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Safe Haven
She’s the queen of heartbreak.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey Jones built a career writing love stories about brooding heroes. But in real life she’s never had her own happily ever after.
Not with him.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who used to toss her into the lake every summer — and the man who walked away without looking back.
Now he’s back — ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And he’s not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey.
Sending messages that feel a little too personal. Too obsessed.
And Rhett is not letting her out of his sight.
He takes her to the one place a stalker won’t find her — Cedar Shores. But for Bailey, being stuck in close quarters with the man she never stopped wanting is far from simple. Especially when Rhett watches her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
The tension that used to simmer between them now crackles. Every argument is charged with desire. Every touch lingers. And every heated look dares her to remember how good they could be.
She’s spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the woman they love.
Turns out . . . she grew up with one.
Welcome to Cedar Shores — where summer never really ends . . . and neither does first love.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey Jones built a career writing love stories about brooding heroes. But in real life she’s never had her own happily ever after.
Not with him.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who used to toss her into the lake every summer — and the man who walked away without looking back.
Now he’s back — ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And he’s not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey.
Sending messages that feel a little too personal. Too obsessed.
And Rhett is not letting her out of his sight.
He takes her to the one place a stalker won’t find her — Cedar Shores. But for Bailey, being stuck in close quarters with the man she never stopped wanting is far from simple. Especially when Rhett watches her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
The tension that used to simmer between them now crackles. Every argument is charged with desire. Every touch lingers. And every heated look dares her to remember how good they could be.
She’s spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the woman they love.
Turns out . . . she grew up with one.
Welcome to Cedar Shores — where summer never really ends . . . and neither does first love.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2026
41 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 24, 2026
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Sweet
Bailey Jones became a popular writer, writing love stories about fictional characters and not finding her own. Rhett Monroe was her first love. Years ago, he walked away, breaking her heart. Now, an ex-SEAL turned security specialist, he is back.
With someone watching Biley and sending her messages that feel too obsessive, Rhett takes her back to Cedar Shores to keep her safe. Will this be their second chance, too?
The story comes in Bailey and Rhett’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
A romance author being stalked by an obsessive fan and her childhood friend (and best friend’s brother) stepping in to protect her is a cool premise.
I quite liked the beginning. Not just the MCs, but the side characters (the siblings who will get their own books) are easy to like. They are sweet and funny. Annoying each other but full of love.
While the glimpses into the past helped me understand their dynamics better, the scenes tend to appear at random without proper marking. Maybe it would have been better if they were separate chapters?
The dual POV worked well initially, but at some point, their voices merged. Despite the clear mention, I lost track of whose POV it was at times. This was an issue only in the latter part of the second half. Until then, it wasn’t that off.
The obsessed fan was decent. I expected it to be a bit more dramatic, but what happens is scary as it escalates. I like how the FMC’s reactions were written. Her fear, the worry, the overthinking, it feels genuine. (Also, imagine this. Women can’t even write romance books without some unhinged dude thinking she is sending him coded messages, and all this when the primary and majority reader market is women.)
While they took a long time to get to the actual confession part, once it did, it felt like the story had to make up for the lack of explicit spice until then and dumped it back-to-back. My tolerance is high, but I did skip it a little this time.
The personal growth part needed a little more depth, methinks, especially given the MMC's profession. But the scenes we get are good.
I love the setting. It is beautiful and the kind of place one would want to stay for a long time.
There is a sweet epilogue, which I liked a lot. We also have a hint for the next book, and I’d be really disappointed if they are not a couple. Such chemistry!
To summarize, Safe Haven is an enjoyable read with a slowburn friends-to-lovers romance and a stalker threat looming over them. I’m excited for the next book.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
One Liner: Sweet
Bailey Jones became a popular writer, writing love stories about fictional characters and not finding her own. Rhett Monroe was her first love. Years ago, he walked away, breaking her heart. Now, an ex-SEAL turned security specialist, he is back.
With someone watching Biley and sending her messages that feel too obsessive, Rhett takes her back to Cedar Shores to keep her safe. Will this be their second chance, too?
The story comes in Bailey and Rhett’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
A romance author being stalked by an obsessive fan and her childhood friend (and best friend’s brother) stepping in to protect her is a cool premise.
I quite liked the beginning. Not just the MCs, but the side characters (the siblings who will get their own books) are easy to like. They are sweet and funny. Annoying each other but full of love.
While the glimpses into the past helped me understand their dynamics better, the scenes tend to appear at random without proper marking. Maybe it would have been better if they were separate chapters?
The dual POV worked well initially, but at some point, their voices merged. Despite the clear mention, I lost track of whose POV it was at times. This was an issue only in the latter part of the second half. Until then, it wasn’t that off.
The obsessed fan was decent. I expected it to be a bit more dramatic, but what happens is scary as it escalates. I like how the FMC’s reactions were written. Her fear, the worry, the overthinking, it feels genuine. (Also, imagine this. Women can’t even write romance books without some unhinged dude thinking she is sending him coded messages, and all this when the primary and majority reader market is women.)
While they took a long time to get to the actual confession part, once it did, it felt like the story had to make up for the lack of explicit spice until then and dumped it back-to-back. My tolerance is high, but I did skip it a little this time.
The personal growth part needed a little more depth, methinks, especially given the MMC's profession. But the scenes we get are good.
I love the setting. It is beautiful and the kind of place one would want to stay for a long time.
There is a sweet epilogue, which I liked a lot. We also have a hint for the next book, and I’d be really disappointed if they are not a couple. Such chemistry!
To summarize, Safe Haven is an enjoyable read with a slowburn friends-to-lovers romance and a stalker threat looming over them. I’m excited for the next book.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
April 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you Lily and Page and Vine for this advance reader copy!
This was a great first dip into romantic suspense! I loved seeing the growth of these characters through the high stakes that were handed to them. We meet Bailey, author, who is releasing her 7th book and finding out she has an obsessed fan who has started stalking her and threatening her. In comes Rhett, ex navy seal with a traumatic past, to keep her safe. Rhett and Bailey have a past and were childhood friends until Rhett left and never came back, until now. Seeing these two characters come together was refreshing. The emotional connection and understanding they had was great. It definitely kept me reading to find out what happened with everything. If you enjoy romantic suspense, childhood friends to lovers, broody MMC/ex navy seal, and forced proximity then I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you Lily and Page and Vine for this advance reader copy!
This was a great first dip into romantic suspense! I loved seeing the growth of these characters through the high stakes that were handed to them. We meet Bailey, author, who is releasing her 7th book and finding out she has an obsessed fan who has started stalking her and threatening her. In comes Rhett, ex navy seal with a traumatic past, to keep her safe. Rhett and Bailey have a past and were childhood friends until Rhett left and never came back, until now. Seeing these two characters come together was refreshing. The emotional connection and understanding they had was great. It definitely kept me reading to find out what happened with everything. If you enjoy romantic suspense, childhood friends to lovers, broody MMC/ex navy seal, and forced proximity then I definitely recommend this one.
April 23, 2026
The sweetest book! I am a big fan of Lily Parker's writing; her books are so comfortable and easy to read, they are like a warm hug. Safe Haven has all the best tropes: one bed, bodyguard, slow burn, close proximity, second chance. If you are looking for a cute, quick romance read, I highly recommend Safe Haven. There is some spice, but it is very minimal.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy for review consideration via NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy for review consideration via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC of Safe Haven in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I was really drawn to the premise of this story. It has so many appealing tropes that I love, plenty of angst, best friend’s brother and romantic suspense. I also really liked the sound of the FMC being a famous author, and her best friend’s brother stepping in as the only one being able to protect her.
However, I found the pacing quite slow, and unfortunately I struggled to fully connect with either of the main characters. There is clearly a deep history between them, with years of shared experiences and underlying tension, but I felt as though much of their story was told rather than shown. While their past plays an important role, the way it was woven into the narrative sometimes pulled me out of the present moment rather than immersing me further. I love a slow burn romance, but in this case I felt like I was waiting quite a long time for the emotional tension to truly build between Bailey and Rhett. For me, it didn’t really reach its peak until well into the second half of the book, which made parts of the earlier story feel a little stagnant.
The romantic suspense element was interesting in concept, particularly the storyline surrounding Bailey’s stalker. While I remained curious about how it would unfold, I didn’t quite feel the level of tension or urgency that I normally get when reading a romantic suspense.
Overall, this had a lot of elements that I’d usually love, and I’m in no way saying that this was a bad read; I just think certain components didn’t quite land for me, and I was expecting a little more.
I am so very intrigued by Hollis and Axel, and their tension, brief hook up. I would be very interested in reading their story.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC of Safe Haven in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I was really drawn to the premise of this story. It has so many appealing tropes that I love, plenty of angst, best friend’s brother and romantic suspense. I also really liked the sound of the FMC being a famous author, and her best friend’s brother stepping in as the only one being able to protect her.
