Saved

Minnesota Caribou #5

by Colleen Charles

I'm in love with my best friend . . .

Like all sad stories, mine begins with Johnnie Walker Red, bad decisions . . . And a dick pic.

During a wild night, my teammates start goofing around. Riding me about my childhood crush, Cora.

I love my sweet, smart Cora with all my heart. Since catching fireflies in a mason jar. Since holding hands behind the jungle gym. Since forever . If I put my heart on the line, she might reject me and shatter it into a million pieces. It would be over before it even had a chance.

But with one press of a button, her entire knitting circle sees my junk. Even her grandma. But they don't know it's me in that filthy picture. Whew. Crisis averted. Until Cora figures out the truth.

Now one silly mistake just might take away my one chance with the woman who holds my heart in the palm of her hand.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Sports, Romance, Contemporary

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

Reviews

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbeknownst to each other for the longest time... Blaine and Cora the bestest of friends were in love with each other. They didn't tell each other in fear of destroying their friendship. A few mishaps we shall say occur and they both pull their heads out of their behinds. They get their happy ending together and Cora realizes that she is enough for Blaine. Cora has a few insecurities, but what woman doesn'? Okay well some don't, but she also doesn't take anyones crap either or she tries not too.

[Deeply Love Reading Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saved (Minnesota Caribou Book 5)
Blaine and Cora’s story is sweet and hilarious at the same time. They are the Bestest of friends and share just about everything with each other except their attraction for each other. They both fear to share their vulnerability with each other for most of their friendship. “But love is vulnerability and intimacy. That is a gift given freely to your special someone, and you need to treat it like the most fragile glass because it can crack. And then the crack spreads until the whole damn thing fractures.”
This was my first Colleen Charles book and it will not be my last. Any author who can make me laugh and tear up is a definite must read.

Blurb:
I'm in love with my best friend...Like all sad stories, mine begins with Johnnie Walker Red, bad decisions...And a dick pic.During a wild night, my teammates start goofing around. Riding me about my childhood crush, Cora.I love my sweet, smart Cora with all my heart. Since catching fireflies in a mason jar. Since holding hands behind the jungle gym. Since forever.If I put my heart on the line, she might reject me and shatter it into a million pieces.It would be over before it even had a chance.But with one press of a button, her entire knitting circle sees my junk.Even her grandma.But they don't know it's me in that filthy picture. Whew. Crisis averted.Until Cora figures out the truth.Now one silly mistake just might take away my one chance with the woman who holds my heart in the palm of her hand.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of friends to lovers romances I found this release an immensely satisfying story, charming and endearing as two childhood friends try to navigate becoming something more. Theirs isn't an easy journey though as outside forces, insecurities, and a lack of maturity had them ruining things before they barely began. Though much of their story is familiar it's still a tale that made me smile courtesy of Nana and her friends who were wise and laugh out loud funny as they played matchmaker.

From the very first page readers got a glimpse of how close Cora and Blaine are as friends since they were children. They both have an attraction to the other but are scared to move out of the friend-zone for fear they'll ruin the connection they already have. But when a naughty picture gets out into the world it's finally the push they've needed to move forward. It's a rocky road to romance for them, one that will require some maturing and actual talking. Assisting them along the way is Nana and her elderly posse of knitters whose actions made me smile and has me hoping for a Nana of my own. Also adding their two cents are Blaine's teammates and couples from the previous books in this series. It was a nice sense of family they brought to the story, a nice support that had me rooting for this young couple every step of the way. Though I haven’t read the previous books in this series I’m now left tempted and ready to read this series from the beginning and recommend the same to other fans of hockey-fueled, friends to lovers romances!

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaine Rice is a star winger on the Minnesota Caribou hockey team and Cora LaCoste is a 2nd grade teacher and his very best friend. They have never even kissed but they both love each other but also are afraid to go after a romantic relationship. Until one Halloween night under the stars and after that nothing is the same.

This was a well written story and it easily stands alone. I am a new reader to this author and this series and I never felt lost or that I missed anything by not reading the other stories in this series.

Blaine and Cora are both 25 and are very unrequited. To some degree I found them both on the immature side. They had to really grow up and face who they are and what they want in life and they have to risk something that could be really awesome. For being such great friends they really don't communicate with other well at all. At times I wanted to pinch each one and tell them to wake up and figure it out before they lost other.

I really loved Cora. To some degree I felt she was really the brave one in this relationship and I actually wanted her to dump Blaine and find a new guy and make him a little jealous because he did take her for granted a lot.

The grandmas in this story was a hoot and I really enjoyed them. This is a bestie finds love romance with a side of unrequited love in a sports romance.

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

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saved is the 5th story in the Minnesota Caribou series by Colleen Charles. It was a cute, friends to lover's story about two best friends nervous about better their forever relationship on a could be romance. My rating is 3 1/2 stars, but I rounded up to 4.

There were things about this story that I REALLY liked. The writing was great and flowed well. The characters were wonderful and well developed. There was also some hilarious laugh out loud moments that I made my hubby listen to, lol. That being said, the story felt a bit slow. There was a whole lot of 'not telling the other about how they feel' going on that took up too much of the story. They just didn't spend a whole lot of time in their relationship and the back and forth trying to get there got a little frustrating. The parts of their relationship we did see was wonderful and I really enjoyed it ... I just wished I'd have seen more of them together.

Trope: Friends to Lovers
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Angst: 😰😰😰/5
Smexy: 🔥🔥/5
TW: none

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as I can tell this is my first book from this author and while I didn't love it, I certainly enjoyed it enough to be happy to read more from her. Hockey stories seem to be a thing at the moment, I think I'm reading 3 different series all centred around ice hockey, maybe it's the Australian in me fascinated at the idea of all that ice. Anyway, this book is not what I expected when I read the blurb. Yes, there is an accidental dick pic, and yes, it does feature, but not nearly in the way, or as much as I anticipated. Blaine and Cora are best friend and have been so for years, which makes it strange that they spend so much time actively not talking to each other about their feelings. I did enjoy the storyline and there were some super fun side characters, with some presumably having already had their story, other to come in the future and some in this story simply for fun. In the book Cora mentions her favourite genre as cozy mysteries. I'm thinking that this had a lot to do with the feel of this story. Think cozy mystery with romance.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this best friends to lovers romance about Cora and Blaine. Colleen wrote it differently then I’ve seen a friends to lovers romance and I enjoyed the fresh take on the trope. Instead of things falling into place as they attempt to be more than friends, things definitely go wrong and this awesome couple have to navigate the new waters of a transitioning to a relationship. I thought that this was a different approach than I’ve read before and I really enjoyed it.

The book was also funny. A dick pic sent to a knitting group. A batch of “special” brownies. A group of friends trying to help both Cora and Blaine, respectively, try to salvage what was a terrible “first time.” I absolutely adored Cora and Blaine as friends and as a couple and I really enjoyed reading their story. I would definitely recommend it.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in this amazing series and is Blaine and Cora’s story. These two have been best friends forever, and have loved each other as long, but they are both afraid to express their feeling in case their friendship is at stake. Blaine is now the star winger in a hockey team, and Cora is a 2nd grade teacher, and their family and friends are aware of their feeling and encourage them to act on them before they lose each other. Cara’s nana and her knitting group are hysterical. This is a beautifully written story which is emotionally charged, and is touching, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and with regret, miscommunication, family, friendships, and love. I was hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that good relationships work better if the couple are friends first! If this is true, Blaine and Cora are a shoe-in for an everlasting love! Best friends since childhood both of them are harboring a secret love and desire for the other! Afraid of losing what they have by trying for more, these two seem destined to skate around the edge of true love! But, when Blaine is recovering from a groin injury a teammate insists upon taking a photo to send to the head trainer of the team to ensure that Blaine gets to play in the next game. Blaine asks him to send it Bob, and he does. Just it’s the wrong Bob. Instead he sends it Cora’s grandmother‘s bingo group! And the search is on for the dirty guy sending dick pics!
A hilarious series of events ensues!
Another Must Read by Colleen Charles!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were moments in this book that I loved, and there were moments that I didn't. Blaine and Cora are best friends and destined to be together. But the only thing in the way is themselves. They spend a great deal of this book going back and forth, taking one step froward and 10 steps back. There was so much fear from both sides that they just needed to do what they have done for the years and years they have been friends. TALK. There was a lot of necessary back and forth between these two. I would have like them to have more time together on the page in a relationship. Overall the story was good, but it wasn't what I expected. There blurb revolves around the accidental text, but it was kind of a non-starter and didn't really factor into anything too much. Also, the issues with Blaine's brother were resolved super quickly. I just wanted more from this story.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaine Rice is a professional hockey player who is content with his life except for the fact that his feelings for his best friend Cora run much deeper but he doesn’t want to ruin the most important relationship in his life. All it will take is one text to the wrong person that will set in play a chain reaction that becomes a game changer.

Cora enjoys her job as a teacher, has a great relationship with her family and even though she is in love with her best friend Blaine she would rather have him in her life as friend than not have him in her life as all. When circumstances conspire to re-evaluate their relationship it will either be the best thing to happen to them or the worst.

Although Blaine and Cora’s journey wasn’t without its complications once they opened their hearts to each other there was no denying that they belonged together.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars sweet heart, first love romance
This is the first book I read by Colleen Charles. It was well written and had a good story line. Overall it was not my preferred reading trope, innocent sweet heart romance.
The characters failed to connect with me because they failed to connect with each other, causing me at times to struggle through the story . They crushed on each other since childhood and hadn’t gone beyond the friend zone due to fear and communication. At times I was equally frustrated with both characters. The ending was hard fought by not only the characters in the story but the author. Colleen Charles wrote a great closer.
I liked the book enough that I would read another story by Colleen knowing it is well written, puts effort into it even if it’s not my favorite trope.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can they admit they are in love with their best friend?

Elementary school teacher Cora LaCoste has been best friend with hockey player Blaine Rice since elementary school and in love with him since high school, but she couldn’t tell him in case it ruined their friendship when he turned her down. Hockey player Blaine Rice only had eyes for his best friend Cora until his teammates told him to tell her that he was interested in dating her.

Saved is a friends-to-lovers romance that has some very funny parts to it, especially the knitting group and an accidental picture. It is the fifth book in the Minnesota Caribou series, but you don’t need to read the other books to enjoy it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaine & Cora are two friends who are in love with each other but too afraid to tell each other. In a sweet, almost awkward romance the two stumble along to find the best way to figure out their new dynamic.

Blaine unwittingly commits a dating faux pas that helps alter the traction of his relationship with his best friend Cora. As he attempts to hide the truth, his attention is pulled in another direction as his family's issues come to the forefront.

This is a good read. Cora & Blaine's story is easy to read. Even with the full cast of characters, the story stood on its own. The group of grandmothers was pretty funny, and their shenanigans were highly entertaining.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a really good friends to lovers romance and this in my opinion was a great one. Take all those feels and fears that you know come with this type of story and then splash it right in the face one really cringe worthy, full on palm to the face, Dude WTF!!??, give anything to turn back time mistake and you have Blaine and Cora's story in a nut shell. Gosh, I felt so bad for these two because they were so meant to be but the path they took was at times heartbreakingly painful. There is a rock solid cast of supporting characters here that bring plenty to the table. A wonderful entry in this series and just a superb romance that is not to be missed. This is my frank, freely posted review.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers, hockey, and hilarious older ladies. This book has it all, with lots of good spice! The main characters have been best friends since they were little, and they both have crushes on each other. But they dont know how the other feels and dont want to wreck their friendship. Throw in a dick pic and 'helpful' teammates and they confront their feelings.

This is not the first book in the series but can be read as a complete stand alone. You will just know more about the secondary characters if you have read the other books. Hints were given as to what the next book will be about, and I am here for it!

[Mandy Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saved by Colleen Charles is a first for me by this author, although her writing is pretty good, the back and forth between characters could have been better articulated some of the scenes sounded like they were in grade school instead of grown adults. I will give the author this i loved the history these two characters had and how it made up for some of the story.,

Blaine and Cora’s life well not completely complicated but mixing friendship and love can open a whole can of worms that they are not sure what to make heads or tells of. But you will have to take the chance and read it for yourself.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to the series.

This was a cute and enduring romance read! Cora and Blaine has always been there for each other, it doesn’t matter that he is a famous hockey player for Minnesota Caribou. They didn’t expect to have a secret crush on each other and that what made the storyline so cute. When they take the first leap to being together it doesn’t turn out like they expect it which makes their story believable. I enjoyed their journey to finding a HEA with all the help from his team and family. This is a definite must read for fans of best friends to lovers and sports romance genre.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a love story about two friends who finally admit their feelings for each other. Her family and his teammates play a large role in changing and supporting their romance. Blaine and Cora have been longtime friends. Their feelings have developed into much more over time. They need a push to change things around. Miscommunication and mistakes cause some bumps in the road. Their hearts wins out in the end. A book full of humor, family, friends and of course love.

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora and Blaine are friends since childhood. They're both secretly crushing on the other. The story is lol-funny much of the time. Cora's grandmother and her knitting group are hilarious. Cora and Blaine are young and inexperienced, and it seems like they go one step forward and two steps back. I wanted to strangle Blaine every time he ghosted Cora. They eventually find a way to work through all their issues. This was one of my favorite books from this author, with all the humor alongside the budding romance.

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora and Blaine, the lead characters, have been friends since childhood and they’re both afraid to risk their friendship for the attraction they’re afraid isn’t mutual. Then an accidental dick pic means they end up spending a lot of time together…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a fun, hockey-adjacent contemporary romance. I enjoyed the character development for both characters. I genuinely appreciated that they were both virgins, since their attraction was mutual and long-standing. I enjoyed the relationship development and empathised with their struggles. I enjoyed the secondary character integration and the found family vibes.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaine and Cora have been friends for years. They both love the other but don’t want to mess up their friendship so they never say anything. When an explicit photo was mistakenly sent to the wrong people their feelings come out. With some help from his Caribou teammates and the ladies of B.O.B they just might have a future together. Saved was a very entertaining story that kept me laughing and reading to see what will happen next! I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one was fantastic! Great job Colleen!

[Taz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile

The premise was good: besties in love with each other but the other doesn't know. Hot hockey winger Blaine is in love with his 2nd grade best friend Cora. They were there for each other through thick and thin all the years. There was just so much back and forth on both their parts when a simple conversation could have cleared up years of misunderstandings. I connect with the secondary characters more then the main couple who I just wanted to scream talk to each other.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaine and Cora has been best friends since kindergarten and have loved each other since college. However, they are best friends and have never crossed the friend zone. An accidentally texted photo of Blaine’s private part started a quest for Cora’s grandma which ultimately helped Blaine and Cora to eventually get to their HEA. I have to say that phot brought about some of the funniest comments and thoughts to the books’ characters.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

[Kate Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of pursuing forever

Blaine and Cora are childhood friends, turned best friends who are both desperately in love with each other but terrified by the question of what if. What if we tell each other how we feel and it wrecks our friendship? Things are not smooth and seeing this relationship evolve, grow and these two navigate the changes in pursuit of their HEA is sweet and you feel the frustration they both have. Communication and a willingness to be vulnerable and put aside ego is a good lesson for all of us.

[Marni Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers never looked so good

How do your tell you best friend, your ride or die, that you've been in love with them since before you really understood the concept? And how do you do it without ruining that friendship? What if the other person doesn't feel the same way? All valid concerns. But what if, WHAT IF, the other person feels the exact same way as you but is just as confused about how to move beyond the friend zone? Enter one very timely, but definitely unsolicited, social faux pas of the pic variety, a posse of grannies led by a very tenacious Nana unwilling to let it go, and you have the beginning of Blaine and Cora finally taking a chance on each other. These two are awesome on their own, but together they are unstoppable. Honestly they are seriously #relationshipgoals even just as friends. And nana Blanche and her friends? They remind me of my mom and her friends as grandmas in another 10 years. Also, I absolutely want to be Blanche when I grow WAY up. She's just awesome!

[Mary Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most epic story by Colleen yet. The drama with the "pic" and B-O-B had me rolling! The reactions from the older characters were classic. I couldn't help but feel bad for Blaine in all the drama but lost some of that concern when he Ghosted Cora. Men are such emotional babies I had to roll my eyes. But after everything everyone got their Happily Ever Afters. Blaine and Cora are perfect and I look forward to reading Dylan and Gwen's story and maybe Blanche and Robert's?

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora, a second grade teacher, and Blaine, a hockey star with the Minnesota Caribou, have been best friends since they were just kids. Unbeknownst to them, they've also been in love with each for years! However, their fear of loosing each other as their BFF keeps them both from telling the other one! That is until the dick pic and their first kiss...then everything changes! Add in some Caribou teams mates and the BOB's and you have a great read that will keep you laughing! Kudos CC!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends Cora and Blaine have been dancing around each other for years, not knowing the other felt the same and were willing to stay just friends since they thought that’s what the other wanted. She doesn’t feel attractive enough to be with him. They both have communication issues especially after then after moves are made, more lack of communication tanks them. I really like their learning what each other likes together. They have a big learning curve as far as relationships go.

[Lorraine Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaine & Cora

Having been best friends since childhood, Blaine and Cora never let each other know that their feelings ran deeper for each other.

Their journey is a long one and they both are still virgins well into their twenties. One night they decide to be together but it ends too quickly when Blaine can't hold back.

I love them together, they truly saved themselves for each other and it is a beautiful story.