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Rory’s Haven (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): A Cypress Cliffs Prequel
He is fighting for his legacy. She is fighting for her life.
Rory Hawke is a woman of numbers, but the math is not adding up. After her father’s death, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that her brother is desperate to keep quiet. With an encrypted drive and a go-bag, she flees to the rugged terrain of Cypress Cliffs, taking an alias and a job as an admin for the local grump.
Rafe has enough problems without harboring a ‘city girl’ and her secrets. His ranch is drowning in debt, and a predatory developer is squeezing him from all sides. He doesn’t have time for a new assistant who names the chickens and challenges his every move– until he realizes she is the sharpest weapon in his arsenal.
When danger strikes, Rafe finds assistance from a Navy SEAL, and for a former Army pilot. Will their help be enough to save him from losing everything?
With cameo appearances from Susan Stoker’s John ‘Tex’ Keegan, and Christopher ‘Abe’ Powers.
Rory Hawke is a woman of numbers, but the math is not adding up. After her father’s death, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that her brother is desperate to keep quiet. With an encrypted drive and a go-bag, she flees to the rugged terrain of Cypress Cliffs, taking an alias and a job as an admin for the local grump.
Rafe has enough problems without harboring a ‘city girl’ and her secrets. His ranch is drowning in debt, and a predatory developer is squeezing him from all sides. He doesn’t have time for a new assistant who names the chickens and challenges his every move– until he realizes she is the sharpest weapon in his arsenal.
When danger strikes, Rafe finds assistance from a Navy SEAL, and for a former Army pilot. Will their help be enough to save him from losing everything?
With cameo appearances from Susan Stoker’s John ‘Tex’ Keegan, and Christopher ‘Abe’ Powers.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
10 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy
This is a new series from Naomi, with links to the Sallingers who have appeared in previous series.
This book starts on a fizz and a bang and gets better and better.
Rory and her sisters need to lay low and hide from their stepfather who is trying to sell their home and property without their knowledge. They scatter to different places and Rory ends up on Rafe’s ranch.
Now Rafe is grumpy and Rory is as bright and sunny as her yellow boots. As Rory learns all about life on a ranch, Rafe learns to live a little and before long they become just what each other needs.
This is a story which perfectly demonstrates the appeal of found family. Rafe’s friends Calvin and Allie, soon bring Rory into their circle as she learns about her new sanctum. And no one rights that better than Noami.
I’m looking forward to Future books and learning more about Rory’s sisters, but this series has got off to a great start for me.
This book starts on a fizz and a bang and gets better and better.
Rory and her sisters need to lay low and hide from their stepfather who is trying to sell their home and property without their knowledge. They scatter to different places and Rory ends up on Rafe’s ranch.
Now Rafe is grumpy and Rory is as bright and sunny as her yellow boots. As Rory learns all about life on a ranch, Rafe learns to live a little and before long they become just what each other needs.
This is a story which perfectly demonstrates the appeal of found family. Rafe’s friends Calvin and Allie, soon bring Rory into their circle as she learns about her new sanctum. And no one rights that better than Noami.
I’m looking forward to Future books and learning more about Rory’s sisters, but this series has got off to a great start for me.
March 10, 2026
Rafe and Rory
This is the first book in the Hawkes in Flight series. This story was outstanding. We get see old friends in the form of Daniel and Hope Salinger. Not to mention, Tex makes a cameo. IYKYK. Rory comes to Cypress Cliffs looking for a place to hide. Her father just passed and some not so nice people want something she has. She is an accountant and is going to be working for Rafe. Rafe is not thrilled to have a "City girl " on his ranch. He has enough to deal with trying to keep his ranch afloat and out of some shady characters hands. Rafe and Rory are attracted to each other, even though they do everything possible to fight it. Fate had other plans. They started to work together to solve both of their problems. The road to their HEA is anything but easy. It's filled with twists and turns I did not see coming. Fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride. Definite 10 out of 10, would recommend. Sorry, no spoilers.
