A Saint’s Salvation, by Beverly Ovalle

A Love and Life Affirming Sensual Read!

Contemporary/Military Romance – Novella (61 pages)

I jumped at the chance to review author Beverly Ovalle’s new release, her contemporary romance, A Saint’s Salvation. I was immediately drawn to the fact that the book tackles the issues of physical and psychological trauma which the men and women in military service risk every day, as they put their lives on the line. I was also curious to see how a contemporary tale would compare with the author’s previous novellas in erotic romance which I enjoyed so much, Dragons’ Mate and Lightning Strike (scroll down for links to our reviews).

Book Blurb

Corporal Nicholas ‘Saint’ Santiago need to go home to reclaim the man he used to be. To be the man he was before Operation Enduring Freedom slowly hardened his heart. He needs to reconnect to the values and the reasons he is doing what he does. Saint also needs to try to forget the courageous woman he knows was meant to be his.

Petty Officer Angelina Jones’ life changed the moment Saint saved her life. She survived the blast but now has to deal with the fact that she will never be whole. Knowing Saint received a ‘Dear John’ letter, Angelina has no intention of being his rebound romance. She needs to be loved for herself. She needs to forget about the one man she knows was meant to be hers.

They each try to find someone to help them forget.

However, fate has plans for the two of them.

My Review

I loved how A Saint’s Salvation is bursting with pride that we all have in our service men and women. It also highlights the many scars that they may bear, physically and emotionally, upon their return from active service, in what I feel is a realistic way and how important it is for them to reconnect with civilian life to aid the healing process.

At the start of the novella, the hero Nick has reached a low point, after receiving a ‘Dear John’ letter from his childhood sweetheart and having been ground down by the horrors of war. It is only when he saves the life of Petty Officer Angelina Jones, a doctor, that he believes that life is worth living again, as he realises exactly how much her cares for her. On his return to the US, fate brings them unexpectedly together again and there are some hot and sensual scenes as mutual attraction and desire, hitherto repressed, finally ignite. These scenes are both passionate and tender and downright SMOKING HOT! Angelina is one lucky girl!

I enjoyed the character of both the hero and heroine immensely. They are both strong characters, attempting to cope with their war inflicted wounds in their own way. Despite the strength they show they are also vulnerable and I found the passages where they share their inner fears with each other immensely touching. Nick is a hero who every girl would be proud to call their own and has a wicked sense of humour. He also knows exactly what Angelina needs to help her rediscover her confidence and self-worth as a woman and how to persuade her that he is serious about her. Angelina welcomes the fact that Nick sees her as a woman, injury or no injury. They are both very believable characters and a memorable couple.

I recommend A Saint’s Salvation to readers of contemporary and sensual romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of A Saint’s Salvation was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Published by Secret Cravings Publishing

Cover Artist: Dawne Dominique