Vicky's never felt safe,but now her abusive ex-husband is out of jail and he's coming for her.Felix liked Vicky from the moment he meet her,but was warn off that she does not looking for relationship.Going to a cabin off the grind is perfect for Felix dog get much needed training,and Vicky to feel safe.Both feel this attraction,but it was supposed to be a one off,just to get it out of their system.Living as a temporary roomates it wil not be easy,bcause one off it seem is not enough.
Will Vicky trust with her heart again? Will her ex find her?
It was a spicy,friends to lovers/reverse grumpy sunshine suspense.I was very engrossed with the story,and this tension filled read didn't dissapoint.Vicky had a really bad relationship,her ex-husband was a piece of work,and I could feel her anger and need to stay in control.Felix was a lovely MMC,I liked him from previous book,but his sunshine character was also hidding all this despair and sadness,I was really rooting for him.Both quite opposite was exacly why it was working so good in the story.Author didn't shy away,there was few quite dark topics,so please read warnings first.I liked the plot,I liked the spice,and I realy liked the end,don't know what that say about me,but Vicky's choice was the right choice.My second book by this author,and I cant wait for book 3,Alicia's story.
If you like grumpy sunshine suspense that is an emotional roller coaster,found family and friends that risk their safety for you,this is the right choice.
Thank you Cracked Pepper Books for my copy,my review is honest and my own.
Holy 💩 this book I loved every moment! What survivors go through, what the abusers do to them, how they go through seeing psychiatrists, learning how to cope, how they feel trying and learning to trust again the strength they have!
Vicky and Felix are amazing, she's been through some terrible things and just as she is starting to get her life back together things take a turn for the worst Felix and his friends help her and a funny, hot and scary story unfolds, I couldn't put this book down!
Okay, so this book really took things up a notch from book one.
I just loved Felix’s character so much. He was so likable and had such great energy. He totally was the perfect match for his sweet, pup Topo.
And Vicky, you couldn’t help but feel so much for her with all that she had been through with her previous relationship. I could feel her fear and anxiety jumping off the page at me. It is so hard to trust after someone has violated that through emotional and physical abuse, and that came through so clearly that you felt like you were right there in it with her.
Their whole setup at the cabin to escape her psycho ex was *chef’s kiss* IMO. You’ve got forced proximity, a man who’s already gone for her, a dog they’re training together, rules for not falling for each other… yep, perfect recipe for getting together!
This was a great sequel to book one, and I felt the high stakes of it, but also the building of a stronger, safer, new relationship. I appreciated th opportunity to read and review this, so big thanks to Audrey and Cracked Pepper Books.
Safer Ground is the second (#2) book in the CRYSTAL LAKE SEARCH AND RESCUE series.
Escaping an abusive marriage that almost cost her life, Vicky moves to Crystal Lake hoping for a fresh start and starts a dog training business.
When she (literally) runs into SAR volunteer Felix Whitaker and he asks her for help training his extremely intelligent but very disobedient blue tick coonhound Topo, she reluctantly agrees. She’s fought hard for her autonomy and independence and her attraction to Felix is derailing her determination to avoid future relationships.
When Vicky’s ex husband is released from prison and tracks her down, Vicky and Felix escape to a remote cabin and the forced proximity only stokes their mutual attraction higher…
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This, the second book in the Crystal Lake series is a great follow up to the first book ‘Breaking The Fall’. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
*A warning here* - this book does cover some tough subjects, including SA, and physical V, so you are highly recommended to check them out before reading. I will say that these subjects are covered in a very sympathetic manner.
Both Vicky and Felix's characters are well portrayed , and Felix’s determination to let Vicky dictate the speed and direction of their relationship was refreshing.
The scenes towards the end had my heart racing and my pulse pounding, it’s relentless and horrifically fascinating. I have to say I don’t know what it says about me that I condoned Vicky’s actions in regards to her ex husband but I did.
There are open door spicy scenes ( including consensual light bond@ge), in fitting with the growth of their relationship and Felix’s commitment to letting Vicky set the pace.
I read an ebook copy of this book, the physical copy of which has around 280 pages, an intriguing cover and good editing.
