Saving Levi

Oakside Military Heroes #4

by Kaci Rose

Levi and Mandy's Story Coming Soon!

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Military Romance, Contemporary, Disability, Friends To Lovers

330 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2022

About the author

Join Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
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
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Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome back to Oakdale military Hero series.
I hope you enjoy catching up with the residents from previous books as much as I do

Mandy, she has been here from the beginning, and helping Lexi and Noah set up Oakdale and, she has watched it grow from what it was to what it is now

Mandy is the charity coordinator, but being as they still pretty small, she has taken on a few other jobs as needed too…… So, it’s not too surprising with all the work that Mandy does around Oakdale, that she has been stuck in her basement office, trying to figure out the Facilities budget. … this time around she has been down there for few weeks

Don’t you just love when Characters have a bit of history together ….

Pretty much almost every guy at Oakdale has a heart-wrenching STORY….. and it wouldn’t be fair for me to share it with you …… it’s best that you read it for yourself and feel both Mandy & Levi’s story

So, I might want to mention the fact that I did ball my eyes out a few times in this book. And I do enjoy the authors writing style ……. But after while this it just felt Mundane….. As for the low rating this time around, I felt like there were too many parts that were copied and paste it from previous books. It just felt like. Rinse and repeat…… I hope that make sense ….. …… I need to take longer step away this time around and return for Gavin and Lauren’s story


Update on Kleenex Company
So, we have been really stocking up on our Kleenex due to how Emotional this series is … So now we are thinking if the author keeps us this Emotional, we might have to look into Investing in a wine company. Maybe we’ll have better luck there than the tissue company. . Happy Reading Everyone, I’ll see you on the other side

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so so on the romance in this one. I liked Mandy and her role in Oakside, Levi was ok for me. I liked the connection that they had from the past and how Mandy was able to get to Levi and help him really start on getting back to life. It was the back and forth of their romance that drove me nuts. Both seemingly worried about a Levi's ex, who was Mandy's friend. First off neither Mandy or Levi had seen each other since high school and Mandy said how she had lost touch for a few years with the friend. I didn't see why it should be an issue if Levi and Mandy were together, but man, did this cause lots of issues. I'm glad things got worked out in the end for them.

What really interested me more was how Oakside is going, growing, becoming bigger and able to help so many more people.

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy is one of the family

Levi is at Oak side because he lost part of his leg in an explosion. Mandy is in charge if fundraising and budget for Oakside. Levi is Rebecca's ex and Rebecca is Mandy's bestie from high school.

Mandy is essentially Levi at Oak side and is shocked to see her high school friend at her work. She knew he insisted in the !military but has been so busy in her office the last couple of.months has not been upstairs to check in with the patients.

Mandy and Levi strike up a nice friendship and start having lunch together in a regular basis. Levi gets some more news of an explosion in his unit and finds out his partner and team mate has been killed. His friends military dog was injured and now is a service dog in search of his new person. Ace remembers Levi and instantly wants to be with Levi. Ace helps Levi more than he realized and even though he was not looking for a service dog he is glad Ace found him.

Mandy and Levi struggle with some family and friend issues but ultimately love wins out.

Rating: 3 stars

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Levi is the fourth book in the Oakside Military Hero series and can easily be read as a standalone. Levi and Mandy are amazing together, I really enjoyed their dynamics. It was easy to like and adore this couple as they are so relatable and realistic. Their story is emotional and pulled at my heart. I highly recommend.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Saving Levi (Oakside Military Heroes #4) by Kaci Rose
This was a great addition to what has quickly become one of my favourite military series. Although book four in the series you can read this as a stand alone but I do feel you would get a deeper appreciation if the series if you were to also read the previous books.
This book features Levi, a man who has been through so much. Imagine his shock when he learns that an old school friend, Mandy, is working at Oakside. What starts out as friends catching up, slowly but surely becomes so much more. As their relationship progresses, there are complications because Levi used to date her best friend Rebecca; however the heart wants who the heart wants.
From the minute they re connect, there is a soul deep connection that is too hard to ignore. Can these two come to terms with the past and move forward together ? Or is the friendship between Mandy and Rebecca going to interfere their blossoming relationship?
It was heartbreaking to watch both Levi and Mandy struggle for different reasons and I really wanted to smack some sense into Rebecca as well as Levi’s father when they carried on.
The growth of both Levi and Mandy was heart warming to watch develop and I was pleased to see some familiar faced make an appearance. This book is a little gem, Well written with characters whose story you cannot help but quickly become invested in I cannot wait to see what Kaci Rose has in store for this series.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my visits to Oakside, I love catching up with the residents from previous books and I love meeting the new characters. Saving Levi is the perfect addition to this wonderful series and I’m sure like me, Levi and Mandy’s heartfelt story will stay with you long after the final word is read.
Mandy loves her job budget planning and as Lexi and Noah expand Oakside she finds herself working late into the night and it’s on her late night workings she starts connecting with Levi once again.
Levi and Mandy have a history, he dated her best friend in high school but when Levi enlisted he found that relationship had run it’s course so now home and injured he has no one close to turn too. So why does Mandy still feel like she is betraying her friends trust as she starts to bond with Levi, why does she feel like it’s wrong to have feelings for this man….
This book touched me on so many levels, it’s a friends to lovers story with all the feels, it has wonderful characters who all have a heartfelt story to tell and it’s a book I highly recommend to all romance lovers. Ms Rose knows how to give us stories and characters that touch our hearts and I loved everything about this heart warming romance.

[Van · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a mess
It’s not romantic at all
Hero is not an alpha, he’s a coward
He hurt her a lot and pushes her away all the time for weeks
She is a real doormat
The sex scenes are not even hot
I thought this author was more safe but these men are idiots and women too forgiving and understanding for me
He is her best friend’s ex from HS
When they reunite again they make her feel like the third wheel and like she wasn’t even there, He never apologized for this properly, as usual, this situation is resolved by having sex, nice
He is despicable
She is a little girl
The ex best friend is a bitch and still she is heroine’s bridesmaid of honor!
This book is ridiculous

[Aaliyah Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
ARC REVIEW

I loved the development between Mandy and Levi, they go from friendly conversations and meals to the natural progression of having feelings for each other. I love this type of burn in a book because its natural and real which makes it so relatable to the reader.

The only thing I disliked (and I mean only slightly) was Levi being in a relationship with Mandy’s best friend previously and that puts Mandy in a position where she has to choose her friend or the guy she likes. The only reason I disliked this is because I’m big on loyalty in friendships and I wouldn’t do that.

But other than that I really liked this book and would highly recommend for a nice read x

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth it. The bones of the story are intriguing, but the meat of the story needs to be sloughed-off and re-done. The Hero is very lackluster and the romance was so underdeveloped that when they were suddenly saying they loved each other, I was like, "Wait, what? How?"

I don't care about weddings in romance books because they make me cringe so hard, but I have to say that the heroine made the wrong choice of Maid of Honor. She chose a selfish cow over what I thought was the clear choice, her actual supportive friend.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved returning to Oakside!! The author writes really well develop characters and relatable characters. You could replace any one of the characters in her books with your best friend. Levi and Mandy are so good together and it takes a while for the relationship to develop but when it does you better look out. They are slow burn is heartwarming and captivating. I can’t wait for anything this author writes!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Oakside Military Heroes brings Levi and Mandy's story. The author brings all the feels in this friends to lovers romance. It's a heartfelt story with Levi struggling to move forward and Mandy helping him to adjust and together find love with one another. It's well written with descriptive scenes,moves fluidly and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional book. Mandy and Levi were phenomenal together. I loved the connection and chemistry between these two. Levi is trying to come to come to terms with losing his leg and falling for Mandy while Mandy is dealing with guilt for falling for her friend's ex and dealing with Levi's moodiness. Mandy and Levi have an uphill battle to get to their HEA but the main thing to remember is they get one together. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.

