holland name is tied to power, money, and scandal. But Alexa’s complicated family history forces her to live away from that limelight, only agreeing to clandestine meetings with her grandfather who insists she can’t be claimed publicly.
When her path meets with Caine, it’s combustible. Though there is chemistry, their relationship is complicated when he hires her as his PA. She agrees to a no-strings-attached affair with Caine. But secretly wants more.
There is so much to this story, but I loved every word and the twists and revelations are mind-blowing. Caine and Alexa fall for each other, but Caine believes Alexa is deserving of better. He can’t be the hero she is looking for. Meanwhile, Alexa is terrified of making the same mistakes as her mother. But when Alexa is attacked Caine’s protectiveness comes through. You won’t want to miss this must-read romantic story that is complex in plot, emotional and sexy. Ms. Young did a great job.
Love this series!
+10*****
Alexa and Caine are making amends and it’s one oh so steamy proposition. Alexa’s life wasn’t what she thought it was. Her father turned out not to be just an absentee dad but whole secret life having dad. Turns out she and her mother where his second family and if that wasn’t bad enough he only finally came to them hat in hand because his family disinherited him after a terrible would be scandal. After her mother’s untimely death she is just done with the man she cannot believe. When confronted with some of the collateral damage of her father’s choices Lexie is compelled to apologise. Caine Carraway’s life was destroyed by her father’s careless indiscretions. But the man his less than receptive to Lexie. He wants nothing to do with anyone with the surname Holland. After getting her fired and blackballed Lexie is left with few options but to ask the man who hates her to at least not punish the daughter for the sins of the father. Caine it seems comes up with a more devious plan, when he fails to secure her job back, he offers her a job as his PA. Masochist Lexie accepts and finds out that working for Mr. Carraway is every bit as patience testing as she would have thought. The only bright spot is Effie, Caine’s eccentric and loving neighbor. With Effie, her bestie Rachel, and her secret but still loving relationship with her grandfather she at least had some people to vent to about her gruff boss. When she is invited to a society event by Caine’s best friend Henry Lexington, it drives Caine nuts and makes Lex feel great so naturally she agrees. This is the catalyst needed to explode the lid off the tension bomb that had been ticking but that has been ignored. Caine for some reason is set on maintaining wall that keeps people out and until he starts taking it down Lexie won’t make their affair public. Love is a choice that you make but sometimes destiny helps with a little push.
I loved this so much! Seriously excellent story from beginning to end! Excellent characters, perfect pace and build. Loved it! A must read!
I loved it!
Right out of the gate, I liked Alexa. Henry was totally my favorite male, and I secretly hoped they would hook up, even though I knew he wasn’t the intended. The developments of the characters were great (and for Caine’s sake, a relief). It’s a well-written book – strong 1st person, it flows nicely from one page to the next, and the storyline is executed just as finely. I didn’t feel like there was anything that wasn’t tied up by the end of the story.
On the contrast, there was absolutely nothing about this novel that made it stand out from any other romance novel. Caine starts as a douche bag, which made it hard for me to get into the love interest, the very romance of the book.
I don’t read too many all human, straight up romance novels. While I enjoyed the book overall and read through it quickly once I was able to sit down and get to it, it didn’t make me want to run out and grab another romance.