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Portland Devils #2
No Kind of Hero
Some men are hard to quit.
Beth Schaefer isn't just on the partnership track at her Portland law firm, she's in the lead. Unfortunately, she's about to fall at the finish line. When she makes a list of Breakdown Destinations, she can't even manage to choose between them. Which means she has to come home to Wild Horse, Idaho, for her breakdown. She has exactly eighteen-point-five days of accumulated vacation time to devote to it.
Evan O'Donnell's girlfriend took off when their baby girl was a month old, and that's just fine by him. His daughter Gracie is all the female companionship he needs, thank you very much. Beth Schaefer's not even in the running. Eight years ago, her parents convinced her to give him up, and he's had enough of snobs and women who don't stick. Evan's a blue-collar guy from his too-broad shoulders to his scuffed work boots, and he's nobody's white knight and nobody's hero. Not anymore.
But what if Beth isn't the only one who needs saving?
Beth Schaefer isn't just on the partnership track at her Portland law firm, she's in the lead. Unfortunately, she's about to fall at the finish line. When she makes a list of Breakdown Destinations, she can't even manage to choose between them. Which means she has to come home to Wild Horse, Idaho, for her breakdown. She has exactly eighteen-point-five days of accumulated vacation time to devote to it.
Evan O'Donnell's girlfriend took off when their baby girl was a month old, and that's just fine by him. His daughter Gracie is all the female companionship he needs, thank you very much. Beth Schaefer's not even in the running. Eight years ago, her parents convinced her to give him up, and he's had enough of snobs and women who don't stick. Evan's a blue-collar guy from his too-broad shoulders to his scuffed work boots, and he's nobody's white knight and nobody's hero. Not anymore.
But what if Beth isn't the only one who needs saving?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
595 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,217 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 24, 2019
No Kind of Hero was the second book in the Portland Devil’s series by Rosalind James.
I loved Evan from book one, Silver Tongued Devil. Evan was gorgeous, rugged, loyal, the best single dad to his adorable seven month old daughter and totally alpha. He had a strong work ethic, was direct and laid everything out exactly as he saw it. After college he had come back to Wild Horse, ID to help out a friend and he never left.
Beth was affluent and sheltered. She was hard working and was about to make partner in a sought after estate firm in Portland. Her parents still lived in Wild Horse and pretty much owned the small town. She had come back for an extended visit to recharge before she had a mental breakdown.
Evan and Beth had history. They were secretly together nine years ago until Beth chose social status and a career over Evan. Beth went to law school and had almost accomplished her goal by making partner. Evan had moved on, found love again and had his daughter, Gracie. Gracie’s mom skipped town when Gracie was only weeks old and Evan was a fully devoted father. The two were total opposites.
James took us through the awkward reuniting, Beth’s journey of self awareness and maturity, and Evan’s learning to open up again. It was an engaging storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed, but it was a little longer than necessary and was slow at times. It also had confusing moments where I couldn’t follow the humor and/or thought processes; otherwise, it was heartfelt and entertaining.
I loved Evan from book one, Silver Tongued Devil. Evan was gorgeous, rugged, loyal, the best single dad to his adorable seven month old daughter and totally alpha. He had a strong work ethic, was direct and laid everything out exactly as he saw it. After college he had come back to Wild Horse, ID to help out a friend and he never left.
Beth was affluent and sheltered. She was hard working and was about to make partner in a sought after estate firm in Portland. Her parents still lived in Wild Horse and pretty much owned the small town. She had come back for an extended visit to recharge before she had a mental breakdown.
Evan and Beth had history. They were secretly together nine years ago until Beth chose social status and a career over Evan. Beth went to law school and had almost accomplished her goal by making partner. Evan had moved on, found love again and had his daughter, Gracie. Gracie’s mom skipped town when Gracie was only weeks old and Evan was a fully devoted father. The two were total opposites.
James took us through the awkward reuniting, Beth’s journey of self awareness and maturity, and Evan’s learning to open up again. It was an engaging storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed, but it was a little longer than necessary and was slow at times. It also had confusing moments where I couldn’t follow the humor and/or thought processes; otherwise, it was heartfelt and entertaining.
October 30, 2020
2.5 stars. I couldn't really get into this one. In the early part of the book, there was just way too much angst for me. I hated what had happened to Beth and Evan in the past and I just never really warmed to them as a couple. So, this one wasn't a fav for me.
July 31, 2017
4.5! This was a second chance romance that had shades of Persuasion (except Captain Wentworth has a baby in this one). Evan is an absolute DOLL and is everything I could want in a blue-collar dreamboat. He's steady, loyal and good with his hands (yes, the smut is excellent). Beth is successful and miserable but really likable and isn't at all the villain even though she "left" Evan all those years ago. You can't blame her for wanting to go to college and fulfill her lawyer dreams. I truly enjoyed seeing them come back together and make a little family. Good stuff.
January 29, 2021
The more I read of James, the more I love her work. Of course, Evan was lovable, but I enjoyed seeing Beth's transformation. On to book three of the series...
April 11, 2019
Dull
I am a huge Rosalind James fan but this falls far short of her usual . She's normally has great characters a decent plot and some interesting settings. This has none of that. Beth the heroine is a high powered lawyer that abruptly goes home to mommy then moves out and borrows another girl's wardrobe to start slumming with her old blue collared boyfriend. Not likeable or believable. The hero is all things wonderful and kind and they have sex every 4 minutes. Oh and there is a baby involved. If you cut out the sex scenes (which you could because they are predictable and boring as well) the book is almost a short story. There is a little excitement in the end when an ex shows up and the ex is the most interesting character in the whole book. This one can be skipped
I am a huge Rosalind James fan but this falls far short of her usual . She's normally has great characters a decent plot and some interesting settings. This has none of that. Beth the heroine is a high powered lawyer that abruptly goes home to mommy then moves out and borrows another girl's wardrobe to start slumming with her old blue collared boyfriend. Not likeable or believable. The hero is all things wonderful and kind and they have sex every 4 minutes. Oh and there is a baby involved. If you cut out the sex scenes (which you could because they are predictable and boring as well) the book is almost a short story. There is a little excitement in the end when an ex shows up and the ex is the most interesting character in the whole book. This one can be skipped
July 2, 2017
Review written: July 1, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
No Kind of Hero, like Silver-Tongued Devil before it, has James' easy, breezy Escape to New Zealand authorial voice, and even when things get difficult, that voice never changes. That authorial voice is the first thing that drew me to her books way back when and reading it here was a treat. It draws me in and just holds me.
I was hoping for Evan's story from the moment he stepped onto the pages of Silver-Tongued Devil. He is every woman's dream: strong, steadfast, loving, sweet, tender, and utterly devoted to those he calls his own. Evan is "made to be a woman's rock" in every sense of the word.
Beth starts out as the dithering rich girl who just can't stick and her character arc is a mighty one. As she grows in confidence and strength and learns who she really is, we see her stick and stick hard. Her love and devotion for Evan and his daughter Gracie is a force of nature even her "socialite" mother must bow to in the end. I loved how Beth grew in this book, how she took charge of her life instead of being passive. I loved how Evan nurtured that budding strength and I loved how Beth loved him back just as fiercely.
You know there will be ups and downs in a James book and there are plenty of down and struggling moments. Some characters are just irredeemable and some are too lost to be saved. Bad things have to happen so we can rise to the challenge they present, and so it is with Evan and Beth. They rise to the occasion and sometimes they struggle and get things twisted, but they always right the ship.
No Kind of Hero is quintessential James in every way and an utter treat no matter which of her series might be your favorite. With a full return of her unique authorial voice and her intensely uplifting messages of love, hope, family, and well, more love, No Kind of Hero hits all the right notes.
This review is ©July 2017 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
No Kind of Hero, like Silver-Tongued Devil before it, has James' easy, breezy Escape to New Zealand authorial voice, and even when things get difficult, that voice never changes. That authorial voice is the first thing that drew me to her books way back when and reading it here was a treat. It draws me in and just holds me.
I was hoping for Evan's story from the moment he stepped onto the pages of Silver-Tongued Devil. He is every woman's dream: strong, steadfast, loving, sweet, tender, and utterly devoted to those he calls his own. Evan is "made to be a woman's rock" in every sense of the word.
Beth starts out as the dithering rich girl who just can't stick and her character arc is a mighty one. As she grows in confidence and strength and learns who she really is, we see her stick and stick hard. Her love and devotion for Evan and his daughter Gracie is a force of nature even her "socialite" mother must bow to in the end. I loved how Beth grew in this book, how she took charge of her life instead of being passive. I loved how Evan nurtured that budding strength and I loved how Beth loved him back just as fiercely.
You know there will be ups and downs in a James book and there are plenty of down and struggling moments. Some characters are just irredeemable and some are too lost to be saved. Bad things have to happen so we can rise to the challenge they present, and so it is with Evan and Beth. They rise to the occasion and sometimes they struggle and get things twisted, but they always right the ship.
No Kind of Hero is quintessential James in every way and an utter treat no matter which of her series might be your favorite. With a full return of her unique authorial voice and her intensely uplifting messages of love, hope, family, and well, more love, No Kind of Hero hits all the right notes.
This review is ©July 2017 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.
August 20, 2020
*3.5 stars*
Really liked this one.
☑ She confronted her parents! They were the controlling type, she was the good girl, so it made A LOT of sense that she would defer to their judgement when she was young. But as an adult, she realized that enough was enough and she just told them to butt off! I was clapping. At the same time, the mother wasn't painted as evil - just somebody who had really firm ideas of what her daughter should be but didn't take the time to figure out if that was what her daughter wanted. I loved that the tough mom came to the rescue at the end.
☑ Evan was such a cute dad The interactions with Gracie were adorable. And Gracie really seemed like a real baby (fussy and all) and not a perfect creature (looking at you, Nalla.)
☑ Henry!! The dog was precious.
Some things that didn't make as much sense:
☒ This has nothing to do with a football team: He used to be a football college star who got injured. There was barely any mention of football.
☒ Evan had a civil engineering degree...why did he paint houses for a living?: This was never fully explained. Why would he give a more lucrative career which made a better use of his brain to paint houses? To be able to graduate with that degree, you have to take a lot of math and science. i can't believe a person like this would happy painting houses (which must be among the most boring jobs ever.)
☒ The resolution with Gracie's mother was too convenient: This was just tying things with a bow. I wished this would have been solved in a different way.
Really good overall!
Really liked this one.
☑ She confronted her parents! They were the controlling type, she was the good girl, so it made A LOT of sense that she would defer to their judgement when she was young. But as an adult, she realized that enough was enough and she just told them to butt off! I was clapping. At the same time, the mother wasn't painted as evil - just somebody who had really firm ideas of what her daughter should be but didn't take the time to figure out if that was what her daughter wanted. I loved that the tough mom came to the rescue at the end.
☑ Evan was such a cute dad The interactions with Gracie were adorable. And Gracie really seemed like a real baby (fussy and all) and not a perfect creature (looking at you, Nalla.)
☑ Henry!! The dog was precious.
Some things that didn't make as much sense:
☒ This has nothing to do with a football team: He used to be a football college star who got injured. There was barely any mention of football.
☒ Evan had a civil engineering degree...why did he paint houses for a living?: This was never fully explained. Why would he give a more lucrative career which made a better use of his brain to paint houses? To be able to graduate with that degree, you have to take a lot of math and science. i can't believe a person like this would happy painting houses (which must be among the most boring jobs ever.)
☒ The resolution with Gracie's mother was too convenient: This was just tying things with a bow. I wished this would have been solved in a different way.
Really good overall!
August 3, 2017
This hit all my spots. I love a wounded/jaded man who's still just a big softie, and one who has a love and overprotectiveness for the women in his life? Swoon. Especially for his daughter. I like single fathers but especially ones with daughters. And my goodness, Gracie was so precious. Every time she rubbed her own hair while eating, I absolutely melted.
July 9, 2017
This was a 3.5* for me. I found myself kind of bored a bit through the middle, having trouble staying interested, but there were some hot times between the sheets and some intense moments towards the end. I like RJ stories, this one just fell a bit short.
July 1, 2017
How do I start..
I have been a fan of Ms. James from the first book I read of hers and enjoy her variations and directions while maintaining a unique style that’s all her own. Each book is a journey and while we may know where we are going the fun is how we get there and I enjoy my tour guide, Ms. James… in case you were wondering.
Our journey this time begins on a whole new note as I found the first leg, until almost half way in, to be a meandering and retrospective journey as we meet Beth with all her internal conflict and… tiredness, that’s the best way to describe it, causing her to go home to heal.
Home, where she left years before on her journey to what she thought she wanted and worked towards, leaving behind a broken heart and broken man, Evan. It’s the story of rich girl and poor guy, too young and privileged, following her parents guidance and not her own heart while our H feels its not his place to claim. But here we are now, Beth... not only burnt out but trying to heal her mistakes and Evan being faced with his first love again, a love he realizes he never got over.
Evan has also done some growing up and being a single father has been one of his main reasons. We met this surly bear of a man in the previous book, Dakota and Blake’s story, as he championed Dakota in a brotherly mode, and now we see the reasons behind his grumpy bear and get to meet the true, sweet and really lovable man. I couldn’t get enough of his gentle quietly supportive character as he lent such a calming spirit to the story. We saw the way Beth just gravitated towards him and he soothed her as he did us readers…. Another book boyfriend cause they sure don’t have many out there like this at all!
It was during the second half of the book that I totally got the first half… it was the contrast to the healing of Beth, the re-bonding and rekindling of these two lost souls who deserved their HEA, and in true Ms. James style it was all about how we get there. We have to pass through some twists and turns, snobbery and even a car chase all the while riding a roller coaster of emotions… yup I haven’t been able to get through one book yet without tearing up or losing sleep as you just have to see around the next corner before you can rest comfortably.
I enjoyed this book and while the beginning seems slow and plods a bit, you get it as you read on and the whole journey makes sense. I appreciate the style as I can fully relate to the burnt out feeling Beth was going through, the transformation was made more obvious as you were brought through it with the words and storyline picking up in energy and spice and all that’s nice!
Evan you're my kind of hero!!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
I have been a fan of Ms. James from the first book I read of hers and enjoy her variations and directions while maintaining a unique style that’s all her own. Each book is a journey and while we may know where we are going the fun is how we get there and I enjoy my tour guide, Ms. James… in case you were wondering.
Our journey this time begins on a whole new note as I found the first leg, until almost half way in, to be a meandering and retrospective journey as we meet Beth with all her internal conflict and… tiredness, that’s the best way to describe it, causing her to go home to heal.
Home, where she left years before on her journey to what she thought she wanted and worked towards, leaving behind a broken heart and broken man, Evan. It’s the story of rich girl and poor guy, too young and privileged, following her parents guidance and not her own heart while our H feels its not his place to claim. But here we are now, Beth... not only burnt out but trying to heal her mistakes and Evan being faced with his first love again, a love he realizes he never got over.
Evan has also done some growing up and being a single father has been one of his main reasons. We met this surly bear of a man in the previous book, Dakota and Blake’s story, as he championed Dakota in a brotherly mode, and now we see the reasons behind his grumpy bear and get to meet the true, sweet and really lovable man. I couldn’t get enough of his gentle quietly supportive character as he lent such a calming spirit to the story. We saw the way Beth just gravitated towards him and he soothed her as he did us readers…. Another book boyfriend cause they sure don’t have many out there like this at all!
It was during the second half of the book that I totally got the first half… it was the contrast to the healing of Beth, the re-bonding and rekindling of these two lost souls who deserved their HEA, and in true Ms. James style it was all about how we get there. We have to pass through some twists and turns, snobbery and even a car chase all the while riding a roller coaster of emotions… yup I haven’t been able to get through one book yet without tearing up or losing sleep as you just have to see around the next corner before you can rest comfortably.
I enjoyed this book and while the beginning seems slow and plods a bit, you get it as you read on and the whole journey makes sense. I appreciate the style as I can fully relate to the burnt out feeling Beth was going through, the transformation was made more obvious as you were brought through it with the words and storyline picking up in energy and spice and all that’s nice!
Evan you're my kind of hero!!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own."
July 8, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect of Evan's story having met him in Silver Tongued Devil. He was portrayed to be a protective and tough guy. Although we learn in No Kind of Hero that he certainly is protective and tough, he also has a warm and tender side as well. The way that he takes care of Gracie as if she is the only other human in the world is just so heartwarming that it often can bring you to tears.
However, this book is more about a second chance at love for Evan and Beth. They were young when their love first developed. What started out as an infatuation with Evan as he was at Beth's house painting all of the time, then turned into a romance that was secretive....until they got caught. Fast forward and Beth goes to law school and Evan continues on with his life as a painter and ultimately has a relationship that makes him a dad - a single dad.
Beth returns home after having been burned out at work on her way to making partner. She is using this time at home to re-evaluate her life and slow down from her fast paced job. She did not expect to have sparks fly again between her and Evan. Although, it was inevitable as she has truly never gotten over him.
Beth and Evan slowly move into their relationship by rehashing their past mistakes. They realize that maybe if they "talked" more about their feelings, hopes and dreams, things might have taken a different path for them. Beth begins to find her voice and speaking honestly, not only to her parents, but to Evan as well. She no longer wants to feel like the princess that others thought she was when she was younger. She wants everyone to know that she's grown and become a stronger woman. One that will not let others walk all over.
As with all of Rosalind's books, the reader goes through a whole host of emotions in learning about Evan and Beth's past and future relationship. I started this book not knowing if Evan would be a favorite character for me, but he certainly ended up being one. His passion for his daughter, job and, for Beth, was beautifully written. I loved the book and the characters, just as I do in all of Rosalind's books.
However, this book is more about a second chance at love for Evan and Beth. They were young when their love first developed. What started out as an infatuation with Evan as he was at Beth's house painting all of the time, then turned into a romance that was secretive....until they got caught. Fast forward and Beth goes to law school and Evan continues on with his life as a painter and ultimately has a relationship that makes him a dad - a single dad.
Beth returns home after having been burned out at work on her way to making partner. She is using this time at home to re-evaluate her life and slow down from her fast paced job. She did not expect to have sparks fly again between her and Evan. Although, it was inevitable as she has truly never gotten over him.
Beth and Evan slowly move into their relationship by rehashing their past mistakes. They realize that maybe if they "talked" more about their feelings, hopes and dreams, things might have taken a different path for them. Beth begins to find her voice and speaking honestly, not only to her parents, but to Evan as well. She no longer wants to feel like the princess that others thought she was when she was younger. She wants everyone to know that she's grown and become a stronger woman. One that will not let others walk all over.
As with all of Rosalind's books, the reader goes through a whole host of emotions in learning about Evan and Beth's past and future relationship. I started this book not knowing if Evan would be a favorite character for me, but he certainly ended up being one. His passion for his daughter, job and, for Beth, was beautifully written. I loved the book and the characters, just as I do in all of Rosalind's books.
November 7, 2020
I was pleased to see Evan, Dakota’s friend from Silver-Tongued Devil, the first book in Rosalind James’ Portland Devils series, featured in this installment. Readers get a more in-depth look at Evan’s past as well as his previous relationship with Beth, the heroine. I loved the author’s correlation between their relationship and Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion.’ This second chance romance features a couple who fell in love a decade ago, but were torn apart when the heroine left him to pursue her career, something her parents wanted for her. Fast forward almost 10 years and Beth is crumpling under the high-stress demands of her career, and Evan is now a single dad working as a house painter. The two still have a connection, and the reader is given pieces to what went wrong to tear them a part slowly.
James writes children so well in her books and Gracie, Evan’s 8 month-old girl, almost steals the show! Children become an integral part to her stories and this book was no different. As in many of James’ other books this book is well-developed - there is an intense and emotional relationship, memorable secondary characters (I really enjoyed seeing how Beth’s relationship grew with her mom) and even a little suspense element which I didn’t expect that had me on the edge of my seat the last 6 chapters or so! I’ve come to really enjoy this author’s writing style. She pays attention to details and she closes the loop on all her plot elements. I like that because I know there will be interesting dialogue in each of her scenes. It reminds me of Robyn Carr’s writing style with the small-town feel of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles. My only compliant in this story is that the flashbacks to Evan and Beth’s relationship felt a bit disjointed at first due to the fact that the author was slowly revealing what happened in their previous relationship.
I highly recommend this series if you like small-town romance with well-developed romantic and family relationships.
James writes children so well in her books and Gracie, Evan’s 8 month-old girl, almost steals the show! Children become an integral part to her stories and this book was no different. As in many of James’ other books this book is well-developed - there is an intense and emotional relationship, memorable secondary characters (I really enjoyed seeing how Beth’s relationship grew with her mom) and even a little suspense element which I didn’t expect that had me on the edge of my seat the last 6 chapters or so! I’ve come to really enjoy this author’s writing style. She pays attention to details and she closes the loop on all her plot elements. I like that because I know there will be interesting dialogue in each of her scenes. It reminds me of Robyn Carr’s writing style with the small-town feel of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles. My only compliant in this story is that the flashbacks to Evan and Beth’s relationship felt a bit disjointed at first due to the fact that the author was slowly revealing what happened in their previous relationship.
I highly recommend this series if you like small-town romance with well-developed romantic and family relationships.
February 3, 2020
So I adore a second chance romance and I have yet not to enjoy a Rosalind James book, I did like this one too maybe just not as much as I should have given the trope. It was still engaging and I was happy to pick up and read it every time I put it down but it got a little dull in places and where I would have liked to see more development with their love, there was a good bit of baby mama drama.
Beth left Evan to finish college and become a lawyer, he moved on and met someone else and fell in love had a baby. I would have liked a bit of fleshing out of him moving on from beth, or the difference between the baby mama and Beth, I don't really know what I was looking for ...maybe if he had said he always loved her something like that, he didn't fight awfully hard for Beth when she left, he moved on although he did say Beth broke his heart. He couldn't keep his hands from her when she returned and given the OW whom he loved had only been gone less than a year, he moved on fairly quickly again with Beth. It was still lovely and romantic but I would have preferred more confessional from Evan about his love for Beth compared to April. I'm weird like that. Basically if there is OW I want to know why, what and the love of the MC's has to be more significant!
