Finding Haven

by T.A. Foster

Power. Money. Control. Love.
He has all but one.

When movie star, Evan Carlson, discovers his girlfriend’s picture with another man splashed on the cover of gossip magazines, he decides he’s had enough of his fishbowl life and attempts to outrun the media frenzy his relationships have become. Driving until the road stops, he ends up on the remote and quaint Perry Island, where a heartthrob can blend in like the locals and be a beach bum as long as he wants. All that changes when Evan meets Haven Owen, aspiring songwriter and the girl he just can’t get enough of. A summer romance turns into something much deeper and Evan gets tangled in his own web of lies to keep Haven in his life. But when his ex tracks him down, Evan learns there are some things you just can’t outrun.

Is the cost of love, losing all control?
RED LINES, Book 2 in the series is available now! (Can be read as a standalone or as part of the series)

Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2014

About the author

T.A. Foster is a Southern girl whose heart and spirit are connected to the beach. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, three children and canine kiddos.

Her long love affair with books started at an early age, and as soon as she was able, she transformed imaginative stories into words on paper.

T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing or planning her next beach trip.

Reviews

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Darlin' stars**



Evan is a well known Texan actor and a super star. Being fed up by the press who intrudes in his life, after a personal matter hits the fan, he decides to get lost and stay hidden. Without a clear plan on his mind, he drives until he reaches Perry Island. There , he is relieved that no one recognizes him and makes a plan to change his identity, claiming that he's Jay the writer. For him this is a chance to live incognito a peaceful summer and a break away from publicity.



Haven is a girl who has a plan. Being a student and living on her own away from her hometown, she's now dying to get away from Perry Island, where her family owns the local market. A market that will be hers in the future. A future she wants to run away from, because Haven has a passion for music and she wants to become a songwriter.



Due to a personal conflict one day she needs desperately a clerk to work in the store and there comes Jay, the handsome writer, who is willing to save the day.



Finding Haven was a summer story that I enjoyed, it just didn't blow me away. I liked the storyline, even though it reminded me of a classic chick flick kind of movie. I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy the first 25% of the book, because it seemed slow and because the MCs hadn't really met, so it kind of felt boring to me. But after that thankfully things got better and I enjoyed the rest of the book. The ending felt like it could make an opening for a sequel and I was glad when I found out that, indeed, there's another book with the continuation of their story. I will read that one, because I liked Evan and I'm curious to see how their story will unfold on the Red Lines.



Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating Clarification: 3.5 Stars

Fun story that would be a perfect beach side read since it takes place during the summer on a quaint island. Finding Haven is my first experience with T.A. Foster and I really enjoyed her story and characters. I can't wait to pick up the next installment!

In Finding Haven, Evan Carlson decides to take a break from Hollywood after he discovers that the glory of being a famous actor comes at a heavy price. When he finds out his girlfriend isn't being faithful and the media scrutinizes his relationship and his every move, he decides to buy himself a Jeep and head to a small quaint summer island. This cowboy movie star goes incognito on Perry Island and immediately enjoys the luxury of just relaxing and not having to deal with the media and paparazzi. However, when he decides to bail out Haven Owen who runs the island's general store with her family, he realizes he can get used to small town life and a no-glitz and glamor romance.

Haven Owen just graduated from college and aspires to be a song writer, but she can't get her feet off the ground until an agent recognizes her song writing skills. Working at her father's general store to pay back her college fees, she knows she wants more than what Perry Island has to offer. When Evan Carlson shows up at her store and takes on the open position, song writing is no longer the only thing on her agenda. These two immediately strike up a romance. However, how will that change when she realizes he's more than a cowboy on summer break???

I like the slow build and pacing of the book. The chemistry was definitely off the charts. Pairing up Evan and Haven was a perfect mix and it was fun waiting for the drama and big reveal to hit. This steady story was a perfect choice because I was looking for something fun, light and romantic.

Overall, their story was engaging and I can't wait to read the next installment!

Waves of Fiction 2015 Reading Challenge
- Read a book that takes place in a small town.

[Angie Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***

I really enjoyed this book. One of my favorite things about this author is that she can write a sweet story without a ton of drama, and I think that’s a rare find in the New Adult genre.

Evan and Haven were both likable characters. He was trying to distance himself from the Hollywood lifestyle he’d sort of fallen into while she was desperate to break into the music business. When their paths cross, sparks fly!

I really like this take on the Hollywood heartthrob. It takes a lot of courage to walk away from the adoration and lifestyle you are used to and reexamine your life to find out if that’s what you really want. For me, that’s what made Evan likable from the start of the book. When his life got out of hand, he didn’t sit by and watch it spiral out of control. He took himself away from the situation and made some changes. From the second he spies Haven, he was instantly drawn to her, and I love that it was his protective instinct that kicked into gear and drew them together. Evan was always so sweet and kind.

Maybe she thought he did all of these things to make her feel better, to erase her doubts and fears, but she didn’t know that making her smile turned his world right side up.

After going away for college and getting a taste of life off the island she’d spent her entire life on, Haven was ready for more. She just didn’t realize it would come in the form of Evan Carlson. Haven was gutsy and determined, and she seized every opportunity that came her way.

One of the things I really liked about Haven was that when she found out it was Evan who’d pushed things along with her music career, she wasn’t so stubborn that she didn’t take advantage of the amazing opportunity in front of her. He had opened a door for her that she’d been waiting on for a long time, and she walked through it. She recognized it for the gift that it was.

When Evan, who has been masquerading as ‘Jay’ in an attempt to gain some privacy, starts to fall for Haven, things really start to spin out of control. Evan and Haven had chemistry from the start. Haven was so spunky, and Evan found it impossible to resist.

It was one thing to flirt with her, but during that storm, he had made her his with his mouth, his hands, and his words. Crazy as it sounded, he wasn’t about to give her back until he absolutely had to.

I thought the pacing of this book was perfect. There might have been instant attraction for Haven and Evan, but their feelings came slowly as they got to know each other better. It never felt rushed or glossed over–just a simple love story with a few bumps along the way.

As with the other books I’ve read from T.A. Foster, I think this would be a fantastic beach read!

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet love story with likable characters!

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars



I enjoyed Finding Haven; it was a nice and easy love story. There wasn’t a lot of drama or instant love connection. The story started off with a slower build and brought the characters together naturally. I usually don’t like to wait till about 20% into the book for the characters to really have any interaction with each other but I didn’t mind in Finding Haven. It gave us time to really get to know the two characters before jumping into any kind of relationship. It was a nice change.

Movie star Evan Carlson is done with the Hollywood life. After finding out his girlfriend has been cheating on him in a magazine, Evan packs a bag and leaves. He drives until he can’t drive anymore and that's how he finds himself on Perry Island, SC, part of the Outer banks.

Haven Owens is back in Perry Island working at her parent’s general store after her college graduation. Perry is the last place she wants to be. As an aspiring songwriter, Havens dream is to get a contract and moves away from Perry and write songs for a living. For now she’ll work until she gets signed.

Hiding who he really is in Perry is easier than Evan thought it would be. Going by the name Jay he starts working with Haven at the general store. Haven and Evan bond over Haven’s song lyrics and an easy friendship begins. That friendship turns steamy, fast and these two have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. Everything seems perfect for Haven and Evan except for a little secret that he is keeping from her that can explode their happy little world they have created for themselves in Perry.

Like the Kissing Eden series by T.A. Foster, Finding Haven is an easy, fun read. It will defiantly make you wish you were on a beach somewhere, enjoying the sun and sand like the characters. At least it did her me.

Arc provided by the author for an honest review.

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Haven and Evan that begins here continues in "Red Lines." I've decided to do one review to cover both upon my completion of reading it.

Cute and sexy fun and an easy read. I always like the trope where a movie star finds solace in the arms of a stranger to Hollywood -- especially when she has no idea who he really is.

[LA Spiez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am only on this damn ferry because I thought it was what you wanted, but I will do anything to make you happy again. If that means leaving or if that means staying." He tucked her hair behind her ear. "You, Haven, are the one in control." Evan Carlson

Haven Owen has lived her entire life on Perry Island. The only time she left was when she went to college for four years. Then she came back and her dad expected her to make her career at the general store that he owns. Haven has much bigger aspirations than that. She wants to be a song writer. She writes music every spare moment she has. She sends her songs to country music agents weekly. Perry Island isn't the future she sees for herself .

Evan Carlson is the world's sexiest bachelor. Every woman wants him, guys want to be him. He found out his When he found out his Hollywood girlfriend Emmy Harper cheated on him, Evan decides he wants out of the movie star lifestyle. So he does what anyone would do. He buys a jeep and runs away. OK, maybe not everyone, but anyone with loads of money and time. He doesn't tell any of his people where he is. The only person he keeps in contact with and trusts is Allan, his agent and right hand man. You might think Evan is this kind of spoiled superstar, he's not. He's this really kind, down to earth guy who is overwhelmed by his life.

Evan winds up at a campground where he rents a trailer for the summer. Not at all the living standards he's used to, but he likes it and it becomes home. He also uses a false identity. He becomes Jay a writer from Georgia, staying on Perry Island for the summer to work on his book.

When you're staying at a campground you need supplies right? So Evan "Jay" stops at Owen's General Store, where he meets Haven. Haven is not especially happy to be stuck working at the store. She's also having a difficult time of things with her dad lately (read it, you'll find out). Of course there's an instant attraction. Evan is a hot guy and Haven is a pretty girl. So even though they have some chemistry, they both have their own things going on and they don't act on their feelings.

Then there's Travis. Travis and Haven have grown up together. Travis loves Haven and wants them to have a relationship. Travis is more than happy at the thought of a life on Perry Island. Haven, not so much. Did I mention Travis also works at the general store? Well, he does for a while, then he realizes Haven won't ever be what he wants her to be. He knows he can't keep working side by side with her, so he quits. Guess who steps in to save the day?

Evan has his own issues with his ex. She's making a big push to get him back. Telling all the gossip magazines she'll do anything to win him back and how much she loves him. Evan knows she's got a hidden agenda and he gives Allan the task of finding out what Emmy's up to.

As Haven and Evan spend more and more time together, their attraction grows. Only they both don't act on it. Evan's got this whole secret identity thing and knows he's only staying for the summer. One night they act on their feelings and Evan kind of freaks out. He tries to keep his distance from Haven, but he's catching some pretty strong feelings for her. She feels the same way about him.

Of course Evan has that whole secret life thing going on and he wants to tell Haven and trust her, but he never does. Anyway, the night a hurricane (ironically named Harper) is about to hit the island, Evan stays with Haven and they give into their passion. And damn they are explosive together.

After the night of the hurricane, they spend a lot of time together. Little by little, they fall in love. They don't tell each other, but, it's there and they both feel it. Then, wait for it...Emmy shows up with the paparazzi and her ploy to get Evan back. Poor Haven is stuck in the middle.

Who does Evan wind up with? How did Emmy find him? Does Haven ever get a song writing deal? You have to read Finding Haven to find out.

I have to give Finding Haven a five lip smack review. I love the story. I love the charm of Perry Island. I love that there's some conflict in the story and hell I love Evan Carlson. He could call me darlin' any time he wants. I do love me a Texas cowboy.

OMG, I forgot to mention, I absolutely adore the new cover!! Check it out!! Evan is a hottie!!

[ysar · Rating 4 out of 5]

When athlete turned actor Evan Carlson's girlfriend cheats on him, and the media pounces, he hits the road. And when the road ends, he hits the ferry, ending up in the Outer Banks, where life is calm, and the locals don't give him a second glance. But his solitary retreat takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself applying for job at the local grocery and working side by side with the owner's lovely daughter. It's a different world than the studio lights of L.A., but it's everything — she‘s everything — he's always wanted.

But... Evan's selfish, cheating, only-interested-in-fame ex (because there's always one where actor romances are concerned) wants to rope him into some new movie role… based on a book… of a rather erotic nature. And it's called Red Lines. It's sounds rather like a reference to MoTU/FSoG, but what I can't figure out is if the author chose that title as a play on the color thing or because someone's been reading Twific long enough to remember The Red Line.

Judging Covers: Is it weird that I was initially drawn in by the way the title is set on the cover? Smart use of space and fonts. Yeah, I'm exactly that nerdy.

The Verdict: So we've all read romances that have someone super-famous falling in love with a no-name, maybe hiding out from the press and disillusioned with fame. But what I loved about this one, what really set it apart for me, is that Haven didn't have a clue that “Jay” was really Evan, and the setting actually made that bit believable.

Evan's not your typical romance novel actor. He was an athlete first, and he later parlayed that into an acting career. So in that sense, he's not cut out for nor attached to the glamorous Hollywood life. That's not to say he's not successful or hasn't enjoyed himself, but he's still a pretty regular guy who was more into sports than photo shoots, and it makes sense that the ugly side of fame would have him running for the hills — or the beach in this case.

Haven is your typical small town girl, only her small town is a small island. They get their summer tourists, but aside from those seasonal visitors, the outside world doesn't encroach on her life too much. And that's something she's not really thrilled about. Yes, there's television, and various magazines line the checkout stand, but life in a tiny tourist town is laid back, and since no one really expects a famous actor to show up, no one's really paying attention when one actually does.

Haven and Evan are just about perfect together. It's not insta-love, though there's certainly attraction, and she's not some wallflower pining for the perfect man to whisk her away. In fact, she's been very recently involved with someone there, and it's the fallout from that not-so-great decision that opens the door for Evan. And for his part, Evan isn't some unbelievably perfect guy. He says the wrong things, wallows in his misery for a while upon arrival, and then moves way too fast with Haven when they let their mutual attraction get the best of them. But they slow things down, form a better friendship on which to base things, and then when the opportunity presents itself, the chemistry is off the charts.

Of course, Evan's true identity is eventually exposed, and Haven's left reeling by the unexpected reality of things. But the way it plays out (despite the rather cliche ex of his) is surprisingly believable, with Haven reacting exactly as any woman who's been lied to would. When I grabbed this book, I hadn't even read the synopsis; I just remembered how much I loved one of Foster's previous books, and I hoped this one would be a winner as well. Lucky me, I chanced upon a story that took what's been a romance standard and made it something entirely new, and I absolutely loved it!

***FicCentral received this book from Inkslinger PR for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Schroer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 shining STARS!!!

I really liked this book! It was sweet and heart-warming. A truly perfect day-at-the-beach book! But there were certainly moments of omigosh. Moments that were steamy and moments that still hang in my mind! I find that the books I consistently rate at 4.5 and above have great characters. The characters you want to be besties with. The guys and gals that could live right next door in Anywhere, USA. This book has exactly that!!

Haven. Don't you love that name?! She's just finished college and had returned home while job searching. But home for her is a small island only available by ferry. Everyone knows everyone. And with her family owning the island store, well, that's her legacy if she doesn't get out. Haven has done definite family issues. Those make things more and more complicated for her as the book progresses. I found Haven to be intelligent, witty, snarky - which I love in a heroine. She was an aspiring song-writer and didn't want to give up on her dreams.

"She wasn't finished chasing her dream, and the longer she started, the more she had to put it on hold."

Evan. Well, he was not someone you'd typically find on the island. But being an everyone-wants-a-piece, hot actor? Well his abrupt trip to nowhere lands him there. Evan is running from a recent incident in his life. He's tired of all the hoopla that is Hollywood. I found Evan to be smart, down-to-earth, and charming with his slight southern accent. He decides that Perry Island was a perfect mistake. A perfect place with no paparazzi so he could clear his head. Make some personal and professional decisions. What he doesn't expect is Finding Haven!!

"The wine in her lips, the music floating off her tongue took hold of him like he was a man gone crazy."

I'm sure I didn't need to fully explain what happens when they meet. But I will say it's poetic. It's beautiful. And it's something that both Evan and Haven need. Two perfectly placed individuals at one dated moment in time.

"When you're in love, every divine second feels fleeing as you rush to scramble the sands back into the hourglass uselessly trying to pause the moments, the love, the rush that overtakes your body and soul."

Evan finds Haven to be different from any other woman. There's that piece of her that draws him, making him want to reach out and console her, that he simply had no words for. Haven finds him by just as special. The hard part for each of them is the secrets that lie between them.

"How could she tell what was right and true anymore when the compass she had had been smashed into a million tiny pieces?"

I finished Finding Haven and was happy. Smiling, satisfied. I just love HEA's! But much to my surprise … there is a second book! Following Evan and Haven. So go forth. Read this book. You're gonna love it!

[Cams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone needs a break right? They need to get away from the stress of work, relationships and everything else and be able to rediscover themselves and why they chose the position they're in in the first place.

Artists need that too. Especially Evan Carlson, the up-and-rising actor of the decade.

He goes on the ultimate road trip of his life. Without the press, his manager, escaping the hardships of his work and finding himself at the very remote and quaint island, Perry Island. He finds solace in the island until a girl captures his interest and later on tilts his world upside down. But, can the love they have survive the distance between the realities they live in?

I honestly like Haven Owen. She's this complex character who truly has an ambition. Even with the prospect of her getting into the music industry was quite slim, she remained hopeful. She kept passing her songs to record labels and radio stations. Even when she does not have the full support of her father, she still tries. I truly like a character who aspires for more in her life because she inspires me too as a reader to never give up on my dreams.

And then there's Evan. There were times that I find Evan annoying. It's just that, there are instances where he's so full of himself, as if people have to act a certain way because he's a movie star. I guess some actors do have that expectation and I let that go. The only quip I have is the repetitive reinstatement of Evan's hotness. Sure, he is a star but we just don't need to know it every.single.time.

Yet, the two of them clicked. But what made it worth it for me and not cringe-worthy was that Haven did not really dropped at the sight of Evan in the first place. She kind of ignored him too. I like that Haven doesn't immediately give in to Evan's good looks and that made Evan want to know Haven more.

I also would really love to go to Perry Island! If I would like to get lost, I definitely want to end up in this place and stay there for a while to do a little soul-searching.

My only dismay is the end (before the prologue). I guess it's because I did not expect their actions to be the catalyst to solve their problems. Knowing that you've been lied to does not immediately guarantee you a spot back into her life.

Finding Haven is the book you'd love to read if you're the type of person to fantasize about dating a star. I know the feeling. I've fantasized what it would be like to date an actor too.

[Carra · Rating 5 out of 5]

With characters that have depth, a storyline that keeps you drawn in and wonderful writing, T.A. Foster offers an engaging story that any romance reader will enjoy.

Evan, our male lead-he's a famous actor who just needs a break from it all after his actress girlfriend is discovered with someone else. Evan comes across as sweet, friendly and of course deliciously hot and sexy, making for the perfect book boyfriend. Haven, our female lead, is just graduated from college and working at her family's general store on a small island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina...but that's not where she wants to be. An aspiring songwriter with family issues, her character starts off as a bit timid, not very forceful, as if she's just going along with her situation until something breaks for her professionally. Her character does grow through the story, and we get to see her come into her own by the end (with a bit of help from Evan).

The plot is pretty simple, with a celebrity trying to escape fame, hiding who he really is and falling for a local girl who has her own big dreams. Of course, with her not knowing the truth of his identity (she thinks he's an as yet unknown new writer)...you know that's going to eventually cause a problem, adding to the drama of the book. It all keeps you thoroughly engaged from start to finish while you sit there with your fingers crossed that it will all work out in the end-after all, Evan and Haven are wonderful together and have fantastic chemistry. There will be a couple of secondary characters that you'll come to hate, and some that you'll really like, and others that will just surprise you...all of them adding depth to the story.

The story flows really well, and I found myself staying up way past my bedtime to finish in one sitting. There's only one plot point with Haven's father that really isn't resolved in this book, but I'm hoping it will be addressed in the next book of the series (Red Lines).

Finding Haven is a delightful read that I'd definitely recommend for anyone 18+ who loves a good romance story, and it's a 4.5-star read for me.

[Ashley Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan Carlson is running away from his life after seeing pictures of his girlfriend with another man are splashed all over the media. He ends up on Perry Island and tries his best to blend in with the locals, which seems as though it is easier that what he originally thought possible. Here he meets Haven Owen, who is working at her family’s hardware store. Haven is an inspiring songwriter and just wants off of the island to start her life.

Evan hates seeing Haven upset so takes a job at the hardware store to help out and to get to know her better. Under the guise of being Jay, Haven has no idea who Evan really is, and they start a summer romance. I loved the chemistry between the two! Evan was very understanding of Haven, and helped whenever and however he could. His life catches up with him in the end, and he has to explain to Haven about who is really is and all of his lies.

I loved this story! I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The dynamic between Evan and Haven was awesome and the story just sucked me in. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, you first meet Evan in T.A. Foster’s previous book Cover Spell (Ivy Grace Spell #2.) I will probably go back and read those just for more background on Evan to see what happened before Finding Haven. I wish that more had been said about Haven’s past and some resolution to her family issues (maybe another story in this series?). I also want to find out what happens with Evan and Haven’s relationship! This is a great read!

****I was gifted a copy in return for an honest review****

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Movie star Evan Carlson is sick of the media circus that his life has become, and after pictures of his equally famous girlfriend with another man are splashed all over the gossip magazines, he takes off on his own to disappear and get away from it all for a while. Without a particular destination in mind, he finds himself on a small out island in the Outer Banks and goes incognito camping out as author Jay Grady.

Haven Owen has had a taste of life off the island during her 4 years of college, and now that she has graduated, she feels smothered by tourist season on the small island where everyone knows everyone else's business. Her passion is music and songwriting but her father sees it as a useless pursuit and refuses to support her dream. To further complicate her life, her lifelong friend-who-wants-more Travis is determined to win her over even as he is oblivious to what she wants out of life.

Events start to spiral for Haven fairly quickly, and Jay/ Evan steps in to help her out of a jam all while hiding his true identity- not an easy task with tourists everywhere but somehow he pulls it off since Haven and her family members don't seem to be movie fans.

This is a sweet summer love story with some great heat between Haven and Evan, a hurricane, a little family drama, and a little tension with the threat of Evan's secret being revealed being revealed hanging over them. It was a pretty quick easy read for me and an enjoyable escape for anyone who enjoys celebrity main characters

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Haven

This is a sweet, endearing read. The first book I read from this author, once I got connected to the storyline and got to know the characters a bit more, I really enjoyed it. While it started out slow for me, once the characters connected and the story started building up, I enjoyed it more.

I love to day dream. One of my recurring dreams includes what if I met a famous actor and we fell in love! This story is the basis of my day dream. A hunky, southern actor wants out of the spotlight and spends the summer in a secluded small town. Haven, the small town beauty doesn’t recognize him and they begin a summer romance.

Haven and Evan have an endearing relationship. The two main characters compliment each other and made me root for them. The story is predictable, but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying their relationship. One thing I would have liked more was if it was written in first person. First person stories connect me to the characters on a deeper level and I think that would have helped me connect sooner with these two love birds.

Finding Haven is a fun and enjoyable read for any new adult, romance fan.

[Jodie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's running away from his present, escaping all the media craziness, taking a break from reality. She's stuck working at her parents' store for another summer, dreaming of escaping to become a songwriter. The idea of this story caught my attention. The grass is always greener kind of thing. But it was the characters and writing that kept my attention.

I honestly had mixed feelings for Evan. Part of my felt compassion, all the negative attention regarding his girlfriend would be enough to make me want to run away and hide. But then again, after he met and began dating Haven, his continued deception was almost a turn off to me. Although I would have no idea when the "right time" to have that discussion would have been.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow and develop, but I kept waiting for it all to blow up in his face. I didn't want to see Haven hurt, but I knew it was inevitable. What kept me reading was wanting to know if she could forgive the deception and allow them to move on together.

This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. It flowed well and was an easy read that I really enjoyed. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys romance novels.

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

First I must thank Inkslinger PR and T.A. Foster for providing an ARC of Finding Haven. As I looked through the sign ups this one caught my eye. Mainly the title. When I read the blurb it reminded me of the movie Safe Haven in a way. Someone running from who they were to a place no one would expect to find them. And I have to say, I loved it. It was an easy, and fun read.

*** small spoiler alert***

Evan Carlson, Texan and movie actor turned runaway is having a bad day. (Had to throw the whole Texan in there ‘cause… yeah just had too.. LOL) After pictures of his girl with another man in Hawaii, laughing, and being chummy, hit the papers he bolts. He left Atlanta -where he was at a benefit the night before- and ends up in Perry Island. Paying only cash on his way. this way there was no credit cards, no trail to follow. After a night in his car he rents a air stream camper at the campground -which is right on the beach- and settles in to hide. He is hoping no one sees him and knows who he is. He isn’t ready to be Evan Carlson right now.

Haven Owens is back home on the island after being gone to college for the last few years. She recently graduated and is now working at the general store which her family owns. her father -who is a hard ass of sorts- wants her to stay here where home is and settle in. But Haven wants to run away. Get away from this place, just be free to pursue the music career she wants so bad. But for now the main thing she is fighting -or I should say person- is Travis. He has filled out since high school and is easy on the eyes but he doesn’t want to leave Perry Island like she does. But after a few times of sleeping together he is getting braver and more assertive. He doesn't know what no means apparently. (Maybe he’s been in the sun too long?) But finally Haven is able to push him away.

As Evan settles into the rental at the camp ground and tries to adjust to being a beach bum he lets himself get lost in the new him. Growing out a beard, drinking all day and just lying around in the sun. But that soon changes when he notices people are seeing him as a beach bum for real. All thanks to Shug, the owner of the rental place. After she mentions his days of drinking he decides to start over a bit. Hold back on some of the drinking. After watching the people out in the water he asks Shug about Kayaking. She refers him to Owens General Store. But what he gets when he shows up is to watch the destruction of Haven’s spirit. She is fighting with Travis, then has a major fight with her father. Travis has quit so now her dad -the ass- has left it to her to find a replacement.

As Evan walked over to Haven he did something he wasn't expecting. He asked for a job. Of course she knew he must have overheard her and her father but after a few tentative minutes and some smooth talking he was hired. That was when the real fun began. His effortless flirting, her smiles, it was all it was meant to be. Evan was able to get lost in being Jay the writer. He wanted to tell her a few times who the real man behind this fake name and life was but he didn’t. To protect her and the others on the island from knowing who he was. If someone let it slip that he was here the island would be swarmed by the paps and reporters. He didn’t want that for any of them, especially Haven.

Evan is fitting into the island life and the quiet but his bright spot in it all is Haven. The more time he spends with her the harder he starts to fall for her. They sit and she plays her guitar, he ‘helps’ her with writing lyrics.. or at least entertains her with his bad ideas. But things change when they take the next step. The closeness they experience is like no other.

When hurricane Harper threatens the island Evan is told by Harold -the old man that owns the campsite- that he has to evacuate with all of the other non residents. But Evan can't leave the old man to do what needs to be done at the camp grounds alone. So he agrees to leave after he helps tie everything down. He calls the store to check on things and to let them know he is alright only to find out that they are all sold out and heading home to bunker down for the storm. When he tells Haven he has to leave she tells him to come to her house, to stay with her. So he does. I mean how could he turn that down? The days they spent together lounging around, making love, just being alone and content was good for them both. It also made Evan want to tell her again who he was. But he couldn’t.

As Haven’s music writing speeds up Evan decides to help her out some. She has been sending in a few songs a week to the music execs in Nashville and Austin. He does have friends in Texas after all. So after making a few calls once he was back at his rental, giving him and Haven a little space after their time together her got it all set up for her. He would do anything for her. When she gets an email from Blue Steel Records everything is perfect. It isn’t until the next day when she gets a call into them that things start to fall apart. Seems our record exec doesn't know the whole story of why Evan is hiding so when he calls him by name the confusion starts. Then it slowly trickles into place. The shock is one thing but as soon as Haven is out of her car and walking back to the store all hell breaks lose.

She is swamped by reporters and microphones, camera’s going off and questions being tossed at her left and right. Evan swoops in to get her away from them but it is too late. She is hurt and all but destroyed by his lies. All summer has been one big lie. He takes her to the one ‘safe’ place on the island and tries to fix what he has royally messed up. Every time he tries to see her after that day he is turned away. She wants nothing to do with him. Can you blame her.. no you can’t. Come to find out the one person Evan though he could count on -his agent- was the one to see him out. His ex Emmy causes his life to be turned upside down again and in all fairness he isn’t happy about it. But being the man he is he decides to do what is right. He gets on the ferry a few days after Emmy and her crew of cameras leaves. Haven still isn’t speaking to him and there is nothing left for him here without her. As he says goodbye to the island he catches sight of her. Maybe there is time for a second chance? It’s worth a shot.

*

This story was done just right. The author built up each of the main characters and tossed them into a story that was just them. It was easy to follow, easy to get lost in and full of laughs and a few heart breaking moments. I can see myself reading this one again soon. It is a light romantic drama that I am sure most people would love. Can't wait for more from this author.

[Liana Smith Bautista | Libervore Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A summer romance. A hot movie star for a hero. An artsy girl trying to find her place in the world for a heroine. It sounds like a fun read, doesn’t it? And this is what I thought when I decided to join the book tour for T.A. Foster’s new adult romance, Finding Haven, which is available for free for a limited time only.

When I got my hands on a copy of the book, I dived right in without reading up on the details a bit more, and I’ll say up front that this had a negative effect on my reading experience, one that I revised when I found out one crucial point: this is the first book in a series following the story of blockbuster movie star Evan Carlson and struggling songwriter Haven Owen.

The action and the actual romance in this novel started out a bit slow, but picked up around a third of the way through the book. This is usually a little longer than I’d like, and I’ll admit to having thought to myself, When are we going to move past the acknowledgment of pleasing physical attributes and into actual attraction? Get a move on! But then again, I was operating under the assumption that this was a standalone novel. So, my bad.

As the novel progressed and the relationship between Haven and Evan, who had created an alter ego for himself, turned hot and heavy, I will admit I felt uncomfortable about the continued duplicity on Evan’s part. There was a side of me that was going, Oh boy, wait until it all comes out because the $#!+ is gonna hit the fan. And there was the more pragmatic side of me that was going, How long is he going to wait to come clean? And how clueless is everyone on this island? And that side of me spent most of the novel worrying about how long it took for everything to come out in the open.

Again, this was something I probably would have been a little less anxious about if I’d known this was the first in a series. I am still kicking myself for not cluing in and just looking it up because this was similar to my reaction when reading Fixed on YouFixed on You, the first novel in Laurelin Paige’s Fixed series, which I also read without realizing it wasn’t a standalone book. When I finally did look it up, it made me look at this novel from completely different eyes—and certainly in a more generous light than I had hitherto been seeing it. Knowing that Evan and Haven’s story didn’t end where it did halted my prepared rant of “How could the author just leave it at that?” in its tracks and replaced it with the realization that this is the beginning of a series that bears watching. Because there is a lot to recommend it.

Living in a tropical country, I think I’ve developed an affinity for romances that start out as summer idylls by the seaside. And because I cut my teeth on Mills & Boon and Harlequin romance bundles, I’m pretty much predisposed to look favorably on island paradise-type settings. Perry Island is a quaint little seaside town that comes alive during the summer for the tourist season. I enjoyed how Foster played up the remoteness of the locale as well as the local-versus-tourist aspect of the community while keeping the ambiance friendly and hospitable, if a bit busybodyish. In fact, because of my misinformation, I initially came to care about Perry Island more than I cared about the characters and what they were doing. It sounded like such a restful and beautiful place to visit.

As for the plot and the characters, I ended up revising my initially flat reaction to them. My frustration with the book was initially because I had so many questions about Evan and Haven that had not been answered. What would Haven do about her relationship with Evan? How would they deal with the inequality in their relationship—something that was inevitable because Evan was rich and famous, and Haven had yet to taste true success? Given this, would Haven learn to stand on her own two feet, and how would Evan react to that? Could they learn to be partners?

When I got to the end of this novel, my first thought was, There is no way I could like this book without a followup. I guess it’s a good job my next thought was, Or is there already a followup? To which the answer is yes, thankfully—the second book in T.A. Foster’s Finding Haven series, Red LinesRed Lines, launched on February 6, 2015! So I’m definitely curious to learn whether my questions are answered in this and any more upcoming books in the series. And if I wish this book were a little bit more capable of standing on its own, well, that’s just my personal bias talking.

(This review was originally published on WillReadforFeels.com)

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Finding Eden è il primo libro di una mini serie, il cui secondo Red Lines è già stato recensito in questo blog....quindi attenzione agli spoilers!!!

Evan, il nostro protagonista, è una movie star americana di grande successo. E' talmente famoso da essere circondato continuamente da paparazzi e belle ragazze. I suoi film hanno sbancato al botteghino in un modo tale da permettergli di comprarsi un immenso ranch in Texas, assumere una schiera di assistenti e un jet privato. Ma quando la sua "presunta" fidanzata viene pizzicata alle Hawaii con un altro uomo in atteggiamenti inequivocabili, decide di fuggire. Da tutto e da tutti. Con una macchina di seconda mano, per non attirare l'attenzione, comincia a guidare e guidare e guidare ancora finché non si ritrova al traghetto per raggiungere Perry Island in North Carolina.

La sua fuga non è dettata da un cuore spezzato ma dal senso di soffocamento che aveva iniziato a provare da un pò di tempo, che gli ha fatto nascere una certa confusione riguardo sul suo futuro. Non sa più se fare l'attore è quello che vuole fare, era nato come giocatore di football ma si è improvvisato attore in seguito ad un infortunio alla testa. Si è reso conto di essere piuttosto bravo e il successo è venuto spontaneamente.

Ha bisogno seriamente di una pausa, niente telefonino, niente personal trainer che soppesa ogni grammo che ingerisce e organizza i suoi esercizi per mantenere il fisico statuario, niente suite d'albergo a 5 stelle. Questa estate, ha affittato una stanza in un campeggio, sotto falso nome, che ha malapena un cucinino, può bere birra a colazione ed è circondato dal mare. Prova a prendere lezioni di surf, fa amicizia con i proprietari del campeggio e per salvare una damigella in pericolo dagli occhi grandi e tristi, si fa assumere come magazziniere nel supermercato della cittadina dell'isola.

Heaven, ha da poco finito il college ed è tornata a Perry Island con il magone e il costante desiderio di andarsene il prima possibile e il più lontano possibile. Lavora nel supermercato della cittadina del padre, ne sono proprietari da generazioni, e ci si aspetta che prima o poi anche Heaven prenda le redini della attività di famiglia. Ma la ragazza non ne ha la ben che minima intenzione, a lei piace scrivere canzoni, ne manda un paio di nuove ogni settimana ad alcune case discografiche, sperando di essere richiamata. Ma per ora...tutto tace...e deve proseguire la sua routine quotidiana. Sveglia all'alba, giro i bicicletta fino al negozio e sopportare il suo turno fino alle cinque del pomeriggio.

Le cose con il padre non vanno bene, gli atteggiamenti scostanti di lei ed incompresi dal genitore, ci fanno capire quanto sia insofferente Heaven, ma non è solo questo. La ragazza ha scoperto qualcosa sul padre che non avrebbe dovuto e che lo ha stravolto ai suoi occhi.
Tutto cambia quando un bel ragazzo dal sorriso abbagliante, si propone di sostituire il nuovo magazziniere che si è licenziato, lasciando Heaven in grave difficoltà. Dopo circa 5 minuti di prova è assunto!!

Turno dopo turno, chiacchierata dopo chiacchierata, i due ragazzi si sentono sempre più attratti l'una all'altra. Evan, che si fa chiamare da Heavan con il suo falso nome per non farsi riconoscere. Non vuole che le attenzioni della dolce ragazza nei suoi confronti nascano solo per interesse nella sua celebrità. Desidera essere amato per chi è realmente. Ma allo stesso tempo è combattuto perché non vuole coinvolgere Heaven nel turbinio di follia e flash che è diventata la sua vita. E' troppo pura e sognatrice per lasciarsi inquinare da un mondo senza scrupoli.

Sfortunatamente per Evan, i paparazzi lo troveranno prima che possa raccontare a Heaven chi è veramente e quali sono i suoi veri sentimenti per lei.
La ragazza ne resterà ovviamente scioccata. Come potrà perdonare il ragazzo, di cui si è innamorata , dopo tutte le bugie che le ha rifilato?

Non sono stata travolta dalla storia d'amore di questi due personaggi, mi dispiace ammetterlo ma è la verità, non che manchino le scene di sesso, fuoco e fiamme!!! Ho trovato il contesto un pò diverso dal solito e tutto sommato la curiosità mi ha spinto ad arrivare fino alla fine. I due ragazzi ci mettono del tempo prima di cedere all'attrazione reciproca, motivo in più per proseguire avidamente nella lettura!!! Una volta messi insieme, ci si aspetta da un momento all'altro che il castello di carte di Evan crolli portandosi dietro tutte le conseguenze del caso, disintegrando una storia d'amore che sembrava essere così promettente.
Per sapere se i due ragazzi risolveranno la situazione, ricordatevi che la recensione del sequel è già stata pubblicata!!
L'inglese non è per tutti, il suo stile non l'ho trovato scorrevole ma tutto sommato una lettura gradevole. Confermo quanto detto per il secondo, lo consiglio per questa estate come libro da leggere "sotto l'ombrellone"!!

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**

I have never read any of T.A. Foster's books, but I received an email asking for bloggers to review it, so I took a chance. I am so glad that I did because I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed this book! There was hardly any drama (except for at the end) and overall it is a very lighthearted read.

Evan Carlson is a famous movie star and after his girlfriend cheats on him, he just wants to get away from everything. So Evan gets in his car and drives. He drives until he can't drive anymore and finds himself on Perry Island. Since he has no place to stay, Evan settles into a camper on the island's campground. Feeling good about where he has ended up, Evan hopes that no one will realize who he is, even telling people that his name is Jay. He just wants to relax and enjoy his time away from the limelight.

Haven Owen was born and raised on Perry Island. She went away for college, but after graduating she moved back home to work at the family store. And even though she has a degree in Education, all Haven wants to do is write music.

Evan first comes across Haven when he buying supplies for his stay on the island. She doesn't even give him the time of day and that makes her the most interesting person to him. When he finds out that one of the store employees has quit, leaving Haven in a bind, he decides to step up and take the position.

Evan and Haven grow close and start a relationship. Evan has been telling people that he is working on writing his first book so the two bond over their writing, well, mostly Haven's writing. He helps her and she even uses him as inspiration. Everything about their relationship is comfortable and it was like the from the start. After Evan's first day of work he invites Haven over for dinner and the two are immediately drawn to each other.

Haven sat on the end of the couch, keeping a pillow’s distance between them. It was hard to ignore how the closeness of the camper brought them into each other’s space. It immediately felt more intimate.

In this case, intimate was welcome. All day she felt like they had been gradually moving closer to this moment. She felt all the thrills of recklessness tingling under her skin, but talking with Jay didn’t feel dangerous or rash. It felt right, as if they already knew each other. Maybe that was the soothing feeling he cast over—a familiarity with someone you don’t even know that comes from an unexplainable place.

I love Evan and I love him with Haven. Despite the fact that Evan was this famous movie star, he was a super laid back guy and as genuine as a person could be. He loved that fact the people didn't seem to know who he was and never once used it to his advantage while on the island. He fit in so well that it was very easy to forget his real identity. He was just Jay, a regular guy. The writer staying on the campground. He knew that eventually his time as an anonymous guy on Perry island would end and he would have to get back to reality, but he didn't let that stop him for going after what he wanted. And what he wanted was Haven. Thank god he acted on his feelings because these two had amazing chemistry:

She groaned as he pushed her thin shirt up, and his fingers slid under the lacy edge of her bra. She had seen bedroom eyes before, but the look he gave her made her legs feel shaky. These were I’m-taking-you-up-against-the-wall eyes. If he didn’t keep her pressed against the wall, she would fall into a heap on the floor. His lips were firm against her neck as he trailed along her collarbone.

“Tell me,” he growled.

She knew what he wanted to hear, but she just wanted him to do it. Make her feel alive, consume every part of her.

He pinned her wrists above her head, slamming them against the wall. “Tell me, what you want me to do.” His other hand rolled over her nipple, and she bowed from the wall, wanting to absorb the intensity.

“Take me,” she breathed in her ear.

“Here?” He pressed his waist against her, and she could feel his want for her. She loved it.

“Yes.” She nodded. “Right here.” Was that her sexy and seductive voice, begging him to fuck her against the wall?

“I want you so much.” He groaned as if she was the one torturing him, not the other way around.

Yeah, Evan and Haven definitely connected. On every level. Their relationship was quick, but very sweet and I never doubted their feelings for each other.

Just the other day I realized that this is a series and the newest book has been released. I can't wait to read it and catch up with Haven and Evan.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

After reading a few of T.A. Foster's books, I have become a fan of hers so I was really excited when I saw that she had a new book coming out. Finding Haven really intrigued me with its cover and blurb, and I couldn't wait to get to know the movie star Evan. This book was good and enjoyable, but it wasn't my favorite book of hers. I really liked the characters, and I thought that the story was good but it just fell a bit short for me.

After his girlfriend's picture with another man ends up all over celebrity magazines, movie star Evan Carlson decides to leave town and hide out for awhile. He drives until he reaches Perry Island. He decides to stay the summer and blend in with the locals that don't seem to recognize him or care who he is. When he overhears a pretty girl in need of a new employee at the local store, he volunteers to help out for the summer. Evan is intrigued by Haven, and finds himself wanting to get to know Haven better. He tells her that he is a writer and she shares some of the lyrics that she has written with him and tells him that she wants to be a songwriter. Evan and Haven embark on a summer romance, but the more time that goes on the bigger Evan's web of lies gets. What happens when his ex-girlfriend and his real life track him down, and the truth about who he is comes out?

I liked Evan and Haven. I understood Evan's actions and why he didn't tell everyone who he was, but the longer things went on with Haven and the closer he got to her it stopped making sense to me. Haven was open with him, and shared so much of herself so it just didn't make sense to me why he wouldn't feel like he could tell her who he was. The truth always comes out, and I think that it would have been much better if he would have told her and dealt with the consequences rather than her randomly finding out from others. I did like Evan though, and he was really sweet with Haven. He was patient with her, and I thought that he really cared about her. Haven was interesting to me, and I really liked that she was so passionate about writing songs. I liked her with Evan and thought that they made a great pair. She seemed to really understand him, and things were so easy between them. I thought that they had great chemistry together and fit well as a couple.

I did think that this book had some slow moments though, especially the beginning. I didn't really understand why she was messing around with Travis and constantly saying that it was the last time for them to fool around only to do it again. It confused me because she said she had no feelings for him like that, and yet it went on for awhile. I also thought that it took a bit long for her and Evan to really even meet. It took me awhile to get into the story because of that, and I kept wanting to put the book down. I am glad that I stuck with it though, because it did start to pick up after about 20% of the way in. Evan and Haven were cute together, and I enjoyed this light and easy read. I definitely recommend checking out T.A. Foster's books if you haven't already read anything by her, and I think a lot of New Adult fans will like this one. For me though, it wasn't as good as some of her previous books. I will definitely still be looking for more from her in the future though, and her book London Falling is one of my absolute favorites.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

[Jenea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short time ago, I was part of the cover reveal for Finding Haven, and loved the cover. I’ve read a couple of book recently by Foster, and I like her writing style, so I was anxious to read this one as well. And I really enjoyed it, it is refreshing with characters that I fell for and wanted to root for all the way.

Haven is a recent graduate, but finds herself back in the one place she doesn’t want to be. Working at the family store on Perry Island, a tourists town. She has dreams of writing music, but living in this small town, she doesn’t see how that is going to be in her future. A new guy has shown up and helps her out of a jam, and it turns into something more. Something fun and exciting and just what she needs. He happens to be a famous movie star, but doesn’t want anyone to know who he is, he just wants to escape from it all, even if it is for a short while.

The characters have their flaws, and in no way are they perfect, but Haven and Jay were pretty great and adored them both. Haven has a good head on her shoulders, she’s good at writing music, and she seems to care for her family, but she isn’t completely happy with her situation. Enter Jay, a newcomer, a hot new comer… He claims to be a writer, and he’s sweet and appears to be a good guy but is running from something or someone. He is Evan Carlson, who is very well know in the movie business. Haven’s father was a piece of work, so overbearing and nothing is ever good enough. Then there is Travis, the co-worker/love-interest at one time wasn’t bad guy, but I didn’t really like him. He did redeem himself towards the end.

The story centers around our two main characters, Haven and Jay/Evan, and their chance meeting. The setting is a quaint, small town, where the people who live there year round all know each other, where the tourists come to get away from all the rush of the big cities. It isn’t a place without drama, family drama that it, and Haven has her fair share of it. But I liked that this wasn’t the center of the story between Haven and Jay/Evan, it was more about the relationship that blossomed between them. The pace is slow just like the slow burning and steamy romance, just how it should have been. It gave time to get to know and understand Haven and Evan. And Foster does such a great job of making me fall for these two that when issues from the past and truths come to light, I found myself turning the pages faster to find out how everything played out. I won’t giveaway the ending, let’s just say, I enjoyed every bit of it.

This is great for fans of new adult romances who are looking for a light and feel good types. Finding Haven is a perfect summer read, a sweet romance with lots of steaminess and of course some celebrity drama.


For more review, check out Visit Book Live Forever

[T.H. Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh out of college, Haven Owen is working off her student debt at the family general store on a small North Carolina island. Evan Carlson is the most eligible bachelor in America, driving away from the limelight until he runs out of road and ends up on a ferry to Perry Island. When Haven's co-worker, Travis, suddenly quits, Evan, posing as reclusive writer, Jay, steps in to take his place. Evan and Haven begin a summer romance that is headed for trouble.

Plot
The plot centers around the romance between Haven and Jay/Evan. Even though they've from very different worlds, they click on this remote island where no one seems to know who Evan really is. It's an idyllic environment for love to blossom and it does, until Evan is discovered and Haven finds out he's been lying to her all along. There are a couple of good subplots involving Haven's family and Jay's ex-girlfriend, Emmy Harper, America's sweetheart. The only real problem I had with the story, what kept this from being five stars, is that it's lacking in conflict. There is some, but not nearly enough for my tastes.

World Building
T.A. Foster does an excellent job of creating a small, southern island complete with Airstream campers on the beach and a general store that sells beer and souvenirs while renting kayaks and fishing poles. The world of Perry Island came alive for me, and I could visualize it all. That's one of the few parts of the country I've never been to, but after reading Finding Haven, I feel as if I've visited for a short while.

Characters
Haven and Evan are pretty typical for the leads in a contemporary romance, but the supporting characters are as varied as they come. Everyone from Jay's campground neighbor, Charlotte, to Haven's family, and Travis the surfer, are interesting and developed enough to not be stereotypical. They exist in the story for a purpose and they do it well, even if it's just comic relief.

Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Finding Haven
1. Travis. He's a good guy with a heart and I like how his relationship with Haven evolved over the summer.

2. Hurricane Harper. Aptly named, it sweeps across the island causing just enough damage to make things challenging without being devastating.

3. Haven's Family Dynamic. There's a lot going on in her small family and it is responsible for the bulk of the conflict in the story.

4. Silver Belle. The campground where Evan stays sounds exactly like a place I'd love to vacation.

5. Cowboy Steaks. I had no idea these were a real thing until I Googled them. Now I need to try one.

Bottom Line
Finding Haven is a sweet romance set on a balmy island. It's a perfect, light summer beach read.

Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[books are life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk

Finding Haven is a standalone novel by T.A. Foster, I first encountered this author when I read a book called Written in The Sand which is co written by T.A. Foster and Mary-Kathryn Craft it was adorable here’s a link to my review. So when I was offered a review copy of Finding Haven I jumped at the chance.

This book is set on the idyllic Perry Island, which is also the setting for Written In The Sand so I did kind of expect the characters to have a bit of a crossover and pop up in Finding Haven. I love the sound of this island, I actually really want to move there (I’m not even sure if its fictional lol but I don’t care) There is a real community feel to the place, everyone knows everyone else and it’s a real help thy neighbour vibe.

Haven to be honest comes across as a bit of a bitch at the start of the book, she’s cold to poor Travis and I really worried that I wouldn’t be able to engage and like her. I needn’t have worried because within a few hours of meeting Evan (aka Jay) I found myself really warming to her. She’s young and stifled by a future that she doesn’t want, plus she drops the ice queen persona when she’s around Evan.

I adored Evan he’s a cowboy to be honest as far as I’m concerned he could be a complete idiot and the cowboy thing would still be a major redeeming quality!! He’s sweet and a little but weary but that only makes him more sweet and endearing. I was willing him to stay anonymous and that he could just stay on Perry Island like a normal person.

Haven and Evans relationship was incredibly comfortable from the start; they had some banter and just felt really normal and sweet. I thought it was a bit sad that they never did the whole dating thing but I get that they instantly bonded. I did giggle that they just went mad and groped each other the moments the lights got turned off!!

My only slight criticism of this book was the sex scenes, now there was either too much detail or not enough and for me they just didn’t flow. I struggled to get pulled into the passion they obviously felt for each other, Evan said he liked to be in control but I never saw or felt that. I know I’m nitpicking but I just didn’t feel their connection translated into the sex.

Did anyone else fell like Emmy was a tiny bit delusional lol, she seemed harmless but just completely off her rocker!!

This book is sweet and a nice easy read, this is a perfect beach read so pack it in your case and enjoy it on the beach with a cocktail.

Finding Haven gets 4 stars from me.

[Becca Moree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited to get my hands on Finding Haven and even though the rating is 5 stars (BTW if we did half stars this one would totally be a 3.5!)...I wasn't disappointed. This was a very sweet love story that kept me wanting more. I am already dying to get my hands on the next book in the series! (Oh yeah...and read the book before this one about Evan lol you guys know I read books all out of order :D)

So the basic story line here is that pretty boy awesome big time actor runs away from Hollywood to this awesome little island (which just so happens to be relatively close to where I live hehe) to get a break from the media and all that jazz. Lucky him, he ends up in the one place that people don't seem to recognize him or bother him with their cameras! It's definitely his version of heaven :)

Haven has lived on the island most of her life, she left for college and came back to her expected roll of helping run her families store. Needless to say, running the story is so not her dream job. But what can ya do?

When these two bump into one another it is pretty priceless! He expects her to notice him and she expects him to leave her the hell alone so she can work on the song lyrics stuck in her head. I think one of the reasons this book got a lower rating for me was the fact that Haven apparently NEVER watches television. Even at college? I just don't see that happening...but who knows. So some how she goes the entire book without realizing who he is...and he continues to lie to her...which is where the problem with their relationship pops up. Eventually Evan is going to be caught by someone that knows his true identity and the shit is going to hit the fan!

The romance was sweet and flowed really well. Things didn't feel rushed or sluggish...they felt real. The characters are well developed and the writing is just fun to read! Honestly, it was a little strange to read a book where the characters didn't even really interact with each other until around 20%...I'm so used to books where things just happen or we come in when they are about to...but somehow this totally worked. We got to know the characters as individuals really well before we had to view them as a couple.

Overall, this was a wonderful read that I would happily recommend to anyone! Just beware, it will leave you with a taste for salty air and sand between your toes!

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Haven is the epitome of a sweet love story. Two strangers collide in the most innocent of ways, fall in love, fall apart, and ultimately accept each other for who they each really are. I LOVES IT.

There’s not a ton of unnecessary drama in this book and I really appreciated that. The story progresses thoughtfully – each scene pushes the story along to give it purpose on the whole. I appreciated that there isn’t a lot of screaming, yelling, over analyzing and crying (there are plenty of books out there that will provide you with that if you’re in the mood).

Haven isn’t an idiotic fuckwit who can barely string two words together in front of an attractive man. She’s down to earth, she’s beautiful, she’s NORMAL.

Evan’s also beautiful, what with the whole being-a-movie-star thing and all, but he’s actually pretty beautiful inside as well. His darlin’ southern ways charmed his way right onto my bookshelf. He’s adorable, and sweet, and actually cares about people, leaving Hollywood because of its vicious and malicious nature. This book is about Evan’s search for that something missing in his life. He’s not quite sure what it is, but he knows it isn’t found under the fake movie sets in Hollywood.

The riff happens because of a lie. Evan lies to Haven to protect her – and to protect himself. The lie is simple, but it’s enough to do some damage when revealed. I’m so happy that the reveal wasn’t overdone. T.A. Foster could have drug that damn lie out for chapters. She could have made me parse through 100 pages of fighting. BUT SHE DIDN’T AND I LOVE HER FOR THAT.

The chemistry between Haven and Evan is really hot. Even when Evan’s fighting for control….fighting not to let go…trying to reign in his desire….even those scenes are hot. Fuck, even when he masturbates in the teeny tiny little RV shower in under seven minutes it’s hot. I’ll just throw it out there – when you read this, get excited for the hurricane. ok? OK.

This book was super easy to read. I flew through it and really really wanted more when it was finished. & GUESS WHAT there is more!!! Red Lines, was released on February 6, 2015. Yes, YES, ALL THE YES. Series = awesome.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...

[Jamie Zishka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Haven was the beginning of Haven and Evan's story, we learned there ending in Red Lines a few weeks ago so pick up this book so you can see where there whirlwind romance started. I would give this book a 4 star and recommend to many others. Evan will steal your heart and melt your panties all in one swoop. T.A. Foster did a brilliant job of bringing the realness out in these characters and you just felt like you were apart of there lives for a few hours and that my fellow Divas is a huge feet lately. I find myself skimming some books because the content seems to be the same for most romance stories but T.A. definitely set her book apart from others and I have to give her serious high five for that.

Haven lives in a small town called Perry Island where she works for her families local store. Her passion is writing music and her goal in life is to finally make something of her music so that is what she has set out to do. In the process she finds out dirty secret of her fathers and feels herself torn between what to feel for him since they used to be so close... he doesn't want her writing music he wants her to be so much more. When she chooses her love of writing over sticking it out in the small town her life will feel like its imploding, what she doesn't expect is a sexy stranger to come to her rescue....Evan.

Evan is running from his life... he just found out his girlfriend is cheating on him and its splashed all over the tabloids because you guessed it he is a famous actor... he just wants time a way a hiatus from his life to figure out truly what he wants.. When he stumbles upon a small town called Perry Island he will find the solitude he is looking for and so much more when he comes face to face with the mesmerizing Haven. The only problem he is living a lie and no one can find out because then the paparazzi will find him and ruin everything.

When there lives start to intertwine Evan and Haven will help eachother find themselves.. but when secrets come out and Evan's cover is blown will Haven be able to forgive the only person she has truly trusted?

Go get this book now you won't be disappointed! I look forward to much more in the future from T.A. Foster thanks for a great journey and Divas make sure you also pick up Red Lines the sequel to this book because your going to want to know what happens next!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**

Finding Haven is a sweet and heartwarming new adult romance. It was a satisfying read. I am a big fan of T.A. Foster. I loved T.A.'s previous two book, London Falling and then loved Kissing Eden even more, so I had pretty high expectations for Finding Haven. Did it live up? Yes, but not as much as I wanted it to. Don't get me wrong, I really, really liked Finding Haven, but Evan and Haven didn't have the same spark that Foster's previous couples had that I loved so much.

Haven is great. She is a breath of fresh air. I loved how devoted she was to her songwriting. I appreciated that while she enjoyed the island, she wanted to get out and live a different kind of life. It was why things would never work out with her and Travis. He wanted to stay on the island. He was content with what he had. And there is no problem with that, but Haven wanted more. She is much just so ambitious. I thought that T.A. Foster did an excellent job giving us this insight into Haven's personalities through her interactions with Travis. I felt really connected to Haven, which is actually why I had an issue with Evan.

I liked Evan a lot, but I had a hard time connecting to him because Haven only knew him as Jay. I think because I was so firmly on team Haven, I felt hurt on her behalf that he kept his identity a secret from her. It made me keep myself at a distance from him on her behalf. Is that weird? But he eventually won me over. It was hard not to with his accent and huge Texas charm. I am such a sucker for a southern boy.

Even if this isn't my absolute favorite of T.A. Foster's books, it is still a really good new adult contemporary romance. Above average for sure. The writing is great, the romance is sexy fun and really lovely, and the pacing is excellent. T.A. put herself in a pickle because Kissing Eden was just so darn fantastic. I can easily see tons of girls swooning over Evan.

[Shanoff Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy for an honest review.**

This was sweet and a tad steamy, beach summer romance. I liked the characters and their stories. I enjoyed getting to know the depths of their characters and how their story would unfold. This is pretty much your typical Hollywood heartthrob that has had enough of his fishbowl life and wants to find something meaningful, although not necessarily in a woman, just something different.

What Evan didn't expect was to be attracted to the island general store clerk, who turns out to be so much more that he first thought. I really liked the first meet between Haven and "Jay" (Evan) even though it wasn't anything special, it was a great way to start. They didn't really have that insta-love but they did have a somewhat memorable meet and from then on it was pretty fun to read. I liked that the author took her time in developing the relationship between the two characters and didn't have them jump right into being in love. Now, don't get me wrong, they definitely had the hot and heavy down once they decided to hang out. It was just so hard for them to resist even if they both tried not to.

Now, earlier I mentioned that this was your typical Hollywood heartthrob romance and in a way that is true. Evan fled from his celebrity life and left behind a woman, although he situation was a bit different than most, but it just seemed similar to book that I have read in the past with the same kind of storyline with the same beach scene. I guess I am just suffering a case of overexposure.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about the heartthrob who really does have a heart of gold. Also, I haven't mentioned that Evan does hold a special place with me because he is a Texan Hollywood Heartthrob. This is the first book in the Finding Haven series with Red Lines being book 2. I am curious to see how Evan and Haven's relationship is tried and tested in the next book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

Evan is looking for an escape from the chaos of his life. He disappears from the radar and winds up on Perry Island, where he meets Haven. He doesn't divulge his true identity and becomes known as "Jay" to her. He's neither an ex-football player nor a movie star, but a regular who's around for the summer and has applied for a job to help at her family's store. Sure, she can tell he's keeping something from her, but that doesn't stop them from becoming friends... and then more... as the summer days pass. Of course, nothing this good can last and it's only a matter of time before his ex – and the paparazzi – find Evan and things get far more complicated.

I really liked Haven and Evan. Haven was a songwriter who was looking to get away from Perry Island, but she doesn't want to disappoint her father, regardless of the issues they have. She was a little wishy washy at times, but not so much that it made her unlikable. It just made her real. Evan was definitely alpha and super sexy, but also thoughtful and sweet. Together, they were fantastic and had a ton of chemistry. The love scenes were seriously HOT and left me fanning myself.

T.A. Foster's Finding Haven was a fun and sexy new adult romance that brought together a famous guy and a regular girl – one of my favorite tropes. The characters were great, the drama was fairly low and not overly angsty, but I still got the feels I look for when reading books like this. Fans of new adult romance will enjoy this light read.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a fan of the Cinderella type stories ? The ones where someone goes undercover or misrepresents themselves to fit in to the situation around them and in doing so they come up with a fake name , fake job and cover story ? Then of course, they fall in love with someone in that community and when the truth comes out - can they truly be with that person they love or will the life they created come crashing down around them and they are back to square one ?

Finding Haven is one of those stories as we are introduced to Hollywood Star Evan Carlson, one night after another star commitment , he walks out and hops in his car and continues to drive. He drives until he reaches a small town called Perry Island. It is here that he creates a new name for himself and a new job , as he doesn't want anyone to know who he is really. Enter Jay , a writer who is staying at Perry Island for the Summer. As the story goes along , we also meet Haven Owen , she is the daughter of the owner of Owen's General store . Haven dreams of getting out of Perry Island and becoming a famous song-writer. When a job opportunity opens up at Owen's - Jay steps in and takes the job and of course sooner than later - Haven and Jay become an item and things start to heat up, but of course their happiness will be cut short when people from Evan's life in Hollywood - Emmy and the Paparazzi track him back to Perry Island.

How will Haven take the news that the guy she fell in love with lied to her ? Was any of what he said and felt true ? Can Evan prove to Haven that everything was real and only the name and job were fake ?

Finding Haven is the perfect read for all those who love Cinderella Tales.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan Carlson is a super hot and in demand movie star. One day he decides to give it all up and run away. He has had enough of the Hollywood life. He is sick of his personal life all over the newspapers and seeing his girlfriend cheating on him while she is on a movie set. Evan just wants to be a plain Jane (I mean Joe) for a while.

Evan gets in his car, not knowing where he is headed and just drives. Evan ends up in a small town on the ocean. Life is easy here. There is no one hounding him. Evan ends up renting a camping trailer and tells everyone he is an inspiring author.He enjoys the peace and quite he is getting. Not one person seems to low who he is. This is the way that life should be.

One day while he is in town, he sees Havan, who is working at her family's general store. She gets into a fight with her father. Havan needs to replace an employee who just quit on her ASAP. Her father has blamed her and she needs to fix it. Evan doesn't know know why, but he asks for the job. A famous movie star doesn't not need a job at a local shop, but he feels the need to help out Havan.

There is something about Havan that Evan likes. At first it was to help her out, but he feels at ease with her. More than he has had in a long time. Havan doesn't know who he is. He can be himself. Not some big movie star.

Evan finds himself liking his life in the small town and falling in love with Havan. He knows that he has to tell her who he is really is. Things seem to be going so well, he doesn't want to ruin anything.
If you like romance novels that are sweet and romance, you will enjoy this book!