Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Nobody’s Hero
SERIES: Letting Go #1
AUTHOR: J. Leigh Bailey
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
LENGTH: 212 pages
BLURB:
Bradley Greene’s family all but discarded him when his brother caught him fooling around with another boy. Now Bradley has seventeen dollars and a gas card, and he’s sleeping in his car. He’s an emotional mess and if he doesn’t land a job soon, he’s up the proverbial creek.
Danny Ortega can take care of himself…most of the time. When what started as a date turns into sexual assault in a dark parking lot, he’s grateful for Brad’s help—and an instant admirer of Brad’s military school-honed muscles. He certainly doesn’t expect to see him again, and definitely not as the newest hire at Ortega Construction.
As Brad and Danny’s quiet attraction turns into more, things start to go sour before they’ve even started. Danny grows frustrated that Brad won’t open up emotionally. And Brad is terrified of being responsible for someone else’s feelings. When Brad’s family makes one last attempt to turn him into an “acceptable” son, all bets are off—he and Danny will need to decide if they’re in this together…or apart.
REVIEW:
There are so many things about this story I really enjoyed. A lot of times with stories involving characters in the teens I find I’m easily annoyed with their immaturity. That is absolutely not the case here. Even though this is New Adult it’s hard to actually get a feel for their ages and I loved that. Both of these men, who come from 2 completely different walks of life and who embrace life differently were an absolute pleasure to read. I loved what they did for each other. I loved how they affected each other. I loved how they were together.
Bradley Greene comes from a bigoted, ultra conservative family. He’s known all his life he’s gay but was hesitant to tell his family. Upon discovery Bradley family adamantly refused to accept it. So much so that they sent Bradley off to military school and his brother ended up jailed for a horrific hate crime. After graduation Brad knows he wants nothing to do with his family. I really loved that about Brad. He never buckled, he never wavered. He stood up to them and it was so admirable.
Danny Ortega meets Brad quite unexpectedly but he’s very much grateful for it. Right away there is an attraction but Brad is still scarred from his past and has difficulty embracing his sexuality.
Circumstances arise that throw Danny and Brad together daily and things quickly evolve into a relationship. It was awesome seeing them happy together and heartbreaking seeing them struggle. You want so much for both men to get that happiness they both so desperately want.
There’s a huge conflict involving Danny’s family and Brad. I really needed to know what would happen with that. It kept the book quite interesting for me.
And can I just mention Danny’s family….LOVE!!! The most supportive, wonderful, caring, loving…PERFECT…so great!!!
Anyone who loves new adult, young love, first love, triumph over difficult odds and incredibly hopeful stories would love this one…!!
RATING: 
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