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San Capistrano #6
Safe Haven
Life is good in San Capistrano. Alex is happy and recovering after the drama of the last few years. Ben has settled into a contented life with his law practice, his family, and scotch. Ally and Lucy are growing up too fast and foster son Jamie seems settled in his new life with them and his boyfriend Leo. Nobody is prepared for what is around the corner. How will the family cope when they're once more thrust into turmoil? And how will Alex cope with what may be the biggest challenge he has faced so far?
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2019
25 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Angelique Jurd
43 books289 followersPeople driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
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Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
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Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
Find online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
FB Reader Group:
http://facebook.com/groups/cocktailsa...
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 1, 2024
Reread May 2020
Originally read April 2019
Angelique Jurd has a way of ripping your heart out and putting it back together. Ben and Alex are living their life, loving each other and dealing with having three kids. Then, they get thrown a curve ball. One that is nearly devastating to everyone. It definitely leaves a scar on them all. And then they must deal with the aftermath.
I love this series and I always want more. And I'm not ashamed to say I balled like a baby at the end.
Originally read April 2019
Angelique Jurd has a way of ripping your heart out and putting it back together. Ben and Alex are living their life, loving each other and dealing with having three kids. Then, they get thrown a curve ball. One that is nearly devastating to everyone. It definitely leaves a scar on them all. And then they must deal with the aftermath.
I love this series and I always want more. And I'm not ashamed to say I balled like a baby at the end.
November 12, 2021
4 Stars
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the 6th installment in the "San Capistrano" series and should be read in order. It’s an emotional quick read. Ben's stubborn as always and Alex knocking some sense into him. Love Ben & Alex family, their daughters, and Jamie. I wish there was more of Jamie & Leo’s relationship from their own POV through the series or maybe another series?! Overall, another good read from this series and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the 6th installment in the "San Capistrano" series and should be read in order. It’s an emotional quick read. Ben's stubborn as always and Alex knocking some sense into him. Love Ben & Alex family, their daughters, and Jamie. I wish there was more of Jamie & Leo’s relationship from their own POV through the series or maybe another series?! Overall, another good read from this series and hope you enjoy it as well!
December 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Safe Haven continues to follow Alex and Ben in the San Capistrano series. There aren’t many ongoing series that focus on only one couple and there is a comforting feeling to check back in with the men and their family, even when things don’t always go smoothly.
The book opens with Jamie testing boundaries and then a crisis that leads Alex to hold everyone together. It is a shorter book and going into too much detail would reveal too much of the storyline here. Alex and Ben both stay true to their characters throughout this entire series and their actions and reactions further develop and explore their relationship.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Safe Haven continues to follow Alex and Ben in the San Capistrano series. There aren’t many ongoing series that focus on only one couple and there is a comforting feeling to check back in with the men and their family, even when things don’t always go smoothly.
The book opens with Jamie testing boundaries and then a crisis that leads Alex to hold everyone together. It is a shorter book and going into too much detail would reveal too much of the storyline here. Alex and Ben both stay true to their characters throughout this entire series and their actions and reactions further develop and explore their relationship.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 14, 2023
A lovely novella from the epically beautiful story of Alex and Ben. We skip ahead about a year and a half from the last book, giving us a peek into how everyone is doing. Over the course of the series, I’ve grown to love this m/m couple and their family. Seeing them navigate daily life is a joy. Filled to the brim with witty dialogue, caring, kindness, great conversations, sassy come backs and plenty of innuendo. I love this couple, I love how they love, I love their family and I love how they approach life and find gratitude where they can.
Contemporary, m/m, lace, adorable kids, parenting, series on same couple, vers. Reviewed as a series, each individual book is a 4-5 with the series coming in as a solid 5 overall.
Contemporary, m/m, lace, adorable kids, parenting, series on same couple, vers. Reviewed as a series, each individual book is a 4-5 with the series coming in as a solid 5 overall.
October 24, 2022
4.25 stars. Emotional instalment of this series. I do wish these novella length stories weren't as expensive as they are though...
April 16, 2019
There is such a comfort in revisiting beloved characters and checking in on their lives. So often you read a book, fall in love with the MCs, follow them through their hardships and triumphs, and just when they get their happily ever after you have to say goodbye to them forever. Angelique has given us a rare chance to peak back in at a family we love. A chance to see that even though they got their happily ever after, like all of us, they still struggle, they still have to grow, they share good days and bad days. The author shows us that even with a HEA life is not perfect, it’s real, but most of all she shows us that love means never giving up. Love, it’s not always easy, but it most definitely is worth it. Thank you Angelique for giving your readers this amazing gift. Laughing and crying with Alex and Ben is one of my favorite things to do. Love this family. Love these books. ❤️
May 1, 2019
Love & Family = Home!
I have so enjoyed the Alex & Ben love story. I’m so emotional invested my heart ached for Alex and the kids during a traumatic incident.
Although, I must admit I had some trouble with a portion of the timeline but my interest never waned.
Good storytelling, likable characters and a enjoyable premise. More please! Jamie & Leo needs a story, either together or separate!
I have so enjoyed the Alex & Ben love story. I’m so emotional invested my heart ached for Alex and the kids during a traumatic incident.
Although, I must admit I had some trouble with a portion of the timeline but my interest never waned.
Good storytelling, likable characters and a enjoyable premise. More please! Jamie & Leo needs a story, either together or separate!
October 21, 2019
This was such a good series. I’m hoping it’s not over! Sad and quite angst filled at times but definitely happiness and a HEA
June 9, 2022
Niezmiennie po kolejnym tomie 💙💙💙
April 10, 2019
🏁Winning series continues as scary, confusing times strike from within the family😢
April 7, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🤗👍💔👨👨👧👧🙇
This series goes from strength to strength by exploring the changing nature of the maturing, loving affection between husbands Alex and Ben. I love their little family's closeness through realistic strife, including health scares, teenage bids for independence and toddler tantrums! They've been through alot, including some horrific times fomented by Alex's homophobic mom earlier in the series, but in this part of their adventure, the trouble strikes from within. Alex steps up and keeps the family together; I liked that, after all of the past trauma in his life, he had a chance to be the strong, steady rock in their relationship in this chapter of their story. Jamie, the🙇 teenager they are fostering, has a larger role than the couple's two young girls, but I needed this new dose of Ally and Lulubug -- just can't get enough of their wide-eyed cuteness!😊
It was a📖 page turner so I had to read it in one sitting. The characters are so easy to love and relate to (Ben, who among us doesn't share your love of cheesecake?!), and the prose was easy to read, with not too much angst and some 🔥steamy bits amidst the caring, understanding and tenderness of a lively, loving family.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 7, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🤗👍💔👨👨👧👧🙇
This series goes from strength to strength by exploring the changing nature of the maturing, loving affection between husbands Alex and Ben. I love their little family's closeness through realistic strife, including health scares, teenage bids for independence and toddler tantrums! They've been through alot, including some horrific times fomented by Alex's homophobic mom earlier in the series, but in this part of their adventure, the trouble strikes from within. Alex steps up and keeps the family together; I liked that, after all of the past trauma in his life, he had a chance to be the strong, steady rock in their relationship in this chapter of their story. Jamie, the🙇 teenager they are fostering, has a larger role than the couple's two young girls, but I needed this new dose of Ally and Lulubug -- just can't get enough of their wide-eyed cuteness!😊
It was a📖 page turner so I had to read it in one sitting. The characters are so easy to love and relate to (Ben, who among us doesn't share your love of cheesecake?!), and the prose was easy to read, with not too much angst and some 🔥steamy bits amidst the caring, understanding and tenderness of a lively, loving family.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 9, 2019
This is a review of the San Capistrano Series as opposed to the latest installment (Book 6).
Angelique Jurd is an author who takes us on a journey as opposed to just telling a story. By the end of chapter one - book one, you are already invested in the relationship between the two main characters, Ben and Alex. We watch and grown along with them as they navigate their way through the start of their relationship, two opposites who obviously attract. We feel Ben’s strength, compassion and patience as he begins to realize he’s falling in love with Alex. We read on the edge of our chairs as we experience Alex’s fear and insecurities as he too realizes he’s falling in love.
Each book delves a bit further into their lives as they both realize their love is stronger than any obstacles thrown at them, and there are obstacles thrown at them that leave us all in tears and apprehension. (Stopping here not to give any spoilers).
The supporting characters are well formed and add love, support and yes, even hatred to their story.
Each book leaves you waiting with anxious anticipation for the next installment. Knowing that more is coming with “our boys” eases some of that anxiousness.
These are not stand alone books and should be read in order, but I promise you, you’ll return for many rereads.
A five-star rating? Hell, I’d triple that if I could.
Angelique Jurd is an author who takes us on a journey as opposed to just telling a story. By the end of chapter one - book one, you are already invested in the relationship between the two main characters, Ben and Alex. We watch and grown along with them as they navigate their way through the start of their relationship, two opposites who obviously attract. We feel Ben’s strength, compassion and patience as he begins to realize he’s falling in love with Alex. We read on the edge of our chairs as we experience Alex’s fear and insecurities as he too realizes he’s falling in love.
Each book delves a bit further into their lives as they both realize their love is stronger than any obstacles thrown at them, and there are obstacles thrown at them that leave us all in tears and apprehension. (Stopping here not to give any spoilers).
