Salvation

We are back in Nashville and it’s never been so good. I absolutely loved this book, the characters and the storyline that had me chuckling, sighing and fighting back tears more than once and at one point made me put it down and have a good sniffle then pick it back up once I got my emotions in check.

Salvation is a book you will be thinking about long after you put it down. From the heroine in Carlisle who I have to say is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read in a long while, to the truly wonderful hero in Mateo, the white knight that pushes his way onto the scene and melts your heart with his acts of selflessness.

Carlisle Queen is beautiful and sexy and funny and seriously f**d up. I should leave her alone but I can’t. Somewhere in the middle of the sex and the drugs and the things that neither of us like to talk about, I started falling for her.

Carlisle was an Olympic athlete injured when a bomb exploded and killed her boyfriend and many friends and is now forced to live with time bomb ticking away in her spine. Shrapnel from the blast will eventually either paralyse her or kill her. So she has a plan to take her own life when the time comes and lives her life accordingly.

Mateo…. Every girl should have a version of you in her life even if only briefly. He is the white knight that comes in to slay the dragons for Carlisle. He’s also fighting his own demons in the form of medical school applications, feeling like he let his dead sister down and guilt. Then along comes Carlisle.

When a hot end of year hook up leads to another and then to them both wanting more, things start to get really complicated. For two people who carry more baggage than most, they somehow find comfort in each other’s arms and when the fall they fall fast and deep.

But when the call comes that could change Carlisle’s life it looks like the happiness they have found is going to be tested. When things get really tough and hurtful things are said, can Mateo and Carlisle find salvation with each other or is too late?

I’m a long term fan of this author and stories like this only prove why. I can lose myself in her books and become so emotionally invested that I feel like I’ve gained and lost friends when I finish. To say I’m looking forward to book three in this series would be a gross understatement. Bring on June 15th.

I received a copy of this book for review.

A fuller review will be posted on release day at www.thesubclubbooks.com

I really enjoyed this book. Carlisle was a great character, so interesting. I liked that although the damaged girl and manwhore using then falling for each other is not an original theme, the circumstances were different enough to make the story fresh. And of course the steam and heat were off the charts!

A beautiful and touching subect, with reality that pulls you in and make a you fall for these 2 people. Beautiful story!

Why won't Robin leave my emotions alone?!!! Just about every book she writes, she demands that I feel then jerks my feelings around, squeezes out some of my tears then drops me off. Sigh... so when can I get the third one??

I loved this book because the topic it took on, I especially loved the rawness of the characters' emotions. And their reactions to the situation, and the twist and the ending, yeah I just loved it all. Carlisle is an amazing complex character, she was raw & brutal and still a coward, but I emphasize with her and I loved her I understood her and I totally get her reasoning.

Teo is awesome he truly tries but he's completely unprepared for Carlisle. He never saw her coming and when she hits, his world is never the same. The two of them have been circling each other for a while, and with Teo set to graduate in a few days, & the summer coming up Carlisle feels she's safe to get what she wants and get out. She isn't prepared for how much Teo makes her burn, challenges her, makes her laugh and just genuinely makes her feel damn good. I absolutely loved her roommate and best friend, who totally made her laugh, loved her and didn't really judge her, (even when I did). At the beginning of the story for me Carlisle wasn't a likeable character because of her personal choices, I'm not a fan of drugging your problems away, & I get why she did it, and why for her it was necessary, but I still believe it's a cowards way of handling life; it's all going to be there when you come down from your high. I felt for her and as the story progressed Carlisle grew on me and as she opened her eyes to the world again, so my eyes were opened to her world and her pain. ( I still don't believe in using drugs but I see why she did it).

I liked the semi-ending we got. Because for me that was good, they were better but it's good that they acknowledge that it isn't always perfect and it doesn't always work out just because you love each other. I really loved the research done and shown in the novel. The clear and well understood changes they would each have to embrace. And the challenges ahead were very daunting.

This isn't my first book dealing with a lead character who is disabled, Catherine Anderson does wonderful romances where they are characters that are physically disabled in some way. This however was the first that explained her disability affected her life, her relationships, her psyche as well as intercourse. Some of the other tales just brush over it,& I loved that Robin wasn't shy about it, she talked about the differences and how it changes, I even learnt a thing or three.

Matteo and Carlisle are written in a fun way, their conversations just drew you in and I know I laughed a few times, I so could hear her bad accent and it made me laugh and cringe to think about. I loved their sexy times together, they certainly knew how to be inventive, and as Matteo says, he's very creative with the right stimulation.

Seeing that totally made me love this story even more than I did. I was engrossed and enjoyed that others within the books were vocal about their doubts as if they could read some of my thoughts. And that ending?? Those last few chapters?? Maaaan listen. Yeah I can't wait for book three.

It's going to be pretty darn interesting.

★★★★1/2☆
Have you read the series?? What about book 1?? I'll have my review up tomorrow for it. Share your thoughts down below, and I'll catch you on the next blog on the tour. Don't forget to share the love with the author and of course the other bloggers on tour.

Happy Reading

Salvation is another great book from Robin Covington. The second in the Nashville Nights series. Carlisle and Mateo are two heartbreaking characters that I absolutely loved together. Both characters have demons from there past that haunt them daily. Carlisle is dealing with emotional and physical pain which she uses both legal and illegal drugs and sex to numb. Mateo has the emotional baggage like no other. These two character took me on an emotional roller coaster so I know you’ll be on one too. The complexity of this story was masterfully written. Salvation was definitely a story I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Salvation is a realistic love story that deals with real world problems instead of being purely sweet.

(ARC provided by Netgalley and Author in exchanged for an honest review)

3.5 stars

Salvation was a good read.

I enjoyed the storyline and characters.
The chemistry and attraction between Mateo and Carlisle was off the charts.
I loved how passionate they loved one another so seeing the storyline take a particular turn upset me.
I totally understood the reasons why Carlisle had to do what she did but I was not happy with what happened with Mateo.
This makes me sad as up until then I was totally in love with him. While I get his reasons I just can't help how my heart feels, it took some of the shine away =(

The ending was heartwarming and I was left knowing while life ahead wasn't going to be easy the love they shared would get them through.
Overall this was an emotional and heartfelt read, I did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the Nashville Nights series Thank you to Netgalley and Burning Up The Sheets, LLC I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

3 1/2 stars I enjoyed this a lot. I loved the first book in the series Temptation which featured Mateo's cousin Matt, and therefore I had pretty high expectations for this one. For the most part Covington delivered. I loved my introduction to the tortured duo of Carlisle Queen and Mateo Butler.

Carlisle was a former swimming champion who was badly injured when terrorists detonated a bomb that also killed her lover and many other athlete. She was left with serious injuries and she now self medicates with drugs and sex to escape the pain and the memories. I was expecting her to have demons due to her past, but Mateo Butler surprised me. On the surface he appeared to have it all, he was good looking, smart, funny, charming and women threw themselves at him. However Covington reveals the demons that haunt him, in the shape of his sister who he loved and lost. When they finally come together it is explosive and intense. I really liked all of this and the plot and supporting characters had me turning pages as quickly as I could so I could see where the story was going.

Where I had a problem was there is a twist at about the three quarter mark that I REALLY didn't like. I understood it, it was explained clearly, but I still had a problem with it and to some extent it soured the rest of the story for me. I won't go into any further detail as I don't want to give away the plot. This was entirely a personal perspective and no doubt many other people won't have a problem with what happens, but I did.

I still enjoyed the rest of the story, I'll be eagerly awaiting the publication of Redemption (Zane and Emory's story) and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these books to anyone looking for an entertaining and well written romance.

