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Safe is NOT an option
274 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 23, 2026
This psychological thriller completely caught me off guard on what was happening. The story moved quickly, which I like. I was guessing everything and trying to figure out what was really going on. The ending.. didn’t see that coming.🤯
May 10, 2026
I was an ARC reader for this book and I am leaving this review raw, true and honest opinion!
I am absolutely devastated in all the best ways. This book does not go the way you think it is. It is impossible to figure it out because there are so many twist and turns. It is a psychiatrist patient story but it’s not the traditional way you think. Dr. Ivy Bennett and her patient Jax Woods absolutely found a way into my heart. All good intentions don’t go unpunished.for poor Jax this is 100% true. He has a lot of secrets but these secrets help when it comes to Ivy. I did not want to give any spoilers, but I can promise you, you will not see the ending coming.
I absolutely loved reading this book and I could not put it down. I loved it so much that I am going to be using it in my annotation book club.
Safe is not an option for Dr Ivy a woman that has been through it and still comes out on top.
There are definitely a lot of trigger warning so definitely make sure you read them when you get the book. But if you don’t trigger or OK with heavy child abuse theme this book will definitely be great for you. It is truly the definition of a psychological thriller if I could give it more than five stars, I would.
I am absolutely devastated in all the best ways. This book does not go the way you think it is. It is impossible to figure it out because there are so many twist and turns. It is a psychiatrist patient story but it’s not the traditional way you think. Dr. Ivy Bennett and her patient Jax Woods absolutely found a way into my heart. All good intentions don’t go unpunished.for poor Jax this is 100% true. He has a lot of secrets but these secrets help when it comes to Ivy. I did not want to give any spoilers, but I can promise you, you will not see the ending coming.
I absolutely loved reading this book and I could not put it down. I loved it so much that I am going to be using it in my annotation book club.
Safe is not an option for Dr Ivy a woman that has been through it and still comes out on top.
There are definitely a lot of trigger warning so definitely make sure you read them when you get the book. But if you don’t trigger or OK with heavy child abuse theme this book will definitely be great for you. It is truly the definition of a psychological thriller if I could give it more than five stars, I would.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
I’m really grateful I had the chance to read this as an ARC what a ride. This isn’t even my usual genre, but it completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. The pacing is sharp and relentless, making it incredibly easy to fly through while still feeling every emotional beat.
What stood out most was how deeply human the story felt. It explores resilience, vulnerability, and the messy process of trying to hold yourself together when everything feels like it’s falling apart. There’s a rawness to the characters’ journeys that makes their strength and growth hit even harder.
And the plot? Genuinely surprising. Just when I thought I had a sense of where things were headed, it completely shifted in ways I didn’t see coming. It kept me hooked from the very first page, constantly on edge and eager to see what would happen next.
This is one of those books that lingers after you finish it. I’d absolutely recommend picking it up when it releases especially if you love stories that balance emotional depth with gripping, unpredictable twists. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
May 23, 2026
Darkness- 🖤🖤
Spice - no 🌶️
Plot - 100✍️ out of 10.
Total rating 4.5 ⭐️
This was sooo well written. The build up and breadcrumbs were exquisite! No spice but I was still hooked. Read it in full in one sitting. I needed to know who the culprit was and where Ivy would end up immediately. Jax was just so easy to love. Like how could you not fall for a man who would set up cameras and software everywhere just to keep you safe? 😏😏😏 love a good stalker tendency. This landed at a 4.5 for me, because I just needed a sprinkle of spice and romantic connection… just a tiny bit! Because the seed was definitely there, it just needed some flourishing. But aside from that it was a really satisfying read. And that ending! I didn’t know how to feel (this is a good thing). I just sat and stared at the wall like WHAT. That’s it !! Nooo I need morrrree!! 🤣 There were some really tough topics here for some readers. Read at your own risk.
This released today and you should definitely pick up a copy!!
Spice - no 🌶️
Plot - 100✍️ out of 10.
Total rating 4.5 ⭐️
This was sooo well written. The build up and breadcrumbs were exquisite! No spice but I was still hooked. Read it in full in one sitting. I needed to know who the culprit was and where Ivy would end up immediately. Jax was just so easy to love. Like how could you not fall for a man who would set up cameras and software everywhere just to keep you safe? 😏😏😏 love a good stalker tendency. This landed at a 4.5 for me, because I just needed a sprinkle of spice and romantic connection… just a tiny bit! Because the seed was definitely there, it just needed some flourishing. But aside from that it was a really satisfying read. And that ending! I didn’t know how to feel (this is a good thing). I just sat and stared at the wall like WHAT. That’s it !! Nooo I need morrrree!! 🤣 There were some really tough topics here for some readers. Read at your own risk.
This released today and you should definitely pick up a copy!!
May 25, 2026
Five Stars and a definite re-read. Tell me how this book kept me on edge from start to finish. I thought I knew what was happening but then the ending just proved me completely wrong. Now I have to restart this story to see what I missed to understand those last two chapters. As I write this review I am shook (in a good way), confused and with a thousand questions. If you like psychological thrillers please read this book and let’s have a conversation after.
That said I like the fact that within the chaos Ivy kept a good head on her shoulders, yes she had her moments of almost giving up but she found ways to keep herself grounded and somewhat in control. Jax demonstrates a sense of purpose that is warped but with good intent (trust me I know that sounds weird).
The ending!! How did we get there? I definitely missed something. Or was Jax just that good at messing with my head, so as stated before will read again and provide an update.
That said I like the fact that within the chaos Ivy kept a good head on her shoulders, yes she had her moments of almost giving up but she found ways to keep herself grounded and somewhat in control. Jax demonstrates a sense of purpose that is warped but with good intent (trust me I know that sounds weird).
The ending!! How did we get there? I definitely missed something. Or was Jax just that good at messing with my head, so as stated before will read again and provide an update.
May 6, 2026
ARC Review
I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of Safe Is Not An Option.
Let’s talk about Jax… He is her patient. He lives in this morally gray area and is extremely observant. Knows more things than he probably should and takes his job of protecting Ivy to the extreme.
Ivy.. She’s his therapist. Has a past of her own that she is reluctant to let others in on.
This book was great, I loved every bit of it. The turn of events that this book had was not what I had thought it was going to be, It was fast paced, when I finally had the time to sit down and read I did not want to put this book down. I enjoy getting lost in books and going along for the ride and not always being able to figure out who did what and why until it’s reviled.
I would give this 4.5 stars
This was the first book of Aubrey Velasquez that I have read and I will defiantly be checking out more of her books,
I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of Safe Is Not An Option.
Let’s talk about Jax… He is her patient. He lives in this morally gray area and is extremely observant. Knows more things than he probably should and takes his job of protecting Ivy to the extreme.
Ivy.. She’s his therapist. Has a past of her own that she is reluctant to let others in on.
This book was great, I loved every bit of it. The turn of events that this book had was not what I had thought it was going to be, It was fast paced, when I finally had the time to sit down and read I did not want to put this book down. I enjoy getting lost in books and going along for the ride and not always being able to figure out who did what and why until it’s reviled.
I would give this 4.5 stars
This was the first book of Aubrey Velasquez that I have read and I will defiantly be checking out more of her books,
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
chills. literal chills.
jax, a morally gray patient who observes everything an misses nothing.
ivy, likes control and routine. a therapist with a past of her own.
i loved watching the line blur. jax is observant for sure and knows things he shouldn’t. he takes his job serious watching over ivy.
this book is definitely great. it will keep you on your toes trying to guess the out come. a mind f*ck for sure!! i love a good thriller. especially one you can’t guess and is totally different from the rest.
if you need a pallet cleanser or just love a good thriller it RELEASES 5/22!!
chills. literal chills.
jax, a morally gray patient who observes everything an misses nothing.
ivy, likes control and routine. a therapist with a past of her own.
i loved watching the line blur. jax is observant for sure and knows things he shouldn’t. he takes his job serious watching over ivy.
this book is definitely great. it will keep you on your toes trying to guess the out come. a mind f*ck for sure!! i love a good thriller. especially one you can’t guess and is totally different from the rest.
if you need a pallet cleanser or just love a good thriller it RELEASES 5/22!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Safe is Not an Option by Aubrey Velasquez was such a good read! I honestly did not expect the story to unfold the way it did. It was fast paced, full of tension, and had me questioning everything the entire time.
The character dynamics were so well done, and throughout the story I kept feeling like something wasn’t quite right - which kept me completely hooked. Definitely one of those books that keeps you thinking while you read!
Thank you so much to Aubrey for the ARC opportunity. This is my personal honest opinion.
The character dynamics were so well done, and throughout the story I kept feeling like something wasn’t quite right - which kept me completely hooked. Definitely one of those books that keeps you thinking while you read!
Thank you so much to Aubrey for the ARC opportunity. This is my personal honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ABSOLUTELY ate this book up!! I graciously received an ARC copy from this amazing author.
When I tell you that I did not expect things to go the way they went in this story, I mean I TRULY did not see any of these events transpiring the way that they did.
I was on my toes throughout this entire book, it drew me in from page one.
I truly truly believe everyone needs to read this when it is released. I need more of this. 🙌🏻
When I tell you that I did not expect things to go the way they went in this story, I mean I TRULY did not see any of these events transpiring the way that they did.
I was on my toes throughout this entire book, it drew me in from page one.
I truly truly believe everyone needs to read this when it is released. I need more of this. 🙌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I genuinely didn’t expect this story to unfold the way it did—I was completely caught off guard by so many of the twists. Ivy, the FMC, is someone who craves control and routine, working as a therapist while carrying her own past. Then there’s Jax, the MMC a morally gray patient who notices everything and lets nothing slip by. This is the kind of book that really sticks with you and keeps your mind racing long after you’ve finished.
May 22, 2026
Obsession, Control a Psychological Thriller!!
With both fmc and mmc with secrets, Ivy a psychiatrist who has forgotten most of her childhood and Jax who seeks help knowing there has always been something wrong with him when their worlds intertwined. I couldn’t put this down turning pages and assuming the ending and then it’s even better wait for it!! This I highly recommend, go on get ahold of it and read it!
With both fmc and mmc with secrets, Ivy a psychiatrist who has forgotten most of her childhood and Jax who seeks help knowing there has always been something wrong with him when their worlds intertwined. I couldn’t put this down turning pages and assuming the ending and then it’s even better wait for it!! This I highly recommend, go on get ahold of it and read it!
Review of advance copy
What a journey of courage, strength, emotions and life while struggling and trying to be "ok". This book is a book tjat made me realize I need to bring some things from the past and cope with them and truly feel what I need to!!! I felt I've so deep and in some ways Jax also!!! An amazing read and am so blessed i got to arc this for an amazing woman!!!!
May 24, 2026
Safe is NOT An Option is stalking, therapist/Patient, morally grey, obsessive, protective, anti hero, psychological thriller. This is not my typical genre of books but I couldn't put it down. It this fast pace book with twists and turns on every page. The ending totally took me by surprise. I do advise you to check the triggers warnings.
May 26, 2026
This book was incredible! It kept me guessing for sure! While I didn't love the ending, because Jax really grew on me, it was still soo good! Definitely a more realistic outcome than the bad guy magically getting away with his wrong doings.
May 26, 2026
A very entertaining read that left me wanting more. I want to know more about the uncle, more about Jax and the case. I feel like this could be turned into a series or spin off series if she wanted it to be!!
April 12, 2026
im so glad i had the opportunity to read this as an arc!
4.5 ⭐️
it was incredible and im not a big thriller girlie either!
it was fast paced but i enjoyed it a lot.
4.5 ⭐️
it was incredible and im not a big thriller girlie either!
it was fast paced but i enjoyed it a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book, I am so happy I got the chance to ARC read this, it was the perfect thriller palette cleanser I needed. I could not recommend this book more than I already have!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This will keep you on your toes. I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy
It’s not badddd but the ending was rushed.
May 16, 2026
Safe Is Not an Option by Aubrey Velasquez had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Everything about this storyline keeps pulling you in deeper and deeper. Every chapter left me wanting more, and just when I thought I had a grasp on where things were heading, the story completely shocked me.
That ending? I never expected it. I’m still blown away.
The secrets Jax and Ivy carried, how those secrets shaped their lives, and the way their paths crossed was honestly mind-boggling. Watching everything unfold piece by piece made this such an addictive read.
I’m so grateful and appreciative to have received this as an ARC read because if this is how Aubrey Velasquez writes, then sign me up for all her books.
Everything about this storyline keeps pulling you in deeper and deeper. Every chapter left me wanting more, and just when I thought I had a grasp on where things were heading, the story completely shocked me.
That ending? I never expected it. I’m still blown away.
The secrets Jax and Ivy carried, how those secrets shaped their lives, and the way their paths crossed was honestly mind-boggling. Watching everything unfold piece by piece made this such an addictive read.
I’m so grateful and appreciative to have received this as an ARC read because if this is how Aubrey Velasquez writes, then sign me up for all her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as an ARC and this one stayed tense the entire time.
The dynamic between the characters is what really pulled me in. It’s not simple, and the more the story unfolds, the more you start to question intentions and where the line is between helping and controlling.
There’s a constant uneasy feeling throughout, like something isn’t quite right, and it keeps building as you go. I found myself fully invested in how everything was going to play out.
This is one of those reads that feels a little unsettling in the best way, especially with how the relationships are written and how everything slowly comes together.
If you like psychological tension, morally complicated characters, and that constant feeling of not knowing who to trust, this is definitely one to check out.
This was an ARC, and these are my honest thoughts.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkpGkYqk/
The dynamic between the characters is what really pulled me in. It’s not simple, and the more the story unfolds, the more you start to question intentions and where the line is between helping and controlling.
There’s a constant uneasy feeling throughout, like something isn’t quite right, and it keeps building as you go. I found myself fully invested in how everything was going to play out.
This is one of those reads that feels a little unsettling in the best way, especially with how the relationships are written and how everything slowly comes together.
If you like psychological tension, morally complicated characters, and that constant feeling of not knowing who to trust, this is definitely one to check out.
This was an ARC, and these are my honest thoughts.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkpGkYqk/
May 22, 2026
This book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and intrigue. At the heart we have Dr. Ivy Bennett and her patient, Jax Woods. Dr. Bennett is not your typical psychiatrist. Her past is shrouded in mystery, and her resilience in the face of personal trials is truly inspiring. Jax, lives in the morally gray areas of life and is burdened with secrets. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a turn you never saw coming. It's a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, ensuring that you remain engaged from start to finish. This truly is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned. It’s an experience that is as rewarding as it is unsettling, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. I am thrilled to have received and read this work of art and look forward to reading more of this authors work.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews