What do you think?
Rate this book
Radioactive Tales of Love #1
Swagger
Nine years, two lives, one love.
We all have dreams. Mine were filled with college and the boy I loved, Cruz Montoya. But all that went up with smoke when he got sent to Juvenile Hall, my sister killed herself, and Dad up and left. My mother and I use that terminology loosely became a monster transferring her pains and disappointment and I became trapped.
Honorably discharged I’m back in Arlington Heights, the small town that only remembers the black sheep persona of my youth. I could list a dozen reasons for my return, but the only one that matters is Roxanne Waters. I should probably leave her be. I’m not much of a catch with PTSD and the childhood memories rattling around in my brain. Yet, I can’t walk away. There’s a darkness that surrounds the death of her sister, a secrets that’s slowly killing her. I’m going to find out everything. This is the moment of truth to see if we can make it or if I’m nine years too late.
We all have dreams. Mine were filled with college and the boy I loved, Cruz Montoya. But all that went up with smoke when he got sent to Juvenile Hall, my sister killed herself, and Dad up and left. My mother and I use that terminology loosely became a monster transferring her pains and disappointment and I became trapped.
Honorably discharged I’m back in Arlington Heights, the small town that only remembers the black sheep persona of my youth. I could list a dozen reasons for my return, but the only one that matters is Roxanne Waters. I should probably leave her be. I’m not much of a catch with PTSD and the childhood memories rattling around in my brain. Yet, I can’t walk away. There’s a darkness that surrounds the death of her sister, a secrets that’s slowly killing her. I’m going to find out everything. This is the moment of truth to see if we can make it or if I’m nine years too late.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2014
10 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Prince
58 books230 followersInternational Bestselling Author
Nikki Prince is a mother of two, who's always had a dream to be a published author in the romance genre. Her passion lies in raising her children as readers, gaming, cooking, reading, and her writing. Her belief is that "love is love" and that everyone should see themselves mirrored in the pages of a romance book. Nikki Prince genuinely believes that love is colorblind and gender-less.
Nikki Prince is a mother of two, who's always had a dream to be a published author in the romance genre. Her passion lies in raising her children as readers, gaming, cooking, reading, and her writing. Her belief is that "love is love" and that everyone should see themselves mirrored in the pages of a romance book. Nikki Prince genuinely believes that love is colorblind and gender-less.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2013
Swagger by Ms Nikki, is very well written and a must read story. When I started reading this I couldn't put it down, I just knew I had to finish it. This story is about true love and how love will conquer all if you believe in it. Cruz and Rox had a connection and a common bound when they were 16 years old but due to circumstance they were pulled apart from each other for 9 years. Cruz comes back as a freelance writer who is suffering from ptsd and Rox is now running and owning her father's motel as well as taking care of her sickly mother. When they are reunited they realize that they have to be strong for each other, discuss their demons and most important know the their love will keep them together through it all. I don't want to give to much away but please read this story. You will see that no matter what your home life is like or the road you traveled, when you find your other half you will feel complete and whole...You will cry, yell and even curse out some of the characters in this book.
This is story of love and time doesn't change or diminish it :)
This is story of love and time doesn't change or diminish it :)
June 13, 2014
Book Review by Nicole McCurdy for Bex 'n' Books
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
I am such a sucker for reformed bad-boy heroes in books and Cruz- the reformed bad boy of Nikki Prince’s Swagger was everything I could have wanted in a character designed to steal my heart right from the get go. He’s plagued by PTSD after serving in the war against Afghanistan as well as having suffered through the hell of an abusive childhood while the only shining beacon of hope and affection he had in his young life had been the blossoming relationship between him and Roxie, a relationship that was cut brutally short nine years ago, before it ever really got going but through all the years they’ve been apart Cruz still feels that connection and depth of love he once experienced with Roxie.
Roxie too is a girl battling her own demons in the form of an absentee father who abandoned her after a gut-wrenching tragedy occurred in her family years before. Roxie’s a beautiful but seemingly lonely character. She’s so resilient in the face of such adversity, still managing to retain some semblance of compassion and humility even when faced with the vitriol and constant abuse at the hands of her mentally and physically ill mother. Cruz is a beacon of hope and strength for her too; they both want to save each other from their own respective darkness. “He makes me feel like everything will be all right, even when it seems like it won’t.”
Nikki Prince is very good at giving her character’s winning personalities without making them seem too perfect or cookie-cutter. Cruz and Roxie are both damaged in their own ways but because they both have fighting spirits and a beautiful chemistry together it works well with what some might see as an insta-love kind of storyline, but taking into account their histories and that they’ve both thought about each other and longed for each other for nine years, no one can really argue that it’s a love-at-first-sight storyline, their relationship simply progresses at a very rapid pace. You wait nine years for the love of your life why wait one more day to declare it?
It started off a little bit slow but once it gained momentum the drama and angst came hurtling at you. I smirked my way through some bits, I sighed in envy at Cruz’s love for Roxie – “…I’d give anything for this girl. Anything. All she needs to do is ask. No…that isn’t true, even if she didn’t ask- If I could do it, I’d stumble over hands and feet to get it done.” I cried for Roxie after she discovered the truth and I frowned a little once I realised I was almost at the end of the book. Over all it was a very good story and well written although there were more than a few instances where Nikki has confused which tense she wanted to write in but it never detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book. A lovely tale of heartache, strength and hope.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
I am such a sucker for reformed bad-boy heroes in books and Cruz- the reformed bad boy of Nikki Prince’s Swagger was everything I could have wanted in a character designed to steal my heart right from the get go. He’s plagued by PTSD after serving in the war against Afghanistan as well as having suffered through the hell of an abusive childhood while the only shining beacon of hope and affection he had in his young life had been the blossoming relationship between him and Roxie, a relationship that was cut brutally short nine years ago, before it ever really got going but through all the years they’ve been apart Cruz still feels that connection and depth of love he once experienced with Roxie.
Roxie too is a girl battling her own demons in the form of an absentee father who abandoned her after a gut-wrenching tragedy occurred in her family years before. Roxie’s a beautiful but seemingly lonely character. She’s so resilient in the face of such adversity, still managing to retain some semblance of compassion and humility even when faced with the vitriol and constant abuse at the hands of her mentally and physically ill mother. Cruz is a beacon of hope and strength for her too; they both want to save each other from their own respective darkness. “He makes me feel like everything will be all right, even when it seems like it won’t.”
Nikki Prince is very good at giving her character’s winning personalities without making them seem too perfect or cookie-cutter. Cruz and Roxie are both damaged in their own ways but because they both have fighting spirits and a beautiful chemistry together it works well with what some might see as an insta-love kind of storyline, but taking into account their histories and that they’ve both thought about each other and longed for each other for nine years, no one can really argue that it’s a love-at-first-sight storyline, their relationship simply progresses at a very rapid pace. You wait nine years for the love of your life why wait one more day to declare it?
It started off a little bit slow but once it gained momentum the drama and angst came hurtling at you. I smirked my way through some bits, I sighed in envy at Cruz’s love for Roxie – “…I’d give anything for this girl. Anything. All she needs to do is ask. No…that isn’t true, even if she didn’t ask- If I could do it, I’d stumble over hands and feet to get it done.” I cried for Roxie after she discovered the truth and I frowned a little once I realised I was almost at the end of the book. Over all it was a very good story and well written although there were more than a few instances where Nikki has confused which tense she wanted to write in but it never detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book. A lovely tale of heartache, strength and hope.
January 21, 2014
Nikki Prince is my breakout writer of 2013 and she is off to an excellent start for 2014. I love her work and I always get drawn into the story. I am so glad to have come across her writings; she is truly a gifted writer. Swagger is a great read and I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The story of Cruz and Roxanne is one that had to be told. This is a captivating read examining love, strength and the power to overcome a lot of obstacles. The subject matter is one that a lot of people shy away from, but the writer does it in a tender and touching way. There were secrets in the book that had to come out, but that made the book very interesting. It pulled a lot of emotions from me from happiness to anger to anxiety on behalf of the characters and back to happiness. You will not be disappointed with this read and it has a great price right now of $0.99.
