Saving Dare

Flawed Hearts #1

by J.E. Adams

A captivating small-town romance where timing is everything.


Kaylyn Shaw knows what it means to start over. After her husband’s trial, she changed everything about herself: new identity, new job, new city. But, her trust issues persist.

Darren “Dare” Watkins thought he’d hit rock bottom when his combat injury forced him to be medically discharged from the Navy. Slowly but surely, he’s managed to piece together a new life.

While volunteering as a swim official, Dare meets Kaylyn. Sparks fly for him, but she isn’t as easily impressed. Just when things start to change between them, Dare stumbles upon confidential information about Kaylyn’s past.

He wants to protect her – to keep her safe. Kaylyn has other ideas. Will her trust issues prove too strong, or will Kaylyn be able to take a chance on love?

Saving Dare is a stand-alone contemporary romance. It features strong steamy scenes and intense imagery. Trigger warnings include suicidal ideation in a main character, threat of rape, descriptions of violence, combat injuries, and PTSD.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2021

About the author

JE Adams was born and raised in a small town in Northern Illinois. Currently residing in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Creative thoughts seem easy to come by from the scenic backdrops of nature’s finest to the rural countryside that invites one’s soul to freely explore all that nature has provided.

Being a Navy veteran who likes to explore military romantic relationships’ intricacies through honest and compelling characters. Their stories will captivate the reader and open their eyes to how our men and women are in uniform work and love.

When not reading or writing, classic movies, exploring the numerous jeep/hiking trails in the area, officiating swim meets, fills the days, and entertains the spirit.

Reviews

[Jenn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that will hit the emotions, and twist them all up. I absolutely loved Dare. His character, strength, and his pain. The struggles, ups and down really pulled me in. I didn't connect to Kaylyn as well as I'd have liked and was put off from her in the beginning but as the story progressed I couldn't stop. Dare and Kaylyn have a good back and forth, great fire and a roller coaster from the start! I will be looking forward to future books in this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, is entertaining, action packed, and thoroughly enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and I enjoyed their story very much. I felt a connection to the characters and believed in their connection and chemistry, they both had pasts and issues they were dealing with and yet they managed to find love and happiness with each other. Unfortunately thoughts, actions and their pasts get in the way, my heart broke for them both and I hoped they would stay strong and believe in their connection, in their love. There was such support, acceptance and understanding in this story and the honesty of situations show how easy we can blame ourselves. For me personally I would have liked to have seen some of them together between the last chapter and the epilogue, I was happy with the epilogue but I wanted to see a little of how they had got there as I had become so invested in their relationship. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series now.

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

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare was devastated when he was medically discharged from the Navy so it's been slow going to put a new life together. Kaylyn has started over because of her past, so she sure as hell doesn't trust easily which I couldn't blame her for whatsoever. They meet when he starts volunteering as a swim official as she's a swimming coach, and he's drawn to her immediately, but she's really not on board with it (trust issues plus she thinks he's a jerk LOL). There comes a point to where the sparks are flying & she's letting him in, but things get complicated when he learns some things about her that have his protective nature going haywire, but she's not going to be pleased at all that he knows anything. I'm trying to not give anything away but man it's hard. There's a lot of emotion in the pages because the struggle is real for both of them with their pasts. And that's all that I'm going to say about that because it's better you experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Janey-Ann Jooste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Dare...



Make sure to prepare when you pick this one up. Dare is a super hot, military man, with some serious emotional issues... who can resist -- right.?
I loved this story, although there were times when I didn't much like Kaylyn (might be because I wanted Dare for myself). He was really a great character, and I'd follow his story any day.
I'm not someone who reads military romance, and JE Adams introduced me -- I'm not sorry for one second. It's great to read stories that touch the real issues these men face and make you fall in love with them.
A great story about dark moments, how to come out on the other side, and find love again.

[Dorothy Y Nunamacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites. Saving Dare made me laugh and cry. The love story between Dare and Kaylyn was touching, magical and heartwarming. I was hooked right from the beginning. I can't wait to read book 2. If you want a true love story with all the heartache and a Happy ending then this book is for you.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs polishing:
This manuscript is in need of additional editing and refining. It felt clunky and unpolished and the paragraph location headings such as "Dare's house" certainly didn't help. I also found it disjointed and quite confusing how it swapped back and forth between characters and points of view after every short paragraph.
Despite that this was still an interesting and enjoyable story. There was suspense, drama and romance. I liked how it was honest about the effects that war can have on veterans and thought that it dealt with PTSD and suicidal in a respectful manner (although this may be upsetting and a trigger for some people).
Kaylyn annoyed me at times and she came across as rather selfish and ungrateful. Dare meanwhile really tried to be supportive and protective despite his efforts not being appreciated. They both had their issues and I was so glad when they finally worked things out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not only a very touching book, but a plot that really makes you see how you can overcome challenges in your life. Darren didn’t expect Kaylyn to walk into his, but the way that she changed it made for all the difference in both of their lives. I was quite inspired.

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

[TELA666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trigger warning is definitely needed, as are tissues.
This was an unusual setting and not a standard plot, which was a good thing. My only negative would be the epilogue felt rushed.

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

[Christine Woinich · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for me. The storyline was a good one. Kaylyn was a swim coach, trying to get beyond her past. Dare had his own past to overcome, including PTSD, and was also involved a little in the world of swimming. Their paths crossed and set things into motion for their hearts. As they began to admit to their feelings, they became closer. There were some steamy scenes between them, though I did not feel that they were all necessary. Sometimes the bouncing between who was thinking or remembering took a bit to sort out as it seemed to change too much, even within one paragraph. Overall, the story was fine.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Dare is book one in the Flawed Hearts series and each book will be able to be read as a standalone with interconnecting characters based upon the next book in the series. This is my first read by this author and I am glad to see the author touched on sensitive topics that many keep hushed on. It is eye opening to see what a person goes through in different ways when they experience trauma whether emotional, physical or mental. Dare definitely has a Flawed Heart, but he has a huge heart in all aspects of his life. You will want to hug him a few times reading his story. Kaylyn also has a defective heart, but in a different way. She is strong, but doesn't trust easily and that is understandable given her story. These two do not start out strong, but in the end the bond that was hard to ignore gives them a chance at many things. The shocker on how many crazy nuts became is nuts (all I will say to avoid a spoiler), haha. I truly enjoyed reading this story and hope that someone who reads this may help them should they be able to relate to this story. I look forward to reading more on either this series or this author.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylyn left Maryland to start over, after everything with her husband she does needed to get away, needed a new life. In the three years in Georgia she has not dated something her friend is constantly trying to get her do. They go out one night and there is that swim official that DQ'd one of her swimmers that week, while he is hot she thinks he is a jerk.

Dare has hard time, he was medically discharged from the navy, he received the kind of award you receive when people die in your unit. He has made a new career as a flight nurse, helps his sisters at their distillery and volunteers as a swim official and has noticed the hot coach. Too bad he pissed her off and she will not go out with him. Eventually he wears her down and the two do start seeing each other.

This is my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it, there are some dark themes to this story. The characters are evenly match, unfortunately, one is having hard times dealing with issues and too many bad things at once can topple the house of cards.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare was medically discharged from the Navy and after hitting rock bottom he's working to slowly build himself backup. Kaylyn had to leave her life in Maryland behind after everything with her husband so she starts over in Georgia. While she's been in Georgia she hasn't dated anyone something that her friend is always trying to get her to do especially that it's been 3yrs. Dare and Kaylyn cross paths at the swim meets where she's a coach and he's an official who definitely starts off on the wrong foot with her when he DQ'D one of her swimmers. Although he's hot she still thinks he's a jerk Dare knows that he aggravated her and that she won't go out with him but he's not giving up and she eventually agrees to go out with him. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this emotional story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series as well as being a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. This is Darren / Dare, and Kaylyn’s journey. Dare has been medically discharged from the Navy, and he is slowly building himself back up after hitting rock bottom, while Kaylyn has starting over in the small town. Dare is a volunteer swim official, which is where he and Kaylyn cross paths, and they sparks’ fly, but she has understandably been left with trust issues, and Dare will have to work hard to gain her trust. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which is intense, and is emotionally charged, with suspense, intrigue, and love, which leads to a riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Be aware there may be triggers for some readers due to the sensitive topics!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare & Kaylyn

He'd lost so much but was building a new life. He even considered getting involved again--once he met Kaylyn. Since she wasn't on the same page it seemed he had to make extra effort to charm her. Not his forte but she seemed worth it.

He was hot that's for sure. She just didn't need another man in her life. She was still running from the trouble from her last. Some things just are too hard to fight. He convinced her to give it a try.

This story is a version of what so many Vets go through returning from the tragedy of war and the dangers of not being able to recover. An insight many people have never considered.

I never really felt a rapport with Kaylyn. However, it was a good read, and I do recommend it.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare hit rock bottom, and is working on finding himself with a new career, and maybe a new love. He and Kaylyn cross paths, and it's not always pretty in the beginning. I love that he doesn't give up on her, convinced that she's good for him. After all the troubles with her ex-husband, she's also trying to navigate finding herself in a new life, but certain that she doesn't need another man. I didn't always like Kaylyn. I understand where she's coming from, but I think that she's just too hard on Dare most of the time. The chemistry between them is undeniable and explosive, and their friends and family know there's something good between them. There are some very dark moments (possible triggers) with their pasts intruding on the present. But they're there for each other when it really matters. I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could. This is a new-to-me author, and I've already got the next book on my TBR. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book because it gave you real perspective on what Veterans go through every day. It brought home what they go through, and how it can be so much. The facts in prologue made me cry.

I didn't really enjoy Dare and Kaylyns relationship together, as I felt like Dare had to do all the work and Kaylyn can do what she wants without thought.

I gave this book 4 stars because what this book brought to light and what Dare goes through.

[Jennifer Nino · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

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