Title: Never a Hero by Marie Sexton
Tucker Springs Series Book Five
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance
Length: 167 pages/Word Count: 45,000
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Everyone deserves a hero.
Owen Meade is desperately in need of a hero. Raised by a mother who made him ashamed of his stutter, his sexual orientation, and his congenitally amputated arm, Owen lives like a hermit in his Tucker Springs apartment. But then hunky veterinarian Nick Reynolds moves in downstairs.
Nick is sexy and confident, and makes Owen comfortable with himself in a way nobody ever has. He also introduces Owen to his firecracker of a little sister, who was born with a similar congenital amputation but never let it stand in her way. When she signs the two of them up for piano lessons—and insists that they play together in a recital—Owen can’t find a way to say no. Especially since it gives him a good excuse to spend more time with Nick.
Owen knows he’s falling hard for his neighbor, but every time he gets close, Nick inexplicably pulls away. Battling his mother’s scorn and Nick’s secrets, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it’s time to be one—for himself and for Nick.
The Review:
Never a Hero by Marie Sexton is a beautiful addition to the fabulous Tucker Springs series. Owen Meade and Nick Reynolds find redemption and love in this engrossing and heartwarming romance.
Growing up with an emotionally and verbally abusive mother, Owen Meade is now virtually a recluse. His past experiences have left him with incredibly low self-esteem and little self confidence. Owen is very uncomfortable with people’s reactions to his congenitally amputated arm so he has created a safe world where he has little contact with anyone.
Nick Reynolds is compassionate and his easy acceptance of Owen’s self-perceived flaws brings Owen out of his shell. There are definite sparks between the two men but whenever their relationship ventures into lovers’ territory, Nick pulls back. This back and forth continues for much of the story until Nick is forced to reveal the reason why he keeps pushing Owen away.
Owen and Nick spend much of Never a Hero battling their personal demons. Nick’s friendship gives Owen a fresh perspective on past events and Owen gradually makes positive changes in his life. Nick is not as together as he first appears and as Owen gains self-confidence, their roles reverse.
As with the previous two novels in the Tucker Springs series, Nick and Owen are dealing with serious issues. Marie Sexton handles these topics with compassion and sensitivity. The characters’ reactions to their situations are realistic and their transformations are unhurried.
Marie Sexton’s Never a Hero is a sweet, slightly angsty and very sexy romance. Owen and Nick are well-rounded, sympathetic characters who find love while they triumph over their pasts. Old and new fans of the Tucker Springs won’t want to miss this fast-paced, emotional filled love story.
Read my reviews of the other Tucker Springs novels HERE.
