Review: He wears his Captain Sexypants very, very well!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2014
My rating: 4.5 out of 5Ella’s teenage years…hell, her whole childhood was no bed of roses. Her mother was looked down upon by the whole town, and as a result, Ella was tarred with the same brush. She loved her mother, but the moment she could, Ella flew the coop and left town.Jake’s life was also never easy – his father, the local publican, was an inveterate drunk and gambler. He acted out, and if not for football, his life would have slid down the same slope.When Ella’s mother passes, she returns to town only to have her life turned upside down. The discovery of a teenage half-brother and the knowledge that the town’s small-mindedness had not changed in all those years causes Ella to do something entirely out of character. She seduces Jake and walks away, thinking that is the end.But it’s not. A dodgy pub, a collection of bizarre friends and a school full of students no one cares about come together to show Ella and Jake differently.I loved this book. I’ve been looking forward to reading it since Amy mentioned that she was publishing this with Momentum. It was most definitely worth the wait.Ella and Jake’s chemistry is fantastic. Both have suffered for the sins of others, and recognise in each other a kindred spirit. Sure, they aren’t perfect, but that’s what is so wonderful about them/OK Amy, I’ve got to say WHOA! Jake is smokin’ hot! Not only because he wears his Captain Sexypants so very well, but because he gives a toss about people and despite his alpha status, he wasn’t a complete alpha-hole! There’s something pretty damn sexy about a man who is protective of the people around him, even those he doesn’t really know.I saw someone say they thought Ella was narrow-minded and emotional, but when you’ve been constantly struck back by people and their intolerance all your life, I think she’s entitled to a little emotion. I love that she defends the right of her students to have a good education, that she’s doing her best to raise her brother and that she’s managed to stay largely sane while doing it.The supporting characters in Holding Out for a Hero are magnificent. Rosie and Simon, a more different couple you couldn’t find – but oh so perfect. Cameron – he is exactly what I would expect a teenage boy who’s had a rough trot to be. Pete was wonderful, but my absolute favourites were Rosie’s aunts – everyone needs ladies like that in their life.The relationships and dialogue throughout the story always ring true, and I found myself riding the bumps right alongside them, hoping that everyone’s happy ending would arrive.Oh, and I tell you, people, I too would like to take the clippers to the hair of the teenage male of today. I cheered. Thank you for your service to the community, Jake (no matter how fictional).Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Moonlight, an imprint of Momentum Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.