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Dex...
I don't have a heart left to give anyone. So when my friend tries to set me up with romance author Chloe Martin, the only answer I can give is "hell no." Unfortunately for me, Chloe is also a journalist working a story on the Latin Kings, and my boss orders me to protect her while she carries out her research. But she's so reckless, I'm going to have my hands full keeping her alive, let alone keeping her in line.

Chloe...
FBI agent Dex Scott is sexy as sin and completely off-limits. After what my bastard ex-husband put me through, I'm not interested in intimacy of any kind. But the chemistry between us is undeniable, and when Dex makes it clear that he wants to help with my research in the field and in the bedroom, I can't resist.

His protective instincts turn possessive as dangers from my past and present rise up to threaten me. The powerful Dom demands my submission and my love. He won't relent until he breaks down all my walls, including the ones that protect my ravaged heart.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2016

274 people are currently reading
566 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

137 books2,028 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
March 29, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2018)!💝

Blurb:
A new standalone romantic suspense novel from USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Sykes

Dex…
After losing the love of my life, I don’t have a heart left to give anyone. So when my friend tries to set me up with BDSM romance author Chloe Martin, the only answer I can give is hell no. Unfortunately for me, Chloe is also a journalist working a story on the Latin Kings, and my boss orders me to protect her while she carries out her research. But she’s so reckless, I’m going to have my hands full keeping her alive, let alone keeping her in line.

Chloe…
FBI agent Dex Scott is sexy as sin and completely off-limits. After what my bastard ex-husband put me through, I’m not interested in intimacy of any kind. But the chemistry between us is undeniable, and when Dex makes it clear that he wants to help with my research in the field and in the bedroom, I can’t resist.

His protective instincts turn possessive as dangers from my past and present rise up to threaten me. The powerful Dom demands my submission and my love. He won’t relent until he breaks down all my walls, including the ones that protect my ravaged heart.

Note: This story is set in the Impossible Series world, but Hero can be read as a standalone romantic suspense novel.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,041 reviews595 followers
November 11, 2019
Hero is the thirteenth book in the Impossible series by Julia Sykes, and I’ve been eager for this one since I was first introduced to Dex. I’ve adored him as a side character, leaving me with high hopes for his story.

As always, Julia Sykes had me hooked throughout. Hero gripped me from the very start, and I could not get enough of it. Although it was a bit slower than other books in the series and the suspense was nowhere near as intense, the emotional connection I had to the story was just as strong as always. Once I started, I could not put it down. I finished it in a single sitting, unable to put the book down.

It was great to finally see Dex move beyond what happened earlier in the series, and to appreciate it in full I do recommend reading the prior books in the series. However, it always works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, as this story is wrapped up in one.

Without a doubt, Hero was a fabulous addition to the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,099 reviews93 followers
June 24, 2016
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~ 4 My Hero Stars ~

Hero is the first Julia Sykes book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was drawn to this book because of the subject of BDSM, but I was also sucked in because of the blurb.

I have to admit I thought this book would have a little more mystery/suspense built into the storyline, but that really wasn’t the case. She did add some of those elements but I guess for my personal taste I would’ve liked a little more. I also thought the ending was a little rushed….what happens towards the end is kind of what I wanted during the middle of the book. But even with that said, I really liked this story.

I thought the BDSM storyline was well written and gave us an interesting look into that world. Nothing was too graphic or distasteful. Even someone who isn’t a fan of the BDSM Genre, I think would like this book. I thought the pace and flow of the story worked well and I really liked the characters Julia gave us in this story.

Hero is the 13 book in Julia’s Impossible series but there is no need to read any of the books before this one. I haven’t read any of them and I didn’t feel lost one bit. The only thing I wondered about was whether some of the other characters we meet are from previous books. This is completely a standalone book with no cliffhanger!!!

In this book we meet Chloe and Dex. Both of these characters are broken and hurt from past relationships that didn’t go so well. Both of them are afraid to love again and get hurt so they have put walls up to protect them from feeling anything towards each other. Chloe truly does fight her attraction to Dex. To say she is a stubborn one is putting it mildly. She also didn’t want to admit she was submissive. Chloe is a romance author as well as a journalist. She is visiting New York City to research both an article she is writing on the Latin Kings and also for her latest novel, which features the BDSM genre. So what happens when her two jobs become interconnected and she is faced with a Dominant like Dex??? You need to read this book to find out.

I liked a lot of the secondary characters. I now will have to go back to the other books in this series to see if any of them have a book already out. I would like to read about some of their stories.

If you are a BDSM fan, then I think you need to read Hero by Julia Sykes. I would recommend this book. It is an intriguing story and will keep your interest all the way through.

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Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,433 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2016
4.5 Hero Stars

ARC Received in exchange for an honest review

Okay I don't read a lot of BDSM Books. And I don't think I had a good experience with it from a previous book. But my philosophy is always don't knock it till you try it. So I gave this one a try. And it was good.

My Chloe:


Chloe went through a traumatic experience with her ex husband and has since just been celibate. No sex at all. But since she's an author for BDSM Novels she has to do some research. So she visits the BDSM Clubs and has done a couple of scenes just for research purposes. And she's a journalist, so a favor from a friend, gets her into the FBI to shadow someone to help with a story. And there she meets Dex. Who she thinks has a Hero complex because he just can't leave her alone.

My Dex:


Dex lost the love of his life to someone else and has just been going to the club and his motto is "Get over it. Go to work tomorrow. Do some good. Go to Decadence. Fuck someone. Repeat"
And so far its been working till he meets Chloe.

The chemistry between the two is off the charts and the way Dex is with Chloe is just so sweet. All he does is take care of her and make sure that she's okay.
But as always nothing is easy and there are issues on both sides that is always getting in the way.
Trust me when you start reading you will not be able to stop until you find out what is going to happen and will they overcome what is in their past to finally be together

You will not be disappointed ladies This whole book is sexy hot and so steamy. :-)

Review done on behalf of Book Boyfriends and Bookgasms
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,009 reviews33 followers
June 23, 2016
ARC REVIEW

This is my first Julia Sykes book, and while I was a bit hesitant to start especially since this is book 13 of the series, I was happy to discover that it really didn't matter. There was a brief sums up of what had happened previously just enough to fill you in on whats important and to tease you with wanting to go back and read the previous books. The overall story was okay, it concentrated more on the seduction of Chloe. I enjoyed the BDSM and eroticism of the book, it was very well described and accurate. I liked Chloe but I wasn't crazy over Dex, more because he's not my favorite kind of Dom. The story did hit a hard limit with me and that spanking for punishment especially for a non-scene related issue. It pulled me out of the story and I had a hard time getting back in to the fantasy of the story. (Of course it's a personal preference thing) I also had a hard time liking Dex because he spent most of the time trying to get over a lost love, the majority of the book he is still whining about it. (been there done that IRL don't want it for possible book boyfriends) Chloe I did like, she was dealing with her horrible marriage the only way she could and that was submerging herself in her work both her journalism and her erotic novel writing. After what had happened she wasn't ready for an intimate relationship anytime soon. ( and this I did like) Dex was gentle enough with her and had a subtle dominance that she easy could deal with once she admitted she really wanted it.

Overall, the BDSM aspect of the book and Chloe were my favorite, I really like those but the above mentioned person preferences kept me from really enjoying and liking the book.
Profile Image for Janja.
864 reviews15 followers
June 25, 2016
It's not bad read but for me somewhat lost somewhere. I didn't fell the click between Chloe in Dex and to be true i didn't even like Chloe character.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
July 3, 2018
Got this one free, and no I haven't read the first twelve books. It's a stand alone with what I am guessing are the peeps in previous books. When it was good, it was very good. When it was bad it wasn't much. I didn't really see the chemistry between them.
Profile Image for Kim.
96 reviews
May 22, 2017
Summary:
At the age of20, Chloe married her husband Neil. She's been havin issue lately w/ him. He doesn't support her career choice of bein a journalist. He wants her home& to take care of any children they may have. He comes home drunk one night, tellin her that she's gonna have his bby. He gets on top of her, kissin her. She tells him to stop but he doesn't. He rapes her. When he's asleep she leaves.
3 yrs ltr she's in New York meetin w/ her friend Carina& her husband whose in charge of the FBI unit, Kennedy. Carina &Cleo are in the process of askin him if he'd allow Chloe to shadow one of his agent for her research on the Latin Kings. At 1st he tells them that its dangerous, but w/ persuasion he allows Chloe to shadow Sharon. Chloe introduces her to Sharon, S tells her that they'll meet the next day. Carina takes Cleo &they begin to talk bout Cleo book. She's a romance author that involves BDSM. Carina tells Chloe to go w/ her to Decadence b/c the FBI is havin a party, so nothin bad will happen. Chloe is surprised to find out that majority of the people in the field are involved in BDSM. She tells Carina she just wants to watch come scenes, not hook up w/ anyone. She tells her that her friend Dex, also an agent, can show her around. Chloe is suspicious of Carina's intentions but agrees to go. Dex is at Decadence where he bumps into an old coworker Jason from Chicago. They talk &when they mention a man named Reed, Dex is a bit angry& mad. His coworker leaves& Dex starts remembering that he like Katie& wanted to be w/ her but she left him for Reed. He left Chicago b/c of it& is now in NY. He plans to either drink or fuck someone. When Kennedy come, along w/ Carina he plans not to drink. They talk a bit till Carina introduces Cleo to him. Dex can't believe she tryin to hook them up. Chloe mentions to him that she's not there for a hookup, just lookin for some research. Kennedy tells Chloe that since they in the club she has to remain respectful to Dex. Dex see's that she has some sass& attitude towards him. The couple leave& Dex leads them to a scene. He see's a blond& Jason there. Dex thinks that Chloe is pretty but he's not lookin for a sub or girlfriend. But he can notice she's turned on. He asks her if she's ever been whipped, she tells him she has, mentioning Chicago's BDSM club; he then remembers Katie &gets a bit depressed. They watch a bit more& he tells her that he'd like to whip her. She's a bit unsure, but tells him it'd be good for her book research& agrees but no sex& she keeps her corset on. They go a private room. He gets in his Dom role, he tells her that he's only goin to touch her when he put a spreader bat on her& when he ties her up. He notices she freaks out when he touches her, but assures her that she's safe& won't do anythin she doesn't want. He ties her up, spread her legs& asks what she's thinks bout bein blindfolded. She agrees for him to do it. Dex notices that she wet& then begins to whip her. Chloe feels different in this experience than she has in her others. She tries suppressing her moan but Dex encourages her to let go& she does. He knows she's close& tells her to come. She does& hits subspace. She forgets where she's at, she wakes to her hands& feet released. She notices Dex is soothing her& strokin her hair. But when she feels his erection she begins to freak out, getting her clothes on she leaves. But he tells her she should wait till she's fully back, but doesn't listen.
At the office Dex planned to get Chloe out of his head. He liked how Chloe was so submissive& attentive w/him last night. But he doesn't want to go down the same path as w/ Katie. But when he sees C there w/ Sharon, he's a bit shaken. He goes to her askin why she there. Chloe informs him that she there to follow Sharon on a story of the Kings. He tells her she cant be doin that, that Kennedy shouldn't put her in the field b/c it's dangerous. C tells him he can't be bossin her around, that she's not a submissive, but he thinks otherwise. Smith comes along, watchin the commotion. Kennedy tells them to stop messin around& get to work. Chloe leaves& begins to interview Sharon. Finding out that Javier was an undercover agent in the Kings. She asks Sharon to talk w/ him for an interview. Also findin out that Sharon is w/ Derek who owns Decadence& his sister, Charlotte, is w/ Javier. Sharon invites her to the club where she can interview Derek bout BDSM for her book. At her place Chloe has been think bout her ex husband lately& doesn't know why. She follows Sharon around again, but when a calls comes in they have to stop. Sharon tells her to wait. Chloe takes in her surroundings& see's a small Russian café& starts thinking bout a Russian character for a new book. She gets out to do some research. The place is empty& see's a younger man as the cashier. She introduces herself , sayin she's a writer& like to ask q's. But when Dex bust inside she's furious b/c the men suspect she's a spy. A knife is pulled out& Dex pulls out his gun& they leave. In the car he tells her she shouldn’t gone it there. She gets angry tellin him everythin was ok till he barged in. He takes her to Kennedy, informin her that she shouldn’t be in the field& go home. There Kennedy explain that they were Russian mafia& that is was good that nothin happened& that Dex was there. He tells them that she's to follow Dex around for the remaining of her research. Both get angry. He tells them that if they spar &she wins she can follow Sharon. She agrees to it. They go to the