• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

  • HOME
  • MY REVIEWS
    • ALL MY REVIEWS (ALPHABETICAL BY AUTHOR)
    • 5 Star Reviews
    • 4.5 Star Reviews
    • 4 Star Reviews
    • FAVORITES LISTS
    • Recommendations
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2020
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2019
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2018
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2017
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2016
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2015
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2014
    • My Top 25 for 2013
    • My Top 25 for 2012
    • My Top 25 for 2011
  • FAVORITES LISTS
  • BOOK RELEASES
  • READING ORDERS
  • IN THE MOOD FOR
    • THE ENTIRE “PICK YOUR MOOD” LIST
    • AGE GAP ROMANCE
    • A SHORT STORY
    • A SLOW BURN
    • AUDIOBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • BAD GUYS & ANTIHEROES
    • BIKER ROMANCE
    • BILLIONAIRES
    • A BROKEN HERO
    • BOSSY BULLIES
    • BROODING HEROES
    • BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND ROMANCE
    • COMEDY ROMANCE
    • CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
    • DARK READS
    • DYSTOPIAN
    • FALLING FOR A NERD
    • FANTASY ROMANCE
    • FIGHTERS – PRO & UNDERGROUND
    • FORBIDDEN LOVE
    • FRIENDS TO LOVERS
    • HISTORICAL ROMANCE
    • HORROR
    • IN LOVE W/ A CELEBRITY
    • IN LOVE W/ A DOCTOR
    • INFIDELITY
    • INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
    • JAW-DROPPING TWISTS
    • LOVE AFTER LOSS ROMANCE
    • MAFIA ROMANCE
    • MARITAL STRIFE
    • MEN IN UNIFORM
    • M/M ROMANCE
    • OFFICE ROMANCE
    • OLDER MAN/YOUNGER WOMAN
    • OLDER MAIN CHARACTERS
    • OLDER WOMAN/YOUNGER MAN
    • PARANORMAL ROMANCE
    • PERSONAL GROWTH & SURVIVAL
    • POST-APOCALYPTIC
    • PSYCH-THRILLERS
    • RECLUSIVE HEROES
    • REVERSE HAREM
    • SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
    • SINGLE DADS
    • SHELTERED HEROINES
    • STALKERS & OBSESSIVE LOVE
    • STRANDED & SURVIVAL
    • SUPER-ANGST
    • SUPER-HOT EROTICA
    • TEARJERKERS
    • UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE
    • UNREQUITED LOVE
  • EXTRAS
    • BOOK DEALS
    • HOW DO I FIND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR?
    • READER RECOMMENDATIONS
    • READER QUESTIONS
    • READER CONFESSIONS
    • WHERE DID THIS AUTHOR GO?
    • AUTHOR INTERVIEWS
    • BOOK & AUTHOR NEWS
    • MARYSE’S SURPRISE FROM HER FAVORITE BOOK BOYFRIEND’S
    • BOOK SIGNINGS
    • MY TBR LISTS
    • EDITORIALS
    • MOVIE REVIEWS
    • PRODUCT REVIEWS
      • MAKEUP & SKIN CARE REVIEWS
  • EMAIL
    • EMAIL ME :)
    • ABOUT ME
    • MARYSE’S FAQ
    • REVIEW REQUESTS
    • JOIN MY NEWSLETTER
      • MY NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
    • MY RSS FEED
      • JOIN MY RSS FEED
You are here: Home / My Book Reviews / Book Review – Hero by Leighton Del Mia

Book Review – Hero by Leighton Del Mia

March 2, 2014 By Maryse 4 Comments

Hero
This book finished off my “dark-read” week (it was a bit of an impromptu marathon), and I’m not gonna lie… it was a bit rough on me (the week, that is. Not this book). πŸ˜‰ These definitely weighed BIG time on my heart (and not in a fluffy way). After my impromptu “rom-com” marathon last week, this really mixed things up. Gah. What a difference! But I can’t help being drawn to the creepy “love” stories, so I indulged my dark side.

Mind you, this was the lighter side of a dark-read, but still had some… er… unredeemable? stuff going on. He had so much hero potential (meaning… maybe he’s a hero. Or maybe not). Yep. Despite the completely rude “kidnappy” circumstances the heroine found herself in, I got where he was coming from. I understood (not approved, but understood) why he made such a rash decision. I got why he took away all of her choices (and pretty much changed her “normal” life as it was).

But “Hero” had a serious dark side, and his urges creeped me out. For such a seemingly (<— keyword!) generous, benevolent person, with good honorable intentions, he was a bit… er… rapey?<—- Eeeep!Β I hate using that word when he might potentially be β€œpart-hero”, but hey!Β I’m calling a spade a spade. The sex scenes, no matter what dark-read I’m reading, always squig me out. This oneΒ felt like a modern-day “bodice ripper” and with his super-dark urges, I likened him in the early stages to “a good mix of superhero-human/Dexter”.Β Of course there are no bodices here, but you get the idea… eek

“What are you?” he wheezes.

“I’m a predator,” I say, my voice unnaturally deep. “I target, and I kill. You mistook me for a hero.”

I LOVED that line!!! ‘Cause all the while, he kept me guessing. This guy could go from hero to bad guy in 2 seconds flat. From needing to protect, to needing to kill…

So what’s it about?

“Hero” is kind of a… superhero of sorts. You know… the usual “superhero” stuff. He’s masked and has a protective costume, he’s a vigilante, taking down the scourge of the city. He’s wanted by the police (’cause he’s taking justice in his own hands) and he’s loved by the media and public. Is he human? Does he have superpowers? Who is he, exactly? Nobody knows… and he’s bound and determined to keep it that way.

But his cover is hanging by a tentative thread when he “rescues” the heroine (that he’s been stalking), from a bad guy (she’s out cold by this point, so she has no idea what’s going on). But instead of handling the bad guy, and letting her go… he decides to KEEP her!

Brings her back to his lair (you know, your typical superhero mansion with waitstaff and all), locks her in her own luxurious room, and instructs the staff to be at her beck and call. She’s living in luxury and treated like a queen, but… not by her choice.

“Why you?” he asks. “That’s what you want to know, isn’t it?”

I nod breathlessly.

His head slants to the side. “I often ask myself the same thing. Why you?”

Sounds awesome except for the kidnapping part. That is… unless you’re a dark-read lover like me. Then it becomes a thriller! And it’s even scarier for her since she has NO idea who kidnapped her, and is praying “Hero” will save her. <— Whoa. Poor thing has no idea what’s coming.

And I’m going to leave it there. The rest is in the discovery, the realizations, and the twists. And the answer in regards to who “Hero” really is, and why he did what he did.Β confused

I was really into the first half (the kidnap circumstances always have me on edge). And while I enjoyed the book as a whole (IΒ liked the writing style, internal monologues and descriptive qualities), I stopped and started it often in the last half. The first half had me. The second half felt a bit drawn out and overly somber. I know it’s a “dark read” so dark is to be expected… but heavy and sedate ruled the ambiance throughout the entire journey.

At first I was super excited ’cause I thought he was a police officer or that kind of hero, that kind of went off his rocker for one girl. I like a more “relatable” life-circumstance in my love stories, so I was a bit taken aback when I realized we were actually dealing with a more “comic book” type of superhero.Β I’m not usually big on that. Except for Ironman. I have a crush on him. lolΒ Out of uniform. Cocky much? rolleyesΒ Love that!

Still though. An overall good read, with an interesting take on a “dark” love story!Β I read β€˜em for the psychological thriller aspect, and always have that weird hope that emotion and maybe even healing might shine through, but yep. I’m gonna need a happy, go-lucky rom-com, or a Kristen Ashley sweet/bossy alpha for SURE after this.

3.5 stars!

P.S. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy!

Filed Under: My Book Reviews Tagged With: 3.5 stars, dark read

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
4 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Amy
Amy
7 years ago

Heh, I’m living vicariously through you for a while with the dark reads, even a mild one like this. Courtesan messed me up. Messed. Me. Up. Forget the ovaries, that was a full-on punch in the baby maker.

