A grumpy-sunshine, marriage-of-convenience romance between the brainiac girl next door and the German Shepherd hero who saves her.
If you told me I’d marry the grumpy loner next door to protect us both from legal troubles, I’d say you were crazy.
But I couldn’t refuse. Not after he swooped in to save me like some knight in heather gray sweatpants when the movers tried to end me.
That’s okay, because it's temporary. Why he thinks this is the solution to our problems is beyond me.
It's a terrible idea.
Even if he’s gorgeous, tatted, and casually charming.
But I’m a woman on a mission. One that doesn’t include being sidelined by Liam Murphy—a moral question mark with a body count… in both senses of the word.
There’s real work to do, and I can’t afford any more distractions.
Since apparently my past was more explosive than I knew, my present is crumbling under the weight of corporate greed, and my future is under siege.
If I can survive the attacks, perhaps I’ll find the sanctuary I’ve always craved.
And maybe, just maybe, it’ll be with the sexy, protective guy next door.
Hadley believes strongly in the healing power of salsa, is fully and unapologetically addicted to coffee, and feels it’s her duty to keep the book world financially viable by bingeing great stories that are wonderfully told. She also loves adverbs.
Hadley loves to cook, dance, and have conversations with the figments of her imagination.
Each book in this series just gets better. The story pulled me in quickly and I settled in for a almost one sitting read. Liam and Lorien begin as a marriage of convenience but as their story moves on, they find their connection is deepened. The slow burn adds to the chemistry, tension, and banter adding to the overall story. Their story is so much more than them, we are treated to action from beginning to end, a suspenseful plot, giving Liam’s protectiveness a workout.
Liam has been on my radar since we first met him. I wanted to know his story, and I was not disappointed. He is a grump, set in his ways, does life his way, and to see him fall for Lorien who is a little awkward, a little nerdy, is so much fun. The Murphy siblings have been a great series and to see them find their happily ever afters has been a great ride.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Crumbled Sanctuary by Hadley Finn was such an engaging read that completely pulled me in from the start. The story follows Lorien and Liam in a fake marriage / marriage of convenience situation that slowly develops into something much deeper. The slow burn between them is incredibly satisfying and their dual POV makes it easy to really connect with both characters.
The chemistry between Lorien and Liam is absolutely off the charts, sparks are flying from the moment they interact. Their banter and tension made every scene between them addictive to read, and watching their relationship slowly evolve kept me completely invested in their story.
Liam especially completely stole my heart. He comes across as such an inspirational character with a deeply loyal and loving family behind him. He’s the kind of man who would burn the ground down for the people he loves. I am honestly obsessed with this man and I think Liam might officially be one of my new favourite book boyfriends.
What I also really appreciated about this story is that it isn’t just smut and spice (although the chemistry definitely delivers). There’s a genuinely suspenseful plot woven throughout the story that kept me very engaged and constantly wanting to know what would happen next.
If you enjoy fake marriage, marriage of convenience, slow burn romance with great banter, strong chemistry, and a suspenseful storyline, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
what a ride this was! these 2 are fire together! chemistry is off the charts. excellent blend of action and romance. throw in some banter and this is a home run. excellent character development and such a joy to read. Liam was such an important character leading up to this book and his story did not disappoint! can we say new book boyfriend! yes, please! Lorien is amazing! book is well written and should be enjoyed by all!
Liam and Lorien's story starts out with eye popping action that will keep you on edge until the very end. Throughout all of the danger and intrigue, Liam's protectiveness over his family extends to Lorien and just continues to grow. The more time they are forced to be together, the more their feelings for each other become real. Once they get past some misunderstandings and miscommunications (oh and all the danger), their love burns bright. Getting to see the Murphy siblings and their families grow is also a huge plus! I'm so happy for all of their happily ever afters, but it's bittersweet because I'm sad to see them go!
Crumbled Sanctuary is a grumpy sunshine, slow-burn, romantic suspense. Lorien and Liam are total opposites, but their chemistry builds so naturally, helped by the dual POV, which really pulls you into both sides of their story.
What starts as a marriage of convenience gradually deepens into something real, with plenty of tension, banter, and delicious slow-build yearning. Liam’s fiercely protective nature, first for his family, then for Lorien, was a standout for me. Beneath the tough exterior, he’s all heart and those softer moments (especially with his nieces and nephews) showed his true nature.
As danger closes in, their bond strengthens and the emotional stakes keep rising. Watching them open up, face challenges, and ultimately choose each other felt genuinely rewarding.
A swoony, high-stakes romance with heart, heat, and a satisfying payoff.
Liam and Lorien are a FAB, darkly fun couple from the very beginning.
All Liam wanted to do was tell the lady next door to stop shaking her a$$ to Madonna this early in the morning (seriously, who has issues with the Material Girl Liam?🤔) when suddenly she's being taken over by these creepy strangers - and when Liam tried to intervene he ended up on the wrong side of the law.
From that moment on, I couldn't look away - a contract wedding that definitely wasn't real combined with a scientist who keeps trying to unalive Liam with her cookies - who can't make chocolate chip cookies Lorien?!?
To me this series just gets closer and closer, I never wanted to close my eyes. Liam's family is the best kind of not only blood family, but also chosen family, and Liam is the root of it all. He's their protector, and throughout most of the book it's just assumed that the bad guys are after Lorien, I never even thought about the fact that it could be the bad guy's coming after him - and poor Lorien just gets caught in the aftermath every single time.
Every single time these two try to say I Love You something is in the way, either their own brain or something physically trying to harm one of them again.
If you like morally grey men, AND women who are having to make decisions completely out of the box then Crumbled Sanctuary is definitely for you. This book and this series are ABSOLUTELY MASTERFULLY WRITTEN, and I was sad to see the end of it again. Hadley's epilogues make me want to cry at the sweetness, so much family and love you'll never feel left behind.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Crumbled Sanctuary is the kind of story that settles into your chest and lingers long after the final page. It’s soft in some moments, heavy in others, and beautifully layered in a way that makes it feel deeply personal.
What stood out to me most was the emotional depth. The characters feel raw and real, carrying their pain, hope, and healing in ways that don’t feel rushed or overly polished. There’s a vulnerability woven through their journeys that made it easy to connect and stay invested.
The atmosphere is another highlight. There’s something almost hauntingly calm about the setting—like a quiet sanctuary that’s slowly revealing its cracks. It adds so much to the tone of the story and mirrors the emotional unraveling happening within the characters.
I also appreciated the pacing. It leans more on introspection than action, which really allows the relationships and internal struggles to breathe. That said, there were a few moments where it felt a touch slow, and I found myself wanting just a little more momentum in certain sections.
Overall, this is a heartfelt and immersive read that focuses on healing, connection, and the complexity of moving forward when everything feels broken. If you love character-driven stories with emotional weight and a gentle but powerful atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I’ve been waiting for Liam’s story since I first met him, and it absolutely delivered. I loved watching this grumpy, live-by-his-own-rules man get completely undone by a sweet, intelligent researcher who loves Madonna and is just a little awkward. They’re polar opposites, but their attraction is undeniable—and unstoppable.
I loved the dynamic between Liam and Lorien. As I said, they are complete opposites, but Liam will go to any extreme to protect and shield her. I melted every time that fierce protective streak showed up. He may be tough on the outside, but he’s all heart when it comes to his family and their children. Seeing him with his siblings’ babies was especially poignant.
The excitement at the beginning grabbed me right away, and I had a hard time putting this book down. The story is well written, and all the loose ends from the previous books in the series are tied up beautifully, bringing everything full circle.
Hadley Finn is a one-click author for me, and books like this are exactly why. Her characters are engaging, the banter is witty, the steam is off the charts, and the nonstop action and suspense make Crumbled Sanctuary the perfect conclusion to the Aspen & Evergreen series.
Liam & Lorien's story is ... girthy. 😄 And that makes me happy bc I love them so very much! Things start off quite intensely & there is A LOT going on. And a lot of swoon going on, too. Liam's protectiveness is ramped up for Lorien, even when he doesn't quite understand why.
We get so many awesome scenes in this story - between them, of course, but also with their siblings. We know Liam, Cian, & Ayla are close, and discover that Lorien shares a similar bond with her brother. I love sibling bonding scenes. 💙 I also love the slow burn & banter, growling & bonding between Lorien & Liam. As they let each other in, as each new danger is revealed, they bring even more swoon!
I verrryyy much enjoyed the twists & suspense along with the romance. Excellent character development here! Oh, and there are puppies & babies & a kitten! We get to catch up a bit with Ayla & Christian, Ci, Sarah & Renèe, even Ren & Annika & Fitz. 💚
I can't share some of my favorite things bc spoilers, but I highly recommend this series completely!!
Oh. And maybe have a fan handy when they get together-together... 💥🔥🌶🔥🌶💥😉❤️
Holy WOW. I needed Liam and his story. I knew that. I didn’t know that I needed Lorien and all that she brings ever more. They’re oddly perfect for each other, even though one of them thinks they’re too far beneath the other to ever have forever. Okay, so they both think that of themselves. But they figure out the truth of it all eventually.
While I adored the other Murphy siblings, there’s something about Liam that just put him over the top to be Number One. Maybe it’s the dirty talk. Maybe it’s Poe. Maybe it’s how he reacts when he realizes how much he’s hurt someone else, or maybe how he reacts before he catches that the person he hurt thought something far different from what he got out of their words. Regardless, this is a ride that I absolutely adored from start to finish and that I only wish I hadn’t finished so quickly.
I promise that you’ll likely feel the same way. And you’ll definitely love that Liam finds the one person who is perfect for him in every way. Just as you’ll love knowing that Lorien also has the one person who sees HER and who wants her more than anything every single day.
•Tropes: Marriage of Convienence, Nextdoor neighbors, grumpy-sunshine, slight suspense.
• Thoughts: Oh Liam and Lorien how I loved them together. Both with insecurities and both terrified to find their other half. They put on a face for the world but together they can just be. they are sarcastic, their banter is hilarious and I feel they balance one another quite nicely. in everyway. Seeing Liam fall for Lorien was incredible! it was so swoony!! I loved diving further into who Liam is. He really has a heart of gold for anyone in his life he deams as important. Lorien, oh I love her klutzy little self. I had the biggest soft spot for her! her insecurities resignated with me. She is this shy, yet confident person. I truly loved who she is and her character!! Great story!
Thank you for the ARC of Crumble Sanctuary — ⭐️ 4.5/5 It was such a lovely experience getting to know the people of Crumble Sanctuary 💛 The FMC is an intelligent biochemist—smart, a little clumsy, stubborn, yet deeply loving. The MMC, on the other hand, is a security specialist —protective of his family, possessive, grumpy, and brooding. Their contrasting personalities and family dynamics made the story even more engaging. After saving Lorien, their convenience marriage begins with lots of banter, slowly turning into yearning and love. Watching their relationship grow while navigating family and personal challenges was truly heartwarming. They go through so much together, supported by friends and family, and by the end, seeing them choose each other and build a life together felt so rewarding. It was a complete rollercoaster ride, and I enjoyed every moment of their journey ✨
I read Crumbled Sanctuary without realising it was part of a series. I love a marriage of convenience and that was what drew me in. I did struggle to get in to the story, to be invested in our FMC and MMC, and maybe that’s because I didn’t have any sort of back story to the characters. Regardless, I really enjoyed this and once I was in it, I couldn’t put it down!!
I struggle with outrageous events when it feels like they’re written purely for our plot, but I found that as the story progressed, the story made sense. As a fellow ‘awkward socialiser’, I found our FMC relatable, smart and determined. Our MMC won me over, once you start to see past that no nonsense exterior. I adored his love for his family.
Although I don’t think I missed out per se, I am looking forward to reading the previous books in this series and reading about some of the couples I met in Crumbled Sanctuary. This author is now firmly on my list!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hadley Finn and Victoria Editing for allowing me to read this ARC. #NetGalley #CrumbledSanctuary
I am always sad when a series ends. That being said, Hadley Finn has outdone herself once again. This was the perfect way to end the Aspen and Evergreen series. I knew I would love Liam, because of how he was throughout the series. He is protective of his family, no question. However, he doesn't do well with nonsense. I was surprised at Liam and Lorien's instant attraction. Liam was there when she needed him most. Who would have thought that the "brainiac" next door would have fallen for the grumpy, motorcycle riding hottie that was right next door? They have chemistry in spades. I could not put this book down, it is that amazing. The road to their HEA is anything but easy. This story is a definite 10 for me. Sorry, no spoilers.
Can I start off by just saying how much I loved this book! I knew Liam‘s book was gonna be epic, but I had no idea how invested I was in his story. There are so many layers to him, and I loved pulling each one back. Lorien was absolutely perfect for him. I absolutely loved her character and I want her to be my new best friend. The connection between these two I could feel seeping off the pages from the minute they met. You could feel the tension and their chemistry. I loved how this author tied everything in this series together. I read this in one sitting, I could not put it down. I don’t wanna give anything away, so just trust me and sit back and enjoy the ride. Absolutely a five star read for me!
This is the fourth book in this series, and this is Liam and Lorien’s story, Lian is a protective security specialist, and Lorien is a biochemist, and they meet as new neighbors, and there is an instant connection between them. Liam suggest a marriage of convenience as a solution to both off their problems, and they complement each other perfectly. This is a well written easy to read, slow burn story, with family, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, an unpredictable, addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Crumbled Sanctuary was packed full of action and suspense. I love a good mystery where both the H and h have things going on that you are not sure where the danger is coming from, you just know something will happen.
Lorien and Liam meet as new neighbors when something goes wrong on moving day. Lorien is a Biologist trying to do good in the pharmaceutical world. Liam is a Security specialist who keeps his personal circle small and does everything he can to protect the people he loves. Will he let Lorien be a part of that circle? Will Lorien be able to love the rough, tattooed and bearded biker?
Wow, so good! I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I love a good fake marriage/marriage of convenience novel and this novel checked so many boxes for me. I was excited to jump into this novel and it did not let me down. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight. I loved Liam and Lorien' story. Their chemistry was so good! I loved the dialogue and the banter. I loved watching their walls and defenses come down and watch them fall in love. Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So so good!
Lorien is a brainiac girl working for a pharmaceutical company, trying to find a cure for her brother's condition. She recently moves into a condo next Liam and let's just say they don't start off on the best foot. This author knows how to grab you from the very beginning and keep you reading. There were several time I would say okay I'll just finish this chapter and go to bed then boom cliff hanger and I had to keep reading to to find out what happened. I do think it would be helpful to read the other books to have more understanding of the other characters and the backstory, but that did not stop me form enjoying this book.
What a ride! Crumbles Sanctuary by Hadley Finn was a suspenseful and spicy romance that rocked my heart from start to finish. Lorien and Liam’s marriage of convenience, grumpy sunshine vibes captured my attention making me long for these to save each other and give into all their steamy tension. I loved that Lorien worked in science making her super sexy and adorable while Liam’s observant and dedicated demeanor was super swoonworthy. If you are in the mood for a little sweet, a little spice, thrilling climax, and a heartfelt HEA then you will love Lorien and Liam’s story!
I received an ARC of Crumbled Sanctuary thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am obsessed with these characters. I loved watching the relationship develop and then seeing how the side characters interacted with the main characters. There was so much tension throughout the book, within the relationship, characters, and external events, but it did not feel overwhelming or overdone. If you are a fan of Anna Huang or Lauren Asher you need to pick this one up!
Aspen & Evergreen. A fanfreakingtasic read full of WTF twists, drama, angst, and action. Liam and Lorien. Liam is the family protector. And his family has been through the ringer. Lorien is a biochemist and moves in next door to him. A match made in crazy WTF mode. She's trying to heal her brother and the world. But someone is trying to stop her and hunt him. They have what the other needs. And they finish each other's cray cray. Loved every moment of this book.
4.5/5⭐️ Wow! That meet-cute was truly memorable. Add on the music and there’s no way Liam could ever forget or ignore Lorien.
I enjoyed seeing how their relationship progressed as these two who are total opposites, fall so deep in love with each other. It was also interesting to see how Lorien was with her family, and the clear differences between her family and the Murphys.
It took a while to get there but the ending was oh-so-sweet and satisfying.
Hadley Finn is one of my top 5 favorite authors. Crumbled Sanctuary, as with the previous books in the Aspen and Evergreen series is well written and action packed. I love each of the Murphy siblings and how they love and support each other! Liam has been one of my favorite characters since the beginning. He is big and bad on the outside but, mushy and loving on the inside. He will do anything to protect those he loves!
I absolutely loved this book! Can I give it more than five stars?! It draws you in from the very first page to the last page and keeps you wanting more. Liam and Lorien were perfect for each other. I love Liam and the other books, but this really made him one of my favorites from the series. It is action packed, lots of romance, and spice. I highly recommend it.
Well well well……Liam falling for the quirky brainiac girl next door was not on my bingo card this year but I am here for it! Crumbled Sanctuary delivered from Liam and Lorien’s first meeting to the action packed conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series but I think Liam and Lorien might have won the favorite book in series award. Highly recommend
I didn’t think Ms. Finn could top Mangled Memory for me, but Crumbled Sanctuary blew me out of the water. Lorien & Liam were—in my opinion—chef’s kiss. The story was unique and filled with all the feels. I’m sad to say goodbye to this series but I can’t wait for the next!!
Crumbled Sanctuary by Hadley Finn is a hauntingly beautiful story that pulled me in from the very first page. Dark, emotional, and deeply atmospheric, it weaves together tension and tenderness so effortlessly. The characters feel raw and real, and their journey is both heartbreaking and captivating. A powerful, unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.
I enjoyed this grumpy neighbor/sunshine neighbor book immensely. I felt at times that I was missing parts of the story though, and I was! Evidently, it's part of a series and I came in sideways. Yes, you can read it as a stand-alone, but there will be parts where you are left wondering. It's still good though.
I enjoyed this book. It is nonstop from the get go. Liam and Lorien are good characters. I really liked their interactions. I enjoyed their banter. I liked the storyline. I liked the pacing of the story too. Overall it was a good story I had a hard time putting down.