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You and Me #5

Saving Me

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I thought she was my forever.
But instead, my heart broke into a million pieces. And so did my life.
Until I met her. Kinsley Sweet.
Her light, her laugh, her beautiful smile- all of it fills up a part of me that’s missing. Makes the jagged pieces of my heart smooth, slowly filling in the cracks and holes.
Yet when our lives take a drastic turn and unexpected news drops a life altering bomb, my broken heart starts to crack once again.
Maybe we aren’t meant to be. Maybe my wounds are too big.
And maybe I’ll never find just what I’m looking for.

“What kind of man sits by watching his forever sit at another’s man’s bedside. A generous one, with a heart that may have its own battle wounds, but shines brightly and deserves to find its own happiness.” Goodreads Review of the You & Me Series

*Please Note- It is possible to read as a standalone but will contain spoilers to the first three books in the series and is strongly suggested the series be read in order
Tropes included (in case of any triggers)- forbidden romance, mental health, surprise baby, forced proximity.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2023

1604 people want to read

About the author

Lyssa Cole

33 books885 followers
Lyssa Cole has been in love with books for as long as she can remember. Escaping into a story is her favorite pastime. Wanting to be a writer for a couple years, she is now crafting her own stories. She loves to write angsty & sexy romance with lots of heat and some suspense to keep you guessing and wanting to turn that page! She lives in Southeastern Mass with her boyfriend, two children, and two dogs. Lover of coffee, all things chocolate, & always the avid reader, you can keep up with Lyssa Cole by subscribing to her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NLsignuplyssacole.

You can also find her at www.lyssacolebooks.com or www.facebook.com/lyssacolebooks.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2022
It’s been a while since I got to read anything by the talented Lyssa Cole, and as always I fell in love with her writing all over again as she’s extremely talented at gripping her audience and making them love her worlds she creates.
Most people will remember Dean from the previous books as he did play quite a big part and you couldn’t help but want things to work out for him, but as you can imagine things don’t always turn out to be easy the first-time round, they’ve got to go through a bit of pain and heartbreak first. However, the way that Lyssa wrote Dean’s story was honestly perfect, as you see how things currently are ever since things were turned upside down in his world and honestly not everyone is perfect and we learn that in this book especially with Dean that whilst he is a good guy, there is a lot about him that we honestly don’t know and didn’t expect that he deals with.
Kingsley is such a sweet girl and you can’t help but fall in love with her sweet, witty, charming personality and if anything she deserved to have the best things in life. I love how Lyssa wrote her as honestly she was such an amazing character, but then again Lyssa always manages to write characters who you can’t help but just fall in love with.
I love everything that Lyssa did when it came to this book, it was great getting to see how things progressed for Dean as he always fascinated me even in the beginning, but now that we get to see things from his eyes I love at how much thought went into his story.
It’s clear that with each book that Lyssa writes, she is extremely talented and that her writing improves with each book she writes, but in all honesty her writing doesn’t need to improve because she is just talented no matter what she writes about.
I honestly couldn’t fault the story and I was hooked from the very first page, I’m just so happy that Lyssa wrote Dean’s journey because he deserved to have his own book.
I have no idea if Lyssa plans to write any more books for this series, but either way I know I’ll be looking forward to whatever else she releases as I love her work just that much.

Dean has a big heart, he will do anything he can to help those out, he likes being able to fix people too, however after Raina broke his heart things haven’t been the same for him as he doesn’t believe in love anymore. But at the same time, he knew that getting involved with Raina was always going to be doomed from the start due to her being in love with someone else.
Now that he’s sworn off love, he is doing his best to make sure that he can do his best for his mom, but as luck would have it, she’s being moved away from him and he’s not going to be able to see her as often as he does now. With her being close he was able to fit work around her because she is his only family he has left, and that’s important to him.
However, he can’t help but catch the eye of the nurse who was registered as his mom’s new carer, but he has sworn off love for good, but when it becomes apparent that she will need to go and make sure Dean’s mom is settled into her new facility, he has no idea what is instore for them both.
Will Kingsley be the best thing to happen to him in such his darkest moments???
Will moving his mom be the best choice or is that set to be a decision that doesn’t work out for everyone????
Profile Image for Laura Carter-Alexander.
562 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2022
Saving Me is Book 5 in the You and Me series and it is Dean’s turn to find his HEA. After having his heart broken and being used by Raina, I so hoped he would get his well deserved love of his own.

Dean has been my favorite character since he was introduced in Book 2. His loyalty was what caught my attention even if at times I wanted to shake him to make him realise he deserved so much better than what he got from Raina. My heart broke as I read through the heartbreak that Dean suffered on top of what he already felt and the guilt he suffered after everything as said and done. I felt it acutely when his heart shattered. He reached out for the one person who he needed and I think opened his eyes a little even if he didn’t realise it at the time. Then his outburst when he got shocking news on top of his heartbreaking loss was too much and he lashed out hurting both himself and Kinsey.

Kinsley was strong and sassy. She has been through so much already, and suffered even more in this book. I felt that she could have stepped up and took initiative when Dean went radio silent when he didn’t. It felt like she believed he should have been the one to reach out first which made me want to shake her. Then when she had a curveball thrown at her, I got a little angry with her reasoning when she made her decision because it shouldn’t have just been her decision but that didn’t take anything away from the story.

The cameo from Raina annoyed me a little as I feel like he had a right to be angry at her and should have said a lot more than he did. And him opening up to her like that seemed a little too quick when he was furious with her seconds before. I think Raina should have done a lot of groveling as she had caused so much harm with her actions that it would have been better if there was a longer discussion between them. No doubt she would have kept their meeting a secret from Levi if we had seen that part as is her usual M.O.

Anyway. Back to the main event. Dean and Kinsey. I loved seeing them together. They were a good match and their connection was strong and instant. Their attraction was sizzling hot and their chemistry on fire. They went through their own ups and downs like any relationship, and had many communication issues but they got their heads together in the end to give themselves their well deserved HEA.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,771 reviews50 followers
July 1, 2022
I could not put this book down! Dean and Kinsley’s story is filled with so much emotional turmoil that tissues are needed. They meet after he has already had his broken and sworn to avoid any more relationships. As his mentally ill mother’s social worker, Kinsley should be off limits any way, but somehow despite his rather grim life and his mother’s situation, Kinsley brings light into Dean’s life. Meeting about his mother’s care, leads to getting to know each other better, a fierce attraction and then giving into their desires. Just when they begin to think of a future together, a horrific incident and an unexpected gift throws everything into turmoil, and seemingly upends their relationship. Is there only heartbreak and grief in their future? Can they leave the pain behind and reach toward love and each other?

There is a happily ever after for this fascinating couple, a very well deserved and hard fought for one. Their relationship journey is more heartwrenching then most, but it is also more memorable. I will definitely be reading more written books by this author. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


193 reviews
July 5, 2022
This is the fifth story in the series and I would high suggest reading the other 4 books before reading this one in order to understand Dean’s character. Dean is a good guy with a warm and generous heart. He fell in love with Raina who shattered his heart. Dean’s only family is his Mother who has been committed to a psychiatric facility. Dean visits her often and his highly involved in her care and his Mother has become his whole world. Then he meets Kinsley, his mother’s new social worker. The attraction is instant but both do not want to emotionally engage. Suddenly Dean suffers a heartbreaking loss and unexpected news that shatters his potential relationship with Kingsley. I was totally absorbed by this highly emotional and heart wrenching story. Both Dean and Kingsley have to fight for their HEA and their journey is definitely worth reading. This is a beautiful tale and I am glad that Dean finally got his story. I truly love this series by Lyssa Cole! I received an ARC for an honest review.
2,523 reviews21 followers
July 3, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SAVING ME" WOW!!! This is one emotional heartwrenching story dealing with heartbreak, angst, emotional turmoil, passion, mental illness, grief, surprises, intrigue, it hooks you to the end.
Dean has been destroyed once by a relationship not interested to go there again until he meets Kingsley his mother's care giver he knows she's off limits but the more time they spend together their feelings grow.
Dean & Kinsley's chemistry sizzle but their relationship doesn't run smoothly especially after a drastic turn, unexpected news can destroy everything they have he can feel his heart break all over once again.
I definitely recommend to get this heartwrenching story so well worth the read will Dean & Kinsley get their HEA you must get this book to see what happens it wo t disappoint I thoroughly enjoyed their story. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,641 reviews
September 26, 2022
Book 5 in the You and Me series by Lyssa Cole and it was Dean’s turn. He has been in each book in a supporting role since book 2 and now it is finally his story. Dean met Kingsley after the heartbreak that he suffered thanks to Raina so he wasn’t in the right state of mind to even think about a romance. Kingsley captivated him and the attraction between them was instant but both stayed away from it. It wasn’t the right time but when they did get together it was magical until a loss and unexpected news threatened their relationship. They fought hard to get their HEA and when it finally happened it was worth the emotional roller coaster that you will be on with this story. Love her stories and so happy I found her books. Can’t wait to read what she has coming up next.
Profile Image for A.
349 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
As i was patiently waiting for Deans story to be released i thought his story would be he pines over Raina then meets a new girl and they live happily ever after…boy was I wrong. There was so many parts of this story that made me sad, happy and wow I couldn’t believe it. I love how sweet and “damaged” Kingsley is her story fits so well with Deans. I was kind of hoping for a different outcome for Olive her ending I wished was written differently but that last because I love HEA on all ends but overall, It was a great story that i enjoyed.. I would say to understand Dean better you should read all of the books in series before you tackle this one.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,782 reviews175 followers
July 2, 2022
This is not your typical love story - yes, boy meets girl, sparks happen and they fall in love - yadda, yadda, yadda. Instead of all the fluff and romance Lyssa Cole breaks her characters hearts, stomps all over them and then piece by piece puts them back together again. This was an emotional tale filled with heart breaking moments intertwined around dealing with mental health issues. She also throws in growing up alone and facing a future that you never knew you wanted. Dean and Kinsley's story should not be missed. I feel this one is the best thus far in the series. I hope we get snippets of their love story in future books.
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,123 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2022
What A Great Book!