The supporting characters are well formed and add love, support and yes, even hatred to their story.
Each book leaves you waiting with anxious anticipation for the next installment. Knowing that more is coming with “our boys” eases some of that anxiousness.
These are not stand alone books and should be read in order, but I promise you, you’ll return for many rereads.
A five-star rating? Hell, I’d triple that if I could.
April 10, 2019
The San Capistrano Series is the only series I follow that has the same couple throughout. I usually prefer to read about different couples with appearances by the others. What makes this different is the strong familiarity the author has built up between story and reader, a comfy blanket despite the traumas Alex and Ben face periodically. I love the snapshots of family life that lots of us can relate to, and both the physical and spiritual growth. I see these books as clear pictures in my mind, and I think they would transfer beautifully to the small screen (although I am sure I would shout at the TV if things didn't measure up).
This is a beautifully written book that moved me to tears a couple of times. Real "dripping down the face" tears. I will always want to re-visit this couple, even if I am occasionally put through an emotional wringer.
This is a beautifully written book that moved me to tears a couple of times. Real "dripping down the face" tears. I will always want to re-visit this couple, even if I am occasionally put through an emotional wringer.
April 11, 2019
Another beautiful story in the San Capistrano series! Safe Haven is well-written, emotional, sweet, inspiring, full of love and hope, the storyline is great and I love everything about it. I love Ben and Alex and the lovely family they have made together with their two sweet (mostly) young daughters and their delightful and challenging foster son Jaimie. They always have each others backs no matter what the circumstances are and this time Alex will need to step up and help Ben when he faces a major hurdle. They are amazing fathers and nothing keeps them down for long as their entire focus is on their family and each other. I love this series and Alex and Ben are one of my very favorite couples of all time. I can't wait to see where their journey takes them next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 9, 2019
I love this series! Alex and Ben's lives are so full and complicated... as any family's life is. Teen's rebellion, toddlers being toddlers, health scares and it's truly lovely.
I really enjoyed the fact that it's Ben, with all his past trauma the one who provides strength and steadiness through all the story. It shows how much he has matured :)
This is the kind of book in which you'll lose yourself, and when you finally emerge, you'll do it with tears in your eyes and a big, sappy smile in your face. A must read.
I really enjoyed the fact that it's Ben, with all his past trauma the one who provides strength and steadiness through all the story. It shows how much he has matured :)
This is the kind of book in which you'll lose yourself, and when you finally emerge, you'll do it with tears in your eyes and a big, sappy smile in your face. A must read.
April 14, 2019
Wow, I’ve loved every book in this series, and once again I’m not left disappointed. The pain, the hurt, the anguish it’s all there and truly palpable. The love this family has for each other is beautiful, it’s truly amazing watching them go from strength to strength. The power of love truly makes them able to overcome every obstacle that is thrown at them. Also that love is more than just blood it’s the ties that bind, and there is acceptance no matter what.
June 23, 2020
And so we come to the end, unless the author decides to drop in on Ben and Alex again. This series has been completely amazing, very sweet and loving at times, but also heartbreaking and harrowing at times. This one gave me a real hard time, very moving indeed, but we did see Ben, Alex, Jamie, and the girls reach their HEA. Fingers crossed there may be more in the future, but not too much angst please, these guys have been through enough.
August 7, 2019
With one exception, I love this series for how real it is. As usual, Ben is a hot head and Alex shows the meaning of unconditional love. I loved seeing Ally, Lucy and Jaime and I hope this isn't the end (because I am thinking Jamie and Leo are upcoming)
April 9, 2019
Great read!
This is a great read, it's really well written and the story flows perfectly. Ben, Alex and their family drew me in and I read this is one sitting, loved it!
This is a great read, it's really well written and the story flows perfectly. Ben, Alex and their family drew me in and I read this is one sitting, loved it!
May 14, 2019
Emotional.
Oh this book gave me a big scare. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Ben, Alex and the family.
Oh this book gave me a big scare. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Ben, Alex and the family.
July 25, 2019
GREAT series! I couldn't stop reading, but didn't want it to end. Borrowed through KU, but I'll be buying this.
Definitely recommended.
Btw, Lulubug IS my granddaughter.
😘😘😘
Definitely recommended.
Btw, Lulubug IS my granddaughter.
😘😘😘
July 28, 2023
It's been such a lovely ride, reading Alex and Ben's stories, I laughed and cried and blushed at sexy times and just enjoyed everything. It is so wholesome watching how Alex and Ben changed through years and lots of events. I Just don't wish this to end 😭, but received some good news Miss Jurd is writting another one ❤️ will wait patiently for it. Would love to read more about Jamie.
August 24, 2025
4.3 - 2020, 2022
4.2 - 2025
4.2 - 2025
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews