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Don't Call Me Hero #1
Don't Call Me Hero
It’s been over a year since Cassidy Miller retired from the United States Marine Corps, but try telling that to her nightmares. She knew that coming back after eight years in a war zone wouldn’t be easy, but she’d underestimated the real difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. War is hell, but the aftermath is endless.
Looking for a fresh start, she’s left her friends and career in Minneapolis to be a police officer in northern Minnesota. It’s in the tiny town of Embarrass where she learns more about Julia Desjardin. The city prosecutor is cool, professional, and untouchable. But she and Cassidy have history, and Cassidy isn’t going to let her easily forget that.
For all their surface differences, Cassidy and Julia have more in common than they first realized - both are reluctant to hand over their pasts to be judged and studied. But it might take someone just as damaged as the other to help each cope with the skeletons in their respective closets.
Looking for a fresh start, she’s left her friends and career in Minneapolis to be a police officer in northern Minnesota. It’s in the tiny town of Embarrass where she learns more about Julia Desjardin. The city prosecutor is cool, professional, and untouchable. But she and Cassidy have history, and Cassidy isn’t going to let her easily forget that.
For all their surface differences, Cassidy and Julia have more in common than they first realized - both are reluctant to hand over their pasts to be judged and studied. But it might take someone just as damaged as the other to help each cope with the skeletons in their respective closets.
Audible Audio
First published November 1, 2014
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About the author
Eliza Lentzski
29 books837 followersEliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
dnf
October 30, 2021DNF - for my own dumb reasons.
I kinda hate this about myself but sometimes little things in a book bug me and I just can't let go of them and they eventually make it so I can't keep reading. One of the things that bug me is when scenes that don't make sense to me. For example:
-why does an unincorporated town of 600 people need a high powered district attorney
-unincorporated areas do not usually have police departments (the whole reason one of the MCs moved to Embarass). They generally get their law enforcement via the county Sheriff.
-one MC is power suit and stilletos gets stranded in her car in puddle big enough to flood her engine and stall her car, yet when rescued she just gets out and walks across the street, in her stilletos? do you know how high the water would have to be to flood your engine? ok, lets say it splashed up and the water isnt up the side fo the door. she still gets out without taking off her fancy shoes?
-after said walk thru the water in her expesive shoes, they go to her house and she does not take off or get changed first she immediately starts a "great fire" in the next room in a matter of minutes. Again... to get a raging fire going you'd need 30 mins at least and the author makes a point of saying it was a real fire and not gas. I KNOW ITS STUPID IF FIXATE ON THIS. ugggg.
-the nail in the coffin for me was repeatly saying the the phones did not work in a power outage. It's stated the the phones are old fashion land lines. Guess what... fully wired land line phone do not need electrity to work. (i am old enough to know this but I still looked it up to be sure)
so ... ya... I just can't keep reading cuz my dumb mind won't shut up about it.
I kinda hate this about myself but sometimes little things in a book bug me and I just can't let go of them and they eventually make it so I can't keep reading. One of the things that bug me is when scenes that don't make sense to me. For example:
-why does an unincorporated town of 600 people need a high powered district attorney
-unincorporated areas do not usually have police departments (the whole reason one of the MCs moved to Embarass). They generally get their law enforcement via the county Sheriff.
-one MC is power suit and stilletos gets stranded in her car in puddle big enough to flood her engine and stall her car, yet when rescued she just gets out and walks across the street, in her stilletos? do you know how high the water would have to be to flood your engine? ok, lets say it splashed up and the water isnt up the side fo the door. she still gets out without taking off her fancy shoes?
-after said walk thru the water in her expesive shoes, they go to her house and she does not take off or get changed first she immediately starts a "great fire" in the next room in a matter of minutes. Again... to get a raging fire going you'd need 30 mins at least and the author makes a point of saying it was a real fire and not gas. I KNOW ITS STUPID IF FIXATE ON THIS. ugggg.
-the nail in the coffin for me was repeatly saying the the phones did not work in a power outage. It's stated the the phones are old fashion land lines. Guess what... fully wired land line phone do not need electrity to work. (i am old enough to know this but I still looked it up to be sure)
so ... ya... I just can't keep reading cuz my dumb mind won't shut up about it.
June 25, 2019
I am quite familiar with Ms.Lentzski's standalones and always developed a crush on her leads' love interests - For someone who hates love triangle, I don't mind being the other woman.
Fragmented - Raleigh
Bittersweet Homecoming - Charlotte
Sunscreen and Coconuts - Kate
Latest addition
Don't Call Me A Hero - Julia
The author has another talent, her sex scenes. If you would like to kill two birds with one stone I.e. read and entertain your partner at the same time, then you should read the scenes out aloud to her. I wonder how far you can go before one of you start a different kind of activity....
Warning! Warning! Mind heading to the gutter, back off, immediately!
