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Pine Cove #1
Safe Harbor
Robin Coal wonders if asking his straight housemate Dair to be his fake boyfriend for his high school reunion will be the worst thing he’s ever done…or the best. But there’s no way he’s going home to face his abusive ex alone, and former Marine Dair is just the protection he needs. So long as he doesn’t find out about Robin’s secret crush, everything will be fine.
Mechanic Dair Epping never expected to spend a week sharing a bed with his adorkable friend, however pretending to be bi is easier than he imagined. He knows he’ll do anything to keep Robin safe from his ex-boyfriend, but as the chemistry between them grows, the line between fake and reality begins to blur.
Could Dair actually be bi? Even if he was, would an ex-Marine really be interested in a computer geek like Robin? When his ex’s intentions turn dangerous, how far will Dair go to protect the man he’s falling for?
Safe Harbor is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.
Mechanic Dair Epping never expected to spend a week sharing a bed with his adorkable friend, however pretending to be bi is easier than he imagined. He knows he’ll do anything to keep Robin safe from his ex-boyfriend, but as the chemistry between them grows, the line between fake and reality begins to blur.
Could Dair actually be bi? Even if he was, would an ex-Marine really be interested in a computer geek like Robin? When his ex’s intentions turn dangerous, how far will Dair go to protect the man he’s falling for?
Safe Harbor is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
About the author
H.J. Welch
41 books301 followersHJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 29, 201978% dnf because here comes the misunderstanding, the no communication, and the OTT drama from a psycho ex. Before that everything was moving along just fine. I’m out of patience and I’m moving on…
November 2, 2019
Robin and Dair's fake love story is so sweet (with a bit of angst). I loved watching them fumbling around and falling in love. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next in the series!
June 6, 2021
"You make me feel like I could conquer the world."
Dair smiled and kissed his cheek. "Let's conquer it together, then. My little koala.
July 19, 2019
Hey y'all!
H.J. Welch has a Halloween short about Robin and Dair on Prolific Works right now.
My first experience with the writing of H.J. Welch, combined with a fantastic performance by Nick J. Russo, Safe Harbor is adorable. A fake boyfriend/gay for you romance with a hefty side of playful humor and even a touch of drama, it makes a wonderful audiobook.
Fans of this genre know how hard it is to create a plausible foundation for this trope, both the story and the characters have to be believable for it to work. Both men are in their late 20’s and are relatively inexperienced in the ways of romance. The nerd and the hunky military guy are a great pairing and both of these guys are sweet as heck.
Returning home for his ten year reunion, Robin needs a fake boyfriend to distract his aggressive ex. Drawn to each other from the get-go, it’s no surprise when his (straight) room-mate Dair volunteers for the post. As the two grow even closer, Dair’s realization that he’s pansexual is a natural progression for his character and works well in the story.
Ms. Welch introduces a host of creative and engaging characters who live in Pine Cove and I’m looking forward to finding out whose story is needs. I hope more episodes in this series are on the way!
an audiobook copy of Safe Harbor (Pine Cover #1) was provided to me for the purpose of my review
H.J. Welch has a Halloween short about Robin and Dair on Prolific Works right now.
My first experience with the writing of H.J. Welch, combined with a fantastic performance by Nick J. Russo, Safe Harbor is adorable. A fake boyfriend/gay for you romance with a hefty side of playful humor and even a touch of drama, it makes a wonderful audiobook.
Fans of this genre know how hard it is to create a plausible foundation for this trope, both the story and the characters have to be believable for it to work. Both men are in their late 20’s and are relatively inexperienced in the ways of romance. The nerd and the hunky military guy are a great pairing and both of these guys are sweet as heck.
Returning home for his ten year reunion, Robin needs a fake boyfriend to distract his aggressive ex. Drawn to each other from the get-go, it’s no surprise when his (straight) room-mate Dair volunteers for the post. As the two grow even closer, Dair’s realization that he’s pansexual is a natural progression for his character and works well in the story.
Ms. Welch introduces a host of creative and engaging characters who live in Pine Cove and I’m looking forward to finding out whose story is needs. I hope more episodes in this series are on the way!
an audiobook copy of Safe Harbor (Pine Cover #1) was provided to me for the purpose of my review
August 14, 2019
Ugggghhh.
I don’t know, folks.
So many parts of Safe Harbour were good. Some...not so much.
I LOVED Dair. Loved him. And Smudge. He was cool too.
But. Robin?! I was annoyed. He kept calling himself an idiot, and well, id have to agree with him.
I loved the town, Robins family, especially his brothers and sisters. MAC was a total effing asswipe and I’m sort of ticked off that Robin was too dumb to notice.
I feel like sometimes, HJ Welch created conflicts where ones really shouldn’t have happened, nor made sense for the character or even the story and it’s arc. Maybe it’s just me but I feel a little underwhelmed and sad because this story line had potential.
Since I loved the family so much and this appears to be a series, ill give the author another go and see if it’s just me who didn’t gel or if it’s a writer thing.
Dair is a rock star.
I don’t know, folks.
So many parts of Safe Harbour were good. Some...not so much.
I LOVED Dair. Loved him. And Smudge. He was cool too.
But. Robin?! I was annoyed. He kept calling himself an idiot, and well, id have to agree with him.
I loved the town, Robins family, especially his brothers and sisters. MAC was a total effing asswipe and I’m sort of ticked off that Robin was too dumb to notice.
I feel like sometimes, HJ Welch created conflicts where ones really shouldn’t have happened, nor made sense for the character or even the story and it’s arc. Maybe it’s just me but I feel a little underwhelmed and sad because this story line had potential.
Since I loved the family so much and this appears to be a series, ill give the author another go and see if it’s just me who didn’t gel or if it’s a writer thing.
Dair is a rock star.
July 17, 2019
Okay I loved this book and I hated this book.
+ Amazing scenery.
+ Cute nerd
+ Extremely sexy hunk of an ex marine
+ Great writing
+ Sweet, funny story.
I have a huge crush on Dair. Not going to lie. And I loved reading about Pine cove and all of the amazing characters and furbabies. But, I had some problems too.
- Robins insecurites and how easily manipulated he was. It made me crazy from time to time.
- Dair being oblivious to his feelings for Robin until someone told him what he was feeling.
- Unnecessary violence. This is my biggest problem whit this book (and a lot of other books.) I’m not going to tell you guys what happened but was it really necessary? I read feel-good because I want feel-good and that’s enough. I’m so tired of all this hybrid thingis going on. Dear authors, please take notes.
But in the end you know I judge more with my heart than my head so 4 stars it is. I’m definitely reading the other books in the series when they are coming.
+ Amazing scenery.
+ Cute nerd
+ Extremely sexy hunk of an ex marine
+ Great writing
+ Sweet, funny story.
I have a huge crush on Dair. Not going to lie. And I loved reading about Pine cove and all of the amazing characters and furbabies. But, I had some problems too.
- Robins insecurites and how easily manipulated he was. It made me crazy from time to time.
- Dair being oblivious to his feelings for Robin until someone told him what he was feeling.
- Unnecessary violence. This is my biggest problem whit this book (and a lot of other books.) I’m not going to tell you guys what happened but was it really necessary? I read feel-good because I want feel-good and that’s enough. I’m so tired of all this hybrid thingis going on. Dear authors, please take notes.
But in the end you know I judge more with my heart than my head so 4 stars it is. I’m definitely reading the other books in the series when they are coming.
December 22, 2021
Had fun while reading this. A fantastic read for me 🤧💖
July 11, 2019
Soooo this was pretty terrible. The author should have made these characters teenagers because their behavior was not what I expect from men close to 30. And the dialog, omg. “Are we, um, boyfriends?” “Your cock is a work of art.” “The thought of being inside you...it’s pretty all-consuming, hon.” Is this supposed to be sexy? And the sex itself was as boring as dry toast.
And then there’s the miscommunication/misunderstanding bullshit where these two grown men who are supposed to be intelligent allow themselves to be taken in by the psycho ex‘s weak af manipulation game. Lame.
Basically, nothing about this worked for me.
And then there’s the miscommunication/misunderstanding bullshit where these two grown men who are supposed to be intelligent allow themselves to be taken in by the psycho ex‘s weak af manipulation game. Lame.
Basically, nothing about this worked for me.
January 16, 2024
This is a good story and a well written book. I couldn’t give it a higher rating because it contains some things that really bother me.
I have very little patience with main characters who constantly question their partner’s intentions. Robin was like a broken record saying the same things over and over.
I hate breakup scenes at 75% into the story. This is such as tired plot line that it really hurts the story for me.
The biggest problem for me is the dreaded inner monologue. These guys spend half the story in their own heads.
I have very little patience with main characters who constantly question their partner’s intentions. Robin was like a broken record saying the same things over and over.
I hate breakup scenes at 75% into the story. This is such as tired plot line that it really hurts the story for me.
The biggest problem for me is the dreaded inner monologue. These guys spend half the story in their own heads.
October 2, 2019
Super disappointing read. Everything about the story felt trite and clichéd—from the premise to the characters to the conflict to the ending, it was all predictable and, frankly, boring. It was also extremely slow-paced and, even when it did pick up, seemed to drag right back down to an excruciating snail's pace in the very next second, mostly because of Robin's crippling insecurities and Dair's nonsensical confusion over his own feelings, both of which were hammered out and explored to absolute death over the majority of the book. For the love of God though, we get it. Robin thinks he's an unattractive geek undeserving of human compassion, and Dair apparently has no idea how to recognize that he's actually attracted to someone until he is literally told by an outside source. We don't need those things spelled out in such detailed and repetitive ways over the course of entire chapters.
But one of the most frustrating things about it was the way the two MCs were constantly doubting both themselves and each other, and that lack of communication and self-confidence led to one of the most pointless and irritating conflicts I think I've ever read in a book. It was just as unrealistic as the ridiculous over-the-top sugar-sweet dialogue, most of which made me cringe in pain at all the awful and embarrassing cavities I was left with.
Seriously.
I feel like there is no way in hell a normal person would have been able to spout half of that dialogue with a straight face. And even if they could, who would want to be around that person?
Mac's character also felt very forced and predictable, almost as though he was filling some sort of preconceived villain quota, pretty much put there just to tick all the clichéd boxes on the plotline's checklist. He was presented like he was a robot permanently set to "douchebag" mode, one who was able to manipulate Robin with practically zero effort or argument. Robin is one of the easiest characters to take advantage of that I've come across in a very long time. It was beyond frustrating the way he refused to listen to his family, friends, roommate-turned-boyfriend, and his own damn feelings about being around Mac, making him come across as nothing more than embarrassingly naive. (He's a grown man nearing thirty and yet thinks and acts like he's sixteen.) He was nothing more than a walking doormat stitched together from his own ridiculous insecurities, one whose first response was always to pretty much just lie down in front of Mac without him even needing to ask and let him walk all over him. And Dair was so ridiculously, unrealistically perfect that I found myself actually disliking him the most. There is definitely such a thing as too much perfection in a character and Dair hit that in spades, going eighty miles an hour with no helmet. That sort of perfection is not real, and it's aggravating when an author tries so hard to make their characters as overly sweet, generous, caring, and thoughtful as they can possibly be, whilst presenting no balance with any sort of negative traits. Human beings are flawed; we are all imperfect. Without flaws, there's nothing to relate to or endear the character to us. He may as well have been a talking Ken doll. There's no room to grow as a person if you're already perfect, and that's how Dair came across. In the end, his contrived perfection was nothing but a handicap.
