How to Save a Life

by P. Dangelico

There’s more than one way to save a life…


Riley James has everything to live for, a business to grow, goals to achieve. After everything she’s overcome, there’s no way she’s going to let anyone get in the way of her hopes and dreams. Not even a handsome businessman who makes her a crazy offer she would be even crazier to refuse.

Jordan West has everything a man could want. And yet it all feels so meaningless. But when tragedy strikes and he’s entrusted with the care of a toddler, life doesn’t seem so meaningless anymore. Jordan West suddenly has everything to live for. Problem is…how does he hold on to that feeling?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, Contemporary, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Enemies To Lovers

238 pages, ebook

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

"If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.” ― Elmore Leonard


Visit my website:
http://www.pdangelico.com

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https://www.facebook.com/p.dangelico/

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Or find me on Goodreads.

USA Today Bestselling author P. Dangelico loves romance in all forms, furry creatures, the NY Jets (although she’s reconsidering after this season), and to while away the day at the barn (apparently she does her best thinking shoveling horse poop). What she’s not enamored with is referring to herself in the third person and social media. Although she was born in Milan Italy, she’s been Jersey Strong since she turned six.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down! P. Dangelico is truly one of my favorite romance authors who creates marvelous, badass, tough and adorable heroines and tempting but a little assholish heroes mostly break those amazing heroines’ hearts, groveling too hard to get them back! But eventually the gold hearted heroines take them back, don’t they?

Good thing is she never disappoints me. She writes witty dialogues, builds balanced angst, sorrow combining with sweet- emotional romance and pant melting chemistry! She is one of the queens who writes the hell of pant melting, tear jerking, happy ending romance stories! I’d love to devour every one of them.

Other good thing about her is I never gave any of her books less than four stars ( even I gave three stars to Colho’s three books! ) because she always knows how to please her readers, how to warm-break and warm our hearts again by giving us so sweet, awww moments!

Firstly I’m giving this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4! I was expecting to give five stars till last %15 but as like I formalized the hero’s dickish move made me jump from my couch and swear like a sailor ( maybe worse) and ending was so sudden, haphazard. I wish the hero made a more extravagant gesture to win the amazing heroine’s heart! And the story also deserves an epilogue! I didn’t want to say goodbye to this couple so soon!

If I only give grades for the heroine: I would give Riley 20 stars! She is AMAZING! She’s straightforward, smart, sassy, sexy, independent, strong, taking no shit from anyone, taking care of her loved ones, working her ass off. She’s strong, resilient, so much adorable with her great sense of humor! I loved she and her bestie Veronica’s girl power! ( by the way I also liked Beau: the brother of Jordan even though he appeared only at one chapter! Wouldn’t he be great pair with Veronica? Maybe they get their own sequel! )

And Jordan: even though he was mean, obsessed about health, earned his Grim Reaper nick name, I couldn’t hate him because it was obvious he’s withdrawn and broken man because of a great tragedy, raising his friends’ kid, dealing with his grief! As I read his POV and learn more about his feelings to Riley, he seriously melted my heart!

The couple’s chemistry could put any place on fire! They were compatible, living like a married couple without sex for months ( actually this means they acted like ten years long married couple when sex is out of picture! )

At some parts, I crossed my fingers: because when I learn big revelation about Jordan’s childhood, I was so scared the book’s direction would change extra dramatically but my wishes came true: it didn’t go that way!

Overall: it was fast, entertaining , heartfelt, poignant, engaging story! Ms. Dangelico did it again! Riley is our girl! She’s fabulous heroine! It was my pleasure to read her story!
I cannot wait to read more and more of works of one of my favorite romance authors!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Ms. Dangelico for sharing this remarkable digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Ｄｒｅｙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

... A delightful slow burn.

For such a short story, this one did make me incredibly happy. Not the laugh out loud kind of happy but just the warm feeling of happiness that could make you temporarily forget the "nonfiction" in your life. This was a good slow burn romance read that got me immediately hooked from the very start to finish.

Note: This is a billionaire romance.

"Never let a chance to tell someone you love them slip through your fingers. Words may be cheap, but regrets are expensive."

Riley, the heroine, was absolutely a true gem. I admired her so much. In the story, her character saved the hero, Jordan, from a robbing incident that ended up her being the nanny of the hero's goddaughter. She was definitely an easy to like character and I think many could relate with her.

My biggest complain about this book was that it was rushed in some parts the reason that it was lacking in some departments. I was utterly invested with the story and it wound up satisfying. But, I felt like it could have been more better. The relationship of Riley and Jordan as lovers could have been more decorated, if that makes sense. I would have given this higher stars if it was a bit longer. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't blown away but I had a good time.

Overall, I liked the book. I was grinning and crying tears of joy like a fucking dimwit the whole time. Plus, there's a worth mentioning two-year old baby named Maisie that I extremely adored. A moody hero. A high-spirited heroine. And a very cute baby in a single story? I couldn't resist pressing the four stars button.

I recommend this to those who likes: P. Dangelico, billionaire, slow burn, emotional read, and a happily ever after.

“Ready to go home?” I nod, then whisper near his lips, “What home?”
His easy gaze drifts over my face. “Our home.”

[Anovelqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 STARS***

Steam: 2/5

Riley James encounters a man being mugged on her way home from work. She intervenes and “saves his life”. The man is Jordan West and he determines that Riley would be the perfect person to watch over his goddaughter who was left in his care.

The book started out well. It flowed and kept my interest, but my interest waned around the time the couple got together. It was very anticlimactic and passionless. It might be just me but I never truly connected with Riley and Jordan as a couple.

Overall the book was well written and it was an excellent plot. P. Dangelico has and will continue to be an automatic buy for me. I believe she is a talented author. This one was just an okay read for me.

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HauZZO

5 stars

What a fantastic read , I was super excited and anxious about this one! I have to say this one was refreshing and different, it’s a poignant story! From the beginning it starts with an intense prologue and I was hooked!It’s emotional and it will touch you from the very start till the end .

I loved Riley , Jordan and Maise ! I loved the tension and the great banter Jordan and Riley had! They drove me crazy in a good way! Their romance is slow burn, and believe me these two will make you swoon! I freaking loved them, they have a unique relationship. You can feel their emotions.

How to Save a Life was such a great read, it was funny at moments , emotional, heartwarming and steamy . If you haven’t read her books yet this is a good opportunity to start and see how talented Paola is! Her stories are realistic and original .

 

  

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: workplace romance, billionaire-nanny
TRIGGER WARNINGS: cancer, loss of a loved one, grief, mention of 9/11. mention of sexual assault
RATING: 4,5 ⭐
PLAYLIST: Music


heartwarming realistic contemporary romance with authentic people and relatable issues with excellent diverse mental health representation
( we have side characters with PTSD, depression, addiction)





Jordan West is a broody tech billionaire who, one night while drunk, gets mugged. His savior is Riley James, a hardworking waiter by night and contactor by day. A couple of days after their first encounter, Jordan offers Riley a job as his goddaughter nanny, who was unexpectantly left in his care. Toddler Maise is absolutely adorable. Jordan and Riley don't struggle only with their attraction but some past demons and a lot of trauma. They slowly open up to each other as they learn to navigate the newfound situation.






This is a quick read with an excellent pace that keeps the reader's attention throughout the book. I love how P. Dangelico writes her characters. The hero is that perfect mix of broodiness and vulnerability. The heroine is all steel, determination, loyalty, and kindness.




This book is a perfect reminder of life's fragility.


I recommend this book to all romance readers who enjoy slow-burn romance.



* I received NetGalley copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

P. Dangelico has a gift. She always writes heroines and heroes to my heart’s desire. Riley and Jordan captured my heart immediately. So opposite yet so damn compatible. Riley takes care of herself and her mother with multiple jobs. Jordan’s a shell of who he used to be. Just going through the motions until Riley saves him. Figuratively speaking.

Riley’s a kickass heroine and I enjoyed how she slowly thawed and broke down Jordan’s walls. He’s a brooding grump and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. The little looks here and there. The affection and how he expressed himself to Riley. Swoon. They were such a perfect match and the slow burn was impeccable.
Maisie and Veronica were two lovely side characters and important to Riley and her growth just as Riley was for Jordan.

How To Save a Life just hit all the right buttons for me. This is P. Dangelico at her best. Two fantastic characters with sizzling chemistry and a story that takes off from page 1. I couldn’t ask for more. Except a Jordan West in my life.

5 Grim Stars


*I received an ARC*

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what sorcery lives on these pages, but I just completely lost myself in this book. I was so enchanted with this story, so enamored of these characters. I lost time, and my heart, in one fell swoop – and frankly, I’m not really ready to walk away from it all just yet.

Jordan and Riley’s story was just lovely. It gave me that perfect belly flipping, heart fluttering, achey feeling that I’m so addicted to. I really am not sure there is anything more beautiful than watching a man brought to life by his love for a woman. Jordan was the perfect grumpy hero with warm soft underbelly that I am completely powerless against. Riley’s indomitable spirit and giant heart (not to mention her unwavering loyalty and strength) was the perfect match for him. I fell in love with them while they fell in love with each other and – I’m just so gone!

The romance here was a slow burn, but fully charged with the kind of sparky chemistry that keeps you reading, knowing that it’s just a matter of time before it all bursts into flames. It’s filled with the kind of flirty banter that keeps your heart on the line, and enough sweet emotion to make you really feel it, like to your bones, when they finally give in to their feelings for each other.

It was SO FREAKING GOOD !

How to Save a Life was the type of book I wish I could read all over again for the first time. The writing is beautiful, smart and engaging. The storytelling is captivating, the perfect blend of light swoony romance, snappy humor, and hard-hitting emotion. The characters – complex, and full of depth – were impossible not to love. This was just the whole package. I was into it, heart and soul, and I am so happy to have taken this journey with them. This was another P. Dangelico hit for me and now I’m off to nurse this epic book hangover! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'HOW TO SAVE A LIFE' Is a full length stand-alone romance novel by P. Dangelico. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'

✔︎Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HauZZO

Before I knew it I was hooked, a slow burn which had me falling in love with the characters, the storyline, loving it fully, all the feels, never wanting it to end, devoured in no time at all. The only reason why this isn't a 5 star read for me is the ending felt a wee bit off, it was too rushed for my liking, I wanted to see more into the future than what we were given so there is a slight feeling of disappointment there.

Staten Island resident Riley James is a career driven woman renovating old homes was her passion but to keep her head above the water and her dreams alive she also waited tables at an exclusive restaurant. Its after one such shift at the restaurant on her way to the subway that she encounters a mugging in process that these two collide as she rescues him.

Thirty three year old, Tech billionaire Jordan West had just recently lost his best friend and has subsequently been left holding his god daughter whilst her father comes to terms losing the love of his life, Jordan's well over his head and needs to hire an assistant stat and who other than the girl who came to his rescue that night.

Riley and Jordan were as different as chalk and cheese, he was gruff and broody, she was as tough as nails. Riley should be given all the stars, she was so likeable and relatable, a sassy, strong, sharp shooter, she tells it how she sees it.

❝ West has one of those shockingly beautiful male faces that make most people stupid. Then he opens his mouth and the fascination dies an explicable sudden death. ❞

Jordan's a different story, he was hard to connect with, in the beginning he was like Rocky the movie, very few lines, closed off and moody, but once Riley started chipping away at his walls we saw a much softer, caring side come through.

     

[Lien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was holding on to 4 stars for a while but the big conflict at the end didn’t work out for me at all.

What I liked

Two adults who know nothing about taking care of a child and are way out of their comfort zone? One gets her info from watching Youtube videos, the other thinks it’s safer for the child to wear a helmet all the time. What could possibly go wrong, right? Even though I wished Jordan would have been more involved in Maisie’s everyday life, all the scenes with Maisie were so much fun and adorable as hell! Why are kids always so awesome in books?

What I didn’t like

— I’m a huge sucker for the whole serious/sunshine trope but the switch from “stoic expressions” 24/7 to “smiling deviously” was too sudden. I made my peace with it while reading because I’ve been waiting for SOMETHING on his part for ages but now after finishing the book, a more gradual development would have been nice. He struggled without her “off-screen” which made it seem so abrupt when he did a 180-degree turn after.
— I am a little disappointed with the sex scenes. I thought they would be sexier, hotter, or at least more descriptive than what the book actually gave us.
— I felt like the depth, emotion, intimacy in many of their conversations was missing. Some of the attempted convos ended after two or three sentences which left me really confused.
— Here comes my biggest problem and I don’t know if this is a me problem because I like to play favorites with heroes in general and interpreted the whole conflict accordingly (i.e. in his favor) or if others will think so too. I'm gonna put the next part as spoilers so don't go any further if you're someone who doesn't like them. In a nutshell though, I didn't agree with Riley's thoughts, actions, and words and was very irritated with her by the end of the book.

SPOILERS AHEAD

*
*
*

I get that she didn’t take the money but felt responsible for it being gone but what was he supposed to think if she didn’t explain herself? He asked her if she took the money, she nodded for God’s sake, admitting that she stole it and later gets angry at him because he accused her of something she didn’t do? Look, this is not how it works, if you want to say that you’re innocent, you won’t keep quiet about it and raise hell to prove your innocence, deny everything and make things clear. If you lied to protect someone then you don’t get to be angry for letting the other person believe your lie. WTH??

Everything Riley said and did was so contradicting. She thought to herself that she was responsible for her friend taking the money. She said she was sorry. And later she turns it all on him because he reacted accordingly to the news that SHE "TOOK" THE MONEY and couldn't tell him. Why is he supposed to "come to his senses"? Why is she disappointed that he would think that she stole the money when she actually admitted to taking it? I... I just don’t get it?

Did I misinterpret things? Was there something I missed or didn’t fully get? This happened to me once before where I somehow skipped over a few details and later blindly raged about it. I'm pretty sure this time though because I read certain scenes at least 3 times but there's still a chance that I missed something.

To me it seemed more like she took this whole mess to make the problem about him instead of herself, she who was incredibly afraid to love and lose someone again. I really thought she was just in denial at first but no, no she wasn't. She was perfectly serious in her own accusations and it irritated the hell out of me that he had to come and beg her THREE freaking times! Obviously, I didn't think it was necessary for him to do so, also, their reconciliation seemed awfully easy, making all the fights she put up before that seem kinda pointless.

All in all, this book was an okay read. The first half was really good but the latter half disappointed me. This might just be me though, we'll see about that but I'd say, if you love cute babies in your stories then give this book a try!


**ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't root for them to end up together as I read this book.



I wanted them in that slow-burn heaven forever, where the Grim Reaper, with his perpetual frown and his undertaker look, makes Maisie wear a helmet while Rie is is having hilarious internal conversations with herself.


All in all, I liked it. It was fun, especially the non-romance interactions. I just wish it dug a little bit deeper under the surface.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

NO ENOUGH GROVELLING, NO REDEMPTION, HERO REMAINS TO BE VIEWED AS A JACKASS.

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)

-Don't ever let a chance to tell someone you love them pass through your fingers. You may not get another one. Words are cheap, but regret is expensive.



Riley James is a feisty, confident, driven woman who grew up in Staten Island. She's worked hard for everything she has and is determined to make all her hopes and dreams come true. She gives new meaning to the phrase burning the candle at both ends. She loves her home renovation business, but still has many goals to achieve, and can't let anything get in her way. This includes a beautiful, bossy, rude, rich stranger that offers her an opportunity that's hard to turn down.

Jordan West appears to have everything he could want, but yet he still feels hollow inside. He doesn't know how to stop living in the past, and is struggling to get by. Then tragedy strikes and he's suddenly caring for a toddler and is in desperate need of help. He finds hope in the most unlikely of places, and also a reason to smile again. In the end will he find happiness or a broken heart?



-Every time I kiss her feels like the first time, a combustible fire, a chemical reaction. I've never had so much chemistry with anyone.



How To Save A Life by P. Dangelico is an emotional, heartwarming, friends to lovers, billionaire, slow burn, contemporary workplace romance where opposites attract and find themselves in danger of falling in love. Two people are thrown together by circumstance as life gets complicated. Packed with chemistry and heart, this story will hit you in all the feels!



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/39FlhKk

[Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Plot: ★★★★
Writing: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★★
Hero: ★★★★★
Hero: ★★★★★
Couple: ★★★★★
Steam: ★★★★★
Feelings: ★★★★★

"𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚞𝚕. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝'𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚘𝚛 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚎. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚠𝚊𝚢."

After I finished reading this book, I kicked myself for not having read more books by P. Dangelico before—because she has a gif guys, she has the power to take your heart from battered to pounding with so much love for her incredible characters.

I seriously burned a slow death with this one—the feel of the story was so authentic, so romantic, and poignant that I couldn’t put it down until every last word was devoured.

I would have loved to read an epilogue—that was the only thing missing in the book and my reason for not giving it a 5-star rating. But this does not detract from the fact that this book is a gem and a must-read for slow burn romance lovers.

[P. Dangelico · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!!!!

✔︎Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HauZZO
✔︎Apple Books: https://apple.co/2UpvaDH
✔︎Barnes&Noble: https://bit.ly/3qfDAw4
✔︎Kobo: https://bit.ly/36M2wSN

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know how to save my soul from breaking and aching so sweetly while reading How To Save A Life by P. Dangelico. A refreshing and unique story line. With some fascinating and unforgettable characters. Presented in the author's powerful and heartfelt writing.

Riley James Jr. has learnt all lessons in life in hard way. She has been taking care of herself and her mother since young age. She constantly fights to make a place for herself in this big bad world. She gets acquainted with Jordan West, the tech billionaire when she saves him from an accident. But she didn't want the job of personal assistant with added responsibility of a toddler. offered by this brooding man. Until she has no option. Jordan is an enigma and she has her secrets. And then emotions get involved. What will happen next?

The majority of the story is told in Riley's POV and I enjoyed that! She is a fierce woman. I have to admire her tenacity, her resilience, her never ending inner strength and her determined way of dealing with problems in her life. I am really wondering how she didn't crumbled under all the pressure, from inside out. She has gone through darkness and yet she has become this witty, loyal, smart and loving woman. And she brought Jordan back to life. He may have a financially and socially privileged life. But his heart is a battlefield of regrets, pain, heartbreak and mistrust. He has lost too much including ability to love until his frenemy Eli dropped his god daughter Maisie at his doorstep and disappeared. And then Riley happened. This grumpy, cold, way too much methodical and reserved man hides his intense emotions so well. This story was full of extremes of emotions. Sometimes witty and full of easy banter those just made me smile widely. Sometimes heartbreaking and soul shattering. Sometimes just pure romance goodness with all the dreamy and swoonworthy moments. It was a slow burn with unlimited torture that I gleefully savoured.

Inspiring. Healing. Thought provoking. Heartaching. Beautiful through and through. I may have finished How To Save a Life by P. Dangelico but the essence of this story's brilliance will forever linger in my heart.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Save a Life made me feel like I was in an eighties teen movie, dancing alone in my room, in the middle of the night, after I've just had my first kiss.

So good. Characters with so much depth. The author does an amazing job of making you feel every one of Riley's and Jordan's feelings. She does not hold back on showing you just how full of hope and despair these two really are. She has a way of bringing you right into the moment, almost like she's whispering the words so tenderly in your ear.

I was hooked from the moment I read the first page. It is written to perfection!

If only I could bottle this story, hang it on a keychain and carry it with me, always.

[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

"There is more than one way to save a life..."
Been thinking about this even since I finished this book that I went into completely blind.
How to Save a Life tells the story of an unlikely match: Jordan and Riley. Jordan is a 33 year old tech genius billionaire, very closed off and rude. As the story evolves you get bits and pieces of his tragic past and the man underneath all those layers of fear and hurt.
Riley is 26 years old, smart and sassy, juggling 2 jobs in order to take care of her sick mom and kick start her own construction business. She is loyal to a fault and this gets her into a lot of trouble.
After Riley saves Jordan from getting mugged one night, he then tracks her down and makes her a crazy offer to work for him that she has no choice but to accept. She proceeds to becoming the nanny for his 2 year old God daughter and she makes it work, although she has no real experience with kids.
Yet again, this is one of those books where the female character steals the show. Riley is funny and positive although she has been through a lot in her life. She is very easy to relate to.
Up until 60% I enjoyed this book very much. After this point, I felt the story lose some of it's magic and it became a bit predictable. The ending was a bit rushed and I also wish we would have had an epilogue. There are a lot of tropes in here that I usually don't enjoy but this new-to-me author made them work (closed-off billionaire, nanny, surprise baby). The result is a good rom-com that I had fun reading.

***ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review***

[Seline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Didn’t really feel any chemistry between Jordan and Riley but I enjoyed this book for what it was.

It’s also not a memorable read and I’m probably going to forget parts of this book in a few weeks time.

Disappointing because I was excited to read this book.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars...

This was a beautiful and heartfelt romance. As you read through it, you will understand the many ways that the title applies to the story.

Riley and Jordan are an unlikely couple. When they initially meet, they don't necessarily get along. Then fate continues to play along and they cross paths again. Some of their encounters are ironic and unexpected. However, as you learn more about each of their characters, you see how their differences are actually a compliment to the other person's personality. I enjoyed watching their relationship organically grow and develop. It didn't feel forced or rushed. However, when they realized they both cared for each other, there was some very spicy chemistry.

Overall, this book contains all the ingredients needed for a good romance. There's a strong female lead, a somewhat broken male lead, a cute baby, an overbearing mother (of the male lead), a friend that adds complications to the relationship, painful histories and insecurities. It truly was the ideal blend of all of this.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

[r. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The romance was monotonous like unseasoned food, no spice, not heat, just there. The book didn’t convince me of their love or even lust for that matter, as other than the heroine’s relationship with the toddler, there were no grounds for it. The way this was written with time jumps, along with its short length, didn’t allow me to connect with the characters or their relationship.

Some of the “jokes” bothered me, as they were out of line. I couldn’t understand the hero. For a man who wants control of every minuscule detail in his life, the way he let a stranger take care of his friend’s baby and plainly trusted her not only with her but with his laying cash too, makes no sense. The drama was foolish as well as the characters’ reactions to it and all in all this book was underwhelming.

[Weronika - Little Steamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

„I’d follow you anywhere.”


I love P. Dangelico’s prose. She has such a way with words that I'm instantly enamored with the story I'm reading. It was the same with How To Save A Life- this slow-burn romance captivated me with its beautiful plot and fascinating characters right from the start. This book is packed with emotions, sizzling chemistry and a bit of angst- a perfect combination for an unforgettable and heartfelt love story!


I have a massive girl-crush on Riley. She’s independent, hardworking and loyal to the bone. She gives as much as she gets, still being a kind-hearted and caring woman. She’s a force to be reckoned with, full of sass and feistiness, but she’s also funny, selfless and understanding. I adore her!

Jordan might be grumpy and broody, but it was palpable from the start that the life made him hardened. Though he may seem a bit obsessive at times, we soon learn that in fact Jordan is extremely protective and solicitous. This guy surrounded himself by high walls, so he wouldn’t feel more heartbreak and disappointment, but he’s not as cold as he appears to be. In fact, he’s very loving, affectionate and thoughtful.

One of the things I love about the stories written by P. Dangelico is that the characters take time to get to know each other well and truly fall in love. Jordan and Riley did not disappoint- their relationship started out as a purely professional and the feelings grew slowly but steadily. I loved to see how they both let their guards down and let themselves be vulnerable. I adore that they come from different backgrounds and yet they are so similar and complement each other so well. Their love story is a true romance- heartwarming, passionate and full of fuzzy feelings.


How To Save A Life is a touching tale. It’s not only a beautiful love story, but also a lesson that makes us realize how delicate and fragile life is. It's the perfect reminder to live in the moment and get the most out of life. It’s also an example of how fate can return what we give in an unexpected way. All the stars and all the feels! This book is simply wonderful!

[Nicolette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead

I've written some really laid bare reviews, where I let it fly (Breathe 😂) but I've never felt bad....until now 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂I honestly cannot say why but I feel bad that I didn't like this book lol

Anyways I'll just say this book felt like it tried too hard, it strained at the seams to come across as a touch angsty and emotional but it was bland......just meh! Coupled with a poor relationship transition and I was ready to quit early on.....but babies are my jam so I persisted when I really should've given up. Even the great climax with the bdumb separation was trying so hard to be emotional when we already saw the conflict coming a mile away.
The very mild sexy times and lack of an epilogue just added insult to injury. This just didn't work for Me


No cheating
H didn't appear to be a manwhore
h hadn't been in a relationship in 2 years

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically LOVE P. Dangelico's books, but this one was rough. It had potential. TONS of potential. I liked the actual story arc. But for me, this lacked HEART, it held absolutely no EMOTION. It just felt dead, numb, blah! I didn't connect with the characters, didn't feel invested in their romance or HEA. And the drama? Ehhhhhhh! I didn't feel the angst. Soooo... I don't know. Just a 2 star read for me.

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

"Did you need something?"
"You...I need you"

This was my first read by P. Dangelico and I was super excited to receive an ARC for it. I've only heard wonderful things about this author. From the beginning, I was very intrigued, especially after that prologue where we see something is very wrong with Jordan, though we don't really know exactly what. As in, that something happened to him. He's in bed, won't answer the phone, the door, anything. His family is worried about him... We get a few breadcrumbs but I needed more details!

"Ever feel so much you'll do anything not to?"

For Riley, on the other hand, things are looking up. After enduring some extremely difficult things growing up, she's now running a prospering business and has people in her life who care about her.

I loved their little "meet cute" where Riley saves Jordan from getting his butt whipped by a couple of muggers. Technically, they seen each other earlier that night, when she spotted him getting drunk at the bar of the restaurant she waited tables at.

Jordan gives a whole new name to grouchy heroes. I loved when we got a few POVs from him later in the book, showing us just how different his thoughts were from what he was protruding on the outside.

On top of everything Jordan is going through, he's also been saddled with being the caretaker for his toddler god daughter, and before long, he hires Riley to be her nanny. I loved the scenes with Maisie...and there was a part of the book when she made me cry, and that is no easy feat!!

This is definitely a slow burn romance, but DANG did these two burn up my iPad once they finally got together. I loved that their love story was realistic and that they had to fight through all of their crap.

There were a few areas where the story felt kind of choppy/stilted to me. Some of the pacing of the character's transitions felt off to me. There were also a few instances where I felt that the characters' behaviors were over the top. For example, would a congresswoman (Jordan's mother) really act so rudely in public when everything with politicians is so focused on appearances?

I really felt like we needed to revisit Eli at the end of the book as well, given some of the things that occurred with his character earlier in the story.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read and I would check this author out again in the future.

"I'd follow you anywhere..."

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This man who speaks little but cares so much has officially claimed my heart."

This declaration of love isn't only by Riley to Jordan, but also from me to him. I really really liked him as a hero, even when he pissed me off. And this definitely happened once or twice. Still, he managed to claim my heart and now it's his.

This is my first book by this author and I am so happy I gave her a chance. I haven't felt this nice with a romance book , since a long while now. As a person who likes to get into books blind, at first I thought that the trope was about a man who had lost his wife. Then I was like, oh it's a single dad trope. And I'm a sucker for this trope! Especially when cute babies like Maise are included! But this book was so much more than that!

A beautifully written story, emotional, poignant, sweet and very hot! There were moments I laughed out loud, moments I swoonedand moments I wanted to cry. I loved the writing style and I will definitely read again this author's books! I'm giving it 5 stars, because I truly believe that this is a story that will stick with me!

PS: I hope that we will get Eli's story and we will get to meet again some characters from this book!

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "The unfamily!!!" stars***

OUT NOW!!!



"Words may be cheap, but regrets are expensive."

Paola Dangelico never disappoints!!! She knows how to write smart stories with many swoon worthy moments and little somethings that can get under your skin...
This story wasn't an exception and she made my heart beating a little bit faster in some points...
Jordan and Riley were exceptional creatures!!! Even though completely opposite between them, there was undeniable chemistry in there!!!
And imagine that everything started with a little bit of saving!!! The real kind and from the part that you wouldn't have imagine!!!

"How long it take for a life to end if I will it? How long until I fade away?"

Riley is a very smart woman, but she has too many responsibilities. She is trying to make something of herself and in order to do it, she has to literally kill herself while doing three jobs at the same time... But still, you won't see her complaining.
The last thing that she needs is a broody, even though extremely handsome, male that she had to save one night to tumble into her life and bring everything upside down with an offer that she can not refuse for reasons that I can not say to you...

"That man... has nothing left to give.
He gave it all away already - a long time ago...
Mark my words, Riley, you'll end up with a broken heart."

Jordan West was going through the motions of life just because he had to, but honestly, he is feling empty inside... He just don't care for anything anymore, especially for himself...
But after tragedy had struck and swept the ground under his feet, he is responsible for another life and he needs help to make the best of this situation...
And somewhere in here, Riley is stepping into his life and he believe that she is the only one who can help him!!!

"Maybe he's on life support and needs something to fight for."

The truth is that everything started from almost nothing. They were just two strangers that fate brought them together and now, they are forced to live under each other's proximity and as the time is passing by, things are getting complicated in every aspect...
This was a slow romance and I loved the pace that the author had set between these two...
They needed time to get closer, but they had too many issues on their own that could hold them apart...

"Feelings too strong to be safe, a need so powerful it scares the living daylights out of me."

I loved Riley. She was smart, feisty and she wasn't backing down on anything that life was throwing in her way. She had a big heart and she was very loyal, even when she shouldn't be.
And she was really good for Jordan. She could save him just with her witty spirit!!
Of course, she had her own fears and reservations for love...

"Jordan's an anchor, the steadiness I've never had and desperately needed."

And I loved broody and moody Jordan!!! He was also an amazing creature who was holding too many things deep inside of him. Things and fears that were pulling him under and he couldn't breathe.
I loved the side of Jordan that we saw in Riley's presence...
Yep, I loved Jordan, but that doesn't mean that he didn't make huge mistakes in here, but still... I can not hold him a grudge. He was amazing!!!

"I didn't want to love anybody. I was done with love. Too much pain. Too much suffering. But I can't lie to myself anymore."

These two were a great match, even though you couldn't have see it from one look ...
They just save each other with the love that consumed them...
Also, I have to mention that there were amazing secondary characters in here that made me love them fiercely as Maisie, Veronica, Don and why not??? Crazy and weird Eli!!!
Another beautiful journey in the company of P. Dangelico's pen!!!

"Love doesn't give you a choice. It dictates how it's going to be. The truth about love is that it's painful. That's how you know it's real."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[TeriLyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

**How to Save a Life generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

4 "I'd follow you anywhere..." Stars

A lovely contemporary romance story. The main characters were charming and kept the story flowing easily and charmingly. It's a slow burn romance with some unexpected challenges that gave the characters more depth. They are so well suited and the chemistry was beyond fun to read as they both have walls up against deep feelings. The romantic element of the story I felt from beginning to end and the romance just really made these two characters great. There were a few continuity issues that I felt could have been tighter and more cohesive when it came to the back stories of each main. Tightening those up would have made certain aspects more rich as a couple of times I questioned rather than just got it. But thankfully those things didn't detract from the core friendship and romance that grows between the two and moreso even my enjoyment of watching their relationship grow. I also enjoy how the writing of P. Dangelico never labored on but rather kept moving forward and stayed central to the love story and the main characters focusing on them and not outside influences. It made the story mature and well developed and the characters more easy to love. This is a great romance book, perfect for a well read afternoon. I hope we get to see more from this Dangelico realm of the book world.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful slow burn romanace and it hit the spot. I couldn't put it down and in all honesty I didn't want to put it down. I find it so hard to find a good romance book but this sure did deliver.

Jordan West has lived his life in the now until the carpet gets pulled out from under him and as the Godfather he has a toddler to look after. Problem? He doesn't really know how.

After getting to drunk in a restaurant, the waitress from that night saves his life. Well kind of. I liked Jordan and I was rooting for him to get his HEA.

Riley James has never given up on her hopes and dreams. After being saved from a childhood friend she feels like she owes him so she takes a job as a nanny. This is where things get interesting.

They couldn't be more different but they work until Jordan screws up but he does redeem himself.

I adore this book so much and we get a dual POV which is awesome. The author is a pick me up.


ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Save A Life by P Dangelico

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Moody turned Swoony Hero
Loveable Heroine
Slow Burn

Absolutely fell in love with this story, I didn't really pay attention to the blurb because this author always delivers me my favourite things, and I was not disappointed. All the feels 💜

5 Stars