What do you think?
Rate this book
Holding Out For A Hero
Holding Out For A Hero
When sensible schoolteacher Ella Lucas rides into her home town on a Harley and seduces the resident football hero, Jake Prince, she figures she can be forgiven and move on. After all, she's just buried her mother.
Two years later, back in the city, their paths cross again but this time Jake is in the process of destroying her favourite dive bar. With her home facing a wrecker's ball, her school being closed down and her 15-year-old brother hell bent on self-destruction, it's the last straw. Throw in a dominatrix best friend who is dating a blue ribbon guy so straight he still lives at home with his mother, it's no wonder the sanest person in Ella's life is a dog.
With all this to contend with, the last thing Ella needs is Jake back in her life. But, as fate would have it, Jake is the only chance she has to save her school.
As the school football season heats up, old secrets threaten to surface and Ella takes on greedy developers, school boards and national tabloids. But can she save not just her home, her school and her brother, but also the reputation of the man she's never been able to forget? And, more importantly, does she want to?
Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family.
When sensible schoolteacher Ella Lucas rides into her home town on a Harley and seduces the resident football hero, Jake Prince, she figures she can be forgiven and move on. After all, she's just buried her mother.
Two years later, back in the city, their paths cross again but this time Jake is in the process of destroying her favourite dive bar. With her home facing a wrecker's ball, her school being closed down and her 15-year-old brother hell bent on self-destruction, it's the last straw. Throw in a dominatrix best friend who is dating a blue ribbon guy so straight he still lives at home with his mother, it's no wonder the sanest person in Ella's life is a dog.
With all this to contend with, the last thing Ella needs is Jake back in her life. But, as fate would have it, Jake is the only chance she has to save her school.
As the school football season heats up, old secrets threaten to surface and Ella takes on greedy developers, school boards and national tabloids. But can she save not just her home, her school and her brother, but also the reputation of the man she's never been able to forget? And, more importantly, does she want to?
Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family.
243 pages, Nook
First published October 15, 2013
90 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
413 books1,421 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 29, 2013
We all face the actions of our parents possibly destroying our lives, especially if you live in a small town. So running away from it all seems to definitely be the only option one would have to shake of the embarrassment and get on with life.
But can you truly ever get rid of the shadow of the past? Of course not, you still wonder when the day will come that someone will find out what or where you came from and you will need to face the embarrassment all over again.
In this read from author Amy Andrews she tells the story of Ella, sweet always kind and always being harassed by every guy in town all thanks to her mother.
So she takes off to start a new life, she briefly returns to lay her mother to rest but makes one last attempt to shake off the past by setting up a whole new set of rumours afterall, she will be gone by morning and no one in her future would ever know that she gave into the temptation of do-me-now-and-do-me-all-night-long Jake
But two years later she comes face to face with her temptation again and Jake is not alone, with him he brings the past and all the pent up anger and hurt she buried comes bubbling back to the top, she can either run again or face it head-on, the only question she has to ask herself is of course will either decision be worth it?
The character of Ella was very realistic because does run away from the past instead of learning to face it. I agree that when the actions of your parents place you in the line of fire that it is not all that much of a pleasant life, and running from it all is definitely the best solution but when the past pops again I think it is life's way of telling you that it is time to face it and show the world you are made of stronger stuff and not ready to have them or anyone else hide who you truly are by slandering you.
The character of Jake was fabulous! I loved his go get 'em attitude! It showed him as strong and the perfect hero to protect Ella against the past, but his caring and total sweetheart with a bit of funk spunk also showed him to be the perfect solution for pulling Ella out from her little perfect -the-only-thing-that-can-touch-me-is-the-past bubble. I very much adored that the author also gave Jake a past that travelled with him and that it added to the mystery of him being so calm about it as oppose to Ella freaking out as soon as it all gets revealed, it made him the perfect surface perfect hero.
The backdrop settings were interesting and most of the time had a nice homey feeling to it, I adored the story behind the old house and the mystery of the previous occupants. The dialogue was a slight hit and miss for me as reader, I liked the emotional impact the author's words gave to the characters but I was not overall nuts about the amount of swearing used, yes it made the read all the more real but in the end it felt as if it killed of a little of the romance for me.
There was also a fabulous set of secondary characters and relationships in this read that mirrored real life and that everywhere we go there is always someone to lend spice to life, you are never alone.
I am taking away a message of the past is the past, it needs to be buried but in order to fully bury it you need to deal with it first or it will just keep coming back to destroy you.
I am recommending read read for fans of romance with a real life connections, and a jazzed up series of events that will leave you going " Oh no really, all this on top of that?". A intriguing, passionate, emotional and fun read.
4 star review
" He is the hero she needs to free her from the past, but can she free him"
August 3, 2017
Four outstanding stars - heck give her an extra half for the Jack Russell - four and a half stars!
There are two covers for this book the one with the cute dog is much more indicative of the kind of book this is, pretty sure the only person who rides a motorbike in this book is the heroine in the prologue.
Ella Lucas is running away from her past, specifically her mother, as fast as she can. After growing up in a small town where everyone knew her as the daughter of Rachel, the town tramp, Ella feels nothing she does can help her escape that legacy; not being school valedictorian, not tutoring other children for free, not volunteering at old people's homes, not being a girl guide etc, etc. So, after her mother's funeral she decides to show the people of Huntley, Australia that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and decides to seduce Jake Prince, local bad boy, former football star and general sex on a stick.
Two years later Ella is the acting principal of Hanniford High, a failing high school in Brisbane, living with her best friend Rosie and her aged aunts and Ella's 15 year old half brother Cameron in a ramshackle dialpidated old house. After Jake buys and refurbishes Ella and Rosie's favourite bar they run into each other a few times and when Jake finds a stray dog Ella agrees to adopt him (to add to the menagerie of dogs they already have) after they take him home a desperate plan is hatched to save Hanniford High by getting Jake to coach their football team to win the Brisbane Schools Football Competition - no pressure!
OMG this book has just about everything. Opposites attract with Jocks and Nerds but also Goths and Suits. A band of misfits joining together to win a competition, cute dogs, crazy aunts, sticking it to the man, secret disgrace etc, etc. It's funny, kooky, heart-warming, sexy and fun. I loved every minute of it.
There are two covers for this book the one with the cute dog is much more indicative of the kind of book this is, pretty sure the only person who rides a motorbike in this book is the heroine in the prologue.
Ella Lucas is running away from her past, specifically her mother, as fast as she can. After growing up in a small town where everyone knew her as the daughter of Rachel, the town tramp, Ella feels nothing she does can help her escape that legacy; not being school valedictorian, not tutoring other children for free, not volunteering at old people's homes, not being a girl guide etc, etc. So, after her mother's funeral she decides to show the people of Huntley, Australia that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and decides to seduce Jake Prince, local bad boy, former football star and general sex on a stick.
Two years later Ella is the acting principal of Hanniford High, a failing high school in Brisbane, living with her best friend Rosie and her aged aunts and Ella's 15 year old half brother Cameron in a ramshackle dialpidated old house. After Jake buys and refurbishes Ella and Rosie's favourite bar they run into each other a few times and when Jake finds a stray dog Ella agrees to adopt him (to add to the menagerie of dogs they already have) after they take him home a desperate plan is hatched to save Hanniford High by getting Jake to coach their football team to win the Brisbane Schools Football Competition - no pressure!
