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Sons of the Survivalist #1
Not a Hero
In the Alaska wilderness, four streetwise boys became men—and brothers
Now the crazy ex-military survivalist who plucked Gabriel and three other boys from an abusive foster care home has died. But the sarge leaves them a final mission--to revive the dying town of Rescue.
Gabe is done with being a hero.Wounded in body and soul, the retired SEAL simply wants to remain holed up in his isolated cabin. He sure doesn’t want to be chief of police in some defunct town. But he has his orders.
Audrey needs a place to hideAfter the Chicago librarian discovers a horrendous crime, she wakes to an assassin in her bedroom. Injured and terrified, she flees, covering her trail every inch of the way. New name, new ID. New home. As Audrey learns to survive in Rescue, she begins to fall for the town…and the intimidating chief of police who protects it.
Can the shy introvert and the deadly police chief find a life together?Despite the discord in town, Gabe is finding his own peace…with the quiet young woman who seems to have no past. She’s adorable and caring and so very lost. But how can he trust someone who lies to him with every breath she takes?
470 pages, ebook
First published January 29, 2019
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
52 books8,202 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
Search out Cherise in the following places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
March 8, 2019
**** 4.5 Stars!!!!****
I have a weakness for stories that take place in Alaska! This one takes place in a small town that is tucked away in the Alaskan Wilderness!! It is about a group of brothers who met under horrific circumstances when they were children in foster care. They banned together and fought for one another until a man swooped them away from evil and taught them how to survive in the hard Alaskan country. All of this had me hooked right from the start! Right away it ticked all of my boxes!!!
This story is about Gabe and Audrey... Gabe is a recluse but ends up in a situation with his brothers where they need to save a town called “Rescue!” He ends up being put in a position as the Chief of police. Gabe finds that even though he thought he preferred to be alone, he actually becomes very protective of the small town and the people that live in it! He also becomes very smitten with a mysterious woman that his instincts are screaming she’s got major secrets!!!
I loved this whole story! I thought the author did a brilliant job of describing Alaskan daily life in a small town!!! Even with the moose encounters, she got it spot on! Lol! The authenticity made it so much more enjoyable to me! The romance at times took a back seat to getting to know the town dynamics; but I felt it was necessary to build a solid foundation for books to come! Personally, I can’t wait to get back to the town of Rescue!!! It is the kind of place I would love to live in!
I highly recommend this book and am very eager for future stories in this series! I have always enjoyed Cherise Sinclair’s books and am now scratching my head wondering why it has been so long since I’ve read her work! Time for exploring her other stories I might have missed!
I have a weakness for stories that take place in Alaska! This one takes place in a small town that is tucked away in the Alaskan Wilderness!! It is about a group of brothers who met under horrific circumstances when they were children in foster care. They banned together and fought for one another until a man swooped them away from evil and taught them how to survive in the hard Alaskan country. All of this had me hooked right from the start! Right away it ticked all of my boxes!!!
This story is about Gabe and Audrey... Gabe is a recluse but ends up in a situation with his brothers where they need to save a town called “Rescue!” He ends up being put in a position as the Chief of police. Gabe finds that even though he thought he preferred to be alone, he actually becomes very protective of the small town and the people that live in it! He also becomes very smitten with a mysterious woman that his instincts are screaming she’s got major secrets!!!
I loved this whole story! I thought the author did a brilliant job of describing Alaskan daily life in a small town!!! Even with the moose encounters, she got it spot on! Lol! The authenticity made it so much more enjoyable to me! The romance at times took a back seat to getting to know the town dynamics; but I felt it was necessary to build a solid foundation for books to come! Personally, I can’t wait to get back to the town of Rescue!!! It is the kind of place I would love to live in!
I highly recommend this book and am very eager for future stories in this series! I have always enjoyed Cherise Sinclair’s books and am now scratching my head wondering why it has been so long since I’ve read her work! Time for exploring her other stories I might have missed!
September 25, 2023
Re-read: lots of hate on certain ‘kinds’ of women in this that I was less sensitive to on my first read. You can’t have your FMC have a ONS with the MMC and then slut shame another woman as the ‘kind’ to typically have a ONS. When will this author get that there aren’t ‘kinds’ of women. The men have ons all the time and they aren’t seen as manipulative and vapid. She tries to make us think she’s sex positive but that only applies to the heroine. Other women, especially attractive ones, are trash and out to steal the fmc’s man and are judged harshly for it. Spare me.
Why does this author love to use pretty women as villains and call them sluts? I’m insulted on behalf of good looking women everywhere. 💅🏼
Hot people are nice too, stop inserting your old high school issues into adult stories. I’m tired of it.
Not changing my rating because it was still good, I’m just super annoyed by the ‘Brooke’ character who was totally unnecessary to the plot and only served to show the author’s internalized misogyny.
Why does this author love to use pretty women as villains and call them sluts? I’m insulted on behalf of good looking women everywhere. 💅🏼
Hot people are nice too, stop inserting your old high school issues into adult stories. I’m tired of it.
Not changing my rating because it was still good, I’m just super annoyed by the ‘Brooke’ character who was totally unnecessary to the plot and only served to show the author’s internalized misogyny.
January 28, 2019
4 STARS
Ever since I met the four foster brothers in Defiance, I've been itching to get my grabby little hands on this brand new series. Four boys that grew up hard and were finally rescued by a tough as nails ex military survivalist and grew up into incredibly fascinating yet broken in their own way men? Yes, please, and thank you! Sign me right up for that! I will say that while it helps to read Defiance to get an intro into this series, you don't have to. You can easily jump right into this book if you wish.
Gabe is the more serious and grounded of his brothers. After a mission gone wrong costs him his life and the life of almost his entire team and leaves him with as many internal scars as external, he retires from the mercenary life to live a peaceful existence away from everyone. But when his beloved foster father dies, he leaves his boys with a letter of request to revive the dying little town in Alaska that they grew up in. Now Gabe finds himself as the chief of police, begrudgingly serving the citizens of a town that enjoys their seclusion as much as he does.
Audrey has never been good with people. A shy introvert, her job as a librarian was everything to her. A skilled researcher, she finds herself running for her life when her research unearths a criminal underbelly that she never expected to target her. A secluded town in Alaska seems like the best place to hide when a ruthless hitman is after you. Too bad a grumpy and too observant for his own good chief of police now sets his eyes on her.
I have to admit, shy introverted heroines are not at all my cuppa. But there was just something so incredibly endearing about Audrey. She's honest to a fault and so sweetly vulnerable that you can't help but like her. But beneath the shy exterior is an understated strength and the soul of a warrior. I love seeing her unassuming personality turn fierce and protective when it came to those she cared about.
The relationship between her and Gabe was a slow burn filled with plenty of sizzle. If you've wanted to read this author but aren't a fan of BDSM, you'll definitely need to check this out. But while there's no kink, there's plenty of action, suspense, and steam to keep you turning the pages.
Not A Hero was a deliciously suspenseful read with a swoony romance tied in. I loved the slower pacing and the relationship development. I loved getting a taste of the other brothers (especially Hawk), and I loved the vividly quirky citizens of this little town. Everything together turned this into a perfectly blended contemporary and suspense romance. I can't wait for more in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Ever since I met the four foster brothers in Defiance, I've been itching to get my grabby little hands on this brand new series. Four boys that grew up hard and were finally rescued by a tough as nails ex military survivalist and grew up into incredibly fascinating yet broken in their own way men? Yes, please, and thank you! Sign me right up for that! I will say that while it helps to read Defiance to get an intro into this series, you don't have to. You can easily jump right into this book if you wish.
Gabe is the more serious and grounded of his brothers. After a mission gone wrong costs him his life and the life of almost his entire team and leaves him with as many internal scars as external, he retires from the mercenary life to live a peaceful existence away from everyone. But when his beloved foster father dies, he leaves his boys with a letter of request to revive the dying little town in Alaska that they grew up in. Now Gabe finds himself as the chief of police, begrudgingly serving the citizens of a town that enjoys their seclusion as much as he does.
Audrey has never been good with people. A shy introvert, her job as a librarian was everything to her. A skilled researcher, she finds herself running for her life when her research unearths a criminal underbelly that she never expected to target her. A secluded town in Alaska seems like the best place to hide when a ruthless hitman is after you. Too bad a grumpy and too observant for his own good chief of police now sets his eyes on her.
I have to admit, shy introverted heroines are not at all my cuppa. But there was just something so incredibly endearing about Audrey. She's honest to a fault and so sweetly vulnerable that you can't help but like her. But beneath the shy exterior is an understated strength and the soul of a warrior. I love seeing her unassuming personality turn fierce and protective when it came to those she cared about.
The relationship between her and Gabe was a slow burn filled with plenty of sizzle. If you've wanted to read this author but aren't a fan of BDSM, you'll definitely need to check this out. But while there's no kink, there's plenty of action, suspense, and steam to keep you turning the pages.
Not A Hero was a deliciously suspenseful read with a swoony romance tied in. I loved the slower pacing and the relationship development. I loved getting a taste of the other brothers (especially Hawk), and I loved the vividly quirky citizens of this little town. Everything together turned this into a perfectly blended contemporary and suspense romance. I can't wait for more in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 4, 2019
Cherise Sinclair is back with a solid three star book. (I am a tough grader as ex-students will tell you.) After the lackluster Defiance which introduced the series, she hits it hard. This isn’t a Shadowlands BDSM spinoff at all. In fact no Dom/sub. It looks like the Sons of the Survivalist series (say that three times fast) is going to more of an adventure romance with a hint of thriller.
The librarian heroine is on the run from some bad guys (really bad guys as the scene where they beat her up is a little graphic) and she ends up in a small town in Alaska. Did Cherise Sinclair watch Northern Exposure as it has the vibe.
The hero is the oldest adopted son of the Sargent who took 4 (?) boys into the Alaska wilderness after rescuing them from a very bad foster situation.
The hero is damaged because …bad ex-wife…damaging military experience … blah blah blah and doesn’t want much to do with anyone. Tough beans as Sarge manipulates his adopted sons from the grave into helping turn the small town of Rescue, AK around. Two other brothers that look quite hunky and promising are in town setting up the local bar and a Health Clinic, and there is another that pops in at the end.
The H becomes Chief of Police and not only deals with small town issues, but the underlying malevolence of paramilitary uber religious group that looks as if they will be set up as the big bad guys of the next couple of books. Hint: Sister Woman.
The heroine changes and grows from the shy little librarian to the much spunkier fly-fishing, Dead-Eye Chick that can protect her man. Some cute and sweet moments as she adapts the what is really the wilderness.
Questions? Did the h leave the big bad guys behind forever?
Not a huge game changer, but I enjoyed the story, the characters, the small town dynamic.
One surprise!
The librarian heroine is on the run from some bad guys (really bad guys as the scene where they beat her up is a little graphic) and she ends up in a small town in Alaska. Did Cherise Sinclair watch Northern Exposure as it has the vibe.
The hero is the oldest adopted son of the Sargent who took 4 (?) boys into the Alaska wilderness after rescuing them from a very bad foster situation.
The hero is damaged because …bad ex-wife…damaging military experience … blah blah blah and doesn’t want much to do with anyone. Tough beans as Sarge manipulates his adopted sons from the grave into helping turn the small town of Rescue, AK around. Two other brothers that look quite hunky and promising are in town setting up the local bar and a Health Clinic, and there is another that pops in at the end.
The H becomes Chief of Police and not only deals with small town issues, but the underlying malevolence of paramilitary uber religious group that looks as if they will be set up as the big bad guys of the next couple of books. Hint: Sister Woman.
The heroine changes and grows from the shy little librarian to the much spunkier fly-fishing, Dead-Eye Chick that can protect her man. Some cute and sweet moments as she adapts the what is really the wilderness.
Questions? Did the h leave the big bad guys behind forever?
Not a huge game changer, but I enjoyed the story, the characters, the small town dynamic.
One surprise!
January 12, 2021
Not a Hero is a slow burn romance with a small town vibe. Miss Sinclair is well known as BDSM erotica romance author. I picked up some of her BDSM books. I know she can make sex is sexy and hot. Not a Hero is not BDSM romance. I eagerly pick it up and I am not disappointed.
Because this is a slow burn romance, so the story is really long. Some parts I got bored. And yet somehow Miss Sinclair injects that sexy hot steamy scenes and everything is back on track. There is a suspense aspect on the story. I can not help thinking Not a Hero is similar to Maya Banks books. I found myself enjoying this book. Especially the smut scenes.
Anyway, moving on to next book please. I am very behind from my reading.
4 stars
Because this is a slow burn romance, so the story is really long. Some parts I got bored. And yet somehow Miss Sinclair injects that sexy hot steamy scenes and everything is back on track. There is a suspense aspect on the story. I can not help thinking Not a Hero is similar to Maya Banks books. I found myself enjoying this book. Especially the smut scenes.
Anyway, moving on to next book please. I am very behind from my reading.
4 stars
March 28, 2019
4.5 Really good read!
I absolutely loved these two!
You wanna know why I loved the heroine so much? Because she was awesome! She used her brain before every decision, she searched for the best answers and she chose the most appropriate one.
This happens so rarely in most novels these days that it deserves praise whenever it happens.
Definitely worth reading!
I absolutely loved these two!
You wanna know why I loved the heroine so much? Because she was awesome! She used her brain before every decision, she searched for the best answers and she chose the most appropriate one.
This happens so rarely in most novels these days that it deserves praise whenever it happens.
Definitely worth reading!
February 3, 2019
DNF 50%. Found it quite boring. Didn't warm up to the Hero or the Heroine.
Hero had already an ex-wife, his ex-girlfriend is now in the new town causing trouble. He doesn't do relationships (yeah, right) and decides a ONS with Heroine after knowing her 1 day is all right. He gets his panties in a twist, because Heroine isn't all that forthcoming with him (after knowing each other a day). He thinks that sleeping with her (he even wanted to leave her after the sex, because we all know women might get attached otherwise) would mean that Heroine would tell him all. And then afterwards he doesn't defend her when his ex-girlfriend is nasty to her. Such a great "hero".
Heroine is always on about how she's not social enough, how she flees conversations and how all alone she is. So repetitive. She doesn't have much experience with men (what else?) and had problems enjoying herself. But fear not, here comes the hero with his magic touch.
She doesn't confront the Hero about the way he left her after the ONS. Or how he let his ex speak to her. No such things. But she lets herself be seduced again, because Hero wants to have his way with her again. That's all that matters. Yay!
Sorry, not sorry. 2 stars.
Hero had already an ex-wife, his ex-girlfriend is now in the new town causing trouble. He doesn't do relationships (yeah, right) and decides a ONS with Heroine after knowing her 1 day is all right. He gets his panties in a twist, because Heroine isn't all that forthcoming with him (after knowing each other a day). He thinks that sleeping with her (he even wanted to leave her after the sex, because we all know women might get attached otherwise) would mean that Heroine would tell him all. And then afterwards he doesn't defend her when his ex-girlfriend is nasty to her. Such a great "hero".
Heroine is always on about how she's not social enough, how she flees conversations and how all alone she is. So repetitive. She doesn't have much experience with men (what else?) and had problems enjoying herself. But fear not, here comes the hero with his magic touch.
She doesn't confront the Hero about the way he left her after the ONS. Or how he let his ex speak to her. No such things. But she lets herself be seduced again, because Hero wants to have his way with her again. That's all that matters. Yay!
Sorry, not sorry. 2 stars.
Want to read
November 29, 2018SHE'S A LIBRARIAN.
A shy, introverted librarian falling for the hot chief of police...
There isn't a Cherise Sinclair's book I haven't loved... I'm so excited about this new series, more mainstream than her BDSM series.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
A shy, introverted librarian falling for the hot chief of police...
There isn't a Cherise Sinclair's book I haven't loved... I'm so excited about this new series, more mainstream than her BDSM series.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
May 20, 2019
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Compared to Cherise Sinclair's BDSM books this one was pretty tame, but that doesn't mean it lacked any heat. Gabe and Audrey had some amazing chemistry and I loved getting to see that. It was also really intriguing to read about what was happening in Rescue, Alaska and seeing Gabe and his brothers try to help rebuild the town. Audrey also brought her own suspense to the story with her being on the run from a pretty scar guy. It all came together to be a very captivated story and has me dying to get my hands on the next one.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Compared to Cherise Sinclair's BDSM books this one was pretty tame, but that doesn't mean it lacked any heat. Gabe and Audrey had some amazing chemistry and I loved getting to see that. It was also really intriguing to read about what was happening in Rescue, Alaska and seeing Gabe and his brothers try to help rebuild the town. Audrey also brought her own suspense to the story with her being on the run from a pretty scar guy. It all came together to be a very captivated story and has me dying to get my hands on the next one.
June 20, 2024
Reread in 2024 for Patreon.
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Reread just because
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This was a great time! It had a lot of fun elements. Little bit of danger, small town vibes, found family and it was a sexy too!
Hardened LAPD officer moves back to his roots in Alaska where he and his adopted brothers are going to revive the town. He is reluctant to do it but he is intruiged by the new stranger in town.
Audrey is on the run. She knows to much and a hit mam is after her. She decides to try to dissappear in Alaska. Only to find herself slowly becoming enveloped in the town she ends up in.
Both Gabe and Audrey slowly learn to trust and love as they navigate small town living and other troubles. It was low key but also had so heart pumping moments.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
.
.
.
Reread just because
.
.
This was a great time! It had a lot of fun elements. Little bit of danger, small town vibes, found family and it was a sexy too!
Hardened LAPD officer moves back to his roots in Alaska where he and his adopted brothers are going to revive the town. He is reluctant to do it but he is intruiged by the new stranger in town.
Audrey is on the run. She knows to much and a hit mam is after her. She decides to try to dissappear in Alaska. Only to find herself slowly becoming enveloped in the town she ends up in.
Both Gabe and Audrey slowly learn to trust and love as they navigate small town living and other troubles. It was low key but also had so heart pumping moments.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
January 28, 2019
Not a Hero is a story of two people with serious social handicaps learning to find a how to be friends-not only with each other, but with the people in their community.
Gabe is the oldest adopted son of Sargent Mako, a prepper before the term was coined. Mako took in the four boys, essentially kidnapping them from an abusive foster home and taking them with him to the wilds of Alaska. He taught them how to survive in the wilderness, skills that still come in handy. Gabe has holed himself up in Mako’s old hut following the loss of his entire crew of mercenaries, due to a lack of vital intelligence on his last mission. Having tried his best to be a hero as a cop in LA, a Navy Seal, and then the mercenary group, he is done with trying to help others-until his brothers break into his solitude to inform him that Mako left them a town-and he’s the new law enforcement office.
Newly installed as chief of police in the town of Rescue, he runs into “Juliette,” who is taking odd jobs to make ends meet. Something about her makes him realize she is on the run. He is attracted to her, but has no intention of forming a relationship with her. Juliette is actually Audrey, an introvert from Chicago, who has pissed off a mob hit-man, who has allies in the local police department and the FBI. Even beyond the fact she’s not good with people, she knows a relationship with the sexy police chief is not in the cards. So the two of them indulge in a one-night stand than somehow turns into two… and then more.
But all is not well in Rescue, with some of the citizens opposing the renewed growth of the town and some targeting single women. Can Gabe keep Audrey and his town safe and still end up with the girl?
Gabe is yummy, strong, protective, but not sexist, and Audrey is smart, capable, and resilient. The two of them combined with a strong plot, interesting secondary characters, and steamy sex make this a wonderful read and a great start to the author’s new series.
March 11, 2019
Gabriel, Kana, Miguel, & Derek are four kids in a group home in the foster care system who have formed a bond of friendship and safety. They have each other's backs which is a good thing when an attempted sexual assault on one of them is thwarted by the others. At risk for consequences as no one ever believes a kid, a guardian angel stranger offers them the chance of their young lives to leave and live with him off the grid in Alaska.
Trusting Mako was the best thing that ever could have happened to the boys who are able to reach adulthood with survivalist skills and mindsets that carries over and benefit them to the present.
It is only after Mako's death that the boys, now men, find out that Sarge Mako is still looking out for them, giving them one last mission to complete. A mission that completes the circle to save others as Mako himself saved the boys.
Rescue Alaska is a dying town unless someone can revitalize it. Gabriel and his brothers may just be that 'someone' to do it.
Librarian Audrey Hamilton needs to completely disappear. It's said knowledge is power but the knowledge she has is the kind that will get her killed.
Barely escaping Chicago with her life after she's attacked in her apartment, Audrey changes her identity ending up in Alaska where the likelihood of being found is unlikely. As long as she can live off the radar she should remain safe until the hitman on her trail is found and captured.
* * * *
OK. It's a no brainer that I would read this book/series as the author is on my auto buy list. The surprises I encountered though were priceless. First obvious surprise is that this is not a BDSM erotic romance. Second is that the author has created a world building fictional town that has a similar (in a different direction and core character cast of characters) feel as Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak's "Nights In Bliss", Cara Covington's "Lusty, Texas Series", Heather Rainier's Divine Creek Ranch" series. Of course this series takes place in Alaska so realize that difference vs the others I cited. Has me thinking the tourism in Alaska might just increase based on this book looking for fictional Rescue town.
Gabriel & Audrey. A good start to the series giving a tip of the hat to the sexy librarian profession as a whole. Had a lot of love for her and Gabriel as the sexy sheriff character. For those on a need to know basis, unless you've been under a rock, this author includes adult content erotic scenes in her stories. While not BDSM, there is still a degree of D/s that includes handcuffs (he's a sheriff so would be surprised if he didn't use cuffs) to spice up the bedroom action.
Secondary characters. One doesn't have to be a psychic to predict that all four brothers will get their own stories. Additionally, the author has included a pool of other town residents that could sustain this series for an infinite period of time. Great news for fans, of which I'm one. With no heads up on the next installment, guess I'll have to be a patient kitten for now.
Only issues I had with this book are technical and reservations on story line inconsistencies. Minor but still a thing.
Recommend this book for all fans of Cherise Sinclair and fans of the small town snarky independent town atmosphere. You won't regret it.
Trusting Mako was the best thing that ever could have happened to the boys who are able to reach adulthood with survivalist skills and mindsets that carries over and benefit them to the present.
It is only after Mako's death that the boys, now men, find out that Sarge Mako is still looking out for them, giving them one last mission to complete. A mission that completes the circle to save others as Mako himself saved the boys.
Rescue Alaska is a dying town unless someone can revitalize it. Gabriel and his brothers may just be that 'someone' to do it.
Librarian Audrey Hamilton needs to completely disappear. It's said knowledge is power but the knowledge she has is the kind that will get her killed.
Barely escaping Chicago with her life after she's attacked in her apartment, Audrey changes her identity ending up in Alaska where the likelihood of being found is unlikely. As long as she can live off the radar she should remain safe until the hitman on her trail is found and captured.
* * * *
OK. It's a no brainer that I would read this book/series as the author is on my auto buy list. The surprises I encountered though were priceless. First obvious surprise is that this is not a BDSM erotic romance. Second is that the author has created a world building fictional town that has a similar (in a different direction and core character cast of characters) feel as Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak's "Nights In Bliss", Cara Covington's "Lusty, Texas Series", Heather Rainier's Divine Creek Ranch" series. Of course this series takes place in Alaska so realize that difference vs the others I cited. Has me thinking the tourism in Alaska might just increase based on this book looking for fictional Rescue town.
Gabriel & Audrey. A good start to the series giving a tip of the hat to the sexy librarian profession as a whole. Had a lot of love for her and Gabriel as the sexy sheriff character. For those on a need to know basis, unless you've been under a rock, this author includes adult content erotic scenes in her stories. While not BDSM, there is still a degree of D/s that includes handcuffs (he's a sheriff so would be surprised if he didn't use cuffs) to spice up the bedroom action.
Secondary characters. One doesn't have to be a psychic to predict that all four brothers will get their own stories. Additionally, the author has included a pool of other town residents that could sustain this series for an infinite period of time. Great news for fans, of which I'm one. With no heads up on the next installment, guess I'll have to be a patient kitten for now.
Only issues I had with this book are technical and reservations on story line inconsistencies. Minor but still a thing.
Recommend this book for all fans of Cherise Sinclair and fans of the small town snarky independent town atmosphere. You won't regret it.
September 22, 2022
Cherise Sinclair is on my auto-buy list for a reason and she proved her rightful place on it with Not a Hero.
When I learned that Ms. Sinclair is writing a non-BDSM novel I was a bit apprehensive. But then I remembered that while I initially started reading her books for the smutty scenes I stayed for the plots. After all just hot sex is not enough to keep my interest for over 25 books. Sure her initial books don't have much beyond the smoking hot guys and sex to recommend them but as the Masters of the Shadowlands series progressed I could see how her style changed and became more sophisticated., her plots more complex and her characters became more three-dimensional. So when the pre-order link went live I didn't hesitate for even a second.
For those familiar with Ms. Sinclair's works it will be no surprise that Gabe was first introduced in aforementioned series, in the short story Defiance. I loved that story not only because it gave us another glimpse at Master Z and Jessica but also because it once again reminded me that both the Shadowlands and Dark Haven exist in the same world. And I adore every scene when characters of the two series meet and interact. And now we get to add a third set of characters to the mix!
I strongly suggest reading Defiance before starting Not a Hero as it gives some much needed info on both Gabe and his state of mind in the beginning of the novel but also on his adoptive father Mako. You can still read it without that prequel story but in my opinion it will enhance the experience.
The town of Rescue is adorable and the narrative almost made me wish I lived in a small town. Okay not really but I would love to visit it for a couple of weeks. I like my big city conveniences a little bit too much for ever moving back into a smaller town. Anyway, Rescue (unfortunately a made up town somewhere in Alaska) seems to have a lot of stories to tell and while I'm sure that each novel will have enough details in it to be somewhat of a standalone it was obvious that there's an over-reaching story to be told. Probably something to do with the misogynistic militarized zealots leaving just outside of the town.
One of the things I love most about Ms. Sinclair's writing is that her female leads are always so relatable. Audrey, much like Sally from the Shadowlands, was especially easy to identify with as she's a nerdy librarian who spends most of her time trying to avoid real life interactions. Forced to run from a dangerous hitman she's also forced to abandon her comfort zone of online interactions and have a more socially accepted social life. I greatly sympathized with her while she was learning the fine art of small talk from an aged Brit lady as I know how difficult it is to learn. I had to purposefully learn how to do this which seems to come so easily to most people but is a total nightmare for me. I learned and mostly make it seem effortless now but I still overthink everything I say, get stressed out and eventually (if I don't find a suitable excuse to run away) I end up so stressed that I blurt out something totally inappropriate. Audrey is very much like me and I love these type of stories because it makes me hope that maybe one day I'll also find someone who loves me the way I am.
Audrey and Gabe have great chemistry and the instant attraction made for some great sexual tension scenes. However, there was no insta-love and the actual relationship took quite a while to develop. They both had to overcome some inner demons and start to trust each other before things could actually progress to something more than a one-night stand. It's that part of romance books I love most - the development of feelings and trust, the banter when the two characters are still unsure if things will work out. It's just fascinating. maybe because in real life I'm blind to this and as a result have never experienced it. Human interactions seem so simple and straightforward on the page of a book. *sigh* Oh well, back to the book.
So to summarize, this is a great start for a new series, with well balanced plot and character development. Some of the twists were rather obvious if you pay close attention to the details, others were out of the blue so it wasn't entirely predictable. It had some hilarious scenes that nicely balanced the more darker parts. Gabe is an alpha male but not the jerk type that seems to be the norm when authors try to write dominant men so I strongly recommend reading this if you're tired of the toxic macho types. The books is also rather short so it's an easy read to fit in between others when you look for something relaxing but still requiring brain power.
When I learned that Ms. Sinclair is writing a non-BDSM novel I was a bit apprehensive. But then I remembered that while I initially started reading her books for the smutty scenes I stayed for the plots. After all just hot sex is not enough to keep my interest for over 25 books. Sure her initial books don't have much beyond the smoking hot guys and sex to recommend them but as the Masters of the Shadowlands series progressed I could see how her style changed and became more sophisticated., her plots more complex and her characters became more three-dimensional. So when the pre-order link went live I didn't hesitate for even a second.
For those familiar with Ms. Sinclair's works it will be no surprise that Gabe was first introduced in aforementioned series, in the short story Defiance. I loved that story not only because it gave us another glimpse at Master Z and Jessica but also because it once again reminded me that both the Shadowlands and Dark Haven exist in the same world. And I adore every scene when characters of the two series meet and interact. And now we get to add a third set of characters to the mix!
I strongly suggest reading Defiance before starting Not a Hero as it gives some much needed info on both Gabe and his state of mind in the beginning of the novel but also on his adoptive father Mako. You can still read it without that prequel story but in my opinion it will enhance the experience.
The town of Rescue is adorable and the narrative almost made me wish I lived in a small town. Okay not really but I would love to visit it for a couple of weeks. I like my big city conveniences a little bit too much for ever moving back into a smaller town. Anyway, Rescue (unfortunately a made up town somewhere in Alaska) seems to have a lot of stories to tell and while I'm sure that each novel will have enough details in it to be somewhat of a standalone it was obvious that there's an over-reaching story to be told. Probably something to do with the misogynistic militarized zealots leaving just outside of the town.
One of the things I love most about Ms. Sinclair's writing is that her female leads are always so relatable. Audrey, much like Sally from the Shadowlands, was especially easy to identify with as she's a nerdy librarian who spends most of her time trying to avoid real life interactions. Forced to run from a dangerous hitman she's also forced to abandon her comfort zone of online interactions and have a more socially accepted social life. I greatly sympathized with her while she was learning the fine art of small talk from an aged Brit lady as I know how difficult it is to learn. I had to purposefully learn how to do this which seems to come so easily to most people but is a total nightmare for me. I learned and mostly make it seem effortless now but I still overthink everything I say, get stressed out and eventually (if I don't find a suitable excuse to run away) I end up so stressed that I blurt out something totally inappropriate. Audrey is very much like me and I love these type of stories because it makes me hope that maybe one day I'll also find someone who loves me the way I am.
Audrey and Gabe have great chemistry and the instant attraction made for some great sexual tension scenes. However, there was no insta-love and the actual relationship took quite a while to develop. They both had to overcome some inner demons and start to trust each other before things could actually progress to something more than a one-night stand. It's that part of romance books I love most - the development of feelings and trust, the banter when the two characters are still unsure if things will work out. It's just fascinating. maybe because in real life I'm blind to this and as a result have never experienced it. Human interactions seem so simple and straightforward on the page of a book. *sigh* Oh well, back to the book.
So to summarize, this is a great start for a new series, with well balanced plot and character development. Some of the twists were rather obvious if you pay close attention to the details, others were out of the blue so it wasn't entirely predictable. It had some hilarious scenes that nicely balanced the more darker parts. Gabe is an alpha male but not the jerk type that seems to be the norm when authors try to write dominant men so I strongly recommend reading this if you're tired of the toxic macho types. The books is also rather short so it's an easy read to fit in between others when you look for something relaxing but still requiring brain power.
November 3, 2019
Sometimes, I just need fluff. Honest people, a nice place where they live, knowing everything can be alright in the world.
Everything is NOT alright in Audrey's world however. She's doing research for an author and gets attacked by an assassin for her trouble. Knowing he has informants in the police and FBI, she runs and ends up in a small town in Alaska.
It just so happens that this small town has had a hard time of late. One of its hermit-like residents, Mako, has died recently and left a very interesting legacy for this four sons. Subsequently, one of those sons will reopen the town clinic, another the resturant/bar, the third is AWOL and the fourth - whether he wants to or not - will be chief of police.
As the town gets rescued and starts to put itself back together, so Audrey learns that it's nice to have a place you can call home and people who care. If it wasn't for all her secrets, she could stay here. It doesn't hurt that the chief of police is hot as hell and as interested in her as she is in him.
So yeah, this is a romance story. With some steamy sex scenes. But, I'm happy to report, it's much more than that. Finally, we have a story with an actual STORY. We get to know the two MCs as much as the townsfolk, we take an extended look at this small town and the surrounding (gorgeous) Alaskan wilderness, and then there is the crime element.
And no, there isn't an insta-everything here, there is actual development of relationships as much as there is development in the town (new businesses, old ones getting revived etc).
Yes, the sex scenes were very steamy and nice and I enjoyed them a lot. However, they are not actually that much in the foreground. I was surprised at that. Not like smut, which is porn in print form. Instead, the author made the underlying statement that while physical attraction is necessary and nice sex is never a bad thing, it's not the most importnat thing in a healthy relationship. I really liked that.
I think I fell in love with this fictional town a little. I don't think there's anybody who could not feel safe and at home there.
Everything is NOT alright in Audrey's world however. She's doing research for an author and gets attacked by an assassin for her trouble. Knowing he has informants in the police and FBI, she runs and ends up in a small town in Alaska.
It just so happens that this small town has had a hard time of late. One of its hermit-like residents, Mako, has died recently and left a very interesting legacy for this four sons. Subsequently, one of those sons will reopen the town clinic, another the resturant/bar, the third is AWOL and the fourth - whether he wants to or not - will be chief of police.
As the town gets rescued and starts to put itself back together, so Audrey learns that it's nice to have a place you can call home and people who care. If it wasn't for all her secrets, she could stay here. It doesn't hurt that the chief of police is hot as hell and as interested in her as she is in him.
So yeah, this is a romance story. With some steamy sex scenes. But, I'm happy to report, it's much more than that. Finally, we have a story with an actual STORY. We get to know the two MCs as much as the townsfolk, we take an extended look at this small town and the surrounding (gorgeous) Alaskan wilderness, and then there is the crime element.
And no, there isn't an insta-everything here, there is actual development of relationships as much as there is development in the town (new businesses, old ones getting revived etc).
Yes, the sex scenes were very steamy and nice and I enjoyed them a lot. However, they are not actually that much in the foreground. I was surprised at that. Not like smut, which is porn in print form. Instead, the author made the underlying statement that while physical attraction is necessary and nice sex is never a bad thing, it's not the most importnat thing in a healthy relationship. I really liked that.
I think I fell in love with this fictional town a little. I don't think there's anybody who could not feel safe and at home there.
January 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Cherise Sinclair is one of the very few authors still left on my autobuy list, so I didn’t really need to think twice about starting this new series of hers. But since I had no idea what to expect, I discovered shortly after starting this book that Sinclair was going to go for a different style in this series.
So to recap, this series will follow four men who have essentially been through hell together. Going through the foster home system and experiencing the worst of the worst, they are rescued and taken to the Alaskan wilderness where they grow up. Years later, their guardian dies and has one simple wish for them: revive their dying down of Rescue.
There’s one thing to note about Cherise Sinclair’s writing and it’s the fact that she doesn’t shy away from the ugly stuff. There were some scenes that grossed me out and certainly a lot of scenes that brought forth the emotions as well.
The concept is certainly a unique one and it definitely doesn’t remind me of her other work, so I was impressed by Sinclair’s way of reinventing her writing for this series. I enjoyed the book overall, but am slightly slow to warm up to all the characters at this point. But since this is only the first book in the series, I’m not too worried. I’ll be definitely checking out the rest of the series when they are released!
Cherise Sinclair is one of the very few authors still left on my autobuy list, so I didn’t really need to think twice about starting this new series of hers. But since I had no idea what to expect, I discovered shortly after starting this book that Sinclair was going to go for a different style in this series.
So to recap, this series will follow four men who have essentially been through hell together. Going through the foster home system and experiencing the worst of the worst, they are rescued and taken to the Alaskan wilderness where they grow up. Years later, their guardian dies and has one simple wish for them: revive their dying down of Rescue.
There’s one thing to note about Cherise Sinclair’s writing and it’s the fact that she doesn’t shy away from the ugly stuff. There were some scenes that grossed me out and certainly a lot of scenes that brought forth the emotions as well.
The concept is certainly a unique one and it definitely doesn’t remind me of her other work, so I was impressed by Sinclair’s way of reinventing her writing for this series. I enjoyed the book overall, but am slightly slow to warm up to all the characters at this point. But since this is only the first book in the series, I’m not too worried. I’ll be definitely checking out the rest of the series when they are released!
January 29, 2019
2 1/2
Easy to read, but bland, bland, bland
Easy to read, but bland, bland, bland
January 22, 2019
A new contemporary romance series with the Alaskan wilderness as the backdrop. When you think of this author contemporary is not the first word that comes to mind. I've always wanted to see this author branch out into new genres and she certainly nailed it with The Sons of the Survivalist series.
If you haven't, I recommend reading Defiance first as it introduces the backstory to the 4 men who make up the new series. They are 4 orphan boys that Zachary's (Master Z from her Shadowlands series) old friend First Sergeant Michael “Mako” Tyne raised. They are not DOMs but they are still every bit as big, alpha and broody.
First up is Gabriel MacNair. Gabe is the oldest of the four and has recently returned to Alaska to live off the grid in isolation in the bare minimum cabin he grew up in. He is worn down from all the death and destruction he has seen during his years as a police officer, Navy SEAL, and a mercenary and just wants to be left alone. But a recently received letter the Sergeant sent after his death has him asking the brothers to revive a small town called Rescue which they find out they half own. He's voted in to be the new Chief of Police.
Audrey Hamilton lives in Chicago and is a introvert to nth degree. She is happy just living her life as a university librarian. As a side job she moonlights in internet research for clients. Her latest client had her looking into a pharmaceutical company that unfortunately had dire consequences for him and put her in the crosshairs of a nasty hitman. Now on the run and with a new identity she lands in Rescue, Alaska to hide out.
As with most first books in a series there is lots of background info and introductions to secondary characters along with lots of time with the other brothers. The story was well rounded with romance, suspense and humor along with great scenic descriptions of Alaska and its wildlife. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you haven't, I recommend reading Defiance first as it introduces the backstory to the 4 men who make up the new series. They are 4 orphan boys that Zachary's (Master Z from her Shadowlands series) old friend First Sergeant Michael “Mako” Tyne raised. They are not DOMs but they are still every bit as big, alpha and broody.
First up is Gabriel MacNair. Gabe is the oldest of the four and has recently returned to Alaska to live off the grid in isolation in the bare minimum cabin he grew up in. He is worn down from all the death and destruction he has seen during his years as a police officer, Navy SEAL, and a mercenary and just wants to be left alone. But a recently received letter the Sergeant sent after his death has him asking the brothers to revive a small town called Rescue which they find out they half own. He's voted in to be the new Chief of Police.
Audrey Hamilton lives in Chicago and is a introvert to nth degree. She is happy just living her life as a university librarian. As a side job she moonlights in internet research for clients. Her latest client had her looking into a pharmaceutical company that unfortunately had dire consequences for him and put her in the crosshairs of a nasty hitman. Now on the run and with a new identity she lands in Rescue, Alaska to hide out.
As with most first books in a series there is lots of background info and introductions to secondary characters along with lots of time with the other brothers. The story was well rounded with romance, suspense and humor along with great scenic descriptions of Alaska and its wildlife. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 17, 2024
Cherise has another kind of alpha male and i love him just as much now as when i first met him.
After meeting Mako’s “sons” in Defiance,i knew i wanted to get closer and find out more about the men they’ve become.
And what the women that manage to conquer their hearts are made of.
Having re-read Gabe’s story,he’s still the hero he claims he’s not….
Still a man with morals,ready to defend the people he cares about.
Gabe has been betrayed on a mission and his team mates died because of that betrayal. He’d like nothing more than to stay alone,holed up on the mountain. But even in death,his foster father Mako,intervenes,leaving a letter with orders to keep the small town of Rescue safe.
Reluctant at first,he obeys,only to find it ís good to be amongst people and he slowly adjusts to the town life.
Aubrey,a sweet,shy librarian,has been hurt by a vicious criminal and only by fighting for her life,manages to escape. On the run,scared for her life and not able to trust anyone,she ends up in Rescue. There,she slowly settles in town life.
When these two meet,Gabe immediately senses there’s something about her that doesn’t add up. As they get to know eachother,he hopes she’ll start to trust him enough to share what happened to her. Because he knows she’s been hurt,and on the run. And he really likes her. And he knows she likes him. The moment she shares everything,the time she opens up,that’s when they have a future....if they can take away the threat,that is.
I love all of Cherise’s Men. Strong,dominant,and loving their women deeply. The alpha men she introduces in this series are no exception,even though they’re not into BDSM. I love these men just as much!
And i want to hear more of them,a lot more!
After meeting Mako’s “sons” in Defiance,i knew i wanted to get closer and find out more about the men they’ve become.
And what the women that manage to conquer their hearts are made of.
Having re-read Gabe’s story,he’s still the hero he claims he’s not….
Still a man with morals,ready to defend the people he cares about.
Gabe has been betrayed on a mission and his team mates died because of that betrayal. He’d like nothing more than to stay alone,holed up on the mountain. But even in death,his foster father Mako,intervenes,leaving a letter with orders to keep the small town of Rescue safe.
Reluctant at first,he obeys,only to find it ís good to be amongst people and he slowly adjusts to the town life.
Aubrey,a sweet,shy librarian,has been hurt by a vicious criminal and only by fighting for her life,manages to escape. On the run,scared for her life and not able to trust anyone,she ends up in Rescue. There,she slowly settles in town life.
When these two meet,Gabe immediately senses there’s something about her that doesn’t add up. As they get to know eachother,he hopes she’ll start to trust him enough to share what happened to her. Because he knows she’s been hurt,and on the run. And he really likes her. And he knows she likes him. The moment she shares everything,the time she opens up,that’s when they have a future....if they can take away the threat,that is.
I love all of Cherise’s Men. Strong,dominant,and loving their women deeply. The alpha men she introduces in this series are no exception,even though they’re not into BDSM. I love these men just as much!
And i want to hear more of them,a lot more!
February 22, 2019
‘When a man bleeds to save your ass, you know you got no finer a friend.’
Cherise Sinclair has been one of our favourite Authors since we first picked up her Shadowlands series back in 2011. She became synonymous with our early love for kink; strong heroes who loved with abandon and emotion as well as wonderful heroines who had just the perfect balance of vulnerability and strength. Her writing is mature and thrilling with a penchant for high thrilling drama that is always spot on and never overdone. There’s no question, her books always keep us riveted and entertained with the sporadic dash to the freezer for a cool down.
“Solitary isn’t healthy for herd animals. But in your case, you’ll want to indulge in quiet time, too, or you’ll feel like people are crawling inside your skin.”
Not a Hero is the first book in a new series, with characters introduced in a recent Shadowlands novella, Defiance. Shadowlands being our favourite BDSM series by this Author, if you’ve not read it yet, you seriously must if you too have a penchant for kink and heroes that are simply to die for, with storylines that’ll keep you up reading into the late hours.
‘How long had it been since he’d enjoyed a woman – let alone one who worried about him? The combination of sweet and sexy was irresistible.’
Excited to embark on a new journey with this Author we immediately became swept up in the story, connected with the characters, whilst intrigued by what was unfolding. Again, the writing had us hooked and the characters even more so. Whilst our expectations weren’t quite met in some areas (no BDSM!) the trademark suspense and drama was totally on the money. This is entirely on us as we weren’t expecting it to be so tame and lukewarm in comparison to Cherise Sinclair’s usual recipe of fiery heat and domination which she writes ever so well.
