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Ember Grove Romances #2
The Safest Place
When Lena Martin gets set up with Ember Grove’s most boring bachelor Will Ashton, she doesn’t realize the worst part will be falling for his sister Grace.
Especially when she finds out Grace is the girl she’s been anonymously exchanging love letters with—and who thinks her letter partner is a man.
Relying on her friend Cara’s hospitality for a place to live, Lena really doesn’t have a choice when Cara tells her to start seeing her fiancé’s brother and have a date for their wedding. Never mind the fact that Lena’s been starting to realize maybe she’s not as straight as she’d thought—there’s no way she’s telling Cara that. As usual, her way out is to grin and bear it.
Grace Ashton is tired of this small town and her family’s backwards attitude. After shoving her eldest brother Dan into planning his wedding with his ex and then lining up a date for her next brother Will, she knows she’s next on the chopping block, and wants to do whatever it takes to drive away this Lena Martin girl who’s apparently got her eyes on Will.
And both of them find refuge in the same secret grotto, hidden deep in the woods, where they realize they’re not the only one with this secret hiding place, and leave anonymous letters for one another—and fall headfirst in love without even knowing the other’s name.
And for Grace, without even knowing the anonymous letter writer she’s fallen for is a woman.
But as wedding planning keeps drawing Lena and the Ashtons together, can Lena and Grace resist that same spark of connection in one another they feel from their love-letter writers?
The Safest Place is a 78,000-word slow burn new adult romance set in the same small-town romance setting as and after the events of The Simple Answer, but follows different characters and stands alone. It features two absolute disasters who figure out the people they want to be, a double toaster oven plotline, overbearing family trying to get Lena with Will but her falling for his sister instead, some enemies-to-lovers that’s more like enemies-to-grudgingly-accepting-being-in-the-same-room-to-friends-to-enemies-to-best-friends-to-enemies-to-even-better-best-friends-to-lovers, and some very mushy falling in love anonymously via secret letters. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, homophobic and abusive parents, mentions of past relationship abuse and of conversion therapy but it never happens I promise, Lena whacking Percy with a stick but he was asking for it, a very boring man who actually turns out to be all right, and a girl who stubbornly refuses to notice she’s a lesbian.
Especially when she finds out Grace is the girl she’s been anonymously exchanging love letters with—and who thinks her letter partner is a man.
Relying on her friend Cara’s hospitality for a place to live, Lena really doesn’t have a choice when Cara tells her to start seeing her fiancé’s brother and have a date for their wedding. Never mind the fact that Lena’s been starting to realize maybe she’s not as straight as she’d thought—there’s no way she’s telling Cara that. As usual, her way out is to grin and bear it.
Grace Ashton is tired of this small town and her family’s backwards attitude. After shoving her eldest brother Dan into planning his wedding with his ex and then lining up a date for her next brother Will, she knows she’s next on the chopping block, and wants to do whatever it takes to drive away this Lena Martin girl who’s apparently got her eyes on Will.
And both of them find refuge in the same secret grotto, hidden deep in the woods, where they realize they’re not the only one with this secret hiding place, and leave anonymous letters for one another—and fall headfirst in love without even knowing the other’s name.
And for Grace, without even knowing the anonymous letter writer she’s fallen for is a woman.
But as wedding planning keeps drawing Lena and the Ashtons together, can Lena and Grace resist that same spark of connection in one another they feel from their love-letter writers?
The Safest Place is a 78,000-word slow burn new adult romance set in the same small-town romance setting as and after the events of The Simple Answer, but follows different characters and stands alone. It features two absolute disasters who figure out the people they want to be, a double toaster oven plotline, overbearing family trying to get Lena with Will but her falling for his sister instead, some enemies-to-lovers that’s more like enemies-to-grudgingly-accepting-being-in-the-same-room-to-friends-to-enemies-to-best-friends-to-enemies-to-even-better-best-friends-to-lovers, and some very mushy falling in love anonymously via secret letters. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, homophobic and abusive parents, mentions of past relationship abuse and of conversion therapy but it never happens I promise, Lena whacking Percy with a stick but he was asking for it, a very boring man who actually turns out to be all right, and a girl who stubbornly refuses to notice she’s a lesbian.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2021
52 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Lily Seabrooke
37 books336 followersLily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 15, 2021
Whoever said romance is dead? Lena is lost and not sure what she wants out of life but she does want to fall in love. Grace tried and failed but she still believes in romance so hard that she leaves anonymous little notes in a grotto to an imaginary man she hopes will not turn out to be a serial killer. Lucky for her, the one answering her letters is sweet and shy Lena.
Lena is lovely. She’s the kind of person who, after throwing a pillow on the floor, feels bad for the pillow. She’s awkward and adorable. Lena’s superpower is self-deprecation, which makes for a very funny inner commentary, especially as she realises how gay she really is, but it also stops her from seeing how strong she actually is. Grace, on the other hand, is known for her bad temper, which is really just her way to protect herself. Underneath her grumpy facade, she’s kind and loyal and very smart.
The main characters feel very young at times (which they are, to some extent) even though they’ve both already been through a lot. I kind of like that, despite having survived difficult situations, they still have a sort of innocence. That feeling also stems from the fact parents in this book, as represented by Grace’s mother, act like it’s the 19th century and they own their children.
There are two other important characters, Grace’s brother Will who, like Grace, is a lot more interesting than first impressions lead to believe, and Percy, Lena’s best friend’s brother. Everyone needs a friend like Percy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s an awesome trans guy character.
The Safest Place is the second Ember Grove romance. I didn’t read the first one and while this one can be enjoyed as a standalone, I did feel I was missing some background at first. It probably didn’t matter much to the story but it apparently explains some of Lena’s actions.
Lily Seabrooke writes very sweet stories but just because they’re sweet doesn’t mean they’re light. The Safest Place is the meeting of two lonelinesses, and it could have been sad but instead, it’s heartwarming. If you’re feeling down, pick up one of Seabrooke’s books. Also, I’m definitely here for gay wontons and forgiving chocolate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lena is lovely. She’s the kind of person who, after throwing a pillow on the floor, feels bad for the pillow. She’s awkward and adorable. Lena’s superpower is self-deprecation, which makes for a very funny inner commentary, especially as she realises how gay she really is, but it also stops her from seeing how strong she actually is. Grace, on the other hand, is known for her bad temper, which is really just her way to protect herself. Underneath her grumpy facade, she’s kind and loyal and very smart.
The main characters feel very young at times (which they are, to some extent) even though they’ve both already been through a lot. I kind of like that, despite having survived difficult situations, they still have a sort of innocence. That feeling also stems from the fact parents in this book, as represented by Grace’s mother, act like it’s the 19th century and they own their children.
There are two other important characters, Grace’s brother Will who, like Grace, is a lot more interesting than first impressions lead to believe, and Percy, Lena’s best friend’s brother. Everyone needs a friend like Percy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s an awesome trans guy character.
The Safest Place is the second Ember Grove romance. I didn’t read the first one and while this one can be enjoyed as a standalone, I did feel I was missing some background at first. It probably didn’t matter much to the story but it apparently explains some of Lena’s actions.
Lily Seabrooke writes very sweet stories but just because they’re sweet doesn’t mean they’re light. The Safest Place is the meeting of two lonelinesses, and it could have been sad but instead, it’s heartwarming. If you’re feeling down, pick up one of Seabrooke’s books. Also, I’m definitely here for gay wontons and forgiving chocolate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2021
I've read most of Lily Seabrooke's books at this point and I consistently enjoy them, and I'm happy to see her continued growth as a writer- and this book is no exception to that.
This book follows Lena Martin and Gracelyn "Grace" Ashton. They meet when Lena's roommate is engaged to Grace's brother, and the roommate sets Lena up with her other brother without knowing Lena is a lesbian. Grace isn't thrilled about this setup as she sees the whole situation as manipulative, and repeatedly butts heads with Lena over it. But at the same time Lena and Grace are traveling to the same grotto and leaving anonymous notes for each other and slowly falling in love with the other letter writer, and are completely unaware it is each other.
I loved the concept of this book. I found the enemies to lovers with the letter writing absolutely adorable, and the plot of this book grabbed me in right away and I was all for it. I'm a sucker for notes and letters from people I love, both leaving and receiving them, so the letters warmed my heart every time reading one. I was really drawn in to this book.
Although both characters did take a bit to grow on to me. This book is related to Seabrooke's previous work The Simple Answer, but I didn't remember Lena very well from that book, and it took me a bit to understand why she acquiesced to all of her roommate Cara and Grace's demands of her. And additionally I had some warming up to do with Grace in general, as she projected a lot of her past trauma on to Lena's actions towards her brother. As you continue the book you do get a more thorough understanding of the characters and the both grew on me quite a bit, and by the end I was mushy about their relationship, but I didn't love either from the getgo.
I do really like the side characters in this book and always like how Seabrooke adds little found families into her books. Percy is again a wonderful character as we saw in Simple Answer, and I liked Grace's brother Will quite a bit actually. I do with we got to see more of Vanessa and Emily though.
Seabrooke has a unique voice when writing, a very positive and optimistic experience with enough angst thrown in to keep things interesting, and I really tend to enjoy it, and I enjoyed this book. 4/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book follows Lena Martin and Gracelyn "Grace" Ashton. They meet when Lena's roommate is engaged to Grace's brother, and the roommate sets Lena up with her other brother without knowing Lena is a lesbian. Grace isn't thrilled about this setup as she sees the whole situation as manipulative, and repeatedly butts heads with Lena over it. But at the same time Lena and Grace are traveling to the same grotto and leaving anonymous notes for each other and slowly falling in love with the other letter writer, and are completely unaware it is each other.
I loved the concept of this book. I found the enemies to lovers with the letter writing absolutely adorable, and the plot of this book grabbed me in right away and I was all for it. I'm a sucker for notes and letters from people I love, both leaving and receiving them, so the letters warmed my heart every time reading one. I was really drawn in to this book.
Although both characters did take a bit to grow on to me. This book is related to Seabrooke's previous work The Simple Answer, but I didn't remember Lena very well from that book, and it took me a bit to understand why she acquiesced to all of her roommate Cara and Grace's demands of her. And additionally I had some warming up to do with Grace in general, as she projected a lot of her past trauma on to Lena's actions towards her brother. As you continue the book you do get a more thorough understanding of the characters and the both grew on me quite a bit, and by the end I was mushy about their relationship, but I didn't love either from the getgo.
I do really like the side characters in this book and always like how Seabrooke adds little found families into her books. Percy is again a wonderful character as we saw in Simple Answer, and I liked Grace's brother Will quite a bit actually. I do with we got to see more of Vanessa and Emily though.
Seabrooke has a unique voice when writing, a very positive and optimistic experience with enough angst thrown in to keep things interesting, and I really tend to enjoy it, and I enjoyed this book. 4/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this! It was nice coming back to Ember Grove (although you don't have to read The Simple Answer to read this) and especially Percy, who I love!
The Safest Place follows Lena and Grace as they meet and fall in love. Lena is originally set up with Will, Grace's brother, but quickly realises she's a lesbian and is attracted to Grace. Grace, despite being the younger sister, is very protective of Will who is super shy, and grills Lena on hurting her brother. So they don't get of to the best of starts!
The little side plot line of them writing letters to each other without knowing it was to each other was cute.
This book has pining galore, characters figuring out their sexuality, and Only One Bed. What more could you ask for?
Grace's and Will's mother is the villain of the book, and I absolutely didn't like her. Lily writes oppressive and controlling parents really well. Grace is 23/24 and still let's her mother boss her around and control her life, which was annoying, even though I understand it is hard for some people in that kind of controlling environment to get out. Let's just say I'm glad Grace and Lena met each other!
4.5 stars!
I enjoyed this! It was nice coming back to Ember Grove (although you don't have to read The Simple Answer to read this) and especially Percy, who I love!
The Safest Place follows Lena and Grace as they meet and fall in love. Lena is originally set up with Will, Grace's brother, but quickly realises she's a lesbian and is attracted to Grace. Grace, despite being the younger sister, is very protective of Will who is super shy, and grills Lena on hurting her brother. So they don't get of to the best of starts!
The little side plot line of them writing letters to each other without knowing it was to each other was cute.
This book has pining galore, characters figuring out their sexuality, and Only One Bed. What more could you ask for?
Grace's and Will's mother is the villain of the book, and I absolutely didn't like her. Lily writes oppressive and controlling parents really well. Grace is 23/24 and still let's her mother boss her around and control her life, which was annoying, even though I understand it is hard for some people in that kind of controlling environment to get out. Let's just say I'm glad Grace and Lena met each other!
4.5 stars!
May 17, 2021
After loving The Simple Answer I was excited to read another book that is set in Ember Grove. And I just totally fell in love with the whole storyline.
This time it’s about Lena that we already have met before and Grace. While Lena doesn’t know at the beginning what she wants and is totally insecure about herself, Grace seems to be more secure of herself. But most of all she can’t stand Lena and is a total ice queen around her.
The reason for her dislike is that she wants to protect her brother Will, that is pushed by his mother into dating and hopefully marrying Lena. Lena on the other hand is pushed into dating Will by her roommate Cara. Neither Lena nor Will actually want to date each other, but first both don‘t see a way to get out of this.
When Grace and Lena have the same hiding spot, they meet each other again. Not in person because they are never there at the same time but through writing letters to each other. Personally I found this so sweet and I just loved it. Both are getting to know a side from each other they usually don’t share with others. All of this while Grace thinks she is writing to a man and Lena is starting to realise that she is a lesbian. Something she didn’t know before.
I won’t share much more about what happens next because for me it’s just a beautiful must read story. Both MCs are totally lovable, Grace might be an ice queen first, but you will notice very soon that she has her heart in the right place. I also loved how they dealt with their sexuality.
My favourite quote in the whole book was „Confidence isn’t just being the loudest person in the room. Real confidence is usually quiet and questions itself all the time, so it can figure out exactly what it’s capable of and how to do more.“
I actually have never looked at it from this perspective, but this just hit home.
I have one complain though. I honestly don’t know if I will ever get over, that they loved eating an oatmeal raisin cookie. 😳 Raisins and I just don’t get along. so it’s definitely good I love Lily’s writing and this book so much. Otherwise I might only have given 4 stars. 😆🤣
I definitely recommend this book and while
it can be read as a standalone, I would still recommend reading The Simple Answer first. This way you will already know some background of some characters, especially Lena and Percy.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This time it’s about Lena that we already have met before and Grace. While Lena doesn’t know at the beginning what she wants and is totally insecure about herself, Grace seems to be more secure of herself. But most of all she can’t stand Lena and is a total ice queen around her.
The reason for her dislike is that she wants to protect her brother Will, that is pushed by his mother into dating and hopefully marrying Lena. Lena on the other hand is pushed into dating Will by her roommate Cara. Neither Lena nor Will actually want to date each other, but first both don‘t see a way to get out of this.
When Grace and Lena have the same hiding spot, they meet each other again. Not in person because they are never there at the same time but through writing letters to each other. Personally I found this so sweet and I just loved it. Both are getting to know a side from each other they usually don’t share with others. All of this while Grace thinks she is writing to a man and Lena is starting to realise that she is a lesbian. Something she didn’t know before.
I won’t share much more about what happens next because for me it’s just a beautiful must read story. Both MCs are totally lovable, Grace might be an ice queen first, but you will notice very soon that she has her heart in the right place. I also loved how they dealt with their sexuality.
My favourite quote in the whole book was „Confidence isn’t just being the loudest person in the room. Real confidence is usually quiet and questions itself all the time, so it can figure out exactly what it’s capable of and how to do more.“
I actually have never looked at it from this perspective, but this just hit home.
I have one complain though. I honestly don’t know if I will ever get over, that they loved eating an oatmeal raisin cookie. 😳 Raisins and I just don’t get along. so it’s definitely good I love Lily’s writing and this book so much. Otherwise I might only have given 4 stars. 😆🤣
I definitely recommend this book and while
it can be read as a standalone, I would still recommend reading The Simple Answer first. This way you will already know some background of some characters, especially Lena and Percy.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2021
“I like you as you are, and I like you as who you’ll be tomorrow. You’re enough. I promise.”
These days, I'm really used to being annoyed by the conflict in 50% of romance novels, because they're so often completely contrived and read as unnecessary/overdramatic rather than emotional. So it's rare and really gratifying to have a source of conflict that just feels organic, real, and totally necessary, even though a lot of it hinges on miscommunication (my least favourite thing). This was so good, a hugely satisfying romance in the way that it followed some tropes and didn't follow others.
Grace is from a very strict, very conservative family, and her parents are determined to see her and all of her brothers married off. She has a temper, jumps to conclusions, and can be super prickly, but she's really yearning to find love. Lena is almost terminally shy, is used to people taking advantage of her, and at the beginning of the book, is having a lesbian awakening. She and Grace get off to a bad start, as Grace assumes Lena is trying to trap her shy brother into marriage, but at the same time, they unknowingly strike up a correspondence of anonymous letters. This romance was just so so cute; an opposites attract affair that ended with both women learning and growing from each other.
In the beginning, I was getting super frustrated with Grace and the way she jumped to conclusions; it seemed like a lazy setup for conflict/goading the book into a certain direction. Books do it all the time; a character will misunderstand something that seems perfectly clear, and it'll create this huge blow-up/conflict. So I was annoyed, until I realised that that tendency was actually a part of Grace's personality, a flaw that she would be working on as things progressed. And from there, I really like the directions that the book took. It's about loneliness, self-discovery, and growth. Both our heroines go on little journeys with their sexualities, and it was adorable. They ended up having the best chemistry, and there are so many cue moments. I also really appreciated that there were certain things that COULD have been blown out of proportion, and they weren't.
The plot with the anon letters could have been better fleshed out/more impactful. The way it started also wasn't the most credible. Otherwise, this was really lovely, very realistic, with the fun, engaging writing that I've gotten used to from Seabrooke. Major kudos.
December 30, 2021
Lily Seabrooke never fails to deliver books full of heart and stellar romance. The safest Place is a sweet, funny, beautiful, heartbreaking, and adorable romance. I loved Lena and Grace’s story so much, full of love, growth, and healing.
I loved Lena’s introduction in The Simple Answer and am so glad she gets the spotlight and development she deserves. A traumatic past has made Lena very reserved and unsure of herself. She has a fantastic arc of self discovery which starts at the beginning of the story. Lena’s growth is a transformative experience and it was a true joy watching her come out of her shell.
Grace is a very strong willed character and is very protective of her brother who her parents are trying to force into a relationship he doesn’t want. Grace portrays an aura of aggression and abrasiveness but is secretly a sweet romantic looking for love and a place to belong.
Grace and Lena’s worlds crash together in multiple ways and despite all circumstances stacked against them continue to grow closer both in person and through anonymous letters to one another. After meeting Grace, Lena comes to terms with her sexuality pretty quickly and the constant gay panic is adorable and hilarious. Grace’s story is much less straight forward but equally sweet and enjoyable.
The romance is amazing in every aspect. I loved the friendship that develops between them in person and the honest and open romance that blossoms in their letters.
Will and Percy were great supporting characters and I couldn’t get enough of them. Percy continues to be the hilarious and helpful best friend and Will is a great support to both women as well. I really enjoyed all of the support cast who popped in throughout the story.
Seabrooke is always phenomenal at balancing the heavy subjects with humor and levity. While this book deals with past and present trauma and abuse there are so many sweet, goofy, funny, and romantic moments that provide this delightful symbiosis that is truly magnificent. At times this book may rip out your heart, but the joys are worth all of the pain.
I love Seabrooke’s books and this may be a new contender for my favorite. The sweet and adorable characters and plot are sure to draw you in and never let go. I can’t wait for the next Ember Grove Romance. Do yourself a favor and check out this book immediately.
I loved Lena’s introduction in The Simple Answer and am so glad she gets the spotlight and development she deserves. A traumatic past has made Lena very reserved and unsure of herself. She has a fantastic arc of self discovery which starts at the beginning of the story. Lena’s growth is a transformative experience and it was a true joy watching her come out of her shell.
Grace is a very strong willed character and is very protective of her brother who her parents are trying to force into a relationship he doesn’t want. Grace portrays an aura of aggression and abrasiveness but is secretly a sweet romantic looking for love and a place to belong.
Grace and Lena’s worlds crash together in multiple ways and despite all circumstances stacked against them continue to grow closer both in person and through anonymous letters to one another. After meeting Grace, Lena comes to terms with her sexuality pretty quickly and the constant gay panic is adorable and hilarious. Grace’s story is much less straight forward but equally sweet and enjoyable.
The romance is amazing in every aspect. I loved the friendship that develops between them in person and the honest and open romance that blossoms in their letters.
Will and Percy were great supporting characters and I couldn’t get enough of them. Percy continues to be the hilarious and helpful best friend and Will is a great support to both women as well. I really enjoyed all of the support cast who popped in throughout the story.
Seabrooke is always phenomenal at balancing the heavy subjects with humor and levity. While this book deals with past and present trauma and abuse there are so many sweet, goofy, funny, and romantic moments that provide this delightful symbiosis that is truly magnificent. At times this book may rip out your heart, but the joys are worth all of the pain.
I love Seabrooke’s books and this may be a new contender for my favorite. The sweet and adorable characters and plot are sure to draw you in and never let go. I can’t wait for the next Ember Grove Romance. Do yourself a favor and check out this book immediately.
May 11, 2021
A book for every sapphic who has ever been in love with their best friend... And I'd recommend reading it even if you haven't done that!
Seabrooke takes us back to Ember Grove--though this novel completely stands alone if you haven't read The Simple Answer, if you have, there are some excellent appearances of familiar characters--and once again demonstrates her mastery in adorable, small town, lesbian romance.
Lena and Grace are both wonderful, fully realized characters who experience realistic and wonderful character development throughout the book and whose relationship also experiences significant growth throughout the story. Beginning as enemies-ish, becoming best friends who do some very-not-platonic things together, and ending up in an adorable relationship where they both see and appreciate one another for exactly who they are, this book will resonate with a whole host of sapphics who know what it's like to realize there were a million signs that you were queer before you knew it, and that you and your bestie were definitely more than friends!
There are important sides characters who experience similar development arcs throughout the book to reach really satisfying and deserved endings, a gorgeous grotto in the woods, and some fantastic tropes done fantastically. Things aren't always easy for Lena and Grace, and this book gave me all the emotions--I laughed, I cried, I yelled at Grace's mom and at Cara, but that is one of the wonderful things about Seabrooke's writing. It feels authentic and believable and a lot of the things the characters experience are things that will be familiar to some of the readers. There's also a wonderful flannel chair that was definitely a sign and is definitely something I wish I owned.
The Safest Place is warm, genuine, funny, romantic, and beautiful, and I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a gorgeous lesbian romance with devourable writing.
Seabrooke takes us back to Ember Grove--though this novel completely stands alone if you haven't read The Simple Answer, if you have, there are some excellent appearances of familiar characters--and once again demonstrates her mastery in adorable, small town, lesbian romance.
Lena and Grace are both wonderful, fully realized characters who experience realistic and wonderful character development throughout the book and whose relationship also experiences significant growth throughout the story. Beginning as enemies-ish, becoming best friends who do some very-not-platonic things together, and ending up in an adorable relationship where they both see and appreciate one another for exactly who they are, this book will resonate with a whole host of sapphics who know what it's like to realize there were a million signs that you were queer before you knew it, and that you and your bestie were definitely more than friends!
There are important sides characters who experience similar development arcs throughout the book to reach really satisfying and deserved endings, a gorgeous grotto in the woods, and some fantastic tropes done fantastically. Things aren't always easy for Lena and Grace, and this book gave me all the emotions--I laughed, I cried, I yelled at Grace's mom and at Cara, but that is one of the wonderful things about Seabrooke's writing. It feels authentic and believable and a lot of the things the characters experience are things that will be familiar to some of the readers. There's also a wonderful flannel chair that was definitely a sign and is definitely something I wish I owned.
The Safest Place is warm, genuine, funny, romantic, and beautiful, and I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a gorgeous lesbian romance with devourable writing.
May 19, 2021
Note: I recieved a free ebook copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this read. It was the warm, comfy, and compelling romantic storytelling that has become Seabrooke's signature. Bringing the reader back to Ember Grove (the same town as in "The Simple Answer") was done as artfully as ever, and to be completely honest, it was amazing seeing Percy again.
Seabrooke does a great job of building out on the world of Ember Grove (but never fear, you do not have to have read "The Simple Answer" to enjoy this read to the fullest). We get to see more of it's character, character that isn't always as simple as people would have us believe.
Especially people like the Ashtons. Grace Ashton is sick of small town life. She's tired of her mother's control. She hates that her brother, Will, is being set up to ride off into the heteronormative sunset with some girl named Lena.
Except Lena Martin doesn't really want to be set up, with Will or really with any. She's only doing it because she feels obligated to. When she's confronted by a fairly angry and protective Grace, surprising sparks begin to show between Lena and the wrong Ashton sibling. Add in a little mistaken identity and sapphic pining, and you have a cozy, funny, romantic read that makes you feel all light and love inside.
I really enjoyed this read. It was the warm, comfy, and compelling romantic storytelling that has become Seabrooke's signature. Bringing the reader back to Ember Grove (the same town as in "The Simple Answer") was done as artfully as ever, and to be completely honest, it was amazing seeing Percy again.
Seabrooke does a great job of building out on the world of Ember Grove (but never fear, you do not have to have read "The Simple Answer" to enjoy this read to the fullest). We get to see more of it's character, character that isn't always as simple as people would have us believe.
Especially people like the Ashtons. Grace Ashton is sick of small town life. She's tired of her mother's control. She hates that her brother, Will, is being set up to ride off into the heteronormative sunset with some girl named Lena.
Except Lena Martin doesn't really want to be set up, with Will or really with any. She's only doing it because she feels obligated to. When she's confronted by a fairly angry and protective Grace, surprising sparks begin to show between Lena and the wrong Ashton sibling. Add in a little mistaken identity and sapphic pining, and you have a cozy, funny, romantic read that makes you feel all light and love inside.
May 21, 2021
The Safest Place has gone & left my queer little heart all aflutter.
Lena Martin recently got out of an abusive relationship and is now being pressured to get back on the horse and date local bachelor Will Ashton. However, successfully dating Will is made a little difficult by Lena’s realization that she might be a lesbian. To complicate matters further, Lena is falling HARD for Will’s sister, Grace.
The subplot of two people writing anonymous letters to each other gave me so many smiles.
This slow-burn sapphic romance leads to some beautifully written lovemaking in case you’re interested (which I personally very much was).
Lena and Grace were incredibly endearing characters. There’s just so much to love within this book. I’m easily giving it 5-stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lena Martin recently got out of an abusive relationship and is now being pressured to get back on the horse and date local bachelor Will Ashton. However, successfully dating Will is made a little difficult by Lena’s realization that she might be a lesbian. To complicate matters further, Lena is falling HARD for Will’s sister, Grace.
The subplot of two people writing anonymous letters to each other gave me so many smiles.
This slow-burn sapphic romance leads to some beautifully written lovemaking in case you’re interested (which I personally very much was).
Lena and Grace were incredibly endearing characters. There’s just so much to love within this book. I’m easily giving it 5-stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2021
This is a lovely read about a shy small town girl Lena who meets a cold outgoing girl Grace.
Lena friend is pushing her to date Grace’s brother Will, but she doesn’t want to date him and instead retreats to a place that she feels safe in.
Low aghast and a story line that’s keeps you interested to the end, you will enjoy this book.
Lena friend is pushing her to date Grace’s brother Will, but she doesn’t want to date him and instead retreats to a place that she feels safe in.
Low aghast and a story line that’s keeps you interested to the end, you will enjoy this book.
May 29, 2021
Lily Seabrooke has a way with words in creating that special place. I love that there are many different LGBTQ+ characters in the Ember Grove community.
Jae's SRC
character with everyday job
friends to lovers romance
character works in the food industry
mistake identity
part of a series
Jae's SRC
character with everyday job
friends to lovers romance
character works in the food industry
mistake identity
part of a series
September 5, 2024
This is a wonderful gem from my TBR shelves! A beautiful slow burn, coming out love story! We met Lena in The Simple Answer. She's being set up with Will , her roommate Cora's future brother in law. Lena is quiet and bashful and so is Will. Neither really wants to be set up.
Every morning Lena goes to her favorite place, a natural grotto. One morning she finds a note and answers it.
Grace is Will's sister, and every night she goes to her favorite place, the natural grotto. She say footprints bigger than her own, and thought they belong to a man. She's the one that left the note.
The two women become invested in the notes, when Lena leaves a sprig of Grace's favorite flower(wisteria), Grace falls in love. When the two women become friends, Lena sees the wisteria in Grace's room, and puts things together. Only problem is, she's in love with Grace.
This is a gorgeous story! 5 stars
Every morning Lena goes to her favorite place, a natural grotto. One morning she finds a note and answers it.
Grace is Will's sister, and every night she goes to her favorite place, the natural grotto. She say footprints bigger than her own, and thought they belong to a man. She's the one that left the note.
The two women become invested in the notes, when Lena leaves a sprig of Grace's favorite flower(wisteria), Grace falls in love. When the two women become friends, Lena sees the wisteria in Grace's room, and puts things together. Only problem is, she's in love with Grace.
This is a gorgeous story! 5 stars
May 21, 2021
Hope. Thats what this book made me feel. Lily has a way of creating characters that you root for from the get go; Lena and Grace are no different. Lena is figuring out what she wants from life and love while navigating the emotions she carries from her negative relationships with her homophobic family. She is forced into a date with Will Ashton, who is a nice guy, who is protected by his younger much more feisty sister Grace. She questions Lena at every turn about her reasons for wanting to date her brother, not realising Lena has been forced into it. Their tension becomes fractured as they realise they're verging into friendship.
This book, like most of Lily's is melodic, it has a musical quality to it that not only runs through its theme but permeated each word written on the pages. The characters are musically inclined and it's a commonality that intertwines both girls. Lena is a singer and Grace plays guitar. There's a wonderful part of them writing lyrics back and forth unknowingly communicating with one another through a glass bottle and piece of paper. It's so romantic and sweet it gave me cavities. The characters are sassy and sweet, everything you would want from a feel good romance like this. That's not to say there aren't some steamy scenes, and I'd be remiss to mark them as simple sex scenes. Lena and Graces intimate moments are steamy and frantic, sensual and sexy as hell but the undertone of love and acceptance that lingers throughout makes them all the more special.
Everything about this book screams grab yourself a blanket and curl up with your best girl. These are characters that will stick with you long after the book has finished. I'd like a one way ticket to Ember Grove please!
This book, like most of Lily's is melodic, it has a musical quality to it that not only runs through its theme but permeated each word written on the pages. The characters are musically inclined and it's a commonality that intertwines both girls. Lena is a singer and Grace plays guitar. There's a wonderful part of them writing lyrics back and forth unknowingly communicating with one another through a glass bottle and piece of paper. It's so romantic and sweet it gave me cavities. The characters are sassy and sweet, everything you would want from a feel good romance like this. That's not to say there aren't some steamy scenes, and I'd be remiss to mark them as simple sex scenes. Lena and Graces intimate moments are steamy and frantic, sensual and sexy as hell but the undertone of love and acceptance that lingers throughout makes them all the more special.
Everything about this book screams grab yourself a blanket and curl up with your best girl. These are characters that will stick with you long after the book has finished. I'd like a one way ticket to Ember Grove please!
May 23, 2021
Book 2 in the Ember Grove series and Ms. Seabrooke doesn't disappoint with this slow burn romance. Our main characters Lena and Grace can't quite figure out who they are (think flannel - women). Grace is frustrated by forced family meddling and Lena is bullied by her friend Cara to date Grace's brother. The only peace found is in the secret grotto with neither aware that the other knows of that private place. Messages are left and feelings expressed and exchanged until the realization that the two women are communicating with each other. The self doubt, ultimate sexual revelations, family complications, drama, a wedding, a touch of humor and hot sex are nicely intertwined in the plot with supporting characters especially Will and Percy. I loved that Lena's book cover was for a lesbian romance. With all the drama, I kept hoping for a HEA, Ember Grove to virtually combust and read slowly through the night to the end. Easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy from Booksprout and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I rec'd a copy from Booksprout and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
May 22, 2021
Grace and Lena are an interesting pair of young woman who seek out a safe place to be to get away from the expectations of others placed upon them. One from her overbearing mother, the other, a very pushy friend. They inadvertently formed a friendship when they began writing letters to each other via a message in a bottle. Who would of thought that someone can fall in love through letters before actually meeting face to face. It is a charming concept to read about. Percy is a funny friend to Lena, their first meeting is amusing. Will, Grace's brother, is a bland personality who surprises me in the end.
There are moments that I found fustrating that I wanted to shake sense into the characters, but overall I enjoyed the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are moments that I found fustrating that I wanted to shake sense into the characters, but overall I enjoyed the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2021
This book has a simply staggering amount of tropes by volume (and I mean that in the best way): only one bed (and only one bathtub), mistaken identities, enemies to lovers... it's just really good, y'all.
I really loved the characters' individual journeys in this one. Lena doesn't so much discover her confidence as realize that she's had it all along and that being a gentle and accommodating person isn't such a bad thing as long as she stands up for what really matters. And I love Grace, so prickly and sharp-edged and so totally clueless at the same time. Watching the two of them move past their misconceptions about each other and fall in love was really touching, and I feel like I love their big public declaration scene even more than the ones in the Christmas Ball books, which is a big deal for me. It's a delight from start to finish.
I really loved the characters' individual journeys in this one. Lena doesn't so much discover her confidence as realize that she's had it all along and that being a gentle and accommodating person isn't such a bad thing as long as she stands up for what really matters. And I love Grace, so prickly and sharp-edged and so totally clueless at the same time. Watching the two of them move past their misconceptions about each other and fall in love was really touching, and I feel like I love their big public declaration scene even more than the ones in the Christmas Ball books, which is a big deal for me. It's a delight from start to finish.
May 17, 2021
This book is a standalone although reading The Simple Answer is recommended to get the full story and enjoyment for this book. Lena and Grace appear very different yet both have struggled to be their true selves after overbearing, controlling, parents have tried to shape them into what they want them to be, not who they really are. Both girls have realisations as they discover what they want in life and it's not what they thought.
A great book, it had me captivated from the beginning. Lily writes such sweet, soulful books and this one is no exception. It's like a warm hug reading this book. fantastic!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great book, it had me captivated from the beginning. Lily writes such sweet, soulful books and this one is no exception. It's like a warm hug reading this book. fantastic!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2021
It's truly wonderful, over the course of the novel, to see characters find their own strength, and work through abuse, anxiety, and oppression.
The author put so much thought into building a multifaceted world, and thanks to her effort, we get to see a whole host of characters (not just our main pair) find a place where they are safe to freely, openly, and honestly be themselves.
A beautiful read, and for many readers who can relate to the abuses, a cathartic one as well. I'll be re-reading this one again and again.
I received a free advance copy of this book for review purposes, though I had already pre-ordered it.
The author put so much thought into building a multifaceted world, and thanks to her effort, we get to see a whole host of characters (not just our main pair) find a place where they are safe to freely, openly, and honestly be themselves.
A beautiful read, and for many readers who can relate to the abuses, a cathartic one as well. I'll be re-reading this one again and again.
I received a free advance copy of this book for review purposes, though I had already pre-ordered it.
November 3, 2021
Marvelous Romance
Lena Martin was just beginning to realize that she is a lesbian. When she meets Grace Ashton she is intimidated and attracted. Over the coming weeks they grow from enemies to friends to very attracted to each other. Circumstances are not helping them to live their own lives or to achieve their individual dreams. Will life let them learn to live their dreams? Great first love and coming out story.
Lena Martin was just beginning to realize that she is a lesbian. When she meets Grace Ashton she is intimidated and attracted. Over the coming weeks they grow from enemies to friends to very attracted to each other. Circumstances are not helping them to live their own lives or to achieve their individual dreams. Will life let them learn to live their dreams? Great first love and coming out story.
May 21, 2021
The Safest Place is a sweet slow burn with just enough angst and emotional twists that kept me fully engaged without putting me over the edge. The parallel hurdles that the characters are dealing with as they discover who they are, who they love, and where the safest place actually is, makes this book a worthwhile read for sure.
July 10, 2021
Pretty Amazing
The Lena and Gracey journey was pretty epic and awe-inspring. What a beautiful love story. This is proof positive that you can't judge a book by its cover and it just solidifies that most people want to be seen for who they are and loved in spite of any flaws that they have.
The Lena and Gracey journey was pretty epic and awe-inspring. What a beautiful love story. This is proof positive that you can't judge a book by its cover and it just solidifies that most people want to be seen for who they are and loved in spite of any flaws that they have.
July 21, 2024
Something about the way Lily writes just melts my soul. I haven’t read a book by her that I haven’t loved! The way she captures emotions on a page is mind blowing and I can’t get enough of it! This is a book for every sapphic who has fallen in love with her best friend and every “straight” girl who found herself questioning just how straight she really is.
May 10, 2021
I enjoyed this romance the writer really brought this story to life for me. I am not fond off over descriptive scenes but Lily nailed it for me. Both main characters are great. Be sure to have time when you start this book as I had a tough time putting it down once I started it.
May 17, 2021
Lena and grace have been put through the ringer growing up so when they opened up to each other they both realized that they didn’t need to be what everyone wanted them to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2021
Sweet romance
This is followup to The Simple Answer. But it can be read first. Just same town. Wonderful sweet book. Grace and Lena are easy to love. I really enjoy Lily's writing style. Pick it up and enjoy. I did receive this as an ARC. But I would have read it anywsy
This is followup to The Simple Answer. But it can be read first. Just same town. Wonderful sweet book. Grace and Lena are easy to love. I really enjoy Lily's writing style. Pick it up and enjoy. I did receive this as an ARC. But I would have read it anywsy
October 22, 2023
Always something about Lily Seabrooke's stories that feels so cosy and soft.
This one is not an exception as it captures everything I absolutely love about her books (and more).
I couldn't not binge-read it as it was so smooth and loveable.
This one is not an exception as it captures everything I absolutely love about her books (and more).
I couldn't not binge-read it as it was so smooth and loveable.
May 22, 2021
Loved it!
I loved this book so much! I started reading it and just couldn’t put it down. Such a good story.
I loved this book so much! I started reading it and just couldn’t put it down. Such a good story.
June 9, 2021
Finding yourself
Fate will always being you to those you are meant to be. In this story, it shows you that with a little help it also brings you to your authentic self.
Fate will always being you to those you are meant to be. In this story, it shows you that with a little help it also brings you to your authentic self.
June 13, 2021
Cute!
Sweet story about two young women coming out and falling in love with each other. Normally I don’t like early “I love yous” but given the MC’s age I didn’t mind it too much.
Sweet story about two young women coming out and falling in love with each other. Normally I don’t like early “I love yous” but given the MC’s age I didn’t mind it too much.
March 13, 2022
loved this
Great story. Lots of angst. A couple growing & finding themselves amidst difficult circumstances. I read it in an evening & enjoyed it.
Great story. Lots of angst. A couple growing & finding themselves amidst difficult circumstances. I read it in an evening & enjoyed it.
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