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Saving Tracey

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No one cared about her.
At least, that's what Tracey liked to tell herself.

Her mother neglected her.
Her father abused her.

Tracey wanted it all over. She wanted to die - to escape to something else besides the life she already knew.

But in steps Trevor.
He just wants to make all of her pain go away.

Will she let Trevor in? Will she allow herself to be saved?

Will Tracey ever escape the pain?

226 pages, ebook

Published April 15, 2019

163 people are currently reading
483 people want to read

About the author

T.O. Smith

150 books381 followers
T.O. Smith believes in one thing - a happily ever after.

Her books are fast-paced and dive straight into the romance and the action. She doesn't do extensively drawn out plots. Normally, within the first chapter, she's got you - hook, line, and sinker.

As a writer of various different genres of romance, a reader is almost guaranteed to find some kind of romance novel they'll enjoy on her page.

T.O. Smith can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now even TikTok! She loves interacting with all of her readers, so follow her!

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5 stars
106 (39%)
4 stars
68 (25%)
3 stars
56 (20%)
2 stars
22 (8%)
1 star
16 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Rain ♡.
156 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2024
P.S. I had beautiful covers on my Kobo edition, but they aren’t showing up on Goodreads!

Theme song: YOTTO & Braev - I Want You

Woah! What a book. To say that I sobbed like my life depended on it would be an understatement. My eyes are still puffy, and my heart aches as I write this. This book isn’t easy to read, so please—check the trigger warnings before proceeding.

One thing I’ve learned since I started reading as a teenager is that book titles hold weight. If a title begins with the word “saving”, I instinctively grab tissues because I know I’m about to be shattered. When I found this book for free on Kobo, I didn’t hesitate to get the entire series. Did I even read the first book yet? No. But I had a feeling—one of those rare inklings—that this series would carve its place into my heart. And oh, was I right.

The story begins with Tracey, the heroine, narrating her life. Let me tell you, it’s not easy to read about what she endures. She is, without a doubt, one of the most damaged, raw, and broken heroines I’ve ever encountered. It’s as though her soul was laid bare for us. Tracey is not an easy character to follow, but she’s hauntingly beautiful in her pain. Her struggles amplify her humanity, making her someone you can’t help but love, ache for, and ultimately admire.

And then there’s Trevor. Oh, Trevor. The man you are. He is, without question, a hero in every sense. Despite carrying his own burdens and battling his own darkness, Trevor’s unwavering support for Tracey brought me to tears. He’s there for her—always—reminding her that she’s loved, that she’s not alone, and that her life still holds beauty and purpose. My heart swelled for him. The only thing that left me wanting was his character depth. I longed to know more about Trevor’s story, his past, and his struggles. But I understand that this book was Tracey’s journey first and foremost, and the author’s focus on her made sense. Even so, the chemistry between Trevor and Tracey is undeniable—raw, tender, and deeply moving.

The side characters deserve their moment too—well, most of them. Not you, Kaleb and Kaleb’s girlfriend. But the others brought warmth and depth, adding layers to this heart-wrenching story.

As for the plot, it was beautifully intense. The author didn’t hold back from depicting Tracey’s pain and struggles, which made the book all the more impactful. However, I found myself wishing for more chapters toward the end. The epilogue was stunning, but a story like this deserved more space to explore Tracey’s healing, alongside Trevor’s. Their journey was monumental, and I wanted to witness them taking those steps forward—however small—toward peace and recovery.

In the end, this book is a hidden gem—one that I will hold close to my heart. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience. One that will break you, move you, and leave you utterly changed.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
August 8, 2021
***Read the Tigger warnings for this book!!***

Tracy is an abuse victim and is desperate to end her life. When she is assigned to be partners with Kaleb, her life takes a huge turn. When the truth comes out, Tracy will need to learn how to live without fear and make it past her trauma.

4.5 stars!
This book deals with a lot of triggers such as suicide, self-harm, abuse and depression. The entire premise of the story is living through those issues and making a happier life. Tracy has been through everything imaginable with her parents, and you immediately connect with her. The author doesn't shy away from the gritty details of abuse and self-harm. They shed a light on how hard it is to get out of the dark hole depression can cause, and how hard it can be to let people in.

Trevor and Tracy are two people who have dealt with trauma and their connection was nearly instant. The love they had was built on trust and openess because of their pasts, and it makes their story that much more real.
My only problem with the entire book was Kaleb. The way he reacted to Trevor and Tracy wasn't realistic and just sounded like he was intentionally trying to be hurtful, not that he was jealous or hurt. I would've liked the author to do a little more with his reactions and build a better story for him.
Profile Image for Simone Sumner.
Author 7 books69 followers
February 26, 2024
This is more a young adult book. There is some spice but it is very vanilla compared to other things. I would be okay with my teenager reading this.

Tracy is an abuse victim and is desperate to end her life. When she is assigned to be partners with Kaleb, her life takes a huge turn. When the truth comes out, Tracy will need to learn how to live without fear and make it past her trauma.

I will say there are many triggers you should read or view before diving into this book. It is heartbreaking but such a great read.

Trevor is a friend of Kaleb's who has dealt with his own trauma. Therefore he creates a bond with Tracey and is able to gain her trust almost instantly. Their connection, openness and vulnerabilities makes their story that much more real.

This is a standalone but if you loved Tracey and Trevor's story, you can see more of them in the following book.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,334 reviews25 followers
August 2, 2021
OMG I devoured this book. This book was written so very well.. but be forewarned - there are triggers of abuse, suicide, and rape..
My heart broke for Tracey throughout this entire book.. Growing up being told you can talk to no one.. have no friends.. and if she disobeyed she would be punished.. she kept to herself.. then she met Kaleb.. having being assigned him as a partner in a school assignment.. she try's to avoid it at all cost.. FF tragedy strikes and Kaleb and his family is there for her.. Enter Trevor (one of Kalebs Best Friends).. man did I love him.. he was the only one who was able to get to Tracey - to help her fight her demons.. he picked her up and put her pieces back together the best he could..

I loved Paul & Olivia's characters.. Kaleb pissed me off there for quite a while.. and his GF Lacie.. that B***H can take a flying leap.. Oh I soooooo disliked her... and enter Little Lucas.. he was such a sweet but damaged little one.. I Loved that even with as damaged that Tracey was she was able to give him a sense of peace..

Loved the ending and I can not wait to get my hands of Lucas's book... I think he has his work cut out for him with Mel..

Profile Image for Glittery.
97 reviews20 followers
April 28, 2020
This book is wonderfully written. Be Warned There are elements of Abuse, Suicide, and Rape in this book. If you are faint-hearted it's not a read for you! However, you see the development of the characters and how you can truly overcome a life that started out horrible to thrive when you have love on your side. Trevor's fierce protectiveness of Tracey is endearing and makes you swoon.
Profile Image for Tonya Parker.
441 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2021
Great book! It will send you on an emotional Rollercoaster ride for sure. My emotions were all over the place. Trigger warning for some. But it definitely is a must read.
Doesn't everyone deserve happiness?
Profile Image for Tracy.
365 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2021
This is my first delve into reading this author. And what can I say but wow.
An emotional and occasional tear enducing read, I literally couldn't put it down.
We follow Tracey, who has suffered years of abuse through threats of friendships, backstabbing and the roller coaster that is life.
2 troubled broken souls can help hold each other together
The characters Tracey, Trevor, Karen and Paul are well written and take you by the hand as you follow their story.
6 reviews
July 30, 2020
Will absolutely capture your heart ❤

This was an amazing book that will absolutely capture your heart. It's a book you just don't want to put down and you just flip one more page and then another, wanting and needing to see what happens next. This author never disappoints...
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
93 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
Purely based on my personal opinion:
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️/5 ⚠️Check TW⚠️


"𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥." "𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞."

If you want to read this book please make sure to check the Trigger Warnings!! I feel as though this book was in a way repetitive but in a necessary way that shows a realistic approach to Tracey our FMC’s life as a victim of years of trauma and abuse, I feel it shows that for many survivors who deal of the effects of trauma this is what they may be going through within their day to day lives and the struggle that comes with healing.


READ IF YOU LIKE:
▪️Friends to lovers
▪️New adult romance
▪️He falls first
▪️Protective hero
▪️Dark topics
▪️Found family

5 reviews
November 6, 2020
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat).
395 reviews67 followers
November 7, 2024
Kinda don’t know how to score this book. I could easily read it but I was also easily a little annoyed by the characters and how surface level the relationships felt at times (not for all just some of them). For one the issues that arose with Kaleb was so ridiculous. I get he might’ve been “jealous” but his behaviour was soo childish and excessive. Especially considering he didn’t even know Tracey all that long. Not to mention he’s complaining about not getting the girl when He. Already. Has. A. Girlfriend. and he’s whining that he saw her first! My words she’s not a toy and I certainly would hope an 18yo would act more mature than that. That’s just ridiculous and got on my nerves. It just felt a little silly, for me. And then the way he treated her because her affections didn’t fall to him he essentially has a temper tantrum and doesn’t sound like a person you’d want to befriend with how he treated her/acts. Sorry Kaleb.

The feelings that did grow between the two love interests did seem a little fast, especially how instantly they were in love but the instant connection was beautiful, it just would’ve been nice to see that bud a little more first…I still enjoyed the development and healing they both went through and adore them as a couple.

Please be aware that whilst this is Young Adult/New young adult there is some VERY sensitive subject matter. That I do advise you be careful of. The author does not shy away from really getting into subjects and scenes that could be very triggering. I won’t list them all but a few were: multiple Suicide Attempt’s/Self-harm, r*pe, child abuse, PTSD, depression etc etc please read the trigger warnings before reading this book. Your mental health matters.

I enjoyed most the healing aspect of this story and finding your new beginning when all felt lost. So for that I’m going to say a 2.5 ⭐️ …the story whilst touching on some gritty subject matter did at times feel, to me, like there weren’t a whole heap of layers. Also, the characters and how they were written was a slight turn off/annoyance to me and felt even younger than their years. I could look past it and finish the book but it did impact the story a decent amount, personally. Characters are a huge thing to me and what makes a story shine.

Happy reading
Profile Image for Chelsea.
228 reviews
September 2, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. It's not an easy book to read, if you're sensitive to mental health, SA, PTSD, and violence this is not your book. It starts Tracey who after years of abuse, suicide attempts and rape by her father wants to try to end it again. Through school she is connected with a character called Kaleb who (with help from his mum) rescues her and takes her in while her parents are arrested.i QUICKLY fell out of love with Kaleb, he acted childish, inconsiderate and selfish when it came to Tracey. Almost as if wasn't healing fast enough for her to have moves made on her. He also had a girlfriend who after bullying Tracey, he does nothing. Incomes Trevor, he is the gold standard of green flags. There are parts where his frustration at the situation causes fear for Tracey, but he is the one to slowly bring her out of her shell and allows her to bloom. He is patient and protective being there for her but allowing her to make her own steps. Kalebs jealousy during this is just despicable and aside from a few select characters, I don't think I've hated a characters so much in my life. Which is a brownie point to the writer.

The descriptions of mental health, self harm and SA were incredibly realistic and I praise the author for capturing it so well. I have history with those subjects and to see a character go from abused to healed with a loving family is something I dream for myself in regards to my own mental health and scars.

Overall this is a beautiful, but terribly sad book about a character who overcomes her past with the help of her love. It really made me think about my past and how I felt during that moment, vs looking back and much I've healed. Considering this is a fiction book, it made me do alot of thinking.
Profile Image for Brooke.
434 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2025
Saving Tracey is a touching story about a young girl overcoming the really crappy hand that life has dealt her. Overall, I did enjoy the book but there were some things I really had to suspend my disbelief with. For one, this poor girl had such awful luck - literally every time she was starting to get her footing and heal, something would happen that set her back. I know that’s pretty realistic but it was just one thing after the other with this book. The way that when she was released from the hospital after she fainted at school and everything was revealed - how was she not made to undergo extensive therapy? And then when she kept attempting to take her life, why was she not placed in the hospital regardless of what Trevor wanted for her. The Brinson family also should have had to go to some type of therapy to learn how to handle Tracey, especially Kaleb as he was very abrasive towards her especially when her and Trevor got together. Which btw he shouldn’t have had an issue with seeing as how he had a girlfriend himself that he refused to break up with. Also HOW did Tracey’s dad get out on bail without them being immediately made aware that he was out and HOW did he manage to get a weapon into the courthouse where he was able to hurt Tracey and injure others? That seemed so unlikely to me that I just had to stop reading for a minute to process. The ending felt kind of rushed as well, I would have liked to see more of her healing process and her and Trevor patching things up with Kaleb before the epilogue.
640 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2021
When everyone throws you away…how do you believe in yourself? When nothing is safe, how do you believe in hope?

This is Tracey’s reality. Her parents are negligent and abuse, and every step that Tracey makes is judged and deemed wrong, which leads to terrible nights and rough mornings at school. She just wants to disappear…until someone sees her. And someone reaches out to help.

This is a story about a young woman without hope, who dreamed about death by her own hand because it would give her a choice in a life without choices. It’s also a love story. Trevor adores Tracey and sees himself in her. So he refuses to let go, to be mad when she regresses and gets knocked back…and protects her fiercely. How can anyone grow when their abuser may come back to hurt her still? How can you heal?

Triggers: suicide, sexual abuse, child abuse.

I cried for Tracey’s lost innocence as the people who were supposed to protect her hurt her, as she navigated a high school while broken and hiding. High school is hard enough when you’re seen and everyone is trying to figure things out. It’s even harder covered in emotional and literal bruises.

Bravo. This book was amazing.
338 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2021
Wow, first time reading this author and this type of book but it had me hooked.

It is definitely not for the faint hearted as it speaks about events which can happen and the impact it can have on those affected by it the most. It highlights that PTSD comes in different forms and can be caused by numerous things.

Tracey Olive, a teenage girl who has gone through soo much in her life and it doesn't seem to end, she's quiet and keeps to herself, until an unsuspecting beacon of light enters her life.

Trevor Varner, broken high school football player, after suffering a bad past, he is slowly getting somewhere even with the relapses along the way until her light shines and he knows she is his saviour.
Can they save each other and overcome their pasts or will they destroy each other? I don't want to give everything away that happens as there is soo much happening and it needs to be experienced first hand to understand the whole picture.

Highly recommend but be warned the content is not for the faint hearted. Can't wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Bethany.
24 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2023
*read the trigger warnings before opening this book!*

Tracey is an abusive victim trying to heal from years and years of abuse and trauma. The story was pretty good but it got very repetitive. It seemed like every other page Tracey was being triggered and needed to be saved. Maybe that's how abuse survivors really are when trying to heal and dealing with their PTSD, but for the sake of this book it just got redundant.

I shed a few tears reading this because how could you not? And the ending was a good wrap up to the story and was a good set up for the second book in the series called Saving Lucas.

Again if you decide to read this book check the trigger warnings. Some parts are pretty graphic.

Your mental health matters and YOU matter.
800-799-7233 is the number for the DV/abuse hotline. Reach out if you or someone you know needs help 🖤
Profile Image for Halle Stump.
80 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
Seriously read the trigger warnings. This book was about a girl who was abused in every way possible by her father. She is trying to get past what happened to her and some of the people around her are ruthless and pushing her back in her progress. She meets someone who has a similar past and he helps her overcome what has happened. My main problem though is that multiple times in the book the main character states that she is 17, that she is not an adult and that is why she has a legal guardian. Then why are there explicit sex scenes? I am not trying to read a book with underage sex scenes in it. There was no depth to the characters except the main character, everyone else was very flat. Overall the book was very meh.
56 reviews
October 28, 2021
What an emotional read

I'll just start by saying this book has a few triggers in it but if you don't have any triggers you must read this book.

This is the first read from TO Smith and it absolutely blew me away.

Tracey is a girl who has been terribly abused. She struggles daily to find the will to live but can't escape her hell no matter how hard she tries.
This story had me in tears. I truly felt the pain Tracey was facing and I wanted to be there for her.
Please find the time to read this book
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
498 reviews
August 19, 2025
Trevor and Tracey

I have never read a book as devastatingly horrific as this one. My heart broke for Tracey, Luc, Trevor, Kaleb, and Kaleb’s mom. I am sooo in love with Trev and Trace’s love for one another. Elizabeth is the best ending this book could have had!!!!! I cannot wait to start the next book. T.O. Smith, fabulous job. Thank you.
2,617 reviews25 followers
August 4, 2021
omg first book of yours i read and i loved it! talk about a heart breaking story. she is tired of the abuse from her father and the non love from her mother. she just wants to die. in walks a guy who knows exactly how she feels. can he save her or is he to late? read to find out.
1,641 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2021
This book was so good. My emotions were truly everywhere the entire time I was reading it. Tracey has seriously been through so much my heart broke for her. I just really enjoy this authors writing and will definitely be reading more for sure.
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
3,001 reviews30 followers
August 8, 2021
This book was an emotional read . But, it was so worth the read. Watching this character come through all she went through until the end was so inspiring. It was worth the emotional rollercoaster to get to the end.
Profile Image for Patricia Lord.
899 reviews
October 8, 2024
READ TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ

This book was hard for me to read as it deals with a lot of triggers such as suicide, self-harm, abuse and depression, self doubt, insecurities. I love the way Trevor supports Tracy and helps her heal and overcome the trauma she went through
Profile Image for Lisa Baffi.
848 reviews13 followers
Read
November 6, 2021
Five stars!!

I really liked this story, even though it is more of a young adult book. The love between Tracey and Trevor was wonderful. The way the abuse was covered was well done.
Profile Image for Anita.
250 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
Too Much

This book was ok! Disappointed because the storyline was good but the writing was so repetitive!! Just didn’t do it for me.
Profile Image for Pricilla.
474 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2023
Loved it!!

This book will have you crying!! Definitely have tissues on standby. My heart broke for these characters.

Please please please check triggers before reading.
Profile Image for Katie .
75 reviews
November 10, 2023
Solid 4 1/2 stars really liked this drama and all. Read triggers honestly some may have issues! Great book if you enjoy drama and angst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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