Book Review: Deacon (Unfinished Hero #4) by Kristen Ashley

The fourth book in the Unfinished Hero series was a hit. I loved all the emotion and the ups and downs of Deacon and Cassidy coming together. I thought there was a wonderful build to their story.

Deacon (Unfinished Hero #4) by Kristen Ashley

Deacon has an ugly history, a history that broke him, leaving him a ghost of a man. Out of necessity, he left the normal world to descend into the criminal world and found he fit. So he stayed. Cold as ice and living off the grid, Deacon has no intention to connect, not with anyone.

Then he returns to some remote cabins in the Colorado Mountains and finds they have new owners. One of them is Cassidy Swallow, a young woman willing to work hard to live her quiet dream in a house by a river surrounded by aspen and pine.

Suddenly, Deacon finds he’s at war. Cassidy’s pull for him to connect is strong. He fights it, but he loses, always coming back for more. But when he does, he gives her nothing.

From the first time she sees him, Cassidy knows Deacon is dead inside. She knows he’s the kind of man who could destroy a woman. But one night when Deacon’s control slips, Cassidy takes a chance.

He might break her. He also might be her dream come true.

4 out of 5 stars

Deacon was such an emotional story filled with heartache and healing. I loved seeing Cassidy and Deacon come together and I was caught up in their story the entire time.

I loved Cassidy and how hardworking and tough she was. She knew what she wanted and went after it. Deacon is a total alpha male and gruff. He’s incredibly closed off and clearly in pain. I loved them meeting and the evolution of their encounters over the years until they really connect. I liked the looks and longing between them and how his feelings were conveyed. All of Deacon’s actions and words had so much purpose and meaning behind them. I was filled with anticipation to learn about him. I loved those moments when his mask would slip, there was so much feeling behind it. The build to Deacon and Cassidy’s coming together was a beautiful one. I loved when he would open up, giving her all he could. I loved his sweet and caring side as well.

This was an awesome read for sure but after reading the other books in the Unfinished Hero series, I was expecting a bit more grit and drama. What I got was a wonderful story filled with emotion and heart. I felt there was a slow build to actually finding out all about Deacon and what marked him. There were some seriously heartbreaking moments that were filled with so much feeling, I got choked up several times. When Deacon finally got to that moment when everything clicks, and he does open up and share, it was totally worth the wait. It was guttural and painful. I felt so much for him and all he suffered and endured. I loved all that Cassidy gave back to him with her unconditional caring and love.

There were great details and so many fantastic character connections. I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces. I loved the build to their relationship, the bond they formed, all the trust they had, and the super-hot sex with light BDSM elements mixed in. The epilogue has me excited for the final book in the series. Bring on Sebring. Deacon was an excellent addition to the series.