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Oakside Military Heroes #2
Saving Easton
Can love free the heart of a former prisoner of war?
Easton
My time as a POW left emotional scars that cut far deeper than any physical ones. I can’t stand to be touched. I am plagued by horrid nightmares. I knew therapy was my only option, but I didn’t realize it was fate leading me there... until I saw Paisley. As the sister of my best friend, I’ve had a crush on her for years. If anything can crack through the darkness rooted within me, it’s the warmth of her beauty.
Paisley
I didn’t know Easton joined the military until the day he walked into Oakside where I work. With therapy dogs and a delicate touch, I’ve helped countless veterans. Never one this close to my heart. Easton isn’t the boy I once knew anymore. All he’s endured has made him retreat inside himself. Can I help him coax him back out into the light? Or will some part of him forever be a prisoner to his pain?
This is a Steamy, Small Town, Military Romance. No Cliffhangers.
This is Book 2 in the Oakside Military Heroes Series.
As always there is a satisfying Happy Ever After.
If you love steamy romances with insta love, hot love scenes, military men, and small towns, then this one is for you.
Easton
My time as a POW left emotional scars that cut far deeper than any physical ones. I can’t stand to be touched. I am plagued by horrid nightmares. I knew therapy was my only option, but I didn’t realize it was fate leading me there... until I saw Paisley. As the sister of my best friend, I’ve had a crush on her for years. If anything can crack through the darkness rooted within me, it’s the warmth of her beauty.
Paisley
I didn’t know Easton joined the military until the day he walked into Oakside where I work. With therapy dogs and a delicate touch, I’ve helped countless veterans. Never one this close to my heart. Easton isn’t the boy I once knew anymore. All he’s endured has made him retreat inside himself. Can I help him coax him back out into the light? Or will some part of him forever be a prisoner to his pain?
This is a Steamy, Small Town, Military Romance. No Cliffhangers.
This is Book 2 in the Oakside Military Heroes Series.
As always there is a satisfying Happy Ever After.
If you love steamy romances with insta love, hot love scenes, military men, and small towns, then this one is for you.
254 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
585 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Kaci Rose
92 books1,391 followersJoin Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
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Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.
Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.
Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books
Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.
Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.
Follow Kaci Rose
Facebook @KaciRoseAuthor
Instagram @KaciRoseAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
November 23, 2022
We met Easton & Paisley In the previous book.
This was a very touching, at times heartbreaking story. Fair warning this is another story that will tugged at the heart strings
Noah & Lexi Turned her Plantation home into Oakside a refuge for Veteran’s who come back from oversea with Injuries., PTSD & such. it’s their own safe space to take time to heal, and so they maybe learn how to live on their own
So, I am back at Oakside & this time around we have A woman that has a heart of gold. Who will stop at nothing to help A man that she knew growing up. And had one major crush on him pretty much all through her teen years.
Easton Mathews, was Paisley ‘s brother's best friend growing up. Easton & Leeland had somewhat lost touch after he enlisted in the Marines…… So, imagine how surprise he was when she showed up with her therapy dog & walked right into his room at sat down on his sofa like nothing ……… Oh, did I mention the fact that he doesn’t let anyone in his room due to the fact that he spent over a year in captivity as a war Prisoner.
Don’t you just love it when you come across a book that has that true authentic and relatable feel to it . And also, with bit of family drama Thrown into the mix……
Update on Kleenex Company
So I got few of my friends hooked on this Military Heroes series , and we are looking into Purchasing stocks in Kleenex company. Well I’ll try to keep you updated on Our progress….. Happy Reading Everyone, I’ll see you on the other side
May 17, 2022
Saving Easton is like the previous book. Sweet, clean romance. Not much of drama or the plot. The connection is insta and not a whole lot of steamy like the blurp promised.
Miss Rose intended this series to be an easy read. A book where you can read to break between heavy books.
Overall an OK story.
3 stars
Miss Rose intended this series to be an easy read. A book where you can read to break between heavy books.
Overall an OK story.
3 stars
July 15, 2021
From the ending of Noah’s story, I knew that Oakside would be a special place in our hearts and that Easton’s story would be an emotional one. I was not wrong about both. Easton was a POW and had endured so much pain in his time as a captive, he can’t stand to be touched, snuck up on, nor let anyone really into his space. Oakside is a refuge for Veteran’s that come back injured, ptsd, etc. it’s their own safe space to take time to heal and Paisley works with dogs so that can help these veterans whether for emotional support or everyday support. Paisley is a beautiful soul that is willing to do whatever it takes to help others, she sees more than most people, and when it comes to Easton, she is willing to do anything for him to heal because he was her number one crush for years and still is, but Easton has a long healing process to go, and she is willing to stick by his side no matter what. Easton has a beautiful soul that just needs something to motivate his healing process and once he realizes it’s his ex-best friend’s sister, Paisley, he doesn’t really hesitate to go after her. There are a few moments where he may question things, but Paisley never really stops fighting for him. These characters are both amazing and beautiful, their story is one that will stick with me for a while. The Barbie chick really got on my nerves, and I felt there was more to her devious ways than just wanting to be the attention seeker she was, and I was hoping more would have happened to her and Paisley’s brother was over the top especially since all he cares about was himself, but I loved the way this story went. Easton and Paisley are two souls that know they belong together but have a long way to heal but together maybe they can help each other. Can’t wait to see what happens in Teddy’s story.
