Save Me

by Andi Jaxon, A.J. Alexander

If you like gut-wrenching suspense, broken heroes, and inspirational romance, you will love this emotionally charged novel by AJ Alexander and Andi Jaxon.
I always believed someone would hear my silent cries for help, but no one ever came. It wasn't until we moved to our current duty station that someone finally heard my battered soul's pleading.
Dr. Adam Patterson quickly became more than my family physician. He understands what my daughter and I are going through, more than anyone. Even still trust doesn't come easy.
My heart soars whenever he’s near, but the darkness remains. Our time together is threatened by a monster from my past, the chances of my survival are small.
Only time will tell if he's our savior or our damnation. Too bad our time is running out.
Save me is an emotionally charged standalone novel, where strength comes from the most unlikely place.

Genres: Abuse, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Emotional

262 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2019

About the author

From Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one is more surprised to find me here, than I am. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.

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Reviews

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 3 out of 5]

** TRIGGER WARNING: This story contains mention of physical and emotional abuse. Although no abuse takes place during the story it is described, at times, in detail. ** <- That's a lie. For 1/3 of the book, Isabel leaves with her abusive husband who threatens her with no food for her and her daughter if he doesn't get the pills he wanted. Not to mention some other things of sexual nature. And it takes Sophie getting physically abused and ending up with a broken arm in order for Isabel to decided to leave her husband. And that made me so mad. Also, there is some violence and I feel like you should know that.

Isabel's background explains why she stayed for so long with him, but I was screaming at her to leave sooner, if not for her, for her daughter. No child should be afraid like Sophie was and no child should witness such things. I know that many women stay in situations like this one, but I wish they didn't and I wish that they didn't have people like Isabel's family in their lives because they are just as toxic.

After Isabel left her husband, things started to become better, but you could still see how broken both of them were. Adam is trying to help and show them what a real man is like, which made me love him. He was patient and kind and all he wanted to do was help which was amazing.

The book is not easy to read and it was not a fun ride. Things got real and a very delicate subject was touched.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so intense and emotional. The characters were amazing, and I just adored Sophie!

Recently, I read my first Andi Jaxon novel and loved it. So much so that I will be adding some of her books to my summer reading list. With the exception of holiday romance, summer reading is my favorite time of the year. It's the one time I promise myself to knock off books from my TBR, and read for pure pleasure. Not that I don't do that already, but being a blogger/reviewer, I read many ARCs. Oh, please don't misunderstand because I love to read for authors however, I like to just kick back and read my own selections too. Hence, one reason why I look forward to the summer.

That said.....This was my first collaboration read from Andi Jaxon and AJ Alexander. I know, right? Where have I been hiding? Under a rock, apparently. Nevertheless, I am so happy I read this book. Now I can't wait to read an exclusive AJ Alexander novel.

This book was, for me, a darker read than I am used to. I'll be honest, I avoid books with heavy physical abuse. (*please note, if you read the blurb that you already know that the majority of physical abuse is talked about but not actually on the pages) It breaks my heart too much. But this book came across my blog and after reading the blurb, I just knew I had to read it. Both authors did a great job at weaving this story, making it believable and giving us a well-deserved happy ending. Yes, karma is a queen not to be messed with!

I'm not going to give away any details. Not even the smallest hints. This is a book that you need to go into without too many spoilers so you can appreciate everything good that happens. It will only make the ending so much sweeter. I will tell you that the secondary characters (well not all of them) were charming and and added not only depth, but some humor to a story that is angsty and intense.

I recommend this fast-paced read. As I mentioned earlier in my review, I am looking forward to reading more from both of these authors, exclusively and collaboratively.

This is my honest and unbiased opinion. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Survival takes many forms…

Adam, Isabel and Sophie’s story was hard to read at times but the emotional overload was worth it. Take warning of the triggers though…

Isabel was living a nightmare that she didn’t see a way out of. When she met Adam, he saw in her shades of his past but also everything he secretly yearned for. Love, family and a chance at redemption… Isabel and her daughter tugged every feeling he had, enough to break him of his workaholic tendencies. As they both battled their demons, from the present and the past, their bond grew closer and closer…

Anxiety, fear, anger, sorrow. So many emotions swirled around all the characters as they fought their way through so much. If the plot played out in a not unexpected way, the soulful characters kept me glued to the pages until the very end… I’m always quick to pick up this duo’s reads and love seeing their writing expand and mature with each one.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This emotional story is about a doctor in the Navy named Adam, trying to save the world one patient at a time after growing up witnessing domestic abuse. Then there is Isabel and her beautiful little girl Sophie. After falling for and marrying her husband Jason (also in the Navy), he turned abusive, controlling, and terrifying. When she goes to meet Adam, her new doctor, he immediately recognizes the warning signs of signals of someone abused and afraid, soon making it a priority to make sure that Isabel and Sophie are safe. While trying to earn Isabel’s trust and providing a safe and happy environment for her and Sophie, Adam soon realizes how much they have captured his heart.
My love for Adam was immediate in this one. Whether the passion for his job, his relationship with his mother, or the way he was with Isabel and Sophie – this man stole my heart. Sophie was also an immediate love for me! She was the sweetest little thing and my heart broke for her and their circumstances. But with Isabel, I struggled to connect with her.
I’ve read several novels regarding domestic abuse and unfortunately, I am familiar with it myself. So I tried to look at her character as someone that was terrified, felt trapped, wanted better for her daughter, etc. but was very slow to open up and really be herself. But no matter how hard I tried to tell myself to give her time, something about her character and her character’s dialogue specifically, just never felt right to me. There was this lingering immaturity in how she spoke that never quite worked itself out. I’m struggling to put these thoughts into words for some reason, but something just didn’t work for me.
Anyway, my only other criticism is that there were some confusing parts. There were times I felt I had already read something and then other times I had no clue where something had come from and was backtracking to figure out what I missed.
This book is emotional and difficult at times, but Save Me is also a very sweet, romantic, and almost victorious book because there is a wonderful happy ending! There are certainly some possible triggers regarding domestic violence, but it’s also an inspiring read reminding you that things can get better.

*Thanks to GMB for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to begin to describe the emotional ride Save Me will take you on. This story broke my heart, but it also put it back together. Save Me is a beautiful story of strength, of surviving and realizing that you are not broken.

Isabel’s strength is everything. She is a fighter, she is a survivor, she is not weak, she is not broken. Her love for her daughter is beautiful. Adam is also a survivor. He knows exactly what Isabel and Sophie have dealt with, he knows the feeling, he still is affected by his childhood.

Isabel and Adam are two lost souls that finally found each other and found the strength and love to heal each other when they needed it most. This is probably one of the most emotional stories I have read in a while, but I couldn’t put it down. I was drawn to the story, to the characters, to the love they had for each other.

Sophie is probably one of the sweetest little girls ever! She knew what was going on in her home wasn’t right, but she’s only four, so there is only so much a small child could do. I absolutely loved the chapters from her POV. They were sweet and so adorable. Her instantly love for Adam was precious. She knew this man wouldn’t hurt her, that he would protect her and her mother from those who try to harm them.

“YOU. ARE. NOT. BROKEN. Do you understand me? You are one of the strongest women I know, after my own mother.”

While this book may not be for everyone, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

[Rachel Granger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Save Me may be a hard read for some as it contains some emotional & physical abuse, but overall it's a sweet story about a man and woman saving each other from the dark parts of their lives.

There were a few jumps and backtracks in the story that sometimes made it hard to follow, I had to go back and reread a few things to see what I'd missed due to the jumps.

Overall a good story & sweet characters, but I felt it needed a little more depth.

*I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aj and Andi have done it again! Save Me is a work of art. It does contain a warning on it and I do recommend that you read that warning. Adam has a dark past of his own, his mother was abused when he was a child and he has made it a mission to save others. Until he meets Isabel, she is a fighter she just doesn’t know it yet. Sometimes you need the broken pieces of someone to be whole again.

[Britt Chaotic Creatives · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can never get enough of this duo! AJ Alexander and Andi Jaxon definitely have some major magic when they write together. Save Me is a super emotional and super sweet read that brought me to tears more than once. I was instantly in love with Adam the second I met him. This doctor is not just a sexy man with a stethoscope, he’s got a heart that is simply too good for this world and so much love and sweetness for Isabel and her daughter.
I truly did enjoy their story for the most part, and honestly this would have been a solid five stars for me but there were quite a few inconsistencies throughout this book that caused me to stop and have to go back thinking I had some how missed something. Every time that happened it pulled me out of the story and left me confused trying to find what I’d missed.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow not even sure where to begin

This book is an emotional roller coaster dealing with domestic violence and trying to find yourself again.

Isabel loved Jason but when he became violent she did everything she could to protect herself and her daughter she never imagined life like this and when she meets Adam, the caring doctor she knows he is someone she can trust

Adam grew up in an abusive home and he feels such a connection to Isabel he vows he will do whatever he has to to protect her and Sophie.

This story brings you through everything including both of them finding their way back to life.. Save me is not just Isabel's story..

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional read that hit very deeply. The troubles Isabel faced are unfortunately ones many face. Being in an abusive relationship tears a person down to the point that they no longer have any self worth. Fortunately Adam is there to help her get out of the relationship she is in and helps her to become the woman she really is. At the same time, Isabel is able to save Adam as well from what he went through as a child and the guilt he carries. Make sure you have tissues ready, because you will need them!

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story that does deal with a very hard subject. Adam and Isabel were wonderful characters. The journey to their HEA was hard and touching to watch. Highly recommend this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally, intense story that you wanna just go into the book and help. Adam is a sexy, sweet doctor that when he loves or cares he does hard and is willing to do anything. Isabel hasn’t had a good life at all and is just wanting to keep her daughter Sophia safe. This is one of the stories that hit home for me because I was Sophia but just like her I’m a survivor. I will say parts of the story I was very confused and had to reread many parts but otherwise it was a great book! 4/5 stars

[Megan Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I found hard to put down. It sucked me in and I loved every minute of it. I love all of the characters in this book and hope to see more of them in future books. Definitely recommend.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡]

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional read. This is a story that really pulled at my heart strings. The mental and physical abuse that Isabel suffered under the hands of her husband were gut wrenching. Adam was totally her knight in shining armour. His own painful memories aiding his desire to keep Isabel safe.

And the little ray of sunshine that was little Sophie. Such a cutie and a character which certainly bought a smile to my face.

The subject matter is carefully handled throughout and I hope it gives readers who face similar abuse, the courage to seek help.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story about a man who has a hero complex and always try’s to fix and save everyone, but with his past it was so understandable. I really liked Adam. This was a hard book to read at times because of the subject matter. When I was a child I went thing something like this and the author did a good job at expressing things. That’s the best way to describe it.

I did find my self a little annoyed with the internal dialogue from Sophie. I’m not sure why. In her head she seemed more mature then she was when she spoke. To me it was and felt just like Isabel’s POV. It was kinda hard to see or feel a difference. She didn’t have her own voice so to speak. I will say that overall I did like her character. She was a smart and sweet little girl.

For the most part it was a beautiful story. I will say there were times that I rolled my eyes because things didn’t make sense to me or were inconsistent. I can’t go into details because of spoiler risks though. Either way, I could be in a book funk, and I did read an ARC so things could have been changed before publication. So while my rating is 3 stars, based on my enjoyment factor, don’t let that sway you from this story. It was a beautiful story about overcoming abuse and the author really made me love these characters. 3 stars #2OCCJD

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, emotional read

From the very first chapter this story broke my heart and took me on an emotional ride. Adam and Isobel's story had me gripped with every word. AJ Alexander and Andi Jaxon certainly know how to capture their readers with their amazing characters and intriguing story line.

Adam Patterson is a Navy doctor. A man who suffered untold abuse as a child, a man who grew up with a fierce protective nature. Isobel Alexander is a woman living with constant abuse, both physically and mentally, by the one one who should protect her ... her husband. When Adam first meets Isobel he sees all the signs of her pain and sets out to save both her and her daughter Sophie.

From their first meeting this story is simply beautiful. It is one of survival and fighting for what and who you love most. It also has a sweetness to it, especially in the way in which Adam looks out for Isobel and Sophie. Together Adam and Isobel were perfect, both with the desire to heal the other of the horror of their pasts.

A difficult read simply because of the subject matter that is involved. However it is an inspiring one ... allowing others to see that there is always hope. Definitely a recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS

[Terri Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I did like the way the story unfolded and its subject matter was very interesting. The underlying message that is in this story is a very prevalent one that affects both women and men every day.

I did connect with the characters but the whole relationship occurred at a breakneck speed which really didn't give me enough time to get to know them well enough. Adams personality was sweet and caring, I would have liked him to be a little more alpha male; if anything, for me, he was too accommodating. Isabel is a frightened sad woman who is living on the edge. I do think Isabel was written perfectly considering the content of the story, I enjoyed reading Isabel's development as the story progressed.

For me the story lacked depth, it needed to evolve more. I felt it needed more time to build the relationship between the characters, so the reader could become more invested in all the characters.

[Lisa Marie Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! SPEECHLESS!! JUST SPEECHLESS!! Andi Jaxon and A.J. Alexander BLEW ME AWAY with this One!! The moment I read the Blurb- SAVE ME, I was intrigued and wanted to know More! Bonus since I'm a HUGE Fan of their Writing!!
Gotta warn you though, it does deal with emotional and physical domestic abuse but so worth the read. Isabel and Sophie's story is So Beautifully Written but has All The FEELS you can ask for in a book & More! Adam has you swooning over his chivalry and melts your heart strings for his passion to a woman he first laid eyes on; plus His Darkest Fears as a Child Comes to Surface.
It was Such an EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER ride of Epic proportions and never a Dull moment page after page! Plus I Read it in ONE SITTING to the point that I Couldn Not Put It Down!
DEFINITELY A MUST READ BOOK!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I did like the way the story unfolded and its subject matter was very interesting. The underlying message that is in this story is a very prevalent one that affects both women and men every day.

I did connect with the characters but the whole relationship occurred at a breakneck speed which really didn't give me enough time to get to know them well enough. Adams personality was sweet and caring, I would have liked him to be a little more alpha male; if anything, for me, he was too accommodating. Isabel is a frightened sad woman who is living on the edge. I do think Isabel was written perfectly considering the content of the story, I enjoyed reading Isabel's development as the story progressed.

For me the story lacked depth, it needed to evolve more. I felt it needed more time to build the relationship between the characters, so the reader could become more invested in all the characters.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5*

This was an emotional roller coaster of a read, with highly distressing subject matter.

Adam and his mother are survivors of domestic abuse. His life goal is protect and save anyone who is in the same situation. When he meets Isabel for the first time, he recognises something in her that needs his help with, if she will let him. Her husband is vile, violent and abusive. He controls her and their daughter and has them living in fear.

My heart broke from reading this book for Isabel and her daughter Sophie. This was primarily told from Adam and Isabel's POV but the most heart wrenching parts came from the parts told by Sophie. I cried my way through this and was angry for them. I was scared for them, laughed with them, wanted to protect them. This was not an easy book to read but it brings a heightened awareness to an all too common occurrence unfortunately.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save Me is an amazing read. There may be some triggers when it comes to abuse for some. I really enjoyed this emotional, some what intense ride that you are taken on while reading Save Me. There is a lot of strength, love and surviving when it comes down to Adam, Isabel and Sofie. I love the strength in Adam as he embraces full on Isabel and her daughter Sofie. Sofie is such a delight you will just want to hug her close and not let go. Isabel you feel for her decisions at first and then you applaud her resilience and how she finally gets to courage to leave. You feel the connection between Adam, Isabel and Sofie from the very beginning. You feel the healing the three of them go through throughout Save Me. I love Adam and his ways. This was an amazing read and is so worth one clicking.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw these two were teaming up again I jumped at the chance to get this book! This story was emotionally draining and it sucks you in from the first chapter, but I loved every aspect of it. Isabel is in a lose lose situation with her abusive husband and daughter that she desperately tries to protect. Fortunately Adam, who is a doctor of the hospital, has personal experience with women living with abusive husbands because his mother lived with her abusive ex for years. Adam desperately wants to help Isabel but she just won’t leave finally, finally she has had enough when the unspeakable happens and leaves. Adam is her knight in shining armor and every step of the way he helps Isabel and her daughter Sophie. I highly recommend this emotionally charged book!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me all up in my emotions and they were all over the place. Adam has his on set of demons and when he meets Isabel it triggers them. Isabel is living in hell with her daughter and it sucks when her daughter gets hurt she finally wakes up! Adam is super sweet and supportive through it all even when Isabel is jumpy and snappy. Sophie was the highlight of this book she is so adorable and sweet and a breath of fresh hair. She knows whats going on but she never misses a beat. I really enjoyed this story.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabel is living a horrible life with her young daughter. They live in fear every day and it seems like she's content to deal with her husband until it all changes drastically one day.
Adam lived Isabel's life when he was a child and he's declaiming to help her get out of get situation at any cost.
This was not the book for me. I'm not normally a fan of the subject matter, but wanted to give it a chance.

[Kaci Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so emotional and intense! The characters had depth and dimension. There are a few scenes that may not be for everyone, but they are so well written. While there are a lot of tragic and sad undertones, ultimately this story is about a man and woman who had rough lives, and then saving each other from the darkness bound to taken them down. Andi and AJ did it again with another amazing book!

[Leah Dynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Isabel’s love story is not one out of a fairytale, nor is it an easy time to get there for either of them. Adam, whose mom was abused as a child, swears to do his best to save people and other families in the same position his mom and he dealt with. Isabel is in an abusive marriage, and once Adam sees her, he knows he must help. Neither of them realize just how difficult their road will be, though.

[StinaA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Save Me, is about abuse. Emotional and physical abuse. It's a sweet story between the characters, but I thought the storyline went a bit too fast. Which made the story lack depth.
The story also jumped a few times, back and forth, and that pulled me out an made me go back to check if I missed something.

-Stina, Book Haven Book Blog

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touched my heart. A beautiful romance that will steal your heart and put your emotions through the wringer. Adam and Isabel have such a poignant connection and I was easily swept up into their romance. A very good read. This is my independant, impartial review.

[R yatsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional book, that will break your heart...
...this book is about survival, repair, and putting yourself together again.

The journey wasn’t an easy one, every emotions just poured out.
... I am in awe with her strength.. this book is worth every tear ~wtmo