Safe Harbour

by Helene Young

Winner of the 2014 Australian Romance Readers Award for favourite romantic suspense. When Darcy Fletcher drags a handsome sailor from a stricken yacht, she finds herself drawn into his mysterious world. Having saved his life, can she now rescue him from his dark past? Or will that endanger all she holds most dear? Noah, keeper of the peace and guardian of the Banskia Cove secrets, can't tell Darcy the real reason this man has washed up on their shores. If she understood the links between him and her own dysfunctional family, he'd lose her love for good. As they take refuge in an old whaling station, only one thing is certain – by morning, no one will be the same again. Lies will surface. Hearts will break, and not all will find safe harbour.The award-winning, gripping novel of high drama and desire by Australia's master of romantic suspense. 'I LOVE Helene's books. I've always been mystery/crime reader and Helene's books have it all, so if you're chasing a book for an Easter read, I can highly recommend Safe Harbour.' Author Fleur Macdonald Praise for Helene Young '***** A brilliant novel from an Australian author right at the top of her game.' GoodReads 'A very accomplished writer, building her romance with verve and skill.' Sisters in Crime 'A fantastic page-turner.' Book'd Out 'I have been a huge fan of Australian romantic suspense author Helene Young since I read her first novel Wings Of Fear. I don't think there's a better romantic suspense writer out there at the moment. All of her stories are perfectly crafted, well written and her settings and characters suck me in . . . Another truly stellar novel from the go-to author for Australian romantic suspense.' I Girl 2 Many Books

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2014

About the author

Hello! I’m Helene Young and welcome to my author page on Goodreads.

Seven years ago, after a rewarding career as an airline captain and senior manager with the Qantas Airline Group in Australia, I swapped the sky for the sea to go in search of adventure with my husband aboard our sailing catamaran. While that should have given me more time to write it seems the lure of exploring was too strong. But there is good news! My next book is in the safe hands of my publisher and I look forward to sharing title and cover details soon.

And you can be sure that all the adventures we’re having in our floating home will lead to many more books! The rural and remote places we visit, along with the fascinating people we meet, provide boundless inspiration.

I love exploring themes of social justice and delving into the complexity of human nature. Small towns and tight-knit communities are perfect settings for those, along with the messy ties that bind families together. I’d also like to think my varied career from waitress, to gardener, to rock climbing and sailing instructor, to cook, to pilot all help to add a little something to my stories.

I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since my first book, Wings of Fear, (Book 1 in the Border Watch Trilogy) released. I always be grateful for the support of readers so thank you to those who’ve already read my books and welcome if you’re browsing here.

If you’d like to keep up to date on my book news then please click follow button at the top of the page.

You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeleneYoungA...
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Webpage : heleneyoung.com

I love sharing photos of our travels so come join in the conversations and be part of a wonderful world-wide community of book lovers.

Happy reading 
Much love
Helene

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars
After years away and having been involved in Duo, a high class restaurant in Sydney, Darcy Fletcher returns to Banksia Cove. She now runs the local fish and chip shop but plans are in place for her own ambitious project, a restaurant called Whale Song, in the old whaling station. She always is home to help support her mother who has been ill with cancer. Darcy is part of the team that rescues a sailor from his storm wracked yacht. The rescue brings back memories of another time that did not end well. Noah Moreton, the local policeman, knows more about that fatal night and in time uncovers more about the man they rescue as well. Mystery surrounds the past and the present as the story unfolds. What secrets will be uncovered and how many lives endangered before the truth comes out? And what about the mixed messages Darcy is getting from Noah who she thought was a friend?
The action starts with this story right from the beginning, plunging the reader into the storm and waves scenario. From there it continues, revealing more of Darcy, Noah, and the handsome rescued man who seems to have lost his memory. Who is he? The setting of the costal Queensland is well portrayed. It is obvious too, the author knows her way around water and sailing. The characters are real and complex, though my absolute favourite was Rose, the indigenous woman who is like a mother to Darcy.
This story has strong characterisation, mystery, romance and suspense that builds the further the story goes on. While covering some current day problems in society and in sport, it certainly kept me turning the pages, though I did get tired of the use of the language, largely the f word. That aside, this is a gripping read that had its sad moments. I have no hesitation in recommending to those who like fast paced books set in Australia.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving her hometown of Banksia Cove when she was younger, Darcy Fletcher has now returned. She runs the local fish and chip shop called Fish R Biting and she's also in the middle of setting up her own restaurant in the old whaling station which has been a life long dream of hers. And if that doesn't keep her busy enough she also volunteers with the marine rescue team. Getting a call from her friend Noah who is also the local police officer that she is wanted as a yacht has washed up on shore and the passenger is need of help.

Noah and Darcy struggle trying to save the stranger from his yacht and in the meantime they are putting their own lives at risk as they battle raging conditions. Finally Darcy manages to pull the man to safety only to discover that man can't remember who he is and how he ended up where he did. The man has a short stay in hospital and until more can be found out about him he stays with Darcy. Not knowing anything about the man Noah feels quite uncomfortable about him staying with Darcy.

Noah starts to make some enquiries and soon discovers that the man may have some dark secrets. And if this is the case could, Darcy and those around her be in danger? In time the man starts to regain his memory and soon they will find out exactly who he is and why he is there.

I absolutely LOVED this book which has a bit of everything including intrigue, suspense, action, romance and so much more. A fabulous read by a fantastic Aussie author which will have you on the edge of your seat.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first pages of her fifth novel, Safe Harbour, award-winning Australian author Helene Young draws the reader into an exciting tale of action, intrigue and romance.

When Darcy Fletcher and Noah Moreton are called upon to rescue a man from his stricken yacht in wild seas, they are not prepared for the tsunami of danger that swamps Banksia Cove in his wake. The stranger's presence exposes long held secrets and lies, sparking betrayal and violence that threatens to destroy them, and everyone, they love.

Fast paced and gripping, the suspense plot of Safe Harbour delves into family secrets, financial conspiracy and organised crime. The stranger, eventually identified as accountant Conor Stein, proves to be an unexpected link between Darcy's estranged father, ex-football star turned club manager, Stirling, and the Russian mafia. With evidence of their joint criminal practices, Conor is a target and in helping him, Darcy too is hunted by the ruthless men sent to quiet him at any cost.

Having saved Conor's life, Darcy feels some responsibility towards him, especially as in the immediate aftermath of the accident he is suffering from amnesia. Darcy's motivation for helping Conor is altruistic, though tangled with residual guilt involving a tragic event in her past, but quickly becomes personal when her friends are targeted and her father's involvement in the situation is revealed. The author has created a capable and likeable protagonist in Darcy, whose vulnerabilities - Grant's death, her father's abandonment, her mother's illness and the loss of her restaurant - are also a source of strength.

Darcy also draws strength from Noah, Banksia Cove's community police officer and childhood friend. Young develops a romance between the two that has been simmering for a decade or more, but is complicated by both the secrets of the past and the present.

Safe Harbour is a first-rate, absorbing romantic suspense novel, balancing a dramatic story with strong characters and an engaging romance. I expect that Helene will adding another ARRA trophy to her case in 2015, I know I will be voting for Safe Harbour to win.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Darcy Fletcher and her dear friend Rosie were cleaning up after closing at Fish’R’Biting, washing dishes, laughing together, Darcy realized how much happier she was since she’d returned to Banksia Cove. Her time in Sydney; from her teenage years, when she’d gone terribly off the rails after Grant’s death, then her rescue by Noah and her subsequent training to be a chef and running Duo, the upmarket restaurant where she had been very successful with now ex-boyfriend Dylan all culminated in the return to her home town, the town she loved with the people she loved alongside her once again. Rosie was an Aboriginal elder of the Goreng Goreng tribe, and had been more of a mother to her than her own mother, Beverley, had.

Suddenly the front door flew open – Noah stood there in his wet weather gear, streaming water – they had received a mayday call and Darcy was needed. Their rescue mission was fraught with danger, with the Phoenix being lost to the rocks, but Darcy managed, with the help of Noah and Roger, to rescue the stranger. The guilt and memories came crashing down on both Darcy and Noah – but this stranger, although dangerously ill, was still alive. But they had no idea the change that his appearance was to bring to their quiet and peaceful existence.

Noah Moreton was the area policeman living in Banksia Cove, where he knew everyone and held the respect of most. He had also known Darcy since she was a little girl, and had loved her for that same amount of time. But Darcy was skittish and treated him as she would a brother. So he looked out for her – always. The intense investigation which began after the rescue of the man who couldn’t remember anything about his past suddenly began to unearth deep, dark secrets. Suddenly the danger was all around them – the secrets from many years ago looked like they would come to the surface, and there were people who would stop at nothing to avoid this happening….would the little town of Banksia Cove ever have safe harbour?

Helene Young has done it again! This amazing writer of romantic suspense never ceases to thrill with her stories which capture the imagination, and enthral her readers. The gripping nature of this novel had me unable to put it down, with the emotion running high enough to have me in tears toward the end. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Rosie and Noah – Rosie was like everyone’s beloved grandma, while Noah was strong, always there for everyone. But Darcy – she had a great strength of character; while the insecurities ran deep she was determined to be there for her friends.

Aussie author Helene Young is the queen of her genre, the epitome of success. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this novel to all lovers of suspense and mystery with a touch of romance on the side.

With thanks to NetGalley, The Reading Room and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Helene Young's romantic suspense Safe Harbour set on the central Queensland coast. When local restaurateur Darcy Fletcher and Community Policeman Noah Moreton pull a mysterious yachtsman, Tyrone, from the stormy sea, they've no way of knowing that he'd bring both danger, romance and buried secrets with him.

Darcy, Noah and Tyrone are all engaging and complex characters, though my favourie was big-hearted Rose, a local indigenous woman who is a second mother for Darcy and a repository of cultural knowledge. Tyrone's arrival in Banskia Cove and his inability to remember who he is, starts of train of events that uncovers buried secrets long hidden for different reasons for almost a decade by Tyrone, Noah, Darcy and Darcy's estranged and egocentric father, Stirling. Secrets that can ruin careers, secrets that can kill.

I enjoyed the suspense, the action and dramatic climatic events - and the romance, but particularly the choice that Darcy makes in the end. While not a fan of the f-bomb, this was confined to moments of charged emotion rather than being peppered throughout the book. The ending was sad though satisfying (though maybe dragged out a bit long, I can understand why it was done that way). The book gives a good snapshot of a small coastal community, the issues of drugs in sport, community policing and local indigenous issues.

Overall, I got caught up in the lives of Darcy, Noah, Rose and to a lesser extent 'Tyrone'. I will be reading another of Helene Young books.

[Jenn J McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A safe bet! That’s what I think every time I see a new Helene Young novel. I know the story is going to be something special and Safe Harbour is possibly the best to date, although I really did love both Half Moon Bay and her debut - Wings of Fear (aka Border Watch). Helene never takes the safe road when it comes to storylines, tackling topical issues such as natural disasters, border security, drug and politics, to name a few. Safe Harbour is no exception and has all the Helene Young hallmarks: romance, suspense, action and authentic characters. I love a coming home story and I loved Darcy’s a lot. Highly recommended reading for readers of romantic suspense.

[Felicity Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not from lack of inclination, more from lack of time that I have taken so long to read a Helene Young book, and if Safe Harbour is anything like the rest of them, I have a lot of catching up to do! This novel has it all: Romance, suspense and thrilling action sequences that are woven together effortlessly into a complex plot. I couldn't put it down - well done Helene!

[Bree T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy Fletcher is back in the town she grew up in after a stint in Sydney where she learned to be a chef and even had her own restaurant. However she’s returned to Banksia Cove, near Bundaberg, for family reasons and is currently working hard to fulfill her dream again of opening her own place. She has chosen the old whaling station as her location and everything is moving along nicely. Darcy also volunteers with the marine rescue team and is called out by the local police officer (and her childhood friend) Noah to help in a storm. A yacht has capsized and is perilously close to smashing itself to smithereens on the rocks. Noah, Darcy and the captain of the rescue boat are an undermanned team working to rescue the stricken yacht’s passenger before he too, ends up on the rocks.

Darcy manages to pull the injured man to safety but he brings only questions and no answers. He can’t remember his name, where he comes from or what he was doing out there. He doesn’t even know if the boat was his. Noah does some digging, his instincts telling him that something about this passenger is a little off. He’s definitely got some secrets and they could possibly be very dark ones. Noah doesn’t want Darcy in danger, especially as she’s just offered her spare room to the stranger while he recuperates from his injuries and tries to get his memory back.

It isn’t long before the stranger’s dark past comes looking for him in the small town. He and Darcy are forced to flee, holing up inside the old whaling station where the secrets start to spill out. Darcy is surprised to find that her stranger has a connection to her own family and that his secrets are set to bring down someone very close to her. He knows more than he’s letting on and he wants to protect her but Darcy doesn’t want protecting. She wants to know what he knows. She wants to know what everyone’s been keeping from her, including the man she has known and loved all these years.

I have been a huge fan of Australian romantic suspense author Helene Young since I read her first novel Wings Of Fear. I don’t think there’s a better romantic suspense writer out there at the moment. All of her stories are perfectly crafted, well written and her settings and characters suck me in. It would seem that many out there would agree with me, given the amount of awards Young is receiving including 2 at the Australian Romance Readers Association awards that took place just last weekend.

This book is everything I’ve come to expect from Young as an author. There’s a lot going on but the plot never feels crowded or rushed. We get enough of Darcy’s backstory to get to know her without it all feeling like infodump. She had a difficult childhood and she still has issues, particularly with her father, a now famous rugby league coach who has always made her feel inferior for not being the son he wanted. He now has a new family and lives in Sydney, high on the fame of coaching a successful team. Darcy has always been ignorant about her father’s methods but his world is about to collide with that of the mysterious stranger that Darcy pulled out of the ocean and soon she will be missing none of the pieces.

The suspense is always the predominant plot in this novel but that doesn’t mean the romance gets neglected – it’s just more understated, more of a quiet hum in the background. Noah, the local police officer and Darcy have known each other since they were small children. They both have feelings for the other and have done, for years but there’s a lot of water flowing under their bridge and both of them are suffering from misconceptions about the other’s feelings, especially relating to certain issues in both of their pasts. Darcy also finds herself drawn to the man she rescues, who is handsome and mysterious and it’s quite clear that he also finds himself drawn to her as well. It’s a deftly done complication that doesn’t take up too much page space. Previously Helene Young has introduced characters that later get their own story and I do wonder if we’ll see our mysterious stranger again! I hope so. There’s no denying that I think Noah and Darcy belong together, and I loved the quiet steadiness of the feelings they had for each other that they kept secret, that they both struggled not to allow to affect their strong friendship. Noah in particular struggled with this, determined to remain Darcy’s friend even if she could never return the feelings he had for her. He was definitely more accepting of his feelings for her, Darcy it seemed put them right to the back of her mind until all the drama was stirred up and they were forced into some precarious situations that make them either unable or unwilling to continue to hide their feelings.

There are some beautiful relationships in this book, besides the one that Young constructs between Noah and Darcy. I think probably the most notable one is Darcy and Rosie, a local Aboriginal woman who took a lonely child Darcy under her wing and showed her true love and friendship. Rosie is also an important Elder in her tribe and she does her best to make sure the youngsters are kept in line, or punished when they stray from it. Rosie and Darcy have a truly lovely rapport and you can see just how important Darcy has found the love Rosie gave her unconditionally and how much she drew strength from it as a person. Rosie was always there for her, even when other people in her life were letting her down, even when Darcy was letting herself down. The more dysfunctional relationships, including that of Darcy and her father are also well portrayed, with every interaction underlining Darcy’s hurt and rejection from a man who seems incapable of truly feeling empathy.

Another truly stellar novel from the go-to author for Australian romantic suspense.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy and Noah are both returnees to tiny Banksia Cove outside Bundaberg on the Queensland coast. As volunteers, they are called out in to a storm to a sinking boat and risk their lives to rescue a mystery man. This has horrible echoes of the tragedy that resulted in the death of the third member of their teenage triumvirate, Grant. Grant's death lead to both of them leaving town and the breakdown of Darcy and Noah's friendship.

They have each rebuilt their lives since then and returned to town. They have worked to recreate a friendship together that is safe in spite of their strong attraction and deep caring for each other. In bringing the mystery man, Tyrone, ashore they have imported a factor that may not only destroy their relationship, but all the relationships that Darcy has carefully put back together after her teenage rebellion and near self-destruction. Although Noah likes Tyone and Darcy is strongly attracted to him, neither is sure if he is a trustworthy victim they need to continue to save or if he is lying through his teeth and is a long term criminal.

But there is a bigger picture too as they grapple with the possibility of more danger and deaths arising from old Banksia Cove history and the history of Darcy's family. Criminal gangs and drugs in sport collide with the issues of Aboriginal people in small rural communities to make this a gripping contemporary story.

[Nola Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When hometown chef Darcy and community policeman Noah pull a stricken yachtsman out of the sea near Bankia Cove one stormy night, they couldn't know how past secrets were going to unravel around them. What was really behind the death of a friend 16 years ago and why did Darcy's father walk out on his home and family to seek a new beginning in Sydney? And as the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, will the revelations bring Darcy and Noah closer together or pull them apart?

There's a lot to like about this story. Helene Young uses a lot of great metaphors and creates an evocative sense of place. I especially liked the character of Rosie, the aboriginal woman who's become a surrogate mother to Darcy and countless others in the community. Indigenous issues were dealt with sensitively, particularly the need to provide young people with opportunities for a hope-filled life. I wasn't as interested in the main crime, which involved drug use and match fixing in Rugby League, though I know they are topical in many high-profile sports and worthy of consideration. There were also a few too many F-words for my liking. But the characters were well-drawn and I liked the way that bad choices in the past didn't have to dictate the future.

If you like homegrown suspense and romance, with some deeper issues underneath, you might want to try this book.

[Cate Ellink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was with Darcy every step of her journey in this book. Along with her I wavered between the good guy, Noah, and the bad boy, Conor. I was completely invested in her turmoil, her horror and the unravelling of her life. I loved the characters in this book and the story tore along, keeping me turning pages until late into the night when I finished. It's an incredible read and an incredibly satisfying one. Helene Young is a master at romantic suspense.

[Kylie Kaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in detail, thick with emotion, it is easy to see why Helene Young is known as the master of Romantic Suspense in Australia. With loveable, authentic characters and exceptional descriptions of all things natural, this was an enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Helene Young. She writes pacey, believable stories with engaging characters, set in the Australia she knows and loves. Looking forward to her next book, Northern Heat!

[ALPHAreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘Safe Harbour’ is the new romantic suspense novel from Australian author, Helene Young.

So, this is my first Helene Young read and I’ll be the first to admit that I picked the wrong book to start with. I know she’s a beloved Australian romance author (Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year Award-winner in 2011 and 2012 and was shortlisted in 2013) and I know that some of her other books would have been a better place for me to start (I have ‘Wings of Fear’ on reserve at the library). I just so happened to grab her latest book first, and really didn’t enjoy the experience … but if I’d been a bit more discerning I probably would have had some personal forewarning and avoided this book. My fault.

Darcy Fletcher is a volunteer rescue worker in the town of Banksia Cove. On a terribly stormy night she’s called to help rescue a man trapped on a boat that’s getting dangerously close to the rocks. Her childhood friend, now Banksia Cove policeman, Noah is the other person on point for the rescue – which starts to play out much like another terrible night when Noah and Darcy were much younger, trying to save their friend Grant … who died in the water.

Darcy eventually saves a man from the wreckage of his boat, but when he wakes up he has amnesia and is given the name Tyrone until Noah can do some digging into who he is.

Meanwhile, the story of Darcy’s estranged father plays out in Sydney – Stirling abandoned his wife and daughter for a high-flying career as rugby league coach, but the life he led in Banksia Cove is coming back to haunt him when his daughter hauls this man out of the water…

The No. #1 reason this book didn’t work for me was because the suspense in this romantic suspense is based around drugs in sport. Yup. In a rather convoluted, coincidences a-plenty way, the story of Tyrone and how he comes to wash up on the Banksia Cove shores (and is entangled in Stirling’s murky past) is all connected to drugs in sport. Sigh.

Since 2013 the Australian media (well, Victorian – I’m not so sure Queensland and New South Wales care so much about AFL) has been dominated by stories of the ‘2013 supplements controversy’ – which is currently rearing its ugly head again as the major players involved plead their case in court. Don’t ask me to give a run-down of the controversy because I’m sick of hearing about it, while also having no interest in learning the various in’s and out’s of the “saga” – something about Essendon footy players taking Pepsi? … Pepto-Bismol? … Peptide! I really could care less. I think AFL dramas dominate news headlines enough as it is in this country, and this particular headline is no longer just a dead horse that’s been flogged - it’s a dead horse that’s been resurrected and now the zombie-version is being flogged. I’m over it … which probably goes some ways to explaining why I didn’t like ‘Safe Harbour’, when this is the crux of the storyline.

It is a serious stretch to link amnesiac man Tyrone – who happens to be rescued by Darcy, who happens to have a dark past since the suspicious death of her best friend, which in turn is linked to her father Stirling and a ‘drugs in sport’ scandal … – to the current suspenseful events as they play out. It was just a little too much suspended belief, even in this suspense novel, for my taste.

Coupled with the fact that when Noah has flashbacks of talking to his friend, Grant, about taking ‘supplements’ to improve his rugby game it read like a bad Hallmark movie (a lot of “but there are side-effects!” PSA-dialogue)

I started out quite liking this book. I thought Darcy and Noah posed an interesting ‘will they or won’t they?’ and I was intrigued by Tyrone’s mysterious circumstances;

‘Can’t have you walking around in a nightgown. With those legs, you’ll be driving the mothers mad.’ With a chuckle she left him by his bed and sashayed out. He felt melancholy, but maybe that was understandable. He stood looking out the window towards one of the other buildings and flexed his right hand. He could hardly ask Noah if he could handle his service revolver to see if it evoked any more memories, but he sensed it might.

But when it all started tying together so absurdly and neatly, my interest started to waver … particularly when I started reading echoes of the real AFL supplements scandal.

I limped to the end of this book, but I do blame my lack of enjoyment on myself. This wasn’t the first Helene Young book I should have read, purely for the sake of it being her latest (though I would have appreciated some sort of ‘drugs in sport’ flag in the blurb – I’m pretty sure that would have warned me off). I do have her ‘Wings of Fear’ waiting to read, and I have higher hopes for that one.

[MarciaB - Book Muster Down Under · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up and coming Chef, Darcy Fletcher, is back home in Banksia Cove. Recovering from the closure of her once successful Sydney restaurant as well as a broken relationship, she is also trying to offer support to her ailing mother whilst having to deal with an estranged father that she’s never forgiven for abandoning her and still get her new venture, Whale Song, up and running.

A volunteer with their local marine rescue team, when she is called out in the middle of the night to assist a yacht in distress and rescue the single occupant on board, she doesn’t hesitate to rush out and aid the rescue boat’s captain and Noah Moreton, her childhood friend and the Cove’s local policeman, little knowing that her world, like the stricken yacht, is about to turn upside down.

Both Darcy and Noah are more familiar than they want to be with a rescue of this kind and for both of them, it dredges up a lot of painful memories of another rescue ten years earlier that went horribly wrong – one which saw both of them leave their little home town to escape the pain.

Offering to shelter Tyrone while he recovers from amnesia, neither Darcy nor Noah realise the consequences that this one selfless act will have on their lives, until Noah begins to dig deeper and the discovery of Tyrone’s true identity sees both Darcy and him on the run with a truly threatening presence on their tail and something far more sinister than the little town of Banksia Cove had ever have dreamed would darken their shores.

When unsavoury truths, familial lies and deception are uncovered, everyone’s safe harbour will be threatened.

Helene Young has done it again and, like a fine wine, she just gets better and better.

Renowned for her well-written and carefully constructed romantic suspense novels, Helene has a rare talent for writing without the stereo-typical male broodiness of most mainline novels in this sub-genre, and gives her stories a fresh and distinctly Australian feel to them.

Having been a fan of hers for a long while now, I waited on pins and needles for this latest offering which, needless to say, didn't disappoint. Right from page one I was immersed as she assaulted me with a relentless battering of suspense, keeping the tension high as she moved towards the exciting climax, resulting in a journey with many twists.

As always, Helene’s deft hand has created a strong likeable heroine who I was immediately drawn to, and empathised with, as she battled her confronting memories and dealt with her dysfunctional family, at the same time being caught in the midst of a love triangle and suffering the most devastating blow of all.

Her sub-characters are just as skilfully drawn, with Stirling proving to be so cold-hearted he could freeze hell over, while Noah’s somewhat quiet presence remains her rock, and her relationship with Rosie renders a true portrait of unconditional love.

While the simmering romance is somewhat understated, the heart-pounding action coupled with the mystery surrounding the stranded sailor, and an underlying theme of drugs in sport which highlights some of the challenges that our young people living in rural and remote areas face every day, is sure to delight all her fans and keep them turning the pages well into the wintry nights.

[Lorelle Mac ~ WattleTree Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Harbour tells of Darcy who had run off to Sydney as a teenager after her boyfriend drowned in a boating accident. Her childhood friend Noah has already returned to Banksia Cove and is the local police officer. Darcy has returned after being chef and part owner in Duo a well known Sydney restaurant. She’s running the local fish and chip shop while working on her new project. Whale Song is the restaurant she’s establishing in the old whaling station.

Together Darcy and Noah go out in a rescue boat, in a storm, to pick up a sailor whose yacht is getting battered. By the time they pull him out of the water, his yacht has smashed and he’s lost his memory.

As Tyrone’s memory returns, past events unfold into the present. Secrets are revealed. Safety is compromised.

Safe Harbour is filled with intrigue, drama and suspense. The author has crammed in sports and drugs, witness protection, mafia crimes, police corruption, family relationships, personal choices and more. Some of which is over done.

In general Safe Harbour was a good read with some interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed the combination of relationships and life choices.

Full review - http://wattletreelane.com/safe-harbour/

I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

A small town holds many secrets but what happens when a big storm blows them out in the open?

Safe Harbour, full of up-to-the-minute issues such as drugs in sport, organised crime and police corruption, will keep you guessing til the end. This book is also a 'Romantic Suspense' novel and flowing alongside the gripping storyline is a love story, one of missed opportunities, childhood friendships and the fact that the 'adopted' families we sometimes have to make for ourselves can be closer than blood.

Let this whale song carry you along on an amazing journey that you won't quickly forget.

Romantic suspense written just the way I like it! Another great effort Helene - can't wait to read more!

[Sharon Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realised I hadn't added this book to my 2014 reads even though I read it much earlier in the year.
I have to admit that this isn't the sort of book I would normally pick up and I hadn't heard of the author until now (sorry Helene!). Despite that I have to say that I am very pleasantly surprised by Safe Harbour and thoroughly enjoyed it. The main characters are believable and well written and even though it's obvious in the romance side of the book what is going to happen, it still manages to be entertaining without "eye-rolling" lol. The dramatic plotline is maybe a little bit exaggerated but the overall writing style forgives that and it was a good book to snuggle up in bed and eat chocolate to! 3.5 stars.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drugs in Sport, Witness Protection, Russian Mafia, Police Corruption - this book has it all and leaves you wondering who the "good guys" really are! I totally loved Rosie's character, as well as Noah's and enjoyed the many twists and turns towards the ending which, as usual, kept you in suspense :)

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story filled with mystery, action, crime. A small town story with some wonderful characters. Shocking and sad at times. Filled with Australian flavour. Especially loved the portrayal of Rosie. Looking forward to reading Northern Heat.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but nothing memorable or particularly ground-breaking. The drug aspect didn't seem to flow with the story. W22.

[Lesley Moseley · Rating 3 out of 5]

did read it all. Nothing special for me.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helene Young is a romantic suspense author who is at the absolute top of her field. Seriously. Take a quick look around some of the most well-respected Australian book review blogs and you'll find an absolute slew of five star reviews, particularly for her 2013 release Half Moon Bay. Young has also won numerous awards from the Australian Romance Readers Association in recent years and (as of March 2014) has an average rating of 4.31 on goodreads. And with all of this to live up to, how does her latest release, Safe Harbour, stack up?

Brilliant, filled with page-turning suspense and with a heroine that I could not help but cheer for. Plenty of the supporting characters, like Rosie are wonderful as well. Definitely a winner.

Safe Harbour opens with Darcy Fletcher, a woman in her early thirties who has returned to the small Queensland town of Banksia Cove after shutting the doors on her pride and joy, a Sydney based restaurant. In Banksia Cove, she hopes to open a new restaurant in the old whaling station with the help of Rosie, a local Aboriginal woman who has been a second mother to her. Darcy's childhood was not always a happy one--she was more or less ignored by her father, coach of the local rugby team who later moved to Sydney to coach professionally and there remarried a much younger woman, and her mother was always a bit distant. When she was seventeen her boyfriend, Grant, drowned and Darcy blames herself for this. It is for this reason that Darcy is willing to volunteer for the local search and rescue in Banksia Cove. One night, she pulls a mysterious solo yatchsman from the water. And, as it turns out, this man holds the key to a number of secrets that will change the lives of Darcy and a number of people that she cares about ...

I found myself reading this one in a relatively short space of time, desperately turning the pages and wanting to know more--not just about Conor, his secrets and how they related to Stirling Fletcher (and Stirling's less-than-stellar way of 'resolving' the issue,)--but of the blossoming romance between Darcy and her childhood friend, local community police officer, Noah. Despite the sometimes fantastic and suspenseful plot, many of the characters felt very human and real to me, particularly Rosie. It was also pleasing to see that Beverley had very real and understandable reasons for her own behaviour. Some parts of the ending are quite sad, though fitting.

Highly recommended.

Finally, a big shout out to Anna from the Reading Room for my review copy. Thanks.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I have a slight prejudice against the romance genre. By which I mean I’m really not that into it. So, it’s really lucky that I only skimmed the blurb for Safe Harbour jumping into it. Before this, I’d never even heard of the term ‘romantic suspense’, but that perfectly describes this emotionally charged, intriguing read.

There is a lot going on in Safe Harbour, but old family secrets are at its heart. Darcy’s relationship with her father has always be on rocky ground, but the information that surfaces along with the mysterious sailor is the final breaking point. The secrets Darcy’s father, Stirling, are hiding have massive implications, both inside and outside of his family. The plot also looks at performance-enhancing drugs in sport, something I found really interesting given the amount of news coverage during last year’s massive investigation.

I found Safe Harbour a little slow to start with, but that’s probably my only complaint. Once I did get into the story, however, I found it really engaging and by the end I just could not put it down until I found out what happened. Young pulled together all the little, at first seemingly unconnected, threads together to create a thrilling, action-packed conclusion.

And, despite my prejudice against romance, I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel. What I liked most was that the mystery element acted as a catalyst for Noah and Darcy to re-evaluate their relationship. Noah was quite charming and I found myself hoping he and Darcy would finally works it out. I enjoyed the flashbacks into their relationship. In particular, I liked how their history ran parallel with the plot, coming to its conclusion on the night of Grant’s death during roughly the same point in the present day.

Safe Harbour was something completely different to what I usually read, but I really enjoyed it. It was a gripping story with a great cast of characters. The plot kept me guessing throughout and I loved watching it all come together in an action-packed finale.

Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for providing a copy of the book for review. 
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

* 4.5 stars

Australia’s queen of romantic suspense fiction, Helene Young’s latest book, Safe Harbour, opens with a beginning chapter where a dramatic storm is taking place, along with a daring sea rescue and the arrival of a handsome stranger who has lost his memory. This sets the tone the tone for a thrilling read.
Darcy Fletcher is Helene Young’s female protagonist in Safe Harbour. She has returned to her home town of Banksia Cove, after a long absence working as a Chef in Sydney. Banksia Cover holds mixed memories for Darcy. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her Mother and her Father. As a result of this, Darcy was largely brought up by Rosie, a much loved local elder, whom she shares a deep emotional connection with. She also lost a dear friend, Grant, in a boating accident when she was a teenager. Darcy has now returned to her home town with the ambition to open a new restaurant in the old whaling station, while working in the local fish and chip shop. One stormy night, while assisting a sea rescue with her childhood friend Noah, who is also the local police officer, Darcy saves the life of a mysterious sailor. We are then taken on an exhilarating ride with Darcy to uncover the truth behind the stranger’s dark past and his connection to the shores of Banksia Cove.
I read this book in just two sittings, as I was eager to discover the identity of the sailor and the truth behind his dark secrets. I was rewarded with an action packed story with multiple plot themes such as witness protection, police corruption, sports match fixing and performance enhancing drugs, which are very current and topical issues in Australian media. Desire is a prominent feature in this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed Darcy’s personal struggle with her passion for the rescued Sailor and the added complication of Noah, who Darcy clearly cares for deeply. The characters, both main and supporting were well drawn out. In particular, I found Rosie an endearing character, full of wisdom and I enjoyed her interactions with Darcy. Safe Harbour encompasses alot of underlying themes but Helene Young manages to pull all these off perfectly to an action packed satisfying conclusion.

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I fell in love with Helene Young's writing with Half Moon Bay so I was excited to get my hands on Safe Harbour ... yowsers, what an unputdownable stay-up-all-night-nail-biter.

Safe Harbour is set in Banksia Cove, a small town on the Queensland coast not far from Bundaberg. I've spent some time in the Bundaberg/Bargara area and Helene pens not only the setting, but the characters, convincingly.

It's a story of long-held secrets and dark pasts, drugs in sports, marine rescue, cover-ups and corruption. When Darcy Fletcher and Noah Moreton rescue a yachtsman in wild seas they're completely unaware of a far more dangerous storm about to be unleashed.

There's a whole lot going on in Safe Harbour, it's a complex, multifaceted plot but character development isn't sacrificed for plot advancement. So, not only do you really get to know the main characters and care about what happens to them, you do it with your heart in your mouth.

I warmed to Darcy immediately and I might have crushed a bit on local police officer Noah ... the chemistry between Noah and Darcy is undeniable, I swear if they hadn't got it together I would have slapped some sense into them. I loved Rosie, the aboriginal woman who was practically a second mother to Darcy. Rosie's connection to the land, her family and the whales was truly special and beautifully written.

Recommend: In a heartbeat. Suspense keeps the pages turning but it's the relationships you remember.

[Rowena Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Harbour is an exhilarating ride from start to finish and demonstrates that in a game of high-stakes even the innocent may suffer.

When Darcy rescues the occupant of a stricken yacht she has no idea his secrets could endanger them both and destroy everything she loves. Conflicted about her feelings for Noah, a long-term friend and local policeman, Darcy is drawn to Conor, the handsome, vulnerable and enigmatic yachtsman, but as the truth about Conor emerges she learns his secret has roots deep in her past. Soon she, Noah and Conor are caught in a high-stakes game where no one is safe.

Safe Harbour is vibrant with tension, and in the opening scenes Young’s knowledge of sailing and its dangers – and the danger to rescuers – underscores the palpable tension. As the threats to Darcy and her companions become real, the pace and suspense escalate. There are some quieter moments which allow the characters to develop, and the scenes between Darcy and her mother-figure, Rosie, are rich with love and wisdom, a stark contrast to the fractured relationships she has with her own family. The rich backstory occasionally slows the action yet this is a welcome reprieve in such a high-octane story. Woven throughout the narrative is the garland of events that lead danger to Darcy’s door. This and the triangle of passion and distrust between the three protagonists makes Safe Harbour a fine balance of action, introspection and suspense.

Be prepared to give up an entire day – or a night’s sleep – because this is another suspense-filled tale from a writer who gets better with each book. Can’t wait for the next!

[Griffinyarn · Rating 2 out of 5]

To start, I realise that I'm in the minority. Based on the reviews, most people really enjoyed this book. So it's probably just me. But I'm going to give a review anyway.

This book is marketed as a romantic suspense. It's not. Not really. Yes, there is a hero and a heroine, but their relationship is far outweighed by the complex tangle of plot threads that it just gets lost. There is some chemistry between the couple but by about the halfway point, my care-o-meter was started to flash empty. (That's not entirely true. I still wanted the hero to get his happy ending.) Plus, I didn't actually like the heroine that much She has basically kept the hero dangling for years and almost has sex with the amnesiatic stranger. Bleh. At that point, I was telling the hero that no, she really wasn't worth fighting for.

Then there's the writing, which was okay, but I found the changes in POV and the narration switching between past and present events a little disjointed. Which stopped me from really getting into the story.

Final comment, while there is a HEA, the term "happily" is relative.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed tissues with this one it is emotional suspenseful and very entertaining you learn so much about all the characters in this one at the start their thoughts and insight into them all and then everything is happening standover tactics blackmail and lots of secrets that have been kept for many years. Set in the small coastal town of Banksia Cove near Bunderberg in Queensland Noah is the local cop he has moved back to his home town after working in policing in Brisbane for years and Darcy has also moved back to the town that has mean't so much to her after going off the rails at the end of her schooling and is now opening her own restaurant. This one will have you wondering who the hero will be after Darcy and Noah save a mystery man from his sinking yacht in bad weather. This is one not to be missed it has everything in it and a very sensual romance and yep there will be tears shed I loved it.

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Penguin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 out of 5

It’s a fine line the writers of romantic suspense walk, when they are creating their work - maintaining both the tension & intrigue in the situation and a believable romantic connection between the hero and heroine, and balancing the two halves.

This is the first of Helene Young’s books that I have read, and from all that I can gather, Safe Harbour is most definitely the work of a master of the romantic suspense genre. Secrets, intrigue, conflict – this magnificent tale has them all.

You can read the full review at My Written Romance, as well as my other reviews.