Other readers love this hero, yet he is one of the worst I've come across when it comes to loving, protecting, and respecting his heroine.
Maeve is the ow.
His "babe", as he calls her numerous times. His "honey". His "darling".
Also in the hero's own words: “my very good friend and my former lover.".........“and we have sizzling chemistry on the stage......" ANY AND ALL the crap he thinks about her after this is invalid because his actions prove otherwise.
She is an alcoholic. Has tried to commit suicide more than once. Is obsessed with the H, stalks him and is abusive to the h. She lies about her past to hold his attention. Manipulates the H, who admittedly is easy to manipulate. The book revolves around her obsession with him, with the heroine thrown in for the sex factor of the story.
Renner is the h. Not much to say here. Cos she's just...there...
Cillian is the "hero".
No alpha.
His life right now is looking after the ow, in hospital, at his flat, rehab, etc etc. He makes excuses for her. Again, and again. Throughout the book. She is his first thought, his main concern, the reason that he can't have a relationship with the h. His choice. For all intents and purposes, SHE is his heroine because he spends more time with her than Renner and his life revolves around her needs. Eww.
So, he chooses her above the h, from beginning to end of this book.
@ start of book excerpt:
“...I couldn't follow through with anything more than that fucking fantastic kiss (with heroine) because something more important had come up: ..I got a call from Maeve......"
excerpt @ 34%
.....I curse myself a thousand times for not even thinking about being available to Maeve while I was gone. It never occurred to me she would call this soon, yet that doesn't excuse my lapse in judgment.....
excerpt @ 45%
.....Pulling my phone out, I quickly connect the call before she hangs up. My heart is beating like mad—terrified I'll miss her call and send her over the edge again......
Excerpt @ 61%
He protects her by not revealing his feelings for the h.
“She's just someone I'm seeing. No big deal.”
excerpt @ 80 %
“Brady (a complete stranger, a guy they've literally just met, who turns out to be an abusive asshole) can you take Renner back home so I can handle this?” ("This" being Maeve, of course)
excerpt @ 85%
“. "I'm sorry then. I don't like ultimatums but if you're sure you want to give it, I choose Maeve. Her needs are just a bit more important than yours right now.”
excerpt @ 87%
“Let me ask you this. Where's Maeve right now?"
"She's at my apartment. Why?"
"Gah, you’re daft. How in the fuck do you think it can work with Renner when you're harboring a known psychopath—who walks around half-naked from what I understand—in your home?"
Hero: "That's harsh............have a care. Maeve has serious problems I'm trying to help her with.”
Oh, he has his come-to-Jesus moment but the cliche': "too little, too late" comes to mind. A least to MY mind cos the heroine obviously accepts his belated, unbelievable, insincere grovel. Which he immediately follows with how much he still cares about the ow...sigh...
excerpt @ 97%
“In hindsight, I realize now that there are a million ways, I could have helped Maeve that would have never caused you a minute of pain”
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED WITH:
excerpt:
“... I'll always worry about her, and Father O'Grady would probably have a stroke to hear this, but I pray every night for her well-being and safety.”
Then:
Some sexy touchy stuff....
Then....
The End.
Finito Benito
Sigh....
nts - neaten review