Lifesaver: A Lantana Beach Sweet Romance

by Macie Collins

Only by facing our past can we hope to change our future. Jamie Scott fled to Hodges, FL, a suburb of Lantana Beach, to escape an abusive husband. With hard work and generosity, she rebuilt her life in the adopted community that supported her during her darkest moments. Allowing herself no time for love, Jamie volunteers with a victims' advocacy group, discovering a purpose beyond her solitary, complacent life. Her comfortable routine in place, Jamie finally feels safe until she is faced with a situation eerily similar to one she thought she'd left in the past.As a sheriff's deputy in Hodges, Cooper Ross has seen both the worst and the best of humanity. His bachelor lifestyle allows him to serve his community without the burden of a family. Even if he wanted to, his work doesn’t allow time for dating, much less love. Then a chance encounter with his reclusive, though alluring, neighbor forces him to reevaluate his ideas on love, and human nature.In the face of suspicions and danger, Jamie and Cooper must each overcome their own misguided notions of love and duty if they are to find what they didn’t know they were looking for—each other.

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2020

Reviews

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Sweet, Clean, with hints of Hope. LIFESAVER, a Lantana Beach Sweet Read is a quick reading, Clean 2nd Chances novella by Macie Collins.

Jamie /FMC is an ER nurse at a local hospital rebuilding a new life for herself following the divorce and relocation from an ex who abused her in their marriage. Jamie continues personal counseling for herself while participating in an advocacy group that assists women who need to escape quickly. Deputy Cooper Ross, County Sheriff Dept/MMC is Jamie’s apartment down-the-hall neighbor. He works various 12 hr night shifts and Wade sees Jamie occasionally in passing. Deputy Cooper is surprised when he gets a call regarding a possible burglary and finds Jamie in her dark car parked in the immediate area. Why is she parked in the dark? When asked, her explanations don’t ring true. What secrets is she hiding?

Due to the brief nature of novellas, it oftentimes seems difficult to contain much depth - in character development or story. I thought Macie did a nice job with Lifesaver however, with just a sense of rushed details at the end. Considering the nature of this novella (domestic abuse), LIFESAVER still managed to be positive and filled with Hope. LIFESAVER was enjoyable enough that I will be looking into Ms Collin’s longer titles in the future.

I recommend LIFESAVER to readers who prefer Clean, quick reading short novellas with a sweet HEA in either the Proximity/Danger, 2nd Chances trope and/or Small Towns settings.

READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - Possible trigger, FMC has history of domestic abuse; antagonist in LIFESAVER is abusive.
PROFANITY - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Topic. Short, easy read.