Raleigh Simone couldn’t tell you anything about love and family. After watching her mother suffer from the abuse of her father for years, Raleigh decided love would never be worth the possibility of pain. Haven Jackson didn’t have a normal childhood growing up. He didn’t experience the love and nurture that his friends received from their mothers, or the guidance and teachings they gained from their fathers. It was because of his lack of a loving family that Haven made finding a wife to love his priority. There’s just one problem–the woman he chose to love doesn’t want to have anything to do with it or him. The second Raleigh laid eyes on Haven she knew he would be trouble. He stirred up feelings within her that no other man ever had. Between her pushing him and his offer to love her away, and him pulling for her to give him and his love a chance… someone is bound to fall. The question is… which one will it be? Will Raleigh fall into Haven’s love and find peace in what she’s been running from for years? Or will Haven fall for Raleigh and find himself shattered by her inability to catch him or pick him up?
Voted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly. Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life. B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
This book was so good. Actually, one of the best I've read this year. I highly recommend it. This book makes me want to read everything that has been written by this author...and I will
*DISCLAIMER: I had a paperback copy, I just can’t stand it when a book doesn’t have an image on goodreads.*
This story was....good, but not one of B. Love’s best stories. I did enjoy reading it, as there were a lot of events that hit close to home, but at the same time, there were a few things about it that I didn’t like at all. For starters, one thing that really bothered me was that “Yea” was used a lot. I know this is a minor detail, but I couldn’t not get over it from how frequent it was used, and the frequency of it isn’t what bothered me. What bothered me was the way it was spelled, and that’s only because I’m the grammar police and that ‘h’ not being at the end of that word really got under my skin.
Another thing that bugged me a lot was that Raleigh finally works up the courage to reach out to her mother, but like all couples, she of course needed Haven’s permission first. Haven specifically told Raleigh not to ask her mother why she did the things she did because the why never matters. So what does Raleigh do at the dinner with her mom? Ask her WHY. 🤨
The only other thing in this book that helped give it less than five stars was the reason why Raleigh and Haven broke up!! Goddamn Raleigh, how selfish can you be?! She broke up with Haven because she found a book about her father that Haven was interested in writing. Raleigh’s father’s was a famous boxer, one that Haven looked up too...until he found out that Raleigh’s father beat the hell out of his wife, and changed Haven’s whole perspective of him. I think Haven should still of written the book. He didn’t have to include any of the abusive stuff, but there are people who would’ve enjoyed just reading about Barry Perry’s boxing life if nothing else, and for Raleigh to get mad at the manuscript she found in Haven’s drawer was beyond selfish. I get that he was an abusive prick of a man, but she should of read it first before flying off the handle and shitting on Haven the way that she did, and if it was merely just about his boxing like Haven claimed, Raleigh should have supported him. If the abusing and what not was part of it, then I could see Raleigh getting upset...but the fact is that all we know is that it was about her father and Haven saying it was about his boxing because he used to look up to him.
Moving on to the things I liked....I found my own personal life story relating a lot to some of the things in this story. For example:”I know the minute I laid eyes on you, I wanted you. I saw you and thought damn, that’s my wife.” (23) My husband literally said the SAME thing to me...that he knew he was going to marry me the second he saw me for the first time...so that really hit a lot to home.
My dad and Raleigh’s dad were alike in some ways. My dad never beat the hell out of my mom but he always had this anger...and if he had a bad at work, he’d come home and beat the hell out of my siblings and I...and in a way that fell real close to home as well.
I really liked it at the end when Raleigh revealed to everyone the truth about her father and other people started joining in and showing off their support for people who have been abused. It’s always nice to see people come together for any reason.
Overall, this was a good story, and I recommend it if you don’t mind stories about abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Swooning!!!! This was such a cute and sweet read. Haven and Leigh couldn't have been more meant for each other, no matter how hard she tried to fight it! Their connection was undeniable, and my goodness who wouldn't want a Haven in their life?! Another great one from Miss B. Love :)
B, thanks so much for giving me Haven....another man behind Hunter, Knight, Power, Rule, Bishop, Maarz, Tage, Malachi, and them dang on Cage brothers.........This book was everything. I loved the stubborness and the way Raleigh did all her cute quirky things. Haven Haven Haven..... he just did something for me. He was exactly what Raleigh needed and vice versa. The lessons I pulled from it hopefully betters me as an indivdual for when my Haven finds me.
This was a sweet story about loves healing power. Raleigh was a woman who let her past hurts determine her future until she meets Haven. Haven didn't allow his childhood to determine his future or how he would live his life. I must say Haven has been added to my book boyfriend list. He was not about the drama and was determined to love the hurt out of Raleigh. What made this a great book was the fact the author focused on the relationship of the two characters and not outside drama. As I've stated in many of my reviews real life is already hard there's no need for authors to add unnecessary drama to characters lives. So kudos to this author for creating a sweet realistic story.
First time reading this author and looking forward to more. This story deserves more than 5 stars. Haven decided he wanted Raleigh at first sight. He waited patiently for her (crazy a$$) to come around. Raleigh had trust issues because of her dramatic childhood. They got their HEA.
Wow! Raleigh and Haven are two soulmates who had the most horrific childhoods ever. Instead of love they received rejection, hatred, physical as well as emotional abuse from the families who were suppose to love and protect them. Despite their huge trust issues, Raleigh and Haven fell in love. Unfortunately, Haven has a secret that could destroy everything that they have fought for.
Another beautiful story.... I'm so in love with your style of writing. Haven is a great guy and Raleigh was too FUNNY, you never know what's going on behind closed doors💕💯
B. Love has done it again. Everything about this book was phenomenal. They way Haven loved Raleigh was undescribable but amazing at the same time. Glad that Raleigh was able to work it out with her mom and that her mom also got the love that she was missing. Excellent read and I surely would recommend this to any and everybody.
I haven't read a bad book by B. Love yet and I have NO idea how she manages to release a great book once a week, but she does it! This was another excellent with an excellent couple. I loved how Raleigh and Almond Joy loved each other
Love this book. Reminds me of so many bible verses of what a "help-mate" is. "Rib of my rib....flesh of my flesh". Haven and Raleigh personify what it is to complete one another. I truly enjoyed this book...the romance, love, friendship, forgiveness, growth and the opportunity to educate on domestic violence. You have done it again B. Love
Me and my sisters have book clubs and read many different genres. I'm a writer also, B.Love I must say this book spoke to me with fears I mask, it taught me, it made me cry, it gave me hope. I know it was only God that led me to read Haven. The title itself spoke to me, because writing is my Haven just as the ocean. Thank you for sharing not only a great read but a story that touched on topics that need to be talked about more for bringing more awareness and for making a difference in someone's life. Blessings and by the way I quoted what Haven said in the book on my Facebook page. "If you want something to die you have to ignore it you can't feed that pain by shutting yourself off to love."
This was a wonderful story of exposing, knowledge, awareness and reactions to abuse. When exposed to situations of this magnitude it is very crucial that you become an advocate of support for the abused and sometimes the abuser depending on situation. This story touched me because I had aunts that were abused to the point that they had very low self-esteem. I really didnt know exactly what went on but I knew something was not right in some instances. It all made sense when it was explained to me when I got older. I'm just glad Raleigh didn't allow herself to suffer any longer. She allowed someone help her see the love she manifested for self and significant other. I love how Haven did not give up on her. Great Read! :-)
I didn't want it to end. I thought Haven was the best thing since sliced bread until about page 242, then he broke my heart and cut me deep by hurting Raleigh. Made me question everything in the beginning. I was so happy that I was able to genuinely like him again. Raleigh forgiving him didn't seem rushed or unrealistic.
He just truly loved her. There were so many funny moments in this story, especially in the beginning. Raleigh first few encounters with Haven had me cracking up. I'm amazed that Haven was able to get over his fear of the beast and others like her. And she is the one to help him do so, Raleigh and Haven were super cute and had all the elements of a good love story.
This book was on my Kindle for a long time but I wanted to read it before the new year officially got under way. I'm kicking myself because I should have read it long before now. This story was amazing! Raleigh reminds me of so many women who've gone through so much that they've built a huge wall around themselves that no one can get through. Haven was just the man to knock down that wall. If only we could all be blessed to have someone in our lives like Haven. He seemed too good to be true but no one is perfect and he proved that. They made me a believer... that two imperfect people could have the perfect relationship. Kudos to the author. Fantastic story!
I know I am behind, I have had this in my TBR forever and did not get to it, that was a HUGE mistake on my part. This is not my first book wth this author so I should have expected the greatness. I was not ready for this, it was everything you want to read in a book, real situations, real dialog, i dont have enough words to say how great this book was. Favorite part?? Right before his fight and he said “feed me”. MAN!! The things she said to him, you could not help but read it fast, the words had their own beat, it was like music. This is the best book I have read this year and I am 90 books in so far.
This book sat on my to be read shelf …. The premise was interesting but it was missing something in the blurb and reviews. The story premise was different but the execution was lacking that certain oomph. I started struggling at about 25%. I stopped caught a short read. Came back got to 68% and quit again. It was dragging almost repeating. I read a few more books thought about DNF but 68%. I was disappointed in just a rushed sentence about the world championship fight …. the build up then the absence of the fight. I pushed to finish it and still have that same feeling- the premise was interesting but the execution was lacking.
I absolutely fucking loved Haven. He was so sweet, loving, strong and was steady dropping knowledge. He loved Raleigh even when she didn't love herself. He loved her past her bitterness and pain to her best self. Haven was a safe place, a harbor, a beacon of love. A first I could of shook the shit out of Raleigh for being so closed off and guarded but she needed someone to show her the way. Raleigh grew into one of my favorite heroine. Raleigh mom although 14 years to late finally got her shit together to have an actual relationship with Raleigh. I wasn't sure she deserved it quite frankly but she seemed to have gotten her shit together. Haven and Raleigh were relationship goals and Haven was 100% book bf worthy.
The theme of this book was "hope personified." It showed how people can overcome their past to find love and to make a positive difference in other people's lives. Raleigh and Haven complemented each other perfectly, and they brought out the best in each other. This book was good but felt a little rushed. The characters were developed, and I loved how spirituality was used to help all the characters.
This book is a sweet therapeutic look at a very real and poignant issue in our society. The effects of abuse are painful and linger long after the physical situation has ceased. The damaged, broken individuals and families are a part of our lives and communities that this book opens our eyes and hearts to by showing us solutions in the choices the characters make.
This book was deep...it touch on the topic of domestic violence in families which I think the author did a superb job in talking about this sensitive topic within this book. I love the characters, I love the plot and I love the realness of this book. This is a book for all to read, excellent job Ms. Love
I enjoyed reading Haven and Raleigh's story. They both had some very rough childhoods. Haven was a great guy and was kind and patient with Raleigh. I was happy they were both able to overcome their past and love each other. I love how Raleigh found her calling in helping women and children in abusive relationships. Domestic violence is definitely real.
Haven and Raleigh another couple I am in envy of...I guess ALL of the couples B. Love writes about I am envious....in a good way though. Yeah Haven held some information back from Raleigh (knowing who she was from the beginning AND the book) but I believed him when he said while getting to know her those things didn't matter. And where they were in their relationship at the time shouldn't have mattered to her either...but her insecurities reared their heads and.... All worked out in the end that's all that mattered to me. As with EVERYTHING I have read thus far from this author I am highly recommending this book.
B love has a way with words that I haven’t read in a very long time. What would normally take me 1 Day to read, took 2 1/2 days because of how she describes the love that these two characters showed for each other. This is my second B. Love book but won’t be my last!