Oh my heart. Dean and Kinsley are just perfect for each other! They both have been through so much before each other and with each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and their caring hearts were just perfect for each other!

I loved how loyal and loving Dean was to his mother, and how he worked hard to prove himself to Kinsley. I loved how empathetic Kinsley was towards Dean and his mother and how she finally gave him the chance to prove himself.

I hope there is a bonus epilogue or a story for Shay so we can see more of Kinsley and Dean! I can’t wait to see what else Lyssa has in store for us!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
894 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2022
Very real emotions, but a clueless leading man!
So many times during the reading of this book did I want to pull Dean aside and smack him, men can be so clueless sometimes but that's one of the reasons that Ms. Cole's writing is worth reading, it's real; real reactions to situations and real emotions, and this book has a roller-coaster of emotions. An awful situation with Dean's mother brings him and Kingsley together and their relationship experiences great highs and some fabulous moments, but also lots of misdirected anger and misunderstandings. The ending took me by surprise, it was a little too sudden for my liking, albeit a fulfilling conclusion. A worthwhile reading experience that won't take long to get through. While this is the 5th book in the series, it’s the first I’ve read, maybe I’d understand Dean more if I had read the first 4 and understood his background better. The man may have exasperated me at times, but he got there in the end.
331 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2022
Saving Me was a great read from start to finish. Oh my! Poor Dean. My heart broke for him. Having so much on his plate but then meeting the smart and beautiful social worker, Kinsley helped him. They had this connection they couldn't deny then he messed up. Their journey together wasn't easy but they were meant to be. This book was great! Full of emotion, angst, love and the ending was just right too!
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,763 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2022
I really enjoyed Dean and Kinsley's trip getting to know each other from NYC to the mental health hospital in North Carolina where they transferred his mother. And the extended trip back was even more fun as they got to know each other intimately! But there were real downers these two had to face on top of the unfair losses they already had suffered in their lives. I wish the ending had not been so rushed. The HEA didn't convince that it would weather the next storm!
1,177 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2022
Wow! This one will definitely not be made into a Disney story. The story of Dean and Kingsley was full of emotions, turmoil and angst. These characters go through it all and I felt their emotions in the writing. This is a stand alone and the first in the series that I read. I feel l may have gotten more out of it if I started from the beginning, yet it’s not necessary. I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
July 1, 2022
I'll warn you before you dive in, this one is rich with angst, emotion and heart-tugging! Dean and Kinsley’s story is a powerhouse of poignant feels that quite honestly are aiming to put a vicious squeeze on your heart and leave you an emotional wreck but really happy about it (and if you are anything like me, it is going to succeed magnificently!!). This is my frank, freely posted review.
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,557 reviews16 followers
July 1, 2022
Dean, you have finally won me over and I am SO happy you got your HEA!!

I wasn’t a fan of Dean’s since first meeting him in Ghostin’ You, You & Me Book Two, then again I was rooting for Levi from the very beginning.

I’ve loved every book/word I’ve read so far by Lyssa Come and I can’t wait for more by her. Lyssa, you rock girl!! 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Barbara.
3,368 reviews78 followers
July 6, 2022
I would commend binging this as a series in order, as this adult contemporary urban romance, set mainly in New York City, has spoilers for earlier books in the series, although it does work fine as a standalone and can be read in a day. I had an ARC via Bookfunnel and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Debbie.
482 reviews
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed this story, it was loving and sweet with a few tears thrown in.

This is Dean’s story, and if you’ve read the previous four books you will understand more about his character.

Dean is determined not to have another relationship after having his heart broken by Raina, but fate has other ideas. He is a good man, and deserves happiness, but his main priority is his sick mother who is in a psychiatric hospital. Whilst visiting her he meets Kinsley, and sparks fly. They both know they shouldn’t start a relationship but love has different ideas.

Tragedy, hardship and destiny all play a role in this couples love story.
195 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2022
The only reason this isn't a 5 star for me is because the pacing of the book felt slow in the beginning BUT aside from that...WOW!! What an emotional ride! Kingsley and Dean really went through all the angsty heartache with a heaping dose of gut wrenching turmoil all while dealing with out side forces. Their HEA was truly hard one.
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,125 reviews21 followers
July 2, 2022
I always hated the way Raina hurt Dean, I would of picked him. Now it's his mum he's having to deal with, her mental illness is worsening and he's all she has, well him and the cute social worker . I'm pleased too say Dean gets his HEA but it's not a easy road they travel.
Profile Image for Cali Gal’s.
1,224 reviews146 followers
July 5, 2022
I’m not crying…

This story is good. I love the characters and they break my heart. My only comment is I wanted a bit more. It felt rushed in a couple places. I love this series and was glad to go back into this world. Wink.

Happy Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,545 reviews52 followers
July 11, 2022
This is the aving Me is Book 5 in the You and Me series and it is Dean’s turn to find his HEA. This story has so much emotional roller coaster ride of down falls that Dean sees a little light in his moms caretaker. This is a beautiful written story. Amazing series to read.
Profile Image for Lena.
1,735 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2022
What a rollercoaster of emotions!
Living is not always easy and Dean and Kinsley got more than enough of bad experiences in their life. Despite that, they got something good in also. I loved their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,295 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2022
Book #5 in this incredible series and I am hopelessly in love with this series. Amazing storytelling, great characters and chemistry and so good.
Profile Image for Bethany McNease.
365 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2022
The chemistry that Dean and Kinsley had was off the charts! There were ups and downs in their relationship mostly with each of them getting stuck in their own heads. I could not put this book down!
Profile Image for Raquel.
1,332 reviews40 followers
July 17, 2022
Entrei no grupo de ARC (Advance Readers Copy) desta autora, e claro que comecei por ler o 5 livro, agora quero ver se vou ler os anteriores. Neste livro temos o Dean, que vê a sua mãe mal de saúde, e acabam por lhe transmitir que ela terá que ir para a outra ponta do País para receber o melhor tratamento, e acaba por levar uma cuidadora que é nada mais, nada menos do que a Kinsley. Os dois vão no mesmo carro, e vão se aproximando lentamente, e depois de deixar a mãe numa espécie de lar, acabam por regressar, mas os dois decidem prolongar um pouco a sua viagem de regresso, e acabam por inevitavelmente por se envolver. É uma história bem bonita, que me fez por algumas vezes querer bater no Dean por ser parvo, mas para primeira vez com esta autora, posso dizer que adorei.

https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Nikki.
647 reviews17 followers
July 16, 2022
This is the 5th book in the You & Me series and the first book that I’ve read by this author. I have to admit I was reeled in to this story. It does touch in some hard topics to some so please check your trigger warnings. I will definitely be going back and reading the first 4 books.

Life hasn’t been easy for Dean. But then he meets his moms social worker Kinsley. These two are thrust into forced proximity. They end up falling for each other though neither one wants to or is ready for a relationship. Throw in some hurtful words, everything is torn apart. Will these two be able to forgive and move forward?

Such an emotional rollercoaster. This book will break your heart and mend it back together. Full of heartbreak, emotions, angst, drama, chemistry, live and so much more. Cole does an amazing job of portraying mental health issues and it’s written so beautifully. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
986 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2022
I could not put this book down. I was wondering what would happen to Dean after previous books in this series and he finally got his story! His and Kinsley's story is such a slow build up but their attraction is epic. I love it so much!
896 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2022
Loved it!!!

Finally sweet Dean gets his happily ever after! His story was so much more raw and emotional than I was expecting. He's been though so much and my heart just broke for him. I loved Kinsley. What a shining light she was. She also got dealt a bad hand but continued to be such a positive person. I loved this story and enjoyed going on this journey with Dean and Kinsley to finding their happily ever after. Definitely 5 stars!
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,557 reviews16 followers
July 20, 2022
Dean, you have finally won me over and I am SO happy you got your HEA!!

I wasn’t a fan of Dean’s since first meeting him in Ghostin’ You, You & Me Book Two, then again I was rooting for Levi from the very beginning.

I’ve loved every book/word I’ve read so far by Lyssa Come and I can’t wait for more by her. Lyssa, you rock girl!! 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
September 18, 2022
Dean has been through so much and after the devastation of giving his heart to the wrong person he is determined to never repeat the experience. Instead he will focus on his mom and being the son she needs him to be however he was unprepared for the feelings that Kinsley would inspire.

Kinsley is feisty, fiery and has a past of her own. Despite the fact that neither is looking for love or a relationship there is no denying the chemistry and connection between them however their journey isn’t without its turmoil.

Kinsley and Dean take us on an emotional ride that isn’t without its challenges as they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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