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Tennessee U #1
Saving West
How far would you go to save someone?
I can't afford distractions.
I've been put on academic probation and I'm one mistake away from being expelled and losing everything I've worked so hard for.
All I want is to make my mother proud and honor her memory by getting my degree.
My plan this semester is to keep my head down, focus on my studies, and stay out of trouble.
But fate is fickle, and it seems like she has other plans when she suddenly dumps him at my feet.
Weston Perkins, the university's star football player.
He's the worst kind of distraction — beautiful and vicious, arrogant and hot as sin, troubled and vulnerable.
I can't bear to be around him, and yet, I can't seem to stay away.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that there is something very wrong with West.
He's harboring a dark secret and desperately needs a friend.
I'm going to help him, even if he doesn't want it, and even if it means putting my future on the line.
Because some things in life are worth getting in trouble for.
Saving West is a slow-burn, emotional, hurt/comfort MM romance with moderate angst and a hard-earned HEA.
I can't afford distractions.
I've been put on academic probation and I'm one mistake away from being expelled and losing everything I've worked so hard for.
All I want is to make my mother proud and honor her memory by getting my degree.
My plan this semester is to keep my head down, focus on my studies, and stay out of trouble.
But fate is fickle, and it seems like she has other plans when she suddenly dumps him at my feet.
Weston Perkins, the university's star football player.
He's the worst kind of distraction — beautiful and vicious, arrogant and hot as sin, troubled and vulnerable.
I can't bear to be around him, and yet, I can't seem to stay away.
But the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that there is something very wrong with West.
He's harboring a dark secret and desperately needs a friend.
I'm going to help him, even if he doesn't want it, and even if it means putting my future on the line.
Because some things in life are worth getting in trouble for.
Saving West is a slow-burn, emotional, hurt/comfort MM romance with moderate angst and a hard-earned HEA.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
126 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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November 18, 2022
MM Romance
Sports Hurt/Comfort
2 Stars ⭐️
Saving West is this author’s debut book and I liked the sample enough to give it a whirl. Once I picked this book up, I never set it back down until I finished it. It was easy to read, no spelling or grammar issues and kept me interested the whole time. However, I didn’t really warm up to the couple, parts were completely wrong for the subject matter (more on that later), dialogue was choppy and the sex scenes were awful. What I initially liked I ended up rolling my eyes at later and when I finished this book I just felt blah about it.
So we have West, a football player who is being scouted for the NFL, and he’s been keeping some pretty big secrets from his friends and family. We also have Shane, a first year college student who is only there because his Uncle is the dean and pulled strings to get him into college. Shane is smart enough but he was involved in some SAT cheating scandal and lost all his scholarships. Shane is supposed to be staying out of trouble but he ends stumbling upon a party and helping West. This is how they “meet”. Shane and West live near each other in the dorms and Shane keeps finding West in compromising situations he then helps him out of. West wants Shane to leave him alone so he’s super rude to him but Shane always seems to be there when West needs someone and he can’t stand idly by and do nothing. It leads to a hurt/comfort dynamic of sorts between them but because West is always lashing out, it was never clear to me when they felt more towards one another. It was very much “fuck off I hate you but wait I think he’s hot, I love you” and gave me a bit of whiplash. The characters felt too one dimensional for me to really care about what happens to them and this book should have made me feel something because of the subject matter but it just didn’t.
The dialogue felt oddly weird for their ages especially when Shane asks West to go talk to his uncle at the beginning. I actually almost put it down but it’s a debut so I gave it leeway. There was needless drama with both families especially West’s and while I understood some of his mom’s concerns especially near the end, the rest of the time I really didn’t like her and the way it became happy families at the end didn’t work for me because of it. I have to mention the sex scenes before my last point because I would have rather had none than what we got. This book was about so much more than sex or at least it wanted to be and there was no real good place to put a sex scene in because of it. I was fine with that but then the author put one in and there was just no way West in his condition would have had the energy to do it but also it was a bit of fade to black and summary. It was just written strangely and really interrupted what could have been a heartfelt scene between them. There was another one at the end that made me cringe and I would have been a lot happier with none at all. This author definitely needs to work on her sex scenes before her next book.
But my biggest issue with this book and why my rating is so low is because of what happened after the liver transplant. It takes 6-8 weeks for the liver to regenerate after a transplant and even though the person who got it will feel better and have all kinds of energy, life doesn’t just go back to normal. There are all kinds of medications that need to be taken for life so your body won’t reject the transplant and while it’s possible to be active after a couple months, a person needs to stay away from contact sports like hockey and FOOTBALL because the liver could become damaged and the body will reject it. So, there is absolutely no way in hell, West, who was in 4th stage liver failure could have gone back to playing football right away and then qualified to be drafted for pro football in that same year. The doctors, especially the sports doctors would have never cleared him. It would have made sense if West had played another sport like tennis for example but he didn’t, he was trying to be a tight end for the NFL. 🤦🏻♀️ You may ask how I know all this and it’s because my friend got a liver transplant a few years ago and she has shared her journey with the world. It’s been inspiring for me to follow and learn from her and all she’s been through but there are still limitations on what she can and can’t do all these years later. The saddest one for me is we used to go out with our husbands to this cute little sushi place but she’s not allowed to eat raw fish or just fish in general. I have a gift certificate that I’ve been holding onto for 3 years because we were all supposed to go after they helped us move but then this happened and it feels wrong going without them. 😭 That is a pretty superficial thing but there are a lot more serious things she cannot do anymore too.
West’s liver and his hemochromatosis (he was born with it and it’s a lifelong disease) are what the bulk of this book is about so for it to not have a realistic outcome really bothered me. I was already struggling with them as a couple because it was so random but this just added to my displeasure. That being said though, I enjoyed the writing and I’m curious to see how this author evolves once they release more books. I think a seasoned author could have written this in a way that made me really care about the characters but unfortunately too much other stuff got in the way of what could have been a really heartfelt angsty book. Had this been longer and more detailed the author would have had time to flesh out their personalities and more time for us to bond with the characters but as it is now it was almost impossible for me to care about either of these people, their families or the health crisis the whole plot is based around.
Sports Hurt/Comfort
2 Stars ⭐️
Saving West is this author’s debut book and I liked the sample enough to give it a whirl. Once I picked this book up, I never set it back down until I finished it. It was easy to read, no spelling or grammar issues and kept me interested the whole time. However, I didn’t really warm up to the couple, parts were completely wrong for the subject matter (more on that later), dialogue was choppy and the sex scenes were awful. What I initially liked I ended up rolling my eyes at later and when I finished this book I just felt blah about it.
So we have West, a football player who is being scouted for the NFL, and he’s been keeping some pretty big secrets from his friends and family. We also have Shane, a first year college student who is only there because his Uncle is the dean and pulled strings to get him into college. Shane is smart enough but he was involved in some SAT cheating scandal and lost all his scholarships. Shane is supposed to be staying out of trouble but he ends stumbling upon a party and helping West. This is how they “meet”. Shane and West live near each other in the dorms and Shane keeps finding West in compromising situations he then helps him out of. West wants Shane to leave him alone so he’s super rude to him but Shane always seems to be there when West needs someone and he can’t stand idly by and do nothing. It leads to a hurt/comfort dynamic of sorts between them but because West is always lashing out, it was never clear to me when they felt more towards one another. It was very much “fuck off I hate you but wait I think he’s hot, I love you” and gave me a bit of whiplash. The characters felt too one dimensional for me to really care about what happens to them and this book should have made me feel something because of the subject matter but it just didn’t.
The dialogue felt oddly weird for their ages especially when Shane asks West to go talk to his uncle at the beginning. I actually almost put it down but it’s a debut so I gave it leeway. There was needless drama with both families especially West’s and while I understood some of his mom’s concerns especially near the end, the rest of the time I really didn’t like her and the way it became happy families at the end didn’t work for me because of it. I have to mention the sex scenes before my last point because I would have rather had none than what we got. This book was about so much more than sex or at least it wanted to be and there was no real good place to put a sex scene in because of it. I was fine with that but then the author put one in and there was just no way West in his condition would have had the energy to do it but also it was a bit of fade to black and summary. It was just written strangely and really interrupted what could have been a heartfelt scene between them. There was another one at the end that made me cringe and I would have been a lot happier with none at all. This author definitely needs to work on her sex scenes before her next book.
But my biggest issue with this book and why my rating is so low is because of what happened after the liver transplant. It takes 6-8 weeks for the liver to regenerate after a transplant and even though the person who got it will feel better and have all kinds of energy, life doesn’t just go back to normal. There are all kinds of medications that need to be taken for life so your body won’t reject the transplant and while it’s possible to be active after a couple months, a person needs to stay away from contact sports like hockey and FOOTBALL because the liver could become damaged and the body will reject it. So, there is absolutely no way in hell, West, who was in 4th stage liver failure could have gone back to playing football right away and then qualified to be drafted for pro football in that same year. The doctors, especially the sports doctors would have never cleared him. It would have made sense if West had played another sport like tennis for example but he didn’t, he was trying to be a tight end for the NFL. 🤦🏻♀️ You may ask how I know all this and it’s because my friend got a liver transplant a few years ago and she has shared her journey with the world. It’s been inspiring for me to follow and learn from her and all she’s been through but there are still limitations on what she can and can’t do all these years later. The saddest one for me is we used to go out with our husbands to this cute little sushi place but she’s not allowed to eat raw fish or just fish in general. I have a gift certificate that I’ve been holding onto for 3 years because we were all supposed to go after they helped us move but then this happened and it feels wrong going without them. 😭 That is a pretty superficial thing but there are a lot more serious things she cannot do anymore too.
West’s liver and his hemochromatosis (he was born with it and it’s a lifelong disease) are what the bulk of this book is about so for it to not have a realistic outcome really bothered me. I was already struggling with them as a couple because it was so random but this just added to my displeasure. That being said though, I enjoyed the writing and I’m curious to see how this author evolves once they release more books. I think a seasoned author could have written this in a way that made me really care about the characters but unfortunately too much other stuff got in the way of what could have been a really heartfelt angsty book. Had this been longer and more detailed the author would have had time to flesh out their personalities and more time for us to bond with the characters but as it is now it was almost impossible for me to care about either of these people, their families or the health crisis the whole plot is based around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Saving West is a sweet hurt/comfort story between two college students who are both struggling with some intense personal issues. Shane is dealing with academic probation complications while West is harboring a debilitating secret that has harsh consequences. Saving West is a moving and emotional read that goes in a direction I was not expecting.
I thought the story was a simple enemies to lovers and it turned out to be much more complex, and emotional. Shane and West are two lonely people who share a connection they both resist for a long time. I loved seeing their relationship grow, with the push and pull of their strong personalities.
Overall Saving West is a debut that I highly recommend to catch you in all the feels while experiencing a beautiful story with two very complicated guys.
Saving West is a sweet hurt/comfort story between two college students who are both struggling with some intense personal issues. Shane is dealing with academic probation complications while West is harboring a debilitating secret that has harsh consequences. Saving West is a moving and emotional read that goes in a direction I was not expecting.
I thought the story was a simple enemies to lovers and it turned out to be much more complex, and emotional. Shane and West are two lonely people who share a connection they both resist for a long time. I loved seeing their relationship grow, with the push and pull of their strong personalities.
Overall Saving West is a debut that I highly recommend to catch you in all the feels while experiencing a beautiful story with two very complicated guys.
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 1, 2022
Saving West is the debut novel of Denver Shaw. Westin Perkins, or "Perk the Jerk" as he is known around campus, is a University football player who feels alone in the world as he goes through a medical nightmare. His family does not support him and carries the world's weight on his shoulders. Shane is facing potential expulsion from Tennessee U due to a cheating scandal; he's alone, with the loss of all his family members except a cold uncle who sees him as only a failure and a troubled kid.
Shane and Perkins keep crossing paths, and soon Shane becomes someone who Perkins lets in. Perkins lashes out at Shane initially as he is hurt and dealing with a debilitating illness. Shane also causes him to question his sexuality. Watching them come together and bond is endearing as they go through some of life's toughest battles.
While it was a quick read, it was also emotional. There was very low spice, but their emotional connection and love were strong. Overall I enjoyed it, and Denver Shaw delivered for their debut book!
**I received a complimentary copy, and this is my honest review**
Shane and Perkins keep crossing paths, and soon Shane becomes someone who Perkins lets in. Perkins lashes out at Shane initially as he is hurt and dealing with a debilitating illness. Shane also causes him to question his sexuality. Watching them come together and bond is endearing as they go through some of life's toughest battles.
While it was a quick read, it was also emotional. There was very low spice, but their emotional connection and love were strong. Overall I enjoyed it, and Denver Shaw delivered for their debut book!
**I received a complimentary copy, and this is my honest review**
October 25, 2022
"This beautiful man came into my life at a time when I was at my lowest, a piece of me was missing. But every single day, he lifts me up and fills my empty spaces."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Boy was I not prepared in the slightest at the feelings this book threw at me. I went into this expecting the normal enemies-to-lovers trope but one chapter in and that went all out the door and my expectations were flipped on their head. It was a beautiful yet painful read that was developed thoroughly and had a complexity that took it to a whole other level. The main characters, Shane and West, both have painful pasts that haunt them daily and cause strife between the two of them constantly throughout the book, leaving you wondering if their relationship is ever capable of a happy ending. Witnessing them grow, both individually and as a couple through all the pain and suffering their lives throw at them was absolutely heart-warming. Overall, this was a beautiful book that got all the emotions flowing and leaving me feeling whole inside at the end!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Football
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Slow Burn
❣️ Bi-Awakening
❣️ HEA
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Boy was I not prepared in the slightest at the feelings this book threw at me. I went into this expecting the normal enemies-to-lovers trope but one chapter in and that went all out the door and my expectations were flipped on their head. It was a beautiful yet painful read that was developed thoroughly and had a complexity that took it to a whole other level. The main characters, Shane and West, both have painful pasts that haunt them daily and cause strife between the two of them constantly throughout the book, leaving you wondering if their relationship is ever capable of a happy ending. Witnessing them grow, both individually and as a couple through all the pain and suffering their lives throw at them was absolutely heart-warming. Overall, this was a beautiful book that got all the emotions flowing and leaving me feeling whole inside at the end!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Football
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Slow Burn
❣️ Bi-Awakening
❣️ HEA
October 31, 2022
The good
+ Shane being there for West, even when West kept pushing him away
+ Shane prioritizing West's wellbeing over his own problems
+ Bedside vigil
+ Shane taking care of West
+ How they never lied to each other
+ Both of them being honest about hiding something
+ West not being ashamed of being with Shane
+ West crawling back to Shane whenever Shane had enough, because West needed him
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would have liked to see West's return to school. Being accepted back into his team, and his change from Perk the Jerk to a generally kind guy would have been great to read about
The bad
- This book had no content warnings. This is the first time I've actually been triggered by a book, as it came at the wrong moment for me. The warnings I definitely missed were: . I asked the author whether they'd please include content warnings, but they never got back to me about it
-
- Shane's uncle was just forgiven for being an asshole without repercussions. Also, nobody apologized to Shane at all for ruining his academic career
- West's mom was also forgiven, while she was never there for West and made everything about herself all the time. West deserved better, and she made him spend what could have been without his boyfriend, just because she wanted to
I liked this, and it was a good debut novel. However, it really needed content warnings. And personally, if I'm reading fiction, I like asshole characters to get a nice dose of revenge or reality dumped on their heads. So seeing Shane's uncle and West's mom getting away with their behavior makes me both angry and sad. I don't think I would recommend this as it is, but the author has potential for sure.
+ Shane being there for West, even when West kept pushing him away
+ Shane prioritizing West's wellbeing over his own problems
+ Bedside vigil
+ Shane taking care of West
+ How they never lied to each other
+ Both of them being honest about hiding something
+ West not being ashamed of being with Shane
+ West crawling back to Shane whenever Shane had enough, because West needed him
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would have liked to see West's return to school. Being accepted back into his team, and his change from Perk the Jerk to a generally kind guy would have been great to read about
The bad
- This book had no content warnings. This is the first time I've actually been triggered by a book, as it came at the wrong moment for me. The warnings I definitely missed were: . I asked the author whether they'd please include content warnings, but they never got back to me about it
-
- Shane's uncle was just forgiven for being an asshole without repercussions. Also, nobody apologized to Shane at all for ruining his academic career
- West's mom was also forgiven, while she was never there for West and made everything about herself all the time. West deserved better, and she made him spend what could have been without his boyfriend, just because she wanted to
I liked this, and it was a good debut novel. However, it really needed content warnings. And personally, if I'm reading fiction, I like asshole characters to get a nice dose of revenge or reality dumped on their heads. So seeing Shane's uncle and West's mom getting away with their behavior makes me both angry and sad. I don't think I would recommend this as it is, but the author has potential for sure.
November 8, 2022
5⭐️ Loved this book! So original and well-written. Total tear-jerker hurt/comfort. Bring tissues! ❤️❤️
Totally worth taking a chance on this new author. One of my top favorite MM reads this year!
Totally worth taking a chance on this new author. One of my top favorite MM reads this year!
November 2, 2022
Uh...
Why were there no warnings for what was in here? Tis most confusing. You definitely don't want people to rate lower a rating because of surprise tropes.
In here we have Shane who is living how his uncle wants because of "secrets". We also have West who apparently went with being a horrible person to hide his "secret".
These two meet when Shane keeps finding West passed out. Personally, I did not find that these two had a connection. Outside of "man he is hot" comments that is.
There is a lot of "wanna tell me what's wrong?" by Shane and even more "stay away from me!" from West. I was annoyed by how many times this happened. Then of course there was the something life threatening happens and trauma bonding.
Then there was an epilogue and a bonus epilogue.
I had tons of issues with this one, but not knowing what I was walking into was the worst.
Why were there no warnings for what was in here? Tis most confusing. You definitely don't want people to rate lower a rating because of surprise tropes.
In here we have Shane who is living how his uncle wants because of "secrets". We also have West who apparently went with being a horrible person to hide his "secret".
These two meet when Shane keeps finding West passed out. Personally, I did not find that these two had a connection. Outside of "man he is hot" comments that is.
There is a lot of "wanna tell me what's wrong?" by Shane and even more "stay away from me!" from West. I was annoyed by how many times this happened. Then of course there was the something life threatening happens and trauma bonding.
Then there was an epilogue and a bonus epilogue.
I had tons of issues with this one, but not knowing what I was walking into was the worst.
July 3, 2023
3 stars. Once again, you can entirely blame a long plane ride for why I’m inhaling MM romances like Saving West like candy.
November 1, 2022
I liked the overall idea of the story, there were a few points where I liked the main characters and how they interacted, and there were a couple of times I got teary.
Other than that this just didn't work for me for quite a few reasons:
- It was all surface level, like a shallow puddle has more depth.
- The relationship escalated pretty fast considering West said he didn't know what he wanted, and it felt hard to believe Shane fell in love at all based on what was on the page
- West's parents were annoying stereotypes and overbearing, yet they flip-flopped in their decisions like the author couldn't really say who the characters were with conviction. Then random little bits about his siblings added nothing and were unnecessary.
- The test score situation and the disciplinary action was totally unnecessary to the storyline. It added nothing except some conflict with Shane's only living relative. More time could have been spent building the relationship to make it seem believeable in my opinion.
- The side characters were so flat they should have been left out altogether
- Not one team mate visited West even when they thought he was dying???? And considering all the medical testing involved in sports, how was West's terminal illness never picked up on by professionals?! Haemochromatosis is a blood disease that's pretty noticeable if you're checking iron levels!
There was just too much that didn't make sense and really detracted from the story for me to enjoy it, and the writing style of extremely short sentences just added to the disjointed feel of the whole book.
Kinda just a frustrating read overall!
Other than that this just didn't work for me for quite a few reasons:
- It was all surface level, like a shallow puddle has more depth.
- The relationship escalated pretty fast considering West said he didn't know what he wanted, and it felt hard to believe Shane fell in love at all based on what was on the page
- West's parents were annoying stereotypes and overbearing, yet they flip-flopped in their decisions like the author couldn't really say who the characters were with conviction. Then random little bits about his siblings added nothing and were unnecessary.
- The test score situation and the disciplinary action was totally unnecessary to the storyline. It added nothing except some conflict with Shane's only living relative. More time could have been spent building the relationship to make it seem believeable in my opinion.
- The side characters were so flat they should have been left out altogether
- Not one team mate visited West even when they thought he was dying???? And considering all the medical testing involved in sports, how was West's terminal illness never picked up on by professionals?! Haemochromatosis is a blood disease that's pretty noticeable if you're checking iron levels!
There was just too much that didn't make sense and really detracted from the story for me to enjoy it, and the writing style of extremely short sentences just added to the disjointed feel of the whole book.
Kinda just a frustrating read overall!
November 24, 2022
ARC REVIEW
❤️NA-College-Football
❤️Hurt comfort
❤️Very emotional
❤️Bi-awakening
❤️Slow burn
❤️Enemies-to-Lovers
❤️A terrifying secret
❤️Grumpy + Sunshine / Savior
❤️HEA
I'm writing this after crying my eyes out until 3 am and staying up until Shane's and West's beautiful, beautiful HEA.
In the first part of the book, West is a mess, he's seriously grumpy (but you will love him, and I don't easily like grumpy characters, but West had my heart). He's trying to carry a huge weight only on his shoulders, something that nobody should go through alone, and his confusing attraction for Shane on top of that.
Shane is a good person. He's selfless, even though, maybe initially it's attraction that pulls him to help West, but he's genuinely a good, generous and vulnerable guy.
But just as it often happens to generous people, others tend to forget to care about what they are feeling, they think they're are happy or have no problems. So Shane too has to carry a lot of struggles and feelings inside. My heart broke for him just as much as it did for West, for different reasons.
Shane is one of my favorite type of character: the one that has to be strong for everyone, that puts others first and then suffers all the consequences without anyone realising, and that feels like nobody is putting them as a priority, or care about them, who doesn't complain, and ends up getting hurt repeatedly, and usually only shows their vulnerable side in their interior monologues but hardly speak it out. Maybe because I identify a little bit and I always cry for them.
The last part of the story will destroy your heart and probably make you cry all your tears, and then cry again during their beautiful epilogues.
I really really liked this story, it was emotional in the way that I'm always looking for in a hurt comfort: heartbreaking and heartwarming characters' personal stories, medium angsty plot, low relationship angst.
But I do think that this story is not for everyone as the main theme might be a trigger or at least uncomfortable to some, definitely if you are a vulnerable reader check the content warnings.
Luckily I knew what West's secret - aka the main plot line of the book - was beforehand, so it was not an issue or a shock for me. If you decide to read the Content Warning just know that it's not a big spoiler, since West's secret is somehow already clear in the first chapters.
If you liked books like When You Come Back to Me, All the battles we surrender, Trading Teams, Savage Rivals you might love this one.
Content and Trigger Warnings:
❤️NA-College-Football
❤️Hurt comfort
❤️Very emotional
❤️Bi-awakening
❤️Slow burn
❤️Enemies-to-Lovers
❤️A terrifying secret
❤️Grumpy + Sunshine / Savior
❤️HEA
I'm writing this after crying my eyes out until 3 am and staying up until Shane's and West's beautiful, beautiful HEA.
In the first part of the book, West is a mess, he's seriously grumpy (but you will love him, and I don't easily like grumpy characters, but West had my heart). He's trying to carry a huge weight only on his shoulders, something that nobody should go through alone, and his confusing attraction for Shane on top of that.
Shane is a good person. He's selfless, even though, maybe initially it's attraction that pulls him to help West, but he's genuinely a good, generous and vulnerable guy.
But just as it often happens to generous people, others tend to forget to care about what they are feeling, they think they're are happy or have no problems. So Shane too has to carry a lot of struggles and feelings inside. My heart broke for him just as much as it did for West, for different reasons.
Shane is one of my favorite type of character: the one that has to be strong for everyone, that puts others first and then suffers all the consequences without anyone realising, and that feels like nobody is putting them as a priority, or care about them, who doesn't complain, and ends up getting hurt repeatedly, and usually only shows their vulnerable side in their interior monologues but hardly speak it out. Maybe because I identify a little bit and I always cry for them.
The last part of the story will destroy your heart and probably make you cry all your tears, and then cry again during their beautiful epilogues.
I really really liked this story, it was emotional in the way that I'm always looking for in a hurt comfort: heartbreaking and heartwarming characters' personal stories, medium angsty plot, low relationship angst.
But I do think that this story is not for everyone as the main theme might be a trigger or at least uncomfortable to some, definitely if you are a vulnerable reader check the content warnings.
Luckily I knew what West's secret - aka the main plot line of the book - was beforehand, so it was not an issue or a shock for me. If you decide to read the Content Warning just know that it's not a big spoiler, since West's secret is somehow already clear in the first chapters.
If you liked books like When You Come Back to Me, All the battles we surrender, Trading Teams, Savage Rivals you might love this one.
Content and Trigger Warnings:
January 9, 2023
"Moderate angst" it says. LOL. I can say literally nothing about this book without spoiling it. But the gist is college romance, enemies to lovers, GFY, hurt/comfort vibes. I didn't enjoy this. The slow burn romance feels so superficial, there's hardly any real connection between the MCs; at first there's just like random antagonism and their subsequent attraction feels forced. The deeply unrealistic happy ending is just like shoehorned in there, dependent entirely on wild coincidence. Not a win for me.
November 5, 2022
Book given in return for review
This is my first book by this author and OMG did she deliver a banger!!
I read the blurb, yep this book sounds good, but I was NOT expecting the turn of events!
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, hurt, anger, disappointment, affection, comfort, love, so much sadness but also so much happiness.
Shane is on thin ice when it comes to his education, one more slip up and he’s out, but when he finds the jerk of the school passed out he can’t not help him even though it leads him to more trouble.
West, to look at him you think he has everything, he’s popular he’s the tight end of the football team, he could have any girl he wants, he’s also complete jerk, but he’s hiding a BIG secret that will ruin his future if anyone finds out, so the last person he wants to help him is a stranger at school.
This is a heartbreaking book with a very hard fought HEA but don’t let that put you off it’s so worth it. Shane is so lovely, caring, compassionate but also strong, he’s someone I’d like to be friends with, he a supporter even when you don’t think you need him.
Poor West is going though a lot so you can understand his bitterness and anger, but once he realises he needs a friend and that friend will put up with his BS even when he does his best to push him away, he knows that Shane is a keeper.
This is a hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to friends to lovers book.
I will now be going to see if this author has any other work because this book got me hooked!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first book by this author and OMG did she deliver a banger!!
I read the blurb, yep this book sounds good, but I was NOT expecting the turn of events!
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, hurt, anger, disappointment, affection, comfort, love, so much sadness but also so much happiness.
Shane is on thin ice when it comes to his education, one more slip up and he’s out, but when he finds the jerk of the school passed out he can’t not help him even though it leads him to more trouble.
West, to look at him you think he has everything, he’s popular he’s the tight end of the football team, he could have any girl he wants, he’s also complete jerk, but he’s hiding a BIG secret that will ruin his future if anyone finds out, so the last person he wants to help him is a stranger at school.
This is a heartbreaking book with a very hard fought HEA but don’t let that put you off it’s so worth it. Shane is so lovely, caring, compassionate but also strong, he’s someone I’d like to be friends with, he a supporter even when you don’t think you need him.
Poor West is going though a lot so you can understand his bitterness and anger, but once he realises he needs a friend and that friend will put up with his BS even when he does his best to push him away, he knows that Shane is a keeper.
This is a hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to friends to lovers book.
I will now be going to see if this author has any other work because this book got me hooked!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 1, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
- slow burn
- hurt x comfort
- opposites attract
- emotional af
On academic probation and on the verge of being kicked out of school for the smallest infraction, Shane plans on keeping his head down and focusing on school. All that changes when he stumbles across someone passed out under the bleachers at a party, and realizes it’s none other than West Perkins, the university’s star player.
As weeks pass and he keeps running into the massive jerkwad in compromising positions, and despite his terrible attitude, Shane can’t keep himself from helping the rude football player. The more time spent with West has him realizing that not everything is as it seems, and when it’s finally uncovered that West is sick, Shane’s already half in love with him. Soon things go from bad to worse, and Shane takes matters into his own hands and will do anything he can to keep the man he loves.
Saving West was honestly way more sad than I was expecting it to be, but overall really enjoyable. It’s fast paced and hooked me from the beginning, but I did struggle a bit with Shane & West’s romance/relationship. I didn’t really feel the chemistry or connection between the two of them and there wasn’t really enough depth to their interactions (outside of Shane constantly saving West) for me to believe there could be more than friendly feelings between them.
- slow burn
- hurt x comfort
- opposites attract
- emotional af
On academic probation and on the verge of being kicked out of school for the smallest infraction, Shane plans on keeping his head down and focusing on school. All that changes when he stumbles across someone passed out under the bleachers at a party, and realizes it’s none other than West Perkins, the university’s star player.
As weeks pass and he keeps running into the massive jerkwad in compromising positions, and despite his terrible attitude, Shane can’t keep himself from helping the rude football player. The more time spent with West has him realizing that not everything is as it seems, and when it’s finally uncovered that West is sick, Shane’s already half in love with him. Soon things go from bad to worse, and Shane takes matters into his own hands and will do anything he can to keep the man he loves.
Saving West was honestly way more sad than I was expecting it to be, but overall really enjoyable. It’s fast paced and hooked me from the beginning, but I did struggle a bit with Shane & West’s romance/relationship. I didn’t really feel the chemistry or connection between the two of them and there wasn’t really enough depth to their interactions (outside of Shane constantly saving West) for me to believe there could be more than friendly feelings between them.
August 20, 2023
An easy, carefree read but a bit predictable and unrealistic at times.
October 28, 2022
This was such a beautiful heart wrenching story. With a title like Saving West and the book description I knew something was obviously wrong with West but I was on the edge of my seat for so many chapters waiting to find out what was wrong with him! When we finally did find out I was heartbroken for him and what he was going through.
I loved how supportive and understanding Shane was with West through it all. Especially when West wasn’t the nicest person in the world to Shane. I found the book super predictable once we found out West’s illness but I still loved it all. I really liked West and Shane together as a couple. I found they really balanced each other out and worked so well together.
I’m really looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how supportive and understanding Shane was with West through it all. Especially when West wasn’t the nicest person in the world to Shane. I found the book super predictable once we found out West’s illness but I still loved it all. I really liked West and Shane together as a couple. I found they really balanced each other out and worked so well together.
I’m really looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2023
Tropes: hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, bi-awakening
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: no
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: death of parent, permanent illness, near death experience
This review contains spoilers.
West is 20, a football player at university. He is known for being a bit of a social recluse / jerk. Secretly, West has been diagnosed with a condition that can't be cured but can be managed. Unfortunately he's got organ damage and needs a transplant.
Shane is 18, gay, in his first year of university. He's a genius or close to it. He has basically already completed two years worth of university before he even started it. Shane has recently lost his mom to cancer. Due to a mix-up was accused of forging his sat scores. But he can't prove it's a mix-up. So he's on academic probation and he's constantly having to prove himself and stay out of trouble.
They meet. Their first few interactions are rocky. Shane comes across West during / after various episodes that he's having and Shane tries to offer help. West doesn't want to admit that he needs help and he doesn't want to disclose what's going on with him. West's family makes his diagnosis worse so he's been keeping things from them because they are disapproving of his choices and helicopter parenting him. Eventually West gets scared, and he needs to lean on someone/talk to someone. And Shane knows he's sick even though he doesn't know with what so West leans on Shane. They become friends.
Shane is attracted to West. West is realizing that he's likely bisexual, he's attracted to Shane too. Can these guys make it?
This was a lovely story. It was very emotional. I have to say I spent a good amount of time with tears welling in my eyes. It was sad. But it had a really good happy ending. Was it too convenient of an ending? Absolutely. Would I have been devastated if there was any other type of ending? Yes. It was a little slow burn just so you know. There wasn't a lot of graphic stuff until later. I really like the relationship that they had. It was somewhat annoying how West's parents tried to keep Shane out of the hospital. And for Shane to be in academic trouble despite the school knowing what was going on with West and that Shane was at the hospital with him, for them to be doing a hearing virtually from the hospital and someone on that call was insisting that he be kicked out was just completely heartless.
Some notable moments:
"Shane’s face pales as he looks at me. His lips press together as he nods curtly. “Alright. Well, I don’t want this to sound rude, ma’am, but I’m not going anywhere until your son asks me to. He needs a friend by his side while he’s going through this.”"
"“Tell me, Shane.” I stop in my tracks, then swivel around. With my gaze focused on him, I clear my throat. “I love you, West…always. Whether we win or lose this fight, I’ll love you through it…and even after, I’ll still be loving you.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: no
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks: death of parent, permanent illness, near death experience
This review contains spoilers.
West is 20, a football player at university. He is known for being a bit of a social recluse / jerk. Secretly, West has been diagnosed with a condition that can't be cured but can be managed. Unfortunately he's got organ damage and needs a transplant.
Shane is 18, gay, in his first year of university. He's a genius or close to it. He has basically already completed two years worth of university before he even started it. Shane has recently lost his mom to cancer. Due to a mix-up was accused of forging his sat scores. But he can't prove it's a mix-up. So he's on academic probation and he's constantly having to prove himself and stay out of trouble.
They meet. Their first few interactions are rocky. Shane comes across West during / after various episodes that he's having and Shane tries to offer help. West doesn't want to admit that he needs help and he doesn't want to disclose what's going on with him. West's family makes his diagnosis worse so he's been keeping things from them because they are disapproving of his choices and helicopter parenting him. Eventually West gets scared, and he needs to lean on someone/talk to someone. And Shane knows he's sick even though he doesn't know with what so West leans on Shane. They become friends.
Shane is attracted to West. West is realizing that he's likely bisexual, he's attracted to Shane too. Can these guys make it?
This was a lovely story. It was very emotional. I have to say I spent a good amount of time with tears welling in my eyes. It was sad. But it had a really good happy ending. Was it too convenient of an ending? Absolutely. Would I have been devastated if there was any other type of ending? Yes. It was a little slow burn just so you know. There wasn't a lot of graphic stuff until later. I really like the relationship that they had. It was somewhat annoying how West's parents tried to keep Shane out of the hospital. And for Shane to be in academic trouble despite the school knowing what was going on with West and that Shane was at the hospital with him, for them to be doing a hearing virtually from the hospital and someone on that call was insisting that he be kicked out was just completely heartless.
Some notable moments:
"Shane’s face pales as he looks at me. His lips press together as he nods curtly. “Alright. Well, I don’t want this to sound rude, ma’am, but I’m not going anywhere until your son asks me to. He needs a friend by his side while he’s going through this.”"
"“Tell me, Shane.” I stop in my tracks, then swivel around. With my gaze focused on him, I clear my throat. “I love you, West…always. Whether we win or lose this fight, I’ll love you through it…and even after, I’ll still be loving you.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2022
Wow! Just wow! This debut novel by Denver Shaw destroyed me. I was warned it was going to hurt but I was not prepared for how much my heart would truly ache for West and Shane. But I was left with a full heart by the end.
Shane was coping with a college admissions scandal following the loss of his mother. He had virtually no one, other than his very stoic and detached uncle. His one goal in life was to make his (deceased) mother proud and was left picking up the pieces of his shattered life with no support. He had such compassion for others and that’s shown in the way he consistently helped West even when West was absolutely awful to him. He saw something in West that called to him on deep level he didn’t fully understand.
Westin Perkins III was nicknamed Perk the Jerk for very good reason. He did not treat people well. Granted he was trying to manage his secret without letting anyone know that something was extremely wrong. He knew he would be kinder to Shane but he was so scared to let anyone in. But he couldn’t continue denying how much Shane was affecting him and how his attraction was more than just curiosity.
Once West let Shane in and care for him, they bonded in way that no one could break. They understood and gave each other the love and support they both desperately needed. These two young men do get their hard fought HEA.
This wasn’t high on spice but it was deeply emotional. It was a quick read that will leave an impact. Be prepared to ugly cry.
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Shane was coping with a college admissions scandal following the loss of his mother. He had virtually no one, other than his very stoic and detached uncle. His one goal in life was to make his (deceased) mother proud and was left picking up the pieces of his shattered life with no support. He had such compassion for others and that’s shown in the way he consistently helped West even when West was absolutely awful to him. He saw something in West that called to him on deep level he didn’t fully understand.
Westin Perkins III was nicknamed Perk the Jerk for very good reason. He did not treat people well. Granted he was trying to manage his secret without letting anyone know that something was extremely wrong. He knew he would be kinder to Shane but he was so scared to let anyone in. But he couldn’t continue denying how much Shane was affecting him and how his attraction was more than just curiosity.
Once West let Shane in and care for him, they bonded in way that no one could break. They understood and gave each other the love and support they both desperately needed. These two young men do get their hard fought HEA.
This wasn’t high on spice but it was deeply emotional. It was a quick read that will leave an impact. Be prepared to ugly cry.
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the first half. It was intriguing. The author captured my attention and I felt the connection building between Shane and West. I liked the writing style.
The second half felt inconsistent with how the relationship build was occurring in the first half. All of a sudden West was perfectly comfortable with his new found feelings and they were in love. The ending felt rushed and almost like things wrapped up too perfect under the circumstances.
With that being said I still enjoyed it and can maybe even rationalize the sudden change in character development due to the nature of the secret West is holding onto.
I loved Shane and his never-ending support to West, even when he didn't seem to deserve it. He was truly a selfless character.
I believe this was a debut novel. I would definitely read more from this author.
The second half felt inconsistent with how the relationship build was occurring in the first half. All of a sudden West was perfectly comfortable with his new found feelings and they were in love. The ending felt rushed and almost like things wrapped up too perfect under the circumstances.
With that being said I still enjoyed it and can maybe even rationalize the sudden change in character development due to the nature of the secret West is holding onto.
I loved Shane and his never-ending support to West, even when he didn't seem to deserve it. He was truly a selfless character.
I believe this was a debut novel. I would definitely read more from this author.
October 20, 2022
I'm not going to say much, because y'all know I don't do spoilers. But I will say this:
❤️ Shane & West are everything MM romances have been missing lately.
❤️ Unless you don't have a soul, this will make you cry. Sad tears. Happy tears. Just all the tears.
❤️ While there is mild-moderate angst in this story, it's external to the relationship.
This was just a lovely, brilliantly done read. I couldn't put it down & will be ordering it in paperback. I have been sick of contemporary romance lately, especially in MM where every book seems to be the exact same, but this brought me back. It was fresh and incredibly sweet and heartbreaking in the best way. My only complaint is wanting more.
❤️ Shane & West are everything MM romances have been missing lately.
❤️ Unless you don't have a soul, this will make you cry. Sad tears. Happy tears. Just all the tears.
❤️ While there is mild-moderate angst in this story, it's external to the relationship.
This was just a lovely, brilliantly done read. I couldn't put it down & will be ordering it in paperback. I have been sick of contemporary romance lately, especially in MM where every book seems to be the exact same, but this brought me back. It was fresh and incredibly sweet and heartbreaking in the best way. My only complaint is wanting more.
November 16, 2022
Couldn't put it down
I loved this story, the characters are great, a very well written book with an emotional story arc. HEA. You will love this new author, I highly recommend
I loved this story, the characters are great, a very well written book with an emotional story arc. HEA. You will love this new author, I highly recommend
November 23, 2022
I'm disappointed in this book for many reasons. First, as a medical professional, it is always irritating when someone does so little research when writing a book with a medical diagnosis. Especially when all it takes is a quick internet search. For instance, when someone is dying of liver failure, they cannot eat pizza. When someone comes out of (or is heading into) transplant surgery, they don't have you share a room with a other post-surgical patient. Those are just a few things...
As a reader of m/m romance, the author takes the "enemies to lovers" trope a mile too far. First, they are enemies because West is a prick that doesn't deserve friends. Shane, on the other hand, is a doormat. Also, there was a single lovescene with a lot of assumptions--- Shane doesn't know what PrEP is, but knows enough to help stretch his lover the first time they have sex??? Finally, there are even strange things about the backstory---Shane is able to do 2 years worth of college classes prior to going to the university, but they say that he cheated on his SATs, which is why he can't get into an Ivy League school...it is MUCH easier to cheat on college coursework taught during high school than to cheat on the SATs. I normally love sports romances, but this one was irritating.
As a reader of m/m romance, the author takes the "enemies to lovers" trope a mile too far. First, they are enemies because West is a prick that doesn't deserve friends. Shane, on the other hand, is a doormat. Also, there was a single lovescene with a lot of assumptions--- Shane doesn't know what PrEP is, but knows enough to help stretch his lover the first time they have sex??? Finally, there are even strange things about the backstory---Shane is able to do 2 years worth of college classes prior to going to the university, but they say that he cheated on his SATs, which is why he can't get into an Ivy League school...it is MUCH easier to cheat on college coursework taught during high school than to cheat on the SATs. I normally love sports romances, but this one was irritating.
July 10, 2023
I gave it my best shot, tried to suspend belief and just go with it, but it was just too much to ask. From The lack of knowledge and research into how a terminal illness is addressed, how a college football program works, and then reading reviews as to how post transplant care is handled, I was getting so frustrated I had to stop. It was a good premise, but execution was just not done well at all.
November 15, 2022
Saving West was a quick read but it packed a lot more of an emotional punch than I anticipated.
Shane Johnson and Weston Perkins keep crossing each other’s path, mostly when Weston is in need of some help. They don’t like each other at first - Weston being a major prick and Shane just trying to help out in any way he can. But their hatred turns into a confusing friendship that then becomes so much more. Weston is really sick but still attempting to live his life normally and Shane sees that he’s struggling and offers to be there for him when he needs it. They shouldn’t work together but they really do, in a way I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed the first half of their story but the second half wasn’t as captivating - I think a lot of that had to do with Weston’s parents.
There were a few things I had a hard time wrapping my head around that made me rate this story 3 stars instead of 4 - Shane’s test score forging scandal (really unbelievable and also really confusing) and the fact that Weston’s illness was never discovered during any of the football team physicals (unlikely and also confusing). Both of those things took away from the story for me and left me with more questions than answers.
This book handles some heavy topics and while it wasn’t triggering for me, I can definitely see how it could be for others. I would have loved to see a content warning before I dove in to know what to expect. Considering the topics covered in the book, I think things wrapped up a little too neatly, but I did enjoy seeing them happy together after all the ups and downs.
Shane Johnson and Weston Perkins keep crossing each other’s path, mostly when Weston is in need of some help. They don’t like each other at first - Weston being a major prick and Shane just trying to help out in any way he can. But their hatred turns into a confusing friendship that then becomes so much more. Weston is really sick but still attempting to live his life normally and Shane sees that he’s struggling and offers to be there for him when he needs it. They shouldn’t work together but they really do, in a way I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed the first half of their story but the second half wasn’t as captivating - I think a lot of that had to do with Weston’s parents.
There were a few things I had a hard time wrapping my head around that made me rate this story 3 stars instead of 4 - Shane’s test score forging scandal (really unbelievable and also really confusing) and the fact that Weston’s illness was never discovered during any of the football team physicals (unlikely and also confusing). Both of those things took away from the story for me and left me with more questions than answers.
This book handles some heavy topics and while it wasn’t triggering for me, I can definitely see how it could be for others. I would have loved to see a content warning before I dove in to know what to expect. Considering the topics covered in the book, I think things wrapped up a little too neatly, but I did enjoy seeing them happy together after all the ups and downs.
November 21, 2022
This was the first book by Denver Shaw and I absolutely loved reading it! It reminded me of these movies with terminal illness being stuck in the hospital. At first I was pretty frustrated with West by the way he acted with Shane but have come to love him toward the end of the story. Of course it doesn’t help having such a jerk as a minor character (namely Shane’s uncle) but there’s a reason for this. I’d love for this to be a M/M Hallmarkesque TV movie because of the ending! Definitely 5 stars from me! I hope this is the beginning of more books!
The story focuses on Shane who is in danger of being expelled at the only college that would accept him because of his uncle who happens to be the college president. No other colleges would accept him because of his action of “supposedly” cheating on the SAT exams. After being given the rub down by his uncle, he was walking across the campus and happened to find West, the star football player supposedly drunk at a party. He knew who West was and tried to help get him up. However, when the campus police showed up, he had to dump West in the bushes to hide him away. The police caught up with Shane and he was given another beat-down by his uncle. He then saw West in one of his classes and begged him to tell his uncle what actually happened but West was defiant. There was a reason for his defiance. But that’s all I’m going to say and encourage you to pick up the book to read to find out what happens!
The story focuses on Shane who is in danger of being expelled at the only college that would accept him because of his uncle who happens to be the college president. No other colleges would accept him because of his action of “supposedly” cheating on the SAT exams. After being given the rub down by his uncle, he was walking across the campus and happened to find West, the star football player supposedly drunk at a party. He knew who West was and tried to help get him up. However, when the campus police showed up, he had to dump West in the bushes to hide him away. The police caught up with Shane and he was given another beat-down by his uncle. He then saw West in one of his classes and begged him to tell his uncle what actually happened but West was defiant. There was a reason for his defiance. But that’s all I’m going to say and encourage you to pick up the book to read to find out what happens!
November 13, 2022
“‘ 𝓘𝓷 𝓬𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓵𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓮𝓽 ; 𝓘’𝓶 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾.’ 𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝓥𝓲𝓻𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓪 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝓵𝓯, 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂.” 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓼𝓸𝓯𝓽𝓵𝔂. “𝓘’𝓶 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 , 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Saving West by Denver Shaw is the first installment in the Tennessee U series. Shane and West story was a low angst but very emotional story. That centers around two University students that are dealing with the weight of the world whilst trying to fork a path for themselves against all the odds. Shane is down on his luck and his future is wavering after his dismissal from his chosen dream Universities because of an alleged fake test score. If he doesn't walk the line and keep out of trouble at Tennessee University, of which his uncle made a great effort to get him enrolled at. He might as well kiss away any more chances and more importantly accept defeat and acknowledge disappointing his mother's memory. When Shane and West's (star football player at TU) worlds collide, Shane learns there is more festering under the surface of the man known more for his unpleasantries... than his talent.
Shane and West story his filled with tragedies & triumphs. Saving West is an avalanche of emotional upheaval but also a sweet Bi-awakening sport romance.
Saving West by Denver Shaw is the first installment in the Tennessee U series. Shane and West story was a low angst but very emotional story. That centers around two University students that are dealing with the weight of the world whilst trying to fork a path for themselves against all the odds. Shane is down on his luck and his future is wavering after his dismissal from his chosen dream Universities because of an alleged fake test score. If he doesn't walk the line and keep out of trouble at Tennessee University, of which his uncle made a great effort to get him enrolled at. He might as well kiss away any more chances and more importantly accept defeat and acknowledge disappointing his mother's memory. When Shane and West's (star football player at TU) worlds collide, Shane learns there is more festering under the surface of the man known more for his unpleasantries... than his talent.
Shane and West story his filled with tragedies & triumphs. Saving West is an avalanche of emotional upheaval but also a sweet Bi-awakening sport romance.
November 13, 2022
This book kept me interested all the way through. It was obvious West had some sort of health issue, and I found myself speculating on different diseases as more symptoms appeared. He was not a particularly “lovable” character to root for, but his behavior toward Shane was understandable in some ways as his world kept crumbling more and more, there was nothing he could do to stop the downward spiral, all of his plans and dreams were disappearing, and even one person knowing the extent of what was happening was a threat to any control he did have over his life that was visible to others.
Shane is the guy with a good heart and moral compass, one who has had his own traumas and life challenges through no fault of his own either. He is a compassionate guy, not ready to give up on someone who obviously needs help. He is the steadfast, dependable friend that West needed to help him deal with all that was happening around him. His positive attitude and always having an appropriate quote to boost West up was something I appreciated.
I identified with the characters and the reactions to their situations. I will look for other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shane is the guy with a good heart and moral compass, one who has had his own traumas and life challenges through no fault of his own either. He is a compassionate guy, not ready to give up on someone who obviously needs help. He is the steadfast, dependable friend that West needed to help him deal with all that was happening around him. His positive attitude and always having an appropriate quote to boost West up was something I appreciated.
I identified with the characters and the reactions to their situations. I will look for other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2022
West and Shane are dealing with a lot. Shane is a good guy who is trying hard to keep things together and finish his degree to honor his late mother. West starts out as a bit of a jerk to Shane to deflect from a secret he is harboring. As they spend time together Shane comes to realize that West is dealing with something big and he hangs in there because he wants to help. Both of these guys have a lot to deal with and finding each other did not mean that things became easy but having each other gave them someone to depend on and they found love in the midst of difficulty. Emotional, heavy but a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2022
Such a great book. One of the best books of the year. More deserving than the five stars i can give it. Emotional and steamy. Heartfelt and heartwarming. West only cares about being able to play football. He has dreams of playing in the NFL. How far is he willing to go to reach his goal? He has some secrets he's been keeping. Shane is so close to being to being kicked out of school. His every move is being watched. He needs to be on his best behavior. All of the sudden West is thrown into his life. West keeps popping up in his life. Shane wants to help him but West keeps pushing him away. West is clearly hiding something. At the risk of being thrown out of school Shane continues to help West. Once the secret comes out the two begin to get close. Will the circumstances prevent them from becoming more? I highly recommend.
November 27, 2022
This book! Ugh so heartbreaking, like I felt like my heart was in my throat for most of this book. I’m not gonna spoil this plot but I will say be prepared to cry. Like ugly sobbing. This love story isn’t easy it’s down right complicated and heartbreaking you just want to crawl into the pages and hug both these men, both struggle so much I actually thought this wouldn’t end in a happy ending. And that would have been devastating. So I will tell you they do get their happy ending it’s just hard earned.
October 21, 2022
Great debut by Denver. Shane and West’s story is definitely a very emotional journey. It is written beautifully. This is not a smutty sports romance, this is 2 guys dealing with challenges that are very real and the stress and love in this story is very impactful.
Hard to write more as don’t want to give anything away as this is one of those books you need to feel in the moment if that makes sense. No preparation.
If you are looking for an emotionally provoking with some angst sprinkled in but a HEA then this is for you.
Hard to write more as don’t want to give anything away as this is one of those books you need to feel in the moment if that makes sense. No preparation.
If you are looking for an emotionally provoking with some angst sprinkled in but a HEA then this is for you.
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