Strong & Wilde: Part Two

Strong & Wilde #2

by L.G. Castillo

Cody Wilde can’t deny his growing feelings for childhood friend, Cassie Strong. But with the threat from a lifelong enemy looming, Cody resolves to keep Cassie safe, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

Troubled by Cody’s aloofness, Cassie takes matters into her own hands, determined to win his heart. Unable to keep himself away from Cassie, Cody gives into his feelings, and the two become inseparable.

Then, on one blistering summer day, Cody’s fears come back to haunt him, but Cassie’s the one to pay the price.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Westerns

ebook

First published September 28, 2014

About the author

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https://www.lgcastillo.com/newsletter


Known for her heartfelt cowboy romance and action-packed paranormal romance, USA Today Bestselling Author L.G. Castillo writes books that explore the tumultuous and psychological journey of self-discovery and falling in love. Her stories feature dramatic, life-changing events interspersed with a good dose of humor, feisty heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who love them.

When she's not writing, L.G. is binging on Netflix or adding up frequent flyer miles for her next vacation. She's been married to her own swoon-worthy hero for over two decades.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear God! This one is even better than the first! L.G. Castillo has a knack for writing books that worm into your heart and make you feel. Good God, this one put me through the wringer! I absolutely love it! I'm dying for part 3! I highly recommend the whole Strong & Wilde series! <3

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review contains spoilers about the first book in the series. If you have not read the first book yet, I suggest you not read this review.
My Review:
I don’t even know where to start. This book rendered me speechless, with only 100 pages the emotional drain I felt from it it felt like it was 500 pages. This book was amazing and tragic, romantic and scary, the amount of feels left me numb and wanting more.

The cliffhanger in the last book had me worried about the characters but the cliffhanger in this book tore out my heart and has me frantic. This time around Cody and Cassie are starting to build a relationship but after Cassie smacked Seth, Cody is still a worried and wonders if he moves forward with trying to develop a relationship with Cassie will Seth cause them issues. (BTW I HATE Seth, his brothers, his entire family!!!) I love Cody and Cassie and I wanted them to be together and when it FINALLY happened in the most epic way…it was so romantic. You watch them start to build this beautiful life together and you see her friend Mandi find a love of her own it awesome. The first part of this book is so heartwarming and then you get to the cliffhanger. I swear this felt like a full length book. Even sitting here typing this I am numb.

I have to admit that this book is better than the first one. I cant wait to see what happens and regardless of liking cliffhangers or not this one was so well done that I need to recover before reading the next book anyway. This series is turning out to be something that is for sure going to blow me away. L.G. Castillo has done it again, this series is beyond phenomenal…I need to read Part 3 ASAP!

recommend: infinite%

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my review

Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So I loved the first S&W book, but I LOOOVED the second. My only complaint is the length. I wanted this book to be at least 300 pages more. I know it's a novella, but still.. I just didn't want it to end! LG is a fantastic author and I can't wait to read the next book.

It picks up right where the previous one left off. And OH MY GOD. Without giving spoilers - Nic is an absolute ass. And Cody! HE KNEW! Both of them are asses. It was a typical guy move and totally reminded me of a scene from The Sandlot. I loved it, but I just want to slap them... And I love Nic and Mandi. Very rarely am I ever interested in reading about the relationship between supporting characters, but I just really love those two. I'm hoping for a side novella or spin-off series of Nic and Mandi's story. Definitely Mandi. She's still one of my favorite characters.

What happens at the end of this book... I'm glad I wasn't given any of the brutal details, but I still knew what was going on. Seth is a sick fuck. I seriously hope Karma bites off his manly bits very soon and he dies a slow, painful death. I know a lot of kids have parents or other relatives in "high positions" and they like to abuse that power and get away with anything they want.. but come on! Seth really needs to get locked up. Honestly, I didn't think Seth was going to go there. I figured he was going to scare her, or at most - hit her. But never that. My heart broke for Cassie.

As much as I love this book, I don't know if I should be excited or scared for the next one. It looks like Cody is going to rip Seth apart and I can't wait for that... but Cassie is going to have to deal with a lot of shit. So I want to read it, but I don't want my babies to go through all of this bad shit. And I REALLY hope Cassie doesn't end up with an STD or pregnant in the next book because I doubt that sick bastard used protection. But hey, maybe he did because he doesn't want there to be any proof.

This book definitely set the tone for the next one. After I read the first, I didn't really know what to expect with this one... but after that ending, I think the next one will have a darker tone. I just hope Cody and Cassie don't get lost in the darkness, or lose each other.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story keeps getting better ...

After the incident at the party they were in, Cassie learns that Nic, the boy who had been thrown into the water, wanted to draw attention to her best friend Mandi. And the plan worked. From there, Nic and Mandi started dating. In contrast, Cassie and Cody spent several months without exchanging a word.

Until Cassie took courage and called Cody to watch a movie.
At the drive-in everything happened. Cody finally accepted the fact that he could not stay away from Cassie, even knowing it would get attention from Seth and his brothers, the troublemakers children of a permissive sheriff.

Their romance got better every day and graduation was coming.
To Cassie it would be a sad moment, because she was living in Mandi's family house, and with the departure of Mandi to another city for university, Cassie would have to go back to live with her mother in Houston.

But Cody surprised to Cassie.
He was working double shifts to save money and rented a small house for them.
The surprise took place on the day of Mandi's moving.
The landlady and neighbor, Mrs. Willa Mae, was a constant companion for them.
Everything was going well until the day of their birthday, Cassie was followed from the grocery store by Seth and his two brothers, and what they did with her would bring an awful repercussions for Cassie and Cody's lives...

Now we have to stay with hand on heart and wait for the release of the third part of the book.
I hope Cody does not go to jail like his father...

5 stars

Amazon's review: http://www.amazon.com/review/RG9W5MMO...

[U. N. Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She pressed into me closer as we swayed to the song. The music was all around us, in my mind, my heart and soul. It was then that I knew there was no way in hell I was giving her up."

So many events happened in this installment. And yet it didn't seem lacking. Each milestone had a clear story just enough to want to know more—the what-comes-next factor of the story. This was fast paced through and through with a few breaks of intrigue in between.

On the topic of intrigues, the one featured here, with the Baker brothers, was what kept the tension in the story. I would always wonder when they'd show up next in the story again and just wreak havoc. At first, there was a lull to the story from their absence. Let's just say that was equivalent to the breather in this read. And Cody was right all along.

"Any interest I showed in her would only make him more determined to punish her for what she'd done."

L.G. Castillo, you know which events to place your cliffhangers on. I always want to know what's next. It's frustrating, but we love you for it anyways. With the last and third installment of the series left, I'm feeling bittersweet. On one hand, *sigh I finally get to read the resolution of these two characters that I lovingly adore. On the other, please don't end yet!!

 

Get it on Kindle: Strong and Wilde #2

[Bea LaRocca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me longer than I would have liked to get to the second installment of the Strong and Wilde series and luckily for me, I was not disappointed! The first story in the series ended with a cliffhanger, as does this one, but at least this time I have the next book in the series. Overall, the story is well-written. Great characterization and natural dialogue make these fast-paced novellas enjoyable reads. I do like Cody and Cassie very much and hope that things will work out for them. I especially enjoyed the drive-in scene as I loved going to the drive-in when I was younger and also dancing in the summer rain.
The story of Cody Wilde and Cassie Strong continues from right where the first story left off. Friends since childhood, these two can no longer deny that their friendship has blossomed into something much deeper now that they’ve reached their senior year of high school. All the major characters are now faced with life-altering decisions such as whether and where to go to college or to skip college and go to work. They are also faced with the difficult task of saying goodbye to their friends as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. What decisions will Cody and Cassie make? Will they find a way to stay together or will they go their separate ways? You’ll have to read the stories to find out!

[Blanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

Another great read this second book was amazing! This book starts off where the last one finished. It's the beginning of something beautiful Cassie and Codys friendship blossoms and they realize they can't keep fighting the immense attraction they have for each other. Cody has an inner struggle to keep her safe or finally show her how he feels and he can't keep hurting anymore he wants to be with her more than anything. The connection they share is unique and so passionate. Cody is so wonderful I feel like he is finally getting a little piece of the happiness he deserves he has been through so much. Their high school graduation is upon them and they must begin to make choices that will either break them or make them stronger. So many good changes happen for them, but the Baker boys are still in town and therefore always causing trouble. Their happiness is shattered when something horrendous happens to Cassie will their love be able to overcome the pain that has taken ahold of her mind. Can't wait to read the last book in this series.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I was given an arc of the complete series, this review is based on it.***

What a heartwrenchingly sweet (do these 2 words even go together?!?) tale of young love this book was!
We're there as Cassie and Cody navigate the beginning of their friendship, as they take the first steps to young love, through turmoil, and finally to true love and happiness.
My heart broke at times for both of them, as they had to deal with so much through their young lives, more than many people go through in a lifetime. The book dealt with some hard issues that many people might not be comfortable with, but they were done in a really meaningful and truthful and thoughtful way.
This is a really poignant and at times painful story, that will wrap you up in the lives of these 2 characters...you'll be rooting them on right from the beginning. I really enjoyed this book, the plot, the cast of characters, the story-telling. You'll laugh and you'll cry, you'll want to throat punch a few people and smack a few others, but your heart will be happy and full when it's over!

[Donna Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the continuation of Cody's and Cassie's love story. Read part on first of Strong & Wilde. This is on their senior year at high school. Cassie has loved Cody for years but is afraid to let him know. She thinks he is dating the school wild girl because she is always hanging around when Cassie wants to talk to him. They finally have a moment and she lets him know how he feels and finds out he feels the same. They start dating and are inseparable. Cassie is still living with her friend, Mandi and her family. As the senior year closes she knows they are moving and she will have to go back to Florida with her mom. She is unhappy about this. Cody has a plan though. You have to read this. It is a short story with another cliff hanger ending. Believe me this one will have you screaming and crying until the other one comes out. This book contains sexual scenes so it is not for everyone

[Cherron Riser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one will keep you wanting more! I said it in my first review and I will say it again. I wish this were simply one full book. When I got to the shocking end I actually emailed the author and told her how cruel she is for making me wait for the next part. I loved the story and watching the characters of Cassie and Cody grow.

In this second part we see the characters finally come together and give in to the emotions they have felt from the start. Castillo does a wonderful job of helping you feel their awkwardness in the beginning, and then building up as their passion blossoms.

Because there is not as much back story needed, this book started off intense and kept you going, unlike the first one that was slow to start. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a bit of a cowboy twist. I am so looking forward to the conclusion of this series.

[Kimberly Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing book! I loved how this book starts with the main characters as kids, and skips up through the years to adults. It lets you really grow with them. I know this book went from 2 shorter books to one longer book, and I think the author made the right call. Not once did I feel like I missed anything, or something was skipped over. This book had me running a bunch of different emotions, and had me up until 1am reading. I recommend you take the time to read this unassuming hidden gem.

[Michela Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This section of the series was a bit harder for me to read. I don't want to spoil anything but the end was difficult for me to get through. I also felt like the story skipped ahead a bit. I will post a lengthier review when I have finished the series. It is hard to write about a snippet of a full story. Next time I hope Castillo will just publish the whole thing at once, so I don't have to wait and interrupt my reading of the story in its entirety.

I am looking forward to the next and final installment to see what happens.

[ocdbookreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
This book isn't a stand alone. It picks up where book one left off.
Cody and Cassie both flourish in life and their relationship. They are both just so likeable, that I just want more of them.
Of course life can't stay simple and sweet for long. Why LG would you do this??
I think I love them so much because you can picture everything that is written in Real Life feelings and settings.
This series so far is just simply amazing. I would recommend this.
Yes. It does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book is out.

[L.G. Castillo]

Now Available!

Amazon  |  iTunes  |  Nook  |  Kobo

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book, in return for an honest review. The story continues on with Cassie and Cody. Of course, this was as good as the first book and I look forward to the third book in this series!!

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe the great reviews on this book! This author really knows how to tell a story and show a great love.

[-ˏˋ D ˊˎ- · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading Kenny Roger's song Coward of The County and this story is keeping my attention!!! I'm off to read Part III......

[Kirsty Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story line and writing I was intensely hooked from beginning to end!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series as a boxed set. I love the story, it is a well written, complete story.

[Nellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting story, however, too much steam, and some cussing. In the last book, there is a graphically violent scene.

[PAUL CHIODO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

A continuation of book 1. These 3 books are all tied in together. If you read 1, you must get all 3 to get the whole story. It's kinda predictable, but still enjoyable.

[Katie Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my...

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st - I received this book in return for my review 2nd - I loved this book too - cannot wait to see where book 3 takes this romance

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good series, not quite how I wanted this to turn out so far, really need book 3!

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars