After Reading: STRENGTH by Carrie Butler

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

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)

I've been looking forward to picking this one up for a while now, especially with the sequel to be released shortly. NA paranormals are so totally something that I love. STRENGTH was a fun read, but it did leave a little to be wanted I found. It took until about halfway through the book for me to really get into things, at which point I definitely enjoyed the rest of the book. Wallace was a really well-done character I found his inner turmoil and frustrations to be spot-on. Rena, on the other hand, kind of struck me as a little pushy in places. As in, if someone asked me not to do something I'd certainly try not to but into their business (even if for their "own good"). The supporting characters cracked me up though, and Gabby and Aiden really kept me reading in a few places. Anyhow, I did enjoy this, but there were a few areas I found a little head-scratchy. 

Anyone else read this? What were your thoughts?