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Love has no limits…

At eighteen, I suffered a heartbreaking loss and began exploring my submissive side to escape the pain with kinky pleasure.

A chance meeting sets me on an exciting new path as a student of the Submissive Training Center. There I find Captain, a distinguished Dom I’ve totally fallen for — my safe haven.

But I have a problem.
Captain won’t collar me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

People know me as Captain.

I’ve accepted my title as a war hero, but I’m still overwhelmed by guilt… until I meet her. Candy is like no other submissive I’ve ever met. In her eyes, I see the man I used to be.

She is everything I want, but I can never be what her young heart needs.

Therefore, I must protect her — at all costs.

*A sexy tale about the saving power of love from USA Today Bestselling Author Red Phoenix.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

422 people are currently reading
890 people want to read

About the author

Red Phoenix

136 books3,894 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her BDSM series, Brie's Submission.
To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world...
Brie's Submission Books 1-3 by Red Phoenix
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,553 reviews1,600 followers
June 7, 2020
Safe Haven Teaser Candy Captain 1



So this was a new author for me and while I'm not ruling out reading more of this particular writers work in the future to see if I can find one overall that's a better fit for me; This story "Safe Haven" I had a really hard time making an actual connection with.
I just couldn't seem to feel much for the characters involved here at all; which was such a shame as this wasn't badly written, just missing something vital for me overall and I'm still not sure what that was exactly.
I think it was maybe a collection of items that contributed ultimately towards my disconnect here.
First, the way this story was told; using two separate narratives to arrive at a final destination where Candy and Captains destinies eventually converge; this didn't actually work for me.
I found it extremely long-winded and unnecessary; sorry I just wanted the main course and was getting really sick of the bloody appetiser; it was actually 75% before these two eventually crossed paths; And from the actual blurb itself, this was not what I was led to believe was the case here, at one point I even checked to make sure I was actually reading the correct book; I was obviously.
I do understand what the author was trying to achieve here, and it was very brave of her to think outside the box like this; unfortunately for myself, this style of storytelling was a bust.
Not allowing me to become emotionally invested in them as a couple rather than just individuals lost the majority of my attention if I'm honest.
Now if you've have read previous in this series, You will be already acquainted with Captain and Candy and this will probably work out much better for you being somewhat invested in there future and not just going in blind like I did.
I also didn't feel any real chemistry between these two beyond there obvious shared kink.
There seemed to be a lack of bonding and deeper conversations overall and it made me wonder how can they profess to love what they don't actually know; these two seemed still such strangers to each other, even by the end.
The age gap itself didn't bother me here either; Captain needed to really let that one go; what he should have been focusing on was their lack of any conventional interaction rather than mere numerals after all age is just a number.
I also hated the name Candy; wasn't totally convinced that some people would be so rude to a complete stranger over there outward appearance; think it, yes, but not actual voice it aloud.
I asked my partner about this and he disagrees completely saying, that YES!! people are dicks and they so would behave in such a despicable obnoxious fashion; I'm too nice and like to see the best in everyone and also that I'm too British whatever that actually means.
I did enjoy spectating in Charlies/Captain's metamorphosis from boy to man; I think this was actually my favourite part of "Safe Haven" overall.
So there is a second book after this; one I'm sorry to say I won't be partaking of.
I'm just not emotionally invested enough here to want to continue on this journey to the finish.
I will try again with a different book from this author; just to see if I can find one that's maybe a better fit.
Don't let me put you off though, this is just my own personal take on "Safe Haven" and as you can see from the reviews, I am definitely in the minority here, we are all individuals so what doesn't ultimately work for me might well be totally different for you.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a review copy of "Safe Haven" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Safe Haven Teaser Candy 3
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,190 reviews110 followers
June 11, 2018
4 Oh Captain my Captain Stars

I discovered this story from the authors novel : Brie's Submission (Brie's Submission, #1-3) by Red Phoenix which I would say to read this book before you run into this story. But it really isn’t required. I think this is a good BDSM story.

This story is about a girl named Candy who falls in love with a boy. A tradgedy occurs which sends Candy into a spiral trying to find herself again. She joins online chat rooms and gets an instant message that gets her intrigued with the thoughts of BDSM. She is sent through a bunch of tasks for her Master and loves the freedom it gives her. He invites her to his home and she discoveres the scary world of BDSM.. the type of people that give the category a horrible name. She is made to feel like an animal starved, covered in her own urine and emotionally lost.
Candy and her Master board a train and get approached by Brie who tells a collared Candy about this school that makes perfect submissives and Candy gets to go!!! She learns what BDSM really means and she is hooked
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Candy falls for a DOM who is emotionally broken but a great DOM. And she wants him more than any other person in the world.

Captain realizes Candy is the one for him and wants to collar her and claim her
“What color for the collar?” “Pink. I’ll also need a gold chain leash with a black leather handle.” “Not pink to match the collar?” I chuckle. “The collar is for her to wear. The leash is for me to use—so, no pink.”
But then….. something happens and the book ends and I want morreeeeeeee
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews871 followers
August 30, 2018


I'm happy Red Phoenix decided to give us more of Candy and Captain. When I first read the Brie Collection, these two stood out amongst a sea of other characters. I wanted to know more about them. While neither has a large part in the book, I remember how broken they were and hoping for more from this couple. It's not necessary that you read the previous books or the Brie Collection but I think you will get more out of this book if you do.

Safe haven is the first part of a duet between Captain and Candy. This books focuses on their youth, young adulthood and ultimately how they were brought together. I liked the different POV's from each as well as the timelines overlapping.

These early years were difficult to read at times. Both had the world at their feet only to be struck down by tragedy. They are paired together but due to their ages, their current circumstances and life in general Captain decides its better for them to remain friends until its not.

Unfortunately it's not that easy for Candy and Captain and they must face another challenge. We are left at a cliffhanger for an ending but it was expected. I'm looking forward to the next book and the continuation of Candy and Captain.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
June 13, 2018

 






There’s a reason that books such as Safe Haven are created - they tell you more than just a story. They tell the journey that an individual goes through. It also tells you if the potential danger that exists when you’re not well informed. I’ve read the Brie’s Submission {series} before getting my hands on this book so I knew how Red Phoenix writes and who these characters were before diving in.

This book easily over shadows this author’s previous books. Unlike her other books, Safe Haven was written in the first person point of view and for me, that gave me a clearer insight on who Candy and Captain were. Their inner thoughts and the reason why they did what they did.

So why did this book touch me more than any other book from this author? I’ve been in Candy’s shoes at one point in her life. Not only that, but this woman was in so much danger that I highly doubt others actively know how to spot a seemingly innocent person’s danger. There are so many red flags that we pass off as just this person being quirky, or finding out just how kinky they are and the thrill overshadowing anything else.

Take note people: Red Phoenix has shown what it means to play BDSM. She’s shown what to look for when a Dom isn’t a Dom. But most of all, she’s shown that for every bad apple, there is a shining light at the end of the tunnel that will make you a better person inside and out.

These two characters have me captivated from the very first page (even if I did get confused on the parallel story line almost 30 years apart) and I can’t wait to feel their journey as I did with the first instalment.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r



50 Book Reviews  Professional Reader










Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com


Profile Image for Kade Gulluscio.
975 reviews64 followers
March 1, 2023
If you're looking for a wholesome happily ever after, this book isn't it. Just be warned of that. and also chedck the triggers.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The BDSM trope is always a good one. Candy and Captain were great characters with their own baggage and flaws, but you couldn't help but want the best for them.

The ending was a twist I didn't see coming, that's for sure.

Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,707 reviews99 followers
June 11, 2018
5 Stars

If you are looking for a steady build up on a book please look no further. This book is like a fine aged wine, just gets better with time. Captain and Candy are my favorite characters in your books and I loved it that it wasn’t just easy love because they were not easy people with easy stories in the first place. I cannot wait for part 2!


Laura - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews45 followers
June 10, 2018
5+ Stars
Review by Allyson
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


Loved. Every. Part! of Captain and Candy’s Story! 5 Plus Stars and more from the talented and well known author Red Phoenix! Safe Haven journeys back in time when both Captain and Candy are both ‘finding’ themselves; through the struggles in life, from the joys and pain and how they both end up together through the Submissive Training Center.

We’ve read about these descriptive characters previously through the Brie’s Submission series, but to have their own book that captures in their own POV was marvelous on Red’s part! This is only the first half of the duet and I can’t wait for the conclusion. Red Phoenix is a powerful writer and illustrator, keeping her readers in mind while writing vivid, emotional scenes in which you can become one with the characters.

“You’re everything I need.”

I like how Red began this novel. Starting both characters off at the same time frame; allowing us to follow gradually their life’s journeys. To see where Captain started from, how he became the man/Dominant he is… spectacular! He owns a piece of my heart now (even though a certain Russian holds the majority). Candy’s past… WOW! She is one strong and courageous female!

I have loved all the books within the Submissive Training Center. The emotions that will eventually embed in your heart literally leave a tingling feeling when the last word is written. That is just how this fantastic author writes and I encourage all to become addictive to her words as much as I have!

**ARC provided by the author for an honest review**
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,265 reviews218 followers
June 5, 2018
4.5 Star Review of Safe Haven (Captain’s Duet #1) by Red Phoenix
Some things are meant to be and for Candy Cox and Charlie(Captain) Walker nothing could be truer. Safe Haven is just that, for Candy, her Captain is her safe haven and so much more.
This is a spin off from the Brie series and although it would be beneficial to have read some if not all of that series (which I have), it is not really necessary.
I was a little concerned that the age difference between Captain and Candy (30 years) it might make me uncomfortable, however this was not the case and in fact it really did not play into it for me.
It was great to see the history of these two characters and what had occurred in the lives to make them the people they are today.
This to me was certainly a more emotional book that others I have read from Red Phoenix. It tugged at my heart strings numerous times and gave me shivers.
Candy has led a tragic and at times hard life and when an accidental meeting with Brie Bennett gives her the opportunity to attend the Submissive Training Centre, he life changes completely.
It is there that she meets the man who will capture her heart, the only problem being, due to their age difference, Captain refuses to commit to a relationship or collar her,
I am excited to read the conclusion to Captain and Candy’s story which I believe will release in August.
Profile Image for Sharing My Book Boyfriends.
1,391 reviews17 followers
June 15, 2018
A great book about love, loss, and finding love again. Candy lost her first love, and has now found a safe haven in Charlie, A.K.A. Captain. Captain has also had his share of loss, and is trying to recover emotionally and mentally. Captain and Candy are equally drawn to each other, but Captain is a lot older than Candy and has battle scars he thinks are ugly. He wants to protect Candy by letting her go, but is that the best decision for him, for Candy? I can't wait to read the second book to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
June 12, 2018
Captain and Candy set off on two different tracks but in the end found each other. But Captain is so stubborn. Candy has found someone after Ethan, which I thought wouldn't happen. But after everything she's been thru she found the courage to let Captain know her feelings. I need more of them. Can't wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
June 8, 2018
I was so excited to read Safe Haven. I am super picky when I read books that involve BDSM, but with this book, I was hooked from the get go. Red Phoenix truly blended the characters past and present quite beautifully. When I was at the "All Hope Is Lost" part of the book. I was glad there was a place Candy would finally become her true self.

Captain's life story is truly tragic from the beginning to the present. I was hoping one day he will find true happiness. The woman he needs will be able to see behind the scars. When Candy came into his life, I was sure that they were soul mates. However, Captain has some fears that he can not let go. He is so kind and always puts others happiness before his own. The ending was a shock. I thought Candy and Captain made a break through. There is so much more that only book two can bring. Safe Haven will have you glued to every page!

BRVW
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 4, 2018
Safe Haven by Red Phoenix is the story of Cleopatra 'Cox and Charlie 'Captain' Walker.
Charlie had everything worked out when he was younger...to join the military. Which he did but other things happened that he didn't plan for that changed his world. Now a harden, older military man who is into BDMS he knows that a young Candy shouldn't be for him. But they are both drawn to each other anyway.
Candy has her own personal issue the first being that when she was just 18 years old she lost Ethan, her first love to a terrible accident that she feels guilty for.
Fallen into the BDSM world seem to bring some peace to her but her feelings for Charlie where growing fast.
This book doesn't end their story...another book will do that. Can't wait for that installment!
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,182 reviews63 followers
June 15, 2018
Two tragic pasts, two individuals searching for their place in the world and love the way they need it.
This is the journey that took them both through their formative years. The outcome is to embrace a lifestyle unique to them.

Although Candy set out to have what most people would call a "normal" life, tragic incidents have shaped her future in a different direction. Surviving an abusive lover is not what she expected. As her friend Brie helps her to find out a better Dom and escape her abuser, Candy finds her future with The Captain. The fact that he is emotionally and physically damaged, does not stop her from pursuing him to collar her as his one and only. This is not a standalone. More is still to come...

Please be advised this has dark BDSM scenes. If you are fragile to these scenes you will want to take your time to understand that this lifestyle does not condone abuse. It is a different lifestyle but it is embraced by the power exchange and fulfillment of both participants with the submissive always having the control of stopping the scenes. In the case of an abuser, this is not what this lifestyle is about. That is just plain abuse.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,373 reviews13 followers
June 11, 2018
Rating: 3.5*

Candy has suffered a massive loss, which has left her struggling to find her place in the world and vulnerable to being taken advantage of. When the opportunity arises to explore her submissive side she commits fully to her master but her master just uses the BDSM world to abuse. Being sent to submissive training school provides her with her freedom and her place in the world but the master she wants to collar her refuses to. The Captain is battered and bruised from war and alone after he was cast out by his father. He doesn't feel that he is worthy of her and runs from her.

This was an interesting read, showing the bad and the good of the BDSM world. It was an acknowledgement that there are some out there that use it as a cover to abuse, whilst those experienced masters treat their subs with the utmost respect and care. Such contrasts. Equally these two characters had experienced loss that has impacted greatly on their lives but together this impact is lessened.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Ana Oh.
655 reviews13 followers
June 29, 2018
3.5 Stars

I love this author; usually, she does a fantastic job.

There wasn’t a lot of depth to this story. So many opportunities to hook in the reader by their heart...talk about what happened with Sour Grapes, did Captain’s younger brother ever come around, more detail on the mental chains needing to be broken due to the history of the female protagonist’s captivity. What about her experience in the submissive center?

Just a personal preference, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Captain’s story, and I was right. I’m not sure if it’s how his history was presented. I love him in the other books, especially when he travelled to Russia.

I hope the next few books do more of a deep character and setting dive, and I REALLY hope to see our Russian manly man again. Will Brie be pregnant? Whose baby? 💖💖💖
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews75 followers
July 23, 2018
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For my first Red Phoenix story, I was really intrigued. I am so happy to have read this book. It is a dark and twisted story but a good read.

I have not read the Submission of Brie but I don't feel like I missed anything since Red takes you back into Candy and Captain's history. This book will walk you through their history and how they got to where they are. It will be interesting to see where we go from here, now that we know where they have been.

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Profile Image for Sharon Ryder Roberts.
1,080 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2020
Love this book, so many twists and turns that end in heartbreak for Candy and the Captain, happiness is within their grasp. It's one of those emotional books that make you feel like reaching for the tissues. Wish i had a box beside me whilst i was reading this book, it would have saved my sleeves on my shirt from getting soggy. The Captain comes into his own, and Candy who is rescued learns to know what true friendship and love are. Red really captures their characters from both a tender age to adulthood. This is a book i could easily read again.
Profile Image for Lauren.
405 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2018
Red Phoenix brings all the feels to the backstory of Captain and Candy. They have both lived very different lives, They have faced many challenges that have made them survivors and brought them to this point. Their path to each other is unique but a beautiful story at that.