Cassidy's credential
- female
- ex marine
- survived two tours in Hell-Stan
- Police Academy Graduate
- Harley owner / rider
- femme tomboy and fit
- looked good in and out of the uniform
- O cooking skills
Judges, may I have the score;
Judge Dredd - 1O, Jughead - O, Judge Judy - 1O,
Me - 9³/4
Why not perfect score? Due to her lack of maturity and decision making, I struggled with her characterization in the beginning and her relationship with Julia only shined when they were playing the sensual cat and mouse games before wrestling off each other's clothing. But as I read on, my disliked for Cassidy thawed out especially after learning her backstory + there were more intelligent / flirty conversations / moments with Julia. I still need more to be in Team Cassidy but I'm not in a rush as I'm too comfortable being Julia's girl toy.
Thankfully, another plot added in to make this story more than just about two damaged souls taking a chance on each other, finding orgasms at first and love in the process. The white collar crime was not at the adrenaline rush level but a good addition nevertheless and I am excited to read the next books. Thank you Elle, for the recommendation, budget and time are not fans of yours atm though..but to heck with them.
Something interesting and needed to be shared with you warriors. I was getting my guilty pleasure drink yesterday when a woman approached me and asked "How are our kids?" I searched for the tiny pepper packets before my brain finally recognized her. 13 years ago, when she told me that I was pregnant, I immediately asked her if it was hers and my ever so helpful partner instantly welcomed her to our family and said that my relatives would be over the moon that I finally won the doctor jackpot. It was a pleasant afternoon, catching up with her.
Fragmented - Raleigh
Bittersweet Homecoming - Charlotte
Sunscreen and Coconuts - Kate
Latest addition
Don't Call Me A Hero - Julia
The author has another talent, her sex scenes. If you would like to kill two birds with one stone I.e. read and entertain your partner at the same time, then you should read the scenes out aloud to her. I wonder how far you can go before one of you start a different kind of activity....
Warning! Warning! Mind heading to the gutter, back off, immediately!
Cassidy's credential
- female
- ex marine
- survived two tours in Hell-Stan
- Police Academy Graduate
- Harley owner / rider
- femme tomboy and fit
- looked good in and out of the uniform
- O cooking skills
Judges, may I have the score;
Judge Dredd - 1O, Jughead - O, Judge Judy - 1O,
Me - 9³/4
Why not perfect score? Due to her lack of maturity and decision making, I struggled with her characterization in the beginning and her relationship with Julia only shined when they were playing the sensual cat and mouse games before wrestling off each other's clothing. But as I read on, my disliked for Cassidy thawed out especially after learning her backstory + there were more intelligent / flirty conversations / moments with Julia. I still need more to be in Team Cassidy but I'm not in a rush as I'm too comfortable being Julia's girl toy.
Thankfully, another plot added in to make this story more than just about two damaged souls taking a chance on each other, finding orgasms at first and love in the process. The white collar crime was not at the adrenaline rush level but a good addition nevertheless and I am excited to read the next books. Thank you Elle, for the recommendation, budget and time are not fans of yours atm though..but to heck with them.
Something interesting and needed to be shared with you warriors. I was getting my guilty pleasure drink yesterday when a woman approached me and asked "How are our kids?" I searched for the tiny pepper packets before my brain finally recognized her. 13 years ago, when she told me that I was pregnant, I immediately asked her if it was hers and my ever so helpful partner instantly welcomed her to our family and said that my relatives would be over the moon that I finally won the doctor jackpot. It was a pleasant afternoon, catching up with her.
April 18, 2020
Review of ‘Don’t Call me Hero’ by Eliza Lentzski, Audiobook narrated by Lori Prince
I’ve read this book years ago and liked it so I decided to listen to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince. This is a very enjoyable story that balances action, police investigation, courtroom drama, family conflict, opposites attraction, and romance. It has the right amount of everything to keep the reader entertained.
Cassidy Miller is a retired Marine suffering from PTSD. Looking for a fresh start, she leaves her family and friends in Minneapolis to be a police officer in the little town of Embarrass, Minnesota. There she meets again the cool and aloof City Prosecutor, Julia Desjardin, with whom she has history. Both women seem so different but, at the same time, they both have a conflicted past that shapes what they are both today, and between them, there’s an irresistible attraction…
This book is written in first person from the point of view of Cassidy, a conflicted but also endearing, sarcastic and sometimes awkward character. Julia, on the other hand, is the epitome of the ice-queen, aloof, sharp-tongued but devastatingly beautiful. Julia reminded me of Lee Winter’s ice-queens like Elena Bartell in ‘The Brutal Truth‘ or Catherine Ayers in ‘The Red Files’. I loved the way Ms. Lentzski builds their chemistry through their antagonism and very few warm moments when both women drop their guards. Even though this book doesn’t finish with a cliffhanger, it leaves some things to develop in the future. But don’t panic as this is just the beginning of the ‘Don’t Call Me Hero’ Series with a total of 4 books, though only this first one is available on audio at the moment.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince. This is a narrator that normally sets a light tone to her storytelling. I was a bit uncertain of what it would sound like as I remembered there were some sad parts in this book. I liked the result, I think Ms. Prince balances the seriousness and lightness very well and the story flows perfectly as a result. Ms. Prince did a great job with Julia’s voice and her predominantly icy demeanor. Even though I liked her performance of Cassidy’s sarcastic and awkward personality, I wasn’t that fussed about her voice, but this is just my personal preference.
Overall, ‘Don’t Call me Hero’ is a very enjoyable opposites-attract lesbian romance audiobook with a mixture of action, police investigation, courtroom drama, and romance. 4.5 stars.
Duration: 10 hours, 18 minutes
I’ve read this book years ago and liked it so I decided to listen to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince. This is a very enjoyable story that balances action, police investigation, courtroom drama, family conflict, opposites attraction, and romance. It has the right amount of everything to keep the reader entertained.
Cassidy Miller is a retired Marine suffering from PTSD. Looking for a fresh start, she leaves her family and friends in Minneapolis to be a police officer in the little town of Embarrass, Minnesota. There she meets again the cool and aloof City Prosecutor, Julia Desjardin, with whom she has history. Both women seem so different but, at the same time, they both have a conflicted past that shapes what they are both today, and between them, there’s an irresistible attraction…
This book is written in first person from the point of view of Cassidy, a conflicted but also endearing, sarcastic and sometimes awkward character. Julia, on the other hand, is the epitome of the ice-queen, aloof, sharp-tongued but devastatingly beautiful. Julia reminded me of Lee Winter’s ice-queens like Elena Bartell in ‘The Brutal Truth‘ or Catherine Ayers in ‘The Red Files’. I loved the way Ms. Lentzski builds their chemistry through their antagonism and very few warm moments when both women drop their guards. Even though this book doesn’t finish with a cliffhanger, it leaves some things to develop in the future. But don’t panic as this is just the beginning of the ‘Don’t Call Me Hero’ Series with a total of 4 books, though only this first one is available on audio at the moment.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince. This is a narrator that normally sets a light tone to her storytelling. I was a bit uncertain of what it would sound like as I remembered there were some sad parts in this book. I liked the result, I think Ms. Prince balances the seriousness and lightness very well and the story flows perfectly as a result. Ms. Prince did a great job with Julia’s voice and her predominantly icy demeanor. Even though I liked her performance of Cassidy’s sarcastic and awkward personality, I wasn’t that fussed about her voice, but this is just my personal preference.
Overall, ‘Don’t Call me Hero’ is a very enjoyable opposites-attract lesbian romance audiobook with a mixture of action, police investigation, courtroom drama, and romance. 4.5 stars.
Duration: 10 hours, 18 minutes
December 23, 2019
Two ladies with broken pasts: One with PTSD from Marine duty, one from family losses/drama. They find each other due to strange, rather awkwardly conjured up circumstances, find out they have a helluva lot of chemistry together, yet the fractures of their past make for tenuous reading because the story just isn't pieced together well. MC Cassidy is a new-ish cop moving to a small town to return to active duty after struggling with PTSD in the twin cities, while MC Julia is a city prosecutor in the same small town.
I found the pacing to be difficult to follow, as the initial meeting of the two felt somewhat forced, then boom, next chapter in the middle of buttfuck nowhere, they happen to meet again. We never do find out why MC Julia is in Minneapolis that first night. However strained and weird that first meeting was, and the fact they know nothing about one another, Julia turns out to be quite the sex kitten and devours MC Cassidy very early on in the book. I give mega points for the sex in this book because hot damn! Regardless of me shaking my head at how many parts of the story didn't flow well, I couldn't wait for more hookups. MORE!
Cassidy has her demons, but I also found her to be kind of immature early on, though she did grow on me by the end. The PTSD flashbacks felt choppy, and she's a character who runs from everything rather than face it and communicate, which annoyed me. She appears to be described as a femme-tomboy with long wild curls, which always pushes my buttons, me-ow. Julia is cold, aloof, described as a bitch by much of the town, but is as feminine as they come. I loved the author's descriptions of her clothing, all tight pencil skirts, form fitting blouses, garters....god is it hot in here? So as far as physical descriptions, these two MCs did it for me whole heartedly. Julia's past still confuses me, as we do find out a lot of sad family losses, but not enough to warrant how icy she is. Was she burned in the past by someone which added to her cool demeanour? She definitely has a shit ton of experience in bed but only made one mention of some college fumblings with ladies in her past. Huh. Maybe she reads a lot of sex books. Or watches porn.
There is some loose drama regarding trying to find a trail of lost money requiring detective work, which was rather mundane but I suppose necessary for an extra story line. Even though I was clearly at odds with this one, I still like this author's work and give it a 3.75/5, as I see there is a second book and maybe it will round out the characters more and they will mature together.
I found the pacing to be difficult to follow, as the initial meeting of the two felt somewhat forced, then boom, next chapter in the middle of buttfuck nowhere, they happen to meet again. We never do find out why MC Julia is in Minneapolis that first night. However strained and weird that first meeting was, and the fact they know nothing about one another, Julia turns out to be quite the sex kitten and devours MC Cassidy very early on in the book. I give mega points for the sex in this book because hot damn! Regardless of me shaking my head at how many parts of the story didn't flow well, I couldn't wait for more hookups. MORE!
Cassidy has her demons, but I also found her to be kind of immature early on, though she did grow on me by the end. The PTSD flashbacks felt choppy, and she's a character who runs from everything rather than face it and communicate, which annoyed me. She appears to be described as a femme-tomboy with long wild curls, which always pushes my buttons, me-ow. Julia is cold, aloof, described as a bitch by much of the town, but is as feminine as they come. I loved the author's descriptions of her clothing, all tight pencil skirts, form fitting blouses, garters....god is it hot in here? So as far as physical descriptions, these two MCs did it for me whole heartedly. Julia's past still confuses me, as we do find out a lot of sad family losses, but not enough to warrant how icy she is. Was she burned in the past by someone which added to her cool demeanour? She definitely has a shit ton of experience in bed but only made one mention of some college fumblings with ladies in her past. Huh. Maybe she reads a lot of sex books. Or watches porn.
There is some loose drama regarding trying to find a trail of lost money requiring detective work, which was rather mundane but I suppose necessary for an extra story line. Even though I was clearly at odds with this one, I still like this author's work and give it a 3.75/5, as I see there is a second book and maybe it will round out the characters more and they will mature together.
August 30, 2017
This was my first Eliza Lentzski book, and it hit all the right notes. Brilliant story, compelling characters, enough zigs and zags to keep you guessing even though you know it's going to be a HEA. At least, I hoped it was. I went into this not expecting to be blown away, but I was wrong. There aren't many lesfic books that come along and knock my socks off, but this one did. Memorable.
November 13, 2022
4.5
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, became frustrated a 1/4 of the way in and almost gave up.
As the plot picked up I was sucked in again.
In the end I loved It!
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, became frustrated a 1/4 of the way in and almost gave up.
As the plot picked up I was sucked in again.
In the end I loved It!
December 1, 2015
I can't believe I just got around to reading this book. So glad I finally did. Great read, that is relatively face paced and was a great book to escape into.
Cassidy Miller is a Marine Corps veteran. After serving two tours in Afghanistan, she heads home and enrolls in the Minneapolis police academy. After a year on the job the horrors of war are still effecting her. PTSD is a bitch, and the nightmares won't quit. Cassidy decides to try her hand at becoming a cop in a small town, maybe the change in scenery and a slower pace will help her heal.
Julia Desjardin is the the city attorney for Embarrass, Minnesota. She is an absolute ice princess. Beautiful, smart, rich and does not let anyone close to her. Julia is a fascinating character, you could not help but be drawn to her. She had an air of mystery surrounding her. I wanted to know what made her tick. Julia could not be any more different from Cassidy, but these two are drawn together.
Eliza Lentzski writes beautiful characters, who are flawed, but have such amazing hearts. This book is full of angst, mystery, and a great love story. This book is also very sexy if you know what I mean.
Cassidy Miller is a Marine Corps veteran. After serving two tours in Afghanistan, she heads home and enrolls in the Minneapolis police academy. After a year on the job the horrors of war are still effecting her. PTSD is a bitch, and the nightmares won't quit. Cassidy decides to try her hand at becoming a cop in a small town, maybe the change in scenery and a slower pace will help her heal.
Julia Desjardin is the the city attorney for Embarrass, Minnesota. She is an absolute ice princess. Beautiful, smart, rich and does not let anyone close to her. Julia is a fascinating character, you could not help but be drawn to her. She had an air of mystery surrounding her. I wanted to know what made her tick. Julia could not be any more different from Cassidy, but these two are drawn together.
Eliza Lentzski writes beautiful characters, who are flawed, but have such amazing hearts. This book is full of angst, mystery, and a great love story. This book is also very sexy if you know what I mean.
June 13, 2021
Love this book and series so much I’m re reading
March 30, 2021
Do I like it? Yeah, sure I do... the plot, the sexy scenes (and there’s plenty here with all the glorious details)... But what I really like most is Julia Desjardin. I’m intrigued with her character, the ice queen, the high powered femme, the hot femme who rock on stilettos... who blew hot and cold air that at times you can’t anticipate what she is planning to do next. There’s just something about her character that I’m drawn to... And I’m pretty sure that nothing was mentioned on her age... in my mind, she had to be in early forties (or late thirties?). Whatever her age may be, I simply just adored her..Julia Desjardin 🙂
September 18, 2020
Absolutely deserving of 5 stars!
But exactly how old is Julia? The language she uses and her preference of the term "dear" make her seem so old.
But exactly how old is Julia? The language she uses and her preference of the term "dear" make her seem so old.
February 7, 2015
I almost, ALMOST gave it 5 stars, but decided on 4 for just a few reasons.
God, Eliza Lentzski is such a talented writer. Her books are always beautiful, they're so easy to read, the writing flows, and the dialogues feel real.
Cassidy is so lovely, I fell in love with her the minute I read about her. She's the perfect paradoxical mix of strength and vulnerability. Her clumsiness and the way she feels ill at ease in society after her time at war is extremely endearing, and her story is heart breaking.
It took me a long while to warm up to Julia. Many times I found myself swearing out loud about how much of a bitch she was. But once her true colors showed, I just couldn't resist. When Cassidy is this brave woman who moves in the world with a shield of humility, Julia is the opposite: she is terrified but moves in the world as if she owns it. Both women are two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. I think Julia is the sexiest character I have ever read about. I'm not usually a big fan of professional lesbians wearing tight skirts and high heels, but it's hard not to be affected by someone like Julia, whose displayed intelligence and confidence are simply irresistible. She becomes even more attractive, to the reader and to Cass, when she starts showing emotions and signs of weakness. Great characterization all round!
The book is also very sexy. VERY. The sex scenes are ones of the hottest I've read in romance novels, without being vulgar or crude.
I love their relationship too. The pace at witch they slowly open up to each other, warm up to each other, is very realistic and keeps the reader interested until the end. It's quite a heavy book. It's not the typical romance story with fluffy moments that make your stomach flutter. It's a very slow build, a push and pull kind of relationship, during which the girls are finding themselves again after years of hiding and running away from their respective closeted skeletons.
The last third of the book had me biting my nails for hours! I love the storyline, the investigation putting Cassidy and Julia in a battle leading to a betrayal that breaks not only the characters' hearts but the reader's as well.
I wasn't so fond of the setting, though: American small town, attorney vs detective. This context is overused in lesbian novels but balanced out by a plot that's very original.
I wish we had "lighter" moments too. I love angst and I think it's essential to a good love story, but some more sweet moments would have helped the anguish I felt during the whole book.
That's maybe why I really need a sequel! Those two have been through a lot and the book ends without giving that much satisfaction to the reader. An epilogue would have been nice. I want to know about their happily ever after!
In any case, this genre definitely needs more writers like Lentzski!
God, Eliza Lentzski is such a talented writer. Her books are always beautiful, they're so easy to read, the writing flows, and the dialogues feel real.
Cassidy is so lovely, I fell in love with her the minute I read about her. She's the perfect paradoxical mix of strength and vulnerability. Her clumsiness and the way she feels ill at ease in society after her time at war is extremely endearing, and her story is heart breaking.
It took me a long while to warm up to Julia. Many times I found myself swearing out loud about how much of a bitch she was. But once her true colors showed, I just couldn't resist. When Cassidy is this brave woman who moves in the world with a shield of humility, Julia is the opposite: she is terrified but moves in the world as if she owns it. Both women are two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. I think Julia is the sexiest character I have ever read about. I'm not usually a big fan of professional lesbians wearing tight skirts and high heels, but it's hard not to be affected by someone like Julia, whose displayed intelligence and confidence are simply irresistible. She becomes even more attractive, to the reader and to Cass, when she starts showing emotions and signs of weakness. Great characterization all round!
The book is also very sexy. VERY. The sex scenes are ones of the hottest I've read in romance novels, without being vulgar or crude.
I love their relationship too. The pace at witch they slowly open up to each other, warm up to each other, is very realistic and keeps the reader interested until the end. It's quite a heavy book. It's not the typical romance story with fluffy moments that make your stomach flutter. It's a very slow build, a push and pull kind of relationship, during which the girls are finding themselves again after years of hiding and running away from their respective closeted skeletons.
The last third of the book had me biting my nails for hours! I love the storyline, the investigation putting Cassidy and Julia in a battle leading to a betrayal that breaks not only the characters' hearts but the reader's as well.
I wasn't so fond of the setting, though: American small town, attorney vs detective. This context is overused in lesbian novels but balanced out by a plot that's very original.
I wish we had "lighter" moments too. I love angst and I think it's essential to a good love story, but some more sweet moments would have helped the anguish I felt during the whole book.
That's maybe why I really need a sequel! Those two have been through a lot and the book ends without giving that much satisfaction to the reader. An epilogue would have been nice. I want to know about their happily ever after!
In any case, this genre definitely needs more writers like Lentzski!
January 3, 2025
Just LOVED book 6 of this series that I'm going through the series again!
June 13, 2016
Loved this book! I read it in one shot - so well written with perfect pacing. I couldn't put it down.
When I first read the synopsis I thought the characters sounded much like an SVU fanfic with Olivia a cop with emotional baggage and Alex Cabot, the city prosecutor, a rich ice princess in stiletto heels & designer suits. I was right about the similarities but it ends there. I can't decide which character I loved more - Cassidy is a recently retired Marine who is dealing with PTSD. Her PTSD isn't as severe as Rey's in Battle Scars but debilitating nonetheless. She voluntarily leaves the Minneapolis police force where she was put on a desk job to take a cop position in a small town to get a new start and not be stuck at a desk. In some ways she is younger than her age - shy and awkward when she first meets Julia. Julia, an imposing, beautiful woman who has built impenetrable walls around herself. Slowly we get to know her as Cass breaks down her walls, brick by brick. Others have said this book is very sexy. I couldn't agree more. But it isn't just a romance - there is a mystery to solve - someone is diverting money from the town's coffers.
I just noticed there is a sequel, Damaged Goods. Guess what I'm reading next!
When I first read the synopsis I thought the characters sounded much like an SVU fanfic with Olivia a cop with emotional baggage and Alex Cabot, the city prosecutor, a rich ice princess in stiletto heels & designer suits. I was right about the similarities but it ends there. I can't decide which character I loved more - Cassidy is a recently retired Marine who is dealing with PTSD. Her PTSD isn't as severe as Rey's in Battle Scars but debilitating nonetheless. She voluntarily leaves the Minneapolis police force where she was put on a desk job to take a cop position in a small town to get a new start and not be stuck at a desk. In some ways she is younger than her age - shy and awkward when she first meets Julia. Julia, an imposing, beautiful woman who has built impenetrable walls around herself. Slowly we get to know her as Cass breaks down her walls, brick by brick. Others have said this book is very sexy. I couldn't agree more. But it isn't just a romance - there is a mystery to solve - someone is diverting money from the town's coffers.
I just noticed there is a sequel, Damaged Goods. Guess what I'm reading next!
June 13, 2021
I saw there's a new book to the Don't Call Me Hero series and so I thought I'd read everything again. I loved this the first time and I love it even now. I'm always in awe of authors who get the intensity of feelings on paper and Lentzski has this down to a science! The PTSD, the nightmares... were pretty spot on.
Also, I'm totally swooning over Julia.
Also, I'm totally swooning over Julia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book and I might just binge read the next in this series.
I do have a very important question: how old is Julia? The ways she speaks makes her seem like an 80 year old grandma talking to her grandchild.
Anyway, I like these characters, I like how this isn’t a standard story and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I do have a very important question: how old is Julia? The ways she speaks makes her seem like an 80 year old grandma talking to her grandchild.
Anyway, I like these characters, I like how this isn’t a standard story and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
July 13, 2024
4 Stars
The whole thing was not what i expected. Not a bad thing but definitely unexpected. I’m obviously going to read the whole series. There’s no way I’m passing up on Julia and Cassidy’s story. They are both so fractured on their own but unexplainably splinted when they’re together, it’s too endearing not to devour their story.
The whole thing was not what i expected. Not a bad thing but definitely unexpected. I’m obviously going to read the whole series. There’s no way I’m passing up on Julia and Cassidy’s story. They are both so fractured on their own but unexplainably splinted when they’re together, it’s too endearing not to devour their story.
December 22, 2015
There's the thing. Many authors like to write in first POV. Some of them - or a lot of them - suck at that, to put it nicely. Then there are those, who know what they're doing. And that's Eliza Lentzski case. All her books are in first POV. And while I'm not a fan of that, with her.... I wouldn't want it any other way.
This was an amazing book. Eliza did it again. So why 4 stars instead of 5? Or let's say 4.5.
- the ending felt too rushed. Julia was forgiven too quickly. She wasn't exactly nice to Cassidy - and I don't mean only the trial. Maybe a couple of more pages would do good. Perhaps an epilogue. I'd like that.
- the word "dear". I think after reading Popcorn Love it's become my pet peeve. I cringed everytime Julia used it and it definitely wasn't used as often as in Popcorn Love. Still, more than I'd like.
- sometimes Cassidy reminded me of a lost puppy. At least she followed Julia everywhere as one. And sometimes Julia didn't deserve it at all.
Now... Let's talk about Julia. She was definitely one of the most intriguing characters I've ever read. Sigh, I'd like there to be a sequel just to read more about her. Cassidy was nice and all, but Julia... Julia was something else. Intriguing, mysterious, complicated but human after all with all her flaws. Eliza Lentzski did good with that one.
And the sex scenes... I can honestly say Ms Lentzski writes the hottest sex scenes in F/F romances. She knows what she's doing.
This was an amazing book. Eliza did it again. So why 4 stars instead of 5? Or let's say 4.5.
- the ending felt too rushed. Julia was forgiven too quickly. She wasn't exactly nice to Cassidy - and I don't mean only the trial. Maybe a couple of more pages would do good. Perhaps an epilogue. I'd like that.
- the word "dear". I think after reading Popcorn Love it's become my pet peeve. I cringed everytime Julia used it and it definitely wasn't used as often as in Popcorn Love. Still, more than I'd like.
- sometimes Cassidy reminded me of a lost puppy. At least she followed Julia everywhere as one. And sometimes Julia didn't deserve it at all.
Now... Let's talk about Julia. She was definitely one of the most intriguing characters I've ever read. Sigh, I'd like there to be a sequel just to read more about her. Cassidy was nice and all, but Julia... Julia was something else. Intriguing, mysterious, complicated but human after all with all her flaws. Eliza Lentzski did good with that one.
And the sex scenes... I can honestly say Ms Lentzski writes the hottest sex scenes in F/F romances. She knows what she's doing.
March 13, 2018
Wonderful characters and great plot.
January 20, 2016
The beauty of books is the exposure that it gives readers to life experiences that may never be their own. This is the first novel that I've read where it features a character with a military background. I have friends that have served (some, still serving) in the military, but the extent of my knowledge is what they feel comfortable sharing with me. What Cassie goes through in adjusting to civilian life seems to mirror a lot of the stories that I've heard from soldiers returning from war. Though, I can't speak for the authenticity of the details or the experience, I can say that this is an important story featuring two complex characters who are both deeply affected by the ravages of war, that find love and comfort with each other. Oh, love.
Cassie and Julia's first encounter is less than ideal, but the chemistry between the two sizzles from start to finish. This isn't your average, idealistic fairy-tale and there's really not a lot of fluff. There's a gritty intensity to the story, and I would say that it is less about romance than it is about passionate love. If a book could give you bruises by just reading it, Don't Call Me Hero would be on that list. The main characters challenge each other, fight with each other, and tear through the others' defenses (and clothes) like their house was on fire.
Also, you'll want to get your Winter Jacket (har har) out for this one. Julia Desjardin is the epitome of ice queen, and her character remains chilly for a significant portion of the novel. The first time her character showed a bit of warmth... it's like water to a nomad walking under the blazing sun in the desert for a million years. You might even think it's a mirage of an oasis. She's an interesting counterpoint to Cassie, who burns with her desire to do good for her community.
Take heed... This is not a tale for the faint of heart! This is like a tattooed, chain-smoking Disney princess fighting for PETA and saving the world while having a lot of hot sex with her Prince(ss) Charming with a whip in her hand. The die-hard romance in me winced a little reading through this one, but really, I loved every word of it!
Cassie and Julia's first encounter is less than ideal, but the chemistry between the two sizzles from start to finish. This isn't your average, idealistic fairy-tale and there's really not a lot of fluff. There's a gritty intensity to the story, and I would say that it is less about romance than it is about passionate love. If a book could give you bruises by just reading it, Don't Call Me Hero would be on that list. The main characters challenge each other, fight with each other, and tear through the others' defenses (and clothes) like their house was on fire.
Also, you'll want to get your Winter Jacket (har har) out for this one. Julia Desjardin is the epitome of ice queen, and her character remains chilly for a significant portion of the novel. The first time her character showed a bit of warmth... it's like water to a nomad walking under the blazing sun in the desert for a million years. You might even think it's a mirage of an oasis. She's an interesting counterpoint to Cassie, who burns with her desire to do good for her community.
Take heed... This is not a tale for the faint of heart! This is like a tattooed, chain-smoking Disney princess fighting for PETA and saving the world while having a lot of hot sex with her Prince(ss) Charming with a whip in her hand. The die-hard romance in me winced a little reading through this one, but really, I loved every word of it!
January 24, 2024
I love the book!! The give and take between Cassidy and Julia, or should I say the Detective and Madame Prosecutor? The Ice Queen and the ex marine Cassidy Miller. I was so invested in this story, can't wait to read the next book!
I like how the author starts building the story, we know little about Cassidy just that she's going to a small town, trying to get hold of her issues after Afghanistan. How we learn little by little about Cass, but also about Julia. The slow burn!! So much angst! 4.5⭐ stars read!
I like how the author starts building the story, we know little about Cassidy just that she's going to a small town, trying to get hold of her issues after Afghanistan. How we learn little by little about Cass, but also about Julia. The slow burn!! So much angst! 4.5⭐ stars read!
July 20, 2023
Not bad. I very much enjoyed this book.
Don't Call Me Hero is Cassidy's story. Despite 8 years in Marines, this hero only seems to run away from every difficult 'situation' in her life. Sorry to burst your bubble Cassidy, but you can't run from your past. You can't run from feelings. You can't run from uncomfortable conversations. You will ruin all your future, running from your past. Face your fear. Face it head on. Don't run. :)
Don't Call Me Hero is Cassidy's story. Despite 8 years in Marines, this hero only seems to run away from every difficult 'situation' in her life. Sorry to burst your bubble Cassidy, but you can't run from your past. You can't run from feelings. You can't run from uncomfortable conversations. You will ruin all your future, running from your past. Face your fear. Face it head on. Don't run. :)
August 3, 2018
Tried it some weeks ago but I was just unable to believe in the main characters, their story or the romance and couldn't keep up.
March 19, 2017
Great book and the relationship between the mains was riveting as the reader watches it unfold. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Yeah, I think I'll do that...right now.
February 12, 2021
I loved the book. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read them all.
June 4, 2022
This has been on my TBR list for years and I'm so glad I finally read it. Cassidy Miller spent 8 years in the Marines and is now a cop. She moves to a quiet time where she runs into Julia, a woman she met briefly previously. The two get to know each other and meanwhile, their work lives intersect at a later point.
The relationship between Cassidy and Julia was so engaging. Julia was an intriguing character who initially came across as the epitome of ice queen. She's aloof, cold and intimidating but over time she slowly shows who she is. There's one point in the novel where I wasn't quite sure how she was going to rectify her actions but I think Lentzski did a great job at humanising her but also keeping her character true to herself.
As this was an audio read, I couldn't help but cringe slightly with the amount of times Julia calls Cassidy 'dear'. It aged her in a way that made it feel awkward at times, as Cassidy is quite young and Julia felt a lot older due to her language use. I may not have picked it up as clearly if I was reading it physically.
Overall, a great novel. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The relationship between Cassidy and Julia was so engaging. Julia was an intriguing character who initially came across as the epitome of ice queen. She's aloof, cold and intimidating but over time she slowly shows who she is. There's one point in the novel where I wasn't quite sure how she was going to rectify her actions but I think Lentzski did a great job at humanising her but also keeping her character true to herself.
As this was an audio read, I couldn't help but cringe slightly with the amount of times Julia calls Cassidy 'dear'. It aged her in a way that made it feel awkward at times, as Cassidy is quite young and Julia felt a lot older due to her language use. I may not have picked it up as clearly if I was reading it physically.
Overall, a great novel. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 9, 2015
Call me corny, but a romance book isn't totally satisfactory to me if the characters don't say "I love you" to each other. I missed it in this book, which was otherwise a good book. The investigation storyline didn't keep me interested, I knew who was the "bad guy" all along, so I just skipped the pages about it. A sequel would be nice, I would like to read about them saying "I love you" to each other.
July 5, 2021
3.75 — I read this book and I wasn’t super impressed. It was good enough but I feel like it could have been better. It came out hot and heavy and fizzled a bit over time. It also took a really long time to get to the meat of the plot. After reading the synopsis I expected to feel all the feels when it came to their combined trauma and mental health issues. I feel like this book kind of skirted around it. When they were addressed it seemed like an afterthought in a way. Since this is just from the POV of one character it was hard to decipher what the other character felt. This made their relationship difficult to navigate and it was in question during the whole book.
With all that being said…I still feel like it deserved some love. I’m invested in the story. I’ve already started reading the next in the series. I’m hoping for better as the series continues. I also can’t go without mentioning the supporting characters are great and give the story some humor.
With all that being said…I still feel like it deserved some love. I’m invested in the story. I’ve already started reading the next in the series. I’m hoping for better as the series continues. I also can’t go without mentioning the supporting characters are great and give the story some humor.
September 12, 2022
When my phone went for repairs, I finally stopped procrastinating and got around to reading this book, and I did not think I'd like it this much!
I loved the "Winter Jacket" series by this author, and she really has this way of writing that speaks to my soul. Her characters are so well fleshed out and I can't help but to root for them. Books with cops and lawyers arent my first choice, but this book was just perfect in the sense that it didn't go into way too many descriptions that my attention wandered away.
The one qualm I have about this book is that because it's a first person narrative, I couldn't quite figure out what Julia was thinking about. But the author did a good job describing her from Cassidy's POV.
I highly recommend this book, easily one of my favourites this year.
I loved the "Winter Jacket" series by this author, and she really has this way of writing that speaks to my soul. Her characters are so well fleshed out and I can't help but to root for them. Books with cops and lawyers arent my first choice, but this book was just perfect in the sense that it didn't go into way too many descriptions that my attention wandered away.
The one qualm I have about this book is that because it's a first person narrative, I couldn't quite figure out what Julia was thinking about. But the author did a good job describing her from Cassidy's POV.
I highly recommend this book, easily one of my favourites this year.
December 1, 2018
Enjoyed - feeling harsh at not giving five *s - but a little to thin for that. Don't get me wrong, enjoyed it & will definitely buy part 2 (well, probably, I have difficulty with follow-up - to have a continuance of the same story does credibility have to be pushed too far? And I'm sucker for happy endings... Enough about me!) Buy it and enjoy!
April 18, 2024
4,5/5
Marvelous, awesome, amazing, incredible,and wish I could say flawless but I really regret I can't.
God I loved them,I felt every emotion they did ,I falled in love at the same time as them ,and I cred for them ,but I really do believe that Julia needed to do more growling, maybe in the next book we'll see ,but I really needed more from the end.
I want both of them,individually,at the same time and in every position
Marvelous, awesome, amazing, incredible,and wish I could say flawless but I really regret I can't.
God I loved them,I felt every emotion they did ,I falled in love at the same time as them ,and I cred for them ,but I really do believe that Julia needed to do more growling, maybe in the next book we'll see ,but I really needed more from the end.
I want both of them,individually,at the same time and in every position
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