Hero

By: Lauren Rowe

Narrated by: Lily Reynolds, John Lane

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A standalone contemporary romance in the Morgan Brothers series from USA Today best-selling author Lauren Rowe. The story of firefighter Colby Morgan that proves heroes come in many forms....

The first time I laid eyes on Lydia Decker, I couldn’t speak. Or breathe. Or string two coherent thoughts together.

And I don’t mean any of that figuratively.

I’m not talking about a guy being floored by the sight of a gorgeous woman - although, of course, Lydia is gorgeous beyond words.

No, when I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker - my physical therapist - I was lying flat on my back in the ICU, high as a kite on painkillers, breathing on a ventilator, my bones as broken and splintered as my spirit.

When I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker, she was a ray of light in the dark. Hope for the hopeless. A salve for my singed and battered soul.

She said she’d been assigned to fix me. That she was there to bring me back to life. She said helping me was her calling.

And then she touched me. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. She healed me.

And I fell in love.

But what I didn’t know...what I couldn’t possibly know...was that Lydia Decker needed fixing far more than I ever did.

©2018 Lauren Rowe (P)2022 Lauren Rowe

Lauren Rowe you slay me!

Hero, just... Hero!

This book is everything, every bloody little thing, I could ever want in a book.
At eight percent I was on emotional overload. I have absolutely NO IDEA how to put in to words what this story did to me.

Firefighter Colby Morgan is broken in body and mind after an accident during a rescue but when a dark angle enters his hospital room peace settles over him and he is determined to win her heart, soul and body.

Right! Review...... *stares in to blank space*

Lauren Rowe knows how to tell a story and she knows how to build characters. This is not news to me. But this book is in a different dimension from her earlier work. I feel like she took everything good from every other book she has written and put it in to this one story.

- It is emotional like nobodys business.
- It is funny like you wouldn't believe.
- It breaks you.
- And it warms your very soul.

How I wish I owned a poets skills so I could properly express how Hero moved me. I don't unfortunately so you will just have to experience it yourself...

I for one am owned by this story tonight, drained dry, and in need of tissues and a shot of rum.

And when all that is said, the audio, the fabulousness of the narration done by John Lane and Lauren herself is pure perfection.

Lauren Rowe is a genius

I popped my Lauren Rowe cherry with her Club series. Then I moved on to her Morgan Brother series and I have to tell you, they all stole my heart. Keane and Ryan are fantastic and perfect and hilarious and great. BUT Colby stole my heart. And don't get me started on Lydia. I have such a girl crush and for me it's a plus as a mixed woman to see myself represented!

The flow of the book was wonderful. Lauren and John Lane did such a wonderful job. I could FEEL the chemistry and I imagine with Lauren and John narrating her books that it can be hard to depict different characters with each book, but I didn't get sense of other characters creeping into Colby and Lydia's characters. A must read AND listen for sure! Can't wait for Lauren's next book!

An incredible story. Definitely a MUST listen

Where does Hero rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best books I've listened to. The story is incredible and the performance is spot on. It simply brought tears to my eyes.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lydia was my favorite character. Her strength, inner beauty, hope and determination made her one of the best female characters I've ever encountered

Have you listened to any of Lauren Rowe and John Lane ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have. They are a great team and bring these incredible stories to life. But in my personal opinion, this one is their best so far.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I will leave that one to the professionals. I am not that good in writing stuff :D

Any additional comments?

I love Lauren Rowe's books. She has a unique writing style that has always captivated me, as I am sure it has done with many others. She has made me laugh with her words and just as easily has broken my heart with her incredible stories . But the story she tells with Hero is out of this world. In my opinion, it is one one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever read. But it is also so much more than that. It is a story about overcoming crippling heartbreak and pain, about healing and finding happiness again. It is an incredible story that should be a must on your bookshelves and one of the must read books for every book lover.

Lydia and Colby are two incredible and captivating characters. But in a big way, I think Lydia stole my heart. I am usually very critical about female characters but this one is extraordinary. I was bawling my eyes out for her within the first two chapters of this book. So be ready with a box of tissues by your side before you even start reading. You will definitely need them. So, be warned. But reading how she managed to pull herself together after probably the biggest heartbreak of her life and finding the strength and desire to help others is simply incredible. Though her heart is still wounded, she finds the strength to continue living. And even braves the possibility for love and happiness again. There is just something so beautiful and hopeful about that that it made her stand out in comparison to other female characters. And I am sure, she permanently has a place in my heart.

But don't get me wrong. I did love Colby too. He is literally the knight in shining armour. I can very easily imagine him as Prince Philip rushing to fight a dragon and save Sleeping Beauty. Or as Prince Charming running to find his Cinderella. He simply has a heart of gold and is ready to give his life for saving another person. Which he actually does for a living. What with being a firefighter and all. And that's what in the end gets him to meet Lydia. Though, I have to say, it might have been easier on my poor heart if they met in normal circumstances ;)

So I am going to stop here because I can talk about this book for hours but I don't want to accidentally spill the beans :D Keep in mind that this is a stand alone. You don't have to read any of the other Morgan Brothers books to enjoy this one. So if you haven't read Lauren Rowe before, be sure to give this book a chance. It is totally worth it. And if you have, then you know you can't go wrong ;) In any case, this is a must read so you should pick your copy ASAP ;)

Love at first sight

I absolutely LOVED Colby!!!! He is the great guy we all wish to have for our kids... Colby has just taken my number 2 spot of Lauren's books;) peenie weenie will always be my number 1!!!

Predictable with gratuitous sex

Narrators are so-so. Not as bad as some non-actors. I’ve had to return books read by authors that I really admire their writing.

Story is absolutely predictable. There is no tension at all in the story. The sex scenes are wooden and seem stuck in because it’s a romance novel. First last and only by Ms Rowe.

Not bad but....

The story was good although a little too raunchy for me (to the point of being distracting...I skipped ahead a lot.) Honestly did not enjoy the female narrator...she sounded more like a news anchor than a romantic lead which also made the sexy time more awkward when she narrated it. I liked the surrounding characters but don't think I'll be sticking around for their stories.

It’s ok

I wanted to like it but Story doesn’t flow right, feels like some parts r missing.

Heartbreaking, sweet, sexy, and tender!

I read Keane's book a few years ago. I've been meaning to go back and read all but my TBR tends to distract. So when I saw these were in the Audible Romance Package, I decided it was time to revisit the Morgans. I floved Colby!! He's so strong, witty, understated, sexy, and simply awesome!! And Lydia is amazing!! I loved their journey. She's trying to help fix him and he realizes she needs some repairs herself. I love the family interactions in this series!! And Colby and Lydia are simply wonderful!!

Could not do it

The narrators were totally over the top making the story seem like a badly acted play. The story seemed like it was good but I had to return it as I couldn’t listen to them anymore.

A must read!!!

I was a little skeptical about the author, narrators but from chapter 1 was blown away by the story. It’s beautifully captivating and holds your full attention. Highly highly recommend this audiobook, plus Mr. Lane and Ms. Row clearly gave a very vivid and touching while performing a 77 chapter long audio. Holding anyone’s attention for that long requires serious commitment from all artist envolved. Absolutely captivating story!!!

This is the type of book that gives all romance books a bad rep - don’t waist your credits

This is the type of book that gives all romance books a bad rep!

This book was just bad. It was soooo over the top cliche, delusional romance that it makes Hallmark romance movies feel almost documentary 🤦🏻‍♀️

And yes, yes romance books are never ✨realistic✨ but cmon this one didnt even get real world facts straight. It’s sooo far stretched and loved up that I just couldn’t get through the bad writing without cringing every few MINUTES!

And hey I wanted to like it, I went in because the idea of a heroic firefighter and single mom physical therapist sounded like a cute-simple-get-me-out-of-a-reading-slump book, but was mistaken. Sappy, delusional, cliche, over the top insta-love and so many stupidity triggers.

The narrators however did a good job!

loved this!

Absolutely loved reading it but to hear it was brilliant. must have smiled like a loon while out walking and listening to this! onto Morgan Bro no 2 next!

great listen

all of these Morgan brother books are fab , I have enjoyed the interaction of the characters and the narration is spot on

brilliant

loved this story made me cry made me laugh
had a goofy grin on my face while listening
Colby and Lydia have knocked Reed and Georgina off their pedestal
five stars is not enough now going to listen to Rockstar x

fantastic

This was my 2nd book by this Author and wow . Though i listened to 1 and 2 in reverse it really didn't upset my enjoyment of the story. Fallen in love with the Morgan family.

fantastic

loved loved loved this book! can't recommend it enough. will read more by this author.

Fantastic

Really enjoyed the story, it’s a must read really emotional and romantic, narrators were excellent

Lauren Rowe can do no wrong!

Colby is everything I hoped he'd be, and his relationship with Lydia is off the charts!
Fantastic narration, as always!