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The Darkest Version
The things that haunt us can’t be ignored forever. Not without a price.
Cayden Hartley regrets the day he became the villain of his own life. When tragedy struck, leading him down a destructive path, he never could have predicted that a single act of revenge would cost him everything.
Now, returning to Cliff Haven to care for his injured mother, he must face the small town that still remembers his mistakes and the darkness that threatens to pull him under.
Single mother, Harper Conway, has learnt the hard way that appearances can be deceiving. She has no reason to trust the man with the haunted eyes who wanders into the café where she works, but while the town whispers their judgements, she sees a man determined to find redemption.
While Cayden fights to rebuild his life from the ashes, old demons resurface, threatening to tear it down. And as Harper stands by him, torn between her growing feelings and the need to protect her son, she learns that there might be more to Cayden’s story than the gossip that’s tainted his name.
As a menacing storm descends over Cliff Haven, old secrets are brought to light and Cayden will have to decide whether he’s ready to overcome the shadows of his past or remain trapped by the mistakes that have defined him.
Cayden Hartley regrets the day he became the villain of his own life. When tragedy struck, leading him down a destructive path, he never could have predicted that a single act of revenge would cost him everything.
Now, returning to Cliff Haven to care for his injured mother, he must face the small town that still remembers his mistakes and the darkness that threatens to pull him under.
Single mother, Harper Conway, has learnt the hard way that appearances can be deceiving. She has no reason to trust the man with the haunted eyes who wanders into the café where she works, but while the town whispers their judgements, she sees a man determined to find redemption.
While Cayden fights to rebuild his life from the ashes, old demons resurface, threatening to tear it down. And as Harper stands by him, torn between her growing feelings and the need to protect her son, she learns that there might be more to Cayden’s story than the gossip that’s tainted his name.
As a menacing storm descends over Cliff Haven, old secrets are brought to light and Cayden will have to decide whether he’s ready to overcome the shadows of his past or remain trapped by the mistakes that have defined him.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Eve Blakely
6 books236 followersEve Blakely writes contemporary romance novels with an edge. She currently resides in a small town south of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two crazy kids.
She’s an avid daydreamer and a self-confessed chocoholic who ditched her city-based career to enjoy a simpler life. When she isn't writing, she's probably trying to get through her never-ending TBR pile, painting or rewatching One Tree Hill for the millionth time.
Her work includes The Cliff Haven series books, The Other Version, Versions of Us and The Version You Hide.
Follow Eve for updates!
Newsletter: https://www.eveblakely.com/subscribe....
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eveblakelywrites
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eveblakelywrites
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2289975...
Website: www.eveblakely.com
She’s an avid daydreamer and a self-confessed chocoholic who ditched her city-based career to enjoy a simpler life. When she isn't writing, she's probably trying to get through her never-ending TBR pile, painting or rewatching One Tree Hill for the millionth time.
Her work includes The Cliff Haven series books, The Other Version, Versions of Us and The Version You Hide.
Follow Eve for updates!
Newsletter: https://www.eveblakely.com/subscribe....
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eveblakelywrites
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eveblakelywrites
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2289975...
Website: www.eveblakely.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 22, 2025
The Darkest Version is a story of growth and moving on with life after a difficult past. Cayden made mistakes in the past that led him to rehab and years away from his small town. When his mom needs help he comes back, and has to face old friends, some who forgive, and some who do not. When he meets Harper in a chance meeting, he is immediately drawn to her. Even though the town is warning her against him, what they say do not match what she sees.
These two characters have hard pasts and have to grow and get to know each other with the judgements of people around them.
I loved the tough topics this book had. I felt the author left just enough mystery throughout the book. She dealt with their issues so well. The writing was great and I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading more from Eve Blakely!
June 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
This is my first Eve Blakely book and it won’t be my last. I loved these characters deeply.
This was a story of grief, loss and heartbreak but also a story of redemption, love and healing. Cayden and Harper complimented each other in the best ways, while both healing and learning to let love in.
Eve Blakely also did a phenomenal job at featuring flashbacks of Cayden’s past and the tragedy that changed his life forever.
Not only was this a story of love, growth and healing it was also a story of friendship. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Cliff Haven series and fall in love with all of the characters I was introduced to in this book.
This is my first Eve Blakely book and it won’t be my last. I loved these characters deeply.
This was a story of grief, loss and heartbreak but also a story of redemption, love and healing. Cayden and Harper complimented each other in the best ways, while both healing and learning to let love in.
Eve Blakely also did a phenomenal job at featuring flashbacks of Cayden’s past and the tragedy that changed his life forever.
Not only was this a story of love, growth and healing it was also a story of friendship. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Cliff Haven series and fall in love with all of the characters I was introduced to in this book.
June 16, 2025
*thanks to eve blakely for the e-arc of the darkest version in exchange for my honest thoughts & opinion.
this series has had my whole heart since the very first book, and the final installment is no exception.
i’m so glad i stumbled across eve blakely last summer as she was offering arcs for the third book in the cliff haven series—without that, i might’ve never discovered this world.
there’s something so rare about an author who can pull you into a fictional place and make it feel so vividly real that you start to wonder if maybe it is real. i constantly caught myself thinking about the story and its characters even when i wasn’t reading, and that says everything about the strength of blakely’s storytelling.
i truly can’t recommend this series enough. every character is distinct, layered, and flawed in a way that makes you root for them with your whole chest. i’m already feeling the ache of saying goodbye to the gang, and i really hope this isn’t the last we see of eve—she’s officially an auto-buy author for me now. i can hands down say that these are some of my all time favourite books.