Captain is destined for military life. It has been his life's ambition, however against his father's wishes he enlists in the Army. He finds himself alone and estranged from his family, yet determined more than ever to fulfill his goals. Candy is young and impressionable. She has found her true love yet when tragedy strikes she finds herself lost and lonely. She is lead down the path by an abuser posing as an experienced member of BDSM lifestyle.

Both Captain and Candy find themselves connected to the Submissive Training Center where their relationship begins to develop. Captain is at odds with many things. Candy is determined that they belong together.

A sexy tale of finding your right path with the right person no matter what the cost. There is more to this story to come in the conclusion of this Duet.



Profile Image for Kat Ryker.
788 reviews43 followers
June 12, 2018
This was a tough book for me to review. I'd received an ARC of this but I also received the book when it was released yesterday. I was taken a little bit by surprise by the story arc and the tone of the first 50%, or more, of the book. That portion dealt with what had gone on before - the history of both Captain and Candy, and how they ended up in the same place at the same time. Most of Red's books deal with present time, with flashbacks to account for the past. This one started in the past, and brought us through to present day for both the Captain and his love, Candy.

We met Candy and the Captain in previous books in the Brie series, beginning with the Captain "purchasing" Brie from an auction at the Submissive Training Center, as well as Brie's interaction with Candy on the bus, and with Captain helping in the rescue of Rystar from his captors. They both piqued our interest and I'm so glad they have their own books and their love. Unfortunately, the love between them isn't so easy as it would appear. Captain lives with the horrid memories of war and while he doesn't have regrets, the things that have happened to him make him believe that he isn't the one for Candy. And Candy, who has lived through tragedy and abuse, believes just the opposite and knows that Captain is her mate.

I wasn't used to the book being more history than present tense, but as I continued to read, I realized that was exactly why this story was in two parts. This book would have been HUGE in terms of number of pages had Red Phoenix told the tale in one book. In a way, because I'm a selfish reader and want the whole story in front of me, I wish it WERE in one book. BUT, not only does the idea of two books build suspense, it also appeals to me in terms of keeping my interest level high. And I enjoyed their story in a way that is completely different from the enjoyment I gained from the other books in the Brie series. This book tugged at my heart strings in a way the other books didn't do. Yes, I cried with Sir, Brie, and others in the previous books, but in this book, I found myself pulling for Captain from the very beginning - with his father, boot camp, and on (it wasn't just one scene that got me, it was his overall history that endeared him to me). It was the same with Candy. Because of the way Red wrote the book, I read Candy's history as it happened, and not through flashbacks as in other books. That made her pain all that more real and the emotions as I read this were just as real.

Had Red Phoenix asked me (like she's going to take my advice, lol), I would have told her that dividing a story of two people up into two parts might be a mistake. I would have been wrong. Very wrong. Kudos to Red for changing it up in a way that brought out big, bright emotions (and not just the positive ones) in a way that the reader could not miss them. I'm giving this five stars because it was a well written, heart-tugging story about the beginning and middle of love. Both Captain and Candy learned hard lessons in the book and those lessons brought them together. While there was little BDSM in the book, the ideals of the lifestyle were there. I would recommend this book to any reader of Red Phoenix. This book, amongst all the others, stands out as different, engaging, and oh so very enjoyable!
Profile Image for  Getting Another Page.
896 reviews
August 16, 2018
This is actually a tough review for me to write because I love both Captain and Candy. I can't quite get my head to accept the 36 year age gap between the two. In all honesty though, that is my one and only hang up with these two as a couple, and it's just a personal issue for me, not any reflection on the writing or my abundant love for this series. I adore this series!!
With that said...I'm just going to pretend that gap isn't quite a substantial and proceed. lol
Hey it's fiction....it's all pretend anyway right?

This book had a different feeling to me than the others. I'm sure part of this is because we are reading about events as they are happening, rather than reading in "flashback mode" as we have done in the past. We are working from past to present this go around, rather than present tense with periodic glimpses into the past. On some level, this heightened the emotion of the story for me and made some of the "hurts" truly difficult to read through. My heart was splintered more than once for both Captain and Candy. Each has so much to overcome.

What truly fascinated me with this story, is just how strong Candy is. When you pick up a book about a Dom, you think he will be the commanding presence in the plot. The rock, with the tough as nails persona. I found Captain to actually play second fiddle to Candy's enormous strength in this one. She is one tough lady! Such tenacity, determination and courage! Go candy!

That is not to say that Captain isn't a strong man in his own right. It just didn't manifest itself the way I anticipated. Captain's strength came in the form of putting Candy and what he feels she needs before himself. He is truly the self-sacrificing hero. In fact, his stubborn nature made me wanna shake him on more than one occasion. Good grief Captain....you love her, and she loves you, got it?!

Convinced that the age gap and his trauma of war make him ill-fitted for a life with Candy, Captain refuses to embrace and accept his feelings towards Candy. While he can neither deny nor resist the chemistry and attraction they feel for each other, he is determined to not allow their relationship to develop in a lasting way beyond that. Candy feels the opposite, and is trying her ever-loving best to convince Captain she will never, ever want another Dom or another man as her mate.

This book is angsty, and an absolute tear-jerker at times. It feels heavy and intense compared to some the others due to the emotional pain Captain and Candy have endured. Their love will not come easy, nor as effortless as others may have in the series, BUT...I have every faith that Red will not let us down after that major cliffhanger. She hasn't disappointed me yet, and I am eager to see how this all plays out with book 2.

If you're curious about BDSM, this is a series that you cannot afford to miss out on.
It's my favorite!
Highly recommend!



Profile Image for Jennifer Bolin.
50 reviews
February 8, 2020
I absolutely love this author. She always manages to get me to immerse myself into the characters' worlds, & this book was no different. The story is with 2 POVs; Candy & Captain Walker. Their journeys are heartbreaking & warming at the same time as both deal with tragedy no one should ever have to go through & how they end up in each others' lives.

Candy is a naive young woman in college who finds herself feeling like she's meant for more, but falls for a trap by a cruel guy who bases his life on an autobiography of a Dominant, but then twists it for his own & ends up abusing women who fall for his trap. During this arrangement between him & Candy, she meets Brie, who hands her a card for the Submission Training School, & her abuser eagerly agrees, thinking it will make her a better submissive for him but unknowingly sends her straight into the arms of TRUE Dominants who do everything to get her out of that toxic relationship & shows her what the true meaning of BDSM partnership is.

Captain has been kicked out of his house for following his dream to go into the Army instead of the Air Force like his father & his father before him & goes to live his dream in the Army but comes back broken & missing an eye, feeling like a monster & starts down a dark, self-loathing path. Then he runs into a former Army buddy who is actually needing his help with a struggling sub who has been hurt by a former partner, ending up with putting him & Candy together & forming their relationship. Captain thinks because he is over 30 years her senior, it's his duty to make sure she has more options & that age is a huge barrier..

Absolutely hated the ending cuz it is a cliffhanger.. thankfully I already had the 2nd book in my possession so I could find out if they both get their happy endings.. Awesome read to the very end (just really hate cliffhangers lol)... Keep up the awesome work!!!! <3
Profile Image for Badass Lioness.
375 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2018
I have to admit that I was a bit put off by the age difference, which Red Phoenix revealed early on. He was 18 in 1976, while she was 18 in 2012. 36 years apart. He had been in the army and kicked out of his home by his dad. She fell in love and was loved. Both had tragedy in their lives. 

From the meeting with Brie, which was originally from the Brie's Submission series, which led Candy to the Submissive Training Center and away from an abusive situation to meeting the Captain, this was a romance that caught my interest and imagination. 

Both Candy and the Captain shared a kink and had more in common than their age difference would suggest. And then there was the unexpected meeting he had that he did not share with her. 

There were also erotic sex scenes, and a contrast between abuse and what bdsm is supposed to be. It is unfortunate that this mirrors real life and the dangerous abusers that are fake Doms and take advantage of unsuspecting subs. 

This story works on many levels, and I found myself accepting  the romance and sincerity of both Captain and Candy, despite my initial concerns about their large age difference. Love is love. 

This is book 1 of 2. It is not a standalone, and book 2 is not published yet. So I, like many other readers, will just have to wait to find out what other twists and turns the author will have for these two characters.

I have questions like: what happened to Candy's mother? Will there be more appearances by characters from the Brie's Submission series? When will book 2 be published?

Note: I received an advance reading copy. This is my honest review. Also, the cover shows the perfect and "chiseled" chest of a man while the hero had many scars on his body, so that was a bit of an incongruity for me. I wish the book cover showed a bit of a scarred man's chest instead.
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,587 reviews
June 13, 2018
This book is a little different than others I have read by this author but I liked it all the same. It has intense emotions mixed in with the BDSM aspect we have come to love by Red.

This book is told in dual POVs from both Captain and Cleo’s perspectives and gives us a timeline on how we ended up and the end of this book.
My biggest issue with the book is that I didn’t really connect with the characters and I had a hard time understanding their connection, this being said, I can’t wait for the next book to come out so that I can see how it all ends.

Charles aka Captain, has dealt with being disowned for following his dreams of joining the Army. This makes him work harder and fulfill his dreams. Until the day comes that he returns alone and permanently scarred.

Cleo has lost the love of her life and loses herself in the aftermath. She is looking for attention in the wrong way but desires the attention all the same.

Both characters end up in the same place after taking different paths but only one of them is sure this is what is right for them.... will they finally get on the same path? Or will they let the other go before its to late?

This is the first part of their story so be warned it does leave in a cliffhanger. I can not wait for the next book to see how it all plays out!

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Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,811 reviews
June 3, 2018
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I received this book from the author for an honest review.

GAH!!! Candy and Captain’s Books!! Seriously these two and their dynamic has me wondering how they came to be. I mean YES their age difference was a big question for me but knowing them I knew there was a definitely underlying love so to see the beginning = melted heart!!

SO I absolutely love how this story is told. We are seeing both Captain and Candy’s lives that lead them to the night of Candy’s auction. We see the struggles and situations that make them who they are today. We see the pain in loving someone and the pain in being hurt by love. We SEE what makes them the perfect fit.

Candy is everything Captain needs. She is the youthful and a carefree soul to help heal his battered mind, Body, and soul. Captain is the perfect nurturer for Candy. He is the person who will guide her heart and teach her to trust in herself again.

Seriously I could not put this book down. I DEVOURED it in the quickest time. I was so enthralled in THEM. I was so dedicated to finding out how they came to be and what shaped them to be the people they are today.

I loved the Candy/Captain dynamic when I was reading about them in the main story. Their side characters were amazing for other characters in the story IE Mary. But to get a book….scratch that….2 books all geared to them…..GAH!! I am so excited!!!
815 reviews
June 11, 2018
I received this book for an honest review.

Oh my it’s Candy and Captain and the dynamic between these two was the amazing. Candy knows immediately that Captain is the one for her but Captain keeps pushing her away because of their age and he feels he is not good enough for her.

I enjoyed reading Captains back story even thought he went through so much it made him the mad he is. To see the soft sweet protective side he had even at a young age. He cared and held his mom and brother so close to his heart and through it all they were always there. I hope more of his past comes out in the second book.

When reading Candy’s story it had me choking up and then to find out about how she got her name. Then to see what she endured before meeting Brie broke my heart. When Candy falls she knows immediately and falls so hard.

I could not set this down even though I was at a convention and my bff kept giving me a hard time for reading. I am so ready to see what is in store for us in the next book. Candy and Captain have stole my heart.

A few of my favorites.

“I must be dreaming. A handsome man in uniform is asking me to leave work on a date? Pinch me now.”

It seems I will never know the love of family or a good woman. The only people I can trust are my own men—they are my family now.

“What color for the collar?” “Pink. I’ll also need a gold chain leash with a black leather handle.” “Not pink to match the collar?” I chuckle. “The collar is for her to wear. The leash is for me to use—so, no pink.”
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,684 reviews84 followers
April 6, 2019
Charles Walker knew exactly where he was headed the day after the last day of school; on a bus to start his first week of boot camp in the Army. Unlike his father who served as an Air Force pilot as his grandfather before him, Charlie fully had his mind set on field artillery believing the brave souls on the front line deserved the best of the best shielding them with firepower. And in Charlie's mind, he fit the bill.
Cleopatra Cox met Ethan when they were each a Freshman in high school. Just about the time they were able to start getting to know each other, Ethan's parents got a divorce. Since his mom is the one that moved out Ethan was transferred to another school. While all the rest of her friends dated, Cleo didn't bother. Now a Senior, Ethan moved in with his father to finish his final year of high school. Which meant he and Cleo were a couple again. On the evening of their final day of school they lost their virginity to each other. Things were perfect.
Red Phoenix has created a story that absolutely kept me rivetted until the last page. How to explain to you the depth of emotion and sensuality within these pages? There's love and loss, excitement and grief, love and betrayal. We are allowed brief glimpses and scenes from the BDSM community and the fierce loyalty of the friends. Cap and Cleo's story is one that must be shared and Red Phoenix has done so beautifully.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
June 3, 2018
Charlie Walker had one thing in mind; graduate high school and join the Army.  With his years of service behind him, his eyes are opened to a new world were all are excepted, the world of BDSM.  Candy Cox had everything in her world ripped away from her.  In trying to crawl back to the land of the living she looked for a distraction and instead was pulled into something even darker than her grief.  Luckily Candy was helped and now finds freedom in the BDSM world and wants nothing more than to wear the collar of the man that has now stolen her heart.  Candy doesn’t see the obstacles in the way, she only sees the man in front of her.  Captain knows that he isn’t what Candy needs in her life, but how is he supposed to get the girl to understand that especially since he loves her back.
 
  Holy Hell what an emotional ride!  There is drama and action and emotional turmoil with every page.  Red Phoenix is an incredible writer that told the life stories of both the main characters, even though they happened at different time frames, and then brought them together and she did it extremely well.  Safe Haven does leave off on a cliffhanger, but I am sure Destined to Dominate will be worth the wait.
 
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,248 reviews34 followers
June 13, 2018
This is a poignantly beautiful story about two people who both have known such joy and grief in their lives that it forever altered who they are. We learn Captain Charles Walker's dogged determination to follow his chosen path against his father's wishes. To Captain, duty honor and country are the cornerstones of his life. Battle scarred and weary he leads a lonely existence until he's introduced to BDSM. He finds peace and acceptance in Domination. Cleopatra Cox finds and loses the l0ve of her life just out of high school. Changing her name to Candy she moves away from her family to go to college. She stumbles into BDSM on the internet which leads to finding her to an online D/s relationship. Meeting her online Master in person becomes nightmare existence that finally ends when she is accepted into the Submissive Training Center program. At the Center she finds happiness and a missing piece of her life. She also meets Captain there and knows he's the one she wants as her Dom. Will Captain agree?

Red Phoenix has written an emotionally charged story in Safe Haven. Candy and Captain are such strong, resilient, likeable characters that you rejoice in their happiness and wallow in their grief with them. I was teary eyed at the conclusion and can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Tanya Mayes.
710 reviews23 followers
June 11, 2018
This is a new series from Red Phoenix. Safe Haven is book 1 of the new spin off series from the Brie's Submissive Training. It starts off with Charlie "Captain" and Candy Cox story. I love how in depth the back story went. Captain always knew what he wanted to do when he graduated. But I hated what his father did because he could not get his way. But Captain was a better and strongest man for it. He was a protector, man of honor and a hero. His life changed when he met Mr. Gallant. When they served together he helped Gallant and after his accident. Gallant hlped him through his pain. As for Candy my heart went out to her. Her life started off blissful with her first love and then tragedy hit and changed her forever. She was taken down a dark path and her first introduction into BDSM. Two people on the path straight for each other. Candy came into Captain's life and all his protective instincts flared to life now their love for one another is undeniable and With there age difference Captain doesn't want to tie her to him. (He may be older but he like a fine wine) and Candy wants him. Will he give in? Cliffhanger.
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