The Guards' Haven

The Lost Lines #3

by Merri Bright

They're guarding her body. She's guarding her heart.

After thirty years of cruel captivity in Verdan, Haven convinces the new, magic-wielding queen of neighboring Rimholt to allow her to open a school for poor children. It’s everything she’d hoped.
Except the school is an abandoned brothel.
The students are tiny criminal masterminds.
And she’s living with three sexy King’s Guards assigned to protect her from kidnappers and assassins.

Now Haven is living the dream, but she’s distracted by new fantasies that involve not one, but all three guards: the gentle, red-bearded captain who can’t walk; the young, amateur poet who keeps peeking in her windows; even the brooding jerk with the dark, dangerous secret.
But Haven has a secret of her own, and when it’s exposed, she has to make a choice. Fight for her freedom and risk discovery of her own hidden magic? Or crawl back into the safety of a cage she’ll never escape?

If she lets down her guard, they all might pay with their lives.

The Guards’ Haven is a humorous, full-length historical fantasy in The Lost Lines Series, set months after events in The King's Omega. All books in the series can be read as standalones! The heroine is a plus-sized survivor of abuse, and the book deals with themes of infertility and past sexual and physical trauma, and contains violence, profanity, and hot, medieval wheelchair action. Please read the Author’s Note inside before deciding if this book is for you.

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Paranormal, Why Choose

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2022

About the author

Once upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.

She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog.
Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.

Reviews

[Merri Bright]

An early reader of The King’s Omega asked what happened to the other “Failed Omegas” from King Milian’s palace. I answered that question in The Assassin’s Promise (Roya's story), but I felt compelled to tell the story of at least one more, a curvy 30-year-old named Haven.

Haven survived assault, imprisonment, and years of cruelty in Verdan. She begins her new life in Rimholt as a cautious, damaged woman with a small dream—to be a teacher. She ends up with ten students who will steal your heart and rob you blind at the same time, men who worship her from the moment they glimpse her, and a vastly important role in the Goddess’s plans for this world that has lost its balance.

Haven's guards are some of my favorite Alphas. Protective Graham may not be able to stand or walk, but he loves her with every ounce of his being. Niko shows what true friendship looks like, and true sacrifice. And Rand, AKA The Perv? He makes me giggle every time he walks onto the page.

I hope you love this book. It’s my favorite so far, in no small part thanks to Ratter, the street rat we met briefly in The Queen’s Nest. I have big plans for her. If you enjoyed the other standalones in this series, you can pre-order The Leviathan’s Debt, the next full-length novel, here: https://books2read.com/thelostlines4

I love to hear from readers, and I take kindly worded criticism/advice into account when plotting and planning my next books. Reach out to Merri@merribright.com or join my reader FB group, Merri’s Mischief Makers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/28359...

Happy reading!

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I liked this book heaps more than the first. The characters were lovely once they got over their own bs. The kids are fantastic.

[Jenner Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My God!! I absolutely love this book! This was my first read by Merri Bright and now I have to go back and read the other books in this series. I'm hooked!
This story will make you laugh, pull at your heartstrings, and give you all the knottiness you can handle!
Although this is a series, each book is also a standalone. So although I'm starting the series at book 3, I'm not missing any pertinent information that would take away from enjoying it to it's fullest.

Three cheers for big girl love!! Haven and her three Alpha Guards will have you devouring the pages. But I have to admit, it's Havens "tiny" guards that pushed this story into a 5 star read for me! Most. Adorable. Assassins/Thiefs. Ever!!!! I think I fell in love with them more than I did the Alphas. Although Graham, Niko, and Rand are definitely worthy of love.

The lack of societal "perfection" when it comes to our heroes and heroines is so refreshing. A plus-size heroine and a hero who lost the use of his legs. Children who have been abandoned by family and shunned by society. A true testament to the adage "you're perfect just the way you are" and "everyone deserves love"!

I'm really hoping Ratter will get her own book in the future. *hint hint, wink wink* I would love to see her give some Alphas a run for their money!

This was my first book in the Omegaverse world and now I need more!

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delight. The one thing that bothered me about the first book was that at times it veered a little too much into the “she’s such a teeny tiny sexy baby!” thing, and that’s not at all an issue here. Our heroine is a 30-year-old woman who knows what she wants out of life. She knows what sex is and asks for it when she wants it. She has some understandable insecurities, but for the most part, she doesn’t let them get in her way.

Then we’ve got our three sweet, damaged alpha heroes who are set to guard her: one who’s recently lost the use of his legs and feels like he’s not a whole man; one who is haunted by an incident in his youth where he went feral and almost hurt a woman and has been terrified of losing control ever since; and one who lost a wife and child when very young and thought he would never find love again.

And then we’ve got a group of bloodthirsty and precocious street urchins. I’m normally not big on kids in romance, but these kids are actually fun and funny and fit into the romance beautifully. The MCs and the children all fall in love with each other, and it’s wonderful.

You could probably read this as a standalone or start the series here if you wanted to, though you’d miss out on some of the joy of seeing Vali and her guys pop up. I still really, really liked Vali’s books—but this one I was able to enjoy without reservations. Highly recommend and looking forward to reading more from Merri Bright!

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’s story will grab you hard and drag you in. Full of adventure, thrills, and steamy scenes, this book focuses on another Omega and her mates - Graham, Niko, and Rand.

Haven thinks she’s nothing special since she’s unlike the other “failed” Omegas - not thin or petite - and is worthless based on what some cruel people have said. To find her place, she decides to open a school and needs guards to help her. Well we can guess what happens from there.

Loved how Haven is so relatable as a FMC. Her interactions with her mates are touching because they truly show her how special she is. Can’t pick a favorite among them since they’re all lovable. And the ragtag group of students will steal your heart just like they do stuff in the book.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[Booklovingmummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in one go!!

Haven and her pack of mischief makers will have you laughing out loud, getting hot under the collar and shocked! I’m loving this series and this book was a brilliant read, it was emotional and wholesome and made you all warm and gooey inside but also had you on edge! The children are amazing and the way Haven and her guards look after them and blend together is wonderful!!

A MUST READ!!
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless

It's been months and I still have no words to describe this masterpiece, this book is not only angsty, steamy and romantic but it is also completely wholesome, Ritter crew has stolen my heart and I doubt they will give it back....as they are used to. I cannot recommend you this book enough so please do me a favor and start it as soon as possible

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good book

A nice continuous story line thus far through the series. The children were captivating. I hope there are more of their stories as they get older. I love how the author incorporates what are considered disabilities into her stories. Not all the characters are aesthetically perfect, yet the characters all thrive. Looking for more books in this series. 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5/5

[Megan Sorley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fat, delicious, and downright perfect.

I devoured all of this series in two days, but I think this book especially deserved a review from me. Her books have so much representation I absolutely love it. This story is heartwarming and deals with lots of the subconscious trauma fat women drag along behind them. It’s beautiful to watch their relationships grow and see how everyone overcomes their own perceived shortcomings to accept the love they deserve. It was HOT too! So hot. I especially loved the way that our favorite redhead’s disability was handled. Can’t wait for new books to come out so I can immerse myself in this wonderful world all over again. 5/5 🌶🌶🌶

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this one!!

This book redeemed the series for me. Vali’s books were okay but they didn’t inspire me to read more, but this one has me completely hooked. I loved all the characters and relationships between them, and the spice was epic!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Janelle Charette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed to be an ARC reader.

I truly did love this book and devoured it in less than a day.

Graham is just so precious and I love him of course no one could take the place of my one true love Axe from "The Kings Omega". I really thought that when Haven got her gifts she was going to heal his spine.

My only real complaint is I'm a little confused on timelines. I'm assuming this is before Royas story.

I do hope the difference between omegas is made more clear in further books.

All in all it was great. Lots of knots, purring, barks and of course nesting.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh… this is one of those books that is just such a delight to read. I was invested in the characters really quickly, and the story line was engaging and flowed well. I gorged the book in a day, as I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

Although technically a reverse harem romance (RH), and certainly not lacking heat, I loved that this was a complete story, not just filler around smexy scenes. The love story was the core, but the school, the side characters, and the unique take on “omegaverse” all were fascinating on their own.

The main characters were also very well developed. Our FMC was flawed and had human insecurities, but not in the pitiable doormat way I’ve read too often lately. Rather, we are occasionally shown moments of her insecurity, but it is not her whole personality. Then, the male MCs lovingly, authentically reassure her - it doesn’t feel forced or tokenistic.

The heroes are wonderful. Each is very unique, and appealing!! The author hasn’t fallen into the trap of other RHs I’ve read, where each make member of the RH has a boy band character label and fits neatly into that trope. Rather, they come across as well developed, individual characters, and I really appreciated that. They were diverse in age, in personality, and even in physical ability.

I have read the other books in this series, but believe this could be read as a stand-alone. Having said that, I’ve loved each so much, I would recommend them all without hesitation!! In this one, I laughed aloud several times, and was very invested in all the characters. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the next!!

[literaryobsessed_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I might be biased because I love Merri Bright and Omegaverse/RH.
However, I loved this book, in fact it's my favorite of the Lost Lines series.
It has physical disability representation, that is not just fully accepted or forgotten about a few pages in, we hear the struggles he has with the cobble stones and needing assistance moving around. This is something that a lot of books miss and start with great intentions but then have people in wheel chairs grabbing things off of top shelves or driving cars. Bright even has people help push Graham when he needs to move faster and has people switch off when he becomes too heavy. These little moments make it more believable and add to the realism that he is handicapped. I also appreciated that even though omegas have the ability to 'heal' that when Haven heals Graham she takes away his pain, not his disability. This might be controversial, but I think this leads to acceptance and will help other people-both in the story and readers who don't have access to a magical omega to heal them to accept their disability. One of the things that Haven tries throughout the book to have Graham accept is that he is not 'less than' or 'worthless' he is 'perfect' just the way he is. He also tries to do the same with her body image problems, both with her scars and her problems with her weight and not looking a certain way. She also accepts the children just the way they are, regardless if they can read, have a learning disability, a speaking disability, or how they talk. I think this book has a lot of important messages that are really important. I could keep going, but you should just read the book.

[Booksfordays40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven, one of the failed Omega's, is longing to be free from constraints of the castle. Given the opportunity, she is able to build a school for orphans in the city. The only stipulation is that she needs guards with her to keep her safe, as the failed Omega's could be targeted and kidnapped. What ensues is a lovely build up of who Haven is, what secret she's been hiding and who the alpha guards are. One of the alphas suffered a severe spinal injury and is confined to a wheel chair. The orphan gaggle of kids is quite entertaining, lead by Ratter, a street rat who works for Vilkan the spy master and one of the Queen's alphas. Ratter is a trip. My guess is that we'll get a story around her- there's mystery there.... The ebb and flow of the story was similar- Omega's secret becomes known to few, Omega is kidnapped, and then rescued by her alphas and the street rats. Of course there is much more finesse, world and character building that Ms Bright is known for. And if she isn't known yet, you should get to know her works. The way she handles illness and impaired functioning is vivid, and she doesn't go the way of complete "healing", for some are whole just the way they are. I appreciated that. Would I have liked to see Graham healed and walking? Maybe? But I think its more of a statement that he's not. He's perfect just the way he is, just with a bit less pain. Just like Axe from the first book (mute) wasn't given his voice back due to the Omega powers. Though I really enjoyed the characters, I gave this story like a 4.2. It could be that I really liked her last book and was comparing everything to that one. Maybe it had to do with the setting? The Guard's Haven was set mainly in the school, a bit in the town and a bit in the castle. Where as the Assassin's Promise was much more exotic. However, we learned a lot through this book- more about Omega's in this story realm. I enjoyed that it has a medieval feel and not contemporary. Ms. Bright's story telling really brings the world to light. I feel like each book in this world will keep building the story. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tropes that I noted from this book, they include but may not be limited to…

🔸 RH
🔸 Multi POV
🔸 Plus sized female main character
🔸 Main character (one of the men) in a wheelchair (yep, there’s wheelchair…action)
🔸 Standalone (linked to other books but not necessary to read the others…you should though😂)
🔸 Omegaverse
🔸 Knotting
🔸 Nesting

This standalone follows The Kings Omega (takes place the year following) and some of the side characters you first met in that book.

I’m so happy that we got to see more of this amazing world, I definitely couldn’t choose which characters I’m more in love with. Though the street kids melted my heart, I love them maybe even more than Haven, Niko, Rand and Graham.

Haven is a big beautiful woman who believes everyone thinks she is ugly and fat, but she is the only one who thinks this, not just her men, but her family and friends surrounding her love her, appreciate her, and believe she “is the finest of us all, and the one we strive to emulate”.
Though, her men are VERY appreciative of her body.
So if you are looking for a feel good, body positive story, you’ve found it.

Rand has been secretly pining after her for months, since he first saw her, secretly asking her sisters and anyone else he can about her, watching her, falling in love with her while she is completely oblivious to his existence.

Another of her men, Graham, is a former Captain of the Kings Guard and has recently lost the use of his legs, his best friend Niko helps him in recovery, and builds him wheelchair that leads to some very unique and hot scenes, and while her men help Haven feel like the beautiful and kind person everyone else knows her to be, she helps Graham realise that just because he can’t use his legs, it doesn’t mean that he is useless or unworthy.

This book has the same level of spice you saw from The King’s Omega, brilliantly written and smoking hot.

Side note: I shall forever call Beef bourguignon, “beef boogernoon”.

[Valoree · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many fantasy novels in the market nowadays, when once there were so few; that its hard to find a world that you want to willingly seek out and lose yourself in over and over again. This is the first book that within a few pages I literally looked up and yelled I AM IN THIS AND I DONT KNOW IF I LIKE IT!! Like Haven, my hourglass has extra minutes - and I have always been shaped this way. I have always been told that I was not pretty, and not good enough - and I always felt that way until I met my husband. Someone who is SO MUCH like Graham my jaw hit the ground. A knight permanently injured in service to his kingdom? My husband permanently hurt his back helping my mother when my own brother would not lift a finger after my father died suddenly; to the point he's unable to do most of the activities he used to do - if it wasn't for surgery he would have been in a wheelchair like Graham. But then comes in Rand. Younger, spies on her - a bit of a pervert... 10 years ago I entered into a poly relationship with someone 10 years younger. We met online when he found my artwork, and was drawn to me; started to borderline STALK me. Oh, and yes he is a pervert! (Don't ask - Spoilers!) My tablet went flying! So by now I'm sharing (edited) bits with both of them when I get to Ratter and her crew. I RESCUE CATS!! I know its not all the same but I AM SO SHOOK to have so much in common with such a beautifully written fantasy novel; I was in tears by the end and found myself diving into the second book as soon as I finished!

[Mimi.Reads.Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another smash hit from Merri Bright! The world building is spectacular, but it’s the characters that really stand out in the Lost Lines series, and especially this story.

Haven has been through hell and all she wants is to be free to follow her dream, which is to educate the poor and parentless children in town. With the Queen’s support, she and her assigned guards transform an abandoned brothel into a schoolhouse. As you can imagine, this is the perfect setting for awkward jokes as well as spicy moments. Despite Haven’s tragic background, there is plenty of humor to be found in this story. From an unfortunate nickname given to one of Haven’s guards, to the antics of the viciously protective children, I found myself laughing out loud often. The children are a delightful and, at times, heartbreaking addition to the story line. While they are definitely a cohesive group, we get to know each as a distinct individual and they all tug at the heartstrings.

The guards themselves are also a study in character-building. They are all very different people with complex issues and traits that make them feel real. The relationships they each develop with Haven individually feels organic and more than just words on a page. The sexual tension builds up expertly and keeps the reader turning pages looking for relief. Combined with the intrigue and cameos that connect it to the others in the series, this book is un-put-downable!

[Cheryl G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guards' Haven is another winner from Merri Bright.

Haven is one of the "failed omegas" now residing with Queen Vali and her harem. She wants more... she wants to be a teacher. Haven is strong yet vulnerable. She has insecurities but they don't define her, nor do they stop her. She doesn't hide what she wants either.

Graham was by far my favorite. I hate that he felt less because of his injuries but I think those feelings were written well and truthfully. I liked that he didn't think cooking and teaching were beneath him and he didn't allow his challenges to stop him from the relationship he wanted with Haven.

I loved Niko's relationship with Graham. He was steadfast and loyal and willing to do anything to help his friend. I didn't care for his treatment of Haven although by the end, I understood why. And he stepped up to be exactly what Haven needed.

Rand was young and was definitely awkward around Haven. It was a little creepy and a little charming. His and Niko's conflicts were annoying. In the end, everyone came together for Haven and that is what's important.

What stole the story were the kids. I adored them. Completely. They broke my heart and made my smile. Ratter is glorious and I know she's gonna end up with her own book.

I definitely recommend this book... all of Merri's really. She knows how to build a world and how to tell a story.

[Love4books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!

I really loved this book of Merri Bright’s lost line series. It was a really good read. I fell in love with the characters right from the beginning. This book was such a delight to read. The storyline was very well written, and it flowed really nicely together.

Haven is a woman who believes that she is not “pretty” or a “normal” omega. To others, Haven is considered one of the “failed omega.” She wants to build a school of her own and teach kids. Her Alpha guards Graham, Niko, and Rand, teach her to love herself and them. There was definitely plenty of knotting and steamy scenes to read about. One of her mates, Graham, is in a wheelchair; there is plenty of action there. I really love the way the alphas learn to love and take care of Haven. The relationship dynamics are amazing, and I love the way it grows throughout the story.

I think one of my favorite things about this book was Haven's “little” guards that she had. They all just melted my heart with the way they acted as guards to Haven and learned to love her and her to them. I really liked how they all learned to open up. I think one of my favorites was the ending scene about them becoming a family.

Overall, great story! I would definitely recommend this book to others. I laughed and cried a few times throughout the story. This book can be read as a standalone but is part of a series. I can’t wait to see where Merri Bright takes her other stories in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy RH omegaverse romance was delicious and heartwarming. I loved the theme running throughout of body positivity and beauty of character being so much more important in physical attraction and romantic happiness than mere physical symmetry. This message really spoke to my own personal experiences with attraction, since I as a woman have frequently been absolutely repulsed by muscular, “attractive” men based on their character and behavior, and been wildly attracted to “ugly” men because they have been respectful and thoughtful toward me. My definition of physical beauty also greatly diverges from that of most women of my acquaintance, which I think is far more common than most people are comfortable acknowledging, under our social programming. The fantasy world building was incredibly vivid, the plot was tight and exciting, and every character in this novel, from the protagonists to the side characters, was vibrant and deeply sympathetic. The three Alpha heroes were all deliciously alpha in a romance novel sense in distinctly different ways. The heroine was selfless and had a huge heart with tons of love to give, and I cannot wait for Ratter’s book! This book is my favorite of the Lost Lines series so far by a wide margin. You can really see how the author has grown since the first novel in this series. Chef’s kiss. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Dooniereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read any of Merri’s Omegaverse you seriously need to they are amazing.

This book was just fantastic, from the moment I started reading I was hooked with the story of Haven and her dreams outside of being a ‘failed Omega’ Haven is a curvy, loving, full of life beautiful lady and just wants to make her dreams a reality.

The story had such depth it pulled you in so you needed to keep reading to find out what happens next. When Haven goes to start a school for children with nothing my heart was in my throat, the emotions this book makes you feel are huge. You laugh, you cry and you just want to go and wrap everyone into a big hug.

The kids in this book are so full of character they are incredible. The Alphas are so different and have some different characteristics that make them so individual you just fall in love with them all. Niko i think is my fave as he had to fight so hard for what he wanted. But then Graham has changed his whole life but made him appreciate everything he has and can achieve. Also Rand and his heartbreak. I love them all in different ways.

The story is beautifully written and is a multi POV book so you get to see everything from all the main characters. There is a different spin on Omegaverse with this book which was amazing. The spice is 🥵🥵 which of course it is with it being Omegaverse and Merri’s incredible story 🖤

I can’t wait to read more in the lost lines books.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plus sized older Omega FMC with three loving Alpha mates, sign me all the way up. Merri Bright brings all the sugary sweetness and spice in The Guards’ Haven. After Queen Vali grants Haven’s request to go outside the castle and run a school for under privileged kids, her Omega nature is discovered. Omegas are still coveted and hunted, so this puts her and the children she teaches at risk. Lucky for her, she has three capable Alphas and ten criminal mastermind children on her side. Despite the threat, there is plenty of humor between the group. The banter between Ratter and Graham, Niko and Rand is hilarious.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Guards’ Haven is by far the sweetest book in the Lost Lines series. All of Haven’s Alphas are amazing in their own way. Graham is caring, warm and thoughtful. Niko is broody and overprotective. Rand is strong and loving (some might say obsessed but who’s really keeping score). I’m always team broody so my favorite is Niko.

The side characters in TGH are extremely well written. I’m hoping that means they will be seen again in future books. There is crossover from the characters in Vali’s books. (How you doin’ Axe 😉)

If you are looking for a new sweet Omegaverse, this is it. 100% recommend!

[WhatJennahReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Lost Lines series - however each book can be read as a standalone and follows separate characters. You do meet the new characters in the previous books, but it's not necessary to read those first. ⁠
⁠
The Guards' Haven follows Haven, a thought to be failed omega from King Milan's reign. The only thing Haven has ever wanted is to be free from her cage - physical or metaphorical. She dreams of being a teacher to orphaned and underprivileged children. In order to do this, she must be protected and guarded by Alphas since there are still people who wish to take the Failed Omegas. ⁠
⁠
Buuuuuut things don't go as planned since Haven has never been around Alphas before - especially ones she desires as much as Niko, Graham and Rand. ⁠
⁠
Things included in this book:⁠
-Knotting ⁠
-Alpha in a wheelchair 👨‍🦽⁠
-"Peeping Tom" / Pervert Alpha 💦⁠
-30yr-old "late bloomer" Omega ⁠
-An amazing dream scene - literally my favorite 🥵⁠
-An army of misfit children all more dangerous than the Alphas 🤣⁠
⁠
The Guards Haven comes out on March 16th so if you like omegaverse, please please check this one out! ⁠

Thank you to Merri Bright for the advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Briana Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have adored the Lost Lines series so far and this book was by far my favorite!

Bright manages to infuse the perfect amount of humor into her dialogue and characters while still adding an emotional depth to the story that makes you tear up from laughing on one page then tear up from the vulnerability of her characters the next.

While Haven and her Guards were incredible characters, the pack of tiny pickpocketing children led by Ratter absolutely stole my heart and the book. I also loved seeing what was happening in the Kingdom after the events of the first book/novella.

I would categorize the book as a medium burn and 3/5 on the spicy scale.

If you have not read any of the Lost Lines series you probably could get away with reading this one without the others first, but I would recommend at least reading book #1 (The King’s Omega) since this book follows pretty closely after the events in that book.

If you want a sweeter reverse harem like what Kathryn Moon or Lana Kole publishes but in a fantasy / magic filled world this is a great book to pick up.

I am already itching to get my hands on the next book in the series – don’t wait download this one now!

I was honored to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who LOVES Omegaverse, this story didn't disappoint from page one. The Guard's Haven hits you in the heart from her maternal instructs and the kindness she offers. I love how different the alpha's are from the "usual" alphas we see in Omegaverse stories. They're equally swoon worthy and I get that we get to know them beyond surface level. The multi POV helps you see into the guys as much as the FMC.

I also like that this book delved into physical disability, and it wasn't "glossed over". This makes it truly relatable for people who feel they aren't represented in books. Without giving too much away it's one of the best disability books I've ever read.

I personally enjoyed it as a plus size woman who's dealt with physical limitations due to an autoimmune disorder. I felt so "seen".

This is the book that you won't want to put down! I loved getting to see the street kids and their personalities. Merri is such a talented author and I am so glad this series keeps getting better and better! I can't wait to see what other amazing books she writes!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[Vallene Boddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guards Haven by Merri Bright. Book in the The Lost Line series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
An intriguing omegaverse world building filled with scents, knots and alphas. Back in Rimholt with all the failed omegas trying to find normality. For Haven it's being free and not in a gilded cage. Queen Vali allows her to turn the old brothel into a school for street children. 3 Guards are appointed to protect her. However, things aren't so simple. Haven is not so broken and finds herself going in heat.
Merri Bright has the uncanny ability to make my heart to swoon. Her alphas always finds the right words, grovel well and love hard. Wonderful side characters, visiting old friends (The King's Omega) turns this book into a pageturner.
Tropes
Found family. Close proximity. Knots. Scents. Heats. Nest. Trauma. Trigger warnings. PTSD. Praise.
Quotes
“Why, lass?” Graham said softly. “Why does that bother you?” I found a strange noise roiling up from my diaphragm. A growl? Whatever it was, it had the scents of all three of the Alphas around me sharpening, and their eyes going bright. Watchful. “It bothers me because you’re mine.”

[Haven Knightley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a massive fan of Merri’s writing, but this book in particular holds a special place in my heart. Merri truly is one of those authors who manages to beautifully balance humour, earnestness, sexiness, and the right amount of playfulness in her stories. The characters in The Guards’ Haven are rich and fleshed out, and she gives them all the space to develop and have a voice. Oh, and they’re hot. Like really hot. Red Beard?? Come on.

I also love that we get plus size representation in this book! Haven is an unapologetic heroine who doesn’t dwell too much on her lot in life but sets out to do good in the world. Just so happens that a little more good comes her way as well.

This can definitely be read as a standalone but the other characters are incredible and really add to the world. This book is one in a line of delicious historical fantasy RH stories that I highly highly recommend. Such a good amount of steam, hilarious characters, and just killer storytelling all around. Another winner from Merri.

[Danyelle La Pookette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a heavenly time with Haven

Oh my cats! I love this book. This is another fun, steamy, fantasy reverse harem romance in an amazing series. There's a ton of fast-paced action, loveable scamps, and laugh out loud moments. This book could work as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the first couple of books first. There are some things that could be confusing if the first book about Vali isn't read first.

It's awesome how the main characters aren't all physically perfect - Graham is unable to walk, Haven is a curvy woman, and Niko is an alpha-hole. Rand is pretty close to perfection, though. Le sigh! I adore all of them. I also am crazy about those street rats! It's neat to see more of Ratter and her team of miscreants.

I really like the whole story and the way some of my questions have been answered. Of course, now I have new questions. The climaxes are perfect. Each one of the main characters has their perceived flaw to get over, as well as the bad guys' plans to foil.

I'm excited to read the next book in this series!

[DettaDrake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these characters so much, but Graham most of all! I love that he got his own book, and even after what happened in The Queens’ Nest, is able to find new purpose in his life. The thing that I found most unique about this book is, that there is a disabled mMC (Graham), who, although magic exists in this world, DOESN’T get healed, but instead learns to live with his limitations (plus wheelchair fooling around is sooo cute and hot).

You don’t have to have read the earlier books, but for a complete experience, you should definitely read The Kings’ Omega and The Queens’ Nest! And even the prequel, because one of the guys’ in the harem makes an appearance there already.

It’s multi-pov, with a nice mix of POV’s so you really understand everyone’s thoughts and why they do what they do. The fMC is plus-sized and has some confidence and body image issues, but her guys are amazing (well except for a couple misunderstandings) at making her feel pretty.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a ten star read! The Guard’s Haven is the first book I have read in this series. You do not have to read this series in sequence since Bright does an excellent job of clueing the reader in on back history of some of the characters. I have not outright laughed reading a book in a long time. This one, I could not stop! My favorite line in the whole book …“Mmhm. Looks like Miss Haven’s going to take a chance on the pervert,” Ratter observed. Every time they said the nickname is chuckled. The writing is solid, sweeping into the writers world …a place you never want to leave. When I finished I started to look to see when the next book in the series will hit. I LOVED that one of the alpha’s was disabled and still found a fulfilling life. Bravo Merri Bright! It illustrates that acceptance is a beautiful thing. I am soooo hoping that Ratter gets her own book. This book should be downloaded immediately…you will become a new Merri Bright fan. Enjoy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