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The Haven Brothers #5
Captivation Creek: A Small-Town Romance
He’ll help her solve a mystery, but they can’t risk their hearts.
A devastating injury ended Theo Haven’s pro-football career, but he’s made a good life for himself in his hometown. The high school teacher and football coach might be single, but that’s by choice. And his work bestie, Penelope? She’s one of the best parts of his job, but they’re just friends.
No, really. Not the sort of friends who are secretly pining for each other or destined to hook up. Just… friends.
Art teacher Penelope Fallbrook is stuck in a rut. When a locally renowned artist dies suspiciously, she channels her restless energy into amateur sleuthing. Who better than her best friend Theo to help her search for the truth?
When Penelope’s life comes crashing down, Theo is there, picking up the pieces and offering a place to stay. Best friends become roommates, and living one room away might be too much temptation.
As they dig deeper into the mystery of the artist’s death, secrets unravel. Are they searching for a murderer? Or uncovering the work of a serial killer?
And Penelope might be in danger of becoming the next victim.
Author’s a fun twist on friends-to-lovers with work besties turned roommates turned lovers. A murder mystery, small-town shenanigans, feuding senior citizens, page-turning suspense, and a charming couple who will steal your heart.
Captivation Creek can be read as a stand-alone.
A devastating injury ended Theo Haven’s pro-football career, but he’s made a good life for himself in his hometown. The high school teacher and football coach might be single, but that’s by choice. And his work bestie, Penelope? She’s one of the best parts of his job, but they’re just friends.
No, really. Not the sort of friends who are secretly pining for each other or destined to hook up. Just… friends.
Art teacher Penelope Fallbrook is stuck in a rut. When a locally renowned artist dies suspiciously, she channels her restless energy into amateur sleuthing. Who better than her best friend Theo to help her search for the truth?
When Penelope’s life comes crashing down, Theo is there, picking up the pieces and offering a place to stay. Best friends become roommates, and living one room away might be too much temptation.
As they dig deeper into the mystery of the artist’s death, secrets unravel. Are they searching for a murderer? Or uncovering the work of a serial killer?
And Penelope might be in danger of becoming the next victim.
Author’s a fun twist on friends-to-lovers with work besties turned roommates turned lovers. A murder mystery, small-town shenanigans, feuding senior citizens, page-turning suspense, and a charming couple who will steal your heart.
Captivation Creek can be read as a stand-alone.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Claire Kingsley
68 books12.9k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews
May 5, 2026
Como en los anteriores libros de esta serie, nos encontramos con una historia de suspense romántico ambientada en Tilikum.
Entre el misterio, los Haven y la bonita amistad de nuestros protagonistas, el libro se lee en un momento. Lo que cada vez echo más en falta es el romance, aunque lo tiene, pero se siente como una transición, algo que estaba en el fondo de la amistad y no he sentido la química.
Es una etapa diferente de la autora y las he leído todas, sigo devorando sus libros, pero seguro que echo de menos sus historias de hace algunos años.
Tengo muchas ganas de cerrar el ciclo con el libro de Reese, el hermano más misterioso y ver qué sigue.
Entre el misterio, los Haven y la bonita amistad de nuestros protagonistas, el libro se lee en un momento. Lo que cada vez echo más en falta es el romance, aunque lo tiene, pero se siente como una transición, algo que estaba en el fondo de la amistad y no he sentido la química.
Es una etapa diferente de la autora y las he leído todas, sigo devorando sus libros, pero seguro que echo de menos sus historias de hace algunos años.
Tengo muchas ganas de cerrar el ciclo con el libro de Reese, el hermano más misterioso y ver qué sigue.
March 28, 2026
i always love revisiting Tilikum through the Haven series’ new installments, there’s something about this family that makes every book feel special. i had been waiting for Theo’s story, and the moment i found out it was friends to lovers, i immediately picked it up and practically devoured it.
what i really appreciated is that it’s not the typical childhood friends to lovers. their friendship was brief, and everything builds slowly from there, which gave the romance a really satisfying slow-burn arc.
Penelope was such a joy to read; sweet, kind, and genuinely caring. and Theo… he’s a Haven, of course, but i especially loved his personality here, the way he showed up for her, how supportive and attentive he was.
as expected with a Claire Kingsley book, there’s also a strong mystery element distilled into the story. the more the story developed, the more i found myself completely pulled into it. i loved how the suspense and romance blended so harmonically together. the romance itself was impeccable, i loved them from start to finish.
i’m already excited for the next book in the series, especially knowing there’s still one Haven left whose story we haven’t fully uncovered yet.
many thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
what i really appreciated is that it’s not the typical childhood friends to lovers. their friendship was brief, and everything builds slowly from there, which gave the romance a really satisfying slow-burn arc.
Penelope was such a joy to read; sweet, kind, and genuinely caring. and Theo… he’s a Haven, of course, but i especially loved his personality here, the way he showed up for her, how supportive and attentive he was.
as expected with a Claire Kingsley book, there’s also a strong mystery element distilled into the story. the more the story developed, the more i found myself completely pulled into it. i loved how the suspense and romance blended so harmonically together. the romance itself was impeccable, i loved them from start to finish.
i’m already excited for the next book in the series, especially knowing there’s still one Haven left whose story we haven’t fully uncovered yet.
many thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
March 24, 2026
The wait was so worth it! This book and audiobook was everything and then some that I hoped for in Theo and Penelope’s story and the return back to the beloved quirky small town of Tilikum.
Theo Haven is the high school football coach and teacher and Penelope is the high school art teacher. Work place besties that turned into a friends to roommates and then roommates to lovers situation.
I also adored her grandma Colleen and her antics with pranking a Havens man in the assisted living facility.
This whole book made my heart so happy!
Theo Haven is the high school football coach and teacher and Penelope is the high school art teacher. Work place besties that turned into a friends to roommates and then roommates to lovers situation.
I also adored her grandma Colleen and her antics with pranking a Havens man in the assisted living facility.
This whole book made my heart so happy!
April 24, 2025
Theo and Penelope? From Levi’s book?
nope-nope-or-nah
April 1, 2026“Amateur sleuthing”? No thanks! 🙂↔️ Why do so many authors want their characters to be part of the Scooby Doo gang? You want to write a murder mystery? Have one of your characters be a cop solving the crime, not an art teacher. 🙄
April 9, 2026
These two were dating for actually 3 weeks before he proposed. Whatever.
Cute. It’s been a while since I read the other ones so I was having trouble keeping track of who everyone was but that’s a me problem.
I really thought it was funny when they were gossiping about the other teachers they thought were in a relationship because yall bring your lunch in the same bag what do you think they’re saying about you???
Cute. It’s been a while since I read the other ones so I was having trouble keeping track of who everyone was but that’s a me problem.
I really thought it was funny when they were gossiping about the other teachers they thought were in a relationship because yall bring your lunch in the same bag what do you think they’re saying about you???
April 13, 2026
Not what I have expected. Quite predictable and a little tame on the mystery/thriller part but nonetheless it felt like a warm hug.
But as always, Miss Kingsley never disappoints.
Ps. I love the Faking Ms. Right reference iykyk.
But as always, Miss Kingsley never disappoints.
Ps. I love the Faking Ms. Right reference iykyk.
March 31, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Theo & Penelope!! This one stole my heart. I have been so excited to get to this book & it did not let me down!!
Narration by Vanessa Edwin & Alastair Haynesbridge was done so well! This was my first time listening to the male narrator & I loved it!
Theo is a high school Football coach/teacher & Penelope is the school art teacher. These two are work besties turn roommates, to lovers & I absolutely loved their relationship! They were so fun, loveable, and just swoony!! This is romantic suspense and the added mystery gave this one such a fun, keep you on your toes, element!!
Theo is just the charming/guarded MMC who is funny & just such a sweet man! Pen is your strong FMC who is full of heart and together these two have the best chemistry!
This story was fun, hilarious, and also held a lot of added emotion! The grandma in this was definitely my favorite and her character made me so laugh. I was not expecting the twist in this one, but it definitely made this ride such a great one!!
Thank you Claire Kingsley & team for this early copy. Such an amazingly well write story that just has a way of sucking you in & making you love every second!
Theo & Penelope!! This one stole my heart. I have been so excited to get to this book & it did not let me down!!
Narration by Vanessa Edwin & Alastair Haynesbridge was done so well! This was my first time listening to the male narrator & I loved it!
Theo is a high school Football coach/teacher & Penelope is the school art teacher. These two are work besties turn roommates, to lovers & I absolutely loved their relationship! They were so fun, loveable, and just swoony!! This is romantic suspense and the added mystery gave this one such a fun, keep you on your toes, element!!
Theo is just the charming/guarded MMC who is funny & just such a sweet man! Pen is your strong FMC who is full of heart and together these two have the best chemistry!
This story was fun, hilarious, and also held a lot of added emotion! The grandma in this was definitely my favorite and her character made me so laugh. I was not expecting the twist in this one, but it definitely made this ride such a great one!!
Thank you Claire Kingsley & team for this early copy. Such an amazingly well write story that just has a way of sucking you in & making you love every second!
March 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
It was a cute, fun read!
It was a cute, fun read!
September 8, 2026
DE MIS FAVORITOS SIN DUDA ALGUNA
Amo la relación que tienen Pen y Theo, son un amor, lo del misterio por primera vez lo sentí medio flojo, pero la verdad es que no me importa absolutamente nada, son lindisimosss y ya quiero leer a Reese no aguanto la duda.
Amo la relación que tienen Pen y Theo, son un amor, lo del misterio por primera vez lo sentí medio flojo, pero la verdad es que no me importa absolutamente nada, son lindisimosss y ya quiero leer a Reese no aguanto la duda.
September 10, 2026
I’m really enjoying this series! I must say, the first 50% of the book was a bit slow for me and I was finding it hard to really get into, but the last 50% was so much better. I did really like Theo & Penelope.
September 14, 2026
las historias de romance donde la pareja principal tiene que resolver un misterio siempre será un ganar-ganar en mi cancha
✮⋆˙ Theo y Penelope tienen muy en claro que lo de ellos no puede ser más que una amistad, pero las líneas comienzan a desdibujase después de que Penelope termina viviendo en la casa de Theo una vez que decide dejar a su novio, Sean. Mientras aprenden a gravitar en la zona del otro, tendrán que resolver juntos el misterio de quién asesinó a Edwin, el pintor favorito de Penelope.
Me dió tanta nostalgia cuando terminé de leer esta historia porque estoy segura que me hubiera encantado si la hubiera leído al mismo tiempo que la serie de los Baily. Si tuviera qué adivinar qué cambió en mí estos últimos años para ya no disfrutar los libros que antes solían gustarme, la verdad es que no tendría ni idea, pero a pesar de que fue una historia bastante cozy perfecta para leer en otoño (para mí septiembre ya es muy otoñal) no pude darle más de 3 estrellas.
No es una historia mala simplemente algo inmadura para la perspectiva de misterio que esperaba.
El libro comienza con un par de capítulos bastante graciosos en donde Theo piensa maravillas de Pen, disfruta de su compañía, añora los momentos en que tienen que compartir el almuerzo juntos, porque deben de saber que ambos son compañeros de trabajo en el mismo instituto. Él siendo el entrenador del equipo de fútbol y el profesor de matemáticas y ella siendo la maestra de arte.
Theo no puede dejar de pensar en lo linda que es Pen y la gran amistad que tienen al mismo tiempo que él mismo se miente porque claro "solo la ve como una amiga". Penelope por su parte es un poco indiferente a la química que tiene con él ya que ella se encuentra en una relación con Sean, que más que relación es costumbre, pero al final del día, está con otra persona.
Cuando llega el momento de romper con su, en ese momento, novio, ya no tiene a dónde ir. O eso cree ella, porque Theo sin pensarlo un segundo le ofrece mudarse a su casa y comenzar a ser roomies.
Y el resto es un poco historia. La tensión estalla entre ambos e inevitablemente terminan durmiendo juntos mientras que Pen descubre una nota que le dejó Edwin, su mentor de pintura en el cuadro que le heredó. Es así como ambos deciden comenzar a investigar el posible caso de quién mató a Edwin y si realmente Edwin era un asesino que pintaba los paisajes en donde enterraba a sus víctimas.
La química de ambos personajes es muy entrañable porque ambos son lindos. Theo es ese hombre que es protector y proveedor en el buen sentido, siempre buscando cuidar a las personas que están a su alrededor y se tomó muy en serio el papel de proteger a Pen. Mientras que ella por su parte es muy dulce, es de esas protagonistas que no puedes odiar porque son simplemente naturalmente entrañables.
A ver, tampoco puedo decir que había una química explosiva entre ambos porque no la había pero definitivamente el cariño y la atracción estaban ahí, si la autora hubiera reducido la edad y me decía que se trataba de unos universitarios, también le creía, porque lo cierto es que en ciertas partes del libro todo se lee tan inocente.
No sé si es porque mi expectativa del misterio ha cambiado en este par de años pero algo que definitivamente no pude tomar en serio es el hecho de que ambos decidieron comenzar a investigar para poder darles pistas más claras a la policía, sí, dos personas que no tienen idea de en lo que se están metiendo y toman el caso como un juego de niños piensan que tienen más habilidad que la policía para resolver misterios. Lo más poco creíble es que Garrett, el hermano de Theo es el ayudante del sherif (el cual nunca apareció en la historia btw) dijo que "no era suficiente" la nota que encontró Penelope detrás de su pintura donde Edwin declaraba que alguien muy pronto podía matarlo, para comenzar a investigar el caso. Dude??!!
Pero bueno, tampoco puedo pedirle mucho porque sin misterio y caso para investigar se acaba la trama de la historia.
Creo que la autora pudo haber explotado un poco más y en mi opinión hubiera sido mejor que Edwin efectivamente mataba a sus víctimas y después inmortalizaba el lugar en donde las asesinaba en sus pinturas. Habría tenido más sentido que por eso pintaba retratos de sus víctimas y por eso había un retrato de Pen y las notas que encontró en las pinturas eran realmente de la esposa pidiendo ayuda, que quien lo mató fue tal vez la última víctima que pudo escapar. Eso definitivamente hubiera sido más interesante.
✮⋆˙ Theo y Penelope tienen muy en claro que lo de ellos no puede ser más que una amistad, pero las líneas comienzan a desdibujase después de que Penelope termina viviendo en la casa de Theo una vez que decide dejar a su novio, Sean. Mientras aprenden a gravitar en la zona del otro, tendrán que resolver juntos el misterio de quién asesinó a Edwin, el pintor favorito de Penelope.
Me dió tanta nostalgia cuando terminé de leer esta historia porque estoy segura que me hubiera encantado si la hubiera leído al mismo tiempo que la serie de los Baily. Si tuviera qué adivinar qué cambió en mí estos últimos años para ya no disfrutar los libros que antes solían gustarme, la verdad es que no tendría ni idea, pero a pesar de que fue una historia bastante cozy perfecta para leer en otoño (para mí septiembre ya es muy otoñal) no pude darle más de 3 estrellas.
No es una historia mala simplemente algo inmadura para la perspectiva de misterio que esperaba.
El libro comienza con un par de capítulos bastante graciosos en donde Theo piensa maravillas de Pen, disfruta de su compañía, añora los momentos en que tienen que compartir el almuerzo juntos, porque deben de saber que ambos son compañeros de trabajo en el mismo instituto. Él siendo el entrenador del equipo de fútbol y el profesor de matemáticas y ella siendo la maestra de arte.
Theo no puede dejar de pensar en lo linda que es Pen y la gran amistad que tienen al mismo tiempo que él mismo se miente porque claro "solo la ve como una amiga". Penelope por su parte es un poco indiferente a la química que tiene con él ya que ella se encuentra en una relación con Sean, que más que relación es costumbre, pero al final del día, está con otra persona.
Cuando llega el momento de romper con su, en ese momento, novio, ya no tiene a dónde ir. O eso cree ella, porque Theo sin pensarlo un segundo le ofrece mudarse a su casa y comenzar a ser roomies.
Y el resto es un poco historia. La tensión estalla entre ambos e inevitablemente terminan durmiendo juntos mientras que Pen descubre una nota que le dejó Edwin, su mentor de pintura en el cuadro que le heredó. Es así como ambos deciden comenzar a investigar el posible caso de quién mató a Edwin y si realmente Edwin era un asesino que pintaba los paisajes en donde enterraba a sus víctimas.
La química de ambos personajes es muy entrañable porque ambos son lindos. Theo es ese hombre que es protector y proveedor en el buen sentido, siempre buscando cuidar a las personas que están a su alrededor y se tomó muy en serio el papel de proteger a Pen. Mientras que ella por su parte es muy dulce, es de esas protagonistas que no puedes odiar porque son simplemente naturalmente entrañables.
A ver, tampoco puedo decir que había una química explosiva entre ambos porque no la había pero definitivamente el cariño y la atracción estaban ahí, si la autora hubiera reducido la edad y me decía que se trataba de unos universitarios, también le creía, porque lo cierto es que en ciertas partes del libro todo se lee tan inocente.
No sé si es porque mi expectativa del misterio ha cambiado en este par de años pero algo que definitivamente no pude tomar en serio es el hecho de que ambos decidieron comenzar a investigar para poder darles pistas más claras a la policía, sí, dos personas que no tienen idea de en lo que se están metiendo y toman el caso como un juego de niños piensan que tienen más habilidad que la policía para resolver misterios. Lo más poco creíble es que Garrett, el hermano de Theo es el ayudante del sherif (el cual nunca apareció en la historia btw) dijo que "no era suficiente" la nota que encontró Penelope detrás de su pintura donde Edwin declaraba que alguien muy pronto podía matarlo, para comenzar a investigar el caso. Dude??!!
Pero bueno, tampoco puedo pedirle mucho porque sin misterio y caso para investigar se acaba la trama de la historia.
Creo que la autora pudo haber explotado un poco más y en mi opinión hubiera sido mejor que Edwin efectivamente mataba a sus víctimas y después inmortalizaba el lugar en donde las asesinaba en sus pinturas. Habría tenido más sentido que por eso pintaba retratos de sus víctimas y por eso había un retrato de Pen y las notas que encontró en las pinturas eran realmente de la esposa pidiendo ayuda, que quien lo mató fue tal vez la última víctima que pudo escapar. Eso definitivamente hubiera sido más interesante.
September 16, 2026
3 / 5 ⭐
2 / 5 🌶️
First Person, Dual POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 🔥
Theo (MMC) and Penelope (FMC)
Why does the FMC have 0 friends or even any close aquitances at 35 years old? and where is her family, why don't they get along? How about any friends from her hometown? I'm so sick and tired of these lone wolf type MC's that are unrealistic and shallow, especially when Penelope is supposedly attractive, kind, even if she's nerdy and/or an introvert, but I believe that most introverts have more than 1 friend... 🙄😩🤔.
Another thing that bugged me: The FMC goes from living with one guy, to immediately living with another one. Hello? aren't you a hard working, modern, 21st century woman with agency? Perhaps spend some time working on yourself before jumping into another relationship 🤨. Is it just me?
Finally, how clingy is Penelope? After their first spontaneous & passionate night together, the FMC is inviting Theo to visit her grandma with her? Why? Didnt you just say (inside voice) that you needed to put space between you two? 😩😒
The book felt to me a bit too long, not much happens and the investigation of the mystery was snail paced 😩. Feel free to skip this one, unless you really want to pick it up ;)
Happy reading 📚
2 / 5 🌶️
First Person, Dual POV 👀
Spicy chapters: 🔥
Theo (MMC) and Penelope (FMC)
Why does the FMC have 0 friends or even any close aquitances at 35 years old? and where is her family, why don't they get along? How about any friends from her hometown? I'm so sick and tired of these lone wolf type MC's that are unrealistic and shallow, especially when Penelope is supposedly attractive, kind, even if she's nerdy and/or an introvert, but I believe that most introverts have more than 1 friend... 🙄😩🤔.
Another thing that bugged me: The FMC goes from living with one guy, to immediately living with another one. Hello? aren't you a hard working, modern, 21st century woman with agency? Perhaps spend some time working on yourself before jumping into another relationship 🤨. Is it just me?
Finally, how clingy is Penelope? After their first spontaneous & passionate night together, the FMC is inviting Theo to visit her grandma with her? Why? Didnt you just say (inside voice) that you needed to put space between you two? 😩😒
The book felt to me a bit too long, not much happens and the investigation of the mystery was snail paced 😩. Feel free to skip this one, unless you really want to pick it up ;)
Happy reading 📚
April 12, 2026
Theo Haven had just kissed me, and it had short-circuited my brain.
♥️Small Town
🍂Workplace Romance
♥️Romantic Suspense
🍂Best Friends to Lovers
♥️Forced Proximity
🍂Found Family
Tilikum is truly one of my favorite small towns!! Claire writes the best small towns that you are ready to move to! I adore the Havens. We get to see a whole other side to them from when we met them with the Baileys. I’m telling you, you will fall in love with Claire’s characters and books!
Theo and Penelope are adorable. Their friendship is major goals and their dynamic is everything. When they finally give into their feelings…you can see so much of their friendship.
The nicknames that Theo has for Penelope is the cutest! Major swoon!
I love the little tie in to the Dirty Martini Running Club!!
I love everything about this series!! The audiobook was so good too! I highly recommend! Thank you Claire for the gifted ARC and ALC! I can’t wait for Reese!!
♥️Small Town
🍂Workplace Romance
♥️Romantic Suspense
🍂Best Friends to Lovers
♥️Forced Proximity
🍂Found Family
Tilikum is truly one of my favorite small towns!! Claire writes the best small towns that you are ready to move to! I adore the Havens. We get to see a whole other side to them from when we met them with the Baileys. I’m telling you, you will fall in love with Claire’s characters and books!
Theo and Penelope are adorable. Their friendship is major goals and their dynamic is everything. When they finally give into their feelings…you can see so much of their friendship.
The nicknames that Theo has for Penelope is the cutest! Major swoon!
I love the little tie in to the Dirty Martini Running Club!!
I love everything about this series!! The audiobook was so good too! I highly recommend! Thank you Claire for the gifted ARC and ALC! I can’t wait for Reese!!
March 23, 2026
When I tell you all I have been WAITING for Captivation Creek for so many days. I say it with my WHHHOLLEEE CHEST.
Theo & Penelope were so worth the wait though!! This romantic suspense of BESTFRIENDS to lovers was SO PERFECT.
Theo Haven is a fb coach and math teacher!! He played for the pros and was faced with a career ending injury - so home he went.. he lives a simple life. Him and Penelope are best friends and she’s the art teacher at the high school! They have the best relationship.. & it never feels forced or cringy.. it truly is written like a best friendship.
When something happens and Pen needs a place to live.. it looks like her best friend just became her roomie!! Theo is so reserved to women, and you don’t really understand WHY he doesn’t want to settle down or ever get married until- you do and it’s heartbreaking. I love this man… he is quirky and so funny.. the little nicknames he gives Pen were my favorite lol I highlighted every single one of them!!
& as always- I never have a clue WHO the bad guy is. I was SHOOKITH at the suspense side of things.
I’m so grateful for the ARC copy for the author and her team. After finishing the paperback, I received the ALC, and let me just say… I love to eyeball read a book… but the narrators in this. They did the DAMN THING!!! IT. WAS. SO. GOOD IN AUDIO!!! (Narrated by Vanessa Edwin ( a personal fav of mine) and a new to be narrator Alastair Haynesbridge, who was also phenomenal!!
I never thought I would be able to say I loved a Haven more than a Bailey- but I just might with Theo..
Theo & Penelope were so worth the wait though!! This romantic suspense of BESTFRIENDS to lovers was SO PERFECT.
Theo Haven is a fb coach and math teacher!! He played for the pros and was faced with a career ending injury - so home he went.. he lives a simple life. Him and Penelope are best friends and she’s the art teacher at the high school! They have the best relationship.. & it never feels forced or cringy.. it truly is written like a best friendship.
When something happens and Pen needs a place to live.. it looks like her best friend just became her roomie!! Theo is so reserved to women, and you don’t really understand WHY he doesn’t want to settle down or ever get married until- you do and it’s heartbreaking. I love this man… he is quirky and so funny.. the little nicknames he gives Pen were my favorite lol I highlighted every single one of them!!
& as always- I never have a clue WHO the bad guy is. I was SHOOKITH at the suspense side of things.
I’m so grateful for the ARC copy for the author and her team. After finishing the paperback, I received the ALC, and let me just say… I love to eyeball read a book… but the narrators in this. They did the DAMN THING!!! IT. WAS. SO. GOOD IN AUDIO!!! (Narrated by Vanessa Edwin ( a personal fav of mine) and a new to be narrator Alastair Haynesbridge, who was also phenomenal!!
I never thought I would be able to say I loved a Haven more than a Bailey- but I just might with Theo..
April 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5!!!
okay, this is my fave in the series yet! the vibes were SO fun!!! 🤩
i knew i’d enjoy theo’s story but i didn’t think i’d like it this much! he & penelope shared the cutest friendship, and watching it slowly morph into something more was so gratifying. i really think this is one of the better friends to lovers romances! there was no insta-lust or insta-love, just a slow, gradual awakening to the realization that the other was *their* person.
the plot was so fun! i think this is my favorite of all the romantic-suspense elements in the series so far. a beloved but deceased local artist whose scenic paintings appear to be those of burial grounds for missing/murdered women? are they clues or are they confessions? who’s to know! 👀
okay, this is my fave in the series yet! the vibes were SO fun!!! 🤩
i knew i’d enjoy theo’s story but i didn’t think i’d like it this much! he & penelope shared the cutest friendship, and watching it slowly morph into something more was so gratifying. i really think this is one of the better friends to lovers romances! there was no insta-lust or insta-love, just a slow, gradual awakening to the realization that the other was *their* person.
the plot was so fun! i think this is my favorite of all the romantic-suspense elements in the series so far. a beloved but deceased local artist whose scenic paintings appear to be those of burial grounds for missing/murdered women? are they clues or are they confessions? who’s to know! 👀
April 11, 2026
Friends to More is my favorite trope and Claire Kingsley wrote it so well with this story! Theo and Penelope were so fun together. Their friendship felt easy and natural, but with that edge of something that could become more even if they didn't realize it at first.
I was hooked from the very beginning of the book, but couldn't put it down once their relationship began to evolve and the mystery began to unfold. I read this in both ebook and audiobook formats and I loved both. The narrators did a great job and fit Theo and Penelope well.
I have read and enjoyed so many of Claire's books, and this is definitely a new favorite!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very beginning of the book, but couldn't put it down once their relationship began to evolve and the mystery began to unfold. I read this in both ebook and audiobook formats and I loved both. The narrators did a great job and fit Theo and Penelope well.
I have read and enjoyed so many of Claire's books, and this is definitely a new favorite!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
I have been itching to read a YA novel recently and I folded and bought one (okay actually two). I just need a nice, fun, romance story and I knew this book would deliver. I’ve read majority of this authors books and I know what to expect. I’ve been reading a lot of “serious”or romantasy based books and I just need to escape to easy, romance land haha.
This book was cute and it was a friends to lovers-which I love!
And I did read it in four hours!
Loved this couple!
Missed this world.
Life is getting too crazy and too real. Good to escape to a make believe land far far away for a little while 😛
This book was cute and it was a friends to lovers-which I love!
And I did read it in four hours!
Loved this couple!
Missed this world.
Life is getting too crazy and too real. Good to escape to a make believe land far far away for a little while 😛
April 14, 2026
I used to love this series but this book was as interesting as watching paint dry and this couple's chemistry was about the same as a wet towel. I'll be tuning in for Reese's story if only because I'm super curious to know what the story there is but I won't be expecting much
September 11, 2026
This was a friends to lovers story layered with mystery and suspense. Even had a dash of who Dunnit vibes as well. It felt a bit more lighthearted than the other stories in this series (still had serious topics intertwined though).
April 13, 2026
Another great addition tho the Haven brothers series. Theo and Penelope were likeable characters and their friends to lovers journey was sweet. The mystery plot was interesting and I liked that Theo and Pen, as wannabe detectives, didn't solve the mystery all on their own. 4 stars instead of 5 because it was a little slow going in parts. I'm looking forward to finally reading Reese's book after all the hints in the rest of the series.
April 10, 2026
Ooh this was a good one! Sad to have to wait till September to learn about Reese
April 8, 2026
This was so good! I knew Theo was going to be swoony! Now I'm SUPER excited for Reese's book!
April 8, 2026
5🌟
✨ I was not expecting to love Theo Haven as much as I did. This book was incredible and I couldn’t put it down, literally finished within 24 hours. I love the sense of found family and friendships in these books and the mystery always has me hooked.
✨Penelope was such a fun character and I loved her friendship with Theo. I think the transition from them going from friends to more was very realistic and I was constantly smiling at them both trying to deny their feelings. I love that these books don’t have a third act breakup and the mystery in this was so fun and exciting.
✨I can barely contain my excitement over the fact we are finally getting Reese’s book next and I can’t wait to see how he fits into the family and find out more about him. If you have not read this series yet you are missing out!!
✨ I was not expecting to love Theo Haven as much as I did. This book was incredible and I couldn’t put it down, literally finished within 24 hours. I love the sense of found family and friendships in these books and the mystery always has me hooked.
✨Penelope was such a fun character and I loved her friendship with Theo. I think the transition from them going from friends to more was very realistic and I was constantly smiling at them both trying to deny their feelings. I love that these books don’t have a third act breakup and the mystery in this was so fun and exciting.
✨I can barely contain my excitement over the fact we are finally getting Reese’s book next and I can’t wait to see how he fits into the family and find out more about him. If you have not read this series yet you are missing out!!
April 16, 2026
A cute friends to lovers story with some murder mystery sprinkled in. I was excited to dive back into this series and the town of Tilikum, but I was left wanting more.
Theo and Pen were cute trying to pretend they didn't like each other. I really like how Theo was there for Pen when she needed him, making her feel more seen in her life.
The Haven brothers/family banding together to help Pen was great. Z cracked me up when he was helping. The retirement home shenanigans brought in a fun element as well.
I only wish there was more depth to their relationship and maybe even a little more drama?
Theo and Pen were cute trying to pretend they didn't like each other. I really like how Theo was there for Pen when she needed him, making her feel more seen in her life.
The Haven brothers/family banding together to help Pen was great. Z cracked me up when he was helping. The retirement home shenanigans brought in a fun element as well.
I only wish there was more depth to their relationship and maybe even a little more drama?
April 9, 2026
This book has everything I love to read. Best friends to lovers, small town romance (and gossip 😊), family hijinks, and laughter with a side of suspense. If you’re a fan of those tropes then you’ll love Captivation Creek!
Theo is the high school football coach and teacher. Penelope is the art teacher and Theo’s work Bestie. Together they pull pranks on coworkers and support each other through the day. When Penelope breaks up with her boyfriend and needs a place to live Theo quickly offers her the spare room at his house. When she needs help moving her stuff from her ex-boyfriend’s house, Theo jumps in to help. Penelope makes lunches for the two of them for the week. When Deal gets a job offer on the other side of the country Penelope is supportive of him even though she knows she will miss him.
When a local artist dies, who Penelope considered to be a mentor, she and Theo go to the memorial service. While there they overheard a couple of conversations that led them to believe that he may have been murdered. Theo and Penelope start quietly poking around to try and find out what happened to him. The suspense part of the story had a twist I wasn’t expecting!
I loved how the chemistry between them grew, as they both started to realize they were becoming more than friends. The “I can’t have these tingles when he’s around me, Theo’s my best friend” to the “what ifs” What if this doesn’t work? I don’t want to lose our friendship!
When I read the Bailey Brothers series, I didn’t think I would ever like a Haven! But of course, Claire Kingsley made me a fan from Chapter 1 of Obsession Falls, book 1 of the Haven Series. If this is the first Haven book you’ve read, you’ll enjoy it, but I recommend you go back and read the first 4 too! If you want to learn about the feud between the Bailey Brothers and the Havens, go back and read the Bailey Brothers series! It doesn’t matter which book or series you pick up you’re going to love it!
Theo is the high school football coach and teacher. Penelope is the art teacher and Theo’s work Bestie. Together they pull pranks on coworkers and support each other through the day. When Penelope breaks up with her boyfriend and needs a place to live Theo quickly offers her the spare room at his house. When she needs help moving her stuff from her ex-boyfriend’s house, Theo jumps in to help. Penelope makes lunches for the two of them for the week. When Deal gets a job offer on the other side of the country Penelope is supportive of him even though she knows she will miss him.
When a local artist dies, who Penelope considered to be a mentor, she and Theo go to the memorial service. While there they overheard a couple of conversations that led them to believe that he may have been murdered. Theo and Penelope start quietly poking around to try and find out what happened to him. The suspense part of the story had a twist I wasn’t expecting!
I loved how the chemistry between them grew, as they both started to realize they were becoming more than friends. The “I can’t have these tingles when he’s around me, Theo’s my best friend” to the “what ifs” What if this doesn’t work? I don’t want to lose our friendship!
When I read the Bailey Brothers series, I didn’t think I would ever like a Haven! But of course, Claire Kingsley made me a fan from Chapter 1 of Obsession Falls, book 1 of the Haven Series. If this is the first Haven book you’ve read, you’ll enjoy it, but I recommend you go back and read the first 4 too! If you want to learn about the feud between the Bailey Brothers and the Havens, go back and read the Bailey Brothers series! It doesn’t matter which book or series you pick up you’re going to love it!
April 9, 2026
Theo Haven is Tillikum High's math teacher and beloved football coach. After a devastating injury that ended his pro-football career, he returned to his hometown to be near his huge family.
All he needed were the kids he taught, his family and his best friend, fellow teacher, Penelope. Despite their closeness, there have never been any romantic feelings between them. But that changed when her boyfriend left her stranded out of town and was in need of a place to stay.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book may be able to be read as a standalone, but get real, you MUST read this complete series so you don't miss any of the Haven brothers. Better yet, start with the Bailey Brothers to get the full story about Tillikum, a centuries-old feud between the Baileys and Havens and their thieving squirrel population.
This book is action-packed, steamy hot, and full of suspense and danger as Theo and Penelope start investigating the death of a local artist.
This story is narrated by two amazing voice actors, Alastair Haynesbridge and Vanessa Edwin. They had this story and these characters come to life. Vanessa was perfect for Penelope and I fell even more in love with Theo through the voice of Alastair. I highly recommend both of these narrators if you have a chance to listen to anything else in the future.
We are getting down to the last Haven brother who we only know by name and his brothers' ire as he took off years ago with no word to anyone but their mother since. I both can't wait for Reese's story and hate to see the end of Tillikum. It can't be the end, can it?
Highly recommend!
All he needed were the kids he taught, his family and his best friend, fellow teacher, Penelope. Despite their closeness, there have never been any romantic feelings between them. But that changed when her boyfriend left her stranded out of town and was in need of a place to stay.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book may be able to be read as a standalone, but get real, you MUST read this complete series so you don't miss any of the Haven brothers. Better yet, start with the Bailey Brothers to get the full story about Tillikum, a centuries-old feud between the Baileys and Havens and their thieving squirrel population.
This book is action-packed, steamy hot, and full of suspense and danger as Theo and Penelope start investigating the death of a local artist.
This story is narrated by two amazing voice actors, Alastair Haynesbridge and Vanessa Edwin. They had this story and these characters come to life. Vanessa was perfect for Penelope and I fell even more in love with Theo through the voice of Alastair. I highly recommend both of these narrators if you have a chance to listen to anything else in the future.
We are getting down to the last Haven brother who we only know by name and his brothers' ire as he took off years ago with no word to anyone but their mother since. I both can't wait for Reese's story and hate to see the end of Tillikum. It can't be the end, can it?
Highly recommend!
July 26, 2026
4 Stars
Have been loving this series and was so excited for Theo's story. Happy to report he did not disappoint! These two were so much fun and I really fell for their friends to lovers romance.
I loved that Theo and Penelope were working together and seeing them as work besties was so fun!! Sometimes I find friends to lovers romances to be a little unbelievable when they seem to oblivious to the others' feelings but this really worked for me. I adored seeing them as friends in the beginning. But then when they started to see each other differently, especially when forced together... so good!! They were too sweet together and I really loved them.
One thing about this series is the unique suspense storylines and this was no different. I will admit that it wasn't my favorite suspense from this series, but it was still interesting to see how everything played out with them trying to solve a mystery!
So overall, another great installment to this series and I cannot wait for the final book!! So many questions about our remaining brother. So excited!!
1 Spice
Format: Audio
Narrators: Alastair Haynesbridge & Vanessa Edwin
Expect:
Small Town, Work Besties, Romantic Suspense, Solving a Mystery, No Third Act Breakup, Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace
Have been loving this series and was so excited for Theo's story. Happy to report he did not disappoint! These two were so much fun and I really fell for their friends to lovers romance.
I loved that Theo and Penelope were working together and seeing them as work besties was so fun!! Sometimes I find friends to lovers romances to be a little unbelievable when they seem to oblivious to the others' feelings but this really worked for me. I adored seeing them as friends in the beginning. But then when they started to see each other differently, especially when forced together... so good!! They were too sweet together and I really loved them.
One thing about this series is the unique suspense storylines and this was no different. I will admit that it wasn't my favorite suspense from this series, but it was still interesting to see how everything played out with them trying to solve a mystery!
So overall, another great installment to this series and I cannot wait for the final book!! So many questions about our remaining brother. So excited!!
1 Spice
Format: Audio
Narrators: Alastair Haynesbridge & Vanessa Edwin
Expect:
Small Town, Work Besties, Romantic Suspense, Solving a Mystery, No Third Act Breakup, Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace
April 12, 2026
*4.5
It’s so good to be back in Tilikum with another Haven brother. I’ve been waiting for Theo’s story and it didn’t disappoint! The best friends to lovers is done in a way that it gives Pam and Jim vibes. Add in the mystery and just fun quirky small town vibes just makes this story fun!
The friendship between Theo and Penelope is so heartwarming and had me giddy. The mystery that the two roommates/best friends turned lovers is solving is one that I haven’t really seen.
Penelope is such a sweet character. Seeing her come into herself and completely start her life over is written beautifully. Theo is a lovable teddy bear. The way he’s so supportive of Penelope even when they’re just work besties made him even more lovable. I can’t wait for the next book! If you love quirky small town, mystery, best friends turned roommates to lovers this is the book for you!
Tropes:
🐿️ Small town
🐿️ Romantic Suspense
🐿️ Best Friends/Roommates to lovers
🐿️ Workplace
🐿️ Forced Proximity
“I want you to stay,” I said, my voice shaky. “I know it’s selfish, and I should want what’s best for you. And I shouldn’t have caught feelings, but I did. I keep trying to pretend I didn’t and it’s fine, but it’s not fine, Theo. Nothing is fine.”
It’s so good to be back in Tilikum with another Haven brother. I’ve been waiting for Theo’s story and it didn’t disappoint! The best friends to lovers is done in a way that it gives Pam and Jim vibes. Add in the mystery and just fun quirky small town vibes just makes this story fun!
The friendship between Theo and Penelope is so heartwarming and had me giddy. The mystery that the two roommates/best friends turned lovers is solving is one that I haven’t really seen.
Penelope is such a sweet character. Seeing her come into herself and completely start her life over is written beautifully. Theo is a lovable teddy bear. The way he’s so supportive of Penelope even when they’re just work besties made him even more lovable. I can’t wait for the next book! If you love quirky small town, mystery, best friends turned roommates to lovers this is the book for you!
Tropes:
🐿️ Small town
🐿️ Romantic Suspense
🐿️ Best Friends/Roommates to lovers
🐿️ Workplace
🐿️ Forced Proximity
“I want you to stay,” I said, my voice shaky. “I know it’s selfish, and I should want what’s best for you. And I shouldn’t have caught feelings, but I did. I keep trying to pretend I didn’t and it’s fine, but it’s not fine, Theo. Nothing is fine.”
May 26, 2026
CAPTIVATION CREEK 🧡
Written by Claire Kingsley
📚The Haven Brothers, Book 5
Interconnected Standalone
Adult • Romance • 368 Pages
🗓️Out Now!
🧡friends to lovers
🧡roommates to lovers
🧡workplace romance
🧡romantic suspense
🧡ONS to more
📚small town
🔎”Do you need anything?
Maybe just you, Pen.
I’m starting to realize I react the same way to “F it” and “my wife” as I do to “she’s worth the risk.”
This book was a case of the latter, where our very guarded MMC had the highest stakes and still choses her *sigh*
They were so perfect as friends but they were everything as more! All the little things he noticed about her met all the little things she did for him. The best example of two people making each other better.
The suspense was such a good add-on to this love story 👏🏼
Written by Claire Kingsley
📚The Haven Brothers, Book 5
Interconnected Standalone
Adult • Romance • 368 Pages
🗓️Out Now!
🧡friends to lovers
🧡roommates to lovers
🧡workplace romance
🧡romantic suspense
🧡ONS to more
📚small town
🔎”Do you need anything?
Maybe just you, Pen.
I’m starting to realize I react the same way to “F it” and “my wife” as I do to “she’s worth the risk.”
This book was a case of the latter, where our very guarded MMC had the highest stakes and still choses her *sigh*
They were so perfect as friends but they were everything as more! All the little things he noticed about her met all the little things she did for him. The best example of two people making each other better.
The suspense was such a good add-on to this love story 👏🏼
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