Beth left Evan to finish college and become a lawyer, he moved on and met someone else and fell in love had a baby. I would have liked a bit of fleshing out of him moving on from beth, or the difference between the baby mama and Beth, I don't really know what I was looking for ...maybe if he had said he always loved her something like that, he didn't fight awfully hard for Beth when she left, he moved on although he did say Beth broke his heart. He couldn't keep his hands from her when she returned and given the OW whom he loved had only been gone less than a year, he moved on fairly quickly again with Beth. It was still lovely and romantic but I would have preferred more confessional from Evan about his love for Beth compared to April. I'm weird like that. Basically if there is OW I want to know why, what and the love of the MC's has to be more significant!
September 13, 2022
Book 2 narration was great and Evan the hero such a sweetheart! A great dad, devoted friend and was in love with the heroine for forever. He let her go because they were from different worlds. He was the deadbeat painter and she the daughter of a wealthy family. At first you get the impression the family are snobs but then the author really gives good character!
The heroine is at a breaking point leading up to obtaining partner at a firm in a large city. She returns home and before long the rekindling of her relationship with Evan. He is so understanding and patient. Also theres the baby a character of her own and the narration was very cute. This is a well earned happy ending for sure but the main characters are wonderful.
The heroine is at a breaking point leading up to obtaining partner at a firm in a large city. She returns home and before long the rekindling of her relationship with Evan. He is so understanding and patient. Also theres the baby a character of her own and the narration was very cute. This is a well earned happy ending for sure but the main characters are wonderful.
June 21, 2017
Sometimes you just need a change... Beth was tired, tired of her job, tired of being the good girl, tired of doing exactly what her parents wanted her to do. So she ran away to find herself and ran into the one person who had made her happy so many years ago... Evan. Can Evan ever forget that Beth chose her parents and her career over him? Evan's a hard working single dad with a beautiful baby girl. Can he risk letting Beth into his life again? No Kind Of Hero is a story of letting go of demons, forgiving the past, making changes in your life, and finding out what makes you happy.
February 24, 2018
This was a super easy, no angst, completely safe read. It was cute, with likeable characters, however I found it a bit dull. I liked the previous book better.
January 19, 2018
This book was not what I was expecting. And I'm not sure if I liked the book, either. I didn't hate it, but I definitely didn't love it either. And I'm not entirely sure why.
I wasn't able to really connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. I may not have been reading closely enough, but I couldn't figure out if the two main characters had been in a relationship previously or if it was just a mutual crush when they were younger. That confusion bothered me. It was eventually cleared up, but at that point I didn't really care any more.
I don't know. Maybe I need to switch up my genres, but this book wasn't all that much to remember.
I wasn't able to really connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. I may not have been reading closely enough, but I couldn't figure out if the two main characters had been in a relationship previously or if it was just a mutual crush when they were younger. That confusion bothered me. It was eventually cleared up, but at that point I didn't really care any more.
I don't know. Maybe I need to switch up my genres, but this book wasn't all that much to remember.
September 8, 2025
The eagerly awaited second book in the new Portland Devils series, although strangely it doesn't really feature one of the Portland Devils. This book is all about Evan O'Donnell, Dakota Savage's business partner in the painting and decorating business she took over from her step-father Russell. Evan's girlfriend April left him and their baby daughter Gracie when she was just a few weeks old and hasn't been since in the months since but he gets by with the help of his mother.
Beth Schaefer was Evan's girlfriend eight years ago. She was the daughter of one of Wild Horse Idaho's wealthy elite and their romance burned hot and fierce until she bowed to parental pressure. Marriage between a wealthy socialite and the guy who painted her parent's house was never going to work. Beth has been away in Portland climbing the corporate ladder as an estate lawyer but a recent lost court case has left her questioning everything and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Too stressed to even choose a destination for her breakdown she returns home to Wild Horse only to run into her one true love.
Rosalind James has stated that this is her homage to Jane Austen's Persuasion and, if you've read that book, the plot outline is the same,. after that of course it diverges. Eight years older and wiser, can Beth stand up to the snobbery of her parents and their friends and make her own choices? Does she want to be a partner in a Portland law firm working 60-80 hour weeks? Is spending time with Evan and Gracie more enjoyable than with her so-called friends or "suitable" boyfriends?
I just loved this. I loved Evan, Beth and Gracie when we saw them in Silver-Tongued Devil (for some reason my URL links aren't working) and I was excited to read their story of second-chance love. This was, in my opinion, less gritty than the first book, some of which was heart-wrenching to read. I can't wait to find out who is the 'star' of the next book.
Bumped for 2025 re-read following publication of the fifth book in the series. I hadn't recalled (or connected) that this was loosely based on Persuasion (one of my favourite books of all time). Maybe I didn't love it as much this time around.
Beth Schaefer was Evan's girlfriend eight years ago. She was the daughter of one of Wild Horse Idaho's wealthy elite and their romance burned hot and fierce until she bowed to parental pressure. Marriage between a wealthy socialite and the guy who painted her parent's house was never going to work. Beth has been away in Portland climbing the corporate ladder as an estate lawyer but a recent lost court case has left her questioning everything and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Too stressed to even choose a destination for her breakdown she returns home to Wild Horse only to run into her one true love.
Rosalind James has stated that this is her homage to Jane Austen's Persuasion and, if you've read that book, the plot outline is the same,. after that of course it diverges. Eight years older and wiser, can Beth stand up to the snobbery of her parents and their friends and make her own choices? Does she want to be a partner in a Portland law firm working 60-80 hour weeks? Is spending time with Evan and Gracie more enjoyable than with her so-called friends or "suitable" boyfriends?
I just loved this. I loved Evan, Beth and Gracie when we saw them in Silver-Tongued Devil (for some reason my URL links aren't working) and I was excited to read their story of second-chance love. This was, in my opinion, less gritty than the first book, some of which was heart-wrenching to read. I can't wait to find out who is the 'star' of the next book.
Bumped for 2025 re-read following publication of the fifth book in the series. I hadn't recalled (or connected) that this was loosely based on Persuasion (one of my favourite books of all time). Maybe I didn't love it as much this time around.
July 1, 2017
Another wonderful story of real life love from Rosalind James! There’s no billionaire, no massive sports contract, no huge inheritance on the line just two people from different circumstances who fall in love with each other, twice. I loved Evan and Beth, they have amazing chemistry but plenty of hurt and baggage. In spite of their collective baggage this isn’t an angsty romance, just a beautifully told second chance romance about two people who fall in love young and immature but find their way back to each other older and wiser. Can I just say I loved little Gracie so much, for a character who doesn’t speak beyond “dadada” she just made my heart constrict in every scene she was in and did so much to soften the stoic Evan. Beth was something of a tough nut to crack, born wealthy in a small town, a sweet girl but a bit of a princess, trying so hard to do things the “right” way and do what her parents want and be who they want her to be but finding that life is slowly killing her. I loved watching her spread her wings and find herself. I love that Evan made her feel safe enough to do it. This is a excellently crafted second chance at love story and I highly recommend it. If you have read and enjoyed any of Ms. James’ other work I’m quite sure you’ll enjoy this one as well, if you are new to her work feel free to start here, you wont be disappointed but you may need to go purchase all the rest (sorry, not sorry).
June 18, 2025
4.5 stars. I loved this story, but I especially loved Beth. I loved how open she was, and that with Evan, she was willing to take risks despite the fact that she'd be vulnerable and open to rejection. I also loved how Evan just couldn't resist the pull to be good to her despite wanting to stay angry and mean. They were such a great couple.
(I've reread this often enough to bump it up to my 5-star-faves bookshelf lol)
(I've reread this often enough to bump it up to my 5-star-faves bookshelf lol)
January 22, 2019
Once again, Idaho isn't as romantic as New Zealand... and not my favorite trope.
June 22, 2017
I have been waiting, almost patiently, for Evan and Beth's story, and it was well worth the wait. We met both of them in Silver-Tongued Devil, and found out they had a history. When Beth was 21 they had a relationship, but her parents disapproved because Evan was a blue-collar worker, painting their house for goodness sake, from the wrong side of the tracks; and they were rich, leaders of local society. Evan had expected Beth to stand up to them at the confrontation but she couldn't, and broke both their hearts when she left for Law School. Evan had already suffered disappointment when his planned life as a football player ended through injury.
Life had not been kind to Evan in the intervening years, and he is even more closed down than he was when they were younger. When their story begins he is a single parent, caring for his nine-month old daughter Gracie, with the help of his mother who looks after her granddaughter during the day to allow Evan to work. His girlfriend April had left them when Gracie was three weeks' old. He is an amazing father to Gracie, she is his whole life and he isn't prepared to let anyone in, ever again.
Beth meanwhile has been working eighty hour weeks as an estate planning lawyer, hoping to be made a partner in the law firm, which should happen in a year's' time. But she is suffering badly, almost to the point of a breakdown. In desperation she takes all of her accrued holiday, 18.5 days, to relax and recover. She is so stressed she cannot even decide where to go to relax, so ends up going back to Wild Horse, and staying in her parents guest cottage. Her mother immediately starts trying to find a husband for her, as she always does when Beth comes home.
Evan and Beth meet by chance when Evan takes Gracie to the beach. He is quite hostile towards her because of their past, but when they meet again by chance they sit and talk and iron out some of their differences. The next morning she turns up at the theatre, which he and his men are painting. She offers to help, like she did when he was decorating her parents house nine years before. They talk more while they are working, and agree to meet again. They settle into a relationship, of sorts, each of them aware it is only temporary because Beth only has about a week of her vacation left, and she is determined to go back to her job in Portland and become a partner. Their relationship is sweet and honest, and sometimes funny so you laugh out loud, sometimes heartbreakingly sad, and you might need to reach for a tissue to dry your eyes. Rosalind is so good at creating emotions. She is also amazing at writing children that are so real, you just want to cuddle beautiful Gracie.
The climax of the story is totally unexpected, and brings everyone together in unexpected ways, Beth's mother comes to the fore and shows her incredible strengths, and in the process her reservations about Evan are torn away. But there are still problems between the couple; Beth goes back to her job because she said she would and she doesn't break her word, not any more. Of course, that doesn't work for Beth or Evan, but you will have to read the book to know how delightfully that is resolved, in order for there to be a really Happy Ever After.
This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. However, reading the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil, allows you to meet all the characters and learn a bit about their history, which makes this book more satisfying as well. Besides which, that is a lovely story in its own right, and is very different from this one, so why would you want to miss out?
Life had not been kind to Evan in the intervening years, and he is even more closed down than he was when they were younger. When their story begins he is a single parent, caring for his nine-month old daughter Gracie, with the help of his mother who looks after her granddaughter during the day to allow Evan to work. His girlfriend April had left them when Gracie was three weeks' old. He is an amazing father to Gracie, she is his whole life and he isn't prepared to let anyone in, ever again.
Beth meanwhile has been working eighty hour weeks as an estate planning lawyer, hoping to be made a partner in the law firm, which should happen in a year's' time. But she is suffering badly, almost to the point of a breakdown. In desperation she takes all of her accrued holiday, 18.5 days, to relax and recover. She is so stressed she cannot even decide where to go to relax, so ends up going back to Wild Horse, and staying in her parents guest cottage. Her mother immediately starts trying to find a husband for her, as she always does when Beth comes home.
Evan and Beth meet by chance when Evan takes Gracie to the beach. He is quite hostile towards her because of their past, but when they meet again by chance they sit and talk and iron out some of their differences. The next morning she turns up at the theatre, which he and his men are painting. She offers to help, like she did when he was decorating her parents house nine years before. They talk more while they are working, and agree to meet again. They settle into a relationship, of sorts, each of them aware it is only temporary because Beth only has about a week of her vacation left, and she is determined to go back to her job in Portland and become a partner. Their relationship is sweet and honest, and sometimes funny so you laugh out loud, sometimes heartbreakingly sad, and you might need to reach for a tissue to dry your eyes. Rosalind is so good at creating emotions. She is also amazing at writing children that are so real, you just want to cuddle beautiful Gracie.
The climax of the story is totally unexpected, and brings everyone together in unexpected ways, Beth's mother comes to the fore and shows her incredible strengths, and in the process her reservations about Evan are torn away. But there are still problems between the couple; Beth goes back to her job because she said she would and she doesn't break her word, not any more. Of course, that doesn't work for Beth or Evan, but you will have to read the book to know how delightfully that is resolved, in order for there to be a really Happy Ever After.
This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. However, reading the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil, allows you to meet all the characters and learn a bit about their history, which makes this book more satisfying as well. Besides which, that is a lovely story in its own right, and is very different from this one, so why would you want to miss out?
July 10, 2017
Rosalind James is my kind of romance writer. Take it from someone who never could stomach "romance" because it was saccharin, flat and fake. I've been converted, and some other lucky authors are now benefiting because James has shown me that there actually authors out there who understand "real romance". Evan is a single dad of a sweet little girl. One of the ancillary characters in the first book in the Portland Devils series, Silver Tongued Devil, Evan and his daughter Gracie were abandoned by Gracie's mom when she was a tiny baby. Luckily, Evan has a very supportive mom of his own, and a good friend in his business partner, Dakota, one of the main characters in Silver Tongued Devil, and one I was thrilled to see featured fairly prominently here. Evan has no time for a social life due to working hard to support his little girl and taking care of her. He reconnects with Beth, his high school love, when she returns home to Wild Horse from Portland when she is close to a meltdown living the life of a high-powered attorney, striving to make partner. Not surprisingly, Beth finds that the slower paced life in Wild Horse is what she really wants. Unlike Evan's supportive mom, however, Beth's mom seems hung up on the power, money and status her daughter has as an attorney. Beth's transformation throughout the book is beautifully done, not an overnight thing, but a gradual shift to who she feels she truly is.
Just like the first in the series, No Kind of Hero moves at a slower pace than many romances, and even slower than some of James' series themselves. But that's what I enjoy about her writing; if an author becomes too formulaic, there really isn't a need to read so closely because you can easily tell the story yourself. NKoH contains a lot of dialogue between Evan and Beth, and the often awkward steps toward rekindling their relationship seem closer to real life than most books do. Nothing in books irritates me more than completely unrealistic dialogue and terms in "romantic situations". Or during sex scenes basically. If I have to laugh at one one partner says to the other when it wasn't supposed to be funny, I'm done. James simply continues to improve upon her already excellent dialogue skills, never providing the reader with the cringe-worthy moments I had previously attributed to the whole of the romance genre. Despite the excellent dialogue and slower pace, I came away with a feeling of a bit too much dialogue, which I can't pin down to describe more clearly. It may simply be a hallmark of this particular relationship. However, the well done settings and character descriptions are, as always, spot-on. The book's scenes are described very well, so you can picture how and what the characters are doing, with a clear sense of place and mood, but without elaborate, overblown details.
Finally, I loved the ending of the book. Yes, it worked out as I expected it likely would, but not in the way I expected. It was a plausible ending, and well executed. Once again, Rosalind James hasn't failed us. My favorite in this series was Silver Tongued Devil due to the character of Dakota Savage (that name!!), whom I adored, but this was a more-than-pleasing second installment. I'm curious to see what book 3 brings us!
Disclaimer: If you are looking for soft straight-up romance, with no physical relationship, look elsewhere. While the sex in the book is normal and consensual, there are definitely plenty of sex scenes that may not be your cup of tea.
July 6, 2017
A Second Chance at Love.
Overview
This is Rosalind James 23rd book, and 2nd in this current series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. Ms. James has written several books from the Northern Idaho area, but this book can be read and enjoyed independently and along with the others just as well. I've read all of her books and this is one of my favorites so far. This is a second chance story of a reunion between two estranged lovers who find their way back to their love through circumstances bringing them back full circle. The spirit of their relationship is a beautiful and sweet love story. Some relationships cannot seem to die, no matter how hard the circumstances. This couple deserves a second chance.
What this book meant to me-how I felt about it
This book is a very sweet, touching reunion story with an unusual combo of a single dad with a baby and his first love who had walked away for law school 8 years earlier. You'll be treated to a really sweet daddy who absolutely dotes on his little daughter. Who wouldn't melt at that scenario?
Backstory about Beth and Evan.
Beth comes from a wealthy family and is like a princess and very sheltered, growing up. A shy girl, she has always done what her parents expected her to and is now working for a prestigious law-firm where she is on track to make partner in year or so.
Evan is a blue-collar, good guy who is making life work as a single dad of a young baby girl, Gracie. He's had a rough time. His baby's mama ran out on them both and he's stepped up to the plate. Evan met Beth when they were in school but didn't date until after she came home from law school on a holiday break. They fell deeply in love, but when it came time for the summer to end and Beth's parents found out about him, Beth freaked out and wound up breaking up with him, perhaps out of fear of standing up to her parents or perhaps fear of the unknown. Both were deeply hurt over the break up and tried to move on with their lives.
We meet them both after Beth returns to her hometown after many years of being away, now a self-confident, successful lawyer who is having a sort of breakdown because she lost her first big case and is having a crisis of faith and confidence in herself when we first meet her in the story.
Both Evan and Beth are having a hard time adjusting to seeing one another in town (it's a pretty small town - you can't avoid anyone and everyone knows your business). Slowly their old feelings for each other keep peeling back the layers of hurt, anger and mistrust. We begin to see some healing and growth between the two.
The secondary characters are wonderful and as well-drawn as the main characters are. You will love their interactions and the texture and tension they add to the story is superb.
This is a great summer vacation read that will take you away from your world for just a short bit and fill your heart with wonderful characters and a memorable storyline. The book will stir your emotions and remind you to not miss opportunities to be with someone you love. Life is too short for regrets.
Another great book by Rosalind James! This one is easily in my top 5 favorites. I can't wait to hear more from this little town in Idaho.
Overview
This is Rosalind James 23rd book, and 2nd in this current series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. Ms. James has written several books from the Northern Idaho area, but this book can be read and enjoyed independently and along with the others just as well. I've read all of her books and this is one of my favorites so far. This is a second chance story of a reunion between two estranged lovers who find their way back to their love through circumstances bringing them back full circle. The spirit of their relationship is a beautiful and sweet love story. Some relationships cannot seem to die, no matter how hard the circumstances. This couple deserves a second chance.
What this book meant to me-how I felt about it
This book is a very sweet, touching reunion story with an unusual combo of a single dad with a baby and his first love who had walked away for law school 8 years earlier. You'll be treated to a really sweet daddy who absolutely dotes on his little daughter. Who wouldn't melt at that scenario?
Backstory about Beth and Evan.
Beth comes from a wealthy family and is like a princess and very sheltered, growing up. A shy girl, she has always done what her parents expected her to and is now working for a prestigious law-firm where she is on track to make partner in year or so.
Evan is a blue-collar, good guy who is making life work as a single dad of a young baby girl, Gracie. He's had a rough time. His baby's mama ran out on them both and he's stepped up to the plate. Evan met Beth when they were in school but didn't date until after she came home from law school on a holiday break. They fell deeply in love, but when it came time for the summer to end and Beth's parents found out about him, Beth freaked out and wound up breaking up with him, perhaps out of fear of standing up to her parents or perhaps fear of the unknown. Both were deeply hurt over the break up and tried to move on with their lives.
We meet them both after Beth returns to her hometown after many years of being away, now a self-confident, successful lawyer who is having a sort of breakdown because she lost her first big case and is having a crisis of faith and confidence in herself when we first meet her in the story.
Both Evan and Beth are having a hard time adjusting to seeing one another in town (it's a pretty small town - you can't avoid anyone and everyone knows your business). Slowly their old feelings for each other keep peeling back the layers of hurt, anger and mistrust. We begin to see some healing and growth between the two.
The secondary characters are wonderful and as well-drawn as the main characters are. You will love their interactions and the texture and tension they add to the story is superb.
This is a great summer vacation read that will take you away from your world for just a short bit and fill your heart with wonderful characters and a memorable storyline. The book will stir your emotions and remind you to not miss opportunities to be with someone you love. Life is too short for regrets.
Another great book by Rosalind James! This one is easily in my top 5 favorites. I can't wait to hear more from this little town in Idaho.
July 10, 2017
Have you ever reached a point in your job where you just wanted to say I am done? Ready to throw everything out the window? Beth Schaefer has despite being in the lead to make partner at her law firm in Portland, Oregon. She is working 50 to 60 hours a week (or more) and has reached a point where she is questioning is this really what she wants and is about to have a breakdown. She has accrued enough vacation to take 3 weeks off but as an associate hoping to make partner, she would never dream of taking them all until she reaches her breaking point. The senior partner in her firm is her mentor and coaches her on what to say so that she can take this much needed time off. Beth jumps in her car and heads back home to Paradise, Idaho, and her parents’ home. After hiding out several days in the guest house, Beth finally ventures out into the world or rather town. And that is when her life changes for the better.
Evan’s girlfriend walked out on not only him but their infant daughter. Grace was only a month old when her mother left her and Evan because she couldn't handle dealing with a newborn or Evan or life in general. (More to this than the surface suggests as you will discover in the novel.) Evan has built a successful life for himself in Paradise after leaving briefly for college. He has a house which he has transformed with his own hands into a lovely home. He has a successful business as a painter with his business partner and lifelong friend, Dakota.
As you have guessed, Evan and Beth have a history in that they loved each other one brief summer but her parents interfered and she chose to go to law school over Evan. Her parents didn’t think a blue collar guy like Evan was good enough for their precious daughter. And at the time, Beth wasn’t strong enough to stand up to them.
Evan and Beth run into each other in town while she is there hiding out from real life. Or more accurately, finding her true calling and way. Can Beth, Evan and Gracie find a true happiness? Well, obviously they do since Ms. James always writes stories with a HEA but it is the path that her well developed and complex characters take to find their HEA that makes reading her novels a true escape. And those paths are not all smooth sailing since the paths are like a good hiking path, they keep you on your toes.
I did receive an Advance Reader Copy of this novel in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although to be honest, I always purchase Ms. James’ novels so the chance to read it early is lovely. Now if I can only get my reviews up on release day but that is another story.
Evan’s girlfriend walked out on not only him but their infant daughter. Grace was only a month old when her mother left her and Evan because she couldn't handle dealing with a newborn or Evan or life in general. (More to this than the surface suggests as you will discover in the novel.) Evan has built a successful life for himself in Paradise after leaving briefly for college. He has a house which he has transformed with his own hands into a lovely home. He has a successful business as a painter with his business partner and lifelong friend, Dakota.
As you have guessed, Evan and Beth have a history in that they loved each other one brief summer but her parents interfered and she chose to go to law school over Evan. Her parents didn’t think a blue collar guy like Evan was good enough for their precious daughter. And at the time, Beth wasn’t strong enough to stand up to them.
Evan and Beth run into each other in town while she is there hiding out from real life. Or more accurately, finding her true calling and way. Can Beth, Evan and Gracie find a true happiness? Well, obviously they do since Ms. James always writes stories with a HEA but it is the path that her well developed and complex characters take to find their HEA that makes reading her novels a true escape. And those paths are not all smooth sailing since the paths are like a good hiking path, they keep you on your toes.
I did receive an Advance Reader Copy of this novel in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although to be honest, I always purchase Ms. James’ novels so the chance to read it early is lovely. Now if I can only get my reviews up on release day but that is another story.
June 21, 2017
I’m a big fan of everything Rosalind James writes. She crafts interesting storylines with appealing characters and nice mix of romance and eroticism. This novel is no kind of exception. The hero, Evan O’Donnell, is especially appealing. He’s just a good and decent man trying to make a living with his paint contracting business. He had returned to Wild Horse, Idaho to help his friend who was the heroine of the prior book in this series. And now he’s trying to hold things together so make a good life for his baby girl after her mother abandoned her just weeks after her birth.
Beth Schaefer has suffered a breakdown from working so intensively trying to make partner in her Portland law firm. She’s an estate lawyer who just suffered a big loss. (I would have liked some hint of what issue could have been a nine-month long case involving estate law that she lost.) She has been working 80-hour weeks and just has nothing left. She takes off to go home to Idaho to try to recover her equanimity and figure out her priorities in her life. It turns out that Evan was her boyfriend a decade ago the summer before she went to law school. However, her parents had looked down at their “princess” giving up law school for a guy who paints houses and they’d broken off their romance.
Now she’s back and after a bit of antagonism from Evan, they pick up where they’d left off ten years earlier. Their growing relationship in the short time that she has in Idaho is very quick, but she’s not going to be in town long enough for Evan to resist having a fling-turned-romance with Beth.
There is a bit of a mean-girls feel as Beth’s mom’s best friend and her daughter act all snobby toward Evan who comes from a poor family compared to Beth’s affluent background. I found myself wondering how much class snobbery there is in small towns in Idaho, but I haven’t been there so I just suspended disbelief.
The real star of the novel is Evan’s adorable baby daughter, Grace. She is a sweetheart and there is little that is more appealing than a hunky man taking care of a beloved baby girl.
This is an endearing second-chance romance with enough of a zip from their romance to keep the reader speeding through the book. It’s the second book in James’ Portland Devils series, and the characters from the first one, Silver-Tongued Devil, make brief appearances in this one, but you don’t have to read that book to enjoy this one. However, that was also a fun read so indulge yourself.
Beth Schaefer has suffered a breakdown from working so intensively trying to make partner in her Portland law firm. She’s an estate lawyer who just suffered a big loss. (I would have liked some hint of what issue could have been a nine-month long case involving estate law that she lost.) She has been working 80-hour weeks and just has nothing left. She takes off to go home to Idaho to try to recover her equanimity and figure out her priorities in her life. It turns out that Evan was her boyfriend a decade ago the summer before she went to law school. However, her parents had looked down at their “princess” giving up law school for a guy who paints houses and they’d broken off their romance.
Now she’s back and after a bit of antagonism from Evan, they pick up where they’d left off ten years earlier. Their growing relationship in the short time that she has in Idaho is very quick, but she’s not going to be in town long enough for Evan to resist having a fling-turned-romance with Beth.
There is a bit of a mean-girls feel as Beth’s mom’s best friend and her daughter act all snobby toward Evan who comes from a poor family compared to Beth’s affluent background. I found myself wondering how much class snobbery there is in small towns in Idaho, but I haven’t been there so I just suspended disbelief.
The real star of the novel is Evan’s adorable baby daughter, Grace. She is a sweetheart and there is little that is more appealing than a hunky man taking care of a beloved baby girl.
This is an endearing second-chance romance with enough of a zip from their romance to keep the reader speeding through the book. It’s the second book in James’ Portland Devils series, and the characters from the first one, Silver-Tongued Devil, make brief appearances in this one, but you don’t have to read that book to enjoy this one. However, that was also a fun read so indulge yourself.
July 8, 2017
"No Kind of Hero" is a perfect fit in the Portland Devils series, despite its lack of football.
I really liked Evan’s character in the first book of this series, "Silver-Tongued Devil" and so was very enthusiastic that his story was next, despite his lack of never making it onto the Portland Devils team. And where there is Evan, there is Gracie. Once again Ms James hits the mark when including a child in her story. Gracie realistically both affects the storyline and is affected by it, rather than making a cameo "…and he has a baby…" appearance.
Just like in real life, first impressions are not always accurate and thankfully that held true for me with Beth’s character. A true hallmark of Ms James writing is the multi-faceted development of her characters, where not only does she reveal a lot of characteristics but the characters actually evolve and as a reader I’m taken along on that journey. I like a scrappy heroine who through hard work and persistence improves her life. So far in this series, we’re two for two.
It came as no surprise that this book drew me in and held my attention, I found it to be particularly relatable. I enjoyed reading about characters (for a change) who were not million-, billion-, trillionaires. Evan is in a ‘blue-collar’ occupation and Beth ‘white-collar’, both are professional and very hard-working… you know, just like me! I laughed at the small-town humor (perhaps you have to have lived in one to appreciate it) and I confess to yelling out loud at Ms James when I started the chapter “Black Smoke” because I REALLY didn’t want the story to go the direction it absolutely had to take. And then I had to apologize when she resolved it in a way that I didn’t predict and was so much better that what my mind came up with.
I enjoyed catching up with Blake and Dakota from the last book and guest appearance of a series cross-over character at the end. However, neither of these things diminishes this books’ ability to stand on its own, you can start here, fairly certain you won’t end here!
I really liked Evan’s character in the first book of this series, "Silver-Tongued Devil" and so was very enthusiastic that his story was next, despite his lack of never making it onto the Portland Devils team. And where there is Evan, there is Gracie. Once again Ms James hits the mark when including a child in her story. Gracie realistically both affects the storyline and is affected by it, rather than making a cameo "…and he has a baby…" appearance.
Just like in real life, first impressions are not always accurate and thankfully that held true for me with Beth’s character. A true hallmark of Ms James writing is the multi-faceted development of her characters, where not only does she reveal a lot of characteristics but the characters actually evolve and as a reader I’m taken along on that journey. I like a scrappy heroine who through hard work and persistence improves her life. So far in this series, we’re two for two.
It came as no surprise that this book drew me in and held my attention, I found it to be particularly relatable. I enjoyed reading about characters (for a change) who were not million-, billion-, trillionaires. Evan is in a ‘blue-collar’ occupation and Beth ‘white-collar’, both are professional and very hard-working… you know, just like me! I laughed at the small-town humor (perhaps you have to have lived in one to appreciate it) and I confess to yelling out loud at Ms James when I started the chapter “Black Smoke” because I REALLY didn’t want the story to go the direction it absolutely had to take. And then I had to apologize when she resolved it in a way that I didn’t predict and was so much better that what my mind came up with.
I enjoyed catching up with Blake and Dakota from the last book and guest appearance of a series cross-over character at the end. However, neither of these things diminishes this books’ ability to stand on its own, you can start here, fairly certain you won’t end here!
July 2, 2017
No Kind of Hero by Rosalind James is a sweet book about lovers rediscovering one another years later. Beth Schaefer and Evan O’Donnell had spent a magical, romantic summer together but ultimately parted when the ever goal oriented Beth left for law school and her future as a lawyer. A broken hearted Evan picked up the jagged pieces of his heart and moved on with his life. When Beth and Evan reconnect nine years later, Beth is buckling under the pressure of living a life only for work and her own high expectations. Evan is working hard, raising his infant daughter alone though with the support of his mother, and carrying a lot of emotional baggage. Throughout the book there is recurring theme of mothers and the roles they play in their children’s lives. Beth’s mother is still a helicopter mom sure she knows best and trying to influence Beth’s life choices. Evan’s mother is there for him and his child, Gracie, offering unconditional love and support. And, yes, while Evan is technically Gracie’s father, he is also ably filling the role of her mother as well.
I found this a bit hard to get into at first, which is unusual for me and any Rosalind James book. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t until deeper in the book that it really grabbed me and I found it impossible to put down.
This is the second book in the Portland Devils series, but the link to the Portland Devils is a bit tenuous. I would love for the series to continue, but possibly without the Portland Devils in the title as it is unnecessary. This book totally stands on its own though some characters from the first in the series play supporting roles. I would love to see Book 3 feature the land developer Brett Hunter—just not with Melody Farnsworth.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy romance novels, especially in beautiful locations.
I found this a bit hard to get into at first, which is unusual for me and any Rosalind James book. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t until deeper in the book that it really grabbed me and I found it impossible to put down.
This is the second book in the Portland Devils series, but the link to the Portland Devils is a bit tenuous. I would love for the series to continue, but possibly without the Portland Devils in the title as it is unnecessary. This book totally stands on its own though some characters from the first in the series play supporting roles. I would love to see Book 3 feature the land developer Brett Hunter—just not with Melody Farnsworth.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy romance novels, especially in beautiful locations.
July 3, 2017
No Kind of Hero is a wonderfully written story about second chance love. I am loving this Portland Devils series something fierce. We are back in Wild Horse, Idaho and learning Evan’s story. He is Dakota’s best friend who we met in book one. No worries though, because No Kind of Hero can be read as a standalone. I strongly encourage you to begin with Silver-Tongued Devil just so you can enjoy the family that Ms. James creates in her novels.
Beth Schaefer is pursuing her dreams. She is destined to follow in her father’s footsteps and have a career that is expected of her. Pleasing her parents is what matters and therefore is looking forward to the reward of becoming partner after working nonstop for the past six years. In following her dreams, she gave up the one man who she hasn’t forgotten back home in Wild Horse, Idaho. Their secret love affair all those years ago was filled with so many memories and love. He cherished her and made her feel protected. She always felt like she was home in the arms of Evan O’Donnell.
Evan O’Donnell takes his responsibilities seriously. He promised his best friend he would always take care of his little sister Dakota when he passed away. He took on the responsibility of dad when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. But he didn’t expect to be a mom and dad to his baby girl when his girlfriend walked away from them. His life is now filled with running a successful painting company and raising his daughter. He doesn’t need any complications but when Beth Schaefer comes back home for eighteen point five days, he’s not sure he heart can handle letting her back in.
I love the buildup and anticipation Rosalind James creates in her characters and stories. Each character is well developed and have beautiful souls. Another wonderful creation!
Beth Schaefer is pursuing her dreams. She is destined to follow in her father’s footsteps and have a career that is expected of her. Pleasing her parents is what matters and therefore is looking forward to the reward of becoming partner after working nonstop for the past six years. In following her dreams, she gave up the one man who she hasn’t forgotten back home in Wild Horse, Idaho. Their secret love affair all those years ago was filled with so many memories and love. He cherished her and made her feel protected. She always felt like she was home in the arms of Evan O’Donnell.
Evan O’Donnell takes his responsibilities seriously. He promised his best friend he would always take care of his little sister Dakota when he passed away. He took on the responsibility of dad when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. But he didn’t expect to be a mom and dad to his baby girl when his girlfriend walked away from them. His life is now filled with running a successful painting company and raising his daughter. He doesn’t need any complications but when Beth Schaefer comes back home for eighteen point five days, he’s not sure he heart can handle letting her back in.
I love the buildup and anticipation Rosalind James creates in her characters and stories. Each character is well developed and have beautiful souls. Another wonderful creation!
June 29, 2017
No Kind of Hero by Rosalind James – one of my favorite one-click authors
This is a second chance romance about Beth and Evan who we met in the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil. They had a secret romance way back when they were 21, sneaking around so Beth’s rich, socially prominent parents didn’t find out she was involved with Evan who was from the wrong side of town. When they got caught together, Beth chose to follow her parent’s wishes and took off for law school and left Evan behind. Forward 8 years and Beth is a burned out associate lawyer working her butt off to make partner and Evan is a Painting Contractor with an adorable baby girl whose mama took off when she was 3 weeks old. Evan’s story with his daughter Gracie is one of my favorite parts of the book. He’s such a good daddy. Rosalind writes good kids. Evan is a cranky kind of guy with people who don’t know him, but fiercely loyal and protective with those he loves, as we learned with his relationship with Dakota in Silver-Tongued Devil. Beth comes back to town to get herself together when she loses an important case which puts her over the edge and feels like she’s about to have a breakdown. She runs into Evan who is rather hostile, obviously not over what happened in the past. They come to an agreement that they will just have a temporary fling to “burn it down” and get over each other. Well, obviously that doesn’t happen or we wouldn’t have our HEA, which Rosalind is known for. Drama ensues with the Baby Mama and Beth and Evan’s families come through for them. This book seemed to have a bit of a slow start, but midway through I was totally engaged and stayed up way late to finish because I had to find out what happened. Four and ½ stars.
This is a second chance romance about Beth and Evan who we met in the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil. They had a secret romance way back when they were 21, sneaking around so Beth’s rich, socially prominent parents didn’t find out she was involved with Evan who was from the wrong side of town. When they got caught together, Beth chose to follow her parent’s wishes and took off for law school and left Evan behind. Forward 8 years and Beth is a burned out associate lawyer working her butt off to make partner and Evan is a Painting Contractor with an adorable baby girl whose mama took off when she was 3 weeks old. Evan’s story with his daughter Gracie is one of my favorite parts of the book. He’s such a good daddy. Rosalind writes good kids. Evan is a cranky kind of guy with people who don’t know him, but fiercely loyal and protective with those he loves, as we learned with his relationship with Dakota in Silver-Tongued Devil. Beth comes back to town to get herself together when she loses an important case which puts her over the edge and feels like she’s about to have a breakdown. She runs into Evan who is rather hostile, obviously not over what happened in the past. They come to an agreement that they will just have a temporary fling to “burn it down” and get over each other. Well, obviously that doesn’t happen or we wouldn’t have our HEA, which Rosalind is known for. Drama ensues with the Baby Mama and Beth and Evan’s families come through for them. This book seemed to have a bit of a slow start, but midway through I was totally engaged and stayed up way late to finish because I had to find out what happened. Four and ½ stars.
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