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The Donovans #3
Save Me
Pretending to date the town’s bad boy seemed like a good idea.
But who knew that being bad could feel so good…
A small town, fake dating, opposites attract standalone romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.
Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.
Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
But who knew that being bad could feel so good…
A small town, fake dating, opposites attract standalone romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.
Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.
Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
78 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
143 books2,356 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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April 24, 2023
4.5⭐ rounded up
Book 3 in The Donovans series ~ yes a standalone, but best to read in order because the whole Donovan clan is heavily involved. This is my favorite of the series thus far. We really had the set up for these two since book 1 and I've been patiently waiting.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, meddling mother, fake dating, opposites attract, he falls first, small town, no steamage
Ryleigh & Ryker
Meddling mother, Kate, is back and setting Ryleigh up on dates, which leads Ryleigh to begin fake dating Ryker. Kate is a little more tolerable in this one, still a bit of a pill though.
Ryleigh has been declining dates from Ryker for months because he wasn't her type, but he's thrilled to finally be able to have a chance to show her who he really is. She totally was judging a book by it's cover, but as they begin spending more time with each other she sees him in a whole different light. He was the sweetest 'bad boy' you'll ever meet.
I was lucky enough to have a kindle and audio copy. Narrated by Carly Robins for 7 hours and 3 minutes. She did a fine job, but, as always, I wish there was a male narrator.
Overall, another delightful quick read with a sweet ending. I believe we have our set up for the next book in the series and I'm ready for it.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 3 in The Donovans series ~ yes a standalone, but best to read in order because the whole Donovan clan is heavily involved. This is my favorite of the series thus far. We really had the set up for these two since book 1 and I've been patiently waiting.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, meddling mother, fake dating, opposites attract, he falls first, small town, no steamage
Ryleigh & Ryker
Meddling mother, Kate, is back and setting Ryleigh up on dates, which leads Ryleigh to begin fake dating Ryker. Kate is a little more tolerable in this one, still a bit of a pill though.
Ryleigh has been declining dates from Ryker for months because he wasn't her type, but he's thrilled to finally be able to have a chance to show her who he really is. She totally was judging a book by it's cover, but as they begin spending more time with each other she sees him in a whole different light. He was the sweetest 'bad boy' you'll ever meet.
I was lucky enough to have a kindle and audio copy. Narrated by Carly Robins for 7 hours and 3 minutes. She did a fine job, but, as always, I wish there was a male narrator.
Overall, another delightful quick read with a sweet ending. I believe we have our set up for the next book in the series and I'm ready for it.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 11, 2024
I’ve finally finished both listening and reading Save Me and I’m happy to report that either way, the story was pure delight!!
However, not all plot points in this story/series are delightful and that makes me very sad. Full disclosure … I never finished the second book in this series because, reasons, so I cannot say definitively that this is a recurring aspect in the stories but it was prevalent in the first and now third book in the series and for consistency purposes, I’m betting it was very much prevalent. That being said, I’d like to say that if I was given the opportunity, I’d throat punch most of the Donovan clan and not even feel a little bit bad about it. I have zero clue why the author made the choice to make their personalities SO MUCH, but in my world, family is supposed to lift you up and support you not … (I’m stopping there because I don’t want to rant lol)
When I say that Save Me was pure delight, that’s more in reference to the journey of Ryleigh and Ryker. They gave me joy and put a huge smile on my face at every turn. Again, I emphasize they because it’s important to me that anyone reading this review understands that although this is Ryleigh and Ryker’s story, there are subplots that made me #twitchy but I blocked them out and decided they weren’t going to ruin the joy that these two people brought to me. Do with that information what you will :)
🎧 Carly Robins is one of my favorite narrators for third person single POV stories and she did a very good job with this one!
I'm giving this story 4 stars because half stars are not a thing on vendor sites but if I could, I'd rate it a solid 3.5 stars.
However, not all plot points in this story/series are delightful and that makes me very sad. Full disclosure … I never finished the second book in this series because, reasons, so I cannot say definitively that this is a recurring aspect in the stories but it was prevalent in the first and now third book in the series and for consistency purposes, I’m betting it was very much prevalent. That being said, I’d like to say that if I was given the opportunity, I’d throat punch most of the Donovan clan and not even feel a little bit bad about it. I have zero clue why the author made the choice to make their personalities SO MUCH, but in my world, family is supposed to lift you up and support you not … (I’m stopping there because I don’t want to rant lol)
When I say that Save Me was pure delight, that’s more in reference to the journey of Ryleigh and Ryker. They gave me joy and put a huge smile on my face at every turn. Again, I emphasize they because it’s important to me that anyone reading this review understands that although this is Ryleigh and Ryker’s story, there are subplots that made me #twitchy but I blocked them out and decided they weren’t going to ruin the joy that these two people brought to me. Do with that information what you will :)
🎧 Carly Robins is one of my favorite narrators for third person single POV stories and she did a very good job with this one!
I'm giving this story 4 stars because half stars are not a thing on vendor sites but if I could, I'd rate it a solid 3.5 stars.
Read
January 26, 2023SAVE ME is book THREE in The Donovans series and coming January, 31st!!
Pretending to date the town’s bad boy seemed like a good idea.
But who knew that being bad could feel so good…
A small town, fake dating, opposites attract standalone romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.
Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.
Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
Pre-Order NOW!!
Amazon: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Kindle
Apple: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Apple
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Google See less
Pretending to date the town’s bad boy seemed like a good idea.
But who knew that being bad could feel so good…
A small town, fake dating, opposites attract standalone romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase
Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.
Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.
Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.
*Each book in the Donovans series can be read as a standalone*
Pre-Order NOW!!
Amazon: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Kindle
Apple: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Apple
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/SaveMe-Google See less
January 26, 2023
Third full length novel in the enjoyable Donovans series by Samantha Chase. This is also my personal favorite so far. The Donovans own a pub in Laurel Bay, NC and have five grown children (the characters ready for romance). They are loving, traditional and mom especially likes to meddle in their love lives. The eldest daughter Ryleigh is especially fed up with her mother’s continual set ups. After the latest disaster lead to harsh words with mom and a glorious exit from the pub she knows something needs to change. Ryker Masella is scruffy, bearded and has tattoos. He is the opposite of who Ryleigh sees herself dating. He has been trying to flirt with her and ask her out for six months and she continually shoots him down. (He appears in the previous book.)
To stop her moms meddling she suggests and he willingly agrees to be her fake boyfriend. But there isn’t anything fake about their attraction for each other. This is loving, fun and sexy. I enjoy books where the man is already smitten and is waiting for the woman’s feelings to catch up. Ryleigh is slow to show an interest in learning about Ryker. She recognizes his kindness but it takes a sibling to make her realize she doesn’t know what he does for a living. Chase can write both open and closed door romances. I prefer her open door like this one. She shows they have chemistry and are sizzling for each other many times other without getting into specific details.
I’ve had issues with the moms character especially in the previous book. She made food controlling and body shaming comments. I appreciate that she isn’t that way in this book and is even apologetic for some of her actions. It makes me feel that Chase listened to her readers or planned for it all along. And in a redeeming moment she may have been a bigger manipulator than anyone knew.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and can’t wait for the next book, Charm Me, so I can see brother Jamie get his match. As an added bonus in my ARC there is a short story/novella about Ryleigh’s best friend Ivy. Ivy is a local paramedic and is reunited with her high school love Connor after he finishes his seven years in the Marines. Her heart was broken when he broke up with her and enlisted now there is a second chance. This is a sweet additional story. And book wise takes place before this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Chasing Romance Inc., and Samantha Chase for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*******
I not only read the novel but also received a copy of the audiobook. Carly Robins continues her excellent narration of the series. I especially cracked up every time she says Ryleigh’s catch phrase of dammit. The character usually is saying it to herself and narrators' subtle emphasis is a delight. She does a great job with the other characters as well. The bonus story mentioned in the book review is not part of the audio book ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
To stop her moms meddling she suggests and he willingly agrees to be her fake boyfriend. But there isn’t anything fake about their attraction for each other. This is loving, fun and sexy. I enjoy books where the man is already smitten and is waiting for the woman’s feelings to catch up. Ryleigh is slow to show an interest in learning about Ryker. She recognizes his kindness but it takes a sibling to make her realize she doesn’t know what he does for a living. Chase can write both open and closed door romances. I prefer her open door like this one. She shows they have chemistry and are sizzling for each other many times other without getting into specific details.
I’ve had issues with the moms character especially in the previous book. She made food controlling and body shaming comments. I appreciate that she isn’t that way in this book and is even apologetic for some of her actions. It makes me feel that Chase listened to her readers or planned for it all along. And in a redeeming moment she may have been a bigger manipulator than anyone knew.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and can’t wait for the next book, Charm Me, so I can see brother Jamie get his match. As an added bonus in my ARC there is a short story/novella about Ryleigh’s best friend Ivy. Ivy is a local paramedic and is reunited with her high school love Connor after he finishes his seven years in the Marines. Her heart was broken when he broke up with her and enlisted now there is a second chance. This is a sweet additional story. And book wise takes place before this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Chasing Romance Inc., and Samantha Chase for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*******
I not only read the novel but also received a copy of the audiobook. Carly Robins continues her excellent narration of the series. I especially cracked up every time she says Ryleigh’s catch phrase of dammit. The character usually is saying it to herself and narrators' subtle emphasis is a delight. She does a great job with the other characters as well. The bonus story mentioned in the book review is not part of the audio book ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2023
I usually like Samantha Chase's low-stakes, easy reads but honestly, Ryleigh annoyed me the entire book. She was just as judgemental and annoying as her mother, just assuming without knowing a single thing about Ryker that he was a bad person and beneath her notice. Then when she's too much of a wuss to stand up for herself, she decided using him to get her mom off her back is a better idea than just telling her mom to f*ck off. She never considers Ryker an equal, or else she wouldn't treat him so poorly and as if his feelings don't matter. Her mother was just as bad if not worse than the last book where she was fat shamed and treated Ryleigh abominably, and I would have felt bad for her if she wasn't such a user herself. I found the "breakthrough" she had with her mother to be comical. Nothing was really revealed, and everything is just forgiven just because. Ryker definitely deserved so much better, and it didn't make much sense that he liked her at all since there wasn't much beyond her looks to recommend her. She's not funny or interesting. She's just kind of there
February 6, 2023
Well, that was annoying! I felt that Ryleigh was immature, bigoted and all around irritating. I could not find any empathy for her character. I liked Ryker although I was surprised he kept persisting despite Ryleigh’s disinterest. I did not finish.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
January 22, 2023
Save Me is the third book in The Donovans series by Samantha Chase. This family is so much fun to visit and I was so happy to get to visit the small town and the family owned pub once again!
Ryleigh is the eldest of the Donovan daughters and she is finally at her wits end with her Mom and her matchmaking ways. There is nothing her Mom wants more than for Ryleigh to settle down, so she keeps bring men into the pub and into her daughter's life. One particular night Ryleigh has had enough and following a disagreement with her Mom, she heads out of the pub and she ends up running into Ryker, who is a regular at the pub, and she proposes they fake a relationship to get her Mom off her case.
Ryker Masella is the exact opposite of the type of guy that Ryleigh sees herself dating. He's got a beard, longer hair and sports tattoos. Nothing wrong with any of those things, they just have never been what Ryleigh has seen herself with. Ryker has always liked Ryleigh and he's been asking her out for six months and she keeps turning him down, so her asking him to be her fake boyfriend is a no brainer for him. He sees it as an opportunity to spend time with her hoping that it might turn into something that she's not seeing at the moment. Could that actually happen?
I adored this book. I loved that Ryker was the one that was in the lead with his feelings and Ryleigh had to catch up. I loved they had a tenative friendship and they built on that even though chemistry between them was certainly not an issue at any point. I also think it added to the story that Ryleigh held back learning about Ryker. In some cases I wouldn't feel that way, but in this one I did. It almost felt to me that she was having to come to terms with where she was herself before she was able to learn more about him. All I know is I'm ready for another Samantha Chase book as soon as possible!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Ryleigh is the eldest of the Donovan daughters and she is finally at her wits end with her Mom and her matchmaking ways. There is nothing her Mom wants more than for Ryleigh to settle down, so she keeps bring men into the pub and into her daughter's life. One particular night Ryleigh has had enough and following a disagreement with her Mom, she heads out of the pub and she ends up running into Ryker, who is a regular at the pub, and she proposes they fake a relationship to get her Mom off her case.
Ryker Masella is the exact opposite of the type of guy that Ryleigh sees herself dating. He's got a beard, longer hair and sports tattoos. Nothing wrong with any of those things, they just have never been what Ryleigh has seen herself with. Ryker has always liked Ryleigh and he's been asking her out for six months and she keeps turning him down, so her asking him to be her fake boyfriend is a no brainer for him. He sees it as an opportunity to spend time with her hoping that it might turn into something that she's not seeing at the moment. Could that actually happen?
I adored this book. I loved that Ryker was the one that was in the lead with his feelings and Ryleigh had to catch up. I loved they had a tenative friendship and they built on that even though chemistry between them was certainly not an issue at any point. I also think it added to the story that Ryleigh held back learning about Ryker. In some cases I wouldn't feel that way, but in this one I did. It almost felt to me that she was having to come to terms with where she was herself before she was able to learn more about him. All I know is I'm ready for another Samantha Chase book as soon as possible!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
January 30, 2023
4 Star Review Save Me (The Donovans #3) by Samantha Chase
Save Me was a well written story that ticked a number of boxes for me. This is web designer Ryleigh Donovan and tattoo artist Ryker Masella’s story and it was an entertaining read.
It was good to be back in Laurel Bay and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic as Ryker and Ryleigh’s story evolved. Ryker has been attracted to Ryleigh for ages despite her continual rejections. On paper they should not work but they do and it was fun to watch Ms.Chase bring these two together.
The other Donovan’s did what they do best and poked their noses into the relationship and that made for some fun.
Determined to stop her mother’s unrelenting quest to match make, Ryleigh asks Ryker to pretend to be enter into a fake relationship with her. Of course we all know what happens when fake becomes real? As their feelings develop, will it bring them together or pull them apart? What happens when secrets are revealed?
One click and find out?
Save Me was a well written story that ticked a number of boxes for me. This is web designer Ryleigh Donovan and tattoo artist Ryker Masella’s story and it was an entertaining read.
It was good to be back in Laurel Bay and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic as Ryker and Ryleigh’s story evolved. Ryker has been attracted to Ryleigh for ages despite her continual rejections. On paper they should not work but they do and it was fun to watch Ms.Chase bring these two together.
The other Donovan’s did what they do best and poked their noses into the relationship and that made for some fun.
Determined to stop her mother’s unrelenting quest to match make, Ryleigh asks Ryker to pretend to be enter into a fake relationship with her. Of course we all know what happens when fake becomes real? As their feelings develop, will it bring them together or pull them apart? What happens when secrets are revealed?
One click and find out?
February 1, 2023
Another great story about the Donovan siblings. Ryleigh has had enough of her mother meddling in her life. She comes up an idea that will help. Ryker is laying low in Laurel Bay after having found success. He has been trying to get Ryleigh to go out on a date for weeks, but she keeps turning him down. When he lends her a hand, she hatches the plan for them to pretend date so her mom won’t fix her up. Ryker has other ideas. He just wants her to give him a chance. I loved their chemistry and how they actually really like each other. Their story is so sweet and I loved everything about it.
January 20, 2023
These Donovan siblings are wonderful! Ryleigh has been my favorite from the beginning, I was waiting for her story, and I LOVED it! She is a force to be reckoned with and is always there to support her friends and family. Underneath this exterior of passion and strength is a vulnerable and sensitive woman. She is tired of her mom constantly pushing her to the altar and trying to find the ‘right’ man for her. She makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to kiss Ryker in front of her mother. Ryker, long-hair-beard-tattoos doesn’t mind one bit. In fact, he is elated that Ryleigh is kissing him. He has been trying to get her to go out with him for six months. He'll take whatever he can get, even if their relationship is fake (and she only kisses him in public).
Samantha Chase creates these characters that burrow their way under your skin. Whether you like them or not, you can feel them and understand their motivation. I’m furious with Ryleigh’s mother, but I can understand why she is like she is. She was able to redeem herself later in this story. This is a clean fake relationship, small town, big family romance that has so much packed in it with big family drama and humor that had me laughing and shaking my head at the Donovan antics through most of the story. I loved the depth she gave Ryker and his drive to excel and succeed. I enjoyed watching Ryleigh finally open her eyes to who is right in front of her. This is a fantastic series. While you can read ‘Save Me’ as a standalone, reading the first books in the series will give you a great window into the family dynamic of the Donovan family. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Samantha Chase creates these characters that burrow their way under your skin. Whether you like them or not, you can feel them and understand their motivation. I’m furious with Ryleigh’s mother, but I can understand why she is like she is. She was able to redeem herself later in this story. This is a clean fake relationship, small town, big family romance that has so much packed in it with big family drama and humor that had me laughing and shaking my head at the Donovan antics through most of the story. I loved the depth she gave Ryker and his drive to excel and succeed. I enjoyed watching Ryleigh finally open her eyes to who is right in front of her. This is a fantastic series. While you can read ‘Save Me’ as a standalone, reading the first books in the series will give you a great window into the family dynamic of the Donovan family. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 3, 2023
"You're everything to me." His voice was so gruff, raw, and full of emotion that it was hypnotic. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. You walked out before I said that to everyone, but…I wanted to say these things weeks ago to your family. I wanted to go to the pub and put everyone in their place for hurting you." 🫶🏼
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters: Ryker Read-To-Find-Out-His-Surname, Ryleigh Donovan
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Pining, Fake Relationship, Hidden Identity, HEA, Small Town, Love at First Sight (but not dating, PINING!)
Review: Set in the small town of Laurel Bay, Save Me is the third book in The Donovans series by Samantha Chase. While the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading it to enjoy the full experience. 😁
When I got the notification for the ARC of Save Me by Samantha Chase, I squealed, in that squeaky voice, fr fr. And this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT. 🤭
Ryleigh needs her mother to get off her back, and Ryker needs a chance to prove to this woman he can be the man she needs. So when she lands in his arms, he promises to never let her go. 🫂
Ryleigh and Ryker's story is emotional, vulnerable, and raw. It doesn't have many so-called "book boyfriend" moments, but it's a beautiful read for a beautiful day. 🥰
The story isn't forced or cliché yet elaborates smoothly on every minor detail. It's not too long either and emanates a serene experience for readers. 😍
I recommend the book to those looking for a reprieve from intense reads! 🤍
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters: Ryker Read-To-Find-Out-His-Surname, Ryleigh Donovan
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Pining, Fake Relationship, Hidden Identity, HEA, Small Town, Love at First Sight (but not dating, PINING!)
Review: Set in the small town of Laurel Bay, Save Me is the third book in The Donovans series by Samantha Chase. While the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading it to enjoy the full experience. 😁
When I got the notification for the ARC of Save Me by Samantha Chase, I squealed, in that squeaky voice, fr fr. And this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT. 🤭
Ryleigh needs her mother to get off her back, and Ryker needs a chance to prove to this woman he can be the man she needs. So when she lands in his arms, he promises to never let her go. 🫂
Ryleigh and Ryker's story is emotional, vulnerable, and raw. It doesn't have many so-called "book boyfriend" moments, but it's a beautiful read for a beautiful day. 🥰
The story isn't forced or cliché yet elaborates smoothly on every minor detail. It's not too long either and emanates a serene experience for readers. 😍
I recommend the book to those looking for a reprieve from intense reads! 🤍
March 16, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
I LOVE RYKER!!! He knows what he wants and takes the opportunity to get it when it presents itself. He and Ryleigh are so beautifully matched. Can't wait to read Jamie's book!!
I LOVE RYKER!!! He knows what he wants and takes the opportunity to get it when it presents itself. He and Ryleigh are so beautifully matched. Can't wait to read Jamie's book!!
January 28, 2023
Thank you so much Valentine PR for giving me a copy of this book! This was one of the sweetest, most heartwarming books and I just loved it. Ryleigh and Ryker are just so perfect and adorable. Ryleigh is your computer savvy "goddess" whose mom keeps setting her up on terrible dates. Ryker is the tatted mystery man whose had eyes for Ryleigh for months and has been waiting for her to give him the time of day.
This book has fake dating, he fell first and a tall, dark tatted man... what else do you need?
I haven't read a book by Samantha Chase before but you better believe I will be reading more from her because this book was perfection! I loved the relationship between these two and I really liked the family dynamic incorporated in the book. I loved that she showed that even with a super close family there can be some major problems. I really enjoyed reading about how the family works through their problems, and how family problems can bleed into relationships.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This book has fake dating, he fell first and a tall, dark tatted man... what else do you need?
I haven't read a book by Samantha Chase before but you better believe I will be reading more from her because this book was perfection! I loved the relationship between these two and I really liked the family dynamic incorporated in the book. I loved that she showed that even with a super close family there can be some major problems. I really enjoyed reading about how the family works through their problems, and how family problems can bleed into relationships.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
April 25, 2023
4.5 Stars
Ryleigh Donovan is my favorite sibling, and I could not wait for her story. She is being pulled in many directions by her mother and her family. Her strength and independence are legendary in her family, but underneath, she hides her sensitivities. She is at the end of her rope, has a blowout fight with her mother over her last set-up, and storms into the parking lot. Ryker follows, and they share a spur of the moment kiss for show. Can Ryker help her face her fears and break down her walls?
I was not disappointed in Ryleigh’s story. It is a stand-alone, but start at the beginning and get the whole Donovan experience.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Ryleigh Donovan is my favorite sibling, and I could not wait for her story. She is being pulled in many directions by her mother and her family. Her strength and independence are legendary in her family, but underneath, she hides her sensitivities. She is at the end of her rope, has a blowout fight with her mother over her last set-up, and storms into the parking lot. Ryker follows, and they share a spur of the moment kiss for show. Can Ryker help her face her fears and break down her walls?
I was not disappointed in Ryleigh’s story. It is a stand-alone, but start at the beginning and get the whole Donovan experience.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
February 12, 2023
MC Ryleigh is insufferable, judgemental and annyoying/childish. Ryder is infatuated with her for some unknown reason. He should have higher standards for himself than a woman who has no interest and I can't figure out why he was borderline harassing her for a date.
The mother is definitely the villain in this story. No child owes their parent a relationship if they can't give even the smallest amount of respect.
Also? Grown men calling their partners baby girl...no
The mother is definitely the villain in this story. No child owes their parent a relationship if they can't give even the smallest amount of respect.
Also? Grown men calling their partners baby girl...no
February 2, 2023
Third book in the Donovan series, but works as a standalone. I’m starting in reverse but have the first two on the way to me!
Ryleigh Donovan has had just about enough of her mom trying to set her up with every guy in town. So, she decides to shut her and everyone else up and makes a deal with the one guy no one will question- Ryker Masella. He’s tried multiple times to ask her out but she shot him down over and over again. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family he thinks, finally- this is his chance. They decide to create a fake relationship but will Ryleigh come to see how Ryker really feels?
I was gifted the audio and it was a quick and fun read zipping through it in one afternoon. You’ll love it especially if you like the he falls first, small town, or fake dating tropes.
Carly Robins narrated and she was so easy to listen to, especially when Ryleigh was being naughty!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my early review copy!
Ryleigh Donovan has had just about enough of her mom trying to set her up with every guy in town. So, she decides to shut her and everyone else up and makes a deal with the one guy no one will question- Ryker Masella. He’s tried multiple times to ask her out but she shot him down over and over again. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family he thinks, finally- this is his chance. They decide to create a fake relationship but will Ryleigh come to see how Ryker really feels?
I was gifted the audio and it was a quick and fun read zipping through it in one afternoon. You’ll love it especially if you like the he falls first, small town, or fake dating tropes.
Carly Robins narrated and she was so easy to listen to, especially when Ryleigh was being naughty!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my early review copy!
January 30, 2023
Ryleigh has reached a breaking point with her mother when once again she believes that everyone in her life lacks importance when compared to her single status. She is convinced that the only way to deter her is by pretending to be in a relationship and Ryker has offered to be the man for the job.
Ryker has been attracted to Ryleigh from the moment he saw her which has resulted in him being a frequent visitor to the pub. He has asked her out numerous times with no success but when she needs a pretend boyfriend he is more than willing to use that time to show her that they are meant to be.
Ryker is exactly who Ryleigh needs in her life as he is patient, supportive and willing to move at Ryleigh’s pace while Ryleigh was determined to keep her distance but it wasn’t long before she realized that the more she learnt about Ryker the more she wanted to know.
Ryker has been attracted to Ryleigh from the moment he saw her which has resulted in him being a frequent visitor to the pub. He has asked her out numerous times with no success but when she needs a pretend boyfriend he is more than willing to use that time to show her that they are meant to be.
Ryker is exactly who Ryleigh needs in her life as he is patient, supportive and willing to move at Ryleigh’s pace while Ryleigh was determined to keep her distance but it wasn’t long before she realized that the more she learnt about Ryker the more she wanted to know.
February 5, 2023
Ryker and Ryleigh❤️❤️❤️ Ryleigh has been my favorite Donavan sibling since book one. She is funny, sarcastic, kind and all in for her siblings. She also has broken my heart with how she feels and gets treated by her mom in these books. Ryker has been mentioned in the other books, but now we get to know both in more depth and see their relationship develop! The premise of a fake relationship is a fun theme, but these two take a whole new level of how they approach it through their humor and Rykers openness about his true feelings from the start. The tattoo angle was fun and I loved the dynamic it gave to his personality and what it showed about stereotypes. The family was more present and had a lot of “come to Jesus” conversations which I loved! The uncle and Jamie had a lot of moments which has me hoping for their stories as well! Creative, caring and full of emotions I loved this couple and story!
January 20, 2023
Matchmaking has been nightmare for Ryleigh Donovan since her mother, Kate, has made it her mission in life to find her daughter the perfect boyfriend and husband. Ryleigh decides she needs to find a fake boyfriend to get her mother to stop setting her up with unwanted dates. Ryker Masella has tried to date Ryleigh for months, but Ryleigh totally ignores his advances until the last encounter and verbal argument with her mother. She decides to date Ryker a few times to discourage her mother and teach her mother a lesson on interfering in her life. To Ryleigh’s surprise, fake flirting and dating, quickly turned to real feelings and emotions. This is a fun loving romance that involves admitting to their feelings, becoming aware of past experiences, plus dealing with siblings, parents, and living in a small town. Beautiful story and amazing characters and family dynamics make this a 5 star book! Loved it!
January 22, 2023
The Donavon Family dynamics come to a head in this installment of the series! Ryleigh has finally had enough of her mother's meddling and isn't going to stand for it any longer which gives Ryker the opening that he's been looking for to slide into Ryleigh's life. The author does an outstanding job of creating characters that are relatable and likable. Not to mention an outstanding steam level to get things warmed up between the drama of the other interpersonal interactions. I've gotten to where I can't wait for the next book to come out and am constantly looking for new books in the series. I have to say that it has definitely become a must listen on my audiobook list as the narrator really brings the characters to life and makes it seem as if you are a part of the story and not just reading or listening to a story. I'll definitely be waiting for the next book in this series to hit the audio world!
February 2, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to the Donavan series. Ryleigh is smart and independent. Her mom is always trying to play match maker. Ryker and Ryleighs relationship starts as a charade. However Ryker is charmed by Ryleigh. Ryleigh has turned his world upside down. Ryleigh is the most exciting woman Ryker has ever met. Ryker is playing for keeps. No man has ever made her feel this good and Ryleigh thinks Ryker is out of her league. Ryker has been chasing her for months. They show each other it is ok to take a chance. The Donovan family has wonderful chemistry. I am very excited for Jamie's story.
January 31, 2023
The Donovans #3
Ryleigh Donovan lives in Laurel Bay, a small town where her family owns a pub. Of the five grown children, Ryleigh is single much to her mom's dismay and of course her mom has to meddle in her life and try to find her a nice, respectable man to settle down with. Ryleigh is fed up with her mom's meddling and no matter how many times she tells her to stop she won't so she decides to find a guy who she thinks her mom won't approve of.
Ryker Masella has moved to Laurel Bay and has been coming to the pub ever since. Each time he sees Ryleigh he asks her out and she turns him down. But tonight is different when she storms out of the pub leaving her keys inside and not wanting to go back in and Ryker is there to help. After 6 months he finally gets his chance and tells her that he likes her and wants to go out with her and she agrees but then changes her mind. He is definitely the opposite of what her mom would pick, he's big, a little intimidating with tattoos along with an attitude and he sometimes pulls his hair into a man bun, no they are just too different. He lays it all out for her and tells her to prove him wrong and then her mom catches them so she kisses him and so it starts! A fake relationship that's temporary, he's on board, now he can show Ryleigh the real him. But will she like him?
4.5 stars
I really liked this couple and the bantering between them was great.
Ryleigh Donovan lives in Laurel Bay, a small town where her family owns a pub. Of the five grown children, Ryleigh is single much to her mom's dismay and of course her mom has to meddle in her life and try to find her a nice, respectable man to settle down with. Ryleigh is fed up with her mom's meddling and no matter how many times she tells her to stop she won't so she decides to find a guy who she thinks her mom won't approve of.
Ryker Masella has moved to Laurel Bay and has been coming to the pub ever since. Each time he sees Ryleigh he asks her out and she turns him down. But tonight is different when she storms out of the pub leaving her keys inside and not wanting to go back in and Ryker is there to help. After 6 months he finally gets his chance and tells her that he likes her and wants to go out with her and she agrees but then changes her mind. He is definitely the opposite of what her mom would pick, he's big, a little intimidating with tattoos along with an attitude and he sometimes pulls his hair into a man bun, no they are just too different. He lays it all out for her and tells her to prove him wrong and then her mom catches them so she kisses him and so it starts! A fake relationship that's temporary, he's on board, now he can show Ryleigh the real him. But will she like him?
4.5 stars
I really liked this couple and the bantering between them was great.
January 28, 2023
This was a good read about a girl with tons of pressure rom her family to find, not only the one, but the right one as dictated by her mother. To dodge her mother’s setups, she finds the local bad boy, full of tattoos to start a fake relationship with, one she knows her mom will disapprove of. Ryker may be tattooed, but he’s got a heart of gold and has had a thing for Ryleigh for quite some time. I really enjoyed this story, it was lighthearted and an easy read.
January 19, 2023
Tired of being set up by her meddling mother, Ryleigh takes her love life in her own hands and with one well placed kiss brings Ryker into a fake relationship. But Ryker has been in love with her from the moment he saw her. Can he really keep everything platonic to get her mother off her back? And what happens when the man she thought her mother would hate ends up being the perfect man for her? With wonderful characters and a storyline that the reader will not put down this was a fabulous read. Samantha Chase has a knack for bringing family dysfunction and hope and love into the reader's heart and not letting go. I for one want my very own Ryker!!
February 6, 2023
#MyFavoriteCouple
#Amore
#SaveMe
#FakeRelationship
#MeddlingMother
#TheDonovans
#SamanthaChase
#Amore
#SaveMe
#FakeRelationship
#MeddlingMother
#TheDonovans
#SamanthaChase
January 31, 2023
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation Received from Valentine PR
Save Me is book 3 in the Donovans series by Samantha Chase and what a great addition!
What happens when your mother is setting you up to find the man of your dreams when you are not interested…you decide to fake date the bad boy that you know she won’t like…
Ryleigh and Ryker set a course that may lead to finding their HEA!
Meddling family, fake dates, hot kisses, finding what is missing and more
Save Me is book 3 in the Donovans series by Samantha Chase and what a great addition!
What happens when your mother is setting you up to find the man of your dreams when you are not interested…you decide to fake date the bad boy that you know she won’t like…
Ryleigh and Ryker set a course that may lead to finding their HEA!
Meddling family, fake dates, hot kisses, finding what is missing and more
February 2, 2023
Ryleigh Donovan is a very smart successful women, but she is tired of her mom setting her up on horrible blind dates.
Ryker is a tattooed, long hair, bearded hot guy, who keeps asking Ryleigh out but keeps getting rejected.
Save Me is a wonderful small town, opposites attract, kind of fake relationship romance. This was such a cute story, although there was some issue of over bearing family members. I was swooning over Ryker, tough with that bad boy appearance but he was so sweet and kind and loving towards Ryleigh. I loved watching their journey to their HEA. I have come to love the Donovan’s and the adorable little town of Laurel Bay. I also love that there was a chapter from the next Donovan book in the series and a bonus short story about Ryleigh’s best friend. This was a wonderful low angst read that I Highly recommend!!
Ryker is a tattooed, long hair, bearded hot guy, who keeps asking Ryleigh out but keeps getting rejected.
Save Me is a wonderful small town, opposites attract, kind of fake relationship romance. This was such a cute story, although there was some issue of over bearing family members. I was swooning over Ryker, tough with that bad boy appearance but he was so sweet and kind and loving towards Ryleigh. I loved watching their journey to their HEA. I have come to love the Donovan’s and the adorable little town of Laurel Bay. I also love that there was a chapter from the next Donovan book in the series and a bonus short story about Ryleigh’s best friend. This was a wonderful low angst read that I Highly recommend!!
January 31, 2023
Never do anything spur of the moment, it never turns out right... or does it? When you are sick and tired of your meddling mother setting you up with guys you are not remotely attracted to makes you finally explode, you make the biggest scene and leave. Only to run right into the one guy who won't stop asking you out. In that split second you tell yourself, if we pretend to have a relationship, this will get my mother to stop surprise setting me up.. Yea, this will go great until it doesn't. Read this book to find out how it turns out.
April 6, 2023
Another Donovan falls hard! Ryleigh is sick and tired of her mom fixing her up with guys. Her mother keeps picking guys that are so far away from being a perfect match for Ryleigh and she’s done with her moms antics. Ryker is the total opposite of said guys…he is Tattooed, rugged and all around different. Ryker has also been crushing on Ryleigh since he moved to town recently. When they come up with a plan to fake date to get her mom off her back, Ryker thinks it’s a win for him…is it? This was a cute read with the normal Donovan family drama that keeps me coming back for more. I loved Ryker and his passion for his work and Ryleigh. To be completely honest….Ryleigh annoyed me. I found Her to be selfish, immature and whiny. I was really hoping she would grow on me but she didn’t. But Rykers love for her override my feelings for her and I really enjoyed this book. This series has been a fun one for me, I’m really liking this family and the support they give each other. Each book has a great story and it’s a little emotional but then you get your laugh out loud moments from the banter. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
January 30, 2023
Samantha chase is a talented author, that's no doubt. Unfortunately this book just was not for me. I do not enjoy third person, closed-door romance with no angst.
This was a fake dating romance between Ryliegh and Ryker. Ryker has been pursuing Ryliegh for a while despite being turned down multiple times. We find out he's a famous tattoo artist. Ryliegh is the spunky daughter of the Donovan family, whose mom has been relentless trying to set up.
What didn't work for me
• Ryliegh. She was selfish/obnoxious and felt like a caricature. She didn't have much of a personality other than bickering with her mom and judging Ryker for his appearance one way or another.
• I didn't buy the chemistry. Why was this man so gone for her? What about her exactly did he love so much?
• The mom was just absolutely outrageous.
Things that did work for me
• Ryker being an awesome tattoo artist
• The close knit family as a whole
Overall I would be interested to see what else Samantha Chase has to offer! Thank you to #netgalley for providing me with this arc!
This was a fake dating romance between Ryliegh and Ryker. Ryker has been pursuing Ryliegh for a while despite being turned down multiple times. We find out he's a famous tattoo artist. Ryliegh is the spunky daughter of the Donovan family, whose mom has been relentless trying to set up.
What didn't work for me
• Ryliegh. She was selfish/obnoxious and felt like a caricature. She didn't have much of a personality other than bickering with her mom and judging Ryker for his appearance one way or another.
• I didn't buy the chemistry. Why was this man so gone for her? What about her exactly did he love so much?
• The mom was just absolutely outrageous.
Things that did work for me
• Ryker being an awesome tattoo artist
• The close knit family as a whole
Overall I would be interested to see what else Samantha Chase has to offer! Thank you to #netgalley for providing me with this arc!
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