Hidden Storms

by Abbey Easton

A disgraced pop star in hiding. A broody bodyguard who refuses to get close. A love that may cost them everything.

Clara King knows the world is obsessed with her. What they don’t understand is that she has spent years carefully crafting her image. But when a security breach at her concert ends in tragedy, that image shatters.

Now the world calls her a monster, and Clara might agree.

With her career hanging by a thread and someone digging into the darkest night of her life, she’s sent to hide in Haven Lake under the protection of Garrison Locke.

The gruff head of security at The Anchorage Resort makes one thing clear from the moment they meet: he’s here to keep Clara alive, not be her friend.

Garrison has spent his entire life keeping people safe. But Clara King is unlike anyone he’s ever worked with. Beneath the fame is a woman carrying more pain than anyone realizes, and suddenly the lines between them blur.

But someone knows the truth about Clara’s past, and they are determined to expose it.

When the storm finally hits, Clara realizes that losing her career would be devastating, but losing Garrison might be worse.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

435 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2026

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25🌟 | 3🌶️

Some love stories feel like a warm hug, and this one wrapped me up from the very first page.

A grumpy bodyguard, a sunshiney pop star, and danger closing in around them? This was exactly my kind of romantic suspense!

Clara is so much more than her celebrity image, and I loved seeing her warmth, resilience, and thoughtful ways of caring for Garrison shine through. Garrison’s protective nature and devotion to his family made him easy to love, especially as Clara slowly drew out his softer side. Their chemistry built naturally, and watching him let down his walls had me smiling and swooning. I also loved how warmly his family welcomed Clara, adding lovely found-family moments.

With its emotional romance, protective hero, intriguing suspense, and plenty of heart, this was such a wonderful read. A few moments brought tears to my eyes, and I was delighted whenever I guessed part of the mystery correctly. Between the danger, emotional stakes, and the way Clara and Garrison became each other’s safe place, there was plenty to keep me invested.

I’m excited to see what comes next for the next couple!

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Abbey Easton and House Of Hearts Lit for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Abbey Easton and House of Hearts for the gifted copy of Hidden Storms. Romantic Suspense is quickly becoming one of my favourite genres, and I enjoyed this one immensely, managing to read it in one sitting. I even managed to tear up quite a few times over both sad and sweet moments.

Clara might be a rich and famous pop star now, but she has a dark past that she’s always running from. When the threats surrounding her intensify, she is sent to a remote retreat for protection until the situation gets under control, but no one expected her to fall for her new bodyguard, Garrison. Despite her past, Clara is sunshiney and does her best to get Garrison to see her as a friend rather than a client, and despite his best efforts, more than a friend. I loved how she cooked for him every night, befriended his sister and tried to protect him from her life even though that’s his job.

I loved Garrison and his entire family. He is clearly a great son and brother, so he has the respect of his whole family which is a green flag! His parents were so lovely and I thought their story, despite its tragic beginning, was beautiful. I am so intrigued about Briar and Ransom, so very excited to see what Garrison’s best friend and sister get up to in their book. 🤭

I’m really proud of myself for having guessed the perpetrators early on into the book, which is very rare for me - my mind was clearly on the ball today.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Storms is a fitting title for this romantic suspense featuring a pop star, Clara, and her bodyguard, Garrison. Clara is transported to the secluded lakeside resort that not only has typical guests, but places for people in danger. Garrison is grumpy and not all that pleased with being assigned to Clara. Someone is after her and he will do everything he can to keep her safe, whether she likes it or not. Unfortunately, until the end, the person after her is unknown to her and the reader.

The pace of the story is good with the relationship between Clara and Garrison growing and each opening up little by little. The romance is front and center and gradual. At one point, I started to wonder about the threats. About then the tension builds as it becomes apparent that the stalker has located her and continues to pose a threat. The twists and suspense kept me reading until the end. I received the ARC for this book through Book Sirens. This review is my honest opinion as a reader of romantic suspense.

[୨ৎ Tiff ୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING! Garrison & Clara were EVERYTHING! I loveeee me some romantic suspense, but this one had me in a chokehold from the very beginning, & I hated having to put it down. if the slow burn romance between Garrison & Clara doesn’t put you in a chokehold, the heavy suspense will.