“You asked me why I was being so nice to you. You asked if I wanted something from you.” “Do you remember what you said?” “Yeah.” “That’s kind of sad. That that’s where your mind goes when someone offers to help you.”
this series has had my whole heart since the very first book, and the final installment is no exception.
i’m so glad i stumbled across eve blakely last summer as she was offering arcs for the third book in the cliff haven series—without that, i might’ve never discovered this world.
there’s something so rare about an author who can pull you into a fictional place and make it feel so vividly real that you start to wonder if maybe it is real. i constantly caught myself thinking about the story and its characters even when i wasn’t reading, and that says everything about the strength of blakely’s storytelling.
i truly can’t recommend this series enough. every character is distinct, layered, and flawed in a way that makes you root for them with your whole chest. i’m already feeling the ache of saying goodbye to the gang, and i really hope this isn’t the last we see of eve—she’s officially an auto-buy author for me now. i can hands down say that these are some of my all time favourite books.
“You asked me why I was being so nice to you. You asked if I wanted something from you.” “Do you remember what you said?” “Yeah.” “That’s kind of sad. That that’s where your mind goes when someone offers to help you.”
June 9, 2025
A must-read for those who crave broken characters, powerful healing, and love that feels earned.
This book absolutely ruined me. I was sobbing by the end, fully wrecked and emotionally undone in the best way possible. My heart was stolen—no, obliterated—by a fictional man named Cayden, and I’m not even sorry about it.
His journey of redemption was one of the most gut-wrenching and beautiful arcs I’ve read in a long time. The trauma and heartache he endured was unimaginable, but what broke me more was how kind, soft, and selfless he remained through it all. Cayden deserved every ounce of happiness and healing, and watching him slowly find that with Harper was everything.
Harper was a sweetheart through and through—gentle, open-hearted, and someone who only saw the good in Cayden. Their relationship felt so genuine and pure, built on mutual respect, healing, and trust. It wasn’t rushed; it unfolded, layer by layer, like something real.
And can we talk about Noah?! I loved having a child’s voice in the story—he completely stole the show with his sass, wit, and heart. The fact that we got an epilogue from his POV? Obsessed. Absolutely adored it.
This was my first Eve Blakley book, and it will not be my last. Her writing is so fluid and emotionally rich—there’s a softness to it, even when she’s tackling incredibly heavy, real-life themes. She handled everything with such care, honesty, and depth that it never felt overwhelming—just real.
If you love stories about redemption, quiet strength, found family, and love that feels earned and deserved—this book is for you. Prepare your heart though, because The Darkest Version doesn’t just tug on your emotions—it rips them wide open.
This book absolutely ruined me. I was sobbing by the end, fully wrecked and emotionally undone in the best way possible. My heart was stolen—no, obliterated—by a fictional man named Cayden, and I’m not even sorry about it.
His journey of redemption was one of the most gut-wrenching and beautiful arcs I’ve read in a long time. The trauma and heartache he endured was unimaginable, but what broke me more was how kind, soft, and selfless he remained through it all. Cayden deserved every ounce of happiness and healing, and watching him slowly find that with Harper was everything.
Harper was a sweetheart through and through—gentle, open-hearted, and someone who only saw the good in Cayden. Their relationship felt so genuine and pure, built on mutual respect, healing, and trust. It wasn’t rushed; it unfolded, layer by layer, like something real.
And can we talk about Noah?! I loved having a child’s voice in the story—he completely stole the show with his sass, wit, and heart. The fact that we got an epilogue from his POV? Obsessed. Absolutely adored it.
This was my first Eve Blakley book, and it will not be my last. Her writing is so fluid and emotionally rich—there’s a softness to it, even when she’s tackling incredibly heavy, real-life themes. She handled everything with such care, honesty, and depth that it never felt overwhelming—just real.
If you love stories about redemption, quiet strength, found family, and love that feels earned and deserved—this book is for you. Prepare your heart though, because The Darkest Version doesn’t just tug on your emotions—it rips them wide open.
June 10, 2025
I was emotional, I was giddy, I was intrigued, I was in love. An absolutely beautiful story with characters that were easy to fall in love with and made me so curious to learn more about them. their stories and their past, namely Cayden's. I loved the sprinkles of Cayden's time with Maddy throughout the book, each one had me on the edge of my seat for the rest, eager to learn their full story. The characters felt real. Flawed and interesting and trying their best, so loving, Harper is an amazing mother and Noah the most loveable little boy. The complicated relationships within this story made it so interesting I hardly realised when hours had passed just reading this. And I appreciate the way this mentioned the real struggles Cayden went through, not painting him as some saint or magically healed but bringing us readers with him as he dealt with his past and we learnt more about his issues. It's important to have that kind of representation for issues so many people face, not romanticising it either but showing healing and coming out the other side is possible.