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review *

A successful Olympic swimmer, Carlisle Queen was seriously injured in a terrorist attack at an Olympic village which killed other athletes, including her fiancé. Though she is now walking again, she knows that shrapnel is still lodged in her back near her spinal column – and moving closer – so that paralysis or death is forecast for her in the near future. She’s determined to live life to the full but not to make any close relationships ever again, they are too risky and it hurts too much when fate tears you apart from those you love. She’s partying hard, having one night stands and avoiding any commitments, planning to commit suicide rather than face life in a wheelchair.

Mateo Butler lost his sister to cancer. After she refused to continue treatment he fought with her and never had chance to make up with her again as she died whilst he partied to forget what was happening to her. He’s still partying to forget.

The two were instantly attracted when they met at the beginning go the school year. Now, almost a year later, Carlisle decides to have a one night stand with Mateo. Will that be enough for them? Will they reveal their secrets to each other? Will their love stand a chance?

This is a really dramatic story, full of teenage angst, medical drama and conflicting emotions. Decisions are made that impact on potential relationships, you’re never quite sure what will go wrong next! A real roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists, turns, steep hills and sudden drops. A great story but I admit to being old fashioned and there was a little too much graphic description of sexual action for my tastes, otherwise it could so easily have been a 5* review from me. As the blurb for the book says, “When the choice comes down to life of death, can love be their salvation?” You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars!

I loved this book. Oh man the feels! Prepare yourself. True to this author's fashion, she has given us a masterpiece in the Nashville Nights series. This book was amazing. It was sweet, sexy, fun, emotional, and has a beautiful love story full of grief and heartbreak. This book was push boundaries and make you think outside of the box. This book does deal with sensitive subjects so be warned.
This is Carlisle and Mateo's story. Carlisle is living her life day to day after suffering a tragedy that broke her emotionally and physically. With little options left, she has a plan she is following and that entails no attachments. Too bad her heart sits safely with Mateo, the sexy man who won't give up. Mateo suffered tragedy in is life and has been a shell of himself since then while grieving and carrying the burden of guilt. He wants Carlisle and he will have her. Secrets, lies, and decisions... these two will walk the hard road to their happy ending.

Oh Mateo... so thoughtful, loyal, compassionate, sweet, kind, and understanding. The man stole my heart from the beginning. He was so upfront and in your face with Carlisle, pushing her when she needed it. And Carlisle, while my heart bled for her ad it truly did, I wanted to smack her a few times. I cannot imagine going through what she did or making the decision she did. I was rooting for these two even when it started to look impossible for these two.
I highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed this story. It had many great characters - Mateo and Carlisle were great. Mateo is full of love and he knew from the get go that Carlisle was the one he wanted more than anyone else. And his devotion to her was astounding. Carlisle was guarded and protective of herself and her feelings - as she would be after what she went through. Robin Covington has a way of enveloping you into the world she has written like not many others and pretty soon, you realize you meant to sit and read for 15 minutes and an hour has flown by.

SALVATION is the second installment in Robin Covington’s new adult, contemporary Nashville Nights romance series. This is college students Mateo Butler and Olympic gold medalist for swimming Carlisle Queen’s storyline. SALVATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous storyline characters play a small secondary and supporting role in the novel.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Carlisle and Mateo) SALVATION follows the building relationship and fall out between Carlisle Queen and Mateo Butler. Carlisle barely survived a terrorist bomb that killed her best friend and boyfriend Aaron, but in the ensuing time, our heroine has had a difficult time with recovery and grief. The doctors were unable to remove all of the shrapnel that is slowly edging towards her spine leaving Carlisle in constant pain and wondering when the her time will end. Hiding her pain with drugs and sex, Carlisle targets Mateo Butler, her Spanish TA, as her next fix and conquest. But things don’t go according to plan when Carlisle begins to fall for the sexy premed student interrupting her future plans -rather than be wheelchair bound the rest of her life, Carlisle opts to end her own life.

The relationship between our leading couple is one of immediate attraction but Carlisle doesn’t do relationships or love knowing she won’t be around long enough for anyone to care. Mateo is a young man, consumed with guilt, over the death of his sister, and sees Carlisle’s choice as selfish and wrong. When an opportunity presents itself for surgery, Carlisle knows the results may not be the happily ever after everyone had hoped.

The world building follows the relationship, friendships, and choices presented for a young woman whose life is fragile and precarious. There are moments of heartbreak and personal betrayal; romance and love; moving forward and letting go. Robin Covington isn’t afraid to tackle the issues- what would you do in the same situation?

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Dreams…..it’s the light at the end of the tunnel. The force that drives you when you can’t move another muscle. What happens when your dreams are shattered into a million pieces? When the path you thought you were on breaks right before your eyes. How do you pick up and go on???

Carlisle Queen knows a thing or two about having life by the wings. Her dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer came true when she became a champion on the US team. Nothing could have prepared her for an event that would alter her entire life. A terrorist attack on the Olympic games left Carlisle with severe injuries. Now she lives in constant pain and injuries that can ultimately kill her. A special surgery can rid Carlisle’s body of the shrapnel that is still lodged in her body. This surgery also has the potential to leave her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Deciding that is not an option, Carlisle decides to live life without regrets….partying, random hook-ups, and no deep connections. After all, its harder to end your own life when you have so many attachments.

Mateo Butler has always dreamt of going to medical school. Everything in his life has lead up to this. Now that dream doesn’t seem all that appealing. Mateo and his sister talked about opening a clinic together. Then his sister was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of living what little time she had left at the mercy of her illness, Mateo’s sister took matters into her own hands and decided when her life would end….on her own terms. Mateo couldn’t accept that decision. He turned his back on his sister and has regretted that decision every day since then. Now his dream seems unimportant and Mateo has taken to partying and sleeping with various women to pass the time. The future is uncertain and quickly heading towards ‘decision time’.

After a lot of heated sexual tension, Mateo and Carlisle finally act on their attraction. What should have been a one night stand has quickly turned into something deeper for them both. Neither wants to believe that they could have found ‘the one’. Demons from their past will force them to face their fears and the future. Where will it all lead? Is there any hope for two people with such damaged pasts?

Wow!! Salvation literally had me hooked on every word!! This unique romance takes readers on a journey that they will take with them long after the final chapter. It is gut wrenching….it leaves you thinking about everything that people take for granted. Without giving anything away, all I can say is READ THIS BOOK!! Robin Covington has totally outdone herself with Salvation!!

Holy shit!!! Robin Covington had done it again. These characters are simply spellbinding. I was so caught up in this story that I was unable to put it down. My heart broke in places and I felt shattered right along with the characters.
Carlisle is a strong yet stubborn as hell character but I absolutely love her. . The fight and the will that she has is inspiring. Mateo is a sexy beast and I know his heart is in the right place but there are plAces that I wanted to scream at him and ask what are you doing. However he is just as pig headed as she is. This story is amazing!! I love these two and how the story ended And I can't wait to read Zanes.

My expectations for this second installment in the Nashville Nights series were high, what with how much I loved the first book, but goodness, Robin Covington took a route I didn't see coming with Carlisle Queen and Mateo Butler's love story in Salvation and I just become so invested with these two seemingly rudderless souls. No one could touch Carlisle in the water, winning medal after medal in swimming competitions, but after losing her beloved boyfriend and suffering through numerous injuries and even more surgeries, she refuses to go anywhere near a pool and numbs her pain with drugs, both the synthetic and herbal varieties. Mateo lost the person closest to him--his sister--when she chose to end her life because of a medical diagnosis and since then, what was once a clear road map of his life has become out of focus and confusing, leaving him unsure of what to do and where to go next.

I liked that Carlisle and Mateo were already acquaintances and didn't have to go through the whole first meeting scene, giving the beginning section of the book an already different feel. There are some parts of the story that did go as I predicted, but the parts that didn't caught me unaware and I found myself unprepared for where Carlisle and Mateo veered off to, leaving me with a heart squeezing for what these two had to face as a couple. There was a lot of angst going on, especially on Carlisle's end, and I may not have fully agreed with some of the choices they made, but goodness, how could I not root for these two to get to their much deserved happily ever after? Even with all the drama, the story never felt melodramatic or overly angsty, because the emotions Carlisle and Mateo were feeling came off as real, something we could be able to have some amount of understanding and empathy toward.

As was the case with book one, I so appreciated the best friends and family these lead characters had, because they provided even more life and balance to the story and weren't simply decorative. While Mateo is cousins with Max Butler, the male lead character from Temptation, and he and Kit Landry do make appearances here, this can totally be read as a standalone. Though, if you've read enough of my reviews that have to do with books that are part of a series, you should already expect me to suggest that you read the books in order. They're both really good books so it'll be time well spent on your part. Also, the third book involves Kit's sister and Mateo's best friend, so I'm thinking my suggestion is a pretty good one, don't you think? With Salvation, my love affair with Robin Covington's books continues, and I bought the book after reading the ARC. This is another 2015 favorite and five-star read. ♥

Wow--where to begin?

So much is packed into not a whole lot of (just under 200) pages here. I knew from the blurb that there would be a lot of intense stuff going on in this one, but I honestly had no idea just how much or how Robin would be able to get a satisfactory story out of it in such a relatively short book.

But she did...

Carlisle Queen is an amazing character. From Olympic medal-winning swimmer, to bombing survivor, to college freshman, to...well, I can't say what else she's going to become, because that would give too much away. Just suffice to say she's continuously reinventing herself, pushing through every barrier that's put in her way and being so amazingly strong through it all that it's just, well, amazing.

Mateo's got it easy by comparison ;)

Seriously, even though they share the narration and he's a great character too, it's Carlisle who steals the show here. Even when he doesn't realize it, she's the one being strong for both of them and making the hard choices that he never would. She takes a huge gamble, and it pays off.

Such. A. Good. Story.

The characters from Temptation make appearances and the ones from the next book, Redemption , are nicely set up as well, but Salvation works just fine as a standalone.

Don't blame me if you find yourself adding two more books to your TBR when you're done, though. ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emotional, intriguing, inspirational … three words to describe Salvation. I don’t think I have seen a better name for a book as this one. Robin Covington took the Nashville Nights series to a whole new level with the story of Teo and Carlisle.

Two broken people … one literally and one emotionally. Brought together in a classroom, pushing each other away, then one night of sex to show each of them what they were missing out on.

Mateo will not give up on Carlisle no matter what she does, what she says or how she acts. He knows that she is what makes him whole again and he won’t let her one night only, no bed, no baring of bodies keep him away. It’s time for her to bare her soul and give him what he knows she is capable of. He knows that he can’t be depended upon after the death of his sister but he really wants to try, to be the man that Carlisle needs and stand beside her through anything.

Carlisle, former Olympic swimmer, holder of 12 medals, survivor, drug user … holding her own destiny in her hands – if the shrapnel doesn’t kill her then she’ll make sure that the pills do. There is no way she will live her life in a wheelchair or on crutches. Until Mateo, her Teo, her reason for hope. After Aaron, she didn’t think that anyone would fill the void left after the bombing. But, one night sleeping in his arms, baring herself to him, she knows that he will be what either makes her or breaks her. Decision made … now to let Teo go so that he could go on with his life and not be a burden to him.

Emotional – Carlisle’s agony and the decisions she needs to make. Teo’s guilt of not standing beside his sister in her time of need.
Intriguing – Will Carlisle ever walk again without the aid of crutches, will she ever swim again? Will Teo do as he promised and stand by the woman he loves or walk away when things get tough again?

Inspirational – Carlisle’s journey through the pain and coming out a stronger person. Teo fighting his way back into her life.

I was totally amazed at the story in the book. It gave me hope … it showed me a different side of people … it broke my heart and then put it back together again. Robin Covington took a story that could have had so many different outcomes and wove it into a tale of hope and love making us realize that all is not lost even when you think it is.