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Safe Haven #1
Safe Haven
Nothing in Phoenix’s life ever went right. He never knew where his next meal would come from or if he would be safe going home at night. Desperate to escape, he trusts the wrong person. A different kind of evil wrapped in hope led him into the claws of a prison he might not survive.
Gryphon took a chance on a new life and ended up a captive. To his shock, he wasn’t alone. Twenty boys experimented on physically and mentally, few would ever see the light of day again.
A family forged in the fires of hell. Escape came, but at the price of losing more of themselves than they realized. They must depend on each other and new friends. No-one is expecting to find love, but love may find them anyway.
Their mission is clear: Find the people who did this to them and destroy them.
But some missions aren't always so cut and dry...
Gryphon took a chance on a new life and ended up a captive. To his shock, he wasn’t alone. Twenty boys experimented on physically and mentally, few would ever see the light of day again.
A family forged in the fires of hell. Escape came, but at the price of losing more of themselves than they realized. They must depend on each other and new friends. No-one is expecting to find love, but love may find them anyway.
Their mission is clear: Find the people who did this to them and destroy them.
But some missions aren't always so cut and dry...
170 pages, ebook
First published January 12, 2016
34 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 5, 2016
Also I’m not into paranormal, the blurb and the story concept looked interesting and it’s a KU, so I gave it a try. An entertaining surprise, and I like to be surprised.
A group of teenagers, sharing similar horrific childhood, were captured, experimented and tortured by a mysterious organization. Once they were able to escape, they decided to dedicate their lives in helping other children as well as seeking revenge.
In this first book, you get a glimpse of the hell these young men went through and while seeking for answers, you get to see how the bond between Nix and Gryph, 2 of these survivors, develops from friends to lovers.
What I liked : sexual tension, a steamy romance, poignant and heartfelt moments, emotion, mystery and suspense, strong and likable MCs and secondary characters, a sense of brotherhood.
However, there were also editing errors, some unrealistic and eye-rolling moments due to the immediacy of feelings. And a lot of questions left unanswered…something to be expected in a series : I just hope that it will not drag on too long in the next books and that it won’t take ages to get the next installments.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and want to see where the story will go. Jumping right away, but with caution, to book 2.
A group of teenagers, sharing similar horrific childhood, were captured, experimented and tortured by a mysterious organization. Once they were able to escape, they decided to dedicate their lives in helping other children as well as seeking revenge.
In this first book, you get a glimpse of the hell these young men went through and while seeking for answers, you get to see how the bond between Nix and Gryph, 2 of these survivors, develops from friends to lovers.
What I liked : sexual tension, a steamy romance, poignant and heartfelt moments, emotion, mystery and suspense, strong and likable MCs and secondary characters, a sense of brotherhood.
However, there were also editing errors, some unrealistic and eye-rolling moments due to the immediacy of feelings. And a lot of questions left unanswered…something to be expected in a series : I just hope that it will not drag on too long in the next books and that it won’t take ages to get the next installments.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and want to see where the story will go. Jumping right away, but with caution, to book 2.
July 21, 2017
A group of boy escape a horrific stay where they are tortured and tested against their will once they escape they commit their lives to finding out who was behind the abuse and how can they rescue other needy children from the same fate! There is romance and a few sexy times and an intriguing plot!
While the concept is unique the execution wasn't all it could have been. The dialogue was choppy and had a lot of filler which is why I gave Safe Haven a 3 and not a 4-star review! This is probably one of the best M/M romances I have ever read though and I was totally sold on the main relationship in the book!! I cannot wait to see more of their romance in the rest of the series!
All the boys have gone through a horrific ordeal after experiencing a terrible childhood and it makes the happy moments, breakthroughs and love that much more special! I am seriously hoping all these guys get a happy ending by the end of the series!
I would have loved some more information on The Institute (where the boys were experimented on) like their motive and what they were trying to accomplish! Hopefully, we will get more background in book two! The mystery of The Institution had me eating up this book and I finished it in less than a day!
While the concept is unique the execution wasn't all it could have been. The dialogue was choppy and had a lot of filler which is why I gave Safe Haven a 3 and not a 4-star review! This is probably one of the best M/M romances I have ever read though and I was totally sold on the main relationship in the book!! I cannot wait to see more of their romance in the rest of the series!
All the boys have gone through a horrific ordeal after experiencing a terrible childhood and it makes the happy moments, breakthroughs and love that much more special! I am seriously hoping all these guys get a happy ending by the end of the series!
I would have loved some more information on The Institute (where the boys were experimented on) like their motive and what they were trying to accomplish! Hopefully, we will get more background in book two! The mystery of The Institution had me eating up this book and I finished it in less than a day!
January 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
I loved the synopsis for this one. Made me buy the book. Ultimately, that's why I have the extra 1/2 star. The story idea is unique and had me wanting to hurry and read more. This group of young men has been tortured and tampered with for most of their adult lives to this point. I like the mystery over what was going on and why an organization would be studying them. It's also unusual that all the survivors are gay.
My issue was with the pacing. It dragged so much in some places and there is a LOT of choppy dialogue. I didn't get the relationship between Nix and Gryph as anything more that best friends. Then all of a sudden they were lovers proclaiming their love to one another. The romance was steamy but I didn't feel connected to their feelings for one another. That said, there are some very poignant moments and no bones about it, these misfits have had horrible lives up to this point. You can't help but feel for them.
The story intrigues me. I want to see where the author goes with it. Book 2 is worth looking at before giving up on the whole series.
I loved the synopsis for this one. Made me buy the book. Ultimately, that's why I have the extra 1/2 star. The story idea is unique and had me wanting to hurry and read more. This group of young men has been tortured and tampered with for most of their adult lives to this point. I like the mystery over what was going on and why an organization would be studying them. It's also unusual that all the survivors are gay.
My issue was with the pacing. It dragged so much in some places and there is a LOT of choppy dialogue. I didn't get the relationship between Nix and Gryph as anything more that best friends. Then all of a sudden they were lovers proclaiming their love to one another. The romance was steamy but I didn't feel connected to their feelings for one another. That said, there are some very poignant moments and no bones about it, these misfits have had horrible lives up to this point. You can't help but feel for them.
The story intrigues me. I want to see where the author goes with it. Book 2 is worth looking at before giving up on the whole series.
June 20, 2016
yeah... okay, the story was actually really good - creative plot about a bunch of young men basically kidnapped and tortured and experimented upon who get their revenge. The writing though was so sub par it distracted from the whole experience. I wanted so badly to love this book but I just couldn't get past the dire need for an editor. So awkward. What a shame.
December 27, 2015
You can run, but can you hide?
Not everyone gets a great start in life... this story is about a team of eight with an awful start. There is good news though, they are helping others have better lives and are after those who hurt them. Between the sexual tension and nightmares they are making progress, the lack of sleep can make times difficult though. If you like honest, angry, scared characters with lots of muscles this book is for you! And now a bit about the story...
AJ works two jobs and goes to high school to support his mom. She is a lazy ungrateful piece of trash, but AJ continues... he has hopes of graduating soon and escaping to a good life. Until his mom's boyfriend jumps him again. This time AJ has the upper hand with a piece of concrete in his hand and knocks the man unconscious. Fearing what will happen next, AJ takes advantage of an offer from his principal, to escape early. From one Hell to the next... will he ever survive?
Favorite passages:
- “We are not our past, we are what we make of our tomorrows!”
- Luck was on their side. When they reached the bottom, both men were busy looking busy.
- This wasn’t how it was supposed to go down but as they had discovered, life rarely did.
Not everyone gets a great start in life... this story is about a team of eight with an awful start. There is good news though, they are helping others have better lives and are after those who hurt them. Between the sexual tension and nightmares they are making progress, the lack of sleep can make times difficult though. If you like honest, angry, scared characters with lots of muscles this book is for you! And now a bit about the story...
AJ works two jobs and goes to high school to support his mom. She is a lazy ungrateful piece of trash, but AJ continues... he has hopes of graduating soon and escaping to a good life. Until his mom's boyfriend jumps him again. This time AJ has the upper hand with a piece of concrete in his hand and knocks the man unconscious. Fearing what will happen next, AJ takes advantage of an offer from his principal, to escape early. From one Hell to the next... will he ever survive?
Favorite passages:
- “We are not our past, we are what we make of our tomorrows!”
- Luck was on their side. When they reached the bottom, both men were busy looking busy.
- This wasn’t how it was supposed to go down but as they had discovered, life rarely did.
December 7, 2015
Safe Haven was a great debut novel for Sheri Lyn. It is a great opening to a series full of passion and mystery. She has spun a great tale with a lot of potential. I loved the characters and the connection they have. I love the mystery that we have to solve about the lives the "boys" have lead. Looking forward to enjoying the story unfold with the series!
December 21, 2015
What an amazing start to a series! I can't wait to read more.
Fall in love with these "throw away kids" and feel their emotions with them. See how they take a crappy past and use it to become better adults.
This book brings to life a whole set of characters to fall for and root for. I want to adopt them all too and watch them find their happiness.
Fall in love with these "throw away kids" and feel their emotions with them. See how they take a crappy past and use it to become better adults.
This book brings to life a whole set of characters to fall for and root for. I want to adopt them all too and watch them find their happiness.
December 25, 2015
This was an extremely well written book that I enjoyed from the moment that I picked it up. It moved along at a fantastic pace, has characters that will grab you and that you cannot help but fall in love with and a story that will keep you interested and entertained from beginning to end. This has got to be read, there is no doubt about it.
March 14, 2017
Fantastic Read
Sinister and full of suspense. A well written foray into conspiracy and the torture and murder of innocents. Add hot guys dealing with their survival of their time in the "Institute", true love and a little psychic abilities. Makes for a truly fantastic read.
Sinister and full of suspense. A well written foray into conspiracy and the torture and murder of innocents. Add hot guys dealing with their survival of their time in the "Institute", true love and a little psychic abilities. Makes for a truly fantastic read.
May 29, 2017
1.5 stars
I feel robbed. I was trying to find a book that would fit a Bingo category and a Hottest Sex Scene Monopoly roll and did a search in the book. The sex scene I read was really hot so I read the book.
It was the only sex scene. It was the only good part of the book.
Telling telling telling
Even if he ran, social services would go to his home, talk to his teachers, and eventually find and remove him. As mandated reporters, every one of his teachers and school staff would be required by law to report the abuse and neglect or risk going to jail. Someone would report it and I think most would because if someone does then they'd all be brought to the carpet.
The dialog is completely unrealistic. The characters basically monologue at each other. They also don't talk like people talk but like the narration of a book. It's incredibly stiff.
Why would the stranger bother working on Griffin for months rather than just taking him if he eventually drugged him anyway?
What was the point of the institute?
Just say yes to paragraph breaks.
So black and white and extreme. Everyone is either totally evil or totally wonderful.
Foster parents can't get away with doing all that even just for money. Even horrible social workers have to stop by now and then and would be aware of a dead boy not to mention the kids not going to school. Evil foster parents are a bit more subtle and much less common than found in books. Some of us are kind of okay.
Gryph doesn't talk like someone who didn't finish high school. "Then we are in agreement. " " {He] felt intimidated we were bettering ourselves."
42% before first hint of something more then platonic feelings and yet we later find out that everyone knew they were in love but them?
60% of the way through and now we find out ?
They already know what's up with Odin and Kylen and it's obvious anyway.
That sex was pretty hot. The chemistry isn't there elsewhere but the sex is hot.
They go on and on and on and on and on and on about them all being brothers, including with the guy they just met who is kind of a fated mate to one of them. It's creepy that they're calling them all brothers and sons when they're all in love with at least one of the others.
They're talked about and act like they're really young, maybe college age at the most, but the youngest is 30 and Nix is several years older, 35.
You know it's a bad book for me when I just want it to be over and hope that the danger in the climactic scene doesn't end up with a main character hurt thereby giving me a hospital scene. I live for bedside vigils. But I just didn't care enough. Even with books that are not great and I give 2 stars, I'm drawn to the next in the series to see what happens. Sorry, here I just don't care.
1.5 stars rounded up because that one sex scene was good
I feel robbed. I was trying to find a book that would fit a Bingo category and a Hottest Sex Scene Monopoly roll and did a search in the book. The sex scene I read was really hot so I read the book.
It was the only sex scene. It was the only good part of the book.
Telling telling telling
Even if he ran, social services would go to his home, talk to his teachers, and eventually find and remove him. As mandated reporters, every one of his teachers and school staff would be required by law to report the abuse and neglect or risk going to jail. Someone would report it and I think most would because if someone does then they'd all be brought to the carpet.
The dialog is completely unrealistic. The characters basically monologue at each other. They also don't talk like people talk but like the narration of a book. It's incredibly stiff.
Why would the stranger bother working on Griffin for months rather than just taking him if he eventually drugged him anyway?
What was the point of the institute?
Just say yes to paragraph breaks.
So black and white and extreme. Everyone is either totally evil or totally wonderful.
Foster parents can't get away with doing all that even just for money. Even horrible social workers have to stop by now and then and would be aware of a dead boy not to mention the kids not going to school. Evil foster parents are a bit more subtle and much less common than found in books. Some of us are kind of okay.
Gryph doesn't talk like someone who didn't finish high school. "Then we are in agreement. " " {He] felt intimidated we were bettering ourselves."
42% before first hint of something more then platonic feelings and yet we later find out that everyone knew they were in love but them?
60% of the way through and now we find out ?
They already know what's up with Odin and Kylen and it's obvious anyway.
That sex was pretty hot. The chemistry isn't there elsewhere but the sex is hot.
They go on and on and on and on and on and on about them all being brothers, including with the guy they just met who is kind of a fated mate to one of them. It's creepy that they're calling them all brothers and sons when they're all in love with at least one of the others.
They're talked about and act like they're really young, maybe college age at the most, but the youngest is 30 and Nix is several years older, 35.
You know it's a bad book for me when I just want it to be over and hope that the danger in the climactic scene doesn't end up with a main character hurt thereby giving me a hospital scene. I live for bedside vigils. But I just didn't care enough. Even with books that are not great and I give 2 stars, I'm drawn to the next in the series to see what happens. Sorry, here I just don't care.
1.5 stars rounded up because that one sex scene was good
January 11, 2016
A group of men were kept, tortured and experimented on as children and now they are trying to stop it from happening again.
Nix was abused as a child. Right before he graduated high school his principal called him to the office and asked if he wanted to get out and see the world, what he didn't expect was the experiments but in the hell they were in, the ones left became brothers.
Gryph was bounced from foster home to foster home until he was brought to the same place. The experiments were horrendous and they all still have nightmares. Gryph and Nix have been best friends since the moment they met. Neither expected to fall in love but they can't hide their feelings anymore.
Now they have returned to Nix's hometown and find more questions than answers and help from an old teacher of Nix's. They have added to their family and hopefully will find a way to stop these monsters.
At first I was slightly confused. It took a little bit to get into it but once I did I couldn't put it down.
*RECEIVED A COPY FROM AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEW*
Nix was abused as a child. Right before he graduated high school his principal called him to the office and asked if he wanted to get out and see the world, what he didn't expect was the experiments but in the hell they were in, the ones left became brothers.
Gryph was bounced from foster home to foster home until he was brought to the same place. The experiments were horrendous and they all still have nightmares. Gryph and Nix have been best friends since the moment they met. Neither expected to fall in love but they can't hide their feelings anymore.
Now they have returned to Nix's hometown and find more questions than answers and help from an old teacher of Nix's. They have added to their family and hopefully will find a way to stop these monsters.
At first I was slightly confused. It took a little bit to get into it but once I did I couldn't put it down.
*RECEIVED A COPY FROM AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEW*
January 3, 2016
OH MY GOODNESS! This book is honestly probably one of the best M/M I've read in like FOREVER!! Once you pick this one up you won't put it down.
Phoenix aka Nix and Gryphon have survived living in hell. After escaping the "institution" the group of 8 men are looking for revenge. When clues lead these two back to Nix's home town, the past catches up to Nix and secrets are revealed about his childhood. But Gryphon won't let Nix face his ghosts without him taking his back, even if it means keeping his love for his best friend to himself.
The bond between this group of 8 men is so amazing. Each one is there for the others when their past comes back to haunt them at night. Josh is such an amazing side character and basically brings the love and acceptance each of these men have missed out on growing up. Can't wait to read the next book, I will definitely keep my eye open for more of this series!
Phoenix aka Nix and Gryphon have survived living in hell. After escaping the "institution" the group of 8 men are looking for revenge. When clues lead these two back to Nix's home town, the past catches up to Nix and secrets are revealed about his childhood. But Gryphon won't let Nix face his ghosts without him taking his back, even if it means keeping his love for his best friend to himself.
The bond between this group of 8 men is so amazing. Each one is there for the others when their past comes back to haunt them at night. Josh is such an amazing side character and basically brings the love and acceptance each of these men have missed out on growing up. Can't wait to read the next book, I will definitely keep my eye open for more of this series!
January 11, 2016
It is extremely hard to believe that this is a debut and not the work of somone who has written and published hundreds of books. . This story is so well written I could not put it down the attention to detail is incredible. .. The hell that the boys who are now men barely survived broke my heart ... I found myself sobbing when one of them gave details about themselves, their nightmares & experiences and cheering when they had a breakthrough or even a genuine smile or heartfelt moment... I absolutely cannot wait for the next book...dying to find out who the hell is behind this evil and to see if all the men can find their own happiness in someone. ...
January 6, 2016
Holy cow! I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning. Suspense with a touch of something else that just draws you in. We get a glimpse of the horrors Gryph and Nix experienced I the past, now they and their brothers are after those who captured and tortured them. The mystery of who is the Recruiter and how to bring him and his organization down is just amazing. This is a great start to the series and I can not wait for more.
uhm
February 11, 2016Uhm...what's up with the matching cover and the blurb? Looking at the cover,I'd expect sweet story about sexy librarian and some model perhaps,but the blurb promises all kinds of abuse o.O . Talk about don't judge the book by its cover...or in my case,don't buy a book because of its cover. And I really,really liked it - it would make my shelf look so much prettier.
Read
October 1, 2016DNF. M/M
January 5, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! For a first time author she did a great job.
January 27, 2019
Safe Haven is the first book in the Safe Haven series by author Sheri Lynn. This is a very powerfully written book. I could not put this one down once I started reading.
The changes AJ makes to become the man his today makes him even more remarkable as a person. Tortured as a child, betrayed as a young adult, has risen to become Phoenix out of the ashes reborn and stronger than before.
His only friends now are his brothers, the brothers of his own choosing from the agency. They have all been betrayed and are escaping their own hellish nightmares and lives.
Gryphon they are best friends. They are determined to find the people that put them through hell. They are gonna do this together. I loved how Phoenix grounds Gryphon and how Gryphon brings love back into Phoenix’s life.
I liked the build up in this book. I think the story really needed that to balance the powerfully written characters. I got an amazing understanding of the characters and I want more from this series in the future.
I highly recommend this one, it is a beautifully done story and I cannot wait for the next installment to the series.
FIve Shooting Stars and Reviewer's Choice award.
The changes AJ makes to become the man his today makes him even more remarkable as a person. Tortured as a child, betrayed as a young adult, has risen to become Phoenix out of the ashes reborn and stronger than before.
His only friends now are his brothers, the brothers of his own choosing from the agency. They have all been betrayed and are escaping their own hellish nightmares and lives.
Gryphon they are best friends. They are determined to find the people that put them through hell. They are gonna do this together. I loved how Phoenix grounds Gryphon and how Gryphon brings love back into Phoenix’s life.
I liked the build up in this book. I think the story really needed that to balance the powerfully written characters. I got an amazing understanding of the characters and I want more from this series in the future.
I highly recommend this one, it is a beautifully done story and I cannot wait for the next installment to the series.
FIve Shooting Stars and Reviewer's Choice award.
March 16, 2017
I loved the way book one pulled you into the mysteries of the Institution and what happened to the eight men that are brothers in all but blood, while also focusing on Phoenix's past and his discovery that his "brother" Gryphon is his soul mate.
The flashbacks to Nix's past, the tortuous experiments all eight men have gone through before escaping the Institute....it all tore my heart to shreds. Yet reconnecting with his former high school teacher Josh Hagrin who basically adopts the whole crew as well as we some sparks potentially flying between his youngest son and Odin, and maybe a bit between his son's friend/former lover and Chaos. The end both left me feeling happy and yet like fate was determined to be cruel.....I can't explain that without spoiling it so go read and see what I mean. I can't wait to see what happens with the newest facility of the Institute they found. Book two can't be started soon enough
The flashbacks to Nix's past, the tortuous experiments all eight men have gone through before escaping the Institute....it all tore my heart to shreds. Yet reconnecting with his former high school teacher Josh Hagrin who basically adopts the whole crew as well as we some sparks potentially flying between his youngest son and Odin, and maybe a bit between his son's friend/former lover and Chaos. The end both left me feeling happy and yet like fate was determined to be cruel.....I can't explain that without spoiling it so go read and see what I mean. I can't wait to see what happens with the newest facility of the Institute they found. Book two can't be started soon enough
March 15, 2018
Interesting story. Kept me reading!
First time reading this author. And won't be the last. This story kept Mr entertained from start to finish and definitely makes me want to read the next book. Its crazy what all these guys have gone through at such a young age. It breaks my heart, and to hear or I should say read how they cope and battle it,is just crazy. But, at least they all have a bond and they are close that they help each other cope through the nightmares they all lived.
First time reading this author. And won't be the last. This story kept Mr entertained from start to finish and definitely makes me want to read the next book. Its crazy what all these guys have gone through at such a young age. It breaks my heart, and to hear or I should say read how they cope and battle it,is just crazy. But, at least they all have a bond and they are close that they help each other cope through the nightmares they all lived.
July 28, 2020
DNF'd at chapter four.
I've decided to read the books that have been languishing in my kindle touch some time and this book is the first one I chose. I now don't regret letting this series just sit on the "shelf" for as long as it has.
The characters feel so inauthentic. The dialogue is as stilted as the writing. Something about the speech patterns and word choice is just off.
I can't get over how awkwardly this is written to even finish this...
I've decided to read the books that have been languishing in my kindle touch some time and this book is the first one I chose. I now don't regret letting this series just sit on the "shelf" for as long as it has.
The characters feel so inauthentic. The dialogue is as stilted as the writing. Something about the speech patterns and word choice is just off.
I can't get over how awkwardly this is written to even finish this...
July 3, 2018
Very good
Interesting story line it’s well written and the characters are great . Can’t wait to find out what’s going on though
Interesting story line it’s well written and the characters are great . Can’t wait to find out what’s going on though
July 27, 2021
Great premise…
…poor execution. I wanted to love this story but the characters just fell flat for me. It was just disappointing
…poor execution. I wanted to love this story but the characters just fell flat for me. It was just disappointing
May 20, 2016
What an amazing start to this series!!
The book starts with a 17-year-old boy called AJ, having the upbringing from hell. The emotions you get from this book from the very beginning are so strong (some scenes may be triggers). You can't help but feel for AJ, but he is such a strong character even through years of abuse he's managed to keep up with school, working two jobs to keep the roof over his & his mothers head (not that she deserves it) struggling through life till he can leave school & move on. But events change when his mom's boyfriend jumps him again. This time AJ has the upper hand with a piece of concrete in his hand and knocks the man unconscious. Fearing what will happen next, AJ takes advantage of an offer from his principal, to escape early to join a special group, AJ thinking it's something to do with the military leaves telling no one. What he doesn't know is that he is just moving from one Hell to the next... will he ever survive?
