Saving Zane

Oakside Military Heroes #8

by Kaci Rose

He's fighting the silence; she's painting his world with color again.

Zane
Battled, broken, and branded by war, I came to Oakside seeking refuge, not redemption.
The blast took my hearing and tossed my world into silence.
Now I’m a grizzled former Navy SEAL battling with my demons and the silence of my world, until I stumble upon Carlee.
Despite the years and experiences that separate us, she looks at me and sees a man, not a collection of scars and stories.
But with my past and her dreams of a future, I'm not convinced I can it give to her.

Carlee
Art is my refuge, my way of speaking when words fail me.
Oakside is supposed to be just another step in building my dream.
Helping Zane find his way back to himself wasn't in my plans, despite the shadows that linger in his eyes, I see the possibility of a future together.
Until I get the phone call that says I'm the sole guardian of my six year old niece.
Now I’m thrust into a life he’s made clear he doesn’t want.

Genres: Romance, Military Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Disability, Small Town Romance, Friends To Lovers

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2024

About the author

Join Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books

Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.

Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.

Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor

Reviews

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Kaci's books because they are quick and uplifting. Her relatable characters elicit a wide range of emotions in readers.

💛Zane & Carlee💛

Zane, a Navy SEAL, lost his hearing and is now adjusting to life outside the military. He was sent to Oakside to learn how to adapt to his new circumstances.

He meets Carlee, who teaches art therapy, and these two start a budding friendship.

Zane is learning ASL to communicate, and he begins spending more and more time with Carlee; sparks ignite between them.
Carlee gets the devastating news, and like the hero he is, Zane offers to help.

It wouldn't be a true Kaci story without some drama, but I loved these two so much, and I'm glad they found their HEA.

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

TROPES:
-deaf hero
-instalove
-friends to lovers
-age gap

This was a cute yet simple read. The hero is just coming back from a mission where he lost his hearing. He meets the heroine who works at the rehab facility he lives at. It’s instalove!

3 stars because the spice wasn’t that great. 😭

SAFETY:
virgin heroine, celibate hero
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane (H35), a former Navy SEAL grappling with life after losing his hearing in battle, arrives at Oakside, a refuge for injured veterans, where he meets Carlee (h22), an art therapist who sees beyond his scars to the man beneath. Carlee is dealing with her own personal challenges and wasn't expecting Zane to enter her life. As Carlee helps Zane navigate his new silent world, a bond forms between them, ignited by shared struggles and a mutual understanding. However, their budding relationship is tested when Carlee receives a life-altering call: she's now the sole guardian of her six-year-old niece. This unexpected responsibility makes Zane doubt his place in Carlee's changed life, given his own reservations about a future he feels he can't provide. Lovely age gap military veteran romance with a side of heat, lots of angst, and challenges highlighting the power of love, and resilience as Zane and Carlee learn to communicate and lean on each other.

[Holly McAnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Zane and Carlee! ASL in books is always such a heartwarming thing to see. Carlees struggles with her parents will break your heart. Watching Zane support her through her pain and struggles when he’s recovering himself is so sweet. Carlees acknowledging toxic family dynamics, standing up for herself, and putting boundaries in place was a breath of fresh air. We need more strong women who will stand up for themselves and say enough is enough! Zanes whole life changed when he met Carlee. Loved seeing him come around to a new vision for his future. He rocked it every step of the way.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. I really really loved it.

[Shushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶

Trope - Navy SEAL MMC, art therapist FMC, workplace, age gap, strangers to friends to lovers, military romance, scarred hero, disability rep, grey theme, grief, death, found-family, novella, insta-connection, he falls first, no third act breakup, virgin FMC, celibate MMC, small town, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1

Another random pick turned into an amazing read; this book was really good. Zane recently lost his hearing in an accident and is transferred to Oakside to learn a new way of life, where he meets Carlee, a young art therapy intern. They hit it off from the beginning. I loved the chemistry between Carlee and Zane. They both had their struggles, but regardless, they stood by each other. I was just glad they found one another.

Everything is going well until tragedy strikes. The plot twist hit me hard, but I knew something was coming, especially when everything looked so happy- but damn, it broke my heart.

This book was really well written because, after a long time, I could see every scene as it was described in the book, from flashbacks to moments between the MCs.

Carlee's mom got on my nerves - how can one hate and underestimate your child this much? However, I loved it when Carlee finally stood up against her mother and showed her the mirror. Her dad, though, was okayish.

Side characters -
* Liz was so smart and emotionally intelligent for a six-year-old.
* Carlee's sister and brother-in-law were just amazing. I loved how they constantly looked after Carlee and trusted her. I hated what happened to them, I just wish they got to meet Zane.
* Noah and Lexi created such an amazing and safe place for injured heroes, and I just loved how they were supportive throughout the book to every character.

This book was so good that I will be reading the whole series in the future when I am disappointed with booktok recommendations.

The ending was sweet. The bonus epilogue was no less, and it was pure bliss watching Zane acting all protective.

This was soothing, emotional, and sweet.
Overall 4/5

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zane lost his hearing and is now being sent Oakside to heal and learn ASL. Carlee is a part timer at Oakside teaching art therapy classes. She loves art and wants it to be her career.

The moment Zane sees Carlee he has to know her. The sit and talk in the grass while Carlee sketches. Zane is mesmerized by her talent.

Kaylee & Brian (Carlee's sister and brother-in-law) are a big part of Carlee's life along with her niece Liz who she absolutely adores. Her mother is hard to handle and puts Carlee down and is on her case constantly to get a man and have a baby.

**SPOILER: After Karlee and Brian's accident Liz becomes Carlee's to raise and she is up for the job. She loves Liz with all her heart and wants to honor her sister and best friends wishes. Zane is there to support her through all of it. Zane makes a great father figure and Liz loves him.

The story predictable to a point. But I loved it anyway.

Rating: 3 Stars

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane is trying to adjust to not only the end of his career as a Navy SEAL but the loss of his hearing as well. He now finds himself at Oakside where he is surrounded by other men who also find themselves facing life changing injuries. It is there where he meets Carlee who gives his life a direction he wasn’t expecting.

Carlee has always loved art so teaching art therapy at Oakside is a dream come true. When she meets Zane there is no denying the feelings they have each other even when life throws them a devastating curveball that neither saw coming.

Carlee and Zane are there for each other as she helps him adjust to the loss of hearing and he is there for her when she needs someone the most and the romance between them was enchanting.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a lot of different book genres & tropes. But my absolute favorite is definitely a wounded & scarred mmc. Especially when he’s a hot, sexy ex soldier! And Kaci Rose is my favorite go to author for that. The Oakside Military Heroes is one of my most favorite series ever & will live rent free in my head!
I really enjoyed Zane & Carlee’s story. There were moments my frustration & aggravation was at an all time high w/her mom though. But it all worked out in the end & I loved how these two not only found their forever w/each other, but also have the chance of being parents to Liz. This was sweet, a little sad, but definitely worth the read! Looking forward to Lucy & Caden’s story next!!

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was probably my favorite book ever by this author and I love all her books. But this was just so special. I loved the bond between Carlee and Zane, it seemed so genuine and effortless. I did regret not having a box of tissues next to me while reading because it did have some heartbreak but I still just absolutely love it. I also really loved how involved in the story Noah was because he is just so important in the Oakside series.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved and adored this book. Fantastic characters and amazing plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Zane is a Navy SEAL. He lost his hearing and now he is adjusting to life outside of military in Oakside. Carlee teaches art therapy at Oakside. Zane is learning ASL to communicate. Carlee and Zane start spending a lot of time together and there starts their friendship. I loved their chemistry and passion. They are very good for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for scarred military hero romance then you’re going to love it.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written age gap romance with strong characters in Zane and Carlee. The author does a beautiful job building their story and painting her scenes. She takes you into their lives with an instant attraction and strong connection, friendship, support and love. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a terrific addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saving Zane is book 8 of the Oakside Military Heroes Series by Kaci Rose. 

Zane is a Navy Seal who is injured in the line of duty and loses his hearing. He is sent to Oakside to learn how to transition with his new way of life. There he meets Carlee. Carlee teaches art therapy, and he immediately feels a connection to her. They are just getting to know one another when tragedy strikes. Somehow, they manage to continue on to forge a relationship despite the mounting obstacles.

This book was a bit difficult for me. While I liked the overall plot and the characters, I struggled with one particular thing. That is when a child character is not written in an age appropriate way. In this story, Carlee's sister is six, but her dialog and the conversations they have with her are not fitting for a six year old. Even a mature one, IMO. For example, explaining in detail why you are unable to have children?? To a six year old, um no. Same with a lot of the other conversations with her. 

Saving Zane a good but heavy emotional read. There is a HEA, but it is quite a journey to get there.

ARC was provided by Grey's Promotions, and this is my honest review. 

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the get go and I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Carlee & Zane. Their attraction was instant & their chemistry was off the charts. They overcame several challenges thrown their way and realized that in the short time they knew each other, they had fallen in love. Do yourself a favor and just read this book.

[Brandi Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fell short

I really enjoyed every other book in this series however this book fell flat. It lacked passion, and heart for me. The story felt rushed and I think that caused the story to Falk flat for me. In addition to that there were a bunch of spelling errors and even in one chapter the names our our lead characters get mixed up with others in the book. This book took a year to cone out since the last book so to me those mistakes shouldn't have happened. I was so looking forward to it and was disappointed.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the books of Oakside Military Heroes (three of them are my "go to" books for rereading multiple times). These books have many beloved characters and family chosen. An injured SEAL and a special lady and lives they never dreamed of. This will likely be on my rereads within the month. Bravo!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Zane by Kaci Rose immerses readers into the poignant world of the Oakside Military Heroes series, marking the eighth instalment with a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption. Once again, Ms Rose proves her prowess in crafting emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page is turned.

At the heart of the story lies Zane, a wounded soldier grappling with the aftermath of losing his hearing during a harrowing mission abroad. Enter Carlee, a gifted artist whose own struggles with overbearing parents and societal expectations add layers of complexity to the narrative. As fate intertwines their paths at Oakside, the chemistry between Zane and Carlee ignites, setting the stage for a deeply moving journey of healing and self-discovery.

What makes "Saving Zane" truly remarkable is its dual narrative of rescue; as much as Zane finds solace and support in Carlee's presence, she too finds refuge and purpose in his companionship. From the moment Zane is captivated by Carlee's sketches in the gardens, their connection becomes consuming, rendering every emotional twist and turn all the more poignant.

This author's masterful storytelling effortlessly guides readers through a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartache to hope, culminating in a satisfying and heartwarming happily ever after. As expected from a Kaci Rose novel, "Saving Zane" delivers on its promise of a perfect HEA although tinged with heartache, leaving readers reaching for tissues amidst a symphony of emotions.

For fans of the Oakside Military Heroes series, this instalment is not to be missed. And for those new to Ms Rose's work, "Saving Zane" serves as a compelling introduction to her talent for blending romance with raw, emotional depth.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eight in The Oakside Military Heroes series and it is Zane and Carlee’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Zane was a navy seal until while on a mission a blast took out his hearing completely changing his life and leaving him battling demons and a life changing experience in a silent world so he ends up going to Oakside hoping to seek refuge from his broken and silent life. Carlee is trying to build her dream and art helps her and working at Oakside helping to rehabilitate the heroes who have life changing experiences is her way of giving back and helping others. When Zane and Carlee meet there is a definite connection between them and a special friendship develops but the more time that they spend together the stronger there bond and feelings for each other grows but just when things are going well and it seems that they could possibly have a future together Carlee gets a call saying that she is now the guardian to her six year old niece Liz which turns Carlee’s life upside down and into chaos making her realise that she could lose everything that she and Zane had built over time and threatening there future together. I absolutely love this book and series so much because the storyline’s always pull you in and keep your attention throughout and you also can feel all their emotions and frustrations that these heroes are going through and yet when they set their sights on the person that means everything to them they will always come forward and protect that person regardless of what they have to do or the situation and consequence’s to the action that they take. This book and series is definitely worth reading and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Figuring out your future when you are thrown more than one curveball

Saving Zane is the ninth book in the Oakside Military Heroes series. This story is a heartstring puller but also makes you smile. The story is about Carlee and Zane. He has arrived at Oakside because of an IED that took his hearing. He was a Navy SEAL and thought he would be doing 20 years, but now is trying to figure out what he will do for work and how he is going to cope and live again. Carlee is in her early twenties and after graduating from college with an art degree moved back home to be closer to her older sister, brother-in-law and young niece who she adores. Carlee's mother is a piece of work who wants Carlee to get married and give her more grandbabies. But there is something that Carlee has not told anyone in her family yet, something that happened when she was in a car accident caused by her ex, and was fighting for her life in the hospital. When Zane goes outside to explore the grounds he sees Carlee sitting on the grass and drawing. There is something about her that draws him in and keeps drawing him in every day after. They strike up a friendship, but also something that is deeper. When Carlee's sister and brother-in-law are killed by a drunk driver she finds herself now being the guardian of her niece. Will Zane and Carlee be able to be together with all the changes in both their lives? Or will circumstances and miscommunications have them going in separate ways?
I loved this story and characters. I shed more than a couple tears at times, but also laughed at others. Then there are the smexy passionate scenes that have you breaking out the fan.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I can only imagine how losing one of your senses affects your life, I loved how Carlee took Zane’s hearing loss in her stride without batting an eyelid. Like her amazing niece, who wanted to learn sign language so she could befriend a hearing-impaired girl in her class, Carlee almost immediately started to learn ASL in order to communicate better with Zane and eliminate the need to write everything down on a tablet or paper. With cameo appearances by people we’ve grown to love in previous books, I couldn’t help be reminded what an amazing place Oakside is and how it’s community is more like a family than a rehabilitation center. In contrast there was Carlee’s mother, who I hated from the start, not only because she kept putting Carlee down, but also because she didn’t acknowledge any of her achievements and tried to push her own views on her daughter. Following the devastating news that places Liz in Carlee’s care, there’s no support from Carlee’s family and Zane becomes the anchor holding it all together for both Carlee and her niece. I loved the easy way they slipped into a routine, as if they had always been a family. I loved how Carlee and Zane communicated so openly and that they didn’t hide things from Liz. Zane’s willingness to stand by Carlee’s side through all the upheavals in her life was a testament to the wonderful man he was, which was only confirmed by Liz’s ready acceptance of him in their life. It was a heartwarming story that truly touched my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐s Finding their new "normal" 

Zane is a thirty-five-year-old retired Navy SEAL who lost his hearing due to an explosion on his last mission. Now he has to learn how to function in his new reality of deafness. He's arrived at Oakside to learn what will work best for him going forward in his life. He meets Carlee the day he arrives. 

Oakside was founded by Lexie after her husband was injured. There was no facility that could give him the help he needed to recover and resume his life, so she built one. Since there's no one method that works for all patients, there are a variety of programs. 

Carlee is twenty-two and will be teaching art therapy part-time at Oakside. She hopes her program will prove itself valuable enough to become a full-time offering. 

Despite the age difference, there's an instant connection between Carlee and Jake. She confides her secret to him—the secret that caused her ex to break up with her and the secret her family knows nothing about. To her relief, he doesn't spout platudes, he just asks to see her the next day. 

For reasons he can't explain, when he's around her, he feels like himself. She grounds him and learns that she can depend on him. With a huge upheaval about to strike Carlee's family, she and her niece, Liz, will need everyone's help. It's just too bad that Carlee's mother will be adding to the problem.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jamie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I loved how Zane was willing to do anything for Carlee, and vice versa. They were great at communicating with each other too, which is nice to see in a story. I liked that despite Zane's hearing loss and their age gap, they didn't let those obstacles get in the way of them being together. I liked how he set up a picnic for them outside in the garden, it was sweet.
I thought it was sad what happened to Carlee as a result of her car accident (I won't say what happened so I don't ruin the story). I definitely did not like Carlee's mom, she was just plain mean. No one should put down their daughter the way she did in the book. She was a major bully. I also hated what happened to her sister and her husband.
Zane was such a sweet guy to Carlee.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩.
One thing I didn't understand in the book was in the beginning Carlee tells Zane she was a virgin, yet later when they sleep together it seems like she's not because she mentions having not been with anyone since her accident. Zane also mentions during that scene that she only had her ex to compare him to.
Overall this was a great quick read and I liked it a lot. Thank you to Kaci Rose and Grey's Promotions for the advanced copy.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Zane is a standalone contemporary romance by Kaci Rose. It is book eight of the Oakside Military Heroes series, set in a tightknit small town. This is a high danger and suspense novel that also happens to involve a romance that shows the possibility of healing two damaged characters in the process. This is your classic, tough but sensible and emotionally scarred ex-military hero goes in to save the day. The two characters also have a significant age gap, however, I found that the age gap was just there and part of the characters.

Zane was injured while serving in the military, he is still recovering and has been sent to Oakside Hospital. He doesn't have any close links, but arriving at Oakside brings him a new community. It is here that he meets and is instantly drawn to the young woman who is the centre's art therapist, Carlee. There is a sort of gentle romance with hot chemistry as the two get to know each other and figure themselves out. However, things change when Carlee becomes guardian to her niece - life gets complicated, and romance gets even more complicated.

I loved Zane and Carlee, they are really wonderful and complex characters. They are incredibly strong characters and I was cheering for good things for them from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the immediate connection between Zane and Carlee. Despite the age gap, they are able to relate to each other well, be comfortable in each other’s presence and really see each other for who they are. Both are at a crossroads in their life, feeling a bit uncertain and being able to confide in each other without the fear of judgement is just what they both need. Both have also been hurt by a parent who has dismissed their feelings and their needs in an attempt to control them. They can commensurate with each other and truly understand what the other is feeling. Before long, their feelings run deeper than friendship though there are a few issues that need to be discussed before they can move toward a future they both have been thinking about.

Then a tragedy in Carlee’s family changes everything. As she takes over the care of her orphaned niece, she believes it means an end to her relationship with Zane who never saw himself as a father. Thankfully, Zane surprises her and steps up to support both Carlee and her niece. Unfortunately, there will be emotional bumps and bruises on their way to a happily ever after for the three of them….Zane, Carlee and her niece.


I enjoyed reading this charming and rather emotional book. It was well worth reading and I would happily recommend it.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several books by Kaci Rose and this is my first one in this series. I can’t wait to go back and read the others. “Saving Zane” is an emotional, sweet and healing injured military romance that was a great story.

Zane is a Navy SEAL and he was injured while on duty and had lost his hearing. He’s been sent to Oakside for rehabilitation. There he meets Carlee, a new staff member who is there to help and teach art therapy. The two have an instant connection and feel instantly drawn to each other. And as they spend time together, they start to realize what they feel is real.

I was instantly drawn into Zane and Carlee’s story and couldn’t stop reading. Zane is a great guy who was working on accepting his new normal after losing his hearing. He’s kind, caring and protective. He was respectful of Carlee from the start and went at her pace. Carlee is someone anyone would instantly like and I loved how she used art therapy to help the patients at Oakside. She had an incredible bond with her niece and that only grew as the story went on. I loved how this story developed, it was on pace and matched everything they were feeling and going through. The last few chapters were impactful and emotional. The ending was sweet and wrapped up their story perfectly.

[Candace Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Spoilers ✨

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Saving Zane - Kaci Rose

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

- Zane
- Carlee

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:

"I don't regret the choices I made more than the ones I didn't make."

"Every day, I’ll show her how perfect we are together. How we need each other."

"The idea of a family with you is something I never knew I wanted, but now I want it with everything in me."

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Zane's lost his hearing but he's not giving up on life. Carlee is teaching art therapy to others. When the two meet everything falls into place, until things start falling out.

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

This was such a sweet book. It was a short two hour read for me but I really enjoyed it. We have Zane who's been in a accident and lost his hearing and then Carlee who had her whole world come tumbling down and she had to stand up quietly. I loved the relationship between the two characters. It was sweet, slow and perfect. I enjoyed the plot and it was written well. The found family from their new friends made me feel so warm and fuzzy I side. I definitely recommend this one to be on your tbr!

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:

• Age gap (22/35)
• They fall together
• Scarred H
• Small town
• Found family

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞:

🌶️🌶️/5

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Zane by Kaci Rose pub 5/3/24 5 Stars (g me bks)
Zane & Carlee

Oakside was supposed to help him adjust to his now silent world. His plans to remain a SEAL blew up with the bomb that took his hearing. Noah and the staff would help him adjust and find a new future. He had no plans for that to include a woman. Then Carlee showed up to add art and more to the program for the clients.

They both felt the draw. As their friendship and deeper feelings grow they face big differences, family disapproval, a tragedy that leaves her guardian of her young niece, the least is his age and disability. Does he even want children?

This touching story shows some of the adjustment needs of our brave military people injured protecting our way of life. If you've read more in the series you will know some of the characters who have helped other soldiers adjust. Carlee's niece is a smart, caring old soul. She learned ASL to befriend a new student and now easily communicates with Zane. Will they become a family with Carlee?

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and know it will be on my reread list. I recommend it to fans and new readers of this author alike. All the books in the series are good and you will want to read more.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Life Closes One Door, Just Open A Window -
Zane was still coming to terms with his new normal when he stumbled upon Carlee, who was also dealing with her own issues. They both felt a connection that drew them closer, but the weight of the issues they were dealing with, made it difficult for them to acknowledge their attraction for each other. However, everything changed the moment Zane put his problems aside to support Carlee when her life was turned upside down.

Spending time together brought them closer together, which led to them embarking on a relationship. However, not everyone was happy with their union, which nearly derailed their relationship. Even though their relationship was new, fighting together with the support of their friends strengthened their bond and gave them the opportunity to have the happy and fulfilling life they both craved. This was a beautifully written story about finding love in the midst of despair and showing that with the right support success can be achieved. This was a fantastic read from beginning to end and you definitely will be happy to recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane has PTSD and he has also lost his hearing while he was on deployed. He can see just fine and he hasn't tried to talk since losing his hearing. He ends up Oakside to recuperate and learn how to sign and how to learn to live with his hearing loss. Carlee is just out of school and is part-time at Oakside to help the patients use painting and art as therapy. Zane and Carlee are drawn to each other even tho there are so many years between them. Zane feels like he should let her live her life because of that and then he is pushed into realizing that they are for each other and compliment each others abilities. When Carlee was young she was in a car accident. Carlee's sister Kaylee is married and has a daughter, Liz. Carlee, and Kaylee's family get along well and they are very close. Brian, Kaylee's husband is so sweet and loving to all of them. Liz is 6, and is absolutely adorable and hilarious and reminds me of my niece, also a Liz. They have a lot in common. It is scary. lol. Car & Kay's parents treat Carlee outrageously. I literally used a half box of tissues on this book, I was so engrossed in it. I love the whole concept of Oakside. Especially since my grandfather served in WW2 and he passed last summer. I adored this book and I can't wait to read the next book. I had a funny feeling that my crying trigger was going to happen. I dislike immensely that I was right. I truly wished I wasn't.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-SEAL Zane is at Oakside as he's been discharged from the Navy and needs some time for his hearing loss therapy and adjusting back to civilian life. At Oakside he meets Carlee, who is teaching art there. He is dealing with his trauma and new hearing impairment and doesn't think he is good for Carlee but can't keep away. Carlee is also dealing with her insecurities of not being able to have children and not being the favorite child of the family. Together they grow to be each other's support and happiness in ways they would never have imagined.

I have read many books from the author but this was my first Oakside book, apart from Saving Jake/Kassi, which I really liked. I can't believe Oakside is at book #8 already! Have I been living under a rock?

Anywhoo, I liked the overall plot and how the characters grew, especially Carlee standing up for herself at the end. But I couldn't quite get into this book as much as the previous books from the author, I found that a large chunk of the book was very much just dialogue, which is supposed to be in ASL. But I am still definitely going to read as many of the previous books that I can!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.