**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. My life hasn’t been rainbows and lollipops, though Caleb Thomas makes it that way. He’s everything to me. My parents died when I was young, leaving me with more than I could’ve imagined. But money comes with a price, and soon my world came crashing down. Secrets I never imagined haunt my world…. Exposing skeletons I never knew existed. I don’t know what to do or who to trust anymore. Why is this happening to me? I’m Sybil Hayes….and this, is my story.
Ashley Johnson was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA where she still resides with her fiance and their daughter.
She graduated high school in 2003 and then graduated college in 2008 with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.
She has a terrible addiction to Amazon and Google Play and owns more books than she will probably ever read, but can't resist a good story. When she's not reading or writing she loves to cook, that's what happens when living in Louisiana.
Ashley loves to read and write, so that's what she does now.
3.5 Stars This was a serious roller coaster ride for my emotions. Was sobbing by the end of the first chapter! Sybil has suffered some terrible loss in her life. When she loses Caleb- her one, her fiancé, the love of her life-she spirals quickly into despair. When the truth about Caleb comes out she realizes she h ad no idea who she was living and loving for so long. With the help of her friends, Cory and Megan, and throwing herself into school she starts to heal. When she meets Blaine she is instantly attracted to him. Really who wouldn’t be? He reads as gorgeous! But his secrets prove to be even more painful than Sybil could imagine. As well as lethal. Now she doubts everything and everyone. Including her rock through everything-Cory. Caleb’s lifelong best friend. Yeah, as if life weren’t confused enough! The author used multiple POV’s well, love the insight into their thoughts. Also did a good job of pacing the story. Sybil drove me a bit crazy- she was so reactive, never being proactive. Seemed so old for her age. But her moments of joy were amazing. Cory- oh who doesn’t want a Cory? Even as he is dealing with his heart he is such a comfort and provides strength for Sybil. A really good man. Who loves his family and his mama. Sigh. I have to admit that I couldn’t hate Blaine- my heart broke for him. I just kept thinking- he triiiiied! So wonder about Dante’s story too…. The big drama/secret/conflict resolution was a little rushed, maybe a bit too tidy? Also why make Megan the girlfriend? Seems like her and Cory’s relationship was just comfortable at best- not a grand love affair. Have to wonder for the story if it wouldn’t have been better to have her as just the best friend. Especially when we find out some of her background and realize how little everyone knew about her. It would be difficult to go into too much more detail without giving everything away! This book had tears, laughter, serious steam and a sweet love story. Overall a very good read.
Talk about an emotional ride!! Seriously the whole book I was sitting on the edge of my seat!!!! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!
This book packs serious punches and holds nothing back!!! The first chapter started off like any other college romance book, and then Bam! something happens that throws the book in a 360! The characters Sybil, Cory and Megan are left to pick up the pieces of their lives and come to terms with something that they never saw coming, and something they never knew was happening. After slowly moving on, they are again thrown for a six, which leave 2 best friends having to deal with the aftermath.
I am not going to give much more away, I don't want to spoil anything for people reading this book. But just know that the characters are genuine and real and deal with what life throws their way with poise and intelligence. This is no sweet romance book, so don't go in thinking that becasue you will be disappointed. If you want something that is real and gritty but also heartbreakingly real. A book that makes you question how well you can really know a loved one, then pick this up, you will NOT be disappointed.
Thanks to the author who offered the book for me to review.
"You have no idea how happy I am, Sybil. After everything we've been through. I finally know what it means to be happy again and its all becasue of you."
This book is incredible!! Ashley Johnson has done it once again! Sybil is an only child. Her parents passed away when she was very young. After that her grandmother took care of her. Sybil is smart, witty and I absolutely loved her! At this point in her life, she isn't looking to find love, instead, it hits her full on when she is least expecting it. Then..tragedy stuck. Sybil does not know how to move on and continue her life. Through the help of many friends, Sybil manages to keep going. This book made me want to through my kindle against the wall, but then I decided I couldn't because then I wouldn't be able to finish the book. Throughout the course of this book, I laughed cried and loved it fully. I was captivated from the first page all the way through to the last! This is the type of book you will not be able to put down. The characters are developed fully and written to absolute perfection! Ashley Johnson is amazing. This book is a definite must read for everyone! You should one click it today you will not be disappointed! This is a way more than a 5 Star read for me! :)
Sybil is an only child. Her parents died when she was younger and her Grandmother took care of her. She smart and witty. SHe just wants to finish school. She isnt looking for love. Love actually finds her... well bumps into her.... and then tragedy strikes. It leaves her heartbroken. She doesn't know how to go on. With the help of her friends she is able to regain her strength.
This is not her typical "Awe" story at all...
I am not even going to attempt to say anymore because it would spoil the entire book. This book is no joke and will have you wanting to throw your kindle. You will cry, laugh and LOVE the hell out of this book! The songs... oh man, the songs in this book are beyond perfect and it really gets to you!!!! Within the very first page, I was drawn in! You know the type of book that your up all night reading... Yup this is that book!!! The characters are spot on as is the story!! The author is absolutely AMAZING!!! I thought "Spurs & Stilettos" was amazing, but this is phenomenal!! I seriously have a lady boner for the author! No lie!! I recommend this book to everyone!!! Get your fingers one-clicking this asap!! You will not be disappointed!!! Thank you Ashley Johnson for writing such a fantastic book!!!!
This is an outstanding read. Saving Us is a very emotional read, yes I cried. I love to read books that get you so involved with the story that it places you into the book and you just feel. I felt the emotional journey that these characters went through, I felt the heartbreak, the tears, the laughs, and the falling in love. Ashley Johnson did a fantastic job setting the characters and story up to make this wonderful story flow. There is also suspense in this book. Saving Us places you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I like the fact that I really had no clue how the book was going to end. I was guessing almost until the very end. This is a great story that I highly recommend. Five AMAZING Stars hands down!!!!
WOW!! Talk about an emotional roller coaster!! Ashley has given us such lovable characters that every time they hurt, we hurt. Sybil is as broken as they come and life doesn't seem to want to make anything easy for her. Her heart is so pure and sweet and every time it gets dragged through wringer, it is heartbreaking. Many glimpses of hope come along and it's an amazing feeling when she finally feels peace again. This is a must read for sure!!
This was so heartbreaking to read but leaves you feeling grateful for everything you have in your life and does have a happily ever after ending.
Nothing is ever as it seems just when life seems to be perfect tragedy strikes time after time, life keeps throwing me curve balls but no matter what I won't give up I'm Sybill Hayes and this is my story.
Wow. What a roller coster ride.. One minute it's all good than bad, than good... But it's not my favorite Ashley book but it was well written, and I did love it even after my heart attack..