Safe House: Her Perfect Escape. Their Perfect hunting ground

by Toni Larue'

Isley thought she had found the perfect hiding spot. A secluded cabin deep in the woods, far from the reach of her abusive husband, seemed like the ideal place to escape. Desperate for safety and a chance to rebuild her life, she hoped the isolation would protect her.

But her new refuge hides an even greater danger. Across the road, a sadistic serial killer couple has taken shelter in another cabin, waiting out the storm. When their paths cross, Isley becomes the unwitting target of their twisted desires. What began as her sanctuary quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival.

As the killers close in, Isley must outwit and outlast them, drawing on every ounce of strength she has. In a battle where trust is a liability and escape seems impossible, will she survive the nightmare that has found her?

Safe House is a chilling, edge-of-your-seat thriller that proves even the safest places can harbor unimaginable horrors.

Genres: Thriller

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2025

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Safe House wasn’t so safe!

This story gripped me in from the very beginning from the moment Mrs. Edna opened that door! It was so evident that something sinister was lurking the entire time, but per usual in Toni Laure’s books there were many layers to unfold as the story progressed.

This book had the perfect premise set, remote cabin, creepy strangers lurking, and the infamous storm to keep you secluded, & I loved every minute. I also really enjoyed how this author effortlessly touched on some heavier topics such as domestic violence, and how bad learned behavior from childhood can carry into your adulthood.

Poor Isley just couldn’t catch a break! It was one thing after another, as she fought through these obstacles that she was facing. Throughout this whole story, I was fully invested in Isley and couldn’t help but wonder will she make it out of these impossible situations.

I definitely recommend this one, it not only brought all the thrills and chills, but it also brought all the “feels.” It will have some characters you will love, some you will despise, some that will have you yelling at your Kindle as if they can hear you! I literally needed a minute to digress about 50% in lol…

To sum it up…. For the title to be named Safe House, nobody was safe. This was one of Toni’s best that I’ve read!

Publication 🗓️ : 12.31.25

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yasssss!!!

Toni Larue' is a hell of a writer. This story was top tier, hands down. The action, the drama, the suspense.... It was everything I needed. Every time I finish one of her books I can't wait for the next one. Hurry please!!!

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Safe House
by: Toni Larue’
Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2025

My heart is literally racing right now! Safe House was a genuinely terrifying and unsettling read! I love dark content, but wow, this had me on the edge of my seat and my nerves are totally shattered. As someone who's been known to say that horror rarely disturbs me, Safe House made me eat my words!

The story kicks off with Isley (what a gorgeous name!) trying to escape her abusive husband while constantly second-guessing herself. This story went in a completely unexpected direction, and I absolutely loved it! Huge shoutout to the incredibly talented Toni LaRue for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy! What a privilege! Now, I seriously need something light to cleanse my palate. Whew!

[Tisa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! Action, and determination all throughout the book! Isley was a survivor and kept
Pushing herself. Being in an abusive marriage for too long made her feel like she could not do anything for herself.. she had no choice..good job Toni LaRue!! Thanks for letting me be a ARC reader for this up and coming new release!!

[Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs hold of you, wrapping you in a creeping sense of dread. You soon come to the unsettling realization that nowhere is truly safe; it’s just a comforting word we tell ourselves.

Isley, a young woman who has finally decided she’s had enough of her abusive husband, takes the brave step to leave. She understands that this might be her only chance to escape. She finds herself at a cabin in the woods, a place that was meant to be a refuge, but turns out to be anything but peaceful.

Enter Bo and Netta, a twisted couple with an unquenchable thirst for chaos and violence. A fateful encounter puts Isley right in their sights, turning her fight for survival into a desperate race against time.

The buildup is intense, and the scenes are vividly graphic, with horror and gore that really hit the mark. This book is a quick read; while it starts off slow, the action is relentless. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into more of her work! Her writing truly showcases her talent.

Thank you, Toni, for the opportunity to read this book—I’m genuinely grateful! Even though I missed the ARC deadline, I really appreciate your kindness in letting me experience this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe House was exactly the kind of action-packed read that keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime. From the first moment, the story threw me into vivid scenes that felt cinematic — I could practically see every narrow escape, every breathless moment, and every high-stakes decision as it unfolded. This wasn’t just suspense — it was a full-on pulse-racing journey.

What I loved most was how gripping the survival story was. There wasn’t a dull beat in the whole thing. Every chapter pulled me deeper: the tension, the danger, and the urgency never let up. It had that rare ability to make you feel like you’re right there beside the characters, fighting for every step forward.

The pacing was phenomenal — tight, intense, and relentless in all the right ways. Whether it was an unexpected twist, a threat around the corner, or a moment that made me catch my breath, Toni LaRue knows how to weave an edge-of-your-seat narrative that doesn’t let go until the very end.

If you love action, vivid storytelling, and a survival plot that grabs hold of you from start to finish, The Safe House is a must-read. I was completely locked in the entire time — and I absolutely loved it.

[Azriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up
This book was so suspenseful! I almost couldn’t read it late at night! The writing was so dark and eerie, it felt like I was in the story. Such a good read!
I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni, girl come to the stage please! Get this standing ovation.

Let me start by saying…. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC.. “HOW DID YOU EXPECT ME TO FINISH THIS BOOK AFTER CHAPTER 17?” I was traumatized. This book has so much drama from beginning to end. There were moments I had to put the book down and regroup. That game of HIDE-N-GO-SEEK had me on edge so bad. I was trying to get to a place to rest for sleep or NEVER came. I finished the rest of the book. If you are familiar with Toni Larue then what are you doing with yourself!?!

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni Toni Toni!! First and foremost sis, thank you for allowing me to be apart of #teamarc for this read. Second, like I told you on IG. I still need time to forgive you, for you KNOW WHAT, and you KNOW WHO! 😩😭😭😭😭

Baby! While I’m somewhat in a better place with my fear of snakes… that part about sent me into outer SPACEEEE! Whew! 😅 Her reaction was exactly mine!

This story truly was a page turner. Baby it’s 4:30 am right now. And I wasn’t going to bed until I was finished. This was that edge of your seat. Hand over the mouth, hold your breath type shit. Hell had me feeling like I needed to duck and hide.

5 ⭐️ s!!!!

[Celeste celestially_yours Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller girlies this one is for you. This one had me on the edge of my seat it was such wild ride. Fast-paced with thoughtful writing that puts you right into the minds of our main characters. This one reminds me of a mix of “Sleeping With The Enemy” and an episode of “Special Victims Unit”, but make it black. Was it predictable for the most part which for me was part of the enjoyment of waiting for it all to play out. Were there a few surprises? yep! Definitely worth the read!!!

[Thee Spicy Pisces · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was rooting for Isley from start to finish!! Imagine leaving one hell only to find yourself in another one… except this time, you don’t know your devil.

Isley thought she was finally free, but her vulnerability and naivety got her into some more shit, more dangerous and life threatening.
Isley finds herself in a situation where she has to make a decision to continue being a victim or finally fight back!!

This story had me so engrossed and on the edge of my seat as I wondered what was going to happen next!

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuthin SAFE about this house...

First and foremost, the entire beginning while I was reading it, I was like, oh, Isley must not be one of US LOL like, ain't no way 😂 so like a few chapters in, I need it to know. I was told she definitely was, but I'm sorry, I cannot be convinced. At the very LEAST she is mixed because the way every WHOLE sista I know woulda looked at that woman seven shades of sideways when she said, "gonna send you into the woods." Nah. No thank you. I need you to find me a nice, well populated, upscale resort and then we can discuss it. So as far as I'm concerned, the other half of her MIXED side said, sure let's go into the woods. 👀
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, Toni needs a literary time-out and therapy for some of the things she did to a couple of those characters. And if we're being real, the entire book needed a new title because this was the LEAST safe house in the tri-state area. But I guess that's what made it such a fun read! It was super suspenseful and totally chaotic in the best ways possible

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe House gave me Enough meets Natural Born Killers energy and I absolutely devoured it. From the jump, the tension is thick and it never really lets you breathe — the pacing is fast, the stakes keep climbing, and there’s this constant undercurrent of something is about to go very wrong.

What really sold me was the FMC. Her determination and resilience? Top tier. She’s pushed, tested, and thrown into increasingly disturbing situations, but she keeps going in a way that feels raw and believable. You’re not just watching the chaos — you’re feeling every desperate decision right along with her.

And fair warning: there are several moments that are unsettling and intense… but in that can’t-look-away, thriller-lover kind of way. If you like your books a little dark, a little gritty, and packed with tension, this one will be right up your alley.

Definitely one for readers who love survival vibes, high-stress scenarios, and morally messy situations.

Thriller readers — don’t sleep on this one. 👀🔥

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing was safe…

Toni what an awesome read. Page after page just had to know what was going on. Mrs. Edna really had me ready to come through the book on her because ma’am i needed you to be smarter.

Isley really needed not only a win but to truly feel free and safe. Richard abuses his power due to him being a cop. That just screams eek when a man that should be protecting takes it out on the people that love him most. Everywhere Isley turned something was not right. And i know it can feel like a lot at once which it was. However, this story has me thinking that sometimes we all need a reminder or remember just how strong we are. Isley didn’t come that far for no reason. She has a good heart. Shannon had me looking at her sideways because you just never know. Better safe than sorry.

Bo and Netta are just pure mayhem. Their backstory was good and gives us insight on how they’ve become this way. No matter what they’re still wrong.

I recommend.

[Arika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - This was a fast, page-turning thriller about a woman who escapes an abusive relationship, only to find herself in an even more terrifying situation when she crosses paths with a serial killer couple. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never really let up.

The action starts early, and the tension stays high throughout the book. It truly delivers on the psychological thriller aspect, not just through violence or shock, but through fear, manipulation, and survival.

What stood out to me most was how the story challenged the idea of weakness. The main character is often perceived as vulnerable, but she shows incredible strength, resilience, and determination in the face of extreme danger. Watching her fight to survive was both intense and empowering.

Overall, Safe House is gripping, unsettling, and hard to put down. If you like thrillers with nonstop momentum and strong female characters, this one is worth the read.

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller! I read it all in one day because I simply could not put it down.

I loved seeing the progression of the main character, Isley, from a woman who was desperately seeking safety and shelter from her abusive husband to a woman who found inner strength and became strong enough to defend herself against a group of ruthless, unhinged killers.

The twists, turns, and nonstop suspense kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I truly enjoyed every moment of this read. And that ending… that epilogue?! All I can say is Noooo! I really hope Isley finally got some closure because that lady Netta is crazy enough to keep coming back(IYKYK).

Overall, this was a great read that I would recommend to all who love to read thrillers that will have you saying, “Just one more page!”

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
Action-Filled Thriller
Edge-of-Your-Seat Action
Small Town
Mystery and Secrets
Lots of Twists and Turns

[Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this was my first read of 2026 and its was a great start. Now if you are someone who likes to yell at a book/its characters this is definitely a must read. We follow mainly Isley a broken woman trying to escape her P.O.S. husband. What she thinks is a place to rest until she figures out her next move, turns out to be another instance where she is not safe and she will be faced with giving up or finally fighting back. Toni gives us a story where you definitely want to see the woman win but also you want to see the FMC get all her licks back in many ways. If you like a fast pace thriller story where you are thrusted into the story PICK THIS UP and prepare to yell at Isley. There were a fewer instances where I had to say WTF lol…. It’s all in good reading. Definitely recommend!!!

[Chams Bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story was so weird but it was also nice. i wanted nesta and bo to be alive for the rest of the book cause I thought they were the main characters but turns out they weren’t and I liked the relationship between them, but I am happy with the ending. I thought Shannon was gonna die, but she wasn’t. I’m glad the story ended that way. Nesta and Bo at the end pissed me off. also the third perspective was kinda hard to understand which perspective we’re looking at because there are so many. I am so sad about that one shop guy Dying. I forgot his name but I’m so sad about it. like he was such a sweet guy. I liked how it started

[S.B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni!! NEVER disapponts!!

I always get excited when I see Toni is about to drop a new book because I know it's going to be good and full of thrilling suspense. She did not disappoint at all! Without giving away spoilers, we meet a woman who gets help escaping her abu_s!v3 spouse. What is supposed to be a getaway for her to get her mind and her life together turns into something far more sinister when she meets a couple of "friendly" neighbors. She unknowingly leaves one dangerous situation, only to get mixed up in another. You have to check this one out. You will NOT be disappointed.

[Lauralyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A really good, action-packed read that pulled me in from the first chapter and never slowed down. The story stays engaging from start to finish, and what is happening at every turn keeps you invested. The antagonists are deeply disturbing and very well written, adding real tension throughout. The protagonist’s journey is moving and gives the book a strong emotional core. A 5 out of 5!!

[GREEDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a huge thanks to the author for letting me get my hands on this book early(ARC) second Im literally speechless my jaw was on the floor the whole time, while reading.This story was wild! I just kept wanting more. I had to pause and breathe a few times because I honestly thought I was reading a movie script.Girl, I loved every single thing about this book. If you're looking for some seriously juicy, real-life plot twists, this is your read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Isley COULD NOT catch a break!

I loved that this had me on edge the entire time. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, and the horror of it all. There were just a few chapters where I wanted more. Certain scenes could’ve been a little darker, a little deeper and they would’ve really pulled on my emotions. But the author does a great job with covering the sensitive topic of domestic violence. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I could not put it down.

[Maresha Braswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe house?

Chile….nowhere is actually safe. The tension is nonstop, the twists keep coming, and just when you think the characters can relax boom another mess unfolds.The pacing is quick, the drama is messy (in the best way), and the suspense stays high from start to finish. Every decision feels risky, every character feels questionable, and trusting anyone is basically a bad idea. I loved this read by Toni Larue’

[Kaylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me wrought with anxiety from the first page to the last. Isley desperate to escape seemed to jump from the frying pan right into the fire. And she didn't even feel the heat until it was too late. Toni Larue spells it a take that will have you turning pages nonstop.

Isley didn't believe in the word 'safe' and after reading this I'm not sure I do either.

EyeCu Reading Approved

[Cocoabookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well Toni has done it again! Loved this suspenseful, heart pounding thriller! From the first page I was hooked and the story never lost its pace.

Our main Character is running from a dangerous situation and ends up in a worse one. But Shannon wasn’t here for the BS and held it down. This was a great read!

[Elonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you, for the ARC copy! This book is amazingly good! It is so suspenseful and enthralling! The epilogue captivated me, the tension and suspense kept me turning page after page until the very end. I loved the characters, their actions were so believable. Place this book on your list to read the moment it is released!

[Nikole · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was hooked. A small town, a bad storm, and a woman running from her husband is a bad combination; especially when he’s a police officer. With no where to run, Isley goes to Safe Haven Domestic Shelter for help and ends up in more danger. If you’re looking for a fast paced intense thriller, READ SAFE HOUSE. I enjoy Toni Larué novels for the thrill and plot.

[Teara · Rating 4 out of 5]

❗️❗️This is a “ARC Review”❗️❗️❗️Isley, the main character, is running from an emotionally and physically abusive marriage to Richard. She seeks refuge in the mountains, hoping for a safe escape far from her abusive husband— or so she believes." This psychological thriller packs a real punch❗️❗️❗️❗️it’s eerie,chilling and gripping from beginning to the end.

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Adrenaline Rush!

I absolutely loved it! The buildup, the tension, the action and suspense…. This was a certified thrill ride that had me on the of my seat. The isolation, the atmosphere, and the sheer madness of the antagonists made for a high stakes, intense battle for survival that was a thrill to read and one that would play out beautifully on the big screen.

[Ginny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off on edge with MC Isley trying to escape her dangerous past. She should've been safe in cozy, secluded cabin next to nowhere. Yet safety was nowhere to be found. Was it her past that caught up to her or a new terror?

Gripping from beginning to end. Keep both arms within the car for this intense journey.