There was absolutely nothing complex about any of these characters—there were no hidden depths or unknown layers to a single one of them. This book just did absolutely nothing for me beyond the near-constant frustration.
But one of the most frustrating things about it was the way the two MCs were constantly doubting both themselves and each other, and that lack of communication and self-confidence led to one of the most pointless and irritating conflicts I think I've ever read in a book. It was just as unrealistic as the ridiculous over-the-top sugar-sweet dialogue, most of which made me cringe in pain at all the awful and embarrassing cavities I was left with.
Seriously.
I feel like there is no way in hell a normal person would have been able to spout half of that dialogue with a straight face. And even if they could, who would want to be around that person?
Mac's character also felt very forced and predictable, almost as though he was filling some sort of preconceived villain quota, pretty much put there just to tick all the clichéd boxes on the plotline's checklist. He was presented like he was a robot permanently set to "douchebag" mode, one who was able to manipulate Robin with practically zero effort or argument. Robin is one of the easiest characters to take advantage of that I've come across in a very long time. It was beyond frustrating the way he refused to listen to his family, friends, roommate-turned-boyfriend, and his own damn feelings about being around Mac, making him come across as nothing more than embarrassingly naive. (He's a grown man nearing thirty and yet thinks and acts like he's sixteen.) He was nothing more than a walking doormat stitched together from his own ridiculous insecurities, one whose first response was always to pretty much just lie down in front of Mac without him even needing to ask and let him walk all over him. And Dair was so ridiculously, unrealistically perfect that I found myself actually disliking him the most. There is definitely such a thing as too much perfection in a character and Dair hit that in spades, going eighty miles an hour with no helmet. That sort of perfection is not real, and it's aggravating when an author tries so hard to make their characters as overly sweet, generous, caring, and thoughtful as they can possibly be, whilst presenting no balance with any sort of negative traits. Human beings are flawed; we are all imperfect. Without flaws, there's nothing to relate to or endear the character to us. He may as well have been a talking Ken doll. There's no room to grow as a person if you're already perfect, and that's how Dair came across. In the end, his contrived perfection was nothing but a handicap.
There was absolutely nothing complex about any of these characters—there were no hidden depths or unknown layers to a single one of them. This book just did absolutely nothing for me beyond the near-constant frustration.
May 10, 2019
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Safe Harbor is the first book in the new series, Pine Cove, by HJ Welch. I was instantly hooked to this story from the synopsis alone and it was just as adorable as I expected it to be.
Geeky Robin has been crushing on his hot ex- Marine roommate since he walked in the door. This crush has made him keep his distance from Dair but that hasn't stopped Dair from trying to be his friend. When he decides he needs a date to bring home for his high school reunion, Dair happily volunteers. He may be straight, but he's comfortable in his own skin and would do anything to prove what a great friend he can be to Robin. When the pretending starts to feel like much more it doesn't freak Dair out as much as it should. When they decide to take a chance on making things real their insecurities might get in the way just as they give in.
"Their mouths crashed together, and Dair's whole world changed in an instant."
I loved all the characters in Safe Harbor. Robin was absolutely freaking adorable with all his nerdy quirks. I just wish he wasn't so insecure about himself and it was frustrating to no end the way he handled things with his ex. Dair was a dream, sexy, chivalrous, caring and sweet. Seriously, he loves cooking for people, baby talks with his pets, open-minded, and protective. I want my own Dair !! I also loved their spunky roommate Peyton and all of Robin's siblings. I would, without hesitation, read books about any one of the supporting characters.
The story itself was entertaining, and the writing was great. I loved the connection and ease between Robin and Dair. The dialogue flowed and never felt forced. The intimate scenes between them also felt right. Robin, who was so shy and composed, let his inhibitions go in the bedroom and it surprisingly works. Their intimacy was full of heat, passion and exploration.
"You make me feel like I could conquer the world." Dair smiled and kissed his cheek. "Let's conquer it together, then. My little koala."
Overall, I think Safe Harbor is a fantastic start to a series. A feel good MM romance with amazing characters and a happily ever after. I am highly looking forward to more books to come in this series.
Safe Harbor is the first book in the new series, Pine Cove, by HJ Welch. I was instantly hooked to this story from the synopsis alone and it was just as adorable as I expected it to be.
Geeky Robin has been crushing on his hot ex- Marine roommate since he walked in the door. This crush has made him keep his distance from Dair but that hasn't stopped Dair from trying to be his friend. When he decides he needs a date to bring home for his high school reunion, Dair happily volunteers. He may be straight, but he's comfortable in his own skin and would do anything to prove what a great friend he can be to Robin. When the pretending starts to feel like much more it doesn't freak Dair out as much as it should. When they decide to take a chance on making things real their insecurities might get in the way just as they give in.
"Their mouths crashed together, and Dair's whole world changed in an instant."
I loved all the characters in Safe Harbor. Robin was absolutely freaking adorable with all his nerdy quirks. I just wish he wasn't so insecure about himself and it was frustrating to no end the way he handled things with his ex. Dair was a dream, sexy, chivalrous, caring and sweet. Seriously, he loves cooking for people, baby talks with his pets, open-minded, and protective. I want my own Dair !! I also loved their spunky roommate Peyton and all of Robin's siblings. I would, without hesitation, read books about any one of the supporting characters.
The story itself was entertaining, and the writing was great. I loved the connection and ease between Robin and Dair. The dialogue flowed and never felt forced. The intimate scenes between them also felt right. Robin, who was so shy and composed, let his inhibitions go in the bedroom and it surprisingly works. Their intimacy was full of heat, passion and exploration.
"You make me feel like I could conquer the world." Dair smiled and kissed his cheek. "Let's conquer it together, then. My little koala."
Overall, I think Safe Harbor is a fantastic start to a series. A feel good MM romance with amazing characters and a happily ever after. I am highly looking forward to more books to come in this series.
July 27, 2020
Bardziej prosta niż konstrukcja cepa ta książka...
Schemat goni schemat i to w najgorszym tego słowa znaczeniu...
Przewidywalność - 120 % 😁
Finezja - 0% 😁
Zaskakujące dialogi - 0% 😁
Przez większość czasu musiałam sobie przypominać, że to nie nastolatki, tylko kolesie dobiegający 30-tki - zwłaszcza Robin. Bo po tekstach i zachowaniu nic na to nie wskazuje... Robin w założeniu pewnie miał być tym słodkim facetem, ale wyszedł w większości denerwujący i powodujący przewracanie oczami podczas czytania... A w około 70% tekstu książka staje się wkurzająca i naprawdę irytująca... Gdy doszło do "obowiązkowego" w schematach rozstania przed happy endem, było to szyte tak grubymi nićmi, że zęby bolały... Jedynym jasnym punktem książki jest rodzina Robina - jest rzeczywiście prawdziwie urocza...
Ale że jestem masochistką, to polecę do końca z tą serią, skoro już ją zaczęłam 😂 Może mnie coś zaskoczy dalej - kto to wie 😁
Schemat goni schemat i to w najgorszym tego słowa znaczeniu...
Przewidywalność - 120 % 😁
Finezja - 0% 😁
Zaskakujące dialogi - 0% 😁
Przez większość czasu musiałam sobie przypominać, że to nie nastolatki, tylko kolesie dobiegający 30-tki - zwłaszcza Robin. Bo po tekstach i zachowaniu nic na to nie wskazuje... Robin w założeniu pewnie miał być tym słodkim facetem, ale wyszedł w większości denerwujący i powodujący przewracanie oczami podczas czytania... A w około 70% tekstu książka staje się wkurzająca i naprawdę irytująca... Gdy doszło do "obowiązkowego" w schematach rozstania przed happy endem, było to szyte tak grubymi nićmi, że zęby bolały... Jedynym jasnym punktem książki jest rodzina Robina - jest rzeczywiście prawdziwie urocza...
Ale że jestem masochistką, to polecę do końca z tą serią, skoro już ją zaczęłam 😂 Może mnie coś zaskoczy dalej - kto to wie 😁
May 17, 2019
This is your fairly classic fake boyfriend, with some fun twists. A light, sweet read, Dair and Robin were adorable together. I really loved Dair, such a white knight, maybe too perfect at times, but still great. Robin...would have been awesome, he has the a-dork-able vibe going, shy, and low in self esteem.
Despite being a light read, and not really my thing, this would have been a solid 4 stars if not for Robin’s final TSTL moment. I totally understand wanting to forgive, or believe the best in ppl, but UGH! That just aggravated me. Although the result was great, love seeing a jerk get what they deserve. But WHY ROBIN? WHY?
I did enjoy it though, and recommend for a cute, sweet read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
Despite being a light read, and not really my thing, this would have been a solid 4 stars if not for Robin’s final TSTL moment. I totally understand wanting to forgive, or believe the best in ppl, but UGH! That just aggravated me. Although the result was great, love seeing a jerk get what they deserve. But WHY ROBIN? WHY?
I did enjoy it though, and recommend for a cute, sweet read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
March 9, 2020
3 Sterne mit deutlicher Tendenz nach oben.
Darum geht's:
Robins zehnjähriges Klassentreffen steht bevor und eine große Feier ist geplant. Auch wenn er sich einredet, einfach zu viel zu tun zu haben, um in seine Heimatstadt zu fahren, ist seinen beiden Mitbewohnern Peyton und Dair klar, dass er sich einfach vor der Begegnung mit seinem Ex Mac scheut. Dair, der ehemalige Marine bietet an, Robins Freund zu spielen und Mac abzuschrecken. Dair ist zwar nicht schwul, aber er mag Robin und will ihm gerne den Gefallen tun.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Darum geht's:
Robins zehnjähriges Klassentreffen steht bevor und eine große Feier ist geplant. Auch wenn er sich einredet, einfach zu viel zu tun zu haben, um in seine Heimatstadt zu fahren, ist seinen beiden Mitbewohnern Peyton und Dair klar, dass er sich einfach vor der Begegnung mit seinem Ex Mac scheut. Dair, der ehemalige Marine bietet an, Robins Freund zu spielen und Mac abzuschrecken. Dair ist zwar nicht schwul, aber er mag Robin und will ihm gerne den Gefallen tun.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
March 15, 2024
Robin and Dair got progressively more dumb and less mature as the book went on. By chapter 19/26+ep, I was like...
