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Saving Ellie

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“I thought I would be used to pain by now, but I was wrong.”

Ellie may only be twenty years old, but she knows how to keep herself safe: keep moving and don’t get attached to anyone or anything. Nothing short of death will stop her foster father, and she refuses to let anyone else die because of her.

Ash may have been his parents’ obvious successor, but Zac deserves to lead the pack—even if Ash has to take beatings to prove it. There’s no need to challenge the ruthless status quo. He has nothing to lose anymore, so the best he can hope for is Zac’s acceptance.

That is, until a sudden Alaskan blizzard forces Ellie to choose to either freeze to death or shelter in a barn with a giant wolf. Little does she know that the wolf is Ash. Even as a wolf, Ash brings Ellie comfort, and all he knows is that he doesn’t want to leave her side. But now he has something to lose in his alpha’s vicious reign, and even though Ellie’s tired of running, she doesn’t plan to stick around. Their worlds are inexplicably intertwined, but can Ash challenge his alpha to show Ellie that his world of magic and his strength as a wolf can keep her safe? Or does their connection just mean that he will be the first to die because of her reluctance to leave?



Saving Ellie is the first in the series Lycans, but can be read as a standalone. Although each book follows different main characters, it's recommended to read them in order.

458 pages, ebook

Published January 17, 2021

40 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Whitney R.B.

5 books27 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Mysty Sinclair.
277 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2021
It might be a new year but I have been reading in the same category for a while now. I had one bad run-in with a one-to-one relationship book and I was ruined for the rest of the year. This book was so much fun and the pacing of the story done so well that I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I personally think anyone that loves paranormal romances will appreciate this book. Whitney R.B. takes her time explaining the world in such a way that isn't boring and isn't an info dump. It's been such a long time since I really loved a book that was a one-to-one relationship and wasn't erotica. This was the first book in a series of standalone books. I can't wait to see what else lies in store. I wonder how much bigger the universe Whitney created actually is. If you want to read all of my thoughts about the book, check out my blog post for the book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julia Scott.
Author 10 books56 followers
January 15, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Saving Ellie.

Long reads usually put me off but this one kept me hooked the whole way through. There were twists and turns and a beautiful romance. 'Twilight' vibes with mystery, yet enough explanation of the history and the way things work. Ash is the perfect amount of swoon, and Ellie is a fantastic protagonist - haunted but not whiny. I recommend this read for all fans of werewolves and the like!
2,697 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2021
Ash saved Ellie from continuing her life on the run from her foster father who wanted her blood because of who she was. Her foster father kept her prisoner from the first day when the state placed her there. Ellie went through a lot but came out stronger. Ash and Ellie got their happy ending but all of the things that happened to them it was touch and go. Great book, cried and laughed reading it. New author she definitely didn’t disappoint me!
Profile Image for Gee Rothvoss.
Author 7 books49 followers
June 20, 2021
"Where he lives is home to me, too. Wherever he is, is home."

Twenty-year-old Ellie has been on the run from her foster father for months now, never staying anywhere long enough for him to find her. Only survival matters; only making it alive to the next place matters. But she's forced to take it slow when she stays the night in a barn in the middle of the Alaskan forest, and gets snowed in with a big black wolf. Anyone would be frightened of the wolf; not her, though. She feels... Safe. Soon after the snow melts away, she meets a dazzling young man called Ash, who makes her feel at home in a way that's dangerous. Because Ash and her wolf make her want to stay, thus risking her and their lives, which is the one thing Ellie could never afford.

"You're beautiful, Ellie. The scars are a part of you. Be proud of them; it means you survived."

Where do I start with this book? It's such a cozy read, despite all the action scenes and the violence. From the first lines, I found myself in awe with the story, which gives off the same slightly supernatural, comforting vibes as Maggie Stiefvater's "Wolves of Mercy Falls", the Bennet pack in TJ Klune's "Green Creek", or the time Bella Swan spent with the Quileute tribe in Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight". Werewolf stories have that effect on me, I guess? Whatever the reason, reading "Saving Ellie" made me quietly happy. Whenever I turned a page, I was hit with a wave of warmth and safety, which is a feeling I've been missing lately in so many reads. Although it's a long book, which sometimes throws me off, I enjoyed every second of it. The way it's written, I found it all too easy to read chapter after chapter, and get lost in Ash and Ellie's story. I'm already missing them so much!

"I know you, Ellie. I know your soul, and I know that you know mine."

One of the best things about this book was Ellie, the main character. She's been through really rough experiences, and is trying her best as a trauma and physical abuse survivor. Slow to trust and quick to run away, she's much stronger than she realizes, and I was really invested in her journey. One of my favourite parts of the books is the beginning, when she's snowed in with the wolf, because we get to learn so much about her, and to see how much she's struggling. I personally thought that Whitney R.B. did a very good job at building a character with so many difficulties as Ellie, even if at some points I felt like Ellie was maybe recovering a little too fast. Hers is a difficult story, but she decides to stop allowing her fear to stop her from living and building meaningful connections.

Evidently, one of those meaningful connections is Ash, the charming young man that welcomes Ellie into town. I don't want to spoil a single page of the book, so I can't really talk much about Ash's story and character arc, but ugh. I need an Ash so bad. Like. Where can I order one!? He was sweet, funny, and brave, and I loved how he was very open about his feelings and proud of them. Tender, protective, yet really respectful, Ash is basically a dream come true. He doesn't get weird around periods! Like! Ugh. I love him so much. Instead of putting up bravados or trying to always play it cool, he allows himself to be vulnerable, and opens up his heart to his friends and family. This is exactly the type of MMC I can't help falling for! His romance with Ellie was so achingly sweet. Although they start feeling comfortable with each other really soon, the relationship doesn't feel rushed. Both of them are much more invested in building something genuine than in going all the way as soon as possible, and their care for each other was so sweet, it made my heart happy.

"I like the sound of my name on your lips."

Another thing I really enjoyed was the lore! We've all read a number of werewolf and omegaverse stories before; "Saving Ellie" isn't just another paranormal shapeshifter romance. Even though the alpha-beta-delta-omega structure is present, Whitney added a really interesting backstory for the species, as well as a more complex pack hierarchy. Instead of feeling bored and skipping the parts in which Ash explains to Ellie how the lycan world works, I found myself absorbed by the bits of lycan history that were provided, and dying to know more about everything! Stryxes, witches, purebloods... There better be a sequel in which we learn even more about this world.

Plotwise, "Saving Ellie" went from a slower, more introductory first couple of pages, to quite an action-packed big finale. The last hundred pages or so didn't leave me a spare second to catch my breath, busy as they were keeping me on the edge of my seat. I also really enjoyed the way Ellie was gradually introduced to the lycan community, and how the different subplots concerning pack members such as Alice or Sophie were woven together.

As anyone may guess, I really loved this story, and the way it reminded me of some of my favourite books while adding new twists and original lore that made it stand out in the crowd of werewolf stories. I can't wait to see what Whitney has in store for us next!

***
[CWs: Abuse (emotional, verbal, physical), Anxiety (panic attacks), Blood, Car accident (mentioned), Death, Depression, Disordered eating, Graphic injuries, Guilt, Gunshots, Homelessness, Hospitalization, Murder, Loss of a loved one, Medical stuff, Mental illness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Suicidal ideation, Trauma]
Profile Image for Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987.
636 reviews55 followers
July 11, 2021
I've just recently started reading shifter books and this is only my second one but I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend picking this one up, even as a starter swifter book. It keeps you engaged the entire time and there's so much action, romance, fear, love and just so much emotions run through it but it's soooo good. Trust me, pick it up!
Profile Image for Kristen.
200 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2021
A new favorite for fans of sweet and sensitive romance!

Review:

Saving Ellie is the story of Ellie and Ash. Ellie has escaped the basement that her foster father had confined and tortured her in and has been on the run for three years. She finds herself in Alaska, where she is first captivated by a large black wolf, who appears to be much more intelligent than a typical wolf, and Ash, a young local who is equal parts sensitive and sweet.

This book was a soft, sweet romance with sensitive characters but lots of action throughout the plot. I did find the main characters a little over-sensitive at times, but that is part of what makes them who they are. The secondary characters have fun personalities and the story hints at unresolved issues between them, so I am excited to see what “couple” becomes the focus of book two!

Lovers of Twilight, A Fault in Our Stars, and Nicholas Sparks will love Saving Ellie.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Sara "Cristia" H. J..
55 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2021
From R. B.'s desk comes this exciting paranormal romance and fantasy, which captivates the readers in the emotional story of two shifters destined to remain together and share an ancient bond.
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Ellie has been escaping from her foster father for three long years. Never has she trusted anyone or been defeated by fear, pain, or loneliness while enduring painful memories and a torturous past, until the forces of nature leads her to whom would be his savior.
Meanwhile, Ash, as a shifter/werewolf, knows he has the duty to claim his parents' position in the pack and become the next alpha. However, Zac, another shifter, fights for the position. After a tedious battle, Ash retreats, wounded, just to discover a surprise awaiting for him at his barn: Ellie. Although he's in his wolf form, a special bond is formed between them. Instead of fearing him, Ellie finds comfort in this huge wolf and is willing to stay by his side and heal his wounds.
Yet, Ellie has to continue her way. While she seeks refuge away from her past and her foster father, she discovers the truth behind her furry friend as a handsome young man who's willing to do everything for her, and another secret that will shift her whole world. However, new responsibilities come with the new powers as more secrets will be revealed about her past. But I won't spoil it any further, and will let you discover the magic behind this wonderful story.
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I love the way this author plays with the reader's imagination. The unique love story between Ash and Ellie makes us believe in magic and unconditional love again as these lovely characters travel a journey filled with challenges and obstacles. Despite everything, they stick together and promise to protect each other forever.
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The reading was easygoing and the descriptions were in the right amount. Although I liked Whitney's writing style, the pace was a bit slow because of the characters' repetitive inner thoughts. Other than that, I'm sure the story will catch your inner fiber and will entertain you from beginning to end.
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I give this book a 4.5 star review.
Profile Image for Meagan Poetschlag.
Author 4 books12 followers
March 20, 2021
Ellie's dark times in foster care have made her the untrusting soul she is at the start of this story. As the story progresses and she finally comes out of her safety bubble its no wonder that she seems so fragile, even thinking she is broken.

But, she is far from broken.

As she learns the truth about lycans and other paranormal creatures, she also unveils her own true self. She can live, dream, desire, fight, and maybe even love. The one thing she doesnt want to do is the one thing she has done her whole life, run.

As her innermost passions are awakened she must fight to keep them safe. But she also realizes for the first time that she is not alone. She has a pack, an alpha, a mate.

Ash and his pack are such lovable characters and its no surprise that Ellie found herself with Ash. But can Ash save a girl who doesnt want to be saved? Read this amazing werewolf adventure to find out.

I loved this book and anxiously wait to read the next by this indie author. The ending was not a major cliff, which i enjoyed having closure for. The story was well paced and the writing flows nicely.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
February 2, 2021
The author did a good job with the world building which always makes it easier for the reader to be there in the story and experience things firsthand. The characters were also done well, where the reader could see growth in them, and the way they empowered and enabled each other to recognize that they were stronger than they had thought they were.

The story line was strong and well-paced, with tension and suspense where needed to keep the reader focused on the action. I enjoyed seeing Ash’s protective nature toward Ellie and how the two of them found strength, not only in themselves, but in their reliance on each other. This was a very satisfying read to a paranormal lover like me! A different approach in some ways, but it worked!
Profile Image for EmeraldFae13 .
28 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2021
I was completely blown away by Saving Ellie by Whitney R. B. I knew I would love it because I love all things werewolf, but I was not prepared for how much I would love it! I enjoyed the relationship between Ash and Ellie. Ash is the perfect book boyfriend to swoon over. 😍He is so sensitive and understanding about Ellie’s past trauma. I appreciated Ellie’s journey and how much she was able to grow over the course of the novel. I was pleasantly surprised about how much world building was in Saving Ellie. I enjoyed learning about the Lycan’s world in the beautiful Alaskan setting. If you are a lover of paranormal romance, I highly recommend this wonderful book.
2 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this...and stayed up way too late several nights doing so. This book was exactly what I was looking for in my next read. I haven't read a fantasy that I've enjoyed this much in a while and it had all the elements I look for.

Whitney does a great job really helping you imagine what the characters, scenery, and events look like. She gives a great origin story for how lycans and other mythical creatures came to be. I loved the plot twists and that the romance had a slow build and didn't get too sappy. I'm looking forward to the future books Whitney writes.
1 review
January 19, 2021
Spoilers! When Ash walks into Emma’s house in human form, and locks eyes with Ellie, you could feel the emotions running through each character's mind. Ash is so cool, and takes very good care of Ellie. Definitely a role model for me haha. One of my favorite scenes. Great book overall. Can’t wait for side stories of the three elites who harnessed the powers from the fountain of youth. The Lycan, Witch, and Stryx Elites, followed by their backstories. I can see this series going places, excited for what’s to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
January 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I thought the author did a good job adding more to the traditional lycan story. There were plenty of twists and turns that you don't see coming! And plenty of romance without being too "spicy". My only complaint was towards the end of the book there are several new characters added in a short period of time, it was harder to keep track of who they were. Overall it was a great book and I look forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Kels.
183 reviews
January 24, 2021
i’m not one for werewolf romances but this one is 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻WHITNEY YOU DID IT!!! YOU WROTE A BOOK😍
Profile Image for Briana Briggs.
243 reviews20 followers
July 21, 2021
It's been awhile since I read a wolf shifter book, it was nice to get back into it with such a good one!! Ellie has such a tragic backstory, it was great to see her journey of self healing and coming to be able to trust people again. And Ash was perfect for her. Such a cute, closed door romance, with enough tense action moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. Loved it!
Profile Image for Ashley KW Books.
190 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2021
Saving Ellie was a beautiful, quick read that drew me in from the first chapter and didn't let me go until the last page.
Whitney's writing is lyrical, lulling you into a steady rhythm that before you know it you are several chapters in and still wanting more.
The MC, Ellie, was a really fun character, and though I saw the 'twist' with her coming it was still fun to read her surprise.
The book takes us along both Ellie and Ash's journey. Ash is a lycan who becomes quite captivated by Ellie. Readers get to watch them interact and watch Ellie's walls come down. But, danger is not behind her, and just as Ellie always worried the person she is running from is not far behind her.
I was gripped at every turn from the love to the fight scenes to the lore and then the ending when I held my breath worried for one particular character who I shall not reveal.
If you love fantasy, if you love romance, mysteries, and found families, and if there is a part of you that has craved a good lycan story that you haven't been able to find in a while then this read is definitely for you.
And be sure to check out the stunning new hardback edition of this novel that Whitney just announced. It is beautiful!
Profile Image for Dee.
5,029 reviews56 followers
February 2, 2021
Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating so be careful you may just get burned all the heat coming off these pages. There were some "oh no" "oh wow" " what the what" moments and add in uncanny mishaps, shenanigans, and suspense the good kind that makes you keep turning the pages till last page has been turned. The characters are fully developed makes you feel like you are right there with them and the history provided helps you understand the fight among them. Ellie is on the run from her foster father who wanted her blood because of who she is and locks her up as his prisoner from day one and when she gets the chance to run she runs. Ash saves her and shows her just how strong she is and in return she shows him he is much stronger than he thinks and that he should be leading the pack will they get their HEA?
Profile Image for Eliza.
698 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2021
This was a great read, rather long but a great read. The plot was complex but the story was well written so that it flowed smoothly. The characters were great and had fantastic development over the course of the story. I enjoyed the dual point of view. The female character was great and really grew the most in the story, it was fantastic to see her get to have her happy ever after. I did feel like there were some unanswered questions in my opinion at the end, mostly with the villain of the story and what his intentions were.

I give this a four out of five stars. It was a fantastic story but I felt like there were a number of loose ends left unfinished.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
396 reviews
January 27, 2021
worth much more than 5 stars

Emotional, fast paced, scary at times romantic at other times this is one book that I couldn't wait to finish and didn't want to finish at the same time . A strong but gentle alpha male, a scared and badly hurt female that doesn't know how strong she actually can be . Mysteries, betrayals, sadness, joy, fear , regrets and hope all in one story that will keep you enthralled from start to finish . Do not start this book unless you have lots of time to read as you will not want to put it down ...worth more than 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Harmony A Haun.
Author 10 books69 followers
February 5, 2021
I loved this book!

This book had me interested immediately! I was pulled in within the first couple of chapters.

First of all, let's talk about Ash...ummm can I have one please?! He is seriously the sweetest, most caring and thoughtful...not to mention HOT guy!

I loved his and Ellie's relationship and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her change and bloom into an amazing, strong woman as the story progressed.

This book was super easy to read and kept me wanting to read more! The only reason I didn't rate it a 5 star is because I personally would have liked a bit more steam in the romance, but other than that, it was an absolute delight!

I highly recommend this read!
729 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2021
Solid story and look forward to the next one

This is a solid story and I look forward to the next book in this series. It wraps up Ellie’s story pretty well.

I enjoyed it and Ellie is good heroine. I wish there was a little more editing and a few more pages about character interactions and the Lycan world.

A lot of different characters to look into there were two characters near the end that I think have great stories to tell: octavia, wylla, and Alice all I think have great stories too.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
March 16, 2021
Saving Ellie by Whitney R.B. is a fantastic story that I have had the privilege to read and give my honest review on this story. This is book number one in this fantastic start to a brand new series written by a brand new author for me to read and I can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about wolf shifters, sweet, fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
I finished the entire book in 2 nights. Would have been less, but yeah know, having to adult and parent got in the way lol Reading this book was a fun escape. I literally cried real tears at one point but in the best possible way. I loved the character development, especially of Ellie. Definitely a must read for fantasy romance readers.
5,665 reviews63 followers
February 14, 2021
Ellie and Ash find comfort and more when they meet in the barn. This story had me from the beginning and seeing them get stronger and more determined in their paths was terrific. Loved the storyline and all the twists that came along. Definitely going to be reading more by this author. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coy Raven-starr.
44 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2021
What a beautiful love story

I read this book in the span of 6 hours. The story drew me in and kept me enthralled. Ellie went through so so so much and I'm so glad she and Ash found love and happiness together. I doubted a happy ending so many times but I could not be more amazed and delighted at the ending.

I can't wait for more books by this author!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,189 reviews85 followers
February 1, 2021
This is a lovely paranormal romance.. I really enjoyed it.. It is sweet and fun to read, with a wonderful set of characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
39 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2021
Cute

I don’t normally leave reviews. However this was a cutie of a story. I finished quickly it was not boring.
Profile Image for Molly.
37 reviews
March 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much! Pacing was great and even though you knew what was going to happen sometimes it was still good!
Profile Image for Erelah.
147 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2021
This book!!! Gah!! I absolutely loved it!! Not what I normally read but I vibe with Whitney and this book
S L A P S
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