No Kind of Hero

Portland Devils, Book 2

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Tanya Eby

Some men are hard to quit.

Beth Schaefer isn't just on the partnership track at her Portland law firm, she's in the lead. Unfortunately, she's about to fall at the finish line. When she makes a list of breakdown destinations, she can't even manage to choose between them. Which means she has to come home to Wild Horse, Idaho, for her breakdown. She has exactly 18.5 days of accumulated vacation time to devote to it.

Evan O'Donnell's girlfriend took off when their baby girl was a month old, and that's just fine by him. His daughter Gracie is all the female companionship he needs, thank you very much. Beth Schaefer's not even in the running. Eight years ago, her parents convinced her to give him up, and he's had enough of snobs and women who don't stick. Evan's a blue-collar guy from his too-broad shoulders to his scuffed work boots, and he's nobody's white knight, and nobody's hero. Not anymore.

But what if Beth isn't the only one who needs saving?

©2017 Rosalind James (P)2017 Rosalind James

Enjoyable listen!

No Kind of Hero is the second in Rosalind James's Portland Devils series. It is also completely stand-alone. I thought this was an excellent follow up to the first book in the series and effective delved dive into the drama and story that was hinted about Beth and Evan. I think this book will have a broad appeal as it really hits a number of characteristics that would be of interest to readers. These include professional dilemma for Beth, first loves, conflict between a daughter and a parent, love of a parent and an adorable young daughter, steamy romance, a sensitive handling of troubled characters, and more.

I loved the setting which is both a nature lovers paradise and filled with small town drama. Also, with what is a true James trademark, the secondary characters don't get short shrift. I found Beth's mother, while not likable, interesting and fleshed out to be more than a mere caricature you might find in another romance novel.

I have a tendency to believe, that in many cases you are drawn to certain books, premises, or characters based on things you have experienced in your own life, big or small. I find that I am often drawn in this way to many of James's books. I think it is a great testament to James's storytelling, that even when not drawn to the characters on this personal level, I am always fully invested and interested in them and the plot as it unfolds and find the book difficult to stop listening or reading to.

In short another great listen by Rosalind James.

Additionally, I enjoyed Tanya Eby's narration. She has great vocal characterizations, pacing, and clarity.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any way. The opinions stated are solely my own.

EXCELLENT!!!

This is a wonderful story and the narration is soooo good! I'm a huge fan of Rosalind's stories and this one is very believable since the hero is a (drumroll).....painter! But trust me ladies you will not be disappointed, he might not have a private jet or a mansion but he has the qualifications for being an excellent lover.
Once again she delivers a story filled with all the things we love to hear and with Tanya Eby doing the narration it is a delight!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an hones review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Excellent story both loving and creative

This book is consistent with Rosalind James' other books with a unique well- thought out plot, excellent characters and superb writing. I highly recommend it.

Fun Listen-Perfect for Walking Working or Sitting

Any additional comments?

No Kind of Hero by Rosalind James is a sweet book about lovers rediscovering one another years later. Beth Schaefer and Evan O’Donnell had spent a magical, romantic summer together but ultimately parted when the ever goal oriented Beth left for law school and her future as a lawyer. A broken hearted Evan picked up the jagged pieces of his heart and moved on with his life. When Beth and Evan reconnect nine years later, Beth is buckling under the pressure of living a life only for work and her own high expectations. Evan is working hard, raising his infant daughter alone, though with the support of his mother, and carrying a lot of emotional baggage. Throughout the book there is recurring theme of mothers and the roles they play in their children’s lives. Beth’s mother is still a helicopter mom, sure she knows best and trying to influence Beth’s life choices. Evan’s mother is there for him and his child, Gracie, offering unconditional love and support. And, yes, while Evan is technically Gracie’s father, he is also ably filling the role of her mother as well. 

I found this a bit hard to get into at first, which is unusual for me and any Rosalind James book. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t until deeper in the book that it really grabbed me and I found it impossible to stop listening. 

This is the second book in the Portland Devils series, but the link to the Portland Devils is a bit tenuous. I would love for the series to continue, but possibly without the Portland Devils in the title as it is unnecessary. This book totally stands on its own though some characters from the first in the series play supporting roles. I would love to see Book 3 feature the land developer Brett Hunter—just not with Melody Farnsworth.

Tonya Eby is a strong reader who ably gives unique voices to all the books’ characters. She is a good choice to read this series. 

This is an excellent audiobook to while away the hours while walking, working or “just being.” I recommend it to those who enjoy romance novels with strong lead characters, especially those set in beautiful locations. 

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any way. The opinions stated are solely my own. 

I love this audio book!!!!

ALWAYS love reading Rosalind James books. She keeps you interested from the prologue right until the epilogue. Her characters are really believable because they're true to life . They could be your friends, family or neighbors. Evan and Beth are no exception. Their story spans on for 10 years. You can relate to both their hopes and fears, and relating to the idea that preconceptions are always able to be changed. I found myself totally getting both of them. And baby Gracie was just an added bonus! This is book 2 in the Portland Devils series but you definitely do no have to listen to book 1 first, but I advise it anyway because it's so good as well. Rosalind is great at writing books in a series. I love seeing the people over and over, once again not needing to listen to them all but I totally advise it because I love them all. I can't wait for book 3!!! My only issue is the narrator read it too fast. I had to go to my settings and slow it down.
Although I received a free copy of this audio book for my honest review I would definitely have purchased it anyway because I love these books. I was also not required to write a positive review. This opinion is my own!

Loved it!

Another great story by this author. Beth and Evan's story kept me hooked and I couldn't wait to find out what happened. This narrator is very enjoyable to listen to as well. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Tough and Tender Hero

Would you listen to No Kind of Hero again? Why?

It wouldn't be the first book I would choose to listen to again because of the narration. I would certainly read the book again before listening to it.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I have a hard time with Tanya as a narrator. I feel that she does the voice of women wonderfully, but I just don't like the way she does the male characters. I think she makes them all sound older than what they should be. It might be better to have her as the female and find a male to do the male parts as this has been done in some of Rosalind's other audio books.

Any additional comments?

I wasn't sure what to expect of Evan's story having met him in Silver Tongued Devil. He was portrayed to be a protective and tough guy. Although we learn in No Kind of Hero that he certainly is protective and tough, he also has a warm and tender side as well. The way that he takes care of Gracie as if she is the only other human in the world is just so heartwarming that it often can bring you to tears.
However, this book is more about a second chance at love for Evan and Beth. They were young when their love first developed. What started out as an infatuation with Evan as he was at Beth's house painting all of the time, then turned into a romance that was secretive....until they got caught. Fast forward and Beth goes to law school and Evan continues on with his life as a painter and ultimately has a relationship that makes him a dad - a single dad.
Beth returns home after having been burned out at work on her way to making partner. She is using this time at home to re-evaluate her life and slow down from her fast paced job. She did not expect to have sparks fly again between her and Evan. Although, it was inevitable as she has truly never got over him.
Beth and Evan slowly move into their relationship by rehashing their past mistakes. They realize that maybe if they "talked" more about their feelings, hopes and dreams, things might have taken a different path for them. Beth begins to find her voice and speaking honestly, not only to her parents, but to Evan as well. She no longer wants to feel like the princess that others thought she was when she was younger. She wants everyone to know that she's grown and become a stronger woman. One that will not let others walk all over.
As with all of Rosalind's books, the reader goes through a whole host of emotions in learning about Evan and Beth's past and future relationship. I started this book not knowing if Evan would be a favorite character for me, but he certainly ended up being one. His passion for his daughter, job and, for Beth, was beautifully written. I loved the book and the characters, just as I do in all of Rosalind's books."I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”

Beth and Evans Story

we were introduced to Beth and Evan in the First book, and the pain of their story was felt for those moment. In No Kind of Hero the back story ist told and the future is experience. this is a very well writing book and the narration was excellent as usaual. I do recommend this book for others that like a HEA.

Love Beth & Evan!

"No Kind of Hero" was very enjoyable to listen to - I loved the story of Beth, a high-powered career woman jumping off the train to return to her hometown and reconnecting with a former love. Of course, the fact that she goes back to her hometown to have a "breakdown" is what leads to her finding her ultimate contentment, and to the realization of the love she wants to claim. Evan is a powerful character, and is doing everything that he needs to do to keep his life as a single father on track. These two share a history, but would probably never have made it until they each went through their own struggles to transform into the people that they are now. There are some twists that make for a powerful story, and I really enjoyed the narration by Tanya Eby.

"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”

Heartwarming and Heartwrenching

Any additional comments?

I'm not always a fan of second chance romances...not because I don't think there should be a second chance, but because all the years that were lost kind of make me sad. And while I'm a little sad that Beth and Evan didn't make it work the first time around, this story of second chances is full of hope for the right ending this time around. Beth and Evan are great examples of good people who become better as they've grown up and become more comfortable with who they are now.

Beth has what should be the perfect life, but she is smart enough to recognize that something isn't right. When she returns home, she thinks it's just for a break, but she slowly realizes that she doesn't fit into her life anymore and she wants something different. Taking up with Evan again reminds both of them they can't go back...but lucky for all of us, this author has the talent to take them forward in a heartwarming and heart wrenching story.

A very strong addition to this new series and another strong performance by Tanya Eby. I look forward to the next installment of the happenings in Wild Horse, Idaho. Who will fall in love next?