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At eighteen, I chose to join the Marines, just like my great grandpop. The easiest part was telling my parents…but the hardest was telling the woman I loved and leaving her behind.⁣

Now, I’m a civilian trying to find my place stateside, and I end up back home in River Falls. For ten years I never stopped loving Cassie Newton, and when I see her again, it only solidifies my resolve for a second chance. ⁣

As my demons threaten to consume me, she proves again and again why she’s always been my saving grace. We may have missed our chance all those years ago, but Marines never quit, and I’ll be damned if I ever let her go again.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2022

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About the author

Amanda Carol

18 books241 followers
Hello fellow readers, my name is Amanda. I’m a multi-genre author, and reader, living in Maryland with my 11-year-old Yorkie Raven. When I’m not writing, I’m a homebody who likes to go out on small adventures. Traveling to new places and seeing new things lets me bring some realism to the experiences of my characters.

I published my first novel in July 2019, but writing has always been a creative outlet for me. I love creating different characters and then throwing them into situations and seeing how they react. Doing this resulted in my paranormal series full of wolf shifters, vampires, and witches, my currently in progress contemporary series about first responders, random short stories, and even a horror movie script when I was in 8th Grade, and I don’t even like horror movies! When I sit down to write, I have a general idea of what’s going to happen but it’s as much a surprise to me as it is to you where the road will take them, and it’s always a roller coaster of emotions.

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5 stars
28 (62%)
4 stars
11 (24%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Penny.
450 reviews51 followers
July 16, 2023
I wish more people knew about this series because the books are actually good and well written. I hope the next book will come out soon. 4 ⭐
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,145 reviews30 followers
May 6, 2022
*****5 Moose Stars*****
Amanda Carol is a new author to me and I absolutely loved this book just as much as the first one. Cassie and Dylan story will break your heart be prepared for your heart to be put through the ringer. Cassie and Dylan were high school sweethearts with big plans Dylan Off to boot camp and Cassie at college and see each when they can and then have the future they were planning. Then things go left fast forward years later. Dylan is now a detective and he struggles with PTSD and missing Cassie. Life has funny way throwing you a curve ball. So when Cassie and Dylan’s cross path again Dylan not willing to let Cassie slip through his fingers again even if it means friendship is all that can be. Dylan finds himself struggling and can’t bear to share the weight on his shoulders. Cassie trying to keep her feeling under wrap but when see’s Dylan struggling she puts her feeling aside to try help him anyway she can. Can this two find peace? Will Dylan and Cassie find their way back? I loved this book I can’t wait for more.

*****ARC from Peachy Keen Author Services for review*****
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
820 reviews22 followers
May 3, 2022

Ok so I've been waiting for this book for a while and let me tell you the wait was well worth it because Amanda Carol delivered an emotional military/second chance at romance were the couple first had to face heartbreak, loss and healing before finding their happy ever after. In other words, prepare yourself because this story is a rollercoaster of emotions.

Cassie and Dylan were high school sweethearts who were hoping for a future together but destiny had other plans for them and Dylan goes to serve in the marines while Cassie stays with a broken heart. Years later Dylan is back , but he is not the same man Cassie once knew.

My heart goes for Dylan, as an ex marine he has seen an experienced horrible things while serving, he suffers from PTSD and carries guilt for leaving Cassie the way he did. Luckily for him Cassie never stop loving him and she is there when he needs it the most.

This was a beautiful story and I can't wait for the next book in the series.


Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
688 reviews
May 8, 2022
The wait was so fecking worth it !!!

And here I was, thinking this story will be easy on me…… 😭😭😭

Did not put it down…..

My heart was breaking for Dylan!! Cassie!!!

Will we see more of Ford?




I received an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Ash Lovesbooks.
168 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2022
This book is part of a series and while it can be read as a standalone it should be read in order for the best understanding and secondary character(s) backgrounds. Saving Grace (Heroes of River Falls #2) was worth the wait! This book is not only a fantastic second chance romance it also is extremely well written. The author took the time to research and get actual feedback from veterans (especially those that suffer from PTSD) and it shows! As a veteran I was touched by the amount of knowledge and emotions she included in this book to thank her personally.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
820 reviews46 followers
June 8, 2022
฿ØØ₭ ⱤɆVłɆ₩

🎖𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄🎖⁣

This is the second book that I have read by this author and this an amazing series. This is a Heroes of River Falls book #2 it is part of a series but can also be read as a stand-alone.

This is Cassie and Dylan's story and they go through so much. They were together and so much in love when they were younger and some how they end up apart. Years pass and it seems like they are leading totally different lives, well that is until they end up seeing each other again
Dylan is an ex marine and is suffering from PTSD. He needs Cassie in his life more than even he realises. He is a detective and is trying hard to do what's right.

This book has it all the drama, the suspense, the emotional heart ache and loss and all the twists and turns.
I loved how this author has written both of these characters and how she has brought them both to life and made them realistic to the reader and after everything that they have both been through I was really rooting for them both.

#bookreview #savinggrace #amandacarolbooks
#GuardedSouls #AmandaCarol #heroesofriverfalls #romanticsuspense #readromance #triggers #bookblogger #ReviewsHelpAuthors #booklover #bookseries #book1 #bookreview #kindleunlimited #amazonreads #amandacarol #savingrace #heroesofriverfalls #secondchanceromance #militaryromance #spicyreads #books #bookstagram #musthavebook #bookseries #contemporyromancebooks #angstyreads #makemecry #sexybooks
Profile Image for Brooke Nicole.
Author 2 books11 followers
May 2, 2022
The story of Cassie and Dylan was great. It’s a second chance romance without unnecessary drama … The conflicts and struggles were all applicable to move the storyline in the way it needed. A lot of the book focuses on the backstory and healing process of Dylan (and what drove him and Cassie apart in the first place).

The romance/love is there throughout and spice starts after the halfway mark. And it’s good stuff, a little kinky, but not extreme. 🌶🌶🌶/5.

I love that Amanda Carol develops characters and puts a good story on the page. I enjoy details and plot in my books… if you do as well, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Pat Labrie.
407 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2022
I absolutely loved Cassie's and Dylan's story. It was a rollercoaster rider of emotions. It made me tear up and laugh. I loved his Marine Buddy's and all of their friends. I love being back in River Falls. Can't wait for the next book
May 2, 2022
Being new to Ms.Carol's work i've been looking forward to picking up her books! As soon as this one was announced it caught my eye right away. I started reading it as soon as i could and got into the Heroes of River Falls world! I so enjoyed this story!

Dylan and Cassie's journey was quick to capture my attention! As these two are brought back into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out for them.

I really liked how these two had history. I was glad that i got to dig deeper with both of these characters. Whether it was things in their life, their feelings, or anything in-between, i enjoyed getting to see these two tackle things. I loved their chemistry and the way they made me feel so much!

With Saving Grace, Ms.Carol has created such a good read with realness and feels that will pull you in! I can't wait to go back and read the first installment, Guarded Souls! So looking forward to more from this author and this series!💙


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Peachy Keen Author Services / the author*
Profile Image for Sarah.
25 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2022
I am a sucker for a second chance, military romance.

When they were in high school, Cassie and Dylan had planned on getting married before Dylan went to boot camp. Those plans were thrown away when Dylan shattered Cassie’s heart. Years later, Dylan is now a detective and he struggles with PTSD. He still loves Cassie, but is that enough to win her back.

I liked that this didn’t have the third act breakup (you all know what I’m talking about). Their relationship progressed, while Dylan learned to cope with his mental illness.

3/5🌶this was spicier than the first one👀. Dylan is much spicier than Dean.

GIVE MY MAN FORD A BOOK!!!! The man deserved his own love story. He should also be real and marry me.

Thank you to peachykeen and the author for this arc!
Profile Image for Nykky Bee.
20 reviews
May 6, 2022
This book is an absolute 5 star!!! The author did an amazing job on this second chance romance. She did an amazing job of showing how their pasts are affecting their everyday lives and how they are working to get passed them. The book moves at a great pace and once you start reading it, you won't want to stop. She does a great job at making everything realistic enough that you can feel like you are really part of the story.

On a side note, those spicy scene....daaaaaaamn! They are later in the book and they are goooooood!
Profile Image for Melinda Dollhopf.
87 reviews20 followers
December 28, 2022
Sigh. This book put me in all the feels.

Dylan and Cassie were high school sweethearts, and planned to be together forever. When Dylan decided to join the Marines, he chose to sit down with Cassie's father and ask for her hand in marriage. Things didn't go as planned and they spent 8 years broken hearted. Dylan decided to come home and take a job with the local law enforcement, assuming Cassie was already married and had started her life. Little did he know what would transpire in his life the months going forward.

Trigger warning: PTSD/suicide
1,750 reviews20 followers
May 3, 2022
Cassie and Dylan had history till he went into the marines for 10 years, now he's back and he wants her.
Explosive, intense and way dramatic this book had to all. The Romance and steamy moments were wonderful and i really loved this story of a returned soldier who wants the girl.
Well written with a wonderful storyline this book can't be paused highly enough. Great story!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Laura Beltran.
642 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2022
The power of love

This is a wonderful second chance romance! I love Dylan and Cassie . Their story shows the power that love can have. Not only between them but the power of the love of their friends and family. Also I love that the story show family is not necessarily who we are related to but what we make it. This wad my first book by Amanda Carol and I fell in love with River Falls. I will go back and read the first book in the series and I can't wait for more.
2,068 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2022
Good read

This was a great 2nd chance romance with no unnecessary angst or drama. It does cover the topic of PTSD of a veteran which is a heavy one but an important topic that could always use more attention. Looking forward to more in this world as there are many great characters.
Profile Image for Rumi.
222 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2022
I knew Dylan and Cassie’s story was going to be an angsty one from the moment I read the prologue – but boy was I in for a ride!

Dyl and Cass complete each other in a way no one else can and I was rooting for them from the start.

I can’t see where Amanda takes us with the rest of the series!
206 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2022
I loved Dylan & Cassie's story. The love and tragedy these 2 went through and came back from was just beautiful. I loved reading every step they took and that ending just wanted my heart even more. All the twists and turns kept me pulled in and I couldn't put it down once started.
300 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2022
Get ready to bawl your eyes out! It's that good.
Profile Image for Florence ..
893 reviews261 followers
May 5, 2022
4.25 stars

Cassie and Dylan were high school sweethearts. But Dylan left to be a Marine at 18 and he broke Cassie’s heart at the same time. Now it’s been 10 years since then. And Dylan is back in town. They never got over each other and they fall in love all over again.

I started crying during the prologue of this book and I pretty much cried at least once every chapter after that. This book just made me so emotional and it was a ride to read, but one I loved.

I absolutely adore pining in books. And there was so much pining in this book and I loved every second of it. I loved how they were always in each other’s thoughts, it was just so sweet and lovely to read about.

I really loved the relationship in this book. Cassie and Dylan were just so well suited. And I loved the relationship development in this book. I just loved how they slowly but surely rebuilt their relationship, that just really worked for me.

Also, I just loved their communication so much. I loved how they easily talked to each other about everything, that just really worked for me.

One of my favourite thing in books is representation. Dylan has PTSD I absolutely loved how it was shown in this book. I loved how present it was in Dylan’s life and how it seemed to affect his every move, it was very realistic to the situation he was in and it really worked for me. I really loved this representation of PTSD and it seemed super well done to me. I also really loved how much care the author tackled this topic. Also, special mention on the emphasis this book put on Dylan getting help and therapy, I loved that so much.

Also, I just adored how much of a support Cassie was for Dylan. I loved how she was always there for him, that was just so sweet to me.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
899 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2022
A great book

This is a new author for me and I'm loving her books. I couldn’t put it down. “Second chances start by coming home.” “Every breath I took over there and every breath I take now is for her.” But I hurt her bad and she deserves someone who isn’t broken. “All it takes is one second for your life to change, and it always happens when you least expect it.”

Dylan was a former Marine. He applied to the police academy as soon as he got out. His one regret in life was when he broke up with Cassie. Not a day had gone by where she didn’t cross my thoughts. Dylan was spiraling out of control. “My head was just full of noise that I couldn’t seem to shake unless I was awake. I just want the noise to stop.” He was showing obvious signs of PTSD, but refused to ask for help.

Cassie was finally dating. It had taken her years to finally get to a place where she was ready to give my heart to another. “When Dylan left all those years ago, I never thought in a million years I’d ever see him again.” Now he's back and I don't know how I feel about that. No matter how hard I tried to fight it, I still cared about him. But now I'm worried about him, he looks terrible. He needs help but I don’t know what I can do. We aren’t close, I’d barely consider us friends at this point.
Profile Image for Amanda Carol.
Author 18 books241 followers
Read
July 9, 2022
Saving Grace is book two in my Heroes of River Falls series. It's a second chance romance with an ex-Marine hero who is dealing with PTSD from his time over seas. It's been ten years since he last saw the love of his life Cassie Newton and she is still heartbroken over their break-up. As he spirals, Cassie realizes that she never stopped loving him & will do anything to make sure he gets the help that he needs in order to cope with his trauma.

Out of all my books, this story was the hardest to write and most emotional. There were times when I was writing certain scenes that I was crying. But the one thing I did not want to do was gloss over Dylan's PTSD. I wanted it to feel real, because it is real. Dylan represents so many service men and women who are suffering with this disorder. I personally know a few, so I knew I had to treat this with the utmost care. I hope that this book takes you on an emotional journey like it did me, and in the end, you'll be crying happy tears for Cassie & Dylan.
88 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
Good, another HEA ending like I like. Could have done without the drama in the convenience store though, just seems like these girls cannot live without having a near death experience where their man has to be the one to rescue them. My husband is a LEA, and I can honestly say he has never had to rescue me, nor have any of the other spouses I know! LOL! But now both this book and the first in the series, both women had to be rescued by their men.

Did open my eyes more to PTSD tho, which is appreciated. I definitely felt bad for Dylan (and Dean in the previous book). Their demons are difficult to put behind them and move forward.

I do hope Amanda continues this series, I'd like to see more of the other girls and their relationships, as well as continue to see the growth of the couples we've already developed. Also, this darn arsonist needs to be caught!
Profile Image for George Turney.
169 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2022
Couldn't put it down. Just what I needed it to be. From continuing the story of the previous book, to the second chance romance that everyone was rooting for. Sometimes it felt dark and hopeless, and that hurt my heart. Yet there was always that bit hope, so desperately needed.
A couple moments felt a bit too easy to me, and a couple seemed a bit unnecessary when there was already so very much drama. Yet overall it came together to be a one sitting read that left me anxiously craving more.
779 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2022
Amanda Carol delivers a well written second chance romance with angst, sadness, and a whole lot of love. It was obvious how much Cassie and Dylan loved one another when they were younger, and it was the kind of love that would last a lifetime. After reuniting years later, it was obvious the love was there, but it became a question of whether they would be doomed to forever love each other from afar. Their journey to a HEA isn’t easy but it is enjoyable, so the book draws you in and I found myself struggling to put it down
Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,542 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2022
I loved this book and I felt every emotion while I was reading it. Dyland and Cassie were everything and you can't help but fall in love with these two. This book will rip your heart out but it will be healed by the time you finish reading it. Take a chance on this book and you won't be disappointed.
13 reviews
July 12, 2022
Such a good comfort read

I enjoy this book so throughly. River Falls is the kind of community and friends you want around you always. Cassie and Dylan are truly meant for each other and it's such a believable story through and through. I for seriously don't understand how this book and author aren't more popular. Definitely a top recommendation from me.
Profile Image for Beth Jones.
546 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2022
Great read

This book is a romantic suspense novel about Dylan and Cassie getting together with each other. This book is a great story. HEA.
Profile Image for Jessica Swan.
1,412 reviews13 followers
December 3, 2022
This was a sweet and emotional romance that touched all of my heartstrings. I cannot wait for more stories set in this world as I adore the characters so dearly.

TW: ptsd, grief
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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