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Dragonfly Creek #2
Lucky Haven
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26I don't want a bodyguard, especially not the tattooed bad boy mechanic from Dragonfly Creek's Main Street, Cash Kincaid. Not because I don't like him...but because I like him way too much, and if we spend more time together, the rebel cowboy is going to find out that my good girl exterior is covering up a lot of sinful desire.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Zoe York
117 books1,365 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Zoe York is a busy working mom of two young boys, wife to a very understanding soldier, and creator of modern, sexy, small town contemporary romances.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 19, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Well, that was scortching hot! Pretty much any book with an innocent librarian and a bad-boy mechanic bodyguard/fake boyfriend is going to be good when it comes to romance novels. It’s also fun when it’s set in Canada and I get to see/hear words like loonie, toonie, and toque.
Cash and Haven were electric. She turned from her good girl persona really quickly and I was here for it.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but there were a few unanswered questions that I’m dying to figure out. The ending of Lucky Haven geared us for book 3 in the series so maybe some questions will be answered there.
This was such a fun and easy read. Thank you #netgalley and #victoryediting for the ARC of Lucky Haven. ❤️
Well, that was scortching hot! Pretty much any book with an innocent librarian and a bad-boy mechanic bodyguard/fake boyfriend is going to be good when it comes to romance novels. It’s also fun when it’s set in Canada and I get to see/hear words like loonie, toonie, and toque.
Cash and Haven were electric. She turned from her good girl persona really quickly and I was here for it.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but there were a few unanswered questions that I’m dying to figure out. The ending of Lucky Haven geared us for book 3 in the series so maybe some questions will be answered there.
This was such a fun and easy read. Thank you #netgalley and #victoryediting for the ARC of Lucky Haven. ❤️
August 22, 2026
First of all, thank you so much for the opportunity from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ALC, because this book was sweet as heaven. I honestly didn’t expect it to be this sweet, and I ended up completely falling for Chase and Haven and their love story.
Even if the overall story follows a familiar small-town romance formula, I really enjoyed the way their relationship was written. There was something incredibly tender about the way they cared for each other, and I especially loved how Chase gave Haven a safe space to become more confident and explore herself, while Haven gave him the love and care he needed. Their connection felt genuine, and I’ll definitely remember them for how much love they showed each other.
Haven was a character I really liked. I loved seeing her slowly become more confident in herself throughout the story. The changes weren’t always huge or obvious, but there were little moments along the way that showed how much she was growing.
And Chase… well, Chase is Chase. I didn’t feel like he needed much personal growth beyond finally finding someone he could openly give his love to, but I absolutely loved the way he treated Haven. He was protective, affectionate, and completely gone for her, and their sweet and intimate moments were some of my favorite parts of the book.
I also really appreciated how Haven’s first time was handled. It felt thoughtful and respectful, especially considering her past experiences.
As for the audiobook, I adored Haven’s narrator. Her voice felt so natural for the character that I could easily imagine Haven sounding exactly like that if she were real. Chase’s narrator was also fun to listen to, especially during his moments of internal torment and whenever he completely lost his mind over Haven.😂 That said, I think a different narrator might have suited Chase’s character a little better, although overall I still really enjoyed both performances.
The mystery/suspense element was okay for me. It wasn’t particularly complex, but I think it worked well for this kind of romance and never felt like it was trying to overshadow the relationship. One thing I did miss, though, was a stronger sense of the Canadian setting. Despite the story being set in Canada, I often felt like I could have been reading about pretty much any small town in the US.
Because the book is relatively short, some aspects of the story and character development are naturally a little limited. I would have loved to see more of Chase and Haven, especially because I think there was potential for even more emotional development between them.
Still, this was such a sweet, cozy, and enjoyable quick romance. This was my first book by this author, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s not a book that necessarily delivers huge, overwhelming emotions, but I think that’s also part of its charm. It’s a light and easy read that puts the characters and their relationship front and center, and I really enjoyed the tenderness between Chase and Haven and the way they loved and supported each other. Sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a romance, and this one left me with a very pleasant experience.
And now I’m definitely curious about the other books in the Dragonfly Creek series! 💕
Even if the overall story follows a familiar small-town romance formula, I really enjoyed the way their relationship was written. There was something incredibly tender about the way they cared for each other, and I especially loved how Chase gave Haven a safe space to become more confident and explore herself, while Haven gave him the love and care he needed. Their connection felt genuine, and I’ll definitely remember them for how much love they showed each other.
Haven was a character I really liked. I loved seeing her slowly become more confident in herself throughout the story. The changes weren’t always huge or obvious, but there were little moments along the way that showed how much she was growing.
And Chase… well, Chase is Chase. I didn’t feel like he needed much personal growth beyond finally finding someone he could openly give his love to, but I absolutely loved the way he treated Haven. He was protective, affectionate, and completely gone for her, and their sweet and intimate moments were some of my favorite parts of the book.
I also really appreciated how Haven’s first time was handled. It felt thoughtful and respectful, especially considering her past experiences.
As for the audiobook, I adored Haven’s narrator. Her voice felt so natural for the character that I could easily imagine Haven sounding exactly like that if she were real. Chase’s narrator was also fun to listen to, especially during his moments of internal torment and whenever he completely lost his mind over Haven.😂 That said, I think a different narrator might have suited Chase’s character a little better, although overall I still really enjoyed both performances.
The mystery/suspense element was okay for me. It wasn’t particularly complex, but I think it worked well for this kind of romance and never felt like it was trying to overshadow the relationship. One thing I did miss, though, was a stronger sense of the Canadian setting. Despite the story being set in Canada, I often felt like I could have been reading about pretty much any small town in the US.
Because the book is relatively short, some aspects of the story and character development are naturally a little limited. I would have loved to see more of Chase and Haven, especially because I think there was potential for even more emotional development between them.
Still, this was such a sweet, cozy, and enjoyable quick romance. This was my first book by this author, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s not a book that necessarily delivers huge, overwhelming emotions, but I think that’s also part of its charm. It’s a light and easy read that puts the characters and their relationship front and center, and I really enjoyed the tenderness between Chase and Haven and the way they loved and supported each other. Sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a romance, and this one left me with a very pleasant experience.
And now I’m definitely curious about the other books in the Dragonfly Creek series! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Sweet Return to Dragonfly Creek—I Just Wanted More!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Tear Drops:
📚EBOOK📚 & 🎧AUDIO 🎧
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to apply for an ARC/ALC of Lucky Haven, and of course I jumped at the chance because Zoe York is a Canadian author whose romances I really enjoy. 🇨🇦💕 She has a way of writing stories that are easy to fall into without making them unnecessarily long.
Although, funny enough, that's also sometimes my problem with her books—I always want MORE! 😂
Lucky Haven takes us back to Dragonfly Creek and follows Haven and a former military man who's returned home after making more than a few mistakes in his life. He's opened a garage across the street from the library where Haven works, which means he gets to watch his longtime crush walk to work every day. He doesn't think she'd ever give him a chance… until Haven suddenly needs a fake boyfriend, a bodyguard—or maybe a little bit of both. 👀
I really enjoyed the story and the chemistry between these two. There's romance, some spice, a little drama and that protective hero energy that I always enjoy.
But I wanted more depth.
The characters were nicely developed for the length of the book, but I would have loved more backstory, especially about everything that happened before the story begins. There were certain things I wanted to understand better, and I felt like we moved from one point to another pretty quickly. Give me a little more history, a little more drama, a little more time with these characters! 😂
This is technically Dragonfly Creek #2, and I haven't read the first book. You absolutely can understand this story without reading book one, so it works well on its own. However, now I'm curious whether reading the first book would have given me some of the extra background I felt I was missing. I may have to go back and investigate!
The audiobook was also a really enjoyable surprise. June Deborah and Lance Greenfield were both new-to-me narrators, and I thought they did a great job. It's performed in duet narration, which made the story so much more immersive and really brought the chemistry between the characters to life. 🎧❤️
Overall, Lucky Haven was another really enjoyable Zoe York romance. It wasn’t quite a five-star read because I wanted more character depth and backstory, but what we did get was sweet, spicy and entertaining.
📚🎧 The ebook and audiobook are both coming September 1st, and the ebook will be available on Kindle Unlimited!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. And I’m pretty sure when book three comes along, I’ll be right back in Dragonfly Creek. 😂💕
ARC/ALC received for review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Tear Drops:
📚EBOOK📚 & 🎧AUDIO 🎧
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to apply for an ARC/ALC of Lucky Haven, and of course I jumped at the chance because Zoe York is a Canadian author whose romances I really enjoy. 🇨🇦💕 She has a way of writing stories that are easy to fall into without making them unnecessarily long.
Although, funny enough, that's also sometimes my problem with her books—I always want MORE! 😂
Lucky Haven takes us back to Dragonfly Creek and follows Haven and a former military man who's returned home after making more than a few mistakes in his life. He's opened a garage across the street from the library where Haven works, which means he gets to watch his longtime crush walk to work every day. He doesn't think she'd ever give him a chance… until Haven suddenly needs a fake boyfriend, a bodyguard—or maybe a little bit of both. 👀
I really enjoyed the story and the chemistry between these two. There's romance, some spice, a little drama and that protective hero energy that I always enjoy.
But I wanted more depth.
The characters were nicely developed for the length of the book, but I would have loved more backstory, especially about everything that happened before the story begins. There were certain things I wanted to understand better, and I felt like we moved from one point to another pretty quickly. Give me a little more history, a little more drama, a little more time with these characters! 😂
This is technically Dragonfly Creek #2, and I haven't read the first book. You absolutely can understand this story without reading book one, so it works well on its own. However, now I'm curious whether reading the first book would have given me some of the extra background I felt I was missing. I may have to go back and investigate!
The audiobook was also a really enjoyable surprise. June Deborah and Lance Greenfield were both new-to-me narrators, and I thought they did a great job. It's performed in duet narration, which made the story so much more immersive and really brought the chemistry between the characters to life. 🎧❤️
Overall, Lucky Haven was another really enjoyable Zoe York romance. It wasn’t quite a five-star read because I wanted more character depth and backstory, but what we did get was sweet, spicy and entertaining.
📚🎧 The ebook and audiobook are both coming September 1st, and the ebook will be available on Kindle Unlimited!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. And I’m pretty sure when book three comes along, I’ll be right back in Dragonfly Creek. 😂💕
ARC/ALC received for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you read a Zoe York book you know you are going to have a great time. There will be a fierce, protective man (Cash) and a loving, accepting woman who could save herself thank you, but is happy to have a partner to do it with (Haven). Cash and Haven share the experience of coming back to live in their small town, him after serving time for a crime that was maybe justified (it's never quite clear what it was in the two books so far of this series) but for which Haven's uncle the creepy minister had a part in making sure he was arrested. And her after she was accused of improper behavior by the youth pastor who was grooming her and was rejected, and went away for college and grad school. Oh, and for Cash, "She's always been that girl for me. The one who captures my eye, who holds my attention. Who haunts my dreams, because I'll never be good enough for her."
For Romance Reasons they need to fake date for her protection (?) and reputation (?) but mostly because there was one impulsive kiss they both enjoyed so much it seemed logical. This fake dating includes a lot of public handholding and private dinners and smooching and comfortable evenings reading next to each other and catching feelings. Honestly, hashtag relationship goals from the first minute.
York writes communication and clarity so well. The reader knows Cash has been longing for Haven for years, the reader knows Haven is falling for him, the characters are still saying "Only for the summer" and "This can't be real" but before we get frustrated with the disconnect, guess what? We get a "You are always a big deal to me" and confession of years spent longing. Of course we still get the "I'm not good enough" rejection (and remind us why the small business owner/rancher with a loving family who is an ideal partner is not good enough??) Of course the mystery is rolling along in the background, which leads to both her being able to take care of herself because she is smart and capable AND him being able to do a Big Protect.
Lest one feels nervous about reading small town cowboy thinking it will be conservative-coded, remember this is a York book. These men appreciate their mom's "I choose the bear" t-shirt, and support their bi friends, and casually drop "All cops are bad" and "birth control takes a month to kick in, so your sweet little [feline] remains off limits." It's a pleasure to be able to read small town rancher and not have to elide over probable leanings to enjoy the romance.
I love these books. York writes the formula I talked about at the beginning, but keeps it fresh each time, and it makes for a delightful reading experience.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
For Romance Reasons they need to fake date for her protection (?) and reputation (?) but mostly because there was one impulsive kiss they both enjoyed so much it seemed logical. This fake dating includes a lot of public handholding and private dinners and smooching and comfortable evenings reading next to each other and catching feelings. Honestly, hashtag relationship goals from the first minute.
York writes communication and clarity so well. The reader knows Cash has been longing for Haven for years, the reader knows Haven is falling for him, the characters are still saying "Only for the summer" and "This can't be real" but before we get frustrated with the disconnect, guess what? We get a "You are always a big deal to me" and confession of years spent longing. Of course we still get the "I'm not good enough" rejection (and remind us why the small business owner/rancher with a loving family who is an ideal partner is not good enough??) Of course the mystery is rolling along in the background, which leads to both her being able to take care of herself because she is smart and capable AND him being able to do a Big Protect.
Lest one feels nervous about reading small town cowboy thinking it will be conservative-coded, remember this is a York book. These men appreciate their mom's "I choose the bear" t-shirt, and support their bi friends, and casually drop "All cops are bad" and "birth control takes a month to kick in, so your sweet little [feline] remains off limits." It's a pleasure to be able to read small town rancher and not have to elide over probable leanings to enjoy the romance.
I love these books. York writes the formula I talked about at the beginning, but keeps it fresh each time, and it makes for a delightful reading experience.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Haven returned to Dragonfly Creek to work at the local library, it wasn’t the welcome she had imagined. Having distanced herself from the uncle who raised her and his judgemental congregation, she knew things would be difficult, but between receiving nasty emails and a former youth pastor making her increasingly uncomfortable, she seeks refuge in the arms of the mechanic across the street. While the rest of the town might judge him for the mistakes of his past, he is the only man who makes her feel safe, and when it becomes clear that the harrassment she’s facing won’t go away, he offers to be her fake boyfriend, hoping it’ll help people know to leave her alone.
For years, Haven has been the only woman on Cash’s mind, but he’s always believed that she was way too good for him. When she surprises him with a kiss to try and make it clear to the man who tries to groom her as a teenager that she is not available, he know it means nothing, but is determined to savour every second. The more time he spends with her, the more Cash is convinced she will always be the one who got away, but while he has to pretend to be her boyfriend for show, behind closed doors, he allows himself to dream of the possibility of more. As the emails she’s been getting turn into threatening notes, Cash doesn’t want to let Haven out of his sight, even if that means having to share a bed to keep her safe.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and @Netgalley and really enjoyed it. The Kincaid boys strike again with their fierce protectiveness, and we even got to see a little more of Ridge’s caring side come out in this one. I loved how Cash may seem like a bad boy on the surface, but deep down he’s just a big teddy bear, and the way he loves Haven without words is beautiful. I do wish we had learned a bit more about what got him sent to prison (and how her uncle was indirectly involved), but overall it wasn’t a major part of their storyline. Haven may seem sweet and innocent, but deep down she’s just been waiting for someone to pull her out of her shell, and Cash more than delivered. They are a true example of good girl meets bad boy, but couldn’t have been a more perfect pair in the end.
For years, Haven has been the only woman on Cash’s mind, but he’s always believed that she was way too good for him. When she surprises him with a kiss to try and make it clear to the man who tries to groom her as a teenager that she is not available, he know it means nothing, but is determined to savour every second. The more time he spends with her, the more Cash is convinced she will always be the one who got away, but while he has to pretend to be her boyfriend for show, behind closed doors, he allows himself to dream of the possibility of more. As the emails she’s been getting turn into threatening notes, Cash doesn’t want to let Haven out of his sight, even if that means having to share a bed to keep her safe.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and @Netgalley and really enjoyed it. The Kincaid boys strike again with their fierce protectiveness, and we even got to see a little more of Ridge’s caring side come out in this one. I loved how Cash may seem like a bad boy on the surface, but deep down he’s just a big teddy bear, and the way he loves Haven without words is beautiful. I do wish we had learned a bit more about what got him sent to prison (and how her uncle was indirectly involved), but overall it wasn’t a major part of their storyline. Haven may seem sweet and innocent, but deep down she’s just been waiting for someone to pull her out of her shell, and Cash more than delivered. They are a true example of good girl meets bad boy, but couldn’t have been a more perfect pair in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎧 Audiobook Review — Lucky Haven (Dragonfly Creek #2)
Narrated by June deBorahae & Lance Greenfield
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced listener copy
🎙️ Narration
June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield give this story exactly the vibe it needs.
- Her voice nails Haven’s buttoned‑up, church‑raised, “I’m trying so hard to be good” energy while still letting you hear the spark underneath.
- His voice? Pure protective, tattooed‑mechanic swoon. Cash sounds like a man who has been quietly gone for her for years, and the duet style makes their chemistry feel lived‑in and intimate.
If you love duet narration, this one is a win.
⚠️ Content Notes
This book includes a flashback involving the grooming of a teenager by an older adult, and that thread continues throughout Haven’s healing arc. It’s handled with care, but definitely check content warnings before diving in.
💛 My Take
Even though this is Book 2, it reads completely standalone — you can jump right in. What hooked me most was Haven herself. She’s spent her whole life inside a strict religious bubble, taught to be modest, quiet, and absolutely not open about desire. She’s a librarian (which only reinforces that “good girl” image), even though she’s secretly inhaling spicy romance on the side. And in a small town like Dragonfly Creek, that reputation becomes a whole identity she never actually chose.
Watching her break out of that box? Delicious.
Enter Cash: the tattooed mechanic, ex‑con, longtime crush, and the man who steps up without hesitation when she needs a fake boyfriend/bodyguard/soft place to land. He protects her, stands up for her, and never once tries to shove her back into the version of herself the town expects. Their dynamic is tender, respectful, and quietly electric.
Zoe York is quickly becoming one of my go‑to authors she writes romance with depth, but she doesn’t drag the story out. She gets to the emotional point fast, gives you characters who feel real, and wraps it all in that warm small‑town comfort.
Narrated by June deBorahae & Lance Greenfield
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced listener copy
🎙️ Narration
June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield give this story exactly the vibe it needs.
- Her voice nails Haven’s buttoned‑up, church‑raised, “I’m trying so hard to be good” energy while still letting you hear the spark underneath.
- His voice? Pure protective, tattooed‑mechanic swoon. Cash sounds like a man who has been quietly gone for her for years, and the duet style makes their chemistry feel lived‑in and intimate.
If you love duet narration, this one is a win.
⚠️ Content Notes
This book includes a flashback involving the grooming of a teenager by an older adult, and that thread continues throughout Haven’s healing arc. It’s handled with care, but definitely check content warnings before diving in.
💛 My Take
Even though this is Book 2, it reads completely standalone — you can jump right in. What hooked me most was Haven herself. She’s spent her whole life inside a strict religious bubble, taught to be modest, quiet, and absolutely not open about desire. She’s a librarian (which only reinforces that “good girl” image), even though she’s secretly inhaling spicy romance on the side. And in a small town like Dragonfly Creek, that reputation becomes a whole identity she never actually chose.
Watching her break out of that box? Delicious.
Enter Cash: the tattooed mechanic, ex‑con, longtime crush, and the man who steps up without hesitation when she needs a fake boyfriend/bodyguard/soft place to land. He protects her, stands up for her, and never once tries to shove her back into the version of herself the town expects. Their dynamic is tender, respectful, and quietly electric.
Zoe York is quickly becoming one of my go‑to authors she writes romance with depth, but she doesn’t drag the story out. She gets to the emotional point fast, gives you characters who feel real, and wraps it all in that warm small‑town comfort.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Save a horse, ride a cowboy’s thigh!
Tropey goodness with a green flag cowboy who loves his "I choose the bear" t-shirt wearing mama (you know I'm never reading a right-leaning MMC, so for those who don't follow York on socials, consider these cowboys marked as safe!)
The Dragonfly Creek Kincaid men are protectors, and Cash is so ready and willing to offer his protection to Haven when the creepy youth pastor starts sniffing around her again. Because it's been Haven for him since they were teens, if only he'd realise he is worthy of her! Cash has no issues tho, in feeling worthy enough to give Haven sex lessons, making up for lost time as she breaks away from purity culture and finally experiences an O courtesy of someone else's hand... and other body parts.
When I pick up a book by Zoe York I know I'm in for a steamy, small-town but-make-it-Canada, time. Never the same story, but always reliably satisfying! And Lucky Haven was no exception. It does get a little dark (see: creepy youth pastor), and there is at least one past event I wouldn't have minded a little more detail on - but but overall this was satisfying and did what I wanted it to.
I read via audiobook, duet narrated by June DeBorahae and Lance Greenfield, and they did a great job! And now I (mostly) patiently wait for Dax's book! This is book two in a series and I have not yet read book one, so yes it can be read as a standalone. There are some significant spoilers for how book one turns out (aside from the requisite HEA) so YMMV on whether that's ok for you. This is also the third Kincaid series and you absolutely do not have to have read the others first - but you can go into it knowing there's a whole big backlist waiting and I personally have my fingers crossed for a big Kincaid family reunion (once all the guys are settled of course).
Thank you to Zoe York for an ALC and ARC. All opinions are my own.
Tropey goodness with a green flag cowboy who loves his "I choose the bear" t-shirt wearing mama (you know I'm never reading a right-leaning MMC, so for those who don't follow York on socials, consider these cowboys marked as safe!)
The Dragonfly Creek Kincaid men are protectors, and Cash is so ready and willing to offer his protection to Haven when the creepy youth pastor starts sniffing around her again. Because it's been Haven for him since they were teens, if only he'd realise he is worthy of her! Cash has no issues tho, in feeling worthy enough to give Haven sex lessons, making up for lost time as she breaks away from purity culture and finally experiences an O courtesy of someone else's hand... and other body parts.
When I pick up a book by Zoe York I know I'm in for a steamy, small-town but-make-it-Canada, time. Never the same story, but always reliably satisfying! And Lucky Haven was no exception. It does get a little dark (see: creepy youth pastor), and there is at least one past event I wouldn't have minded a little more detail on - but but overall this was satisfying and did what I wanted it to.
I read via audiobook, duet narrated by June DeBorahae and Lance Greenfield, and they did a great job! And now I (mostly) patiently wait for Dax's book! This is book two in a series and I have not yet read book one, so yes it can be read as a standalone. There are some significant spoilers for how book one turns out (aside from the requisite HEA) so YMMV on whether that's ok for you. This is also the third Kincaid series and you absolutely do not have to have read the others first - but you can go into it knowing there's a whole big backlist waiting and I personally have my fingers crossed for a big Kincaid family reunion (once all the guys are settled of course).
Thank you to Zoe York for an ALC and ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2026
⚠️A quick content warning before getting into this one: this book includes grooming by a pastor/youth pastor, so please keep that in mind if that is a triggering topic for you.⚠️
Haven and Cash have known each other for years. When Cash went to prison, Haven was one of the few people who stood by him and believed he was innocent. They lost touch when he went to prison, but years later, they both find themselves back in the small town of Dragonfly Creek.
Haven is now the new librarian and has had a falling out with her uncle, the lead pastor. She left town after a youth pastor tried to groom her and, when she refused to give in, he turned the town against her by spreading rumors. Now she’s back, and she’s ready to face everyone.
Then, in a moment of defiance, Haven runs across the street to Cash’s auto shop and kisses him in front of everyone. What starts as a way to prove she isn’t afraid quickly turns into something neither of them expected.
Cash owns the mechanic shop and has been secretly fantasizing about Haven for years. Her kiss awakens feelings he didn’t realize he could have, and once he learns what she’s been through, he’s ready to stand between her and anyone who tries to tear her down, especially the youth pastor.