OMG this book has just about everything. Opposites attract with Jocks and Nerds but also Goths and Suits. A band of misfits joining together to win a competition, cute dogs, crazy aunts, sticking it to the man, secret disgrace etc, etc. It's funny, kooky, heart-warming, sexy and fun. I loved every minute of it.
October 8, 2013
The story arc is like a Movie of the Week (if they have those anymore, I used to watch them when I was a kid). It's about a couple who have had their share of knocks who band together to save a school by creating a champion football team. "Football" meaning rugby to us Americans, it seems.
When I first requested this book from Netgalley I didn't realize it was set in Australia. That doesn't end up being much of a problem as the slang is pretty easily deciphered. I'm not sure if much else is plausible because I've never been to Australia and I have no idea of their education laws, their private property laws, or their prostitution laws. So I may have been excusing more than I thought I was. Doesn't matter, ultimately, it's about the championship match. And I do love a high school sports, underdog story.
The biggest problem with this story is the very annoying heroine. She's judgmental and narrow minded. There are so many groups she's got issues with, but seems to think herself very tolerant. One group fares well by the end: athletes and the fans that love them. Why? Hot hunk is a former pro-athlete and athletics are saving her school. It's always nice to give a fair shake to a group that directly benefits us, isn't it? But it's nice to see her change her narrow little mind about something, though.
There are other problems, like inexplicable behavior stemming from unreasonable emotional reactions that are somehow completely reasonable to others and aren't dealt with in any satisfying way for a reader who has no patience for such nonsense.
Ultimately I was interested in how the championship story would play out. Not knowing anything about the sport, I have no idea whether or not it was written with any understanding of play or rules, but the matches were exciting enough. That part of the story is why it receives three stars instead of two and a half.
Thanks to our narrow heroine, I felt no chemistry between her and the hero. I had no clue why he would be interested in her. So that part of the story brought the rating way down.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I first requested this book from Netgalley I didn't realize it was set in Australia. That doesn't end up being much of a problem as the slang is pretty easily deciphered. I'm not sure if much else is plausible because I've never been to Australia and I have no idea of their education laws, their private property laws, or their prostitution laws. So I may have been excusing more than I thought I was. Doesn't matter, ultimately, it's about the championship match. And I do love a high school sports, underdog story.
The biggest problem with this story is the very annoying heroine. She's judgmental and narrow minded. There are so many groups she's got issues with, but seems to think herself very tolerant. One group fares well by the end: athletes and the fans that love them. Why? Hot hunk is a former pro-athlete and athletics are saving her school. It's always nice to give a fair shake to a group that directly benefits us, isn't it? But it's nice to see her change her narrow little mind about something, though.
There are other problems, like inexplicable behavior stemming from unreasonable emotional reactions that are somehow completely reasonable to others and aren't dealt with in any satisfying way for a reader who has no patience for such nonsense.
Ultimately I was interested in how the championship story would play out. Not knowing anything about the sport, I have no idea whether or not it was written with any understanding of play or rules, but the matches were exciting enough. That part of the story is why it receives three stars instead of two and a half.
Thanks to our narrow heroine, I felt no chemistry between her and the hero. I had no clue why he would be interested in her. So that part of the story brought the rating way down.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2013
This is such a fantastic read. I loved Jake Prince the football jock and Ella Lucas the school principal and their romance was so real, so hot, so full of misunderstandings but so satisfying in the end.
I loved the secondary romances, the sweet little background romance with Cam and Miranda and the hilariously unlikely connection between Rosie the goth who has handcuffs on her bed head and the adorably straight-laced Simon.
Rosie's aunts, the dogs, especially Cerberus and Pete who is Jake's protégé and go-to guy, all create a wonderful backdrop to the romance.
It is a story about community, family, loving the people you sort of hate because they are flawed and stuff up. It's about letting go of the past and being pro-active about the future. It's about finding who you are and who you are meant to be within the context of the community and family and the ones, especially the special one, you love.
Considering how much I hate football, much more than Ella, I found this book enthralling. The characters are lovable, charming, at times enchanting. I'm so pleased I read this book.
I loved the secondary romances, the sweet little background romance with Cam and Miranda and the hilariously unlikely connection between Rosie the goth who has handcuffs on her bed head and the adorably straight-laced Simon.
Rosie's aunts, the dogs, especially Cerberus and Pete who is Jake's protégé and go-to guy, all create a wonderful backdrop to the romance.
It is a story about community, family, loving the people you sort of hate because they are flawed and stuff up. It's about letting go of the past and being pro-active about the future. It's about finding who you are and who you are meant to be within the context of the community and family and the ones, especially the special one, you love.
Considering how much I hate football, much more than Ella, I found this book enthralling. The characters are lovable, charming, at times enchanting. I'm so pleased I read this book.
November 27, 2014
After not having read an Amy Andrews book for a little while, reading Holding Out for a Hero was like a giant smooshy word hug.
Jake and Ella's relationship development sweeps you off your feet and the secondary characters truly hold their own in this captivating story. Ella seems to carry the stigma of her past like a lead weight and Jake has a past he wants to keep hidden too. Frustration and grief get the better of Ella and she calls on Jake to not only prove a point, but to help her feel something that isn't pain. Years later, when they meet again the threatened closure of Ella's school brings them both together again and impacts on their desire to hide their secrets. To embrace each other they will have to embrace the past.
I'm not much of a sport fan but I was close to cheering at the end. Jake and Ella are wonderful. Prepare to fall in love with Jake! But also prepare to fall in love with their diverse family that consists of friends, pets and even an old house. Oh and of course Amy Andrews words!
Jake and Ella's relationship development sweeps you off your feet and the secondary characters truly hold their own in this captivating story. Ella seems to carry the stigma of her past like a lead weight and Jake has a past he wants to keep hidden too. Frustration and grief get the better of Ella and she calls on Jake to not only prove a point, but to help her feel something that isn't pain. Years later, when they meet again the threatened closure of Ella's school brings them both together again and impacts on their desire to hide their secrets. To embrace each other they will have to embrace the past.
I'm not much of a sport fan but I was close to cheering at the end. Jake and Ella are wonderful. Prepare to fall in love with Jake! But also prepare to fall in love with their diverse family that consists of friends, pets and even an old house. Oh and of course Amy Andrews words!
September 30, 2013
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO by author Amy Andrews is a Momentum release for October 2013.
Ella Lucas has never been able to forget her last passionate encounter with Jake Prince. Then she met him again. But now she need him to help save her school and her disastrous live.
Would Jake help her? And would Ella manage to save all including her family and Jake’s reputation?
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO is a fun, quirky saga. It is a tale of passionate encounters and red-hot passion as well as heartwarming story of family dynamics.
Very highly recommended for all lovers of romance.
Ella Lucas has never been able to forget her last passionate encounter with Jake Prince. Then she met him again. But now she need him to help save her school and her disastrous live.
Would Jake help her? And would Ella manage to save all including her family and Jake’s reputation?
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO is a fun, quirky saga. It is a tale of passionate encounters and red-hot passion as well as heartwarming story of family dynamics.
