Safe In His Arms

Haven Bay #3

by Alexa Rivers

She's running for her life. He's hiding from his past. When the two collide, can they emerge with their hearts intact?
Fleeing from her violent ex, Megan Talbot seeks refuge in the charming beachside town of Haven Bay. The kind-hearted locals are happy to help her recuperate without interfering--all except brooding, tattooed Tione, the cook at the B&B where she's staying. He's made it clear he thinks she's trouble, but despite his distrust, she can't seem to stay away from him. After all, who could resist a bearded hulk whose life is dictated by his four rescue dogs? Tione Kingi just wants to be left alone. After his life in Silicon Valley imploded, he returned home and reinvented himself. Now, he has a few close friends, a simple job, and a cabin on the edge of the forest. He doesn't need a pretty woman with haunted eyes turning him inside out with her every hard-won smile, and he especially doesn't need whatever problems are following close on her heels. The more time they spend together, the harder it is for Tione to deny the feelings growing between them. But Megan isn't the only one with secrets, and when their pasts catch up with them, everything--including her life--hangs in the balance. Safe In His Arms is a slow-burn small town romance. If you like protective heroes, quietly strong heroines, and emotionally-charged stories, then you'll love the third book in the Haven Bay series. "I didn't think it was possible for Alexa to have crafted this story any more perfectly than she has. I've been excited by the prospect of Tione's story since the first book in this series, and I'm not even a millimetre close to disappointed! What a journey!" "This is a great slow-burn small-town romance. Well written, this has a great storyline with a protective hero and a quietly strong heroine. It's full of emotions, danger, suspense, trust and acceptance and I got totally lost in the story. It's a sweet story about survival and acceptance, healing and a little love!" Haven 1. Then There Was You 2. Two of a Kind 3. Safe In His Arms 4. If Only You Knew 5. Pretend to Be Yours 6. Begin Again With You

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, History, Suspense

304 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2021

About the author

Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ❤️❤️❤️⭐️s

A sweet and emotional romance read, which had a very slow burn and pace.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great slow-burn small-town romance.Well written, this has a great storyline with a protective hero and a quietly strong heroine. It’s full of emotions, danger , suspense, trust and acceptance and i got totally lost in the story. It’s a sweet story about survival and acceptance, healing and a little love!

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I didn't think it was possible for Alexa to have crafted this story any more perfectly than she has. I've been excited by the prospect of Tione's story since the first book in this series, and I'm not even a millimetre close to disappointed! What a journey!

I LOVED (yes, caps is required) how characters in Alexa's Little Sky series made an appearance - the crossovers between these two series have been wonderful! The moment Sterling had an inkling of familiarity toward Megan, I knew something was brewing. Once Mark's name was mentioned, memories from his book jogged back and I laughed. Crossovers are awesome. 😁

The circumstances of Megan's arrival at Sanctuary broke my heart, and her constant battle second-guessing herself hurt just as much. And Tione not trusting himself because of his past... gosh, I wanted to give the big tough guy a squishy hug! I agree with Alexa's sister... Tione is my favourite hero so far. 😍

Thank you, Ms Rivers, for creating another beautifully broken duo of characters to love, cheer on and cry with.

Kinda bummed the next book won't be out for months. MONTHS! 😭🙊

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wondering who Tione's love interest would end up being since Kat's book. He's a big brooding tattooed former hacker turned chef with his pack of rescue dogs. He was suspicious Megan when she tried to sneak into the Sanctuary beaten up and not answering questions. He should have noticed the signs of abuse from working with dogs. Megan is scared because her ex has connections and he'll do whatever is necessary to make himself look good and get ahead. Tione comes off as tough but he is such a softie with his dogs. Who wouldn't love a man that lets his dogs snuggle with him and put together an agility course to make his rescue border collie happy. I would gain so much weight hanging out with Tione and Megan sampling their delicious food. I love the idea of a cupcake business and teaming up with Faith and her interesting ice creams to sell them together. They are both yummy and portable. Faith is a unique lady and she needs her own special someone in a future book.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan ends up at The Sanctuary after leaving her abusive former fiance. Tione doesn't trust her, thinking that she's going to take advantage of Kat's good nature. This is just a wonderful and emotional book, with all the feels. Megan and Tione are a slow burn. I wasn't sure about Megan in the beginning, but her story was so sad and touching. She's unsure about trusting anyone with her secret, and Kat and Tione don't push, allowing her to tell them in her own way and time. Tione is the man, and I'm in love with him. He's so tender with Megan, refusing to rush to anything beyond friendship. He's quite gruff, and a bit rough around the edges, but there's a big old teddy bear hiding out inside. His dogs are little scene-stealers, and I'd love to cuddle up with Trevor. This book is a must read, one that I'll read again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, slow burn romance:
I enjoyed this sweet, emotional and tender story.
Poor Megan had suffered terribly and was on the run from her controlling and abusive ex. She found a safe haven at Sanctuary and specifically in the form of Tione, who was protective and kind yet also had his own unresolved issues to deal with. Although quite gruff, it was nice seeing Tione's more tender side not only with Megan but towards his rescue dogs too.
As danger abounded, it was nice seeing the town rally around this couple. It would have been nice if the author had of provided a bit more backstory and recapped what had transpired previously. Whilst technically a standalone it does fit into the larger story arc of this remote New Zealand small town/lodge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story specially because it is filled with lots of emotions, action, drama, suspense. Sometimes life throws you out of your confort zone and into the worst zone ever, Megan and Tione didn’t not get on at first but it is really fun to see the way Megan life is going with lots of up and lots of Downs.
this storyline is really good, I had to read it through in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down until the last word. I wanted more, much more.
I received an Arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Into Her Hero -
Megan escaped from her tumultuous life, with the intention of seeking refuge at The Sanctuary. Running into Tione was scary for Megan, but her bruises and skittish behaviour set off Tione’s protective instincts immediately. This story touched on a tragically all too familiar issue, that truly broke my heart. I felt the raw emotions and nerve wracking tension with each page I turned and it kept me on the edge of my seat, until Megan was truly safe. The story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, akin to bungee jumping for the first time, but I can surely say that this book is a definite must read.

I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Talbot has to run from her violent ex, trying to hide. She was welcomed into Haven Bay by the townspeople. Even the brooding Tione Kingi was protective when he saw she had been abused and still had fear. Slowly the two developed a relationship of trust.

I enjoyed this sweet emotional story. I love how people reach out and care for each other. Everyone has issues of some kind or other, but helping each other is healing for both parties. Grab your copy and experience Megan and Tione’s story.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story that grabs your attention right away from the start and holds it until you read the last page. It's captivating, intriguing and enjoyable. The characters are well described making it easy to get to know them. They're intriguing and interesting and each of them dealing with issues from their past keep you turning the pages to find out what happens. Following their journey of romance is enjoyable and a perfect escape from every day life for a bit of time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jutta Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance thriller

This book will grab you from beginning to the very end and is a page turner. Megan is on the run, beaten and hurt. Tee is a gruff man with secrets of his own and doesn't trust the stranger he found trying to break into Sanctuary. Megan is weary of Tee but as time passes, she sees a gentle side to Tee and he finds himself wanting to protect her and keep her safe. Can both find the strength to overcome their past and what happens when the past catches up with them both?

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, emotional and powerful read. Megan is running for her life and ends up a safe place where she meets, Tione. He knows that there is more to her story then she is saying, and he does not trust her. Until he starts to get to know her and more of her story. He has his own secrets that he does not want her to know but knows that as they grow closer he has to come clean.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Haven Bay series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Megan Talbot ran to Haven Bay away from her violent ex-boyfriend, she meets Tione Kingi and his rescue dogs. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, a nasty ex, two people whose past dictates their present, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan is trying to rebuild her life after fleeing from an abusive ex. She is smart and brave and connects with Tione in her new town.
Tione is a reluctant hero but really steps up and the connection between these two builds . There is the element of suspense that builds with the story that made me want to know what happens next ; but also scared to find out. A great second chance at love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan is on the ripen from her abusive ex and stops in Haven Bay as the towns people are welcoming. But Tione isn’t at first as he has found this area to his liking. He has a cabin, his dogs and a few friends. But he’s drawn to her and finds out about her ex and wants to keep her safe. What happens when he shows up, can he keep her protected? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan was trying to hide when she got to Sanctuary but what she found was friends and a place she could call home. Tione was the icing on the cupcake with his protective instincts, his gentleness and his dogs. The residents of Haven Bay are only too happy to get their noses into everyone's business, sometimes its a good thing.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is a well-plotted emotional read. Megan and Tione's story is filled with the drama of every-day life issues, and the suspense of what happens next when those issues escalate and take a wrong turn. This novel answered Megan's questions of what to do, where to turn, and who to turn to for the support, acceptance, and love she needed to survive the experience.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven Bay.

I found I enjoyed this book. Why? It walked a fine balance between a protective, reluctant hero ensuring the safety of a damsel in distress and on the run. Add in the element of suspense and set in New Zealand and I’m all in. Tione and Megan were both slightly damaged and in need of respite.
Recommend.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Megan is fleeing an abusive ex. She has a lot of healing to do, both physical and emotional. Tione doesn’t believe he is worthy to be in a relationship. These are great characters that are easy to get involved with. Loved it and couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! I loved it from the beginning until the end. Great characters and a great story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-town suspense romance that tugs at your heartstrings. It has drama, action, danger, all the small-town goodness, sweet moment, wounded characters, and love.
Well-written and a worthy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicola Kolbohm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no!

[RateTheRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

That's it.
That's the review.

[Darien · Rating 2 out of 5]

An engaging premise ruined by the incredible stupidity of some characters. First, let me say that I am going to rant here because I am so disappointed: the writing is otherwise quite good, and the author has skill in drawing likeable characters and depicting the development of 'found family' and loving connections.

The dark moment in the relationship is heavily foreshadowed by the negative motivation of the hero, which is so exasperating and removes all faith I had in his supposed intelligence. Really? You are responsible for every action of someone who hired you? Yes the hero was stupid not to select his clients more carefully, but the description of the resultant tragedy makes it clear that the client was irrational and would have harmed his wife NO MATTER WHAT! And don't get me started on the heroines brother telling her that her new friends WAS responsible for the death of someone, when that is not true since the trial ruled the husband guilty. One could easily argue that the evil husband would have found someone else to do the surveillance on his wife if the hero had said no, and the end result would be the same. And dude, get some counseling if you can't live your life in peace and have to ruin a relationship because of something that happened years ago.

And of course we have to have the heroine leave the place of most safety, not long after her nasty ex gets served with a restraining order. Who could possibly guess that it might send an abusive unstable person over the edge? Oh, yeah, pretty much anyone could expect that possibility except our gal. *sigh*.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the small novella that apparently comes after this book. It was very short and sweet and I needed a way to add that I read it because it’s not on Goodreads. So here we are.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

We find ourselves in Haven Bay, a fictional beach town in the North Island, near Aukland. Megan arrives in the middle of the night at The Sanctuary, a B&B that also has been known to provide safety for those in need. Megan has barely escaped from her abusive boyfriend, severely beaten and terrified. Tione, the cook, is awakened, thinking a teenage intruder is trying to break-in, though quickly realizes the true situation, though he remains suspicious. The plot revolves around Megan's efforts to escape her ex-boyfriend as well as both Megan and Tione, who has his own dark past, to trust each other and learn to love.

I give this a 2.5 as it's pretty formulaic - main trope being that of one of a couple delaying too long to reveal a dark secret and thus nearly losing each other. But all end well, although not without the ex-boyfriend kidnapping and beating Megan up giving Tione a chance to be a hero.

Oh and there are 4 of the most adorable rescue dogs and a cocktail and cupcake girls night out that is very tempting to replicate. It's mildly smutty at the very end as Tione and Megan finally get together for their HEA.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tione found Megan, in dark hooded clothes, trying to get into The Sanctuary very late at night and tackled her, but found a petite bruised and battered woman instead. Their first meeting was not the best, but they kept crossing paths and when his fixing of the groups meals and her wanting to help in the kitchen and bake superseded any complaints, they became friends. He becomes her protector while she is hiding from her ex-boyfriend, who shows up several times to beat her up again. Loved the town of Haven Bay and the people there that are so close and care so deeply. The romance part goes very slow, after what she just went through, but the love forms solidly between them. The four dogs were great and added so much emotion and security. Surprises show up constantly in this storyline and some are major hurdles that they get through. Loved the storyline and would love to learn more about Australia and the different areas there. Very well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tione is happy with where he is at making food for Sanctuary and hanging out with nature and his merry band of crazy dogs but after Megan turns up on Sanctuary's door steps all battered and bruised and hiding a lot of things from everyone. Both Megan and Tione are wary of each other and watching how they slowly let their guards down with each other is sweet, but you know you can never hide from your past and they both have one. There are plenty of emotions to go through with this book and you are just glad Megan and Tione decided to head to Haven Bay and Sanctuary so she can heal and learn what having real friends and being loved is really like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty meh...

The story sounded like it was going to be good and suspenseful yet it seemed to drag... I just couldn't get into the story.... I ended up losing interest and just skim reading till the end. Coz I kinda still can't not finish a book😅
Extremely disappointed in the whole big secret that Tee was hiding... wasn't that bad, but the lead up made it sound so much worse, then you find out and its like 'oh, is that it?' Unless I missed something really drastic with the big secret as I was just skim reading.... also don't really find out what happened to the ex at the end... unless that's mentioned in the next book but I highly doubt it.
Ultimately the book dragged on and just didn't flow.
2 stars as its still not the worst book I read....

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this exciting read, Megan was running for her life from an abusive boyfriend and ended up in Safe Haven. Tione was basically hiding from his past that he couldn’t get over but helping out a friend of his uncles. After mistaking Megan for a burglar, and seeing the beaten shape she was in he immediately but uncharacteristically became protective of her. The interesting relationship began between Megan and Tione as she began to heal and put her life back together but they faced danger, his past, her ex, feelings of betrayal and inadequacies, misunderstandings and love. Good read with serious issues

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.