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Thursday 22 August 2013

Indie Book of the Week #7 - Strength by Carrie Butler


Strength (Mark of Nexus, #1)
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

This fabulous book has just been re-released and is on sale for 99c this week, so don't miss out! :)

Rena, like everyone else, has always thought of Wallace Blake as the campus resident psychopath - the strange noises coming from his room have led to rumours getting out of control. But when she meets him, he seems like a normal guy. I liked reading about a love interest who isn’t an asshole for once – and is the campus outcast rather than popular with everyone! I loved all the characters. Rena is spunky and strong, and even though she’s in way over her head with the supernatural world she’s landed herself in, she never lets Wallace or his not-so-friendly brother, Cole, intimidate her.

The pace is leisurely at first, giving us time to get to know the characters, but then at 40%, BAM! Plot twist. I loved it. From that point on, I was hooked and had to know what was going on! The pace is faster in the second half and I really enjoyed finding out about Wallace’s family and their different supernatural powers. I thought this was an original spin on the paranormal genre!

The romance is both sweet and complicated, given that Wallace can’t touch Rena for fear of hurting her due to his uncontrollable strength. Nevertheless, there’s some great chemistry between them. The emotions are strong and kept me rooting for the characters. This is a fabulous debut novel and one I’d recommend to fans of New Adult looking for something on the paranormal side!

Rating: ****1/2*

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