Safe Haven

Triple Creek Ranch #1

by Kristen Proby

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an emotional romance where two best friends reunite at Triple Creek Ranch, proving that home is where love finds its way.

Fifteen years ago, my best friend found salvation at the Triple Creek Ranch, transforming from an angry foster kid into a hockey legend. Now, with his adoptive father’s death forcing him home, Ryker’s trading his hockey stick for ranch life—and I’m not sure my heart can handle having him this close again.

I’ve spent the past decade raising my troubled nephew alone while building my career as an audiobook narrator. When my boy needs a fresh start, Ryker offers us sanctuary at the ranch. But living under the same roof with the man who’s always owned my heart ignites feelings I’ve tried hard to bury.

Between helping manage a struggling ranch, watching my nephew find his way, and dealing with the shadows of Ryker’s fame, we discover our connection is stronger than ever. But when threats from his past surface, we’ll have to decide if our second chance is worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Westerns, Found Family, Hockey

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[Mysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS WHY I LOVE SMALL TOWN ROMANCE! It’s got all the heart, passion, longing and found family I love! The three amigos! Ryker and Gideon have a special bond that I absolutely adored, and their relationship with Willow while wildly different are bonds that just cannot be broken. Ryker and Willow have been best friends since he came to her uncles ranch, and a tragedy forces them to realize what they truly mean to each other. Their bond is unshakable, they love filled with passion and their story completely addicting! I can’t wait for Gideon’s story!

Read: ALC 🎧/ARC 📱
MMC: Ryker James
FMC: Willow
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Small Town, BF to Lovers, Hockey/Cowboy+Audiobook Narrator, Single Guardian, Found Family, Who Hurt You, Protective MMC

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
2.5🌶

Ho-ly Swoooon. 🥹 This was such a sweet, low drama, small town romance. The connection between Ryker and Willow was amazing to witness and to see it blossom intimately was just a bonus.

Aiden added a nice element to the story. I loved seeing him open up and really come into his own.

The little drama sprinkled into the book was a nice touch and who doesn't love a jealousy moment 😉😉

These two were electric together and soooo hottt. 🥵

Tropes:
Best Friends to Lovers
Retired Hockey Star
Single Guardian
Small Montana Town
Found Family

[Amanda (_sunshine_reads_) Hengen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EASY 5 ⭐️ read my friends!

I went into this one blind, but that’s not my norm. So, if it isn’t your jam, here’s some tropes to at least let you know what you’re in for:
MMC - hockey player
FMC - single guardian, audiobook narrator
Childhood best friends to lovers
Found family
Small town
Ranch life
Dual POV

If you want more info, keep reading to see why I LOVED this one so much!

I’m not surprised that Kristen Proby does it again. She knows how to make me fall in love with her characters & their stories. Her ability to capture me immediately & keep me invested from start to finish is supreme! Willow is one tough woman & protective mama hen. I love her! She is sassy but oh so caring. Ryker- holy protector & fixer of all the problems. He just wants to take care of his people. Swoon! And can we get a round of applause for ALL of the communication in this book? 👏🏻 As a big time hater of miscommunication, this was so refreshing to see adults actual TALK THINGS THROUGH! I loved all of the dynamics & relationships in this story too. The way so many were ready to rally for this couple when things hit the fan. It was amazing! I could go on & on because this book was just so good all around! &&& I cannot wait for Gideon’s book!!!

ALSO-> These narrators absolutely killed it. Holy smokes! Narrators can make or break a book no matter what the story is - Connor Crais & Savannah Peachwood were phenomenal! No notes! Their voices were made to bring Willow & Ryker to life!

Thank you so much to author Kristen Proby & NetGalley for this ARC/ALC opportunity!

[Stacey Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic friends to lovers, star hockey player inherits his dad's ranch and falls for his best friend who has custody of her troubled nephew. Instant family, and a little "star " drama. It was a short, quick read with a few too many dramatic situations while over looking some opportunities for plot twists that were itching to occur. The characters fell in love very quickly and instant love made it not as interesting and intense as it could have been.

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Proby's new Triple Creek Ranch series, and I couldn't put it down! I completely devoured Ryker and Willow's beautiful and steamy, best friends to lovers romance! Ryker and Gideon came to the Triple Creek Ranch as trouble foster teens. After being adopted, they found a new, happy life on the ranch, along with a close bond to their adopted parents niece, Willow. The three of them remained the best of friends, even after they grew and went their separate ways. Now they are all back on the ranch after their adopted parents passed away. Ryker had become a professional hockey star, but wanted to retire, and recharge, as he took over the ranch. Willow has raised her own nephew, Aiden, for the past decade. When Aiden started acting out, Willow asks for Ryker's help, and he is happy to help Aiden, just like his father helped him. Willow watches Ryker help Aiden find purpose, and happiness, and she starts to realize her feelings for Ryker are more than friendly. The more time Ryker spends with Willow, the more he acknowledges his feelings for her as well. They fall into an easy relationship, and start to build a life together on the ranch. But when Ryker's past catches up to them, wanting to cause trouble, will their new love and family bond be strong enough to endure? I absolutely love, love, LOVED Ryker and Willow together, and their romance was so much fun to watch unfold! They are so perfect together, and their chemistry was off the charts! Willow is loyal, fierce, and strong and Ryker is the perfect book boyfriend who is charming, protective, and is so patient and giving with both Willow and Aiden. I also loved Aiden as he grew from a troubled teen to a happy, responsible young man.
The narration by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood made this story and these characters come to life so beautifully. They both balanced each characters strength, vulnerability, heartache, and passion, and made me laugh, sigh, and fall in love. They completely pulled me in to this world and I felt like I was right there with Ryker, Willow, Aiden and all their family and friends.
This is a wonderfully romantic, witty, tender, and steamy story that you can't help but devour as it captures your heart. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more about Gideon next.

[Megan | Megan.Reads.Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

Thank you, Brilliance Audio and Must Love Audio, for the ALC. These are my honest thoughts!

Ryker and Willow - what a fantastic journey for them. When they met as teens, Willow was visiting her beloved aunt and uncle for the summer. Ryker was an angry foster kid who needed discipline and for someone to love him. He found those things at Triple Creek Ranch, where a place became a home and where people became his family, including Willow. 15 years later, he's returning to the Ranch after a successful professional hockey career, after the passing of his dad, and he's ready to make the Ranch his life and home again.

Willow's raising her nephew as her own in Missoula, about an hour from the ranch, and she's an audiobook narrator. When her nephew, Aiden, continues to get into trouble at school, she asks Ryker if he can work on the Ranch with him for the summer. Ryker QUICKLY agrees because, surprise surprise, he loves Willow and wants to help her in any way he can.

Ryker uses his handsome and charming ways to convince Willow to move back to the Ranch for the summer with Aiden, even building her a recording studio so she can keep working. And in the sweetest of ways, those gestures are an immediate way through Willow's barriers and straight to her heart.

READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Former pro hockey player x Romance audiobook narrator
- Childhood best friends to lovers
- Single guardian
- Montana small town life
- Ranch life
- A little romantic suspense
- Foster and adoption
- Found family
- Dual POV - 1st person

THE AUDIOBOOK: Narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood, this audiobook gets 5 stars for the performance. Connor Crais is always an immediate yes for me, but he was also the perfect voice for Ryker. Protective and gruff and sexy and dirty talking all rolled into one hot hockey player ranch man... yes pls. Savannah Peachwood as Willow was also expertly cast, as Willow had a fierce, protective streak when it came to her family, especially Aiden, but she's also soft in all the right ways and emotionally strong as well. When you listen to a story that has trauma, there has to be balance, and these two both nailed the hardness of their experiences with the softness towards the people they love.

[Fernanda Dzib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly provided with the arc of this book by author Kristin Proby and NetGalley in exchange of an honest review ✨

5⭐️

I have not a single bad thing to say about this master piece, I mean, I was crying in chapter 1!!! But this book was so addictive, so sweet and real, and heartbreaking, and swoony, and spicy and everything good and I just loved it 😭💚I actually want to read it again now!

I loved Willow, I love her sass and how she’s so loving and caring for Aiden, and reading her struggling to communicate with him and trying to be there for him even when he was so angry and difficult with her, had my heart aching for them both because they love each other, but Aiden was hurting in his own way and it was so good and heartwarming reading how Ryker was there to help them both! I also loved that Willow was a voice actress for audiobooks 😮‍💨✨ and the moment she said she imagined Ryker as all the male characters in her books I knew she was my spirit animal because I do the same thing with my celebrity crush 🙂‍↔️🙈 I just love her and I love the dynamics she has both with Ryker and Gideon 🥹

Now Ryker, oh my dear lord, I’m ruined!! He ruined me and now my heart belongs to him and I’m not going to get over him any time sooner, or maybe never 😩💖 he’s just perfect! He’s a fixer, he’s caring, he’s fierce and so obsessed with Willow, and when he gets jealous? Oh my I swooned reading those chapters and I loved every second of it!! I loved how he cared so much about Aiden and I love reading how his presence help him so much in every aspect, so yes, Ryker James has my heart and I don’t want him to give it back 🙂‍↔️💖

This book was perfection and I can totally say is one of my all time favorites 🥹💚 I loved everything, I loved Gideon and Mac and Dusty and everyone (except you know who) also, that touched of drama? I mean I knew who was behind everything but I loved that little drama too 🙂‍↔️ oh and I need Gideon’s book so bad!!! I read the blurb and I’m intrigued and invested in his story and actually I was already sold the moment I read the epilogue so yes, I need his book please!! 😭💚

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Proby's new Triple Creek Ranch series, and I couldn't put it down! I completely devoured Ryker and Willow's beautiful and steamy, best friends to lovers romance! Ryker and Gideon came to the Triple Creek Ranch as trouble foster teens. After being adopted, they found a new, happy life on the ranch, along with a close bond to their adopted parents niece, Willow. The three of them remained the best of friends, even after they grew and went their separate ways. Now they are all back on the ranch after their adopted parents passed away. Ryker had become a professional hockey star, but wanted to retire, and recharge, as he took over the ranch. Willow has raised her own nephew, Aiden, for the past decade. When Aiden started acting out, Willow asks for Ryker's help, and he is happy to help Aiden, just like his father helped him. Willow watches Ryker help Aiden find purpose, and happiness, and she starts to realize her feelings for Ryker are more than friendly. The more time Ryker spends with Willow, the more he acknowledges his feelings for her as well. They fall into an easy relationship, and start to build a life together on the ranch. But when Ryker's past catches up to them, wanting to cause trouble, will their new love and family bond be strong enough to endure? I absolutely love, love, LOVED Ryker and Willow together, and their romance was so much fun to watch unfold! They are so perfect together, and their chemistry was off the charts! Willow is loyal, fierce, and strong and Ryker is the perfect book boyfriend who is charming, protective, and is so patient and giving with both Willow and Aiden. I also loved Aiden as he grew from a troubled teen to a happy, responsible young man.
This is a wonderfully romantic, witty, tender, and steamy story that you can't help but devour as it captures your heart. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more about Gideon next.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before anything else, Connor Crais as Ryker and Savannah Peachwood as Willow were seriously everything for this book. The number of times I was fanning myself or kicking my feet made those around me question my sanity, but it was worth it. I am always a fan of hockey player books but add that he is also a cowboy (swoon!) AND that these two are best friends and I was done. Like stick a fork in me please and thank you! I think my favorite thing about this book is you have 3 people that spent summers together, but they all had childhoods that were not easy. They become the three amigos and don’t let that throw you, this book is never about anything more than Ryker and Willow. Gideon is the brother to both of them in a way that will make you understand that Found Family is a trope that makes your heart happy. People finding others that give them a true sense of being part of something bigger than just themselves. Anyways, Ryker and Willow are brought together after a loss and that helps Ryker make some tough decisions. The fire between these two is immense and knowing that they know that they really have to think about the outcome before crossing a line speaks volumes to how important the other is. But once that line is crossed, my goodness I’m pretty sure I was a puddle. Kristen does a fantastic job throwing a little suspense in there to keep you on your toes, while also giving a voice to some tough topics. Aiden is Willow’s nephew that she has been raising and I love how she never treats him as anything other than her son. She is trying so hard to give him everything she can, while honoring the boundaries he puts up. But it is Ryker who comes in and shows her it is okay to ask for help. It is in the little moments that you appreciate the strength that they have. Such a fantastic book and I highly recommend you take a chance and read it as well.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always sad when an author's series comes to an end, but I am equally happy because it means a new series is here. Kristen really has a way of getting you hooked on a new series right out of the gate. I adored Willow and Ryker's story. Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais narrated this one in Dual format, and they were just perfect for this story.

Ryker has decided to hang up his skates and head back to the ranch that formed him into the man he is today back in Montana. He has made peace with this decision, as retirement as a professional hockey player can be hard...walking away from your dream. But seeing Willow again after all the years they have been away from each other, really makes this decision a lot easier on him. They kept in touch all the years they were apart but haven't really seen each other much. When she starts having a lot of issues with her nephew, who she is raising, she looks to Ryker to have him help out at the ranch.

Willow is just as smitten with Ryker as she was all those years ago. Her feelings for him have never really went away, they were just lying dormant for a long time. Now that she is seeing him every day, these feelings are becoming a lot harder to hide. Soon she realizes that the feelings are mutual between them, but they are both nervous about losing the friendship they hold so dear.

I loved seeing these best friends fall deeply in love with each other, as well as helping Aiden know that he is wanted and loved. Ryker was the perfect person for both Willow and Aiden. I also loved that while there was a little bit of drama, it wasn't anything that was going to tear these two apart.

Can't wait to see what happens next at Triple Creek Ranch.

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Haven is a quick, satisfying hit of small-town romance with big “it’s always been you” energy. Childhood friends to lovers, a little messy, & just enough drama to keep things moving - this one goes down easy & sets up the series nicely.

Willow & Ryker have that deep, shared-past connection that makes the slight insta-love feel earned. When you’ve known someone forever - & survived real stuff together - it makes sense that the feelings snap into focus fast. The story moves at a quick pace, but it works here. This isn’t a slow burn; it’s a spark catching fire.

I especially loved the found-family vibes. Willow stepping up as guardian, Ryker grounding himself back home, & the way the ranch becomes a true reset for all of them. Plus, there is Gideon (I need his story ASAP)!

The audio is what really brings this story to life. The dual narration is a full 5-star performance. Savannah Peachwood brings so much warmth & emotion to Willow (who is a professional book narrator - loved this element), & Connor Crais is at peak swoony. They really elevate this story & make the emotional beats hit harder.

Kristen Proby is one of my favorites, delivering an engaging, small-town romance that surprises me every time. This is a solid, enjoyable start to a new series. Not an all-time favorite, but absolutely worth the ride - especially if you’re listening. Cozy, romantic, a little dramatic, and easy to sink into. Exactly what I wanted from this story.

🏡 Small Town Romance
💕 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
🏒 Retired Hockey Pro x Romance Book Narrator
❣️ Single Guardian
🫶 Found Family
💋 It's Always Been You
✌🏻 Dual POV in Dual Narration

[Amanda hercozybookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kristen Proby, so the moment I saw she was launching a brand new series, I knew this had to go straight into my ears. Finding out it was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais made it an instant yes.

And wow. This one absolutely worked for me.

Safe Haven is everything I want in a small town romance. It was warm, emotional and completely absorbing. I was crying during the prologue and by chapter one I was blushing and kicking my feet.

💚 Best Friends to Lovers
💚 Retired Hockey Star
💚 Small Town Romance
💚 Single Guardian
💚 Found Family

Watching Ryker and Willow’s relationship shift from friendship into something more was incredibly swoony. Kristen’s men are always so down bad in the best way!! They are protective, devoted and fully committed to loving their woman like a queen. And Ryker delivered exactly that energy and more. I also adored Gideon and am already completely invested in his story!!

The audiobook narration elevated this story even more. Savannah Peachwood was absolutely wonderful; warm, emotional and so easy to sink into. Connor Crais was perfect as the cocky, confident athlete. This role suited him so well, and he brought all the intensity, protectiveness and softness we love from him. And Kristen made sure to give us his signature swoony lines, “baby” “mine” - IYKYK.

This was sweet, emotional, had some twists and turns and was such a strong start to a new series. I can’t wait to return to Triple Creek Ranch.

Thank you so much to Kristen Proby and her team for the gifted ARC and ALC.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the trouble? Yes, please. Safe Haven by Kristen Proby was a sweet, swoony, and sentimental small town romance that simply made my heart so happy! I couldn’t get enough of Willow and Ryker’s best friends to lovers, steamy magnetic chemistry that was definitely always meant to be. Kristen always makes it so easy to fall in love with her characters, and I’m ready to pack my bags for Triple Creek Ranch.

Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing never lets me down, and the dual narration allowed them to show off their talented character voices. Savannah’s soft, melodic tone perfectly conveyed Willow’s passionate, mama bear persona mixed with her love and adoration for Ryker. Connor’s warm, rich voice reached some new growly depths showing off his protectiveness and dedication to Willow, and I was here for it! Both narrators created a tension and longing between these two that was simply swoonworthy. Happy sigh…

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a small town romance with a hot devoted retired hockey player, a fiercely loving audiobook narrator, a loyal teenage boy, the three amigos, finding your passion, farmhouse renovations, mutual pining, true love confessions, press conferences, retirement celebrations, drama from the past, jealousy, explosive steamy times, grand gestures, and a HEA that is worth all the trouble, then you will love Willow and Ryker’s story. I always look forward to more from Kristen Proby.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally stole my heart... Kristen Proby is so very talented in the way that she writes her romance, she will keep you hanging on every word. I loved this story from the start and loved it more when I was done. I always have this feeling of satisfaction when finishing a book by Kristen.

Ryker and Willow have known each other since they were teenagers. Ryker came to Triple Creek Ranch for a salvation and he found so much more than that. I loved his character and the way that he cared for his family. I also loved his ambition and the way he went for his dreams. Willow is raising her nephew and she has been struggling to find a balance with work and having a surly teenager. I felt like she loved her nephew more than anything and she wanted to help him find what made him happy. When she takes him to the ranch and he settles, she knows where she needs to be.
Ryker and Willow have great chemistry and this friends to lovers romance is one of my favorites that I have read.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood narrate this in dual! I love the way these two can bring a story to life. Connor has a voice that is always a joy to listen to. He definitely brings the confidence to this book. I felt Connor was the perfect fit for Ryker's voice.
Savannah has this velvety voice that is smooth and crisp. She is one of my favorites to listen to when the book is done in dual.

Can I already say that I am going to love this series?? This one started off in the best way. I can't wait for what comes next...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Haven is the start of a new series that I know I'm not going to be able to get enough of!!! This book was equal parts sweet & swoony. Ryker & Willow have been friends since they were kids. But now that they are adults and in close proximity to each other, feelings rise to the surface. They're both hesitant at first because of course they don't want to mess up their friendship. But once they get going?! The chemistry between these two is smokin'!!

I love the deep love and friendship we see between Ryker, Gideon & Willow. Willow is also the guardian of her 15 year old nephew, Aiden. I love seeing how much she loves & cares for him and just wants to see him happy. I loved seeing Ryker's relationship with Aiden too. Aiden really needed a man he could look up to and trust and Ryker was definitely that for him.

🎧Audio:🎧
This was a dual narration by Connor Crais & Savannah Peachwood. I swear, I absolutely ate this audio upppp. I never wanted to stop listening. Connor just has that voice that we all swoon over so of course he was absolute perfection as Ryker. And that growl!? WHEW. Savannah easily brought all the warmth and emotions of Willow to life. This duo never lets me down. Absolutely 200% recommend the audio.

What to expect:
💚Best Friends to Lovers
💚Retired Hockey Star x Audiobook Narrator
💚Ranch Life
💚Secret Tattoo
💚Single Guardian
💚No 3rd Act Break Up

This was such a great start to this series and I'm looking forward to Gideon's book!

[Tiara | itstiarasversion · Rating 5 out of 5]

are you kidding me?! this was such a fantastic story that I binged it in 1 day! I love a best friends to lovers and this hit in all of the ways I wanted it to. one of the things I love most about a friends to lovers is how long they have cared for each other. it always makes my heart swoon. Ryker and Willow have the sweetest friendship of truly showing up for each other. that kind of care tugs at my heart strings. I love how much Willow loves and cares for Aiden. the way she just instantly gave everything she had into creating a home for him is everything I love about a single guardian. seeing how the ranch healed Aiden over time made me emotional. the ranch not only held so many good memories for all of them, but it really stretched and grew all for them in different ways. what a full circle for them to end up there. this made me SO excited for book two and to see how Gideon's story plays out. this is a new top 3 book for me from Kristen. all of the sweet, swoon, and happy emotions.

Savannah and Connor were the most perfect casting! The chemistry they brought to the characters is undeniable. the way that they can change their tones to match the emotions of each scene made it flawless. chefs kiss all around.

read if you like:
- small town
- best friends to lovers
- single guardian
- hockey player x audiobook narrator
- found family
- ranch living

[Nikki Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this small town, childhood friends to lovers, single guardian, hockey romance all so much.

This audiobook with Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood was incredible. They really doing amazing work together.

I loved everything about Ryker and Willows story ❤️
Some could say this would some insta love however when it’s childhood friends who share the same trauma as kids and go through so much together over time it’s going to be hard to resist each other, and oh my these two are so HOT together! They definitely belong together. Willow is a guardian to her nephew Aiden and he is a teenager and not a happy one so when they moved to the ranch together things really changed. How Ryker was with him and giving him a job on the ranch really changed Aiden. There was quite a bit of drama with Ryker being a hockey star and with him retiring he had a horrible agent who just wouldn’t stop. Obviously everything worked out, and this small family became one on the ranch of Montana.

Tropes
Small town
Childhood friends to lovers
Single guardian
Hockey
Ranch living

Thank you Kristen for the ARC and ALC!

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers
Single guardian FMC
Hockey player MMC
Small town
Dual POV - 1st person

Dual narration - Connor Crais & Savannah Peachwood
Two of my favorite narrators and the did a fantastic job with this one.

Ryker is absolutely swoony. He’s protective, supportive, and reliable. He’s just finished up his hockey season when he gets brought back home. Taking over the family ranch is exactly what he needs a change of pace and a change of outlook.

Willow is taking care of her 15 yr old nephew and having some problems with his attitude. She decides having him work on the ranch for the summer might help turn things around.

Ryker and Willow are so sweet together. They both have deeper feelings but have never acted on those feelings until they are in the same place for an extended period of time. Finding it difficult to deny how they feel any longer.

So sweet and heartwarming. This is a group of characters that have all been through some crappy situations but coming out stronger together on the other side. I really enjoyed this story and these characters. I found them easy to connect with and was rooting for them and their HEA.

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Haven by Kristen Proby eARC & ALC Review 💚

This is absolutely the sweetest and swooniest friends to lovers romance that I have read in a very long time.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood literally made the audiobook a dream to listen to.

Ryker and Willow grow up together spending time on Triple Creek Ranch, along with Gideon who helps make up the Three Amigos. While Ryker is living his life in the NFL, Willow is an audiobook narrator and has custody of her nephew. When circumstances bring Ryker back to the ranch, he decides it’s time for retirement and to start his life on the ranch and he makes it his mission to do that with Willow by his side.

Watching them fall in love, or finally admit their feelings for one another is so sweet and so hot. Ryker is insanely possessive of Willow and when Connor Crais says “mine” I’m pretty sure my brain short circuited. 🫣🫠

I loved this one. The audio is fantastic and I can’t wait to see what Kristen has in store for Gideon’s story. 🤭

What to expect:
Best friends to lovers
Hockey star
Audiobook narrator
Single guardian
Found family
Who hurt you
Protective MMC

Thank you so much Kristen for the arc and alc!

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new series! I am soo extremely excited for this series. This first book was emotionally intense in all the perfect places. Willow and Ryker grew up together with Gideon. When the world was an unsafe and messy place for these three they always knew the ranch would always be there for them….especially the people in the main house that always looked out for them. Years later the ranch is different and everyone is older…doing their own thing. But is Ryker read to hang up his skates? What happens when Willow needs help with her nephew. This well written book takes us on an amazing journey. A journey about found families, true love, having each other’s backs no matted what and everything in between. These characters have incredible depth because they have been through some difficult times and came out better people because of it. This quick pace story pulls you in at page one and holds on tight until that final epilogue. I am So incredibly excited for this series and I can’t wait for the next book to hit my kindle!!!

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️ Safe Haven is the first book in the Triple Creek Ranch series. Gideon, Ryker and Willow became best friends when they were teenagers when they worked on the ranch. 15 years later, Ryker is now retiring as a famous and very successful pro hockey player. Willow is the guardian of her nephew (Aiden). Ryker is now the owner of the ranch and Willow is struggling with Aiden, because he’s a teenager with some pretty big problems. Ryker hires Aiden to work on the ranch for the summer, and while Willow saw Gideon as brother, she never saw Ryker as a brother. However, they are all family!

Ryker and Willow’s story is low drama, but the friends to lovers was perfectly done. It was sweet with the right amount of dirty. Ryker and Aiden’s story is fantastic. I like the plot and Gideon. I’m really intrigued by Gideon. The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood. It was a good time and I can’t wait for the next book in series!

Thank you to Kristen Proby for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rachael Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker & Willow

I loved this one! Can we please talk about the mature, adult conversations in this book!! Ahh they got me so good, I was like yes this is how to be mature and communicate! 👏🏻👏🏻

This was one of those books that’s so swoonworthy and just good for the soul. You have childhood best friends turned to lovers. Epic tension and spice that will have you melting.

We have Ryker who is a hockey playing cowboy who takes book boyfriend material to another level and Willow who is her nephews guardian and has been doing it all on her own for so long. They are finally reunited sparks are flying everywhere and it is just a beautiful book!

💗Single Guardian
💗Who Hurt You
💗Found Family
💗Best Friends to lovers
💗Hockey Player turned Cowboy / Audiobook narrator

5 ⭐️ 3🌶️

Bonus points for the found family, the three amigos that grew up together had such a special friendship and I just loved it. I am beyond excited for Gideons book and the chaos that will come!

Thankyou to Kristen Proby for the opportunity to read this one earlier 🫶🏻

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker and Willow have known each other since their teenage years, growing up together on Triple Creek Ranch. Life eventually pulled them in different directions, but Ryker returns to the ranch after the death of his adoptive father. When they’re reunited, the chemistry between them is instant and electric, and it doesn’t take long for them to give in to their long buried feelings.

I loved watching them together, especially as they came together to support Willow’s nephew through his struggles. Both Willow and her nephew needed Ryker in different ways, and he was all in.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood were incredible together, you could truly feel the tension and connection between Ryker and Willow. Connor Crais perfectly captured Ryker’s fierce, protective, and loyal nature, while Savannah Peachwood brought Willow’s sweet and loving personality to life effortlessly. This is such a sweet, heartfelt story and one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Thank you, Kristen Proby and Must Love Audio for the ALC.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤍Friends to Lovers
🤍Single Guardian
🤍Hockey
🤍Small Town Ranch

What an amazing start to a new series! This book has everything…small town ranch life, a single guardian, childhood friends to lovers, a retired hockey player, and top tier audiobook narration all wrapped up perfectly.

Willow and Ryker grew up together on the ranch, and when Ryker comes home after retiring from hockey, their slow transition from friends to lovers was so heartwarming to watch. Their friendship slowly evolving into something more felt natural and deeply emotional. After everything they’ve been through, their bond was incredibly strong, and they truly felt perfect for each other. And Ryker being there for Willow and her nephew, Aiden, completely stole my heart.

The audiobook narration by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais was phenomenal. They brought so much emotion to the story that I teared up more than once.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This book is everythang. Ryker comes home to the ranch after the end of the season for his dad’s funeral. He has decided to retire and renovate the ranch his dad left him. He and Willow have know each other since they were kids. They have been best friends forever but now they yearn for each other. They finally admit their feelings and start spending time together. Willow is living at the ranch for the summer with her nephew she’s raising. Ryker and Willow are just perfect together. Their friendship is the foundation for this love journey they are on. Things are beautiful but trouble comes. Ryker has to stop the forces that are trying to break up his new family.

This was a beautiful friends to lovers book. There’s good laughs, sweet memories and dynamic sensual moments. What more can you ask for in a book. Kristen Proby has done it again. Kudos!!

**I received an advanced copy of the book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**

[Beth Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is refreshing. A hot, sexy as sin ex-hockey player finally tells his best friend that he has feelings for her and they take a chance on each other. Not only is Ryker dating Willow he is also dating Aiden in a way. He has become the father figure in Aiden's life and boy was that have a full circle moment. What a beautiful thing to see. I loved the way Ryker just made Willow and Aiden his. It was such a swoony moment in the book. And can we talk about all the spice! I loved when he said, "you taste like mine." Who is this man? And do not get me started on the tattoo. That about took me out!

Let's not forget Willow. She also had a pretty challenging childhood, and the Triple Creek Ranch became her safe haven. She also took Aiden in at such a young age, and the kid turned out pretty good.

Gideon. I cannot wait to read his story.

I really loved pretty much everything about this book, except for the Andy part, that was a slimy thing to do!

[Barbara-Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Proby delivers once again with another captivating 5-star read—my first of February.

Holy swoon-fest! Safe Haven, the story of Ryker and Willow, is a quietly beautiful gem. It’s low on drama but overflowing with heart, delivering that friends-to-lovers vibe seamlessly. The tender moments blend perfectly with just the right dash of spice. Speaking of spice, these two? Pure fireworks—electric, passionate, and downright sizzling! And sweet Aiden, his presence adds a wonderful layer to the story—I adored watching him slowly open up and embrace the love Willow offers so freely.

The audiobook, masterfully narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood, breathed life into every scene, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

With all these little glimpses into Gideon’s character, I’m seriously counting down the days until April 28th. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Haven is the first book in Kristen Proby’s Triple Creek Ranch series and features hockey player Ryker returning home to take over his adopted father’s ranch and his childhood best friend and her nephew coming to live with him.

I’m a huge fan of Proby’s small town romances especially when they are set in Montana and this one contained so many of my favorite romance book features. Ryker and Willow were perfect together and the low drama with their story fit for how well emotionally and physically connected they are. I also loved the genuine bond/protectiveness Ryker has for Aiden, Willow’s teenage nephew. He provided a safe place for Aiden at the ranch just like his adoptive parents provided for him and Gideon when they were around Aiden’s age.

I’m excited for Gideon’s story and can’t wait until April to find out how everything went down with his protective detail.


Thank you @kristenproby and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Haven was such a phenomenal book! I can't tell you enough how much I loved it. The writing and storyline were perfection, the characters were relatable, and the HEA was fantastic. This will definitely be a re-read!

Ryker and Willow have been best friends since they were teens. Watching them finally act on their feelings was everything. Willow has been raising her nephew, Aiden for years. He was so angry and when I found out why, I wanted to just hug him. His character grows so much. Ryker retired from the NHL and takes over his adoptive parents ranch. I loved how he took Aiden under his wing.

Willow was so selfless, sweet, and sassy. I just loved her. Ryker was attentive, protective, and loving. These two really did belong together. They were each other's safe place, their Safe Haven.

This book was completely unputdownable. I really loved the secondary characters as well. I can't wait for Gideon's book!

ARC review.

[IG | TorturedHeroesDept · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

The way I was sobbing by the end of chapter 1. The first 1/3 of the book was pretty emotional as we witnessed everyone fighting through their grief.

I’m good with the pining she had for him for 20 years. I think he also always liked her before he even admitted it to himself but suppressed it because of his adoptive parents. But I wish there would have been like a conversation or a hint from them to each other about their feelings before they started groping one another. That’s my only complaint for the book.

Getting a chapter by Aiden was so fun & I really enjoyed it. I’m hoping we get a book on him at some point.

I loooveee doing immersive reading. I was so excited to get both an ALC & ARC of this book. I cannot wait for book 2! It’s going to be sooo good.


What you’ll get:

Found Family
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Retired Professional Hockey Player
Single Guardian
Protective MMC

Thank you endlessly to Kristen for the ARC & ALC.