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Saving Jase
She’s his curvy military pen pal turned best friend. He thinks he’s way too old for her. Then one kiss in Key West rewrote every rule they ever made.
Rylee
I never planned on falling in love with my pen pal.
Jase was just supposed to be a class assignment—one letter to a deployed soldier.
But one letter turned into hundreds…
Into years.
Into the safest friendship I’ve ever known.
Into something I was too scared to admit even to myself.
And now he’s here.
Standing in front of me at a beach bar in Key West, looking at me like he’s memorizing every inch of me.
He’s gentle, sweet, and when he kisses me, I swear I feel every letter we ever shared.
I don’t know how this ends.
But for the first time in my life, I’m ready to stop hiding…
Jase
Rylee has been my lifeline through deployments, heartbreak, and every hard moment in between.
I’ve memorized her handwriting, her humor, the way she pours her heart into every letter.
But her in real life? She’s so much more. She’s stunning, smart, talented, and strong in ways she doesn’t even realize.
The way she looks at me? It ruins me.
The way she kisses me? I’m done for.
And when I finally get her in my bed, my only thought is mine.
I never meant to fall in love.
But one week with her is enough to make me want forever.
Rylee
I never planned on falling in love with my pen pal.
Jase was just supposed to be a class assignment—one letter to a deployed soldier.
But one letter turned into hundreds…
Into years.
Into the safest friendship I’ve ever known.
Into something I was too scared to admit even to myself.
And now he’s here.
Standing in front of me at a beach bar in Key West, looking at me like he’s memorizing every inch of me.
He’s gentle, sweet, and when he kisses me, I swear I feel every letter we ever shared.
I don’t know how this ends.
But for the first time in my life, I’m ready to stop hiding…
Jase
Rylee has been my lifeline through deployments, heartbreak, and every hard moment in between.
I’ve memorized her handwriting, her humor, the way she pours her heart into every letter.
But her in real life? She’s so much more. She’s stunning, smart, talented, and strong in ways she doesn’t even realize.
The way she looks at me? It ruins me.
The way she kisses me? I’m done for.
And when I finally get her in my bed, my only thought is mine.
I never meant to fall in love.
But one week with her is enough to make me want forever.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Kaci Rose
107 books1,432 followersJoin Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books
Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.
Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.
Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books
Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.
Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.
Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
April 18, 2026
He was her safest secret until Key West makes him impossible to resist.
Rylee builds her life around distance. Letters feel safer than touch, and loving a man she’s never met feels easier than risking the moment fantasy meets reality. Then Jase steps out of the shadows and into her real life, and suddenly the man who knows her best is close enough to shake every defense she has. He’s older, watchful, painfully controlled, and the way he looks at her makes hiding feel impossible.
For Jase, Rylee is never just a pen pal. She’s the steady thing through years of service, loneliness, and loss, and one week with her turns longing into something far harder to contain. What starts as reunion heat and careful tenderness deepens fast, pulling them into a connection that feels raw, intimate, and impossible to keep at a safe distance. But when real life presses in, so do fear, timing, and the kind of choices that can fracture something just as it begins.
Rylee grows from someone who protects herself with distance, letters, and body insecurity into a woman who lets herself want more and chooses to be fully seen, desired, and loved in real life. Jase shifts from a disciplined, emotionally contained man who hides behind caution, age concerns, and military distance into someone willing to act on his devotion and build a future instead of settling for longing from afar. Their relationship evolves from intimate but controlled friendship into a deeply physical, emotionally charged bond where trust, caretaking, possessiveness, and vulnerability deepen together.
A hot, age gap, military, friends to lovers, curvy girl, pen pal romance about longing, self-worth, trust, devotion, and the risk of letting yourself be fully seen after years of hiding behind distance. It’s about choosing love over emotional safety, healing through intimacy, and reaching for the person who’s felt like home all along.
The Elevator Pitch: For years, a shy photographer and the older soldier who became her lifeline built a relationship through letters, distance, and everything they were too afraid to name. When fate pulls them into the same sun-soaked week, longing turns physical, old insecurities crack open, and the connection that once felt safe starts demanding something real. What begins as a reunion becomes a charged collision between devotion, desire, and the terrifying risk of being fully seen.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
Rylee builds her life around distance. Letters feel safer than touch, and loving a man she’s never met feels easier than risking the moment fantasy meets reality. Then Jase steps out of the shadows and into her real life, and suddenly the man who knows her best is close enough to shake every defense she has. He’s older, watchful, painfully controlled, and the way he looks at her makes hiding feel impossible.
For Jase, Rylee is never just a pen pal. She’s the steady thing through years of service, loneliness, and loss, and one week with her turns longing into something far harder to contain. What starts as reunion heat and careful tenderness deepens fast, pulling them into a connection that feels raw, intimate, and impossible to keep at a safe distance. But when real life presses in, so do fear, timing, and the kind of choices that can fracture something just as it begins.
Rylee grows from someone who protects herself with distance, letters, and body insecurity into a woman who lets herself want more and chooses to be fully seen, desired, and loved in real life. Jase shifts from a disciplined, emotionally contained man who hides behind caution, age concerns, and military distance into someone willing to act on his devotion and build a future instead of settling for longing from afar. Their relationship evolves from intimate but controlled friendship into a deeply physical, emotionally charged bond where trust, caretaking, possessiveness, and vulnerability deepen together.
A hot, age gap, military, friends to lovers, curvy girl, pen pal romance about longing, self-worth, trust, devotion, and the risk of letting yourself be fully seen after years of hiding behind distance. It’s about choosing love over emotional safety, healing through intimacy, and reaching for the person who’s felt like home all along.
The Elevator Pitch: For years, a shy photographer and the older soldier who became her lifeline built a relationship through letters, distance, and everything they were too afraid to name. When fate pulls them into the same sun-soaked week, longing turns physical, old insecurities crack open, and the connection that once felt safe starts demanding something real. What begins as a reunion becomes a charged collision between devotion, desire, and the terrifying risk of being fully seen.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥 Hot
April 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Saving Jase by Kaci Rose is a heartfelt and emotional military romance that beautifully captures the power of connection over time and distance.
Rylee and Jase’s relationship is what truly makes this story shine. Starting as a simple pen pal assignment, their bond grows into something deep, meaningful, and incredibly personal. The letters between them create a strong emotional foundation, making their eventual in-person meeting feel even more impactful.
Jase’s internal struggle with their age gap adds an extra layer of tension, while Rylee’s journey toward confidence and vulnerability is both relatable and inspiring. When they finally come together, the chemistry is undeniable, blending sweetness with just the right amount of heat.
The setting in Key West adds a fun, romantic backdrop, and the story balances lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes of love, healing, and taking risks.
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, pen pal romance, and stories that build strong emotional connections before the romance fully unfolds, this is a satisfying and swoony read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rylee and Jase’s relationship is what truly makes this story shine. Starting as a simple pen pal assignment, their bond grows into something deep, meaningful, and incredibly personal. The letters between them create a strong emotional foundation, making their eventual in-person meeting feel even more impactful.
Jase’s internal struggle with their age gap adds an extra layer of tension, while Rylee’s journey toward confidence and vulnerability is both relatable and inspiring. When they finally come together, the chemistry is undeniable, blending sweetness with just the right amount of heat.
The setting in Key West adds a fun, romantic backdrop, and the story balances lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes of love, healing, and taking risks.
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, pen pal romance, and stories that build strong emotional connections before the romance fully unfolds, this is a satisfying and swoony read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
A beautiful novella story of a pen pal connection that evolves over time. Descriptive writing pulls you into their first face to face meeting after seven years. Both Jase and Rylee have doubts and vulnerabilities but their underlying love wins the day. A little bit of angst, sizzle, realization and a whole lot of happily after. A nice addition to the Oakside series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
Saving Jase
Loved this Oakside Military story. Started out as a pen pal, as things grew into friendship, and more. Beautiful story about two lives, loves and dealing
with their families opinions regarding age differences and Military life.
Loved this Oakside Military story. Started out as a pen pal, as things grew into friendship, and more. Beautiful story about two lives, loves and dealing
with their families opinions regarding age differences and Military life.
April 16, 2026
Saving Jase is one of those romances that sneaks up on you—not with drama or shock, but with the quiet, steady ache of two people who have been important to each other far longer than either of them realized. Rylee starts out writing a single letter for a class assignment, never expecting it to turn into years of handwritten confessions, jokes, comfort, and friendship with a soldier she’s never met. But those letters become a lifeline for both of them, and you can feel the weight of that history in every scene.
When they finally meet in Key West, the moment is electric in a way that feels earned. Jase isn’t just a handsome stranger—he’s the man who carried her words through deployments, heartbreak, and long nights overseas. And Rylee isn’t just a pen pal—she’s the one person who saw him clearly when the rest of the world felt too heavy. Seeing them face‑to‑face, with all that unspoken longing suddenly right there between them, is incredibly satisfying.
Rylee is such an easy heroine to love. She’s curvy, creative, and quietly brave in the way she opens her heart even when she’s terrified of what comes next. Jase, meanwhile, is the kind of protective, gentle hero who doesn’t realize how deeply he’s already fallen until it’s too late to pretend otherwise. The age gap adds a layer of tension, but it never overshadows the tenderness between them. Their connection feels like something built brick by brick, letter by letter.
The Key West setting gives their reunion a dreamy, sun‑soaked backdrop, but the real magic is in the small moments—the way Jase looks at her like he’s memorizing her, the way Rylee softens around him, the way one kiss rewrites years of “just friends” in an instant. Their week together feels like a lifetime condensed into days, and by the time they finally admit what’s been growing between them, it feels completely inevitable.
This is a beautiful friends‑to‑lovers, pen‑pal‑to‑soulmate story with so much heart. If you love protective military heroes, curvy heroines who deserve the world, and romances built on genuine emotional connection, Saving Jase is a perfect, comforting read that stays with you long after the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When they finally meet in Key West, the moment is electric in a way that feels earned. Jase isn’t just a handsome stranger—he’s the man who carried her words through deployments, heartbreak, and long nights overseas. And Rylee isn’t just a pen pal—she’s the one person who saw him clearly when the rest of the world felt too heavy. Seeing them face‑to‑face, with all that unspoken longing suddenly right there between them, is incredibly satisfying.
Rylee is such an easy heroine to love. She’s curvy, creative, and quietly brave in the way she opens her heart even when she’s terrified of what comes next. Jase, meanwhile, is the kind of protective, gentle hero who doesn’t realize how deeply he’s already fallen until it’s too late to pretend otherwise. The age gap adds a layer of tension, but it never overshadows the tenderness between them. Their connection feels like something built brick by brick, letter by letter.
The Key West setting gives their reunion a dreamy, sun‑soaked backdrop, but the real magic is in the small moments—the way Jase looks at her like he’s memorizing her, the way Rylee softens around him, the way one kiss rewrites years of “just friends” in an instant. Their week together feels like a lifetime condensed into days, and by the time they finally admit what’s been growing between them, it feels completely inevitable.
This is a beautiful friends‑to‑lovers, pen‑pal‑to‑soulmate story with so much heart. If you love protective military heroes, curvy heroines who deserve the world, and romances built on genuine emotional connection, Saving Jase is a perfect, comforting read that stays with you long after the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
I’m an absolute sucker for military pen-pal romances. There’s something so intimate about exchanging letters (or even emails). It’s the kind of connection where people reveal pieces of themselves, they might never say out loud. What starts as a simple class assignment for Rylee turns into a seven-year, long-distance relationship with Jase that spans his deployments and beyond. I loved how their story unfolds through shared highs and lows, from heartbreak like Jase’s Dear John letter to the quiet, unwavering support he gives Rylee as she builds her photography business. Even though they’ve never officially met, they’ve both done a little harmless cyber-stalking, which adds a fun layer of tension. When Rylee sees Jase, who’s basically built like a cover model, she’s convinced he’d never go for someone like her. Meanwhile, Jase has been completely captivated by her all along and can’t imagine wanting anyone else. That contrast just works. The anticipation really pays off when Jase surprises her with a visit to Key West, where Rylee is photographing her cousin’s wedding. From the moment he arrives, he’s all in, wanting to explore the island with her, hold her hand, and make up for lost time. Despite his worries about their eleven-year age gap, Rylee has never felt happier. What makes their romance feel so authentic is the foundation they’ve built over years of their letters. By the time they meet, that emotional connection is already rock solid and when things finally turn physical, it feels earned and natural rather than rushed. Over the course of the wedding week, their bond deepens even further, blending friendship and romance in the best way. Interestingly, while Rylee seems like the more vulnerable one, it’s actually Jase’s insecurities, triggered by someone who should have had Rylee’s happiness at heart (definitely not my favorite moment) that cause him to pull away. Thankfully, he doesn’t stay stuck there for long. He recognizes his mistake, and the story delivers Kaci’s trademark satisfying, well-deserved happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
Saving Jase by Kaci Rose is a heartfelt and deeply satisfying military romance that perfectly balances a slow-burn emotional connection with high-heat chemistry. What makes this story so compelling is the genuine foundation between Rylee and Jase.
After seven years of being pen pals and sharing their lives through letters, emails, and phone calls, they fell in love long before ever meeting face-to-face. When Jase finally surprises Rylee in Key West during a family wedding, that established intimacy makes every physical interaction feel incredibly meaningful.
The tropical Key West setting provides a warm, romantic backdrop for a relationship that feels both sweet and believable. Jase is the ultimate hero—protective, gentle, and completely captivated by Rylee, even as he struggles with their age gap.
Rylee is equally easy to root for, combining vulnerability with a quiet strength. While she has her own insecurities about her curves, Jase makes it clear he has memorized every inch of her and loves exactly what he sees. Their transition from best friends to lovers feels natural and earned rather than rushed.
The story beautifully explores how physical intimacy can finally match an emotional bond that has been a lifeline through deployments and heartbreaks. Though a misunderstanding nearly costs them everything, the drama only highlights how much they truly belong together.
Overall, this is a sweet and steamy novella that delivers on every front—romance, drama, and emotional comfort. If you enjoy protective military heroes, the "friends-to-lovers" trope, and stories with a touch of "Cinderella" magic, this is a must-read. It’s a quick, spicy story that leaves you smiling, confident that this couple has found their forever.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2026
They fell in love before ever meeting in person.
Rylee was in high school when, as a class project, the students were asked to write one letter to a deployed member of the armed forces. She was given Jase's name.
The first letter was awkward to write, but he quickly responded. Somehow they connected over those first letters. They've now been exchanging letters for seven years.
She was a sophomore in college when she consoled him over the "Dear John" letter he received from his ex while he was deployed. He doesn't know what he would have done without her.
They've talked together on the phone but have never met IRL. That especially doesn't matter to her because of her body issues. She seems to think that men only want tiny, slender women while she's chunky. She's afraid that if they meet he'll be disappointed in her and will no longer want to stay in contact with her.
She's now a professional photographer and has come to Key West to be a bridesmaid and photographer for her cousin's wedding. She had mentioned to Jase that her cousin had found her a date for the wedding. Only Jase has news for her; the only date she'll have for this wedding will be him!
Jase looked her up on social media, and in his eyes, she's perfect. He just has to convince her of that. Good thing he can be very persuasive and persistent.
He has two years left before retirement from the military. Her father is concerned that he'll be taking Rylee away from them because he won't be able to settle down in one place. He's going to have to work hard to try to win her father over to his side. Challenge accepted!
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Rylee was in high school when, as a class project, the students were asked to write one letter to a deployed member of the armed forces. She was given Jase's name.
The first letter was awkward to write, but he quickly responded. Somehow they connected over those first letters. They've now been exchanging letters for seven years.
She was a sophomore in college when she consoled him over the "Dear John" letter he received from his ex while he was deployed. He doesn't know what he would have done without her.
They've talked together on the phone but have never met IRL. That especially doesn't matter to her because of her body issues. She seems to think that men only want tiny, slender women while she's chunky. She's afraid that if they meet he'll be disappointed in her and will no longer want to stay in contact with her.
She's now a professional photographer and has come to Key West to be a bridesmaid and photographer for her cousin's wedding. She had mentioned to Jase that her cousin had found her a date for the wedding. Only Jase has news for her; the only date she'll have for this wedding will be him!
Jase looked her up on social media, and in his eyes, she's perfect. He just has to convince her of that. Good thing he can be very persuasive and persistent.
He has two years left before retirement from the military. Her father is concerned that he'll be taking Rylee away from them because he won't be able to settle down in one place. He's going to have to work hard to try to win her father over to his side. Challenge accepted!
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy
Saving Jase was such a heartfelt and satisfying romance. What I loved most was the emotional foundation between Rylee and Jase. Because they had spent years writing letters and being there for each other through life’s hardest moments, their connection already felt deep and genuine before they ever met face-to-face. That made every interaction between them feel more meaningful, and when the story finally brings them together in person, the chemistry is both sweet and believable. The Key West setting also gave the book a warm, romantic backdrop that fit their story perfectly. ☀️💕
Jase was exactly the kind of hero I enjoy—protective, gentle, and completely gone for the heroine even when he tries to fight it. Rylee was just as easy to root for, and I liked that she came across as vulnerable but still strong in her own way. Their relationship had a really nice mix of friendship, longing, comfort, and attraction. Since they already knew each other so well emotionally, the shift from best friends and pen pals into something more felt natural instead of rushed. I also thought the age-gap element added an extra layer of tension without overpowering the heart of the story. 💖📚
Overall, this was a sweet, steamy, and emotional novella that delivers on both romance and comfort. It is the kind of story that leaves you smiling because the couple feels genuinely meant for each other. If you like military romance, pen pals, friends-to-lovers, vacation settings, and protective heroes, this is definitely one worth picking up 🌴❤️🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jase was exactly the kind of hero I enjoy—protective, gentle, and completely gone for the heroine even when he tries to fight it. Rylee was just as easy to root for, and I liked that she came across as vulnerable but still strong in her own way. Their relationship had a really nice mix of friendship, longing, comfort, and attraction. Since they already knew each other so well emotionally, the shift from best friends and pen pals into something more felt natural instead of rushed. I also thought the age-gap element added an extra layer of tension without overpowering the heart of the story. 💖📚
Overall, this was a sweet, steamy, and emotional novella that delivers on both romance and comfort. It is the kind of story that leaves you smiling because the couple feels genuinely meant for each other. If you like military romance, pen pals, friends-to-lovers, vacation settings, and protective heroes, this is definitely one worth picking up 🌴❤️🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
Their Long Road to Happiness -
The last person Rylee expected to see at the bachelorette party was Jase, as he was meant to still be deployed, but her low alcohol tolerance made her think it was a dream, that is until she opened her eyes the next morning to see him. Jase was anxious about seeing Rylee as he hadn’t told her he would be coming to see her, so he tried to just watch her from her distance, but seeing someone trying to take advantage of her drunken state made him step in.
Even though it was initially awkward between Rylee and Jase, spending time together was really easy, but the meeting with her parents was very tense. Rylee and Jase’s attraction for each other grew stronger and led to them crossing the boundaries of their friendship, which confirmed to both of them that they wanted a future together. Unfortunately, everything changed between Rylee and Jase after his conversation with her dad, which caused her immense anguish.
Luckily, Jase realised his error swiftly after receiving good news and did everything possible to get them back on track towards building the future they wanted, which Rylee gladly accepted. Sometimes you just need a fun-filled, instalove romance story to make your day better and I assure you that this book serves that purpose wholeheartedly. This curl up on the sofa story had the right balance of spice, drama and charm, that will definitely have you glued to the pages from start to finish.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The last person Rylee expected to see at the bachelorette party was Jase, as he was meant to still be deployed, but her low alcohol tolerance made her think it was a dream, that is until she opened her eyes the next morning to see him. Jase was anxious about seeing Rylee as he hadn’t told her he would be coming to see her, so he tried to just watch her from her distance, but seeing someone trying to take advantage of her drunken state made him step in.
Even though it was initially awkward between Rylee and Jase, spending time together was really easy, but the meeting with her parents was very tense. Rylee and Jase’s attraction for each other grew stronger and led to them crossing the boundaries of their friendship, which confirmed to both of them that they wanted a future together. Unfortunately, everything changed between Rylee and Jase after his conversation with her dad, which caused her immense anguish.
Luckily, Jase realised his error swiftly after receiving good news and did everything possible to get them back on track towards building the future they wanted, which Rylee gladly accepted. Sometimes you just need a fun-filled, instalove romance story to make your day better and I assure you that this book serves that purpose wholeheartedly. This curl up on the sofa story had the right balance of spice, drama and charm, that will definitely have you glued to the pages from start to finish.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
"Saving Jase" by Kaci Rose is a heartfelt addition to the Oakside Military Heroes series that brilliantly captures the beauty of friendship blossoming into love. The story centers around Rylee and Jase, whose relationship begins as a simple class assignment—a letter to a deployed soldier—but evolves into a deep and lasting bond. Through hundreds of letters exchanged over the years, their connection grows, providing both comfort and companionship, and setting the stage for a touching romance that feels genuine and relatable.
Kaci Rose does a wonderful job developing her characters, making their emotional journey both believable and compelling. Rylee's vulnerability and Jase's gentle nature shine throughout the book, especially during their meeting in Key West. The moment their friendship turns into something more is beautifully written, filled with tenderness and passion. The author’s writing style brings their shared history to life, making the reader feel every heartfelt letter and every meaningful glance exchanged between them.
Overall, "Saving Jase" is an uplifting and emotional romance that explores the power of connection and the courage it takes to embrace love. Fans of military romance and stories about strangers to friends to lovers will find this book highly enjoyable and memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, authentic love story with characters you can truly root for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kaci Rose does a wonderful job developing her characters, making their emotional journey both believable and compelling. Rylee's vulnerability and Jase's gentle nature shine throughout the book, especially during their meeting in Key West. The moment their friendship turns into something more is beautifully written, filled with tenderness and passion. The author’s writing style brings their shared history to life, making the reader feel every heartfelt letter and every meaningful glance exchanged between them.
Overall, "Saving Jase" is an uplifting and emotional romance that explores the power of connection and the courage it takes to embrace love. Fans of military romance and stories about strangers to friends to lovers will find this book highly enjoyable and memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, authentic love story with characters you can truly root for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was a sweet story of two individuals who started a friendship when Rylee’s high school assignment was to become a penpal to someone in the military. That someone became Jase. An Army man eleven years older than her.
But even after that assignment , the letters continued as these two became friends , confident and secretly fell in love with one another. Even with the age difference neither was concerned about it.
Now seven years later, Rylee has her own photography business, thanks to Jase’s encouragement. When she’s to photograph and participate in her cousin’s wedding in Key West, who shows up on leave but Jase.
Rylee’s extra weight makes her self conscious while Jase finds her perfect .
Those days together are a gift.
But what happens when it’s time for Jase to go back to base? Will these feelings and new development show them they are meant to be together? What will either do to make that happen? How about the doubts from her parents?
The author delivers another engaging story in the Oakside series. One that this reader has loved .
On an aside, for me , the age difference was not an issue, likely because my dad was 17 years older than Mom and because I dated guys 10-11 years older.
Our society seems to make it more of an issue than it should be . Especially if the individuals love and respect each other. Who are we to judge?
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
But even after that assignment , the letters continued as these two became friends , confident and secretly fell in love with one another. Even with the age difference neither was concerned about it.
Now seven years later, Rylee has her own photography business, thanks to Jase’s encouragement. When she’s to photograph and participate in her cousin’s wedding in Key West, who shows up on leave but Jase.
Rylee’s extra weight makes her self conscious while Jase finds her perfect .
Those days together are a gift.
But what happens when it’s time for Jase to go back to base? Will these feelings and new development show them they are meant to be together? What will either do to make that happen? How about the doubts from her parents?
The author delivers another engaging story in the Oakside series. One that this reader has loved .
On an aside, for me , the age difference was not an issue, likely because my dad was 17 years older than Mom and because I dated guys 10-11 years older.
Our society seems to make it more of an issue than it should be . Especially if the individuals love and respect each other. Who are we to judge?
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 15, 2026
Rylee has been corresponding with a soldier in the military for years. Though they have never met, she has feelings for him and his safety while deployed. She doesn’t plan on ever meeting him, as she is aware that she has more curves than most women. She knows that Jase has at least two years left before retirement which will most likely be spent overseas. A professional photographer, she is leaving for Key West to photograph her best friend’s wedding. Jase knows that he is too old for Rylee, but her years of correspondence has meant the world to him. He knows that she is still single, but would their age difference be too much for her? He plans to surprise her in Key West, for the wedding, as he is returning to the states prior to his next deployment. Will she be pleased to see him? Will they be able to spend time together, finally get a chance to really know each other? Rylee not only worries about her plus size, but knows that her father would never approve of the age difference between them. A shorter length, but with everything you want, a unique story (pen pals), characters with an age difference and their chance at a future together. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
April 14, 2026
I loved Jase and Rylee’s sweet romance!
This was a swoony, light, short and sweet read that I absolutely adored! A military pen pal romance that gave me all the feels. The plot is predictable but very well developed and Jase and Rylee are presented as amazing characters, absolutely perfect for each other. Rylee started writing to Jase as a high school assignment; οne letter to a deployed soldier in her senior year. But they clicked and became pay pal friends for almost seven years since, without having meeting one another. She grew into a curvy, sweet and passionate photographer and he continued in the military. Toward the end of those years, letters transitioned to constant emails and a few phone calls, as well as secret social search to find the faces behind the words. Both are impressed and smitten, half way (or full way) in love without even meeting, despite their 11-year age-gap. Jase decides to surprise Rylee and meet her in her cousin’s wedding. A meeting turned into a sweet romance in lighting speed and a HEA that I absolutely swooned over! I finished it in one sitting. 4 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a swoony, light, short and sweet read that I absolutely adored! A military pen pal romance that gave me all the feels. The plot is predictable but very well developed and Jase and Rylee are presented as amazing characters, absolutely perfect for each other. Rylee started writing to Jase as a high school assignment; οne letter to a deployed soldier in her senior year. But they clicked and became pay pal friends for almost seven years since, without having meeting one another. She grew into a curvy, sweet and passionate photographer and he continued in the military. Toward the end of those years, letters transitioned to constant emails and a few phone calls, as well as secret social search to find the faces behind the words. Both are impressed and smitten, half way (or full way) in love without even meeting, despite their 11-year age-gap. Jase decides to surprise Rylee and meet her in her cousin’s wedding. A meeting turned into a sweet romance in lighting speed and a HEA that I absolutely swooned over! I finished it in one sitting. 4 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
**Pen Pals**
"Saving Jase" is a short novella that is part of the Oakside Military Heroes series. The love story between Rylee and Jase is an amazing emotional journey that begins with a single letter, leading them to become pen pals for the next seven years. Throughout this time, they get to know each other deeply, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future, inside jokes, fears, families, and friendships.
When the time finally comes to meet, Jase is there for Rylee during her cousin’s wedding, knowing she will need his support the most. Their first meeting is truly magical. Throughout the week of the wedding, their connection grows stronger and more intense, adding a new layer of excitement to their relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jase and Rylee’s heartfelt romance, which features elements of an age gap, pen pals, friends-to-lovers, and no drama. This military romance is easy to devour in one sitting and leaves you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Saving Jase" is a short novella that is part of the Oakside Military Heroes series. The love story between Rylee and Jase is an amazing emotional journey that begins with a single letter, leading them to become pen pals for the next seven years. Throughout this time, they get to know each other deeply, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future, inside jokes, fears, families, and friendships.
When the time finally comes to meet, Jase is there for Rylee during her cousin’s wedding, knowing she will need his support the most. Their first meeting is truly magical. Throughout the week of the wedding, their connection grows stronger and more intense, adding a new layer of excitement to their relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jase and Rylee’s heartfelt romance, which features elements of an age gap, pen pals, friends-to-lovers, and no drama. This military romance is easy to devour in one sitting and leaves you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2026
Rylee has been a pen pal with Jase since high school and he has been deployed for all that time, since it started as a class assignment. Now at 25, they have started to email and now talk with each other on the phone and they are hooked on each other, even tho he is 11 years older than she is. She is in Key West for her cousin Avery’s wedding. Her photography business has taken off and now she has an assistant. She will be doing the photography for the wedding, except when she has bridesmaid duties, which is when her assistant will take over. Jase gets out of deployment early and heads to Key West to meet up with her. They are so cute together. Things progress to the hot and steamy between them. But, there is a snafu. But, when new orders come in for him, they talk and I adore and love the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2026
Rylee has been exchanging letters with Jase for years and a friendship has developed between them. During that time, her feeling for him have grown deeper but she never expected anything to come of them as not only is he 11 years older she didn’t believe that a man like him would be interested in anything romantic with her until he shows up at cousin’s wedding wanting to be her plus one.
Jase has served his country for 18 years and the first letter he received from Rylee came to him at a time when he needed someone the most. Since that time the feelings between them have escalated and he wants a future with her but due to the age gap and his career he isn’t sure if she will feel the same.
The relationship between Rylee and Jase was engaging as they toured Key West and he showed her that she is the only woman he wants. Even though there was a little turmoil there was no denying they were meant to be together.
Jase has served his country for 18 years and the first letter he received from Rylee came to him at a time when he needed someone the most. Since that time the feelings between them have escalated and he wants a future with her but due to the age gap and his career he isn’t sure if she will feel the same.
The relationship between Rylee and Jase was engaging as they toured Key West and he showed her that she is the only woman he wants. Even though there was a little turmoil there was no denying they were meant to be together.
April 15, 2026
Jace and Rylee have been pen pals for over eleven years. What began as a school assignment—writing to someone in the military—slowly grew into a deep friendship and eventually something more. For eleven years, they shared themselves through words, without ever meeting in person, until they finally come face to face at a wedding.
Jace feels he’s too old for her, while Rylee believes she doesn’t meet his standards physically. But when they do meet, their chemistry is intense and undeniable, grounded in a solid history of truly knowing each other. Their connection pulls you in, and while you can understand the dad’s concerns, it’s clear these two are meant to be together. A satisfying HEA that puts a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jace feels he’s too old for her, while Rylee believes she doesn’t meet his standards physically. But when they do meet, their chemistry is intense and undeniable, grounded in a solid history of truly knowing each other. Their connection pulls you in, and while you can understand the dad’s concerns, it’s clear these two are meant to be together. A satisfying HEA that puts a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
A sweet love story of two individuals who have built a friendship through becoming pen pals over the years. Ms. Rose tells us the story of Jase and Rylee and their journey to finding their HEA. Jase is in the military and Rylee is a photographer who is eleven years his junior. They develop a connection but have never met. When the opportunity to meet arises, Jase surprises her and sparks ignite. The only thing holding Rylee back is her low self-esteem about her weight. Jase only sees a strong, beautiful and caring woman in front of him.
Their road to happiness was not easy; family gets involved and puts doubt in Jase's head but in the end, the heart wins.
I loved how Jase made Rylee feel loved and important. He centered everything around her and what she wanted to do. He was determined to show her that she was deserving of the love he had for her.
Their road to happiness was not easy; family gets involved and puts doubt in Jase's head but in the end, the heart wins.
I loved how Jase made Rylee feel loved and important. He centered everything around her and what she wanted to do. He was determined to show her that she was deserving of the love he had for her.
April 23, 2026
This was a short and sweet novella about a pen pal relationship between a soldier and the girl that quickly became his everything. After writing letters and emails for 7 years, Jase finally decided to make it real and surprise Rylee at her cousins wedding week festivities. I loved how protective and respectful of her he was and that he made his intentions clear almost right away. Rylee was sweet but had some body insecurities that had stopped her from wanting to take their relationship from paper to the real world. Wasn't a big fan of the reason for the mini third act breakup, but it just showed how vulnerable they both were and created a stronger bond going forward. No cheating or OM/OW drama, dual POV, 11 year age gap, "baby girl", HEA and a sweet epilogue in the future. Can't wait to see what's next for this author or the Oakside Military Heroes series!
April 30, 2026
He is there to surprise her and what a surprise they are both going to get
Saving Jase is part of the Oakside Military Heroes series by Kaci Rose. I loved this fun, sweet, naughty, and emotional novella. The story is about Rylee and Jase. In her senior year of high school she did a project where they wrote a soldier. She wrote to Jase, who was serving overseas at the time. For some reason he wrote back and that started over seven years of being pen pals. Along the way feelings started to develop, some mild online stalking happened, phone calls happened, and now they find themselves about to meet, or do they? Rylee had invited Jase to accompany her to her cousins Avery;s destination wedding in "Conch Republic" in Key West, Florida. He had told her he would not be able to but now he is about to surprise her....and what a surprise it is going to be.
Saving Jase is part of the Oakside Military Heroes series by Kaci Rose. I loved this fun, sweet, naughty, and emotional novella. The story is about Rylee and Jase. In her senior year of high school she did a project where they wrote a soldier. She wrote to Jase, who was serving overseas at the time. For some reason he wrote back and that started over seven years of being pen pals. Along the way feelings started to develop, some mild online stalking happened, phone calls happened, and now they find themselves about to meet, or do they? Rylee had invited Jase to accompany her to her cousins Avery;s destination wedding in "Conch Republic" in Key West, Florida. He had told her he would not be able to but now he is about to surprise her....and what a surprise it is going to be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I hope Kaci doesn’t have plans to ever end this series because it has been my favorite military romance series since I read the first book. It’s the series I always refer to when I’m looking for a similar series with a wounded/ scarred hero- and I have yet to find one I love as much as this one.
Jase and Rylee’s story was a quick read but I really enjoyed it. I loved how supportive he was of her and how encouraged her to do what she wanted. Jase was always considerate of her feelings and made sure she always felt comfortable in her skin and knew he wanted her as she was.
He didn’t see the chubby girl with too many curves. He saw a beautiful woman with incredibly sexy curves who he fell in love with. What more could a girl ask for in a guy?
Jase and Rylee’s story was a quick read but I really enjoyed it. I loved how supportive he was of her and how encouraged her to do what she wanted. Jase was always considerate of her feelings and made sure she always felt comfortable in her skin and knew he wanted her as she was.
He didn’t see the chubby girl with too many curves. He saw a beautiful woman with incredibly sexy curves who he fell in love with. What more could a girl ask for in a guy?
Review of advance copy
Saving Jase by Kaci Rose is a novella within the Oakside Military Heros series. It is a sweet, quick read (under an hour) with a satisfying HEA. Both Rylee and Jase are likeable characters and the idea for the story was told in an original way. I’m unfortunately having difficulty writing this review and I’m not sure why. This story just didn’t grab me like the others in the series. I love the Oakside Military series as well as so many of Kaci’s other series, but I was just missing something here.
That being said, it is a sweet, romantic read perfect for when you just need quick pick me up.
That being said, it is a sweet, romantic read perfect for when you just need quick pick me up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This a great mix of slow burn to full on steam. Being pen pals for seven years . Jase is in the military and Ryle is a photograph. So far all they have done in chat on the phone and peeked the others websites. Lets both loved what they saw. He loves her sexy curves and she loves he’s hard lines and caring ways.
A wedding brings them together. Let’s say the chemistry is off the charts. One problem is Ryle is worried about her curves and Jase about the age difference.
One comment and these two nearly lose what it meant to.
This book has it all romance, steam, drama and warmth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wedding brings them together. Let’s say the chemistry is off the charts. One problem is Ryle is worried about her curves and Jase about the age difference.
One comment and these two nearly lose what it meant to.
This book has it all romance, steam, drama and warmth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2026
This book is a part of the Oakside Military Heroes series and focuses on Jace and Rylee. Rylee and Jace’s friendship started off as a class assignment to write to a deployed soldier. What neither of them ever anticipated was for the pen pal friendship to turn into a once in a lifetime bond. They shared so much of themselves over many years and when they finally met in person, there was no going back for either of them. They know the connection they share goes beyond just friends and they do right by each other by exploring their connection. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2026
Military romance.
Rylee is a young woman who has come to her friend's wedding to take the photos. She didn't expect to see Jase, her military pen pal of many years, show up at the wedding to be her date.
Jase has been in the military for many years, but now he's decided to turn over a new leaf. He's reorganized his entire life, and it all starts with meeting the beautiful Rylee, with whom he's been corresponding for years and whom he's in love with.
Will Rylee and Jase have a beautiful love story, or will things not go as Jase planned….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rylee is a young woman who has come to her friend's wedding to take the photos. She didn't expect to see Jase, her military pen pal of many years, show up at the wedding to be her date.
Jase has been in the military for many years, but now he's decided to turn over a new leaf. He's reorganized his entire life, and it all starts with meeting the beautiful Rylee, with whom he's been corresponding for years and whom he's in love with.
Will Rylee and Jase have a beautiful love story, or will things not go as Jase planned….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Saving Jase by Kaci Rose is wonderful story of finding friendships and happy ever afters. This military, pen pal romance is an endearing read of two people finding each other through the written word. Rylee’s writing to Jase develops into a friendship. Their first meet is unexpected, and their relationship develops from friends to lovers. The compelling couple’s journey is entertaining from start to finish. Saving Jase is related to the Oakside Military Heroes series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rylee sent letters/emails to Jase for 7 years while he was deployed in the Army. They become best friends and start to fall in love through letters, a few phone calls, and looking each other up on social media. When they meet in person, there’s an instant connection. The epilogue and extended epilogue(on Kaci’s website ) were wonderful. This has a connection to her Oakside Military Heroes, but definitely can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2026
Rylee and Jase have been pen pals for 7 years and have never met face-to-face. Now Jase is stateside again and has decided it's time to meet. Except Rylee doesn't know it. I love these kinds of books. Jase and Rylee are already close friends, and the next step is revealing the love they both have for each other. There is some drama because of Rylee's dad, but Jase takes care of things. This is a fantastic book with spice and a perfect happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2026
Sweet short story. Rylee is attending her best friends wedding in florida, when she comes face to face with Jase, her penpal who she has never met before. He had become her sounding board over the years and when she sees him she is super happy. Jase is there to finally meet Rylee and get to know her in person and to get her to commit to a relationship. This was a slow burn, full of emotions and a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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