In Saving Dani, we meet Dani Studor and Alexander "Dax" Kingston. Dani is attending college to become a veterinarian, and this semester is winding down. Things are a bit rough with her fiancee, and Dani decides to end things once and for all. With spring break coming up, Dani decides to head home to spend time with her dad, and hopefully catch up with her friend Cate. Meanwhile, Dax's military career has just ended, and he's feeling a bit lost. He knows he should head home to Texas to be with his family, but the tension with his dad is keeping him away. He'll get there eventually, but first a road trip to see the US. Before he leaves on this road trip though, he visits a shelter, and ends up adopting the perfect dog for him. Together these two drive from Florida to Montana. Shortly after arriving to Bear Creek, Montana, Dax finds himself in the local diner where he overhears a conversation. Turns out one of the locals needs help during calving season, and well Dax is just the man for the job. A few days later Dax is driving along when he sees a vehicle on the side of the road, and a woman who appears to be struggling with changing a tire. He offers his assistance, she doesn't want it, but concedes that the lug nuts are too tight for her to release. And that is when Dani and Dax meet for the first time. No names are exchanged, and Dax drives off after loosening those lug nuts. Imagine his surprise the next morning when Dani finds him in the river where he's taking a quick bath. Friends, this is just the beginning of their story. Everything that happens during the river scene, to the discussion with her dad, to the fair, to her ex showing up, to the revelation of just who Dax is, it all just captures the readers attention.
Do I even need to say how much I enjoyed this book? Do I? Because I absolutely adored it. From the initial meet-cute on the side of the road, to the scene at the river, and every other part of the story, I was all in. I was drawn to Dax. There is something about him that just attracts you to him. There's a pull. Part of it may have been how he omitted little facts about who he is, the experience he has with cattle, his military background, and everything else that just makes Dax who he is. Dani is a strong, independent woman, who is capable of so much. Asking for help is something she isn't used to doing, and so she struggles with that. Dani is also a bit reserved about sensitive subjects, and gets uncomfortable when they are discussed. Together though, her and Dax are explosive. Dax brings out a side of Dani that she did not existed. The setting of Saving Dani is obviously gorgeous. I mean it's Montana, how can it not be? The characters of course drew me in, and I loved getting to reconnect with familiar faces from previous books. The story is so much more than just a love story. It's also about accepting the help that is offered to you, and trusting that you'll still be alright in the end. It is also about a family reconnecting, and moving on from the pains of the past. It's just so good.
You know I'm recommending this book, right? Of course you do. Whether you like small town romances, military romances, a bit of romantic suspense, somewhat of a forced proximity, or the feeling that the characters are soul mates, you need to read Saving Dani. Also, Saving Dani is the FOURTH book in the One I Want series, but it can be read as a standalone since each book focuses on a different couple. It's just that some of the characters you'll meet do have their own stories out there, so why not start from the beginning with Saving Ariel. I think you'll really enjoy them.
Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Saving Dani. It is a wonderful story, and I hope you'll give it a read.
Laura