Very highly recommended for all lovers of romance.
February 9, 2018
Holding Out for a Hero is the best book I have read in two years when it comes to being funny. I loved the description of the Aunts' house in the middle of Brisbane with all the free stuff they had won in contests using Tarot Cards for guidance.
The story line is exceptionally good. The main characters are good people with issues from their childhood in a small town, Huntley, and they do understand each other as love develops between them.
I enjoyed the humor, the plot and the ending in Holding Out for a Hero.
The story line is exceptionally good. The main characters are good people with issues from their childhood in a small town, Huntley, and they do understand each other as love develops between them.
I enjoyed the humor, the plot and the ending in Holding Out for a Hero.
Want to read
February 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/18/2020)! 🎁
November 7, 2013
It’s a classic Amy Andrews story of opposites attract. Ella and Jake are probably as opposite as you can get on the outside. There’s the inside, too, but I’ll get to that. What I love about the connection between these characters is that it is built on a kind of polar opposition which makes them perfect for each other. I’m finding that’s kind of my new favorite watermark of Amy Andrews’ love stories. On top of that, the book is just full of this kind of attraction and the problems that come with it. Take Rosie and Simon, Ella’s best friend and the guy who falls for her. Fantastically opposite. Spectacularly opposite. They’re the kind of opposite Shakespeare would write about. And it works. I’m rooting for Ella and Jake from the moment she walks into the bar where Jake is working. I’m anticipating the agony of watching Rosie and Simon try to navigate their differences (plus, hello, I love that she’s a cougar…sort of). The pairings are just plain well-done.
The characters, all of them, have real depth and complexity. What you often find with “opposites attract” novels is a kind of complete and total difference inside and out. Not so with these characters. I think one of my favorite things about this novel is how intrinsically Ella and Jake match on the inside. Their desires, their drive, and their dreams are relatively the same if not completely the same. Life hasn’t been easy for either of these characters. All the characters are at a mature enough age and emotional seasoning that it’s not just about physicality (though, hoorah, there’s plenty of that) or the novelty of real love. The subtlety that Andrews uses to paint these characters is the perfect touch to draw the reader in. I am completely 100% in support of Ella and understand her hesitance, fear, and attraction. But I also recognize that she’s being a complete dunce when it comes to Jake. And I don’t hate her for it either. These characters are real enough to compel understanding. There’s no too-dumb-to-live heroine here. Just a woman who struggles with her own identity and the emotional undercurrents that her identity rests on.
The issues are equally serious and whimsical at the same time. I love a good laugh. I love a good cry. Rarely do I find those two things wound together in one book (or done well for that matter). Holding Out For A Hero is now going to be one of my favorite books because it does exactly that. There are these fabulous characters that are richly drawn who dabble, like real people, in the deeply rooted issues of life (read: family relationships, financial problems, self-respect, sexuality, etc) and, often at the same time, reason through them with everything from coping mechanisms (read: budding alcoholism for better or worse, curry dinners, and feeding notices happily to dogs) to whimsical fancy. I’m pretty sure if Iris and Daisy, Rosie’s aging Aunts and ex-Carnies, weren’t padding through this book with their Tarot cards and sweepstakes chandeliers hanging over toliets, I wouldn’t be half as in love with this story. To top it off? I laughed out loud several times and, in turn, my muscles tensed up while I fretted with the ends of a throw. Anytime a book creates a physical response in me, I’m absolutely delighted.
The writing is delightfully sexy and entertaining without going overboard. I was frequently drawn in by Andrews’ ability to engage an intense sexuality without going overboard. I often read scenes in novels that paint their heroines as just this edge of slutty and oversexed. Not so much with Ella (or even Rosie who is arguably kinky). If anything, Ella’s sexuality is comfortable and engaging to read about. A difficult feat for any author. Trust me, the book is sexy. I’m pretty sure I could pick Jake’s butt out of a line-up and I don’t feel the least bit perverted for it, either. I was pulled through each chapter easily, telling myself ‘just one more’ until I was up far later than I had intended.
What can I say? Not only is this book worth a read, but I simply must own a print copy now. Buy it like it’s going out of style people!
Disclaimer: An ARC copy of this book was provided, but no other compensation was asked for or given.
The characters, all of them, have real depth and complexity. What you often find with “opposites attract” novels is a kind of complete and total difference inside and out. Not so with these characters. I think one of my favorite things about this novel is how intrinsically Ella and Jake match on the inside. Their desires, their drive, and their dreams are relatively the same if not completely the same. Life hasn’t been easy for either of these characters. All the characters are at a mature enough age and emotional seasoning that it’s not just about physicality (though, hoorah, there’s plenty of that) or the novelty of real love. The subtlety that Andrews uses to paint these characters is the perfect touch to draw the reader in. I am completely 100% in support of Ella and understand her hesitance, fear, and attraction. But I also recognize that she’s being a complete dunce when it comes to Jake. And I don’t hate her for it either. These characters are real enough to compel understanding. There’s no too-dumb-to-live heroine here. Just a woman who struggles with her own identity and the emotional undercurrents that her identity rests on.
The issues are equally serious and whimsical at the same time. I love a good laugh. I love a good cry. Rarely do I find those two things wound together in one book (or done well for that matter). Holding Out For A Hero is now going to be one of my favorite books because it does exactly that. There are these fabulous characters that are richly drawn who dabble, like real people, in the deeply rooted issues of life (read: family relationships, financial problems, self-respect, sexuality, etc) and, often at the same time, reason through them with everything from coping mechanisms (read: budding alcoholism for better or worse, curry dinners, and feeding notices happily to dogs) to whimsical fancy. I’m pretty sure if Iris and Daisy, Rosie’s aging Aunts and ex-Carnies, weren’t padding through this book with their Tarot cards and sweepstakes chandeliers hanging over toliets, I wouldn’t be half as in love with this story. To top it off? I laughed out loud several times and, in turn, my muscles tensed up while I fretted with the ends of a throw. Anytime a book creates a physical response in me, I’m absolutely delighted.
The writing is delightfully sexy and entertaining without going overboard. I was frequently drawn in by Andrews’ ability to engage an intense sexuality without going overboard. I often read scenes in novels that paint their heroines as just this edge of slutty and oversexed. Not so much with Ella (or even Rosie who is arguably kinky). If anything, Ella’s sexuality is comfortable and engaging to read about. A difficult feat for any author. Trust me, the book is sexy. I’m pretty sure I could pick Jake’s butt out of a line-up and I don’t feel the least bit perverted for it, either. I was pulled through each chapter easily, telling myself ‘just one more’ until I was up far later than I had intended.
What can I say? Not only is this book worth a read, but I simply must own a print copy now. Buy it like it’s going out of style people!
Disclaimer: An ARC copy of this book was provided, but no other compensation was asked for or given.
October 1, 2013
Ella is a prim and proper girl who always does what she is supposed to do. She was constantly living under the shadow of Rachel, her mother. Upon Rachel's death Ella rides up on her bike and rolls into the bar where she know she will find Jake. Rumors have swirled around Ella's reason for moving from the small town for years that she was sleeping with the school principal and that's how she had her good grades. In a twist if fate, the schools principal left town to never return the same time as Ella and her dear friend Rosie.
Upon her mothers death, Ella finds out that she has a teenage brother she new nothing about and is after one thing to make people think that she is the person they claim her to be Jake.
Jake is also living under the shadow of his father. He happens to be in town at the same time of Ella and even though he knows she is griefing he is no saint.
Two years pass and Ella finds herself struggling to keep her brother in check, her job as a fill in principal and the school she loves from losing. In strange twist of fate her neighborhood bar is purchased by a new owner who revamps everything and low and behold -it jake.
There are several memorable characters, namely Rosie, Ella's dear friend and her boy toy Simon who happens to be from a rich burueacratic family. In addition, their are Rosie's two former circus family aunts and a herd of dogs. To add to the mix of drama, the house they all live in is being looked at for development and people are hounding them to sell.
To save the school, Jake offers to coach a footballer team and get the attention of everyone by winning the school cup.
The cast members are quirky and fun, but some of the story was a little bit too predictable. It was a cute, quirky story, and a different read. Not too much detail in the romance and sex end of the story but cute story nonetheless.
Upon her mothers death, Ella finds out that she has a teenage brother she new nothing about and is after one thing to make people think that she is the person they claim her to be Jake.
Jake is also living under the shadow of his father. He happens to be in town at the same time of Ella and even though he knows she is griefing he is no saint.
Two years pass and Ella finds herself struggling to keep her brother in check, her job as a fill in principal and the school she loves from losing. In strange twist of fate her neighborhood bar is purchased by a new owner who revamps everything and low and behold -it jake.
There are several memorable characters, namely Rosie, Ella's dear friend and her boy toy Simon who happens to be from a rich burueacratic family. In addition, their are Rosie's two former circus family aunts and a herd of dogs. To add to the mix of drama, the house they all live in is being looked at for development and people are hounding them to sell.
To save the school, Jake offers to coach a footballer team and get the attention of everyone by winning the school cup.
The cast members are quirky and fun, but some of the story was a little bit too predictable. It was a cute, quirky story, and a different read. Not too much detail in the romance and sex end of the story but cute story nonetheless.
October 21, 2013
3.5 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Amy Andrews and it did not disappoint! The cover instantly drew me in! I think most of have had Charlie Hunnam(SOA) on our minds lately. A cover with a hottie on a motorcycle? I'm in!
Holding Out For a Hero is about so much more than just a Romance. This story follows Ella a High School Principal fighting to save her school from closure and Jake a retired football star( I think it's rugby? Australian based book) . These two grew up in the same small town and faced similar hardships growing up. Although they were not much more than acquaintances during that time period they find themselves in each others lives much later in life. These two characters were hot together! I am so glad this story didn't take the typical story line of throwing in other women fighting for the hero's attention. I found myself waiting for the bimbos to show up especially since he was a retired Football Star. SO glad there wasn't much of that!
This book has so many different elements! I do feel like a few of the characters should probably of had their own book. (Rosie and her man) I want more of Rosie's Tarot card reading Aunts! That being said I did love all the characters and different parts to this story and how everything came together in the end. Truly this book was not at all what I expected from the cover (did Jake have a bike?) and so much more than the blurb. At times this story was very emotional, heart warming, sad, inspirational and quite humorous (gotta love those Aunts)! And like the blurb says, "Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family."
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My review can also be found at www.herjuicyreads.com
This is the first book I have read by Amy Andrews and it did not disappoint! The cover instantly drew me in! I think most of have had Charlie Hunnam(SOA) on our minds lately. A cover with a hottie on a motorcycle? I'm in!
Holding Out For a Hero is about so much more than just a Romance. This story follows Ella a High School Principal fighting to save her school from closure and Jake a retired football star( I think it's rugby? Australian based book) . These two grew up in the same small town and faced similar hardships growing up. Although they were not much more than acquaintances during that time period they find themselves in each others lives much later in life. These two characters were hot together! I am so glad this story didn't take the typical story line of throwing in other women fighting for the hero's attention. I found myself waiting for the bimbos to show up especially since he was a retired Football Star. SO glad there wasn't much of that!
This book has so many different elements! I do feel like a few of the characters should probably of had their own book. (Rosie and her man) I want more of Rosie's Tarot card reading Aunts! That being said I did love all the characters and different parts to this story and how everything came together in the end. Truly this book was not at all what I expected from the cover (did Jake have a bike?) and so much more than the blurb. At times this story was very emotional, heart warming, sad, inspirational and quite humorous (gotta love those Aunts)! And like the blurb says, "Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family."
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My review can also be found at www.herjuicyreads.com
October 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this story with its band of zany extras, shameful pasts and family dinners! Ella left her home town in shame and never looked back. She never was anything like what the gossip mongers and rumour mill believed her to be, but then again, she never had a chance. While she loved her mother dearly, she loathed her mother’s choices in life. Sadly, soon after she left home for good, her mother had a son that Ella knew anything about until her mother’s death. Her brother Cam is big, bitter and bullish. At the age of 13, he met his long lost sister and nothing is as he planned it to be. I enjoyed the angst and the tension between Ella and her brother. Their relationship was real and the time to build a solid foundation just had not been established, even during the past two years.
Two years ago, Ella walked into Jake’s family bar and set out to prove she was the kind of woman the whole town believed her to be-but instead she proved to be the one woman that Jake Prince cannot forget! I loved that bit. Then, as these two meet up again, work together through the footy training and then hook up, sweet! They really connect on so many levels. That was why, for me, it hurt so badly when Ella kept saying that Jake was going backwards/going back to Huntley/going back to the past. I loved when she finally forgave her mother, herself and came to terms with her past and her role in making the future all that it could be truly.
Of course, the footy action is good, the friends are very funny and the smexying is hot and fun. A great read, enjoy!
Two years ago, Ella walked into Jake’s family bar and set out to prove she was the kind of woman the whole town believed her to be-but instead she proved to be the one woman that Jake Prince cannot forget! I loved that bit. Then, as these two meet up again, work together through the footy training and then hook up, sweet! They really connect on so many levels. That was why, for me, it hurt so badly when Ella kept saying that Jake was going backwards/going back to Huntley/going back to the past. I loved when she finally forgave her mother, herself and came to terms with her past and her role in making the future all that it could be truly.
Of course, the footy action is good, the friends are very funny and the smexying is hot and fun. A great read, enjoy!
November 18, 2013
Why I read it: I received a review copy from the publisher.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This book is set in Queensland, so it probably shouldn’t have taken me as long as it did to realise that “football” in this story means “rugby league” and not Aussie Rules (which everyone knows is the only true football :P ). It is a sport book but actual game play doesn’t feature strongly in the story. That is, I don’t think one needs to understand the game to enjoy Holding Out For A Hero. Similarly, I don’t think one will understand the game all that much better by reading it. It does make an interesting backdrop and bookend to a tale about identity, forgiveness, and fighting the good fight as the underdog.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2013/1...
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This book is set in Queensland, so it probably shouldn’t have taken me as long as it did to realise that “football” in this story means “rugby league” and not Aussie Rules (which everyone knows is the only true football :P ). It is a sport book but actual game play doesn’t feature strongly in the story. That is, I don’t think one needs to understand the game to enjoy Holding Out For A Hero. Similarly, I don’t think one will understand the game all that much better by reading it. It does make an interesting backdrop and bookend to a tale about identity, forgiveness, and fighting the good fight as the underdog.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2013/1...
October 6, 2013
Just finished Holding Out For A Hero. This is about Ella, Cameron, Jake, Rosie, Iris, Daisy, Simon, Pete and a pack of strays. The story tells you about how Ella, Jake and Cameron are blamed all through their lives for the sins of the parents, a whore and a drunk and how they overcame this. It is about 2 aunts taking in 2 teenage girls when they needed stability and love, it is about football, team spirit and believing in ones self, inorder to save a school and a home. The characters are an entertaining bunch who help each other thru thick and thin. The story flows from one part to the next, its descriptive so that you can imagine you are there in the story. Well done Ms Andrews, I will be putting you on my authors to read page, keep them coming.
October 2, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me smile and tear up too! It takes place in Australia. So some terminology was a little confusing for me.
A school principal, small town drama and a rugby player. It was a great combination. The secondary players are great additions to the story. Especially the dogs!!!! I love any book with dogs in it. This isn't an overly steamy book. But it has just the right amount of everything! Kudos Ms. Andrews!!
I really enjoyed this book. It made me smile and tear up too! It takes place in Australia. So some terminology was a little confusing for me.
A school principal, small town drama and a rugby player. It was a great combination. The secondary players are great additions to the story. Especially the dogs!!!! I love any book with dogs in it. This isn't an overly steamy book. But it has just the right amount of everything! Kudos Ms. Andrews!!
October 19, 2013
WOW this book is awesome I love Jake and Ella what a hero I love Jake :) the characters in this story will have you cheering away for them all they really enrich Jake and Ella's romance it is sensual emotional and such a moving story you will laugh cry and smile all the way through this book and I so love the game of rugby league. Thank you Amy Andrews for hours of reading pleasure.
April 21, 2014
A big congratulations to Amy Andrews on winning the 2013 Australian Romance Readers Award in the Favourite Contemporary Romance category for this book. A great fun read with plenty of angst, interesting characters and some hot romance.
December 29, 2014
This story hit me right in the feels. I just fell away into it and the story line between Ella and her younger brother had me wiping my eyes a few times. I loved the quirky cast and the animals and especially the curries lol.
Just a fab read and one I will read again.
Wendy
Just a fab read and one I will read again.
Wendy
October 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. You can read my opinion here:
http://wp.me/p18bP3-1mB
http://wp.me/p18bP3-1mB
September 25, 2014
So much fun! A real treat of a read.
Read
November 25, 2014The characters made this book.
A lovely story that had me turning the pages.
A lovely story that had me turning the pages.
February 20, 2020
You can run from your small town roots but they will catch up with you when you least expect them.
I enjoyed this story, especially because of the secondary characters the author managed to develop in spite of the length limitations . I felt like this would have made a stellar longer-length novel.
This author has a knack for interesting geek girl heroines and the sportsmen who love them. "The Girl Least Likely to Marry" is still one of my favorites by this author. This story is less polished than that one, but still an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this story, especially because of the secondary characters the author managed to develop in spite of the length limitations . I felt like this would have made a stellar longer-length novel.
This author has a knack for interesting geek girl heroines and the sportsmen who love them. "The Girl Least Likely to Marry" is still one of my favorites by this author. This story is less polished than that one, but still an enjoyable read.
October 20, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 20th October 2013:
RATING: 4 QUIRKY , HEART FELT STARS!
What do you get when you have a Coach, a Geek, a Goth, her lover and two quirky Aunts and a high school? A really great underdog story, set among the backdrop of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Woot! I am a Queenslander.
I first noticed the cover to this book on netgalley, a place where bloggers can request books to read. Handsome lad on a motorbike. Check!
Okay, you got my attention.
Holding Out For A Hero, starts off one way and then does a kind of one hundred and eighty degree turn.
I have to admit the lad had no motorbike, but the Geek did. I never did get to see that Harley again. I think I wanted to. It got lost along the way.
What I did get to read was a story that blossomed and had quirky characters.
This I enjoyed.
Iris and Daisy are Ella’s quirky aunts. They like to read Tarot cards.
Goose bumps pricked at her inked arms. Iris had that woo-woo look about her and Daisy had learned a long time ago not to mess with the woo-woo look.
Ella had an unusual up bringing that has caused her and her younger brother much emotional grief. Both are working hard to leave their mother’s day job in the past.
Jake is the ex rugby star. He runs his own bar with the help of Pete. Jake and Ella grew up in the town of Huntley. Jake knows Ella’s back story. He also wants Ella.
Ella felt a rush of heat and beat it back, deciding to change tack. “You do know that abstinence doesn’t kill people, right?” God knew she’d have been dead a long time ago.
Jake nodded. “It sure makes them mighty pissed off though.” He pushed off the desk and picked up his clipboard.
Ella and Jake have their issues along the way, but bottom line, they are smexi together.
“Are you the Energizer Bunny?”
Jake chuckled, his hand drifting higher, capturing the swell of a breast, brushing across her nipple. “Pretty ever-ready yourself,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
Ella has worked hard to become Hanniford High’s Principal. The school is threatened with closure and this is where a rather heart warming story comes in. This would be where the 180degree change came from the start of the story.
Jake glanced at Simon, who shrugged back at him. How could they argue with salvation? “Okay then.”
Rosie is our resident Goth chick. I really like Rosie and her unlikely relationship with Simon the Politician in the making.
“Thought you said you couldn’t do this,” Rosie shouted.
Simon grinned as he pulled her hips in tighter. “This isn’t dancing. This is fornication to music.”
Cam is Ella’s younger brother by many years. He is doing it tough. He reminded me of someone I know. Teenager, hormones and a chip on his shoulder makes for an angry young man.
“No buts, Cam. Men just don’t talk to women like that. That’s the number one rule, mate. Are you a man or a boy? This is where you decide.”
I loved watching Jake and Cam's interaction.
Cameron looked at Jake’s hand on his shoulder and then looked back at Jake.
“Got it?” Jake repeated.
Cameron looked at his feet. “Got it.”
Pete and Cerebus are two characters that were left with no one and found themselves loved by everyone.
Awwwwww!!
There is a villain of the story, but he is a character more lurking in the background.
But as far as she was concerned, his black heart and cruel tongue made him uglier than a hat full of assholes.
This is a story with heart and a message or two about what to do when life deals you a bum hand. I learnt , you get up dust yourself off and then pay it forward.
Warm fuzzies.
Michelle
RATING: 4 QUIRKY , HEART FELT STARS!
What do you get when you have a Coach, a Geek, a Goth, her lover and two quirky Aunts and a high school? A really great underdog story, set among the backdrop of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Woot! I am a Queenslander.
I first noticed the cover to this book on netgalley, a place where bloggers can request books to read. Handsome lad on a motorbike. Check!
Okay, you got my attention.
Holding Out For A Hero, starts off one way and then does a kind of one hundred and eighty degree turn.
I have to admit the lad had no motorbike, but the Geek did. I never did get to see that Harley again. I think I wanted to. It got lost along the way.
What I did get to read was a story that blossomed and had quirky characters.
This I enjoyed.