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

[Crazydutchbooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

The Oakside Military series are always so heartwarming.
A short feel good story with guaranteed happy ending.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back at Oakside where things are changing and growing. Lexi and Noah are expanding not only their dream of Oakside but also their family and while doing so Mandy is picking up more work which leads to long nights budget planning. Mandy works hard, loves her job, but has been burning her midnight oil and one night she comes face to face with a blast from her past. Levi dated Mandy’s best friend in high school and she was always hanging around but the third wheel. Levi enlisted in the military which didn’t fit his ex’s plans so she dumped him and they both moved on. Now years later when he is seeing hope and something in Mandy this ex is something standing between them. Mandy feels as if she is doing her friend wrong by starting something with Levi, yet we are at least 4+ years after high school and her friend is happily married with a baby on the way so her friend shouldn’t even be a thought. This is what frustrated me because Mandy and Levi had something real yet Rebecca stood in their way even after the fact she dumped Levi, moved on, and never looked back. Mandy should have just told her this is how it is we are happy be happy for us or take a walk off a short pier. I respected she was so thoughtful of her friend yet come on years later is not an ok reason to give up happiness. To me Rebecca was a selfish, inconsiderate, immature brat, harsh? Possibly but she was so wrapped up in herself she never saw what she was doing to those close to her. We also have issues with Levi trying to overcome not only his injury but a long history of an awful father which keeps hindering his healing. Can they fight these demons together or will they let these thins stand in their way of forever? I loved the characters and getting to see more of the others in Oakside and I am beyond excited for what’s next!!

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Levi and Mandy knew one another in high school, he dated her best friend, Rebecca. Levi went off to the military after he graduated so that he wouldn't have to go work for his father's business. Levi is injured and goes to Oakside to recover after loosing part of his leg. Levi is there for a few months before he runs into Mandy while she is working in her office. Mandy offers Levi some of her cookies she baked then makes sure to bring him in some everyday so that she can visit him. Levi and Mandy start to have feelings for one another and she decides she needs to talk to her best friend Rebecca before things go farther between the two of them. When Mandy mets up with Rebecca she can't bring herself to tell her best friend. Levi lets Mandy know that he wants to be with Mandy when she finally tells Rebecca so they set up a lunch date between Rebecca and her husband. When Rebecca and her husband Dale show up to the date at Oakside Mandy feels once again like she did in high school the third wheel. Mandy ends up in her office with Lexi Saving Noah for a few hours to give Levi time to realize she's missing. Levi doesn't realize what he did wrong, he and Rebecca just feel like they were catching up with one another. Mandy decides to give Levi some time and thinks maybe their relationship isn't going to be able to survive. Mandy talks to Rebecca and finds out that her husband isn't happy about her relationship with Levi so she apologizes to her. Levi finds out that one of his buddies was killed and his dog doesn't have a home, so Lexi offers him the chance to take Ace. Levi bonded with Ace while he was in the military and he was stationed with him. Levi gets fitted for his leg and wants Mandy to be there. After Mandy gives a tour to some of Owen Accidental Sugar Daddy and Teddy Saving Teddy friends she finds out they give Oakside donations so she has to budget that money. Mandy goes to check on Levi before she heads home, but ends up staying the night with him. Mandy calls Rebecca to go see her about her relationship with Levi but she doesn't take it well. Mandy has to make a decision if she wants to keep her best friend or keep seeing Levi. When Mandy mets up with Rebecca to tell her that her and Levi are getting serious she tells her she's not happy about them seeing one another. Mandy heads back home not sure what she's going to do. Levi takes Mandy out on a proper date and they head back to her house where he pleasures her then they make love. Levi gets a visit from his father since he's on his emergency contact and the meeting doesn't go well. Levi later mets up with his mother and brother and finds out that his father doesn't have any control over his company and his mother will be filing for divorce. Noah talks to Levi about what he's going to do when he leaves Oakside. The more Levi thinks about his future and leaving the more he starts to realize his future isn't in Georgia and he'll be moving away. Levi takes some time to think about his future and how he can't be without Mandy. Levi sets up a lunch for Mandy in the garden, he tells her about his plans to go back to school train dogs and work with Oakside. Levi asks Mandy to marry him, she asks him if he wants to have children someday and when he tells her yes she tells him she'll marry him. Mandy then mets his mother and brother. Levi finds out that his brother is thinking about relocating his father's company back to Georgia where it was originally. Levi's brother is planning to buy a house close to him so that his mother and him can come and visit and maybe come back for good soon. Mandy mets up with Rebecca to tell her that her and Levi are getting married. Rebecca is finally happy for Mandy and knows she needs to move on. Mandy now knows that all is right in her world again.

