Review: 4  stars!  Red Flags, book 1 of 2;  Secrets, lies & deceit; an über-hot, possessive & enigmatic hero in his relentless pursuit.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 23, 2012
Re-read in April 2013:I just finished re-reading Red Flags in preparation for book 2, Enlightened, the conclusion of Jason's and Cara's story.  My initial review is listed further below, but I'd like to add this:Hero: Jason Bradley/26 years/Texan/Student-heir to an oil fortune/dark brown hair/brown eyesHeroine: Cara Pinkston, aka Cars aka Pinks/21 years/Californian/Caucasian-Latin/student/brown hair/hazel eyesCara Pinkston is a sweet, kind, endearing and smart girl with a sheltered up-bringing. She attends college and plays on the softball team while sharing housing with two very over-protective and opinionated girlfriends and keeping in close contact with her family, especially her father.  It's clear that everyone around her sees her as weak and timid.  This series is very much the journey of Cara's self-discovery.Jason Bradley aka Mr. F~k Me Eyes - heir to an oil fortune - worked for his family business before returning to college (think of him as a very young 26-year-old). He is a beyond handsome, sexy, rich Southern Gentleman.  He is also entitled, mercurial, possessive, bossy and has zeroed in on Cara.Cara is in awe with his good looks and can't understand what he would see in her.  Once they go on a date Jason does everything to move them along fast; he is relentless and all-consuming in his pursuit and very, very possessive.  And Cara, though aware of the "red flags" kind of likes it:"Would he ever lighten up? Do I even want him to? In a strange way, his domineering, cavalier attitude was a bit of a turn on."There are many priceless moments of Jason being Jason:"How did you know my size?""While you were in the shower yesterday, I browsed around."......"Jason, that's not okay. You were snooping in my closet?"He looked at me incredulously "I wouldn't call it snooping. I call it doing my homework."***He was smiling and motioned for me to turn around, and as I did, he stopped me."What size shorts did you get?""A four. Why?""Maybe you should have gotten a six, those are awfully snug." He didn't take his eyes off the shorts.But Cara is also quickly learning that while Jason demands full disclosure he is evasive, tightlipped and harboring secrets.  And this series is very much being driven by this.  Jason is not a person to reason with. He is used to getting his way he is strong and domineering.  Cara tries to demand the truth on many occasions, she tries to stand up to him and she tries to find her footing in their relationship:"I slapped him hard across the face. He didn't react to it; he just closed his eyes, and leaned his head back against the headrest. Tears began to prick my eyes, and I did nothing to try and stop them. "I can't stand this," I said through the tears, "I can't stand what I've become.In addition to Jason's secrets and evasive behavior there are plenty of villains set out to stir-up drama and break them apart. The suspense of this book (even the second time around) will keep you at the edge of your seats. It's very much a roller-coaster ride as secrets are revealed, deceit is uncovered and everything comes crashing down and then to a SCREECHING halt with a very chocking cliff-hanger!The heart-breaking chock and hurt you feel from Cara! The utter panic and pain that is evident in Jason! The sheer chaos of the culmination of this book brings back to mind a statement from Jason earlier in the book:"That's only because what we have is deep. Its pain and pleasure mixed into one."Will they be able to pick up the pieces and put their lives back together? Where do they go from here? Well, I am picking up book 2, Enlightened for the conclusion of Jason's and Cara's story.***Hero rating: 5 starsHeroine rating: 4 starsSex scenes rating: 4.5 starsSex scenes frequency: 4 starsStoryline concept rating: 5 starsStorytelling skills rating: 5 starsStory ending rating: N/ABook editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4 stars****************************************Overall rating: 4.5 starsWould I recommend this series: Yes.Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.Would I read future books by this author: Yes.********************************************************************************************************************************************Read in December 2012:4  stars!  Book 1 of 2.  Excellent debut.  Another super sexy alpha male hero, this one with secrets, many, many secrets!Red Flags, a debut by C.C. Brown,  This is Book 1 and according to author's comment on GoodReads there will be a sequel.  And that is important because this book ended in a cliffhanger.  I was aware of this before reading and made the decision I was curious enough about the book as well as the author to read ahead of sequel.  This was a brilliant read and I am now anxiously awaiting Book 2 as well as more info about upcoming books by author.Brief description above is all you need to get started.  Expect to be drawn into the story right away.  The hero, Jason  (26 years/brown hair/brown eyes) is an alpha male all the way and he has secrets...  He is very possessive, and some readers were bothered by that.  I find it ties well into a dominant, controlling alpha male hero with secrets and I think once his secrets are all revealed there might be an "explanation" to his behavior.The heroine, Cara (21 years/brown hair/hazel eyes) is likeable, but it's Jason and his secrets that keep the story going.  And just like another reviewer described you will find yourself glued to the pages to find out what they are.  Some I figured out, others I didn't and some we are going to have to wait for Book 2 to know.I absolutely loved every moment of Jason's and Cara's story!  If you like the alpha male type hero such as Gideon Cross, William Honor, Gabriel Emerson, Ethan Blackstone and/or Christian Grey you will love Jason Bradley.  Red Flags is an excellent read.  Patiently awaiting more info on or rather the release of Book 2.  C.C. Brown - consider yourself "flagged" in my book of authors to follow.***Hero rating:  5 starsHeroine rating:  4 starsStory line rating:  4.5 stars******************************Overall rating:  4.5 starsWould I recommend this book: Yes.Would I re-read this book: Yes.