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Saving Sophia: A Forced Proximity Dark Country Romance
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Sophia
All my life, I believed a lie.
I’d been raised in a world where that lie wasn’t abnormal—
No use for your brain unless it was being used to please your husband.
Only, my mind couldn’t shut off like so many other Southern Belles I’d seen do the same old song and dance before.
I thought something was wrong with me until I met Grant Brooks—the tattoo artist from a nothin’ town who seemed to care too much about what went on in my head.
He has no idea what stepping into my world really entails, and the dangers that come along with trying to interfere with the plans that had been laid out for me since birth.
And as hard as I try, I don’t think Grant is one to give up so easily.
Grant
When you’re raised the way I was, you learn to grow up fast.
I found out early on that sometimes you had to let the Devil inside free, or something much worse would take you for themselves.
None of that bothered me until I met Sophia Pierson, who I swore held the same look in her eyes that mine did—a ruthless glint more fierce than the bullets that left her gun.
Only problem was, someone was putting their hands on her and getting away with it.
As hard as I tried to put it out of my mind, I couldn’t let it go.
If she wasn’t going to take care of the issue, I was—no matter the stakes.
This book is a dark romance. Please check the full list of content warnings on author's website.
All my life, I believed a lie.
I’d been raised in a world where that lie wasn’t abnormal—
No use for your brain unless it was being used to please your husband.
Only, my mind couldn’t shut off like so many other Southern Belles I’d seen do the same old song and dance before.
I thought something was wrong with me until I met Grant Brooks—the tattoo artist from a nothin’ town who seemed to care too much about what went on in my head.
He has no idea what stepping into my world really entails, and the dangers that come along with trying to interfere with the plans that had been laid out for me since birth.
And as hard as I try, I don’t think Grant is one to give up so easily.
Grant
When you’re raised the way I was, you learn to grow up fast.
I found out early on that sometimes you had to let the Devil inside free, or something much worse would take you for themselves.
None of that bothered me until I met Sophia Pierson, who I swore held the same look in her eyes that mine did—a ruthless glint more fierce than the bullets that left her gun.
Only problem was, someone was putting their hands on her and getting away with it.
As hard as I tried to put it out of my mind, I couldn’t let it go.
If she wasn’t going to take care of the issue, I was—no matter the stakes.
This book is a dark romance. Please check the full list of content warnings on author's website.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 27, 2026
This book was delicious. I absolutely love Grant and Sophia. Their own traumas have shaped them into the characters they are. This book had the perfect combo of plot and spice. This book is dark and has dark themes so check your triggers. Thank you E. S. Portman for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
May 24, 2026
E.S. Portman has done it again! If you loved Ly to Me, you are going to absolutely devour this book. I was honestly a little nervous to jump into book two because I fell so hard for Lyra and Carver in the first book, but Saving Sophia is the absolute perfect sequel. It is a dark country romance full of emotional damage, obsession, trauma bonding, and off-the-charts spice. The pacing is spot-on, told through dual POVs and flashbacks that give you the perfect, complete picture of these characters, and it kept me on the absolute edge of my seat from page one!
The chemistry between Grant and Sophia is addictive, chaotic, and sweat-worthy. Sophia is an oil heiress trying to navigate an arranged marriage and an incredibly toxic world, and Grant is a tatted country boy who is completely, unapologetically unhinged. They meet at a bar, he notices her bruises, and his immediate reaction is a mix of light stalking and literally kidnapping her for her own good to keep her safe from her fiancé. 💀 But here is the best part: underneath all that unhinged, protective caveman energy, Grant is a total consent green flag! He protects Sophia fiercely but still lets her be her own person, and their bedroom dynamic gives us some incredible reversed dom/sub vibes where Grant leans into his softer, subby side to give Sophia exactly what she needs. It is pure perfection.
Beneath all the delicious drama, danger, and a random pet snake, the emotional side of this book hits so hard. Both Grant and Sophia carry tragic pasts, and watching them strip back their walls, confront their trauma, and heal together felt incredibly real and organic. They completely complete each other emotionally. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings because it gets heavy, but Elsa has that magic touch that will have you crying one minute and kicking your feet the next. There is a beautiful, strong HEA with no cliffhanger, and getting a glimpse of Tallie and Hayes for book three has me feral to stay in Alliston Springs forever. Go read this series immediately!
The chemistry between Grant and Sophia is addictive, chaotic, and sweat-worthy. Sophia is an oil heiress trying to navigate an arranged marriage and an incredibly toxic world, and Grant is a tatted country boy who is completely, unapologetically unhinged. They meet at a bar, he notices her bruises, and his immediate reaction is a mix of light stalking and literally kidnapping her for her own good to keep her safe from her fiancé. 💀 But here is the best part: underneath all that unhinged, protective caveman energy, Grant is a total consent green flag! He protects Sophia fiercely but still lets her be her own person, and their bedroom dynamic gives us some incredible reversed dom/sub vibes where Grant leans into his softer, subby side to give Sophia exactly what she needs. It is pure perfection.
Beneath all the delicious drama, danger, and a random pet snake, the emotional side of this book hits so hard. Both Grant and Sophia carry tragic pasts, and watching them strip back their walls, confront their trauma, and heal together felt incredibly real and organic. They completely complete each other emotionally. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings because it gets heavy, but Elsa has that magic touch that will have you crying one minute and kicking your feet the next. There is a beautiful, strong HEA with no cliffhanger, and getting a glimpse of Tallie and Hayes for book three has me feral to stay in Alliston Springs forever. Go read this series immediately!
Review of advance copy received from Author
C@pt0r/c@ptiv3
Reverse age gap
Forced proximity
Arranged marriage
He falls first
Dark country romance
Bd$m & spiccaayy
Light st@lking
Tr@um@/healing
Please check the TW page
Who did this to you
"Do you want me to make you come? Because I am more than happy to suck my fingers clean of you again. It's been too long."
"Women don't go for my feet. But goin' to their knees?
Absolutely."
"Tonight I could just be Sophia, the woman who didn't give a damn about any consequences or strange looks."
"Be a good girl and scream loud enough to wake the neighbors, darlin. I want them to know how much you love bein' mine."
Grant and Sophia were a perfect together! Seeing them overcome all of the trauma that Sophia went through. The way Grant always protected Sophia but still let her be her own person was everything! They meet one night at a bar.
When he notices she's bruised up, and he immediately wants to know who did this to her. Grant isn't afraid of violence, and he refuses to accept Sofia's answers.
So that leads to some questionable decisions grant makes, 🫣🥵 he’s so unhinged but I loved it! And all he wants is to take care of her and see that she is safe! And protect her. And her fiancé obviously doesn’t like that… the drama unfolds!
And he is on a mission. (Please check the TW page)
Grant and Sophia have such tragic backstories it’s hard not to feel for them and fall in love with these characters and to see their growth! Portman has written another beautiful dark country romance and it was perfection. I love her writing and had to jump into this! I absolutely loved the first book Ly to me with Lyra and Carver. While you don’t need to read the first book in the series I definitely recommend as it’s just as good as this book, and we get to see some of the characters again. 💯
This book had suspense and tension, the healing and the tr@uma I was hooked from beginning to the end! I loved getting a glimpse of what’s to come in book 3 and can’t wait for Tallie and Hayes story!! I don’t ever want to leave Allison springs and I’m so excited for the next book!!
Reverse age gap
Forced proximity
Arranged marriage
He falls first
Dark country romance
Bd$m & spiccaayy
Light st@lking
Tr@um@/healing
Please check the TW page
Who did this to you
"Do you want me to make you come? Because I am more than happy to suck my fingers clean of you again. It's been too long."
"Women don't go for my feet. But goin' to their knees?
Absolutely."
"Tonight I could just be Sophia, the woman who didn't give a damn about any consequences or strange looks."
"Be a good girl and scream loud enough to wake the neighbors, darlin. I want them to know how much you love bein' mine."
Grant and Sophia were a perfect together! Seeing them overcome all of the trauma that Sophia went through. The way Grant always protected Sophia but still let her be her own person was everything! They meet one night at a bar.
When he notices she's bruised up, and he immediately wants to know who did this to her. Grant isn't afraid of violence, and he refuses to accept Sofia's answers.
So that leads to some questionable decisions grant makes, 🫣🥵 he’s so unhinged but I loved it! And all he wants is to take care of her and see that she is safe! And protect her. And her fiancé obviously doesn’t like that… the drama unfolds!
And he is on a mission. (Please check the TW page)
Grant and Sophia have such tragic backstories it’s hard not to feel for them and fall in love with these characters and to see their growth! Portman has written another beautiful dark country romance and it was perfection. I love her writing and had to jump into this! I absolutely loved the first book Ly to me with Lyra and Carver. While you don’t need to read the first book in the series I definitely recommend as it’s just as good as this book, and we get to see some of the characters again. 💯
This book had suspense and tension, the healing and the tr@uma I was hooked from beginning to the end! I loved getting a glimpse of what’s to come in book 3 and can’t wait for Tallie and Hayes story!! I don’t ever want to leave Allison springs and I’m so excited for the next book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝔸𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕟 𝕊𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This was the 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 sequel to Ly to Me! I was honestly so nervous to read this when I received it because of how much I fell in love with Alliston Springs when we were first introduced to Lyra and Carver. I quickly became a huge fan of E.S. Portman and her writing style. She's so talented at creating characters you feel like you know.
In this installment of the AS series, we're re-introduced to Grant and get to learn more about where he comes from, who he is, and 𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙝 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 is he delicious 😏 We also get to really meet Sophia! I was admittedly skeptical when I learned she was a Oil Princess and from a well-off family... I wasn't sure how that would fit into the Alliston Springs we got to know in book 1. My first mistake was questioning E.S. Portman's ability to write a story that has no annoying plot holes and feels authentic.
I think a lot of people will really like this book, even if you're someone who doesn't usually read indie titles! There are themes of discovering yourself, overcoming trauma and unlearning toxic mentalities, realizing your purpose, and overcoming adversity. But we also get the fun, spicy romance themes! If you like reversed dom/sub but are turned off my p*gging and that sort of thing, congratulations, you've found your Roman Empire!! Grant is the epitome of what healthy masculinity looks like. He shows his dominance and masculinity in providing Sophia in whatever ways she needs... and sometimes that means leaning into his subby side a little bit 😋
Overall, I can't recommend this enough!!! You do not need to read Ly to Me to pick up Saving Sophia, but I highly suggest doing so because it's just that good
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This was the 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 sequel to Ly to Me! I was honestly so nervous to read this when I received it because of how much I fell in love with Alliston Springs when we were first introduced to Lyra and Carver. I quickly became a huge fan of E.S. Portman and her writing style. She's so talented at creating characters you feel like you know.
In this installment of the AS series, we're re-introduced to Grant and get to learn more about where he comes from, who he is, and 𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙝 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 is he delicious 😏 We also get to really meet Sophia! I was admittedly skeptical when I learned she was a Oil Princess and from a well-off family... I wasn't sure how that would fit into the Alliston Springs we got to know in book 1. My first mistake was questioning E.S. Portman's ability to write a story that has no annoying plot holes and feels authentic.
I think a lot of people will really like this book, even if you're someone who doesn't usually read indie titles! There are themes of discovering yourself, overcoming trauma and unlearning toxic mentalities, realizing your purpose, and overcoming adversity. But we also get the fun, spicy romance themes! If you like reversed dom/sub but are turned off my p*gging and that sort of thing, congratulations, you've found your Roman Empire!! Grant is the epitome of what healthy masculinity looks like. He shows his dominance and masculinity in providing Sophia in whatever ways she needs... and sometimes that means leaning into his subby side a little bit 😋
Overall, I can't recommend this enough!!! You do not need to read Ly to Me to pick up Saving Sophia, but I highly suggest doing so because it's just that good
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying I haven’t read book one in this series, and honestly? It didn’t impact my understanding of the storyline or characters at all. That said, I’ll absolutely be going back to read it because this book completely pulled me in and cured my reading slump from the very first chapters.
Grant and Sophia’s story is dark, twisty, emotional, and very spicy — definitely check your trigger warnings going in. And this is not your typical rich man/poor girl romance. No, this one gives us obsessive country boy kidnaps wealthy socialite… and somehow makes you eat it up anyway. 😂
The pacing was one of my favorite parts of this book. There was always something happening, another layer unfolding, another twist waiting around the corner. I never once felt bored or like the story dragged. The balance between plot, tension, character development, and spice was done so well. Every piece of their backstory felt intentional and added depth without becoming overwhelming.
What really stood out to me was the emotional vulnerability between Grant and Sophia. Watching them confront their past traumas, understand the experiences that shaped them, and slowly build something raw and real together made the story feel deeper than just a dark romance. Even with all the chaos… you find yourself rooting for them.
If you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Morally gray, obsessive MMCs
✨ “Touch her and die” energy
✨ Dark country romance
✨ Spice with tension and emotional depth
…then this book is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this ARC and discover this author. I genuinely loved her writing style and will definitely be reading more from her.
Let me start by saying I haven’t read book one in this series, and honestly? It didn’t impact my understanding of the storyline or characters at all. That said, I’ll absolutely be going back to read it because this book completely pulled me in and cured my reading slump from the very first chapters.
Grant and Sophia’s story is dark, twisty, emotional, and very spicy — definitely check your trigger warnings going in. And this is not your typical rich man/poor girl romance. No, this one gives us obsessive country boy kidnaps wealthy socialite… and somehow makes you eat it up anyway. 😂
The pacing was one of my favorite parts of this book. There was always something happening, another layer unfolding, another twist waiting around the corner. I never once felt bored or like the story dragged. The balance between plot, tension, character development, and spice was done so well. Every piece of their backstory felt intentional and added depth without becoming overwhelming.
What really stood out to me was the emotional vulnerability between Grant and Sophia. Watching them confront their past traumas, understand the experiences that shaped them, and slowly build something raw and real together made the story feel deeper than just a dark romance. Even with all the chaos… you find yourself rooting for them.
If you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Morally gray, obsessive MMCs
✨ “Touch her and die” energy
✨ Dark country romance
✨ Spice with tension and emotional depth
…then this book is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this ARC and discover this author. I genuinely loved her writing style and will definitely be reading more from her.
May 10, 2026
What a roller coaster this book was! It’s the second book of the Devils of Alliston Springs series.
Please read the triggers for this book because it has dark and heavy themes and it may not be for everyone.
This is the story of Sophia, an oil heiress and Grant, a tattoo artist. This book began where we left Carver and Lyra (the OG) at the end of book one.
All it took was one night for Grant to be obsessed with Sophia. Fast forward a little bit and they met again. But it wasn’t rue right time.
I really liked how their traumas was portrayed because we get to understand the characters better. It’s not always easy to be able to feel how they felt during certain situations and Elsa did it again.
It’s a dark country romance book and everything was so well written. We get to understand Sophia’s and Grant’s pasts better and how everything in their pasts shaped them the way they now are.
Will Sophia go through her arranged marriage or will she finally decide to do whatever she wants to do?
I’m writing this review and I wish I could read this book for the first time again because it was everything I love. The plot was so good and I was literally at the edge of my seat because I couldn’t put it down. And the spice, damn that was soooo good too.
I’ll say it again but please check your triggers. I was crying at certain parts but Elsa has really that magic touch.
So if you like dark country romance, healing and traumas rep, great written characters and story, I guarantee this book is for you.
Please read the triggers for this book because it has dark and heavy themes and it may not be for everyone.
This is the story of Sophia, an oil heiress and Grant, a tattoo artist. This book began where we left Carver and Lyra (the OG) at the end of book one.
All it took was one night for Grant to be obsessed with Sophia. Fast forward a little bit and they met again. But it wasn’t rue right time.
I really liked how their traumas was portrayed because we get to understand the characters better. It’s not always easy to be able to feel how they felt during certain situations and Elsa did it again.
It’s a dark country romance book and everything was so well written. We get to understand Sophia’s and Grant’s pasts better and how everything in their pasts shaped them the way they now are.
Will Sophia go through her arranged marriage or will she finally decide to do whatever she wants to do?
I’m writing this review and I wish I could read this book for the first time again because it was everything I love. The plot was so good and I was literally at the edge of my seat because I couldn’t put it down. And the spice, damn that was soooo good too.
I’ll say it again but please check your triggers. I was crying at certain parts but Elsa has really that magic touch.
So if you like dark country romance, healing and traumas rep, great written characters and story, I guarantee this book is for you.
May 8, 2026
E.S. Portman has done it again! I can’t help but fall in love with all of her MMCs. Saving Sophia is no different!
I very quickly fell in love with Grant and Sophia. I enjoyed their appearance in Ly to Me, but this book gave them even more substance. They both felt very organic in the story and their romance…sweet and spicy! Don’t tell Carter and Lyra, but I think I may have loved this book even more.
Saving Sophia was such a thrilling ride. I was glued to the book from start to finish. The only reason I didn’t devour it in a day was because of mom duties. The pacing of this book was spot on. Portman has done dual POVs in every book and I will never not enjoy it. This time we also got flashback chapters and I feel like between those and the dual POVs we really get a complete picture of Grant and Sophia.
The ending to this book is absolute perfection! I can’t imagine a better ending existing. Needless to say I definitely recommend this book, series, and author. I very much look forward to the next book in the series!
🍑 I fell in love with Grant and Sophia
🐍 A tad darker than Ly to Me
🍑 Addictive read
🐍 Honestly the perfect ending
🍑 Really enjoyed the dual POV and flashbacks
Thank you to E.S. Portman for the gifted eARC!
**This is a dark romance. Please check all triggers before reading.**
I very quickly fell in love with Grant and Sophia. I enjoyed their appearance in Ly to Me, but this book gave them even more substance. They both felt very organic in the story and their romance…sweet and spicy! Don’t tell Carter and Lyra, but I think I may have loved this book even more.
Saving Sophia was such a thrilling ride. I was glued to the book from start to finish. The only reason I didn’t devour it in a day was because of mom duties. The pacing of this book was spot on. Portman has done dual POVs in every book and I will never not enjoy it. This time we also got flashback chapters and I feel like between those and the dual POVs we really get a complete picture of Grant and Sophia.
The ending to this book is absolute perfection! I can’t imagine a better ending existing. Needless to say I definitely recommend this book, series, and author. I very much look forward to the next book in the series!
🍑 I fell in love with Grant and Sophia
🐍 A tad darker than Ly to Me
🍑 Addictive read
🐍 Honestly the perfect ending
🍑 Really enjoyed the dual POV and flashbacks
Thank you to E.S. Portman for the gifted eARC!
**This is a dark romance. Please check all triggers before reading.**
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book takes you right where you left off in the 1st book Ly To Me. Don’t worry tho, you don’t have to read that one to follow. The book takes place when Grant & Sophia first meet & then time fast forwards a lil bit. I have to say, my heart broke for them both. They have such heartbreaking pasts/childhoods. This author knows how to pull at my heart strings haha. This is an amazing dark country romance story. I’ve never read a dark country Romance before except for the first book in this series. It is a new obsession of mine!
The amount of spice & plot & edge of your seat moments were perfection. It was an extra treat to read more about Carver & Lyra from the 1st book. I’m obsessed w/this book!! I have to say I actually love it more than the first book. Also, I can’t wait for the third book! I love how there’s little bits & pieces throughout the book that you can obviously see & the characters are oblivious to it 😝. I highly recommend reading Saving Sophia if you’re into dark ish romance & suspense & flash backs & healing traumas together & getting thrown around so you don’t know what will happen 😆 vibes. Plus did I mention there is an adorable snake?! 🐍
This book would make a phenomenal movie! You have to read it!
The amount of spice & plot & edge of your seat moments were perfection. It was an extra treat to read more about Carver & Lyra from the 1st book. I’m obsessed w/this book!! I have to say I actually love it more than the first book. Also, I can’t wait for the third book! I love how there’s little bits & pieces throughout the book that you can obviously see & the characters are oblivious to it 😝. I highly recommend reading Saving Sophia if you’re into dark ish romance & suspense & flash backs & healing traumas together & getting thrown around so you don’t know what will happen 😆 vibes. Plus did I mention there is an adorable snake?! 🐍
This book would make a phenomenal movie! You have to read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having read Carver and Lyra's book, "Ly To Me" last year, and loving it, I was eagerly awaiting this release. I was lucky enough to be chosen as an Arc Reader, so after a re-read of "Ly To Me" I jumped in and read it over 2 days (it can be read as a standalone, but some bits will make more sense if you have read the first book).
The book takes you back to when Grant and Sophia first meet in "Ly To Me" but told from their perspectives. It then follows on from the epilogue of that book. There was a good balance of spice and plot, with enough suspense type of elements to keep me interested throughout the book. It was nice to read more about Carver and Lyra living out their HEA, and to see more of Tallie (Grant's sister) and Hayes (looking forward to their book next!). I really enjoy Elsa's writing style as she allows the plot to build up with little hints along the way before it all comes together, and that she doesn't add lots of "fluff" or overly long inner monologues (a pet peeve of mine). If you enjoyed "Ly To Me", I'd highly recommend reading "Saving Sophia" too for those dark-ish romance, suspenseful vibes.
The book takes you back to when Grant and Sophia first meet in "Ly To Me" but told from their perspectives. It then follows on from the epilogue of that book. There was a good balance of spice and plot, with enough suspense type of elements to keep me interested throughout the book. It was nice to read more about Carver and Lyra living out their HEA, and to see more of Tallie (Grant's sister) and Hayes (looking forward to their book next!). I really enjoy Elsa's writing style as she allows the plot to build up with little hints along the way before it all comes together, and that she doesn't add lots of "fluff" or overly long inner monologues (a pet peeve of mine). If you enjoyed "Ly To Me", I'd highly recommend reading "Saving Sophia" too for those dark-ish romance, suspenseful vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW:
I don't even know where to begin.
I'll be honest here, I never read the first one, but I definitely will now, hoping there is no order. Ahah. Forgive me on that. But I was going in blind, not knowing what to expect. This was definitely dark, absolutely juicy in spice (clean up in aisle four!), and the raw emotions I could feel when reading this? I've never read Dark Country before, and I was extremely impressed by it. It was beautifully written, and it kept pulling me in more and more each day. This novel had me gritting my teeth with rage, knowing exactly how Grant felt on a personal level. This novel also had my heart stopping near the end because I had thought something bad had happened. Thank god I kept pushing on, or I would've been in absolute tears.
Also, seeing Peaches get jealous over June was absolutely adorable! Grant's obsession over Peaches? Stole my whole heart.
Thank you for this terrific read! I would 1000000% recommend this to anybody who craves a slow burn with obsession, a dark twist, and a happy ending for everyone!
I don't even know where to begin.
I'll be honest here, I never read the first one, but I definitely will now, hoping there is no order. Ahah. Forgive me on that. But I was going in blind, not knowing what to expect. This was definitely dark, absolutely juicy in spice (clean up in aisle four!), and the raw emotions I could feel when reading this? I've never read Dark Country before, and I was extremely impressed by it. It was beautifully written, and it kept pulling me in more and more each day. This novel had me gritting my teeth with rage, knowing exactly how Grant felt on a personal level. This novel also had my heart stopping near the end because I had thought something bad had happened. Thank god I kept pushing on, or I would've been in absolute tears.
Also, seeing Peaches get jealous over June was absolutely adorable! Grant's obsession over Peaches? Stole my whole heart.
Thank you for this terrific read! I would 1000000% recommend this to anybody who craves a slow burn with obsession, a dark twist, and a happy ending for everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book? Arguably one of my favorites of 20256. It’s unhinged in the best way. Dark, gritty, protective alpha meets “touch her and die” energy… and I ate it UP. Grant is feral, obsessive with so many red flags but is somehow still soft where it counts — there’s a scene where he bites her nipples and then tattoos it on her while they’re 🍆💥. This author has a gift I’ll tell ya! I also adored Sophia’s journey from being a trapped and defeated rich girl to taking her power back?? Chef’s kiss.
The spice is filthy, intense, and not for the faint of heart—but it’s the emotional punch underneath that really hooks you. Trauma, obsession, healing, and a love that burns a little dangerous.
If you like your romance raw, chaotic, with a little bit of a twist and nod to bondange … you’re going to want this book at the top of your TBR. 🔥
Thank you so much to ES Portman for the ARC read!
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book? Arguably one of my favorites of 20256. It’s unhinged in the best way. Dark, gritty, protective alpha meets “touch her and die” energy… and I ate it UP. Grant is feral, obsessive with so many red flags but is somehow still soft where it counts — there’s a scene where he bites her nipples and then tattoos it on her while they’re 🍆💥. This author has a gift I’ll tell ya! I also adored Sophia’s journey from being a trapped and defeated rich girl to taking her power back?? Chef’s kiss.
The spice is filthy, intense, and not for the faint of heart—but it’s the emotional punch underneath that really hooks you. Trauma, obsession, healing, and a love that burns a little dangerous.
If you like your romance raw, chaotic, with a little bit of a twist and nod to bondange … you’re going to want this book at the top of your TBR. 🔥
Thank you so much to ES Portman for the ARC read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Book Review✨
Wow, talk about unhinged 😅
This story is about Grant, who meets Sofia one night at a bar. When he notices she’s bruised up, he immediately wants to know who did this to her. Grant isn’t afraid of violence, and he refuses to accept Sofia’s answers 👀
Well… that quickly escalates into light stalking and kidnapping to save Sofia from herself 😅💀
Grant is one of the most unhinged characters I’ve read in a while. He basically snatches her up to help her make better choices. What’s odd is that once he has her, he’s actually a complete consent green flag who just wants to protect her and get to know her.
Sofia comes from wealth and already has a fiancé, so obviously this isn’t going to end well 🤯
I honestly really liked the story. Sofia feels she’s messed up and Grant accepts his dark side. It felt like they emotionally completed each other 🖤
Wow, talk about unhinged 😅
This story is about Grant, who meets Sofia one night at a bar. When he notices she’s bruised up, he immediately wants to know who did this to her. Grant isn’t afraid of violence, and he refuses to accept Sofia’s answers 👀
Well… that quickly escalates into light stalking and kidnapping to save Sofia from herself 😅💀
Grant is one of the most unhinged characters I’ve read in a while. He basically snatches her up to help her make better choices. What’s odd is that once he has her, he’s actually a complete consent green flag who just wants to protect her and get to know her.
Sofia comes from wealth and already has a fiancé, so obviously this isn’t going to end well 🤯
I honestly really liked the story. Sofia feels she’s messed up and Grant accepts his dark side. It felt like they emotionally completed each other 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.45/5 ⭐️
I will be so honest here. I read this because I have the same name as the FMC. So duh. How could I not. When I say this was so good and I definitely could’ve eaten up another 350 pages of Grant and Sophia, I mean it with my whole chest.
This book had me feeling ALL the emotions. Happy, sad, mad, you name it and I felt it. Sophia’s story gutted me. Don’t even get me started on Grant’s story. A sad and wild ride indeed.
I loved seeing Carver and Lyra (the characters from book one) make appearances. You definitely don’t need to read book one, but I’m glad I did.
The spice was soooo good! This book had a really nice balance of spice and plot.
Definitely recommend this book to everyone! I will absolutely be reading this again!
I will be so honest here. I read this because I have the same name as the FMC. So duh. How could I not. When I say this was so good and I definitely could’ve eaten up another 350 pages of Grant and Sophia, I mean it with my whole chest.
This book had me feeling ALL the emotions. Happy, sad, mad, you name it and I felt it. Sophia’s story gutted me. Don’t even get me started on Grant’s story. A sad and wild ride indeed.
I loved seeing Carver and Lyra (the characters from book one) make appearances. You definitely don’t need to read book one, but I’m glad I did.
The spice was soooo good! This book had a really nice balance of spice and plot.
Definitely recommend this book to everyone! I will absolutely be reading this again!
May 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW
🍑Saving Sophia 🍑
E.S Portman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
O.M.G this book had me HOOKED! I loved every second of this book with Grant and Sophia. They were a perfect pair together to overcome all of the trauma that Sophia went through. The way Grant always protected Sophia but still let her be her own person was everything! I was so happy to go back to Alliston Springs and see Lyra and Carver again too! Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this and I can’t wait for more!!
💌 “Women don’t go for my feet. But goin’ to their knees? Absolutely.”
💌”Tonight I could just be Sophia, the woman who didn’t give a damn about any consequences or strange looks.”
💌”Be a good girl and scream loud enough to wake the neighbors, darlin’. I want them to know how much you love bein’ mine.”
🍑Saving Sophia 🍑
E.S Portman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
O.M.G this book had me HOOKED! I loved every second of this book with Grant and Sophia. They were a perfect pair together to overcome all of the trauma that Sophia went through. The way Grant always protected Sophia but still let her be her own person was everything! I was so happy to go back to Alliston Springs and see Lyra and Carver again too! Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this and I can’t wait for more!!
💌 “Women don’t go for my feet. But goin’ to their knees? Absolutely.”
💌”Tonight I could just be Sophia, the woman who didn’t give a damn about any consequences or strange looks.”
💌”Be a good girl and scream loud enough to wake the neighbors, darlin’. I want them to know how much you love bein’ mine.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review:
“Do you want me to make you come? Because I am more than happy to suck my fingers clean of you again. It’s been too long.”
I’ve been looking forward to reading this since I listened to the ALC of Ly to Me, which is the first in the series. I had high expectations, and it met them all and then some! The spicy scenes in this were sweat-worthy, and the chemistry between Grant and Sophia was undeniable! The whole story has you in a chokehold from beginning to end.
I don’t want to say too much as this is the second in the series, but if you love forced proximity, kidnapping (for her own good), trauma healing, and a pet snake, then this is for you! This is a dark romance, so make sure you check triggers!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review:
“Do you want me to make you come? Because I am more than happy to suck my fingers clean of you again. It’s been too long.”
I’ve been looking forward to reading this since I listened to the ALC of Ly to Me, which is the first in the series. I had high expectations, and it met them all and then some! The spicy scenes in this were sweat-worthy, and the chemistry between Grant and Sophia was undeniable! The whole story has you in a chokehold from beginning to end.
I don’t want to say too much as this is the second in the series, but if you love forced proximity, kidnapping (for her own good), trauma healing, and a pet snake, then this is for you! This is a dark romance, so make sure you check triggers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I first discovered this author when I read “Ly to Me”. I fell in love with that book and I’ve fallen even more in love with this book. Saving Sophia captures your attention immediately. Right away it peeks your curiosity and makes you want to know the full story ASAP. It was so hard for me to put this book down once I started because the love and growth that is shown within this book is nothing short of exceptional. The spice is delicious and in my opinion has the perfect amount without it becoming repetitive. I highly recommend this book. No cliffhanger which is a huge plus for those of us who love a strong HEA. I can’t say enough about this story!!!!
I first discovered this author when I read “Ly to Me”. I fell in love with that book and I’ve fallen even more in love with this book. Saving Sophia captures your attention immediately. Right away it peeks your curiosity and makes you want to know the full story ASAP. It was so hard for me to put this book down once I started because the love and growth that is shown within this book is nothing short of exceptional. The spice is delicious and in my opinion has the perfect amount without it becoming repetitive. I highly recommend this book. No cliffhanger which is a huge plus for those of us who love a strong HEA. I can’t say enough about this story!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What can I say about this is one? I enjoyed every single second of it and you cant tell me other wise. Sophia and Grant what a team, what these two people have gone through, to them find each other and have tome together so much so that neither one knew how say goodbye. But I am sure you and me are glad they didnt. They action, the drama, the story, the characters, I mean all of it ate up. When I tell you I stayed up reading this one? I did very late in the night and dont regret it becuase its one of those that keep you wanting more and more. I think this are the only dark romance I have read, review and absolute loved. This author? She is amazing at what she does♥︎
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I was in a reading slump for TWO months and this pulled me right out. It had my emotions all over the place. Happy, sad, mad you name it. LOL.
I fell in love with Grants character. Whew! Is it hot in here or is it just me? Ha! He’s literally the perfect man. “Darlin’” is my new favorite word. I really loved that despite everything Grant went through, he didn’t let that turn him into a bad person.
Poor Sophia, ugh my heart ached for her. I wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug.
I loved the characters from book one popping in.
Anddd of course the spice & writing was greaaaat.
I fell in love with Grants character. Whew! Is it hot in here or is it just me? Ha! He’s literally the perfect man. “Darlin’” is my new favorite word. I really loved that despite everything Grant went through, he didn’t let that turn him into a bad person.
Poor Sophia, ugh my heart ached for her. I wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug.
I loved the characters from book one popping in.
Anddd of course the spice & writing was greaaaat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start out by saying I want to thank @esportman.author for the amazing opportunity to Arc read Saving Sophia. Book 2 in the Devils of Alliston Springs series. This book was so good I couldn’t put it down. Dare I say I loved it more than Ly to Me! Grant is the best book boyfriend. So protective and loving. E.S Portman did such an amazing job with Grant and Sophia’s story! Saving Sophia is a forced proximity dark country romance with troupes of captor/captive, trauma/healing, reverse age gap,forced proximity and bdsm. Saving Sophia comes out May 26, 2026 on Kindle Unlimited. Ly to Me is book 1 so make sure you read that one before Saving Sophia comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. The dynamic between Sophia and Grant was well paced and didn't feel rushed, even though in book time, it was rushed. I liked how Grant knew what Sophia needed at anytime and was able to help her get through her past traumas. Sophia was also able to help Grant with his demons and I felt the two of them were perfect for each other.
I did want to smack a couple of characters over the heads with bricks, but that means E.S. Portman did a wonderful job in creating those characters. I hope to see more of Sophia and Grant in future books and I can't wait to read about those future endeavors.
I did want to smack a couple of characters over the heads with bricks, but that means E.S. Portman did a wonderful job in creating those characters. I hope to see more of Sophia and Grant in future books and I can't wait to read about those future endeavors.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book two and does have some crossovers with the characters from book one. Small town southern dark romance.
The way Grant is a “touch her and die” protector to Sophia is amazing. The way this book was put together was absolutely incredible. This book is done by a double point of view and had flashbacks to the past, but it was never confusing.
The story and character building was on point. I giggled out loud, cried and awed the whole time. Cannot wait to read more books!
This book was a BETA and ARC book for me, amazingly done E S Portman!!
The way Grant is a “touch her and die” protector to Sophia is amazing. The way this book was put together was absolutely incredible. This book is done by a double point of view and had flashbacks to the past, but it was never confusing.
The story and character building was on point. I giggled out loud, cried and awed the whole time. Cannot wait to read more books!
This book was a BETA and ARC book for me, amazingly done E S Portman!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grant and Sophia's story is incredible!! Once I started it couldn't put it down! The back and forth with them, how he calls her Peach 😍 everything about the two of them is just swoony! E.S. Portman's story telling is amazing, pulls you in and keeps you hooked from the very first chapter to the last page. And the spice??? 😮💨🤤🔥 it's the perfect amount of spice to get you into the dark romance genre. This dark cowboy romance is perfect! It can be read as a standalone but definitely recommend reading Ly to Me before to get more into the Devils of Alliston Springs universe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book two in the Devils of Alliston Springs series was delicious as a peach. Grant and Sophia will be your new favorite dark romance couple. I was very happy to be back in Alliston Springs and the world E.S. Portman has created. You will fall more in love with the characters you were briefly introduced to in Ly to Me (but you do not have to have read Ly to Me to enjoy this book). If you like morally grey/black MMCs with touch her and die vibes, some light kidnapping, and revenge this is for you!
*Check trigger warnings*
eARC for honest review
*Check trigger warnings*
eARC for honest review
May 3, 2026
I really savored this book. I wasn’t ready for Grant and Sophia’s story to end. The trauma they both went through was heart breaking, but they helped each other deal with it and grow through it. The story line was beautiful and heartbreaking.
The plot twists were not something I saw coming! I thought I knew, then BAM nope you didn’t.
10/10 will definitely be buying the book trophy. In the same fashion as “Ly to Me” I will be recommending this book to everyone.
Thank you for the ARC copy and for such an amazing read!
The plot twists were not something I saw coming! I thought I knew, then BAM nope you didn’t.
10/10 will definitely be buying the book trophy. In the same fashion as “Ly to Me” I will be recommending this book to everyone.
Thank you for the ARC copy and for such an amazing read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy cow! This was my first E. S. Portman read and I have to say it won't be my last! I can't wait to dive into more of her works. I just love her writing style.
Saving Sophia has moved into my top 10 reads and Grant is my new favorite book boyfriend. I'd have given more than 5 stars if that were possible.
What I'd give to hear an "atta girl" ...
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed!
Saving Sophia has moved into my top 10 reads and Grant is my new favorite book boyfriend. I'd have given more than 5 stars if that were possible.
What I'd give to hear an "atta girl" ...
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sophie and Grant! The trigger warnings should be looked at before you read however this book was phenomenal and I loved it, it is a dark country romance.
There is a strong back story to each of the main characters and they are sad but unique. Grants obesssion and the way it forms was interesting and it made the spice that much more exciting to read too!
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in dark country romance!
There is a strong back story to each of the main characters and they are sad but unique. Grants obesssion and the way it forms was interesting and it made the spice that much more exciting to read too!
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in dark country romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love this book! 😀 check you trigger warnings before reading this delicious 🍑 book!
Matching traumas & kinks make it 🔥💋!
Grant & Sophia deserve each other, their personalities were definitely a match! The storyline was a great read and I couldn't put it down!
I dont want to give away spoilers but I cant wait to read about Hayes and how he breaks his truth to Grant.
Oh and does Farrah get her queen? 🤔👑😉
Thabk you E.s. Portman for letting me read this as an ARC! ❤️
Matching traumas & kinks make it 🔥💋!
Grant & Sophia deserve each other, their personalities were definitely a match! The storyline was a great read and I couldn't put it down!
I dont want to give away spoilers but I cant wait to read about Hayes and how he breaks his truth to Grant.
Oh and does Farrah get her queen? 🤔👑😉
Thabk you E.s. Portman for letting me read this as an ARC! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance Reader Copy received by Author
Move over Josh Hammond, there's a new book boyfriend in town! Grant Brooks will now live rent-free in my head from now until the end of time! This is a dark country romance, and until this book, I had no idea how that would work, but my girl E. S. Portman made it happen! This book was the ABSOLUTE PERFECT blend of plot and spice! I hope this is eventually a movie!
Move over Josh Hammond, there's a new book boyfriend in town! Grant Brooks will now live rent-free in my head from now until the end of time! This is a dark country romance, and until this book, I had no idea how that would work, but my girl E. S. Portman made it happen! This book was the ABSOLUTE PERFECT blend of plot and spice! I hope this is eventually a movie!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was delicious. I absolutely love Grant and Sophia. Their own traumas have shaped them into the characters they are. This book had the perfect combo of plot and spice. This book is dark and has dark themes so check your trigger warnings you know your limits lol. It was a great read. Thank you to E.S. Portman for giving me and others the chance to read this as a ARC read! It truly means the world you gave me a chance to be a ARC reader.
Xoxo
Xoxo
May 23, 2026
After reading Ly To Me I was absolutely feral to get my hands on an ARC of Saving Sophia and it was the PERFECT sequel.
This was basically emotional damage, obsession, trauma bonding, and spice thrown into a blender and served directly to me at full speed.
Grant thought “mine” and proceeded to become a obsessed, protective, slightly unhinged man and I loved every second of it. After meeting Sophia in book one, finally getting their story was everything I wanted.
This book was spicy, emotional, dangerous, chaotic, and somehow still incredibly tender underneath it all. E S Portman, author writes fiery women SO well and the chemistry between Sophia and Grant was addictive from start to finish.
What hit hardest for me was seeing both of them get stripped back to the raw version of themselves. Beneath all the obsession, tension, and chaos, they were both carrying damage that shaped the way they loved, reacted, and survived. Watching them slowly break old patterns, confront their own bullshit, and learn how to exist beyond their trauma made the emotional side of this story feel just as gripping as the spice.
And this book MOVES. Every chapter felt like another match thrown onto the fire. Just when I thought things might settle down, something else exploded and suddenly I was locked back in, stressed, invested, and incapable of putting the book down.
What I loved most was the emotional vulnerability underneath all the obsession and intensity. Grant falls first, falls hard, and watching him slowly crack himself open for Sophia was DELICIOUS.
The Devils of Alliston series continues to be dark, addictive, spicy escapism that completely consumes you. I genuinely disappeared into this book in one sitting.
This was basically emotional damage, obsession, trauma bonding, and spice thrown into a blender and served directly to me at full speed.
Grant thought “mine” and proceeded to become a obsessed, protective, slightly unhinged man and I loved every second of it. After meeting Sophia in book one, finally getting their story was everything I wanted.
This book was spicy, emotional, dangerous, chaotic, and somehow still incredibly tender underneath it all. E S Portman, author writes fiery women SO well and the chemistry between Sophia and Grant was addictive from start to finish.
What hit hardest for me was seeing both of them get stripped back to the raw version of themselves. Beneath all the obsession, tension, and chaos, they were both carrying damage that shaped the way they loved, reacted, and survived. Watching them slowly break old patterns, confront their own bullshit, and learn how to exist beyond their trauma made the emotional side of this story feel just as gripping as the spice.
And this book MOVES. Every chapter felt like another match thrown onto the fire. Just when I thought things might settle down, something else exploded and suddenly I was locked back in, stressed, invested, and incapable of putting the book down.
What I loved most was the emotional vulnerability underneath all the obsession and intensity. Grant falls first, falls hard, and watching him slowly crack himself open for Sophia was DELICIOUS.
The Devils of Alliston series continues to be dark, addictive, spicy escapism that completely consumes you. I genuinely disappeared into this book in one sitting.
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