Garrison & Clara were perfection together, I loved Garrison’s entire family. I’d love to know his parents’ backstory. I apologize if Abbey has already written that, I’m def going back & reading her backlog because the way this book had me hooked should be studied. & that epilogue! it had me kicking my feet & I mean that literally.

・❥ romantic suspense
・❥ he’s her bodyguard
・❥ she’s a famous pop star
・❥ found family
・❥ slow burn
・❥ forced proximity
・❥ grumpy x sunshine
・❥ small town
・❥ duet pov

5★

🫶🏼 thank you Abbey for the gifted copy!

[Brittany Harville · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review from House of Hearts. Thank you and thanks to Abbey Easton. This was such a good read. I love a romantic suspense and this had me guessing till the very end.

Clara is a pop star who went through a traumatic event. Now she needs to go into hiding for her protection from the world until the person who wishes her harm is found.
Garrison is now her bodyguard and head of his security team given the task of going into hiding with Clara to protect her around the clock.

These two both have a dark traumatic past. They learn to lean on each other for healing and learning their own worth.

The connection and push and pull between these two had me on the edge of my seat and pining after their relationship.

First book by this author and can’t wait for book 2!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful read. Clara and Garrison couldn't have been more different or have meet in a good situation, but their development was so pure in such an angst filled situation.

And the spice, it was so damn hawt.

Thank you Abbey and House of Heart for an advanced copy.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had all of my favorite tropes. I recommend reading this book.

🩵Tropes:
🎤 Bodyguard Romance
🎤 Popstar
🎤 Small Town
🎤 Forced Proximity
🎤 Romantic Suspense

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Reading with Dany · Rating 4 out of 5]

•ARC Review• OUT NOW!


📖 Hidden Storms
👑 Abbey Easton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

There’s something quite fascinating about romantic suspense!!!! And I’m HERE for it!

Let me just say, this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I love the suspense, I love them both, and I LOVE the found family! It was SO GOOD! Honestly, I was not expecting that ending! 😭

I was hooked from the very beginning! I absolutely loved the characters’ relationship and how it developed throughout the story. The chemistry, the tension, EVERYTHING! 🥹❤️‍🔥

AND LET’S NOT FORGET… HE’S A BODYGUARD! He’s bigggg 🌚

Big thanks to House of hearts and Abbey for the ARC!

[Vania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Abbey Easton and House of Hearts for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

Clara King is a popstar at the height of her fame, a musician who seemingly has everything: talent, fame, money, adoring fans, stalkers. Everything seems great until one of her stalkers manages to infiltrate her team and causes an incident after one of her concerts. That's more than enough for Clara to cancel her tour and go into hiding while trusted members of her entourage try to figure out who betrayed them.

She escapes to Anchorage, a resort in Havenport, Michigan, that especializes in providing security and privacy to those in need. And tasked with Clara's protection is Anchorage's head of security, Garrison Locke. Garrison is serious, broody, and definitely not Clara's friend. He's there to do a job and isn't too happy about it — being the babysitter of a popstar was not his idea of a good time.

Seeing stoic, broody, protective Garrison melt for Clara King was one of my favorite parts of this book. She's not the spoiled princess he was expecting, and the loneliness his soul recognizes in hers gets through all his barriers, one at a time. The portrayal of Clara's loneliness was one of my favorite parts of this book, and really made my heart ache for her. She was so ready to love and let herself be fully loved, not only the shiny parts she allowed everyone to see. Garrison's loneliness was by choice, which made Clara's breaking of his walls even more satisfying.

I loved the secondary characters and the hints we got at their stories. I can't wait! Briar and Jensen were my favorites, but there was a little something intriguing about all of them. The backstory of both Clara and Garrison was also well done, with it all tying together at the end.

The suspense was extremely well done. I guessed part of the ending, but not all of it. I loved that Clara was in real danger and it was shown on the pages. The villain wasn't just some phantom danger that's talked about but never manifests. He's relentless in her pursuit of her, and drives Garrison and his team up the wall because they have no idea who could have access to sensitive information about Clara's whereabouts.

Hidden Storms is a well-crafted and emotional slow burn, full of tension, well-developed characters, genuine dialogue, and human connection. It was my first book by Abbey Easton, but it certainly won't be the last. If you like romantic suspense and are a fan of Catherine Cowles and Samantha Young, I'm sure you will love this!

[Corinne Trueblood · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Hidden storms by Abbey Easton definitely surprised me. I wasn’t sure if I was going to love the book, but I wanted to give it a shot and loved the sound of a pop star/bodyguard trope.

Clara King is a famous singer who travels the world on tour and loves performing… little did everybody know, she’s carrying a huge secret from her dark past. She’s dealt with a few stalkers and now it seems somebody has figured out her secret. Other people keep getting hurt. She is sent away to Haven Lake to get out of the spotlight, recharge and be kept safe since this stalker has taken things to the next level and hurt other people. Here enters Garrison Locke.

Garrison Locke is the protector, the oldest brother and the one who so terrified of opening up and failing at keeping everybody safe. He keeps Clara at arms length for weeks trying to maintain a professional relationship. Unfortunately while keeping her physically safe, she begins getting emails and pictures about her past that weigh on her mentally. Garrison and Clara keep getting closer and the level of suspense keeps growing. In this book, I loved the way Garrison could feel Clara’s loneliness and pain and went out of his way to bring some light back into her eyes and understand her. She opened up to him and in turn he shows her the most vulnerable part of himself as well. Their love was hard to begin but easy to fall into and continue. I felt honestly that some things were too drug out and there was a little bit of filler, but I think it was well paced and played out well, with little drama moments leading to the big reveal. It definitely kept me interested , just found that at times the book should’ve hurried an action along or added things in and taken other things out. Overall is was a good read and I would definitely read it again, just was a little long for what the story was.

I would also like to thank House of Hearts and Abbey Easton for this advanced copy 🫶🏻

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

💧Contemporary
💧Romantic suspense
💧Small town
💧Tragic/Dark past
💧Pop Star x Bodyguard
💧Forced Proximity
💧Grumpy x Sunshine (with a twist)
💧Celebrity in Hiding / Secret Identity
💧He falls first
💧Touch her and die
💧Slow burn
💧Hurt/Comfort
💧Found family

I’m officially obsessed. Abbey Easton completely knocked it out of the park with Hidden Storms. If you love romantic suspense with a protective hero who will literally burn the world down before letting anything happen to the woman he loves, you need to drop everything and read this book immediately.

Garrison Locke is a grumpy, protective hero. He tries so hard to be this stoic, emotionless wall of professional security and professionalism, but watching him slowly lose his control and heart for Clara was everything. Can we talk about the fact that this big, dangerous, terrifying man has a total weakness for her baking? It’s the cutest, most wholesome contrast to his whole "touch her and die" and protector vibe. The protective energy in this book is off the charts. Clara is such a fantastic heroine. She’s going through a lot after a massive career crisis and dealing with a terrifying stalker situation, but she’s still so resilient, fierce, and full of heart. The forced proximity at the secluded lake house created the most delicious, agonizing slow burn. The chemistry between them is tangible.

I also really loved Haven Lake as the small-town setting. It gave the story this cozy, found family safety net that balanced out perfectly the darker, high-stakes suspense. It’s emotional, gripping, and the romance is pure perfection. I'm already desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series!

[Katey Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Pop star x Bodyguard
-Forced Proximity
-Small Town
-Romantic Suspense
-Found Family
-Slow Burn

This is the first book I have read of Abbey’s and I absolutely devoured it. I could not read this book fast enough. I loved the plot with the mix of romance and suspense. This book definitely had me second guessing who was behind all the chaos happening to Clara. I also hate the trauma that both Garrison and Clara endured in the past, but I loved watching them connect over it and slow heal each other.

Garrison has so much past trauma that he has become guarded. His sole purpose in life is to want to protect everyone he loves. That clearly trickles into his job since he is a body guard for famous people. Garrison does not let many people in and he does not show much expression. But from the moment he meets Clara, you can tell everything shifts.

Clara is such a strong, brave woman. She does have trauma that keeps happening to her and triggering her. But she will do anything to protect herself. She is not afraid to handle things on her own. She is very guarded and has select people she trusts. But once she meets Garrison and his family, things start to shift.

The found family aspect in this book is incredible. The Locke family truly is a family who protects their own. As soon as they meet Clara, it’s game over. It’s incredible to see how protective everyone is in this book.

Thank you to the author and agency for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next book!

[KatheaLoves2ReadwithLuca · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! Yes, please! Can't wait for book 2, and book 1 hasn't even released yet!

If you know me at all you know my favorite genre to read is romantic suspense. When I find new romantic suspense authors I am so happy. Abbey Easton's work will 100% be on my auto buy list. Hidden Storms I read in three days only because my life is insanely busy this month. Typically, I'd have had it finished in a day. It was a book I did not want to put down.

I loved Clara, and could relate to her with childhood trauma. I felt all the emotions of what she carried in this story. I felt the grief, fear, emotional angst, and that feeling of not knowing who to rely on. I could feel the walls of protection she fortified around herself. I cheered, as well as related with her as found family wrapped her in love.

I had my notes of suspicion of who she could not trust, and it definitely had a twist I didn't see coming...actually a couple of things had me saying, WHAT!?

Let's talk about Garrison, oh strong, trauma gutted Garrison. Mr. Protect her at all cost, and feel it all if he fails, Garrison. The protect her vibe was delivered in Hidden Storms. Garrison has an intensity about him that creates a bit of a hard shell, but he is a big love bug underneath that hard shell.

The build up of their relationship was paced exceptionally well. I could not give this a rating lower than 5 stars. I loved everything about it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disgraced pop star hiding from the world + a broody bodyguard determined to keep things professional?! Yeahhhh… I was seated. 👀🔥

Hidden Storms gave me that perfect combination of romance, suspense, emotion, and tension that kept me turning the pages. Clara King’s entire world comes crashing down after tragedy strikes at one of her concerts, leaving her career—and her carefully constructed public image—in pieces. When she’s sent into hiding at Haven Lake, Garrison Locke becomes the man standing between her and whoever is determined to uncover her past.

And GARRISON. 😮‍💨

Broody. Protective. Gruff. Completely determined NOT to get emotionally involved with the woman he’s supposed to protect. We all know how well that usually works. 😂

What I loved most was getting to see the woman underneath Clara’s celebrity persona. There was so much more pain, guilt, and vulnerability beneath the image the public thought they knew. Watching Garrison slowly recognize that—and watching those walls between them start coming down—made their relationship so satisfying.

The suspense running through the story added another layer that kept me wondering when everything was finally going to explode. And when you combine danger, forced proximity, a protective bodyguard, emotional healing, and that delicious “I’m supposed to protect you, NOT fall for you” energy?! YES PLEASE. 🙌🏻

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pop star, Clara King has some obsessed fans. She tries to live her life privately and keeps only a few close to her. Someone breached her security and has hurt her fans. Her world falls apart. Whoever hurt her fans at her concert knows about her horrible past. She goes into hiding until they found whoever is threatening and stalking her.
She meets Garrison Locke, her brooding bodyguard. He’s hard, cold and handsome. He never smiles. He and his family are the best in the business. Will Clara be able to heal? Will Garrison be able to keep her safe? Can his family? Someone has found her. How ? Who? She must have a leak somewhere. Will they finally find whoever is trying to hurt her? Garrison feels like he let her down. Not only that but their feelings have blossomed into something besides client/bodyguard. Can he put his feelings aside to protect her? This book has twists and turns. It was hard to put it down. The characters are wonderful. They both need to learn to trust. They came from horrible childhood with abusive fathers. Can they let the past go so they can move forward with their futures? They deserve HEA. Will they get it? I received this book from Booksiren for my honest review. I give it voluntarily. Worth the read.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven Lake: Garrison & Clara

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Okay... I really enjoyed this one!
There’s suspense, danger, childhood trauma, secrets, and plenty of found-family vibes, which is always a win for me.

Garrison is your typical grumpy, closed-off hero, but underneath all those walls is a man carrying plenty of his own baggage.
I really liked Clara too. I loved watching her settle into Haven Lake and start finding people she could actually trust.

And the secondary characters?
Loved Briar! The way she bonded with Clara so easily so good, and I definitely saw the Ransom situation coming a mile away, but I’m already looking forward to their story. I also really enjoy the little connections to Ember Hollow. Give me interconnected worlds and familiar faces popping up and I’m happy. The only thing that would make it better would be having them in the story fully.

Now… that twist… some of it I suspected, but there were definitely parts that caught me completely off guard! Way to keep us guessing!
Overall, a great mix of suspense, romance, found family and secrets, with a grumpy hero who slowly lets his walls down. Definitely one I’d recommend if you like your romance with a little danger thrown in.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Hidden Storms and what an amazing read it was!!😆😆


I soon grew a strong connection to our FMC,
Clara as she is portrayed as a strong, brave, determined character as Abbey expertly writes her past trauma to make Hidden Dreams not only an emotional read, but so we can see Clara’s growth and development.❤️

Garrison, our MMC is the definition of a green flag,😩🫶🏽the prince everyone dreams of. Garrison’s devotion and unconditional love and protection for Clara, even when she was just a client is one of my favourite parts of this book, demonstrating how important support can be when healing.❤️‍🩹

Overall, Hidden Dreams is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, covering themes of suspense, friendship, healing and love. Another thing I absolutely adored about this book is the setting Abbey illustrated. It honestly felt like a holiday reading this book and my only problem with this is that it isn’t longer!!😩😩

Garrison and Clara are both characters I’ll forever keep in my heart, the pain they both endured and still remained the most beautiful characters I’ve read is amazing and it felt like I was there every step of the way, 5⭐️ again and again!! Can’t wait for the next book in this series❤️❤️

[Phylicia♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.25 out of 5 stars.

When pop star Clara finds herself in need of protection, she’s sent to a lakeside resort where she’s assigned a bodyguard named Garrison. This man is all business and GRUMPY. His family owns the resort and uses part of it to help people who need protection.

With the two stuck in forced proximity, Clara becomes intrigued by this handsome, emotionally unavailable recluse of a bodyguard. As she slowly starts to break down his walls, they begin uncovering more about each other and their dark, emotional pasts. Especially Clara’s, which is tied to the reason she needs protection in the first place. You might want to check the trigger warnings before jumping in!

I LOVED Garrison’s protective nature. I did feel like things went a little too quickly from him being standoffish to taking her hand and warming up, but aside from that, this romantic suspense DELIVERED. 👏🏼 I just found myself a new favorite author! If you’re a fan of Catherine Cowles, you NEED to check out Abbey Easton!

Thank you to author Abbey Easton for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Abbey Easton and the first in the Haven Lake Romance series!

Her romantic suspense is always reach in twists, steam, connection, healing, and a love that brings it all together.

Clara lives a painfully lonely live behind her pop star facade. Her past is heartbreaking but she has done everything to keep it hidden and stay safe until it starts to bleed in and she can taste the fear again. She is sent to Anchorage under the care of a Garrison (he is a bodyguard) who is going to protect and secure her until the threats are dealt with,

She is the sunshine to his brooding soul. Though he made it clear that the relationship is only professional, his family welcomes her, her demeanor, and the loneliness that mirrors his just bind them together. He falls and it is the kind of OTT protective kind of love for her while she just wants a regular life.

Now, the suspense was so well crafted, it took me a minute to get who was trying to hurt her, and it was just a twist after another that it jusst kept the pace of the book so great.

Now we have to wait for the next couple (so hoping for a story for Briar)

[Mg Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbey Easton delivers a deeply emotional, masterfully crafted slow-burn romance in Hidden Storm. From the very first chapter, the tangible tension and complex layers of the story pulled me right in.The book brilliantly weaves together past and present drama, slowly unraveling a mystery that keeps you guessing. The plot twist was fantastic—completely unexpected yet perfectly set up.What truly stands out are the interesting, deeply flawed characters. Both protagonists carry immense baggage, dealing with severe trust issues rooted in past physical and emotional abuse. Easton handles these heavy, sensitive themes with a lot of care and realism. Watching the characters navigate their trauma while slowly learning to lower their guards around each other made the slow-burn romance incredibly rewarding.If you love a romantic suspense with high emotional stakes, deep character growth, and a plot that keeps you on your toes, I highly recommend picking this one up.
I received a advance reader's copy from Author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Storms brings together 2 souls with a dark past that haunts their every waking moment. The grumpy, stoic bodyguard who keeps everyone at a distance & the whimsical singer who hides behind her persona, never letting her true self out.

This might have been a tried formula, but something about these two pulls you in slowly. You long to get Garrison to smile & cross your fingers for him to let Clara in. You want to wrap Clara in a warm hug & give her the love she has been yearning for.

The Locke family does just that, & you can’t help but love the family who bring warmth, laughter, banter, support & many different dynamics, making it all that much more fun to read.

When this couple finally gives in, the beauty leaves you smiling wide. The constant danger throughout has you curious & wondering who it could be, & the twist you didn’t see coming has you holding your breath while breaking your heart for Clara.

Looking for a romantic suspense that lulls you in with a damaged couple, danger consistently looming & a family you will love? Look no further.

[Ashley Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to House of Hearts and Abbey Easton for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest and authentic review - All opinions are my own.*

I AM OBSESSED!!

Abbey may be my new favourite romantic suspense author!! She did such an excellent job at setting the scene, keeping me so intrigued, forgoing sleep to find out what was happening, and my heart just loved this couple, family, and apparently Michigan again.

(Having gone to college in Michigan it was fun to know abouts the setting of this book! )

The romantic suspense was executed really well and even though I had some suspicions that panned out- I did not see those final reveals coming at all!!

I loved both of our main characters- Clara & Garrison, flaws and all- especially how they found comfort and healing in each other!
This love story was beautiful and I hope they both have active roles in the books to come!

Which frankly, every time we met another family member I celebrated- hoping it meant another book in the series!!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book had me riveted. There was a great, consistent sprinkling of action, and I loved the slow burn relationship between Clara and Garrison. They formed a friendship and respect for one another before anything romantic ever happened. Unfortunately, the pace of the plot significantly slowed after the first half of the novel and never really picked back up. Some of the twists were also quite predictable.

However, I still enjoyed the relationship side of things. There was a lot of emotional depth and growth on behalf of both of the main characters. Garrison, in particular, was a grounded, solid lead. I loved his protective, alpha male nature and how willing he was to sacrifice for Clara. I also appreciated the very sweet and supportive secondary cast and that there wasn't too much focus on Clara's stardom and celebrity lifestyle.

Overall, this was a dramatic, decently suspenseful romance with themes of family, forgiveness, and finding yourself. I highly recommend it. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Dan reads books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a major fan of the romantic suspense genre (that’s exponentially growing and I’m static about it) I knew this one it was going to be an intense but satisfying ride and it was!

Just the opening scene set us in an shocking and disturbing moment that set the tune for the rest of the book were we were involved in a mysterious attack and an imminent threat who got us as a readers in maximum alert the whole book.

As for the romance part I really liked the dynamic between Clara and Garrison, more than anything these two have a lot of similarities and so much healing to do and it almost felt like they were two side of the same coin. The healing they do together was heartwarming to read, that type of intimacy and understanding is so deeply rooted into their relationship that It’s impossible not to root for them.

And isn’t just that but the chemistry these two has going on is amazing and yes, we have the trope singer/bodyguard in it’s glorious form and with all the addictive and headed moments that comes with it!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Storms is my first taste of Abbey Easton's work and I have to say that I was happily surprised.

I liked Clara. Here was this successful musician who was so thoughtful and kind and struggling because of the actions of someone with ill intentions. Which is exactly how she meets Garrison. The beyond broody bodyguard with a chip on his shoulder.

Somewhere between the braids, dinners and bullets flying, he started to let himself see something else in Clara. Something he wanted even if it was a terrible idea. Good thing she was brave enough to jump for the both of them.

I will say that I guessed fairly quickly who was behind the threats, BUT I missed the other half of the mystery. And when it was revealed, my jaw was on the floor. I couldn't read fast enough to see just how everything would play out. Whew! Talk about a whirlwind. Clara and Garrison's forced proximity romance was dangerous and tender at the same time. And that little seed at the end has me eager to get back to this family and see just what the fallout will be!

[Krisztina Imbre · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thanks to Abbey Easton and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

Another great romantic suspense with a famous pop star and bodyguard filled with emotions and suspense. Loved it, loved it.

Clara had all her life crafting her image to perfection as being a famous pop star, and knew how important this was to her, but one day a security breach at her concert ends in tragedy, and her image that she built crumbled very fast. As her career was hanging by a thread and someone was digging into the darkest night of her life, she’s sent to hide in Haven Lake under the protection of the Garrison, our MMC.

He only wanted to see her as just a client, but fate had other plans. Clara showed him that she is not a spoiled pop star, but a woman who endured a lot and has a pure heart. I loved how their story unfolded between pages. And don't get me started on the romantic suspense element. I loved it that I had no clue who was behind all the threat that Clara received.

All in all, this story was a tumultuous love story with suspense and loveable characters.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this first in series story
This is book 1 of the Haven Lake series and it’s the oldest Locke son’s story.
Garrison and his family provide protection on their property at Haven Lake for those that require it.
Someone is out to harm pop star Clara personally and professionally and Garrison has been hired to watch over Clara at The Anchorage Resort.
There was so much to love in this story it had me hooked from the first chapter - the danger, mystery, slow burn, romantic suspense, found family and betrayal had me happily reading along to the conclusion.
The characters were complex, had tragic moments in their lives but were vulnerable and loveable plus Garrison’s family were amazing, enhancing the story.
I also enjoyed not being able to work out just who was doing this to Clara.
Well done Abbey, I’m looking forward to reading Briar and Ransom’s story next.
Thank you Abbey Easton and House of Hearts for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and Garrison's story kept me spellbound. Their chemistry, the intensity of the plot, Garrison's family and his past, not to mention Clara's past and her current situation, fill the pages with so much emotion and intrigue that you're completely drawn in and kept on the edge of your seat.

The author does a brilliant job of balancing it all so that no part of the story overpowers another. Instead, everything comes together seamlessly, with the intensity continuing to build throughout the book.

I loved Clara and Garrison as a couple. Both have been damaged by their pasts, but Clara shares her music with the world while Garrison continues protecting others. Once they give their attraction the space to grow, they become a truly wonderful couple.

I especially loved how the author gives them their HEA while still leaving readers eagerly hanging on for the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mallory Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!! The suspense😱😱
secrets and found family…is always a win!!!

I love how Garrison was soo protective over Clara..loved the way he opened up to her about all his scars he was carrying..I could tell in the beginning he was really gonna care for her!

I absolutely loved Clara…she was such a brave and down to earth FMC!! I love how she settled in Haven Lake…and connected with Garrison’s family!!

The other characters that caught my attention was Briar and Ransom!!! Love how Briar connected with Clara soo quickly…love how their friendship connected soo easily!!

Ransom and Briar…I saw their situation from the very beginning of the book!! Soo ready for their story!! Loved them instantly!!

Thank you soo much Abbey Easton for the ARC!! Looking forward to reading more from you♥️

[Erin Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC from the author.

This story was good and was about a popstar, Clara, who needs to get away from the spotlight for a while. In walks Garrison (what a name) we her new bodyguard. I liked them together and they had a believable relationship.

The bodyguard/popstar trope is one I like but there was just a lot of extra baggage going on. Clara has issues with her dad growing up (which is fine but it seemed like a lot) and then Garrison also had issues growing up.

I felt like this book would have been fine with one or two additional traumas, but the traumas kept piling up and it was hard to follow towards the end.

I did like the ending, however I felt that Clara was far too easy to forgive. She went through so much and ended up being mildly ok with it all? Absolutely not