They agree to fake date, but Cash would happily make it real. He just doesn’t think someone like Haven could ever want someone carrying as much baggage and darkness as he does.
I really enjoyed the suspense element of this story. Someone is harassing both Haven and Cash through emails and notes, and I loved trying to figure out who was behind it all. There were plenty of twists and enough mystery to keep me invested.
And I have to mention the audiobook! June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job with the narration and really brought these characters to life.
Tropes:
small-town romance
suspense
fake dating
Virgin FMC
Forced proximity
Haven and Cash have known each other for years. When Cash went to prison, Haven was one of the few people who stood by him and believed he was innocent. They lost touch when he went to prison, but years later, they both find themselves back in the small town of Dragonfly Creek.
Haven is now the new librarian and has had a falling out with her uncle, the lead pastor. She left town after a youth pastor tried to groom her and, when she refused to give in, he turned the town against her by spreading rumors. Now she’s back, and she’s ready to face everyone.
Then, in a moment of defiance, Haven runs across the street to Cash’s auto shop and kisses him in front of everyone. What starts as a way to prove she isn’t afraid quickly turns into something neither of them expected.
Cash owns the mechanic shop and has been secretly fantasizing about Haven for years. Her kiss awakens feelings he didn’t realize he could have, and once he learns what she’s been through, he’s ready to stand between her and anyone who tries to tear her down, especially the youth pastor.
They agree to fake date, but Cash would happily make it real. He just doesn’t think someone like Haven could ever want someone carrying as much baggage and darkness as he does.
I really enjoyed the suspense element of this story. Someone is harassing both Haven and Cash through emails and notes, and I loved trying to figure out who was behind it all. There were plenty of twists and enough mystery to keep me invested.
And I have to mention the audiobook! June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job with the narration and really brought these characters to life.
Tropes:
small-town romance
suspense
fake dating
Virgin FMC
Forced proximity
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC copy
The boring stuff:
Understanding that this is an ARC, I hope editors revisit with a critical eye. A few grammatical spots and quite a few instances of word misuse: Hope instead of Haven, tie instead of toe, shop instead of show. They're little mistakes, but they take a reader out of the story.
The good stuff:
Zoe York, I am desperate to visit Kincaid Ranch. These Canadian cowboys are 🌶️🔥
Haven returns to Dragonfly Creek under seriously judgmental eyes. Her former church, run by her nasty Uncle, could use a serious whooping for turning their back on such a precious soul. But she returns a stronger woman, albeit a smidge naive. And that's the perfect combination for the ex-con mechanic, our delicious bad boy, Cash Kincaid.
He's known her nearly all his life and dreamt of a life he thought he could never have. But one courageous, reckless kiss changes both their futures.
The slow build between these two is spicy-sweet. Cash is the perfect gentleman. Between sneaking kisses, appreciating Haven's lush body, and protecting her from some nasty community members, his admiration for Haven is so wonderful. Even if he has trouble voicing his feelings, he shows her through every action and breath.
I was hoping for a one-on-one with Luna. The Kincaid matriarch always deserves to give her sons some sage advice.
Villain of the week: Jeb, the youth pastor who gives every girl the heebie-jeebies. He makes the hair on your neck stand up. A vile POS who is a coward and delusional. Seeing Haven confront him, even though it goes a bit south, is awesome. She's got the chutzpah, for certain. And Cash kicking his ass is extra delightful.
Sweet characters, the writing has a unique voice, and the tropes that make every Zoe York novel a perfectly wrapped up HEA, tick every box. I felt lucky to spend time with Lucky Haven.
The boring stuff:
Understanding that this is an ARC, I hope editors revisit with a critical eye. A few grammatical spots and quite a few instances of word misuse: Hope instead of Haven, tie instead of toe, shop instead of show. They're little mistakes, but they take a reader out of the story.
The good stuff:
Zoe York, I am desperate to visit Kincaid Ranch. These Canadian cowboys are 🌶️🔥
Haven returns to Dragonfly Creek under seriously judgmental eyes. Her former church, run by her nasty Uncle, could use a serious whooping for turning their back on such a precious soul. But she returns a stronger woman, albeit a smidge naive. And that's the perfect combination for the ex-con mechanic, our delicious bad boy, Cash Kincaid.
He's known her nearly all his life and dreamt of a life he thought he could never have. But one courageous, reckless kiss changes both their futures.
The slow build between these two is spicy-sweet. Cash is the perfect gentleman. Between sneaking kisses, appreciating Haven's lush body, and protecting her from some nasty community members, his admiration for Haven is so wonderful. Even if he has trouble voicing his feelings, he shows her through every action and breath.
I was hoping for a one-on-one with Luna. The Kincaid matriarch always deserves to give her sons some sage advice.
Villain of the week: Jeb, the youth pastor who gives every girl the heebie-jeebies. He makes the hair on your neck stand up. A vile POS who is a coward and delusional. Seeing Haven confront him, even though it goes a bit south, is awesome. She's got the chutzpah, for certain. And Cash kicking his ass is extra delightful.
Sweet characters, the writing has a unique voice, and the tropes that make every Zoe York novel a perfectly wrapped up HEA, tick every box. I felt lucky to spend time with Lucky Haven.
August 18, 2026
It’s Always Been Her
❤️
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. The prologue starts with trauma, and then chapter one wastes no time giving us naughty thoughts and plenty of chemistry. I loved the way the relationship between the two characters slowly unfolds, especially the fact that, for him, it’s always been her.
There were so many cute and swoony moments: him helping her into his truck, her drunken confessions, and the reveal that he was her first (and only) kiss when they were younger. And putting her number in his phone as “future Mrs. Kincaid”? If I remembered that correctly, that was definitely one of those little details that made me smile.
Their history and his feelings for her gave the romance that extra emotional layer, and I really enjoyed watching everything come together between them.
That said, I have to admit I may have spaced out at some point because I finished the book still wondering exactly **why he was in jail in the first place**. 😂 It felt like such an important detail, and somehow I completely missed it—or it simply wasn’t explained clearly enough.
Overall, though, this was a fun, emotional romance with plenty of chemistry, childhood history, confessions, and swoony moments. Just don’t ask me about the jail backstory because apparently my brain decided that part was optional. 😂
What you need to know:
💚small town suspense romance
🖤friends-to-lovers
💚fake-to-forever
🖤ex-con cowboy x good girl next door
💚inexperienced librarian with church trauma
🖤he falls first (and will wait forever)
💚sex lessons
🖤forced proximity
💚opposites attract
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. The prologue starts with trauma, and then chapter one wastes no time giving us naughty thoughts and plenty of chemistry. I loved the way the relationship between the two characters slowly unfolds, especially the fact that, for him, it’s always been her.
There were so many cute and swoony moments: him helping her into his truck, her drunken confessions, and the reveal that he was her first (and only) kiss when they were younger. And putting her number in his phone as “future Mrs. Kincaid”? If I remembered that correctly, that was definitely one of those little details that made me smile.
Their history and his feelings for her gave the romance that extra emotional layer, and I really enjoyed watching everything come together between them.
That said, I have to admit I may have spaced out at some point because I finished the book still wondering exactly **why he was in jail in the first place**. 😂 It felt like such an important detail, and somehow I completely missed it—or it simply wasn’t explained clearly enough.
Overall, though, this was a fun, emotional romance with plenty of chemistry, childhood history, confessions, and swoony moments. Just don’t ask me about the jail backstory because apparently my brain decided that part was optional. 😂
What you need to know:
💚small town suspense romance
🖤friends-to-lovers
💚fake-to-forever
🖤ex-con cowboy x good girl next door
💚inexperienced librarian with church trauma
🖤he falls first (and will wait forever)
💚sex lessons
🖤forced proximity
💚opposites attract
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!
Lucky Haven review - 3⭐️ 3🌶️ 3.5🎧
A sweet small-town romance narrated in duet by June Deborahae & Lance Greenfield, with some thriller elements, featuring an outcast librarian FMC and a bad boy ex-con MMC, fake dating & plenty of protective cowboy vibes. It definitely also gave some Gilmore Girls small-town energy, especially with the town hall meetings!
Haven our FMC is being harassed by an anonymous source, and Cash becomes very protective of her, leading them into a fake dating arrangement to keep her safe. I really enjoyed the fake dating setup, especially their "rule book" - it gave me All the Boys I've Loved Before vibes.
I loved Haven; she was brave, determined and so easy to root for. I also really enjoyed the small-town cowboy family dynamic, I'm a sucker for that kind of setting!
There were a few plotlines I wish had been explored more. The religious trauma and Cash's time in prison are both touched on but not explained in much depth, and I think more backstory would have made the characters and world feel richer.
The female narration was fantastic, but unfortunately the male narration wasn't quite as much of a hit for me. It felt more like narration than voice acting at times and didn't quite match how I'd pictured Cash.
Overall, a fun small-town romance with a brave FMC & protective MMC. If you're a fan of small-town romance with a little suspense, this is definitely worth listening to!
Tropes;
Fake Dating
Bad Boy X Good Girl
Rule Book
Small Town Romance
Virgin FMC X He Teaches Her
Praise Kink
Thank you Zoe York & Victory Editing for a copy of this audiobook ♥️
Lucky Haven review - 3⭐️ 3🌶️ 3.5🎧
A sweet small-town romance narrated in duet by June Deborahae & Lance Greenfield, with some thriller elements, featuring an outcast librarian FMC and a bad boy ex-con MMC, fake dating & plenty of protective cowboy vibes. It definitely also gave some Gilmore Girls small-town energy, especially with the town hall meetings!
Haven our FMC is being harassed by an anonymous source, and Cash becomes very protective of her, leading them into a fake dating arrangement to keep her safe. I really enjoyed the fake dating setup, especially their "rule book" - it gave me All the Boys I've Loved Before vibes.
I loved Haven; she was brave, determined and so easy to root for. I also really enjoyed the small-town cowboy family dynamic, I'm a sucker for that kind of setting!
There were a few plotlines I wish had been explored more. The religious trauma and Cash's time in prison are both touched on but not explained in much depth, and I think more backstory would have made the characters and world feel richer.
The female narration was fantastic, but unfortunately the male narration wasn't quite as much of a hit for me. It felt more like narration than voice acting at times and didn't quite match how I'd pictured Cash.
Overall, a fun small-town romance with a brave FMC & protective MMC. If you're a fan of small-town romance with a little suspense, this is definitely worth listening to!
Tropes;
Fake Dating
Bad Boy X Good Girl
Rule Book
Small Town Romance
Virgin FMC X He Teaches Her
Praise Kink
Thank you Zoe York & Victory Editing for a copy of this audiobook ♥️
August 20, 2026
Haven and Cash have grown up together in Dragonfly Creek.
This is book 2, and because I hadn’t read Stolen Hope I read that first because I’m not a fan of starting a series on book 2. I’m so happy that I read Stolen Hope first because Cash obviously being one of the Kincaid brothers he was in book 1 and then when his book was sent to me as an ARC I was ready for it.
Haven leaves town after Cash is sent to prison and she goes to College. She returns to Dragonfly Creek and is shunned by the small minded small town gossips lead by her uncle the pastor and the head of her hate club. Then you have the youth pastor Jeb who is a creepy little man who takes advantage of the female youth in the church. Haven works at the library and she decides to make a statement one day by kissing Cash.
Cash has always had feelings for Haven but when he got out of jail he decided that he wasn’t good enough for her, so when she walks across the road to his garage and kisses him in front of the whole town and he finds out that she’s receiving emails that aren’t very nice he offers to be her fake boyfriend. Only thing is is that he’s lying to himself because he does have feelings for Haven and he wishes that she felt the same way about him.
They have a lovely dynamic that has you pulling for them, the story is sweet and I really enjoyed reading it. I give this book 5 stars.
This is book 2, and because I hadn’t read Stolen Hope I read that first because I’m not a fan of starting a series on book 2. I’m so happy that I read Stolen Hope first because Cash obviously being one of the Kincaid brothers he was in book 1 and then when his book was sent to me as an ARC I was ready for it.
Haven leaves town after Cash is sent to prison and she goes to College. She returns to Dragonfly Creek and is shunned by the small minded small town gossips lead by her uncle the pastor and the head of her hate club. Then you have the youth pastor Jeb who is a creepy little man who takes advantage of the female youth in the church. Haven works at the library and she decides to make a statement one day by kissing Cash.
Cash has always had feelings for Haven but when he got out of jail he decided that he wasn’t good enough for her, so when she walks across the road to his garage and kisses him in front of the whole town and he finds out that she’s receiving emails that aren’t very nice he offers to be her fake boyfriend. Only thing is is that he’s lying to himself because he does have feelings for Haven and he wishes that she felt the same way about him.
They have a lovely dynamic that has you pulling for them, the story is sweet and I really enjoyed reading it. I give this book 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who was indoctrinated early into evangelical purity culture, this story was somewhere between psychological torture and a breath of fresh air. I loved Haven’s growth over the course of the book, and I like that her relationship with Cash never felt unbalanced. I am going back to read the first book in the series and eagerly awaiting the next.
The narration was well done. I only have a couple of complaints. Sometimes the male narrator’s inflection felt like overacting, and there was a disconnect in some pronunciation (one example: he pronounced toque like it rhymes with “broke”, while the femme narrator said it the way I’ve normally heard it, like it rhymes with “cook”). And there was one instance where both actors read the same line, which didn’t make sense (I’m assuming the line was only supposed to belong to one character, but both actors assumed it was their character’s line?). Overall, the narration was very solid and I’m adding June Deborahae to my list of narrators I greatly enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC.
⭐️: Barely finished, almost DNF
⭐️⭐️: Finished, but was nothing wonderful
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Enjoyed, but would probably not read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Highly enjoyed, would likely read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: This book is now a part of my regular rotation to re-read and/or changed my brain chemistry
The narration was well done. I only have a couple of complaints. Sometimes the male narrator’s inflection felt like overacting, and there was a disconnect in some pronunciation (one example: he pronounced toque like it rhymes with “broke”, while the femme narrator said it the way I’ve normally heard it, like it rhymes with “cook”). And there was one instance where both actors read the same line, which didn’t make sense (I’m assuming the line was only supposed to belong to one character, but both actors assumed it was their character’s line?). Overall, the narration was very solid and I’m adding June Deborahae to my list of narrators I greatly enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC.
⭐️: Barely finished, almost DNF
⭐️⭐️: Finished, but was nothing wonderful
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Enjoyed, but would probably not read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Highly enjoyed, would likely read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: This book is now a part of my regular rotation to re-read and/or changed my brain chemistry
August 23, 2026
Whew, this one was a steamy good time with a side of drama and trauma.
This is the second novel in the Dragonfly Creek series, but I had no problems jumping right in. Haven is still haunted by trauma that happened to her by her youth pastor, while Cash is the mechanic who’s been pining for her, never thinking he’s good enough for her. When she needs a bodyguard / fake boyfriend, Cash is more than willing to step in.
So, I didn’t realize we had a backstory of religious trauma, and when I first started, I thought I’d made a mistake. But this all comes full circle with a mostly satisfying conclusion. The real story is Haven blossoming into the woman she never let herself be, with Cash as her guide. And Cash realizing it’s okay to love and be loved in return.
This one had lots of feels, lots of spice, and lots of everything nice!
The audio: June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. It was easy to follow the dialogue, and the emotions felt very real.
Readers who enjoy a steamy romance with sex lessons, virgin FMC, a green-flag bad boy cowboy, fake dating, and duet narration will eat this up!
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley - All opinions are my own.
This is the second novel in the Dragonfly Creek series, but I had no problems jumping right in. Haven is still haunted by trauma that happened to her by her youth pastor, while Cash is the mechanic who’s been pining for her, never thinking he’s good enough for her. When she needs a bodyguard / fake boyfriend, Cash is more than willing to step in.
So, I didn’t realize we had a backstory of religious trauma, and when I first started, I thought I’d made a mistake. But this all comes full circle with a mostly satisfying conclusion. The real story is Haven blossoming into the woman she never let herself be, with Cash as her guide. And Cash realizing it’s okay to love and be loved in return.
This one had lots of feels, lots of spice, and lots of everything nice!
The audio: June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. It was easy to follow the dialogue, and the emotions felt very real.
Readers who enjoy a steamy romance with sex lessons, virgin FMC, a green-flag bad boy cowboy, fake dating, and duet narration will eat this up!
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley - All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Audiobook | Narrated by June deBorahae & Lance Greenfield
I absolutely loved this one! Give me a small-town romance, fake dating, a protective bad boy, AND a librarian, and apparently I am very easy to please. 😂 Haven and her ex-con mechanic/bodyguard bring that opposites-attract energy I love, but there was also so much more heart to their relationship than I expected.
I especially loved how protective he was of Haven without taking away her strength. Their chemistry was fantastic, the spice was definitely there, and I loved watching the fake relationship turn into something neither of them could pretend wasn't real anymore. The added suspense gave the story another layer and kept things moving outside of the romance. It was such an easy book to get completely wrapped up in.
And the dual narration was SO GOOD. June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield brought Haven and her love interest to life beautifully. I love when having two narrators makes the chemistry feel even stronger, and that was definitely the case here.
This was sweet, spicy, protective, romantic, and just the right amount of suspense. I had such a good time listening to it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves small-town romance with a protective hero and plenty of heat.
I absolutely loved this one! Give me a small-town romance, fake dating, a protective bad boy, AND a librarian, and apparently I am very easy to please. 😂 Haven and her ex-con mechanic/bodyguard bring that opposites-attract energy I love, but there was also so much more heart to their relationship than I expected.
I especially loved how protective he was of Haven without taking away her strength. Their chemistry was fantastic, the spice was definitely there, and I loved watching the fake relationship turn into something neither of them could pretend wasn't real anymore. The added suspense gave the story another layer and kept things moving outside of the romance. It was such an easy book to get completely wrapped up in.
And the dual narration was SO GOOD. June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield brought Haven and her love interest to life beautifully. I love when having two narrators makes the chemistry feel even stronger, and that was definitely the case here.
This was sweet, spicy, protective, romantic, and just the right amount of suspense. I had such a good time listening to it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves small-town romance with a protective hero and plenty of heat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lucky Haven had all the ingredients of a romance I should have loved: a small-town setting, an opposites-attract pairing, a protective ex-con mechanic, and a sweet librarian heroine. Unfortunately, while the premise was promising, the story didn't fully come together for me.
The chemistry between Haven and the hero was evident from the start, and there were some genuinely sweet moments between them. I also enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and the underlying suspense storyline, which added a layer of intrigue beyond the romance. The hero's devotion to Haven was clear, and readers who enjoy possessive, protective love interests will likely find a lot to appreciate here.
However, I struggled to connect with the relationship development, which felt rushed at times, making it difficult to fully invest in the romance. The characters had potential, but I wanted more depth and emotional growth before the story leaned so heavily into their connection. As a result, some of the emotional moments didn't have the impact I was hoping for.
Overall, Lucky Haven wasn't a bad read, but it ultimately fell flat for me. While fans of steamy small-town romances may enjoy it more, I found myself wanting stronger character development and a more believable progression of the central relationship.
The chemistry between Haven and the hero was evident from the start, and there were some genuinely sweet moments between them. I also enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and the underlying suspense storyline, which added a layer of intrigue beyond the romance. The hero's devotion to Haven was clear, and readers who enjoy possessive, protective love interests will likely find a lot to appreciate here.
However, I struggled to connect with the relationship development, which felt rushed at times, making it difficult to fully invest in the romance. The characters had potential, but I wanted more depth and emotional growth before the story leaned so heavily into their connection. As a result, some of the emotional moments didn't have the impact I was hoping for.
Overall, Lucky Haven wasn't a bad read, but it ultimately fell flat for me. While fans of steamy small-town romances may enjoy it more, I found myself wanting stronger character development and a more believable progression of the central relationship.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lucky Haven is a little bit of innocence, a lot of heat with some suspense tossed in, and a whole lotta lovin'. The second of four brothers falls for his perfect match.
Start with an ex-convict who is a part-time cowboy and a full-time mechanic, add an inexperienced librarian from a small town, throw in a few good-time lessons to introduce her to the pleasures of life, and you'll have Lucky Haven all neatly packaged with a pretty bow. Cash doesn't think he is good enough for Haven, and Haven herself knows he is the only person who will satisfy all her requirements. Living in a small town means everybody knows what you're up to, and nothing stays private for long. Threatening letters addressed to Haven begin to turn up in surprising locations, and Cash's protective nature causes his tough shell to crack. Although he has already served time for his violent past, his need to keep Haven safe reveals his true self. For years, his bad-boy side has been interested in the innocent Haven. Now, he's watching her from his shop across the road from the library, never making his intentions known. Once the threats become reality, Cash throws away all caution in his search for his one true love and demonstrates that they are more than just friends and that luck is on their side.
Start with an ex-convict who is a part-time cowboy and a full-time mechanic, add an inexperienced librarian from a small town, throw in a few good-time lessons to introduce her to the pleasures of life, and you'll have Lucky Haven all neatly packaged with a pretty bow. Cash doesn't think he is good enough for Haven, and Haven herself knows he is the only person who will satisfy all her requirements. Living in a small town means everybody knows what you're up to, and nothing stays private for long. Threatening letters addressed to Haven begin to turn up in surprising locations, and Cash's protective nature causes his tough shell to crack. Although he has already served time for his violent past, his need to keep Haven safe reveals his true self. For years, his bad-boy side has been interested in the innocent Haven. Now, he's watching her from his shop across the road from the library, never making his intentions known. Once the threats become reality, Cash throws away all caution in his search for his one true love and demonstrates that they are more than just friends and that luck is on their side.
August 17, 2026
Ex-con cowboy × good-girl librarian
Years of pining
Long-time friends → fake dating
He falls first
Spicy lessons
Small-town found family
Suspense
Cowboy romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - June deBorahae & Lance Greenfield
I really enjoyed their performance. June has such a sweet voice, and Lance is perfect for this bad boy character.
Book #2 Dragonfly Creek series
A good read/listen with some cute characters. Haven has returned to her home town and caught the eye of the town bad boy, or so everyone thinks he is. Cash is an ex-con but the reason he was in prison was justified. He might be a "bad boy" in the towns eye but he is nothing but sweet to Haven and he is protective of her also. Haven is the innocent "church" girl that everyone in town shuns because they don't know why she left the town for 6 years.
These two characters are unlikely to fall in love, but they can't stop their feelings for on another. They are adorable together and this story is pure sweetness. There is a little bit of a suspense plot underneath the romance. We also get a little tease into the next book and I cannot wait!
Thank you Zoe York for this eARC & ALC
Years of pining
Long-time friends → fake dating
He falls first
Spicy lessons
Small-town found family
Suspense
Cowboy romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - June deBorahae & Lance Greenfield
I really enjoyed their performance. June has such a sweet voice, and Lance is perfect for this bad boy character.
Book #2 Dragonfly Creek series
A good read/listen with some cute characters. Haven has returned to her home town and caught the eye of the town bad boy, or so everyone thinks he is. Cash is an ex-con but the reason he was in prison was justified. He might be a "bad boy" in the towns eye but he is nothing but sweet to Haven and he is protective of her also. Haven is the innocent "church" girl that everyone in town shuns because they don't know why she left the town for 6 years.
These two characters are unlikely to fall in love, but they can't stop their feelings for on another. They are adorable together and this story is pure sweetness. There is a little bit of a suspense plot underneath the romance. We also get a little tease into the next book and I cannot wait!
Thank you Zoe York for this eARC & ALC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me! It’s honestly a book I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own, so I’m really glad I was introduced to it in audio form. It was entertaining, easy to get into, and kept me hooked enough that I finished it in less than two days.
Haven was such a sweet character who was just trying to find her place in the world. I loved that she had this innocence about her while still being strong-willed and independent. And Cash was perfectly written for her. Protective, swoony, sexy... all the things I want in an MMC.
The narration was definitely a highlight for me. June DeBorahae’s voice is always perfection, and this was my first time listening to Lance Greenfield and I am IN LOVE. Such a great first impression! They made this story so much fun to listen to.
Ultimately, I landed at 3.5 stars because there really weren’t a lot of frills to the story. It was entertaining and kept my attention, and I’d definitely recommend the audiobook to my fellow duet narration lovers, but it’s probably not one that will stick with me long after finishing.
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing an early copy with me! 🎧
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me! It’s honestly a book I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own, so I’m really glad I was introduced to it in audio form. It was entertaining, easy to get into, and kept me hooked enough that I finished it in less than two days.
Haven was such a sweet character who was just trying to find her place in the world. I loved that she had this innocence about her while still being strong-willed and independent. And Cash was perfectly written for her. Protective, swoony, sexy... all the things I want in an MMC.
The narration was definitely a highlight for me. June DeBorahae’s voice is always perfection, and this was my first time listening to Lance Greenfield and I am IN LOVE. Such a great first impression! They made this story so much fun to listen to.
Ultimately, I landed at 3.5 stars because there really weren’t a lot of frills to the story. It was entertaining and kept my attention, and I’d definitely recommend the audiobook to my fellow duet narration lovers, but it’s probably not one that will stick with me long after finishing.
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing an early copy with me! 🎧
August 18, 2026
Thank you to Zoe York for an ARC copy 🥰
Felt like I waited forever for book 2, Cash’s story did not disappoint
Oh the yearning! He was so sweet on her for years! He watched her from afar, looked out for her and would do anything for her. My kind of man! He carries so much emotional trauma from his past, and doesn’t think he’s good enough for Haven. But when they get together it’s the sweetest thing watching them heal each other. I just wish the story wasn’t so short, I want more of Cash and Haven 🥰
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: ✨ Spicy Lessons
✨ Virgin FMC
✨Ex Con MMC
✨ Found Family
✨Fake Dating
✨Bodyguard MMC
✨He falls first
✨Obsessed w his women
✨Possessive MMC
✨Men who yearn
I can’t wait for book 3, and I love how she set up little hints and foreshadowing all throughout each book for the next one. This was a great read if you love slowish burn, high heat with a sprinkle romantic suspense tossed in. ❤️😌
Felt like I waited forever for book 2, Cash’s story did not disappoint
Oh the yearning! He was so sweet on her for years! He watched her from afar, looked out for her and would do anything for her. My kind of man! He carries so much emotional trauma from his past, and doesn’t think he’s good enough for Haven. But when they get together it’s the sweetest thing watching them heal each other. I just wish the story wasn’t so short, I want more of Cash and Haven 🥰
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: ✨ Spicy Lessons
✨ Virgin FMC
✨Ex Con MMC
✨ Found Family
✨Fake Dating
✨Bodyguard MMC
✨He falls first
✨Obsessed w his women
✨Possessive MMC
✨Men who yearn
I can’t wait for book 3, and I love how she set up little hints and foreshadowing all throughout each book for the next one. This was a great read if you love slowish burn, high heat with a sprinkle romantic suspense tossed in. ❤️😌
August 22, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ALC via NetGalley for this book.
This was a very enjoyable read. It was my first dive into the world of Dragonfly Creek (despite the fact that it’s book 2, apparently) and it made me really love the characters and super curious about the other books in the series! Cash and Haven are very cute together and their chemistry is very clear from their first interaction together. Cash scratches the itch of protective MMC in a way that just sit really well with me and Haven is not the typical ‘damsel in distress’, which I really like about her. The way they lean on each other is adorable and shows how strong their connection is. Cash provides Haven with a safe space in which she can explore more about herself and grow as a person and she provides him with the love and care that he needs at this point in his life. The love they show each other is genuine and that becomes more and more obvious with each hurdle they come across. I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be looking to pick up the other books in the series pretty soon!
This was a very enjoyable read. It was my first dive into the world of Dragonfly Creek (despite the fact that it’s book 2, apparently) and it made me really love the characters and super curious about the other books in the series! Cash and Haven are very cute together and their chemistry is very clear from their first interaction together. Cash scratches the itch of protective MMC in a way that just sit really well with me and Haven is not the typical ‘damsel in distress’, which I really like about her. The way they lean on each other is adorable and shows how strong their connection is. Cash provides Haven with a safe space in which she can explore more about herself and grow as a person and she provides him with the love and care that he needs at this point in his life. The love they show each other is genuine and that becomes more and more obvious with each hurdle they come across. I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be looking to pick up the other books in the series pretty soon!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucky Haven is a great romance with a suspense subplot, and it moves quickly within its 266 page count. The audiobook has amazing duet narration and I definitely recommend the audiobook format. For most of the book, the romance is the main focus, but then the suspense plotline really ramps up towards the end! The two narrators really performed and showcased all of the drama, emotion and spice of the book.
Lucky Haven is the second book in the Dragonfly Creek series, but you definitely don't need to read book one before getting into Lucky Haven, as it's a series of standalones focused on a central family. The events of book 1, Stolen Hope, are summarised in Lucky Haven, so there's no need to wait to get into this one! It sets up/teases more of the couples for future books, and I am definitely intrigued by their stories!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley this is my voluntary and honest review.
Lucky Haven is the second book in the Dragonfly Creek series, but you definitely don't need to read book one before getting into Lucky Haven, as it's a series of standalones focused on a central family. The events of book 1, Stolen Hope, are summarised in Lucky Haven, so there's no need to wait to get into this one! It sets up/teases more of the couples for future books, and I am definitely intrigued by their stories!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from NetGalley this is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arc from netgalley
I really enjoyed the opposites-attract dynamic between haven and Cash. Their relationship had plenty of chemistry, and I especially liked that Haven wasn’t written as a helpless damsel in distress. She made an effort to help herself and take control of her own situation, which made her a much more likeable and relatable heroine. That said, I felt the story could have been much more engaging if we had been given more of the main characters’ backstories. I wanted to understand more about Haven’s past, particularly the grooming she experienced, as well as what led to Cash going to prison. Those details felt important to understanding both characters, and I would have liked to see them explored more deeply.Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the small-town setting, the opposites-attract romance, and the characters. I just wish there had been a stronger storyline with higher stakes and more depth to the characters’ histories.
I really enjoyed the opposites-attract dynamic between haven and Cash. Their relationship had plenty of chemistry, and I especially liked that Haven wasn’t written as a helpless damsel in distress. She made an effort to help herself and take control of her own situation, which made her a much more likeable and relatable heroine. That said, I felt the story could have been much more engaging if we had been given more of the main characters’ backstories. I wanted to understand more about Haven’s past, particularly the grooming she experienced, as well as what led to Cash going to prison. Those details felt important to understanding both characters, and I would have liked to see them explored more deeply.Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the small-town setting, the opposites-attract romance, and the characters. I just wish there had been a stronger storyline with higher stakes and more depth to the characters’ histories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ALC Review:
Duet Narration by June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield
4.25⭐️
Tropes:
Mechanic/Cowboy x Librarian
Childhood Friends to Fake Dating
He’ll keep her safe
Inexperienced FMC
He Falls First
Forced Proximity
Haven Bingham comes back to her hometown as the librarian, only to face slander and judgment from a small-minded community that protected a predatory youth pastor instead of her. The hypocrisy of the church members and her uncle made my blood boil, which made Cash Kincaid the exact hero this story needed. Cash, a cowboy ex-con who has always held a torch for Haven, steps in as her fake boyfriend to keep her safe. The resulting chemistry, witty banter, spicy lessons, and suspense plot make for an addictive listen.
June deBorahae handled Haven’s journey with depth, and Lance Greenfield was phenomenal as Cash, delivering that quintessential hot bad-boy vibe effortlessly.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and author Zoe York for this ALC!
Duet Narration by June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield
4.25⭐️
Tropes:
Mechanic/Cowboy x Librarian
Childhood Friends to Fake Dating
He’ll keep her safe
Inexperienced FMC
He Falls First
Forced Proximity
Haven Bingham comes back to her hometown as the librarian, only to face slander and judgment from a small-minded community that protected a predatory youth pastor instead of her. The hypocrisy of the church members and her uncle made my blood boil, which made Cash Kincaid the exact hero this story needed. Cash, a cowboy ex-con who has always held a torch for Haven, steps in as her fake boyfriend to keep her safe. The resulting chemistry, witty banter, spicy lessons, and suspense plot make for an addictive listen.
June deBorahae handled Haven’s journey with depth, and Lance Greenfield was phenomenal as Cash, delivering that quintessential hot bad-boy vibe effortlessly.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and author Zoe York for this ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25🌟 *NETGALLEY ALC* 🎧
Narration: 4🌟 *duet narration*
Plot: 3🌟
Characters: 3🌟
Chemistry: 3🌟
I liked the Canadian representation in this one!
The FMC and MMC were both okay, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them as much as I would have liked. I know this is an interconnected standalone, so I’m wondering if reading the first book in the series would have given me more background and helped build their romance. I’d definitely recommend starting with the first book before jumping into this one.
The fake-dating and virgin FMC tropes aren’t really my favourite, so I’ll admit that may have influenced my overall feelings about this one.
That said, I’m still invested in the world and the characters. I think I’d actually prefer Mercy’s story, and I’ll definitely be picking it up when it comes out. So even though this one wasn’t a total hit for me, I’m still attached enough to the story to keep going!
Narration: 4🌟 *duet narration*
Plot: 3🌟
Characters: 3🌟
Chemistry: 3🌟
I liked the Canadian representation in this one!
The FMC and MMC were both okay, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them as much as I would have liked. I know this is an interconnected standalone, so I’m wondering if reading the first book in the series would have given me more background and helped build their romance. I’d definitely recommend starting with the first book before jumping into this one.
The fake-dating and virgin FMC tropes aren’t really my favourite, so I’ll admit that may have influenced my overall feelings about this one.
That said, I’m still invested in the world and the characters. I think I’d actually prefer Mercy’s story, and I’ll definitely be picking it up when it comes out. So even though this one wasn’t a total hit for me, I’m still attached enough to the story to keep going!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book in the "Dragonfly Creek" series by author Zoe York but it definitely can be read as a stand-alone. It tells the story of librarian Haven and ex-con turned mechanic Cash. Haven, who was raised by a rather strict pastor in Dragonfly Creek, has only been back in town for six months and is admired by Cash from afar. He is attracted to her but knows that he is nowhere near good enough for Haven. Until one day Haven comes up to him and kisses him to escape unwanted attention from another man...
I enjoyed reading this book, it has relatable main characters, a believable and fast-paced storyline and a bit of suspense thrown in. I liked returning to Dragonfly Creek and meeting all the interesting characters of this fictional small-town again. I want to read all of their stories and I hope we won't have to wait too long for Ridge's and Mercy's story.
Thank you, Zoe York, for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this book, it has relatable main characters, a believable and fast-paced storyline and a bit of suspense thrown in. I liked returning to Dragonfly Creek and meeting all the interesting characters of this fictional small-town again. I want to read all of their stories and I hope we won't have to wait too long for Ridge's and Mercy's story.
Thank you, Zoe York, for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lucky Haven ALC Review
This was a fun read — with just the right amount of suspense!
My only critique is that while the male narrator is good overall, but during the spicy scenes…it was awkward, idk how else to explain it. I don’t think that’s book specific tho, I think he should probably just avoid spicy books in general lol.
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Interconnected Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Dragonfly Creek #2
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Duet narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: 💖
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Cash + Haven
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ good girl x bad boy
♥︎ childhood friends to lovers
♥︎ fake dating
♥︎ small town
♥︎ it’s always been her
♥︎ sex lessons
♥︎ ex-con cowboy mechanic mmc
♥︎ inexperienced librarian fmc
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦: n/a
𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠.
This was a fun read — with just the right amount of suspense!
My only critique is that while the male narrator is good overall, but during the spicy scenes…it was awkward, idk how else to explain it. I don’t think that’s book specific tho, I think he should probably just avoid spicy books in general lol.
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Interconnected Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Dragonfly Creek #2
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Duet narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: 💖
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Cash + Haven
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ good girl x bad boy
♥︎ childhood friends to lovers
♥︎ fake dating
♥︎ small town
♥︎ it’s always been her
♥︎ sex lessons
♥︎ ex-con cowboy mechanic mmc
♥︎ inexperienced librarian fmc
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦: n/a
𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 𝙸 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚎𝚡𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great feel-good romance that I really enjoyed & would certainly recommend!
I will say that I got a little nervous with the religious tone that it started off with because that was NOT what I was interested in reading about, but it was tastefully done giving enough background to the characters while remaining brief.
I also enjoyed that this book (book #2) was truly a standalone, while dropping enough tidbits that I'm interested in reading the others in the series!
The narrators both did an exceptional job. I always ADORE Duet narration and particularly really enjoy June deBorahae! This was my first experience listening to Lance Greenfield & would definitely enjoy listening to him again!
This was a great feel-good romance that I really enjoyed & would certainly recommend!
I will say that I got a little nervous with the religious tone that it started off with because that was NOT what I was interested in reading about, but it was tastefully done giving enough background to the characters while remaining brief.
I also enjoyed that this book (book #2) was truly a standalone, while dropping enough tidbits that I'm interested in reading the others in the series!
The narrators both did an exceptional job. I always ADORE Duet narration and particularly really enjoy June deBorahae! This was my first experience listening to Lance Greenfield & would definitely enjoy listening to him again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
💌 ALC Review 💌
Lucky Haven 📚🛠️
by Zoe York
Cash Kincaid… what a name!! 🥰
From the very beginning, both Cash and Haven had me hooked. Their inner monologues went unhinged and dirty very quickly. And tipsy Haven had me literally laughing out loud! If you’re looking for spice, there is definitely no shortage in this story.
June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield delivered a flawless duet narration. Hearing them bring those very unfiltered inner monologues to life was easily my favorite part of the entire experience.
The book does tackle some heavy topics surrounding grooming and trauma involving a youth pastor. (Just an FYI!!)
Thank you to Zoe York, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for providing this ALC. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
Lucky Haven 📚🛠️
by Zoe York
Cash Kincaid… what a name!! 🥰
From the very beginning, both Cash and Haven had me hooked. Their inner monologues went unhinged and dirty very quickly. And tipsy Haven had me literally laughing out loud! If you’re looking for spice, there is definitely no shortage in this story.
June deBorahae and Lance Greenfield delivered a flawless duet narration. Hearing them bring those very unfiltered inner monologues to life was easily my favorite part of the entire experience.
The book does tackle some heavy topics surrounding grooming and trauma involving a youth pastor. (Just an FYI!!)
Thank you to Zoe York, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for providing this ALC. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily, and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cash - He always saw her and would do anything to protect her but after spending time in the military and then in prison, he didn’t feel like he deserved her, but then she came back to town and that opened a whole new can of worms.
Haven - she left town, only to come back year later and become the librarian in the towns library, the town where she was shunned by her family and the church that tried to break her. She didn’t have friends, but she would survive that…until one day she marched across the street and grabbed Cash Kincaid and planted a kiss..on..his..mouth. What was she thinking?
The twist and turns, the push and pull, Cash knew, he just needed to get Haven on board, they’ll help each other out, till the fake relationship became not so fake and it was an all out sprint for Cash to save her.
Trauma ✅
Drama✅
Violence✅
Smexy🔥🔥
HEA❤️❤️
Haven - she left town, only to come back year later and become the librarian in the towns library, the town where she was shunned by her family and the church that tried to break her. She didn’t have friends, but she would survive that…until one day she marched across the street and grabbed Cash Kincaid and planted a kiss..on..his..mouth. What was she thinking?
The twist and turns, the push and pull, Cash knew, he just needed to get Haven on board, they’ll help each other out, till the fake relationship became not so fake and it was an all out sprint for Cash to save her.
Trauma ✅
Drama✅
Violence✅
Smexy🔥🔥
HEA❤️❤️
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