However, I found the pacing quite slow, and unfortunately I struggled to fully connect with either of the main characters. There is clearly a deep history between them, with years of shared experiences and underlying tension, but I felt as though much of their story was told rather than shown. While their past plays an important role, the way it was woven into the narrative sometimes pulled me out of the present moment rather than immersing me further. I love a slow burn romance, but in this case I felt like I was waiting quite a long time for the emotional tension to truly build between Bailey and Rhett. For me, it didn’t really reach its peak until well into the second half of the book, which made parts of the earlier story feel a little stagnant.
The romantic suspense element was interesting in concept, particularly the storyline surrounding Bailey’s stalker. While I remained curious about how it would unfold, I didn’t quite feel the level of tension or urgency that I normally get when reading a romantic suspense.
Overall, this had a lot of elements that I’d usually love, and I’m in no way saying that this was a bad read; I just think certain components didn’t quite land for me, and I was expecting a little more.
I am so very intrigued by Hollis and Axel, and their tension, brief hook up. I would be very interested in reading their story.
April 26, 2026
Happy release week Safe Haven!!
I received an ARC of this and it was my first of Lily Parker, however, after this story I will definitely be endeavouring in more of her previously published novels.
The storyline follows a highly-respected author Bailey Jones and former Navy Seal Rhett Monroe who is brought in to run security for her event following the news of a stalker.
There is one complication in this story… Rhett Monroe isn’t your average security guy, he’s actually Bailey’s best-friend’s brother who she hasn’t seen since they were teenagers and the guy she secretly fantasised about her entire childhood.
Lily Parker wrote this beautifully. I was gripped from chapter one, and the storyline had me feeling like i’ve known these characters for longer than a few pages. You instantly fall in love with Bailey, Rhett and their families.
If you enjoy a small-town romance, with a best friend’s brother trope, and a friends to lovers dynamic… this book is definitely for you!
This is the first instalment in the Cedar Shores series and I can’t wait to see what follows.
Some of Lily Parker’s brilliant writing can be seen through these quotes:
“One by one, each star is claimed into a constellation the second they appear, as stories and illustrations subtly fill the sky. Some of them I know, and some I never will. Too many to be told over just one lifetime. But each time I’m here, I think of how every human that’s ever lived has marveled at this exact view. And how we each get one nanosecond here on our own piece of the sky to write a little story of our own.”
“It might not make any sense, but I think I needed that safe haven I’d created in my mind to stay exactly how it was — using the memories I’d stored up as an escape. I couldn’t risk changing anything I remembered about you or this place because I used the memories as a life raft.”
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing me this ARC.
I received an ARC of this and it was my first of Lily Parker, however, after this story I will definitely be endeavouring in more of her previously published novels.
The storyline follows a highly-respected author Bailey Jones and former Navy Seal Rhett Monroe who is brought in to run security for her event following the news of a stalker.
There is one complication in this story… Rhett Monroe isn’t your average security guy, he’s actually Bailey’s best-friend’s brother who she hasn’t seen since they were teenagers and the guy she secretly fantasised about her entire childhood.
Lily Parker wrote this beautifully. I was gripped from chapter one, and the storyline had me feeling like i’ve known these characters for longer than a few pages. You instantly fall in love with Bailey, Rhett and their families.
If you enjoy a small-town romance, with a best friend’s brother trope, and a friends to lovers dynamic… this book is definitely for you!
This is the first instalment in the Cedar Shores series and I can’t wait to see what follows.
Some of Lily Parker’s brilliant writing can be seen through these quotes:
“One by one, each star is claimed into a constellation the second they appear, as stories and illustrations subtly fill the sky. Some of them I know, and some I never will. Too many to be told over just one lifetime. But each time I’m here, I think of how every human that’s ever lived has marveled at this exact view. And how we each get one nanosecond here on our own piece of the sky to write a little story of our own.”
“It might not make any sense, but I think I needed that safe haven I’d created in my mind to stay exactly how it was — using the memories I’d stored up as an escape. I couldn’t risk changing anything I remembered about you or this place because I used the memories as a life raft.”
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing me this ARC.
April 19, 2026
I picked up Safe Haven by Lily Parker because the cover and title were giving me rugged, outdoorsy vibes, and it absolutely delivered on that front. I’m always going to gravitate toward a more grounded and protective MMC over a polished, swanky billionaire type, for example, so Rhett was right up my street.
Going in, I was also hoping for a touch of romantic suspense from the blurb, and the stalker element definitely added that extra layer of tension without ever overshadowing the romance itself.
What really made this story work for me was the emotional depth built through Rhett and Bailey’s shared history. Because they grew up spending summers together at neighbouring lakeside cabins and secretly harboured feelings for each other all along, the connection between them felt immediate and authentic, even though the present-day timeline only spans a short period. There’s a strong sense of longing and “what if” woven throughout, especially with Rhett believing he’s too changed by his past to fit into Bailey’s life anymore. That emotional push and pull, combined with the forced proximity created by the stalker situation, gave the story a lot of heart and kept me invested.
I also loved how the story eventually circles back to the lakeside setting, which is rich with shared memories and really amplifies the nostalgia and emotional stakes. The romance itself is a slow burn, with the payoff coming later in the book, but it felt earned, and the spice was well balanced without taking over the story.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with a strong emotional core, a touch of suspense, and clear setup for future books in the series. I’d definitely be interested in continuing with the next instalments.
My rating - 4 stars ✨
Going in, I was also hoping for a touch of romantic suspense from the blurb, and the stalker element definitely added that extra layer of tension without ever overshadowing the romance itself.
What really made this story work for me was the emotional depth built through Rhett and Bailey’s shared history. Because they grew up spending summers together at neighbouring lakeside cabins and secretly harboured feelings for each other all along, the connection between them felt immediate and authentic, even though the present-day timeline only spans a short period. There’s a strong sense of longing and “what if” woven throughout, especially with Rhett believing he’s too changed by his past to fit into Bailey’s life anymore. That emotional push and pull, combined with the forced proximity created by the stalker situation, gave the story a lot of heart and kept me invested.
I also loved how the story eventually circles back to the lakeside setting, which is rich with shared memories and really amplifies the nostalgia and emotional stakes. The romance itself is a slow burn, with the payoff coming later in the book, but it felt earned, and the spice was well balanced without taking over the story.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with a strong emotional core, a touch of suspense, and clear setup for future books in the series. I’d definitely be interested in continuing with the next instalments.
My rating - 4 stars ✨
April 21, 2026
I don’t even know what to say about this book except that the nostalgic feeling literally just makes it feel like home.
An author with a stalker, a best friends brother ex navy seal who hasn’t visited in years that comes back to be her protector form said stalker (that she doesn’t even know about), and a flee back to Cedar Shores for safety - a place they lived their best childhood dreams. The summers spent at Cedar Shores between two sets of boy girl siblings who are all around family best friends just brought me back to TSITP but in its own unique way. Lily’s words in this novel were so beautiful..she painted a picture not just to give us insight to the current plot, but it’s really bring us back to their childhood and where their stories all began. She described the feelings so well that us millennials feel so deeply, I felt like I was reliving my own childhood through their memories.
I adore every single trope in this book. I love author characters, bad ass navy seal with a troubled past, childhood friends to lovers, and a fierce need to protect her despite neither one ever coping with their feelings. This story was done SO well, with a good mix of suspense with the stalker but really just a romance to yearn for. I am crossing my fingers and toes that we are set up to get a book to Axel and Hollis because their story is just begging to be told!
Thank you so much Lily Parker and ChocolitUk for the early copy (both digital and physical), I truly adored this one so much.
An author with a stalker, a best friends brother ex navy seal who hasn’t visited in years that comes back to be her protector form said stalker (that she doesn’t even know about), and a flee back to Cedar Shores for safety - a place they lived their best childhood dreams. The summers spent at Cedar Shores between two sets of boy girl siblings who are all around family best friends just brought me back to TSITP but in its own unique way. Lily’s words in this novel were so beautiful..she painted a picture not just to give us insight to the current plot, but it’s really bring us back to their childhood and where their stories all began. She described the feelings so well that us millennials feel so deeply, I felt like I was reliving my own childhood through their memories.
I adore every single trope in this book. I love author characters, bad ass navy seal with a troubled past, childhood friends to lovers, and a fierce need to protect her despite neither one ever coping with their feelings. This story was done SO well, with a good mix of suspense with the stalker but really just a romance to yearn for. I am crossing my fingers and toes that we are set up to get a book to Axel and Hollis because their story is just begging to be told!
Thank you so much Lily Parker and ChocolitUk for the early copy (both digital and physical), I truly adored this one so much.
April 23, 2026
You pick up a small town romance… and get a slow burn + suspense combo you didn’t expect 👀✨
The story follows Bailey as she returns to Cedar Shores and is forced to face both her past and a present danger. Her reunion with Rhett brings a second chance romance that slowly builds alongside a thread of suspense.
The story explores healing, trust and what it truly means to feel safe. It shows how emotional security matters just as much as physical protection.
