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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.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2026

1420 people are currently reading
7658 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Proby

141 books16.5k followers
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.

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5 stars
1,695 (48%)
4 stars
1,151 (33%)
3 stars
507 (14%)
2 stars
91 (2%)
1 star
34 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,846 reviews152 followers
not-happening
February 21, 2026
Claims his heart has always belonged to heroine, but, apparently, his dick was fair game.
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,700 reviews4,521 followers
February 27, 2026
More ranches and cowboys from Kristen Proby? Heck yes!

Three broken young people who become best friends and siblings and each other's people? Also, heck yes!

And now, the man who brought them all together has passed on and left them the ranch they all grew up on. Bringing Ryker, Gideon, and Willow home to visit and maybe to stay, once and for all.

Well, at least Ryker will, at the start. He's ready to retire from professional hockey and take up the family ranch. Continuing the legacy that saved him as a kid. That brings him close to Willow and her nephew, Aiden. He's always been into Willow and now she's close enough to touch, but Gideon warns him to be very careful and not fuck up their family. Not that Gideon is ever around anymore to see it, so...

When Aiden, her nephew she adopted, starts having trouble in school, Willow asks Ryker to put him to work on the ranch. Like her uncle did for Ry, back in the day. Ryker agrees, and quickly finds a way to get Willow staying out at the ranch too. She's an audiobook narrator and he builds her a freaking studio so she can do her work!

This was just a sweet, sexy, heartwarming romance. It had all the hallmarks of a great Kristen Proby and even had a Montgomery cameo! I loved the connection between these two and I REALLY liked once things started to heat up! Wowza!

I also can't wait for Gideon's romance. The tease about his job and what he goes through near the end of this one... His book can't come soon enough!

This was narrated in dual style by Connor Crais & Savannah Peachwood. They were so good, as usual and this book just flew by!

4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Death of a parent, parental abandonment, bullying, blackmail, and more

*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC and a physical ARC of this title.*
Profile Image for Ann.
130 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2026
2,5⭐️ It’s okay, but in a “five hours on a plane” kind of way
Profile Image for Melanie Walker.
489 reviews20 followers
February 14, 2026
ARC/ALC Review: 5⭐️
Safe Haven is book 1 in the Triple Creek Ranch Series featuring Ryker & Willow.

At fffteen years old, Ryker comes to stay with the James’ family with another teenage boy Gideon. They meet the couples niece Willow and the 3 of them become thick as thieves. Eventually Ryker & Gideon are adopted by Ray and Debbie and they become brothers.

Now, Ryker is a veteran NHL hockey player and has been thinking more and more about retiring. When he gets a call that his Father is in the hospital he races home to Montana and makes it just in time to say goodbye. Ray’s passing is the deciding factor on his retirement decision and he plans to move home to keep the ranch running.

Willow is an audiobook narrator and is the guardian to her teenage nephew Aiden. She has been close with Ryker and Gideon since the moment they met as teens but there’s always been something different about her relationship with Ryker.

After Aiden gets himself into trouble at school, Willow asks Ryker to give him a job on the ranch for the summer. Since they live an hour away, she drives him back and forth everyday and it starts to take a toll on her.

When Ryker renovates the house on fbe property, he builds Willow a recording studio and asks her to stay on the ranch for the summer so she can be close to Aiden and not have to drive back and forth multiple times a day.

Willow & Aiden move to the ranch for the summer and the close proximity between Ryker & Willow puts pressure on the feelings they’ve always had for one another.

Can Ryker convince Willow to move to the ranch full time before the end of summer and to give their relationship a real shot? Or will outside sources cause issues and drive them apart?

This book was phenomenal and I loved absolutely everything about it ! The storyline for these characters was perfection and I gotta say everyone needs a Ryker James in their life! I’m already chomping at the bit for Gideon’s story because I know it too will be so good !

I had the opportunity to enjoy the audiobook for this release which was the icing on this fabulous cake! It was preformed in dual narration by Connor Crais & Savannah Peachwood and they knocked it put of the park!

I’d like to thank Kristen and her Publisher for the opportunity to read / listen to this amazing story and I look forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Anca A.
519 reviews48 followers
February 23, 2026
#Review: *Safe Haven* - Kristen Proby - ARC/ALC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️

Ryker and Gideon have been taken under the wing of a lovely couple, who completely changed their lives. Both of them were troubled kids, with no families left and being part of this new one was one of the best things that could have happened to them, after so much hurt and uncertainty. There, these two met sweet Willow and the connection between them was super cute and stood strong over the years.

Years have passed and they kept their amazing friendship, but each of them went on their own path. That was until a tragic moment brought Ryker and Willow back together, to deal with everything that resulted from that event. But the close proximity brought to the surface some unknown feelings inside them, being afraid of what was going to happen if they'll just give into them. Will their friendship be at risk?

This was for sure one of my favorite books by Kristen. I simply adooored that angst which was present in story and the sweet love story which formed between Ryker and Willow. I liked that things were a bit complicated by Aiden's presence, her young nephew who Willow has raised. Everything that happened was at the same time so sweet, but also challenging, never being able to get bored of this story. I liked that it had a complex plot and round characters, who have been through so much, but they were still fighting to live a good life, in spite of all those hard moments from they've been through.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood were flawless, offering us such an amazing experience! The emotion they had was so beautiful and I looved that they were able to make me smile, but also that I could feel that angst which was present in this story. Even though this is not a duet narration, I had a great time listening to these two, having the cutest way of transforming their voices.

I really loved this story and its characters, being hooked from the beginning by everything this book meant. It was really emotional, sweet, full of challenges and quite spicy. Please check the triggers of this book before reading it, because there might be a couple of them which could bother readers.

So grateful to be part of Kristen's ARC team for this book and I need to thank her for making it possible.🩵

✨Tropes
▫️Returning To Hometown
▫️Best Friends To Lovers
▫️Tragic Past
▫️Angst
▫️Small Town Romance
▫️Close Proximity
▫️Hockey Player
▫️Sports Romance
Profile Image for Mysti.
1,346 reviews28 followers
February 5, 2026
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
Profile Image for Amy.
2,696 reviews2,035 followers
February 7, 2026


Safe Haven is a sweet, low angst friends to lovers romance and a really strong start to Kristen Proby’s new series. The story leans hard into found family, second chances, and emotional safety, with a cozy ranch setting that grounds the romance beautifully. Ryker and his longtime best friend, Willow have a quiet, deeply rooted connection that feels earned, not rushed, and the added layer of caring for a troubled nephew brings real heart to the story. On audio, Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood are an elite pairing, both bring so much passion and emotional depth to their performances, elevating the tenderness and longing at the core of the story. A comforting, heartfelt listen that sets the stage perfectly for what’s to come, and I’m already excited to spend more time with this cast as the series continues.
Profile Image for Ruth_Reads1.
295 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2026
Safe Haven is a sweet, low‑angst friends‑to‑lovers romance set in a cosy small town. Ryker and Willow are both in their thirties and already have an easy friendship, and watching that shift into something more is gentle and satisfying. Ryker’s a retired hockey‑player‑turned‑rancher and Willow’s an audiobook narrator, and I liked the small ways he supports her work.

Willow’s role as guardian to her 15 year old nephew Aiden gives the book real heart. His growth throughout the story is lovely to see, and the way Ryker fits into their little family feels natural and warm. There’s a secret tattoo and a hero who quietly falls fast.

Overall, it’s a comforting, low‑drama read with a strong focus on family and friendship.
Profile Image for Lori Leaf.
472 reviews41 followers
February 22, 2026
3.5 stars

Things I loved:
🌲Set in Paradise Valley, Montana
🌲She’s an audiobook narrator and loves listening to Jason Clarke
🌲The protectiveness both Ryker & Willows nephew Gideon had for her.
🌲The emotions felt while reading. From its always been you, to terror during storms, to retiring and choosing family duty over career to knowing you’ve found your love and family. I felt the gammit and loved the journey my emotions went on.

Overall I enjoyed the story and “it’s always been you” story. Willow was not my favorite though.
Profile Image for Kaylee Salsbury-Nelson.
676 reviews87 followers
Read
February 16, 2026
There was a lot that I really enjoyed about this book! The small town was great, and the relationship between Ryker, Willow, and Aiden (the nephew) was so beautiful. I loved watching the development of Aiden through the book. The romance was cute, and the spice was good...but sometimes the descriptive language felt very cringy. I think "folds" were used a few times...a couple of "nubs", and there was one other phrase I just totally blocked from my memory that threw me for a loop in the worst way.

All that said, this was a quick and easy listen. The narration was amazing, hard to go wrong when Connor Crais is involved, and I will 100000% plan to read/listen to more books in this series.

3.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶 | 🎧
Profile Image for Mandy (Bookishlove85).
1,022 reviews81 followers
February 26, 2026
4.5 stars. This book had so much of my fave things in it! Friends to lovers, found family, hockey player turned full time rancher, and she is an audiobook narrator?! Kristen’s books always fly by too fast but it was so well done!! Ryker James the man that he is. Can’t wait to read more about Gideon!
Profile Image for Shana .
429 reviews75 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
4.5⭐️ | 3🌶
I really enjoyed the start of Kristen's new series. It felt like a Kristen book but different - a good different. I loved the found family dynamic and getting lost in this world. Aiden's experiences broke
my heart and I'm so glad he had Micah and his family. Thank you to Kristen for the arc.
625 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
????? DID WE READ THE SAME BOOK? How does this book have a 4+ rating right now?? This had the bones for something good but the writing was at best mediocre and so much of the dialogue between the characters was cringy and juvenile. Literally had to skim so much of the intimate scenes, especially after she gets that text message with the pictures. Also there was no sketching out of any of the characters, it was just lines of “factual” dialogue- DONT TELL ME SHOW ME!!! I’m so irate, I can’t believe this book is getting so many 5 star reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
53 reviews
February 19, 2026
Safe Haven was a mixed experience for me—there were elements I genuinely enjoyed, and others that left me frustrated in ways I wish romance authors would finally retire.

I’ve never been a fan of the “quietly pining for years” dynamic, especially when it’s not truly unrequited but rather one character being oblivious to their own feelings. It’s not my favorite tension-builder, and here it sometimes felt more irritating than romantic. That said, I did appreciate that both characters were actually living their own lives. Given the distance and the different paths they were on, it made sense that things didn’t happen earlier.

What really didn’t work for me was the man‑whore trope—particularly when the MMC is supposed to be close to the FMC and harboring feelings he’s ignoring or lying to himself about. It feels disrespectful to everyone involved, and in this book it comes back in a way that’s genuinely gross and violating. I wish this trope would be retired for good.

On the positive side, Willow was a fantastic FMC—strong, grounded, and easy to root for. And once she and Ryker finally got together, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how bossy Ryker was, but only in the bedroom, and how that dynamic stayed respectful and balanced. Their relationship felt natural once they finally went for it, and I appreciated that it wasn’t treated like a big secret or dragged into unnecessary drama.

The found family aspect was one of my favorite parts of the story, even though I wish it hadn’t been surrounded by so much death and grief. I especially loved how both Willow and Ryker claimed Aiden as their own without hesitation—it felt organic and deeply earned. I’m hoping we eventually get a novella or book about Aiden as an adult; there’s so much potential there.

I’m also looking forward to Gideon’s book, though I’m not thrilled about how young the FMC is when they first meet or how judgmental he can and his found family are towards the future FMC before truly knowing her. It made him and them harder to like.

The pacing dragged toward the end, even though I liked the couple together. The story could’ve wrapped up sooner without losing anything. And honestly, this book felt like it came out of nowhere—loosely connected to the Montgomerys in Seattle, but not really tied to the previous series the way I expected.

Still, once the leads finally got together, they were great. Their chemistry, their dynamic, and the way their relationship unfolded were all highlights. A solid read with some standout emotional moments, even if weighed down by tropes and choices that didn’t always work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Carey.
516 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 17, 2026
So I went in totally blind not knowing what this one was about, not reading tropes or blurb, and I am so glad I did!! The plot had me hooked from the start and the friends to lovers trope was so perfectly done!! I enjoyed this one so much!

Ryker and Willow both grew up on Triple Creek Ranch together and became fast friends. They grew up and Ryker moved on as a professional hockey player, while Willow stuck close to become sole guardian of her nephew. Through the years they never lost their close bond and friendship. Circumstances bring Ryker back home and spending quality time with Willow is making feelings he had buried resurface and he realizes that maybe he isn't alone.

Ryker and Willow's friendship was such a joy to read about. They have a connection that was so real and the love they had for each other only grew as they began to truly fall for each other. Willow's nephew, Aiden, was a highlight of this story. He had been through so much and Ryker could relate to him in a way Willow couldn't. I loved how Ryker took care of them without hesitation. They were both his and he was going to protect them at all costs. This was swoony and sexy and emotional and I loved it!! Also I need Gideon's story ASAP!!

AUDIO: This was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais and they were wonderful! Every emotion and swoony moment was done so well!! And Connor cast as a protective MMC is my favorite!! His tone and growl is AMAZING!

-Small Town
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Single Guardian
-Retired Hockey Star x Audiobook Narrator
-Found Family
-Mutual Pining
-Protective MMC
-Who did this to you?

Thank You Kristen, Netgalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC and ALC!
Profile Image for Alison.
405 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2026
You’re my safe place!

If you love the best friends to lovers and single guardian tropes, there is a lot to enjoy here. I’m an absolute sucker for a small-town ranch setting and found family, and this book delivered those particular vibes in spades. The FMC, Willow, is a standout in the story. She is a total mama bear who would do anything for her “family.” She brings so much heart to the story, and the found family support system was a highlight of the book. The MMC, Ryker, is a bit of a mixed bag for me though. He was mostly likable but his egotistical streak and playboy past felt a little irritating at times. I ate up his alpha “take charge” ways but his bossy side in the bedroom made me wince more than swoon. The best friends to lovers chemistry was definitely burning up the pages though. 🥵 The ranch setting was cozy, but the plot, though sweet and entertaining, was quite predictable at times. While I appreciated the lack of a traditional third-act breakup, the late-story "wobble" had a bit of an ick factor for me. This is a solid 3-star read and is perfect if you’re looking for a fairly low angst read where the couple actually communicates and works through their problems all the way to their satisfying HEA at the end.
Profile Image for Brittany Rudd.
227 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2026
I don’t even know what to say. I’m already sad this book is over and I want to read it again. And I also need the next book, please and thank you. In all seriousness, this book was amazing. Beginning to end, I fell in love with the story, the characters and the chemistry. Thank you to Kristen Proby and her team for giving me a chance to read this early. It was absolutely amazing.
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
272 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
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
2,232 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
3 stars
Predictable plot. Main characters are okay. Kind of stereotypes.
Ryker always did it for Willow. From the day they met. Interesting that Gideon was always brother material but she loved Ryker at first sight.
There’s an ok flow to the story. The intimate scenes are many and repetitive. I skimmed those after the first couple.
Not too much angst here. It was obvious the villain from the start.
Very interested in getting Gideon’s story next.
Profile Image for Cara Blankenship.
30 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
Such a cozy fun book and the tension was written well! I felt like some of it was a little one dimensional with the character arcs but honestly it still worked for me
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,158 reviews1,369 followers
March 3, 2026
3.5 Stars

Sorry but was a bit put off by her having to see the pics of him fucking other women, even if in the past before then being together, and if not taking by him, no woman should should have that in their brain, ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,478 reviews44 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
Safe Haven is book 1 in the Triple Creek Ranch series and I am absolutely obsessed. Kristen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, her stories are so immaculate, so emotional, so beautiful, funny with the best banter. I am just absolutely in love. Every single second of this book was perfect. It consumed me right from the start and was impossible to put down. The story was so much fun to follow but didn't miss out on the deep emotional aspect. There were some funny and absolutely swoon worthy moments throughout. I can't wait for the next book!

Willow & Ryker had the absolute best relationship as friends and their transition to lovers was immaculate. It was slow, kind, real and always respectful. It was so emotional to watch them fall in love with one another and to just finally open themselves to it. With all their baggage and history together, it was just so heartwarming. It made their bond just so strong, the way he took in Aiden as his own made my heart melt at every single turn. Willow stepped up by taking her nephew under her care and she did a phenomenal job raising him but adding Ryker to the mix just solidified their family even more. One of my favorite love stories 💚

Overall, this was an absolute stellar start to a new series and I can only see it going up from here. These characters already own a piece of my heart and soul. Kristen I don't know what kind of sorcery is in your books, I'm obsessed!

🎧 The narration by Savannah Beachwood & Connor Crais.. I mean you can't get a more perfect cast! They were both phenomenal and absolutely perfect for the characters. They brought the story to life, the characters, the emotions. They definitely knocked it out of the park. Honestly, I had butterflies a few times at MR. Crais’s dirty talk because man that man knows how to make a girl swoon🫠 Savannah could read me the phone book and is be happy 🤣 Phenomenal!

✨️ Thank you to @mustloveaudio, @netgalley & @kristenproby for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jocelynereadsromance.
887 reviews41 followers
February 20, 2026
Kristen Proby's newest release, Safe Haven, is absolute magical bliss! Kristen Proby is a must read author who with each novel I am so delighted to fall into her world and revile in a deep and meaningful romance! Proby's tone is conversational and comforting, her characters easily blossom on the page, and the romance and day to day situations are relatable. Safe Haven is a wonderful love story and a truly beautiful representation of Kristen Proby in her element, and why I will always be a faithful reader!

This novel is the first in Proby's Triple Creek Ranch, and it is a best friends to lovers story. Ryker and Willow have been best friends since the age of 15 when Ryker and Gideon, two foster kids, come to work on the James' ranch, owned by Willow's aunt and uncle. What unfolds is a beautiful story of hope as Ryker and Gideon find a forever home and a friendship with Willow and each other that defies the anger of young and misunderstood youth. Proby easily brings the reader into the world and understanding without spending a long time in the past, because the truth of this story lives in the present. This romance about rebuilding and opening a new chapter of life. Ryker is retiring as a Hockey star and rebuilding his family's ranch after the lose of his parents, and Willow is challenged with the changes in her son (Aiden), her nephew who is at a challenging moment in his teenage years. This is also a new chapter for Ryker as he sees Willow in this new light. I loved watching the easy of their romance play out, and that in moments of conflict Proby has them work through their anger and frustration together. This show such a beautiful openness and communication between them. This romance is sensual and sexy. The strength and love is so palpable as Ryker, Willow and Aiden build their new family together.

If you are looking to fall in love and expense the comfort of found family than look no further than Safe Haven! You are sure to fall for this family and be left with a full heart.

Thank you so much to Kristen Proby and her team for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
1,038 reviews118 followers
March 2, 2026
Okay, so this is a story that starts with 2 boys and 1 girl who go to a ranch in Montana when they are young as a foster situation. They grow up together.

As adults, the leads, Willow and Ryker, realize their relationship is changing and they fall in love and have LOTS of sex. I can handle that storyline, even though it skirts the line a bit sibling-ish for me.

But the weirdest part of this story was the semi romantic vibes between Willow and the OTHER foster brother. Towards the end of this book I legitimately thought that I had inadvertently stumbled into a why-choose-reverse-harem-foster-siblings-after-dark romance.

Willow and the OTHER foster brother kiss each other on the head and cheek a lot, call each other "handsome" and "baby girl", and it's all just a bit TOO CLOSE for me. I was definitely feeling the ick by the end. And these three all have the same last name and live on the same family ranch and.... yeah.

When the FMC's wedding is her getting walked down the aisle by her foster brother to marry her other foster brother and her foster son (who is her estranged sister's kid) is the best man for the foster brother she's marrying is when it's TIME TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN.

The reader never knows why the FMC and MMC have such a different relationship. We don't see much character development at all, just a series of shitty life circumstances punctuated by too many sex scenes.

Besides this glaring ick there was a lot of repetitive writing, to the point where it started to feel lazy. And listen, I love a good nickname but these two calling each other by cutesy pet names 17,000 times was a lot.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: past parent abandonment
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
Profile Image for Amanda (_sunshine_reads_) Hengen.
542 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 6, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Kristin - The Literal Gal.
413 reviews47 followers
February 17, 2026
[Safe Haven]

This was such a quick, sweet, and swoony romance. I went in completely blind and was hooked on the story instantly. I binged this one is less than 24 hours and didn't want to put it down.

I loved the three musketeers and their backstory. They found each other and safety in Triple Creek Ranch. They had such a strong bond and it seriously rocked the boat when Ryker and Willow started giving into their feelings for each other. I also really enjoyed Willow's relationship with her nephew. She was seriously struggling as a single guardian to a teenager. Their story added another layer to the romance that made it really special.

Check this one out if you love...
✨ Small Town
✨ Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨ Single Guardian
✨ Retired Hockey Player turned Cowboy
✨ Protective Hero

📚Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Spice Rating: ❤️-❤️‍🔥

🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood narrated this audiobook and I really enjoyed it! Connor was a standout for me- I loved his voice and the way he read the male chapters. He just felt like Ryker in the best way!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘺, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘓𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️‍🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla
Profile Image for Katie.
74 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 17, 2026
Kristen delivers such a solid romance again! I honestly do not know how she does it. All of her books are such easy comfort reads for me, that have me rooting for characters and keep my attention. Safe Haven is a childhood friends to lovers, single guardian, blend of hockey and cowboy romance. It got a great balance of swoon, spice, baggage, drama, and sweetness. I especially liked to see Ryker and Willow's first fight play out, Aiden come out of his shell and the growth of his relationship with Willow.

I'm really excited to see if any female friendships develop in the next book of Triple Creek Ranch because I was missing a bit of Kristen's stellar girl gang that was such a banger in the Blackwell series. There's also a theme of grief and loss that is the foundation to this whole story. Ryker and Aiden share this grief over the last of their birth parents, all of them (including Gideon the mmc in book 2) grapple with it over the loss of Ray, Ryker's adoptive dad and Willow's uncle. I'm hoping there's more to come as they all work through this because I wanted more and wasn't ready to leave the ranch.

What you'll get:
🏒Best friends to lovers
🏒Hockey Star
🏒Audiobook Narrator
🏒Single Guardian
🏒Found Family
🏒Who Hurt You
🏒Protective MMC
🏒So much swoon!

I voluntarily read this arc.
Profile Image for Sarah.
103 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2026
OMG THIS WAS SO GOOD!

This story was so beautiful and sweet and perfectly spicy! Seriously the mouth on Ryker will have you sweating!

But what I loved most about this book was the found family. All these characters are brought together by tough circumstances, and they all find their home on this ranch and with each other.

Watching Ryker and Willow finally give into their decades long feelings was so satisfying. And I absolutely loved seeing Aiden bond with Ryker, open up to Willow, and fall in love with the ranch. They, along with Gideon, make the most beautiful patchwork family.

This book just felt like a warm hug and I can't wait to be back on the ranch with them all. After what we saw of him in this book, I just know Gideon's book is going to be incredible! Y'all know I love me a quiet, closed off, grumpy MMC.

Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood were incredible! Two of my favorites taking me through all the feels and making this wonderful book even better!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Best Friend to Lovers
Pro-Hockey MMC
Audiobook Narrator FMC
Single Guardian
Found Family
Who Hurt You
Protective MMC
So Much Swoon
Profile Image for Alexandra.
359 reviews71 followers
February 8, 2026
Kristen is back with a new 2 book series, Triple Creek Ranch. This is the first book and tells Ryker and Willow’s story. The second book will come out in the spring.

He returns home after a tragedy to the ranch that saved him as a teenager. There he connects with his best friend in a whole new way. He’s an ex hockey star and she’s raising her teenage nephew. They both have their fair share of distractions but through it all can’t seem to fight the attraction they share.

A quick romance for anyone who enjoys second chances and emotional storylines with no shortage of drama.


“You’re it for me. You’re in the marrow of my bones, seeped into every broken crack of my being. You smooth out my rough edges. You always have, since the first day I met you. You’re all I want, and all I need, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”
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