training room& Chloe flings herself at Dex, surprisin him. But he eventually pins her down. His cock is hard& she feels it, she begins to freak out but tells her he wont hurt her. He can tell she shaken& needs time for herself. Tellin her that they can meet the next day. He watches her leave& calls Carina to check up on her. The girls meet up for drinks& Chloe tells her that she just upset of the Russian things. Carina convinces Chloe that Dex is a good guy& only lookin out for her safety. She can still sense that Carina is tryin to get them together. She meets w/ Dex the next day& tells her they goin to meet a man who owns some club. She wants to go w/& allows her. Dex informs her that the man has allowed some Russians to deal drugs in the club, which makes women's sex drive increase if they want to or not. Chloe can't help but think of her own rape &is mad about it. When they q's the man, Chloe interferes tellin the man what if it was his own sis getting the drugs& gonna have sex w/ a man she didn’t want to. W/ Chloe's help Dex got the names of the Russians dealin the drugs. Dex now knows that Chloe has her own trauma w/ a man& knows why she freaked out when he got a hard on. Ltr that night she meets w/ Carina at Decadence. Carina is worried but C tells her it was a long day. She runs into Dex& Jason. J asks her if she'd like to do a scene w/ him like old times. Dex gets a bit jealous that they a bit familiar& of how they flirt together. J then mentions if C has had a threesome. D knows how she feels about bein touched& tells her she doesn't have to do it. But she agrees to have the threesome w/ them but no sex. D tells them that he's in charge. They follow& he informs her that he wants her naked, she agrees. J takes ahold of her while D gets her naked. He's cautious when he touches her but once naked he admires her. C feels diff bout this, bout Dex. Jason gets a but plug& straps her down. D takes over& J puts his finger in her mouth. D gets her to orgasm, once she comes down J leaves& he takes care of her. Aftr she's settled, she remebers her interview w/ Derek& thanks Dex, sayin goodbye.
Back home she starts to write what happened between her& the 2 men. But she feels like no words can explain& that it was a private moment. She then thinks bout Dex, how sweet he is& protective& caring. She texts Sharon askin for his #. She texts him askin if he'd like to meet up for dinner, but that its not a date. He agrees &they meet across her hotel at some place. She realizes he look diff w/o his suit& how he's usually dress at the club. Dex is one worded tonight, but she still asks her q's. Findin out that he was bullied in HS but once he grew he stood up for his friends& got involved in law enforcement. She finds out that he's a bit of a nerd, likes to read& plays videogames. He asks why she's doin this& she tells him that she see's him as one of her characters& is doin some research. He gets a bit angry bout it. She begins to ask why he came to NY& tells her it had to do w/ some girl, she tries to pry but he backlashes at her. Sayin he'll tell her if she talks bout what happened w/ her& the guys that hurt her. She tears up tellin him this was a mistake& leaves. D feels bad bout it, mad that he took his anger out on her. He gets a pizza& goes to her place. She reluctant to let him in but does. He apologizes& they begin to eat. She burns herself& he kisses her fingers. He then kisses her& she does as well. She feels him get hard& he tells her that he wont hurt her. She explains to him she hasn’t been w/ anyone in long time& want to take things at her pace. When she unbutton his pace he tells her she doesn't have to but she wants to. She begins to suck on him till he orgasms& aftr they eat.
The next day Dex& Chloe are drivin around. When she asks some q's about what happened to the Kings. He tells her that Javier had much to do w/ it since he was undercover, she wants to know more but tells her that she'll have to ask him. He gets a call to q's a witness. Chloe is w/ him, but tells her she has to stay in the car. But she argues, he knew she was so he cuffs her tot the car. When he leaves she picks at it& gets free, she gets out to follow. But peeks through the window, hearin voices bout to get closer she hears a voice. A man asks her if she a cop& attacks her. She punches& he gets her in a headlock, but Dex helps her& he gets away. He calls the men of the guys direction& takes Chloe to his place. He is livid that she was hurt, tellin her that if she keeps talkin she get more spankings. At his place he takes her clothes off to see if she's hurt, she hardly puts up a fight. He then tells her to position herself on his lap. He tells her she'll get spank 10 for not listening& for mouthing off. She a bit nervous but comfort her that he wont hurt her. He praises her while he spanks her& when he's done she's wet. He lays her down& handcuffs her to his bed& eats her out till she orgasms. She planned to go out to interview him but tells her she takin the day off w/ him. He begins to make food& she starts talkin bout how he has a bachelor pad& that she wants to binge watch some show w/ him& play his xbox w/ him. He can't believe what she's sayin& of how many things they have in common. The next day she's at her book signing she signed up for before she came to NY. She's informed that there is quite a line& has some male fans out there. She's reminded of Dex. Think how sweet he is, how he gets her submissive side. Dex walks up tellin her that he'd wants his own private book signing w/ her ltr. He leaves to the sci-fi section& she gets w/ her fans to sign her book. Lost of time she hears a man call her name& realizes it Neil. She panics thinkin of what he did to her. She tells him to leave, that they aren't married. He grabs her, but Dex comes tellin him to let her go. Eventually he does& he threatens to see her again. He takes her to his place. But she's in shock& doesn’t want any contact. She apologizes& leaves. She doesn't want a relationship like he ex-husband& is sorry for not tellin Dex bye. Dex wants to run aftr her but she needs time, he calls Sharon to watch her& she agrees. The next day she waits for C but Sharon informs her that she went back to Chicago. He cant believe& knows he can't lose her& plans