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Saving Private Blue

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Savannah St. Claire grew up in a town where she was constantly bullied. Her only friends were brothers Billy and Travis. The three of them were inseparable. Billy Blue joined the Army when he turned eighteen and was deployed to Afghanistan soon after. Four years later Billy returns home and things are forever changed for this man who heroically fought for his country. He not only has to overcome his physical limitations, but he must confron...t his feelings for Savannah. With his confidence broken he comes to the realization that there could be no way she would ever love him enough to look past the scars he possesses both inside and out. What happens when two brothers love the same woman? Can broken hearts be mended? Will true love prevail above all else?

Unknown Binding

First published June 12, 2014

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Nicole Garcia

63 books354 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Cristie Alleman.
131 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2016
What a Great Short Story!!

Savannah is crushed after Billy ,the love of her life, broke up with her when he left for the Army! He didn't want her to worry the whole time he was gone and thought she would better off if he ended it now in case something happened to him.. If it weren't for Billy and Travis, Savannah would have had no friends growing up. Now she has not only lost one of her only friends but the love of her life. Savannah has stayed strong with the help of Travis ,her best Friend who is also Billy's Brother.

Now after 4ys Billy is home and Savannah doesn't know how to react. Billy is Jealous of Travis' relationship with Savannah. But Billy also has to get through what happened to him while fighting in a war.

You will have to read it to see how it plays out..

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!


Profile Image for Jennifer Erwin.
1,323 reviews14 followers
November 10, 2014
Short but sweet story. It just didn't pull me in enough to make me want to read book 2.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,207 reviews220 followers
June 7, 2019
4 star review of Saving Private Blue (A Soldier To Love #1) by Nicole Garcia
 
Audio Review:

Nicole Garcia is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to other books narrated by Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott.

Billy is a man still struggling with the injuries which have seen him honourably discharged from the armed forces. He has trouble sleeping, not just because of the pain but with the realisation that the woman he gave up before joining the service still cannot forgive him for leaving her.

I totally understand the pain of rejection she felt, especially since she was bullied when she was younger, but it became a tad repetitive.

There was plenty to tug at the heart strings in this story. The tension between Billy and his brother Travis is intense as Travis admits to his own love for Savannah.

I enjoyed this military story about a damaged man who finally gets the happily ever after he deserves.

Not a particularly long book but it still packs a punch.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer


 
 

 
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,801 reviews125 followers
July 19, 2016
4 Blue Star’s

Audio Book – This was kind of what I was expecting and kind of not. I was not a fan of Billy’s from the beginning but he grows on you.
Before he deployed for Afghanistan he breaks the heart of his one true love Savannah.

This story is about finding a second chance and how you deal with the pain of the past. Savannah is HURT. Her heart is stuck on frozen. And her best friend just happens to be Billy’s brother. Who after 4 years of being her rock but who has also fallen in love with her.
Only she doesn’t see him as that. And now that Billy’s back and injured she doesn’t know if she can forgive even though her heart is crying out to him.

“We were partners, best friends, we told each other everything.” - Savannah

Billy is back and feels like his life has ended all he ever wanted was to serve his country. And now that he has been let go he is lost and with the one thing he knows he can’t have Savannah. He knows pushing her away like that was wrong but it’s what he felt was best.

“I could never hate you Savannah. You are my heart and soul.” – Billy

I love the give and take between Savannah and her mother. It’s what most girls go through with moms who want what’s best for them. They butt heads and it always made me smile.

Freaking loved the narration on this audio to. Wen, oh Wen that man and his voice brings Billy to life in my eyes. And Kai she brought Savannah the life and wit needed for this book.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
June 7, 2014
Book: Saving Private Blue
Author: Nicole Garcia
Publication Date: June 2014
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars

REVIEW
This is a short but sweet romance story.
Savannah grew up being bullied in school being called many names. The only 2 people who came to her rescue were brothers Billy and Travis. These 3 were inseparable but Billy and Savannah fell in love. Billy has now joined the Army and is being deployed to Afghanistan. He loves Savannah enough that he does not want her to be hurt if something were to happen to him so he lies to her.

And those lies setup a lot of heartache for Savannah and its brother Travis who is asked to try to pickup those pieces of her broken heart but can he?
After 4 years away Billy is back and things are forever changed for this man who went off to fight for the freedom of his fellow Americans.

Can hearts be repaired? Does true love win in the end?

Grab your copy and find out !!!

I was given a Complimentary copy of this book for my honest review


Nicole Garcia
Profile Image for Jessica.
39 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2014
I don't think I've read a book like this before...with a man in war and his love at home .. the first few pages sucked me in.. I couldn't believe billy was willing to give up on love .. I understand his reasons .. if he died Savannah would be even more heart broken.. but who gives up on love.. I guess a lot of people do.. it was sad and kinda sweet to read the inner struggle billy was going through.. not even reading the letters Savannah sent.. but laying awake thinking of her.
while billy is at war.. Travis which is Billy's brother and Savannah become even closer then they were before.. so when billy comes back from war injured he feels out of place.. confused.. and wanting the love of his life back.. fighting his inner demons from the trauma of war and lost love and the jealousy of his brothers relationship with savannah.
its short but very sweet.. im glad i found this book .. I don't want to ruin the ending but it is a great quick summer read and to find this book right before the 4th of July is pretty cool.
read it and find out what happens..
do you think Savannah and billy get back together ? or is Savannah in love with Travis?
read it and find out !
Profile Image for Rosemary Hendry.
27 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2014

This review is from: Saving Private Blue (A Soldier To Love Series #1) (Kindle Edition)

This book touched me so much from the first page. Our young men join the military to protect all of us. After reading this I can see that they struggle with the "what if". They have to wonder what if I never come back or come back a broken person. In this story Billy goes through these thoughts and feels it is better to lie to the people he loves. He is injured and comes back to a different world as far as what his place in this world. The author did a fantastic job bringing forward the struggles of Billy and Savannah his true love and Travis his brother. He goes through being mad and jealous and despair. Travis and Savannah also are effected greatly effected. My hat is off to this author. FANTASTIC job. Can things every work out ????? Looking forward to more like this from this author . A MUST READ Get your copy


Profile Image for Jessica Watts.
41 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being a military spouse I like to read books about our military. This one doesn't disappoint. It depicts the struggle of a young man who was injured in the line of duty and how he is going to cope when he returns home to the love of his life that he broke things off with 4 years ago. Billy has never stopped loving Savannah even though he told her otherwise and left for the army. Savannah has never gotten over Billy and has not moved on. Can they reconnect and save what they once had? Can Savannah save Private Blue from himself? I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. Well done Nicole Garcia! Savvy 1 Mean Girls 0...lol
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,381 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2014
What an amazing love story! The author did an amazing job with a tough subject of what happens when a soldier comes home with injuries and she gives the reader a view of what they go through both physically and mentally. The characters were brought to life and you can’t help but feel what they’re feeling while reading this story. You cheer them on and cry with them and find out that if you love each other nothing else matters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. If you love romance stories and HEA then this is a must read!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,294 reviews24 followers
May 24, 2019
Fantastic Story & Audible Listen🎧 Heartfelt & Enjoyable!
Saving Private Blue
A Soldier to Love, Book 1
By: Nicole Garcia
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross

I loved this book, it well written and it captivated my heart and my mind from start to end. Nicole Garcia fit a lot of story into this novella, the storylines are interesting, realistic and easily relatable. The characters are complex and well developed. Savannah’s best friends are Billy and Travis Blue. She was in love with Billy but he left her broken hearted and cut all ties with her before he left to to go serve his country. He did this out of love, he wanted her to live her life and not have to worry about him. Billy returned home four years later a wounded man. During that time Travis fell in love with Savannah but does she feel the same or is Billy still her true love. I liked all three characters and how their story played out. Nicole Garcia did a great job capturing some of the struggles soldiers face returning home after serving, the injuries and PTSD. I highly recommend this heartfelt story, there is drama, some angst and hot romance. Thank you Nicole Garcia for the emotional rollercoaster ride and another great & entertaining story.

I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. They bring the characters to life, give each their own voice and personality. You can hear how much heart they put into their performance while projecting the emotions of the characters. They are entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for another great listen🎧

Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Profile Image for Bette.
3,294 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2019
Fantastic Story & Audible Listen🎧 Heartfelt & Enjoyable!
Saving Private Blue
A Soldier to Love, Book 1
By: Nicole Garcia
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross

I loved this book, it well written and it captivated my heart and my mind from start to end. Nicole Garcia fit a lot of story into this novella, the storylines are interesting, realistic and easily relatable. The characters are complex and well developed. Savannah’s best friends are Billy and Travis Blue. She was in love with Billy but he left her broken hearted and cut all ties with her before he left to to go serve his country. He did this out of love, he wanted her to live her life and not have to worry about him. Billy returned home four years later a wounded man. During that time Travis fell in love with Savannah but does she feel the same or is Billy still her true love. I liked all three characters and how their story played out. Nicole Garcia did a great job capturing some of the struggles soldiers face returning home after serving, the injuries and PTSD. I highly recommend this heartfelt story, there is drama, some angst and hot romance. Thank you Nicole Garcia for the emotional rollercoaster ride and another great & entertaining story.

I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. They bring the characters to life, give each their own voice and personality. You can hear how much heart they put into their performance while projecting the emotions of the characters. They are entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for another great listen🎧

Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,888 reviews
June 27, 2019
How can you not love a guy named Billy Blue?
Billy Blue joined the Army right out of high school and, when he was deployed, broke up with his HS sweetheart, Savannah St. Claire. Savannah has loved Billy Blue since she was a little girl and she was heart broken when Billy broke up with her before he left. She was devastated when all of her letters to him were returned unopened. That was 4 yrs ago and she still can't process that the boy who protected her from bullies in school would deliberately hurt her. Meanwhile, Billy's older brother, Travis, has been her rock! If only she could feel for him what she still feels for Billy. When Savannah agrees to attend a bonfire, the last person that she expects to see is Billy!
Billy was injured towards the end of his tour and has returned home with a medical discharge. He feels broken and scarred and unworthy of the beautiful Savannah. He knows that he was the one that let her go, but he still is not happy to see Savannah with his brother. Can he really live around them if they're together?
Can Savannah prove to Billy that his scars mean nothing to her and that he still has her heart or will the stubborn Billy give up?
This was a quick read/listen about a wounded warrior who did not believe that anyone could love him with his battle scars...personally, I think that scars are sexy...they prove that you fought and survived! Great job by the narration team!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dawn.
573 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2019
There is everything to love about this second chance romance. Savannah is heartbroken at home because Billy broke up with her before going into the Army. Billy is heartbroken for leaving Savannah. When Billy returns, he does not know if Savannah has moved on or will take him back. His disfigurements may prevent her form still loving him if she has not moved on. Savannah is a sweet girl that is so easy to fall in love with. Her heart has and always will belong to Billy. This story has all the feels and touched my heart. Nicole Garcia wrote a very realistic story, that will win your heart. I could not put it down.

Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott are the perfect narrators for this story. The chemistry between the narrators helped bring out the undying love between Billy and Savannah. Mr. Ross brought Billy to life. From the tough Army life, to the insecure soldier returning home, Mr. Ross made Billy so real. Ms. Kennicott has a sweet voice that brought Samantha to life. This narration team enhanced this story's experience.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,128 reviews55 followers
September 1, 2017
Military romance! I love books like this..the devoted girl, the injured war hero. There is nothing better than a good love story focusing on this. Savannah is home, heart broken that her high school sweetheart, Billy has broken up with her before leaving for the army. Billy is heart broken in the army, pining away for the love of his life, Savannah. When Billy comes home, will their love have survived the test of time? Will Savannah have moved on....and with who? Will she be able to overlook the disfigurement and mental anguish Billy now lives with? Nicole Garcia writes a heart felt love story with these two characters sure to give you the feels and passion needed to portray this kind of story. You will fall in love with the all the characters(love Billy's mom) and bring that sense of true love to your heart.

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross portray this story to perfection. You can feel the pain and love each character feels along with them as the story goes on. Love this book!
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,800 reviews55 followers
June 23, 2019
Sweet story with some spice. I liked the premise of the wounded soldier coming back home and trying to win back his girl, Savannah. Billy asked his brother to look out for her; which brought Savannah and the Brother closer. Billy did the stupid thing of breaking up with Savannah and telling her he didn’t love her before leaving for the military because he didn’t want her to be broken hearted if something happened to him. Which obviously sounds like a bad idea because he’s already breaking her heart. Men! Lol! Billy is also dealing with some PTSD, so he’s feeling like he’s not good enough anymore. Overall, the writing and story are a bit basic, but I really enjoyed the connection between Savannah and Billy. A quick, entertaining read.

I listened to the story on Audible and both narrators did a good job. It sounded a tinge low quality, but both had nice voices.
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,346 reviews27 followers
April 29, 2020
I love military reads and I really enjoy books by Nicole Garcia. This book pulled me in from the first page. Never fitting into her hometown, Billy and his brother, Travis were her friends and protectors. Billy and Savannah fell in love, but Billy felt called to the military and broke her heart by breaking up with her before he left. Travis still remained friends with Savannah and fell in love with her, but when his injured brother returns things get messy. While there is an eventual HEA, Ms. Garcia puts all three of them through the wringer before the end of the story.
Narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross, both do an exceptional job of bringing Ms. Garcia's characters to life. Emotions run high in this story and both narrators pull the listeners into the feeling and action of the story.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
June 21, 2019
Audio book review
This story by Nicole will grab your heart , break it and put it back together. Nicole writes about what veterans go through. Their love and feelings towards the people they love , be is men or women . Nicole’s respect for the service people show in this story
Hero is a Billy. Heroine is Savannah
Bill is signed up for service, so he decides to break to end the relationship with Savannah just in case something happens to him . Savannah is heartbroken over that decision.
He advises his brother Travis to watch other her . Billy returns from the Army banged up , Savannah still loves Billy , she doesn’t know what to do . Savannah has two men that want a life with her but Savannah doesn’t know it .
Profile Image for Claire Milbrandt.
95 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2021
This is a beautiful story of a boy who joined the Army and rather than keep his girlfriend worrying at home, he broke up with her. Savannah was not a girl who loved easily and she knew that Billy was her true love; so even though he broke her heart, it still beat only for him. Billy returns from war, wounded both physically and mentally, but he knows one thing - he still loves Savannah. I loved this story, it is fast paced so you don't feel bogged down in details while still giving you enough to understand the characters. Kai and Wen did an amazing job narrating this story. They sucked me into the story and I never felt like it was messy with the two narrations blending together. Their production company is great! #AudiobookObsession
807 reviews18 followers
August 7, 2019
Nicole Garcia is a favorite of mine. Her stories are always fun to read, and they are always pertinent. Savanna has loves Billy for a long time, but he broke her heart when he left for boot camp.

Billy lives Savanna, but he breaks it off because of where he’s going and what he’s doing. He doesn’t want her to suffer if something happens to him. But she has suffered, every day.

Four years later, he returns... she didn’t know he’s coming, and no one knew he’s been injured.

Will they still be in love and find the way back to each other?? Has Savanna moved on?? This book is well worth the listen! Kai and Wen Toss are awesome... as usual!!
Profile Image for Ruby McDemon.
824 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2017
I loved this story. I have always loved when veterans find their happy ending (especially seeing as I live with one). This is one of those stories that I will always be completely behind. I loved how well Kai and Wen did when reading this and how they made you feel and understand a bit better what our men go through. I loved how Nicole wrote the story and you could feel so much for Billy and Savannah and get an idea of everything they felt and went thorough together. This was such a great story I cant really express it.
Profile Image for Terri Oconnell.
303 reviews11 followers
June 2, 2017
Military man comes home injured after four years away and denying his feelings for the girl he left behind. She has remained in love with him. Will they find true happiness or will their distrust of each other win. Loved this romance with Ms. Garcia wonderful way with words that make everything come alive for the readers. A great book if you just want a romance without a lot of steamy sex scenes. I did the audio version of this book and let me tell you it the narrators voices are to die for and they bring the characters alive.
Profile Image for Johanna.
1,314 reviews36 followers
July 21, 2023
So this is an older story written in 2015.

It is short, a little cheesy at times but overall sweet.

I like that they never list feelings for each other but I didn’t like that all he had to do was force himself back in her life and she caved. Not before he explained what happened not before he apologized profusely.

I think this could have been a teensy bit longer with them rekindling their trust in one another.

Overall a good tale of first love and reconnection.

Narrated by the dynamic duo of Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott whom I enjoy so much
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
June 5, 2019
* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *

I liked this and there’s lots of feelings in this story but I kind of felt like I jumped in to the middle of the story. However, it was well worth listening to.

No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Lots of good dialogues
Characters are well described
Good chemistry between the main characters.

Narrators:
I love the narrators, clear pronunciation and read with passion makes me feel like I’m inside the story.

🎧 AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Profile Image for Jutta.
445 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2019
I loved the combination of Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross, their narration worked beautifully together, they gave such emotion to the story.

This is a really sweet short story full of heartache and emotion. It captured me and pulled me along with it. I really enjoyed being able to see both points of view and get a behind the scenes look at what was going on and what each person was thinking.
Profile Image for Tatenisha.
1,761 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2019
Savannah and Billy along with his brother Travis were inseparable. Savannah and Billy had a relationship until Billy joined the military and told Savannah it was over and ceased all contact with her. Now he is back and thinks Savannah will not want him because of his injuries. But there is another problem Travis has developed feelings for Savannah and wants her for hisself. Can Billy win Savannah back or has his years of ignoring her sent her into the arms of his brother.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,054 reviews54 followers
November 23, 2019
I listened to the audio book.

A great second chance story. Savannah and Billy were childhood friends and then became boyfriend and girlfriend til high school graduation when Billy joined the army and broke up with her. Years later and Savannah still pines for him. Billy is back honorably discharged from the army after an explosion. He is still in love with Savannah and plans to get her back.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,003 reviews
July 17, 2020
"Saving Private Blue" had the bones to be a good story. I love a good military based story. Unfortunately, this book just fell short. Ms. Garcia would start on building the story, then shoot off on another tangent or lose where she was trying to go. The editing was really awful, too - incorrectly used (scream instead of ice cream) or missing words.
1,250 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2020
Small town romance. An injured soldier, returning from service. His brother in love with the girl he left behind! No matter who Savannah chooses, one brother will be heartbroken. Love a military second chance romance.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross narration was wonderful. I enjoyed listening to this audio, they brought the story and characters to life.
🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,908 reviews22 followers
July 20, 2019
This novella is sweet and sexy. Billy and Savannah's story is is a great second chance to love. Kai Kenicott and Wen Ross did an amazing job with the narration. I love their voices together. #AudiobookObsession
877 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2019
I received this book for free for a honest review. This book was quick and sweet. The author did a great job of portraying a soldiers return home. The storyline flowed and brought the characters to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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