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Haven: A dark why choose lesbian romance
Not yet published
Expected 28 Aug 26Blurb coming soon
date just a place holder
date just a place holder
- GenresLesbian
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2025
beta read, review to come
Review of advance copy received from Author
So if you know C.L. Smokes work you know you are in for a good ride. This is a spicy dark romance so definitely check the trigger warnings first your mental health is more important than a book.
You have guys being twats from the start and the MC not accepting it and right near the beginning you have spice with one of the female love interests.
I love the mysterious elements too like who is this unknown person? Why are they obsessed with Rory? Does she know who this person is? So many questions that make you want to read on.
It’s amazing to see how well the flashbacks are written you get an insight into each character to find out who they are and the trauma they experienced it makes you feel like you are with the character in that moment themselves. I love that you get the personalities and their back stories of each different character coming through. It’s nice seeing the multiple POVs. We love a healthy representation of mental health and that it is absolutely okay to get help and go to therapy if it is needed. It doesn’t feel forced it is written in a way that it feels like it definitely belongs which is incredible to see.
I also love the chemical research that was carried out for this book makes my chemistry science heart very happy to see the accuracy. Men just have to ruin everything don’t they?
The plot twists in this book are done so well that you feel you have to keep reading to find out what happened.
I’m so glad Vesper is finally confessing her feelings for Rory it’s nice seeing her embrace them. But Widow really needs to let her walls down and accept her feelings for Rory everyone would be happier if she did.
That cliffhanger what???? Daddy Vesper? Is this “Prince Charming” a previous Viper? There’s so many unanswered questions and I am so ready for Vesper now. Absolutely incredible book with so many twists and so much spice, although if this was mild I am so excited for the rest of the books. Once again C.L.Smoke has left us gripping at the edge of our seats with this huge cliffhanger. The Vexed Vipers have quickly become a fave and I will now be counting down to the next books.
You have guys being twats from the start and the MC not accepting it and right near the beginning you have spice with one of the female love interests.
I love the mysterious elements too like who is this unknown person? Why are they obsessed with Rory? Does she know who this person is? So many questions that make you want to read on.
It’s amazing to see how well the flashbacks are written you get an insight into each character to find out who they are and the trauma they experienced it makes you feel like you are with the character in that moment themselves. I love that you get the personalities and their back stories of each different character coming through. It’s nice seeing the multiple POVs. We love a healthy representation of mental health and that it is absolutely okay to get help and go to therapy if it is needed. It doesn’t feel forced it is written in a way that it feels like it definitely belongs which is incredible to see.
I also love the chemical research that was carried out for this book makes my chemistry science heart very happy to see the accuracy. Men just have to ruin everything don’t they?
The plot twists in this book are done so well that you feel you have to keep reading to find out what happened.
I’m so glad Vesper is finally confessing her feelings for Rory it’s nice seeing her embrace them. But Widow really needs to let her walls down and accept her feelings for Rory everyone would be happier if she did.
That cliffhanger what???? Daddy Vesper? Is this “Prince Charming” a previous Viper? There’s so many unanswered questions and I am so ready for Vesper now. Absolutely incredible book with so many twists and so much spice, although if this was mild I am so excited for the rest of the books. Once again C.L.Smoke has left us gripping at the edge of our seats with this huge cliffhanger. The Vexed Vipers have quickly become a fave and I will now be counting down to the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2026
ARC Review!
I have some pros and cons to this book, so I’ll separate them that way.
Pros first!
- Love all of the characters. They have these subtle differences that make them interesting to read. And I appreciate having the multiple POVs! It’s really nice seeing how new and pre-established relationships play into Rory’s why-choose. It didn’t feel like I was robbed of any build-up that way.
- Short chapters are a plus in this because it kept the action fast paced!
- The mystery?! I really am on the edge of my seat wanting to know how this stalker is doing all of this… the little sprinkles throughout killed me.
- Intimacy scenes are great (they could be longer and more detailed but that’s just me being selfish..).
Cons time:
- Some scenes jumped strangely. The pacing was also off which is my biggest complaint. It feels like this much time shouldn’t be passing since the middle-of-the book incident. I’m also not a huge fan of it being a cliffhanger. It felt like there was enough book that the main problem could’ve been resolved in one go. Some things just didn’t click together as well as they could’ve.
- A lot of repetitiveness in the language (like specific phrases) and in the character relationships (definitely with Rory and Widow).
- Some of the writing is clunky. It’s more like fanfictiony writing, which is the closest example I can think of but still not fully accurate. I liked the modern references but they can be a little cheesy.
I’m putting this at a tentative 4 stars. Some of my cons could dip it a bit lower than that but experience wise I really enjoyed the read and the story! I’m also looking forward to a sequel, which usually keeps a rating 4 and above.
I have some pros and cons to this book, so I’ll separate them that way.
Pros first!
- Love all of the characters. They have these subtle differences that make them interesting to read. And I appreciate having the multiple POVs! It’s really nice seeing how new and pre-established relationships play into Rory’s why-choose. It didn’t feel like I was robbed of any build-up that way.
- Short chapters are a plus in this because it kept the action fast paced!
- The mystery?! I really am on the edge of my seat wanting to know how this stalker is doing all of this… the little sprinkles throughout killed me.
- Intimacy scenes are great (they could be longer and more detailed but that’s just me being selfish..).
Cons time:
- Some scenes jumped strangely. The pacing was also off which is my biggest complaint. It feels like this much time shouldn’t be passing since the middle-of-the book incident. I’m also not a huge fan of it being a cliffhanger. It felt like there was enough book that the main problem could’ve been resolved in one go. Some things just didn’t click together as well as they could’ve.
- A lot of repetitiveness in the language (like specific phrases) and in the character relationships (definitely with Rory and Widow).
- Some of the writing is clunky. It’s more like fanfictiony writing, which is the closest example I can think of but still not fully accurate. I liked the modern references but they can be a little cheesy.
I’m putting this at a tentative 4 stars. Some of my cons could dip it a bit lower than that but experience wise I really enjoyed the read and the story! I’m also looking forward to a sequel, which usually keeps a rating 4 and above.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m not threatened or afraid of the way you love,” I told her, grabbing her hand. She was surprised by my acceptance. “I want you, and that means respecting the way you live and the way you love. If I get to be a part of it, then I am not going to try to change you or force you into a box.”
I always swoon over characters that may have not considered polyamory for themselves but are completely open minded to the fact the person they’re dating is poly. A sapphic why choose romance? Sign me up!
Haven is an exciting DARK sapphic why choose romance featuring the Vexxed Vipers motorcycle club. The leader of the MC is Cinder who recently rescued her sister Rory from a very abusive foster care situation. Cinder is super protective of her sister but Rory can’t be caged, especially after all she’s been through. This leads her to explore the women in the rival town where she meets the smart and sexy Haven, aka Hades. Rory also is in love with Vesper and Widow, members of Cinder’s MC, but Cinder has declared Rory is off limits. Meanwhile someone from Rory’s past is wreaking havoc and trying to get to Rory.
I loved the romance and the excitement. I didn’t want to put this book down because I needed to know what would happen next. My main complaint is that I felt like the main conflict could have been resolved in this book instead of ending on a cliffhanger. However, I am already looking forward to the next book!
If you enjoy dark romance and why choose with sexy alternative women, motorcycles and cars, then I recommend picking up this book. Just make sure you check those content warnings.
I always swoon over characters that may have not considered polyamory for themselves but are completely open minded to the fact the person they’re dating is poly. A sapphic why choose romance? Sign me up!
Haven is an exciting DARK sapphic why choose romance featuring the Vexxed Vipers motorcycle club. The leader of the MC is Cinder who recently rescued her sister Rory from a very abusive foster care situation. Cinder is super protective of her sister but Rory can’t be caged, especially after all she’s been through. This leads her to explore the women in the rival town where she meets the smart and sexy Haven, aka Hades. Rory also is in love with Vesper and Widow, members of Cinder’s MC, but Cinder has declared Rory is off limits. Meanwhile someone from Rory’s past is wreaking havoc and trying to get to Rory.
I loved the romance and the excitement. I didn’t want to put this book down because I needed to know what would happen next. My main complaint is that I felt like the main conflict could have been resolved in this book instead of ending on a cliffhanger. However, I am already looking forward to the next book!
If you enjoy dark romance and why choose with sexy alternative women, motorcycles and cars, then I recommend picking up this book. Just make sure you check those content warnings.
Review of advance copy
“Haven” by C.L. is a sapphic, why choose, dark romance, where we’re introduced to the Vexxed Vipers and more.
The story focuses on four badass women:
Aurora “Rory” — sister of the overprotective Vipers’ boss, Cinder
Widow and Vesper — Cinder’s best friends, and Vipers’ members and protectors
Haven — daughter of Viper’s enemy
Each and every connection is forbidden and complicated, but at the same time special and oh so enticing.
I was engulfed into their story right from the first chapter. Absolutely amazing! I loved how thoroughly the characters were introduced. Each of them is intriguing and promising, I’m not able to pick my favourite, which is new for me.
I really enjoy the plot and general flow of the story. Nothing feels rushed or forced. The writing is clear and well done. There’s a lot of mystery and action, as well as emotional depth and spice. I’d say it’s a perfectly balanced mix. I can’t wait for the next book.
I highly recommend to give it a try if you like:
ᛝ Forbidden Romance
ᛝ Dark Romance
ᛝ Why Choose/Poly
ᛝ F/F/F/F
ᛝ Age Gap
ᛝ Danger
ᛝ Found Family
ᛝ Mental Health
ᛝ Suspence
ᛝ Second Chance
ᛝ POV of each MC, 1st person
The book contains a lot of heavy scenes and topics, so CHECK THE TRIGGERS! Otherwise, enjoy!
*The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s definitely worth it. I regret nothing.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
The story focuses on four badass women:
Aurora “Rory” — sister of the overprotective Vipers’ boss, Cinder
Widow and Vesper — Cinder’s best friends, and Vipers’ members and protectors
Haven — daughter of Viper’s enemy
Each and every connection is forbidden and complicated, but at the same time special and oh so enticing.
I was engulfed into their story right from the first chapter. Absolutely amazing! I loved how thoroughly the characters were introduced. Each of them is intriguing and promising, I’m not able to pick my favourite, which is new for me.
I really enjoy the plot and general flow of the story. Nothing feels rushed or forced. The writing is clear and well done. There’s a lot of mystery and action, as well as emotional depth and spice. I’d say it’s a perfectly balanced mix. I can’t wait for the next book.
I highly recommend to give it a try if you like:
ᛝ Forbidden Romance
ᛝ Dark Romance
ᛝ Why Choose/Poly
ᛝ F/F/F/F
ᛝ Age Gap
ᛝ Danger
ᛝ Found Family
ᛝ Mental Health
ᛝ Suspence
ᛝ Second Chance
ᛝ POV of each MC, 1st person
The book contains a lot of heavy scenes and topics, so CHECK THE TRIGGERS! Otherwise, enjoy!
*The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s definitely worth it. I regret nothing.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y'all… Smoke has it out for us in the best ways.
This story is full of twists, turns, spice, and a lot of emotional whiplash.
We meet our leading ladies; Rory, Hades, Vesper, and Widow.
Rory - our hot-headed, sweet and sassy leading lady. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it, regardless of the rules.
Hades - the hot as sin daughter of the enemy who captures Rory's heart.
Vesper - the pyro with a heart of gold and a savior complex. She watches Rory with Hades until it's too much.
Widow - the distant one, who hurt Rory years ago, despite her own feelings for her. Her stubbornness makes her not act on her feelings, because she promised Cinder.
The past just can't leave Rory alone, coming back with a vengeance and fucking with her life in all the wrong ways. One traumatic memory after another comes back, wreaking havoc in her mind and making her distant from her women.
Toss in the motorcycle club, the fact that Rory is a tattoo artist, and everything else, and you've got a book you're going to want to absolutely devour.
Honestly, this whole ass series is going to be a wild rollercoaster, and I am fucking here for it.
I can't wait for Vesper ARCs to go out, so I'm not the only one sitting on the goodies inside!
Also, check out the Hades Duet (Fractured Hearts and Mended Souls) if you haven't! Blaize, Hunter, and Kadence make appearances in this series!
This story is full of twists, turns, spice, and a lot of emotional whiplash.
We meet our leading ladies; Rory, Hades, Vesper, and Widow.
Rory - our hot-headed, sweet and sassy leading lady. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it, regardless of the rules.
Hades - the hot as sin daughter of the enemy who captures Rory's heart.
Vesper - the pyro with a heart of gold and a savior complex. She watches Rory with Hades until it's too much.
Widow - the distant one, who hurt Rory years ago, despite her own feelings for her. Her stubbornness makes her not act on her feelings, because she promised Cinder.
The past just can't leave Rory alone, coming back with a vengeance and fucking with her life in all the wrong ways. One traumatic memory after another comes back, wreaking havoc in her mind and making her distant from her women.
Toss in the motorcycle club, the fact that Rory is a tattoo artist, and everything else, and you've got a book you're going to want to absolutely devour.
Honestly, this whole ass series is going to be a wild rollercoaster, and I am fucking here for it.
I can't wait for Vesper ARCs to go out, so I'm not the only one sitting on the goodies inside!
Also, check out the Hades Duet (Fractured Hearts and Mended Souls) if you haven't! Blaize, Hunter, and Kadence make appearances in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew that I was at the very least going to like this book, but then I read it and I fell in love with the Vexxed Vipers. I thought reading two sapphic MC romances back to back may be a poor choice, but I'm happy here and right where I want to be.
This book does a phenomenal job of illustrating the effects of trauma and the PTSD sustained from it. We need more books with accurate representation for mental health, so I loved that aspect here.
I may need some time to fully recover from this book. The spice in this book was absolutely scrumptious, and I can't wait for Vesper where we have been promised more 😈 I love how instant the connection between Rory and Hades is. Vesper managed to make it into my good graces. And Widow well I never forget a face but for you I will make an exception 🤣
I am really digging this mystery suspense subplot in the book, and I am so eager to find out who this mystery person is and how we know them. The fact that they know what the Vexxed Vipers are up to before they do it definitely shows that this is somebody on the inside, but the question remains...who?
We were warned that the ending would be gnarly and C.L. Smoke delivered 😅 I'll be sending you my therapy bill 🤣
Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶🌶
This book does a phenomenal job of illustrating the effects of trauma and the PTSD sustained from it. We need more books with accurate representation for mental health, so I loved that aspect here.
I may need some time to fully recover from this book. The spice in this book was absolutely scrumptious, and I can't wait for Vesper where we have been promised more 😈 I love how instant the connection between Rory and Hades is. Vesper managed to make it into my good graces. And Widow well I never forget a face but for you I will make an exception 🤣
I am really digging this mystery suspense subplot in the book, and I am so eager to find out who this mystery person is and how we know them. The fact that they know what the Vexxed Vipers are up to before they do it definitely shows that this is somebody on the inside, but the question remains...who?
We were warned that the ending would be gnarly and C.L. Smoke delivered 😅 I'll be sending you my therapy bill 🤣
Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
The trigger warnings are absolutely worth paying attention to before diving in.
At first, I was a little hesitant because I’ve read a few books with a similar plot, and I wasn’t sure how the author would make this one stand out. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked getting to learn more about each of the main characters and their backstories.
The spice definitely gets dark at times, so if that’s not something you enjoy, this may not be the book for you. The author is upfront about it with the trigger warnings.
Be prepared for a cliffhanger! I’m excited to see where the next book takes these characters and how their relationships continue to develop.
The only thing that didn’t sit well with me was that a few scene transitions felt a little abrupt. There were moments where the story jumped ahead in a way that messed with the flow, and I think those transitions could have been a bit smoother.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this read and look forward to continuing the series.
At first, I was a little hesitant because I’ve read a few books with a similar plot, and I wasn’t sure how the author would make this one stand out. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked getting to learn more about each of the main characters and their backstories.
The spice definitely gets dark at times, so if that’s not something you enjoy, this may not be the book for you. The author is upfront about it with the trigger warnings.
Be prepared for a cliffhanger! I’m excited to see where the next book takes these characters and how their relationships continue to develop.
The only thing that didn’t sit well with me was that a few scene transitions felt a little abrupt. There were moments where the story jumped ahead in a way that messed with the flow, and I think those transitions could have been a bit smoother.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this read and look forward to continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC!
Devoured this in almost one sitting. She warned us there would be a cliff hanger but damn I’m waaaayyyyy too impatient to wait for Vesper to come out. I’d say I’m as impatient as Rory is to get her way with her women.
I’m enjoying the mystery of it all, the spice is great and she really made you wait for it to pick up. It’s about damn time we get more sapphic why chooses!
Really enjoyed the flow of most of the story and getting to be in each individual characters heads. Can’t wait for the moment widow gets her head out of her ass!
There’s a lot going on in this book that I’m assuming is building to a bigger world so I’m excited to see where book two takes us and can’t wait to read all 4.
Devoured this in almost one sitting. She warned us there would be a cliff hanger but damn I’m waaaayyyyy too impatient to wait for Vesper to come out. I’d say I’m as impatient as Rory is to get her way with her women.
I’m enjoying the mystery of it all, the spice is great and she really made you wait for it to pick up. It’s about damn time we get more sapphic why chooses!
Really enjoyed the flow of most of the story and getting to be in each individual characters heads. Can’t wait for the moment widow gets her head out of her ass!
There’s a lot going on in this book that I’m assuming is building to a bigger world so I’m excited to see where book two takes us and can’t wait to read all 4.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced copy from the Author”
CL Smoke you have done it again bringing me to tears and then wiping them off again.
I’m completely obsessed with why choose so when I was able to arc read I was on it so fast I gave myself whiplash.
My woman are literally the best Hades, Rory, Vesper and Widow have completely stolen my heart and dare I say they can have it cause damn these woman are who I wish I can meet in real life.
If you’re looking for twist and turns the whole time you are in for a real treat. Mental health representation is such a huge deal for me and reading about it helps so much.
If you’re ready for some Spice, hot biker babes, polyamory goodness then say no more and read Haven!!!!
“but I like the idea of heaven and hell falling from your lips.” -Hades
CL Smoke you have done it again bringing me to tears and then wiping them off again.
I’m completely obsessed with why choose so when I was able to arc read I was on it so fast I gave myself whiplash.
My woman are literally the best Hades, Rory, Vesper and Widow have completely stolen my heart and dare I say they can have it cause damn these woman are who I wish I can meet in real life.
If you’re looking for twist and turns the whole time you are in for a real treat. Mental health representation is such a huge deal for me and reading about it helps so much.
If you’re ready for some Spice, hot biker babes, polyamory goodness then say no more and read Haven!!!!
“but I like the idea of heaven and hell falling from your lips.” -Hades
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for this Arc in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies of the Vexxed Vipers.
This dark why choose includes so many tropes that I love a forbidden romance, sisters best friend, age gap, and a bratty plus size FMC. Add in the secrets, suspense and mystery and we have Haven.
The book does come with trigger warnings so make sure you read those before diving in!
I also love that CL Smoke does not shy away from how healing from trauma is never a walk in the park.
This is worth the read!
I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies of the Vexxed Vipers.
This dark why choose includes so many tropes that I love a forbidden romance, sisters best friend, age gap, and a bratty plus size FMC. Add in the secrets, suspense and mystery and we have Haven.
The book does come with trigger warnings so make sure you read those before diving in!
I also love that CL Smoke does not shy away from how healing from trauma is never a walk in the park.
This is worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to be chosen for an ARC read on this! It’s no surprise that I was sucked in from chapter one because it has everything. It is emotional, spicy, chaotic, suspenseful and raw. I love the chemistry between Rory, Hades, Vesper and Widow. I can’t wait to get more of them! Be prepared for that cliffhanger too because OMG. Anxiously awaiting book 2 because I need to dive back in!
This is a dark romance so as always please pay attention to your trigger warnings before reading🫶🏽
This is a dark romance so as always please pay attention to your trigger warnings before reading🫶🏽
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for this book.
I have read everything from the author and every time I love it!
Great plot with mystery and action but also spice.
I’m glad lesbians are getting more and more why choose books bc we deserve it.
Waiting patiently for the next book in the series!
I have read everything from the author and every time I love it!
Great plot with mystery and action but also spice.
I’m glad lesbians are getting more and more why choose books bc we deserve it.
Waiting patiently for the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews