Cynthia Rutledge

This review is for Nobody’s Hero , author Laura Trentham’s entry in Rescued : A Collection of Contemporary Romances with Heart, Heat and Dog Treats.

Nobody’s Hero is just what you would expect from talented author Laura Trentham: an intriguing plot populated with sweet, sexy characters (whether they realize it or not) that you can’t help but love, a story that draws you in and makes you feel warm and comfy. And add in a dog? It’s a winner.

Clayton is a good guy. Not just a good guy, show more a capable, considerate, romantic, and oh-so-handsome-it-makes-you-swoon good guy, who has a big soft spot for stray dogs. Some bad choices and bad breaks have him on the fringe of Cottonbloom’s accepted society, trying to ease the suspicion so many have of him. His soft spot suddenly extends to women who are beautiful but shy, introverted, and repeatedly undervalue themselves with self-doubt. Namely Maggie. Turns out Maggie has had a secret thing for Clayton for a while now. Also turns out that Maggie has another secret – she’s a successful romance author. She doesn’t really want either of those secrets to get out, but when she and Clayton come together to care for that stray dog, sparks fly, secrets and feelings are revealed, and we’re well on our way to that HEA we love so much.

Author Trentham packs a lot into this novella. The characters are well-drawn and have depth, and the plot moves along at a brisk, fun pace, filled with humor, sweetness and heat. Trentham’s stories always make you feel warm and satisfied and Nobody’s Hero is no exception. Thanks to the author for an advance copy in exchange for my reading pleasure and honest review. I loved it and look forward to reading the rest of the stories in what promises to be a delightful collection of dog tales. All opinions are my own. show less

Very good book. I really liked both Michelle and Gabe. There was an immediate attraction between the two but both had been hurt in the past and were intent on protecting their hearts. Michelle had been married to a man with two teenaged daughters. She really liked the girls and wanted to be a mother to them, but they were very resistant and had been unbelievably rude and hostile to her. Her ex-husband hadn't been any help. So she was determined that she would never get involved with a man show more who had kids again. But when she met Gabe it was hard to remember that vow. She fought the attraction, but living next door to him and his daughter and having many of the same friends put them in frequent contact with each other. She also found herself growing closer to Finley and liking her a lot. She and Gabe found their attraction too hard to resist, but agreed that neither wanted a relationship so they would indulge themselves without expectations. Of course their feelings didn't pay attention to that decision. Michelle was still very wary of involvement but frequently found herself dreaming of what might be. I really loved seeing Michelle begin to get over her fear of falling for a man with a child. She had so much love to give and she was really good with Finley. I really liked the way that she stepped in at the end.

Gabe had become a single father at the age of eighteen. Finley's mother hadn't wanted to be a mother at all and deserted them both when Finley was two months old. Gabe gave up everything to be her father for real and made sure that he never got involved with someone who didn't fully accept that he and Finley were a package deal. I really loved the relationship that the two of them had. He was a firm but loving dad and it was easy to see the love they shared. When Gabe met Michelle he was interested in her but not ready for a relationship yet. He wanted to get settled into his job and new life before taking that step. They quickly became friends but the attraction grew quickly too. I liked the way he said he would be fine with the arrangement that they had but that he soon realized it wasn't enough for him.

Finley was a typical teenager in some ways. She had a fantastic relationship with her dad, but she also had some self worth issues because of her mother's actions. She too had a need to protect herself and her father which is why she did some of the things she did. It was heartbreaking at times to see the way she felt. show less

This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the complexities of Sam & Marcee’s characters & the sexiness of their first encounter. The one night stand that created feelings that continued to haunt both of them. The quirk of fate that had Marcee returning home to take care of her brother, Camden & it being the same small town that Sam & his daughter, Fern, had relocated to. The fact that Sam’s daughter & Marcee already know each other. Both Sam & Marcee had to learn that show more you need to really look into a person to see what they are like & not take things at surface value. The story gave an accurate reflection of small town life & the local gossips & busybodies. This was an excellent story & I hope to read more of the same from Ms. Kirk. show less

Fun story of opposites attracting. Tim is a doctor and a single dad. His wife died several years earlier and he is determined to concentrate on raising his daughters. When he fills in for a sick colleague at a bachelor auction, he's concerned that he won't do well, since he's older than the other bachelors. He's relieved to see his friend Cassidy, where she is doing the hair and makeup for the bachelorettes. He expresses his concerns and she offers to bid herself if it's needed.

Cassidy owns show more a popular salon and loves what she does. She's always been determined to live her life her way. She likes Tim a lot, even had a crush on him when they were in school. She's happy to relieve his fears about the auction, and surprises herself when she decides to bid on him for real. I really liked Cassidy. She has a style all her own and isn't afraid to display it. She also has made an excellent life for herself, overcoming the issues of her childhood to do it. I loved seeing the way she also gives back to the community, trying to help kids like she had been.

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Tim and Cassidy. They seem like such different people at the start. Cassidy is fun loving and the date she takes Tim on is an eye opener for him. Once he stopped comparing Cassidy to his late wife he really relaxed and started having a good time. Both were surprised by the attraction they felt for each other. Because he doesn't plan to get involved with anyone until the girls are older, Tim tries to resist the attraction, but he can't stop thinking about how much fun he has with her, and gives in to the urge to see her again. Cassidy knows he's not interested in anything permanent, but can't resist spending time with him. At one point their attraction gets the better of their intentions, but then they back off from each other.

Then Cassidy discovers she's pregnant. She panics because she doesn't think she has the ability to be a good mother because of her background. When she tells Tim he immediately proposes marriage, because it's the right thing to do. But Cassidy doesn't want marriage without love and turns him down, though agrees that they need to get to know each other better for the sake of the baby. Tim doesn't give up on his plan to marry Cassidy, but keeps quiet about it. Instead he just insists on dating. I loved their dates and seeing how well they really suit each other. I really liked seeing how Tim liked Cassidy for who she was, and didn't think her past was a detriment. I also loved seeing him loosen up and get less concerned with appearances. Cassidy's feelings for Tim continued to grow, but she didn't think love was possible.

As they continue seeing each other, both have some issues to overcome. Tim has had little confidence in his ability to balance his work and family, thanks to the attitude of his late wife. It takes him awhile to see that Cassidy is very different. He is also fighting the disapproval of his mother, who doesn't think Cassidy is good enough for him. I loved the way that Tim always came out on Cassidy's side and made sure his mom understood that he wouldn't put up with her attitude. Cassidy's biggest fear is that she will be a terrible mother because of the example set by her own mother. I loved seeing her with Tim's girls and how terrific she was with them. She was a great counterbalance to their grandmother's uptight attitude. I really loved the things they did the afternoon she watched them, and how it showed what a great mom she could be. It was great to see how Tim's confidence in her finally showed her what she could do, I loved Tim's big moment at the end - it was absolutely perfect, and the epilogue was great! show less