The Fantasyland guys are a sure bet. They are all swoony, but Lahn will *always* be my favorite. *wiping away the drool* πŸ˜›

Reply
Michelle Seguin
Michelle Seguin
Reply to  Amy
1 year ago

Who is the author for Courtesan?

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
7 years ago

Amy!!! I LOVE Lahn!!

And I’m on a dark-read hiatus… at least for now. Going back to my tried and true alpha-jerks. I mean alpha males. πŸ˜‰ LOL!!!!!

I just finished book #1 in the Kathleen Turner series and it was good! I can’t wait to move on to #2.

Reply
Amy
Amy
7 years ago

Nah, you had it right with alpha-jerks – but we wouldn’t want them any other way, now would we? πŸ˜‰ Oh man, Lahn. *fanning myself* I *know* you would, ahem, “cuddle” with him, LOL!!!

I’m starting The Plan now. You know how when you are hungover and puking (hold your tongues, peanut gallery) and the thought of alcohol makes you feel physically sick? That’s how I am with dark reads like Hero right now. *squirming while my tummy clenches* Sounds like you’re going to have fun with the KT series though!

Reply

Primary Sidebar

My Facebook Page

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Maryse's Book Blog
3 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Looking for something to read?

What about these (in the first comment):
... See MoreSee Less

View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 4

Comment on Facebook

In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn...you will throw your book/kindle and cry at times, but it was so so good.

I cannot see the first comment

Maryse's Book Blog first comment isn’t showing!

Maryse's Book Blog
4 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

AGE GAP ALERT!! CHELSEA RECOMMENDS THIS ONE!

Chelsea: Just finished a book that I really liked and thought I would recommend it to you. Beautiful Monster by Sara Cate. It is an age gap, angsty romance. Super hot!!!

#AmazonAffiliate #CommissionsEarned #bookrelease #agegapromance

AMAZON US: amzn.to/2NYlMYc
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/38aFCWH
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/2PEsi6M
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/3qgsRjT
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Beautiful Monster: a standalone age-gap romance (Beautiful Series)

amzn.to

Beautiful Monster: a standalone age-gap romance (Beautiful Series)
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Maryse's Book Blog
5 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

READER QUESTION SOLVED!! This was the question: The book about the Hero who is married but is in love with her younger sister…

(P.S. I posted the actual reader question post, in the first comment:)

#AmazonAffiliate #CommissionsEarned #readerquestionsolved

...and THIS is the answer.

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3e9QWX7
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/3sSxYrZ
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/3ea2QQR
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/2PuQNTK
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

VLAD (The V Games Book 1)

amzn.to

VLAD (The V Games Book 1)
View Comments
  • Likes: 5
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 3

Comment on Facebook

Looks good!!! Grabbed them

Lynn H Kelsey Esposito

Maryse's Book Blog
5 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

READER QUESTION SOLVED!! This was the question: The series where he buys her a bed and throws away her old one and she’s livid!

(P.S. I posted the actual reader question post, in the first comment:)

...and THIS is the answer.

#amazonaffiliate #CommissionsEarned #readerquestionsolved

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3sU7iHr
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/2O79ZGL
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/3uVOJV3
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/3rpoYKH
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Now Or Never (Irresistible)

amzn.to

Now Or Never (Irresistible)
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-series-where-he-buys-her-a-bed-and-throws-awa...

Maryse's Book Blog
9 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Does anyone have a guess for this one?

Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…

... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Reader Question - The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her... - Maryse's Book Blog

www.maryse.net

Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…March 5, 2021 By Maryse Leave a CommentKrista needs our book help! Ahhhhh I love the sound of this. A secret crush, and he goes out of his way to just catch a glimpse and OMG MY HEART!!!Sh...
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Load more

About Me

Reading is my favorite! I love blogging about books, reviewing them, making "favorites lists" & reading order guides, & hearing your own 5-star recommendations to add to my TBR list! I love our virtual book club!Β πŸ˜€ Β [more about me]

Recent Posts

  • Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • Reader Question – The book about the CEO & the single mom that meet in a cafe and she needs a job…
  • Reader Question… Solved! The reverse harem book about the online tutor that didn’t realize “he” was actually three different guys…
  • Reader Question… Solved! The series where he buys her a bed and throws away her old one and she’s livid!

QUICK LINKS:

βž” Book & Author News
βž” Latest Book Releases
βž” Maryse’s Book Blog FAQ
βž” Upcoming Book Releases
βž” My 5-Star Favorites
βž” My 4.5-Star Favorites
βž” My 4-Star Favorites
βž” All My Reviews
βž” Book Recommendations
βž” Reader Questions
βž” Reader Confessions
βž” Author Interviews & Tidbits

βž” Makeup & Skincare Chat
βž” Our Recipes & Kitchen Tools

BEST OF THE YEAR:

βž” My Best Books of 2020
βž” My Best Books of 2019
βž” My Best Books of 2018
βž” My Best Books of 2017
βž” My Best Books of 2016
βž” My Best Books of 2015
βž” My Best Books of 2014
βž” My Best Books of 2013
βž” My Best Books of 2012
βž” My Best Books of 2011

READER RECOMMENDATIONS:

βž” Books that stayed with you
βž” Unrequited Love Books
βž” Infidelity in Romance
βž” What to read after…
βž” Broken Book Boyfriends
βž” Slow Burn Romance
βž” RisquΓ© & Forbidden Love
βž” Comedy Romance
βž” Favorite Audiobooks
βž” Authors’ Favorite Books
βž” Readers’ Top 2015 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2016 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2017 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2018 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2019 Favs
βž” Readers’ Top 2020 Favs

βž” All Our Favorites Lists

IN THE MOOD TO READ:

βž” Super-Angst?
βž” a Tearjerker?
βž” Unconventional Love?
βž” Love After Loss?
βž” Books w/ a Pregnancy?
βž” Friends to Lovers?
βž” Forbidden Love?
βž” Falling for a Celebrity?
βž” Men in Uniform?
βž” Gritty Biker Romance?
βž” Marital Strife?
βž” Unrequited Love?
βž” Mafia Romance?
βž” Barbarian Warlords?
βž” Arranged Marriage?
βž” Bossy Bullies?
βž” Older Main Characters?
βž” Comedy Romance?
βž” Office Romance?
βž” Second Chance Romance?
βž” Psych-thrillers?
βž” Historical Romance?
βž” Interracial Romance?
βž” Older Man/Younger Girl?
βž” Older Woman/Younger Man?
βž” Age Gap Romance?
βž” Audiobooks?
βž” Reverse Harem?
βž” A Broken Hero?
βž” A Short Story?
βž” Brother’s Best Friend?
βž” M/M Romance?
βž” Reclusive Heroes?
βž” A Nerdy Character?
βž” Fantasy Romance?
βž” Urban Fantasy?
βž” Paranormal Romance?
βž” Vampires?
βž” Shifters?
βž” Witches?
βž” Time Travel?
βž” Stalkers & Obsessive Love?
βž” What to read after…?
βž” Christmas Romance?

βž” The ENTIRE “What Are You In The Mood To Read?” Genre List

Recent Comments

  • Tasha J on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • Jan on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • LaLa on Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Val on Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Tasha J on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021

Archives

  • March 2021 (8)
  • February 2021 (48)
  • January 2021 (46)
  • December 2020 (58)
  • November 2020 (46)
  • October 2020 (60)
  • September 2020 (60)
  • August 2020 (49)
  • July 2020 (59)
  • June 2020 (62)
  • May 2020 (56)
  • April 2020 (61)
  • March 2020 (46)
  • February 2020 (50)
  • January 2020 (62)
  • December 2019 (48)
  • November 2019 (43)
  • October 2019 (53)
  • September 2019 (47)
  • August 2019 (48)
  • July 2019 (53)
  • June 2019 (50)
  • May 2019 (54)
  • April 2019 (47)
  • March 2019 (56)
  • February 2019 (40)
  • January 2019 (57)
  • December 2018 (41)
  • November 2018 (44)
  • October 2018 (47)
  • September 2018 (46)
  • August 2018 (44)
  • July 2018 (48)
  • June 2018 (45)
  • May 2018 (47)
  • April 2018 (45)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (44)
  • January 2018 (45)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (40)
  • October 2017 (42)
  • September 2017 (41)
  • August 2017 (43)
  • July 2017 (52)
  • June 2017 (42)
  • May 2017 (45)
  • April 2017 (41)
  • March 2017 (55)
  • February 2017 (48)
  • January 2017 (59)
  • December 2016 (44)
  • November 2016 (45)
  • October 2016 (60)
  • September 2016 (53)
  • August 2016 (50)
  • July 2016 (58)
  • June 2016 (57)
  • May 2016 (54)
  • April 2016 (56)
  • March 2016 (55)
  • February 2016 (51)
  • January 2016 (60)
  • December 2015 (51)
  • November 2015 (44)
  • October 2015 (64)
  • September 2015 (59)
  • August 2015 (59)
  • July 2015 (59)
  • June 2015 (56)
  • May 2015 (60)
  • April 2015 (56)
  • March 2015 (54)
  • February 2015 (50)
  • January 2015 (50)
  • December 2014 (45)
  • November 2014 (47)
  • October 2014 (50)
  • September 2014 (39)
  • August 2014 (51)
  • July 2014 (47)
  • June 2014 (61)
  • May 2014 (47)
  • April 2014 (40)
  • March 2014 (46)
  • February 2014 (41)
  • January 2014 (50)
  • December 2013 (66)
  • November 2013 (50)
  • October 2013 (61)
  • September 2013 (49)
  • August 2013 (61)
  • July 2013 (56)
  • June 2013 (50)
  • May 2013 (51)
  • April 2013 (49)
  • March 2013 (59)
  • February 2013 (61)
  • January 2013 (49)
  • December 2012 (66)
  • November 2012 (48)
  • October 2012 (49)
  • September 2012 (44)
  • August 2012 (51)
  • July 2012 (48)
  • June 2012 (41)
  • May 2012 (40)
  • April 2012 (42)
  • March 2012 (39)
  • February 2012 (29)
  • January 2012 (37)
  • December 2011 (41)
  • November 2011 (41)
  • October 2011 (45)
  • September 2011 (30)
  • August 2011 (37)
  • July 2011 (35)
  • June 2011 (29)
  • May 2011 (28)
  • April 2011 (40)
  • March 2011 (39)
  • February 2011 (40)
  • January 2011 (29)
  • December 2010 (29)
  • November 2010 (36)
  • October 2010 (31)
  • September 2010 (31)
  • August 2010 (22)
  • July 2010 (14)
  • June 2010 (14)
  • May 2010 (18)
  • April 2010 (21)
  • March 2010 (15)
  • February 2010 (14)
  • January 2010 (19)
  • December 2009 (14)
  • November 2009 (14)
  • October 2009 (25)
  • September 2009 (10)
  • August 2009 (22)
  • July 2009 (10)
  • June 2009 (35)
  • May 2009 (33)
  • April 2009 (49)
  • March 2009 (41)
  • February 2009 (5)

Tags

3.5 stars 4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars age gap alpha males bad boys bikers billionaires bossy bullies celebrity romance cheating comedy romance contemporary romance dark read dark romance fighters forbidden love giveaway infidelity kidnapped love triangle mafia marital strife men in uniform motorcycle club new adult paranormal romance pregnancy psych-thriller psychological thriller reader favorites reader question reader recommendations rock stars second chance romance shifters solved sports stars super-angsty unrequited love unsolved urban fantasy vampires YA

Contact Me | About Maryse | Privacy Policy | Β© 2020 Maryse.net - Maryse's Book Blog |
I am part of the Amazon affiliate program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other than potential affiliate link commissions, I receive no compensation for reviews. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

X
Welcome, book friends! My posts include affiliate links meaning I may earn commissions from Amazon or other companies for qualifying purchases. All opinions I've expressed are my own. ❀️