Funny thing is, instead of making me rage quit, it just made me tired and sad that Robin was so stupid and refused to believe anything that was happening to him in regards to Mac. Like, I get the past - Robin was totally naive and young and his self-esteem had been obliterated by Mac, BUT WTF ABOUT NOW??
Funny thing is, instead of making me rage quit, it just made me tired and sad that Robin was so stupid and refused to believe anything that was happening to him in regards to Mac. Like, I get the past - Robin was totally naive and young and his self-esteem had been obliterated by Mac, BUT WTF ABOUT NOW??
September 2, 2019
For the love of everything... edit your dang book! During one of the first encounters, Dair ended up "thinking about Dair." Way too many bumbles to read through especially with such a trite story/trope.
November 18, 2019
I was really enjoying this book, started off strong and then nothing happened. It just dragged on and on. I was feeling the connection between the two main characters. Sorry.
February 3, 2025
4.5 stars. I’ve read quite a few stories by this author and this was such a great one. I’m a big fan of fake-dating and I thought this one was done so well. I listened to the audiobook and definitely recommend as the narrator is great!
Both Robin and Dair were such fantastic characters. I loved how their relationship blossomed and how they were what the other needed! There was some miscommunication due to a meddling ex which isn’t always my favourite but it was done with the right amount of believability and even some danger thrown in that I was ok with it.
Their HEA was so sweet. I really enjoyed the same town and look forward to reading more in the series!
Both Robin and Dair were such fantastic characters. I loved how their relationship blossomed and how they were what the other needed! There was some miscommunication due to a meddling ex which isn’t always my favourite but it was done with the right amount of believability and even some danger thrown in that I was ok with it.
Their HEA was so sweet. I really enjoyed the same town and look forward to reading more in the series!
July 27, 2020
A sweet, sexy OFY story with likeable characters - apart from the scumbag ex of course. Excellent narration from Nick J. Russo.
June 15, 2025
This is a good friends to lovers/ fake romance story which I enjoyed. I loved some scenes in this as Dair plays guard duty to keep Robin safe, but things go sideways with a drama scene. my full blog review link
February 23, 2020
»Safe Harbor« ist für mich das erste Buch von H.J. Welch und es wird auch erst mal das letzte bleiben, denn ich bin enttäuscht. Der Plot der Geschichte hat mich sehr angesprochen, darum wollte ich unbedingt einen Blick hineinwerfen, und ich habe mich fast sofort in den Charakter Dair verliebt, einen Ex-Marine, der das Herz am rechten Fleck hat und einfach großartig ist.
Tja, und dann kam Robin und die Geschichte stürzte für mich ab. Es war von Anfang an deutlich, dass der Charakter voller Komplexe ist und Null Selbstbewusstsein hat, und daraus hätte man unglaublich viel machen können, was nur leider nicht passiert ist. Vielleicht hat der Autor ihn extra so überspitzt angelegt, für mich hat er mit seinem ständigen Gejammer und seinem kindischen und am Ende ernsthaft dummen Verhalten das Buch ruiniert. Wie kann man mit Ende zwanzig so naiv sein? Es wäre glaubwürdiger gewesen, hätte sich der Autor mehr auf das Thema »Sein Ex hat ihn geschlagen.« eingelassen, aber das war nicht der Fall.
Stattdessen ist Robin ständig damit beschäftigt, und zwar immer und immer wieder, gedankliche Monologe darüber zu halten, wie schlecht er doch ist und das ihn nie einer haben wollen wird, schon gar nicht ein umwerfender Mann wie Dair. Irgendwann habe ich angefangen seine Szenen nur noch zu überfliegen, weil es mich genervt hat, schon wieder lesen zu müssen, dass Robin zu nichts taugt und für niemanden gut genug ist.
Den letzten Rest Glaubwürdigkeit hat die Geschichte dann allerdings mit zwei Szenen für mich verloren, einmal der Art und Weise, wie die beiden plötzlich im Bett landen (und das obwohl Dair noch nie etwas mit einem Mann hatte), und später die Szene am Steg zwischen Robin und seinem Ex. Ich will nicht weiter spoilern, daher spare ich mir die Details. Nur so viel, wer so dusselig ist, sein eigenes Leben zu riskieren, nur um einmal seinen Mann stehen zu wollen – sorry, aber nein danke.
Peyton, Robins beste Freundin, sagt in dem Buch mal zu ihm, er solle sich endlich wie ein Erwachsener benehmen und mit Dair reden, und das bringt es so ziemlich auf den Punkt, denn Robin ist vom Erwachsensein meilenweit entfernt, seinem Verhalten nach.
Wirklich schade, denn seine Familie, Peyton und vor allem Dair mit seinem tierischem Anhang, sind großartig beschrieben. Genauso wie die Nebencharaktere, die im Buch auftauchen. Das hätte eine wunderschöne Geschichte werden können. Stattdessen ist sie für mich eine Enttäuschung.
Dafür gibt es nicht mehr als 2 Sterne (einen für die Idee und einen für Dair) und keine Leseempfehlung.
