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Haven #1
Haven
Liliana spent four years searching for her missing sister managing to avoid both the dangers of a foreign land, and soldiers hot on her heels. One thing she didn't count on was fate stepping in....
Being an elite soldier was Leo's life, he didn't want or need a mate, especially one with a target on her back. He was trained to deal with the threats surrounding her. Protecting her was supposed to be simple...
Being an elite soldier was Leo's life, he didn't want or need a mate, especially one with a target on her back. He was trained to deal with the threats surrounding her. Protecting her was supposed to be simple...
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
178 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Dria Andersen
33 books182 followersDria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.
Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.
Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 3, 2021
My overall review is closer to 3.5 but I'm rounding up.
Haven is about Liliana who has been on the run from her family for 4 years. Her sister disappeared and she has been tryin to figure out the sequence of events that lead to her disappearance. She's been in Ardo exploring havens with no results and the Atlanta haven is her last hope. Haven are like clubs that cater to certain scene themes each night and all supernaturals are welcome as long as they follow the rules. In the Atlanta haven she has a random, steamy encounter with a guy on the dance floor that leads to a one night stand. Later, she finds out that the random guy is Leo of The Atlanta, aka Death's messenger and he's also her mate. Neither one of them want to be mated at first but they can't resist the pull they have for one another.
Leo has led the life of a somewhat playboy. He doesn't commit to anyone except his job until Liliana. When he finds out she's his mate, he's prepared to do the right thing. What he did not expect however is the deep plot revolving around Liliana as well as her family and his family. Many secrets get revealed and it's a fast-paced, intriguing but fun mess of a story.
I really enjoyed the descriptors in this story. The world of Demi gods, the Atlanta and the different types of supes was very rich and detailed. I also loved the chemistry between Liliana and Leo. They weren't exactly enemies but they didn't like each other very much at first even though the sex was on fire. I loved watching the grow to enjoy each other's company and eventually love. It's definitely a fast burn love story. One of things that caused me to dock a star was that sometimes it got confusing when reading from chapter to chapter because there are multiple POVs; i.e. not just Lilianna and Leo but a lot of side characters as well. I also had a little trouble trying to distinguish between the different races like Eshu and Caygn besides how they looked. For example, I'm still not exactly sure if Lilianna has powers or just a form she shifts between. Same goes for the world itself. Travel was by portal but I wasn't sure if it was just to different realms or different planets. Maybe a glossary would have been helpful.
Overall, for a new to me author, I will definitely visit some of her other books especially since I'd love to read about Fallon and Xavier finding their mates and stopping evil plots in their tracks.
Haven is about Liliana who has been on the run from her family for 4 years. Her sister disappeared and she has been tryin to figure out the sequence of events that lead to her disappearance. She's been in Ardo exploring havens with no results and the Atlanta haven is her last hope. Haven are like clubs that cater to certain scene themes each night and all supernaturals are welcome as long as they follow the rules. In the Atlanta haven she has a random, steamy encounter with a guy on the dance floor that leads to a one night stand. Later, she finds out that the random guy is Leo of The Atlanta, aka Death's messenger and he's also her mate. Neither one of them want to be mated at first but they can't resist the pull they have for one another.
Leo has led the life of a somewhat playboy. He doesn't commit to anyone except his job until Liliana. When he finds out she's his mate, he's prepared to do the right thing. What he did not expect however is the deep plot revolving around Liliana as well as her family and his family. Many secrets get revealed and it's a fast-paced, intriguing but fun mess of a story.
I really enjoyed the descriptors in this story. The world of Demi gods, the Atlanta and the different types of supes was very rich and detailed. I also loved the chemistry between Liliana and Leo. They weren't exactly enemies but they didn't like each other very much at first even though the sex was on fire. I loved watching the grow to enjoy each other's company and eventually love. It's definitely a fast burn love story. One of things that caused me to dock a star was that sometimes it got confusing when reading from chapter to chapter because there are multiple POVs; i.e. not just Lilianna and Leo but a lot of side characters as well. I also had a little trouble trying to distinguish between the different races like Eshu and Caygn besides how they looked. For example, I'm still not exactly sure if Lilianna has powers or just a form she shifts between. Same goes for the world itself. Travel was by portal but I wasn't sure if it was just to different realms or different planets. Maybe a glossary would have been helpful.
Overall, for a new to me author, I will definitely visit some of her other books especially since I'd love to read about Fallon and Xavier finding their mates and stopping evil plots in their tracks.
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August 5, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Liliana spent four years searching for her missing sister managing to avoid both the dangers of a foreign land, and soldiers hot on her heels. One thing she didn't count on was fate stepping in....
Being an elite soldier was Leo's life, he didn't want or need a mate, especially one with a target on her back. He was trained to deal with the threats surrounding her. Protecting her was supposed to be simple...
Blurb:
Liliana spent four years searching for her missing sister managing to avoid both the dangers of a foreign land, and soldiers hot on her heels. One thing she didn't count on was fate stepping in....
Being an elite soldier was Leo's life, he didn't want or need a mate, especially one with a target on her back. He was trained to deal with the threats surrounding her. Protecting her was supposed to be simple...
May 29, 2018
Well heck!
Wasn't expecting this one. I noticed this author for the first time when I saw the second book (which I thought was the first) on sale. I decided to get this one with KU to try it out. What a supernatural/sci-fi surprise. I was a bit confused every now and then, there's a lot to keep up with, but it really was a fantastic story. The fact that it's AA, and not just IR with an AA character thrown in here and there, was an absolute plus! Sexy, fun characters with a lot of mayhem and dark magic surrounding them, can't get any better than that. I'm definitely going back to purchase this so it'll be mine for keeps.
Wasn't expecting this one. I noticed this author for the first time when I saw the second book (which I thought was the first) on sale. I decided to get this one with KU to try it out. What a supernatural/sci-fi surprise. I was a bit confused every now and then, there's a lot to keep up with, but it really was a fantastic story. The fact that it's AA, and not just IR with an AA character thrown in here and there, was an absolute plus! Sexy, fun characters with a lot of mayhem and dark magic surrounding them, can't get any better than that. I'm definitely going back to purchase this so it'll be mine for keeps.
June 27, 2016
Reminds me...
I really enjoyed this story it reminds of the Dark Hunters. An Elite group called Amanda (what a name?!?) protect humans against Demi-Gods. Lily is a Eshu who went into Earth to try to locate her sister who has been missing, only to find her mate who is death messenger. I though they were cute and the suspense really held me to the story. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I really enjoyed this story it reminds of the Dark Hunters. An Elite group called Amanda (what a name?!?) protect humans against Demi-Gods. Lily is a Eshu who went into Earth to try to locate her sister who has been missing, only to find her mate who is death messenger. I though they were cute and the suspense really held me to the story. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
March 30, 2018
Loved it
I've been looking for more books like the ones ND Jones writes and gratefully, I found this series. I loved the way the relationship between Leo and Lily grew and the secrets in their pasts. I also loved the three Haven Hotties as brothers so I'm excited to read the books for the other two brothers
I've been looking for more books like the ones ND Jones writes and gratefully, I found this series. I loved the way the relationship between Leo and Lily grew and the secrets in their pasts. I also loved the three Haven Hotties as brothers so I'm excited to read the books for the other two brothers
January 29, 2017
See my full review on Onlinebookclub.org at the following link:
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
April 12, 2018
Great Read
From the beginning this book pulled me in. I cannot wait to start reading about Fallon and his mate. I just love how caring he was to Lily or Trouble as he calls her.
From the beginning this book pulled me in. I cannot wait to start reading about Fallon and his mate. I just love how caring he was to Lily or Trouble as he calls her.
July 20, 2022
Sis, you're brilliant
Now this. This book was amazing, I've been looking for one like it for so long! Reading the next one now
Now this. This book was amazing, I've been looking for one like it for so long! Reading the next one now
March 24, 2025
Every action has a consequence
Leo and his brothers are definitely “them boys” Not even knowing, Liliana and Leo are suppose to be together and only the gods know why. But once faced with their reality that their one night hookup will be for a lifetime has both of them overwhelmed because this was not the outcome they were looking for. Family secrets, siblings connections and just overall bad parenting made for a bomb ass story of love, commitment and determination; now add some supernatural powers and beings to the story and you are now engulfed into this new world with new friends and enemies.
Leo and his brothers are definitely “them boys” Not even knowing, Liliana and Leo are suppose to be together and only the gods know why. But once faced with their reality that their one night hookup will be for a lifetime has both of them overwhelmed because this was not the outcome they were looking for. Family secrets, siblings connections and just overall bad parenting made for a bomb ass story of love, commitment and determination; now add some supernatural powers and beings to the story and you are now engulfed into this new world with new friends and enemies.
February 9, 2020
Dria ... you did this honey!
This is a first I’ve read by Dria, coming across her name in a Facebook group that asked about paranormal readings. I’m not one for too many witches and goblins but a good God/Goddess, especially brown ones, will get my attention. Dria came with it. I can’t want to jump into all her others. I was a bit confused at first but the more you read along the more you’ll understand. And she knows how to plot twist! All I can say is Damn Bea! I wanted that to work out differently.
This is a first I’ve read by Dria, coming across her name in a Facebook group that asked about paranormal readings. I’m not one for too many witches and goblins but a good God/Goddess, especially brown ones, will get my attention. Dria came with it. I can’t want to jump into all her others. I was a bit confused at first but the more you read along the more you’ll understand. And she knows how to plot twist! All I can say is Damn Bea! I wanted that to work out differently.
November 24, 2023
Three book series
I continue to be a fan of Ms. Andersen’s work. Her books are well-developed and engaging. This book is the first in a three-book series. Each book is centered around one brother finding his mate, but the main conflict continues throughout the entire series.
This book is about the youngest brother, Leo. At first it felt like I had started mid-series, because Ms. Andersen spoke about unfamiliar races of beings and events. However, she masterfully builds the world as the main characters learn more and more. Very well done!
I continue to be a fan of Ms. Andersen’s work. Her books are well-developed and engaging. This book is the first in a three-book series. Each book is centered around one brother finding his mate, but the main conflict continues throughout the entire series.
This book is about the youngest brother, Leo. At first it felt like I had started mid-series, because Ms. Andersen spoke about unfamiliar races of beings and events. However, she masterfully builds the world as the main characters learn more and more. Very well done!
October 10, 2020
Dysfunctional and Uniquely Wonderful Read
Oh My... this book has so many twists and turns. I’m still a little dizzy.
Talk about dysfunctional family, you’ve got to read this book to understand what I’m saying.
Onto the next episode featuring Fallon. Lovin’ it....
ANY OPINIONS expressed within this review are SOLELY and UNIQUELY made by me and I am DEFINITELY and HAPPILY leaving this review.
Oh My... this book has so many twists and turns. I’m still a little dizzy.
Talk about dysfunctional family, you’ve got to read this book to understand what I’m saying.
Onto the next episode featuring Fallon. Lovin’ it....
ANY OPINIONS expressed within this review are SOLELY and UNIQUELY made by me and I am DEFINITELY and HAPPILY leaving this review.
dnf
March 2, 2025DNF’d at 14%. The was a jump in time from meeting to being in the bed with one another that threw me off. But what really did me in was the dynamic between the fated mates feels more like ownership and he gets the say. She has to get his permission to leave and his response to the comment about the cagyn’s being unfaithful. Telling her that she needs to keep her mate satisfied so she won’t have a problem. F that! I’m out.
April 5, 2023
Movie
I've read a few other books by this author, all really good. This one though was soooooo good. I can see it being a movie or a series. The description of the colors, magic and the way everyone looked I really just need to see it with my eyes. An all black cast doing magic. We definitely deserve something like this...
I've read a few other books by this author, all really good. This one though was soooooo good. I can see it being a movie or a series. The description of the colors, magic and the way everyone looked I really just need to see it with my eyes. An all black cast doing magic. We definitely deserve something like this...
September 18, 2023
This is PNR
This is everything you are looking for.
All the twists and turns.
The pages are on fire with action and romance that I have come to love from Ms. Dria!
The world building is way too beautiful! The different races and different realms were described so perfectly the imagines just popped into place!
This is everything you are looking for.
All the twists and turns.
The pages are on fire with action and romance that I have come to love from Ms. Dria!
The world building is way too beautiful! The different races and different realms were described so perfectly the imagines just popped into place!
January 14, 2024
interesting
First paranormal book from this author. A more different paranormal than I am used to to but I loved it nonetheless!!!! Leo and Lilly and their stories were great. I hope it doesn’t stop here! I would love to hear more about them and Leo’s brothers. It’s just something about Fallon.
First paranormal book from this author. A more different paranormal than I am used to to but I loved it nonetheless!!!! Leo and Lilly and their stories were great. I hope it doesn’t stop here! I would love to hear more about them and Leo’s brothers. It’s just something about Fallon.
December 10, 2024
Good stuff
I love Leo and Liliana!!!! The feistiness of Liliana, she wasn’t given up easily and then Leo, his level of protectiveness, I enjoyed that both of them grew and leaned into understanding and compromise.
The story was strong, the plot twists were neatly spread out and once everything was revealed, it felt complete
I love Leo and Liliana!!!! The feistiness of Liliana, she wasn’t given up easily and then Leo, his level of protectiveness, I enjoyed that both of them grew and leaned into understanding and compromise.
The story was strong, the plot twists were neatly spread out and once everything was revealed, it felt complete
May 27, 2022
Finally
Okay, Lily is a much better heroine than the ones in the last series. She was stubborn but not beyond reason. I am totally intrigued with the characters and the storyline. Excellent writing. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Okay, Lily is a much better heroine than the ones in the last series. She was stubborn but not beyond reason. I am totally intrigued with the characters and the storyline. Excellent writing. Can’t wait to read book 2.
April 13, 2023
Wow
Man the twist of finding out the details of your birth can make you feel like your whole life is a lie. It's crazy how the two tortured souls find safety and love with each other. Can't wait to see what happens next
Man the twist of finding out the details of your birth can make you feel like your whole life is a lie. It's crazy how the two tortured souls find safety and love with each other. Can't wait to see what happens next
October 18, 2023
Leo & Lily
Sooo many secrets, lies and undercover stories! I enjoyed the journey of mating for Leo & Liliana, yet their mating triggered the uncovering of so many wielded stories and they experienced SO MUCH in so little time!
Sooo many secrets, lies and undercover stories! I enjoyed the journey of mating for Leo & Liliana, yet their mating triggered the uncovering of so many wielded stories and they experienced SO MUCH in so little time!
February 26, 2024
Dria delivers on the world building, the story line and the spice. Read more like fantasy/paranormal to me but really enjoyed it. It was so much fun to watch Leo and Liliana fall in lust and love.
Excited to read the rest of the series.
Excited to read the rest of the series.
December 10, 2024
It’s different than what I thought I would enjoy. But, it was well written and it kept me engaged and wanting to read more from the author, so a win win in my book.
March 20, 2025
Very intricate worldbuilding, it took me a bit to get into the story but I did like this. I would have loved a glossary, a map or something else to help orient the reader.
3.75
3.75
July 20, 2025
Overall I like this book. I like to storyline and the characters.
July 12, 2024
Fun, Action Packed + Full of Love
An action packed story that brought all the feels! Haven pulled me in from the beginning with an enchanting pair of leads, supporting characters, and a new world!
An action packed story that brought all the feels! Haven pulled me in from the beginning with an enchanting pair of leads, supporting characters, and a new world!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews