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Love Conquers Life #1

Saved By A Soldier

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Patricia Ann Fitzgerald is no man’s arm candy…

Refusing to entertain her mother’s ridiculous notion that she should become the perfect little housewife for her ex-boyfriend Ben, Patty escapes to her father’s lake house to focus on what matters most to her. She has to break through her writer’s block and start her next book.

Medically discharged from the service and suffering from PTSD, Carter Montgomery is still trying to get his life back in order…

When Carter's father Jackson suggests a week at the lake, it's not only so he can gain a little clarity about his future. Jackson has other plans for his recovering son, intending for him to watch over his best friend’s daughter while she’s on a solo writing retreat—an idea that doesn’t please Carter at all.

Patty finds it hard to get any work done when her attention keeps diverting to the handsome stranger next door…

Patty is persuaded to attend a charity event, despite knowing her ex will be in attendance. When Ben rudely interrupts Patty’s dance with her father and drags her off the floor, Carter is quick to intervene. He’s tired of admiring Patty from afar, and refuses to see her treated that way. Ready to ditch the stuffy event, Patty escapes with her savior someplace where they can finally talk.

Ben always gets what he wants, and he isn’t willing to let Patty slip away…

Patty fights to preserve her blooming relationship with Carter from the critical eyes of her mother and the scheming ways of her ex. Will Carter manage to get his life back in order in time to save Patty from the life she never wanted?

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2016

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304 people want to read

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Alison Mello

29 books720 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Chrystal.
60 reviews48 followers
September 26, 2019
Too wordy. Most things are overly explained, with other things not enough. I do not need to know every single step a character takes, especially when eating a sandwich. The initial date between the characters would be one instance that needed more writing attention but didn't get it. At this point, I have no desire to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jene.
167 reviews36 followers
June 15, 2016
What a beautiful well written story. This was the first book I've read by author Alison Mello and it did not disappoint. The story is incredibly enjoyable and I found the book hard to put down!
The story deals with some very emotional subjects and you can feel the characters frustrations and challenges. We meet Patty, a best selling author, and Carter, a solider injured in war suffering from PTSD. The relationship between Patty and Carter is amazingly sweet, and I'm really looking forward to continuing their story in the next book. I loved getting to know them each as individuals and then how they grow as a couple together and the support they show each other, facing their pasts together.
Be warned this book does have a cliffhanger, but we don't have to wait very long for the next book! I believe it's out July 12th so it just gives us something to look forward to.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a beautiful story that draws you in with characters you can't help but feel like you know and the promise of much more to come.
Profile Image for Medusa.
51 reviews45 followers
July 8, 2016
I so loved this book and the characters Patricia Ann Fitzgerald & Carter Montgomery...What a well written book, I can't wait to read the second book in the series...Thanks to the Author Alison Mello for doing what you do for us Readers...:) Definitely will be back for more :)
Profile Image for Hannah.
192 reviews38 followers
July 25, 2016
Title: Saved by a Soldier
Author: Alison Mello
Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: You can stop here but there is a sort of cliffhanger
Release Date: June 2016
Rating: 2
HEA:

This is another free kindle book that I have gotten. And it is another book that I am glad that I got for free. Like many books the idea behind it is good but the execution just did not work for me. Let’s start with the beginning.

When the book starts Patricia “Patty” Ann Fitzgerald is getting pressured by her book publisher to start her new book. Patty decides that she is going to use her dad’s lake cabin to get away and focus on her writing. Her mother is a gold digging snob and wants to set her up in a nice suite but Patty is more low key like her father and just wants to be alone at the lake. Even though Patty is 25 both of her parents worry a lot about her. Neither wanted her at the lake house alone. Her mother sent her housekeeper. Her father asked his friend to have his son, Carter, stay at their lake house next door to watch out for her.

Carter was medically discharged from the military after a knee injury. He does not want to be babysitting someone. Since he is in a sort of limbo he agrees to look out for Patty and uses the time to think about the next step. And that step comes quick as a job working with veterans and helping them with their benefits.

While there they never actually speak to each other at the lake, they do see each other and are attracted to each other. They are both at the lake houses for maybe a week and we never see them there again. This is the first thing that I didn't really like much. It’s not a big deal but the description implied that most of the book would be with them out at the lake houses.

Patty and Carter officially meet at a fancy fundraiser. Patty went with her best friend and for her mother. And Carter went for his parents and to network for his new job. Carter saves Patty from the horrible ex that won’t let go and her mother keeps encouraging. They both escape the party that they don't want to be at to grab some coffee. They spend a little time together and Carter asks her out. This is the start of their relationship.

This relationship went so fast. And it also didn't feel genuine. I’m not sure if I can explain it properly. Part of my issue was the writing. There was a lot of unnecessary details for some things and then skipping other details. For example a lot of detail of every action leading up to a date and then skipping most of the date and the reader really getting to know the characters as well as seeing the characters getting to know each other. This is a long quote but it is one example of wasted space on detail that we do not need.
I take a deep breath as I see all the bags around the house. The pans I bought him are still in the box, along with the dishes, cups and utensils. First things first, I need to go wash the towels. I put the laundry detergent and fabric softener away in the laundry room then go in search of the bag with the towels in it. Christ, his mom bought half a store worth of towels. I take the bags to the laundry area to get the first load going. By the looks of it, I’ve got at least three loads of towels to wash before I do the sheets.

Next I head into the kitchen to put the dishes that I bought him in the dishwasher. I add the utensils and as many glasses as I can fit, put the soap in, and press the start button. Once that’s done, I break down the cardboard boxes and open the pans, placing them on the counter, then break down that box as well. I realize we don’t have trash bags here. I run to the other room for one of the big shopping bags that the towels were in to use for trash. I put as much cardboard in the bag as I can fit and set it aside. Since I’ve got the laundry and dishes going, I unwrap the sheets and set them by the washer so I can use the bag for more trash as needed.

Time for a breather. I sit at the snack bar to get started on some work. I log onto my Facebook fan page to see that there are a ton of comments on this girl’s picture of us. Of course she even tells them where she saw me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I made her day, but she told them one of my hangouts. That’ll be great for business at The Café, but not so great for me. I like the food there and now I won’t be able to go there for a while because it’ll be swamped with local fans. I post a brief write up about how nice it was to meet her and that it makes me so happy to hear that she really enjoys my books.

Opening my email I find Joan’s with my new contract. I need to comb through that once I can print it out and really read it over. For now, I scan it for the important parts that I wanted to have listed in it. As promised, Joan added a section that says I’m to get eight months of uninterrupted time off after the final signing is done and all book signings are to be completed within three months of the release of the book. I’m still not sure why I even needed to add this to my contract, but if I find out this agent is being creepy this will be my last contract with her and I’ll have to make some decisions before I write my next book.

By the time I’m done looking at Facebook, reading my email, and skimming the contract, the washer is just about done. I stop what I’m doing to go put the first load in the dryer and get another load washing.
We don’t need to know all of this. It would be simple enough to spend a paragraph saying that she got a lot done. I would have rather the author use the space she wasted throughout the book developing the characters more. This is the reason that I had to skim parts.

The only other issue that I want to go into is the ending. I don't plan on doing any major spoiling but I will hide this part in case you don't want to know.

Overall it wasn't a horrible book. But I did not enjoy it as much as I was hoping. If you don't like books that are basically a part one then don't read this one. I will not be continuing with this series. There are better options with similar plot lines.
Profile Image for Victoria B.
578 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2017
I actually have the box set but decided to write a review for each book as I read it. This book is a sweet romance story with a couple adult scenes but not real explicit in detail. The characters are well written with just enough back story to understand where they are coming from and why they act and feel the way they do without slowing down the pace of the story. I don't really care for the way the story stops but I do have the next book so its not a big issue for me. I look forward to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Books 2 Blog.
1,494 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2016
With a dual POV, Saved By A Soldier follows the love story of Patty and Carter. Patty is a strong woman through and through. She does not grin and bear it when tough decisions need to be made. She simply does what is best for her. Carter is a wounded veteran and finds himself assimilating back into civilian life and it is not as easy as it seems. Yet, he doesn’t wallow in self pity but focuses his attention on how to give back to his country in a meaningful way. When Carter and Patty officially meet, the saying and the rest was history is apt.

Touching on several topics such as PTSD and domestic violence, the author does a great job of not over simplifying the severity of both topics. I love both of the main characters. Patty’s unwillingness to be a doormat had me saying hell yes! Carter’s quiet strength and his willingness to face his demons was brilliant.

That said, this author’s writing style was really not for me for this story. The pace of the story was too slow and the transitional issues I had with the switching of POVs, I found made it hard for me to fully get vested. The premise of the story was great but the execution of the plot did not live up to the potential I saw when I read the blurb. In the end, this was a 3.5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Sleepless Beauty.
79 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2017
simple love story

if you are looking for a simple love story that isn't too busy or fast moving then you will enjoy this one.
It is laid back with several caring characters. A little drama vuy nothing over the edge. There is some sex that is a teeny graphic but not very.
Profile Image for Gigi.
582 reviews
June 6, 2018
I’m still on the fence with this novel...

‘Saved By A Soldier,’ has lots of potential... the characters are interesting, as is the storyline. What has me on the fence is the writing and over detailed narrating. “He sticks his tongue out and licks my lower lip...” I’m very hopeful the next novel will have less of the over-narrating. As I said this series has great potential and the characters quickly hook their claws in you. It helps that this novel leaves you with a cliffhanger! It’ll leave you wanting to read/know more...
Profile Image for Pat Hopson.
629 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2019
DNF. I thought that the writing was poor. There was way too much filler. Every phone conversation that the main character has is included, Word for Word. These conversations are meant to do the job of giving us the characters backstory but only show that the author is not a strong writer. And maybe that skill will improve over time.

The story might be a good one but the poor writing was enough to turn me off.
90 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2020
This book is a good read!! The story line is simple with great characters! Carter and Patty have an instant connection and work well together. Even though Carter suffers from PTSD, he still goes to the rich parties. He could have an episode at anytime but still goes for his parents. Patty is a bestselling author. She goes to promote her book and because her Mother asks her too. I would have liked a little more action in this story but it is still worth reading!
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,304 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2018
To be continued

A great love story with struggles and hazards I guess you would call it. An author trying to write her next book meets an ex soldier , what will happen when they meet unexpectedly? Will they fall for each other? Great read.. Ends with a continuation but next book is out.
103 reviews
August 2, 2017
I was close to not finishing this one, but I'm glad I did finish it. Some of the dialogue doesn't flow and some scenes are rushed that shouldn't be while others are too long. I am glad I stuck with it because I liked the rest of he series.
Profile Image for Annemieke Westerbeek.
895 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2019
This story is about family friend and interference. A love trying to bloom in the midst of all this.
The love for the characters is great. This is the first book I read from this author and I already ordered the 2nd book.
Profile Image for Corry Tutwiler - CNC Bookish Vibes.
41 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2019
Love the start of a true love story

This is my second time reading this book. I enjoyed watching how Patty and Carter come together. The strength that he has is inspiring and her heart is just what he needs.
Profile Image for Shina.
143 reviews
February 17, 2017
This book was very well written and I really enjoy the characters. I cannot wait to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Jen.
29 reviews
September 25, 2017
Not bad. A little bit of a slow moving book, but you can tell it's setting up for the future stories.
Profile Image for Gina.
678 reviews
November 22, 2017
Love the story, the characters don't just jump out and grab me,
Profile Image for Melissa Goodwin.
16 reviews
September 3, 2018
Amazing!

Alison writes her stories from the heart and her experiences in life. I'm hooked on her style and the tastes and flavors of her books.
Profile Image for Arien/Sloan.
255 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2017
This was a great book to get acquainted with a new author. I truly enjoyed this book from Alison Mello. This story is so down to earth and that is what I loved best about it. I could completely visualize all that was going on and was completely entranced by the story, I could barely put it down! I would recommend this to anyone and I am so looking forward to picking up the next book in this series. Thank you so much Alison for a great book!!
5,704 reviews39 followers
March 12, 2017
amazing.. so very amazing.. i loved it and cannot wait to read the next one :D
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,800 reviews148 followers
June 14, 2016
So far, every book by this author has pulled me in and this one is no different. What starts out as a small favor for his Dad, Jackson, could become everything to Carter. Carter, recently medically discharged from the Army, is at loose ends as he's trying to adapt to civilian life, cope with the memories of being injured and losing friends, and deal with his PTSD. To help out his Dad's long time friend, Carter agrees to head to the lake and watch over Patty while she's there, plus it may be the place to give him time to reflect on what he wants to do now. In all the years their Dads have been friends, Carter finds it surprising that he and Patty have never met, but it seems their times at the lake rarely, if ever, coincided, plus there's a slight age difference as Carter is a few years older. So Carter is in no way prepared for a writer that looks like her.

As for Patty, she's headed to the lake for some peace and quiet so she can finish her current book and escape her Mom's reconciliation attempts. Her parents, divorced since she was young, have never really seen eye to eye when it comes to anything, but especially in regards to Patty. Patty refuses to reunite with her ex-boyfriend, Ben, for various reasons. Unfortunately, her Mom, Sandra, will not let it go. But she should've known her Dad, Troy, had a plan in place for her protection for this mini-getaway. She just didn't expect her plan to look like that. *She's always loved the scenery at the lake house. wink wink*

Though their attentions are drawn to each other while at the lake, it isn't until afterwards that things truly begin for these two. At a charity event, Carter, determined to get to know Patty, rescues her when her ex-boyfriend, Ben, causes a scene. As they've both had enough of the event, they leave and spend hours talking. That time together solidifies their burgeoning attraction and connection to each other and they begin a relationship, a relationship that seems so right. However, not everyone agrees with that sentiment.

Will Ben destroy Carter and Patty's chance at happiness? Will Carter figure out his new path in life? Will he work on getting his PTSD under control or will it cost him Patty? Why is Patty's Mom so focused on getting Patty back together with Ben? Can Carter keep Patty safe from Ben? Will Carter and Patty fight to be together?

One-click now and find out all these answers and more as we start the journey of Carter and Patty's story. Please keep in mind this is book one of a trilogy featuring this couple and all three will need to be read to learn the conclusion of this couple's future. But I assure you, it is worth the time to follow along as they discover what they truly want out of life and from each other.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
July 9, 2019
Soldier Swoon Alert

Sweet story. Enjoyed watching Carter sweep Patty off her feet and essentially be her savior from a bad situation. Their mutual affection for one another is inspiring and makes for a good read.
Profile Image for The Smutbrarians.
2,239 reviews1,745 followers
June 17, 2016
Storyline: 5
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin

Patricia is an author that hasn’t always been assertive with what she wants in her life. Her publisher walks all over her. Her mother tries to control her. Her boyfriends haven’t been all that into her. As one thing after another pushes her a bit more to stand up for herself, she meets Carter, a wounded soldier and son of a family friend who has returned home. Asked to watch over her by her protective father, Carter starts to feel an attraction and the feeling is quite mutual. Will Patty perhaps find the love she’s been looking for all along?

“He gives me what I want, though this time his hand goes to the nape of my neck and he deepens the kiss. With a moan I climb over his lap and continue to kiss him. He runs his hands up my back and presses me against his lean, hard body. I love that he’s in shape but not huge, because we fit perfectly together.”

I probably start out saying this way too much, but I didn’t know this was a series going into it. I feel like this has the start to a sweet romance. Patty has been a doormat being way too nice by trying to make her mother happy and dealing with an abusive ex. I like that she’s starting to stick up for herself and putting down some boundaries. Carter seems like a hot, sexy guy that can stand up for her and help her find her own strength. He is very appealing in the sense that he is still learning to deal with his own stress and psychological issues from his time in the military. I can’t wait to see how they move forward together working through all of their issues and where it takes them. I’m sure some of their “problem people” are going to pop up and try to shake them loose.

I just am on pins and needles to find out what happens next. I have so many ideas and want to see how Carter’s meeting with Patty’s mother comes off. And we have Patty’s ex Ben…what will he do next?
Profile Image for Toria.
152 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2017
Boring and tedious dialog.

Just could not get into it. Was like the author had a word count quota and was trying to fill space. Further aggravation finding out it continues in book two. Hate cliffhangers. Won't be reading the next installment of this story.
Profile Image for Gina Paulus.
156 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2016
By now if you have read my reviews y'all know I speak from the heart and I am totally honest in what I "say" about them. First off take a minute to read the dedication on how the main character was named <3 (very sweet story behind that name) ok let's gets this started.
Patty is a romance writer, with a bitch for a mom who totally loves to interfere with her life (EVERY PART) Bella is her supermodel best friend/sister who surprisingly is actually very nice and isn't the crazy type. And you will hear about Joan the crazy stalker publisher who doesn't believe in letting Patty take a break from writing (personally I am comparing her to Kathy Bate's character from Misery) Next up we have Carter (hunky, sexy, handsome, beautiful (guy's can be beautiful) Patty escapes to her family's lake house to write a few chapters to get the publisher Carter is sent there to keep her safe at the request of her father (did I mention he is ex Military? ) (Makes him even Sexier) Carter is hiding one thing from Patty as their relationship is blooming, he suffers from PTSD, he brought home his nightmares with him. This is one couple I so badly want together, Patty is coming out of a year long relationship from a loser Ben who hit her, Carter is home fighting from the war, with a career ending injury and is now helping fellow veterans. Patty's mother from hell is bound to keep these two apart, but they are meant to be together.
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
383 reviews22 followers
June 23, 2016
Saved By A Soldier (Love Conquers Life #1) is the first of a three part series by Alison Mello. I went into the book without reading the blurb. From what I have read so far, because the first book is only the beginning of the actual story, I am really liking these characters. Patty is an author that needs to getaway from a crazy mother that is overbearing, trying to marry her off o a rich ex-boyfriend (Ben) that hit her causing their breakup. And a really crazy literary agent that is pushing for a crazy deadline. Patty's father on the other hand, just wants his girl to be happy and safe. So when she asks to use his lake house for her getaway, he asks his friend to send his so to the lake house next door to watch over his daughter.
Carter was not too happy with his newly acquired duty as Patty's babysitter that she was not allowed to know about. Carter had recently been medically discharged from the army due to a knee injury that he sustained during active duty. He was left with some bad PTSD and depression upon his return home. Luckily for Carter this babysitting duty would change the course of his life for the better.
I honestly cannot wait for book two because this book sucked me in and left me hanging. This far into the story, Alison did a great job with the development of these characters. She did leave me with so many questions about what's to come in the next book...she did a darn good job with this one.
Profile Image for Shannon Mcfarland.
669 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2016
Saved By A Soldier is the first book in the Life Conquers Life series.
It is about a writer, Patty, who is working on her next book. She is stuck on what to write and the pressure from her editor isn’t helping. She decides to go to her father’s lake house to clear her head and get some inspiration. Not wanting Patty to be alone, her dad asks his friend to send his son, who recently retired from the armed forces up to his own separate lake house to discreetly keep an eye on Patty. Although they are never formally introduced, they see each other from across the way and make googly eyes, so the “discrete” was never really in play. Due to their lifestyle they finally meet formally and Carter “saves” Patty which leads to their budding relationship.
I was disappointed in this book. The writing was underwhelming and the flow of the story was a bit stale. However, I followed the book through until the end. The title of the book”Saved by a Soldier” gave me such high hopes, when in reality you would miss the saving part if you blinked. The dialog between some of the characters were stiff or unneeded altogether. I think this book had so much potential, but just fell short.

However, because it had good bones, I will go on to the next book in the series to see if it gets better.
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