The story of Cruz and Roxanne is one that had to be told. This is a captivating read examining love, strength and the power to overcome a lot of obstacles. The subject matter is one that a lot of people shy away from, but the writer does it in a tender and touching way. There were secrets in the book that had to come out, but that made the book very interesting. It pulled a lot of emotions from me from happiness to anger to anxiety on behalf of the characters and back to happiness. You will not be disappointed with this read and it has a great price right now of $0.99.
February 11, 2014
Nikki Prince won my heart with this book. For such heavy topics like PTSD, child abuse, and mental deterioration this book is an amazing light read. I love the characters Cruz Montoya is a strong man but suffers from night terrors since childhood and PTSD but he is working hard to try and make himself better. Roxie Waters is in limbo working for the family business as manager for the Motel her father started. Still living with her Mother who suffers from dementia and her mother's best friend and nurse, Kathy, Roxie puts up with her mother's hateful words and constantly tells her that it should have been her to die instead of her older sister, and that it was her fault that her Father left.
Cruz Montoya was arrested and sent to Juvenile Hall and that was the last time Roxie saw the boy who stole her heart. She hadn't seen or heard from him the whole time until he shows up at her motel. He still looked good, and made her heart pitter patter and skip a beat. Cruz suffered from child abuse and the night before he was arrested he had beat up his father finally had enough with the continual beating from his functional alcoholic father. After serving his time Cruz joined the military and served his time there. Now with a honorable discharge he is back to his home town and the only reason he came back was for Roxie, who has never left his thoughts. Thoughts of her helped keep him sane helped put him to sleep when the anxiety attacks kept him awake or when the night terrors woke him most nights.
The attraction is still their Cruz wants to go slow to give them both time to get to know each other again and give him time to reveal everything about his past and what happened to Roxie. Cruz soon realizes that he's not the only one who needs to reveal the struggles of the past. Roxie has kept the guilt of her sister's suicide close to her, putting up with her mother's hateful attitude out of a sense of familial loyalty. Cruz has a hard time dealing with Roxie keeping their relationship a secret from her mother, but understand her need for time especially with the anniversary of her sister's death approaching.
Roxie has kept her sister's diary in a lockbox to afraid to read the secrets of her sisters life, but being with Cruz gives her the courage to read it. She soon realizes that their is more to her sisters suicide then she ever thought. Can Cruz and Roxie deal with their own insecurities and move on and have their HEA?
Cruz just makes you want to hug him and love him, and Roxie is so strong but doesn't realize it until she finally lets go of her guilt. This book is a prime example why I love second chance love stories.
Cruz Montoya was arrested and sent to Juvenile Hall and that was the last time Roxie saw the boy who stole her heart. She hadn't seen or heard from him the whole time until he shows up at her motel. He still looked good, and made her heart pitter patter and skip a beat. Cruz suffered from child abuse and the night before he was arrested he had beat up his father finally had enough with the continual beating from his functional alcoholic father. After serving his time Cruz joined the military and served his time there. Now with a honorable discharge he is back to his home town and the only reason he came back was for Roxie, who has never left his thoughts. Thoughts of her helped keep him sane helped put him to sleep when the anxiety attacks kept him awake or when the night terrors woke him most nights.
The attraction is still their Cruz wants to go slow to give them both time to get to know each other again and give him time to reveal everything about his past and what happened to Roxie. Cruz soon realizes that he's not the only one who needs to reveal the struggles of the past. Roxie has kept the guilt of her sister's suicide close to her, putting up with her mother's hateful attitude out of a sense of familial loyalty. Cruz has a hard time dealing with Roxie keeping their relationship a secret from her mother, but understand her need for time especially with the anniversary of her sister's death approaching.
Roxie has kept her sister's diary in a lockbox to afraid to read the secrets of her sisters life, but being with Cruz gives her the courage to read it. She soon realizes that their is more to her sisters suicide then she ever thought. Can Cruz and Roxie deal with their own insecurities and move on and have their HEA?
Cruz just makes you want to hug him and love him, and Roxie is so strong but doesn't realize it until she finally lets go of her guilt. This book is a prime example why I love second chance love stories.
April 11, 2014
This is a Romantic Suspense book. I would recommend this for an older age group. This is such an emotional book, you think Roxanne has been though enough pain in her life, then she discovers more. But she learns to deal with her grief though all of her problems. I really appreciated the dedication she felt towards her mother even though their wasn't a good relationship between them. The connection between Roxanne and Cruz was amazing.
This is a story about Roxanne, she was dreaming of college, and being with her sweetheart Cruz Montoya. But her life started falling apart and it seemed to happen all at once. Her older sister Macy committed suicide. Her dad just got up and left one day, and her mother... well by blood only, is taking her anger out on Rox. Can her life be any worse?
Back in Arlington Heights, Cruz Montoya, whom has never forgotten Roxanne, thinks of her all the time. He was honorably discharged from the military, but still is look at as a juvenile delinquent. He is dealing with PTSD and knows he is no good for Rox but he just has to try. When he finally connects with Roxanne he realizes there is something more to her sister Macy's death, that is hurting Roxanne. He will try to help her, or is he nine years to late to be any use to her?
favorite passages:
"You can never go back. I always argue with myself about this belief—
if I can’t go backward, why can’t I go forward?"
"That smile, this man equaled to something very lickable."
“No, I belong here just like anyone else.”
"I always felt hypnotized by them as if I were drowning in them…Drowning in him."
"People who say that it will just fade with time, don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. It doesn't fade. You learn to live day by day without that person’s smile, laughter, hugs and kisses and even their anger but you don’t ever let them just fade away." <3
"She's propping me up on her shoulders with her wings out spread."
"The sun is shining and though there were clouds, they were the fluffy kind cotton candy dreams are made of."
This is a story about Roxanne, she was dreaming of college, and being with her sweetheart Cruz Montoya. But her life started falling apart and it seemed to happen all at once. Her older sister Macy committed suicide. Her dad just got up and left one day, and her mother... well by blood only, is taking her anger out on Rox. Can her life be any worse?
Back in Arlington Heights, Cruz Montoya, whom has never forgotten Roxanne, thinks of her all the time. He was honorably discharged from the military, but still is look at as a juvenile delinquent. He is dealing with PTSD and knows he is no good for Rox but he just has to try. When he finally connects with Roxanne he realizes there is something more to her sister Macy's death, that is hurting Roxanne. He will try to help her, or is he nine years to late to be any use to her?
favorite passages:
"You can never go back. I always argue with myself about this belief—
if I can’t go backward, why can’t I go forward?"
"That smile, this man equaled to something very lickable."
“No, I belong here just like anyone else.”
"I always felt hypnotized by them as if I were drowning in them…Drowning in him."
"People who say that it will just fade with time, don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. It doesn't fade. You learn to live day by day without that person’s smile, laughter, hugs and kisses and even their anger but you don’t ever let them just fade away." <3
"She's propping me up on her shoulders with her wings out spread."
"The sun is shining and though there were clouds, they were the fluffy kind cotton candy dreams are made of."
March 31, 2014
~4.5 Stars~
I have read a few Nikki Prince books but Swagger was something new altogether. It was nothing like I expected and I loved it for that. It is full of emotion and suspense. The twists and turns kept coming and I didn’t see any of them coming. Their journey is one of a kind, tragic but somehow it was also beautiful. *Warning: May contain triggers. Talks about child abuse, rape and child molestation.
Roxie was an amazing character. She had her own issues but eventually she worked through them. I loved how she still cared for and loved her mother even though she was absolutely horrid to her. To have to deal with that amount of hate without being hateful yourself is quite an accomplishment. She fit with Cruz beautifully. The only thing that bugged me was that she let Kathy and her mom run her life for so long.
Cruz made some mistakes as a child but he overcame them. He struggling with PTSD but is doing everything within his power to overcome it. I loved how supportive he was to Roxie even when his own demons reared their heads again. His love for her was never ending. She was what got him through the day. I felt bad for him when everyone in the town still saw him as the boy who got arrested not as the man who risked his life fighting for his country.
This is a highly emotional book and I highly recommend having tissues near you. Nikki wrote some amazing characters who you had no choice but to fall in love with. They became better people after overcoming the tragedy in their lives.
~Special thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.~
I have read a few Nikki Prince books but Swagger was something new altogether. It was nothing like I expected and I loved it for that. It is full of emotion and suspense. The twists and turns kept coming and I didn’t see any of them coming. Their journey is one of a kind, tragic but somehow it was also beautiful. *Warning: May contain triggers. Talks about child abuse, rape and child molestation.
Roxie was an amazing character. She had her own issues but eventually she worked through them. I loved how she still cared for and loved her mother even though she was absolutely horrid to her. To have to deal with that amount of hate without being hateful yourself is quite an accomplishment. She fit with Cruz beautifully. The only thing that bugged me was that she let Kathy and her mom run her life for so long.
Cruz made some mistakes as a child but he overcame them. He struggling with PTSD but is doing everything within his power to overcome it. I loved how supportive he was to Roxie even when his own demons reared their heads again. His love for her was never ending. She was what got him through the day. I felt bad for him when everyone in the town still saw him as the boy who got arrested not as the man who risked his life fighting for his country.
This is a highly emotional book and I highly recommend having tissues near you. Nikki wrote some amazing characters who you had no choice but to fall in love with. They became better people after overcoming the tragedy in their lives.
~Special thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.~
May 14, 2014
Swagger. What an apt title for this novel. This story has plenty of swagger.
Roxie's life is going nowhere fast. She would love to go to college but after the death of her sister in a apparent suicide and her father walks out of the remaining family, Roxie is left to take care of her mother alone and the family motel.
Back in town all of a sudden, Cruz is her childhood sweet heart who has been to juvie, the army and subsequently discharged. He suffers from PTSD and is haunted by memories of an abused childhood.
On paper these two shouldn't be together as they each carry so much baggage. But I love the instant connection they had right from the moment they meet up nine years after Cruz was suddenly arrested. They are both likeable and I warmed to them easily. The tenacity and determination Cruz has to solve the mystery around Roxie's sister's death is endearing and I turned the pages with bated breath to find out how things would conclude.
This author is new-to-me and I'm glad that I discovered her. If you enjoy new adult romance or romantic suspense, then go and pick up a copy of this swaggerlicious book.
Roxie's life is going nowhere fast. She would love to go to college but after the death of her sister in a apparent suicide and her father walks out of the remaining family, Roxie is left to take care of her mother alone and the family motel.
Back in town all of a sudden, Cruz is her childhood sweet heart who has been to juvie, the army and subsequently discharged. He suffers from PTSD and is haunted by memories of an abused childhood.
On paper these two shouldn't be together as they each carry so much baggage. But I love the instant connection they had right from the moment they meet up nine years after Cruz was suddenly arrested. They are both likeable and I warmed to them easily. The tenacity and determination Cruz has to solve the mystery around Roxie's sister's death is endearing and I turned the pages with bated breath to find out how things would conclude.
This author is new-to-me and I'm glad that I discovered her. If you enjoy new adult romance or romantic suspense, then go and pick up a copy of this swaggerlicious book.
January 3, 2014
BETA reader - This book is one that grabs you from the moment that you start reading. Roxi & Cruz have a past that ended abruptly. 9 years later, Cruz is back! Roxi has never stopped having feelings for him and they come to the surface when she sees him, standing in the lobby of her father's hotel. Add to this love story, true isssues that could affect their future; read as they try to start anew and bury their pasts. You will fall in love, you will scream of anger, you will want to cry from hurt and you will find out if finding your soulmate at 16 truly possible for these 2 characters. Get this book and ride along with Cruz and Roxi.
April 4, 2014
Title: Swagger
Author: Nikki Prince
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Genre: New Adult, Urban, Contemporary, Interracial, Romance
Reviewed by Maven
5 Stars – Highly Recommended Read! Don’t Miss Out!
Captivating. That’s the word which comes to mind when thinking about Swagger and trying to sum the book up.
Ms. Prince has written a story that deals with unrealized young love, some rough issues and some flawed people, added in second chances, and the mix was done with a heart. Cruz and Roxann are characters that I won’t forget about any time soon.
For more go to: http://thetalentcavereviews.weebly.co...
Author: Nikki Prince
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Genre: New Adult, Urban, Contemporary, Interracial, Romance
Reviewed by Maven
5 Stars – Highly Recommended Read! Don’t Miss Out!
Captivating. That’s the word which comes to mind when thinking about Swagger and trying to sum the book up.
Ms. Prince has written a story that deals with unrealized young love, some rough issues and some flawed people, added in second chances, and the mix was done with a heart. Cruz and Roxann are characters that I won’t forget about any time soon.
For more go to: http://thetalentcavereviews.weebly.co...
March 8, 2014
I received "Swagger" from the author as an eARC. However that doesn't influence anything about my review.
Once again Nikki Prince has created a wonderful tale of love lost and found. Her characters are fresh, inviting, and well suited to each other. I started reading and could not put the book down until I was finished! That's one of the things I love about Ms. Prince's books - I never get enough.
I would definitely recommend this book to any of my friends looking for a relaxing, inviting book for the weekend. We should all look forward to more from this fresh, exciting and always rewarding author. Five book lights straight up for "Swagger"!
Once again Nikki Prince has created a wonderful tale of love lost and found. Her characters are fresh, inviting, and well suited to each other. I started reading and could not put the book down until I was finished! That's one of the things I love about Ms. Prince's books - I never get enough.
I would definitely recommend this book to any of my friends looking for a relaxing, inviting book for the weekend. We should all look forward to more from this fresh, exciting and always rewarding author. Five book lights straight up for "Swagger"!
April 24, 2015
Great storyline and characters are interesting. Could just be me but there were times I'd lose interest (maybe spots where to bland or could be where I'm not feeling well). Needs some editing but completely understandable.(Maybe I got unedited version?)
Roxy and Cruz both have troubled pasts that hold them back. When they meet again they are determined to work through it together. They have chemistry and make a great couple. Can they really move on from the past or will it destroy them?
While there aren't any real twists or turns, the story is definitely interesting.
Roxy and Cruz both have troubled pasts that hold them back. When they meet again they are determined to work through it together. They have chemistry and make a great couple. Can they really move on from the past or will it destroy them?
While there aren't any real twists or turns, the story is definitely interesting.
March 10, 2018
WOW! This book took on so many important issues, such as PTSD, child abuse, mental health, and suicide. It was done in a way that made the story realistic and not harshly that the reader could understand the characters struggles. I was hoping Roxie and Cruz would be able to overcome all of their obstacles. They have a chemistry that you can feel through the pages. The ending was a definite surprise. This book is a must read! This book is my first from Nikki Prince. I look forward to reading more from her.
May 4, 2018
From the first page, I was already right there in the story with Roxanne and Cruz, needing to know what was going to happen next. I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading Nikki Prince’s newest release, IT’S COMPLICATED.
November 12, 2020
Nice read
This was a nice read. The characters of Cruz and Roxie were well developed. The story line included a few twist and turns that made it interesting.
This was a nice read. The characters of Cruz and Roxie were well developed. The story line included a few twist and turns that made it interesting.
January 13, 2015
Wonderful story!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews