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Red Flags #1

Red Flags

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Cara Pinkston, a 21 year old San Diego native, wants nothing more than to complete her final semester of college quietly and peacefully. A normally focused and reserved student, she becomes flustered after meeting her incredibly good-looking and wealthy classmate, Jason Bradley.
Jason wants Cara, and pursues her aggressively. A reluctant Cara gives in to him and is thrust into a fast paced, emotionally charged, roller coaster relationship. She has to decide if the flutters she feels are blissful butterflies or warning signs. Will Cara follow her lustful heart, or will she pay attention to the Red Flags?

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2012

20 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read

About the author

C.C. Brown

7 books603 followers
Just a book reading, writing loving, mommy and USMC wife! :)

I love to write, even if it isn't what is conventional and makes everyone feel giddy inside. I usually pull from dreams, or ideas that just thrust themselves into my head. I have what some would describe as a dry sense of humor, and I think its conveyed in my writing. I like to think I am a kick ass chick, but I can also be sensitive. I'm learning to grow thick skin, and in this field, it is definitely needed!
I won't put anything out that I am not absolutely proud of, but like E.L. James said, "I can't own people's reactions to it." Thanks for reading my work... I do appreciate it!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
March 20, 2018
★★★★1/2! Red Flags, book 1 of 2; A story of secrets, lies & deceit with an über-hot, possessive, bossy & enigmatic heir / college student in his relentless pursuit of a small-town girl.

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 eyes
Heroine: Cara Pinkston, aka Cars aka Pinks/21 years/Californian/Caucasian-Latin/student/brown hair/hazel eyes


Cara 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~ck 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 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


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Read in December 2012:

★★★★1/2! 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 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Story line rating: 4.5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Profile Image for Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~.
497 reviews182 followers
December 12, 2012

*Im going to rant (it seems that's all I'm good for these days - possible spoilers, but I'm going to try and keep them to a minimum


my god, this book gave me a massive headache. I can't say I liked it, but as someone pointed out, if you cared enough to yell at the book, it deserves at least three stars. So since I pretty much did nothing but yell at the book, that's where I'm at.

I pretty much hated the "hero" and "heroine" every minute - and disliked almost all the other characters at one point or another.

The books starts with Jason pretty much stalking Cara in class until she will talk to him. She gets a bad vibe from him, so she has been blowing him off. Why she didn't stick to this, I don't have a clue - if there is a lesson in here, it's go with your first instinct.

I dont get it at all

Jason is pretty much a huge douche from beginning to end.

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He is scary possessive, and treats Cara like crap, and then tells her she is over reacting. I'm not saying he never does anything nice, but frankly, I was waiting the whole book for him to haul off and hit her - he was the classic picture of an abuser.



Why does Cara put up with it? My only possible answer is
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There is also a huge mystery surrounding Jason's brother - who he hates with a passion. Which leads you to the fun cliffhanger at the end.


This book is pretty much one non-stop drama fest from beginning to end, culminating with the biggest drama-fest, secret reveal cliffhanger at the end. I'm probably curious enough to read the next book, but not unless I have a whole bunch of Advil on hand.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,611 reviews109 followers
February 1, 2013
Ugh, this book. Where do I start?? I hate giving negative reviews, but some things need to be said.

This book is about a 21 year old college student Cara. She meets the” beautiful and rich” Jason in class. The plot is that Cara and Jason met, have sex and fall in love. Jason has a ton of secrets that involve his family and previous relationships. Jason is supposed to be rich, hot and controlling alpha, but he just comes off as creepy and not sexy at all. And I am a BIG fan of rich and controlling alphas. Jason left me screaming to Cara to run and hide. Jason almost appeared like serial “something” with the way he would act. If I was Cara, I would be checking America’s Most Wanted.

