Book Review - STRENGTH by Carrie Butler

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.

Title: STRENGTH
Series: Mark of Nexus - Book 1
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)
Release Date: March 07, 2013

Normally, I don’t do book reviews on this blog. But after reading my CPs wonderful debut novel, I couldn’t resist.

Sheesh. Where do I start?

I've read Strength three times, if you count the ARC I was given by SSP in exchange for an honest review, and even pre-crit, it was a stunning piece of work. I could hardly find anything to mark! No kidding. I eventually locked the family out of my bedroom so I could crit without interruption. Translation: I didn't want to put the book down. :)

How Carrie has managed to improve it even more shows what a talented writer she is.

There's really nothing negative I can say about Strength. The pacing is great, the characters are well drawn and interesting, both the descriptions and the paranormal elements are fresh, and the voice is bold and witty. Strength will have you laughing out loud in places. It will also have you grabbing a tissue now and then.

The heroine, Rena, is a good mix of sweet, humble, and kick-ass-got-a-backbone; and the hero, Wallace, is totally hot and tremendously likeable. I'm still fannin' myself and clutching my heart.

As for the supporting characters, I loved/love-hated them all. In fact, the friendship between Rena, Gabby and Aiden is one of the things I liked most about this book. I also got a kick out of both Gail and Clara. (Can't tell you why or I'll spoil it for you. ;) And Cole? Oh. My. Gosh. 

C'mon, Carrie, let me slap him. After I ogle him a bit.

Strength is the first book in The Mark of Nexus series—the beginning of the story. I can hardly wait for the next installment! And, neener neener, I'll be seeing it wayyy before you. :P

What others are saying...

“Carrie Butler is now on my must read list.” ~Lynn Rush, author of Violet Midnight

"I carried Strength with me everywhere. Grocery shopping, the dinner table, you name it. The storyline was addictive, and the characters were hilarious. I couldn't put it down." ~Jessica Therrien, author of Oppression

"...Carrie Butler’s debut novel is brilliant, riveting, imaginative and seamlessly written." ~Lisa Regan, author of Finding Claire Fletcher

Want to see more? Here are the links: 

(Hint: You gotta see the trailer. It's awesome!)

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