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Unsafe Haven

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For Kendall Martin, a small, remote village in Southwest Alaska seems like a good place to start over. On the run from an abusive relationship, she leaves everything familiar behind and begins a new life as owner of a small souvenir and sportsman trading post in picturesque Staamat.

Denn Nulo knows everyone in town: he’s the Chief of Police in Staamat. He’s lived there all his life, except for his college years, spent in Anchorage. Originally planning on practicing criminal law and living in Anchorage permanently, Denn is forced to change his plans when he receives word that his widowed mother has passed away, leaving his young sister, Luna, alone. Denn comes back to Staamat to care for Luna.

When Kendall meets Denn, she begins to believe there are truly good men in the world. Denn is everything she wants: strong, loving, dedicated to family, protective. . .and patient. There is instant attraction between them, but Kendall is leery of men, and Denn craves a serious relationship that includes marriage and children. Their courtship is a conflicting mix of hesitancy and passion, with Luna, desperately needing a mother figure in her life, cheering them on.

As Kendall learns how to trust again and her romance with Denn grows more intense, a local woman who’s had her eye on Denn for years releases a torrent of damaging jealousy. . .and the nightmare from Kendall’s past discovers where she’s hidden herself.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

305 people are currently reading
623 people want to read

About the author

Char Chaffin

12 books77 followers
Char Chaffin writes mainstream and contemporary romance filled with family, rich characters and engaging plots. For her, it all comes back to the love.

In partnership with fellow writer and BFF Cheryl Yeko, she also co-writes and publishes Western Historical, thrillers, and paranormal romance under the pen name CiCi Cordelia.

A displaced Alaskan, Char currently divides her time between Fairbanks, Alaska and the South Texas Coastal Bend with Mr. Don, a retired Air Force man with a passion for classic cars and Fifties rock n' roll. Their extended family is scattered all over the Lower Forty-Eight and Alaska.

When she’s not pounding away at her keyboard, sneaking away to the Last Frontier, or burying her nose in books and her beloved Kindle, she hangs out at the beach with Mr. Don, the most romantic man on earth.

You can visit Char at https://charbchaffin.wordpress.com/


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5 stars
509 (41%)
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462 (37%)
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194 (15%)
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32 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Alison Higson.
Author 3 books101 followers
January 27, 2013
I totally loved this book. The author has a unique way of describing the things around the character’s that really does make you feel as though you are there as well. Not too in depth, but enough to give a very enjoyable read.

The story is about a woman, Kendall, who has run from a relationship gone wrong to Staamat in Alaska, hoping no one from her past will catch up to her.

In Staamat she meets the Chief of Police, Denn Nulo who moved back to Staamat to look after his sister when their mother died. His sister is Luna, who I really liked in the book. At first she was a bit rebellious, especially about her diabetes, but not long after Kendall arrived, Luna changed and became a great girl who just needed more female company.

The story between Denn and Kendall is what I would call a gentle, heartwarming love story, as Denn is really patient with Kendall and makes sure she knows how much he wants to keep her safe and with him.

In Staamat, Kendall has made an enemy, because of Denn’s attraction to her and when this person’s jealousy really takes hold, she brings something or should I saw someone bad from Kendall’s past to Staamat.

A must read and a book I intend to recommend.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
November 30, 2015
3.5 RATING- A solid "woman on the run" story featuring a sweet hero and a heroine that didn't get on my nerves. Overall. I liked the story but didn't love it.

Two complaints. First, transitions between scenes and POV changes were terrible, no page breaks, etc. Otherwise, editing seemed to be fine. Second issue was I wish the story was steamier. There are a couple sexy parts but I was hoping for more. The hero definitely had it in him I think but held back because of the heroines history. Understandable but still disappointing.

That being said, I wouldn't have an issue recommending this one to readers looking for a sweet, small town romance featuring a damsel in distress and a sexy lawman hero.

Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.

To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for PamG.
1,293 reviews1,032 followers
March 1, 2019
Chaffin was a new author for me and this book did not let me down. It was well written, but there did seem to be a lack of adequate research on diabetes that slightly detracted from the story. It included adventure, violence, marital cheating, domestic abuse, suspense and romance among other things. However, it had more romance and less suspense/mystery than I expected. The main characters were likeable and the supporting characters had a variety of back stories. The antagonist was definitely not one that I would want to encounter. Overall, it was a good read.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,042 reviews64 followers
February 24, 2014
Kendall, on the run from an unbalanced ex, ends up in Alaska, Staamat, to start a new life. He shouldn´t be able to find her here, should he?
A small town like Staamat is close knit, and arriving there, she´s soon friends with the hunk of Chief of Police - even if she didn´t plan something like that. Starting out as a helping hand, their friendship evolves, but that rubs the inn keeper the wrong way, since she was aiming for Denn, herself.
Suspense, angst, smutty fluff and the lovely scene of Alaska makes for a great read and a new favorite author! 4,5 stars
Profile Image for Rachel.
639 reviews38 followers
June 1, 2015
Overall rating: 5 "Kennie" stars!

Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Ow/om drama:

HEA:

My review:

I really really enjoyed this book.

This story mainly focuses on Kendall and her move to a new small Alaskan town to hide from something or someone that we don't have a clue about. Throughout the story we get bits and pieces of what happened to her until we get the whole story eventually. Denn is the sheriff in this small town that puts all of his focus in work and caring for his 12 or 13 year old sister, Luna, after his mother's unexpected death a few years ago.

Denn is an absolutely wonderful guy. I have no complaints. He was attracted to Kendall and went after her, but he didn't just bull doze into her life. He took it slow and started off with a wonderful friendship. This isn't really a steamy read but I found that I really didn't miss it actually because the story was that good to me. I loved little Luna as well. I can't express how awesome Denn was - he was so damn romantic. He showed her his love for her in many ways, definitely not just sex and I loved that. I absolutely did.

I don't want to give any more details on this story because I feel it will ruin the story to know more than just the set up.

Favorite Quotes:

He whispered, "You only have to breathe to be sexy. Dn't you know that by now?" Penn stroked a maddening finger along her eyelid. "You look at me, and it does me in." He traced the corner of her mouth. "You smile at me, and the sun comes out." The finger slipped down the length of her throat. "You talk to me and that sweet voice of yours makes me ache inside." He wrapped his hand around her neck and drew her slowly in, until she rested against him and his mouth could reach hers.




"I will." She disconnected and laid her phone on the counter. It immediately buzzed again, and she chuckled when she picked it up and recognized Denn's number. "What did you forget?"

"Just the most important thing of all." His voice dropped to a low purr, which vibrated all the way to her toes. "I love you."




Profile Image for Mei.
1,897 reviews471 followers
November 6, 2013
It is a good book, but I gave it 4 stars for the inconsistence of behaviour. Let me explain...

Kendall is hiding in an minuscule Alaskan village.
Kendall is obviously tramatized by her past with her dominating and abusive ex-fiancee.

I understand why she didn't tell Denn at the beginning - it's normal.

I also appreciated when she told him about her past abuse by that jerk.

About the inconsistences...



On the positive side, the story is very interesting and fast moving. The pacing is magistrally done with sequences of life, thought and POV of everybody involved: Kendall, Denn, Wendy and the jerk ex.

The jerk was really a crazy loon.


Apart from what I said above about her, I liked Kendall and her strenght to fight and create a new life for herself.

I liked Denn and his easy manner. His love for his sister. His teasing, his humor and his straitforward sexyness! *wink*

I would gladly read another book by Ms. Chaffin!
Profile Image for Ronda  Tutt.
863 reviews54 followers
October 22, 2012
Captivating & Suspenseful!

What a great intriguing story. I was captivated with the story and characters immediately as each anticipated sentence became exciting and more suspenseful into a colorful movie like vision right on the page. The descriptive township, the family environment, and the beautiful scenery was heavenly written and had me wanting to visit Alaska one day.

The drama Kendall went through from her past had my emotions running wild through out the book as I could identify and relate to everything she went through coming out of an abusive relationship and trying to start a new life. The author did an excellent job capturing the real world reality of the situation.

I totally loved Denn, a real man in my opinion, not just with his sexy looks and the way his body was built but with his mannerism and how respectful he was to not only Kendall but to all the characters within the story. Denn is truly an original caring, loving, and adorable hero of a man.

The romance flowed beautifully and was so heartwarming. The sex scenes are written descriptively with great taste that was exciting and arousing at times.

The unknowing crazy actions of what Kendall's ex-boyfriend was going to do had me on the edge of my seat. At one point I think my eyes were bugging out in strain towards the page as my heart and mind scaredly read as he got closer to finding Kendall and when he finally got to her. On top of that, the jealousy of Denn's long time female friend had me reeling with hatred towards her and at the same time being glad she got what she deserved in the end along with Kendall's ex.

The best part about this story is that no matter what or where you are running from, life or shall we say your past has a funny way of catching up to you eventually but at the same time, there is never a safe haven, there are crazy people and situations waiting to happen and you never know the unknown.

The ending was a perfect happy ever after as I wanted to know more of the story regarding the other characters in the end. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews173 followers
February 10, 2013
Sweet romance filled with lots of dark and twisted secondary characters.

Kendall Martin had to change everything from her appearance to her name and knew she needed to move to some place far away. She bought a small trading post and move to a remote village in Alaska to get away from a sadistic man.

As with all small towns things are done differently. It is the Chief of Police Denn Nulo who picks up Kendall from the small airport and welcome’s her to Staamat. Denn is a very nice man who after his mother died he left college to come back and raise his much younger sister who also has diabetes.

Here is where I think the book takes a different twist. Kendall is leery understandably of men but it doesn’t take long for the good looking Denn to prove to her he is not like her ex. There romance is a very sweet one that also involves Kendall bonding with Denn usually surly sister. Kendall and Denn are so happy in their new relationship and both think they have finally found the one but they have no idea of the evil plotting that is going on outside their bubble.

We are given the POV of Kendall’s ex Conrad who is a sick and twisted man and also Wendy who owns the local B&B who has an obsessive crush on Denn which turns out bad for everyone.

In all, this book was a great blend of romance, family, suspense, and murder.
Profile Image for Janna Shay.
Author 1 book90 followers
August 31, 2012
ROMANCE, INTRIGUE, SUSPENSE, AND PASSION

Unsafe Haven is a romantic, engaging, well-crafted love story with just the right amount of suspense. Char Chaffin once again works her magic as she weaves her story against the majestic beauty of Alaska. Her characters are engaging and come alive as they draw you into their journey of love, family, and new beginnings. This story has it all…romance, intrigue, suspense, and passion.

Char’s talent for words drew me in from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. This is truly a captivating story told by a very talented writer. A must read for anyone who loves to curl up with an enthralling romantic novel.

(Janna Shay, Author of FAIR PLAY)
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews236 followers
June 7, 2015
3.5 stars. I liked both the Hero, Denn, and the heroine, Kendall. It was a pretty tame book. No angst but some drama with her ex and his friend (not gf). I thought it was pretty predictable but still entertaining. I did it think I would like hearing the POV of her ex, but it helped keep the story going. Otherwise, the couple was pretty boring. Totally safe read. Free on KU.
Profile Image for Kim.
701 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2017
I received this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. If this was trimmed by 50% from all the filler pages to make a specific word count it would be better. Dragged in places. It was insulting that the author presumed to write about Diabetes without researching it. She would have killed her character in real life.
Profile Image for Selena Fulton.
Author 4 books32 followers
October 21, 2012
This was a fantastic read. Definitely a page turner. I loved the sweet patience of the hero and the vulnerability of the heroine. And the villian? ::Shudder::
Profile Image for Joan.
2,207 reviews
Read
January 14, 2018
I dnf'd at about 50% . I couldnt stand the way Denn spoke to Luna as if he was her father and she was a toddler. Calling her "Luney-Boo" for heavens sake!!! (euw)

And Luna acted like a toddler as well - I thought she was meant to be 14?

I dont think anyone in the story acted realistically. Who would relocate to a new town without having done basic research on it? What was the 'Checkov's Gun' moment with the former owner of the store simply selling up and moving away without telling anyone? Kendall had been abused etc by a former fiance so badly that she left her home and fled to Staamat amar in the hope of never meeting him again - and yet within days she is lusting over a man who, on first meeting, reminded her of her former abuser.

Nah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sometime.
1,718 reviews173 followers
April 17, 2017
3.5 stars. This was a great book. I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The MCs Denn and Kendall were both great and they knew how to have a mature relationship. The small Alaskan town was a wonderful setting and I loved the colorful town residents. The younger sister was great too. The romance built naturally and I loved the two of them together. So why only 3.5 stars? I guess because I'm not a huge fan of romantic suspense. By the last third when things were set in motion I got antsy and lost interest. But it is definitely a case of not you, it's me.

This one is worth a try on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Diana.
912 reviews723 followers
September 13, 2012
This book grabbed me from the first page! When you’re on the run from an abusive sociopath of an ex-fiance, even a tiny, remote Alaskan village isn’t a safe place to hide.

At least, that’s what the heroine of UNSAFE HAVEN discovers after moving to Staamat, and this place is the definition of remote. Newcomers have to be flown in, because the roads around the town only go so far, and then they just – stop.

UNSAFE HAVEN was part suspense/thriller and part romance. It was a well-written story about two people with their own emotional scars and burdens coming together to find love, even with others set on keeping them apart. Kendall and Denn are realistic, multi-dimensional characters with perfect chemistry. All of the characters in this book popped off the pages, especially Kendall’s ex-fiance Roy. He’s one of the most loathsome villains I’ve read in a long time. Yikes!

UNSAFE HAVEN was a gripping story set in the perfect location. I’m partial to stories set in Alaska, and the author’s rich descriptions of the life and land there added to my enjoyment of the the story. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense novels with truly touching romances, then don’t miss UNSAFE HAVEN.

Review copy courtesy of Book & Trailer Showcase Virtual Tours.
Profile Image for SoBeA.
620 reviews49 followers
June 1, 2013
So it's a story you've heard/read before, abused heroine running from the big bad bad, and finds herself her very own hero....but ms chaffin tells it well and creates characters you can't help but care about...even when they pull beyond stupid crap....she makes it pretty damned hard to put the book down...i was so engrossed in the story despite knowing how everything was going to work out.

As far as down sides there's only 2: the edge of your seat suspense I'm usually a fan of, is pretty tame and the ages of the MC's seems off...they're 23 (h) and 26 (H) but both act older IMO, and the hero's younger sister who's in a lot of the book, is 13 but seems to act younger...maybe if she'd been a boy it have worked, ( iirc, don't girls mature faster then boys do? ). It as it was, it was a little hard to believe.

Anyway, even though it's not the most original story I've ever read, it was pretty entertaining, and I'm looking forward to Ms chaffin's next title. ...esp another Alaska set one :) between 3.5 and 4 stars
Profile Image for Raven Reviewer.
91 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2013
4.5 STARS

The author effortlessly weaves together separate tale threads into one glorious, master story. As an Alaskan Sleeping with the Enemy with an extra love triangle twist, this book appears to have a predictable main plot and yet you are still not sure how these individual, tangential storylines will play out right up to the end. Forgetting the sometimes contradictory damsel-in-distress and the occasional missing of the mark with the younger characters, this is how I would I like to read romantic suspense novels. It’s full of….

Read more here: http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com/post/...

Full review published by BTS eMagazine on September 1st (pg 23-24). All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer: All books reviewed by me have been received via purchase, lending, or given to me by an author or publisher for the purposes of an honest review. No reviews are purchased. They are my own opinion. See more reviews on my site: ravenreviewer.tumblr.com.
Profile Image for Rose Vanden Eynden.
Author 7 books66 followers
December 13, 2012
No one writes romance better than Char Chaffin. UNSAFE HAVEN is the story of Kendall, a young woman running from a terribly abusive relationship, and her integration into a tiny Alaskan town where she hopes to start a new life. Enter Denn Nulo, the sexy Native police chief, and the romantic sparks instantly fly. Ms. Chaffin does a wonderful job of setting up the story and telling the tale, with interesting secondary characters that reveal the heart of small-town living in the wild Alaskan frontier. The best thing about this book, though, are the interactions between Kendall and Denn. Their courtship is sweet and funny, and the love scenes are hotter than a scalding cup of joe on a frigid winter's night. I won't give away what happens in the book, but the ending is satisfying and sweet. Don't miss UNSAFE HAVEN--it's a chance to fall in love with Alaska and with two very special characters.
Profile Image for Angie Bishop.
9 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2018
Unsafe haven

This book irritated me for the small fact that the author gave a character diabetes then apparently did no research on diabetes. At one point the character says she doesn't feel good and needs her insulin. Which would indicate that her blood glucose is HIGH, insulin LOWERS blood glucose. Her brother gives her candy to make her feel better, which would only RAISE her levels further. Then EMS gives her a shot in the hip? You don't take insulin in the hip. Based on what the author wrote it is evident she did zero research on this common condition. Which ticks me off. Don't even get me started on the midwife stating she does c-sections in homes with numbing cream and sometimes a little anesthesia. As for the plot, it's just like every other domestic abuse story. Woman flees, changes identity, meets new guy, falls in love, bad guy finds her, they battle, new guy saves the day. Thank goodness this book was free.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
Author 17 books448 followers
February 27, 2013
How far would you run to get away from an abusive relationship? Kendall Martin runs all the way to the Alaskan wilderness to start a new life where no one knows her. There she meets Denn Nulo, the local Chief of Police. Denn surmises that Kendall has a secret past, and he determines to uncover her past and help her overcome her fears.

Mix in a jealous innkeeper and Kendall’s psychotic ex-fiancé and you’ve the perfect ingredients for a thrilling, suspenseful, romance. The patience and passion Denn shows for Kendall, and the trust and attraction Kendall shows for Denn make this a sweet, yet exciting read.

Char’s three-dimensional characters and gift for narration create a memorable story that’s hard to put down. Well-done! Can’t wait for the next Char Chaffin romance.




Profile Image for Virginia Boylan.
430 reviews11 followers
July 22, 2013
I loved this book from beginning to end. It's even better than Ms. Chaffin's first book, Promises to Keep. About a young woman fleeing an abusive relationship and learning to trust herself and others again, the heroine's progress is believable and has you rooting for her all the way. The hero is sweet and considerate as well as strong and decisive. I wish the villain had been introduced a little earlier, so we could understand how monstrous he was and worry for Kendall sooner. I was also uncomfortable with people calling each other "goofy" in an affectionate way. Doing it once, in a teasing way, would have been acceptable, but repeated use of the term bothered me. Overall, a wonderful story.
Profile Image for C.D. Hersh.
Author 8 books35 followers
August 1, 2013
An engaging, suspenseful and romantic story that draws you in so you can't put it down. The twist and turns keep you guessing at what is going to happen next.
The heroine's journey to find a safe place to live, hidden away from a predator ex-boyfriend, leads to love and a family. Something she thought lost.
The hero is just as lost having had to raise his diabetic sister when their mother died unexpectedly ending his dreams of escaping the small Alaska town. In returning he found friendship and support from the close knit community but was still missing something until the "cheechako" flew into his town and stole his heart.
Don't miss this delightful read.
Profile Image for Donna Shields.
Author 4 books24 followers
October 29, 2012
What a great read. Kendall Martin is one little spitfire of a woman and Sheriff Denn Nulo compliments her completely. Char Chaffin takes you on Kendall's journey into the remote Alaskan terrain with vivid description ( It was like I was standing there observing the whole story). Her characters are as real as the village. The twists and turns along the way will have you turning page after page in one sitting. You won't be able to put this one down.
Profile Image for Janey.
478 reviews22 followers
August 13, 2014
Good engaging romantic thriller, great characters, especially liked Conroy the baddie, he is a complete psycho!, if you were Kendall, Alaska wouldn't be far away enough to run away from him!, loved Nulo (the hot chief) & Luna, (his sister) what a wonderful relationship they had, also liked how descriptive the author was about the Alaskan setting, you could completely imagine it, definitely worth a read. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,072 reviews93 followers
February 18, 2013
Ok. So I'm pleasantly surprised by this little book! I don't even know how I stumbled upon it but I sure am glad I did. H/h had great chemistry. Steam factor was pretty good. Easy and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
192 reviews23 followers
May 10, 2013
I really enjoy this book. It was even better that it was free on Amazon. I fell in love with both the main characters. I love how the story gives all points of view.. to me it makes the characters more "real" when you can get into their heads.
26 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2013
If you are looking for an easy read, this is it. Fast paced story with good detail about the setting in Alaska. Unfortunately I figured out the plot pretty quickly so there was not a lot of suspense. I read the entire book in 2 days. Good beach read.
Profile Image for Christy Olesen.
Author 4 books4 followers
November 7, 2012
Just when I thought the story was getting a bit wordy, a plot twist made it a page turner.
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