‘He smiled. Her personality was a fascinating mixture of brilliance and logic and enthusiasm and compassion.’
Gabe, alongside his three foster brothers, was rescued at an early age from an abusive foster home. Brothers in arms up against a vile man, stood together in defiance when one of them was taken down. On that same day Sargent Mako comes upon them, rounds up the boys and takes them with him to Alaska where they become a dysfunctional family unit, but a family unit nonetheless with an unbreakable bond of brotherhood. All bearing individual scars and varying degrees of internal brokenness. After the death of their beloved PTSD suffering father figure, the solitude seeking Gabriel disappears until Mako’s last written request changes the path of his four grown-up ‘sons’.
‘Audrey was a nerd – a brilliant one, true, but…a nerd. Socially inept, somewhat clumsy…That was who she was.’
Audrey, a sweet and shy librarian gets unknowingly involved in something which puts her directly in the path of violence and evil. She becomes privy to criminal activity, she has no place being a part of. With a death sentence hanging over her head and escaping a brutal beating, she goes on the run with a fake ID and ends up in a small town called Rescue, Alaska. This is where she meets Gabe and despite the reluctance of both her and him, falls for the controlling laid back Chief of Police who is hiding his own story and barely healed scars.
‘Because, one kiss…or one summer for that matter, wasn’t enough. He wanted more. A lifetime sounded about right.’
So what happens when an introverted book nerd meets an antisocial ex-mercenary? One is running from the ugly side of the law, the other is a copper. Well, an intense attraction occurs yet both are broken by life and their similarities too hard to ignore. Loyalty, protection, love and compassion.
‘Gabriel was a guardian angel, the messenger of God. She’d said she knew her son would someday be a protector. A hero.’
Not a Hero is the first book in a new series, so not only was it an introduction to an abundance of new characters and their entwined lives in a town called Rescue, but it’s also the story of Gabe and Audrey. Whilst their romance at times took a backseat to this introduction, which is often the case in a book one, we did feel by the end that we were as much part of Rescue as everyone else. Such was the brilliance of Cherise Sinclair’s writing, by including us in her story through living it alongside every one of her characters. We fell in love and will be here, first in line, when the next instalment releases. What always makes Cherise Sinclair stand out was once again on display, yet the one thing that was missing, which left us wanting, was what we love the most about her stories. We’re crossing our fingers for a return of just that in the next book!
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January 27, 2021
This is one of the better books involving a mouse who roars. As the first in the series, there is a bit of back-story required, and it was handled smoothly. While our h is meek, she is not TSTL. The H goes through his own transformation from hermit to champion, and their stories mesh well.
The thriller aspects are quite good. Also, the small Alaskan town has quirky characters that are not over the top. The wildlife contributes to the story, and I'm curious to see if any future stories are set in the winter.
I'll read the next one.
The thriller aspects are quite good. Also, the small Alaskan town has quirky characters that are not over the top. The wildlife contributes to the story, and I'm curious to see if any future stories are set in the winter.
I'll read the next one.
January 31, 2019
3 to 3.5 stars. I kinda liked it as a cheesy action/romance, kinda like a mindless, escapist movie. Unfortunately there was quite a bit of violence near the end of the book, which I found *ugh*. This knocked the star rating down for me. I'll probably get sucked in again when the next one comes out though LOL.
September 20, 2020
3.5 rounded up.
I enjoyed the story. The narration was a bit off-putting though. Instead of the standard alternating male narrator/female narrator, every time a female character had a line, the female narrator spoke the line. Same with the male speaking parts. Just gave it a disjointed feel.
I enjoyed the story. The narration was a bit off-putting though. Instead of the standard alternating male narrator/female narrator, every time a female character had a line, the female narrator spoke the line. Same with the male speaking parts. Just gave it a disjointed feel.
January 29, 2019
“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐧𝐨, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲. 𝐍𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐭—𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.”
Ok, so this has got to be one of my all time favorite lines written by Cherise Sinclair! It about sums up all of her amazing heroes perfectly! 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼 starts off a brand-spankin’ new romantic suspense series (𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵) by the amazing Cherise Sinclair! This book features Gabe and Audrey and I gotta tell you, I was swooning HARD with every turn of the page! I felt their connection all the way to my bone and there was no stopping my deep desire for their happily ever after. Sinclair definitely brings the fire…the heat…the suspense! I couldn’t have asked for a better start to a new and absolutely ADDICTING romance series! I was only left with one question…how quickly can I get my hands on the next one?!
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
➡️ Kindle: https://amzn.to/2DFvk1W
➡️ Paperback: https://amzn.to/2SdXQA3
Ok, so this has got to be one of my all time favorite lines written by Cherise Sinclair! It about sums up all of her amazing heroes perfectly! 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼 starts off a brand-spankin’ new romantic suspense series (𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵) by the amazing Cherise Sinclair! This book features Gabe and Audrey and I gotta tell you, I was swooning HARD with every turn of the page! I felt their connection all the way to my bone and there was no stopping my deep desire for their happily ever after. Sinclair definitely brings the fire…the heat…the suspense! I couldn’t have asked for a better start to a new and absolutely ADDICTING romance series! I was only left with one question…how quickly can I get my hands on the next one?!
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
➡️ Kindle: https://amzn.to/2DFvk1W
➡️ Paperback: https://amzn.to/2SdXQA3
March 17, 2019
I really liked this "normal" romance book from the BDSM Queen. I didn't realize that it was set in the same place that Zachery/Master Z traveled to in Defiance. Do you need to read that book to fully enjoy this one, no, but her Master of the Shadowlands is a great series you should be reading anyway.
I will say at the start of this one I wasn't sure, Gabe came off a bit too bitter mountain man isolationist. It was only as his brothers showed up and guilted him into helping them that things started to get interesting.
Rescue was an interesting town, a town at a cross-roads. You had the locals that loved living there, some of whom wanted to bring in tourists (more money for them and the town) and some that hated the idea of tourists (who would wreck things because of their ignorance). It was an interesting dichotomy. At times you weren't sure which side was going to win. However as the book went on the two different groups managed to see how things could be better for them all and work together. I loved how they banded together to protect people they considered "theirs". I loved how the town was at the end, all of the best having been brought out in them looking to the future.
At first glance Rescue was the worst place for Audrey, other than being light years away from Chicago she was a fish out of water. However as time went on Audrey managed to become a better Audrey, do things she always wanted to try, but never did, from jobs, to leisure events, to making friends. In Rescue Audrey found people who genuinely liked her for her and appreciated what she could bring to help them. And there was Gabe...
I wasn't sure about these two as a couple. At the start Gabe was still too much in his own head, but the more time he spent around Audrey and living life in Rescue he could leave his past in the past and live for the now. I loved how both Gabe and Audrey blossomed with the town, how each of them often were slapped upside the head when they realized how much people appreciated them and how much they loved the town. Even time the couple spent with Gabe's brothers were good times, filled with laughter and music.
The drama at the end was crazy, but showed everyone in the best light. I loved how everyone fought for everyone else, heck even the one day festival was done in true Alaskan style.
I can't wait to read more in this series, to see the women that the other brothers fall for and how the town changes.
I will say at the start of this one I wasn't sure, Gabe came off a bit too bitter mountain man isolationist. It was only as his brothers showed up and guilted him into helping them that things started to get interesting.
Rescue was an interesting town, a town at a cross-roads. You had the locals that loved living there, some of whom wanted to bring in tourists (more money for them and the town) and some that hated the idea of tourists (who would wreck things because of their ignorance). It was an interesting dichotomy. At times you weren't sure which side was going to win. However as the book went on the two different groups managed to see how things could be better for them all and work together. I loved how they banded together to protect people they considered "theirs". I loved how the town was at the end, all of the best having been brought out in them looking to the future.
At first glance Rescue was the worst place for Audrey, other than being light years away from Chicago she was a fish out of water. However as time went on Audrey managed to become a better Audrey, do things she always wanted to try, but never did, from jobs, to leisure events, to making friends. In Rescue Audrey found people who genuinely liked her for her and appreciated what she could bring to help them. And there was Gabe...
I wasn't sure about these two as a couple. At the start Gabe was still too much in his own head, but the more time he spent around Audrey and living life in Rescue he could leave his past in the past and live for the now. I loved how both Gabe and Audrey blossomed with the town, how each of them often were slapped upside the head when they realized how much people appreciated them and how much they loved the town. Even time the couple spent with Gabe's brothers were good times, filled with laughter and music.
The drama at the end was crazy, but showed everyone in the best light. I loved how everyone fought for everyone else, heck even the one day festival was done in true Alaskan style.
I can't wait to read more in this series, to see the women that the other brothers fall for and how the town changes.
February 7, 2019
Bingo! Another hit for Cherise Sinclair.
This new series is not BDSM, not a menage. It is a MF story with a strong plot and love story.
No spoilers from me. All I can say is that it is a dual POV which I love. It is not like most stories with no respect of timeline. The relationship is developed naturally.
At times, especially in the middle of the book, I felt it needed more action. But otherwise, I expected the epilogue and the intro of the 4th brother.
It is a long novel but worth every penny and every word. I recommend 100%
Mary Menages
This new series is not BDSM, not a menage. It is a MF story with a strong plot and love story.
No spoilers from me. All I can say is that it is a dual POV which I love. It is not like most stories with no respect of timeline. The relationship is developed naturally.
At times, especially in the middle of the book, I felt it needed more action. But otherwise, I expected the epilogue and the intro of the 4th brother.
It is a long novel but worth every penny and every word. I recommend 100%
Mary Menages
January 14, 2021
A good start to the beginning of an interesting series. I have enjoyed other works from this author.
But the H/h just didn't work for me. The heroine is an introvert, go introverts but she kept going on and on about how nerdy she was and it became repetitive at the best of times.
Now I like my Heroes to be grumpy but Gabe took it to a whole new level. Good plot and I love the other brothers to come. So I'll continue.
But the H/h just didn't work for me. The heroine is an introvert, go introverts but she kept going on and on about how nerdy she was and it became repetitive at the best of times.
Now I like my Heroes to be grumpy but Gabe took it to a whole new level. Good plot and I love the other brothers to come. So I'll continue.
March 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
I needed more action/suspense.
But all in all it was a good read.
I had some trouble connecting with the relationship between Audrey and Gabe. The adult scenes were Nice.
I think the pace needed to be faster and less filler.
There were some great parts and some slow parts.
I didn't notice any editing errors.
I needed more action/suspense.
But all in all it was a good read.
I had some trouble connecting with the relationship between Audrey and Gabe. The adult scenes were Nice.
I think the pace needed to be faster and less filler.
There were some great parts and some slow parts.
I didn't notice any editing errors.
January 28, 2019
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cherise Sinclair is one of the very few authors still left on my autobuy list, so I didn’t really need to think twice about starting this new series of hers. But since I had no idea what to expect, I discovered shortly after starting this book that Sinclair was going to go for a different style in this series.
So to recap, this series will follow four men who have essentially been through hell together. Going through the foster home system and experieicing the worst of the worst, they are rescued and taken to the Alaskan wilderness where they grow up.
Years later, their guardian dies and has one simple wish for them: revive their dying down of Rescue.
There’s one thing to note about Cherise Sinclair’s writing and it’s the fact that she doesn’t shy away from the ugly stuff. There were some scenes that grossed me out and certainly a lot of scenes that brought forth the emotions as well.
The concept is certainly a unique one and it definitely doesn’t remind me of her other work, so I was impressed by Sinclair’s way of reinventing her writing for this series. I enjoyed the book overall, but am slightly slow to warm up to all the characters at this point. But since this is only the first book in the series, I’m not too worried. I’ll be definitely checking out the rest of the series when they are released!
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
February 6, 2019
Not A Hero is the start of the Sons of the Survivalist series, an off shoot of the Masters of the Shadowlands series by the same author, the amazing Cherise Sinclair. This series can be read with out reading the other but the other series is amazing and you so should read it too.
This series will center around four foster boys, rescued years ago, by a PTSD war hero who has died. Gabriel, Bull, Cazador, and Hawk, brothers by choice, if not by blood. This book will center around Gabriel. A man, hurt but deceit, betrayal and death. A warrior, a cop. Called out of the woods by two of his brother to help return a dying town to life. As it's police chief.
When he meets a woman pocket goodies in a store, we meet our heroine, Juliette, real name Audrey. On the run after her research job gets her in hot water and almost murdered by a ruthless psycho who after she take his eye fleeing is hell bent for revenge and her slow death.
As these Gabriel interact with her, he knows she is on the run. She refuses to trust anyone especially the town's police chief. The introvert slowly realizes she is drawn to him with each interaction they have. She gets a slew of jobs, starts to unknowingly make new friends. Her interest in him grows but her trust is still something of a barrier.
When someone reveals her past her first instinct is to run. To get 'lost' again. To help protect those she has come to realize are her friends, who care for her and her for them. When she stays, she worries her decision will cause those she cares for to be in jeopardy and oh boy is she right!!!!
I liked this book, didn't love it. I love the four brothers, I loved Audrey. I liked the story. I was sad that Mako (their "father") was dead but the town is full of ripe characters to build on. I am eager for book #2.
This series will center around four foster boys, rescued years ago, by a PTSD war hero who has died. Gabriel, Bull, Cazador, and Hawk, brothers by choice, if not by blood. This book will center around Gabriel. A man, hurt but deceit, betrayal and death. A warrior, a cop. Called out of the woods by two of his brother to help return a dying town to life. As it's police chief.
When he meets a woman pocket goodies in a store, we meet our heroine, Juliette, real name Audrey. On the run after her research job gets her in hot water and almost murdered by a ruthless psycho who after she take his eye fleeing is hell bent for revenge and her slow death.
As these Gabriel interact with her, he knows she is on the run. She refuses to trust anyone especially the town's police chief. The introvert slowly realizes she is drawn to him with each interaction they have. She gets a slew of jobs, starts to unknowingly make new friends. Her interest in him grows but her trust is still something of a barrier.
When someone reveals her past her first instinct is to run. To get 'lost' again. To help protect those she has come to realize are her friends, who care for her and her for them. When she stays, she worries her decision will cause those she cares for to be in jeopardy and oh boy is she right!!!!
I liked this book, didn't love it. I love the four brothers, I loved Audrey. I liked the story. I was sad that Mako (their "father") was dead but the town is full of ripe characters to build on. I am eager for book #2.
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