Cole's Mistake

Haven, Texas #8

by Laylah Roberts

Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
Cole Saxon wasn’t so sure of that. He’d burned so many bridges, he wasn’t sure anything he could do would be enough to make amends.
Then fate brings him to Haven. To the brother he’d disowned and to the only two people to ever have a hold on his cold, black heart.
Keira and Julian have been through hell. The road to recovery is rocky, filled with Julian’s paranoia and overprotectiveness, and Keira’s nightmares and panic attacks.
When it’s suggested they could use help in the form of a Dom. One to help guide and shelter them, fate brings them Cole. . .
Well, fate can just kiss their ass because he is the one man they will never trust again.

MMF, contains a hot, alpha Dom looking to atone and two subs in search of safety and happiness.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Menage, M M F, Suspense, Erotica, Second Chance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

About the author

Laylah loves reading, but she particularly loves a good romance with some seriously alpha men. Protective, possessive men with large hearts. Writing has become her passion and she hopes her readers enjoy her stories as much as she does writing them.

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven,Texas was a place i already wanted to live,but now?
Knowing how that town embraces Keira and Julian when Joel Saxon takes them under his wings?
Knowing Joel will even protect them from his brother,Cole?
Damn,it sounds like the safest and most caring town in the world,and i am moving there!
I need a man,or maybe two,like the men that live there.....maybe Jardin could consider being my guardian?

Married couple Keira and Julian are safe now,living in Joel’s guesthouse,but it doesn’t feel that way.
Constant on edge,constant being afraid of that evil man finding them and dragging them back to hell.
After Cole rejected them,they were lost,and Vincento seemed like a good man....
But they found out the truth quickly enough,and were very,very lucky to escape from his clutches.
Getting their lives back on track,dealing with what happened?
That is something they need,but can’t manage.
Julian is Keira’s Dom,but can’t find it in him to pick up the lifestyle.
Jardin offers to take them under his wings,to take control.
If only that solved their problems.....

And then Cole arrives.
He knows he f**ked up,badly.
And he knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance.
He also doesn’t know what happened to the only two people he loves,more than life itself.
But he ís ready to do everything he can to make amends,he even trained to be the Dom they need him to be.

This is a story of healing most of all.
For Keira and Julian,but for Cole too.
This is a story of trust and forgiving.
And of dealing with the past.
Not only Keira’s and Julian’s,but Cole’s too.....
A story that is painful,but hopeful at the same time.
A beautiful story,and one that has a special place in my heart.

[Joanne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts Arc.

Cole was never attracted to a man but when Keira and Julian were at the Christmas Party they are kissed. Cole brother always wanted what Cole had and now he sees Keira and Justin at the BDSM club. He wanted to protect them away from Joel. He wanted to protect them from his brother. After the kiss Coke wanted to keep a professional relationship with Keira and Julian. Julian wasn’t sure he was dominant enough for Keira and he felt submissive when it came to Cole. Saxon was watching as Julian spanked Keira then Saxon asked if he Julien wanted to be topped he could find someone. Julian and Keira were attracted to Cole and he was attracted to both of them. Julian when he was with Cole had a feeling they wouldn’t see him again. Cole left them and their lives were in shambles then wind up going to Haven to be with Joel. Cole goes to find Joel to make amends and finds Julian and Keira working for his brother.
Cole wanted to talk to them and tell them what had happened. He had no idea what had happened to them before coming to Haven. He had to find out what had happened to them especially after Keira freaked out watching a Dom and his male sub. Cole was able to show them he would take care of he knew he would have not earned their trust. Cole found out what happened to them in South America and he vowed to find Vincento. Cole had a feeling that Keira and Justin are still in danger from Vincento

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different perspective on Haven, the other inhabitants with the exception of Joelle are hardly part of the story, but the vibe still exists and it is certainly a haven for our three lovers. Cole is everyone’s dream Dom, he just doesn’t know it until he shares a kiss with Julian and and Keira but then he finally has the courage to explore his feelings only to have it come back and bite him and then a series of events almost destroy all three of them. It is chance that they meet again in Haven when Cole goes to mend fences with his brother. This book is sexy, has a mystery and intrigue and is full of love and forgiveness with a very happy ending.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Laylah Roberts. I’ve read nearly all of her books and I especially love the series set in Haven. I’d read Saxons Soul and received a glimpse about Cole in it and I didn’t think I’d like him, however he definitely redeemed himself in this book. It was one of her longer books and I really enjoyed the dynamic between the three characters. I haven’t read many books with that sort of dynamic. A dom, a switch and a sub. There were some great scenes between the three. My heart really went out to Kiera and Julian and all they had been through. The book was a great length with great character development and we really learned a lot about the characters lives, emotions and personality!
I wish we got to see more of Joel and Aspen and the boys though ! They are one of my favourite Haven couples !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee C Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the start. There were times when I wanted to cry. I loved Keira and Julian right from the start. Cole did definitely grow on me. This book is about the power of love and healing. At times that love was unhealthy and obsessive due to fear. It is also about the power of friendship and being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in and fight for what you love. Keira, Julian and Cole all came from damaged childhoods. This also shows how actions speak louder than words and how one action, however unconscious can set off a chain reaction of events. It is also learning to not to take on blame for other peoples actions, although this is very difficult. This was an emotional and beautiful book.

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow. Cole Saxon had a lot to learn, the hard way! This was a fantastic story. I love all these Haven Texas Books. They are all well written, with angst, love, hope, desire, passion and feeling of that someone sprecial is home. I’m this case it’s 2 someone’s for Cole. Julian and
Kiera are the husband and wife team that Cole is desperate to take care of. Their Kitten is a spunky, scared woman after what her and Julian have been through. This has all the good, the, bad and the best feels!! The steamy scenes were over the top sexy and and so hot you’ll need a fan to cool off. The suspense also kept me on edge. It shows how people l’s lives can change with just one small choice. love how this HEA was achieved. More Please! Laylah Roberts is a awesome author!


I reviewed a complementary copy of this book.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combustible Drama
by and1515

Laylah Roberts is an extraordinary writer with a truly gifted imagination.
This story is downright exciting with interesting characters and combustible drama that screams read me again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole, Kiera, and Julian share a past. Cole strives to reconnect with Joel, Kiera, and Julian. Kiera is braver than she realizes. Secrets from the past are uncovered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen YS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menage with some heart

Another great addition to the collection of stories of the special town of Haven. Although this story has a start much earlier, it picks up the threads of the history Keira and Julian has with Cole Saxon. Between their short lived painful start with Cole and now, about 3 years have passed as well as the trauma of being kept against their will and tortured.

Both Keira and Julian are dealing with trauma and PTSD when Cole unexpectedly finds them under the protection of his brother. The reader is then taken on the journey where trust is rebuild between the 3. The elements of suspense where light given the heavy emotional subjects in the story.
Did Cole redeem himself enough to win back Julian and Keira? I am mostly convinced.
In all a good steamy read with safe, sane and consensual play portrayed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Second Chance

I've been curious about Cole since he was first mentioned in this series. His backstory along with that of Keira and Julian was one of the heaviest I've read in the series. These three really did "earn" their HEA.

This book reminded me again why I love Laylah's books so much; she gets a great blend of storyline I get lost in, romance and of course 🔥 scenes too.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Julian, Keira, and Cole

Romance genre: menage; bdsm
Series: Haven, Texas
Length: 303 pages

Plot: We met Julian and Keira at the end of the last book (Saxon's Soul) when Saxon went to rescue them after they escaped from a madman in South America. Neither of them is in very good shape, and nothing seems to be helping. They probably need more therapy, o instead Saxon suggests they get a dom. See, they know him because for a hot minute back in the day, they had a thing with his brother Cole (who is a dom but unacknowledged because, as he let everyone know, bdsm is dirty and depraved). Around the time of this discussion, Cole shows back up, looking for forgiveness. He knows he was terrible to his brother and wants to make amends. He would like to find Julian and Keira after that and make amends to the two people he loves. But they aren't happy to see him - in fact, Julian blames him for their problems. Cole will have a hard road to travel to earn forgiveness.

Commentary: I guess I'm just not really a fan of this author's MMF books. I didn't particularly like Jardin's Gamble either. I think it's because it seems like instant "gay for you" with at least one bisexual male and the other who "has never felt this way about a man before" but is in instant love/lust and knows exactly what to do because he is also a dom and will dominate the crap out of all the people. It just feels like a strange construct. Also, I don't feel the same connection between her male characters as I do between her m/f pairings. I almost feel like the mm pairing is being played up in a way that is for fanservice. I'm sure I'm wrong but this just wasn't my favorite from her.

Next book in the series: Jardin's Gamble

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna L
5.0 out of 5 stars So Very Good
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
This story stole my heart.It is sexually intense and filled with dark desire.
It is disturbing and utterly engrossing.The characters burst with realism.
It may cause triggers for some with its sensitive subject.A gripping read
of self discovery,repressed urges and love.

One brief encounter at a Christmas party started Cole on a journey he did
not understand or was ready to face.He was no deviant like his brother,or
was he? The attraction he felt for both Keira and Julian was too strong to
ignore but Cole had no choice but to cut them out of is life.On a visit to
make peace with his brother,Cole found the two people that had left a
hole in his heart.But their reaction was not what he expected.

Could Keira and Julian ever forgive him.Could they ever trust him again.
Cole could be so cold and calm on the outside but on the inside he burned
bright.Cole finally broke through their shell.This is where he meant to be.
Their anchor in the storm.He was their weapon.He would destroy the danger
coming their way.His dominance took over in all of its glory.He wanted them,
was fascinated by them and ultimately ruled by his heart,he kept them.

I loved everything about this story.I came to understand why Cole was so cold
and unfeeling.His journey of self discovery was heartfelt and real.Without a
doubt,this was my favourite book in this series.The author has the ability to
suck you into the characters world.This book was a wonderful balance
between fine writing and kink.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional second chance romance with much, much more. 💞💓😥💞

This is one of those romances that will stick with you for a while because it takes the characters into a situation that shouldn't have happened but it did. Cole had been raised by his father knowing that he was never going to live up to his expectations but he was going to die trying anyway. Then he met Julian and Kiera, who both worked for his company. After one wonderful night that brought the three of them close, Cole left while making plans for their futures. But those futures never had a chance and now he needs to know what happened to Julian and Kiera to see if they can ever forgive him walking away from them. And to prove how much he needs and wants them in his life now and forever. 💗🔥💕

This book does deal with the BDSM lifestyle and it's many, many variations so if that's not for you, don't read this book. It is also the eighth book in Haven, Texas series and although it can be read as a standalone, it is much better when read in the order it was written. 😉💖

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole wasn’t living until he left his corporate life behind in search of happiness
To say I am hooked on Laylah after my 7th book is not an exaggeration, as I love the steamy dynamics between her characters. Cole is the CEO of his company when he succumbs to his need for a ménage with his PA, Keira and her husband, Julian. Come morning, Cole has their secret future planned, but things change in an instant. Keira and Julian fall victim to a madman that they escape from thanks to the help of Cole’s brother, Joel. Joel convinces Julian and Keira that they need a dom back in their life to help them get past their trauma to which they agree. Leaving behind his company and with a new lease on life, Cole plans to make amends with his brother when he comes upon Keira and Julian. Cole desparately hopes to join their lives, but knows he destroyed the couple’s trust. When Keira and Julian have problems at Joel’s club with their new dom, Cole seemingly steps in to the rescue. Can Julian and Keira learn to trust Cole again? You have to read to find out and will enjoy the plot twists and steamy encounters to keep you turning the pages.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

COLE’S MISTAKE is the eighth book in the Haven, TX series. Each story stands completely on its own, with some character interaction.

Even Doms make mistakes. The best ones apologize and make amends – eventually. Cole knows that he has messed up. What he doesn’t know is the horrible domino effect his error has set into motion. I loved that his desire to make contrition turns out to be the balm that Keira and Julian need.

This story grabbed hold of me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I found the healing end. Strong emotions, beautiful commitment, and steamy romance are all powerfully pulled together to build a don’t miss story.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: COLE’S MISTAKE
Series: Haven, TX #8
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Laylah Roberts

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this installment in the Haven, Texas series.

I enjoyed watching each character in the relationship grow and overcome their own hurdles.

I think we saw enough of how Cole was in the past and his thinking that you see the difference in his character later and how much he wants to make amends. I enjoyed how he did not push himself on Julian and Keira, he knew he had to earn that trust back.

Julian and Keira were tragic at times and I really felt for them. I am not sure if going through the experience they did was really necessary to the story and I think they could have gone through the same angst and relationship hurdles without it, but it is what it is and one part of the ending was very satisfying to me. That with all the talk of the men protecting Keira and killing their tormentor, it was Keira who defended herself and killed him. I was not expecting that, but it really showed her bravery and how much she loved her men. She is also not a trained fighter but used her quick thinking and what she had to defend herself.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole Saxon falls in love with a couple, Keira and Julian, and they with him. They have a night of passion (though he disapproves of their kink), the future looks rosy, then it all falls apart spectacularly.

I've read a lot of Laylah Roberts' books and loved them and this has a new twist with Julian being a switch. Not really my thing but that's ok, there's a lot to grab on to with this book. The way their relationship unfolds is really well done and beautiful - nothing is rushed or instant about the forgiveness and learning to trust again so it really feels like the chemistry develops naturally. I also thought the author was very sensitive to the PTSD issues.

Also nice to see the relationship between brothers Cole and Joel Saxon heal as well. If you've loved the other Haven books you'll love this one too (though you don't need to have read them to enjoy this standalone).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very aptly namely because the mistake that Cole makes is a doozy and the fallout from the decision he made, thinking he was protecting the people he loves, actually ends up having heartbreaking consequences for them. When he finally comes to his senses and tries to make amends to his brother, Joel, he discovers that Keira and Julian have found refuge with Joel. In the intervening time Cole has done a lot of soul searching and realises how much he really lost. The thing is what happened to Keira and Julian has scarred them to the point that Cole doesn't even recognise them any more. Keira is so sweet, gentle and forgiving but Julian is another story. Can Cole make amends to Joel and gain back the only family he has left and Keira and Julian to build up a new family? The characters are wonderful, the story is full of passion, emotion and is well-written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its been a while since we have been to Haven, but each time we go there we see the tight knit community go larger as more ppeople are introduced.Coles character starts off as a self absorbed man who knows what he wants.
He likes Julian and Keira (husband and wife) and starts scening with them, only it stops the next day.

Three years later he has come to Haven to see his brother to ask forgiveness, he realizes that he has been much like his dead father. But going into get some food he happens across Keira and Julian once more and is shocked at the way they both look. Can they f orgive him for what he did, and what has happened to make them so haunted.

A wonderful story indeed, with a nice touch of BDSM that is really hot. And just as a after note i really felt for this couple, but they definately got their HEA. And to find oyt how just one click now

[USBaby Tech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story about Cole's brother, Saxon's Sole. I may actually like this book better. I'm not normally one for second-chance romance but for this book I'll make an exception.

This book was amazing and helped me to finally understand what was going on with Keira and Julian. It also explains Joel's distance from Cole.

You don't need to read the other books in order to enjoy this one. You will want to though. There are MM/MF/MFM graphic scenes in this book. It does touch on some abuse from a previous relationship. There is consensual BDSM and some spanking as well as role play related to animals and a touch of domestic discipline (only in the form of spankings, corner time, etc.). There isn't any cheating.

I loved this book so much! I can only hope that Jardin's story is next and that he finds new deserving partners to love.

[Nanadeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hated, then loved this story.

I couldn't stand Cole at the beginning of this story, and after his first "seen the light" moment I still hated him. I almost put it down thinking he couldn't ever redeem himself to me, but I kept at it.

Cole's second "seen the light" moment seemed too little, too late at first. Cole did manage to redeem himself to Keira and Julian eventually, and even became the hero by the end. I also love that the middle of this book was only about the married couple Keira and Julian and their deep love and understanding for each other, and trying to protect each other. I also loved the fact that Cole showered as much love and attention on Julian as much as he did Keira. No one was left out. Cole making up with his brother Joel was pretty good too. I guess it was okay in the end. ;) On to the next book.

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing heartbreaking story. I love reading anything by Laylah Roberts. I found it amazing that they were able to recover from everything they went through. Keira and Julian are married but both want Cole. They spend an amazing night when him before everything goes wrong. Cole wants them both but he is worried that he would be too much for them. Cole lost them because of his fears. They end up in a worst situation that would take years to overcome. Cole is trying to reconcile with his brother when he is shocked to see them again. Will they all get a chance to find their way back to each other?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a little different than the other Haven stories. This starts out in Los Angeles with Saxon's brother Cole. He has been attracted to his PA and her husband, Julian. He has never been attracted to men before, but he decides to try. Unfortunately, he worries too much about other opinions and breaks up with Julian and Keira. Three years later he finds them in Haven, but they are no longer the people he left. They have been traumatized and are suffering from PTSD. Cole has to work hard to get them to allow him back in their lives. There is a HEA and a little mention of other Haven couples. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

BDSM romance with a strong element of potential triggers

I have waited for this book for some time to follow the story of Cole's submissives and what they want through after Cole left them.
There is a potential for triggers in this book but it is handled sensitively.
The D/s element is well written, there are no non consensual scenes and the sex is well written.
However, it drives me absolutely batty to see the spelling mistakes and miss use of words that should be edited out prior to publication. That's just sloppy proof reading/editing and not to be expected to be ignored in such a well known author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional roller coaster with the characters journey that will left its mark on my heart. Watching the story slowly unfold led to my wanting to protect and heal Cole, Julian, and Keira. The writing is so realistic and heartfelt that the pain and fear are experienced with the characters. You will be holding out hope that love will bring them together and out of the darkness that resulted from their pasts. Great addition to the series! Laylah Roberts has managed to make each book in this series better than the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I loved that Joel Saxon's big brother has this chance to finally have a good relationship with him. Cole had been raised to see that no matter how hard he worked, he would never be as good as Joel. Joel was taught, when he was near his Father, that he wasn't a proper representation of the family name, or the business. Cole fought against his own attraction to Juilian, and his sweet wife, Keira. The truth finally comes out as to why, after their one perfect night as a threesome, that he pulls back and transferred them to another branch of the company. Painful, trauma has to be worked through. All Cole was never aware of. Beautiful HEA ending! Trish. A.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing of Cole, Kiera and Julian’s story is exceptional because it draws you into their lives, as if you are sitting with them, observing. I laughed and I cried because I could feel the emotion in the words and this is something that is rare for me. Actions taken by Cole lead to Kiera and Julian leaving town. Later a bad decision almost leads to their death but they are rescued. The sexual interaction between the three of them is beautifully written and graphic. There is a HEA but a lots happens first. This is an exceptional book that I would highly recommend for reading.

[Anne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning from his Mistakes

This was not one of my favourite books of the Haven Texas Rangers! Far too much angst from the loneliest character Cole and all the main characters, although it did make up as the book went on with a fast paced thrilling end. I am not saying I hated this book, because Laylah Roberts reads are usually very well written, nevertheless I did enjoy the book in the end! Hence why I only gave this book a 4 star rating. I hate it when every character is so unhappy and just gets worse as the book goes along.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing addition to the Haven series. It had so many heartbreaking moments, and the pain and anger Cole, Julian, and Keira have to wade through to find their HEA brought tears to my eyes more than once. It was brutal, dark, and intense. Then you have the tender moments, the Kindle melting passion, and the sexiness that is woven into all of Ms. Roberts's books, and all the heartache fades away. Every story in this series has an emotional element that adds a richness and depth to the romance, but this one really got to me. I highly recommend it.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story grabs you keeps you reading to see who will do what next. There are twist and turns through out. The Hero is determined to make up for all the hurt he has caused. But can he or is it to late? Will he be able to help them even if he can not forgive himself? Is there a chance for a new beginning with a happily ever after or will the best destroy their future forever? Get the book and find out. Beware the scenes are hot spicy and steamy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.