Her Kind of Hero

by Kathleen Dienne

Kissing him is better than nothing.

Young widow Vanessa Bingham is ready to stop mourning. She misses the intimacy and tenderness of a man’s touch. It’s obvious her old friend Derek Lane wants her, so why does her first attempt at seduction cause him to flee?

Kissing her is a dream come true.

Derek has been in love with Vanessa forever. His feelings have kept him from having a serious relationship—or a casual one—with any other woman. So when she finally turns to him, he doesn’t want to settle for being friends with benefits. But Vanessa is a hard woman to resist for long...

Someone doesn’t want them kissing at all.

Just as things with Derek begin heating up, disturbing photos start to arrive at Vanessa’s door. Someone is watching her every move: someone she may know. Terrified by the stalker’s very real threats, Vanessa soon realizes that Derek may be just the hero she needs after all.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Audiobook, Romance

ebook

First published November 22, 2010

Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: But who doesn’t like thinking about a nice big penis? I was certainly thinking of one, now.

Two years after her husband’s death, Vanessa thinks she might be ready to get back into the dating world, and she has her eyes set on a man whom she has known for quite some time. Derek was her husband’s best friend, and has become her really good friend in the years following his death. He fixes things around her house, they go out on day trips together, and overall is just a kind, gentle man. Owning a farm, Derek has built up those perfect abs and arm muscles, although his day job is just working at the library on the university campus in their town. Vanessa also works there and has another friend Anthony who has been a supportive friend throughout the years.

Vanessa is ready to turn things up a notch with Derek, noticing her physical attraction to him is really coming to life. She can see an intensity in Derek’s eyes when she comes on to him, but he is shy, and awkward, and her advances never seem to work. She doesn’t give up though and soon, she wears down his defenses. Besides the blooming romance, something scary and creepy is happening to Vanessa. She has a peeping Tom. Worse, she is receiving prank phone calls and pictures of herself in the mail. She turns to Derek to keep her safe,

Her Kind of Hero just makes me go awwww. Derek…oh Derek. A shy, beta hero who has the muscles and abdomen of a god. I mean – is there a better combination? Although we only get Vanessa’s point of view, I actually didn’t miss Derek’s side. He comes through has her gentle giant. He is awkward, and so shy and just so adorable. What I really like is that this is an erotic book. So the combination of the many romance/sex scenes with the quiet hero really worked well for me.

Not to leave Vanessa out. She is a heroine who has to push to get what she wants, but never comes across as pushy or bossy. She just gives Derek that extra nudge. I like that she doesn’t rush into love with Derek. She questions herself and her feelings. For a shorter story (120 pages) it reads like a much longer book.

Besides the romance, there is also a big suspense part. At times I thought Vanessa is a bit too nonchalant when dealing with this stalker, and it is a little predictable, but still holds the creepy factor throughout the book.

I just happened to pick this book at random from Carina Press’s new releases and I can’t say how happy I am with the result.

Rating: B

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...

I liked Derek. Quite a bit. I just thought I would throw that out there. Now let’s get to the review.

Vanessa lost her husband two years ago and, like the blurb says, she misses the intimacy of a man’s touch. Basically, she feels she needs to get laid. Who better to help her get reacquainted with sex than her friend Derek. She’s known Derek for years and since her husband’s passing, he’s been supportive and helpful. He’s familiar, sweet and well…there. Besides, he’s a better choice than say Anthony, the your-really-not-at-all-funny-but-you-seem-to-think-you-are guy Vanessa has known since college and who works at the grocery store and smells of fast food. *shiver*

The book starts off with Vanessa kissing Derek. Right off the bat, you know that Kathleen Dienne is going to give you a yummy story with Her Kind of Hero. But even though you can tell that Derek cares for Vanessa and may have felt that way for a long time, when she comes on to him (and he’s obviously into it) he just runs off leaving Vanessa feeling confused and frustrated (in more ways than one)! Why? Because he’s sweet and gentle and he doesn’t want to screw up their close friendship even though he knows he’s crazy for her! All together now… Awww! *sigh*

But then (cue creepy music) Vanessa sees someone looking into her window and starts receiving packages and letters that would make just about anyone’s skin crawl. This is a bad situation all around, but it does force Vanessa to really look at Derek and think about how she feels about him while he is, once again, taking care of her.

Vanessa was a good character, but it was Derek who really made this book for me. A shy beta-hero! How often do you see that? He is so dependable! He shows up at Vanessa’s house ever Saturday morning to take care of her homes ‘man work’ and once they start courting (sort of anyways), he’s so cute and romantic! I just wanted to eat him up. Like a cupcake. With lots of frosting. He is obviously capable of taking care of himself but I just felt like I wanted to take care of him. Timid and awkward…he’s just so freakin’ adorable! But when he starts feeling a little more comfortable…watch out ladies! (or Vanessa at least ;) )

I can’t say I was overly surprised when we find out who the stalker was, but I was still creeped out by it. I liked the pace of the story and the overall feel. Kathleen has the kind of voice where I felt like this story was longer than it actually was. What I mean by that, I felt I knew the characters well and I didn’t feel like I missed out on any important details – both things that are easy to find in shorter stories. I will definitely read this author again. Oh, and I liked Derek. Quite a bit.

3.5 stars

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided to me by netgalley and is my first read by this author. Vanessa was married to her college sweetheart Luke whom she was madly inlove with. Luke was an exciting man who did spur of the moment things and kept the spontaneity up in the bedroom with her. All along in their happy marriage they had a wonderful close friend, Derek, whom always had a thing for Vanessa. After Luke dies tragically, Derek helps Vanessa out with the duties of keeping up her house, computer issues, etc. Vanessa begins to realize that maybe her feelings for Derek are more than just friendly and she makes a bold first move by kissing him one evening after a casual dinner together. Derek is surprised by her actions, but doesn't deny that this is something he's wanted for so long. As Derek and Vanessa begin to explore this new direction their relaitonship is taking, Vanessa comes to find out that she has a stalker. Together, they must find out who's taken such a personal interest in Vanessa, and maintain her safety in their small town.
First off, I LOVED the setting of this book. I am from Virginia and am very familliar with the Blue Ridge mountain area and it was very exciting to read about somewhere where I know the scenery and locations talked about. Secondly, I think the author did a FANTASTIC job of depicting the character of Derek. He was a real gentleman, who also happened to have an amazing body due to his heavy handywork around his horse farm, whew!
I didn't personally care for the first person point of view spoken from Vanessa. It was okay, but I would've loved a multiple POV just to see how Derek reacted to her. Some of Vanessa's moments were quite annoying (maybe that was due to her reluctance to get into a relationship) and some I did laugh outloud at.
All while the story of Derek and Vanessa are learning more about one another, a stalker is thrown in there adding mystery to the element. However, I figured it out pretty quickly and was far more interested in the story of Derek and Vanessa than who Vanessa's creepy stalker was.
I am giving this story a solid three and a half stars. Although I didn't really care for the stalker bit and the first person pov, I really enjoyed reading Derek and Vanessa's interaction together and the author kept me engaged with them throughout the whole story.They also have some tender moments together and some downright sexy ones too. I will definitely read more by this author when given the chance.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun, quick read. I was in the mood for a little romance and what I got was a bit more of erotica with a dash of mystery/thriller. I’m not really a big fan of erotica but this was fairly tame on that front. Super steamy, graphic and sexy – yes, but not too kinky. In fact if you’ve ever wanted to give the genre a try but aren’t ready for the hardcore stuff I would recommend checking Her Kind of Hero out.
Derek is quite different from the typical alpha male. He’s sweet, a little dorky but have no fear he’s still hot as hell.
Vanessa lost her husband in a motorcycle crash 2 years ago and wants to dip her toes into the dating pool again and thinks Derek is the perfect guy. And he is. They have basically been platonically dating for the past two years. He comes over her house every weekend to play handy man – making repairs, fixes her computer and they have a weekly dinner & movie night but it never goes farther than sitting next to each other on the couch. She’s known him for years and feels safe and comfortable with him. She’s ready to make her move on shy Derek.
While Vanessa may just be looking for a little romp, Derek wants much more. Vanessa just isn’t sure if he’s got enough of a wild streak for her tastes. He may be too tame.
Sheesh!! Come on girls – what the heck is wrong with a good stable guy?? And whoa – the boy is amazing at foreplay – just sayin! At least Vanessa comes to her senses and scoops this guy up!
Her Kind of Hero is a little on the predictable side. There is a man from Vanessa’s past that starts stalking her after her relationship with Derek starts heating up. I guessed the villain right away and although I love Derek, his lifetime of waiting for just the right girl was a bit extreme, slightly creepy – and unbelievable. But who cares??!! It’s free on Netgalley and only $3.19 on Amazon (Kindle edition). This was short, fast paced and I finished it in a just a few hours.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa lost her husband Luke two years ago, and she's finally decided that she wants to get back out there and basically get laid. She decides she doesn't want just anyone she wants Derek, Luke's best friend and the guy who has been with Vanessa every step of the way after Luke died. Vanessa is spontaneous and outgoing while Derek is reserved and thinks everything through. Derek is the normal type of guy Vanessa would go for, but he is who she wants. But when she starts to make her moves Derek is reserved at first and holds back.

Derek has been in love with Vanessa since the moment he met her, and that's why he holds back because he wants her to be ready for the full relationship. I loved Derek I thought he was adorable, he was shy and would often get embarrassed but Vanessa would never let that stand. I wish we could have seen some of Derek's perspective, and what his thought process was while he and Vanessa were changing from friends to more than. I thought that Vanessa clearly expressed her emotions and owned up to the fact that she is confused about Derek, at first she thought it would just be a sexual relationship but then he starts to show her sides of himself that he hasn't before and suddenly she might want more.

Throughout Vanessa (or Van as Derek calls her) and Derek starting a new relationship together, Vanessa receives threatening photographs and creepy phone calls. She is being stalked by someone she's known since college but has no idea who it is. This stalker doesn't like the fact that now that Vanessa is ready to start dating again she didn't choose him, and he's mad. I liked the stalker edge of this book because I think it was what really brought home to Vanessa her feelings for Derek. She got to see him in a whole new light, and being stalked really brought all of her emotions to the forefront.

[The BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Description:
Kissing him is better than nothing.

Young widow Vanessa Bingham is ready to stop mourning. She misses the intimacy and tenderness of a man’s touch. It’s obvious her old friend Derek Lane wants her, so why does her first attempt at seduction cause him to flee?

Kissing her is a dream come true.

Derek has been in love with Vanessa forever. His feelings have kept him from having a serious relationship or a casual one with any other woman. So when she finally turns to him, he doesn’t want to settle for being friends with benefits. But Vanessa is a hard woman to resist for long...

Someone doesn’t want them kissing at all.

Just as things with Derek begin heating up, disturbing photos start to arrive at Vanessa’s door. Someone is watching her every move: someone she may know. Terrified by the stalker’s very real threats, Vanessa soon realizes that Derek may be just the hero she needs after all.

My Thoughts:
I listened to this as an audiobook which was narrated by Leslie Bellair. Horrendous narration! She narrated all the character voices. Male and Female. She did not alter her voice at all...with the exception of the villain's voice. The word YIKES comes to mind.

I didn't hate this story. The characters were a bit one dimensional and the dialogue was stilted. Derek was sweet and innocent...truly innocent...but Vanessa was über aggressive. For someone who was a widow, she was very handsy with Derek. Very unsexy.

And the villian...oh yes the "villian". I saw that one coming from about page three. But poor Vanessa missed it by miles. And the villian was more of a pathetic loser than a villian...especially from the character description and voice. *Sigh*

So, on a whole this was a decent story. It won't be a best seller but it won't end up on the trash heap either.

[Cleffairy Cleffairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review published at: Over A Cuppa Tea

Date reviewed: 11th Feb 2011

Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4738



Another case of judging a book by it’s cover. I requested this book, ‘Her Kind of Hero’ by Kathleen Dienne from Netgalley to review because I thought it’s another one of those 2 hours steamy read.

But boy was I wrong. This is not just your regular 2 hour mushy romance kinda book, but it’s somewhat a thriller. The story is rather fascinating and it makes me think a lot. One of the things is that i come to wonder when I read this book is: Is it possible for men and women who had a past together can just remain friends.

Does platonic relationship between two people who knew each other ever since they’re young can just remain platonic or at some point in their lives, they’ll be bind together in a more romantic way? Is it just a matter of time that such things happen? Well, this book explored just that, and it really makes my head spin and my imagination running.

This is a very intriguing read, and I would recommend this book for those who are asking the same questions as well. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Once · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me for a ride. The combination of mystery, love and fornication is a trio I can't get enough of. This book has all three and is so well written that even the ending was awesome. Something I did not expect. The author did not make such a great deal about the dead husband but describes him in some detail, which was something I liked. Vanessa personality is very funny, in which I can relate. I was annoyed with Anthony, just as Vanessa because of his ignorance and pushy nature. Frustrated at first with Derek because of his celibacy but in love at the end because of his companionship and kindness. I was able to relate to each character as if I was Vanessa. I thought that was amazing writing from the author. Overall, this will not be my last book from Kathleen Dienne and I look forward to reading many more books from this great author. I recommend this book.

review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2010...

[Paranormal Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Kind of Hero by Kathleen Dienne is a short and predictable suspense story but the romance between Vanessa and Derek is charming. Derek is a wonderful beta hero. What woman wouldn’t love a man that is not only handsome and built but neat, responsible, polite, knows how to cook and a handyman who does chores without being asked? Too good to be true sure, but this is fiction where dreams can become reality. Vanessa is a fairly good heroine she just comes across as being rather oblivious. She failed to see or even consider facts that appeared painfully obvious. The highlight of this book are the scenes between Vanessa and Derek. Derek is incredibly endearing with his shy advances and sweet gestures. The sex scenes are steamy and detailed. You’ll enjoy seeing them come together as a couple.



Regardless of the fact that it’s predictable it still manages to hold your attention and entertains you. Her Kind of Hero is a book that you can appreciate for its romance if not its suspense.

[Jennifer Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me for a ride. The combination of mystery, love, and fornication is a trio I can't get enough of. This book has all three and is so well written that even the ending was awesome. Something I did not expect. The author did not make such a great deal about the dead husband but described him in some detail, which was something I liked. Vanessa personality is very funny, in which I can relate. I was annoyed with Anthony, just as Vanessa because of his ignorance and pushy nature. Frustrated at first with Derek because of his celibacy but in love at the end because of his companion ship and kindness. I was able to relate to each character as if I was Vanessa. I thought that was amazing writing from the author. Overall, this will not be my last book from Kathleen Dienne and I look forward to reading many more books from this great author. I recommend this book.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being only 112 pages, this was a rather good read.

Vanessa's motives for starting a relationship with Derek might not have been pure or thought through all the way, but the end result was well worth it! I do have to admit, I figured out who the 'stalker/crazy' was very early on, but the romance was hot enough that I didn't care.

One thing did bug me, though. Toward the end I started realizing Kathleen Dienne's writing was becoming more methodical. I don't need to know every last action the hero or heroine is making. Unimportant things can go unsaid, like how Vanessa balances herself as Derek takes off her shoes. Those lines pulled me away from the moment.

Other than that, it was an enjoyable escape and I can't wait to see what else this author publishes.

[Dane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A combination of a sweet hero and a romance I was rooting for made this story for me. While I was able to identify the stalker at the start of the book, the progression of Vanessa and Derek's relationship kept me, and I ended up finishing the story in two sittings. The only other nitpick I had with it all was the rather detailed writing. By that I mean, the recording of every minute action taken during the sex scenes wasn't altogether necessary; it was jarring at times but ultimately, it was a book I enjoyed.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is this lady looking for? How can this gentle man measure up? Both are questions that drive this story and are ever present. A very compelling look at a friendship that seems destined to remain static, except for the fact that Derek wants more. A really, really lovely story that is a very satisfying and romantic read.

[Kaetrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I found this hard to grade. There was too much going on for such a short story (112 pages on my Sony Reader) - I thought it needed more pages or less plot. Plus, the plot was obvious (at least to me) On the other hand, the humour was good, Vanessa and Derek were engaging and I liked the writing style well enough. I will probably read more from this author.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, and would have liked it more if it was longer.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - detailed review coming soon.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but the narration left a lot to be desired. I never entirely connected with the story/characters. I wanted a bit more H/h time.