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Saving Merritt
My dad, a small town detective, died last month, but I stopped knowing him over a decade ago when he sent me away. So, I was surprised to learn that he left me everything—including his retired K9 dog, Remy.
Determined to claim Remy and return to my life in Nashville, I wasn’t prepared to see them again.
My best friends. My first loves.
Denver, the sweet but fierce K9 officer with guilt in his eyes. Tatum, the reclusive mountain man next door, hellbent on making me keep my father’s land. And Krew, my charismatic friend, now an unlikely member of a dangerous motorcycle club.
I assumed they forgot about me, but they haven’t. I thought I was over them, but I wasn’t.
The innocence of childhood love turns deadly when secrets are revealed. I’ve learned more about the father I thought didn’t want me, but that knowledge? It may very well get me killed.
A Contemporary Reverse Harem Romance.
Determined to claim Remy and return to my life in Nashville, I wasn’t prepared to see them again.
My best friends. My first loves.
Denver, the sweet but fierce K9 officer with guilt in his eyes. Tatum, the reclusive mountain man next door, hellbent on making me keep my father’s land. And Krew, my charismatic friend, now an unlikely member of a dangerous motorcycle club.
I assumed they forgot about me, but they haven’t. I thought I was over them, but I wasn’t.
The innocence of childhood love turns deadly when secrets are revealed. I’ve learned more about the father I thought didn’t want me, but that knowledge? It may very well get me killed.
A Contemporary Reverse Harem Romance.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2019
310 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Jones
28Ìýbooks796ÌýfollowersStacy Jones is an award-winning romance author living in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. She can usually be found at her desk, with an oversized coffee cup, bringing the fantastical worlds and captivating characters in her imagination to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 12, 2020
Closer to 4 stars, so 3.75 stars.
I liked this enough. I usually don't read contemporary RH books, but this one was pretty good, it had action, sexy times and a pretty interesting plot. I will say that the book was a little predictable, I already figured out what the deal with Krew was way before the end.
My only issue was that it took 15 years for them to get everything figured out and that seemed a little far fetched.
Otherwise, this was an okay RH contemporary read.
I liked this enough. I usually don't read contemporary RH books, but this one was pretty good, it had action, sexy times and a pretty interesting plot. I will say that the book was a little predictable, I already figured out what the deal with Krew was way before the end.
My only issue was that it took 15 years for them to get everything figured out and that seemed a little far fetched.
Otherwise, this was an okay RH contemporary read.
April 30, 2019
Good but a bit weird.
Saving Merritt is a RH book. It was a bit different since this little harem started off when they were kids - and no they weren't having sex at the age of 5. No, they were best friends that magically graduated towards one another. Then something happened, Merritt was moving from her dads house to her moms. She had no idea what was going on - just that she thought her dad didn't want her anymore. Her and the guys made a promise that they would keep in touch but that didn't actually happened.
Years later, lots to be exact, she's back in town due to her father's untimely death. There's a bunch of mystery going on in this town but it was a nice little reunion between her and the guys. The romance between everyone was on fire. I really liked them all together and definitely felt the connection.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm really liking Coralee's writing. Can't wait for the next book to dive into.
Saving Merritt is a RH book. It was a bit different since this little harem started off when they were kids - and no they weren't having sex at the age of 5. No, they were best friends that magically graduated towards one another. Then something happened, Merritt was moving from her dads house to her moms. She had no idea what was going on - just that she thought her dad didn't want her anymore. Her and the guys made a promise that they would keep in touch but that didn't actually happened.
Years later, lots to be exact, she's back in town due to her father's untimely death. There's a bunch of mystery going on in this town but it was a nice little reunion between her and the guys. The romance between everyone was on fire. I really liked them all together and definitely felt the connection.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm really liking Coralee's writing. Can't wait for the next book to dive into.
January 25, 2021
I read this book in 3 hours...
It was so easy to read, so steamy and so good!!! I loved everything about it!!
It was so easy to read, so steamy and so good!!! I loved everything about it!!
June 29, 2022
Underwhelming & short.
We have murder, drugs, and a gang involved yet those somehow aren’t important or actually part of the story for most of the book.
I find the way everything happens to be so strange. Mer & the guys were best friends growing up, so when her dad sends her away to live with her mom, they’re all heartbroken but they end it on a good note.
Yet you expect me to believe that as teenagers and throughout most of their 20s, they didn’t speak at all? They didn’t interact or talk, or ever see each other? Only for 15 years to pass by, them to meet face to face, and all be in love with each other?
15 years is a long ass time, and there’s no relationship development or growth for us. We’re just meant to assume they’ve always loved each other and they’re meant to be. It obviously detracts from the overall story, especially when it’s a romance�
The climax was boring & the ending was meh. Wouldn’t recommend this book.
We have murder, drugs, and a gang involved yet those somehow aren’t important or actually part of the story for most of the book.
I find the way everything happens to be so strange. Mer & the guys were best friends growing up, so when her dad sends her away to live with her mom, they’re all heartbroken but they end it on a good note.
Yet you expect me to believe that as teenagers and throughout most of their 20s, they didn’t speak at all? They didn’t interact or talk, or ever see each other? Only for 15 years to pass by, them to meet face to face, and all be in love with each other?
15 years is a long ass time, and there’s no relationship development or growth for us. We’re just meant to assume they’ve always loved each other and they’re meant to be. It obviously detracts from the overall story, especially when it’s a romance�
The climax was boring & the ending was meh. Wouldn’t recommend this book.
March 21, 2019
An incredibly predictable yet entertaining short story.
Read
April 4, 2019Contemporary romances are really not my jam...
July 25, 2019
This is a fantastic contemporary reverse harem read. Well written with a great plot awesome characters and a pooch I read this without putting it down it’s such a great read
May 13, 2019
Short and sweet and had me wishing it was longer
October 11, 2020
I am on the fence about this one. First impressions: the prologue is written like the MC’s are 6 years old, totally wrong voice. I mean what 7th grader is going to say, “My Daddy doesn’t want me anymore.� Or suggest running away as a solution to a problem? Or suggest their friend come live in their room? Put me off, honestly. Tweens aren’t that naive anymore. Then, the FMC is... crappy. Crappy enough you have to wonder why these guys even like her. I mean, she earns the lack of love in her life fair and square. She reaps what she sews. She puts the hurt she has towards her dad so far above love of the guys that she leaves them, ostensibly forever. Sorry, no excuse for that. Then she comes back and acts like middle schooler, defensive, deliberately hurtful. Just, no. I really don’t like her. She needs a better reason to have stayed away in order to get any sympathy. I thought it was a case of good riddance, honestly. The plot was ok, but I thought it felt contrived. Like the FMC is too willing to change her mind and every previously held belief at the first indication. And instead of any acknowledgment that people change between 12 and 27, everyone jumps back into wuv, twoo wuv at first glance. The “mystery� just jumps out at the most convenient time. There’s no lead in. Actually, you could say that about most of the book. No foreplay, it just jumps to the meat of things before I’m even interested and tries to finish before I’ve gotten warmed up. It’s a DNF for me, but I might go back when I’m in a more forgiving mood and try again.
August 6, 2022
DNF at 28%
Just didn’t like it.
Her reasoning for staying away was non-existent. She just didn’t want them. SHE left them. I didn’t like that.
Her return was abrupt. Like thrown into the middle abrupt. Would have been nice to see her life before heading back. Get to know her a little before introducing everyone. Her getting the phone call about her father could have given a lot of history and background before meeting with them again.
They guys also weren’t even friends?? They weren’t a unit anymore. They just like kinda knew each other but didn’t interact with each other. The fact that they all had moved on but still wanted her was a little unbelievable. Like it was clear they had moved on and it would have made sense that they did because nothing was holding them together. They were just people who used to be friends.. and that was kinda it.
They also hadn’t tried to find her?? I didn’t make it very far but why was all the pressure on her?? 15 years is a long time to not even try. I don’t think it mentioned what state they were in but they could have at least tried to go to her. They had incomes.
Also the dog was cute and I LOVE German Shepherds but dogs don’t act like that. They’re dogs. Not Disney side characters.
Just didn’t like it.
Her reasoning for staying away was non-existent. She just didn’t want them. SHE left them. I didn’t like that.
Her return was abrupt. Like thrown into the middle abrupt. Would have been nice to see her life before heading back. Get to know her a little before introducing everyone. Her getting the phone call about her father could have given a lot of history and background before meeting with them again.
They guys also weren’t even friends?? They weren’t a unit anymore. They just like kinda knew each other but didn’t interact with each other. The fact that they all had moved on but still wanted her was a little unbelievable. Like it was clear they had moved on and it would have made sense that they did because nothing was holding them together. They were just people who used to be friends.. and that was kinda it.
They also hadn’t tried to find her?? I didn’t make it very far but why was all the pressure on her?? 15 years is a long time to not even try. I don’t think it mentioned what state they were in but they could have at least tried to go to her. They had incomes.
Also the dog was cute and I LOVE German Shepherds but dogs don’t act like that. They’re dogs. Not Disney side characters.
March 28, 2020
I love Coralee June and found This Jem by Stacy Jones via a random search. I am so glad i did too, this story is sweet, beautiful, and emotionally gripping .
We meet Merrit our main girl raised by her daddy , the sheriff, whose mother left them early on. she has three best friends, all boys around her age and they are all inseparable.
Until the day Merritts dad sends her away to live with her mother states away. Sadly she says goodboy to her childhood friends, protectors, and true loves...the boys Denver, Tatum, and Krew.
All grown up she returns after her fathers death to tie up all the ends left behind in his death . She has a new life , career , and has no intention of staying .... until she comes face to face with her boys now Men !
This story is beautifully written and quickly takes pace to mystery , thrilling sensual adventures, and decisions one must make to decide the future.
Reverse haram , drug trafficing , and death unveil beauty and happiness , i recommend this read .
We meet Merrit our main girl raised by her daddy , the sheriff, whose mother left them early on. she has three best friends, all boys around her age and they are all inseparable.
Until the day Merritts dad sends her away to live with her mother states away. Sadly she says goodboy to her childhood friends, protectors, and true loves...the boys Denver, Tatum, and Krew.
All grown up she returns after her fathers death to tie up all the ends left behind in his death . She has a new life , career , and has no intention of staying .... until she comes face to face with her boys now Men !
This story is beautifully written and quickly takes pace to mystery , thrilling sensual adventures, and decisions one must make to decide the future.
Reverse haram , drug trafficing , and death unveil beauty and happiness , i recommend this read .
April 21, 2019
Nice stand alone RH.
Catching up on reviews. Didn’t realize kindle wasn’t marking these completed.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Catching up on reviews. Didn’t realize kindle wasn’t marking these completed.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 29, 2019
Can I get a hallelujah?!
Oooh CJ, you did it again, this time with co-writer Stacy Jones. This kind of book is kinda my thing. It's the kind of book that I can read anytime and anywhere and since my reading preferences are highly affected by my mood, that is saying a lot. This story was mysterious and emotional and left me heartbroken at times, but the love between the main characters seeped from every pore. What once was there, never really left and it balanced out perfectly.
The scene with Tatum where they crash into eachother reminds me of one of my favorite movie scenes ever and OMG, it was so perfect. The raw emotions and primal need were conveyed masterfully!
I was blown away, yet again!
Oooh CJ, you did it again, this time with co-writer Stacy Jones. This kind of book is kinda my thing. It's the kind of book that I can read anytime and anywhere and since my reading preferences are highly affected by my mood, that is saying a lot. This story was mysterious and emotional and left me heartbroken at times, but the love between the main characters seeped from every pore. What once was there, never really left and it balanced out perfectly.
The scene with Tatum where they crash into eachother reminds me of one of my favorite movie scenes ever and OMG, it was so perfect. The raw emotions and primal need were conveyed masterfully!
I was blown away, yet again!
May 10, 2021
Light, sweet contemporary RH small town romance standalone - kind of friends-to-lovers and second chance but with a huge time gap and little romantic build. There's a bit of a mystery that's highly predictable. More sweet than spice - the first scene is FTB but there's some on page later, so not YA but also not high steam.
The story is told single POV by the FMC. Her swirling, confusing emotions returning to her home town came through... She cut herself off from her past and yet there are these connections to rekindle waiting for her. Why would former best friends who continued to carry a torch for their true love never try to get in touch... Like at all... And they all are seemingly smart and in their late 20s now. Idk beats me.
The story is told single POV by the FMC. Her swirling, confusing emotions returning to her home town came through... She cut herself off from her past and yet there are these connections to rekindle waiting for her. Why would former best friends who continued to carry a torch for their true love never try to get in touch... Like at all... And they all are seemingly smart and in their late 20s now. Idk beats me.
April 17, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! I really loved this book!!!! I was hooked instantly! I liked how the characters in this book knew each other from the beginning. I don’t mind insta love but it sometimes can be super cheesy and especially if it’s a Quick read like this book.... I’m really not good at writing reviews so I never do but I just had to with this book!!! I just love how well written it was the story flows nicely which in some cases in short reads can be choppy or lacking which this book was not!! I would recommend this book you really would be missing out if you didn’t read it!!!!!
Wow!!! I really loved this book!!!! I was hooked instantly! I liked how the characters in this book knew each other from the beginning. I don’t mind insta love but it sometimes can be super cheesy and especially if it’s a Quick read like this book.... I’m really not good at writing reviews so I never do but I just had to with this book!!! I just love how well written it was the story flows nicely which in some cases in short reads can be choppy or lacking which this book was not!! I would recommend this book you really would be missing out if you didn’t read it!!!!!
April 25, 2019
Saving Merritt
This book had me hooked from the start. Merritt was ripped away from her life and her three best friends, as a young girl, with no explanation. After her father dies she returns to her childhood home to go through his things and sell his house. When she runs in to those men she left behind all of her feelings come running back. She finds herself falling for them even though she is sure they are hiding things from her. From the start she is thrusted in to a world for of betrayal, deceit and unconditional love. This novel holds a whirlwind of different emotions as well as trials and tribulations. It was a very excellent and entertaining read.
This book had me hooked from the start. Merritt was ripped away from her life and her three best friends, as a young girl, with no explanation. After her father dies she returns to her childhood home to go through his things and sell his house. When she runs in to those men she left behind all of her feelings come running back. She finds herself falling for them even though she is sure they are hiding things from her. From the start she is thrusted in to a world for of betrayal, deceit and unconditional love. This novel holds a whirlwind of different emotions as well as trials and tribulations. It was a very excellent and entertaining read.
July 9, 2019
Absolutely Fantastic !
What a fantastic story.
It is extremely difficult to engage a reader so quickly and make them feel so much for the characters with so little build up, but I was pulled in right from the first sentence. I felt so much so quickly I was so surprised when I realized I had to wipe my eyes because they were welling up.
Not only did this story deliver on the emotional piece but it was steamy too with enough intrigue that kept the pages turning. I would love to read more in this world and with these characters to learn more about them. The writers give us enough to show who they are as individuals but I'm greedy and want more.
What a fantastic story.
It is extremely difficult to engage a reader so quickly and make them feel so much for the characters with so little build up, but I was pulled in right from the first sentence. I felt so much so quickly I was so surprised when I realized I had to wipe my eyes because they were welling up.
Not only did this story deliver on the emotional piece but it was steamy too with enough intrigue that kept the pages turning. I would love to read more in this world and with these characters to learn more about them. The writers give us enough to show who they are as individuals but I'm greedy and want more.
March 21, 2019
Just perfect
I love both of these authors so when I found out they were writing together, well needless to say I was excited! Merritt is a spirited independent FMC who doesn't let anyone push her around. She lived 15 years thinking her father abandoned her and forced her to leave the three boys she loved. Then her father does and she must go home to deal with his affairs and to face the three men she left years ago. A suspense filled love story full of twists and revelations, a definite MUST read!
I love both of these authors so when I found out they were writing together, well needless to say I was excited! Merritt is a spirited independent FMC who doesn't let anyone push her around. She lived 15 years thinking her father abandoned her and forced her to leave the three boys she loved. Then her father does and she must go home to deal with his affairs and to face the three men she left years ago. A suspense filled love story full of twists and revelations, a definite MUST read!
April 4, 2019
Be still my beating heart.
This was such a heartstring book because when it finished, all I could express was 'aawww', lol. The storyline is great, it reads really well and keeps you interested with the underlying plot. I love all three guys - they are adorable, sweet, HOT and broody. The FMC did make my eye twitch a couple of times with how she acted or what she said but otherwise was a great character. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes romance with hot guys and a great story.
This was such a heartstring book because when it finished, all I could express was 'aawww', lol. The storyline is great, it reads really well and keeps you interested with the underlying plot. I love all three guys - they are adorable, sweet, HOT and broody. The FMC did make my eye twitch a couple of times with how she acted or what she said but otherwise was a great character. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes romance with hot guys and a great story.
April 2, 2020
Sweet love story and mystery all mixed together in one!
This has the elements of a first love type of love story mixed with a second chance romance sprinkled with a dash of whodunnit. When Merritt returns home after 15 years to settle her father’s estate, she doesn’t realize she is going to have to confront so many old feelings in the form of love that hasn’t died and demons from the past that aren’t content to stay there. If she and her guys can navigate their way through the chaos, they might be standing stronger on the other side.
This has the elements of a first love type of love story mixed with a second chance romance sprinkled with a dash of whodunnit. When Merritt returns home after 15 years to settle her father’s estate, she doesn’t realize she is going to have to confront so many old feelings in the form of love that hasn’t died and demons from the past that aren’t content to stay there. If she and her guys can navigate their way through the chaos, they might be standing stronger on the other side.
June 19, 2020
I thought the blurb was familiar so before reading I went through a few of my old antologies. This story was released in the (Which is not mentioned in the blurb)
I forgot what a sweet it was and how it was a nice small package story. I would personally recommend getting the anthology over the story on it's own unless you REALLY liked it 100%.
I forgot what a sweet it was and how it was a nice small package story. I would personally recommend getting the anthology over the story on it's own unless you REALLY liked it 100%.
March 23, 2019
..
They always say your significant other is your best friend. But how do you handle it when you have 3? Merritt thinks that after 15 years of no contact with her best friends from childhood will be easy to walk away from. Until she faces them again. Tatum, Denver and Krew have plans and minds of their own. And the clash of these 4 is worth it. Well done contemporary RH that has just the right balance of emotion and one amazing storyline
They always say your significant other is your best friend. But how do you handle it when you have 3? Merritt thinks that after 15 years of no contact with her best friends from childhood will be easy to walk away from. Until she faces them again. Tatum, Denver and Krew have plans and minds of their own. And the clash of these 4 is worth it. Well done contemporary RH that has just the right balance of emotion and one amazing storyline
March 27, 2019
Quick love
Accept that in a book this short you will get obvious plot and fuckery. Just accept that because that is what you will get from RH this short.
Don't ask 500 pages from a 125 book.
That said, this took me less than 3 hours and was a wonderful read. If nothing else - the author has minimal editorial mistakes. I will not take away for the like...3 that i saw.
Great read, fast read, satisfying literary boink.
Accept that in a book this short you will get obvious plot and fuckery. Just accept that because that is what you will get from RH this short.
Don't ask 500 pages from a 125 book.
That said, this took me less than 3 hours and was a wonderful read. If nothing else - the author has minimal editorial mistakes. I will not take away for the like...3 that i saw.
Great read, fast read, satisfying literary boink.
August 24, 2019
Wish it could have been 5 stars
I love coralee as a whole but this is definitely one of my least favourite books she's written. There were several obvious grammatical errors. It could have been amazing but it felt like the characters weren't developed properly and the story was rushed. So much potential, it's a shame. I gave it 4 because I loved who the characters could be and I did like the plot I just wish it had been developed a lot better.
I love coralee as a whole but this is definitely one of my least favourite books she's written. There were several obvious grammatical errors. It could have been amazing but it felt like the characters weren't developed properly and the story was rushed. So much potential, it's a shame. I gave it 4 because I loved who the characters could be and I did like the plot I just wish it had been developed a lot better.
February 9, 2020
Okay read
It was a nice okay read. Predictable, short, and sweet.
I would have given it more stars had it been longer and a full novel. I'm not a fan of instant time jumps and girl or guy returning to basically pick up where they left off. I would have liked to see when they developed feeling for each other. It lacked the depth needed to relate to and like/ love the characters. Needed more.
It was a nice okay read. Predictable, short, and sweet.
I would have given it more stars had it been longer and a full novel. I'm not a fan of instant time jumps and girl or guy returning to basically pick up where they left off. I would have liked to see when they developed feeling for each other. It lacked the depth needed to relate to and like/ love the characters. Needed more.
August 28, 2024
I probably need to stick to my usual genre fantasy and stay away from dark romance because I just didn't really enjoy this book..I thought i would but its just not my cup of tea. I skimmed heavily through the last half of the book just to get through it. I also didn't care for the dog being almost the main focus of the entire book, maybe because I am a cat person but it seemed like a lot of the story was based on the dog.
October 9, 2019
Just what I needed!
Saving Merritt by Stacy Jones and CoraLee June is a really enjoyable read. This writing team know what they are doing! Saving Merritt is a contemporary RH with an older collection of characters who have known each other since childhood. It’s full of action, lots of sweet moments of rediscovery and vulnerability. Loved it!
Saving Merritt by Stacy Jones and CoraLee June is a really enjoyable read. This writing team know what they are doing! Saving Merritt is a contemporary RH with an older collection of characters who have known each other since childhood. It’s full of action, lots of sweet moments of rediscovery and vulnerability. Loved it!
June 23, 2023
really cute contemporary story
This book was really cute, Merritt is sent away as a kid and she believes it’s because her dad no longer wants her. But when he passes away she has to go back and face some hard truths. The best friends from her childhood come back into her life and turn it upside down.
This book was really cute, Merritt is sent away as a kid and she believes it’s because her dad no longer wants her. But when he passes away she has to go back and face some hard truths. The best friends from her childhood come back into her life and turn it upside down.
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