Iris and Daisy are Ella’s quirky aunts. They like to read Tarot cards.
Goose bumps pricked at her inked arms. Iris had that woo-woo look about her and Daisy had learned a long time ago not to mess with the woo-woo look.
Ella had an unusual up bringing that has caused her and her younger brother much emotional grief. Both are working hard to leave their mother’s day job in the past.
Jake is the ex rugby star. He runs his own bar with the help of Pete. Jake and Ella grew up in the town of Huntley. Jake knows Ella’s back story. He also wants Ella.
Ella felt a rush of heat and beat it back, deciding to change tack. “You do know that abstinence doesn’t kill people, right?” God knew she’d have been dead a long time ago.
Jake nodded. “It sure makes them mighty pissed off though.” He pushed off the desk and picked up his clipboard.
Ella and Jake have their issues along the way, but bottom line, they are smexi together.
“Are you the Energizer Bunny?”
Jake chuckled, his hand drifting higher, capturing the swell of a breast, brushing across her nipple. “Pretty ever-ready yourself,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
Ella has worked hard to become Hanniford High’s Principal. The school is threatened with closure and this is where a rather heart warming story comes in. This would be where the 180degree change came from the start of the story.
Jake glanced at Simon, who shrugged back at him. How could they argue with salvation? “Okay then.”
Rosie is our resident Goth chick. I really like Rosie and her unlikely relationship with Simon the Politician in the making.
“Thought you said you couldn’t do this,” Rosie shouted.
Simon grinned as he pulled her hips in tighter. “This isn’t dancing. This is fornication to music.”
Cam is Ella’s younger brother by many years. He is doing it tough. He reminded me of someone I know. Teenager, hormones and a chip on his shoulder makes for an angry young man.
“No buts, Cam. Men just don’t talk to women like that. That’s the number one rule, mate. Are you a man or a boy? This is where you decide.”
I loved watching Jake and Cam's interaction.
Cameron looked at Jake’s hand on his shoulder and then looked back at Jake.
“Got it?” Jake repeated.
Cameron looked at his feet. “Got it.”
Pete and Cerebus are two characters that were left with no one and found themselves loved by everyone.
Awwwwww!!
There is a villain of the story, but he is a character more lurking in the background.
But as far as she was concerned, his black heart and cruel tongue made him uglier than a hat full of assholes.
This is a story with heart and a message or two about what to do when life deals you a bum hand. I learnt , you get up dust yourself off and then pay it forward.
Warm fuzzies.
Michelle
December 6, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 20th October 2013:
RATING: 4 QUIRKY , HEART FELT STARS!
What do you get when you have a Coach, a Geek, a Goth, her lover and two quirky Aunts and a high school? A really great underdog story, set among the backdrop of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Woot! I am a Queenslander.
I first noticed the cover to this book on netgalley, a place where bloggers can request books to read. Handsome lad on a motorbike. Check!
Okay, you got my attention.
Holding Out For A Hero, starts off one way and then does a kind of one hundred and eighty degree turn.
I have to admit the lad had no motorbike, but the Geek did. I never did get to see that Harley again. I think I wanted to. It got lost along the way.
What I did get to read was a story that blossomed and had quirky characters.
This I enjoyed.
Iris and Daisy are Ella’s quirky aunts. They like to read Tarot cards.
Goose bumps pricked at her inked arms. Iris had that woo-woo look about her and Daisy had learned a long time ago not to mess with the woo-woo look.
Ella had an unusual up bringing that has caused her and her younger brother much emotional grief. Both are working hard to leave their mother’s day job in the past.
Jake is the ex rugby star. He runs his own bar with the help of Pete. Jake and Ella grew up in the town of Huntley. Jake knows Ella’s back story. He also wants Ella.
Ella felt a rush of heat and beat it back, deciding to change tack. “You do know that abstinence doesn’t kill people, right?” God knew she’d have been dead a long time ago.
Jake nodded. “It sure makes them mighty pissed off though.” He pushed off the desk and picked up his clipboard.
Ella and Jake have their issues along the way, but bottom line, they are smexi together.
“Are you the Energizer Bunny?”
Jake chuckled, his hand drifting higher, capturing the swell of a breast, brushing across her nipple. “Pretty ever-ready yourself,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
Ella has worked hard to become Hanniford High’s Principal. The school is threatened with closure and this is where a rather heart warming story comes in. This would be where the 180degree change came from the start of the story.
Jake glanced at Simon, who shrugged back at him. How could they argue with salvation? “Okay then.”
Rosie is our resident Goth chick. I really like Rosie and her unlikely relationship with Simon the Politician in the making.
“Thought you said you couldn’t do this,” Rosie shouted.
Simon grinned as he pulled her hips in tighter. “This isn’t dancing. This is fornication to music.”
Cam is Ella’s younger brother by many years. He is doing it tough. He reminded me of someone I know. Teenager, hormones and a chip on his shoulder makes for an angry young man.
“No buts, Cam. Men just don’t talk to women like that. That’s the number one rule, mate. Are you a man or a boy? This is where you decide.”
I loved watching Jake and Cam's interaction.
Cameron looked at Jake’s hand on his shoulder and then looked back at Jake.
“Got it?” Jake repeated.
Cameron looked at his feet. “Got it.”
Pete and Cerebus are two characters that were left with no one and found themselves loved by everyone.
Awwwwww!!
There is a villain of the story, but he is a character more lurking in the background.
But as far as she was concerned, his black heart and cruel tongue made him uglier than a hat full of assholes.
This is a story with heart and a message or two about what to do when life deals you a bum hand. I learnt , you get up dust yourself off and then pay it forward.
Warm fuzzies.
Michelle
RATING: 4 QUIRKY , HEART FELT STARS!
What do you get when you have a Coach, a Geek, a Goth, her lover and two quirky Aunts and a high school? A really great underdog story, set among the backdrop of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Woot! I am a Queenslander.
I first noticed the cover to this book on netgalley, a place where bloggers can request books to read. Handsome lad on a motorbike. Check!
Okay, you got my attention.
Holding Out For A Hero, starts off one way and then does a kind of one hundred and eighty degree turn.
I have to admit the lad had no motorbike, but the Geek did. I never did get to see that Harley again. I think I wanted to. It got lost along the way.
What I did get to read was a story that blossomed and had quirky characters.
This I enjoyed.
Iris and Daisy are Ella’s quirky aunts. They like to read Tarot cards.
Goose bumps pricked at her inked arms. Iris had that woo-woo look about her and Daisy had learned a long time ago not to mess with the woo-woo look.
Ella had an unusual up bringing that has caused her and her younger brother much emotional grief. Both are working hard to leave their mother’s day job in the past.
Jake is the ex rugby star. He runs his own bar with the help of Pete. Jake and Ella grew up in the town of Huntley. Jake knows Ella’s back story. He also wants Ella.
Ella felt a rush of heat and beat it back, deciding to change tack. “You do know that abstinence doesn’t kill people, right?” God knew she’d have been dead a long time ago.
Jake nodded. “It sure makes them mighty pissed off though.” He pushed off the desk and picked up his clipboard.
Ella and Jake have their issues along the way, but bottom line, they are smexi together.
“Are you the Energizer Bunny?”
Jake chuckled, his hand drifting higher, capturing the swell of a breast, brushing across her nipple. “Pretty ever-ready yourself,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
Ella has worked hard to become Hanniford High’s Principal. The school is threatened with closure and this is where a rather heart warming story comes in. This would be where the 180degree change came from the start of the story.
Jake glanced at Simon, who shrugged back at him. How could they argue with salvation? “Okay then.”
Rosie is our resident Goth chick. I really like Rosie and her unlikely relationship with Simon the Politician in the making.
“Thought you said you couldn’t do this,” Rosie shouted.
Simon grinned as he pulled her hips in tighter. “This isn’t dancing. This is fornication to music.”
Cam is Ella’s younger brother by many years. He is doing it tough. He reminded me of someone I know. Teenager, hormones and a chip on his shoulder makes for an angry young man.
“No buts, Cam. Men just don’t talk to women like that. That’s the number one rule, mate. Are you a man or a boy? This is where you decide.”
I loved watching Jake and Cam's interaction.
Cameron looked at Jake’s hand on his shoulder and then looked back at Jake.
“Got it?” Jake repeated.
Cameron looked at his feet. “Got it.”
Pete and Cerebus are two characters that were left with no one and found themselves loved by everyone.
Awwwwww!!
There is a villain of the story, but he is a character more lurking in the background.
But as far as she was concerned, his black heart and cruel tongue made him uglier than a hat full of assholes.
This is a story with heart and a message or two about what to do when life deals you a bum hand. I learnt , you get up dust yourself off and then pay it forward.
Warm fuzzies.
Michelle
October 16, 2013
Holding Out for a Hero. Amy Andrews.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Well, this author is new to me so I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a decent romance, which I expected, and also a really funny quirky side story involving batty aunts, politics, news media and scandals, a heroic rugby school team – very David and Goliath – and a crew of rescued dogs. That was just great and added so much more to the book than just a simple romance. There was pathos and emotion here form so many angles, along with the Good Guys winning through – I just love that feeling of satisfaction when that happens. Oh – and Rugby, I'm UK and from the terminology I think that the game referred to ? This book is Australian based so as with US book there a UK language divide so apologies now if I’ve got anything wrong in translation!
I loved Ella – though at times wanted to shake some sense into here. I understood exactly about trying to make your won way and not be known purely from your background – its typical small town village gossip we have here in UK. We're always someone's mum, daughter, employee, wife rather than our own person and in Ella case it became a brush she was tarred with that had a huge effect on her. Rosie and the aunts – what great personalities – I’d love to have/to be an aunt like them. The family they created was so full of unjudging support and just what Ella, Rosie and Cam needed. Then there's Simon, someone at opposite end of spectrum and yet also being judged by his familys actions – and the wonderful sexy hot Jake....swoon.
This book is so full of things I don't know where to start – the romance – yep, its hot, both Ella's and Rosie's...emotion for the school position, the kids that need help, the ones like Pete that have had it, the dogs that need homes, its an incredible book full of different plots that all tie in together wonderfully – and again, hot, steamy, erotic sex...it gives us the worst and best of human nature and pulls together into a humorous, sweet, HEA romantic novel. Priced at £244 for 264 pages/965kb its excellent value and one to re read when you want tot laugh and cry in the same book.
Stars: five.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Well, this author is new to me so I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a decent romance, which I expected, and also a really funny quirky side story involving batty aunts, politics, news media and scandals, a heroic rugby school team – very David and Goliath – and a crew of rescued dogs. That was just great and added so much more to the book than just a simple romance. There was pathos and emotion here form so many angles, along with the Good Guys winning through – I just love that feeling of satisfaction when that happens. Oh – and Rugby, I'm UK and from the terminology I think that the game referred to ? This book is Australian based so as with US book there a UK language divide so apologies now if I’ve got anything wrong in translation!
I loved Ella – though at times wanted to shake some sense into here. I understood exactly about trying to make your won way and not be known purely from your background – its typical small town village gossip we have here in UK. We're always someone's mum, daughter, employee, wife rather than our own person and in Ella case it became a brush she was tarred with that had a huge effect on her. Rosie and the aunts – what great personalities – I’d love to have/to be an aunt like them. The family they created was so full of unjudging support and just what Ella, Rosie and Cam needed. Then there's Simon, someone at opposite end of spectrum and yet also being judged by his familys actions – and the wonderful sexy hot Jake....swoon.
This book is so full of things I don't know where to start – the romance – yep, its hot, both Ella's and Rosie's...emotion for the school position, the kids that need help, the ones like Pete that have had it, the dogs that need homes, its an incredible book full of different plots that all tie in together wonderfully – and again, hot, steamy, erotic sex...it gives us the worst and best of human nature and pulls together into a humorous, sweet, HEA romantic novel. Priced at £244 for 264 pages/965kb its excellent value and one to re read when you want tot laugh and cry in the same book.
Stars: five.
October 15, 2013
Ella remembered her school years with tears and a hard heart. Her mother was an outcast and she was treated like one too.
Jake had similar bad memories – a drunk, neglectful father gave kids fodder to tease Jake – and a reason for Jake to be sullen and rebellious.
Fast forward 20 years when Ella is the principal for a low income school, and former rugby player Jake is a philanthropist under the guise of the local pub owner. Ella needs Jake’s help to save the school … and while they're working that out, they’re also working out some romantic tension.
I loved that Jake was a humble, honest guy who felt protective of Ella and her brother. He was an appealing alpha hero who stood up to idiots who disrespected women.
Ella might appear as somewhat of a crybaby to some readers, but I saw her as a strong woman who had shouldered so much in her life, accomplished so much, and finally felt safe enough with someone (Jake) to grieve for her childhood and her mother.
The truly beautiful thing about this book was the exploration of appealing subplots: Rosie the goth chick dates Simon the straight laced politician. Rosie’s aunts try to save their house from developer’s greed. Rosie and Ella celebrate their friendship on a daily basis.
The facets of Holding Out felt real. I felt like I was Ella, crying my eyes out to my man one minute, trying to straighten out a teenager the next, having a cocktail with my best friend later on, and finally looking for solace with my aunties across the table.
Holding Out for a Hero is a romance, but it’s also a commentary on friendship, staying true to yourself, and not letting your perception of the past color your future. Amy Andrews gives us all that, plus a hot rugby player hero and a happily ever after.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jake had similar bad memories – a drunk, neglectful father gave kids fodder to tease Jake – and a reason for Jake to be sullen and rebellious.
Fast forward 20 years when Ella is the principal for a low income school, and former rugby player Jake is a philanthropist under the guise of the local pub owner. Ella needs Jake’s help to save the school … and while they're working that out, they’re also working out some romantic tension.
I loved that Jake was a humble, honest guy who felt protective of Ella and her brother. He was an appealing alpha hero who stood up to idiots who disrespected women.
Ella might appear as somewhat of a crybaby to some readers, but I saw her as a strong woman who had shouldered so much in her life, accomplished so much, and finally felt safe enough with someone (Jake) to grieve for her childhood and her mother.
The truly beautiful thing about this book was the exploration of appealing subplots: Rosie the goth chick dates Simon the straight laced politician. Rosie’s aunts try to save their house from developer’s greed. Rosie and Ella celebrate their friendship on a daily basis.
The facets of Holding Out felt real. I felt like I was Ella, crying my eyes out to my man one minute, trying to straighten out a teenager the next, having a cocktail with my best friend later on, and finally looking for solace with my aunties across the table.
Holding Out for a Hero is a romance, but it’s also a commentary on friendship, staying true to yourself, and not letting your perception of the past color your future. Amy Andrews gives us all that, plus a hot rugby player hero and a happily ever after.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2014
Ozzie footballer and hometown girl get a second chance...plus a zany crowd of croonies...very good read!
I really enjoyed this story with its band of zany extras, shameful pasts and family dinners! Ella left her home town in shame and never looked back. She never was anything like what the gossip mongers and rumour mill believed her to be, but then again, she never had a chance. While she loved her mother dearly, she loathed her mother’s choices in life. Sadly, soon after she left home for good, her mother had a son that Ella knew anything about until her mother’s death. Her brother Cam is big, bitter and bullish. At the age of 13, he met his long lost sister and nothing is as he planned it to be. I enjoyed the angst and the tension between Ella and her brother. Their relationship was real and the time to build a solid foundation just had not been established, even during the past two years.
Two years ago, Ella walked into Jake’s family bar and set out to prove she was the kind of woman the whole town believed her to be-but instead she proved to be the one woman that Jake Prince cannot forget! I loved that bit. Then, as these two meet up again, work together through the footy training and then hook up, sweet! They really connect on so many levels. That was why, for me, it hurt so badly when Ella kept saying that Jake was going backwards/going back to Huntley/going back to the past. I loved when she finally forgave her mother, herself and came to terms with her past and her role in making the future all that it could be truly.
Of course, the footy action is good, the friends are very funny and the smexying is hot and fun. A great read, enjoy!
I really enjoyed this story with its band of zany extras, shameful pasts and family dinners! Ella left her home town in shame and never looked back. She never was anything like what the gossip mongers and rumour mill believed her to be, but then again, she never had a chance. While she loved her mother dearly, she loathed her mother’s choices in life. Sadly, soon after she left home for good, her mother had a son that Ella knew anything about until her mother’s death. Her brother Cam is big, bitter and bullish. At the age of 13, he met his long lost sister and nothing is as he planned it to be. I enjoyed the angst and the tension between Ella and her brother. Their relationship was real and the time to build a solid foundation just had not been established, even during the past two years.
Two years ago, Ella walked into Jake’s family bar and set out to prove she was the kind of woman the whole town believed her to be-but instead she proved to be the one woman that Jake Prince cannot forget! I loved that bit. Then, as these two meet up again, work together through the footy training and then hook up, sweet! They really connect on so many levels. That was why, for me, it hurt so badly when Ella kept saying that Jake was going backwards/going back to Huntley/going back to the past. I loved when she finally forgave her mother, herself and came to terms with her past and her role in making the future all that it could be truly.
Of course, the footy action is good, the friends are very funny and the smexying is hot and fun. A great read, enjoy!
September 12, 2014
This was an unexpected treat...not my usual type of book, but the description sounded good and the first few chapters drew me in.
I like a good story about family ties, especially when the sins of the parents and the past come back to wreck them and cause turmoil in otherwise settled lives.
When Ella comes back to town for her mother's funeral and heads straight to the football hero and her once high school crush Jake, she has sex on the brain and intends to get him into bed and erase the painful feelings that the town has brought rushing back to her. Then the story fast forwards to two years later, and Ella comes face to face with Jake again, but she has more on her mind (her rebellious teenage brother, a crazy cast of friends and fighting land developers) and on top of that there is still the past haunting her every move.
This was a lovely and sweet story filled with family drama, some hilarious moments, steamy and honest romance and all ends as it should in a satisfying HEA for most people.
It was free when I got it and worth the read if you want a good story that is more on the light side.
**** 4 **** "you CAN come home again" stars
I like a good story about family ties, especially when the sins of the parents and the past come back to wreck them and cause turmoil in otherwise settled lives.
When Ella comes back to town for her mother's funeral and heads straight to the football hero and her once high school crush Jake, she has sex on the brain and intends to get him into bed and erase the painful feelings that the town has brought rushing back to her. Then the story fast forwards to two years later, and Ella comes face to face with Jake again, but she has more on her mind (her rebellious teenage brother, a crazy cast of friends and fighting land developers) and on top of that there is still the past haunting her every move.
This was a lovely and sweet story filled with family drama, some hilarious moments, steamy and honest romance and all ends as it should in a satisfying HEA for most people.
It was free when I got it and worth the read if you want a good story that is more on the light side.
**** 4 **** "you CAN come home again" stars
September 18, 2014
Really good book
This book was very unexpected. From the cover I thought it was a biker story but it is not even close. Instead it was an inspirational story and a sweet romance
Jake Prince was the son of the local bar owner, drunk, gambler in small bigoted town Huntly. Ella is the daughter of the town hooked. Both escaped young- Jake to be a world-class rugby player - Ella an educator. They have one hot moment in a room over Jake's dad's bar then Ella takes her brother she didn't know existed and leaves after burying her mother.
Fast forward two years and Ella is principal of a struggling public school and Jake owns her local pub after being sacked by his team. After acting on an idea by her bff Rosie to try for a prestigious rugby award Ella convinces Jake to coach and things start looking up-to-date until the media pastes all of the dirt from their pasts in Huntly and they have to reach deep and face the demons or confront them head on.
This story is inspirational and a real feel good story. Really good book to read when you need a little something to lift you up.
This book was very unexpected. From the cover I thought it was a biker story but it is not even close. Instead it was an inspirational story and a sweet romance
Jake Prince was the son of the local bar owner, drunk, gambler in small bigoted town Huntly. Ella is the daughter of the town hooked. Both escaped young- Jake to be a world-class rugby player - Ella an educator. They have one hot moment in a room over Jake's dad's bar then Ella takes her brother she didn't know existed and leaves after burying her mother.
Fast forward two years and Ella is principal of a struggling public school and Jake owns her local pub after being sacked by his team. After acting on an idea by her bff Rosie to try for a prestigious rugby award Ella convinces Jake to coach and things start looking up-to-date until the media pastes all of the dirt from their pasts in Huntly and they have to reach deep and face the demons or confront them head on.
This story is inspirational and a real feel good story. Really good book to read when you need a little something to lift you up.
November 10, 2015
This was a really good book, I'm definitely glad I requested it. The story of Jake & Ella is wonderful. The past that they share, in the way that their respective parents had such a hard impact on their lives was shocking. Ella trying to live down her mother's past as a good time lady to men of all ages was hard & finding out she had a brother was surprising. Leaving home at a young age & not returning until her mothers funeral 17 yrs later was hard for her. Jake returned home to take over his fathers pub after his death, had to live with the memories of a drunken gambler of a father. Having been a football(rugby) hero it was hard on Jake. Two yrs later they both end up in the same city, Ella as a substitute principal & Jake as a new pub owner. They meet, clash & rehash the past & start some more memories of their own. Trying to save her school Ella turns to Jake for help. Trouble ensues for everyone involved & lives are turned upside down. This story was told quite well & had my attention from start to finish. This is definitely a book I would recommend for all to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews