Safe Haven: Alaskan Security-Team Shadow, Book 2

Alaskan Security-Team Shadow #2

by Jemma Westbrook, Rose Dioro (Narrator), Sean Masters (Narrator)

It’s been nine months since I left everything behind. Walked away from my friends. My business. My home. Even my dog.
All so I could get away.
The only thing I took was the truth. Proof of the evil I’d escaped.
I thought it would keep me safe. Protect me from the whims of the dangerous man I’d married.
I was wrong.
My only hope is to fight fire with fire, so I call Alaskan Security, begging for help. Pleading for protection.
The man they send is someone I already know.
Maddox is lethal. It’s obvious in every breath he takes. Every move he makes.
And I watch them all.
I know I should close one door before I open another, but I learned the hard way how fleeting happiness is. I want to hold onto all of it I can.
Especially since my past refuses to let me go.

This book contains a complete HEA, but also contains overarching plot lines that continue in Desired Perception.

Genres: Bodyguard Romance, Military Fiction

Audible Audio

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE the creativity of this author. As with all in this series (and the one before) I could not get enough of the pulse-pounding action and shifts in this addictive storyline.

Maddox is finally back in the field, having rehabbed from the wounds he sustained on a previous mission, and anxious to prove that he is back to 100% of his capabilities. I really enjoyed his laid back personality, and how he interacts with his team. But this job marks a shift in that, when he can't help his attraction to Audrey, and he finds himself more focused than he has ever been.

Audrey is running from a very dangerous situation, and it will take everything that the Alaskan Security teams have, to keep her alive. I enjoyed the strength in her character, and how things turned out for her and Maddox.

I feel it is best to read this series in order, to have the best experience with the characters. Additionally, you should have also consumed the Lost Boys series (and related books) so that the information and crossovers make sense. Totally worth your time!!! IMO.

[Karla Escutia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[LadyJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read an Alaskan Security book, I know I’m going to love it! Safe Haven was no different. Following Team Shadow in a new location has added a new feel to the series, but the excitement and spice are just as good.

It was easy to become attached to Maddox and Audrey. The ease with which they connected personally and intimately was sweet. It didn’t take long before lips and other body parts collided, and it was scorching!

Years of an abusive marriage that left her walking on eggshells affected Audrey. She is a quiet fighter, and I cheered every time she tapped into her strength. Audrey has a strong protective streak that makes her a powerful match with Maddox. I couldn’t love her brand of awkwardness any more than I did.

Maddox is eager to get back to his life, which has been on hold. He has an I-don’t-give-a-bleep attitude that drives him. He may be a mercenary, but he has a deep side that desires connection. And Audrey quickly becomes who he wants to connect with! My favorite thing about him is his desire to make things better for Audrey. He wants her to be truly happy. Maddox may be a guard dog on the outside, but he’s a golden retriever on the inside.

Page after page, I couldn’t wait to find out what was next. Sneaking in surprises and teasers from other series made me happy. Bringing in Team Intel to do what they do best was perfect.

Janice Whiteaker, writing as Jemma Westbrook, has a conversational writing style that is distinctive, and it’s one of the reasons she’s one of my favorite authors. Next book, please!

[Celtic Chic Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Haven
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jemma Westbrook, how dare you make me feel this much.

Safe Haven is more than a romance—it’s a gut-punch of survival, trust, and soul-deep connection. Audrey is all quiet strength and battered bravery, the kind of heroine who fights hard and loves harder. And Maddox? Maddox is murder-faced intensity wrapped in golden retriever loyalty. Lethal, protective, and totally undone by her.

Their chemistry is explosive, their banter addictive, and their bond built on something real and reverent. The suspense had my heart racing, the heat was toe-curling, and the emotion was everything. Westbrook balances grit, heart, and hope like only she can—and somehow makes sneaking through a window into someone’s apartment the hottest meet-re-meet ever.

Safe Haven is sharp, sexy, and unexpectedly soft in all the right places. I devoured it. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Highlights I’m still not over:
🐾 Maddox: murder face on the outside, golden retriever on the inside
💪 Audrey: quiet, fierce, and finally learning to fight for herself
🔥 That window scene—yes that one
🫣 Banter that made me blush and laugh in the same breath
🖤 A suspense thread that keeps tugging long after the last page
💥 Trust, trauma, and toe-curling heat (yes, please)

Already counting down the seconds until Desired Perception

P.S. Maddox through the window? Still not over it.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddox and Audrey

FMC: Audrey Hawthorne
MMC: Maddox
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 326
Tropes: Bodyguard Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Close Proximity, Heroine on the run, Insta Love
Setting: Memphis, TN

Thoughts: This was a quick, fast paced read. The suspense and action started right from page 1 and continued through to the epilogue. The connection between Maddox and Audrey was pretty instant, but because they were in the middle of a crisis, it took both of them awhile to act on their initial lustful feelings. Audrey escaped an abusive relationship and spent the last nine months looking over her shoulder, wondering when her escape would catch up to her. In those same nine months Maddox was recovering from a gun shot wound and getting back into shape. Protecting Audrey was his first assignment back from injury, and it was one that instantly changed his life. He found his person in the most unlikely situation. There were a lot of questions left unanswered at the end, but Audrey and Maddox’s part in the underlying plot was wrapped up pretty well. Their story served as a bit of a set up for the next book and I can’t wait to see how everything comes together.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected. Cherished. Understood. Connected.

I defy you to read this and not fall in love with Murder Maddox and Assassin Audrey! Maddox is not your typical operator, he can be dark and dangerous - with what Audrey describes as his Murder face, but he is also so cute and adorable....which he would hate! But I really love that he makes it very clear to Audrey that he is not prepared to act on their chemistry unless she is ready for him to be completely over the top, all-in, bordering on obsessive. He won't just love her, but worship her....how can she possibly turn that down?
Audrey comes across as quiet and understated but she can also be stubborn, fierce and determined, she is awesome.
Maddox and Audrey have a fantastic chemistry, with complete trust, flirty banter and sweet humour and I LOVE them together!
This has all the drama, danger and sizzling sex we expect from Alaskan Security, but it also has something heartwarming and sweet too.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox and Audrey’s story is one you’ll be drawn into from the first page. The combination of romance, action and suspense is addictive and you don’t be able to put down this book! Maddox is assigned to protect Audrey from her ex but from the start this assignment is more complex than he originally thought. And right from the beginning Maddox is drawn to Audrey like he’s never been drawn to anyone else before. Audrey remembers handsome and intense Maddox from an earlier meeting but spending time together has her seeing another side of him which has her completely falling for him. There are characters from Alaskan Security which make an appearance which always makes me happy! There is an overarching story which continues in the next book but there’s resolution and a huge happily ever after in Safe Haven. You’ll definitely want to pick this one up and if you haven’t read any of the Alaskan Security books then you’re in for a treat!

[Nicolene van Wyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to my week! A new book from Jemma Westbrook to keep me on the edge of my seat. Being on this journey with Audrey and Maddox was inspiring. Audrey, having been in an abusive marriage, yet found the courage to not only leave her husband but also managing to get evidence of her husband’s criminal ways, in order to protect herself, is a sign of a strong, capable woman. And she never let her past dictate her future. When she decided she wanted Maddox, she was going to have him lol. Then there is Maddox. He is not interested in a one night stand. He will only entertain a relationship if the other person is all in. Seeing the two of them working through their issues and finally finding each other is heartwarming. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!

[Jessica Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Safe Haven
AUTHOR: Jemma Westbrook (Janice Whiteaker)
SERIES: Alaskan Security - Team Shadow
SERIES ORDER: 2
RELEASE DATE: 06/06/2025
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
RATING: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
SPICE LEVEL: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
----
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! Janice/Jemma is a maestra who knows how to use her words to suck you into her stories and her characters’ adventures!

She takes us on another journey with Alaskan Security’s Team Shadow. Maddox, who we met in Covert Operation, is now serving as a bodyguard to the heroine, Audrey.

Maddox and Audrey were so freakin’ cute together! I loved how natural their chemistry felt and how their relationship evolved so seamlessly throughout the story!

Janice dropped some big bombshells in this story and oh, how it made my heart happy!! I just love her attention to detail and I cannot wait to read more from her! In this series, and in her other series!!

Thank you Janice and Julie for the advance copy!

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox works for Team Shadow of Alaskan Security.
Audrey is Savanah’s friend.

This is Team Shadow , which now has moved from Alaska to Nashville TN.
Audrey and Maddox meet with him going into her home through the window and almost gets his head smashed in with a baseball bat.
He is assigned to guard Audrey, after being back on the roaster from recovering from a gunshot wound shot wound.
Their attraction is a slow burn to off the charts.
Can Maddox and Alaska Security keep Audrey safe? Can Maddox and Audrey have a Happily Ever After?

This book is a quick fast paced, action packed,, with suspense and danger.

Great Job Jemma Westbrook !!!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox and Audrey

This book starts off with a baseball bat swinging at Maddox’s head and the fun is just beginning. I loved both main characters. Maddox is funny, very protective and insecure in some ways. Audrey has been a victim of dv, in fear of her life vand is determined to not let anyone hurt her again. She is brave, sweet and caring. She is not the least bit intimidated by Maddox’s job of unaliving bad people. Of course sparks fly immediately and they will both do what it takes to survive her ex husband and his criminal associates. I love all of JW’s books and will read anything she writes.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another suspenseful Alaskan Security Team set in Tennessee. Audrey is having trouble getting away from her ex husband. She took a file from him that she wants to use as leverage if he decides to cause trouble. He is a corrupt senator and when he begins to come after her she contacts her friend who is married to one of the Alaskan security guys. They send Maddox in and things really get interesting when they realize that the corruption is worse then first thought.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raise your hand if you knew Maddox was going to be perfect! 🙋‍♀️! Audrey and Maddox story was perfect and not your typical bodyguard romance. Their shared history adds a layer of tension and tenderness that makes every interaction between them electric. Watching their connection grow amidst the danger and uncertainty was so amazing. Jemma’s Alaska Series keeps getting better and better. This is definitely at the top of my favorites.

[Carina Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden retriever assassin

After getting shot, Maddox is finally back on a case, a nice simple one... or at least that was the plan. Instead the man finds a woman in more danger than they expected, with an evil man chasing her and.. she also just so happens to be his forever. One of my favourite ever series which just keeps going, bringing brilliance along with action, adventure and heated romance. Perfect combo.

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.4 stars. Oh the twists and turns with this book. When I started this book, I was in a funk and it didn't pull me in fast enough. However that changed, the funk was my own and nothing to do with the book. Maddox and Audrey are a wonderful couple. There were moments were I was on the edge of my seat, moments were I was thinking what, then moments were I laughed out loud. The other characters are fantastic and I cannot wait for more.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

another fantastic book

This is the second book in the Alaskan Security - Team Shadow series by Jemma Westbrook. I’m always excited to jump into these Alaskan Security books! This one brings Maddox and Audrey back together when Maddox, who is recently recovered from being shot takes on the mission to keep Audrey safe. This book has all the thrills and feels! I loved these two characters together and zipped through this awesome book! I definitely recommend!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say I was pretty disappointed in this book, especially after how good Zeke's book was. I didn't really like Audrey. I found her annoying and definitely could not see what made her so great to Maddox. Maddox was also annoying. How do you fall in love in three days? I really dislike instant love stories. I actually liked all the side characters much better than the two main characters.

[Erica Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already half in love with Maddox but watching him take care of Audrey sent me over the edge. Even scared for her life, Audrey was tough as nails and ready to do whatever she had to do to protect herself and bring down her ex. Their story was great with lots of excitement and action. There were a couple of unexpected twists and a surprise connection to the past. Another awesome installment of the Alaskan Security saga!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assassin Audrey and Murder Maddox. They are a perfect match. Maddox is sent to protect Audrey from her ex-husband. This turns out to be a more difficult assignment than he first thought. As their relationship progresses, Audrey doesn’t bat an eye at what Maddox does for a living. And Maddox will do anything to make sure Audrey stays safe. There is action, suspense, and romance. We are left with many unanswered questions. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Zoë Braycotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read

Loved Maddox and Audrey’s story.

Maddox is so caring and super protective, something that Audrey’s not experienced.

Can see this storyline is going open up a whole new can of worms to untangle.

Love that this brings two series together giving a new over arching story to dive into.

Bring on Butch and Beccas story, already had a touch of it in Tear Me to Pieces, now I need the full shebang, please!

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Haven

Shadow book two is Maddox and Audrey's story beginning with Maddox going through her bedroom window to her moving in with him and planning a wedding. He kills her ex husband and rescues her dog. She kills a man with him in his sites and helps narrow the gap between him and his parents. Great story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Haven

Audrey was previously rescued from her abusive situation with her husband. She now thinks she is being stalked. She looks to Alaskan Security and Maddox arrives in a very unusual way. They know each other but is this a time they can really get to know each other as he seeks to protect her and perhaps take out an abusive ex?

[Linda schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I am enjoying this series. Just to stumble into it and still enjoy all the shenanigans with all the guys and gals and all the trouble they get into.
Audrey is in the fight of her life and calls someone for help. Then to meet Maddox and have an instant connection and feel safe at the same time is something that most people will not find.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, suspense, and romance.

From the cover to the epilogue, this book is an adventure. I loved Audrey’s journey for safety and Maddox’s protectiveness. There’s lots of action, suspense, and steamy romance. Their attraction and witty dialogue made this book unputdownable. This is a fantastic series, and I’m looking forward to the next escapade in the Alaskan Security series.

[Cynthia J. Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, and love!

Excellent characters! This plot, although following the others in the series, is exciting and full of suspense! Leads into the next nicely! Can't wait to start book 3!

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey and Maddox are cute. I was looking forward to an new Alaskan Security book and this delivered.

Becca and Butch are next. Definitely curious to see how this goes since he’s a cop, and not yet part of the Alaskan Security Shadow team.

Though it is kind of sad Luca and Owen aren’t next. They definitely made an impression and I want them to find their love stories too.

[Jennifer Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Since I call you Murder Maddox, does this mean I can be Assassin Audrey?”

Such a great book! I can't wait to read about Butch and Becca, also to eventually find out who Luca ends up with (maybe Becca's sister?).

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. Nothing substantial stuck out, but it was a good read. Maddox had good energy about him, though he talked too often of murder. Audrey was a survivor even though she did something dumb in the end to get herself in a sticky situation.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooooo good!! I already need the next one and this one just came out 😂😭

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you