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

I have loved this entire series from the very first book to this book. I didn't just love them I have adored them. They were military romances with lots of love and heart and I adored each couple. But this one was a really different one and while I enjoyed the couple, the troupe used I did not like and the issue between them I felt was what ruined this story for me.

Levi was a guy who dated Rebecca in High School. He loved her and saw only her and she loved him as well but when he entered the military she refused to date him and so they broke up and never spoke again. Years later Rebecca's best friend from high school, Mandy, meets up with Levi at her job at Oakside while he is recovering from military injuries and they fall for each other.

Now I knew this trope would be used but I didn't realise the degree that Rebecca would be able to impact this story especially as she never spoke to Levi again and she also is married and happily and is even pregnant in this story. I felt the main character, Mandy gave her too much power and while I understood why, Rebecca was not a good friend and she was a spiteful and bitter woman who had it all and still didn't want her supposed best friend to be happy. She treated her horribly in this story. And Levi in one scene played along and thats why I was not a fan of this story. If I had been Mandy, I would never have forgiven him for how he reacted.

Aside from Rebecca I would have liked this couple a lot. Had it just been a troupe and Rebecca not such a big part of this story I would have really liked Mandy and Levi together. Mandy was a fantastic character in this series and maybe thats why I felt so bad for her in this story. I loved how Noah and Lexi were a huge part of Mandy's life and how we get to see more of them in this story. We even get a snippets of their POV in this story and I loved how supportive they are of Mandy and Levi.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Levi and Mandy are wonderful, true to life characters, with quirks and flaws just like the rest of us. They knew each other in high school when he dated her best friend, and much has happened since they last saw each other years ago. After high school, Levi enlisted in the Army, partly to get away from his controlling and overly critical father and partly because he wanted his life to take another direction. At that time, his girlfriend and Mandy’s best friend broke up with him, not wanting anything to do with life in the military. An IED resulted in the loss of his part of his leg and he has come to Oakside for rehabilitation and therapy. Mandy works at Oakside helping with the financial end of things. Seeing Levi is a shock at first, but soon Mandi and he are like fast friends, reminiscing about high school, revealing a little more about themselves in the process. They are very attracted to each other and the connection they have between them soon deepens from friendship into love. But their path forward is filled with a few uncertainties and hiccups that they must sort out before they can commit to each other. Levi’s ex and Mandy’s best friend has objections and he is still dealing with a lot of raw emotions and pain, not only from his time in the Army, but from his relationships with his family. Furthermore, Levi has no idea what he wants to do when he leaves Oakside, though he does know working for his father is something he will avoid at all costs. How will his choices effect his relationship with Mandy? Do Levi and Mandy have a happily ever after in their future or only heartbreak?

This book gives readers a wonderful slow burn romance that is heartwarming and captivating. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaci Rose's Oakside Military Heroes series are always beautifully written and a joy to read. Saving Levi has you loving Levi and Mandy but also the rest of the characters from the previous books. Kaci grabs your attention right off the start and keeps it until the end.

Mandy loves working at Oakside and working there, since it is small, she wears many hats to help out. Her main job is charity and budget planning of the donations that come in. She sees Levi, a man that she went to high school, and at the time, her best friend's, Rebecca, boyfriend. They end up connecting a lot since she works late into the night. When Levi wants more, can Mandy let him in, or is the "girl code" to be followed? Rebecca is married now, but how will she feel when she finds out? She is attracted to him, but she is worried about her friendship with Rebecca? What happens when she tells her? Mandy lets him in but at what cost?

Levi is a patient at Oakside after he lost part of his leg during deployment. He is coming to grips with his injury, but he is also dealing with having a family that disowned him when he joined the military. Daddy wanted him to join the family business and he didn't want any part of it. Meeting Mandy found him in a better place as he had no visitors and they do have a connection because of their history. He wants to be more than friends and has to convince her that his past with Rebecca doesn't matter. Levi's family visits, and that throws him for a loop. Will he reconnect with them? Will this cause more of a rift? When he lashes out at Mandy a few times too many, what will happen?

The connection and the chemistry between Levi and Mandy is strong and beautiful. Although they do struggle at times, it seems that it may have made their connection that much stronger. I loved the addition of Lexi, Noah, Easton and Paisley in this one. The friendships that are made are strong and were exactly what both Levi and Mandy needed. There was a cameo appearance of Kade from Kaci Rose's Sunrise book.

Although you can read Saving Levi as a standalone, I highly recommend that you start right from the beginning with Saving Noah. You will get a glimpse into the background of the characters.

[Book and Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found out about this series from a blind date with a book from Kaci Rose’s TikTok shop. I immediately fell in love with how the story goes and bought the whole series. I have since had time to binge through the series and I do not regret it one bit.

Saving Levi starts with Mandi, who helps manage the budget at Oakside. Her office is located in the basement and off limit to patients. Levi finds her in his office when he goes to the kitchen, that is also located in the basement, to get a snack. Mandy and Levi do know each other from a past relationship that Levi had with Mandy’s best friend.

Mandy and Levi’s relationship grows from friendship throughout the book. It also goes through how each other have changed since high school. There is a point where Mandy has her best friend, who is Levi’s ex, meet them for lunch and that is when everything appears to go downhill.

Mandy eventually meets up with her best friend and finally stands up to the friend for herself and for her and Levi’s budding relationship. Unlike the other books, there is not a time where the two fully separate. But they do go through trials to better their relationship with everyone.

It is a fast paced story with a little bit more spice than the other books, but still very low on the spice level. I always enjoy a book that is in between fades to black in some areas while also going into detail in others.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story of a budding romance and one that involves characters growing in ways that is always needed, especially when it comes to standing up for oneself.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous
Another brilliant addition to this military background series. Levi is the next patient who needs more than just nursing care. His rehabilitation is physical, having lost the lower part of his leg and Oakside is the perfect place. He finds Mandy, his old school friend and a relationship slowly develops but it is fraught with problems at times.
He dated Rebecca her best friend, who is now married and does not react well. The lunch double date goes badly due to the behaviour of Rebecca and Levi ignoring Mandy, excluding Dale. Rebecca is petulant and abrasive. His family is distant, his father is difficult and oppressive in his manner and condescension.
Mandy has grown up from being the lonely foster girl, seeking a family and attention. Capable and honest, now more forthright in dealing with issues, especially when she has Rebecca's friendship at stake. Levi is also different, in charge of his feelings and proves he is more than capable of dealing with his father's attitude.
There are concerns that take time to overcome and resolve, but things eventually come right for the couple.
Love this series and this author. I like the odd references to previous books and stories as it makes it all seem more realistic.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building a life he had not envisioned...but that is so much better than he ever thought

Saving Levi is the fourth book in the Oakside Military Heroes series and is the first book I have read in this series, as Kaci Rose is a newer to me author. This story pulled at my heart and opened it to Levi completely. He and Mandy have a shared history as they went to high school together where he was her best friend's boyfriend. It is years later and Levi has been discharged from the military on medical grounds, as he lost a leg. His world is taking a complete turn away from what he had thought it would be. But there is Mandy. Mandy works at the Oakside Center in the finance department. She likes her job and the her life. But there is the one little thing in that she would like a partner. There is a bright spot with her renewed friendship, in a different way, with Levi. Their slow burning journey will see them move beyond friendship and into romance and a relationship.