Tja, und dann kam Robin und die Geschichte stürzte für mich ab. Es war von Anfang an deutlich, dass der Charakter voller Komplexe ist und Null Selbstbewusstsein hat, und daraus hätte man unglaublich viel machen können, was nur leider nicht passiert ist. Vielleicht hat der Autor ihn extra so überspitzt angelegt, für mich hat er mit seinem ständigen Gejammer und seinem kindischen und am Ende ernsthaft dummen Verhalten das Buch ruiniert. Wie kann man mit Ende zwanzig so naiv sein? Es wäre glaubwürdiger gewesen, hätte sich der Autor mehr auf das Thema »Sein Ex hat ihn geschlagen.« eingelassen, aber das war nicht der Fall.
Stattdessen ist Robin ständig damit beschäftigt, und zwar immer und immer wieder, gedankliche Monologe darüber zu halten, wie schlecht er doch ist und das ihn nie einer haben wollen wird, schon gar nicht ein umwerfender Mann wie Dair. Irgendwann habe ich angefangen seine Szenen nur noch zu überfliegen, weil es mich genervt hat, schon wieder lesen zu müssen, dass Robin zu nichts taugt und für niemanden gut genug ist.
Den letzten Rest Glaubwürdigkeit hat die Geschichte dann allerdings mit zwei Szenen für mich verloren, einmal der Art und Weise, wie die beiden plötzlich im Bett landen (und das obwohl Dair noch nie etwas mit einem Mann hatte), und später die Szene am Steg zwischen Robin und seinem Ex. Ich will nicht weiter spoilern, daher spare ich mir die Details. Nur so viel, wer so dusselig ist, sein eigenes Leben zu riskieren, nur um einmal seinen Mann stehen zu wollen – sorry, aber nein danke.
Peyton, Robins beste Freundin, sagt in dem Buch mal zu ihm, er solle sich endlich wie ein Erwachsener benehmen und mit Dair reden, und das bringt es so ziemlich auf den Punkt, denn Robin ist vom Erwachsensein meilenweit entfernt, seinem Verhalten nach.
Wirklich schade, denn seine Familie, Peyton und vor allem Dair mit seinem tierischem Anhang, sind großartig beschrieben. Genauso wie die Nebencharaktere, die im Buch auftauchen. Das hätte eine wunderschöne Geschichte werden können. Stattdessen ist sie für mich eine Enttäuschung.
Dafür gibt es nicht mehr als 2 Sterne (einen für die Idee und einen für Dair) und keine Leseempfehlung.
November 20, 2019
First and last
This author is new to me. I didn't look at reviews so I went in with no preconceived notions. Turns out, I probably should have. Right away, she pinged one of my reader no-no's. If you are going to clearly localize your book to say ... the U.S., but you are NOT from the same country, you must keep your phrases, lingo, slang - to the place where your book takes place. I should not be able to tell that you are European, if your characters are from Seattle.
Second ping. The book is boring. It's super wordy. There is way more telling than doing. I was truly over Robin being immature, naive, and insecure. I was also not a fan of Emery and the way he refers to himself (see notes & highlights) so I'm positive I won't be reading the next book. I found it hard to believe that a man who has had one female sexual partner for a decade, oh no wait, not only in over a decade but only one partner his whole life, suddenly finds himself so comfortable with being with a man. It was just too easy, especially considering some of the sex acts were a little more than tame.
Lastly, ear hair and "hon". Two things that made a cringe. NO ONE needs to read about ear hair removal, I mean, come on. It wasn't funny, it had no bearing at all in the story, so why have it twice ? And that stupid endearment. I swear it's like nails on chalkboard for me. I absolutely hate it.
Not going to waste my time on more of this series. Clearly the author's style is not for me.
This author is new to me. I didn't look at reviews so I went in with no preconceived notions. Turns out, I probably should have. Right away, she pinged one of my reader no-no's. If you are going to clearly localize your book to say ... the U.S., but you are NOT from the same country, you must keep your phrases, lingo, slang - to the place where your book takes place. I should not be able to tell that you are European, if your characters are from Seattle.
Second ping. The book is boring. It's super wordy. There is way more telling than doing. I was truly over Robin being immature, naive, and insecure. I was also not a fan of Emery and the way he refers to himself (see notes & highlights) so I'm positive I won't be reading the next book. I found it hard to believe that a man who has had one female sexual partner for a decade, oh no wait, not only in over a decade but only one partner his whole life, suddenly finds himself so comfortable with being with a man. It was just too easy, especially considering some of the sex acts were a little more than tame.
Lastly, ear hair and "hon". Two things that made a cringe. NO ONE needs to read about ear hair removal, I mean, come on. It wasn't funny, it had no bearing at all in the story, so why have it twice ? And that stupid endearment. I swear it's like nails on chalkboard for me. I absolutely hate it.
Not going to waste my time on more of this series. Clearly the author's style is not for me.
May 18, 2019
I’m a huge fan of the fake boyfriend trope. There’s something about it that just does it for me. This was a decent read in my opinion. Robin and Dair were both likeable characters. There were aspects of Robin’s personality that were unexpected, but I surprisingly liked. I’m not usually a fan of dirty talk but it worked for Robin one hundred percent. Dair was sweet, caring, and kind from start to finish. I was startled by his insight and the steps he took for Robin. What I wish there was more of was build up between the pair of them before springing the fake boyfriend story on us. I felt like there wasn’t enough interaction and trust built between Robin and Dair before they undertook this scheme for the relationship to progress the way it did. The entire time I was reading it felt like there was something missing.
May 14, 2019
Arc provided courtesy of LesCourt
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
This one is a lot of standard fake boyfriend trope. Robin hasn't been home in several years, because he's terrified of his ex boyfriend who was an abusive jerk. The school reunions is coming up, and his family really misses him, especially his twin brother, Jay. When his super hot roommate, Dair -- who is totally straight --volunteers to be his boyfriend for the week, it's enough to make him feel safe returning home for the first time. Cute hijinx, miscommunications, and interference from the jilted ex ensue.
The story is cute. It's pretty formulaic, but if you like forced proximity, gay for you, and fake boyfriend, this is probably right up your alley.
Perfect for a light summer beach read.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
This one is a lot of standard fake boyfriend trope. Robin hasn't been home in several years, because he's terrified of his ex boyfriend who was an abusive jerk. The school reunions is coming up, and his family really misses him, especially his twin brother, Jay. When his super hot roommate, Dair -- who is totally straight --volunteers to be his boyfriend for the week, it's enough to make him feel safe returning home for the first time. Cute hijinx, miscommunications, and interference from the jilted ex ensue.
The story is cute. It's pretty formulaic, but if you like forced proximity, gay for you, and fake boyfriend, this is probably right up your alley.
Perfect for a light summer beach read.
May 20, 2019
Cute
A story of a very insecure Robin, who does not believe in his self worth. He's been afraid to date and now afraid to return home for his high school reunion. This is all because of his ex - who was extremely abusive mentally and emotionally. His roommate Dair volunteers to be his fake boyfriend for the reunion festivities. The story was cute and supporting cast was funny and supportive as these two learned new things about themselves and each other.
A story of a very insecure Robin, who does not believe in his self worth. He's been afraid to date and now afraid to return home for his high school reunion. This is all because of his ex - who was extremely abusive mentally and emotionally. His roommate Dair volunteers to be his fake boyfriend for the reunion festivities. The story was cute and supporting cast was funny and supportive as these two learned new things about themselves and each other.
May 19, 2019
Fake boyfriend trope done well.
March 3, 2021
Cosy
This is the kind of book to read when you want something simple and sweet. No over done scenes, not crazy steamy, just enjoyable.
This is the kind of book to read when you want something simple and sweet. No over done scenes, not crazy steamy, just enjoyable.
April 13, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Funny, fluffy pan-
awakening, plus small town
charm. Really quite good.
Funny, fluffy pan-
awakening, plus small town
charm. Really quite good.
May 17, 2019
I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the author, that I write a review was NOT required.
This book landed right on my kindle when I was between bigger, heavier, darker books and it proper hit THAT spot, you know? The one that lets you fall into this book, and just read, and wile away a few hours while you recover from minor surgery. It landed, I read.
And I bloody LOVED it!
Robin has immediate attraction to Dair, right from the very first meeting but he doesn’t act on it, at all, cos Dair is straight. When Robin’s high school reunion comes up, he doesn’t really want to go, because it means he will come face to face with his abusive ex. When Robin’s best friend, Peyton, suggest he takes Dair as his plus one, Robin is not convinced it’s a good idea, but Dair does. It means Dair can get to know Robin better. THEN the suggestion is made for Dair to be Robin’s pretend boyfriend and things spiral out of control. Is Dair straight, or could he be bi? When Robin’s ex gets nasty, Dair knows what and WHO it is he wants, he just has to get there in time.
LOVED this, I really did!
It creeps up on you, and it’s sneaky the way it does.
The attraction that Robin has to Dair is powerful, right from the beginning, but Dair’s attraction to Robin sneaks up on him. It creeps and crawls when they go to Pine Cove, and to Robin’s family home. It sneaks up on him when he’s “pretending” and then it becomes a case of NOT pretending. He wants to touch Robin, hold his hand, kiss him. He WANTS more than those fleeting moments.
The thing with Robin’s ex, that sneaks up on you too! I did NOT see that coming out the way it was going, I really didn’t. I really thought he was trying to make amends! I did not think he was going to go as far as he did!
There is a sneaky thing going on with Peyton, Robin’s best friend, and his sister, Ava. Wonder how that will play out! There were lots of hints and clues and maybe I’m totally reading it all wrong but again, it’s a sneaky book!
It’s not overly explicit, but the physical relationship between Dair and Robin grows over time, so it doesn’t need to be. It’s got a bit of drama and angst with the ex, but not too much. Some danger to...well....just some danger in the book but not saying what.
It really was a thoroughly enjoyable, if sneaky, little book. But then again, its not even LITTLE! It’s just short of 300 pages, and I read it in one go.
Thank you, Ms Welch, for my copy. I hope I get to follow up with the people we met here.
Nick J Russo narrates.
I love Mr Russo’s work, and this is no exception!
His voices for Robin and Dair are PERFECT! They fit so well, they really do, to what I heard when I READ this book first. I do that a lot, know you, hear the voices and then when I find the book is being narrated, I hope my voices match the voices the narrator gives the characters and here I was no disappointed!
We get all of Robin’s instant and powerful attraction to Dair. We get Dair’s dawning realisation that he may not be as straight as he thought. We get all of Robin’s conflict with his ex and we get all of Dair’s terror when Robin is in danger.
Some of these come across when reading, but not all, and Russo nails the delivery!
His reading voice is deep and clear, and all the voices, for everyone, were different enough for me to have no trouble keeping up with multi person conversations.
I hope he gets to narrate the next books too. I need to listen to Troubled Waters, which is book two in this series.
5 stars for the narration
5 stars for the book
5 shiny, but sneaky stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This book landed right on my kindle when I was between bigger, heavier, darker books and it proper hit THAT spot, you know? The one that lets you fall into this book, and just read, and wile away a few hours while you recover from minor surgery. It landed, I read.
And I bloody LOVED it!
Robin has immediate attraction to Dair, right from the very first meeting but he doesn’t act on it, at all, cos Dair is straight. When Robin’s high school reunion comes up, he doesn’t really want to go, because it means he will come face to face with his abusive ex. When Robin’s best friend, Peyton, suggest he takes Dair as his plus one, Robin is not convinced it’s a good idea, but Dair does. It means Dair can get to know Robin better. THEN the suggestion is made for Dair to be Robin’s pretend boyfriend and things spiral out of control. Is Dair straight, or could he be bi? When Robin’s ex gets nasty, Dair knows what and WHO it is he wants, he just has to get there in time.
LOVED this, I really did!
It creeps up on you, and it’s sneaky the way it does.
The attraction that Robin has to Dair is powerful, right from the beginning, but Dair’s attraction to Robin sneaks up on him. It creeps and crawls when they go to Pine Cove, and to Robin’s family home. It sneaks up on him when he’s “pretending” and then it becomes a case of NOT pretending. He wants to touch Robin, hold his hand, kiss him. He WANTS more than those fleeting moments.
The thing with Robin’s ex, that sneaks up on you too! I did NOT see that coming out the way it was going, I really didn’t. I really thought he was trying to make amends! I did not think he was going to go as far as he did!
There is a sneaky thing going on with Peyton, Robin’s best friend, and his sister, Ava. Wonder how that will play out! There were lots of hints and clues and maybe I’m totally reading it all wrong but again, it’s a sneaky book!
It’s not overly explicit, but the physical relationship between Dair and Robin grows over time, so it doesn’t need to be. It’s got a bit of drama and angst with the ex, but not too much. Some danger to...well....just some danger in the book but not saying what.
It really was a thoroughly enjoyable, if sneaky, little book. But then again, its not even LITTLE! It’s just short of 300 pages, and I read it in one go.
Thank you, Ms Welch, for my copy. I hope I get to follow up with the people we met here.
Nick J Russo narrates.
I love Mr Russo’s work, and this is no exception!
His voices for Robin and Dair are PERFECT! They fit so well, they really do, to what I heard when I READ this book first. I do that a lot, know you, hear the voices and then when I find the book is being narrated, I hope my voices match the voices the narrator gives the characters and here I was no disappointed!
We get all of Robin’s instant and powerful attraction to Dair. We get Dair’s dawning realisation that he may not be as straight as he thought. We get all of Robin’s conflict with his ex and we get all of Dair’s terror when Robin is in danger.
Some of these come across when reading, but not all, and Russo nails the delivery!
His reading voice is deep and clear, and all the voices, for everyone, were different enough for me to have no trouble keeping up with multi person conversations.
I hope he gets to narrate the next books too. I need to listen to Troubled Waters, which is book two in this series.
5 stars for the narration
5 stars for the book
5 shiny, but sneaky stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
August 18, 2019
This is a very sweet contemporary novel with a little angst woven into it. I liked the slow burn in the beginning as well as the friendship between Robin and Peyton and the addition of Dair.
The process of Dair figuring out what he was feeling about Robin and more was a wonderful, interesting read. As well, I enjoyed Dair trying to find out if he could be bi or pan and what to think about that.
The fake boyfriend, opposites attract tropes are worked out to their full potential with how the author worked out Robin and Dair’s story.
I loved how they went to Robin’s hometown, meeting his family and friends and how they had to share more and more personal space.
I despised Mac so I guess the author did a great job because I am pretty sure I was supposed to hate his guts.
I liked the slow burn in the beginning but the further I got into the story the more I started to resent it and wanted to speed it up.
The two men’s insecurities really cause problems and that almost cost them everything which drove me a tad crazy.
The wrap up was very satisfying, however and the epilogue gave me a very happy and complete feeling.
I absolutely fell in love with this little Pine Cove town and I am dying to find out about Jay because well… just because you want to read his story 🙂 and then I am not even talking about the many stories I just know that are there in that town!
What I do hope is that we will also get glimpses of the couples in the other books. I would love to stay up to date with Robin and Dair.
Overall this is a wonderful start to a new series by HJ Welch. She crafted a great premise for more books with her wonderful storytelling and writing.
Bring on book 2…
review on; www.lovebytesreviews.com
The process of Dair figuring out what he was feeling about Robin and more was a wonderful, interesting read. As well, I enjoyed Dair trying to find out if he could be bi or pan and what to think about that.
The fake boyfriend, opposites attract tropes are worked out to their full potential with how the author worked out Robin and Dair’s story.
I loved how they went to Robin’s hometown, meeting his family and friends and how they had to share more and more personal space.
I despised Mac so I guess the author did a great job because I am pretty sure I was supposed to hate his guts.
I liked the slow burn in the beginning but the further I got into the story the more I started to resent it and wanted to speed it up.
The two men’s insecurities really cause problems and that almost cost them everything which drove me a tad crazy.
The wrap up was very satisfying, however and the epilogue gave me a very happy and complete feeling.
I absolutely fell in love with this little Pine Cove town and I am dying to find out about Jay because well… just because you want to read his story 🙂 and then I am not even talking about the many stories I just know that are there in that town!
What I do hope is that we will also get glimpses of the couples in the other books. I would love to stay up to date with Robin and Dair.
Overall this is a wonderful start to a new series by HJ Welch. She crafted a great premise for more books with her wonderful storytelling and writing.
Bring on book 2…
review on; www.lovebytesreviews.com
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