With thanks to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper books for a chance to read this great book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🐕 Sunshine Cinnamon Hero 🐕 Guarded Heroine 🐕 Open Door Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🐕 Adorable Dog 🐕 Close Proximity 🐕 Small Town Romance 🐕 He Falls First 🐕 Dual POV 🐕 He Falls First
This is my second read from Audrey, first being book 1 of the series and I am loving how this series is progressing! It has the feel good protector vibe but also the dark and twisty villain that just adds to the book (even though we hate him). Check triggers if you have any.
Vicky is a dog trainer by day and a vulnerable shell of a woman any other time. Her ex is an absoloute piece of work. He went to jail for DV charges but now his out and Vicky knows, he’s not going to give up easy. Strange things are happening and she’s not sure if she’s just paranoid or if he’s messing with her. Her worst fears are confirmed when he shows up after a clients dog runs off. He knows things he shouldn’t, like the dogs name, where the dogs owner works and more. She’s scared but she’s so sick of being alone.
Felix is you feel good, golden retriever protector. He has a dog, Topo who is let’s just say, enthusiastic. She doesn’t listen to him and thinks everything is a game. She adorable but he’s running out of time to get her trained appropriately before his kicked out of his house. He finally decides to go to Vicky for help. He’s there when Vicky’s ex shows up and can see what seeing him does to her. She needs to be safe and relocation where she can’t be found. But she needs someone to go with her, so of course he offers. Derricks coming though, who will he find and to what extent will he go to to get Vicky?
Cannot wait for the next book! I revived this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
🦴🦴🦴🦴.5 and 🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Audrey you have done it again!! I hope Rick gets a book next! I absolutely fell in love with Vicky and Felix. Vicky is trying to recover from her abusive ex husband. She is finally moving on and creating a new world of dog 🐕 training that’s just for her. Felix, bless his soul, adopts a hound that is a bit of a handful and needs Vicky’s help.
Audrey delves into the raw emotional truth of surviving a physical and emotional abusive domestic relationship. Vicky’s ex makes an appearance and threatens to tear apart everything she’s built.
Having to respond to a pager 📟 in my personal life, I could really relate to the characters having to drop what they are doing no matter the inconvenience and respond to a call for service.
I’m amazed at how accurate and realistic the higher call for service is written. She really captures the full essence of each characters part, recovering domestic abuse survivor, the significant other who watches their partner leave for a dangerous job, the emotional strength to support someone through surviving, and the male ego!
100% recommend this whole series! You will not be disappointed! Audrey adds in some psychological thriller, I’m just saying, you might want to clear your schedule!
Read this if you enjoy: dog training, friends to lovers, search and rescue, slow burn
Triggers: past domestic abuse, stalker
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @crackedpepperbooks I absolutely love this series!
Woah… the emotional wreckage and healing in this book absolutely destroyed me. I already knew from the previous book that I was going to love Felix, but this one completely blew me away. I knew Vicky had a painful past filled with abuse and trauma, but I honestly wasn’t prepared for how hard everything would hit once it all started unfolding on the page. Her fear, trust issues, and constant struggle to let people in felt so real. You could understand why she kept everyone at arm’s length, especially men, and my heart hurt for her the entire time. And Felix? He was the sunshine to all of Vicky’s storm clouds. Patient, gentle, caring, and somehow still able to make her feel safe without pushing her too hard. I loved that he never tried to “fix” her — he just stayed, supported her, and let her heal at her own pace. Their relationship felt messy, emotional, real, and so worth rooting for. This book had the perfect mix of grumpy/sunshine and suspense. Every time I thought I could breathe for a second, something else happened that pulled me right back in. I laughed, stressed, hurt for these characters, and honestly got emotional by the end. Safer Ground by Audrey Buchanan was heartbreaking, healing, intense, and so, so good.