As I have not read the previous books there were some holes in my knowledge about the Oakside Center and the various characters. But this book can still work as a standalone read. I liked this nicely written story with a well plotted story-line and wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Mel Mendonca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy’s and Levi’s story is another heartfelt addition to the Oakside Military Series. Mandy and Levi knew each other from high school when he dated her best friend but they didn’t stay in touch when he joined the military. When she runs into him at Oakside recovering from an injury, they form a friendship which soon turns to romance. While Levi struggles with the past and an uncertain future he has to decide whether that future includes Mandy.

Though this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series to get the full experience. I loved the chapters from Lexi's and Noah's perspectives and the appearance of Kade from the chasing the sun duet. Kaci's use of characters from previous books and series always brings me so much joy, even if it’s just a small mention. I love watching the characters progress even though their stories are technically finished.

This was another wonderful story by Kaci Rose with a struggling hero and the strong heroine who helps him during his along his journey to recovery. Their story is definitely worth the read, once I started I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for Lauren and Gavin’s story!

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

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN AND ADVANCED READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **

Saving Levi was beautiful in how it showed that there is so much growth out of high school. While there wasn’t much built into the back story of the three main people involved, we were given it as it went along, there was still so much there.

I did love how this was a slow burn like the rest while they were quick with their feelings, they took the time to explore those rather than rush into more. Levi’s time over seas was not really talked about, more about childhood issues which played into his life choices. While Mandy’s childhood was not really talked about, just bits and pieces that factored into why she was making the choices she was.
Mandy is smart and strong, and while she was working on the Growth of Oakside she was also watching and being apart of the Oakside family. Levi joining that family shows how accepting they are but how much they want everyone to succeed once they leave the patient side of it all.

There is more tie ins with other Kaci Rose books, once I have not read but I am eager to look at and see how those characters have developed.

If you like military romance this might not be the fit for you but it is a good best friends – ex/ slow burn / small town/community kind of read.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the Oakside series has left me eager for more and yet again Kaci Rose has produced another emotional, deeply moving story.

These Solider heroes and their ladies are truly inspirational, Saving Levi is a tear-jerking but uplifting story, once again Kaci Rose has wrapped sensitive issues around a breathtaking storyline.

Mandy has worked for Oakside since the beginning, her job and the work that is done at Oakside to help ex-military soldiers after injury on the battlefield really makes a difference however, she is surprised when she finds out that one of the new patients is none other than Levi, her best friend's ex-high school sweetheart, the connection between Levi and Mandy is slow-burning but deeply moving, as this couple has to navigate stormy waters before they can have a happy ending, for Levi it is coming to terms with his injury and what that entails for this future and for Mandy, it is the worry about what her best friend will think when she finds out about her growing feelings for Levi.

A story that grabs the heart on so many fronts.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing The Past For A Brighter Future -
Mandy couldn’t believe her eyes when she looked up to see her friend, who was also her best friend’s ex and whom she hadn’t seen for years, looking back at her from her office door. Levi had been in a funk since arriving at the centre, however, seeing Mandy again seemed to ignite a spark that had him looking towards the possibility of a future. Spending time together brought them closer, but they both still had unresolved issues that had reeked havoc on their relationship and nearly cost them their happiness.

This was an emotionally challenging story, about the trials and tribulations the men who lay down their lives for their country go through when they return, the lack of continuity of their care and the difficulties they face trying to return to civilian life. I was really moved by the story and I hope that anyone who reads this story, will not only recommend it, but also find out how they can contribute or even volunteer their time to help at the nearest military rehabilitation centre.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Oakside Military Heroes series featuring Levi and Mandy's journey from friends to lovers which can be difficult. Levi and Mandy knew each other in high school as he was dating her best friend Rebecca who broke up with Levi when he joined the military since that didn't fit her plans. Years later Levi has been discharged from the military for medical reasons after he lost his leg. His whole life has been turned upside down and he's trying to adjust and cope the best that he can. When Mandy and Levi run into each other at the Oakside Center they renew their friendship but they both have stronger feelings than friendship. There are complications though she's still best friends with Rebecca who's happily married and expecting a baby but still doesn't want to see Levi happy with anyone else let alone her best friend. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this wonderful story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 4 of the Oakside Military Heroes series and focuses on Levi and Mandy. Levi is a patient at Oakside after losing part of his leg and Mandy works at Oakside. They know each other from high school when he dated her best friend Rebecca. While they start to reconnect with each other, they discover that the connection that they have is special and they end up falling for each other. They have some issues when it comes to Rebecca not being accepting of them when she found out about them and his family (mainly his dad). I cannot state how much I loved this book! Just like with the rest of the series, it is sooo heartfelt. The author has such a wonderful way of telling the story in a way that you feel absolutely everything so acutely. You feel the hope, the happiness, the frustration, the uncertainty, just everything. I really can't say a single negative thing about this book because it was just plain amazing. I am so excited to read the next book in the series because if it is anything like this book and the 3 that came before it, it's going to be a huge hit.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a Red Cross Volunteer in the Amputee Ward in an Army Hospital during the Vietnam War, so this book took my interest, so much so I've read the book twice and may read it again, it is so true to what I saw as I worked with the amputees. UP TO DATE: Mandy worked at Oakside along with Lexi and Noah. Lexi had started Oakside when Noah was discharged from the hospital after being burned in the war. She wanted a place where the military could go to transition from the military life to real life. Levi is a patient at Oakside, where he ran into Mandy. Mandy, Levi, and Rebecca were close friends in high school. Levi dated Rebecca, but broke up after graduation because Levi enlisted in the Army. Levi is in a wheelchair because he had lost part of his leg and was waiting for a prosthesis. Levi goes through many mood swings adjusting to his new life.
Will Levi finally adjust to the new life? Will Mandy be able to tell Rebecca about Levi? Will Levi and Mandy become more than just friends?
Please read the book, I think you will like it.
I received this book from StoryOrigin for an ARC and I am giving my honest review.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi & Mandy

She loves her job dealing with finances and budgeting for Oakside Center. She knows Levi from their school days when he was her best friend's boyfriend--now ex. She never considered her feelings for him. All of their lives have changed. She's professionally fulfilled, her bestie is married and expecting, and Levi is adjusting to the world with only one leg. As their friendship changes, she wonders if it can be more or does she have to follow the don't ever date your friend's ex rule?

The story involves the center and all of the characters we've come to care about, although it can stand alone. Adjusting isn't easy. Dealing with someone you care for who has moments when he isn't easy to be around. Knowing what can happen and what to expect doesn't make it easy to do so. The couple's journey is a hard one. Friends who help them cope are touching and may even bring a few tears. You will root for them and be glad to see the progress from other couples you may have met in other books or come to meet in this one.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of the Oakside Military Heroes series, these books are full of so much heart and I just get so gushy while reading and also a huge sense of pride for my country. This is Levi and Mandy's story and boy have I been waiting for her story because Mandy has been a big part of Oakside and I could not wait to learn more about her. Mandy and Levi have a history, but it is a little complicated, and makes things a little dicey when they start growing closer.

While this book made my heart so happy, there were a couple of times that I was a little confused by the reactions of the characters. This wasn't a huge deal and did not take away from the story at all, just left me scratching my head a bit. Know that this book and this series is DEFINITELY worth you checking out. I freaking adored it and give it 4.5 outta 5 stars! I can't wait for the next one because it looks like it is going to be GOOD!!

PS: Thank you to Kaci Rose and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!