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River's Savior
Life had beaten me down until I felt dead inside…
Would anyone care if I finally gave up the fight?
When I was young, I never bothered to dream or play games. There were no gifts or laughter, much less love. I didn’t flutter through my childhood like a beautiful butterfly—no, for me, it was an ugly cycle of being tossed from one nightmarish foster home to another. Eventually, the only thing I wished for was for the pain inflicted on me to end and for my life to be over.
But an angel saved me.
And then helped guide me toward a new path.
Finding purpose by helping others mended some of my shattered soul, but I still wasn’t fully living. My dark past haunted me; I had no desire to be close to a man. That was until Huntley burst into my life like a blazing wildfire. The handsome firefighter sparked something within me that had never existed before. But as damaged goods, I had no choice but to try and resist his unyielding charm and persistence.
I should’ve been afraid—after all, as a man, he was the enemy. But I couldn’t silence the voice in my head that kept whispering, Maybe he’s the light to your darkness. Could Huntley put all the fragmented pieces back together and heal my broken heart?
Contains Triggers...
Would anyone care if I finally gave up the fight?
When I was young, I never bothered to dream or play games. There were no gifts or laughter, much less love. I didn’t flutter through my childhood like a beautiful butterfly—no, for me, it was an ugly cycle of being tossed from one nightmarish foster home to another. Eventually, the only thing I wished for was for the pain inflicted on me to end and for my life to be over.
But an angel saved me.
And then helped guide me toward a new path.
Finding purpose by helping others mended some of my shattered soul, but I still wasn’t fully living. My dark past haunted me; I had no desire to be close to a man. That was until Huntley burst into my life like a blazing wildfire. The handsome firefighter sparked something within me that had never existed before. But as damaged goods, I had no choice but to try and resist his unyielding charm and persistence.
I should’ve been afraid—after all, as a man, he was the enemy. But I couldn’t silence the voice in my head that kept whispering, Maybe he’s the light to your darkness. Could Huntley put all the fragmented pieces back together and heal my broken heart?
Contains Triggers...
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
18 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Youngren
13 books150 followersC.M. Youngren is an author of swoon-worthy contemporary romance whose dream in life is to own a bookstore slash coffee shop. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and her herd of animals. She loves 80’s music, movies, reading, and adores singing regardless if she can hold a tune or not. Hopelessly addicted to watching The Voice, driving her best friend crazy, and eating tacos are some of her favorite things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 4, 2024
Oh, man. River has a past that is full of pain, sadness, and a savior she never expected. I had an inkling, but I was still so glad to find that the person who helped her at her lowest is truly someone worthy of her present, her future, and her loyalty. And maybe, just maybe, that someone will have their own happily ever after in the near future? I honestly hope so.
River, though. She’s been through a lot and she still has such capacity to love. Her kids know it. Her sister knows it. Her fiends that she’s terrified to let in know it. And the man who wants to be by her side in any way she’ll allow knows it. Huntley knows so strongly that River is IT for him that he’s happy to be hers in any way she’s willing to let him. He teaches her to trust. To love. To believe. And to fight.
So there is some danger. Some sadness. And the hope that it will all work out for someone else in the end. But these two? Their journey to learning just how much love there is to share is sort of a beautiful thing.
River, though. She’s been through a lot and she still has such capacity to love. Her kids know it. Her sister knows it. Her fiends that she’s terrified to let in know it. And the man who wants to be by her side in any way she’ll allow knows it. Huntley knows so strongly that River is IT for him that he’s happy to be hers in any way she’s willing to let him. He teaches her to trust. To love. To believe. And to fight.
So there is some danger. Some sadness. And the hope that it will all work out for someone else in the end. But these two? Their journey to learning just how much love there is to share is sort of a beautiful thing.
November 24, 2024
Whenever I pick a CM Youngren book, I know I’m going to be taken on a steamy ride. Her books make you laugh at the ladies, swoon at these men and your stomach drop too. It’s to the point you feel like these characters are your best friends and family. River and her kids story is even sweeter and I cried for what she went through. One of my most recommended series yet again!!! Building the characters and their personalities is the best!!!
December 6, 2024
Oh boy, lm not sure where to start with this one…
So much pain & suffering in their history but the future looked brighter for River, Bre & Lennon when they found Huntley. Plenty of twists & turns to keep you reading.
Such a great storyline with plenty of laughs and tears as usual. We get to see the clan again in full swing which is always entertaining & a couple of new additions .. Bring on the next story 🙏 Let’s hope it’s Jett & Patience 🤞
If you haven’t started reading this series, or her others get on it..!! They are all so good ❤️
So much pain & suffering in their history but the future looked brighter for River, Bre & Lennon when they found Huntley. Plenty of twists & turns to keep you reading.
Such a great storyline with plenty of laughs and tears as usual. We get to see the clan again in full swing which is always entertaining & a couple of new additions .. Bring on the next story 🙏 Let’s hope it’s Jett & Patience 🤞
If you haven’t started reading this series, or her others get on it..!! They are all so good ❤️
November 17, 2024
After having met River, and Huntley in Lake's book, I couldn't wait for their story!! I have always been a huge fan of hurt/comfort books, and this book is just packed with all the feels. River's story is a difficult one to read, but the author has a way of telling a story where you just can't help turning page after page. As with all the other books in this series, there is a strong bond of friendship throughout the pages, and that is yet another draw!! With this particular book, I definitely recommend paying attention to the trigger warnings, but then set yourself up to enjoy a wonderful story.
December 20, 2024
I just finished this amazing story about river her strength in over coming horrific things in her life and finding Huntley and all the rest of gang how they are there for each other . Another amazing story by this author in this series . Bravo 👏 Loved it
January 1, 2025
OMG WOW. River has had do much pain in her life and Huntley is so patient and loving he finally breaks down those walls. This book has everything and more that I won't say as I'm not going to give any spoilers. I will say you have to read this and you won't be disappointed.
December 30, 2024
Sometimes a great book means crying through parts of it and smiling through the rest. This is a such a book. The heroine, River, is a strong resilient woman who has survived a horrific childhood full of abuse and neglect. After a particularly horrific incident, an Angel or good Samaritan helped her to find the resolve and grit she needed to move forward. Now, River is dedicated to her job counselling victims of abuse and trauma, but her priority are the two children now in her care. They too were victims of abuse, and together the three of them support and protect each other. Letting others in and making friends is difficult for all of them. After recently finding each other, River’s sister, Lake, is determined to draw the River and the kids into her large, close-knit group of friends who are more like family. That group of friends includes Huntley who is former military, now a firefighter. He recently rescued River and her niece from a fire.
It is Huntley and Lake who first realize that River has been a victim of abuse in her past. They recognize the signs having either lived through themselves or had someone close to them do so. He is attracted to River and wants a chance to date her, but he realizes that he will have to take it slow, be very patient and have to accept that friendship may be all River can handle. When it becomes clear that she has a stalker, Huntley, Lake and the men of No Surrender, a security and bodyguard company, step up to protect River and her kids. As time passes, Huntley shows River and the kids that he is a good guy who wants only to protect them, not hurt them in any way. They gradually let down their guards, begin to trust him and count him as part of their family.
Their are many tender moments in this book, as well as few very funny moments that usually include a kid or two, or some statement by one of the friends that is a bit off colour or bordering on crazy. The evolution of River and Huntley’s relationship is mesmerizing, as is the revelation of a previously unknown, but profound connection between them. Together, with the help of their family and friends, River and Huntley forge a happily ever after for themselves and the children both adore.
I wholeheartedly recommend this mesmerizing book and all of the previous book in this series. I do, however, urge readers to remember this book includes references to physical, emotional and sexual abuse that may triggering.
It is Huntley and Lake who first realize that River has been a victim of abuse in her past. They recognize the signs having either lived through themselves or had someone close to them do so. He is attracted to River and wants a chance to date her, but he realizes that he will have to take it slow, be very patient and have to accept that friendship may be all River can handle. When it becomes clear that she has a stalker, Huntley, Lake and the men of No Surrender, a security and bodyguard company, step up to protect River and her kids. As time passes, Huntley shows River and the kids that he is a good guy who wants only to protect them, not hurt them in any way. They gradually let down their guards, begin to trust him and count him as part of their family.
Their are many tender moments in this book, as well as few very funny moments that usually include a kid or two, or some statement by one of the friends that is a bit off colour or bordering on crazy. The evolution of River and Huntley’s relationship is mesmerizing, as is the revelation of a previously unknown, but profound connection between them. Together, with the help of their family and friends, River and Huntley forge a happily ever after for themselves and the children both adore.
I wholeheartedly recommend this mesmerizing book and all of the previous book in this series. I do, however, urge readers to remember this book includes references to physical, emotional and sexual abuse that may triggering.
November 26, 2024
*** Spoiler-Free Review ***
Y’all, lemme tell ya...
I absolutely loved Huntley and River's story—it was everything I didn’t know I needed!
River is a big-hearted single mom doing her best to raise two teenagers despite everything she’s been through. She’s got this withdrawn nature about her, which is totally understandable considering the weight of her past.
And her past... OMG, it broke my heart.
But despite it all, she’s a fantastic mom—her love for her adopted teens shines through in every little thing she does. And Huntley? Hello, hotness! He’s the firefighter who’s all in from the start, determined to show his Warrior that she deserves so much more. The way he steps in for her and her kids will have you swooning for days.
Seriously, he’s the perfect hero. *Chef's Kiss*
This book had me hooked from page one. The emotional twists, the suspense, and those moments that hit you right in the heart—it’s all here. I could keep going, but since I’m sure y’all don’t want me to ramble for days (or worse, spoil the plot), so I’ll just say this: grab a copy.
You’ll laugh, cry, and fall head over heels for these two.
Tropes: Single Mom, Scarred Heroine, Firefighter Hero, Emotional Romance, Romantic Suspense, Found Family, Protector Romance, Sensitivity Reader Used? Yes (kudos for this CM!).
HEA? Yup!
Do I recommend? Yes!
Y’all, lemme tell ya...
I absolutely loved Huntley and River's story—it was everything I didn’t know I needed!
River is a big-hearted single mom doing her best to raise two teenagers despite everything she’s been through. She’s got this withdrawn nature about her, which is totally understandable considering the weight of her past.
And her past... OMG, it broke my heart.
But despite it all, she’s a fantastic mom—her love for her adopted teens shines through in every little thing she does. And Huntley? Hello, hotness! He’s the firefighter who’s all in from the start, determined to show his Warrior that she deserves so much more. The way he steps in for her and her kids will have you swooning for days.
Seriously, he’s the perfect hero. *Chef's Kiss*
This book had me hooked from page one. The emotional twists, the suspense, and those moments that hit you right in the heart—it’s all here. I could keep going, but since I’m sure y’all don’t want me to ramble for days (or worse, spoil the plot), so I’ll just say this: grab a copy.
You’ll laugh, cry, and fall head over heels for these two.
Tropes: Single Mom, Scarred Heroine, Firefighter Hero, Emotional Romance, Romantic Suspense, Found Family, Protector Romance, Sensitivity Reader Used? Yes (kudos for this CM!).
HEA? Yup!
Do I recommend? Yes!
January 11, 2025
Huntley is truly River’s Savior.
Huntley and River’s story is a heart-retching one. His mother’s abuse from her husband who she got away from when he was five. River’s horrible past in foster homes and sexual abuse and a woman who she considers her angel who saved her from her past and gave her the courage to move forward as best as she could. She has adopted two teenagers, too. River’s sister who she didn’t know she had, but now both have found one another, to a multitude of friends who consider each other family. The trials and tribulations Huntley and River face, they face together, although she is a mess. Huntley has the patience of a saint when it comes to her. He calls River his warrior because she has been through so much in her life and has survived it all. Then there is a person who’s after her, which is the action part of this story. There is overflowing love, but there are also some humorous times, too. This is a wonderful, wonderful story full of inspiration. This whole series is great and it gives insight to each individual’s problem.
Huntley and River’s story is a heart-retching one. His mother’s abuse from her husband who she got away from when he was five. River’s horrible past in foster homes and sexual abuse and a woman who she considers her angel who saved her from her past and gave her the courage to move forward as best as she could. She has adopted two teenagers, too. River’s sister who she didn’t know she had, but now both have found one another, to a multitude of friends who consider each other family. The trials and tribulations Huntley and River face, they face together, although she is a mess. Huntley has the patience of a saint when it comes to her. He calls River his warrior because she has been through so much in her life and has survived it all. Then there is a person who’s after her, which is the action part of this story. There is overflowing love, but there are also some humorous times, too. This is a wonderful, wonderful story full of inspiration. This whole series is great and it gives insight to each individual’s problem.
November 4, 2024
We meet River & Huntley in Lake's book, and get to know them both through Lake's perspective. River is very secretive due to her past, and it's great to see her open up with her new family.
I love the care Huntley takes with her, and her kids, as he works to be part of their lives as more than just a friend. His heart & protectiveness are swoony! River lives up to his nickname for her - her strength and compassion are awesome. 💚
This is a story with a lot of emotions, lots of healing, and so much joy in that! Bre & Lennon need Huntley just as much as River does. And being a part of their family is exactly where he belongs!
The ladies also bring lots of laughs as they bring River into the fold. We see how those friendships help River & the kids heal, as well. And the relationships with Stormi... she's still working her magic! 😊
There are twists & a whole lotta love. Very enjoyable read!
😍😍😍
I love the care Huntley takes with her, and her kids, as he works to be part of their lives as more than just a friend. His heart & protectiveness are swoony! River lives up to his nickname for her - her strength and compassion are awesome. 💚
This is a story with a lot of emotions, lots of healing, and so much joy in that! Bre & Lennon need Huntley just as much as River does. And being a part of their family is exactly where he belongs!
The ladies also bring lots of laughs as they bring River into the fold. We see how those friendships help River & the kids heal, as well. And the relationships with Stormi... she's still working her magic! 😊
There are twists & a whole lotta love. Very enjoyable read!
😍😍😍
December 4, 2024
River and Huntley give you a read you won't to miss. From the moment he saved her from the burning house he has a thing for her but with her tragic past and her kids Lennon and Bres she doesn't want a relationship or be intimate, but as they start very slow and become friends and they both start to fall she and Huntley must reveal their past in order to move forward and be come a family, but there is a new threat to River and when it rears its ugly head will any of them be prepared when it happens?
Through out this whole series you meet some incredible women and the men who stand beside them. This book was an amazing, emotional, action-packed, heartbreaking, suspenseful,beautiful read and I was in tears, laughing and feeling all the feels with each and every word, but the ending with leave you wanting more and I can't wait to read what happens next. This author truly knows how to give you all feels and the happy all rolled into one.
Through out this whole series you meet some incredible women and the men who stand beside them. This book was an amazing, emotional, action-packed, heartbreaking, suspenseful,beautiful read and I was in tears, laughing and feeling all the feels with each and every word, but the ending with leave you wanting more and I can't wait to read what happens next. This author truly knows how to give you all feels and the happy all rolled into one.
December 5, 2024
Man oh man. I had a hard time putting this book down. River had a rough life growing up and tragedy struck worse when she was a teen. Despite all the horrible events that River went through she still had a heart of gold and took in two teens and raised them as her own helping them overcome their past traumas. River had a reason to build her walls so high that no one could climb them but a very determined and sexy firefighter named Huntley refused to give up. He knew how to knock out fires and knock down walls. This book gave me all the feels. I laughed at the antics of the amazing group of friends River made, I cried at the tragic events and I felt them to my core, and I swooned over the love of a man who went after what he wanted and didn’t back down when River tried so hard to push him away. I definitely recommended this book!!!
December 31, 2024
The past that River endured has her wanting to help others who are experiencing the same fate. She only allows people so close before she closes herself except when it comes to her children. When Huntley comes into her life, she plans to keep him at a distance, but not only does he break through her walls, but he is there when she needs someone the most.
Huntley has feelings for River and her children, but he also knows that she has been through a lot that she hasn’t shared. He is willing to let her set the pace while he shows her that she can trust him with her heart and her life.
This story reinforces that family isn’t only about blood as River and her children find a place and people to come home as they take us on a journey that is at times humorous, at times emotional and at times suspenseful but it is always about love.
Huntley has feelings for River and her children, but he also knows that she has been through a lot that she hasn’t shared. He is willing to let her set the pace while he shows her that she can trust him with her heart and her life.
This story reinforces that family isn’t only about blood as River and her children find a place and people to come home as they take us on a journey that is at times humorous, at times emotional and at times suspenseful but it is always about love.
December 31, 2024
I have to admit, this book took me more time to read. Since both the main characters in this book mostly strangers to readers until 2/3 through Lake and Bronson's story. The story was a little slower to read because in previous books I was already invested in the characters from previous stories. Once I became invested in the male and female main characters, I finished the book at my normal rate of reading. There are some triggers so make sure you read the trigger warnings before you start reading the story. I did enjoy this story but I do feel Books 6 and 7, could be read separately from the first 5 books in the series because the main characters are not as involved with the other characters in this series. There is a cliff hanger at the end of this book, relating to other characters. I cannot wait for Patience Savior which is the final book in the series.
December 31, 2024
This is the 7th instalment in the No Surrender series, which is still delivering an amazing read which packs an emotional punch. This book has a difficult storyline which comes with trigger warnings, but is told in a very thoughtful and empathetic manner.
We first met River and Huntley in Lake’s book, so it is wonderful to get to read their story.
This book is full of emotion, not only challenging emotions for the characters but also joy and laughter as well as steamy romance. There is also the ever present bonds of friendship, and the love of family (both by blood and chosen family), which defines the characters and their unique relationships.
A wonderful emotional read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
We first met River and Huntley in Lake’s book, so it is wonderful to get to read their story.
This book is full of emotion, not only challenging emotions for the characters but also joy and laughter as well as steamy romance. There is also the ever present bonds of friendship, and the love of family (both by blood and chosen family), which defines the characters and their unique relationships.
A wonderful emotional read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 8, 2025
River’s Savior, book seven in the No Surrender series, follows psychologist River Roberts and firefighter Huntley Taylor. River has had a difficult life filled with one hardship after another, but the night she tries to end it all, she meets her Angel who helps guide her on a new path. Finding herself, River begins to accept her life as a single mom of two two adopted teens, Bre and Lennon, until she meets Huntley. The handsome firefighter who managed to light a spark in River that she never thought would ever exist, but will Huntley be able to see past the damaged woman once he hears her truth? Can River finally open her eyes, and her heart, to a man without fear? Or will things always be the same?
December 31, 2024
Solid 4.5 star
The push pull that River goes through with her feelings as well as seeing her kids let their walls down with Hunter who has his own demons breaks your heart at times, but you keep cheering for River to see what it's like to have people who love you and will protect you with no strings attached.
Having danger lurking at the edges definitely put you on edge as to when it would strike next and why however also gave River a nudge to get her to see the amazing people round her and the love that Hunter wants to offer along with a twist revealed when one is hurt.
The push pull that River goes through with her feelings as well as seeing her kids let their walls down with Hunter who has his own demons breaks your heart at times, but you keep cheering for River to see what it's like to have people who love you and will protect you with no strings attached.
Having danger lurking at the edges definitely put you on edge as to when it would strike next and why however also gave River a nudge to get her to see the amazing people round her and the love that Hunter wants to offer along with a twist revealed when one is hurt.
January 6, 2025
She is a warrior
Please check your triggers. Still trying to recover from the ending of this book. River has lived through a life of hell and thanks to an angel didn’t end it all when she so desperately wanted to. Huntley is completely smitten with River when he first sees her and he will do whatever it takes to win her heart even if that means he won’t be anything more than her friend. So many touching moments in this story and some so hard to get over. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Please check your triggers. Still trying to recover from the ending of this book. River has lived through a life of hell and thanks to an angel didn’t end it all when she so desperately wanted to. Huntley is completely smitten with River when he first sees her and he will do whatever it takes to win her heart even if that means he won’t be anything more than her friend. So many touching moments in this story and some so hard to get over. I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 8, 2025
Sometimes you have to break to let the light shine in. River is the epitome of that. She feels so broken but her heart is full of love. To adopt two older kids who have had similar rough starts takes an enormous amount of strength and compassion. She might be scared to truly let adults in past her shields but she isn't completely closed off either. She is so tempted by Huntley and he is completely enamored with her. Watching them fall in love was absolutely beautiful. The found family is always a strong component to this author's books and she balances it so well. The previous characters don't overpower the current ones, they are truly supporting characters. If you love a strong, caring hero and a sweet, loving heroine, please check out River and Huntley!
November 22, 2024
I absolutely LOVE this series by CM Youngren! Every story is written beautifully and just pulls your heart strings! Such broken souls who triumph over their demons and find their happy! If you havent read the No Surrender series yet you are missing out on amazing stories! Helpful hint: start with the Soul Sisters Trilogy then go to the No Surrender books!
December 16, 2024
This book was wonderfully written and as always a favorite. I truly enjoy all Yungrens books
And this is no exception. River is wonderful and so is Huntley. This book does have a few tigger
Warnings for SA and abuse so be aware of that. Other then that this is book is a must read and I think all readers would enjoy it.
And this is no exception. River is wonderful and so is Huntley. This book does have a few tigger
Warnings for SA and abuse so be aware of that. Other then that this is book is a must read and I think all readers would enjoy it.
January 2, 2025
The No Surrender family is back and thriving. We got a sneak peek of Huntley and River in the last book of the series.
Single mom River’s story is a heartbreaking tale of growth but she has Huntley by her side every step of the way.
River’s Savior is another fabulous book from CM Youngren. She has created the perfect chosen family, fun of love banter, and laughter.
Single mom River’s story is a heartbreaking tale of growth but she has Huntley by her side every step of the way.
River’s Savior is another fabulous book from CM Youngren. She has created the perfect chosen family, fun of love banter, and laughter.
January 5, 2025
River's background means she doesn't trust easy and rightly so as she and her family have been through alot. However once this group broke down her walls this story was incredible. It was addictive and so heartwarming to see them overcome everything.
It's hard to believe this is still a relatively new author as the stories are great.
It's hard to believe this is still a relatively new author as the stories are great.
January 15, 2025
I loved Huntley and River’s story. These two had horrible pasts, and both turned their lives around, River even taking in 2 of the most amazing foster kids on the planet. What happens in this book will have you laughing and crying, as is typical of a CM Youngren story, but you’ll also sit there cheering for all of these characters!
December 31, 2024
C.M. Youngren gave us another wonderful read with River's Savior. Enjoyable story with just the right amount of drama. Huntley was perfect for poor tortured River. I loved that their relationship started as a friendship. HEA. Kudos!
December 31, 2024
This was a well written book with great characters both familiar and new. We got to know more about River and Huntley and their story, we learned more about River's past and see her grow and allow more friends and family into her life. Overall a great read!
January 1, 2025
This whole series totally gave me all the feels but this book took it to a whole new level. My heart totally went out to River and what she had endured. Huntley is a perfect match for her. He understands and knows the struggles that River has been through.
January 4, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! River and Huntley 's story will break your heart and then mind it back together. After her life of he$$ river didn't think she was worthy of love but can Huntley show her she's not broken for love and happiness?
January 12, 2025
What happened to River was heartbreaking but she does start to rise above when she adopts her kids. Healing takes more than that though and her saviour teaches her that, along with family and friends, for them to get their HEA
January 20, 2025
Absolutely great community.
Slow and steady, this story is captivating on many levels. All the pain that River endured has to unfold slowly and this treatment was perfect. These ladies are a riot, too, and such great support to each other. Tender, hot and heartwarming.
Slow and steady, this story is captivating on many levels. All the pain that River endured has to unfold slowly and this treatment was perfect. These ladies are a riot, too, and such great support to each other. Tender, hot and heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews