All Brynleigh “Bryn” Tinsley wanted was to find a safe harbor and put the past behind her so she could raise her little girl in a peaceful, loving environment. Now, three identities later and 2,000 miles away, she finds herself in the small, seaside town of Lighthouse Cove, Florida.
The last thing she needs is a pesky firefighter who keeps showing up at every turn, doing his best to become her handyman - and more. But when her daughter’s life is on the line, Brynleigh will do whatever it takes to protect her daughter from the hell that is her past.
Jamison Kirby can understand not wanting to speak to your family. He’s barely spoken to his mother or brothers in almost two years. So, he doesn’t think much of Bryn not wanting anything to do with her daughter’s extended family. However, he does take being lied to personally. So, when he finds out that Bryn isn’t even her real name, he goes digging into her past. And doesn’t like what he finds.
Worse, he pokes a hornet’s nest, putting Bryn and her daughter in the line of fire, and forcing Jamison to do the one thing he swore he’d never do.
Jen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
5 Star Review Mine To Keep (Safe Harbor) by Jen Talty
This is the first book I have read by Jen Talty and I am quite surprised that I have not come across her books before. From the first chapter I was invested in this story, the characters were easy to relate to and engaging. I enjoy romantic suspense stories and this was a good fix to romance and suspense.
I love stories set in small towns and could easily picture Lighthouse Cove, Florida. This is single mother Brynleigh “Bryn” Tinsley and Jamison Kirby’s story and it ticked the boxes for me. Bryn is running from her past and will do what ever it takes to keep her daughter safe. The last thing she needs is firefighter Jamison in their lives.
What happens when her past comes back to haunt her? Will Jamison and his estranged family be able t o keep them safe? Determined to uncover the secrets that Bryn is hiding he investigates and sets in motion a chain of events that will put them in danger.
This was a well written, fast paced, emotional story that drew me in. There were moments where I was on the edge of my seat whilst reading and I couldn’t wait to see how their story played out. If book one is anything to go by them Ms. Talty has a winning series on her hands.
Bryn is trying to stay one step ahead of her past and she hopes that Safe Harbor may be the place where she can create a home for her and her daughter. Although Jamison was there when she needed someone the most she is cautious about letting him too close as revealing her secrets could have dire consequences.
Jamison had feelings for Bryn from their first meeting and is drawn to her in a way he never expected. When he suspects that there is more going on than he believes his decision to investigate starts a domino effect that will force both of them to face their pasts.
After everything she has been through Bryn’s strength and resilience shines through while Jamison proves that he is someone that Bryn can count on to protect her heart and her life.
Wow! I really loved this book from start to finish. I was completely hooked on Bryn's story, her history, her unbelievable strength and courage. There's a pull between Bryn and Jamison that really adds to the story and how well they click with each other. He's dealing with family, and the personal issues that he's working through pulled at my emotions. I could feel his frustrations and pain. The story flows, kept me involved and interested in the entire family. A must read!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wow. That’s all I’ve got. Just, wow. This book is filled to bursting with family drama, and all of it crashes down on Bryn and Jamison, kind of obliterating the lives they thought they were going to lead. Neither one is looking to start a new relationship. In fact, both are actively trying to deal with the fallout from the last ones they were in. But, like magnets, they can’t resist the pull to one another. I loved Bryn’s independent spirit, however I thought there were several times she was “cutting off her nose to spite her face” in her desperate need to NEVER be dependant on anyone ever again. And, while I could certainly understand Jamison digging in to resist everyone pushing him to do things he wasn’t ready for yet, I kind of thought he was cutting off his nose as well just to be able to do things on his timeline and not anybody else’s. I adored watching these two characters learn from one another and grow. The suspense in this book was such a nebulous cloud of fear, it was easy to believe that danger was going to leap out of the woodwork at any moment, and it kept me balanced on the edge of my seat for the whole book. I’m quickly falling in love with the whole extended Kirby clan and can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from Greys PR
Mine to Keep is book 1 in the new series Safe Harbor by Jen Talty and a great start to this series!
Needing to find a “safe harbor” is Bryan Tinsley, pregnant, on the run, hiding a huge secret, always looking over her shoulder but wanting to have a new beginning. When she goes into labor early, Jamison Kirby, off duty firefighter comes to her aid and delivers her daughter.
What happens next..coming to terms with past mistakes, secrets, emotional scars, life as you know it is no longer true, family drama, trust issues and so much more. A well written, emotional story! Can’t wait for the next book!
Jen Talty is new to me author, but wow! MINE TO KEEP was such an easy breezy read that I’m now dying for more! I love single parent romances and this was one of the great ones.
Bryn is such a great mom and character. Her strength and determination to make a better life for her and her daughter was fantastic to see. Despite everything that she’s been through she doesn’t let her circumstances keep her down and we love a strong queen! Then we have Jamison. Gah, this was man was just *chef’s kiss!* He was a total cinnamon roll of a hero. Hot, sweet, and just all together delicious!
I’m excited for more from Jen Talty and this this series. 4 stars!
I am genuinely curious to see if I read the same book as the other reviewers here. I'm just so confounded. I think that the premise and the idea is so good but the execution was found lacking. I love stories on the FMC running away from the abusive ex-husband and the air of suspense of having to always watching your back. But again, the execution of it wasn't there. There were a few instances of the suspense and that was great but when she's finally found, it fell flat. It felt like an afterthought. It happens so late in the book and it's in the midst of Jamison finding out the truth about her identity. Too much happening at once. I'd rather he found out and then scrambling to find a way to protect her. In the synopsis, it sounded like him finding out the truth is what finally pushed him to talking to his mom. So the entire time in the book, I'm waiting for the moment of truth and next thing you know, the book ends.
Other than that, I was really annoyed by all the side characters trying to insert themselves into Jamisons issue and telling him how he should be feeling and dealing with everything. It was really annoying and the fact that they couldn't see that they were part of the problem is beyond me. The more they pushed, the more he pulled away. Common sense dictates to just let him process and give him the space hes been asking for. It's not that hard to understand. It probably would've resolved sooner than 2 years. Cheryl was another terrible character, the ex-wife. If she didn't exist, I think the story would still be the same. But maybe now we'd have more space to build up the romance and suspense.
The romance ... not believeable for me. I understand the friendship and that connection they shared but do they even really know each other. We get snippets throughout the entire book about how she can no longer trust men cause of her abusive husband that beat her, straight up punched her, for 10 years. And thats a legitimate reaction and her lack of trust is understandable. But how do you go from that to having a baby, 6 weeks or so later (cause she specifically mentioned that the 6 weeks has been okayed by her Dr.) Have sex with this guy, to marrying him 2 months later and being pregnant again. It would've made more sense if a year or 2 passed. But months. MONTHS. They've known each other at most 5 months. Wtf. Don't talk about being traumatized from your last marriage that you ended up marrying someone you know for less than a year lol.
Jamison was fine, sometimes a bit pushy. Sometimes a bit controlling. And she knew it too, pointed it out to him and never thought maybe hey he might be as controlling as my ex, let's hold off on marrying. And fine most of the things he did was sweet but if she says no, then you back off. Then to find out that he married his first wife when she was 22 and he was 30. WHAT! There's the real issue for the dissolution of your marriage. What does a 30 year old have in common with a 22 year old who is just graduating college??? But no it's okay cause he waited until she was 21 before going a date with her. WHAT! And we're supposed to be cheering for this guy??? Honestly, I didn't see him the same way after learning that. And it gave me a differently perspective on him. I understand he went through a rough time with identity when he found out. However, it was shocking that this guy is almost 40 and still having issues controlling his anger. And the reader is supposed to root for him to be in a relationship with someone whose ex-husband also had trouble controlling his anger. Okaaaay.
The characters were well thought out, but the first half of this book was so slow-moving! And when the action did come, it was resolved quickly. If the book had been structured differently, the author could have drawn out the suspense and tension, rather than spend the first half of the book keep going over the same ground. Also, the male lead was supposed to be the youngest of 6 boys, but Emmerson seemed quite unnecessary as he was only mentioned once in the whole book. Don't think I'll be reading more of hers.
This is a great read. The characters are well developed; The plot is interesting; and the subject matter is relevant to today's world: Blended families and the struggle to bring them together; a woman working in a nontraditional job; and trying to come to grips with how you fit in. Very enjoyable book. Well written.
I really wanted to give it 5 stars because I love the story line and the entire story. However, the whole climax came soooo late in the book and it was done sooo rushed. It could have been 10 stars had it been delivered with a bit more drama.
The story was good, the action in the beginning and end of the book were good, but I found I had to force myself to keep reading and finish the book because there was so much repetitive inner monologue, especially in the middle of conversations. It made it hard to keep my attention.
Another story that grabs you from the start. Well written with great characters. I can't wait to see what comes next. I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
Oh what a sweet story… My first time reading this author and I was not disappointed 😊
Brynleigh ‘Bryn’ Tinsley just moved to Safe Harbor. This was her chance to start her life over with her baby. Having said baby in the middle of the road and being helped by a gorgeous firefighter was not exactly part of the plan. Now for some reason this firefighter has wormed his way into her life with her daughter and she has no way of getting rid of him no matter how she tries to push him away. But will he understand the secret that she is keeping and the lies she is telling to keep herself safe…
Jamison Kirby has his own issue. Not speaking to most of his family he finds himself attracted to a woman he helped deliver her baby. The fact that Bryn doesn’t get along with her own family isn’t an issue for him, but keeping secrets from said family might be an a problem for him. So when he sees a news show with someone that looks just like his Bryn he decides to ask his investigator brother to find out more about the woman his falling in love, not knowing that he might be putting her life in danger
I enjoyed the story. This was such an easy read. Bryn was trying to make a new life for her and her child and even though she has been through a lot she wasn’t shy about standing up for herself or telling it like it is. Jamison was sweet, caring and hot, lol… I felt sorry for him and all that he was going through with his own family and agreed that they should back off and give him time to process. I liked that he slowly wormed himself into Bryn and her daughter’s life, that she didn’t even know she was falling in love with him till it was too late 😊 I am looking forward to reading the next story in this series, as Jamison has quit a few brothers and sisters 😊
After a long and stressful journey, Bryn has just arrived in Lighthouse Cove. This is the place she plans on raising her child, away from her late husband's family. The house she's rented and negotiated a lower rent in exchange for cleaning is buried in dust. She's on the way to get cleaning supplies when she goes into labor.
Jamison is off duty when he spots her, she hasn't been able to move since before the light changed. His actions save the day as Bryn gives birth in the back seat of her car.
Bryn was worried about social media after giving birth so publicly. Fortunately, nothing showed her face. She's also surprised when Jamison shows up at the hospital and offers her more help since she has no one she can call. She protests but Jamison doesn't back down offering her a friendship she can't really refuse.
Now Jamison has his own family issues, but along with his friend Chip who owns the house Bryn's renting they get it ready for her to come home with the baby. Jamison picks her up from the hospital and takes her home where many surprises await her.
As Bryn settles in and starts her jewelry business, she also sets up a website Jamison's handyman side job and takes calls for him.
The attraction between these two is undeniable, but Bryn is living a lie and Jamison is having trouble adjusting to the life changing lies his family told him all his life.
I love the way this relationship develops and how there are so many twists that could destroy their friendship but don't.
I can't wait to see who's next to find their HEA in this series.
All Brynleigh “Bryn” Tinsley wanted was to find a safe harbor and put the past behind her so she could raise her little girl in a peaceful, loving environment. Now, three identities later and two thousand miles away, she finds herself in the small, seaside town of Lighthouse Cove, Florida. The last thing she needs is a pesky firefighter who keeps showing up at every turn, doing his best to become her handyman—and more. But when her daughter’s life is on the line, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from the hell that is her past.
Jamison Kirby can understand not wanting to speak to your family. He’s barely spoken to his mother or brothers in almost two years—much to his father’s dismay. So, he doesn’t think much of Bryn not wanting anything to do with her daughter’s extended family. However, he does take being lied to personally. So, when he finds out that Bryn isn’t even her real name, he goes digging into her past. And doesn’t like what he finds. Worse, he pokes a hornet’s nest, putting Bryn and her daughter in the line of fire, and forcing Jamison to do the one thing he swore he’d never do.
Call his cop mother and brothers for help.
Loved Bryn & Jamison's story. Their story was beautifully written and heartfelt! My goodness, I about died, on how these two first met. I immediately fell in love with these two.
I really can’t believe this is the first book I have read by Jen Talty, well that’s certainly going to change because after reading single mum Brynleigh ( Bryn) Tinsley and Jamison Kirby’s story, I can’t wait to dive into her previous works. If you like me love small town romances you will love the Florida town of Lighthouse Cove, if you love single parent romances you will love this couple so i think it’s fair to say this book has some for everyone and it will certainly appeal to a wide range of audiences. Bryn is running from her past, she needs to keep her daughter safe and the last thing she needs is firefighter Jamison in their lives. Jamison seems intent on spending time with Bryn and her daughter and from his own experiences he understands completely that families are not always easy and that you don’t have to talk to them or have them in your life to build your own future but what happens when Bryn’s pass comes to back to haunt them, what happens when secrets are revealed…. This is a beautifully written, captivating story that will tick most romance readers boxes. I not only fell for the characters, I also fell for the town and it’s residents, I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout this great read and I can’t wait for more from Lighthouse Cove. This is certainly a great start to what looks like a hit series for Ms Talty.
Now let me start by saying that this is my first Jen Talty book but I would probably read more, whenever I get the chance. This book was short, sweet and pretty simple. And not in a bad way, even though there are definetly better book out there. This book follow a single mom, who runs from her past and has been on the run since she got pregnant. Her ex husband hurt her, but he's gone now, she's running from his family. She has done a lot to keep their identity hidden, even when it hurt her so bad. She found herself in a tricky situation where she need our hero's help, and not really willingly she gave in and accepted his help. Our hero, Jamison, is a firefighter and has the heart of gold. He provided aid to our FMC, Bryn, when he need it the most and never looked back. He wanted to give her the world, but knew she needed time and specially independence, and she tried to give her as much and still her. They eventually realize how good they are for each other, and eventually get together but not before having a traumatizing encounter with her secrets and past. The epilogue was cute, and I would definitely want a bonus epilogue or chapter, as I just wanted to keep on reading about them. And don't even get me started on how cute was Jamison, he loved her daughter as much as it were his.
Tropes: Single mom, mistaken identity?, heroine in danger, other woman drama
Jamison Kirby is in the middle of an identity crises since finding out 2 years ago that he was the result of an affair his mom had while separated from his ‘dad’. The 2 have officially divorced and moved on. His mom has gotten back together with Steve, his biological dad. She wants Jamison to get to know Steve and his step siblings which is something Jamison is not ready to do just yet.
A very pregnant Brynleigh Tinsley, on the run from her ruthless law-breaking in-laws finds a small rental in Lighthouse Cove, a small seaside community on the southern Florida coast. Before she can get settled in, she goes into labor while driving to the local grocery and firefighter Jameson Kirby delivers her baby Zadie literally in the middle of traffic.
Feeling responsible for Bryn and Zadie, Jamison does what he can so help the new mother adjust to her new surroundings while he is fighting with his family to allow him to do the same with Steve. Bryn tries to help him cope with his issues but she attempts to keep her past a secret from everyone. Eventually the 2 get closer but before she is able to tell him about her past, her father-in-law finds her. It’s up to Jamison and his family now to save her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It all started when a fireman delivers a baby in the middle of the street in a small town.
Bryn is hiding from the past. Pregnant, scared and constantly looking over her shoulder, she moves to a small town in Florida for a fresh start. She isn’t due for a bit yet, but fate deems it necessary to fast forward and put her in early labor.
Jamison is avoiding the past. After learning a secret that changes his whole world, he avoids his family who kept the secret. He has a lot of healing to do and fences to mend.
One day he runs to the rescue of a beautiful woman who is scared and in the middle of labor in her car at an intersection. What he doesn’t know is that this will be the beginning of a wonderful and healing journey.
Overall this book was excellent. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It contains some triggers, such as violent abuse, kidnapping and cheating. The story has the perfect mix of romance and danger. The story flowed flawlessly and keeps the readers attention from the very first chapter.
This story has some beautiful and interesting characters. I can’t wait to see who the next book will be about. I feel completely in love with all of them. I would love to see Zadie grow with each addition to the series.
I highly recommend this book for those who like a hero rescue story. It is the perfect white knight saving the day kind of story.
This story starts the new series titled Safe Harbor. It’s not only a small town in South Florida. It’s also the place where someone will come to find their own “safe harbor” and start a new life. Bryn Tinsley is one of those individuals. Pregnant and running from her dangerous past, she arrives and hopes her stay in Safe Harbor helps heal her emotional scars as well as give her and her child a new beginning. What she never expected was being helped by an off duty firefighter when she goes into labor prematurely. Jamison Kirby is that firefighter. He is going through a personal crisis of his own. The foundation of the person he thought he was the first 35 years of his life, is now shattered . Who is he really? Where are his loyalties? Why the lies? What he never expected was that the woman he helped deliver a baby girl would be instrumental in finding those answers. Helping her seems to help him. But she too is keeping secrets. What happens when her past comes back? This was a very good started for the series and one that leaves the reader wanting to find out who will be the next person searching for their safe harbor. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
An inspiring romance of courage, determination and self development Mine To Keep (Safe Harbor Series Book 1) by Jen Talty is a wonderful romance between two people who had no intention of becoming involved with anyone, maybe not ever again. Both Bryn and Jamison had been burned by those who should have loved and protected them. Their heroic chance encounter becomes serendipitous as they are drawn to each other, develop a friendship that evolves into romantic love. The plot is highly interesting and engaging from each of these characters perspectives. It’s family drama as well as potentially dangerous. With Bryn constantly alert, wary and extremely cautious, this book is hardly dull. There’s plenty of action through interactions between Jamison and Bryn as well as Jamison and his family which made this reader absolutely enthralled with this book. Overall, Jamison and Bryn as exactly what the other needs and fulfills a want neither of them thought they could have. It’s a lovely, promising and joyful HEA. I read an ARC of this book via Grey’s Promotions and voluntarily share my review.
An emotional beginning to this new series. Brynleigh “Bryn” Tinsley has faked her death and moved to Lighthouse Cove, Florida. She is pregnant and fearing what her wealthy in-laws will do if they learn that she is pregnant. Her husband was abusive and when he died in a car crash, she fled. Meeting firefighter Jamison Kirby was not planned, but she was thankful for his assistance when her daughter was born and for stepping in to become her handyman and employer. He is aware that she is estranged from her family, but unaware of the reason. He knows that family dynamics can be complicated as he tries to understand his family who kept secrets and lied to him and an ex-wife who cheated on him, but keeps interfering in his life. As they slowly become friends and maybe more, will Bryn finally learn to trust him and confide in him? They both soon learn that family may be intrusive, but they are there when you need them most. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (paytonpuppy)
This is the first in a new series as well as the first time which I have read anything by this author, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Bryleigh / Bryn is on the run and wants to put the past behind her in the small town and is a single mom of a little baby girl. Jamison is a firefighter and handy man, and there is an instant connection between him and Bryn, however he knows she is hiding secrets, and while digging into her past he stirs up a hornet’s nest. When the past comes back to haunt Bryn, Jamison has no option but to approach his estranged family for help. This is a well written fast paced storyline, which is an emotional roller coaster, with suspense, family, friendships, intrigue, danger, drama, secrets, lies, romance, and love, which leads to a riveting page turner which had me on tenterhooks throughout. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.