September 3, 2022
So we saw a bit of Easton in the last book, he seemed so very broken. I liked that we got to see more of him in this one and that he realized he wasn't broken, just bruised. Easton lived through a horrible event, yet the key is he lived. I loved how Paisley and Molly helped him come back to himself. Moly was easy to see why, a dog just accepts and loves. With Paisley it was more, they had a history, he was someone from "before", the memory of which he reached for when his life was at his worst. So seeing this person again after so many years with no contact and being in the "after" of his life seemed to get through to him.
Sure things were slow, sometimes a half step ahead, sometimes no steps and sometimes it was a step back. But the thing is, Easton kept trying, Paisley was his person that he wanted to try for. And while it was 100% smooth sailing, there was something there, building slowly. I really loved it when they finally found their HEA at the end, both of them deserved it and each other.
Sure things were slow, sometimes a half step ahead, sometimes no steps and sometimes it was a step back. But the thing is, Easton kept trying, Paisley was his person that he wanted to try for. And while it was 100% smooth sailing, there was something there, building slowly. I really loved it when they finally found their HEA at the end, both of them deserved it and each other.
May 2, 2023
It didn’t make sense and people didn’t act like adults, including the parents… Several things were not addressed properly at all. Also, if you want us to believe that the brother’s girlfriend is so mean to the fmc, maybe show us? Because the internalized misogyny that the fmc was throwing her way in “retaliation” was way more mean in comparison and seemed unwarranted from my pov.
July 14, 2024
4,25 stars - English Ebook
July 12, 2021
We are back in Oakside, where Noah (hero in book 1) and Lexi have created a place for soldiers that have come back home and need a place to recover not only from physical wounds , but also the emotional and psychological ones.
This time the story belongs to Easton. A man who spent over a year as a POW prisoner being torture on a daily basis.
When Paisley arrives to Oakside with her therapy dog Molly she’s shocked her teenage crush is there and has shut himself away from the rest of the world.
Determined to bring him back to life, feelings develop. But what happens when others interfere making Easton question his “new” life?
This was a touching, at times heartbreaking story . It’s a reminder of the struggles many returning troops endure upon their return home and civilian life. It’s also a reminder that as individuals and as a nation, we need to do more for these brave men and women.
The only but, is that it took me a while to get use to the author's style of writing from 2 POV.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This time the story belongs to Easton. A man who spent over a year as a POW prisoner being torture on a daily basis.
When Paisley arrives to Oakside with her therapy dog Molly she’s shocked her teenage crush is there and has shut himself away from the rest of the world.
Determined to bring him back to life, feelings develop. But what happens when others interfere making Easton question his “new” life?
This was a touching, at times heartbreaking story . It’s a reminder of the struggles many returning troops endure upon their return home and civilian life. It’s also a reminder that as individuals and as a nation, we need to do more for these brave men and women.
The only but, is that it took me a while to get use to the author's style of writing from 2 POV.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 20, 2022
2.5 Stars
Beginning - 5 Stars (Great start like first book)
Middle - 3 Stars (mfc doubts mc because of strangers words (crutch), she almost got choked to death by a murderer/rapist coworker (so random), mfc struggles to respect mcs' wishes that affect his treatment (brother), brother/parents tolerate his/girlfriends horrible behavior towards mfc/dog (swim party/family dinners))
End - 1 Star (Barbie tricked her way into the facility and touched mc (why?), brother claimed long ago friendship (bro code) & told mc not good enough for mfc (setback), mc then pushes away mfc/others, mfc also pushed back some (letter), brother still living/acting like a frat boy)
This book was just as good as the first except for the Barbie/rapist parts. They just didn't seem to really make sense/fit the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
We are back at Oakside and have a complicated man to deal with. Easton was a POW for about a year and is now back stateside and is trying to rehab and heal from his ordeal. He is closed off and and doesn’t let anyone in his room. Paisley and her therapy dog, Molly are a new hire at Oakside. Will Paisley be able to break down Easton‘s walls?
Read
May 22, 2021Off to the Editor. Here's a sneak peek!
March 13, 2023
Don't do it to yourself
I can't believe I paid for this. Great idea, but poorly executed. Juvenile rambling and repetitive.
Author will be going on my "avoid " list.
I can't believe I paid for this. Great idea, but poorly executed. Juvenile rambling and repetitive.
Author will be going on my "avoid " list.
July 14, 2025
Easton has extreme PTSD he was a POW for a year and he won't let anyone come in his room near him or even touch him. he doesn't. even talk much except for Noah or his doctors. that is until Paisley comes back into his life and gives him a reason to fight to live a better life. this is part 2 of the series and I'm in love with it.
July 22, 2021
I loved book one in the Oakside Military Heroes Series and I wasn’t sure if Saving Easton would meet my expectations, well that should never have crossed my mind because Easton and Paisley’s journey went way above any expectations I had, if fact this book has jumped to the top of my best reads of 2021. I loved everything about this book and I’m certain it will appeal to all romance lovers.
Former POW Easton is struggling and spends most of his days staring into the courtyard outside his room at Oakside and you know right from the start it’s going to take a very special lady to help him move on with his life so could Paisley be the one to break through the walls that he has surrounded himself with. Paisley and her therapy dog work at Oakside and she is used to difficult men but what she didn’t expect was to see her brothers best friend sitting in a room needing help, a man she secretly crushed on for many years now needs her support so what will happen when feelings come into play, will they make couple stronger and will Easton see the light at the end of the tunnel…..
This touched me on so many levels, I was captivated by this emotional and at times heartbreaking story, it’s a beautifully written romance that certainly tugged on my heartstrings and I’m sure it will tug on yours to, so what are you waiting for, you need to one click this must read.
Former POW Easton is struggling and spends most of his days staring into the courtyard outside his room at Oakside and you know right from the start it’s going to take a very special lady to help him move on with his life so could Paisley be the one to break through the walls that he has surrounded himself with. Paisley and her therapy dog work at Oakside and she is used to difficult men but what she didn’t expect was to see her brothers best friend sitting in a room needing help, a man she secretly crushed on for many years now needs her support so what will happen when feelings come into play, will they make couple stronger and will Easton see the light at the end of the tunnel…..
This touched me on so many levels, I was captivated by this emotional and at times heartbreaking story, it’s a beautifully written romance that certainly tugged on my heartstrings and I’m sure it will tug on yours to, so what are you waiting for, you need to one click this must read.
July 19, 2021
5 Star review of Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes #2) by Kaci Rose
If you thought the first book in the Oakside Military Heroes series from Kaci Rose was emotional, wait until you read Saving Easton.
This is former POW Easton and Paisley’s story and it is one that tugged at the heart strings. In fact my emotions were all over the place reading this roller coaster of a story. Having been a POW, Easton has many emotional scars as you would expect.
There were times that my heart felt as though it was going to break in two for all that he has been through. Will Paisley be the one who can finally bring Easton back into the light? Working at Oakside, with her therapy dog Molly, Paisley is shocked when she sees Easton, a childhood friend. I loved how Paisley, the woman Easton crushed on for years, stood by his side and supported him.
This was an emotional, heart breaking story that was well written and riveting.
If you thought the first book in the Oakside Military Heroes series from Kaci Rose was emotional, wait until you read Saving Easton.
This is former POW Easton and Paisley’s story and it is one that tugged at the heart strings. In fact my emotions were all over the place reading this roller coaster of a story. Having been a POW, Easton has many emotional scars as you would expect.
There were times that my heart felt as though it was going to break in two for all that he has been through. Will Paisley be the one who can finally bring Easton back into the light? Working at Oakside, with her therapy dog Molly, Paisley is shocked when she sees Easton, a childhood friend. I loved how Paisley, the woman Easton crushed on for years, stood by his side and supported him.
This was an emotional, heart breaking story that was well written and riveting.
March 13, 2023
DNF at 46%
I just wanted a good Romantic Suspense, but this ain't it. Poorly written.
Really unlikable heroine: she judgemental, immature, catty, and spoiled. She calls other women bimbos, she gossips, and she throws a tantrum when her brother's girlfriend offers to help clean up after family dinner because helping the mom clean up is HER THING. 🙄
And for a book featuring service dogs the author seems to know nothing about service dogs. The service dogs in this story go off book all the time: running away from their handler and randomly jumping onto strangers' laps. This would NEVER happen.
Total miss for me.
I just wanted a good Romantic Suspense, but this ain't it. Poorly written.
Really unlikable heroine: she judgemental, immature, catty, and spoiled. She calls other women bimbos, she gossips, and she throws a tantrum when her brother's girlfriend offers to help clean up after family dinner because helping the mom clean up is HER THING. 🙄
And for a book featuring service dogs the author seems to know nothing about service dogs. The service dogs in this story go off book all the time: running away from their handler and randomly jumping onto strangers' laps. This would NEVER happen.
Total miss for me.
July 26, 2021
Oh my goodness, Kaci Rose just continues to wow me with her emotional writings. She takes me on an emotional journey like no other. The first book was already beyond amazing, this one follows it closely. It just keeps on getting better and better.
Easton and Paisley’s story is a beautifully written and heartbreaking story. It is an emotional roller coaster. You will feel so many feelings and emotions with this one! Their story really did a number on my heart. But it was hard to put down. Saving Easton was just plain amazing! I can't wait for the next book
Easton and Paisley’s story is a beautifully written and heartbreaking story. It is an emotional roller coaster. You will feel so many feelings and emotions with this one! Their story really did a number on my heart. But it was hard to put down. Saving Easton was just plain amazing! I can't wait for the next book
January 16, 2024
Seemed pretty unrealistic for me. A tortured soul that hates touch but tells anyone willing to listen about his problems…? Couldn’t get into this.
May 22, 2024
Paisley the dog whisperer
Paisley trains dogs for healing and therapy. She works with the veterans who need the dogs the most. When she makes her rounds at Oakside she runs into a long ago family friend, Easton. She had the biggest crush on him but he was her brothers best friend and off limits.
Now Easton has a lot of healing to do be be right in the head again. He has Paisley go help him through it. Easton world that be had a huge crush in her and the 2 act in their feelings for one another. Easton has to make things right with Leeland, Paisley's brother and former bestie. Lee is not happy about the relationship and throws a wrench in their plans. This also kicks Easton into getting his scrap together to be worthy of Paisley.
Short and sweet story of love.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Paisley trains dogs for healing and therapy. She works with the veterans who need the dogs the most. When she makes her rounds at Oakside she runs into a long ago family friend, Easton. She had the biggest crush on him but he was her brothers best friend and off limits.
Now Easton has a lot of healing to do be be right in the head again. He has Paisley go help him through it. Easton world that be had a huge crush in her and the 2 act in their feelings for one another. Easton has to make things right with Leeland, Paisley's brother and former bestie. Lee is not happy about the relationship and throws a wrench in their plans. This also kicks Easton into getting his scrap together to be worthy of Paisley.
Short and sweet story of love.
Rating: 2.5 stars
September 14, 2025
beautiful story, but I need more or Easton and paisley
July 21, 2021
This is book 2 in a series of 4 books. Each book in the series features a different couple and serviceman that was hurt in the military and comes and stays at Oakridge, a rehabilitation facility in Virginia. The first boon in the series was how it all began and stars Noah and Lexi who run the place. In this book they are married and Easton is their first patient.
Easton was a POW for one year until he was rescued. He was in the first book as someone Noah befriended and wanted to try and help. His issues re he hates to be touched, stares out a window and doesn't allow anyone in his room.
Paisley is a dog handler, trainer and therapist. She met Lexi in the first book and she works with the patients at Oakbridge and that is how she discovers that Easton is a patient and what happened to him. It turns out Easton and her brother Leeland were best friends growing up, so much that Easton had a crush on her but her brother made her forbidden. However after joining the military, Easton and Leeland grew apart and havent talked to each other in years.
This story is about Easton's recovery and I loved watching him grow, change and recover. Its pretty much an insta love romance between these two but Leeland is an issue for both throughout the story. My favorite character in this book was Paisley's dad. I seriously LOVED him. She has this awesome relationship with him and Easton does too. I loved how he always had Paisley's back and kept her secrets but also that he wants to be there for Easton too.
If you love military romances, second chances, a bit of a forbidden and brothers best friend they you will fall hard for E and P in this story.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review
Easton was a POW for one year until he was rescued. He was in the first book as someone Noah befriended and wanted to try and help. His issues re he hates to be touched, stares out a window and doesn't allow anyone in his room.
Paisley is a dog handler, trainer and therapist. She met Lexi in the first book and she works with the patients at Oakbridge and that is how she discovers that Easton is a patient and what happened to him. It turns out Easton and her brother Leeland were best friends growing up, so much that Easton had a crush on her but her brother made her forbidden. However after joining the military, Easton and Leeland grew apart and havent talked to each other in years.
This story is about Easton's recovery and I loved watching him grow, change and recover. Its pretty much an insta love romance between these two but Leeland is an issue for both throughout the story. My favorite character in this book was Paisley's dad. I seriously LOVED him. She has this awesome relationship with him and Easton does too. I loved how he always had Paisley's back and kept her secrets but also that he wants to be there for Easton too.
If you love military romances, second chances, a bit of a forbidden and brothers best friend they you will fall hard for E and P in this story.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 19, 2024
All The Swoon
I can't resist a military hero story and the fact that Easton overcame his time as a POW and found his way back to his teenage crush, Paisley....swoon.
Great fleshed out storyline, character development and world building with just the right amount of steam and conflict to balance things out.
I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
I can't resist a military hero story and the fact that Easton overcame his time as a POW and found his way back to his teenage crush, Paisley....swoon.
Great fleshed out storyline, character development and world building with just the right amount of steam and conflict to balance things out.
I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
July 18, 2021
I wish I could give this book more than five stars. It was beyond exceptional.
After meeting Easton in Saving Noah, I knew that his story was going to be emotional and this story did not disappoint. Easton was a POW for over a year. Now that he is home, he has healed physically but it still struggling mentally and emotionally. He moved to Oakside because of Noah and the amazing view he was promised. While at Oakside he runs into Paisley his former best friends younger sister. He had a falling out with his brother, but he has always had a thing for Paisley for as long as he can remember. It was her face that he imagined while he was a POW. Now that Paisley is back in his life, he can finally get the girl he always wanted?
WOW...this book is emotional and will take you somewhere you never imagined. Kaci Rose did an exceptional job describing what is going on in Easton's mind and where he is mentally. He hates to be touched and has people in his room and it is heartbreaking as to why. Things progress very slowly between Paisley and Easton, yes they have history but now Easton is a different person. I loved how their relationship progressed. As Easton got better, so did their relationship. Easton now has a reason to be better. Nothing was rushed or out of place. This book had nothing wrong with it or anything I would change.
This is a phenomenal series and I can not wait to read the next one. Seriously, this is one of my favorite series that I will read multiple times. Kaci Rose is doing a fantastic job writing about these characters, you can tell she did her research and wanted to do this right. You will laugh and cry as you read about these characters. Plus, plenty of swoon worthy moments. Little ones that you don't see coming, like the tattoo on Easton :)
After meeting Easton in Saving Noah, I knew that his story was going to be emotional and this story did not disappoint. Easton was a POW for over a year. Now that he is home, he has healed physically but it still struggling mentally and emotionally. He moved to Oakside because of Noah and the amazing view he was promised. While at Oakside he runs into Paisley his former best friends younger sister. He had a falling out with his brother, but he has always had a thing for Paisley for as long as he can remember. It was her face that he imagined while he was a POW. Now that Paisley is back in his life, he can finally get the girl he always wanted?
WOW...this book is emotional and will take you somewhere you never imagined. Kaci Rose did an exceptional job describing what is going on in Easton's mind and where he is mentally. He hates to be touched and has people in his room and it is heartbreaking as to why. Things progress very slowly between Paisley and Easton, yes they have history but now Easton is a different person. I loved how their relationship progressed. As Easton got better, so did their relationship. Easton now has a reason to be better. Nothing was rushed or out of place. This book had nothing wrong with it or anything I would change.
This is a phenomenal series and I can not wait to read the next one. Seriously, this is one of my favorite series that I will read multiple times. Kaci Rose is doing a fantastic job writing about these characters, you can tell she did her research and wanted to do this right. You will laugh and cry as you read about these characters. Plus, plenty of swoon worthy moments. Little ones that you don't see coming, like the tattoo on Easton :)
January 31, 2024
Me encantaba la idea original, pero la verdad q la forma en la que se desarrolló no me transmitió nada y fue redactado de una manera muy básica.
July 24, 2021
Saving Easton is the first book I've read by Kaci Rose, and I enjoyed it -- but there were a few things about the story that I felt were lacking, and that made the difference in this being a 3-star versus a 4-star read for me.
The good: I really liked the development of the friendship between Easton and Paisley and how that evolved into them both yearning for each other and eventually crossing from friends to more. Their childhood past played into the story nicely: how they both had crushes on each other as teenagers, but his being her older brother's best friend prevented him from ever approaching her for a date. But since Easton and her brother lost touch when he was in the military, and Easton was now developing a true friendship with Paisley all on his own, there was nothing stopping Easton from pursuing her except Easton himself.
Easton's struggles as a POW adapting to life were nicely written. I liked how he pushed his own boundaries when he saw that he had a chance to really be with Paisley, and I was rooting for them.
What I didn't like: I started out this book feeling like I was missing a big piece of Easton's introduction. Surely there was a backstory before Saving Easton began. This book is pegged as a standalone, and for the most part, it is, but I felt like I was missing something big right up front. Well, when I got to the epilogue -- which sets up Teddy's story next -- the epilogue is actually Teddy's introduction for the next book. So I can only assume that Book #1 had introduced Easton in the epilogue? Maybe repeating that epilogue as Saving Easton's prologue would have prevented my confusion. I've seen several authors do that with interconnected books.
Also, when was Easton teaching Paisley self-defense? She mentioned using the "moves he taught her" and I'm fine if it happened off-page, but there was no mention of it until she had to use the maneuvers. I also thought the drama with her brother's girlfriend felt forced, but I get why that was used as an obstacle for Paisley and Easton's relationship to overcome.
And this book could really use a good proofread. There are unnecessary commas all over the place, often to the point where they interrupted my mind's flow in comprehending the scene.
Still, I enjoyed Saving Easton. The wounded military vet who shut everyone ends up with the girl he's always had feelings for? Yes, please! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
The good: I really liked the development of the friendship between Easton and Paisley and how that evolved into them both yearning for each other and eventually crossing from friends to more. Their childhood past played into the story nicely: how they both had crushes on each other as teenagers, but his being her older brother's best friend prevented him from ever approaching her for a date. But since Easton and her brother lost touch when he was in the military, and Easton was now developing a true friendship with Paisley all on his own, there was nothing stopping Easton from pursuing her except Easton himself.
Easton's struggles as a POW adapting to life were nicely written. I liked how he pushed his own boundaries when he saw that he had a chance to really be with Paisley, and I was rooting for them.
What I didn't like: I started out this book feeling like I was missing a big piece of Easton's introduction. Surely there was a backstory before Saving Easton began. This book is pegged as a standalone, and for the most part, it is, but I felt like I was missing something big right up front. Well, when I got to the epilogue -- which sets up Teddy's story next -- the epilogue is actually Teddy's introduction for the next book. So I can only assume that Book #1 had introduced Easton in the epilogue? Maybe repeating that epilogue as Saving Easton's prologue would have prevented my confusion. I've seen several authors do that with interconnected books.
Also, when was Easton teaching Paisley self-defense? She mentioned using the "moves he taught her" and I'm fine if it happened off-page, but there was no mention of it until she had to use the maneuvers. I also thought the drama with her brother's girlfriend felt forced, but I get why that was used as an obstacle for Paisley and Easton's relationship to overcome.
And this book could really use a good proofread. There are unnecessary commas all over the place, often to the point where they interrupted my mind's flow in comprehending the scene.
Still, I enjoyed Saving Easton. The wounded military vet who shut everyone ends up with the girl he's always had feelings for? Yes, please! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
March 26, 2024
Saving Easton by Kaci Rose
⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Easton is a war veteran and after 3 deployments and a diagnosis of PTSD, he has come back to the Oakside rehabilitation centre for treatment. According to employees at the centre, Easton is far from getting back to ‘normal’ with a fear of external touch and painful nightmares. However the presence of Pailsey—his ex-best friend’s sister—may help in improving his mental health. Paisley comes to Oakside weekly as a trainee for service animals. And her dog, Molly, is the miracle worker that brings comfort to all the patients at Oakside—including Easton.
Kaci Rose establishes early that Easton and Paisley mutually are attracted to each other—whether the other knows or not. However, I think when making this writing decision, the pressure increases on ensuring that chemistry and tension is articulated well within the novel. Unfortunately, I don’t think it was the case for this book. The connection between Easton and Paisley felt very surface level, it seemed that besides physically, their attraction did not seem like a priority in the storyline. For example, there are moments where Easton will experience a nightmare and his coping mechanism turns to visualising Paisley in a bikini—like what the hell?! Paisley was also only portrayed to like Easton due to his muscles, amazing eyes and his love for her dog. Yes, she did show immense empathy for the suffering Easton was experiencing but it seemed it was only in the bounds of her job, and not due to her having actual feelings for him.
I do believe many of the discrepancies and issues I had with this book was because of the writing style chosen. This type of writing is not typically my favourite—it can come across very direct and plain, which doesn’t aid a book that is about the PTSD of a war veteran. I just couldn’t take the plot seriously and all the characters had such cringe dialogue that it made the book feel like the most un-serious thing. Saving Easton unfortunately does not seem like an intentional book. It honestly felt like a bucket of scenes thrown together with no foundation of context or emotion. I wish that Kaci Rose really put effort in developing each character’s personality and feelings, and articulated her works to express such scenes.
I’m sorry but this book felt like it was more about the dogs than Easton and Paisley—1 star for me.
PS. This is advertised as a steamy romance, it is definitely not.
⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Easton is a war veteran and after 3 deployments and a diagnosis of PTSD, he has come back to the Oakside rehabilitation centre for treatment. According to employees at the centre, Easton is far from getting back to ‘normal’ with a fear of external touch and painful nightmares. However the presence of Pailsey—his ex-best friend’s sister—may help in improving his mental health. Paisley comes to Oakside weekly as a trainee for service animals. And her dog, Molly, is the miracle worker that brings comfort to all the patients at Oakside—including Easton.
Kaci Rose establishes early that Easton and Paisley mutually are attracted to each other—whether the other knows or not. However, I think when making this writing decision, the pressure increases on ensuring that chemistry and tension is articulated well within the novel. Unfortunately, I don’t think it was the case for this book. The connection between Easton and Paisley felt very surface level, it seemed that besides physically, their attraction did not seem like a priority in the storyline. For example, there are moments where Easton will experience a nightmare and his coping mechanism turns to visualising Paisley in a bikini—like what the hell?! Paisley was also only portrayed to like Easton due to his muscles, amazing eyes and his love for her dog. Yes, she did show immense empathy for the suffering Easton was experiencing but it seemed it was only in the bounds of her job, and not due to her having actual feelings for him.
I do believe many of the discrepancies and issues I had with this book was because of the writing style chosen. This type of writing is not typically my favourite—it can come across very direct and plain, which doesn’t aid a book that is about the PTSD of a war veteran. I just couldn’t take the plot seriously and all the characters had such cringe dialogue that it made the book feel like the most un-serious thing. Saving Easton unfortunately does not seem like an intentional book. It honestly felt like a bucket of scenes thrown together with no foundation of context or emotion. I wish that Kaci Rose really put effort in developing each character’s personality and feelings, and articulated her works to express such scenes.
I’m sorry but this book felt like it was more about the dogs than Easton and Paisley—1 star for me.
PS. This is advertised as a steamy romance, it is definitely not.
March 30, 2025
This series isn't a spicy series.
✅️ Military romance
✅️ Small town
✅️ PTSD - POW
✅️ Brothers best friend
✅️ Touch Aversion
✅️ Dog therapy
✅️ HEA
✅️ Dual POV
✅️ Old teenage crushes
🔥 slow
This series isn't a spicy series. It's more about what the MCs are going through after MH and physical injuries whilst deployed and their journey to recovery and elf worth, whilst learning to love again.
Mode: 🎧
Storyline:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Intensity: 🔋🔋🔋
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice: 🌶
Easton has moved into Oakside and has severe PTSD after being a POW for a year. He can't stand to have anyone in his room and doesn't talk. That is until Paisley re-enters his life, his childhood best friends' younger sisters.
Paisley is a dog therapist for vetrans and is visiting oakside when she discovers her childhood crush and brother best friend is a resident at oakside.
Narrators: The narrators are the same as Saving Noah. They make it easy to listen to and do an amazing job at the delivery.
✅️ Military romance
✅️ Small town
✅️ PTSD - POW
✅️ Brothers best friend
✅️ Touch Aversion
✅️ Dog therapy
✅️ HEA
✅️ Dual POV
✅️ Old teenage crushes
🔥 slow
This series isn't a spicy series. It's more about what the MCs are going through after MH and physical injuries whilst deployed and their journey to recovery and elf worth, whilst learning to love again.
Mode: 🎧
Storyline:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Intensity: 🔋🔋🔋
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice: 🌶
Easton has moved into Oakside and has severe PTSD after being a POW for a year. He can't stand to have anyone in his room and doesn't talk. That is until Paisley re-enters his life, his childhood best friends' younger sisters.
Paisley is a dog therapist for vetrans and is visiting oakside when she discovers her childhood crush and brother best friend is a resident at oakside.
Narrators: The narrators are the same as Saving Noah. They make it easy to listen to and do an amazing job at the delivery.
August 20, 2021
Too much drama, the characters didn't act like adults.
March 27, 2023
Have you ever read the description of a free book and thought 'this is gonna be such garbage that I have to read it'?
Well that's what this is. Garbage.
Well that's what this is. Garbage.
September 28, 2025
OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice read, a little longer than I usually read but worth it.
Easton and Paisley known one another growing up, he's her brother Leeland's best friend. Easton goes into the military after he graduates and looses touch with Paisley's brother. Paisley works with training dogs to work with wounded patients. Paisley is working at Oakside when she is told they have a new patient for her to see. Paisley finds out the man was POW and doesn't let anyone in his room or touch him. When Paisley gets to Easton's room she finds out who he is, her brother's best friend growing up and the man she had a crush on. Paisley is able to go in and sit with Easton, more than anyone else is able to do. Paisley introduces her dog Molly who works with wounded heroes. Molly jumps up onto Easton's lap, when Paisley tries to stop her he tells her it's alright. Molly seems to calm Easton down when he gets upset. When Lexi and Noah Saving Noah notice how much Paisley and Molly are helping Easton they encourage her to come to visit him more. After a while Paisley is able to get Easton to walk out of his room and down the hall. On one of the trips out of Easton's room Molly gets upset at one of the workers when he walks to close and starts to growl at him. Paisley and Easton head back to his room, but Lexi and Noah assign the worker to work elsewhere. Paisley suggests to Lexi that Easton maybe a good candidate for a therapy dog and has one in mind for him, Allie. Easton wants to take Paisley out on a date but he settles for a lunch in the garden that Lexi and Noah have set up for them. Easton kisses Paisley and she tells him she's been waiting for him to kiss her for ten years. Easton finally opens up to his therapist and tells him what happened to him while he was POW. Easton opens up to Paisley about this but doesn't want some of the details to touch her. Paisley asks Easton if he wants to go to her house, and tells him that she inherited her grandparents home, one he has been to when they were younger. Paisley gets permission to leave with Easton the following day. Paisley has some of Easton's favorite dinner made for him. When Paisley is making dinner Easton asks her if this is why she brought him to her home, and she tells him no. Paisley leads Easton to her bedroom where she takes off her clothes, she looks over his scars but doesn't say anything about them. Easton and Paisley make love. The following morning Paisley finds her brother knocking on her door. Paisley doesn't let her brother inside since she knows they haven't told him about her relationship with Easton. Easton comes to stand behind Paisley and when Leeland notices him he tells him he's not good enough for his sister. Paisley goes off on her brother, when she slams the door she turns to Easton and sees he's shutting down. Easton asks Paisley to take him back to Oakside, when she does he asks not to have any visitors. Paisley makes dinner for Easton, and takes it for him then finds out he doesn't want to see her. Paisley leaves Easton a letter telling him she hopes he gets better and finds happiness. Paisley tells Lexi it would be best if she didn't come to visit any of the patients and will send someone else. Easton takes a month to get better, he gets a vehicle, his own apartment and a job. Easton goes to talk to Paisley's brother and tells him they're no longer friends. Then Easton heads to Paisley's parent's house and has a talk with them. Next Easton heads to Paisley's home where he apologies to her, and then asks her to marry him, after he tells her all he's accomplished. Paisley tells Easton yes she'll marry him then asks him to move in with her.
Easton and Paisley known one another growing up, he's her brother Leeland's best friend. Easton goes into the military after he graduates and looses touch with Paisley's brother. Paisley works with training dogs to work with wounded patients. Paisley is working at Oakside when she is told they have a new patient for her to see. Paisley finds out the man was POW and doesn't let anyone in his room or touch him. When Paisley gets to Easton's room she finds out who he is, her brother's best friend growing up and the man she had a crush on. Paisley is able to go in and sit with Easton, more than anyone else is able to do. Paisley introduces her dog Molly who works with wounded heroes. Molly jumps up onto Easton's lap, when Paisley tries to stop her he tells her it's alright. Molly seems to calm Easton down when he gets upset. When Lexi and Noah Saving Noah notice how much Paisley and Molly are helping Easton they encourage her to come to visit him more. After a while Paisley is able to get Easton to walk out of his room and down the hall. On one of the trips out of Easton's room Molly gets upset at one of the workers when he walks to close and starts to growl at him. Paisley and Easton head back to his room, but Lexi and Noah assign the worker to work elsewhere. Paisley suggests to Lexi that Easton maybe a good candidate for a therapy dog and has one in mind for him, Allie. Easton wants to take Paisley out on a date but he settles for a lunch in the garden that Lexi and Noah have set up for them. Easton kisses Paisley and she tells him she's been waiting for him to kiss her for ten years. Easton finally opens up to his therapist and tells him what happened to him while he was POW. Easton opens up to Paisley about this but doesn't want some of the details to touch her. Paisley asks Easton if he wants to go to her house, and tells him that she inherited her grandparents home, one he has been to when they were younger. Paisley gets permission to leave with Easton the following day. Paisley has some of Easton's favorite dinner made for him. When Paisley is making dinner Easton asks her if this is why she brought him to her home, and she tells him no. Paisley leads Easton to her bedroom where she takes off her clothes, she looks over his scars but doesn't say anything about them. Easton and Paisley make love. The following morning Paisley finds her brother knocking on her door. Paisley doesn't let her brother inside since she knows they haven't told him about her relationship with Easton. Easton comes to stand behind Paisley and when Leeland notices him he tells him he's not good enough for his sister. Paisley goes off on her brother, when she slams the door she turns to Easton and sees he's shutting down. Easton asks Paisley to take him back to Oakside, when she does he asks not to have any visitors. Paisley makes dinner for Easton, and takes it for him then finds out he doesn't want to see her. Paisley leaves Easton a letter telling him she hopes he gets better and finds happiness. Paisley tells Lexi it would be best if she didn't come to visit any of the patients and will send someone else. Easton takes a month to get better, he gets a vehicle, his own apartment and a job. Easton goes to talk to Paisley's brother and tells him they're no longer friends. Then Easton heads to Paisley's parent's house and has a talk with them. Next Easton heads to Paisley's home where he apologies to her, and then asks her to marry him, after he tells her all he's accomplished. Paisley tells Easton yes she'll marry him then asks him to move in with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
This book like the first is fraught with glaring errors that is a clear indication that both the editor and the proof reader need to be replaced. Errors in spelling, grammar, and, incorrect use of words doesn't make the book better nor will it bring rave reviews.
Easton was hinted at in book 1 "Saving Noah". He was withdraw did not talk and there were hints that he had been a prisoner of war. Paisely could have encountered him in hospital but it had to wait until he was in his room, hoping to recover at Oakside.
Neither, Easton nor Paisley have seen or heard from one another since he and his mom left town years ago. However, he did not forget her as memories of her was what kept him alive during his ordeal as a POW.
Paisely, trains dogs to be of assistance to recovering patients, more specifically recovering military men and women. She and Easton connect on her and her trained dog, Molly's, second visit to Oakside.
I'm not sure what the intent of the author was with the scene where Paisley is nearly strangled to death by one of the dining and kitchen helpers. She avoids dying as she is saved by Easton, yay.
Aside, from that incident, the rest of the book focuses on Easton's recovery, his and Paisley's relationship as well as accepting Allie, another therapy dog, as his own.
Paisely, on the other hand has her own drama, with a not wanting to grow up brother, with his like minded friends and, with his girlfriend whose intent no one is privy to. The girlfriend, is definitely not emotionally mature, treats Paisley badly, and doesn't hold back with her dislike of Molly, Paisley's dog. Furthermore, she cons her way into Oakside and into Easton's room where she touches him. Why? A bit of drama spilling from Paisely onto Easton? Again, a scene or scenes that hold no bearing or apparent intent on Easton and Paisley's journey to their happy ending.
With a bit of a bump into the road that causes Paisley to step back and sort her life out too, Easton is granted time to do all that is necessary to make him whole again and, give him a new normal. That includes telling his friend, in Paisley's brother, how he needs to pull himself towards himself. Once that is done the two can get to their happy ever after.
A reasonable read. Definitely, not a wow one that leaves the reader thinking about the characters, the story and ending long after one has finished the book.
Easton was hinted at in book 1 "Saving Noah". He was withdraw did not talk and there were hints that he had been a prisoner of war. Paisely could have encountered him in hospital but it had to wait until he was in his room, hoping to recover at Oakside.
Neither, Easton nor Paisley have seen or heard from one another since he and his mom left town years ago. However, he did not forget her as memories of her was what kept him alive during his ordeal as a POW.
Paisely, trains dogs to be of assistance to recovering patients, more specifically recovering military men and women. She and Easton connect on her and her trained dog, Molly's, second visit to Oakside.
I'm not sure what the intent of the author was with the scene where Paisley is nearly strangled to death by one of the dining and kitchen helpers. She avoids dying as she is saved by Easton, yay.
Aside, from that incident, the rest of the book focuses on Easton's recovery, his and Paisley's relationship as well as accepting Allie, another therapy dog, as his own.
Paisely, on the other hand has her own drama, with a not wanting to grow up brother, with his like minded friends and, with his girlfriend whose intent no one is privy to. The girlfriend, is definitely not emotionally mature, treats Paisley badly, and doesn't hold back with her dislike of Molly, Paisley's dog. Furthermore, she cons her way into Oakside and into Easton's room where she touches him. Why? A bit of drama spilling from Paisely onto Easton? Again, a scene or scenes that hold no bearing or apparent intent on Easton and Paisley's journey to their happy ending.
With a bit of a bump into the road that causes Paisley to step back and sort her life out too, Easton is granted time to do all that is necessary to make him whole again and, give him a new normal. That includes telling his friend, in Paisley's brother, how he needs to pull himself towards himself. Once that is done the two can get to their happy ever after.
A reasonable read. Definitely, not a wow one that leaves the reader thinking about the characters, the story and ending long after one has finished the book.
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