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Keep Me Safe: A Small Town Suspenseful Love Story

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The kiss was rough. Passionate. Completely wrong and inappropriate, though I was too lost to care.

Every night, I have the same A dark room. An open door. And my stalker, waiting to attack me.

I've moved back home to heal, but even the comforts of my childhood don't seem to be enough. Until, one day, another part of my past catches up to me....

Knox Fitzgerald, my first love. Still as sexy as ever, he manages to sweep me off my feet as if we were just a couple of teenagers again.

I feel complete with him. Loved. Many years ago, he was my first, and now I want him to be my last.

Finally, I feel safe.

That is, until I get a package at my door.

He has found me.

He still wants me.

And now, he's not just after me.

The only man who can keep me safe is the man I pushed away for years. Will Knox protect me from my stalker and give me a second chance at life... and at love? And can I ever feel safe again, even in Knox's arms?

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2017

29 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

Alyssa Coolen

3 books10 followers

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5 stars
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48 (48%)
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13 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,731 reviews83 followers
March 13, 2017
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Considering that this is the first book by this author it was very well put together, with just a couple of things that kept me from giving it a full 5 Stars.

The plot was good and it was not until 2/3 into this book that i guessed at who the stalker was. I was right.

The are some vague areas, as to why our main character could not put her finger on something that didn't sit quite well with me, but overall it is a very good book and a book of a slide from what i have been reading recently.

I loved that when it mattered the family came together, even if they were slightly dysfunctional in their own way.

I can most certainly see myself reading more from this author in the future.
2,612 reviews10 followers
August 13, 2017
Great book. Abby who is now 25 moved away from home 5 years ago to pursue a career in New York City. She is originally from Port Harbor. She has a family that loves her, sometimes too much. Dad, Mom and 2 brothers Robbie and Logan. For the last 6 months she has had a stalker in New York and they haven’t been able to find the person doing this to her. Until one night she comes home and her house is dark. She normally leaves the light above the stove on and that isn’t on either. Something just doesn’t feel right in her gut and she is right. Her stalker is in her house and then ends up beating her. To heal, she takes time off and comes back home to stay with her brother Robbie. Port Harbor is a small town and her mother is a socialite to a point. While healing, her parents have her seeing a psychiatrist that comes to her brother’s house to help her talk out what has been happening to her. She reunites with her best friend from when she was 5 and after doing so, she runs into her ex-boyfriend of 5 years Knox. They broke up because she was leaving for New York for this job and his life was here at home. The chemistry is still very much there between the 2 of them along with all of the history. He now takes care of the boxing gym his dad owned before he passed away. The reconnect and with the help of her family, friends and Knox she is trying to get over being stalked. The problem is, he is still out there. Things are going well for them will her stalker find her back at home? There is a person for everyone, are they each other’s person? You will not be disappointed in this story. There is drama, family, loyalty, sex and best of all true love. Who doesn’t like a mix of everything when reading a book. I don’t like to the complete story or ending to any story because when people do, why would you want to read a book you already know what happens in. Enjoy. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
1,708 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. While most of the books I read are straight up romance/erotica, sometimes I want something a little different. With this one, I still got the romance component, but I also got a little suspense/mystery. I liked Abby and Knox. I also liked Abby's brothers and hope we will get their stories in the future.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Heather.
1,654 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2017
The first book of the Port James series, Keep Me Safe, by Alyssa Coolen was an intriguing read. It was a very hot suspenseful read. I liked Abby & Knox. This book has me anxiously awaiting to see what comes next in the series.
2,163 reviews14 followers
March 15, 2017
Keep Me Safe by Alyssa Coolen is Book 1 of the Port James series and is a Romantic Thriller

Abby moved back home to Port James after an attack from her stalker in New York left her bloody, bruised and fearful. Nightmares prevent Abby from sleeping well, and on the advice of her therapist, Abby reconnects with old friends. Friends like Knox, Abby's ex-boyfriend who she never expected to see again after a nasty breakup 5 years ago when she left to go to New York. Abby and Knox have really missed each other during the 5 years Abby has been away, and they wind up rekindling old flames. Just when things are going well and Abby's ready to start a new life, she finds a note and a box with a dead mouse in it, courtesy of her stalker. The search for Abby's stalker is called off after her friend Caleb is arrested. Abby knows that Caleb isn't the stalker but nobody will listen to her. Will Abby survive the next time her stalker strikes?

Keep Me Safe is an engrossing story that's exciting, suspenseful and steamy. Alyssa Coolen pulled me in with a captivating storyline and interesting characters. This book is a must read for fans of romantic thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Profile Image for SouthernAngel.
1,618 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2017
This book has the right balance between mystery and romance that'll have you reading from cover to cover.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for PointedlyBlunt.
389 reviews31 followers
March 10, 2017
Abby has returned to her "home" in Port James, a small town on the coast of Massachusettes, after being attacked by her faceless stalker back in NYC. Not long after her return, she runs into her ex, Knox, whom she broke up with 5 years ago after dating for 5 years. It's sort of vague and left up to the reader to interpret how Knox and Abby broke up, but it's implied that it was bad.
The plot was good, but the characters really drove the story for me. It's incredibly easy to imagine them as real people since their personalities are all different and maintained realistically. Knox and Abby's relationship evolves naturally with plenty of sexual tension. Thankfully, there wasn't a huge focus on their sex lives while they were separated, which I appreciated. I was more than happy to not have to imagine either H/h sleeping with other people, which is always a turn off for me.
It was kinda obvious to me early on who the stalker was. I wanted to be blown away and surprised, so when I found out that my guess was correct, I was a little disappointed. Also, the book would've benefitted from better proofreading, as there was a good amount of typos and misused words.
Overall, I look forward to more from Alyssa Coolen.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
March 13, 2017
Overall, a good story with a solid resolution. Solid 3 stars.

Abby was pretty strong and stuck with her gut instead of caving to alpha male influence. Knox was sweet and alpha and pretty well-rounded. The villain was expected, but not so obvious that you felt like not reading to the conclusion. The side characters were good. I loved the functional dysfunction of the family dynamic and loved the closeness of the siblings.

As for a second-chance romance, I liked how it played out but could have used more groveling from Knox after his doubting her instincts near the end. The chemistry was hot and the interplay was sweet and sexy.

Epilogue was alright, almost unnecessary as it was written, but not entirely unwelcome. Solid read, enjoyable, and good pacing throughout. A few editing issues, but I wasn't too distracted from the story because of them.

I received this ARC from Hidden Gems and willingly reviewed it.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
211 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2017

Keep Me Safe: A Small Town Suspenseful Love Story (Port James Book 1)
Keep Me Safe: A Small Town Suspenseful Love Story (Port James Book 1)
Price: $0.99

4.0 out of 5 stars Romance with a bit of thriller, March 14, 2017
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This review is from: Keep Me Safe: A Small Town Suspenseful Love Story (Port James Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Abby have been physical attack and she have an stalker. Which is the reason why she return home to Port James.
Konx is the owner of the gym and have been Abby lover for 5 years before she move to NYC.
This is a mixture of romance and an bit of thiller, it was nice. I would also want to read a story of Abby 2 older brothers Robbie and Logan
Profile Image for Tracy Quoka.
339 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I really enjoyed the book, and will most likely pick up more books in the series. Abbigail left her small Massachusetts beach town for the bright lights of NYC 5 years ago. She'll tell you she had the perfect life in NYC, where no one knew her name, but was it? Forced back home after being attacked by a faceless stalker, Abby reconnects with her family and friends. One of which was Knox, her high school sweet heart. This book was first described as a romantic suspense, but is more of a second chance romance. Which was fine, just expected a bit more suspense. With out giving spoilers, I will say I was blindsided by who the stalker was.
Profile Image for Kerry.
823 reviews
March 15, 2017
This book is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

I loved the interaction between Abbey and Knox and it certainly left me wanting to see more of them in the future! It's a roller-coaster of love, suspense and danger that it keeps you on your toes as any good romantic suspense does!

A great first for Alyssa Coolen and I hope to read many more!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
March 13, 2017
A solid series starter, if a bit predictable. Most of the action and suspense takes place in Abby's flashbacks about the stalker until the end of the story and it was pretty easy to figure out who it was. The rest was about Abby settling in and rekindling her relationship with Knox. Overall, it did hold my interest and was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for kevin murphy.
6 reviews
Read
March 15, 2017
Excellent

Strong story with good characters.
Story moves along smoothly. As a first book, it is exceptional. I enjoyed turning each page
Profile Image for Jennifer Perdue.
90 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2017
Didn't put it down

Very well written. Had me hooked from the first page. Loved the characters. Story was spot on. Will be reading more of her books.
681 reviews
March 14, 2017
Everything about this book was brilliant, it will have you guessing the whole way through.
You will be trying to figure out who the stalker is.
Knox was a great guy, he had a could ovf moments where he was a bit of a jerk, but you could really tell he loves Abby and will do anything to protect her.
I volunteered for a arc of this book and i highly recommend it
Profile Image for Susan Foulkes.
995 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2017
A good, solid start to the Port James series.

The storyline was interesting, and the anxiety and tension that come from having a stalker was present throughout. I did guess the identity of the stalker, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book.

The characters were developed and, on the whole, easy to identify with. I loved the second chance romance aspect of the story. Abby and Knox were such likeable people.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book , via Hidden Gems.
Profile Image for Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm).
1,049 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2017
******I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book******
Abbigail Ashford left Port James for the big city of New York only to return after an unfortunate attack on her life. Abby only solution to her safety was her long-time ex boyfriend, Knox Fitzgerald. The storyline was very impressive and flowed well with the right amount of twist. I did enjoyed the characters as they were well developed without being overdone. I didn't particular feel the connection between Abby and Knox enough to invest into their relationship because it seems forced. This is a first book for me by this author and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
313 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2017
Suspense, romance, family dysfunction, rekindled relationships, sex and a stalker were in this story. Quick, interesting read. The storyline was well written. Strong characters and really likable. I recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Kristy.
120 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2017
A new author for me!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it! The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars was because of the typos. There were enough that I found them annoying. The story was great tho! I'll defiantly be reading more of her books!
2,873 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2017
An enjoyable story, if a bit predictable. Interested in the subplot with the secondary characters and lok forward to more of this series.
Profile Image for Erika.
8 reviews8 followers
Read
March 9, 2017
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This book had me hooked within the first couple chapters. We all hope to find that one true love in our lives and usually don't get a second chance with it. Knox and Abby made that sweet hot couple. The writer did a good job building up the char's I thought and even at one point had me questioning just who the stalker could be.

I hadn't read anything by this Author before, but now can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for LaDonna.
47 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2017
It is hard to believe that this is a 1st time published author. I was immediately invested in the story & I stayed that way. As any good author knows, you keep your reader wanting more. That is exactly what I got. As soon as I finished the book, I was ready to start the next one!

I can't wait for more stories from the Port James Series & from Alyssa!
Profile Image for book junkie.
575 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2017
Loved this book !! Couldn't put it down . I loved the connection between Knox and Abby . I need book 2
1 review1 follower
March 4, 2017
5 Star book

A wonderful book, beautifully written, with just the right amount of romance and mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequels.
Profile Image for Kimber Buelow- 561 Bookgirl.
117 reviews13 followers
March 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When you're scared and hurt, and don't know which way to turn, what do you do? Go home. And that's exactly what our heroine does. She runs home to her brothers, her dysfunctional parents, her best friend...and her first love.
The passion and compassion between the characters is electric, and intriguing, and downright scrumdiliumptious. The love scenes are steamy and the dialogue is snappy and sassy.
There is one issue, and this is one coming from someone who has been in a stalker situation. The emotions may actually be too contained for what has happened to her, and the attitudes by all the characters are a little more cavalier than they should be. It's fiction, but it should reflect reality. I understand that she can't dwell 24/7 in the story, but probably more tension for the situation is warranted.
I am looking forward to reading other stories in the series- to see her brothers and even Caleb get a bite too!
Profile Image for Andrea.
285 reviews
Read
April 11, 2017
Refer to Amazon.com for my review under Andrea M on 19/03/17.
Profile Image for Jaime Fertal.
334 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2017
Abby is a woman from a Small town that grew up the baby of the family and always wanting to leave to the big City of New York to fulfill her Career Dreams. Abby fulfilled most of her dreams but with out the close friends and family around to support her and without the love of a boyfriend. Everything changed for Abby tho when she had a stalker after her and then being attacked which brought her back home to her small town. Knox a Man who has loved and lost now has a second chance at love with Abby but not knowing what her future plans are.

What I enjoyed most about Keep Me Safe is watching how strong Abby is after all her trauma but asking for help when she needs it, watching Knox come back into her life and offering to be there anytime she needs and willing to protect her. Knox a man who doesnt want to scare her away but wanting to show his true feelings that he has had all these years. With two very protective brothers that will be there for her no matter what even if its overbearing its sweet that she has such a close relationship with them.

This book was amazing and I couldnt put it down, it was a fast, easy read that left you wanting more and needing to know what was going to happen between Knox and Abby and who her stalker was and if he was ever going to get caught, Knox and Abby's love story picks up after 5 years without a hitch as if they had never been apart, with some back story to what Abby had lived through and finding what she wanted in life the most, a love story with a happy ending. If you like stories like this, then Keep Me Safe is a must!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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