June 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed it and got myself swept away in the love story. I don’t normally read the romance genre but this book has changed my mind on this! I highly recommend to anyone that needs a beautiful love story ❤️
July 4, 2025
This is my first ARC from Eve Blakely and really happy I got it. The Darkest Version is my first of the The Clif Haven Series but really happy with how the story is. Even though I know its a fictional story, definitely sure that someone somewhere out there has experienced whag Cayden has experienced and through it all, someone was willing to look beyond the past and the hurt and what that person is all about. I also love the storytelling as it is not common how the author wrote it and so that was a nice surprise.
Really happy about this book (now, off to read the rest of the series!)
Really happy about this book (now, off to read the rest of the series!)
June 20, 2025
“You’re the best thing in my life, Harper. You changed everything for me. You saw through me. Made me believe that I could be better. Not perfect. Not fixed, but worth something.”
—
Rating: 5✨
—
When Cayden Hartley returns to Cliff Haven to care for his mom, he plans on passing through, unseen, without setting down roots. Instead, he falls for Harper and her son, Noah and starts wondering if he could make a home out of Cliff Haven once more. He has to decide if he’s ready to let go of his past and forgive himself for the decisions he’s made or if he’ll never be able to outrun the darkest version of himself.
I’ve never read a book quite like this where you’re rooting for the MMC’s past just as much as you root for their present. Eve Blakely masterfully handled the dual timelines and created a narrative that I couldn’t get enough of. There were just the right amount of cliffhangers to keep me reading long into the night and of course, all the angst my little heart could ever desire.
It also felt like we were moving through the stages of grief with Cayden by seeing the pieces of his past while also seeing how hard he was working to move past things in the present.
This isn’t the first time I read Eve Blakely’s books and find myself asking the people around me what they would do if they were in this kind of situation. I then proceed to dissect every little detail for them because the characters felt THAT real. They were perfectly imperfect and you can tell everyone was just trying to do the best with the hand they were given in life, especially Cayden. I found myself so frustrated for him and all the judgement he was facing. I kept screaming: “can’t y’all see how hard my baby is trying to do and be better!!”
With that said, I also like that the characters didn’t feel unrealistic and you could actually picture life going down that way had these events happened to you or someone you know.
The beauty of the Cliff Haven series, in my opinion, is how real it all feels.
I also cried the last few chapters so of course, that got the book brownie points, as if the 5 star rating wasn’t already high enough.
And Harper? She was the PERFECT match for Cayden.
I don’t think I would have been able to do all that she did to be with Cayden, but wow was it nice to read about.
Overall, what a beautiful addition to the Cliff Haven series. These books remain my go-to recommendation for all my romance lovers who prefer closed door romance, they’re THAT good.
If you like:
🌼🌹 Redemption
🌹🌼 Small town romance
🌼🌹 Single mom x broken man
🌹🌼 Trauma / healing
🌼🌹 Addiction representation
Then this one is for you♥️
Big thank you to Eve Blakely for accepting me onto her arc team and trusting me with these sweet characters!!
—
Rating: 5✨
—
When Cayden Hartley returns to Cliff Haven to care for his mom, he plans on passing through, unseen, without setting down roots. Instead, he falls for Harper and her son, Noah and starts wondering if he could make a home out of Cliff Haven once more. He has to decide if he’s ready to let go of his past and forgive himself for the decisions he’s made or if he’ll never be able to outrun the darkest version of himself.
I’ve never read a book quite like this where you’re rooting for the MMC’s past just as much as you root for their present. Eve Blakely masterfully handled the dual timelines and created a narrative that I couldn’t get enough of. There were just the right amount of cliffhangers to keep me reading long into the night and of course, all the angst my little heart could ever desire.
It also felt like we were moving through the stages of grief with Cayden by seeing the pieces of his past while also seeing how hard he was working to move past things in the present.
This isn’t the first time I read Eve Blakely’s books and find myself asking the people around me what they would do if they were in this kind of situation. I then proceed to dissect every little detail for them because the characters felt THAT real. They were perfectly imperfect and you can tell everyone was just trying to do the best with the hand they were given in life, especially Cayden. I found myself so frustrated for him and all the judgement he was facing. I kept screaming: “can’t y’all see how hard my baby is trying to do and be better!!”
With that said, I also like that the characters didn’t feel unrealistic and you could actually picture life going down that way had these events happened to you or someone you know.
The beauty of the Cliff Haven series, in my opinion, is how real it all feels.
I also cried the last few chapters so of course, that got the book brownie points, as if the 5 star rating wasn’t already high enough.
And Harper? She was the PERFECT match for Cayden.
I don’t think I would have been able to do all that she did to be with Cayden, but wow was it nice to read about.
Overall, what a beautiful addition to the Cliff Haven series. These books remain my go-to recommendation for all my romance lovers who prefer closed door romance, they’re THAT good.
If you like:
🌼🌹 Redemption
🌹🌼 Small town romance
🌼🌹 Single mom x broken man
🌹🌼 Trauma / healing
🌼🌹 Addiction representation
Then this one is for you♥️
Big thank you to Eve Blakely for accepting me onto her arc team and trusting me with these sweet characters!!
July 4, 2025
In this emotional small-town redemption romance, Cayden Hartley returns to Cliff Haven to care for his injured mother and confront the fallout from a past mistake that cost him everything. Haunted by guilt and judged by the town, he meets Harper Conway, a cautious single mother who sees beyond his reputation. As Cayden fights to rebuild his life and Harper wrestles with trust and protection, buried secrets begin to surface. Together, they must navigate old wounds, growing feelings, and the storm of a past that refuses to stay buried.
This book is a story of loss & heartbreak, grief, redemption & recovery, love, friendship, and healing. In a way, it also healed me as I always wondered what happened to Cayden after book 1, The Other Version. I loved how Eve captured current and past life with the different POV’s and the flashbacks from Cayden (the last one broke me 😭). Both showed us who the characters are, and the growth through the story (BYE Ryan ✌🏻), while showing us more of the other characters we have met over the series and their relationship to these MC’s. Eve ended the story beautifully with the epilogue and I am so glad I got to experience The Cliff Haven stories!
Thank you Eve for this eARC 🫶🏼 means the world to me!
“𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰,” 𝘌𝘑 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴. “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳.”
“…𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦. 𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘢 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘹 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”
Tropes:
✨ small town
🖤 redemption
🌹 single mom
✨ found family
🖤 us against the world
This book is a story of loss & heartbreak, grief, redemption & recovery, love, friendship, and healing. In a way, it also healed me as I always wondered what happened to Cayden after book 1, The Other Version. I loved how Eve captured current and past life with the different POV’s and the flashbacks from Cayden (the last one broke me 😭). Both showed us who the characters are, and the growth through the story (BYE Ryan ✌🏻), while showing us more of the other characters we have met over the series and their relationship to these MC’s. Eve ended the story beautifully with the epilogue and I am so glad I got to experience The Cliff Haven stories!
Thank you Eve for this eARC 🫶🏼 means the world to me!
“𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰,” 𝘌𝘑 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴. “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳.”
“…𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦. 𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘢 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘹 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”
Tropes:
✨ small town
🖤 redemption
🌹 single mom
✨ found family
🖤 us against the world
July 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW✨️ Honestly, I had noticeable what I signed up for with this one! This was one that popped up on my netgally, and I said, "Why not!"
I'm not unhappy about it at all! @eveblakelywrites wrote a beautifully tragic yet, deeply emotional story that completely caught me off guard in the best way possible.
The love I had for Cayden before I even knew his story, let me tell you, was real. This man went to hell and back and worked his, you know what off to rewrite his life. He' delts with regret, loss, addiction, you name it and rose from the ashes. I simply could t get enough of his live connection, not only with Maddy, but Noah and Harper as well!
If you love small-town drama, haunted pasts, emotional gut punches, and hot guys trying (and failing) to not fall for the girl he swore he wouldn't, this is for you. 5 stars and a full emotional meltdown.
I'm not unhappy about it at all! @eveblakelywrites wrote a beautifully tragic yet, deeply emotional story that completely caught me off guard in the best way possible.
The love I had for Cayden before I even knew his story, let me tell you, was real. This man went to hell and back and worked his, you know what off to rewrite his life. He' delts with regret, loss, addiction, you name it and rose from the ashes. I simply could t get enough of his live connection, not only with Maddy, but Noah and Harper as well!
If you love small-town drama, haunted pasts, emotional gut punches, and hot guys trying (and failing) to not fall for the girl he swore he wouldn't, this is for you. 5 stars and a full emotional meltdown.
June 28, 2025
This book truly captivated me the moment I started reading it. The snippets of Cayden’s past that we slowly receive help tell a whole story of their own.
Harper is strong, unsure of herself and where she is in her life but capable and stronger than she realizes. Cayden truly helps her realize how incredible she is and it’s such a touching story between the two of them finding themselves, together. As a mother myself, I enjoyed every single interaction between Cayden and Noah, equally as the ones between Cayden and Harper.
This was such an enjoyable read and kept me wanting more after each and every page I read!
Harper is strong, unsure of herself and where she is in her life but capable and stronger than she realizes. Cayden truly helps her realize how incredible she is and it’s such a touching story between the two of them finding themselves, together. As a mother myself, I enjoyed every single interaction between Cayden and Noah, equally as the ones between Cayden and Harper.
This was such an enjoyable read and kept me wanting more after each and every page I read!
July 4, 2025
This was such a beautiful redemption story! Caden returns to his hometown to help his mum, but is constantly reminded of his past mistakes by everyone's hostility and judgement at his return. It's only Harper who sees him for who he is now, and gives him the chance he needed.
They make the perfect pair, and Caden is so considerate and patient, and goes out of his way to help Harper and her son.
I loved the character growth, and it was a beautiful journey seeing them both find and fight for each other.
They make the perfect pair, and Caden is so considerate and patient, and goes out of his way to help Harper and her son.
I loved the character growth, and it was a beautiful journey seeing them both find and fight for each other.
July 12, 2025
LOVED.
I’m normally a doors open kind of girl, but this book wasn’t missing it at all. The storyline, the characters and the plot were amazing.
I loved Cayden, his huge heart and strength was incredible throughout the book, having to deal with a huge amount of trauma on his own.
Harper is wonderful, single mum that always puts Noah first, even when she had to make tough decisions.
All I wanted throughout the entire book was for them to get their HEA and when they did I was giggling and kicking my feet.
I went into this book blind, not having read the previous books in the series… excuse me while I go and read them all now!
I’m normally a doors open kind of girl, but this book wasn’t missing it at all. The storyline, the characters and the plot were amazing.
I loved Cayden, his huge heart and strength was incredible throughout the book, having to deal with a huge amount of trauma on his own.
Harper is wonderful, single mum that always puts Noah first, even when she had to make tough decisions.
All I wanted throughout the entire book was for them to get their HEA and when they did I was giggling and kicking my feet.
I went into this book blind, not having read the previous books in the series… excuse me while I go and read them all now!
June 29, 2025
This series has gripped me from the beginning and this book is no exception. Eve has such a talent for writing characters you can relate to and showing how they can help each other to heal from trauma and grow. I absolutely adored Harper and Cayden's story and never would have thought I could adore Cayden as much as I do now after first being introduced to him in The Other Version. It just goes to show how much a character can grow and how much more you can understand them when you see things from their point of view. Special mention to adorable Noah who reminds me of my own little one in many ways. I'm looking forward to seeing what will come next from Eve.
June 19, 2025
This book wrecked me in the most unforgettable way. I was sobbing by the end—completely undone and emotionally spent. Cayden’s journey of redemption was heartbreakingly beautiful. Despite everything he’d been through, his gentleness and selflessness broke me more than the trauma itself. He deserved love, and watching him find it with Harper was pure magic.
Harper was everything you want in a heroine—soft, open-hearted, and unwavering in her belief in Cayden. Their love story was raw, healing, and deeply emotional.
The flashbacks to Cayden’s past added so much depth, building toward a tragedy that shattered me. Every moment felt earned. Every character felt real. I don’t usually read romance, but this book changed that.
This entire series has my heart. Eve is now an auto-buy author, and I can’t recommend this book enough. 5 stars, hands down.
Harper was everything you want in a heroine—soft, open-hearted, and unwavering in her belief in Cayden. Their love story was raw, healing, and deeply emotional.
The flashbacks to Cayden’s past added so much depth, building toward a tragedy that shattered me. Every moment felt earned. Every character felt real. I don’t usually read romance, but this book changed that.
This entire series has my heart. Eve is now an auto-buy author, and I can’t recommend this book enough. 5 stars, hands down.
June 18, 2025
And with that, the Cliff Haven series come to an end and I’m so sad that it has but what a way to end it 🥲 This was an emotional story of two broken characters; a story filled with forgiveness and redemption; a story of grief and healing; a story for those who have found themselves, even in the dark. I loved the way Caedyn and Harper opened and became soft for each other and I loved the way they gave each other space to find their way and equally, stood by each other. I felt like they earned each other in the best kind of way. Also, shout out to Noah and his SpongeBob obsession, same my guy.
June 10, 2025
Cayden and Harper, you both have captivated my heart. One trying to overcome being a single mom, the other one trying to get back to a place he thought he would never come back. Life has hit both hard but they are both trying to survive. And past that comes knocking on the door but they can't be knocked down. It was a beautiful story of overcoming life, finding what you needed, and making the best out of it all. Love this story so much. 100% recommended ♡
July 5, 2025
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cayden had an awful tragedy occur in his life and since then nothing has been the same. He left Cliff Haven back then and this is the first time he has had to return. The people of the town have not forgotten...nor forgiven. Harper, a single mom, didn't know Cayden back then though and she decides to give him a chance and not judge him on his past. Cayden has a lot to work through mentally and emotionally, but Harper stands by him, and their feelings grow as Cayden falls for both Harper and her son, Noah.
This is the fourth and final book in a series of interconnected standalones (though definitely recommend at least reading book 1 first and honestly just read all of them because they're so good). Cayden's backstory broke my heart and then Harper and Cayden's present helped me put it back together again. I am all for a good redemption storyline and I absolutely loved this one. Cayden really had to fight his personal demons and I found myself feeling really proud of everything he overcame. I have said it pretty much every book of Eve Blakely's that I have reviewed, this author knows how to handle emotional aspects and mental health with care. The writing was also really great. I loved the way the past was woven in throughout the book. And what I'm really not ready to say goodbye to is all these strong characters. Harper is an amazing single mom and Cayden was so good with her son, too. And their relationship was honestly just the sweetest. I loved the cameos of ALL my favorites from the past Cliff Haven books (my favorite aspect about an interconnected series!). I'm not ready to leave Cliff Haven!!
Thank you Eve Blakely for an eARC. The above thoughts and honest review are my own.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cayden had an awful tragedy occur in his life and since then nothing has been the same. He left Cliff Haven back then and this is the first time he has had to return. The people of the town have not forgotten...nor forgiven. Harper, a single mom, didn't know Cayden back then though and she decides to give him a chance and not judge him on his past. Cayden has a lot to work through mentally and emotionally, but Harper stands by him, and their feelings grow as Cayden falls for both Harper and her son, Noah.
This is the fourth and final book in a series of interconnected standalones (though definitely recommend at least reading book 1 first and honestly just read all of them because they're so good). Cayden's backstory broke my heart and then Harper and Cayden's present helped me put it back together again. I am all for a good redemption storyline and I absolutely loved this one. Cayden really had to fight his personal demons and I found myself feeling really proud of everything he overcame. I have said it pretty much every book of Eve Blakely's that I have reviewed, this author knows how to handle emotional aspects and mental health with care. The writing was also really great. I loved the way the past was woven in throughout the book. And what I'm really not ready to say goodbye to is all these strong characters. Harper is an amazing single mom and Cayden was so good with her son, too. And their relationship was honestly just the sweetest. I loved the cameos of ALL my favorites from the past Cliff Haven books (my favorite aspect about an interconnected series!). I'm not ready to leave Cliff Haven!!
Thank you Eve Blakely for an eARC. The above thoughts and honest review are my own.
July 4, 2025
this book follows cayden, who has returned to town to care for his injured mother, but with a whole lot of history - he struggles to fit back in to his old life in cliff haven 🌊
when he crosses paths with single mother harper, their worlds collide and harper is unsure whether there is more to the rumours about cayden 👀
this book was so amazing!! eve’s writing is always so beautiful and i absolutely loved the characters!! i loved seeing into cayden’s past and his perspective - especially with its connection to book 1 ✨
i literally binge read this book!! i could NOT put it down - i swear during the last 100 pages i didnt pause once 📖
the ending was AMAZING and beautifully tied together all four books 🥹 i am very emotional hehehe
if you like the following tropes - you’ll love this book (and the series 😆)
🌼 small town
🌻 grumpy x sunshine
🌹 single mother
🌺 found family
🌷 interconnected standalones
🌸 redemption
🪻 grief / trauma healing
thank you so so much again eve for both a physical and digital arc 🥹 i am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one early 🫶
when he crosses paths with single mother harper, their worlds collide and harper is unsure whether there is more to the rumours about cayden 👀
this book was so amazing!! eve’s writing is always so beautiful and i absolutely loved the characters!! i loved seeing into cayden’s past and his perspective - especially with its connection to book 1 ✨
i literally binge read this book!! i could NOT put it down - i swear during the last 100 pages i didnt pause once 📖
the ending was AMAZING and beautifully tied together all four books 🥹 i am very emotional hehehe
if you like the following tropes - you’ll love this book (and the series 😆)
🌼 small town
🌻 grumpy x sunshine
🌹 single mother
🌺 found family
🌷 interconnected standalones
🌸 redemption
🪻 grief / trauma healing
thank you so so much again eve for both a physical and digital arc 🥹 i am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one early 🫶
July 5, 2025
Cayden returns to Cliff Haven after years away when his mother has an accident and he needs to care for her. He left after suffering a tragedy, hitting rock bottom and seeking revenge- something he immediately regretted. He meets Harper, a worker at the café and single mother, who he feels a connection with straight away. But his past is still very much present in Cliff Haven and the locals aren’t all happy Cayden is back. But the man they whisper about isn’t the same man Harper is getting to know. But there’s a storm brewing- both physically and metaphorically- and Cayden’s past mistakes are back to haunt him. Can he find redemption or will his past end his and Harper’s relationship before it even begins?
Ok so this is the first book in the series I have read and now I need to go read the rest because OMG!! I loved every minute of this! Cayden messed up, sure, but he didn’t mean to do what he did and he’s been trying to be and do better ever since. I adore him!! Can’t wait to go back and read everyone else’s stories now!
Ok so this is the first book in the series I have read and now I need to go read the rest because OMG!! I loved every minute of this! Cayden messed up, sure, but he didn’t mean to do what he did and he’s been trying to be and do better ever since. I adore him!! Can’t wait to go back and read everyone else’s stories now!
July 2, 2025
Cayden & Harper
We first meet Cayden in book one of the Cliff Haven series. When I learned that The Darkest Version was his story I felt a little dubious... I was wrong. This turned out to be my favourite story of the series.
The care and attention expressing Caydens thoughts, feelings, actions could not have been written more beautifully. I felt everything he felt. The darkness that was once within him and the light that he was fighting to shine through.
Learning more of his past I cried and cried. It was devastating and raw and my heart ached over and over.
Harper is exactly what Cayden needs and Cayden is exactly what Harper needs. Her attitude and determination is inspiring and she's the perfect woman for Cayden.
Thank you Eve for letting me be an ARC reader for The Darkest Version. I hadn't read any of the previous books so I inhaled the whole series in a week! I am a huge fan and feel so lucky to have come across Cliff Haven 💜
We first meet Cayden in book one of the Cliff Haven series. When I learned that The Darkest Version was his story I felt a little dubious... I was wrong. This turned out to be my favourite story of the series.
The care and attention expressing Caydens thoughts, feelings, actions could not have been written more beautifully. I felt everything he felt. The darkness that was once within him and the light that he was fighting to shine through.
Learning more of his past I cried and cried. It was devastating and raw and my heart ached over and over.
Harper is exactly what Cayden needs and Cayden is exactly what Harper needs. Her attitude and determination is inspiring and she's the perfect woman for Cayden.
Thank you Eve for letting me be an ARC reader for The Darkest Version. I hadn't read any of the previous books so I inhaled the whole series in a week! I am a huge fan and feel so lucky to have come across Cliff Haven 💜
July 2, 2025
I’m so sad my time in Cliff Haven has come to an end. Cayden and Harper’s story was the perfect way to close this series (although I’m hoping for a reprise at some point based on part of the ending)!
One of my favorite parts of this novel is the realistic, relatable characters. Cayden is coming back to a small town where everyone thinks they knows everything about him and his past and their ready to judge him on it.
Harper is a single mom who is being cautioned away from the “bad boy” when all she wants is to make her own decisions. I think many of us can relate to that.
This is a story of redemption and new beginnings but it does have tough topics including loss of a loved one and the effects of addiction.
While the books can be read as stand-alone I truly feel you should read them all. Knowing backstories of the other characters makes the story that more special to me.
One of my favorite parts of this novel is the realistic, relatable characters. Cayden is coming back to a small town where everyone thinks they knows everything about him and his past and their ready to judge him on it.
Harper is a single mom who is being cautioned away from the “bad boy” when all she wants is to make her own decisions. I think many of us can relate to that.
This is a story of redemption and new beginnings but it does have tough topics including loss of a loved one and the effects of addiction.
While the books can be read as stand-alone I truly feel you should read them all. Knowing backstories of the other characters makes the story that more special to me.
June 16, 2025
My rating is 4.5 ✨️.
Eve Blakely has such a beautiful writing style that draws you in and makes you fall in love with the characters. I was lucky to be an ARC reader for The Darkest Version.
This story is about loss, trauma, abuse, and substance abuse. Please check the trigger warnings.
But even though these are heavy topics, the story is also about healing, finding love again, not letting your past define you, and forgiveness.
I loved Cayden and Harper's story and how, despite all the rumors and warnings, Harper was never judgmental.
Cayden is so emotionally strong, even though he doesn't see it that way. His willpower is next level. I loved how Harper grounded him whenever he was at war with himself.
Don't want to say too much without spoiling the story. But I definitely recommend 👌 this book.
Eve Blakely has such a beautiful writing style that draws you in and makes you fall in love with the characters. I was lucky to be an ARC reader for The Darkest Version.
This story is about loss, trauma, abuse, and substance abuse. Please check the trigger warnings.
But even though these are heavy topics, the story is also about healing, finding love again, not letting your past define you, and forgiveness.
I loved Cayden and Harper's story and how, despite all the rumors and warnings, Harper was never judgmental.
Cayden is so emotionally strong, even though he doesn't see it that way. His willpower is next level. I loved how Harper grounded him whenever he was at war with himself.
Don't want to say too much without spoiling the story. But I definitely recommend 👌 this book.
June 29, 2025
5 stars! Thank you Eve Blakely for giving me the honour to read this ARC! I fell in love with the cliff haven characters in the first book and this last one really brought everything together full circle. I love Harper and Cayden’s relationship and thought it was so beautiful how Cayden stepped up to be the man that both Harper and Noah needed. It got pretty heavy at times but I think Eve did a beautiful job at writing an honest and lifelike love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
“I’m wrecked, utterly lost, as she somehow finds yet another way to be the silence in my chaos.”
I mean just hits allll of the feels! Cayden is out to prove he’s not the say boy from his past! And Harper is just a single mom trying to provide for her child! The growth in these characters is beautiful!!! It has grief and heartbreak but also forgiveness and so much love! But that ending tho….Ahhh chefs kiss!!! ☺️
I mean just hits allll of the feels! Cayden is out to prove he’s not the say boy from his past! And Harper is just a single mom trying to provide for her child! The growth in these characters is beautiful!!! It has grief and heartbreak but also forgiveness and so much love! But that ending tho….Ahhh chefs kiss!!! ☺️
July 7, 2025
I'm always a sucker for a romance, and this delivered!
I could not put it down. The story was absolutely beautiful in a traumatising way. It was so sad to read everything Cayden had gone through, and I just wanted to hug him and make him feel better. I truly loved that Harper didn't listen to the stories about him, whether they were true or not. Because people can change in 7 years.
If you're a hopeless romantic like me, you need to read this book 😍
I could not put it down. The story was absolutely beautiful in a traumatising way. It was so sad to read everything Cayden had gone through, and I just wanted to hug him and make him feel better. I truly loved that Harper didn't listen to the stories about him, whether they were true or not. Because people can change in 7 years.
If you're a hopeless romantic like me, you need to read this book 😍
July 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this!
The story was emotional and intense, but what really pulled me in was the love between Cayden and Harper, it was raw, and felt so real. Any scene with Noah? Obsessed (I loved Cayden showing up for him)
Although this could be read as a standalone I definitely would read the first 3 books to get a better sense of the characters in this series.
The story was emotional and intense, but what really pulled me in was the love between Cayden and Harper, it was raw, and felt so real. Any scene with Noah? Obsessed (I loved Cayden showing up for him)
Although this could be read as a standalone I definitely would read the first 3 books to get a better sense of the characters in this series.
August 4, 2025
"I’m wrecked, utterly lost, as she somehow finds yet another way to be the silence in my chaos."
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Eve Blakely's newest book, The Darkest Version (the final book in the Cliff Haven series). It follows the story of Harper and Cayden.
I was excited to return to Cliff Haven!
I've not so patiently been waiting to read Cayden's story ever since he first caught my attention in The Other Version. I loved the air of mystery surrounding him and have been curious to learn more about him.
Harper and Cayden's story is filled with forgiveness, redemption, grief, and healing.
Something about two broken people that gets me every time, and I could not help but fall in love with Harper and Cayden. I loved everything about their story and thought they were perfect together.
I can not tell you the hold this book had on me. Eve always has such a way with words that she can pull you into the story and hold you captive. I lost myself in Harper and Cayden's story and could not put it down!
I was unprepared for the rollercoaster of emotions I would experience reading their story. I thought Eve might have gone easier on my heart this time, but I was wrong. Eve likes to hit you where it hurts and pull the emotion right out of you.
I enjoyed the flashbacks we got of Cayden's past and finding out more about his backstory.
Noah was just the cutest, and his bond with Cayden and Mackenzie melted my heart.
I adored getting to see EJ, Oliva, Alex, Kristen, Dylan, and Mackenzie again. The found family aspect of the book was everything.
It is bittersweet knowing this is the end of the Cliff Haven series, but I can not wait to see what Eve comes out with next!
Thank you so much to Eve Blakely for this ARC 💙
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Eve Blakely's newest book, The Darkest Version (the final book in the Cliff Haven series). It follows the story of Harper and Cayden.
I was excited to return to Cliff Haven!
I've not so patiently been waiting to read Cayden's story ever since he first caught my attention in The Other Version. I loved the air of mystery surrounding him and have been curious to learn more about him.
Harper and Cayden's story is filled with forgiveness, redemption, grief, and healing.
Something about two broken people that gets me every time, and I could not help but fall in love with Harper and Cayden. I loved everything about their story and thought they were perfect together.
I can not tell you the hold this book had on me. Eve always has such a way with words that she can pull you into the story and hold you captive. I lost myself in Harper and Cayden's story and could not put it down!
I was unprepared for the rollercoaster of emotions I would experience reading their story. I thought Eve might have gone easier on my heart this time, but I was wrong. Eve likes to hit you where it hurts and pull the emotion right out of you.
I enjoyed the flashbacks we got of Cayden's past and finding out more about his backstory.
Noah was just the cutest, and his bond with Cayden and Mackenzie melted my heart.
I adored getting to see EJ, Oliva, Alex, Kristen, Dylan, and Mackenzie again. The found family aspect of the book was everything.
It is bittersweet knowing this is the end of the Cliff Haven series, but I can not wait to see what Eve comes out with next!
Thank you so much to Eve Blakely for this ARC 💙
July 16, 2025
I was not expecting how emotional this book was going to be but I loved the entire rollercoaster of emotion. Cayden was absolutely broken at the start of the story, and you could not help but feel for him. Bit by bit we realize the full truth of what happened that brought him to that dark place, and the glimpses here and there only added to the heartbreak. The first person he sees when he rolls into town is Harper’s son who had wandered away from his mom. From that moment he has an instant connection to Noah that only grows throughout the story. For her part Harper is also wounded. Noah’s father is the ultimate deadbeat, and she is left caring for her son mostly on her own. Her determination to make sure her son is always protected, while also seeing the best in Cayden was written perfectly. She didn’t just blindly jump in and trust him – even though her heart told her she could.
Read this if you like:
💕 Redemption 💕 Small town 💕 Single mom 💕 Trauma/healing 💕 Addiction rep
This was my first Eve Blakely book, and I am definitely going back to read the earlier books in this series. The real heart of this story was watching Cayden and Harper help heal each other, while also healing themselves. There were parts that had me outright crying – and I loved every minute of it. Cayden’s moments with the people he hurt when he was grieving the most were so emotional, and you could feel everyone’s pain on the pages. It would have been easy to rush through the forgiveness parts of the story but the way they were done was perfection. Loved everything about this book.
Thank you so much to Eve Blakely for the ARC of this story.
Read this if you like:
💕 Redemption 💕 Small town 💕 Single mom 💕 Trauma/healing 💕 Addiction rep
This was my first Eve Blakely book, and I am definitely going back to read the earlier books in this series. The real heart of this story was watching Cayden and Harper help heal each other, while also healing themselves. There were parts that had me outright crying – and I loved every minute of it. Cayden’s moments with the people he hurt when he was grieving the most were so emotional, and you could feel everyone’s pain on the pages. It would have been easy to rush through the forgiveness parts of the story but the way they were done was perfection. Loved everything about this book.
Thank you so much to Eve Blakely for the ARC of this story.
September 9, 2025
The Darkest Version really hits you in the feels with both sad and hopeful moments. It's about Cayden Hartley, a guy who made mistakes and is trying to fix his broken life. This books takes you on an emotional ride, mixing pain with happy connections. It deals with real issues like regret and trauma without being shallow, overshadowing or too much. Harper is sweet and patient, someone Cayden really needed in his corner. Cayden's change from being his own worst enemy to someone looking for forgiveness feels real. The romance was natural and the relationship between Cayden and Harper felt genuine, built on respect and trust. They are absolutely perfect together. The personal change and progress of the characters were phenominal. A redemption book i cannot speak of enough. There was a softness when dealt with the heavy subjects that somehow brought all the emotions through even more.
ARC Review - 4.75
Thank you, Eve for this beautiful book.
ARC Review - 4.75
Thank you, Eve for this beautiful book.
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