Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Salvation #1

My Salvation

Rate this book
Caliana Crawford is smart, sexy and unemployed. After quitting her mediocre job, she finds herself in need of a break. She goes to the one place that holds her most precious memories, her cabin by the lake. Life hasn’t always been easy for Cali. She lost someone close to her, was betrayed by her lover, and now she only wants to escape reality. What she doesn’t plan on is her sexy neighbor, who has an agenda of his own.

Owen Matthews goes through the motions every day, but knows his life is missing one essential part – Cali. He has never forgotten about the summers he spent by the lake with the gorgeous brunette. When he sees she is back to stay, Owen knows he can’t let her slip through his fingers again. Others think he has it all with owning a multimillion dollar company, but what they don’t know is that he would give it all up to have her in his arms and his bed.

The road to happiness isn’t always easy. His brother returns to his life and brings with him an old flame who threatens to rip Cali and Owen apart. Will they find their salvation with one another or let the events of their past influence their future?

Please note that this book contains explicit language and sexual content. It is meant for readers 18 and over.

288 pages, ebook

First published October 19, 2014

202 people are currently reading
736 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Dare

81 books1,498 followers
Michelle Dare is a USA Today Bestselling Author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from paranormal to contemporary. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.

https://www.michelledare.com/links

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
266 (44%)
4 stars
188 (31%)
3 stars
95 (15%)
2 stars
32 (5%)
1 star
17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
Profile Image for Cristina.
341 reviews334 followers
March 27, 2015
DNF 25%

description

How do I get myself in this situations?

I barely made it to 25%...it was that bad.

Why?

Well...for starters: the main female character just moves into her aunts cabin and after not seeing HIM for years and only sharing a kiss ten years ago, after 2 days she calls him her boyfriend, wants to sleep at night in the same bed and goes with him to work...clingy much? Oh...and he's happy as a pie to have her at last.

description

He's a millionaire but says there aren't women after him (push please?) and surprisingly at the same time the book starts his brother and ex girlfriend (that cheated on him with his brother) reappear after three years wanting something.

And all this happened in the first quarter of the book.

description

And did I mention the sex scene was B.A.D.?

I can only tell to skip this one...

*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
737 reviews205 followers
December 16, 2014
Review-Jo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
TSU: https://www.tsu.co/HopelessRomantics
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...

I was first drawn to this book after seeing some posts about it on social media and once I'd read the synopsis I was sold! My expectations were high but unfortunately they were not met and I was left feeling a little disappointed.

The story follows Cali and Owen. The couple both had crushes on each other during their teenage years but they never went further than one kiss... a kiss that neither one of them had forgotten. After many years, circumstance brought them together again. They found themselves in the same place at the same time and this time Cali and Owen weren't going to avoid a second chance of love.
"I've waited ten years to kiss you again and I'm not going to let go so easily this time."
The first half of of the story was all very dreamy and romantic as Cali and Owen got to know each other all over again. Their relationship developed extremely fast and before long they were head over heels for each other. Everything was perfect for couple until Owen's past returned and with it came a whole lot of trouble.
"Having you back in my life has made everything better. I want you to know just how much you mean to me. I'm falling in love with you, Caliana."

As soon as things began to go wrong for Cali and Owen, I had my suspicions who was responsible for the havoc that ensued. However Cali and Owen did not have a clue. I found it very hard to believe that this educated couple would not be able to put two and two together and come up with the correct answer. I thought it was obvious who the culprit was and I felt frustrated at how oblivious Cali and Owen appeared to be.
"Owen, I need you. I want to drown out all of our bad stuff and feel nothing but you."
As the story continued there were some good parts that I enjoyed but there was also a lot of parts that I felt were a bit too perfect for me. In some parts of the story, I found myself becoming easily distracted. It was not pulling me in as much as I had hoped. I also felt that the characters lacked depth and for that reason I couldn't connect with them.

Sadly, this story was not as exciting as I wanted it to be.
For that reason I rate "My Salvation" ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Stefanie.
875 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2014
This is a perfect debut novel. This is a story of love that will stay with me for sometime. I laughed with Cali and Owen and cried with and for them. This is a story of old love finally coming to the surface and making the move to see if it can grow. People always have a way of trying to get in the way of something beautiful out of jealously. This book has a little bit of everything in it to make it the perfect combination to keep the story flowing and plot awesome. I CAN NOT wait for the next book in the series and more from the amazingly talented Michelle Dare! I don't and won't do spoilers but I have to share my all time favorite quote from this book. It is so perfect and touching!

"From the time we started dating, you have always been my salvation." - Cali to Owen
Profile Image for Crina | booktwist_.
609 reviews285 followers
April 30, 2015
Really wasn't my type of read and I felt like all the cliches lived in this book. At first I tried to see it as a nice and easy read, and I wasn't expecting so much from it, you know? But as I kept reading it went on and on and on with all the cliches rubbing in my face and I couldn't anymore.

If it remained just the kind of read with two people that meet again after some years bla bla it would have been better. But no, we find out that he's like that and that... and from there went downhill.

And I'm thinking now if I have a problem because this has huge, I mean HUGE, ratings, and I'm here dislinking it. Bad. Plus the characters are so sketched and transparent and... nothing memorable. Really.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
October 28, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (10/28/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
Caliana Crawford is smart, sexy and unemployed. After quitting her mediocre job, she finds herself in need of a break. She goes to the one place that holds her most precious memories, her cabin by the lake. Life hasn’t always been easy for Cali. She lost someone close to her, was betrayed by her lover, and now she only wants to escape reality. What she doesn’t plan on is her sexy neighbor, who has an agenda of his own.

Owen Matthews goes through the motions every day, but knows his life is missing one essential part – Cali. He has never forgotten about the summers he spent by the lake with the gorgeous brunette. When he sees she is back to stay, Owen knows he can’t let her slip through his fingers again. Others think he has it all with owning a multimillion dollar company, but what they don’t know is that he would give it all up to have her in his arms and his bed.

The road to happiness isn’t always easy. His brother returns to his life and brings with him an old flame who threatens to rip Cali and Owen apart. Will they find their salvation with one another or let the events of their past influence their future?
Profile Image for Sheila.
404 reviews76 followers
March 19, 2015
What a wonderful debut novel!! I can't believe this is the first book Michelle Dare has ever written. I'm impressed and looking forward to what she's going to give us in the future.
Cali and Owen grew up hanging out together during summers at their families lake houses. Although they both felt something for the other it went unsaid until right before Cali left for college. That's when Owen kissed her and told her how he felt, but it was too late. Both of their lives were taking off in different directions at that point and nothing could come of their feelings.
After several years apart, Cali experiences some disappointment in her life and decides to take some time for herself at her aunt's lake house that is now hers. Shortly after arriving she see Owen and all of those old feelings come rushing back to her.
What she doesn't realize is that Owen has never gotten over her since she left. She's his one true love and he's hellbent on proving that to her. She slipped away from him once, but he won't let it happen again. Fate has brought them back together for a reason and he knows that reason is that they belong with one another.
Situations and people from their past time apart rear up and threaten to crumble what little faith and trust they've begun to build together. The book focuses on how they handle these situations and how they affect any chance of a future they may have together.
Cali and Owen have some of the sweetest love-making scenes ever written. Owen is the perfect book boyfriend; he treats Cali like a princess both in and out of bed. Their story will touch your heart and have you rooting for them to make it through whatever is thrown their way.
Although they are given a fantastic HEA I would still enjoy a follow up. They're very enjoyable characters that you will love and want to see more of.
Profile Image for A.M. Madden.
Author 42 books2,460 followers
September 20, 2014
Excellent read !!! I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading My Salvation by Michelle Dare. This is her first novel and she blew me away. The story of Cali and Owen is one filled with compassion, emotion, loyalty, and pure love. I fell in love with both characters a few pages in. They are real and they are honest. I cannot wait to read more from Michelle Dare.
Profile Image for Colleen N.
367 reviews
August 17, 2015
WOW what a great book My Salvation by Michelle Dare was to read! It is the first in the Salvation Series and left me yearning for the next one!

Caliana (Cali) Crawford, has finally had enough of her crappy job, where she is unappreciated. She’s at a point in life where she just wants to do something meaningful and make a difference. She decides it’s time to clear her head and knows the best place to do that is at the cabin her aunt left her. She never expects to run into childhood friend Owen Matthews.

Owen is a man who has done something with his life, but unfortunately he is still missing something. He remembered back to when they were teenagers and shared a kiss, but she left. He never thought he would amount to anything back then but “He worked his butt off and a part of him knew he did it for Cali. He worked hard, saved and invested the money he made. He bought the company he worked for, and the cabin for his mom. He felt like a boy, wanting the girl that was unattainable. The awkward boy who kissed the beautiful girl way out of his league.”

Here they are many years later and his feelings are still strong. He takes a risk and kisses her and is overjoyed when she reciprocates. He feels that maybe new life is breathed into what could have been. “He knew then and there that he would do whatever it took to keep her in his arms. She was his, even if she didn’t know it yet.”

As they begin to see where this could take them, they are both dealing with their own set of demons and obstacles. Cali has been betrayed by someone she loved and has lost her aunt. Owen was betrayed by his brother Ethan who has returned to town. With money and power comes crazy people out of the wood work and for Owen he’s no different. Dealing with his ex Mia and a woman at his office Avery is a little touch and go.

When Owen and Cali find themselves in danger will they solve the mystery together or go their separate ways? Can a teenage crush ever become more than just that? Can your past come back as something filled with love, hope, and a future or will the past simply destroy your present?

Michelle Dare is a vivid writer who wrote with specific details, set up the scenes beautifully, and built strong characters. I enjoyed that she gave some type of a background story to every character even though this was Owen & Cali’s journey. The writing was concise, fluid, exciting, and at times heart-wrenching. This was a wonderful book that I loved. I can’t wait to see if the next one will be Ethan or Erik’s story because it’s a hard choice!
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,299 reviews1,781 followers
November 6, 2014
Favorite Quotes:

“You are mine and I am yours. Remember those words.”

“I love you so much. When I’m with you, everything falls away. It’s only us, nothing else matters.”

“You are always rescuing me, Owen. From the time we started dating, you have always been my salvation. The one constant in my life. The person I could rely on that has been with me through every high and low.”

My Review:

I have a new BBF named Owen – he is steamy and dreamy, thoughtful, considerate, kind, multi-talented, funny, adventurous, playful, well-endowed, an excellent lover, sculpted, handsome, and rich. Of course he is pure fantasy as men like that don’t exist off the page, sigh. But knowing there is a perfect man living in my kindle makes me feel all gooey inside. I found this story to be enjoyable and entertaining. I cared for the characters and felt the major players to be likable and realistic, and I also fully appreciated the lack of conflict and angst between the two lovers, as the conflict was derived from elsewhere. The love scenes were abundant, and sizzled and snapped. The best writing in the book occurred during these sensual scenes - which were richly detailed and highly sumptuous. In other places, and most noticeably during the first few chapter, the writing was much less descriptive and seemed a bit stiff and perfunctory. However, I find this easily understandable being Ms. Dare’s first dip in the pool, and as far as this old cougar is concerned, she more than atoned for this with her lavish and delicious sensual scenes, that had me absolutely purring.
Profile Image for Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥.
1,842 reviews211 followers
September 24, 2016
3.5 stars

*ARC*

My Salvation is the first book in the Salvation series and I must say it was a pretty good start. I know this book has been out for some time but I am just recently read this by Ms. Dare. I personally love second chance romances and this one satisfied my cravings for one when I read it. The added suspense really balanced out the story I think, sometimes a book just needs that little extra element to add depth and that is exactly what happens in My Salvation. You can’t help but love Owen, he is book boyfriend material for sure and Cali is a character that will hold a piece if your heart in the end. I am really looking forward to reading not only the rest of this series but more from Ms. Dare as well.
Profile Image for A.D. Justice.
Author 70 books1,273 followers
October 22, 2014
I was fortunate enough to beta read this book for Michelle Dare and I can honestly say that I loved this story from beginning to end! Cali and Owen are beautifully written and the story is along the lines of a second chance love,like the one who got away, but is now back to find their true place with each other. There's love, intrigue, suspense, drama, danger, and hot, steamy, fan-yourself scenes! I can't wait for the next book in this series and hope I am chosen to beta read for her again!
One-click it!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,194 reviews220 followers
May 2, 2016
4 Star Review My Salvation (Salvation Series Book 1) by Michelle Dare

This was a new author to me and as this was her debut novel, I was interested to read Caliana &
Although Owen and Cali were childhood friends and each had a crush on the other, it wasn’t until the night before Cali left for college that Owen kissed her.

After leaving a dead end job, Cali decides to spend some time at the cabin her aunt left her. Unbeknownst to Cali, Owen now owns his family cabin which is next door to Cali.

When these two re-connect, it is obvious that their attraction is mutual. Over the years since they parted, Owen has become an extremely successful businessman. Cali is just as smitten with Owen as he appears to be with her.

Of course, like life there are complications in the form of an ex-girlfriend who is still fixated on Owen and by the return of Owen’s brother Ethan and all that that entails. Not to mention, Cali has to deal with Avery the CFO of Owen’s company who is antagonistic towards her.

Owen is determined to have Cali, he has never really wanted anyone else, even though he has had relationships, he has never lost the feelings he had for Cali and apparently Cali returns his feelings.

The sex between the two of them is steamy. However, danger is just around the corner. This is not just a love story. What happens when Cali is threatened? I enjoyed the suspense side of the book, although to be honest, in my opinion, it was predictable as to whom the “bad guy” was going to be from the start.

Having said that, I thought the book was well written and I was certainly invested in Owen and Cali and the secondary character in particular Ethan and Erik. I am interested to see what Michelle Dare has in store for book 2 in the series and look forward to reading it.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
December 8, 2014
Caliana Crawford has made up her mind to quit her job, give herself an extended long vacation to think things over and see what she wants to do. She decides to spend time at the cabin that was left to her by her aunt Rhea. Well, she's surprised to see no other than Owen Matthews, her high school crush, is staying in the cabin right next to her. Let's just say they have "history" and now seems the perfect time for "their history" to continue to be written.

Owen never forgot Cali (Caliana). She was heading to college and didn't want to start anything serious because she didn't think it would work out. Now Owen owns his own company and is doing well for himself yet he's unattached. When Owen sees the opportunity to court Cali he takes it and refuses to let anything to get in his way. Once Owen and Cali start getting serious someone goes after Cali. She can't think who could it be and I thought I knew who it was but was surprised to find out who was really was behind it all. As Owen & Cali deal with the threats, jealousy and trust issues they both come to realize that they are in deep with one another and will do whatever they can to stay that way.

Second-chance love stories are one of my favorites because I'm a hopeless romantic and that is what My Salvation was about. This story has angst, drama, cat claws coming out, and the sex scenes between Owen & Catalina were HOT!! ! Kara, 4 Hot Stars
Profile Image for Christy McCurry.
552 reviews20 followers
March 13, 2015
I was graciously given a copy of My Salvation for an honest review. This is a wonderful debut novel from Michelle Dare..

Cali and Owen I loved them and their commitment they have to each other.. It was nice to read a story where the couple stayed strong and committed to each other.
Cali Is not happy with her current situation in job, so she just up and quits, deciding she just needs to take a step back re evaluate her life she finds herself headed to her late aunts cabin for a few weeks. While there Cali runs into her Childhood friend Owen..
Owen has loved Cali since their first and only kiss the day she was leaving for college and he is determined to be a part of Cali's life..
Things are heating up, but not without interruptions.....
I love that she left an opening for (Owens Brother) Ethan and (The sexy protector) Erik..
Erik "sighs.... I think I fell a little bit in love with him. I think its because he holds so much mystery, so I am really hoping for Erik's story...
This is a wonderful story, I recommend reading it. Michelle Dare did a wonderful job with this debut novel and I only expect things to get even better.
<3
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
Profile Image for Kimberly.
49 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2014
WoW! I was completely impressed by Michelle Dare's debut novel!! It was an amazing story of "loss and found". After a death Cali heads back to a place from her youth filled with nothing but happiness. Once there she reconnects with Owen, a childhood friend who she hasn't seen in years. Childhood friends reconnecting and hopefully being "found" by each other. Yeah. That makes for a great book. And the story in the middle of her going back and the words "The End" whoa! I did NOT expect some of the suspense in this book. Incredible story. I love how strong and independent Cali is, she reminds me of well... me. Strong, but still needing that companionship and feeling cared for. She wasn't so strong though that it takes away from how loving and caring Owen is of her!! They are a perfect match. Awesome story!! I cannot wait to see what she writes next and you can bet I'll be #1clicking it the second she publishes it!
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,510 reviews84 followers
October 28, 2014
This is an amazing story by the debut author Michelle Dare! She has done a beautiful job of bringing these characters to life on the pages.

Cali and Owen have known each other forever. They left home and chose different paths but fate and destiny are determined to run their paths right into each other.
The chemistry and undeniable attraction between this couple is electric. This book had everything that you crave from a tale! We are introduced to lost love that is found, romance, sizzling sexual chemistry, mystery, intrigue, and an amazing supporting cast. It is beautifully written and told. The characters are well defined and you can't help but fall in love with them.
I can not wait to read the next book in this series. I am so looking forward to each member of this supporting cast getting their story told.
I was gifted this book by the author for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
Profile Image for Rebecca.
705 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2014
An amazing book by a debut author!! This book had heart, depth, love, and a HOT man!! What else could you ask for in a book?!
Cali and Owen met as children during vacations to their families' lake houses and even though there were feelings between each other, nothing ever happened. Cali hasn't seen Owen in years and when she moves back to her aunt's house after quitting her crappy job, she finds out that Owen is even hotter than before. Owen never forgot about Cali and sees his opportunity to make her his finally. But life happened between those years apart and Cali and Owen are going to have to fight for what they want!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Michelle Dare wrote an eloquent and heart wrenching book. It is hard to believe that this is her debut book! I can't wait to see what she has next!! A MUST READ!!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews547 followers
December 11, 2014
Caliana Crawford is feeling unsettled, deciding to quit her job and take the time to figure out what she really wants to do she heads to the cabin she inherited from her Aunt. She never expected to see Owen Matthews again. Owen was her crush from long ago and although they never really acted on it, she always kept a soft spot in her heart for him.


Owen never forgot Caliana, in fact no woman he ever dated measured up. Seeing a chance to see if that spark is still there, Owen makes his curiosity known and it is reciprocated fully. As Caliana and Owen begin building a life together, someone is harassing Caliana and Owen wants to put a stop to it.

Ii liked this one a lot. This is about second chances and Owen is so fully committed to sweeping Caliana off her feet, but their is also an alpha side to him that is fantastic. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Megan Asmus.
230 reviews8 followers
September 24, 2016
Received for honest review and this was heart warming second chance love story with some twists and turns and keep you on the edge of your toes with suspence...
Genuinely loved the love in this story of Calianna and Owen. When the one that got away from Owen 10 years prior he never fully got over her.. Calianna escaped away to the cabin who aunt had left to her after passing.. the spark these two have kept for one another and love they share throughout will stay with for for a long time after read this! Gave me all of the feels and my hearts filled with so much love AMAZING STORY!
Profile Image for Stephanie Allen.
157 reviews18 followers
October 20, 2014
This book deserves 10 HUUUUUUUGE Stars!! Wow!!!! I was totally sucked in to this story right from the first page! A reader would never know this is Michelle Dare's first novel just by reading this. It was beautifully written and utterly took my breath away! I loved the characters after just a few pages in. This story is full of hardships, love, and trust. This is a must read! I recommend this to everyone!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,012 reviews431 followers
November 6, 2014
This is a really great debut novel. This author had done a great job with her first novel. I'm so looking forward to reading more by her.

I loved this romantic story. Cali and Owen are fabulous characters. Ten years after their first kiss fate brings these two together. They've never forgot their first kiss. Can Owen show Cali how good they can be together?

I found this to be a really interesting storyline. Great sexy scenes and suspense had me reading this in one sitting. Loved it.
Profile Image for Katherine DiLauro.
125 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2015
This has quickly become one of my favorite books. Owen is officially my new book boyfriend. I absolutely loved the interactions between Caliana and Owen. Their love story was epic. I couldnt put this book down. I was so engulfed in the characters and the story! Literally on my top 5 list of favorite books!
Profile Image for Once Upon An Alpha.
365 reviews83 followers
May 15, 2015
I absolutely fell in LOVE with My Salvation. The book completely sucks you right in and immerses you into the story. A story full of love, hardships, trust, and on the edge action. I can not wait for more, a definite must read. I love how sometimes people really are meant to be.
14 reviews
April 20, 2017
Nice job...

You did an awesome job on this book always a pleasure to be able to read a good book excellent job
Profile Image for Tina.
612 reviews18 followers
December 8, 2014
My Salvation is a tale of two people getting a second chance to finally pursue the spark that exists between them. Cali and Owen had always flirted as teenagers yet never made a real move to be more. The night before Cali went to college, they shared a kiss that seared the memory into their souls forever. When chance brings them together 10 years later, both Owen and Cali know that this is a chance that they cannot give up. Yet sometimes, life and fate are working against you. When people from Owen’s past come back and threats are made to Cali, they must choose what they will fight together.
This book is the debut novel for author Michelle Dare. It starts off with Cali declaring her independence from her job and deciding to take some time to figure out what she wants from life. She takes off to her inherited lake house for some time to regroup and decide what she wants. It is here that her old crush saunters back into her life. When Cali and Owen meet again, it is a whirlwind of romance and lust. At first I had a hard time getting past the insta-love of their relationship. They literally fell into bed together so quickly. However, that is the genre and when I took a moment to reflect that they had been harboring feelings for one another for so long (over 10 years), it soothed that issue for me. Once I got past that, I really started to enjoy the story.
Cali is such a lovely strong female character. She is witty, kind, and searching for her anchor in life. She has been floating since the death of her best friend/Aunt Rhae. She is independent yet never stubborn in what she wants and what she feels is the right course of action. Cali is loyal and unwavering. When she loves, it is completely and unconditionally. Owen is the sexy boy next store turned millionaire business owner. He still has such a down to earth quality mixed with a man who can do anything he wants at a moments whim. He is able to woo Cali in such an extravagant way, yet you never feel that he is an overbearing alpha or too domineering. He is sweet, kind, and sexy.
Cali and Owen are a fantastic couple. They truly compliment each other and fit perfectly. Their passion is very well displayed. There was a lot of sex in this book, more so than I expected or really care for in books, but the point is made very clear: these two are so in love and in lust that they cannot keep their hands off each other. It is a honeymoon phase that will not end anytime soon and a spark that will not go out! About a quarter of the way through the story, a different plot twist emerges that I was not expecting, yet for me, it made the book so much better! Someone begins to threaten Cali and there is not a substantial clue as to who and what is happening. This plot development adds more depth to this story and helps to fuse our two leading characters together even more.
The secondary characters are some incredible supporting ones. Steven and Adeline were so wonderful! I loved how different characters were introduced into the story. I enjoyed watching the reconciliation between Owen and his brother Ethan. Each character was well woven into the storyline and added the perfect amount of character development and supporting plot twists. The friendships within this story are real and the kindness is so genuine. Seeing those relationships and friendships play out in this book was a real treat.
Overall, this story was a fun read. It was very heavy on the romance and had a great unseen plot twist that added emotional depth and intrigue to the story! Cali and Owen are a great couple. This was a good debut novel from Michelle Dare and I am interested to see what else she has in store!
Profile Image for multitaskingmomma.
1,359 reviews44 followers
November 5, 2014
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review & #Giveaway: My Salvation by Michelle Dare

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

My Salvation is Michelle Dare's debut novel and I decided to take it on because I enjoy reading work by indie authors. Was I disappointed? It's a mixed bag for me, but not in a way that is usual.

Caliana is tired of her job, where she's taken for granted, undervalued, and generally overworked. After one final straw, she does the thing best for her. She quits.

The only place she can think of going is her refuge, a cabin on the lake where she's spent most of her growing-up years. And there's one person there who could possibly help her heal and forget. Owen.

Owen has had a crush on Cali since they were teens. But he never had anything to offer her so he let her alone - except for one kiss the night before she left for college. And that kiss has stayed with them since then. But is that attraction over the past ten years enough for a relationship? Is the man he's become enough for her?

I found a sweet, romantic story of two friends who finally find the courage to fall in love. It's not uneventful, and it's not crazy action, either. It's a good balance of things that happen for logical reasons and something that could take place in real life.

However, I found the novel could be tighter in some places as parts were a bit rambling. There's also quite a lot of telling, not showing, which if reworded and tweaked, would be a ton better. The imagery is very good but how it's put across needs work.

What saved this for me are the characters. All of them are believable, and most I could really connect with. I like the fact that they aren't flat and one-sided, although I wish Owen had some bit of a naughty streak in him. He's so perfect that I would agree with Cali not believing he was a real man who was in love with her. He himself is just flawless. But in love with his woman he is, and he does everything he can just for her.

Passionate embraces men and womenThe progression of the storyline itself is also very workable. The build-up is paced right and the events are sequenced in a believable way. There's no jumping around with what's happening to Owen and Cali which makes the story flow really well.

So, is this good? I believe so. But I think it needs just a little more polishing for it to be better. There's already that gem lurking under the surface waiting to come out. With the work of a good editor, it's really going to shine. And I would read this again if it were re-released, so I'm not just saying that to be nice.

Michelle Dare, I know My Salvation is your first work and writing is tough - and scary! You've got a gift there with what you've created and I hope this won't be the last work of yours I come across. I found me a rough diamond and I'm hoping you'll step out a little more so others will see the same talent that I do.

Author 29 books497 followers
November 11, 2014
Passionate embraces men and women
My Salvation is the debut novel from new author Michelle Dare. While I enjoyed the story, I would have liked to have seen a little more character development to truly feel that connection to the main characters, Cali and Owen. The story did start off with a bang, which I thought was very well done, however in my opinion this book would have moved up from a good book to an amazing book, had there been a bit more meat to the bones of the characters. The story flowed well and I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding the plot.

When we first meet Cali, she is in the process of resigning from her job and moving her life in a new direction. Heading to the lake side cabin left to her by her late aunt, she encounters her childhood friend and crush, Owen Matthews. I found their interactions to be interesting - while they obviously had a past, there wasn’t a lot of backstory given and I feel that really would have made their re-connection have that little extra oomph it needed. Cali is a strong, feisty female and I loved that about her, she faced things head on - no skirting the issue and no denying herself what she wanted. And after stumbling back into the arms of the very sexy man by the lake, there is no denying that he is what she wants.

Owen Matthews is a self made man. A smart, protective man all wrapped up in one very sexy package. After catapulting his business into a raging success, he realizes that there is just one important thing missing from his life. A woman to share it with, more specifically - one woman. The one he has loved from afar and stupidly let slip away years prior. What I found interesting, is Owen struck me as the type of man that wouldn’t give up easily. Knowing that he and Cali separated all those years ago without any real reason - was a little surprising to me, I was ready for some big dramatic break up to be revealed, I’m conflicted on how I feel about that. While it is refreshing, I feel like more was needed to explain the whys of their past. The spark between them was clearly present, I mean holy hell - hang onto those panties ladies - Michelle Dare has certainly brought the heat between these two!

Overall, I thought this was a good romantic read with some suspense tossed in to keep the readers interested. Michelle Dare is definitely an author to keep an eye on and I for one, will anxiously be awaiting more of her work in the future.

xo Cassia
Follow Me On Facebook
See Reviews and More
Profile Image for Kim.
314 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2014
Caliana (Cali) Crawford was unhappy in her mediocre job, so with the inheritance left by her aunt she quits her job, taking a long over due break. Cali decided to go to the one place she loves the most, the cabin by the lake. While at her cabin, she runs into Owen, the man who owns the cabin next door. Owen has wanted Cali for a long time but never had the chance to show her. Now that she is back in his life, Owen isn’t about to let her slip through his fingers again. Just when things are looking up for both of them, people from their past interrupt them, threating their budding relationship. Will the past rip them apart or will they find their salvation in each other?

I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cali is a woman who is use to being on her own. Growing up an only child has made her very independent but lonely at the same time. She was brave in taking her future into her own hands and quitting the steady job she had. Not many people can do that. Of course having a nice inheritance makes it easier for her to do. She changes a lot throughout the book as reconnecting with Owen gives her the freedom to be herself. Owen was the one guy she always knew she could trust so it came easy for her even after finding her last boyfriend cheating on her. With everything that happens to Owen and her throughout the book she remains strong but leans on Owen when she needs support.

Owen Mathews is use to having women want him for his money. Being a self made man he is proud of who he is and what he has accomplished. After being betrayed by his ex-girlfriend and brother, Owen has decided to take a break from dating and focus on his work. Having Cali walk back into his life reminds him of what he has always wanted in a woman. None of the women he’s ever dated compares to her. He finally takes matters into his own hands and goes for what he wants, Cali. He knows she is pure of heart and won’t take advantage of him so this makes it easy to dive right in. When bad things start to happen to Cali his protective instincts kick and he takes charge. The fact that she lets him only makes him believe that they were always meant to be together.

This is the debut novel for Michelle Dare and she nailed it. This second chance love story had me hook from the beginning. Owen is one character you’ll never forget. He’s alpha male, taking charge but knows when to take a step back and gives Cali the space she needs. Cali proves to be no push over either, by going after what she wants and not folding when things get tough. The way these two connect left me fanning myself. The steamy romance scenes are not ones you’ll soon forget. This is truly an intriguing suspenseful romance story you won’t be able to put down.


Friends Till The End Book Blog: http://friendstilltheendbookblog.blog...
Profile Image for Tnt Reviews.
308 reviews9 followers
December 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For the first time I'm at a loss on how to put my feelings to paper, and I usually write rather lengthy reviews, I really dive into my books. Each page of "My Salvation" was pure enjoyment!

So Cali resigns from her dead end job and heads to the cabin at the lake which she inherited from her aunt. The lake holds fond memories for Cali, one of them being the delicious Owen.

Cali and Owen shared an innocent kiss right before she left for college, and it would seem they never really forgot one another. <3 Yes, they were in relationships, but nobody could really fill the void left by one another.

Owen seizes the opportunity to lay claim to Cali's heart, and this time round he won't let go. It doesn't take much to rekindle their old flame, and watching them find each other and fall in love all over has been a beautiful spectacle and I'm thrilled to have been a part of it.

Owen has become rather successful in life; and with this, he's also attracted unwanted attention, and let me tell you one or two of them are serious cuckoos!

At a stage, Owen's life was threatened and he had to employ security detail. Steven has become a close friend in the mean time, and I really like that Owen treats his staff as family and not employees.

One of the crazies he attracted is Mia. They dated for a while, till Owen realized she was cheating on him with his brother nonetheless! OMW! Well that put a strain on the brotherly relationship, they haven't spoken in two years, but that changes when he shows up out of the blue at the cabin. After the initial shock and confrontation, the truth comes out, Ethan needs help and a second chance in life.

Sooooo not only does the prodigal brother return, but Mia decides to show her skank ass! In Mia's case, the wheel is turning but the hamster's dead! She is one sick puppy! Mia is trouble, but Cali is a force to be reckoned with and will protect what is hers.

There are a few incidents that threaten Cali's sense of security; the cabin is vandalized, and then her home, and then Owen's cabin is torched! Owen ups the security detail.

Well, things heat up and quickly come to a head. There's a major showdown at the office, there are casualties, and my nerves are shattered. Time for a stiff one I say!

Michelle Dare did a wonderful job of rounding off "My Salvation" and you can believe it, you did it! A five bomb read at that!

Thank you for introducing me to Owen, Caliana (beautiful name BTW, loved it) Piper, Avery, Ethan, Emily, Steven, Adeline, Erik, Rose, and all their family, friends, and loved ones.

Thank you for allowing me to make them a part of my life and for a wonderful journey we shared.

Reviewed by Heidi
Profile Image for Caz.
878 reviews19 followers
December 13, 2016
I received this book as a gift for a honest review.

I really liked this book, I think it's every girls fantasy, quit the job you hate, go on holiday, find the love of your life and be happy. Well I would love that to happen to me so getting into this book was not hard for me at all :), but in all books it's not easy to get that happy ending.

This is the first book by Michelle dare that I have read and won't be the last. This book had everything love, lots of sex, a guy being a hero and Prince Charming, a bit of suspense.

If you want a book that's easy to read, the characters are fantastic, the story is great, keeps you interested. Then give this book a ago, it's fast paced from the start and you get sucked in straight away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.