Save Me

by K.M. Ryan

After the loss of her family and feeling at her lowest with no one to turn to, Kaycee attempts suicide. At the last moment, her plans are halted when two men, Jake and Grant, save her. Attempting to break free from depression’s grasp, she looks for the good in life and starts a cooking blog with the help of Jake.

Jake’s whole world is flipped upside down when Kaycee, a woman he has been pining after, attempts suicide. Not willing to lose her before he has a chance, he needs to make her realize the world isn’t as dismal as she believes.

Through counseling, cooking, and finding new friends, Kaycee works through her problems. But, when her newfound blogging career becomes too much, will Jake’s help be enough for Kaycee to handle the pressure, or will she succumb to darkness once again?

Content Warning: attempted suicide, anxiety, depression, explicit sexual content

344 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2022

About the author

K. M. Ryan was born in Spokane, Washington. She enjoys writing steamy, contemporary romance novels, but she enjoys reading them even more!

She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.

Reviews

[Laura García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save Me by K. M Ryan 💫
Arc Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes: Friends to lovers romance, guy falls first, damaged heroine, small town romance

Content Warning: attempts of suicide, anxiety, depression and struggle with mental health. Graphic sexual content

Well, I freaking loved this book…that being said: Save Me follows a young girl named Kaycee, who struggles with depression and anxiety and after her mother’s death find herself in a downward spiral that leads her to attempt to end her own life. She jumps of a bridge but is saved by two man she only knows in passing: Grant and her neighbor Jake. After that they try to help her find her way back, much to Kaycee’s horror. We will follow Kaycee’s journey to recovery and the beautiful love story that develops between her and Jake, as he tries to make her see that she still has much to live for.

This book felt really close to my heart, as someone who has struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem, it brought tears to my eyes seeing Kaycee struggle to find herself and try to live a moment a time. I appreciated the fact that it shines a light on what it feel like to struggle with mental health, without shying away from the difficult topics.

As for characters: Kaycee of course had me rooting for her all along, but it was Jake who had my heart. I adored his easy going personality and his dedication and selfless when it came to Kaycee’s well-being. Also, he’s hot and freaking adorable! The novel doesn’t lack on secondary characters, Janelle and Grant were amazing and I wish they were MY friends 🤣 Robyn is a girl after my own heart with her love of books and strong personality. I look forward to reading her story soon.

Other thing I loved was the setting. Small town romance never misses its mark, doesn’t it? Despite it’s rough beginning the novel ends up feeling cozy, light hearted and positive. And the small town, community feeling of it all made easy loosen my imagination. It gave me mayor Nicholas Sparks vibes 😌

I really, really liked this story and I can’t wait for you all to read it. It is 100% worth your time. Publication date is August 19th, set your calendars people! @authorkmryan thank you for writing such a wonderful story and for giving me the opportunity to read it 😊 I hope to read many more stories from you (especially Robyn’s 🤣🤣)

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save Me is a heartfelt, emotional read but has a sweet romance that'll pull not only hope but a smile to your face.

I strongly believe there is plenty of room for more mental health stories, especially in romance. Mental Health is something being spoken about a lot more now and I'm grateful it's being implemented into every conversation we can have.

K.M. Ryan masterfully crafts a story that focuses on mental health and how to live with it but come out to see the brighter side of life.

In Save Me, Kaycee has reached the lowest point she could, where she is willing to give up all hope to live anymore. However when she tries to fulfill it, two people manage to stop her.

This is when Jake enters the frame and sets his place in her life. He is solid, unmovable and sweet. He is a wonderful character that stands by Kaycee to give her hope to find a reason to live again.

As their lives stay tangled together we see not only Kaycee grow in her mental health but a romance bloom.

The story is sweet and a wonderful read. You may shed a few years feeling vulnerable and relatable to the characters but that is the beauty of fiction.

Thank you K.M. Ryan for wanting to write and share this story. It is an important one that deserved to be heard.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Madison Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book ! The romance was beautiful and included so many cute moments . Realistic portrayals of mental health and the payoff of what can become when you choose to stick around even though it can feel so easy to give up. Not like every other romance book , read it !

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in return for an honest review.
I loved this book, I found it to be well written. Some of the book may contain triggering thoughts. But I found it really interesting. Thank you.

[Brandi Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save Me is the first book of the "in the moment" series by Author K.M Ryan.
I have and will always read everything that K.M Ryan writes, she has the best story lines and her character development is top notch! She is one of the kindest souls and if you haven't connected with her you should!
Save me is a story of second chances that I really resonated with, the main character Kaycee had lost her mother, moved to a new town for a change and then felt more alone and isolated. Kaycee suffers from depression and decided suicide was the way out. Thankfully two men come who she knew from afar and they stopped her, bridging new friendships and showing compassion helped this girl so much. Sometimes you just need something or someone to live for.
big changes to someone with depression can cause big anxiety and that's what happened with Kaycee. She battled that and had some hits but good friends stand by you through your lows and love you no matter what.
Seeing Kaycee grow from battening depression,anxiety, but still pushing through and making friends, setting those clear boundaries and doing things she loved while cutting back on things she didn't enjoy, made me so happy!
Jake, one of the men that has always been interested in Kaycee from afar, finally expressed how he feels for her and he was the perfect gentleman and I loved seeing his inner battle- wanting the girl but wanting what was best for her. I loved that he got to understand depression from Kaycee first hand- he knew his dad suffered but he didn't understand the meaning until he walked with Kaycee and got a front row seat.

More in more in comments (I like to talk 😆)

As someone who also struggles with mental health issues I loved that K.M Ryan poured Kaycee into this book, never have I felt so seen. I know that for a lot of people admitting the struggle is so hard, but your not alone and that's one thing I really felt with this book, the way Kaycee struggled has been me so many times.
This book was a happy surprise to me and I had talked to the K.M Ryan about it months ago but when we talked recently she let me know the release date and its release day is my birthday 🎂 8-19. Accidentally made my day! I hope you all will pick up this book and love it as much as I did!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, KM Ryan is such a sweetheart 🤍 and I absolutely love how interactive she is with her followers. Secondly, I received the ARC version of Save Me (it being my first ARC ever) and I am super thankful to KM Ryan and her team.

Jumping straight in, there was no time wasted at the beginning as Kaycee attempts to take her life. But then the rest of the book goes through the inner workings of her brain. We see, first hand, her struggle with her depression, her self-worth, her self-love, her anxiety. This book isn’t a book for those sensitive to these heavy topics.

Jake is such a wholesome character, I truly enjoyed getting to know him. He is so perfect. Literally so perfect that he is too good to be true, in the best way hehe. Grant is truly so funny. Janelle is the epitome of the best gal pal. I loved her so much. Kaycee was okay, she wasn’t my favorite character but I did like her to an extent (will explain in the next paragraph).

I don’t personally relate to the main topic of this book, so it was harder for me to connect and truly understand the way Kaycee is. I am the type of person to always try and look for something positive in my life, or in any situation even though it may seem there is none. So for that reason, it’s hard to me to completely take a liking to Kaycee. I found myself constantly sighing at her because I wished she was able to open her eyes and realize that there are so many people who love her and are rooting for her, much sooner. Of course, eventually she did. But for most of the book she was constantly doubting herself, doubting everyone’s intentions towards her, etc. I really hope I don’t anger anyone by saying this, I truly don’t have any bad intentions.

I also felt like the dialogue was kinda surface level, lacking in depth. But that is something that I can overlook. The whole purpose of this book was to show that those with depression can overcome their lowest moments. They can use those moments as a spark in their fire. I feel that KM Ryan did an amazing job in depicting that. Kaycee really had so much personal growth, and I appreciate a good display of growth.

Also the romance in this book is a slow slow burn, but I didn’t mind because I don’t see the romance as being a core theme of the book. Again, I think the book was really all about the struggles of depression and overcoming it. All in all I enjoyed reading Save Me, and I do recommend this read. But please please please research the trigger warnings before picking it up. It’s not for everyone.

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3APZGN2.











After the death of her mother Kaycee moved away from Chicago hoping that a change of scenery would help. Instead she felt more alone than ever and was planning to end it all. If it hadn't been for Jake and Grant she would have died. However, sometimes new friendships develop when we need them most and this one could not have come at a better time. But are they helping her because they want to make themselves feel better or because they genuinely want her in their lives? When she cooks breakfast for them they and Janelle convince her to start a cooking blog which soon opens a new pathway of good and bad. Can there be a balance or will the spiral begin again?
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read a couple other books by K. M. Ryan so I accepted this review request without reading the synopsis. I have a tendency to do that and sometimes it leads to regret. I'm not sure that I would have accepted this book based on the synopsis if I had. I tend to give a wide berth to mental illness books. Especially depression because I have it and it's really hard to read about it when you're having a dark day. There were multiple days during the time I had this book I had to put it to the side and just not touch it because you can't when you're in that mindset. It's just not a thing.

That being said this was a great read. It accurately displays depression and anxiety making the character relatable. It is interesting to see from the perspective of someone who doesn't have depression spending time with someone who does and how their brains work differently attacking the same problems. This book is very well written and I hope for all the best for the characters within. This is a series I would like to continue when more come out as the next book is featuring Robyn, who was my favorite character in this book.

The bookstore in it is also great and I loved that the author added one of her characters from her book, The Reunion, into it. A brief mention, but it still counts. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, but ends on a bright point. As always, no complaints about this author or the wonderful romances she paints.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to K. M. Ryan for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Trigger warning: This book deals with attempted suicide, loss of a parent, depression, and may not be for all readers.

I'll be honest, I had no idea what I was getting into reading this book. K. M. Ryan is an Indie author that I LOVE supporting and have read many of her books, so when there was a chance to read and review this book, I was excited to dive in.

First of all, one thing you need to know is that this book deals with heavy situations, but is not a dark book. It's incredibly uplifting while still being real and bringing to light the struggles of people who deal with mental health issues. It's not a secret that many in our society (myself included) have our own battles with mental health. K.M Ryan states in her author's note at the end that this story comes from a personal place and she knows first hand what Kaycee has been through. Opening herself up to her readers is truly amazing and I'm touched that she would consider letting us in on that aspect of her life.

Since she's lived and dealt with depression, I believe that it makes this story that much more emotionally impactful. Kaycee is a female character that we can all see a little bit of ourselves in and is someone that we'll all cheer for. When she succeeds, I think a part of us can feel that little bit of bubbly inside. Jake is the man that falls for her, flaws and all. He's so supportive and is an active learner in how to comfort and empower Kaycee. He doesn't coddle her, make her feel bad about her intrusive thoughts or force her to get help. He's patient, loving and her biggest supporter.

There was not a lot of spice, but let me tell you, this book was about SO MUCH more than a sexual relationship. It was a story of overcoming the darkest time in Kaycee's life her coming out on top, a little bent and still working to be better, but living the life she deserved. Read this book with care if you or someone you know struggles with Depression, but know going into it that it's an uplifting and hopeful story with a beautiful Happily Ever After.

[Erin Chudzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝔸ℝℂ 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨✨

Title: Save Me

Author: K.M Ryan

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Pub Date: August 19th, 2022

Content Warning: attempts of suicide, depression, anxiety and mental health

Well I just adored this book. We follow along a girl named Kaycee who is struggling with depression and anxiety. After her mother passes away she starts to spiral and leads to try and attempt ending her own life. After attempting to jump 2 men Grant and Jake that save her. After they try and help, we follow Kaycee’s recovery and the beautiful love story that unfolds between Jake and her.

This book had me in all the feels. I was sad, angry, happy and so much more. I love how the author writes about mental health and how the character struggles through and finds a way to cope.

I want to thank the author K.M Ryan for this amazing Arc, it was absolutely beautiful

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

One great thing about this book: it was not formulaic. There is nothing cute about how Kaycee and Jake meet. The author gives us a painfully realistic look at the inside of depression and anxiety as Kaycee suffers through them. Her friends save her, and she saves herself. However, one of the characters is a school counselor. Why doesn't he insist that she start therapy immediately? Why doesn't she take meds, at least for a while? The romance is a very slow burn, and both want more long before they talk about it, but it is sweet. The author shows Jake as the perfect guy who will wait forever for Kaycee if that is what she needs. I wish there were more Jakes in real life. Although this is a good story, it is long and slow. Take your time.
I received an ARC via StoryOrigin and left this review voluntarily.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author.I really liked the story and I enjoyed it however the reason I am giving it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. If you love powerful storylines, this is the perfect choice.
I received an ARC copy of this book through StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest voluntary review.

[Erin Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save me is such a beautiful and hopefully book. I am so glad I gave this book a shot . This book hit so close to home. I loved the found family and the romance was adorable too. I highly recommend this one .

Trigger warnings for suicide attempts , suicidal thoughts , grief , and death of a parent .

[Marissa Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed save me, being someone that once thought about ending it all, it felt relatable! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!

[Cortnie Duffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story. It made me cry a lot because it related to issues I also struggle with. It was well written and had a wonderful ending. I am excited to read more of her books.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved books that start with turmoil or conflict and 'Save Me' is one of those books.

Kaycee, our FMC, determined to end her life within the first pages of the book. *do read TW, everyone*
Two men seem to be at the right place at the right time and eagerly pull Kaycee away from her end - they have a not so typical solution (or healing path) for her. I enjoyed how all the friendships grew throughout this book and how Kaycee could see and feel that people around her did care about her and that her life wasn't as meaningless as she had convinced herself that it was.

Jake is one of the most patient men I have ever read - he really does want Kaycee to succeed in this book. I found at times, when he was worried about her trying to hurt herself too much, that the caution he took was too much and I wanted him to fully believe that she was healing. As their relationship bloomed, I found that they were wonderful for each other.

I did have to put this book down to breathe because some of the thoughts Kaycee had and feelings are ones I have personally experienced. It made me sit back at think about those moments and how things have changed and I saw a piece of me in this character.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Save Me

Author: K. M Ryan

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Number of pages: 393

Characters: Kaycee, Jake, Grant, Janelle, etc

Released date: August 19th

I want to thank the author K.M. Ryan for giving me an ARC of this amazing book

Warning ~ this book contains suicide attempts and includes mental health

We focus on our main female lead Kaycee who is going through depression. She doesn't have anyone who she could rely on until Grant and Jake save her. Kaycee then meets many friends that she could rely on and trust.

What first made me want to get an ARC of this book was the synopsis. I really wanted to read it and I'm glad I got the chance.

This book was an amazing read for me. It made me feel many emotions while reading it. I liked all characters and the friendship they had. I'm happy that this book focuses on mental health. At first, I thought that the book would only focus on mental health in the first half and I'm glad I was wrong. I definitely recommend this book.