Safer Ground by Audrey Buchanan is an emotional, character-driven romance about survival, healing, and the terrifying vulnerability of feeling safe again. Vicky is rebuilding her life after an abusive marriage, fiercely clinging to her independence—until Felix Whitaker crashes in with golden-retriever energy, dimples that should probably be regulated, and a bluetick coonhound named Topo who absolutely steals the show. I adored Felix. He’s warm, steady, and so genuinely kind that you can’t help but root for him. His bond with Topo perfectly mirrors the patience and care he offers Vicky. And Vicky’s fear? It feels real. Her anxiety and hesitation leap off the page, making her journey toward trust both believable and deeply moving. The forced-proximity cabin setup (escaping her unhinged ex) was chef’s kiss—add in “we can’t fall for each other” rules and dog training scenes, and it’s basically romance catnip. At times, the pacing felt slightly uneven, but the character growth and emotional payoff carried the story through. The ending left me excited for what’s next in the series. Not flawless, but heartfelt and full of lovable energy.
I personally haven’t read a book by Audrey before but was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy.
This book is beautifully written, the plot and story line are great and flow really well without any dull or boring parts. There are darker themes surrounding DV and the FMC being a survivor who is struggling with the aftermath and still not feeling safe but I just love how supported she is and how understanding the MMC and other characters are in this book and how they all rally around her to help. I can honestly say I read this book cover to cover from the second I picked it up which is something I struggle with on more slower paced/burn books.
Although this is a tough subject and hard for some people to read and write about it’s clear that Audrey has researched this topic and has approached it with respect and shows the FMC as a survivor and not victim.
This book is honestly great and I plan to read the first in the series and will also be keeping an eye out for the third in the series..hopefully it’s Rick!
4.5 stars from me! This is the second book I've read from Audrey Buchanan. What a cute book! Audrey is an excellent writer! She keeps it concise but equally juicy with descriptions...the flirting to lust to spice to love... I'm obsessed!
The story was very well distributed with suspense, flirting, lust, true and real emotions, spice and heart pulling feelings. It really got me in the feelings department.
This book is certainly not for everyone - the domestic abuse trope is strong and not for the faint of heart. However the comeback and love story are even stronger!
I love a happily ever after and this book gives you just that. From a breakdown to strong positive mental health strategies at the end, it's unfortunately too many women's stories that don't always end as happy as this. I hope this story gives hope to those affected that there is a bright side, their story isn't over and a knight in plain old armour could be right in front of you. Give into love and see how it can blossom.
I love this book! Vicky, a dog trainer, moves to Crystal Lake to rebuild her life after an abusive marriage. I felt for Vicky and her past and the author brings to life everything that a survivor goes through. SAR member, Felix, has an unruly and difficult coonhound that needs training and seeks out Vicky’s help. When Vicky and Felix move to the cabin…the forced proximity builds trust between the two of them and the fact that Felix already has feelings for her…you know there is going to be spice! The book has mystery, suspense, and romance.
This is the 2nd book in this series, and as much as I loved Cole & Darby’s story, the author raised the bar with this book! I’m looking forward to the next book - hoping it’s Rick’s story!
Thank you to the author and Cracked Pepper Books for the ARC.
Felix and Vicky’s story was a little darker than I expected.
Another SAR story, but this time,Felix has a crush, and needs help training his dog, Topo, a hyperactive rescue who’s been returned to the shelter numerous times.
It was a little different, with a focus on Topo’s training, but I quite liked that aspect. But, then, add in suspense from a stalker ex-husband…
Vicky has some healing to do, dealing with the after-effects of DV, and it was shattering to have her face that shocking conclusion… I’ll admit, I was gobsmacked!
Wish there was more information - the people who abandoned her because of a letter. But, I’m glad she made a career of training SAR after Topo.
Not what I was expecting but it definitely still had that bit of thrill and suspense mixed with a bit of dark moments. You have the “golden retriever” MMC but has a hidden dark side that he keeps tucked away and survivor FMC who left her abusive ex husband and now has trust issues and is trying to start a new life. He falls for her and will do anything to keep her safe and have her in any way she willing to give him. She’s in denial of her feelings and refuses to be in another relationship… she’s only willing to give him temporary physical situationship since they’re both stuck in a cabin… it was not as spicy as it was made out to be. Not even close to be honest. Things take a turn, she finds her confidence again. And he proves to her that he will always be by her side.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author
After reading the first book in this series, Breaking the Fall, I knew I would be in for a treat with book 2. And it did not disappoint!
In this book we focus on another member of the SAR team, Felix, his dog Topo and Vicky whose ghost from the past comes back to haunt her. (Beware the trigger warnings)
This steady paced book is beautifully written, emotional and intense. And let's not forget the romance; steamy 🔥
Can hardly wait for the next in this wonderful series from Audrey Buchanan!
Another great one by Audrey Buchanan- fast paced and high stakes romance. This one had more mystery/thriller elements which really kept me engaged. I really liked the male main character in this one- Felix. 10/10 and I was happy to see Vicky figure out all her stuff and make it work. The ending was very predictable but it was still an enjoyable story. I can't wait to read the next one- possibly Rick's story??
Thanks again to Cracked Pepper Books and the author for the advanced copy of this book!
I enjoyed book 2, the SAR aspect give the whole series something different than your normal small town romances. Vicky and Felix are such a good fit, but it took them a while to get past some relationship trauma that has resurfaced. There is tension on and off and towards the end I was questioning if I could do what Vicky did, even though looking at it from the outside I'm sure that she did the right thing. There are hints through out but especially at the end of who will be the topic of the third book, but the ending definitely made me want the next in the series to find out what happened.
Thank you to cracked pepper books for sending me book this book. This one was even better than the first. Action packed and an emotional gut punch at times. Vicki is strong but is reeling from years of control and abuse from her ex boyfriend. Felix quickly falls for her and wants to protect her. She stays guarded and weary fighting her feelings for him. They become roommates, get to know each other and after that things between them heat up. The threat of her ex is still there though and that raises the stakes. I loved this one and Vicki’s strength is so admirable. 4.5 stars.
This author really writes an amazing rescue romance!! I adored the first book about Cole and Darby, but I think I loved this one even more. Truly golden retriever MMC that every woman needs in her life. This story felt more daring and suspenseful toward the end which added an enticing element to this beyond the romance. This has become one of my favorite romance series of all time, and I can’t wait for Rick and Alicia’s story!
This is a very good romantic suspense read. The suspense at point will make you wish you could read faster. It is also a fairly spicy so be prepared. It deals with a lot of emotional issues so be sure to read the trigger warnings. It has a tremendous dog mixed in. This book will have you laughing and maybe even crying a little, but ii is certainly an entertaining read.
I lovedddd getting more of Felix in this!! He is so perfect. Vicky’s trauma and reasons for not wanting a relationship were so valid and reasonable, but it was hard for me to like their ‘situationship’ since we know how down bad Felix was for her. i loved being back with these characters and I can’t wait for the next book!
Vicky and Felix will NOT disappoint! I loved this one more than book 1, and that is saying something!! This one a book I did not put down!! I can't wait for more from this author! This series is one of my all time favorites and its only book 2!
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions in the BEST way! Book 1 was great, but this sequel took it up a notch. It kept me on my toes and the suspense kept me engaged the whole time. I loved Felix’s happy go lucky personality and his commitment to his people. I don’t think there could have been a better match for Vicky.
So good! Loved the reverse kinda grumpy/sunshine trope. Loved the reversed dominance in the bedroom. She had spent her marriage being caged she needed to take back that control. Loved the suspenseful elements. It was just so well written! Can't wait for Alicia's story!
I loved Felix’s energy in book one, and he absolutely delivered as the MMC in Safer Ground. The tension, chemistry, and suspense had me hooked from start to finish, and Vicky’s final decision about her ex was so satisfying. But that last page had me shockrf and I need book 3 immediately.
I loved these characters in book 1, but Felix is so heartbreakingly and beautifully written in this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. That last page is a little rude, but I loved it anyway.
It’s crazy how good these books are 😭 the emotion and suspense is top notch!! I identified so much with Felix and Vicky that I did end up shedding a few tears
I thought the plot of this was very interesting and I really loved Felix and Vicky's character. Vicky was very strong and needed help but didn't know how to ask. I loved that she let Felix help her and how close they grew. Felix was very much a golden retriever and I loved how lovable he was. The way that Vicky and Felix grew together was so amazing and really awesome to be played out. At times I felt like the pacing felt a little off, however the plot development was great. The ending of this book has me so excited for the next book in this series!