What I Loved:
What truly resonated was the palpable chemistry and emotional depth between the protagonists, Bailey and Rhett. The slow burn dynamic felt authentic rather than contrived and the small town setting added a comforting, almost nostalgic charm. The interplay of romance and suspense was engaging and it kept me hooked.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Some parts felt a bit predictable especially certain tropes. The suspense angle could have been stronger and more developed.
Lily Parker’s writing is simple yet engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and stay invested in their journey. Her strength lies in capturing the subtleties of human connection while maintaining a sense of narrative tension, making Safe Haven a compelling and indulgent read for lovers of romantic suspense.
This was my first book of hers and I'd love to explore more of her books.
Thank you @lilyparkerauthor for trusting me with your work and @netgalley for the ARC !!
The story follows Bailey as she returns to Cedar Shores and is forced to face both her past and a present danger. Her reunion with Rhett brings a second chance romance that slowly builds alongside a thread of suspense.
The story explores healing, trust and what it truly means to feel safe. It shows how emotional security matters just as much as physical protection.
What I Loved:
What truly resonated was the palpable chemistry and emotional depth between the protagonists, Bailey and Rhett. The slow burn dynamic felt authentic rather than contrived and the small town setting added a comforting, almost nostalgic charm. The interplay of romance and suspense was engaging and it kept me hooked.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Some parts felt a bit predictable especially certain tropes. The suspense angle could have been stronger and more developed.
Lily Parker’s writing is simple yet engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and stay invested in their journey. Her strength lies in capturing the subtleties of human connection while maintaining a sense of narrative tension, making Safe Haven a compelling and indulgent read for lovers of romantic suspense.
This was my first book of hers and I'd love to explore more of her books.
Thank you @lilyparkerauthor for trusting me with your work and @netgalley for the ARC !!
March 15, 2026
Bailey is just about to release her seventh romance novel. One that means a lot to her, with parallels to her own life. Mainly her childhood crush (and best friend’s brother), Rhett. Who, after 6 declines, is finally coming to her book launch. Unbeknownst to Bailey her publicist, best friend and sister of Rhett, Hollis, has asked him to attend due to an obsessive stalker. One that grows increasingly dangerous, so much so that they travel back to the lake cabins that they spent their youth together.
Bailey and Rhett have been attracted to each other for years, but being the sibling of a best friend they were off-limits. The danger around Bailey and her stalker brings them closer. The relationship between them is sweet, I enjoyed their budding romance. I did feel the spicy scenes were a let down. All twee euphemisms and vague descriptions, overall a little bit cringey. Like the author was embarrassed by/about them. They were only a small part though, so didn’t detract too much from the story for me.
It’s set up for another story in the series, that of the respective siblings, Axel and Hollis. One I will look out for, to find out what really happened that summer and why the current animosity.
Overall a fun read.
Bailey and Rhett have been attracted to each other for years, but being the sibling of a best friend they were off-limits. The danger around Bailey and her stalker brings them closer. The relationship between them is sweet, I enjoyed their budding romance. I did feel the spicy scenes were a let down. All twee euphemisms and vague descriptions, overall a little bit cringey. Like the author was embarrassed by/about them. They were only a small part though, so didn’t detract too much from the story for me.
It’s set up for another story in the series, that of the respective siblings, Axel and Hollis. One I will look out for, to find out what really happened that summer and why the current animosity.
Overall a fun read.
April 24, 2026
Some loves don’t fade… they just wait.
Bailey thought she’d turned her past into fiction—writing men who love fiercely, protect relentlessly, and never let go. But Rhett? He was never just inspiration. He was the original.
Cedar Shores was supposed to be a memory. Instead, it becomes the one place they can run to when Bailey’s world turns dangerous. Isolated, tense, and full of history they never resolved… it doesn’t take long for everything to resurface.
This book thrives on longing. The kind that sits just beneath the surface until it finally spills over. Every quiet moment between them felt louder than words. And when it finally breaks? Worth every second.
The suspense added such a sharp edge to the story—I genuinely felt the pressure building as the messages escalated. It kept me hooked, but it was the emotional pull that stayed with me.
There’s something so satisfying about two people finding their way back—not as who they were, but as who they’ve become.
✨ second chance
✨ forced proximity
✨ protective, quietly intense MMC
✨ childhood history that matters
It felt like stepping into a memory you don’t want to leave.
Bailey thought she’d turned her past into fiction—writing men who love fiercely, protect relentlessly, and never let go. But Rhett? He was never just inspiration. He was the original.
Cedar Shores was supposed to be a memory. Instead, it becomes the one place they can run to when Bailey’s world turns dangerous. Isolated, tense, and full of history they never resolved… it doesn’t take long for everything to resurface.
This book thrives on longing. The kind that sits just beneath the surface until it finally spills over. Every quiet moment between them felt louder than words. And when it finally breaks? Worth every second.
The suspense added such a sharp edge to the story—I genuinely felt the pressure building as the messages escalated. It kept me hooked, but it was the emotional pull that stayed with me.
There’s something so satisfying about two people finding their way back—not as who they were, but as who they’ve become.
✨ second chance
✨ forced proximity
✨ protective, quietly intense MMC
✨ childhood history that matters
It felt like stepping into a memory you don’t want to leave.
April 25, 2026
Quick Summary: A Navy Seal romance
My Review: Safe Haven by Lily Parker is book #1 in the Cedar Shores series. It was released on 4/24/26.
About the Book: "She’s the queen of heartbreak. He’s the one who got away."
In My Own Words: When a threatening presence stalks a writer with a past, the man who shares a history with her steps in to protect her from an unidentified harm.
My Final Say: This romance suspense novel ticked all the boxes. It was...
❤️ Small-town
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Slow-burn
❤️ Spicy!
But it was also what was and what could be. It was crazy train & touch her and die. It was also confessions and a HEA.
Other: Readers who enjoy tension, drama, memories, and new beginnings should like this story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🌶️
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Joffe Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I look forward to continuing with this series.
My Review: Safe Haven by Lily Parker is book #1 in the Cedar Shores series. It was released on 4/24/26.
About the Book: "She’s the queen of heartbreak. He’s the one who got away."
In My Own Words: When a threatening presence stalks a writer with a past, the man who shares a history with her steps in to protect her from an unidentified harm.
My Final Say: This romance suspense novel ticked all the boxes. It was...
❤️ Small-town
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Slow-burn
❤️ Spicy!
But it was also what was and what could be. It was crazy train & touch her and die. It was also confessions and a HEA.
Other: Readers who enjoy tension, drama, memories, and new beginnings should like this story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🌶️
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Joffe Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I look forward to continuing with this series.
April 26, 2026
He ignores her for a decade until she’s being stalked and his sister begs him to run her security. Him ignoring her is completely justified… obviously he’s actually really into her. She sits around and pines after him and writes fiction about their fake love story, hoping one day it will come true. Spoiler alert! It does!!!!!
I’m changing it from one star to two stars because I think I was more annoyed than necessary after I finished. I kinda liked the side characters and the writing was fine. It was just Rhett and Bailey’s relationship that I didn’t like.
I’m changing it from one star to two stars because I think I was more annoyed than necessary after I finished. I kinda liked the side characters and the writing was fine. It was just Rhett and Bailey’s relationship that I didn’t like.
April 23, 2026
❤️ Small-town
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Spicy!
She’s the queen of heartbreak.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the women they love.
Turns out, she grew up with one.
If you love slow-burn romance with a hint of suspense, this second-chance, bookish romance is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Catherine Cowles, Meghan Quinn, the small-town heat of Elsie Silver and the romance of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Spicy!
She’s the queen of heartbreak.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the women they love.
Turns out, she grew up with one.
If you love slow-burn romance with a hint of suspense, this second-chance, bookish romance is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Catherine Cowles, Meghan Quinn, the small-town heat of Elsie Silver and the romance of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
April 25, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I was transfixed by this book the entire time. Literally hooked from the prologue. Lily transported me right into the scene of the book. I could feel the lifetime bond between Rhett and Bailey. I loved that Bailey was an author in this book. While reading about the times the siblings all had at Cedar Shores, I felt like I was apart of them. The suspense of the book kept me wondering how it would turn out until the truth was out. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
I was transfixed by this book the entire time. Literally hooked from the prologue. Lily transported me right into the scene of the book. I could feel the lifetime bond between Rhett and Bailey. I loved that Bailey was an author in this book. While reading about the times the siblings all had at Cedar Shores, I felt like I was apart of them. The suspense of the book kept me wondering how it would turn out until the truth was out. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
April 2, 2026
This is such a fun read! From the big city author events to the small lake town, the setting contrasts had me smitten! I really liked the stalker plot and flashbacks to Rhett’s Navy Seal/ Investigator days and how he brings it into the present. I loved Bailey & Rhett’s development together and the flashbacks to their childhood summer days. The Grotto may be my new favorite romantic scene ever! It’s so well done and how it shows up in her book and reality is so special. And it’s such a reminder that while we chase big dreams, sometimes a quiet next chapter is what we all need!
May 3, 2026
4 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
RTC
2.5 🌶
RTC
April 15, 2026
“It was all there in her eyes… acceptance zero blame, as if what made my skin mangled was just another piece of who I am instead of everything that I have left”
I truly didn’t expect to have a mystery wrapped up in a romance when I started this book! It has surprise me in the best way. Long time friends, separated by life goals, trauma, and success. Brought together by a threat to one of them that only the other could protect her from.
Praise God for no miscommunication trope 🙌🏻
This book feels real with flawed characters who have been through some sh**. But somehow life didn’t allow any other path to get to each other except the slightly complex one. Proving that overcoming the hard stuff is what makes the great things even more worth the journey.
Read as an ARC via NetGalley
I truly didn’t expect to have a mystery wrapped up in a romance when I started this book! It has surprise me in the best way. Long time friends, separated by life goals, trauma, and success. Brought together by a threat to one of them that only the other could protect her from.
Praise God for no miscommunication trope 🙌🏻
This book feels real with flawed characters who have been through some sh**. But somehow life didn’t allow any other path to get to each other except the slightly complex one. Proving that overcoming the hard stuff is what makes the great things even more worth the journey.
Read as an ARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review: Safe Haven, by Lily Parker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Life is always a first draft, isn’t it? We don’t get to go back and polish up parts we wish we’d written better, or done differently. And we all have to figure out what happens after the fairy tale effect has worn off.”
With the amazing off-limits series coming to an end last year, I was so excited to hear the author announcing her next work —> Cedar Shore series.
Bailey is an author out to do some signings for her new release when suddenly she sees him, Rhett Monroe. A puzzle piece of her life she thought she’d safely tucked into the back of her mind, until now. Rhett is an ex Navy Seal and has gotten info from his sister Hollis, who works for Bailey, that a there might be a potential stalker out to get Bailey… and how the story goes? Well you’ll have to read for yourselves to find out😮💨
Rhett & Bailey’s story is unique and intriguing. I really loved them both from the get go! Everything from Rhett’s changes in song lyrics to match her name, to the one bed trope at the motel. It was just what I wanted as a reader🤭
“Fuck everything else in this world but you. […] I’ve been hungry for you my whole life, and out here, with nothing else to stop us, or get in the way of this happening, I don’t want to be hungry anymore.”🥵
This was a romance book built on hardships, a scary stalker situation, safe spaces & the importance of having people around you. It also shows an MMC who’s utterly obsessed with his woman, and I love it😌 I think I felt a change in the tone & pacing of the story once we moved to the cabin setting - which unfortunately threw me off a little. But overall a very enjoyable story!
Thank you to the author Lily Parker for once again giving us a beautiful story with characters you simply cannot not relate to. I also would like to thank Joffe Books for the ARC🩷Safe Haven is being published tomorrow, on April 23rd! I definitely recommend you buying it📖
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Life is always a first draft, isn’t it? We don’t get to go back and polish up parts we wish we’d written better, or done differently. And we all have to figure out what happens after the fairy tale effect has worn off.”
With the amazing off-limits series coming to an end last year, I was so excited to hear the author announcing her next work —> Cedar Shore series.
Bailey is an author out to do some signings for her new release when suddenly she sees him, Rhett Monroe. A puzzle piece of her life she thought she’d safely tucked into the back of her mind, until now. Rhett is an ex Navy Seal and has gotten info from his sister Hollis, who works for Bailey, that a there might be a potential stalker out to get Bailey… and how the story goes? Well you’ll have to read for yourselves to find out😮💨
Rhett & Bailey’s story is unique and intriguing. I really loved them both from the get go! Everything from Rhett’s changes in song lyrics to match her name, to the one bed trope at the motel. It was just what I wanted as a reader🤭
“Fuck everything else in this world but you. […] I’ve been hungry for you my whole life, and out here, with nothing else to stop us, or get in the way of this happening, I don’t want to be hungry anymore.”🥵
This was a romance book built on hardships, a scary stalker situation, safe spaces & the importance of having people around you. It also shows an MMC who’s utterly obsessed with his woman, and I love it😌 I think I felt a change in the tone & pacing of the story once we moved to the cabin setting - which unfortunately threw me off a little. But overall a very enjoyable story!
Thank you to the author Lily Parker for once again giving us a beautiful story with characters you simply cannot not relate to. I also would like to thank Joffe Books for the ARC🩷Safe Haven is being published tomorrow, on April 23rd! I definitely recommend you buying it📖
April 25, 2026
Here’s my review for Safe Haven by Lily Parker
I totally loved this slow burn suspense summer romance which I just couldn’t put down. Bailey, Axel, Hollis and Rhett were all inseparable when they grew up as teenagers in Cedar Shores as their parents had cabins next to each other. Also, Bailey was a year younger than Rhett but she had a big crush on him and when he left, she was crushed. She became a well-known author and her editor was Hollis, who arranged all her tours for her. Bailey is now about to release her seventh book and unknownst to her, she has attracted a stalker. Hollis rings Rhett and explains the situation, even sends screenshots of the emails and photos. He’s angry that she hasn't already told Bailey about it but he tells Hollis he's on his way. When Rhett turns up at the book launch, there are more men there than he thought there would be. He picks up a copy of Bailey's latest book to see what it's all about. Then he heard her laugh, so he turned, trying to find her. She is standing, talking to a journalist. Then, Rhett feels like he is being watched and looks around to see who it is. He spots a man near the door who makes eye contact with him, then heads out the door with Rhett chasing him. He runs straight into Bailey, literally, makes sure she is standing and he is off again but he has lost the man. He comes back in at the end of Bailey reading the opening chapter of her book. She then makes him sit next to her while she signs some books. One of the waiting staff brings Bailey a note that was left earlier. Rhett stops the book signing, picks up the note and takes Bailey into the kitchen area which he then makes safe and secure. He opens and reads the note, then explains everything to her about her stalker. This was a fantastic read as it brought Bailey's first love, Rhett, back into her life. Yes, he was there for protection and to get her stalker but could they hide their feelings? This story was superbly plotted and really well thought out. I had no idea who the stalker was but it certainly ramped up the suspense and the author handled that part really well. I liked the storyline for this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
Blurb :
❤️ Small-town
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Spicy!
She’s the queen of heartbreak.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey Jones is known for writing happy-ever-afters. But she’s never had her own. Not since him.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who tossed her into the lake every summer. The man who walked away without a second glance.
Now he’s back — ex-Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And definitely not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey. Sending messages that feel too personal. Too obsessed.
To keep her safe, Rhett takes Bailey to the one place a stalker can’t find her — Cedar Shores. But sharing a cabin with the man she never stopped loving is a different kind of danger for Bailey. Especially when Rhett’s protective gaze follows her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
Bailey spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the women they love.
Turns out, she grew up with one.
If you love slow-burn romance with a hint of suspense, this second-chance, bookish romance is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Catherine Cowles, Meghan Quinn, the small-town heat of Elsie Silver and the romance of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
I totally loved this slow burn suspense summer romance which I just couldn’t put down. Bailey, Axel, Hollis and Rhett were all inseparable when they grew up as teenagers in Cedar Shores as their parents had cabins next to each other. Also, Bailey was a year younger than Rhett but she had a big crush on him and when he left, she was crushed. She became a well-known author and her editor was Hollis, who arranged all her tours for her. Bailey is now about to release her seventh book and unknownst to her, she has attracted a stalker. Hollis rings Rhett and explains the situation, even sends screenshots of the emails and photos. He’s angry that she hasn't already told Bailey about it but he tells Hollis he's on his way. When Rhett turns up at the book launch, there are more men there than he thought there would be. He picks up a copy of Bailey's latest book to see what it's all about. Then he heard her laugh, so he turned, trying to find her. She is standing, talking to a journalist. Then, Rhett feels like he is being watched and looks around to see who it is. He spots a man near the door who makes eye contact with him, then heads out the door with Rhett chasing him. He runs straight into Bailey, literally, makes sure she is standing and he is off again but he has lost the man. He comes back in at the end of Bailey reading the opening chapter of her book. She then makes him sit next to her while she signs some books. One of the waiting staff brings Bailey a note that was left earlier. Rhett stops the book signing, picks up the note and takes Bailey into the kitchen area which he then makes safe and secure. He opens and reads the note, then explains everything to her about her stalker. This was a fantastic read as it brought Bailey's first love, Rhett, back into her life. Yes, he was there for protection and to get her stalker but could they hide their feelings? This story was superbly plotted and really well thought out. I had no idea who the stalker was but it certainly ramped up the suspense and the author handled that part really well. I liked the storyline for this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
Blurb :
❤️ Small-town
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Spicy!
She’s the queen of heartbreak.
He’s the one who got away.
Bailey Jones is known for writing happy-ever-afters. But she’s never had her own. Not since him.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who tossed her into the lake every summer. The man who walked away without a second glance.
Now he’s back — ex-Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And definitely not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey. Sending messages that feel too personal. Too obsessed.
To keep her safe, Rhett takes Bailey to the one place a stalker can’t find her — Cedar Shores. But sharing a cabin with the man she never stopped loving is a different kind of danger for Bailey. Especially when Rhett’s protective gaze follows her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
Bailey spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the women they love.
Turns out, she grew up with one.
If you love slow-burn romance with a hint of suspense, this second-chance, bookish romance is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Catherine Cowles, Meghan Quinn, the small-town heat of Elsie Silver and the romance of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
April 18, 2026
Book Title: Safe Haven
Author: Lilly Parker
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Bodyguard, Brother’s Best Friend
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🤩 The Vibe:
Tension-filled, nostalgic, and quietly intense with a slow burn that hurts so good.
This is second chance romance wrapped in small-town summer nostalgia with just the right touch of suspense. The stalker storyline keeps the stakes high, but never overshadows the emotional depth or the romance — it enhances it.
And that slow burn? Painfully slow in the best way — but the payoff is EVERYTHING.
👩❤️👨 Main Characters:
Rhett Monroe
Ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist with a protective streak a mile wide. Rhett is intense, guarded, and completely locked in when it comes to Bailey. I loved the balance of his character — the tough, alpha protector paired with such a soft, deeply emotional core. His growth and vulnerability made him such a standout MMC.
Bailey Jones
Romance author who writes about epic love stories… but has never gotten her own. Bailey is confident, self-aware, and emotionally strong, even when facing fear and unresolved feelings. I loved how grounded she was and how she didn’t shy away from confronting the past — or Rhett.
💕 What I Loved:
• The slow burn tension (worth every second)
• Second chance romance with real emotional weight
• Childhood history that actually felt meaningful
• The stalker suspense plot — gripping but not overwhelming
• Forced proximity at every turn
• The Tiger Motel....IYKYK
• Rhett’s protective “touch her and you’re done” energy
• Bailey’s confidence and emotional maturity
• The balance of soft romance + high-stakes tension
• Flashback memories that deepened their connection
The chemistry was constant — simmering under the surface until it finally exploded.
🩵 What Didn’t Work For Me:
• This was an almost too slow burn for me, I wanted some more "almost" moments along the way
• I was expecting them to spend a lot more time in Cedar Shores, not that it was a bad thing, just wasn't what my expectation was going in.
🤔 Final Thoughts:
Safe Haven completely hooked me from the very beginning and never let go.
This was my first book by Lilly Parker — and now I’m fully on board. The way she builds tension, both emotionally and romantically, is so well done. You feel the history between these characters, the longing, the unresolved feelings… all of it.
Rhett and Bailey’s story is about more than just rekindling love — it’s about timing, growth, and finally choosing each other after years apart.
And with the added suspense element? It kept me turning pages nonstop.
If you love:
• Slow burn with a BIG payoff
• Second chance / childhood love
• Protective, broody MMCs
• Romantic suspense that enhances the story
• Small-town, summer nostalgia vibes
This one is a must-read.
🎧 Swift Song Pairing: The Way I Loved You — intense, emotional, and full of longing.
Author: Lilly Parker
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Bodyguard, Brother’s Best Friend
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
🤩 The Vibe:
Tension-filled, nostalgic, and quietly intense with a slow burn that hurts so good.
This is second chance romance wrapped in small-town summer nostalgia with just the right touch of suspense. The stalker storyline keeps the stakes high, but never overshadows the emotional depth or the romance — it enhances it.
And that slow burn? Painfully slow in the best way — but the payoff is EVERYTHING.
👩❤️👨 Main Characters:
Rhett Monroe
Ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist with a protective streak a mile wide. Rhett is intense, guarded, and completely locked in when it comes to Bailey. I loved the balance of his character — the tough, alpha protector paired with such a soft, deeply emotional core. His growth and vulnerability made him such a standout MMC.
Bailey Jones
Romance author who writes about epic love stories… but has never gotten her own. Bailey is confident, self-aware, and emotionally strong, even when facing fear and unresolved feelings. I loved how grounded she was and how she didn’t shy away from confronting the past — or Rhett.
💕 What I Loved:
• The slow burn tension (worth every second)
• Second chance romance with real emotional weight
• Childhood history that actually felt meaningful
• The stalker suspense plot — gripping but not overwhelming
• Forced proximity at every turn
• The Tiger Motel....IYKYK
• Rhett’s protective “touch her and you’re done” energy
• Bailey’s confidence and emotional maturity
• The balance of soft romance + high-stakes tension
• Flashback memories that deepened their connection
The chemistry was constant — simmering under the surface until it finally exploded.
🩵 What Didn’t Work For Me:
• This was an almost too slow burn for me, I wanted some more "almost" moments along the way
• I was expecting them to spend a lot more time in Cedar Shores, not that it was a bad thing, just wasn't what my expectation was going in.
🤔 Final Thoughts:
Safe Haven completely hooked me from the very beginning and never let go.
This was my first book by Lilly Parker — and now I’m fully on board. The way she builds tension, both emotionally and romantically, is so well done. You feel the history between these characters, the longing, the unresolved feelings… all of it.
Rhett and Bailey’s story is about more than just rekindling love — it’s about timing, growth, and finally choosing each other after years apart.
And with the added suspense element? It kept me turning pages nonstop.
If you love:
• Slow burn with a BIG payoff
• Second chance / childhood love
• Protective, broody MMCs
• Romantic suspense that enhances the story
• Small-town, summer nostalgia vibes
This one is a must-read.
🎧 Swift Song Pairing: The Way I Loved You — intense, emotional, and full of longing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh boyyyyy this one was wild! Famous author x ex-navy seal like YUM. Thanks Lily Parker, Joffe Books and NetGalley for the e-arc!
”Because that was the summer my heart finally caught up with the rest of me - from the small, steady beat of a girl, into one fully capable of breaking as a woman. Forever aching for a place that no longer exists, and a time that would become, against all odds, nothing more than a memory.”
Bailey has built a career writing men who would burn the world down for their woman - turns out she grew up with one.
Rhett was her first love; the boy she grew up spending summers with at Cedar Shores. Until her left and didn’t look back. Now he’s back, but not to catch-up but to look out for Bailey as someone is watching her and sending messages that become more and more dangerous. So he takes her to the one place no one would know - Cedar Shores. But being in close proximity does nothing to curve the desire and tension that has always simmered between them and is now ready to catch fire.
”I’ve been hungry for you my whole life, and out here, with nothing else to stop us, or get in the way of this happening, I don’t want to be hungry anymore.”
The stakes were high with these two! I could feel the tension through the pages; intense and crackling. Between the obsessive stalker and the chemistry between Rhett and Bailey, I was sweating for them! The lingering touches, stolen glances, and skirting around how her recent book was about Rhett whilst in close proximity was delicious torture.
”…everyone wants to see stories about horribly flawed people who end up happy because we need to see how possible it is. For all of us.”
I appreciated the glimpses of the past so we could really understand their connection. We recognised that their past and present selves are different people yet they still worked - and in fact might even work better after all their life experience! The little things they did as kids that returned in adulthood - such as Rhett changing lyrics to Bailey’s name - were so wholesome. It truly was a storybook romance. Having each other siblings in the middle setting hard boundaries did nothing to stop the inevitable but their loyalties to each other ran strong, so how could you blame them?
When they all reunited, I couldn’t help feel like I didn’t want it to end. Like the end of a beautiful summer before going back to reality. It was bittersweet and I cannot wait to return!
”You are my safe haven, Bailey. Now and then. When I’m with you everything else just disappears.”
For those who like:
~ Brothers Best Friend / Best Friends Brother
~ Childhood Friends
~ Friends-to-lovers
~ Slow Burn
~ Romantic Suspense
~ Small Town
~ Ex Navy Seal
~ Author FMC
”Because that was the summer my heart finally caught up with the rest of me - from the small, steady beat of a girl, into one fully capable of breaking as a woman. Forever aching for a place that no longer exists, and a time that would become, against all odds, nothing more than a memory.”
Bailey has built a career writing men who would burn the world down for their woman - turns out she grew up with one.
Rhett was her first love; the boy she grew up spending summers with at Cedar Shores. Until her left and didn’t look back. Now he’s back, but not to catch-up but to look out for Bailey as someone is watching her and sending messages that become more and more dangerous. So he takes her to the one place no one would know - Cedar Shores. But being in close proximity does nothing to curve the desire and tension that has always simmered between them and is now ready to catch fire.
”I’ve been hungry for you my whole life, and out here, with nothing else to stop us, or get in the way of this happening, I don’t want to be hungry anymore.”
The stakes were high with these two! I could feel the tension through the pages; intense and crackling. Between the obsessive stalker and the chemistry between Rhett and Bailey, I was sweating for them! The lingering touches, stolen glances, and skirting around how her recent book was about Rhett whilst in close proximity was delicious torture.
”…everyone wants to see stories about horribly flawed people who end up happy because we need to see how possible it is. For all of us.”
I appreciated the glimpses of the past so we could really understand their connection. We recognised that their past and present selves are different people yet they still worked - and in fact might even work better after all their life experience! The little things they did as kids that returned in adulthood - such as Rhett changing lyrics to Bailey’s name - were so wholesome. It truly was a storybook romance. Having each other siblings in the middle setting hard boundaries did nothing to stop the inevitable but their loyalties to each other ran strong, so how could you blame them?
When they all reunited, I couldn’t help feel like I didn’t want it to end. Like the end of a beautiful summer before going back to reality. It was bittersweet and I cannot wait to return!
”You are my safe haven, Bailey. Now and then. When I’m with you everything else just disappears.”
For those who like:
~ Brothers Best Friend / Best Friends Brother
~ Childhood Friends
~ Friends-to-lovers
~ Slow Burn
~ Romantic Suspense
~ Small Town
~ Ex Navy Seal
~ Author FMC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Emotional Second Chance Wrapped in Suspense
Having really enjoyed reading Lily Parker’s Off-Limits series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Safe Haven, the first in her Cedar Shores series, when it was first being promoted by Choc Lit. I went into Safe Haven expecting something along similar lines. Yes, I’ll admit, I didn’t read the blurb (I know, I know… but I’m very much a cover-and-title reader and it usually works for me).
What I found instead felt far more layered.
The suspense element caught me off guard, with just enough danger threaded through to give it a real thriller edge. More than that, it elevates the story—adding a constant tension that sharpens every interaction and made it almost impossible to put down. I had to keep reading. With alternating points of view, you’re given a deeper insight into both characters, which only adds to that sense of immediacy and keeps the tension close at every turn.
What I wasn’t expecting was how much it would make me feel.
At its core, this is a story that feels grounded and real. Nothing is overdone or overly polished; instead, the emotional thread feels lived in—shaped by history, by choices, and by everything left unsaid. That quiet authenticity is where the real strength of the book lies, and it’s what pulled me in completely.
Rather than relying on chemistry or surface-level desire, the romance leans into something much deeper. It’s about longing. About history. About the kind of connection that doesn’t simply disappear, no matter how much time has passed. There’s an ache running through it—something unfinished—and seeing that unfold against a backdrop of fear and uncertainty made everything feel more intense, more fragile… and honestly, it broke me in ways I wasn’t expecting.
What really stayed with me was that contrast: being hunted, everything unravelling, and yet still holding onto feelings the other person may not fully see or understand. That push and pull between vulnerability and tension was just something else.
By the time I reached the final pages, it wasn’t just the story that had stayed with me—it was the feeling it left behind. The pacing, the setting, the emotional depth… everything worked together so seamlessly that it became one of those books you don’t quite want to let go of. I genuinely wish I could go back and experience it again for the first time.
If you’ve ever lost someone, left a place that meant something to you, or found yourself quietly wondering about the paths not taken, I think you’ll feel the quiet power in these words.
Having really enjoyed reading Lily Parker’s Off-Limits series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Safe Haven, the first in her Cedar Shores series, when it was first being promoted by Choc Lit. I went into Safe Haven expecting something along similar lines. Yes, I’ll admit, I didn’t read the blurb (I know, I know… but I’m very much a cover-and-title reader and it usually works for me).
What I found instead felt far more layered.
The suspense element caught me off guard, with just enough danger threaded through to give it a real thriller edge. More than that, it elevates the story—adding a constant tension that sharpens every interaction and made it almost impossible to put down. I had to keep reading. With alternating points of view, you’re given a deeper insight into both characters, which only adds to that sense of immediacy and keeps the tension close at every turn.
What I wasn’t expecting was how much it would make me feel.
At its core, this is a story that feels grounded and real. Nothing is overdone or overly polished; instead, the emotional thread feels lived in—shaped by history, by choices, and by everything left unsaid. That quiet authenticity is where the real strength of the book lies, and it’s what pulled me in completely.
Rather than relying on chemistry or surface-level desire, the romance leans into something much deeper. It’s about longing. About history. About the kind of connection that doesn’t simply disappear, no matter how much time has passed. There’s an ache running through it—something unfinished—and seeing that unfold against a backdrop of fear and uncertainty made everything feel more intense, more fragile… and honestly, it broke me in ways I wasn’t expecting.
What really stayed with me was that contrast: being hunted, everything unravelling, and yet still holding onto feelings the other person may not fully see or understand. That push and pull between vulnerability and tension was just something else.
By the time I reached the final pages, it wasn’t just the story that had stayed with me—it was the feeling it left behind. The pacing, the setting, the emotional depth… everything worked together so seamlessly that it became one of those books you don’t quite want to let go of. I genuinely wish I could go back and experience it again for the first time.
If you’ve ever lost someone, left a place that meant something to you, or found yourself quietly wondering about the paths not taken, I think you’ll feel the quiet power in these words.
April 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐
📖 Bailey spent her summer in a cabin on a lake shore with her older brother Axel, her best friend and her older brother Rhett and both sets of parents. That best friend is now her publicist because Bailey Jones is a romance author. Her 7th book is about to hit the bookshelf so she's throwing a book release party.
Both brothers joined the force. Rhett was in the SEALs. Was. Now, he's working security (cliché, I know. But that's what we want, isn't it?).
That comes in handy because Bailey has a stalker and she doesn't know. Her publicist and brother do. Her brother's best friend now does too.
And he's finally coming to a book launch event... For the seventh book.
Bailey is thrilled. And anxious. Because she doesn't want him to hear her read the beginning of the book.
This book is definitely *not* about him, and what could have been between them. Definitely.
But, she's about to get way more anxious when she finds out about the stalker.
Rhett will stay with her for now... Both hope it won't escalate and resolve fast. Because Rhett will not leave her to deal with that alone nor with a stranger.
🤓 We have the chance to read the beginning of the book Bailey has written and let me tell you... I would read that! The way it was written was GORG'. Not the same romcom tone as the rest of this book, –I found the contrast interesting– but more lyrical. I loved it.
I loved the dual POV and the story was interesting. I think I love when the FMC is an author. Or when the MMC was in an elite group of the force, I'll admit.
The protector vibe, the old friend and teenage crush vibe are perfect.
There were some little gems in their relationship that I really loved (the song thing especially –no I won't spoil unless you want to know what the song thing is).
I went in semi blind, I didn't remember there was a stalker situation. And I wanted low stake (I'm reading more romance than fantasy at the moment because I'm doing some deep healing and inner work. And low stake = happy nervous system that I don't want to overwhelm with more than necessary.). So my nervous system wasn't too happy with waiting for the other shoe to drop. But that wasn't too bad.
📚 Tropes: romance author, ex-navy seal, stalker, protector, teenage crush
🌶️ Spice: open door (3-4 sexy scenes)
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕
📖 Bailey spent her summer in a cabin on a lake shore with her older brother Axel, her best friend and her older brother Rhett and both sets of parents. That best friend is now her publicist because Bailey Jones is a romance author. Her 7th book is about to hit the bookshelf so she's throwing a book release party.
Both brothers joined the force. Rhett was in the SEALs. Was. Now, he's working security (cliché, I know. But that's what we want, isn't it?).
That comes in handy because Bailey has a stalker and she doesn't know. Her publicist and brother do. Her brother's best friend now does too.
And he's finally coming to a book launch event... For the seventh book.
Bailey is thrilled. And anxious. Because she doesn't want him to hear her read the beginning of the book.
This book is definitely *not* about him, and what could have been between them. Definitely.
But, she's about to get way more anxious when she finds out about the stalker.
Rhett will stay with her for now... Both hope it won't escalate and resolve fast. Because Rhett will not leave her to deal with that alone nor with a stranger.
🤓 We have the chance to read the beginning of the book Bailey has written and let me tell you... I would read that! The way it was written was GORG'. Not the same romcom tone as the rest of this book, –I found the contrast interesting– but more lyrical. I loved it.
I loved the dual POV and the story was interesting. I think I love when the FMC is an author. Or when the MMC was in an elite group of the force, I'll admit.
The protector vibe, the old friend and teenage crush vibe are perfect.
There were some little gems in their relationship that I really loved (the song thing especially –no I won't spoil unless you want to know what the song thing is).
I went in semi blind, I didn't remember there was a stalker situation. And I wanted low stake (I'm reading more romance than fantasy at the moment because I'm doing some deep healing and inner work. And low stake = happy nervous system that I don't want to overwhelm with more than necessary.). So my nervous system wasn't too happy with waiting for the other shoe to drop. But that wasn't too bad.
📚 Tropes: romance author, ex-navy seal, stalker, protector, teenage crush
🌶️ Spice: open door (3-4 sexy scenes)
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕
April 23, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Lily Parker for an Arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This took me on a fun journey filled with some suspense, yearning and sweet moments.
Bailey, an author about to release her seventh book inspired by the coastal town of Cedar Shores, suddenly finds herself dealing with a stalker; raising the stakes in a way that feels genuinely unsettling. Enter Rhett: her childhood best friend, longtime crush, and her best friend Hollis’s brother who unexpectedly shows up after skipping six of her previous releases. The tension is immediate, especially since the character in Bailey’s new book hits a little too close to home and she doesn't want him to know.
What I really enjoyed was the emotional depth and the tropes done right. Close proximity, brother’s best friend, and that slow, aching yearning that builds over time. Rhett isn’t written as a stereotypical alpha male; he’s layered, clearly shaped by his past, and doing the best he can with what he’s been through. That added a lot of weight to his connection with Bailey. And Bailey herself? Refreshingly straightforward. No unnecessary games or drawn out miscommunications.
I also appreciated that their relationship didn’t hinge on one massive falling out. Life simply pulled them in different directions, and they both grew separately before finding their way back. That felt mature and believable.
That said, a few things missed the mark for me. When Bailey discovers that Rhett and Hollis have essentially orchestrated his role as her protector, I expected more of a reaction. It felt like a moment that deserved a bit more frustration or conflict from her, even if his intentions made sense.
And while the writing is undeniably beautiful, the spice scenes leaned heavily on flowery euphemisms. It fits the tone, but with that much build up, I was hoping for something a little more grounded and raw. At some point, you want the payoff to match the emotional intensity.
Overall, Safe Haven delivers on atmosphere, emotional connection, and trope satisfaction. If you love slow burn romance with depth, history, and a protective MMC, it’s definitely worth picking up. I am very interested in reading the next book in this series and seeing the dynamic with Axel and Hollis.
This took me on a fun journey filled with some suspense, yearning and sweet moments.
Bailey, an author about to release her seventh book inspired by the coastal town of Cedar Shores, suddenly finds herself dealing with a stalker; raising the stakes in a way that feels genuinely unsettling. Enter Rhett: her childhood best friend, longtime crush, and her best friend Hollis’s brother who unexpectedly shows up after skipping six of her previous releases. The tension is immediate, especially since the character in Bailey’s new book hits a little too close to home and she doesn't want him to know.
What I really enjoyed was the emotional depth and the tropes done right. Close proximity, brother’s best friend, and that slow, aching yearning that builds over time. Rhett isn’t written as a stereotypical alpha male; he’s layered, clearly shaped by his past, and doing the best he can with what he’s been through. That added a lot of weight to his connection with Bailey. And Bailey herself? Refreshingly straightforward. No unnecessary games or drawn out miscommunications.
I also appreciated that their relationship didn’t hinge on one massive falling out. Life simply pulled them in different directions, and they both grew separately before finding their way back. That felt mature and believable.
That said, a few things missed the mark for me. When Bailey discovers that Rhett and Hollis have essentially orchestrated his role as her protector, I expected more of a reaction. It felt like a moment that deserved a bit more frustration or conflict from her, even if his intentions made sense.
And while the writing is undeniably beautiful, the spice scenes leaned heavily on flowery euphemisms. It fits the tone, but with that much build up, I was hoping for something a little more grounded and raw. At some point, you want the payoff to match the emotional intensity.
Overall, Safe Haven delivers on atmosphere, emotional connection, and trope satisfaction. If you love slow burn romance with depth, history, and a protective MMC, it’s definitely worth picking up. I am very interested in reading the next book in this series and seeing the dynamic with Axel and Hollis.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a sweet and spicy romance where the star of the show was the gorgeous nostalgic lakeside setting.
Bailey is an author launching her seventh novel. When she hears that her childhood crush (and brother's best friend/best friend's brother - yes, he's both!) is finally coming to her launch party, she's sent into a tailspin of anxiety. Then she realises that he's actually there to protect her against a stalker, and after a fright at the party, he decides he's not letting her out of his sight, even if that means moving out of her city apartment and into the lake house where they spent their summers as kids.
The gorgeous lakeside location and nostalgic memories coming full circle are what really carried this book. I sped through the first sections to reach the part where they were back at the lake. Even though it's not a childhood I experienced (in the UK!), there's something so beautifully idyllic about an unrequited childhood crush on the shores of a lake on long summer days becoming real later on.
Bailey and Rhett were a great couple with the additional depth needed to take their romance beyond surface level. Rhett has darkness in his past which is well explored but not fully relied on to build his character. I wasn't 100% sold on their chemistry immediately - maybe there could have been more of their childhood/teenage days thrown in earlier on, but it was kept somewhat elusive until later as Bailey tried to keep her book (written about those days) hidden from Rhett.
I really enjoyed the side characters - Bailey's brother and Rhett's sister - bickering away together. I assume theirs will be the next instalment in this series and I look forward to reading that.
It was a well paced book with a well developed plot, enough of a mystery and a bit of a thrill alongside the romance storyline. The only qualm I had was that were a few phrases that felt a little clumsy which I had to stop and reread to figure out what the author meant, but nevertheless, I sped through it in two sittings.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Bailey is an author launching her seventh novel. When she hears that her childhood crush (and brother's best friend/best friend's brother - yes, he's both!) is finally coming to her launch party, she's sent into a tailspin of anxiety. Then she realises that he's actually there to protect her against a stalker, and after a fright at the party, he decides he's not letting her out of his sight, even if that means moving out of her city apartment and into the lake house where they spent their summers as kids.
The gorgeous lakeside location and nostalgic memories coming full circle are what really carried this book. I sped through the first sections to reach the part where they were back at the lake. Even though it's not a childhood I experienced (in the UK!), there's something so beautifully idyllic about an unrequited childhood crush on the shores of a lake on long summer days becoming real later on.
Bailey and Rhett were a great couple with the additional depth needed to take their romance beyond surface level. Rhett has darkness in his past which is well explored but not fully relied on to build his character. I wasn't 100% sold on their chemistry immediately - maybe there could have been more of their childhood/teenage days thrown in earlier on, but it was kept somewhat elusive until later as Bailey tried to keep her book (written about those days) hidden from Rhett.
I really enjoyed the side characters - Bailey's brother and Rhett's sister - bickering away together. I assume theirs will be the next instalment in this series and I look forward to reading that.
It was a well paced book with a well developed plot, enough of a mystery and a bit of a thrill alongside the romance storyline. The only qualm I had was that were a few phrases that felt a little clumsy which I had to stop and reread to figure out what the author meant, but nevertheless, I sped through it in two sittings.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so cute. Bailey and Rhett completely had my heart, and I was fully invested in the slow burn and all the pining between them. The story follows Bailey, a well-known romance author who is about to release a very personal book inspired by the one person she has always loved. Years ago, that love story didn’t end the way she hoped when he left and the boy she loved eventually went on to become a Navy SEAL.
Now, a decade later, their feelings are still very much there when life unexpectedly brings them back together, especially as Bailey is dealing with a dangerous stalker. I love romantic suspense, and this story balanced the romance and tension really well. The secluded lake setting added such a cozy vibe, and I appreciated that the author didn’t drag out miscommunication or hidden feelings.
Bailey and Rhett’s relationship develops naturally and feels really satisfying to watch unfold. Their connection is soft but strong, built on years of history, quiet understanding, and lingering feelings that never really went away. The suspense element was woven in nicely, and the way the siblings come together toward the end makes the story feel full circle. I also loved that there wasn’t a dramatic third-act breakup, which made the romance feel even more comforting.
The story leans more character-driven than action-packed, but that emotional depth is exactly what makes it so engaging. It’s the kind of warm, heartfelt read that leaves you feeling hopeful.
Also, the best cracking scene of all was the Tiger Motel scenes. 😏
Rating: 4⭐
Tropes
❤️ Small town
❤️ Friends to lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Slow burn
Favorite Quote: "The whole world want to know that imperfect people get happy endings, too. It's what we all want to see. Because we are all flawed on the inside. And yes, I write about happy endings because that's the goal, isn't it? That's what we all want in the end. So much so that everyone wants to see stories about horribly flawed people who end up happy because we need to see how possible it is. For all of us."
Now, a decade later, their feelings are still very much there when life unexpectedly brings them back together, especially as Bailey is dealing with a dangerous stalker. I love romantic suspense, and this story balanced the romance and tension really well. The secluded lake setting added such a cozy vibe, and I appreciated that the author didn’t drag out miscommunication or hidden feelings.
Bailey and Rhett’s relationship develops naturally and feels really satisfying to watch unfold. Their connection is soft but strong, built on years of history, quiet understanding, and lingering feelings that never really went away. The suspense element was woven in nicely, and the way the siblings come together toward the end makes the story feel full circle. I also loved that there wasn’t a dramatic third-act breakup, which made the romance feel even more comforting.
The story leans more character-driven than action-packed, but that emotional depth is exactly what makes it so engaging. It’s the kind of warm, heartfelt read that leaves you feeling hopeful.
Also, the best cracking scene of all was the Tiger Motel scenes. 😏
Rating: 4⭐
Tropes
❤️ Small town
❤️ Friends to lovers
❤️ Romantic suspense
❤️ Brother’s best friend
❤️ Slow burn
Favorite Quote: "The whole world want to know that imperfect people get happy endings, too. It's what we all want to see. Because we are all flawed on the inside. And yes, I write about happy endings because that's the goal, isn't it? That's what we all want in the end. So much so that everyone wants to see stories about horribly flawed people who end up happy because we need to see how possible it is. For all of us."
April 27, 2026
Do you have a place from your childhood that brings you peace of mind? For me, it's a lake we vacationed at every summer for 25 years as a family. This is exactly where Lily Parker transported me back to in her first installment of the Cedar Shores series Safe Haven. We meet Bailey, an accomplished author at her book signing and release party dressed in a memorable get up with her bestie, Hollis in tow. (Side note: Bailey, her brother Axle and Hollis all went to the same lake for summer vacations). What we don't know is that not one, but TWO characters are at the same event both about to bring chaos in unexpected ways. Rhett, a former SEAL, is actually Hollis's brother but on location going undercover for Bailey. The second is a stalker trying to get Bailey's attention. We go through twists and turns as Bailey navigates finding her safe haven again while the stalker attempts to make contact. The safest place for Bailey to escape to is out of the city and into the lake setting. Naturally, Rhett goes with her using his training to keep the area secure and safe. As a lake girl myself, I appreciate the need to get away and hide from how hard life can be. The best part of it all is that Bailey has written about this place in her 7 books and links all of her good times with Rhett to this place. He doesn't know it until he reads her book. I loved how Lily dragged out the slow burn of their love story, tying the childhood crush trope to love her but can't have her just yet. Loved their road trip to the lake with Rhett adding Bailey's name to all the song verses as my hubs does that to me often! I won't tell you how it ended as I want you to read this charmer for yourself, but I'll leave you with this: "Life is always a first draft, isn't it? We don't get to go back and polish up parts we wish we'd written better. We all have to figure out what happens after."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
April 22, 2026
A big thank you to Lily Parker and ChocLit for this arc! I was so excited to start the Cedar Shores series and this was a great way to begin my romantic suspense era!
Every summer growing up, Bailey and Rhett’s families would vacation together at their lakeside cabin getaway. Rhett was always Bailey’s first love but when he leaves for the Navy and Bailey pursues her dreams of becoming a romance author, their paths don’t cross for years.
But when concerns of a stalker surfaces around the time of her most recent book release, Rhett comes blazing back into Bailey’s life and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
This was the perfect mix of suspense and romance! Right from the beginning, through the flashbacks to their childhood, you felt how much Bailey and Rhett cherished each other and the natural way their friendship evolved into first love. My heart broke when they were so close to telling each other how they felt before Rhett left for the Navy but watching them drift apart for many years and then reconnect made the tension and yearning worth the heartache.
I also loved the suspenseful elements in this one! As someone who is new to romantic suspense, this was a great starting point. Watching Rhett’s protectiveness for Bailey as her stalker became more obsessive was giving perfect “touch her and die” energy and kept me on the edge of my seat to figure out what would happen next.
Lily also does an awesome job of intertwining side characters that bring all the best elements of found family that make you so excited to learn more about their stories as well. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Tropes:
- Romantic suspense
- Bestselling romance author x Ex Navy SEAL
- Brothers best friend
- Friends-to-lovers
- Lakeside cabin getaway
- Creepy stalker
- Protective MMC
Every summer growing up, Bailey and Rhett’s families would vacation together at their lakeside cabin getaway. Rhett was always Bailey’s first love but when he leaves for the Navy and Bailey pursues her dreams of becoming a romance author, their paths don’t cross for years.
But when concerns of a stalker surfaces around the time of her most recent book release, Rhett comes blazing back into Bailey’s life and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
This was the perfect mix of suspense and romance! Right from the beginning, through the flashbacks to their childhood, you felt how much Bailey and Rhett cherished each other and the natural way their friendship evolved into first love. My heart broke when they were so close to telling each other how they felt before Rhett left for the Navy but watching them drift apart for many years and then reconnect made the tension and yearning worth the heartache.
I also loved the suspenseful elements in this one! As someone who is new to romantic suspense, this was a great starting point. Watching Rhett’s protectiveness for Bailey as her stalker became more obsessive was giving perfect “touch her and die” energy and kept me on the edge of my seat to figure out what would happen next.
Lily also does an awesome job of intertwining side characters that bring all the best elements of found family that make you so excited to learn more about their stories as well. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Tropes:
- Romantic suspense
- Bestselling romance author x Ex Navy SEAL
- Brothers best friend
- Friends-to-lovers
- Lakeside cabin getaway
- Creepy stalker
- Protective MMC
April 25, 2026
Bailey is a romance author. Rhett is her longtime crush from when they were younger. He is also there to protect Bailey after she starts receiving unwanted messages from someone she doesn’t know.
To hide from the stalker, Rhett takes Bailey to Cedar Shores. At the cabin in Cedar Shores, in their own world, their feelings for each other amplify. Bailey learns that Rhett’s feelings for her are just as strong as her feelings for him.
One of the most powerful scenes in the novel is Bailey sharing her writing with Rhett. It’s a way for Rhett to realize the evolution of Bailey from their summers at the cabin before he left for SEAL training. For Rhett, he realizes this is his moment to share his feelings and love for Bailey.
They revisit their pasts and see how their feelings for each other where there all along. They never wavered. Rhett’s feelings for Bailey guided him through missions as a SEAL, and Rhett featured prominently in Bailey’s writing.
I thought the suspense is well-paced in the story as was the build of Rhett and Bailey’s relationship.
I enjoyed reading how Bailey’s writing evolves over time and how it helped her process emotions. She starts writing love stories around the fantasy of a happily ever after and now includes the honesty of relationships and love stories. She writes about the hard times and how couples work through them to find their way to each other. Writing and reading are ways to help process and understand emotions. It thought this theme was woven well throughout the novel to see Bailey and Rhett’s character growth.
Thanks to Lily Parker & Zooloo’s Book Tours for the gifted digital copy of the book and the opportunity to be a part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
To hide from the stalker, Rhett takes Bailey to Cedar Shores. At the cabin in Cedar Shores, in their own world, their feelings for each other amplify. Bailey learns that Rhett’s feelings for her are just as strong as her feelings for him.
One of the most powerful scenes in the novel is Bailey sharing her writing with Rhett. It’s a way for Rhett to realize the evolution of Bailey from their summers at the cabin before he left for SEAL training. For Rhett, he realizes this is his moment to share his feelings and love for Bailey.
They revisit their pasts and see how their feelings for each other where there all along. They never wavered. Rhett’s feelings for Bailey guided him through missions as a SEAL, and Rhett featured prominently in Bailey’s writing.
I thought the suspense is well-paced in the story as was the build of Rhett and Bailey’s relationship.
I enjoyed reading how Bailey’s writing evolves over time and how it helped her process emotions. She starts writing love stories around the fantasy of a happily ever after and now includes the honesty of relationships and love stories. She writes about the hard times and how couples work through them to find their way to each other. Writing and reading are ways to help process and understand emotions. It thought this theme was woven well throughout the novel to see Bailey and Rhett’s character growth.
Thanks to Lily Parker & Zooloo’s Book Tours for the gifted digital copy of the book and the opportunity to be a part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💓 Blurb-
Bailey Jones built a career writing love stories about brooding heroes. But in real life she’s never had her own happily ever after.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who used to toss her into the lake every summer — and the man who walked away without looking back.
Now he’s back — ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And he’s not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey.
Sending messages that feel a little too personal. Too obsessed.
And Rhett is not letting her out of his sight.
He takes her to the one place a stalker won’t find her — Cedar Shores. But for Bailey, being stuck in close quarters with the man she never stopped wanting is far from simple. Especially when Rhett watches her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
The tension that used to simmer between them now crackles. Every argument is charged with desire. Every touch lingers. And every heated look dares her to remember how good they could be.
💜 Review -
I have loved other books by the author and Safe Haven certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a cute read. From the very first page the author's writing drew me in and I got swept away with the characters in the story. I loved Bailey and Rhett's characters and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Plus Cedar Shores sounded beautiful. This has everything that I could want in a romance novel and more. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author Lily Parker and the publisher Choclit for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Bailey Jones built a career writing love stories about brooding heroes. But in real life she’s never had her own happily ever after.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who used to toss her into the lake every summer — and the man who walked away without looking back.
Now he’s back — ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And he’s not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey.
Sending messages that feel a little too personal. Too obsessed.
And Rhett is not letting her out of his sight.
He takes her to the one place a stalker won’t find her — Cedar Shores. But for Bailey, being stuck in close quarters with the man she never stopped wanting is far from simple. Especially when Rhett watches her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
The tension that used to simmer between them now crackles. Every argument is charged with desire. Every touch lingers. And every heated look dares her to remember how good they could be.
💜 Review -
I have loved other books by the author and Safe Haven certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a cute read. From the very first page the author's writing drew me in and I got swept away with the characters in the story. I loved Bailey and Rhett's characters and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Plus Cedar Shores sounded beautiful. This has everything that I could want in a romance novel and more. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author Lily Parker and the publisher Choclit for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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