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You & Me Trilogy #1
Saving You, Saving Me
Spin-Off Series, Sawyer House, will be releasing in 2019 and is in development as a TV Series.
* Contains Mature Subject Matters *
*Book featured and recommended on CBS television news for mature teens and adults in August 2012
18 year old high school senior and aspiring psychologist Samantha Sullivan (Sam) never thought she would fall for the one mysterious guy she has been speaking to over the phone for months, the boy the counselors called Daggers. She wasn't supposed to talk to him outside of their sessions. But as she began to peel the layers of Daggers and learn who he is, the one boy she is supposed to be saving, might just be the one who is saving her.
Saving You Saving Me inspired the Saving You Saving Me Project found at: http://www.SavingYouSavingMe.com
The Saving YOU Saving ME Project was inspired by the book, which tells the story of Samantha (Sam) Sullivan, who becomes a peer counselor at a teen and young adult crisis center called Sawyer House. The Saving YOU Saving ME Project tries to replicate the atmosphere of Sawyer House by allowing a place for teens through adults a place to share their issues anonymously and in doing so, might be able to help others learn from it or might receive feedback from people about what to do.
* Contains Mature Subject Matters *
*Book featured and recommended on CBS television news for mature teens and adults in August 2012
18 year old high school senior and aspiring psychologist Samantha Sullivan (Sam) never thought she would fall for the one mysterious guy she has been speaking to over the phone for months, the boy the counselors called Daggers. She wasn't supposed to talk to him outside of their sessions. But as she began to peel the layers of Daggers and learn who he is, the one boy she is supposed to be saving, might just be the one who is saving her.
Saving You Saving Me inspired the Saving You Saving Me Project found at: http://www.SavingYouSavingMe.com
The Saving YOU Saving ME Project was inspired by the book, which tells the story of Samantha (Sam) Sullivan, who becomes a peer counselor at a teen and young adult crisis center called Sawyer House. The Saving YOU Saving ME Project tries to replicate the atmosphere of Sawyer House by allowing a place for teens through adults a place to share their issues anonymously and in doing so, might be able to help others learn from it or might receive feedback from people about what to do.
290 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2012
15 people are currently reading
2393 people want to read
About the author
Kailin Gow
346 books2,498 followers2025 News!
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...
Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.
Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.
She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.
Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.
She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.
Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.
She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.
Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.
In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.
Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 5, 2013
(This review contains spoilers, but I don't want to hide it. Read at your own risk.)
Oh, wow. Where do I even begin? First of all, I'm sort of shocked at the very idea that Kailin Gow is a "multi-award-winning and bestselling author", mostly due to the simple fact that Ms. Gow doesn't even seem to have a basic grasp of English.
What struck me first (in the face, very hard) was the unutterably terrible diction.
"Inwardly I sighed. What else could I do to try to make it inevitable I could get a scholarship to Stanford?"
Tip #1: Stop writing sentences like the above.
"'Do you have any suggestions?' I asked my guidance counselor for three years."
Why was she asking her guidance counselor to give her three years? Three years for what?
Oh, I think that's supposed to be of three years. Right. That makes more sense.
"...she said getting up and walking over to a small black and white striped fabric-covered push-pin bulletin board hanging on top of a set of black metal-lock cabinets."
Run-on sentence? Blatantly excessive detail? A placement for the bulletin board that makes no logical sense? This entry has it all! (Seriously, why would it be hung "on top of" the cabinets? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to hang it on the wall over said cabinet?)
"I felt my mouth dropped..."
Interesting.
"He was better-looking than his photos."
I would hope so.
"...his John Lobb-clad leather shoes."
Why are his shoes wearing John Lobb?
"Cozy and comfortable, that was how my room looked like."
"But that kind of hunger is what made me where I am today."
"And I never slept better than ever."
"I wish you can trust me, Sam."
Hey, do you know what tenses are? You do? Well, then you're a step ahead of Ms. Gow.
"He sat up, and all I can see were the muscles rippling underneath his shirt..."
"My head was in my arms, feeling so heavy that Derek had to lift my face up so he can talk to me."
"I've known Daggers for only two months, but I felt as if I've known him for a lifetime."
This bit of dialogue here is one of my personal favorites:
"'The longer he's in jail, the worst his influences. He's going to learn worst criminal behavior...'"
There's more. Oh, believe me, there's more. Putting it all here would not only take too long, it might also be illegal because I could end up reproducing the whole damn book.
Diction aside, how does the story stack up? Well....
*Sigh*
It's...terrible. Utterly, almost inconceivably terrible. Overwrought melodrama, sappy cliche's, and a plot line befitting a really bad Lifetime Channel movie of the week. There's no consistency, devices are dropped on you and then discarded....oh, and the dialogue?
You want a summary? OK, so we have two people who desperately want to fuck each other. He's a 24-year-old "music mogul", she's an 18-year-old aspiring psychiatrist (ha!), and the two of them are just all kinds of hot & bothered for each other, right? Well, there's a problem. First, Samantha was nearly raped when she was 13 and has daddy issues now because, instead of comforting her when it happened, daddy just called her a whore. Second, Collins was sexually abused as a child and now has a sick and completely twisted addiction to.....wait for it.....TAPING HIMSELF HAVING SEX WITH WOMEN!
No, I'm totally serious. His addiction is homemade porn. Featuring himself and whatever lady he happens to want to bone at the time. Provided, of course, that she signs his list of demands first. Oh, I didn't say anything about a list of demands? Well, there's a list of demands. First, there's a confidentiality agreement, which makes total sense since he's a celebrity and all. But the next list, apparently Collins' "Legally Binding Guidelines for Dating My Awesome Self", is a bit, shall we say, unconventional. The very first requirement is that any girl who chooses to date Superstud must keep her hair long, and if she wishes to cut it short, she must first seekher master's Collins' permission. Second guideline? To take care of herself (i.e. not get fat) and get approval from Collins on things she wears while out with him (this obviously stems from some childhood trauma caused by Collins' inability to play with dolls). The third guideline is just a reiteration of what is surely contained within the confidentiality agreement, so why it's on the guidelines page is a mystery. (Mystery solved; Kailin Gow is a suck-ass writer). Guideline four, must agree to travel with His Highness. Finally, number five; must be available either by phone or person whenever Lord Handycam decides he wants/needs to be clingy.
So I'm sitting here reading this list of demands, thinking, Oh, this girl's gonna be pissed when she finishes this....however....
"'I'm utterly baffled," I said throwing my hands up in the air, "how this isn't as earthshaking as I expected." I smiled at Collins, relieved it was not something utterly weird or kinky."
Right there. That was what did it. I'd endured the sap, the bad writing, all of this book's awfulness, but reading that bit right there seared the name 'Kailin Gow' into my subconscious. Samantha is a moronic tool, Collins is a fucking dickhead, and I want to douse them both in gasoline and set them on fire. If a guy, any guy, tried to get me to sign (or even just agree to) some asinine list of demands stating that I had to get permission from him to do something with my own body....I would kick him in the funbags so hard it would be months before he even caught sight of them again.
Kailin Gow is a "multi-award-winning and bestselling author"?
Oh, wow. Where do I even begin? First of all, I'm sort of shocked at the very idea that Kailin Gow is a "multi-award-winning and bestselling author", mostly due to the simple fact that Ms. Gow doesn't even seem to have a basic grasp of English.
What struck me first (in the face, very hard) was the unutterably terrible diction.
"Inwardly I sighed. What else could I do to try to make it inevitable I could get a scholarship to Stanford?"
Tip #1: Stop writing sentences like the above.
"'Do you have any suggestions?' I asked my guidance counselor for three years."
Why was she asking her guidance counselor to give her three years? Three years for what?
Oh, I think that's supposed to be of three years. Right. That makes more sense.
"...she said getting up and walking over to a small black and white striped fabric-covered push-pin bulletin board hanging on top of a set of black metal-lock cabinets."
Run-on sentence? Blatantly excessive detail? A placement for the bulletin board that makes no logical sense? This entry has it all! (Seriously, why would it be hung "on top of" the cabinets? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to hang it on the wall over said cabinet?)
"I felt my mouth dropped..."
Interesting.
"He was better-looking than his photos."
I would hope so.
"...his John Lobb-clad leather shoes."
Why are his shoes wearing John Lobb?
"Cozy and comfortable, that was how my room looked like."
"But that kind of hunger is what made me where I am today."
"And I never slept better than ever."
"I wish you can trust me, Sam."
Hey, do you know what tenses are? You do? Well, then you're a step ahead of Ms. Gow.
"He sat up, and all I can see were the muscles rippling underneath his shirt..."
"My head was in my arms, feeling so heavy that Derek had to lift my face up so he can talk to me."
"I've known Daggers for only two months, but I felt as if I've known him for a lifetime."
This bit of dialogue here is one of my personal favorites:
"'The longer he's in jail, the worst his influences. He's going to learn worst criminal behavior...'"
There's more. Oh, believe me, there's more. Putting it all here would not only take too long, it might also be illegal because I could end up reproducing the whole damn book.
Diction aside, how does the story stack up? Well....
*Sigh*
It's...terrible. Utterly, almost inconceivably terrible. Overwrought melodrama, sappy cliche's, and a plot line befitting a really bad Lifetime Channel movie of the week. There's no consistency, devices are dropped on you and then discarded....oh, and the dialogue?
You want a summary? OK, so we have two people who desperately want to fuck each other. He's a 24-year-old "music mogul", she's an 18-year-old aspiring psychiatrist (ha!), and the two of them are just all kinds of hot & bothered for each other, right? Well, there's a problem. First, Samantha was nearly raped when she was 13 and has daddy issues now because, instead of comforting her when it happened, daddy just called her a whore. Second, Collins was sexually abused as a child and now has a sick and completely twisted addiction to.....wait for it.....TAPING HIMSELF HAVING SEX WITH WOMEN!
No, I'm totally serious. His addiction is homemade porn. Featuring himself and whatever lady he happens to want to bone at the time. Provided, of course, that she signs his list of demands first. Oh, I didn't say anything about a list of demands? Well, there's a list of demands. First, there's a confidentiality agreement, which makes total sense since he's a celebrity and all. But the next list, apparently Collins' "Legally Binding Guidelines for Dating My Awesome Self", is a bit, shall we say, unconventional. The very first requirement is that any girl who chooses to date Superstud must keep her hair long, and if she wishes to cut it short, she must first seek
So I'm sitting here reading this list of demands, thinking, Oh, this girl's gonna be pissed when she finishes this....however....
"'I'm utterly baffled," I said throwing my hands up in the air, "how this isn't as earthshaking as I expected." I smiled at Collins, relieved it was not something utterly weird or kinky."
Right there. That was what did it. I'd endured the sap, the bad writing, all of this book's awfulness, but reading that bit right there seared the name 'Kailin Gow' into my subconscious. Samantha is a moronic tool, Collins is a fucking dickhead, and I want to douse them both in gasoline and set them on fire. If a guy, any guy, tried to get me to sign (or even just agree to) some asinine list of demands stating that I had to get permission from him to do something with my own body....I would kick him in the funbags so hard it would be months before he even caught sight of them again.
Kailin Gow is a "multi-award-winning and bestselling author"?
July 13, 2012
I really did not like this book. I did not think it was up to par with the author's other work, but I'm having reviewer's remorse, so I decided to delete my review. So, I'm just going to say that I did not like the book, her Frost Series and Pulse Series are much better reads and leave it at that.
June 11, 2012
This was horrible. I was cringing the whole way through. The writing was bad, it was really really bad. I felt like i was reading a story written by someone in Year 6. The whole plot just seemed completely unrealistic. I mean, yes, it was a very serious story focusing on some major issues, but to me i felt like the author just shoved in as many heartbreaking issues as possible. It was like Gow just went, Oh, Teen pregnancy! This is serious, this character can have a story relating to this. Oh, drug use! For this character! Alcohol! Self Esteem! Abuse! Cutting! There were just so many "horrible" things in the book, it just made the whole story fall apart. Everything was incredibly predictable and some parts just made me want to scream in frustration. It was so blatantly obvious! Then there were the characters. I didn't think there would be a book where i wouldn't like and connect with anyone in it. Apparently i was wrong, because i just didn't like anyone in this book at all. Novels like 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher and Heart on a chain by Cindy C. Bennett really understood the issues they were about. I cried a lot while reading them, my eyes were as dry as the Sahara desert the whole way through this one. Compared to them, Saving you, Saving me felt like such an useless read. I really did not understand the relationship between Collins and Sam. I have no idea how they fell in love, it was like 3 chapters after they first met, that they started professing their undying love for each other and sucking face. To be honest, i felt like they were just really horny. There were so many parts that i absolutely hated and made me so utterly confused. I am definitely not reading the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2012
After reading Saving You, Saving me I find this the perfect title to fit the story put forth. A wonderfully delivered contemporary romance suitable for adult teens and all adults .
In Saving you , Saving me - Kailin Gow has included several aspects in this read - social issues - from sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, bullying, peer pressure, and demons in closets . Even though this story is fiction, these above points happen in everyday life. Very realistic and true to life.
Its heart warming and heart wrenching at times, you may lose a tear or two after hearing Daggers story. It makes you think not to always take face value on anything or anyone. Someone you may seem to be all together on the outside may have issues in life, way past you’re your mind can imagine. Take time to listen and be there, a simple phone call can be all it takes. Kailin is putting forth this in her storyline, that someone is always there to listen. Privacy and confidentially an important factor.
Colin came across as a wealthy business man, successful, * SEXY* handsome and yet a very tortured soul. Being brought up on the streets, Colin has been lucky later in life to have earned his million but the only thing he truly wants in life is love. But his past comes back to haunt him from being with the one he truly loves. Boundaries are pushed and Sam is not sure how far things can go between her and Colin. This alone affects the relationship between them causing rifts and questions.
Colin meets Sam - innocent, 18 , very caring and loving, very mature for her age and she is willing to sit for hours and talk, on the help line in hopes that her words can save a soul or lead them in the right direction. In doing so she finds help also from one of her Callers ** Daggers ** Meets Derek, forms friendships and forms a bond with ** Dagger** - she finds talking to him is also Saving her .
Kailin Gow has put forth many points in this story, that will certainly make the reader think. I know After I read this story, I was still heartbroken at the outcome, but know that the next book will give us some answers. I cant wait to see in which direction she takes us.
The dialogue and storyline flows smoothly, an intriguing contemporary romance filled with wonderfully scripted characters, sexy and well thought out storyline of two souls needing each other to be saved. Characters Im sure you will fall in love with , and a storyline that will keep you reading till you have passed the last page.
The concept behind it is heart-warming, the love is sweet yet romantic and the dynamics of the storyline well put forth. The emotions that Kailin has put forth are well scripted and well described, I thoroughly enjoy a read, where I feel like I am within the pages and can envisage everything I read !
There is a website developed for the social issues put forth in this story feel free to check this out via Kailins website.
In Saving you , Saving me - Kailin Gow has included several aspects in this read - social issues - from sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, bullying, peer pressure, and demons in closets . Even though this story is fiction, these above points happen in everyday life. Very realistic and true to life.
Its heart warming and heart wrenching at times, you may lose a tear or two after hearing Daggers story. It makes you think not to always take face value on anything or anyone. Someone you may seem to be all together on the outside may have issues in life, way past you’re your mind can imagine. Take time to listen and be there, a simple phone call can be all it takes. Kailin is putting forth this in her storyline, that someone is always there to listen. Privacy and confidentially an important factor.
Colin came across as a wealthy business man, successful, * SEXY* handsome and yet a very tortured soul. Being brought up on the streets, Colin has been lucky later in life to have earned his million but the only thing he truly wants in life is love. But his past comes back to haunt him from being with the one he truly loves. Boundaries are pushed and Sam is not sure how far things can go between her and Colin. This alone affects the relationship between them causing rifts and questions.
Colin meets Sam - innocent, 18 , very caring and loving, very mature for her age and she is willing to sit for hours and talk, on the help line in hopes that her words can save a soul or lead them in the right direction. In doing so she finds help also from one of her Callers ** Daggers ** Meets Derek, forms friendships and forms a bond with ** Dagger** - she finds talking to him is also Saving her .
Kailin Gow has put forth many points in this story, that will certainly make the reader think. I know After I read this story, I was still heartbroken at the outcome, but know that the next book will give us some answers. I cant wait to see in which direction she takes us.
The dialogue and storyline flows smoothly, an intriguing contemporary romance filled with wonderfully scripted characters, sexy and well thought out storyline of two souls needing each other to be saved. Characters Im sure you will fall in love with , and a storyline that will keep you reading till you have passed the last page.
The concept behind it is heart-warming, the love is sweet yet romantic and the dynamics of the storyline well put forth. The emotions that Kailin has put forth are well scripted and well described, I thoroughly enjoy a read, where I feel like I am within the pages and can envisage everything I read !
There is a website developed for the social issues put forth in this story feel free to check this out via Kailins website.
May 6, 2012
ARC: Saving You Saving Me by Kailin Gow
Pages: 201
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Source: sent from ATOMR tour for review
Short Synopsis: Sam, a young girl, is doing everything she can to get a scholarship to Stanford and decides to work at Sawyer House, a call center, to add as an extra curricular. She just never expected to fall in love with one of the people she was supposed to help save.
My Thoughts: Though intended for a more mature audience, I absolutely loved this novel and devoured it in one day.
Samantha, a pastor's daughter, has worked very hard to get to where she is. But even with all her achievements, it might not be enough to get her into the school of her choice. Under the school guidance councilor's advice, Sam decides to join a call center. She also meets a very powerful and handsome individual named Collins McGregor, and has very strong feelings for him, even though he has certain needs that she isn't too comfortable with.
But as soon as she starts working at the call center, Sam feels like she belongs, as she starts to listen to other people's problems, rather than dealing with her own family drama. While working at the call center one day, Sam encounters a very strange caller named Daggers, who needs advice. But she never expected to continue talking to him, and learning more about him. And though she thought that being at the call center would help others, she never dreamed that she would be the one who needed saving, and that this certain caller, just might be what she needed.
A very original, fast paced, entertaining read. I loved how even though the characters seemed a bit disturbing, they were all very real, and had relatable problems. I enjoyed reading what Sam goes through, and that she is a great example of the fact that even though your life might seem perfect on the outside, on the inside, it can be a total wreck.
It was also interesting to read how a call center operates, and that issues can be ranging from minor to serious, and through Sam's eyes, we see that everyone else has problems too. I loved comparing the chemistry between Sam and Collins and Sam and Daggers, the caller. It was a mystery to read who Sam might have stronger feelings for, and with the mix of her friend Derek, it was most certainly, a can't put down novel.
The only situation that I had with this novel was the fact that it dealt with some serious issues, and didn't really think that it should have been included in the young adult genre. Everything else was great. Interesting characters, with a plot leaving you wanting more. I definitely can't wait to read what happens next, and look forward to the sequel.
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Rating: I give this book a 4.5/5.
Pages: 201
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Source: sent from ATOMR tour for review
Short Synopsis: Sam, a young girl, is doing everything she can to get a scholarship to Stanford and decides to work at Sawyer House, a call center, to add as an extra curricular. She just never expected to fall in love with one of the people she was supposed to help save.
My Thoughts: Though intended for a more mature audience, I absolutely loved this novel and devoured it in one day.
Samantha, a pastor's daughter, has worked very hard to get to where she is. But even with all her achievements, it might not be enough to get her into the school of her choice. Under the school guidance councilor's advice, Sam decides to join a call center. She also meets a very powerful and handsome individual named Collins McGregor, and has very strong feelings for him, even though he has certain needs that she isn't too comfortable with.
But as soon as she starts working at the call center, Sam feels like she belongs, as she starts to listen to other people's problems, rather than dealing with her own family drama. While working at the call center one day, Sam encounters a very strange caller named Daggers, who needs advice. But she never expected to continue talking to him, and learning more about him. And though she thought that being at the call center would help others, she never dreamed that she would be the one who needed saving, and that this certain caller, just might be what she needed.
A very original, fast paced, entertaining read. I loved how even though the characters seemed a bit disturbing, they were all very real, and had relatable problems. I enjoyed reading what Sam goes through, and that she is a great example of the fact that even though your life might seem perfect on the outside, on the inside, it can be a total wreck.
It was also interesting to read how a call center operates, and that issues can be ranging from minor to serious, and through Sam's eyes, we see that everyone else has problems too. I loved comparing the chemistry between Sam and Collins and Sam and Daggers, the caller. It was a mystery to read who Sam might have stronger feelings for, and with the mix of her friend Derek, it was most certainly, a can't put down novel.
The only situation that I had with this novel was the fact that it dealt with some serious issues, and didn't really think that it should have been included in the young adult genre. Everything else was great. Interesting characters, with a plot leaving you wanting more. I definitely can't wait to read what happens next, and look forward to the sequel.
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Rating: I give this book a 4.5/5.
April 24, 2012
All I have to say about this is WOW!! This is such a powerful read and Kailin you really did do an amazing job with this book. The characters, emotions and all the different situations that were throughout the book are so wonderfully written and make your emotions run on high as well.
Sam is an ambitious 18 year old girl that wants nothing more than to graduate from her high school and become a Psychiatrist. In order to get there she needs to obtain a scholarship because she can't afford to go to the school she wants any other way. When she gets told that helping out at the Sawyer House will give her that edge that she needs, she agrees to go and give it a try. Being a peer counselor is nerve racking to Sam at first but when she picks up the phone for the first time she becomes a natural.
Daggers has gone though a lot in his life. Calling the Sawyer House was not what he thought it was going to be. Getting Sam wasn't what he expected but it turned out for the best. The more Daggers talks to Sam, the , more he wants to tell her about his dark past and his current demons. Talking to Sam "Susan" as he knows her becomes an every day thing but will she be enough or will his demons get the best of him?
There are more characters to this story than Sam and Daggers but these two are by far the most powerful and influential in this novel. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to Sam. She has such a strong exterior shell but on the inside she can be a mess as well. Life isn't all it seems to be on the outside all of the time. Talking to Daggers who seems to be a relief to her too =, as she can tell him things she would not tell someone normally. Daggers just wants to change. He needs the change but he is having such a hard time with it. To me Daggers represents that inner struggle that we all deal with at one point and time in our lives and you really want to help him too.
For a strong contemporary read I would really suggest that you pick this book up. There is a bunch of different situations that either you have gone through or someone you know has gone through in life. There are so many parts that will make your heart ache for different callers and characters but there are other parts that give you hope. There were parts that brought tears to my eyes with the strength and amount of emotion. I can honestly say that I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sam is an ambitious 18 year old girl that wants nothing more than to graduate from her high school and become a Psychiatrist. In order to get there she needs to obtain a scholarship because she can't afford to go to the school she wants any other way. When she gets told that helping out at the Sawyer House will give her that edge that she needs, she agrees to go and give it a try. Being a peer counselor is nerve racking to Sam at first but when she picks up the phone for the first time she becomes a natural.
Daggers has gone though a lot in his life. Calling the Sawyer House was not what he thought it was going to be. Getting Sam wasn't what he expected but it turned out for the best. The more Daggers talks to Sam, the , more he wants to tell her about his dark past and his current demons. Talking to Sam "Susan" as he knows her becomes an every day thing but will she be enough or will his demons get the best of him?
There are more characters to this story than Sam and Daggers but these two are by far the most powerful and influential in this novel. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to Sam. She has such a strong exterior shell but on the inside she can be a mess as well. Life isn't all it seems to be on the outside all of the time. Talking to Daggers who seems to be a relief to her too =, as she can tell him things she would not tell someone normally. Daggers just wants to change. He needs the change but he is having such a hard time with it. To me Daggers represents that inner struggle that we all deal with at one point and time in our lives and you really want to help him too.
For a strong contemporary read I would really suggest that you pick this book up. There is a bunch of different situations that either you have gone through or someone you know has gone through in life. There are so many parts that will make your heart ache for different callers and characters but there are other parts that give you hope. There were parts that brought tears to my eyes with the strength and amount of emotion. I can honestly say that I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 5, 2012
While this book left me in a state of confusion as to how I truly felt about it, I have to admit that I could not put it down. I loved Sam and felt sorry for her because of her family dynamics. I adored Derek; he made Sam chocolate chips cookies and in turn made me swoon over him. The one I had difficulty with was Collin. I loved that he was a complete alpha male and found him to be sweet at times but some things he did were VERY similar to Christian Grey in Fifty Shades (contracts, jealousy, rich, difficult childhood, etc.).
So now that I have had a few days to run everything through my head, I can say I REALLY liked the book but cannot go as far as to say I loved it. While the whole Collin/Sam relationship reminded me of 50, it had some added elements that I really liked. For one, Derek is a great guy who could be a love interest for Sam. I thought that Collin and Sam had great chemistry but I also felt great chemistry between Derek and Sam. The Saving You, Saving Me series is a trilogy and I will keep reading on to see how this shakes out in the end. Will she go with the guy who is broken and needs to be saved or the guy who adores her and could save her?
Second, the book dealt with alot of teen issues such as bullying, sex, peer pressure and abuse through Sam’s work at Sawyer house. These are issues that a prevalent in society and I loved that Gow showcased them in this book.
Last, the book was YA and I thought it did a pretty good job at staying within the YA genre. It mentions sex and abuse situations but doesn’t get into the detail that would push the envelope. There are some adult situations and I would not recommend this book for younger teens.
So now that I have had a few days to run everything through my head, I can say I REALLY liked the book but cannot go as far as to say I loved it. While the whole Collin/Sam relationship reminded me of 50, it had some added elements that I really liked. For one, Derek is a great guy who could be a love interest for Sam. I thought that Collin and Sam had great chemistry but I also felt great chemistry between Derek and Sam. The Saving You, Saving Me series is a trilogy and I will keep reading on to see how this shakes out in the end. Will she go with the guy who is broken and needs to be saved or the guy who adores her and could save her?
Second, the book dealt with alot of teen issues such as bullying, sex, peer pressure and abuse through Sam’s work at Sawyer house. These are issues that a prevalent in society and I loved that Gow showcased them in this book.
Last, the book was YA and I thought it did a pretty good job at staying within the YA genre. It mentions sex and abuse situations but doesn’t get into the detail that would push the envelope. There are some adult situations and I would not recommend this book for younger teens.
April 18, 2012
**REVIEW**Possible Spoilers
Ive been waiting on baited breath for Saving You Saving Me to release and It finally has!!When I first started reading this book I was a bit confused as it was taking me in a different direction then the book description But it brought me there and I understood her reasons for doing that.I have to say some of it reminded me of a PG Shades of Grey,Some of the commentary..her inner friends.I would have liked to get to know the characters a bit better,However knowing that this is book 1 in a 3 part series there is still time for that as these are complex characters.I did tear up..and a book that makes me tear up is a good book in my eyes..The best part of this book?It left me wanting more and left wanting to beg Kailin Gow to write faster or release sooner...If only it was that easy.
Im glad that these issues are being brought to light.When I was in high school(many moons ago) I could have used this Phone counseling due to bullying issues.Nothing makes me heart happier then knowing people and authors are taking these issues seriously. Saving You Saving Me Project is here..please visit it.
I am now Eagerly awaiting the release of Loving Summer this May 2012!
Taken from my Blog http://lebooksquirrel.blogspot.com/20...
Ive been waiting on baited breath for Saving You Saving Me to release and It finally has!!When I first started reading this book I was a bit confused as it was taking me in a different direction then the book description But it brought me there and I understood her reasons for doing that.I have to say some of it reminded me of a PG Shades of Grey,Some of the commentary..her inner friends.I would have liked to get to know the characters a bit better,However knowing that this is book 1 in a 3 part series there is still time for that as these are complex characters.I did tear up..and a book that makes me tear up is a good book in my eyes..The best part of this book?It left me wanting more and left wanting to beg Kailin Gow to write faster or release sooner...If only it was that easy.
Im glad that these issues are being brought to light.When I was in high school(many moons ago) I could have used this Phone counseling due to bullying issues.Nothing makes me heart happier then knowing people and authors are taking these issues seriously. Saving You Saving Me Project is here..please visit it.
I am now Eagerly awaiting the release of Loving Summer this May 2012!
Taken from my Blog http://lebooksquirrel.blogspot.com/20...
April 25, 2012
Samantha is 18 and striving to reach her goal of earning a scholarship to Stanford. She is smart and determined. She accepts an internship to a teen hotline. She would like to major in psychology and this job would look very good on her college application.
Collin is looking for a school to send his troubled younger brother to. He visits Samantha's school and is immediately taken by her. There is a definite spark between them from the moment they meet.
Unfortunately, there are many obstacles standing in their way. Collin has a past. His past has lead him to his success, but has left him with some undesirable attributes. Somehow Collin and Sam have to find a way to meet on common ground and not let their demons stand inbetween them.
This book deals with some very serious issues of child abuse. It is really hard to read some of the situations that come up. It illustrates the point that the abuse of a child has lasting consequences that can play havoc with that child for the rest of his/her life.
I felt that Kailin Gow handled the issues in a intellectual and positive way. I would recommend this book to YA readers who are 17 or older, because of the sensitive nature of the subject. Some of the issues are very mature situations.
Collin is looking for a school to send his troubled younger brother to. He visits Samantha's school and is immediately taken by her. There is a definite spark between them from the moment they meet.
Unfortunately, there are many obstacles standing in their way. Collin has a past. His past has lead him to his success, but has left him with some undesirable attributes. Somehow Collin and Sam have to find a way to meet on common ground and not let their demons stand inbetween them.
This book deals with some very serious issues of child abuse. It is really hard to read some of the situations that come up. It illustrates the point that the abuse of a child has lasting consequences that can play havoc with that child for the rest of his/her life.
I felt that Kailin Gow handled the issues in a intellectual and positive way. I would recommend this book to YA readers who are 17 or older, because of the sensitive nature of the subject. Some of the issues are very mature situations.
April 30, 2012
As a fan of contemporaries and Kailin Gow alike, I was thrilled when I received a review copy of this book, and Saving You Saving Me did not disappoint. I think above being a romance, this book is about trust, trusting that special person in your life enough to let go of all that baggage we bring with us into relationships. Sam is a high school student who just turned 18, top of her class, and doing anything she can to get a scholarship to the college of her dreams. She is also a pastor's daughter and a very caring individual who struggles with always having to do what people think she should do, so as not to disappoint her very strict father. As part of her counselor's plan to improve her chances of getting into Stanford, Sam begins to volunteer at a teen helpline where she is to give advice to troubled anonymous callers.
Circumstances bring Sam and Collins McGregor, a 24 year old entrepreneur who built a fortune out of nothing, together. The chemistry between them is undeniable from the moment they meet. Collins becomes smitten with Sam and does anything he can to get her to go out with him, in spite of their age difference. As their friendship grows and a romance develops, Sam finds out some disturbing things about Collins that she is not sure she can live with, but because of how much she cares for him, she might be willing to try. Meanwhile, she starts talking to an anonymous caller at the teen hotline who calls himself "Daggers". Daggers and Collins are very much alike in that they both have deep dark secrets that are crippling their love lives, and Sam starts to develop feelings for him in spite of also having feelings for Collins.
There were moments while reading the book that I became frustrated and literally yelled "come on! It's so obvious!" at the book, but I'd like to think it's because I got so invested in the story. I found that I identified quite a bit with Sam, in that I was also a Psych major in college and was always preoccupied with proving my achievements to my father. I felt for her as she suffered through her father's indifference and her mother's alcoholism, not to mention the mess she was in romantically. I also loved the character of Derek, Sam's co-volunteer at the teen hotline, who also had romantic feelings for Sam. I want a friend like that too.
I enjoyed this book and I found that I was able to get through it very quickly. The story is compelling and will warm your heart. It tackles very real issues for teens nowadays (such as weight, self-esteem, cutting, depression) and through Sam's advice on the phone, you get to read some very good advice on how to handle it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series which I believe will be called Finding You Finding Me. 4-stars.
(Originally reviewed at JJiReads.blogspot.com)
Circumstances bring Sam and Collins McGregor, a 24 year old entrepreneur who built a fortune out of nothing, together. The chemistry between them is undeniable from the moment they meet. Collins becomes smitten with Sam and does anything he can to get her to go out with him, in spite of their age difference. As their friendship grows and a romance develops, Sam finds out some disturbing things about Collins that she is not sure she can live with, but because of how much she cares for him, she might be willing to try. Meanwhile, she starts talking to an anonymous caller at the teen hotline who calls himself "Daggers". Daggers and Collins are very much alike in that they both have deep dark secrets that are crippling their love lives, and Sam starts to develop feelings for him in spite of also having feelings for Collins.
There were moments while reading the book that I became frustrated and literally yelled "come on! It's so obvious!" at the book, but I'd like to think it's because I got so invested in the story. I found that I identified quite a bit with Sam, in that I was also a Psych major in college and was always preoccupied with proving my achievements to my father. I felt for her as she suffered through her father's indifference and her mother's alcoholism, not to mention the mess she was in romantically. I also loved the character of Derek, Sam's co-volunteer at the teen hotline, who also had romantic feelings for Sam. I want a friend like that too.
I enjoyed this book and I found that I was able to get through it very quickly. The story is compelling and will warm your heart. It tackles very real issues for teens nowadays (such as weight, self-esteem, cutting, depression) and through Sam's advice on the phone, you get to read some very good advice on how to handle it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series which I believe will be called Finding You Finding Me. 4-stars.
(Originally reviewed at JJiReads.blogspot.com)
May 4, 2012
OMG x 1000. This book was so intense. I love Sam and Collin sooooo much. They are perfect for each other in their own screwed up way. They both have issues and I mean issues. Him more so than her but hers are still there. She was almost raped but doesn't even think of it that way. Her father thinks she is a whore but she is a virgin at least that was my understanding. Her family is screwed up as well. Collin had a horrible childhood and was raped and pimped out by his mother. Sam loves Collin but they have not had sex because of Sam's phobia. After the incident of nearly being raped that since she can't comes to terms with she can't reach that level of intimacy with Collin. This book screwed up with my head some and I hated how it ended and more so that I have to wait months for book two. The book is good in drawing you in because I read it in one sitting (with multiple short breaks saying WTF). This book will be in my head for a while. I have not been this affected by a book since "Heart on a Chain" by Cindy Bennett. I wished I had waited until all the books in the series were published because I hate the open ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2012
Really made me think. Powerful message. Review to come.
May 28, 2012
Hi - I'm the author of Saving You Saving Me, and I invite everyone to read this book and see for yourself what Saving You Saving Me is about. Everyone goes into reading a book with some background and personal influences already so see for yourself how Saving You Saving Me speaks to you.
What I do want to say here because I have readers who are under 15 years old, is this is a mature young adult book that contains issues that are not sugarcoated. Why? It's tied into a real life crisis center - The Saving You Saving Me Project at http://www.SavingYouSavingMe.com
There is no explicit sex (it is talked about and implied, and the issues are discussed and explored), but this is not erotica. There is a big difference between that genre and anything for YA, New Adult, and Romance. This book is appropriate for age 16 and up, using the criteria of television programs. If you can watch CW shows, then you can read Saving You Saving Me.
If you are easily offended, if you are expecting a light read, then Saving You Saving Me may not be right for you. If you're looking for pure erotica, this is definitely not the book for you. Saving You Saving Me is an issues-filled book deliberately written to push buttons so knowing that going into the book, hopefully, you will be able to see beneath the surface of the "story" and the characters.
If you'd like to read and review this book and you're a blogger, you can sign up with my publisher theEDGEbook.com's blogger sign up to be considered as an approved blogger and/or request a copy of Saving You Saving Me through NetGalley.
There's a contest with Saving You Saving Me too to win Daggers earrings from Nordstroms, that's going on for a limited time:
http://kailingowbooks.com/contests-an...
Oh, there's a book trailer produced by the team who produce trailers for the big 6 publishers, too. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XajWJ...
Thank you for looking at my "review" of Saving You Saving Me although I'm the author here, and I appreciate you checking out the You & Me Trilogy!
Kailin
What I do want to say here because I have readers who are under 15 years old, is this is a mature young adult book that contains issues that are not sugarcoated. Why? It's tied into a real life crisis center - The Saving You Saving Me Project at http://www.SavingYouSavingMe.com
There is no explicit sex (it is talked about and implied, and the issues are discussed and explored), but this is not erotica. There is a big difference between that genre and anything for YA, New Adult, and Romance. This book is appropriate for age 16 and up, using the criteria of television programs. If you can watch CW shows, then you can read Saving You Saving Me.
If you are easily offended, if you are expecting a light read, then Saving You Saving Me may not be right for you. If you're looking for pure erotica, this is definitely not the book for you. Saving You Saving Me is an issues-filled book deliberately written to push buttons so knowing that going into the book, hopefully, you will be able to see beneath the surface of the "story" and the characters.
If you'd like to read and review this book and you're a blogger, you can sign up with my publisher theEDGEbook.com's blogger sign up to be considered as an approved blogger and/or request a copy of Saving You Saving Me through NetGalley.
There's a contest with Saving You Saving Me too to win Daggers earrings from Nordstroms, that's going on for a limited time:
http://kailingowbooks.com/contests-an...
Oh, there's a book trailer produced by the team who produce trailers for the big 6 publishers, too. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XajWJ...
Thank you for looking at my "review" of Saving You Saving Me although I'm the author here, and I appreciate you checking out the You & Me Trilogy!
Kailin
May 3, 2012
I have no idea where to start with this review… I suppose that I can start it just by saying “amazing”. Everything about Saving You Saving Me was both adorable, deep and innovative. From the addictive start to the ending that had me dying for more, Saving You Saving Me definitely one of those novels that leaves readers thinking long after the story ends. For those of you who don’t know, the novel is about eighteen year old main character Sam Sullivan who is the perfect daughter. She’s a preacher’s daughter who is trying to balance her new career and family and is trying to forget her dark past. But as the story progresses, we learn that Sam’s life is far from perfect and that she will have to help Daggers, a boy she doesn’t know who has serious issues. And as the cute title says: She’s saving him, but he might be saving her in the process.
Come on! If you don’t think that that has at least some serious cuteness then… why so serious? From the start of the novel, we are introduced not only to an awesome-sauce prologue, but also get introduced to Collins the perfect, sexy and attractive male lead character who manages to snag Sam’s heart from the awkward/cute moment that they meet. Personally, I found that as the story progresses it took nearly half of the novel for the story to include and introduce us to Daggers. I don’t want to say too much because this review is spoiler free so I will simply say that: Daggers has a past that some readers may or may not be able to connect with, but readers will have emotions stirring regardless.
Something that I feel I should add into this review is that, while the novel is cute as heck and is romantic as ever. Lucky for all of us Saving You Saving Me is going to be a trilogy—and personally I cannot wait to read the sequel which will hopefully have more Collins, Sam, Daggers and romance. The one thing that some readers may be sensitive to and that is the slight (and I mean slight because it is pretty miniscule) mature content that was used in the story, most of the mature content being included in Daggers and Sam’s dark pasts. I would recommend this story to fans of YA contemporary and YA romance. Saving You Saving Me is a quick read that is definitely worth a try.
Come on! If you don’t think that that has at least some serious cuteness then… why so serious? From the start of the novel, we are introduced not only to an awesome-sauce prologue, but also get introduced to Collins the perfect, sexy and attractive male lead character who manages to snag Sam’s heart from the awkward/cute moment that they meet. Personally, I found that as the story progresses it took nearly half of the novel for the story to include and introduce us to Daggers. I don’t want to say too much because this review is spoiler free so I will simply say that: Daggers has a past that some readers may or may not be able to connect with, but readers will have emotions stirring regardless.
Something that I feel I should add into this review is that, while the novel is cute as heck and is romantic as ever. Lucky for all of us Saving You Saving Me is going to be a trilogy—and personally I cannot wait to read the sequel which will hopefully have more Collins, Sam, Daggers and romance. The one thing that some readers may be sensitive to and that is the slight (and I mean slight because it is pretty miniscule) mature content that was used in the story, most of the mature content being included in Daggers and Sam’s dark pasts. I would recommend this story to fans of YA contemporary and YA romance. Saving You Saving Me is a quick read that is definitely worth a try.
April 30, 2012
I feel like I don't read enough contemporaries. I have enjoyed most of the ones that I have read, so I have no idea why I don't read more of them. Saving You, Saving, Me is a gritty, real story. And I love that it's going to be a trilogy. I genuinely connected with and like the characters, something that is not as easy as it seems lately. Their story is complex and I feel like we are watching it unfold in real time, which is pretty cool!
What I liked the most about Saving You, Saving Me is that you get a lot of backstory on the main characters, but it doesn't feel like you are just reading about it. It is folded into the main story so nicely! And I like that it was really the story of a few different people. It wasn't all just about Sam, or all just about Collins. They each shared the stage. Kailin Gow really did a great job balancing all the characters and their own personal stories.
Sam is beautiful but she doesn't seem caught up in her looks at all. It was refreshing because so many people were obviously interested in her and she never lets it go to her ego. But she wasn't a mary sue(or is it mary jane? I can never remember) by any means. She was dealing with some issues for sure. After all, she is only human. Collins has more than his fair share of issues. When we first met, I wasn't his biggest fan- but he grew on me as the story progressed.
Overall, Saving You, Saving Me is a really good contemporary. I thought it was an engaging and enjoyable read. I loved the way the plot was laid out and the characters are the real superstar of the story. The writing was good, but there were a few issues with tenses not matching up and a couple clumsy sentences. But I had an ARC of the book so they just might be minor things with that. I really liked Saving You, Saving Me and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book to see what will happen! If you have read the book, what did you think of it?
What I liked the most about Saving You, Saving Me is that you get a lot of backstory on the main characters, but it doesn't feel like you are just reading about it. It is folded into the main story so nicely! And I like that it was really the story of a few different people. It wasn't all just about Sam, or all just about Collins. They each shared the stage. Kailin Gow really did a great job balancing all the characters and their own personal stories.
Sam is beautiful but she doesn't seem caught up in her looks at all. It was refreshing because so many people were obviously interested in her and she never lets it go to her ego. But she wasn't a mary sue(or is it mary jane? I can never remember) by any means. She was dealing with some issues for sure. After all, she is only human. Collins has more than his fair share of issues. When we first met, I wasn't his biggest fan- but he grew on me as the story progressed.
Overall, Saving You, Saving Me is a really good contemporary. I thought it was an engaging and enjoyable read. I loved the way the plot was laid out and the characters are the real superstar of the story. The writing was good, but there were a few issues with tenses not matching up and a couple clumsy sentences. But I had an ARC of the book so they just might be minor things with that. I really liked Saving You, Saving Me and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book to see what will happen! If you have read the book, what did you think of it?
August 2, 2012
A few similarities to Fifty Shades (come on there are so many books out there just like Fifty Shades), which is why I picked up this book. But the differences far outweigh this and I found I love this book for its message and help center tie-in more.
Anyone knocking this book must be heartless. This book deserves all the support it can get.
I'm sick of the way bashers have bashed this book and its poor author when it only has a few similarities to Fifty Shades, but has more differences, which the bashers have not mentioned.
This book is not exactly like Fifty Shades. There are many books exactly like it in the same erotica genre, even, and they've been riding the coattails of being exactly like Fifty Shades, yet hasn't seen this bashing.
It just makes me want to stand up for this book and the author even more.
Anyone knocking this book must be heartless. This book deserves all the support it can get.
I'm sick of the way bashers have bashed this book and its poor author when it only has a few similarities to Fifty Shades, but has more differences, which the bashers have not mentioned.
This book is not exactly like Fifty Shades. There are many books exactly like it in the same erotica genre, even, and they've been riding the coattails of being exactly like Fifty Shades, yet hasn't seen this bashing.
It just makes me want to stand up for this book and the author even more.
May 16, 2012
I was shocked about how much I loved this book and am very sad I have to wait until fall of 2012 for the next:( PLEASE HURRY!!!
June 5, 2012
Simply THE BEST OF THE BEST ♥♥♥♥♥
May 9, 2012
Let me start off by saying that I am a Kailin Gow fan girl. I have read her Frost series, Wolf Fey series, and Desire series. All of them were YA fantasy which brings me to this offering. In Saving You Saving Me Kailin has veered from YA fantasy and has written a fictional book with some very realistic issues. I was smitten with this story after reading it all the way through and was compelled to read it a second time.
The characters that Kailin wrote were perfect in the sense that through their interactions I was mesmerized with the story. It is through Sam that we learn about Collins and the relationship they have. Both characters are flawed. Although Sam hides behind a self made perfect life Collins is hiding behind his self made persona. One of the things that went through my mind as I was reading this story was that the characters were somewhat reminiscent of Fifty and Ana from Fifty Shades of Gray. I found myself comparing the characters. There was the flawed but loveable male character and the female character that falls for him and wants to save him. There were the inner personas of the female lead character. The inner goddess or in this case the id and ego Lola/Susan. The lead male characters were both insanely rich and liked to deal with relationships with contracts. However, that is where the similarities stopped.
One of the things I always like about Kailin Gow is her story telling. She has a way of writing that captivates me and time ceases to exist. I get so caught up in her stories. This book was no exception. I read through it quickly the first time but didn’t want it to end so I read it again. I liked the fact that the characters were flawed because that is what drew me in. Sam volunteers at a Crisis Call Center where people can call in to talk about their issues. I like the way different issues from teen pregnancy to peer pressure, bullying to abuse, self image to drinking were all interspersed within the confines of Sam’s job. This story has Sam and Collins trying to build a relationship but there are things that each of them are hiding. As those hidden things start to come into the light the story becomes more real. Is love enough? Are the issues too big to overcome? I was left with these questions burning in my mind. I cared about the characters and what was going to happen next for them. Kailin did a wonderful job of making it all seem real.
There are so many layers to this story. It is not a simple boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love type story. The two main characters deal with some real issues. Even the characters that seem to have it all together have something that they have dealt with. This book puts it all into perspective. You really can’t judge others based on what you see. To really know someone you have to peel away the layers just like Sam tries to do. I was impressed with Saving You Saving Me. I don’t know if I could be more of a fan girl but I just might be.
*I received a copy for an honest review
The characters that Kailin wrote were perfect in the sense that through their interactions I was mesmerized with the story. It is through Sam that we learn about Collins and the relationship they have. Both characters are flawed. Although Sam hides behind a self made perfect life Collins is hiding behind his self made persona. One of the things that went through my mind as I was reading this story was that the characters were somewhat reminiscent of Fifty and Ana from Fifty Shades of Gray. I found myself comparing the characters. There was the flawed but loveable male character and the female character that falls for him and wants to save him. There were the inner personas of the female lead character. The inner goddess or in this case the id and ego Lola/Susan. The lead male characters were both insanely rich and liked to deal with relationships with contracts. However, that is where the similarities stopped.
One of the things I always like about Kailin Gow is her story telling. She has a way of writing that captivates me and time ceases to exist. I get so caught up in her stories. This book was no exception. I read through it quickly the first time but didn’t want it to end so I read it again. I liked the fact that the characters were flawed because that is what drew me in. Sam volunteers at a Crisis Call Center where people can call in to talk about their issues. I like the way different issues from teen pregnancy to peer pressure, bullying to abuse, self image to drinking were all interspersed within the confines of Sam’s job. This story has Sam and Collins trying to build a relationship but there are things that each of them are hiding. As those hidden things start to come into the light the story becomes more real. Is love enough? Are the issues too big to overcome? I was left with these questions burning in my mind. I cared about the characters and what was going to happen next for them. Kailin did a wonderful job of making it all seem real.
There are so many layers to this story. It is not a simple boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love type story. The two main characters deal with some real issues. Even the characters that seem to have it all together have something that they have dealt with. This book puts it all into perspective. You really can’t judge others based on what you see. To really know someone you have to peel away the layers just like Sam tries to do. I was impressed with Saving You Saving Me. I don’t know if I could be more of a fan girl but I just might be.
*I received a copy for an honest review
July 12, 2012
Samantha Sullivan wants to leave her house and hopes to get a scholarship to Stanford. Her father barely talks to her, and her mother constantly drinks. At a meeting with her guidance counselor, she learns that she should volunteer at a place like Sawyer House, a call center where teens can call and get advice about their problem. Her counselor believes that this will help her be competitive to help with Stanford. While the counselor is making a call, Sam sees Collins McGregor, a 24 year old music tycoon.
As Sam walks out of the office, she bumps right into Collins. Sam quickly gets annoyed at Collins and tells him what she thinks of him. When the principal shows up, she finds out she was meant to show Collins around school. She gets out of it, but sees him yet again at school and is given his card.
Sam doesn’t have intentions of using it…until she can’t find her mom, who’s supposed to be picking up her younger sister, Nydia. With Collins’s help, she finds her mom. Sam knows she shouldn’t be attracted to him, but he’s the first guy that she ever felt this way about. She starts working at Sawyer House and is trained by a college student, Derek. She thinks he’s nice, but wants to be with Collins. While she’s there one night, she gets a call from a guy named Daggers. The more she finds out about him the more she likes him and cares about him.
There still a lot that she needs to settle with Collins. Both Sam and Collins have baggage. Sam doesn’t tell Collins her baggage, but it’s hard for her to think about hers. Also, she isn’t coping well with his, especially his relationship contract.
Can she be there for Daggers without breaking policy? Can she make Collins see that she wants to be there for him, baggage and all?
I was so excited when I saw that Kailin had a contemporary romance. I’m usually more into paranormal romance books, but love to look for contemporary books to read but usually without much luck.
This is definitely a lot more edgier and mature than other books I’ve read, but I really enjoyed this one. I feel for both Collins and Sam. Both of them haven’t had the best childhoods. I definitely am looking forward to see if and how they cope with their challenges.
I do like Collins, but I want to see more of Derek. He was pushy at times, but he’s definitely sweet. In my opinion, he might just be something sturdy that Samantha needs.
I’ll just have to wait until Finding You, Finding Me.
As Sam walks out of the office, she bumps right into Collins. Sam quickly gets annoyed at Collins and tells him what she thinks of him. When the principal shows up, she finds out she was meant to show Collins around school. She gets out of it, but sees him yet again at school and is given his card.
Sam doesn’t have intentions of using it…until she can’t find her mom, who’s supposed to be picking up her younger sister, Nydia. With Collins’s help, she finds her mom. Sam knows she shouldn’t be attracted to him, but he’s the first guy that she ever felt this way about. She starts working at Sawyer House and is trained by a college student, Derek. She thinks he’s nice, but wants to be with Collins. While she’s there one night, she gets a call from a guy named Daggers. The more she finds out about him the more she likes him and cares about him.
There still a lot that she needs to settle with Collins. Both Sam and Collins have baggage. Sam doesn’t tell Collins her baggage, but it’s hard for her to think about hers. Also, she isn’t coping well with his, especially his relationship contract.
Can she be there for Daggers without breaking policy? Can she make Collins see that she wants to be there for him, baggage and all?
I was so excited when I saw that Kailin had a contemporary romance. I’m usually more into paranormal romance books, but love to look for contemporary books to read but usually without much luck.
This is definitely a lot more edgier and mature than other books I’ve read, but I really enjoyed this one. I feel for both Collins and Sam. Both of them haven’t had the best childhoods. I definitely am looking forward to see if and how they cope with their challenges.
I do like Collins, but I want to see more of Derek. He was pushy at times, but he’s definitely sweet. In my opinion, he might just be something sturdy that Samantha needs.
I’ll just have to wait until Finding You, Finding Me.
January 1, 2013
This book is Fifty Shades of Grey for Young Adults, no kidding, they are seriously alike. Note: I do not say this in a negative way. At all. I read this one before Fifty Shades of Grey and I must say I consider it like the in between, from a YA book to an adult book. Let's leave Fifty Shades for a moment and focus on this book:
Sam is a girl that has had to deal with a lot of complicated things are a very young age: her sister, an alcoholic mother, a father that doesn't seem to want her, and a part of her past that haunts her. Then young millionaire Collins steps into the picture along with a new job and a mysterious caller, and thing seem to start getting better.
Collins himself is a lot to take in, since he seems ta have huge problems of his own, and Sam is there to save him and help him get through this issues. This is what I most love about the book, that both character were saving and helping each other, there was no "I am the damsel in distress and you must help me." Also I really enjoyed that all of the supportive characters seemed to have their own little stories and where basically very complete characters.
The only downside of the book was that sometimes the dialog between character seemed a little bit off, but I got past that, and am I anxiously awaiting for the next book in the series? YES!
Like I said, this book was Fifty Shades for YA, I really enjoyed and am looking forward for the next one in the series :)
Sam is a girl that has had to deal with a lot of complicated things are a very young age: her sister, an alcoholic mother, a father that doesn't seem to want her, and a part of her past that haunts her. Then young millionaire Collins steps into the picture along with a new job and a mysterious caller, and thing seem to start getting better.
Collins himself is a lot to take in, since he seems ta have huge problems of his own, and Sam is there to save him and help him get through this issues. This is what I most love about the book, that both character were saving and helping each other, there was no "I am the damsel in distress and you must help me." Also I really enjoyed that all of the supportive characters seemed to have their own little stories and where basically very complete characters.
The only downside of the book was that sometimes the dialog between character seemed a little bit off, but I got past that, and am I anxiously awaiting for the next book in the series? YES!
Like I said, this book was Fifty Shades for YA, I really enjoyed and am looking forward for the next one in the series :)
April 14, 2012
Sam is a smart high school girl with an awful lot on her plate. She takes care of her younger sister while her sometimes drunk mother stumbles around and her pastor father ignores her. When she meets Collins, she finally believes in love at first sight. The reader will literally feel her falling for him and vice versa. Collins is not the ideal partner for a pastor's daughter; he has a rough past, millionaire or not, but the heart is blind. Sam and Collins tentatively begin to develop a relationship over the course of the book, one full of trials and travails, drama and blessed silence.
The reader will probably be rooting for Collins and Sam. Sam is hard not to like. At times, the reader may want to shake her. For the most part, however, she comes off as an intelligent young woman. Collins has a past that would have some women leaving him in the dust. Charismatic and darkly handsome, he is hard to resist, but Sam should still guard her heart. The other characters really do add to the story. The reader will enjoy getting to know Sam's friends and co-workers...even some family members.
The author develops the characters very well. The reader will feel as if he/she knows them very well and form sort of friendships with them while reading the book. The plot is constantly changing in a very subtle sense, but enough so as to have the characters dynamically change and grow as well. Overall, this book is recommended to young adult/adult readers.
The reader will probably be rooting for Collins and Sam. Sam is hard not to like. At times, the reader may want to shake her. For the most part, however, she comes off as an intelligent young woman. Collins has a past that would have some women leaving him in the dust. Charismatic and darkly handsome, he is hard to resist, but Sam should still guard her heart. The other characters really do add to the story. The reader will enjoy getting to know Sam's friends and co-workers...even some family members.
The author develops the characters very well. The reader will feel as if he/she knows them very well and form sort of friendships with them while reading the book. The plot is constantly changing in a very subtle sense, but enough so as to have the characters dynamically change and grow as well. Overall, this book is recommended to young adult/adult readers.
April 28, 2012
I feel bad when rating books 1 or 2 stars...But this one is a time-and -money- bad -spent.....
SPOILERS....
Had I not read FIFTY SHADES OF GREY I would have rated 2 stars....I was utterly disappointed with this one...she is gorgeous and innocent...he has dark secrets but he fells in love with her but if she doesn't sign the papers they won't have a relationship...she doesn't....but he can't live without her and...he is possessive...he even says they won't be sleeping in the same bedroom,but they sleep this once!!!!!!!!!!He is ready to be saved...when he was a boy his mum's friends used him for sex.....blah...blah...grrrrr....Those who have read Fifty shades know exactly why I am so angry right now!!!!!
SPOILERS....
Had I not read FIFTY SHADES OF GREY I would have rated 2 stars....I was utterly disappointed with this one...she is gorgeous and innocent...he has dark secrets but he fells in love with her but if she doesn't sign the papers they won't have a relationship...she doesn't....but he can't live without her and...he is possessive...he even says they won't be sleeping in the same bedroom,but they sleep this once!!!!!!!!!!He is ready to be saved...when he was a boy his mum's friends used him for sex.....blah...blah...grrrrr....Those who have read Fifty shades know exactly why I am so angry right now!!!!!
July 22, 2012
Wow! Once again an amazing book from Mrs. Gow!!! I love me a good story with a broken guy!!! But seriously Kailin, that ending killed me haha!!! I can't wait for the next book. It broke my heart to see what Collins went through! Man this book I have to get in book form!!! I love how she works at the center also! I am glad there are places like that in this world that teens and adults can talk to. Sometimes it really helps to have an outside person who doesn't know you, to bring yourself to realize the truth.
May 24, 2012
I would just like to tell everyone out there about this amazing book by and amazing author. The way that Sam peeled away the layers of Daggers while at Sawyer House being a counselor to find out more and more about him and she thought that she was saving Daggers when all along maybe he was actually saving her!!! Such a strong story of how one person can make a world of difference in your life. Thanks for such a great read and I look forward to many more from you Kailin!!! If you haven't read this I highly recommend it!!!!! The You and Me Series!!!
May 9, 2012
this is a book again so like the fifty shades book and it shins a bright light on issues such as child abuse and real life struggles. it incorporates hard reality, things we turn our heads away from because we cant stomach the cruelty so we just ignore it and forget it, pretend its not there in hope that maybe it would go away but deep down you know it will never go away. i definately plan on following this series.
July 18, 2012
I absolutely loved this book! It dealt with some real world issues that teenagers and young adults are sometimes sheltered from nowadays. The characters had excellent development all throughout the story. The plot and theme were both very unique and well thought out. Its not often that a give a book 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next one!
January 23, 2013
Hmm ....
Well, where to start? It was like a YA version of a f***ed up fifty shades, poorly written!
Sam was - harsh I know, but - pretty thick and stupid! How did she not no 'Dagger' was Collins? I knew as soon as she answered the call. The tattoo he had was also a HUGH give-away!! His back ground story?? Was seriously OTT and unfortunately unbelievable! The things he said were like, 'yeah ok, your 24, a big business man, yet you talk like a ... Div!' He just wasn't a strong enough character!! There was not enough emotion there, and the chemistry ... There was Non!! It was just like, "ok, we'll take you and you, we won't really say who you are, you'll fall madly in love, but we'll skip through IMPORTANT interactions and BAM your in love!!" How??? How is the reader supposed to feel a connection when you skip such big parts???? There was no real background to this whole 'Billy' and 'Whore like your mom' scenerio! Where did that really come from? There was juat nothing there, it was like it was just dropped in to take up pages. And "Prostitute her to his younger brother" .. HUH???? WTF????????? "where was I when that was obviously thought of??" Was that just another page filler? Pages that could of been used to build a relationship with the readers and characters!!
She had a break-down???
A dark side? Where was this dark side??? All mouth no action??!!! No clue, just what he said!
The little list to go by? Pointless! More page fillers! I'm sorry but if you're gonna do that then atleast make it realistic! It was more like a rich snob being a D***!!
Derek was just, pointless! There was no connection with him what-so-ever!
So many things Kailin Gow could of done with this story, but it just didn't have the WOW factor!! It really had nothing.
Its a shame!!
Well, where to start? It was like a YA version of a f***ed up fifty shades, poorly written!
Sam was - harsh I know, but - pretty thick and stupid! How did she not no 'Dagger' was Collins? I knew as soon as she answered the call. The tattoo he had was also a HUGH give-away!! His back ground story?? Was seriously OTT and unfortunately unbelievable! The things he said were like, 'yeah ok, your 24, a big business man, yet you talk like a ... Div!' He just wasn't a strong enough character!! There was not enough emotion there, and the chemistry ... There was Non!! It was just like, "ok, we'll take you and you, we won't really say who you are, you'll fall madly in love, but we'll skip through IMPORTANT interactions and BAM your in love!!" How??? How is the reader supposed to feel a connection when you skip such big parts???? There was no real background to this whole 'Billy' and 'Whore like your mom' scenerio! Where did that really come from? There was juat nothing there, it was like it was just dropped in to take up pages. And "Prostitute her to his younger brother" .. HUH???? WTF????????? "where was I when that was obviously thought of??" Was that just another page filler? Pages that could of been used to build a relationship with the readers and characters!!
She had a break-down???
A dark side? Where was this dark side??? All mouth no action??!!! No clue, just what he said!
The little list to go by? Pointless! More page fillers! I'm sorry but if you're gonna do that then atleast make it realistic! It was more like a rich snob being a D***!!
Derek was just, pointless! There was no connection with him what-so-ever!
So many things Kailin Gow could of done with this story, but it just didn't have the WOW factor!! It really had nothing.
Its a shame!!
May 3, 2012
I'm looking forward to whatever comes next:)
Read
May 10, 2012 A book that doesn't know what it wants to be...YA, erotica, psycho-babble. Unrealistic characters, blindingly obvious plot lines and grammatical errors.
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