Jump to 17 years later AJ finds himself back in his home town with his partner Gryph, & AJ no longer goes by that name but by Nix feeling that AJ died a long time ago. Thinking no one would recognise him but he's wrong when the one person he looked up to a teacher called Josh Hagrin is still living there & spots him straight away. What transpires next is a rollercoaster of emotions from finding out what happened when he left & what happened to not just him but 30 boys that were all placed in a institute is heartbreaking & finding out that only 8 boys managed to survive that hell.
Phoenix, Gryphon, Ghost, Raven, Thanatos, Cratus, Odin & Chaos
They are now looking to find the people responsible & seek justice for themselves & their fallen brothers. We find out that all the boys had a some what similar upbringing & were promised a better life & that all the boys are gay. Since escaping hell they have all vowed to help struggling children & family's of missing children so they don't end up in the same situations.
"We are not our past, we are what we make of our tomorrows!"
I loved & respected Josh in they way he accepted Nix & all the brothers as his family & he vowed to help as well as his son Kylen.
"First off, I want to welcome my sons home"
Even though this is Nix & Gryph's book all the side characters are important & just as intriguing & the bond between this group of 8 men is so amazing. I'm looking forward to what happens with their story's.
The love is so evident between Nix & Gryph but with the upbringing they have had they are so unsure of themselves. The build up to them actually coming together as a couple was written beautifully. "I love you Phoenix, now and always," "I love you, too, Gryphon, forever and infinity."
Sheri Lyn has wrote a story filled with suspense and twists and turns, but she wrote about survival. She wrote about the ability to stay strong when s*** hits the fan and things are at their worst. I absolutely love the determination in these men. She does a lot more than you come to expect with this story. There's action, suspense, and romance. The sex scene alone is worth its weight in gold ;) but even without it her book is worth every penny and every hour you spend reading. I would most definitely recommend this book.
The book starts with a 17-year-old boy called AJ, having the upbringing from hell. The emotions you get from this book from the very beginning are so strong (some scenes may be triggers). You can't help but feel for AJ, but he is such a strong character even through years of abuse he's managed to keep up with school, working two jobs to keep the roof over his & his mothers head (not that she deserves it) struggling through life till he can leave school & move on. But events change when his mom's boyfriend jumps him again. This time AJ has the upper hand with a piece of concrete in his hand and knocks the man unconscious. Fearing what will happen next, AJ takes advantage of an offer from his principal, to escape early to join a special group, AJ thinking it's something to do with the military leaves telling no one. What he doesn't know is that he is just moving from one Hell to the next... will he ever survive?
Jump to 17 years later AJ finds himself back in his home town with his partner Gryph, & AJ no longer goes by that name but by Nix feeling that AJ died a long time ago. Thinking no one would recognise him but he's wrong when the one person he looked up to a teacher called Josh Hagrin is still living there & spots him straight away. What transpires next is a rollercoaster of emotions from finding out what happened when he left & what happened to not just him but 30 boys that were all placed in a institute is heartbreaking & finding out that only 8 boys managed to survive that hell.
Phoenix, Gryphon, Ghost, Raven, Thanatos, Cratus, Odin & Chaos
They are now looking to find the people responsible & seek justice for themselves & their fallen brothers. We find out that all the boys had a some what similar upbringing & were promised a better life & that all the boys are gay. Since escaping hell they have all vowed to help struggling children & family's of missing children so they don't end up in the same situations.
"We are not our past, we are what we make of our tomorrows!"
I loved & respected Josh in they way he accepted Nix & all the brothers as his family & he vowed to help as well as his son Kylen.
"First off, I want to welcome my sons home"
Even though this is Nix & Gryph's book all the side characters are important & just as intriguing & the bond between this group of 8 men is so amazing. I'm looking forward to what happens with their story's.
The love is so evident between Nix & Gryph but with the upbringing they have had they are so unsure of themselves. The build up to them actually coming together as a couple was written beautifully. "I love you Phoenix, now and always," "I love you, too, Gryphon, forever and infinity."
Sheri Lyn has wrote a story filled with suspense and twists and turns, but she wrote about survival. She wrote about the ability to stay strong when s*** hits the fan and things are at their worst. I absolutely love the determination in these men. She does a lot more than you come to expect with this story. There's action, suspense, and romance. The sex scene alone is worth its weight in gold ;) but even without it her book is worth every penny and every hour you spend reading. I would most definitely recommend this book.
January 13, 2016
Oh this book is OMG awesome!!! I can not wait for the next book in this series. For a new author this book is one oh the best M/M book I have read. Even if you don't care for the m/m aspect the plot and thought put into this was so wonderful. I will be telling every one a must read. Sheri Lyn work is a great experience to get lost in the world she created in this tale.
“AJ���s Spot” “There is nothing like a book to give us wings. To let us be more than what we are. To give us the dreams we dare not speak of. To let us live fully, while trapped here on earth. To let us escape our lives.” There was no way this wasn’t for Nix. He may have thought no one cared but he had people in his corner while he lived here.”
Phoenix his life was a hard fought battle even before he took on that as his name. He knew going to the town he was raised was going to be hard and he would face demons from his past but with his best friend and brothers he let in he would be okay as long as the brought down the man that put if in that place with the promise of a better life.
Gryphon from the streets putting his trust in a man that tricked him into trust. he learned to only trust his best friends and brothers from the institute. no matter what hell they where put through they would make it and catch the people that tormented them and experimented with who knows what on them. As long as he had Phoenix he had it all.
“Welcome to love, my boy, welcome to love. Nix isn’t going to make this easy by a long shot, I can tell you that it will be more than worth it though. But I have a feeling neither are you, or any of the guys for that matter. The best thing you can do is follow his lead. Let him know you are still here and aren’t going anywhere. Show him that you love him, and always will. Don’t shy away, but don’t push too hard.”
“AJ���s Spot” “There is nothing like a book to give us wings. To let us be more than what we are. To give us the dreams we dare not speak of. To let us live fully, while trapped here on earth. To let us escape our lives.” There was no way this wasn’t for Nix. He may have thought no one cared but he had people in his corner while he lived here.”
Phoenix his life was a hard fought battle even before he took on that as his name. He knew going to the town he was raised was going to be hard and he would face demons from his past but with his best friend and brothers he let in he would be okay as long as the brought down the man that put if in that place with the promise of a better life.
Gryphon from the streets putting his trust in a man that tricked him into trust. he learned to only trust his best friends and brothers from the institute. no matter what hell they where put through they would make it and catch the people that tormented them and experimented with who knows what on them. As long as he had Phoenix he had it all.
“Welcome to love, my boy, welcome to love. Nix isn’t going to make this easy by a long shot, I can tell you that it will be more than worth it though. But I have a feeling neither are you, or any of the guys for that matter. The best thing you can do is follow his lead. Let him know you are still here and aren’t going anywhere. Show him that you love him, and always will. Don’t shy away, but don’t push too hard.”
March 10, 2016
I. LOVED. THIS.
I guess I should give a bit more than that though. The book starts with a 17-year-old boy called AJ. He is putting himself through school, with no support from his so called mother apart from when she lets up on the abuse. He has the support of some of his teachers, but is so solitary that he just doesn't see the amount of people around him who want to help. He gets an offer to join a secret branch of the military and takes it, due to circumstances beyond his control. Skip forward 17 years.
Nix and Gryph are in a small, podunk kind of town, following leads. Through one thing and another, their story comes out - who they are, what they have survived, what they are doing now. This is a mystery, simple as that. It is a stomach-churning, funny, story that had me in tears whenever the reasons for the names were given.
This is the first book in the Safe Haven series so please don't expect to get all your answers here. There are plenty of questions left when the story is over, but overall, I was left with a major feeling of satisfaction that they are at least headed in the right direction.
A friends-to-lovers story, I loved the slow burn between these two, plus the reactions from everyone else. With lots of brilliant characters to choose from, these guys will make you weep, and smile, and laugh.
With a slight twist of the paranormal, this is a M/M Mystery Romance that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* I received this book from Wickedly Innocent Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I guess I should give a bit more than that though. The book starts with a 17-year-old boy called AJ. He is putting himself through school, with no support from his so called mother apart from when she lets up on the abuse. He has the support of some of his teachers, but is so solitary that he just doesn't see the amount of people around him who want to help. He gets an offer to join a secret branch of the military and takes it, due to circumstances beyond his control. Skip forward 17 years.
Nix and Gryph are in a small, podunk kind of town, following leads. Through one thing and another, their story comes out - who they are, what they have survived, what they are doing now. This is a mystery, simple as that. It is a stomach-churning, funny, story that had me in tears whenever the reasons for the names were given.
This is the first book in the Safe Haven series so please don't expect to get all your answers here. There are plenty of questions left when the story is over, but overall, I was left with a major feeling of satisfaction that they are at least headed in the right direction.
A friends-to-lovers story, I loved the slow burn between these two, plus the reactions from everyone else. With lots of brilliant characters to choose from, these guys will make you weep, and smile, and laugh.
With a slight twist of the paranormal, this is a M/M Mystery Romance that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* I received this book from Wickedly Innocent Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
January 25, 2016
Interesting romantic suspense
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for posting my honest review*
This was an interesting romantic suspense once it got into it, but it had a pretty slow start for me. Around halfway through things started picking up speed wise, and by 60% or so I was very intrigued in the mystery element and had a hard time putting the Kindle down. There are quite a few twists that surprised me, and I did like the characters. Unfortunately, it took too long to really get to know the characters and I think many readers may give up before they get to "the good stuff". I felt the relationships and pet names jumped from surface to very deep way too quick, and it had me distancing myself from the characters/story. While I found the suspense element really interesting, some of the quirks or oddities to the story seemed too far-fetched, which is fine, but they didn't work for me. It felt like they were added simply to build the mystery or set plot points for the future. I also struggled a bit with the writing style. There weren't a ton of errors, but the dialogue and word choice (for example the characters swear "by Gods") didn't align with the boys' backgrounds. Overall, I did really enjoy the story idea, the suspense, the budding relationships, and the characters are likable. As a start to the series, it peaked my interest, but I'm not biting my nails awaiting the next release.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for posting my honest review*
This was an interesting romantic suspense once it got into it, but it had a pretty slow start for me. Around halfway through things started picking up speed wise, and by 60% or so I was very intrigued in the mystery element and had a hard time putting the Kindle down. There are quite a few twists that surprised me, and I did like the characters. Unfortunately, it took too long to really get to know the characters and I think many readers may give up before they get to "the good stuff". I felt the relationships and pet names jumped from surface to very deep way too quick, and it had me distancing myself from the characters/story. While I found the suspense element really interesting, some of the quirks or oddities to the story seemed too far-fetched, which is fine, but they didn't work for me. It felt like they were added simply to build the mystery or set plot points for the future. I also struggled a bit with the writing style. There weren't a ton of errors, but the dialogue and word choice (for example the characters swear "by Gods") didn't align with the boys' backgrounds. Overall, I did really enjoy the story idea, the suspense, the budding relationships, and the characters are likable. As a start to the series, it peaked my interest, but I'm not biting my nails awaiting the next release.
April 15, 2016
My rule is, if a book makes me cry than its an automatic five! If an author can put that much emotion into even one scene to suck me in and get that emotion out of me then they deserve it and this was no different. I won’t do the spoiler and mention the exact one, but safe to say that this whole book is an emotional roller coaster. Not just for the reader but for the ‘boy’ involved. Whom the story is based.
** I call them boys, even though at this point they are men of mid to late twenties. You will get the boys reference when you read**
This is the first in the series so a lot of information is given, but done in a way that is not overwhelming or convoluted. Its all info we need to know or this first book would not come off as well as it did.
The main character focus however is Nix and Gryph, and the story on how they came to be and how we can expect them to fix and solve the issue at hand.
I just loved not only these two together but all of these guys, how well they work together, play together, understand each other and not just because of the situation they are now in.
We are left with a cliffy, not a huge step off into mid air one, but one none the less.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
** I call them boys, even though at this point they are men of mid to late twenties. You will get the boys reference when you read**
This is the first in the series so a lot of information is given, but done in a way that is not overwhelming or convoluted. Its all info we need to know or this first book would not come off as well as it did.
The main character focus however is Nix and Gryph, and the story on how they came to be and how we can expect them to fix and solve the issue at hand.
I just loved not only these two together but all of these guys, how well they work together, play together, understand each other and not just because of the situation they are now in.
We are left with a cliffy, not a huge step off into mid air one, but one none the less.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
January 17, 2016
"One thing this life had taught him was not to give up. No matter what happened, you would and could survive it, you just couldn't give up."
AJ didn’t have the best home. As a matter of fact, it was downright hell. He barely got by in school, worked two jobs to pay rent, never got to sleep. His mom was on drugs and abusive, along with her steady flow of friends coming and going all the time. His principal offered him an opportunity to join a “special organization” in the military and after one horrible night, he decided to go for it…
Fast forward a few years and AJ is now known as Nix. He and his family, a close knit group of guys all with the same sort of backstory, now have new lives and a new purpose. Turns out the “special organization” wasn’t as great as it sounded, but the guys are working hard to find out more about it. But will being back in his hometown open new wounds for Nix and set him back?
This is a GREAT debut from a new author. Safe Haven focuses on Nix and his partner, Gryph, but we also learn about all the guys in the group, and I can’t wait to find out more about all of them. Mystery, steamy romance, feels…this story has a little bit of it all!
AJ didn’t have the best home. As a matter of fact, it was downright hell. He barely got by in school, worked two jobs to pay rent, never got to sleep. His mom was on drugs and abusive, along with her steady flow of friends coming and going all the time. His principal offered him an opportunity to join a “special organization” in the military and after one horrible night, he decided to go for it…
Fast forward a few years and AJ is now known as Nix. He and his family, a close knit group of guys all with the same sort of backstory, now have new lives and a new purpose. Turns out the “special organization” wasn’t as great as it sounded, but the guys are working hard to find out more about it. But will being back in his hometown open new wounds for Nix and set him back?
This is a GREAT debut from a new author. Safe Haven focuses on Nix and his partner, Gryph, but we also learn about all the guys in the group, and I can’t wait to find out more about all of them. Mystery, steamy romance, feels…this story has a little bit of it all!
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