a way to get her back makin her his submissive. He knows its not gonna be easy but he cant lose her. Once in Chicago, he knows that Chloe is gonna want to continue her involvement w/ the Kings research so he heads to the FBI unit. Runs in to Jason who informs him that the chief partnered her w/ Reed. He goes livid not wantin her near him he storms into the chiefs place. He tells her that she cant be partnered w/ Reed. Chloe is surprised to see him& she realizes that he doesn't like Reed so she ask the chief if she can be partnered w/ Jason. Chief agrees& tells Dex that she doesn't want any probs in her office anymore& to control his attitude. They leave& Dex takes Chloe away. She asks what he's doin there& he explains that he's there to protect her& that they need to talk. They go to her place& he informs her that he wants to be her Dom. She tells him that she scared &doesn't know if she ready. He kisses her, takes her to bed& cuffs her. He snoops through her room till her finds a but plug& vibrator. He tells her that she will admit that she wants him to be her Dom, but she denies him. He knows she wants to be in the relationship but he has to give her a bit of a push. He lubes up the plug& starts to insert it while puttin the vibrator to her clit. He makes her orgasm so the insertion is easier. He continues his torture till she admit that she wants him as her Dom, but she not ready for sex yet. He agrees to her pace.
She meets w/ her sis& tells her bout Dex, that he makes her happy. Throughout the week Jason agrees to let D follow them. Chloe gets some of her info& asks to interview Hernandez- man that attacked her. D doesn't agree w/ it but knows it's C choice. When they get there the man is mean to Chloe. Callin her names tellin her that his friends would rape her& make her heal. D lunges at him& realizes that C in shock. He takes her away, but she flinches when he touches her. Once at the apartment he uses his Dom voice tellin her he's gonna touch her. She's tense for a bit, but relaxes& begins to cry. He comfort her while she does. When she's done she begins to tell her story of Neil. That once they married be became controlling& not wantin her to work& eventually lead to the rape. Where she left him, took time to get herself under control& found her passion in writing. She tells him that she want him to make love to her. He tells her she shouldn’t feel pressured, but its what she wants. He knows she'll be skittish so he tells her she'll be on top to control their pace. Chloe is happy that not once had she thought of Neil& is happy to have Dex. At work she plans to interview Jason while waiting for Dex. She begins to ask him bout himself& how he came to Chicago. She finds out that he was sent there b/c he broke a rule of sleepin w/ a recruit who ended up dying. Jason leaves mad tellin her that he doesn’t' want her followin him. She feels bad bout it& what for Dec. When he comes she tells him that she upset him& that she might have to follow Reed around. He doesn't want her to tellin her that he doesn’t want her to steal her away, but she confused by that knowin that Reed is w/ Katie. At night they go to Dusk& run into Reed& Katie. D is tense& some of his hurt feeling surface. He realizes he misses her as his bff. Chloe notices it finds an outlet. They head to a private room& there she tell D that they aren't goin to work. D panics that he's gonna lose her b/c of old feelins he has for Katie. He informs her that Katie is in the past& that she's his future. He proclaims that he loves her. She knows she loves him but doesn’t word it. To prove he means it he tells her that he'll submit to her. She not sure bout it but he insists. She begins to chain him up, teasin him by givin him a blowjob. For a while she continues her torture until he break free from his restraint& pins her down. Where he fucks her till she orgasm& she tells him she loves him.
They head home& they almost inside when he hears a silencer. Chloe goes down, as does he. He realizes it Neil& shot him in the shoulder. All he can remember is the weight of Chloe being removed from him. He wakes in an ambulance, where he demands a phone. He calls his friend Sam,& she her to trace Neil's location& to get a unit there. He tells the paramedics to head to the location where he hopes it not too late. Chloe wakes up disoriented& then she hears Neils voice& panics. She asks for D& he tells her that he's dead. she doesn't believe him. He tells her that she doesn't need him, that he's read her book & knows what she needs. She takes in her surrounding& see's that it similar to a dungeon room like at Decadence. She hits him tryin to escape but he pulls her down, kickin her in the ribs. He ties her to the bed& get her naked. Before anythin happens he's ripped from her& Dex begins to bash his face. Jason tries to stop him but can’t, C knows he'll end up killin him& calls for him. He goes to her comforting her. She realizes she bleedin& tell shim he needs a doc. Hurt by her ribs she goes to the ambulance w/ D. When he wakes up she begins to fret if he ok. But he turns the q's towards her seein if Neil hurt her again. She tells nothin happened b/c he got there in time. She informs him he has to take it easy, that she'll stay w/ him till he better. He tells her that he planned to move back to Chicago to be w/ her& she excited, giving him a kiss.
6months ltr, they getting ready to go to Dusk where she havin a book signing w/the help of the owner. At the moment Dex is writin in sharpie 'Property of Dexter' on the inner part of her thighs. He doodles on her ring finger& she notices it a ring he drawing. He pulls out a real ring& asks her if she'll marry him. She agrees& he then helps her get ready& leave to Dusk. Once there she's surprised to Carina there w/ Kennedy. Along w/ Reed& Katie. Over time Katie& Dex have renewed their friendship& now Dex is startin to like Reed. After Chloe finished her book signing he takes her to a room, where he present her w/ a collar. He puts it on her& shows he a diamond butt plug. W/ mirrors aligning the whole room he begins to fuck her makin her watch him the entire time. Both praising their love to each other forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,835 reviews44 followers
July 21, 2016

Title:Hero - Book 13, Impossible
Author:Julia Sykes
Series:Impossible Series
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-20-16
Genre(s):Dark Erotica
Page Count:250
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5stars out of 5
Blurb:

A man with a broken heart…
The agony of losing the woman I love to another Dominant has left me dead inside. Over the last two years, sex has become my drug of choice to cope with the loss. I know I’m too broken to ever love again, but that won’t stop me from trying to fuck my pain away.

A woman with a painful past…
I’m not interested in intimacy, but I am interested in sex. As a BDSM romance novelist, I need to explore the world of kink for my books. The power exchange is meaningless; nothing more than research. Until I meet him. The powerful Dom won’t relent until he breaks down all my walls, including the ones that protect my ravaged heart.

Bound together by lust and danger…
Chloe Martin is a BDSM romance author by night and an investigative journalist by day. When the latter brings her to the New York unit of the FBI to research the Latin Kings, she never expects her two careers to collide. The agent she’s shadowing—Dexter Scott—is also a Dominant, and he’s interested in helping with her research in the field and in the bedroom.

But Chloe’s story on the Latin Kings puts her in the line of fire, and Dex’s protective—and possessive—instincts kick in. Can he let go of his pain and find his happily ever after? Or will the danger that surrounds them steal his second chance at love?


Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description

Hero was a hot and steamy 5 star read.

The prologue is very heartbreaking and gives you a glimpse at what has caused Chloe’s fear of men. We jump ahead three years, Chloe is now a journalist and a fiction writer of BDSM.
She is visiting a friend for research on both, her friend’s fiance works for the FBI and his whole team are into BDSM. When Chloe’s friend sets her up with Dex things start to get very interesting.

Dex has been hurt in the past and has no intentions of claiming a new sub. When he meets Chloe he finds her to be a challenge and has the need to protect her. He recognizes in her actions that she has been hurt in the past. Who hurt her and why?

I’d thought she simply didn’t want to submit to me, but now I recognized the truth: someone had hurt her.

The story really picks up and gets even steamier. I have to say that I really fell for Dex, he is a strong dominant FBI agent that knew just how to be there for Chloe. It was super sweet. I also loved Chloe’s strength. I definitely couldn’t put this down until I was done. I needed to know what was going to happen next. Julia Sykes does a great job of pulling you in with her writing.

Warning: There is a scene in the prologue that may be a trigger for some.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
June 13, 2016
Title: Hero
Author: Julia Sykes
Release Date: June 20, 2016
Genre(s): Dark Erotica
Page Count: 250
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Dex…
After losing the love of my life, I don’t have a heart left to give anyone. So when my friend tries to set me up with BDSM romance author Chloe Martin, the only answer I can give is hell no. Unfortunately for me, Chloe is also a journalist working a story on the Latin Kings, and my boss orders me to protect her while she carries out her research. But she’s so reckless, I’m going to have my hands full keeping her alive, let alone keeping her in line.

Chloe…
FBI agent Dex Scott is sexy as sin and completely off-limits. After what my bastard ex-husband put me through, I’m not interested in intimacy of any kind. But the chemistry between us is undeniable, and when Dex makes it clear that he wants to help with my research in the field and in the bedroom, I can’t resist.

His protective instincts turn possessive as dangers from my past and present rise up to threaten me. The powerful Dom demands my submission and my love. He won’t relent until he breaks down all my walls, including the ones that protect my ravaged heart.


Review:
“I hated the fear that was etched into her gorgeous features. I’d put it there, because I couldn’t control myself around her. I kept topping her without realizing what I was doing.”

5 twisted stars!! Prepare yourself for one heck of a ride!

Dex and Chloe, where do I even begin?? This story is sexy and takes one heck of a twisted ride!! I had a hard time putting my kindle down, I needed to know what was going to happen next, and trust me it was intense!! This is the first book I’ve read of Julia’s and I know it won’t be the last now!! I’m hooked!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for Dayreader Reviews.
791 reviews63 followers
June 20, 2016
Wow…just wow! This was my first Julia Sykes read and let me say that it was so freaking hot I could not contain my excitement from my husband! I have read a BDSM before but Ms. Sykes wrote this book in such an amazing way that left me feeling everything Dex wanted Chloe to feel. Ms. Sykes had some twists along with the drama of Chloe and her life. I was overwhelmed with the characters in this book I had to finish it as soon as possible, and it only took me about half a day. Even after reading this incredibly sexy and hot book I still kept thinking about the characters and what they went through and it left me wondering what was next for them. I fell pretty hard for the sexy nerd FBI agent and the way he dominated his sub.

Chloe was a bit of a surprise character for me to read because of what she went through with her past. It was quite interesting reading about her and what she was going through, and fighting against. I at times thought this would turn around and Chloe be the Dom because of her territorial stance in front of her Dom. I loved this book so much in many ways! I loved the writing, the characters and I am grateful for Ms. Sykes because she brought me out of a reading funk! Hero woke me up in more ways than one and I must go back and read this series from the beginning! Congrats to Ms. Sykes on her release of one of the hottest books I have read in a while!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,698 reviews98 followers
June 22, 2016
I was surprised by this book by Ms. Sykes. It is technically a well written book as far as grammer, sentence structure etc., but I felt like the trope was a little immature. I think the premise that an entire FBI field office would be into BDSM is relatively unbelievable. Private security firm, yes. Government agency? No. Letting a romance writer in on pertinent details to a federal investigation? No.
Chloe and Dex are a believable enough couple to have a relationship, but I felt like the storyline itself was a little cliche. Romance writer from a bad divorce, who dabbles in BDSM for “research purposes” who finds that she really likes it when she goes to a field office of the FBI to research a street gang and she ends up with one of the agents. I wanted to like it so much more, but it just felt like it was not reality.
Ms. Sykes writing style flows well. She has good character development. A beautiful cover. I just couldn’t enjoy it because I felt like I had already read the book, only with different characters and title. I hope to read more from her, but this time with an original storyline….

Review by Amanda
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,364 reviews
June 21, 2016
This book is so hot and steamy you will definitely need a glass of cold water around to cool you off I love Dex he is so freaking awesome this story was great
Profile Image for crazipotmom.
198 reviews15 followers
September 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book so much I want to get a collar LOL I have already downloaded the next book looking forward to reading it 🥰 I received this book free from bookfunnel
Profile Image for Carole-Ann.
2,740 reviews87 followers
May 25, 2021
A freebie e-book with the updated (Kindle) cover...
Chloe, a romance writer, with BDSM leanings, and investigative journalist, goes to Chicago to cover a trial of a Mafia boss. She's 'followed' (don't ask!) there by Dex Scott, an FBI operative and Dom.
The Chicago office is 'filled' with Doms and subs (and I guess you need to read all the previous books to find out how that happened) with their own little private club where everyone plays.
A fair amount of angst and misunderstandings; Chloe has had bad experiences with ex-husband; Dex got dumped by a girlfriend/sub for another Dom; and the Mafioso are out to them them all...
OK I suppose, although the final confrontation with the nasty ex-hub was a little OTT.

NB: took me a week to read, purely because I was reading other books at the same time :)
Profile Image for Courtney ~ asreadbycourtney.
438 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2019
Damn, either I'm just awesome at jumping into series way too late in the game or Amazon needs to recommend the first book in the series first :P

This story was awesome, and I absolutely adored Chloe. I want to be Chloe, phenomenal romance author, forever curious. #lifegoals

I'm so glad that I found another great BDSM romance author to add to my favorites (Cherise Sinclair and Measha Stone being the top two).

Anywho, now it's time to go read all of Julia's backlist. Toodles!
Profile Image for Katie Pedersen.
466 reviews44 followers
September 24, 2019
This one didn't wow me, but it's gotta be because I'm burnt out on this series. I didn't want to take a break and forget all the details of the interlocking characters, so I pushed through the whole series. All in all, I enjoyed Dex and Chloe's story. It had a nice blend of BDSM, action, suspense, angst and romance. I loved that Dex was on the nerdy side at his roots. It was enjoyable for sure. I'm curious if Sam will get her own book. Part of me hopes she does!
Profile Image for Karen Fontaine.
206 reviews
June 7, 2021
What a great book. I have not read this Author before. Loved this book. Will definitely be reading more of her books. This was about Dex an FBI agent that had lost a love, moved from Chicago to New York. Chloe is a romance author, but she is also a journalist. She meets Dex. He is helping her to right a story about a motorcycle gang that the FBI had taken down. Chloe also wrights about BDSM. Dex is a Dom. Read about what happens. The chemistry is good between them. Great read
1,530 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I'd like to go back to the beginning to meet the other characters and get their stories now! The H and h were both strong characters with some emotional damage. I liked how they interacted together, and grew towards each other. I liked that the H came full circle and I think each of them is stronger for their new connections.
Profile Image for DrG53.
272 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2017
I love Julia Sykes. Hero does not disappoint. Dex finally gets his own story and HEA. So many loose ends are tied up. I love to see how the other couples are faring. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
April 1, 2018
Wow a really really really hot story

Omg Hero is an awesome story about the BDSM world/Lifestyle, but Dex and Chloe make this story an awesome experience to read
4 reviews
May 29, 2018
I love it

I love it. Must read book. You will be ready to jump into boo and play with them. Or have your own kind of play. I can't wait to read more from her. Xoxo
66 reviews
June 14, 2020
I ❤️ This book. These characters were amazing.
Profile Image for Julianne.
127 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
Writer did a great job building us up to the plot of the book. Likess all characters in book.
Profile Image for Susan.
348 reviews
June 17, 2021
Loved it and am excited to read some of this author's other books.
Profile Image for Jana.
1,337 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2022
I did not like this book. Nothing was happening in this book. Heroine was annoying. FBI full of doms??? Really?
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,807 reviews
April 29, 2023
Hero

Very interesting and intriguing. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading more by Julia Sykes. Highly recommend that you read it as well.
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