Review: A really good read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 18, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review...Save Me From Me begins with an introduction of Dani, a daddy's girl, who was so scared of never getting out of town that after gradution she cut ties, took off for college and has never looked back.  Unfortunately, her father recently passed away, which left her feeling more lost than ever before.  She has no idea who she really is or what she really wants in life.  In a way she feels responsible for his death, like if she had been around more she could have made sure he took better care of himself.  She vows to not make the same mistake with her mother and with no where else to turn moves back home and into her mother's house.When you move back home it's inevitable that you're going to cross paths with your ex-flame.  You know the one you've loved since you were a kid.  The one whose heart you broke when you left him behind to persue your own destiny.  In this story he goes by the name Gage, and let's just say 10 years has done Gage good.  Not only does it seem he's matured but if its possible he has gotten even better looking with time.  It's apparent Gage is thrilled Dani has returned to town because even though she broke his heart he's never stopped loving her.  He desperately wants back into her life even if she will only have him as a "good" friend.As if Dani isn't already confused and frustrated enough with her job, lack of social life, mixed feelings for Gage, and family drama she meets Holden.  Holden, the man she keeps running into and cannot seem to keep off her mind.  The mysterious, drop dead gorgeous character who Dani doesn't realize is also lost, working a job he hates, living a life he never wanted but isn't strong enough to walk away from.  What is the pull she feels towards him?  Is it love?  Is it just physical attraction?  Should she even allow herself to get close to him since he'll only pack up and leave in 6 months or less for the next job?The stage is set, what will happen?  Will Dani settle with Gage, the boy she has always loved, but isn't in love with or Holden the man who touched her soul, who pushed her to live her life for herself?  Will she be strong enough to overcome all the obstacles  and realities life throws at her?  Will one of these men save Dani or will she end up saving herself?One of the things I love most in a book is a strong female lead character.  Dani is the epitome of strong.  She stands up for herself, physically she can take one anyone and never backs away from a fight, she loves fiercly, she takes care of and constantly stand-up for her mother, and she never lets anyone or anything stand in the way of what she wants, if she could just figure out what that is!  I think what makes her relatable is that like many of us women, she carries other people's burdens on her shoulders, she always puts other people and their feelings above her own.  So much so that she gets to a point where she isn't living life for herself.The love triangle between her Gage and Holden was really good and Erika Ashby did a nice job detailing her feelings towards each of the men, making it to where you totally understood where Dani was coming from and never needed to question her actions towards either of them.  I of course stood my ground for Holden and pulled for the two of them to get their HEA.This is the first book of Erika Ashby's that I have ever read and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, all though I didn't find myself feel any kind of strong emotional attachments to any of the characters.  Save Me From Me kind of felt like a classic Hallmark or Lifetime channel movie.  A predictible, full of drama, HEA kind of movie that you just don't want to flip away from.