Strength (Mark Of Nexus #1) by Carrie Butler
NA/PNR
March 23, 2013
Sapphire Publishing

Favorite Quote: “So help me, as long as I live, I’ll never get tired of seeing that man without a shirt on. How he stays so humble, I’ll never know.

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. (Goodreads)

Strength is a new adult paranormal romance for whom fans of Jennifer Armentrout’s LUX series might enjoy. Set in the present, we are introduced to Rena Collins as she stalks the college campus madman Wallace Blake. Curious as to all the rumors of his insanity, she soon learns he is not insane. In fact, to her disappointment, he is rather normal and explanations are given for his seemingly violent behavior. Rena and Wallace form a tentative friendship which leads to some amazing and dangerous revelations. Revelations that could spell disaster and possibly death for Rena.

Strength made me laugh. Seriously giggle. A heavy character driven paranormal new adult that has all the potential to be an entertaining series. Action, suspense, intrigue, humor, snark, romance, and two engaging protagonists whose witty banter and sexual tension will keep you on your toes. Fast pacing made this story a fun to read. Ms. Butler finds just the right tone to keep the story flowing and keep her readers entertained.

“Are you alright?” She couldn’t stifle a grin.

Geez, that was really comforting. Didn’t she care I almost choked? No, I realized. That wasn’t it at all.
I eyed her, setting the glass don. She knew, that sneaky old woman knew. “Sorry,” I muttered. “I guess it was still a little hot.”

She folded her hands on the table. “Now, now…it’s not that I wanted to be made aware of such things. He is my grandson after all.”

I winced. “I’m not going to lie to you, Clara. That’s awkward.”

Rena, our heroine, is snarky, funny, and more than able to handle her own when it comes to life in general. Even with Wallace blowing hot and cold on her, she gives as good as she gets and watching them bicker is fun. She is attracted to Wallace but also has a healthy fear of him. And she should. She makes no apologies for her fear. Yet, she also doesn’t let it cripple her. She accepts his “situation” and strives to support him regardless. She has a realistic attitude and her reactions are spot on when it comes to certain situations. She’s a fighter. She has a great relationship with her family and friends and we aren’t subjected to any real emo situations where we have to wade through any real trauma or tragedies towards their relationship.

Wallace is a fantastic beta hero. I adored him. Condemned by students for certain situations over which he has no control, he generally keeps to himself. Buried deep inside him is deep vein of pain, both physical and emotional, and guilt that we learn stems from an incident that occurred in his childhood. His vulnerability is made even more heartbreaking when highlighted by his physical attributes. Meeting Rena opens a new emotional pathway for Wallace. Her unflagging support and friendship allows him to see himself through her eyes. Not as the monster he feels like, but an attractive man whose friendship is valued. He, in turn, supports her when she feels vulnerable and offers a strong support to stand at her back. I like that he isn’t your average NA hero. He’s not a bad boy in need of rescue from a good girl. He isn’t screwing away his pain through multiple coeds. He’s NEVER even had a girlfriend. Draw from that what you will, my friends.  I will add that while the sexual tension is high, the actual physical aspects never go beyond second base. There is a good reason for this.

Butler’s revealing of Wallace’s family secret is done in such a way that’s both amusing and intriguing.

“See, this is my “WTF? face.”

Rena’s reactions are spot on though I was surprised by her relative ease around Wallace afterwards. I did like her curiously concerning it all. She asked a multitude of questions that spoke well of her intelligence. The premise is interesting and unique in makeup though I did have problems with the overall execution. I felt the story’s balance between the romance and the plot was uneven. The world building didn’t flesh out as much as I would have liked. We are only given the story in the present, so some aspects left me confused. I also found some scenes and characters were given too much scrutiny, only to fade away. Perhaps they will be brought back and further explored in book two.

A cast of appealing and well developed secondary characters rounds out the story. Each one a strong presence and able to carry their own story. I look forward to reading more in depth about Cade (Ass Cade-giggle), Gabby and the rest of the cast and see where their personal stories led. The ending comes at us fast and hard, and I would have enjoyed a bit more of a sedate pace in it’s conclusion. We are shown what exactly what Wallace and his family’s heritage is comprised of and what they are all capable of. Though the main conflict is resolved, we are left with some questions and clues as to what’s in store for us in the second installment; title and release date TBA.

Strength offers a different look for New Adult which is greatly appreciated by this reader when the majority of them are unbearably alike. I am certainly looking forward to reading more from Ms. Butler and her Nexus in the future.

RATING:B-

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