Not A Hero: A Bad Boy Marine Romance

by Sarah Robinson

From the bestselling author of the Kavanagh Legends MMA series, Sarah Robinson's Not A Hero is an emotional standalone military romance where love battles trauma, and there can only be one victor. Former Marine, Miles Kydd, is trying to readjust to civilian life after ending his career and returning to his small home town when he learned his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Once the town hero and star quarterback, Miles no longer feels like the man he was, or who he's expected to be--possibly because his demons have followed him home from Afghanistan. Meeting Zoe Brooke, his father's live-in nurse, gives Miles the slightest glimmer of hope that he can still find happiness despite the dark secrets he holds inside. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and together they are explosive--in more ways than one. A helper at her core, Zoe is more than willing to care for Miles's heart, but not at the expense of her own, and she's not afraid to tell him that. She knows what having a painful past is like, and she wants to help him with his, if he'll let her. Things get complicated fast when Miles realizes burying his secrets isn't actually the same as healing from them and if he wants the girl, he's going to have to tell her the truth--the one thing he can't do.

Genres: Military Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Ebooks, Adult

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…

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About Sarah:
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…

Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.

Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.

In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Tree frog and Cricket Stars



"You are an ass, you know that?" "And you're cute when you're mad, you know that?"-Zoe and Miles

My feels.....dayum! This book was emotional and sexy and just all around awesome. I have such a weakness for Military men. I just don't know what it is about them that drive me crazy. Maybe it's that they are strong, brave, protective, but still human. That blend of strength and vulnerability just melts my panties. Whatever it is, any time I get my hands on a Military romance I just devour it. That's what I did with Not a Hero. I started it and I couldn't put it down.



"Take it away, Zoe." She furrowed her brows, but said nothing, unsure what he meant. "Help me not feel like this anymore, or at least for right now, for tonight. Please, Zoe."-Miles

Miles was so lickably yummy. He was everything I love in a hero. The things he seen and did while being a Marine hurt him and left him scarred. He had such guilt. I wanted so badly to make it all better for him. And yes I know he isn't real but he felt real. Sarah Robinson did a great job of bringing her characters to life. Miles, Zoe, Tobin, and Miles's dad Walter felt so real that my heart broke in half whenWalter passed away. Zoe was great. She was strong, loving, forgiving, and just so caring. I love that she could see past the hurt she was feeling over Miles when he lashed out at her, forgiving him, but never being a doormat. She knew he needed to want help and change. She didn't try to fix him. She had a dignity to her. She was a great match for Miles

"Are you sure about this, cricket? I have a feeling once I've been in you, I'll never be able to let you go." "Who says I want you to?"-Miles and Zoe



"We can be anything. We can go anywhere. I want you and only you, and all of this in front of us."-Miles

Miles and Zoe had a bumpy road but their love was worth the fight. Miles had serious PTSD and he was trying to deal with it on his own. There is some push/pull and at times I was frustrated with Miles pushing Zoe away and feeling like he wasn't good enough, but in the same breath I could totally understand it. I just hated him in pain. The passion that was between Zoe and Miles was flaming. They couldn't keep their hands to themselves. Their love was emotional journey with a beautiful ending and I was so glad I took it. This book made me smile, swoon and cry. I would love to see Tobin get his own book. I'm not ready to be done with these characters.

“Don’t close your heart to love a second time just because love broke it the first time.” -Walter



http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~4.5 Bringing a Hero Home Stars~

"We can be anything. We can go anywhere. I want you and only you, and all of this in front of us."

Not a Hero is a truly touching contemporary romance that tackles complicated life situations with tenderness and ease. This stand-alone read will melt your heart with its complex characters and unforgettable moments.

"Don't regret the past, Miles. War isn't black and white, good and bad-only a ton of gray."

After serving his country as a proud Marine, Miles Kydd, and his best friend are finally homebound. Returning to their old small town is bittersweet as Miles' father is battling cancer. Happy to be home and spend these last precious moments with his dad, he is pleasantly surprised to find his dad is as comfortable as he can be with the help and love of Zoe the live-in nurse.

"You are an ass; you know that?"
"And you're cute when you're mad, you know that?"

Zoe has finally found some peace after a difficult couple of years. Caring for Walter Kydd has given her a mission and a home. When her old high school crush, Walter's son, Myles returns home from war the living situation shifts drastically. Zoe and Myles form a friendship, and despite both of their past pains and heartbreak, they find comfort in the arms of each other.

"He wasn't sure why he connected with her so quickly, but something about her resonated in the deepest part of his soul, like she belonged there."

Miles is desperate to keep Zoe sheltered from his past. Still suffering from his demons of war, he finds himself clinging to her for comfort in the dark. But as the internal battle wages on in Miles, Zoe finds herself on the loosing side of love again. Can Zoe offer Miles the healing love that he needs or will it be too late for them both?

"She stayed frozen in place under his firm hands as he shook and trembled, relishing in the beauty of this large man breaking apart beneath her."

Told in dual POV, Not a Hero addresses several serious life situations simultaneously with ease. I felt like the writing was natural and well paced as the story unfolded. Both characters were intense and quite complex with their baggage, and yet, the physical attraction between the two was off the charts and offered a happy release from the heavy content. Additionally, the secondary characters enhanced the story nicely with their satirical banter and continual support to the main characters. I would love to read more of these characters and this lofty lakeside town (ahem Sarah Robinson....I am talking to you!!!!). Walter, Myles Dad, is my absolute favorite character of this entire read. He is a steady force offering constant comfort to his son and Zoe. Not a Hero reminds us that life is precious and love is constant. It might not always be beautiful, but it is always worth it in the end.Overall, Sarah Robinson has wowed me once again with another beautiful romance. Some aspects of this read might cause your heart to break, but with tender loving care, Myles, Zoe, and Walter will put it back together again!

*ARC graciously provided via author in exchange for an honest review!

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Sarah Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

VETERAN'S DAY SALE - $0.99! This Week Only!
Not a Hero is on sale for 99 cents to celebrate Veteran's Day this coming weekend! Go grab a copy today on any major book retailer before prices return to $3.99 next week.

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This novel is available in both print and ebook format on all major book retailers, and is a standalone contemporary romance for 18+ years old. Signed copies can be purchased from the author's website.

"Not A Hero is an emotionally raw love story traversing redemption and conquering fears." - New York Times Bestselling Author Heidi McLaughlin

"Emotional and gripping, Sarah Robinson delivers a story you won't soon forget." - Rebecca Yarros, Bestselling author of the Flight & Glory Series

"Miles Kydd doesn't think he's a hero, but he is. A tall, sexy, damaged hero. My favorite kind!" - Award-winning Author Wendy S. Marcus

"This is my first book by Sarah Robinson, and it was wonderfully written, with a heart-wrenching, engaging plot and endearing characters. I finished it in one day, which shows how much I enjoyed it." - Lady with a Quill Reviews

"Sarah Robinson's Not A Hero is a perfectly crafted military romance. Miles and Zoe's love story has strength, tenderness, heartbreak, and passion. A must read!" - Alana Albertson, Bestselling Author of Beast

"Emotional, sexy, raw, and compelling...Miles Kydd will be your next hero!" - Katie Rose, bestselling author of Hard to Hold

"Gripping and gut-wrenching, Not A Hero is a roller coaster of a military romance that renders all the feels in a story of survival and second-chances that sinks into your soul." - Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

"I loved the emotional depth of the characters and their chemistry was breathtaking." - Goodreads Review

"Not a Hero made me feel so many emotions--shock, happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy, and a few others I'll come up with as I think about this book over the next couple of days. It's that good." - Goodreads Review

"I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking to honor our military families and loves a true happily ever after." - Goodreads Review

"OH MY GOSH, THAT FERRIS WHEEL RIDE!! *fans self* Wow." -Goodreads Review

From the bestselling author of the Kavanagh Legends MMA series, Sarah Robinson’s Not A Hero is an emotional standalone military romance where love battles trauma, and there can only be one victor.

Former Marine, Miles Kydd, is trying to readjust to civilian life after ending his career and returning to his small home town when he learned his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Once the town hero and star quarterback, Miles no longer feels like the man he was, or who he’s expected to be—possibly because his demons have followed him home from Afghanistan.

Meeting Zoe Brooke, his father’s live-in nurse, gives Miles the slightest glimmer of hope that he can still find happiness despite the dark secrets he holds inside. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and together they are explosive—in more ways than one.

A helper at her core, Zoe is more than willing to care for Miles’s heart, but not at the expense of her own, and she’s not afraid to tell him that. She knows what having a painful past is like, and she wants to help him with his, if he’ll let her.

Things get complicated fast when Miles realizes burying his secrets isn’t actually the same as healing from them and if he wants the girl, he’s going to have to tell her the truth—the one thing he can’t do.

Publisher's Note: This book contains bonus content, including a free novella and excerpts. This book is suggested for 18+ years of age, contains graphic content, sensitive subject matters, and sexually explicit material.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for review

Loved it!

Returning war hero Miles (whether he'll admit it or not) falls for his father's hospice nurse, Zoe. Beautiful romance no insta-anything. Lots of laughs and tears plus some emotional angst from both of them, and lots of hot bedroom scenes. Great epilogue.

I hope there's a story planned for his buddy, Tobin, but without the psycho bunny.

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more that I thought I would!!
No OW/OM drama.
There's a lot pushing away done by the hero.
I got my epilogue with marriage and not one but two babies so yeah I'm satisfied..
Loved the hero and the heroine.
I would said both were celibate during separation because there wasn't any mention of OW/OM.
I didn't get the feeling the hero was a manwhore, the heroine is his one true love.
Heroine was married before the hero, she married him because she became pregnant and her parents made her get married her husband killed her unborn child. He was an abusive drunk.
The book ends at 69%.

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ack! I waited too long to do a nice detailed review.., I hate when I do that because this book deserves to be praised.
I do know that parts of this book hit a little too close to home, and caused me to tear up.

Miles is a military man who has returned to his small PA town a hero, but doesn't feel like one. He's trying to put behind him a tragic experience he had while in Afghanistan(?), and it's messing with his head.

Zoe is the live-in nurse who is taking care of his terminally ill father, and falls for Miles. But will Miles's feelings of guilt and self-hatred destroy any future he has with Zoe?

This is a new author for me, and I enjoyed this story enough to seek out her other books. If you like a troubled military hero, a sweet/hot small town romance, and some family drama, this may be the book for you. 4 1/2 stars

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

[TeriLyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "Come catch me." Stars

I was looking for a military romance and came across Not a Hero on Amazon. This is my first Sarah Robinson title and certainly won't be my last. I loved her third person writing style and her character development within the pages of this story. The story showcases her breadth of knowledge on the topics she introduces while comparatively making the reader feel deeply about the characters adjustments to such topics.

Both H/h have led lives experiencing some horrific traumas. How they're coping and moving forward was a real experience to read. I enjoyed and sympathized with both of them. This author held no punches when it came to unsavory topics. The grit infused into the story made their vulnerabilities shine creating a raw atmosphere to heal and move forward. At times I did feel the angst was forced and some plot situations created for shock but nothing overwhelmingly disconnected me from their story.

Not a Hero was an enjoyable romance; easy to read and on the shorter side so it felt like it read really fast. It's one of those stories that you become invested in the authenticity of the characters even as sometimes the plot doesn't consistently move you through the book. I definitely recommend to military romance readers.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster! In the best sense, of course. I like roller coasters, though when we go upside down, sometimes it's best I don't get on in the first place. In this case, I'm so glad I got on for the ride. This is my first book by Sarah Robinson, and it was wonderfully written, with a heart-wrenching, engaging plot and endearing characters. I finished the book over the course of one day, which shows how much I withdrew from reality to enjoy it.

Miles Kydd is a Marine who has just returned from Afghanistan, now officially a civilian, and he comes bearing battle scars - physical and emotional. Since beginning his latest tour of duty, his father has been diagnosed with cancer, and he has a live-in nurse caring for him, Zoe Brooke. Zoe attended high school with Miles, though many years have gone by, and both have changed since those days. Zoe has scars of her own, and she's wary of getting involved with Miles. However, living in the same house forces them together, and as they begin to grow closer, both help each other heal and find a new meaning in life.

I loved both Miles and Zoe! Miles is a genuinely nice guy, who is always trying his best to help others out. He took his duty as a Marine very seriously, and that loyalty extends to his family and friends. He does have a bit of a drinking problem, and he has a very serious case of PTSD. However, he eventually works towards healing, and that helps with both issues. Zoe is a sweetheart, who is understandably concerned about getting involved with Miles. But she is so patient with him, even after he flip flops several times in their relationship - you know the type, "I want to be with you, but I'm no good for you" and then "Baby, I was wrong, please come back." I'm sure Zoe felt a bit like a yoyo. Their relationship wasn't an easy development, but sometimes the best relationships start out the rockiest! The best things come to those who stumble a few times in the chase to achieve them, right?

I can't wait to read more books by this author! It's a wonderful book to start with if you've never read her books before. Greatly enjoyed it!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles Kydd is finally returning home after eight years in the Marines. He is returning to the only home he has ever known. Everything is the same, but everything is different. Miles isn't the same man he was when he joined the military right out of high school. He has seen and done things that will haunt him forever. But he is determined to just put it out of his mind and focus on his sick father. However, Miles doesn't except to meet Zoe Brooke, his father's live-in nurse. Or that she could give him a glimmer of hope against the darkness inside of him.

Zoe knows all to well that the past can haunt you and be painful. And she sees that pain in Miles every time she looks in his eyes. And she is more than willing to be there for him, but not at the expense of her sanity.

But the closer Miles and Zoe get, the harder and harder it gets for Miles to open up to the one person that has become his calm in the storm. And if he can't open up to Zoe and share his pain, he is going to lose her for good.

Not A Hero is a beautiful, emotional, sexy, and sweet story about two people learning to deal with past horrors. Not A Hero made me cry, laugh, and steamed up my kindle at 2 am!! I couldn't put this book down. And to be honest, it was probably a good thing my husband fell asleep on the couch watching football because otherwise he would of woken up to me crying a few times. **awkward**

I highly recommend this author and if you haven't read her Kavanagh series, GO READ IT!! =]

Rating: 5 out of 5

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**

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[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a wounded alpha male? Then look no further while you get to know the swoony marine Miles!

“War isn’t black and white, good and bad – only a ton of gray. You have a split second to decide between a shitty choice or a crappy one.”

Miles is finally home after 8 years serving as a marine. He has seen and done some horrible things and is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. However, when he is around his father’s nurse, Zoe, the hurt is a little less.

“Help me not feel like this anymore, or at least for right now, for tonight. Please, Zoe.”

Zoe is a nurse and caretaking is in her nature so she can’t fight the pull she feels to help Miles. But she also has secrets that are making life hard.

“Don’t close your heart to love a second time just because love broke it the first time.”

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of darkness and sadness, yet hope and light. I adored Zoe. She was so good to both Walter & Miles and was such a strong woman. Miles broke my heart, but was then able to mend it back by the end. And I loved Tobin. I certainly hope we will his chance at love soon! ~ Tiffany, 4 stars

[Shireen Hakani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Good book!

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars

I liked the premise of Not A Hero but I could not connect with the characters which is ultimately why this book didn't work for me.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am now 0 for 5 on books and almost ready to give up on reading forever. The theme of this book is sex heals. And no I don't mean love because this was in no way a romance. It was a fuck fest, and while I love a sex scene as much as the next girl if you're gonna write a romance book there should be some scenes where the characters like get to know each other in between all that sex. We're told that the couple talks about things but the only scenes where they actually talk is to get into spats or make up. And really why would they love each other? The characters in this book, apart from the H's father were so shallow, both in the literary sense and the being a person sense. h upon meeting H in the midst of a PTSD episode "he's so frightening...oooh but so hot." This vein was largely continued throughout the book. He's so hot...i mean so hot...i mean really hot...with like stellar abs...and thighs like tree trunks. I don't think we went 5 pages without being reminded of how hot and in shape he was and I mean hello you coulda just left it at the whole he's a marine thing and we'd all know he was a hulk. h's friend when they know about the couple and his issues: "Crazy is easy to forgive when it looks like he does." Ummm whaaatttt?! That's not ok. But honestly that continued throughout the book. Repeatedly he says jerky things to push her away for her own good of course, then he comes back and she forgives him and they have dirty sex wherever they happen to be at the moment. And they have sex...everywhere. Including him fingering her...in his lap...on a ferris wheel. Is that even possible? i think every ferris wheel i've ever been on has had seatbelts to ya know keep you from falling out of the car. Oh and against a tree on on the dock...because they're apparently far less worried about splinters than me. I think every scene in which these two were together after their first time together ends in sex. H has PTSD episode? Fix it with sex. h shares heavy info about her ex husband? Console her with sex. Dad dies? sex. I feel like at least 60% of this book was sex scenes...i was more or less skimming them after the third one. And the couple is so dysfunctional. H: I'm not good for her I shouldn't be with her...but my feelings are hurt that she agrees. the h just wants to fix him because even her friends recognize that's what she does and he even acknowledges that he was using the sex as a band aid. h: he seems like the type to dump a girl when he gets bored with sex, i've never known him to have a steady gf (even though he left town at 18 and has been in the middle east pretty much ever since). Before we know it she's in love and he's still having issues because he refuses to do anything about his PTSD. He's definitely a stereotypical marine....and that's not a good thing esp not in romantic book world. He pushes her away with some pretty harsh words 3 times and every single time she takes him back after some sad sack apology. But overall the characters have no real depth outside of their relationship, if you can even call it that. I realized towards the end that other than her failed marriage and what came out of that we know next to nothing about h. The H has a dad he loves but who is mostly just a catalyst to push the two together, a best friend who's a whole lot of drama on his own, and hardcore PTSD he refuses to treat most of the book. He gets hired at a sketchy ass private security firm his bosses introduce themselves with fake names an then the job is rarely mentioned again...no clue what he does for this place and how it didn't raise red flags that they gave fake names. I wasn't a fan of the MCs seperately or as a couple and thus the never ending sex scenes didnt do much for me. For the same reason the plot, which was really just the romance didn't do much for me.
Other assorted oddities:
"I've never met a Marine who didn't like a challenge or a chase." No real evidence that she's known any other marines much less enough to make such a generalization
Upon realizing she'd never been given oral sex: "Lay back baby. Let me show you how a real man treats a woman." ok not really odd...but cringeworthy lol.
"the legal system agreed, because he'd pleaded guilty..." Well first it's pled and second if theres a guilty plea the legal system isn't as much agreeing as just accepting someone's confession.
the epilogue is four years after the only unprotected sex of the book...they now have a kid that speak perfect english...never mind she couldnt possibly be more than 4 and 4 y/os do not speak that well..

Bottom line: characters didn't work ergo the romance and sex scenes didn't work and therefore nothing worked. I'm gonna switch to paranormal and hope to find something thatll break my bad book spell

[Anna lost in stories *A* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review ;) after reading and absolutely loving one of her books, I immediately signed up for her blogger newsletter, so I would never miss an opportunity to help promote her work ;) so when I saw this particular story available for review... *sighs dreamily* I was all over it ;) because it sounds exactly like my kind of a story... more about why in a moment ;) I inhaled it in one afternoon, and really enojyed it ;) so how about I will get into some more details to convince you to give it a try as well ;)

I have to start with the main couple of course ;) Zoe and Miles... because they are the main reason why I was so curious about this book... ok, if I’m being honest, he was the main reason... ;) few months ago I discovered my newest soft spot when it comes to reading... wounded heroes... I mean, I always really loved those stories when one, or both, main characters went through something hard and / or traumatic, and to see their happy ending is always that much more rewarding... but recently I realized, that wounded soldiers have an additional special place just for them in my heart ;) so when I heard that Miles is just that kind of a hero... he’s a marine, back after serving in Afghanistan, battling PTSD... he’s back in his hometown, because his father is sick... those years spent in the army definitely changed him... he enlisted right after high school and after about eight years, he’s not the same... besides the obvious physical changes, because he left as a boy, but came back as a man... he definitely changed mentally... everything he went through... and I’m not gonna say exactly what it was, because that’s a secret that we discover along the way... but all of that left its trace on him... now he’s adjusting to his new life, and that is when he meets Zoe... she is a live-in nurse who helps his sick father... and if you think that Miles is the only one in that pair with a hard past, think again, because Zoe is also re-building her life after certain things... again, I can’t go into more details, because we learn all of that later in the book, so I don’t want to spoil you stuff ;) theirs is definitely a slow building relationship... even though they both feel that mutual attraction, they are also both careful and wary of just jumping into anything... but to be honest I usually prefer those kind of stories ;) not every time, but it really worked with them ;) I absolutely loved to see how they got closer and closer to each other with time... *sighs happily* ;)

Besides the main couple there is of course quite a bunch of secondary characters in this story... with definitely a great potential for future books as well... especially Tobin ;) he’s Miles’s best friend, they both enlisted at the same time and I am truly hoping that he will in fact get a full lenght book at some point in the future... the author herself did not negate that possibility, so who knows ;) but don’t worry, this book can be totally read as a standalone, without any cliffhangers whatsoever... there is one more person I need to mention in my review... Miles’s dad, Walter... oh my how much I loved him... ;) I just wanted to hug him all the time, because of his awesomeness... *sighs happily* I don’t want to say much more and name you more people, because I really prefer to leave you some surprises along the way when it comes to who will turn out to be important ;)

All in all I really liked this book... although a bit less than I expected if that makes sense... ;) let me try to explain ;) before I started it, I thought it’s going to be an easy 5 stars story for me... but it turned out to be a 4 / 4,5 stars one instead ;) don’t get me wrong, it was really good, but somehow... and I can’t quite put my finger on it... something was missing for me to give it full five stars... ;) but the writing style was absolutely fantastic and I could not put it down... it was a fantastic mix of funny, sweet, sexy and emotional moments... it made me laugh and it made me cry... so if the story sounds interesting to you, and you are looking for a lovely read for one of your evenings, or whatever else time you prefer to read ;) be sure to give this story a try ;)

XOXO

A

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is heartbreaking in so many ways and highlights so many issues that are tear jerkers. A sick father who is home on hospice, a returning war hero who doesn't see himself as a hero but is exactly that, and a guy that is a jerk to a sweetheart of a girl that loves him.

Miles and his buddy Tobin are getting out of the military after 8 years with the Marines. Returning to a small hometown, they are viewed as heroes yet each of them feel the things they have seen and done in war make them far from being heroes. Zoe is taking care of Miles' dad who is dying. Zoe is the high school shy girl who had the crush that has grown into the sweet vibrant caretaker but has a heartbreak cloudy her past.

I loved the dad- Walter- and the love the he still held for his wife that died in childbirth. Not only that, but Walter was just a precious man and his love for Zoe was priceless. Knowing that his son had some demons, Walter warned Miles from starting something with Zoe. Yet these two had such a kindred past and a spark meant to be that they could not stay away from one another. The closer Zoe would get the more glimpses she would get into the secret Miles held that made him feel less of a hero and more of a monster. He was an emotional yo-yo with Zoe and hurts her in many ways.

I loved this book in how it was written and in dealing with the issues of war that plagued both Miles and Tobin. Sometimes you just have to let someone in and take that healing from them- that's what makes you the hero.

[Danielle Cordsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a Hero

This book is written in dual POV.
There is no cheating.

Well let me start by saying that I'm so glad Sarah Robinson went back and finished writing this book. It would have been a true shame if she hadn't.

BBW VERY GOOD SEX SCENES!!!

This great love story is truly a pleasant read. I think what I liked about it the most was that I knew pretty close in all the demons each main character was fighting. The simple truth is it added to the story for me. I was able to fall in love with Walter the amazing father. Want to hug Toby the best friend, kid from a broken home, second son to Walter and war here. Love Miles the town hero and the the war hero. Watch Miles fall in love with Zoe the nurse and the town sweetheart. The story was so well written that you have no choice but to love them all even as you watch their strength and weakness come out. There was no insta love so for me so much more believable but what you will discover is true love but possibly not in the places looked at first. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking to honor our military families and loves a true happy ever after.

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from net gallery for an honest review.

This was a beautiful story which touches your heart in all the right places. This is the first book I've read from Sarah and I wasn't disappointed.

Miles is discharged from the marines and heads home to his sick, elderly father. He's haunted by his nightmares; making him relive and remember something he wants to forget. He's attracted to his dad's nurse Zoe, but she deserves someone whole not a broken man like him.

Zoe, is drawn to Miles but her instincts tell her, that he needs help to overcome his demons. Can she help him and will he let her?

Fantastic story which makes you smile, laugh and cry. I loved the emotional depth of the characters and their chemistry was breathtaking. Miles and Zoe complemented each other beautifully throughout. I loved the friendly bantering/flirting but I have to admit Bianca kind of scared me lol. Absolutely loved the book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

[Lily Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Quick and good read. Love the story and characters.

[Karen Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I love you with every inch of my broken soul. I know it’s a mess, but I’m giving you all the pieces, hoping you will make sense of it.” ~Unknown

As an Army wife, military romances hold a special place in my heart. This soldier…your soldier…has fought wars that sometimes don’t leave him…even long after he leaves the battlefield behind. So brave…so honorable…so amazing. These military romances always hit close to home, as Sarah Robinson’s Not a Hero did, as I live the real romance and life as a military wife. Gripping and gut-wrenching, Not a Hero is a roller coaster of a military romance that renders all the feels in a story of survival and second-chances that sinks into your soul.

It didn’t take long for Not a Hero to deliver blows like bullets to my heart, breaking me as I bled inside for the broken hero. Some parts of this story were harder to read as they hit my heart with a force that felt real, feels flying full of conflict. Dark and light. Tough and tender. Calm and turbulent. Not a Hero is an explosion of emotions, a war that raged through the pages, a war that became my war too.

I knew this hero’s tale would be hard-fought, a war of its own, in hope for happiness. A broken Marine returns from a war to return home to his sick dad. Miles left a boy and returned a broken man, haunted by the war, tragedy that takes his mind every day.

“Don’t regret the past, Miles. War isn’t black and white, good and bad—only a ton of gray.”

With the war still battling his brain, the last thing the scorching alpha and Marine, Miles Kydd, expects is for his father’s beautiful nurse, Zoe Brooke, to help heal him.

“This woman is going to be trouble.”

Zoe is flirty and fearless, despite going through her personal hell. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and nurse who cares for her patients far beyond the job. Like Miles, Zoe is broken too, suffering from a painful past that has made her resist relationships like the temptation named Miles Kydd.

“Miles Kydd was a complication, and he was off limits.”

Miles and Zoe are electric and can’t fight the attraction that radiates through them like the sun.

“Tell me you want this, Zoe. All of this. All of me.”

Miles is so sexy and perfectly imperfect. I scorched. I swooned. I LOVED HIM!

Despite the deep desire and attraction, Miles is fighting his demons and doesn’t want a complication like Zoe. Though he must realize that an angel to bring light to his darkness may be the medicine he needs, the prescription for a painful past.

“I told you from the start that I’m not the good guy…I’m not a hero, and you’re not going to run off into the sunset with me. I can’t be that for anyone.”

Zoe is ready to give up on Miles, a man stuck in the past who can’t see the angel willing to help him heal. Miles needs Zoe to help him fight the war raging inside of him so he can open up the walls around his heart, letting her in for good.

“For what it’s worth, Miles, you’re going to regret today.”

“I already do.”

Not a Hero hooked my heart, hijacking it where it broke over and over again. This is a tale of tears and tribulation, one that delved in the depths of darkness before it was lit by light. Not a Hero is not an easy read—especially for a military wife like me, as parts felt so raw and so real—but this story fought its way into my heart, hitting it hard, where it beat for these broken and beautiful characters who quickly became a part of me..

My first story by Sarah Robinson, Not a Hero, had a plot of pure perfection. Sweetness mixed with sorrow, and hardness mixed with heart. The characters were compelling and charismatic, believable, where I felt their story too. While convincing, these characters needed more dialogue to counter the third person point-of-view (POV) in which Not a Hero was written. A first point-of-view format would have captured these characters more powerfully—pulling the reader deeper into the story— to form an even stronger connection. I can’t wait to meet this author’s next adventure.

★★★★ heartfelt and heroic stars

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author like Sarah, who write stories with heart is really why I'm very passionate about reading. I get to escape, even if it's for a few hours, the every day life. This 5 star story did it for me.

ARC of Not A Hero: A Bad Boy Marine Romance by Sarah Robinson provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest spoiler free review.

What's not to love about this storyline and excellent plot? A marine who returns home in order to be with his dying father. A live in nurse who takes care of Miles father and that is really attached to him like a father figure. All this sounds easy, but it's so much more than that. Miles comes home but he is suffering from PTSD even if he's in denial about it. He as done the unimaginable and can't seem to forgive himself. Even if it's not his fault. He falls for Zoe, who becomes his life preserver vest. She keeps the nightmares away. But he doesn't think he's good enough for her. She as her own demons to battle but she's in a better place because she got help. Now Miles has choices to make.

I truly loved this story. Once I read the blurb, I knew in my heart that I would adore this story. Once I started reading it, I devoured it in a single day because it's that addicting. I went through a roller coaster of emotions with shedding quite a few tears along this journey. What makes a great book? To me are the characters. Well let me tell you that these ones were amazingly created and well developed for this story. I felt everything they were feeling. Even secondary characters had a special place in this amazing journey.
It's about forgiveness and having a chance at a promising future filled with joy and laughter. Facing PTSD and getting the help that one needs. I loved everything about this story, I wouldn't change a thing. I hope to see Tobin's story next.

Standalone told in dual POV with a promised HEA. I strongly recommend reading this story and hoping for more in this series.

[Nic Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*

Being a fan of Sarah's for the last couple of years I am always excited when she releases a new book and and this new one is no different.

Sarah has once again blown me away with her words in 'Not A Hero'. I was hooked from the moment she revealed the synopsis and was so excited when I finally got my hands on it.

If I only had two words to describe this book they would be raw and real. Because that's exactly what it is.
This is a story of one mans struggle returning from 8yrs of fighting for his country and re-integrating himself to civvie life.

It is a story of heartache, overcoming fears, learning to forgive yourself. A story of finding raw, intense love even when you think you're undeserving of it.

Zoe was the calm in Miles's life. With her he finally felt at peace after all shit that came with serving multiple tours in Afghanistan.
I was reading tong for them from the start. Two of the most deserving people to find happiness and I just wanted them to finally realise it and move forward. Together.

You can tell that Sarah has put a lot of love, thought and research into the book and the matters that are brought to light. She handles it delicately and with pure understanding and the utmost respect. It's one of the many reasons why I love her as an author, as you can tell she writes with her whole heart.

Emotional, gripping and beautiful. This is a book that should be on everyone's kindle.


I hope to God you decide to give Tobin his own book. Along with Miles he is definitely deserving of love, and I really hope he finds someone that deserves his heart.

Thankyou for this book Sarah. Just Thankyou!!

5 deserving stars from me.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! Miles is a broken hero, his tours in the Middle East have left him with so many painful memories. His time in the Marines comes to an end when he decides to head home rather than re-enlist. His father has cancer and Miles realizes he needs to be there for him.
Zoe is his father's live-in nurse, and she has a few painful memories from her past, too. One of them is her unrequited high school crush on Miles. When he comes home, Zoe can tell that everything is not all right with Miles. She knows that she can't fix him, but she can support and encourage him.

I thought the author did a very tasteful, caring job with the descriptions of Miles' PTSD and the issues he faced because of it. I also appreciated the idea that Zoe was not the "cure" for our hero. Zoe was there to support and listen, she also pushes him toward the help he needs. It's not an easy road for either of them, but this story is sweet, touching, frustrating at times, and a little heart-wrenching. The author builds strong characters and strong relationships. I'm hoping to see a sequel with a happy ending for best friend Tobin!

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars! What an emotional journey!

Miles comes home to find his father at the end stages of cancer requiring a live-in hospice nurse, Zoe. As a Marine just back from Afghanistan, he carries the after effects of war in his flashbacks and dreams ... declaring himself a broken man and definitely Not a Hero! Zoe has had a crush on Miles since high school ... being 2 years younger than him, he never noticed her. But he sure is noticing her now! Zoe carries scars of her own from her past, but she is in the healing process. Their relationship definitely has its ups and downs, but doesn't that just make them stronger? Be ready to cry and laugh with Miles and Zoe as their story unfolds. The writing is so good that you feel you are right there with them. I sure hope that there will be a second book in the series for Tobin (Miles' friend and fellow ex-Marine) ... because there sure is a story there!

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Lubow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars...
Only because I didn't bawl my eyeballs out. If I would have bawled then it totally would have been 5 out of 5 stars. Now don't get me wrong, tons of you probably will bawl, so keep the tissues handy, but I've been told that I was born without tear ducts and it takes A LOT A LOT to get me to cry.

Zoe: If anyone needs a hero, it is Zoe. Even if it comes in the form of Miles, a man who claims over and over again that he isn't a hero.

Miles: Very HOTT(watch out for the Ferris Wheel ride ;-) Marine, I want to bring him home and love all over him, after of course I smack him across the head for a thing or two.

The Story: It was a sweet, light story with a few little turns thrown in because life isn't all rainbows and butterflies, even in romance novels. I can't wait for Tobin to get his story, I imagine it will be HILARIOUS!!!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story of a man returning from Afghanistan and leaving the marines to spend time as his father deals with a life threatening illness. Returning to civilian life isn't as easy as some would think and Miles deals with his demons every day. The one bright spot in his return is his father's caregiver Zoe. There's chemistry between them that can't be denied. Miles isn't sure letting Zoe into his life is the wisest choice though and Zoe knows as well that until Miles deals with his PTSD he can never live a happy life. This is the wonderful story of the two of them dealing with their feelings and coming to terms their pasts and secrets....together.

This one is wonderfully written and I would love to see Tobin get his own story (not with the very scary Bianca though!). This is one I highly recommend.

[Jessica Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah took my breath away this book. It was raw and completely emotional for me. Great book for sure.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. Miles story is so heart wrenching. He is a man of honor and integrity with a need to protect. While those are the perfect characteristics of someone you want protecting us it is those same characteristics that make the effects of war so hard on the man. This book was written in a manner that respects the role of the warrior but how human these men and woman are. The angst that Miles felt over his decisions in battle and life were written with such passion that as the reader you felt his pain and struggle. Zoe's compassion made you root for her to help break his shield and heal his soul. I laughed, I cried and cheered for all the characters. What a wonderful story of life and love. I highly recommend this book as a must read.

[Sue Dayoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a Hero but really a Hero

I really lucked out this is my first book by Sarah Robinson I loved it so much. Such an emotional story that is very prevalent today. I loved the writing style and the characters, this author has a new reader!

[Judy Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Sarah Robinson. This story touched my heart in more ways than one. Having been military and knowing so many who have been in combat and come back home. The struggles are very real and the flashbacks that Sarah portrayed in this book were very well written.

After being gone serving his country for 8 years Miles is finally coming home for good. While happy to be home he carries a burden with him that almost cripples him at times. Zoe is the live in nurse for Miles father. When they meet he knows he shouldn't want Zoe not only because shes his dads nurse but he thinks he would never be good enough for her.

Zoe knows all about a painful past and working your way to get through it. But can she help Miles? Can these two wounded people help each other to open up and begin to heal? Or will Miles use the fear he will never be good enough to push Zoe away to her breaking point?

I have never been disappointed in a book by Sarah Robinson and this one is no different. If you are looking for a book with a hot military man, whose a little broken, and don't mind getting your heart ripped out a time or two (of course to be put back together) then this is a book for you. You cannot go wrong with any book you read from Sarah Robinson as they are all amazing.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

It is a grey story. Wonderful characters. You will enjoy reading it. All her stories are amazing. Can't wait read more.