The first day they met and go back to her apartment, he is already getting jealous and looking through her closet. Then the next day he is grabbing and keeping her phone from her and telling her not to go out with her friends. I know there are other books where the alpha male takes control immediately in the relationship, but everything that Jason did was felt wrong. Maybe it felt wrong since Cara was in college. I can’t put my finger on it. It felt strange and this is coming from me who practically loves every book that has a controlling, rich alpha male. I seek those books out. I first thought all of Jason’s actions were wrong because of Cara’s age, but I loved 50 Shades and Anastasia was young in that book, yet that relationship did not bother me.

Their whole relationship was a complete turn off. Jason needs some serious help. This book should be used as an example in high school and college of things to watch out for and not seek in a boyfriend. If you boyfriend shows any of these behaviors…leave immediately.

I usually love drama in a story, but this one left a bad taste in my mouth.

-Did I skim? Yes, most of the middle. You will find out everything you need to know about the plot in the last 10%.
-Did I feel connected to the characters? I felt bad for Cara. She was blinded apparently by Jason’s “hotness” to notice that he was a nut-case.
-Will I read a sequel if there is one? I am assuming there will be one with that ending, but I am going to pass.
-Ending/Cliffhanger: I was disappointed that I had to find out in the last 2 pages what all of Jason’s secrets and those secrets would make me run even faster.
Profile Image for ~♡AB♡~.
986 reviews681 followers
Read
April 27, 2013
DNF I couldn't be bothered to read past 32%, Jason was a control freak and didn't have any redeeming qualities whatsoever. He wasn't even remotely sexy. Cara was just a complete doormat. I've got better books to read, so I will.
Profile Image for Cynjin.
65 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2012
Got three words for you: Hor. Ri. Ble. More? Sheer awfulness. Stupefying. I totally and completely hated this book - hated it!

Deep breath - I'm only touching on the first 6% of the book. That's right - first frickin' 6% of this book. How do you walk home with a guy after he was all ready to put somebody down to the ground after meeting your guy friend and making assumptions? What rights does he have yet - you only just exchanged your names?? How do you then sleep with a guy within hours of just talking to him, after spending a semester avoiding him, avoiding him because he was giving you 'red flags'? How do you do it in an apartment full of people, who are low class enough that after you finish, loudly, they're catcalling and yelling through the walls? To cap this lovely first encounter off, he goes ape, again, over another guy until explanations are provided, again, as to who this guy is coming to your apartment (roommate's bf); calls a cap, abruptly and rudely, to the evening the roommates are having (hello, he's the new guy to everyone, and he's making decisions for the h?); and finally, doesn't stay the night with her, because that wouldn't be gentlemanly??? Okay to 'sleep' with on the first day they actually talk, but not okay to sleep with? Whatever.

This is all within the first chapter and half of the second one - there's 18.5 more to go. It. Just. Gets. Worse. And, it was such a lie, too! I mean, I guess, we're not about to read a story about an H who hits a woman, because then he'd be the villian. But this guy was absolutely the type: controlling, lying by ommission, in addition to being secretive (in addition!), uncaring and callous, all the while telling her not to be those things, and calling her his gf! He would swear, she would swear - and he would tell her to watch her mouth, it's not ladylike! Ugh - this was just a stupid book in the worse kind of way! I hated him, I hated her - wish he had hit her, cuz she would have found a way to excuse that too! - I hated their friends...I hated everything about this book!

To top it off, wait for it: Installment book! Yes, this POC is not done, there is another book (probably two, the way things go nowadays) to pick up right where we left the h blubbering yet again about what misery the H has put her in. Don't. Care. They can all go to whatever toxic he!! bad characters belong.

And yet, kudos to the author, right? Because I seriously hated this book - that means she did something right. Right? Cuz the truth is, I don't want to care, but I have to know. So...I guess that makes this book...amazing! LOL
Profile Image for Maribel Rossello.
26 reviews16 followers
December 29, 2012
Are you KIDDING me right NOW!?! I am totally flabbergasted. Red Flags by C.C. Brown was cute, fun, steamy, and SCANDALOUS!!

I love the way C.C. Brown is so descriptive! I really felt like I was in each scene, yes, even the hawt ones *winks* This was a super easy story to get engulfed in, and it kept you on your toes, for sure.

Now, I will say that the way Jason and Cara got together was definitely something out of a movie, or maybe if you believe in "love" at first sight. I was a little taken back with their first encounter, but it made sense and the events to follow really do spin off that pivotal moment.

Jason is really in a league all his own, I really had a love/hate relationship with him. I want to love him, but he can really be a ROYAL pain in the ass. I know that he means well, and really loves Cara..... or does he? His sweet gestures, his All-American boy smile, and his Adonis like body really take him a long way... I'm tell you, you will love to hate him and hate to love him... no doubt.

This is totally a must read, you want a whirl-wind, something that you have to really try to wrap your head around... this is your next book!
Can't wait for the second book, I have to know what's in store for Jason and Cara.
Profile Image for Alpha Possessive Heroes.
482 reviews865 followers
April 16, 2013
This has been release last year, but I found out the book ends up in a cliffhanger so I hold it off. The second book just came out few days ago... so I can finally read the whole damn series! Someone mentioned this in amazon forum having a crazy possessive hero... and oh boy! They were not kidding! Jason is controlling, possessive, crazy and a freak. lol.

Red Flags is about a college girl named Cara. She meets Jason in class.. the Mr. Fuck Me Eyes. He's beautiful, heir to oil rich company and mysterious. Both are attracted to each other.. eventho Cara have this instinct that Jason is trouble, she ignored it and have a relationship with him.. and soon fell in love.

Okay, Cara... she's your typical quiet, shy and reserved heroine. To be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with her. She's weak, whiny, doormat, no backbone and kinda stupid. Jason will tell her to sleep and she goes to sleep. Jason tells her to put a bikini.. oh, she'll put the bikini! For a girl who is shy it boggles my mind that she had sex with him right away. I was expecting a little resistance from her. (but heck! I guess I couldn't blame her. If Jason seduced me I would prolly put down my panties too!) lol

Jason on the other hand...whew! I do love my possessive heroes, but damn this guy is way beyond possessive! He's rude, obnoxious, controlling, crazy possessive and for some freakish reason it just turns me on! He's a broken soul and have some issues... okay a lot of issues that when everything came out, I was shocked and my mind was screaming O.M.G!!!

I just want to warn everyone that this is not your typical, bad boy meets heroine theme... this is an emotional roller coaster, drama fest that you wouldn't be able to put it down. This will keep you at the edge of your seat! I love it and highly recommend this book! I stayed up until 2am to finish this and now I'm off to read the second book! ^_^
Profile Image for Swoon Worthy.
131 reviews91 followers
February 20, 2013
WOW!!! Red Flags was a very emotional book for me. At first I liked Jason and then I hated him, and then I started to like him again, and by the end I hated him but secretly felt sorry for him. I am not going to sit here and tell you what the story is about because you can read the synopsis for that, but what I can tell you is that even though Jason’s actions in this book were a bit scary I couldn’t get enough. It was defiantly a page turner for me because I wanted to know if his behavior towards Cara would continue or if he would snap out of it. Luckily, I got both. Jason was controlling, possessive, secretive, and had mood swings that would give you wipe lash but on the other hand he was sweet, caring, and loved hard.

Their relationship throughout the book was not easy, they fought more than they got along but the electricity between them kept pulling them back together. Jason has secrets, secrets that he is not willing to share with Cara and the more time goes by the more red flags get thrown in the air and has Cara questioning everything about Jason and his past. They fight, yell, cuss, scream, storm out on each other almost everyday but something always pulls them back.

While reading this book I felt like I was at an amusement park riding a rollercoaster because with every page I turned I never knew what twists and turns were waiting for me. I am not sure that their relationship is healthy but for whatever reason Cara couldn’t stay away from Jason. Deep down I think Jason really truly loved Cara but in his own way. I am looking forward to reading book 2 from C.C. Brown to see where this story leads and understand the method to her madness.
Profile Image for Shonnie.
443 reviews17 followers
January 5, 2013
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

This is the most god awful book I’ve read in several months. I disliked almost everyone in the story. It went on and on about nothing (ABSOLUTELY NOTHING). I’m kind of mad that it was in my recommendation on Amazon because it should have NEVER, NEVER and I mean NEVER been recommended. The funny thing is at first I was mad at the heroine because she had to be cut from a cloth that is no longer made. Like how in this day and age can someone be that naive (with books, television, movies, magazines, friends, Twitter, Facebook and basic life in general)? I don’t even believe it to be possible. The hero was verbally abusive in like the first few hours however the heroine decided to make excuses for his behavior. I was just waiting on him to physically put his hands on her and when he didn’t I was like what’s the purpose. Actually I was thinking about the purpose of the book even before I started thinking about him blacking her eye. I just thought the black eye would give the book purpose (like that’s the direction the author is going).

Either way, I did not like this book and felt like I wasted my time. It was bunch of nothing laced with stupid conversations and verbally abusive situations. I’m still confused on what the author was trying to accomplish when she wrote the hero/heroine. And once I got to the end it still didn’t make any sense. POINTLESS
Profile Image for Ashley Wilcox.
Author 14 books436 followers
December 29, 2012
I first want congratulate C.C. Brown on her debut novel. Writing your first novel is such an accomplishment, and she should be applauded for it. With that said, I will continue with my review of the book.

I was completely taken back by the series of events that take place within the first 6% of the book, and had to actually take a breather after finishing the first chapter to reflect on what just occured. Within no time Jason and Cara's relationship goes from nonexistant to full steam ahead. Jason's demeanor had me a little offset at first, and questioning my feelings for Cara; however, as I continued reading I became swept up with the characters and intrigued with the story. By halfway through the book, I was hooked- eager to know how everything was going to unfold. Without giving too much away, the ending will throw you for a loop, and am anxiously awaiting the sequel. I wouldn't say it's a HUGE cliffhanger, but it leaves some unanswered questions.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. Again, I think it's a great debut novel for C.C. Brown, and am looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Tianna✸loves books✸.
1,084 reviews
abandoned
August 14, 2019
When the h asked the H about his ex, who it seems he was hiding....

“There is nothing to hide. I fucked Stacey for a while; her family is friends of my family, what more do you want to know? Would you like me to tell you about her?” Well fine, she has a nice fuckin’ rack, about 36C; I loved playing in those tits. Her skin was silky soft because she used this sweet smelling mango lotion that I would rub all over every inch of her tight body. I rubbed it all over her, and smacked her ass over and over, watching it jiggle when I did.”
“She had a sweet little clit, not as sweet as yours of course, but it was sweet. It was pink, warm, and wet… didn’t take much for me to slam my cock into her and listen to her yell my name, over and over again…”


Just amazing...


Yuck..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karla.
374 reviews24 followers
December 13, 2012
Son of a b**%##!!! What a freaking ride! I can't do this I so freaking emotional! Absolutely love books that get me this fired up!!! Book two better be out soon....Jason better get his act together and can someone PLEASE beat the hell out of Stacey!! If Cara doesn't grow some soon I'm going to jump in this book and do it myself!
Profile Image for Cin Dee.
Author 7 books603 followers
December 16, 2012
I'm the author! Have to love and stand by my work right? LOL
Profile Image for Echo.
357 reviews50 followers
September 13, 2014
I am so conflicted about C.C. Brown's book, Red Flags. It was like watching a train wreck, I know that I should look away 'cuz this is not going to end well, but I can't. I can't stop watching, or well reading, in this case. Jason and Cara have one of the most dysfunctional relationships that I have ever read. Ever, and I read a lot.

The story begins with Jason approaching Cara in class and asking her out. She says yes, and he walks Cara and her BFF and roommate, Chelsea, home. The whole first chapter lives up to it's title, Red Flags. Chapter one is a red flag, I wanted to shake Cara and tell her to run fast and far away from Jason. Run away as fast as you can! But of course, she doesn't.

He gets possessive and jealous before they even make it to her house. Then they proceed to have sex in her room while her roommates listen and congratulate her afterwards. From there it is just a mess. Of epic proportions. Cara sobs a lot and Jason acts like a crazy person. They fight, they make up, they have the same fight, they make up, they have a new fight, they make up. And so and son on it continues.

Overall, I found this book to be annoying and I didn't like either the heroine or the supposed hero. I did like Chelsea, Cara's BFF. I found her to be the best character in the book. She was loyal, supportive, and honest with Cara. I would love to see a book from her perspective.

I did finish reading Red Flags, because while I did find it to be annoying I really did want to see how it ended. However, I don't plan to continue on with this series, considering that the main characters make me want to rip out my hair and set my Kindle on fire. I will probably check out other titles by C.C. Brown, though. Mainly because she pulled me into her story and kept me reading even through my frustration.

If you feel like jumping on the crazy train and reading a book that could drive you right to crazyville, then read this book, it's guaranteed to make you feel the crazy!

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
Profile Image for Momma Romance.
105 reviews44 followers
January 8, 2013
I'm really split on what I thought of the book. As many other readers have written, I found myself hating it for the first few chapters. Things went from 0-100 way to quickly for my taste. I prefer a hero to at least have to do some talking before taking the h to bed but Jason and Cara just jumped right in. Not to mention the fact that he is a condescending ass. No women in there right mind would be ok with anyone telling them what to do after only just meeting. I really love strong alpha males in my novels but Jason was a bit to much of an Arse for me!

That said, I couldn't put the book down which is why I gave it 4 stars. Once I pushed myself to get through the frustrating parts I actually started to enjoy the characters. There was some very good foreshadowing that turned the story into a great cliffhanger and some very unexpected turns as well. I think if some of the secrets would have been leaked earlier in the book then it would have pushed me to have a bit more understanding when it came to Jason's outbursts. But I still found myself yelling at my iPad more than once for Cara to just stop freaking running away and to just stand her ground!

There were some very steamy love scenes but I kept wishing for something more......I'm still not sure what it is I was hoping they would do but there didn't seem to be a good balance between love making a hardcore sex.

All in all I would recommend the book to other readers and suggest they try to hold off on a full opinion of Jason until the story is laid you 100% Much of what is disclosed in the last chapter explains why he reacts to things the way he does and treats her how he does, even if it is crappy. I will be waiting for the 2nd book because I'm dying to find out what happens between Jason and Cara. But I still want to know why Cara's brother, Ryan, hates Chase so much. I have a feeling there is much more in store for the second, but I hope this doesn't turn into a trilogy.
Profile Image for Janna Bartolina .
41 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2013
I had no expectations when I started reading this book. I read no reviews or spoilers because I wanted to approach it with an open mind. It's so hard to do these days with spoilers floating around the Internet. I was instantly intrigued by both Jason and Cara on the first page. This story takes off fast, and I was trying to wrap my head around the plot very early on.

Red Flags are signs that show up in certain situations during different points in a relationship. All too often women get wrapped up in a relationship with a guy, and he turns into a manipulative control freak. Even the strongest of women feel that they can change these types of men, and they fail at the attempt.

I really enjoyed Cara's character, I felt like I connected with her the most. She was real. I will admit there were times that I wanted to scream at her through my kindle, but I sympathized with her more than anything. All too many times I read books where the heroine can just turn off her feelings in a relationship, and that's not realistic to me. It's hard when you are emotionally and physically so invested in a relationship, and you are blindsided by events that take place.

I did not like Jason at first, but by the end of the book he was alright. The book was well written, and I couldn't put it down. The cliffhanger at the end left me speechless. The emotional roller coaster of a story left me dizzy when I finished

I enjoyed Red Flags, and I do advise to anyone reading the book to give it a chance and finish. I will admit, this book is not for everyone. Once you get through some pretty nerve racking parts, the character's will start to develop, and you're questions will start to be answered. There will be a sequel, and I will be reading it!

I give this book a 3.5-4 stars.
Profile Image for Jill.
155 reviews
April 22, 2013
“4.5 Roller Coaster Ride!

The passion, angst, emotion, and intensity in this book is off the charts!

The Tall, handsome, wealthy Jason Bradley first eyes the naïve, gorgeous, softball player Cara Pinkston in class. They both are in their last year of college and Jason wants Cara to be his, Cara accepts. Immediately into the relationship Cara realizes that Jason is possessive and insanely jealous.

Cara Quote:
“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.”

Cara’s best friend and roommate Chelsea is beautiful, fiercely loyal and a hoot. Chelsea from her first encounter with Jason and Cara fears something about Jason that she just can’t put her finger on. Chelsea is constantly telling Cara to be careful. However, Cara is falling quickly and no matter what Jason does she seems to always forgive him. Does she ever see red flags?

Jason Quote:
“That's only because what we have is deep. Its pain and pleasure mixed into one.”

And - so the story begins.

Read this and get on the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs, twist and turns, and just tell yourself 5am isn't so early....

Red Flags (Red Flags, #1) by C.C. Brown
Profile Image for Stacey.
61 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2013
This book was just so so for me. The heroine, Cara, was so immature and stupid. Jason was a secretive controlling asshole. Neither character really endeared themselves to me. She jerked poor Chase around knowing he had feelings for her. I wouldn't trust Jason either. He wouldn't tell her the truth about anything in his past. He should have been honest with her especially once he knew they were going to Texas and his secrets were likely to come out. He knew Jacob had it in for him and that Stacey was set on ruining his relationship. Why not head them off at the pass and tell Cara the truth? It would have taken the wind out of their sails. I will probably read book two just to see how the writer gets Jason out of this mess. I just hope the writer doesn't have Cara immediately jump into Chase or someone else's arms because when you really love someone and are that heartbroken you don't need a new relationship. Plus to me Chase is the good guy here and he doesn't deserve Cara's shit. I don't know why Mila and Ryan don't like him but he has never treated Cara the way Jason has. If Ryan was a good big brother he would kick Jason's ass for treating his little sister like crap not welcome him with open arms.
Profile Image for Jill Wilson.
115 reviews11 followers
December 26, 2012
This book was ok for me. It seems like a lot of books lately are just like this. Boy meets girl and boy acts like an overbearing jerk. Boy will never really be honest and open about himself but expects the girl to give everything she has to the relationship he won't truly give himself. Then he tells her to just trust him. I am not usually turned off by this. I like my hero's to be strong alpha males but I guess this didn't seem like a fresh idea to me. But even after saying all that I am not saying I hated the book. It just seemed a little all over the place. For example Cara would be so pissed at Jason and would cry for what seemed like forever, then Cara would just forgive him like nothing happened. I know these are fictional stories but that just didn't sit well with me.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I recommend it? Unsure

Do I look forward to the continuing saga? Absolutely!

Even though I have been a little harsh in my review I am very curious as to how it all plays out. What went down in Heath was very, very unexpected so of course I have to see how what happens! Definitely didn't see that coming! Whew!
Profile Image for Jduckie.
23 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2013
Holy Crap!!! I'm not sure where to begin! I'm still trying to wrap my head around that cliffhanger! I really hope you're cranking that 2nd book out fast because after I read that teaser you posted on FB, I'm not sure what to think. I just want to read the rest of this drama unfold!
Early on we see that both Cara and Jason have issues. Cara has some insecurity issues.
After meeting Jason's family, it's so easy to see why he acts the way he does. Jacob's a little creepy, Heather's a sweet girl who seems to be a pushover and her sister Stacy is the spawn of Satan!
I'm still on the fence about Chelsea only because she sort of fed Cara's insecurities, not deliberately of course. And Chase always happens to be around to pick up the pieces. I hope he's not stalking her. Stacey...I hope she gets what's coming to her!
Ok, I hope there is a HEA for Cara and Jason. I was really getting to like him, even though he was so secretive, I truly believe that he loves Cara. So please hurry up and crank out that second book!
Profile Image for Natasha Bennett.
24 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2013
BLOODY FANTASTIC AND HOT HOT HOT................I finished this book in few hours I could not put it down. The story line over all was captivating a real page turner had me on the edge of the seat holding my breath and LITERALLY praying. Cara a vey weak individual I normally hate characters like that but C.C Brown made me love her all the same (beautiful, innocent, girl next door). Jason Hot, Controlling, jealous, Southerner is a very complex dude with Serious deep seated issues. He needs a lot of work but you love him all the same because he loves Cara and all he has done is trying to protect her from hurt but only end up making it worst (stupid men). The BITCH Stacy trying to beak the up with the help of Jason's own brother Jacob. I have a serious book hangover from this book cannot get this out of my head. I am impatiently waiting for the second book. I am not sure if I will make it their is no release date yet hopefully it's sooooon
Profile Image for Fran.
74 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2013
This has to be the most irritating book I have read in the last year. I say that because both main characters make you want to reach into the book and slap them! Her for being so damned stupid and him for being so damned bossy! I don't mind a little alpha male but this guy is a piece of work. I think the beginning of their relationship was a bit much considering they were in the same class for awhile but the overall speed of the feelings between the two were hard to believe. The ending of this book totally pissed me off! I'm giving this book 4 stars because the writing was good and I believe it was the intent of the author to irritate me enough to continue reading the next book to see how this story plays out. Will I be doing that? Absolutely. No way can I get this frustrated without seeing how the story will actually end.
Profile Image for Nicolette Maassen.
108 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2012
I am so torn on this book. I hate it and love it at the same time. I was angry at at least one or two people at a time through this whole book. Bad for my nerves! More than once I had to put the phone down (I read via my iBooks app) and tell myself, "It's just a book. It's just a book!!" Woo-sa! I decided that I love it just because I hated it so much. If an author has the ability to evoke that much emotion, than it must be good, right? Please write a second book soon, I have to know what happens with them.
Profile Image for Nataly.
105 reviews18 followers
December 12, 2012
I really liked this book even though at times I hated some of the characters. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. In the end I was left wanting more so I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. I really want Cara and Jason to have their HEA.
Profile Image for Sarah.
91 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2013
Loved the book but so many unfinished stories and they needed more sex scenes where he worships her and not just shoves he's member in. But still can't wait for book 2. I was a sobbing mess at the end of the book. Bring on book 2
Profile Image for Melissa Mack-miller.
87 reviews
March 11, 2013
This book was really good. I picked this up on a "free" day and let it sit in my library forever! I honestly don't know what took me so long to read this because it was EXCELLENT! Can't wait for the next one. Can you say roller coaster?
Profile Image for LaS.
14 reviews
January 5, 2013
Did not finish. Sex with a stranger (5% into the book) within hours of meeting, even though he acts like a homicidal stalker with major jealousy issues. That's not alpha male, it's just creepy.
Profile Image for Clair McKane.
138 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2012
I liked this book. I got a copy to read for free for a review which i was pleased about as id read about it and thought id enjoy it - i did. About 7% in I was asking myself why she was starting to date someone who is so controlling but felt compelled to carry on. The red flags were definitely there and about 50% in I was desperate to know what was going to unfold.
From about 70% I was reading it with the feeling of apprehension in my chest and felt the need to sit a bit straighter - just as you thought things were settling down and becoming normal the clusterfu*k that was the last 10% hit. I couldn't believe that was how it happened although I had a sneaky feeling about parts of it. It ended quite abruptly I thought, and with the feeling there was going to be a book 2, I do hope so..
I was actually starting to like Jason and thought their relationship could work - maybe it can if he does some SERIOUS apologising and makes changes in book 2.
There were a few errors in there but nothing that you couldn't read around. All in all a very impressive first novel.
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