Casee‘s review of Holding Out For a Hero by HelenKay Dimon
Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best…
Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist… .
This is the first book I’ve read by HelenKay Dimon. I have no idea why it’s taken me so long. The sad thing is that I bought Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy years ago when I got my first e-reader. I never read it. That’s irony for you. I’m not sure if Josh actually appeared in Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy or not. There is definite history between Josh and Deana, so it drove me crazy thinking that I may have missed something by not reading YMDMC. Eventually I got over it.
Josh Windsor knows Deana Armstrong’s type. The type that thinks that money can buy anything. Josh wasn’t responsible for her nephew being in jail for murder, but he had busted him in the past for drugs. He had an unforgettable encounter with the Armstrongs after the bust. Josh could take money and let the charges slide or he could be ruined. Josh isn’t the type that takes well to threats and he basically tells them to f off. So when Deana shows up asking for his help, he turns her away.
Deana is convinced that Josh is her nephew’s last hope. Believing that he was convicted based on his last name, Deana really don’t believe that he is capable of murder. Josh is the most scrupulously honest man she’s ever met. She believes that if anyone can find the truth, it’s Josh. All she has to do is get him to agree to work for her.
Deana and Josh are like oil and water. Deana hasn’t had to work for anything her entire life. If it wasn’t for a life-changing event that happened when she was younger, she knows that she would be just as spoiled and self-indulgent as her nephew. Still, she doesn’t believe he’s a murderer.
Josh doubts that he’s innocent, but he’s willing to look into it. And though he almost can’t stand the sight of Deana, he’s attracted to her. Something he hates; which comes across loud and clear.
I liked the way the book ended. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but HKD didn’t take the easy way out. Deana seemed like a spoiled heiress at first, but she was real. The fact that the attraction between Deana and Josh was so unwanted on both their sides is what made it so good. It just shows that you can’t help who you love.
4.25 out of 5.
This book is available from Brava. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
I really liked this book too 🙂
And… er, I read YMDMC years ago – but it’s really Kane and Annie’s story. Josh figures prominently, but I definitely didn’t remember Deanna.
Also, agreed on the last part.
Thank you for the fabulous review! I’m absolutely thrilled you enjoyed the book.
Limecello is right. Josh is in YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY (Kane & Annie’s story) and IT’S HOTTER IN HAWAII (where Josh gets in trouble at his job). Deanna makes her first appearance in HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO.
HelenKay, I was going to email you the link. I’m glad you found it. 🙂
I need to read It’s Hotter in Hawaii. The back story on Josh’s job would have been nice to have read before hand.