This is the first book in the Hawkes in Flight series. This story was outstanding. We get see old friends in the form of Daniel and Hope Salinger. Not to mention, Tex makes a cameo. IYKYK. Rory comes to Cypress Cliffs looking for a place to hide. Her father just passed and some not so nice people want something she has. She is an accountant and is going to be working for Rafe. Rafe is not thrilled to have a "City girl " on his ranch. He has enough to deal with trying to keep his ranch afloat and out of some shady characters hands. Rafe and Rory are attracted to each other, even though they do everything possible to fight it. Fate had other plans. They started to work together to solve both of their problems. The road to their HEA is anything but easy. It's filled with twists and turns I did not see coming. Fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride. Definite 10 out of 10, would recommend. Sorry, no spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great story and quite different but oh so good.
After her father died, her unknown brother threatens Rory's two sisters and her to sell, so they split up and she goes into hiding in Rafe's ranch.
Rafe was a rancher, grumpy but very protective. He was in financial trouble but Rory is an accountant who tries to help. They have an attraction from the first meeting that builds as they spend more time working together.
I loved how they're was layers of story that was based on each of them. Rory and her family, Rory and Rafe but also how she builds her life on the ranch
I talked liked the added characters like Calvin and Allie, Mrs Powers, as well as Abe and Tex.
The danger, suspense and drama that comes about and the few twists and turns really made this an exciting must read book. So great I really want more!
After her father died, her unknown brother threatens Rory's two sisters and her to sell, so they split up and she goes into hiding in Rafe's ranch.
Rafe was a rancher, grumpy but very protective. He was in financial trouble but Rory is an accountant who tries to help. They have an attraction from the first meeting that builds as they spend more time working together.
I loved how they're was layers of story that was based on each of them. Rory and her family, Rory and Rafe but also how she builds her life on the ranch
I talked liked the added characters like Calvin and Allie, Mrs Powers, as well as Abe and Tex.
The danger, suspense and drama that comes about and the few twists and turns really made this an exciting must read book. So great I really want more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rory’s Haven brings Rory and Rafe together in a story filled with laughter, sass, and sharp banter. Though Rory’s journey begins on troubling ground, you quickly see her resilience shine. With Rafe by her side, she not only finds her footing but proves she can absolutely hold her own.
The friendship Rory and Rafe share with Calvin and his wife adds warmth and depth, especially as they all navigate the challenges of building the future they want while facing real obstacles. That strong foundation of connection makes the emotional moments hit even harder.
Just when happiness seems within reach, danger strikes at its peak. Watching Rafe tear through every barrier—with the help of our favorite familiar faces—to rescue the woman he loves is both intense and swoon-worthy.
A heartfelt, action-laced beginning that sets the tone beautifully for the series
The friendship Rory and Rafe share with Calvin and his wife adds warmth and depth, especially as they all navigate the challenges of building the future they want while facing real obstacles. That strong foundation of connection makes the emotional moments hit even harder.
Just when happiness seems within reach, danger strikes at its peak. Watching Rafe tear through every barrier—with the help of our favorite familiar faces—to rescue the woman he loves is both intense and swoon-worthy.
A heartfelt, action-laced beginning that sets the tone beautifully for the series
March 25, 2026
I loved it!! Rory and her sisters are intelligent and determined not just weak women in distress..... They acted and now they must keep their wits until their solution happen.
Rafe was trying to be strong, he has great friends and allies and he gives it back to the community but he is overwhelmed and refuse to admit it...When a friend of a friend decide he must protect, and hide, someone Rafe think it will only bring trouble as he was not expecting Rory a courageous woman with a knack for number...yes her methods must be adapted but they are so perfect for each other
Really i love it all the characters ... the only thing is that while this story has an ending the main one about the sisters is not and it's taking a long long time when we see the time jump so i definitively hope for more. to be recommended
Rafe was trying to be strong, he has great friends and allies and he gives it back to the community but he is overwhelmed and refuse to admit it...When a friend of a friend decide he must protect, and hide, someone Rafe think it will only bring trouble as he was not expecting Rory a courageous woman with a knack for number...yes her methods must be adapted but they are so perfect for each other
Really i love it all the characters ... the only thing is that while this story has an ending the main one about the sisters is not and it's taking a long long time when we see the time jump so i definitively hope for more. to be recommended
March 17, 2026
Rory is a woman who knows her strengths but when she is in danger and has to go into hiding separating her from her sisters she feels somewhat vulnerable especially when the danger is coming from her brother who is hoping to get his hands on her inheritance after their father passes away. In Cypress Hills she is hiding out at Rafe’s ranch and the banter between them is fun and light and oh so naughty. Rafe is grump and Rory is quite the opposite but they compliment each other and together they build a very strong and viable future. This book had a little bit of everything but it had the best quality and that was a great story with great characters that you are drawn to. Everything about this book was amazing.
March 12, 2026
This is a fairly new author to me and let me tell you I am truly enjoying her writing. This is book one in the Hawkes In Flight series. Such a great book to start series off with. I loved Rory and Rafe, they are such great characters and make a fantastic couple. Rory is running from her brother and ends up in Cypress Cliffs staying on Rafe's ranch. Rafe knows she's hiding from something but doesn't know what from. Rafe has his own demons he's hiding as well. Just when these two believe they may have a future together danger comes calling. I'm glad these two got their happy ending. I really enjoyed this book and I'm so excited about the future stories. I highly recommend this book.
March 10, 2026
Rory and Rafe lead us on an exciting journey. Rafe has the weight of the world on his shoulders why not add a woman who is danger that shakes up his routine. Rory and her sister's find themselves in trouble after their father's death, so they go into hiding with the help of some special guests. When Rory and Rafe team up against common enemy things don't go exactly as planned. I really enjoyed the beginning of this new series and look forward to more! If you need a grumpy/sunshine, capable heroine, supportive hero, romantic suspense the look no further.
March 11, 2026
Aurora, Isabelle and Genevieve are sisters along with their brother inherit Hawkes Landing ranch.
Rory and Rafe meet thru Tex, Abe and Wolf, Navy Seal friends of Calvin ( Rafe’s best friend).
Can Rafe have Rory a job and keep her safe from the situation with her brother, Julian and Argent,
a conglomerate buying up property and muscling in on people and property in the town of Cypress Cliffs.
This book has suspense, danger, illegal activities ( such as money laundering).
Great Job. Naomi McKay !!!!
Rory and Rafe meet thru Tex, Abe and Wolf, Navy Seal friends of Calvin ( Rafe’s best friend).
Can Rafe have Rory a job and keep her safe from the situation with her brother, Julian and Argent,
a conglomerate buying up property and muscling in on people and property in the town of Cypress Cliffs.
This book has suspense, danger, illegal activities ( such as money laundering).
Great Job. Naomi McKay !!!!
March 24, 2026
Rory and her sister's life are in danger and Rory is sent to Rafe's farm to hide out and stay safe with evidence, in hopes her brother will settle down and not remove the remaining heirs. Rafe is a man who is helping his friend with his vineyard and their small town stay alive at the expense of his own financial destruction. Rory's skills with numbers is offered as a solution by Tex, who sent her to Rafe and his friend to protect, and as she spends time with him, the attraction grows. A beautiful love story, with suspense and a satisfying ending.
Review of advance copy
Rory’s haven,
The first book in a new series. 4 sister are in trouble, Rory’s is the first book .
When trouble is coming close Rory is brought to safety. On Rafe’s is a rancher whom has difficult times. Are they able to help each other? This story is funny, suspenseful a lot of bantering and bickering. I grinned a lot. Some old time appearances from Susan’s book. And of course a happy ending. I loved it and read it in 1 go. Great story Cassie.
The first book in a new series. 4 sister are in trouble, Rory’s is the first book .
When trouble is coming close Rory is brought to safety. On Rafe’s is a rancher whom has difficult times. Are they able to help each other? This story is funny, suspenseful a lot of bantering and bickering. I grinned a lot. Some old time appearances from Susan’s book. And of course a happy ending. I loved it and read it in 1 go. Great story Cassie.
Review of advance copy
I was pulled into the story right from the start. Rory and her sisters intrigued me and I needed to know more. While I have to wait for her sisters’ stories, Rory's was so good. I loved how so many characters from other series were interwoven throughout this book. Rafe is the kind of hero we love. There is an overall story arc that will be continued in the other books, but this can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to more!
March 11, 2026
A heartwarming story of a woman on the run and her grouchy saviour!
I thoroughly enjoyed Rafe and Rory's story.
Rory and her sisters are on the run from their devious stepbrother...... they all part and go their separate ways, and this is Rory's book!
Rafe unwillingly took in the stranger who needed hiding, never for one minute imagining she'd be everything he was missing......
Wonderful storyline with great characters and loved the HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed Rafe and Rory's story.
Rory and her sisters are on the run from their devious stepbrother...... they all part and go their separate ways, and this is Rory's book!
Rafe unwillingly took in the stranger who needed hiding, never for one minute imagining she'd be everything he was missing......
Wonderful storyline with great characters and loved the HEA.
March 11, 2026
The first book in a new series. 4 sister are in trouble, Rory’s is the first book .
When trouble is coming close Rory is brought to safety. On Rafe’s is a rancher whom has difficult times. Are they able to help each other? This story is funny, suspenseful a lot of bantering and bickering. I grinned a lot. Some old time appearances from Susan’s book. And of course a happy ending. I loved it and read it in 1 go. Great story Naomi
When trouble is coming close Rory is brought to safety. On Rafe’s is a rancher whom has difficult times. Are they able to help each other? This story is funny, suspenseful a lot of bantering and bickering. I grinned a lot. Some old time appearances from Susan’s book. And of course a happy ending. I loved it and read it in 1 go. Great story Naomi
Review of advance copy
New Series and it starts of with lots of emotions happening. Keeping their lives and Legacy Rory and her sisters do the unthinkable to safe it all. With help of friends they move on. Meeting Rafe who has a ranch in trouble and both facing the enemy they find a lot more than neither of them imagined.
Absolutely incredible work and i love the meet up with some of our favorite characters.
Absolutely incredible work and i love the meet up with some of our favorite characters.
March 13, 2026
Excellent
Rory and her two sisters had just burried there father, they were at the reading of the will where there brother showed up. The brother vowed to do whatever it takes to get everything the father had. Yes helped all 3 sisters different places to hide. Loved this story. Rory met Rafe.
Rory and her two sisters had just burried there father, they were at the reading of the will where there brother showed up. The brother vowed to do whatever it takes to get everything the father had. Yes helped all 3 sisters different places to hide. Loved this story. Rory met Rafe.
March 16, 2026
This was a great start to a new series! It was entertaining, an easy read, and interesting characters. Rafe and Rory got off on to an awkward start but ended up being exactly what each other needed. Unfortunately, Rory might not be able to see or contact her sisters for a long time but she has a new family to help ease her loneliness. Hopefully, they’ll be able to stop their combined enemy.
March 17, 2026
Interesting
Good story and intriguing but I gave it a 3 because of nonsense with the brother Julian.The sisters went into hiding forever because of him ?? That's ridiculous.Sorry but I couldn't get over the agitation of that.One man and nobody could do anything about him?? So 3 sisters just never saw each other again..I know it's just a story but ???
Good story and intriguing but I gave it a 3 because of nonsense with the brother Julian.The sisters went into hiding forever because of him ?? That's ridiculous.Sorry but I couldn't get over the agitation of that.One man and nobody could do anything about him?? So 3 sisters just never saw each other again..I know it's just a story but ???
March 11, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! rory and her sisters are on the run after their fathers death and that's where she meets Rafer the rancher, rafe knows he needs to keep her safe but can he keep his feelings at bay or will they give in?
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great start to a new series. Grumpy and City make a great couple. There's danger, suspense, action and some steam. An excellent read. HEA.
March 15, 2026
A Must!
Drama, trauma, laughter, love, friends, community and commitment, who could ask for more! Naomi McKay is an excellent storyteller! A must read!
Drama, trauma, laughter, love, friends, community and commitment, who could ask for more! Naomi McKay is an excellent storyteller! A must read!
March 19, 2026
loved it can't wait for the next one to come out in this series of books 📚
March 23, 2026
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
March 27, 2026
Loved this book it was something new and could not put down. Rory and Rafe tugged at my heart strings and can not wait for what Naomi has coming next with this series
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews