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A bootlegger will save her life. A debutante will steal his heart. Building Sanctuary, Book 1 Joan Fuller enjoyed a privileged life-until her wealth and connections garnered her the wrong sort of attention. Her rejection of a textile heir-s proposal comes back to bite her when he turns out to be a werewolf on the prowl for a mate. She may have been turned against her will, but now that she-s part of his pack she sets out to protect all its women. Even if that means joining forces with a witch and a vampire-and leaving the comfort of Boston. Former bootlegger Seamus Whelan has cleaned up his act, but when his old partner Gavin comes to him for help, he can-t say no-no matter how deadly the threat. Escorting some female wolves to safety should have been easy, except their leader is a prim ex-debutante with enough power to challenge Seamus himself. Her courage captures his interest, and her first hesitant kiss ensnares his heart. But before they can build a haven for their kind, they must free themselves of the past-and the powerful man who-s out to teach her a lesson she may not survive- This novella contains a rakish werewolf bootlegger forced to join forces with a teetotaling ex-debutante as they fight epic battles, engage in criminal activities and eventually give in to inappropriate passion on a kitchen counter.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2010

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About the author

Moira Rogers

83 books909 followers
How do you make a Moira Rogers? Take a former forensic science and nursing student obsessed with paranormal romance and add a computer programmer with a passion for gritty urban fantasy. Toss in a dash of whimsy and a lot of caffeine, and enjoy with a side of chocolate by the light of the full moon.

By day, Bree and Donna are mild-mannered ladies who reside in the Deep South. At night, when their husbands and children are asleep, they combine forces to unleash the product of their fevered imaginations upon the page.

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5 stars
70 (20%)
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115 (33%)
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107 (31%)
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33 (9%)
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18 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for ᴥ Irena ᴥ.
1,654 reviews244 followers
August 7, 2016
2.5
The whole story except the way they got rid of the antagonist is in the blurb.

The good: Joan is great even with an occasional prudish comment. I don’t think I have ever read that heroine uses ‘mine’ in a way usually reserved for male shifters in paranormal romances. She isn’t dumb and as soon as acknowledges what she feels for Seamus, she accepts it. Readers don’t suffer any reluctance and whining.
Seamus is presented as a dominant wolf, but he surprises you with a number of respectful actions. For example, there is a moment when it’s too soon for Joan to shift and she is naked; instead of using her discomfort against her, he follows her as wolf. He waited for her to initiate anything physical. And the best thing was he trusted her to fight without condescending comments.

The not so good is the lack of an explanation of how Joan stayed untouched while most of the female wolves didn’t. I don’t think ‘he wanted to marry her, she refused him so she turned her into a werewolf’ is an explanation enough. How abused the wolves were in Boston pack is mentioned too many times, their fear didn’t disappear even after they got away and yet Joan managed to stay a virgin, defy her Alpha and so on. It is unbelievable. Even though I like her, at first she sounds a bit too preachy.
More unbelievable is the way they managed Boston Alpha. I can hardly accept that an alpha couldn’t think of something like Seamus and Joan’s solution.

I would have liked to see more of the world. Here, their society isn't any different from most I've read so far except for the fact that the Great Depression made weres respect money more than raw power. More of that would have added a lot to this story.

There aren’t many paranormal books set in this time period. It’s a plus. Witches and wizards are only mentioned, but I am looking forward to reading about them. This might be a very good series.
Profile Image for Susi.
248 reviews103 followers
October 15, 2010
A Safe Harbor is the first book in Moira Roger's new series Building Sanctuary. This series is a prequel to their Red Rock Pass Series but I can assure you, you don't have to read these books before diving into this one. I haven't and I loved this book nonetheless.

Joan is a strong woman even though she had a rough life. She escaped her cruel alpha and allied with a witch and a vampire- very uncommon for those to be seen together without killing each other. She build their own little pack with other fragile female wolves she rescued from a life of violence and hatred. She feels deeply responsible for those in her care and she ponders every move she makes to be sure to not hurt them more. She wants to bring them peace and perhaps a place to call home. Joan really touched my heart. She's a wonderful person even though she doesn't often show her "nice" side to those she doesn't know or trust. She's a fierce alpha for her little pack and would do anything to keep them safe. When she meets Seamus she is concerned about her priorities. She doesn't want to lose focus of what she thinks is the most important thing. She would prefer to be unhappy to risk the lives of her girls.

I loved Seamus. He's an alpha like I never saw one before. He's not one of those guys who takes what he wants, no questions asked. He really wants to take care of his people. He wants what's best for them and tries to do this with so much care- it just melted my heart. I loved how he handled Joan. He was so careful to do everything right, to give her space and not to rush her. He took small tiny baby steps with her and he conquered my heart on the way. It was surprising to see how he never turned into something less than alpha for me even though he was so considerate with everything he did. You always feel his strength no matter what he does.

The side characters in A Safe Harbor all have their own cross to carry. They are unbelievable fleshed out and I, for my part, could really imagine them interacting with each other. I already have some favorites to see again in future books. Moira Rogers really knows how to grab your interest with a small tidbit thrown into the story here an there.

In A Safe Harbor we get a wonderful mix of romance action and thrill. I was glued to my seat and I enjoyed the whole ride we live through with Joan and Seamus. The author duo behind Moira Rogers really knows how to put the right amount of world-building and characterisation in their books, no matter the length. You won't see me say that often about a novella but Moira Rogers did it exactly right- I'm completely in awe of their writing. I never felt overwhelmed with the amount of information and you won't find the common overloading with world-building of a first in a series in this one.

I highly recommended A Safe Harbor to all Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy lovers. This book is a real treat and won't leave your heart untouched.
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,368 reviews732 followers
July 14, 2010
Favorite Quote: Sex. Dirty, guilty glorious sex, and that something more that had come to life when he’d whispered, Let me love you.

Joan Fuller is both physically and mentally exhausted. An alpha, she was turned by a vicious Edwin Lancaster. A spoiled, textile tycoon, he loves to take young wolves and after their appeal wears off, he casts them off onto not so nice men. Joan decides to take a stand and get the wolves away from him. With the help of vampire Adam, they are able to escape. Joan is exhausted from the entire pack drawing on her magic. Even the ones that Edwin still has, and is killing and abusing. The alpha in Boston, Samuel, is in debt to Edwin, which leaves him calling all the shots.

Seamus Whelan is retiring from his bootlegging days but before he can do that he owes his old friend Gavin Hamilton one last favor. He agrees to pick up some hurt female wolves and drive them to safety, but when he gets there he knows he must do more than the simple task he was assigned. These wolves are in bad shape and he is ready to fight to protect them. He is also drawn to the very alpha, very in control Joan.


Safe Harbor takes us back in time to the Great Depression. We see Gavin and Adam many years before we meet them in Moira Roger’s other series, Red Rock Pass. I loved Joan from the first time we meet her. Although she is alpha, she comes across very warm and mature. So strong, and willing to sacrifice anything, including her life to keep those she cares for safe. Although she is in control with the pack, her feelings make her feel completely out of control with Seamus. She is new to romance, and Seamus makes her feel unsure of herself. Blushing when she first kisses him. It doesn’t take her long to warm up, and soon their passion can’t be denied. Moira Rogers does a great job with their heroines. They always come across with just enough spunk, toughness and humor. Seamus is also a great alpha – both lethal and very warm and friendly. A easy going guy, that never fights his feelings towards Joan and is very unselfish in his desire to help the injured wolves.

Another great character we are introduced to is Victor, Seamus’ friend and a pain to all those around him. His book is out this fall and I am already smiling in anticipation.


Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,410 reviews33 followers
February 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Sanctuary quartet. It was wonderful seeing Adam's backstory through the eyes of Joan and Seamus, both of whom I really liked as characters.

Definitely enjoying the Kit Rocha/Moira Rogers kick I'm on right now :-)
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,364 reviews1,239 followers
July 28, 2010
When Joan was turned, against her will, into a werewolf by rich playboy Edwin she was thrown into a shocking new world that she had no idea existed before. The males of her pack, lead by Edwin, treat the women appallingly and Joan is determined to help them escape. Teaming up with a vampire and a witch she becomes alpha of her own pack and is desperate to get her friends away from Edwin and the rest of the Boston pack. Seamus and his bootlegger friends are intending to retire from smuggling and enjoy their wealth in peace when they are asked by a friend to help the women. When he meets Joan and sees the state of her pack he is determined to do whatever he can to keep them safe.

A Safe Harbor is the first story I've read by Moira Rogers (a pseudonym for writing duo Bree & Donna) but it won't be the last. I will definitely continue the Building Sanctuary series and am also planning on starting the author's Red Rock Pass series which this series is a prequel to. Although this is a novella I was quickly sucked into the story and finished it at a fast pace. Joan is a great character, she is a strong Alpha but she is exhausted from caring for her pack and from the energy they are draining from her. She is determined to keep everyone safe but she knows that she has to be ruthless at times to make sure the majority survive and isn't afraid to make tough decisions. Although she has had bad experiences at the hands of male werewolves and is naturally wary of Seamus and his men when they first come into her life as she sees them prove themselves she is quick to accept their help as she knows its for the good of the pack.

Seamus was a fab alpha male, he's strong but caring and he wants to protect Joan and her pack but he treats her as an equal not a simpering female that needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool. He quickly understands why Joan is wary of him and is determined to take things slowly with her and let her see she can trust him. Joan hasn't had a lot of romance in her life so the feelings she has for Seamus are new and frightening to her and she is very easily embarrassed but it doesn't take long for her to warm up to him and discover her passionate side. I'm just going to say watch out for the kitchen loving - Hot with a capital H!

Overall I really enjoyed A Safe Harbor, it had the perfect blend of romance and action with the fight scenes feeling realistic and Joan getting to show what a kick ass heroine she really is. I would have liked to have spent more time with Joan and Seamus, it would have been perfect as a full length novel but for a novella we were given a very complete story. This makes a perfect read for fans of paranormal romance - especially if you're looking for something quick to read - and I would highly recommend it.
1,122 reviews302 followers
July 13, 2010
Joan was brought into the violent world of werewolves by Edwin Lancaster. Edwin has a taste for younger women and once they are turned and have lost their shinny new appeal, he casts them off for his men to abuse. But not Joan. She is the only alpha female among them and will not stand for this any longer. She risks her life to save these women and a few men but because of her traumatic past, has her guard constantly up. At first she does not like that she is attracted to Seamus. She feels she needs to have all her attention on her people and helping them but her wolf will not have her needs ignored. With each encounter she opens up to Seamus and allows herself to feel like there may be hope. I usually need time to warm up to female characters, especially alpha types. With Joan I liked him as soon as she opened up the door with a rifle in her hand. All she wants is a better life for her people and she wants to take nothing for herself. She can definitely hold her own in a world of alpha males and you have to respect that.

Seamus first takes on the task of helping Joan and those harmed by Edwin as a favor to his long time friend Gavin Hamilton. But it doesn't take long for him to fall for the alpha female. Seamus is an alpha himself but he won't just take what he wants. He is fully aware of the harm and abuse that Joan has received and will not force himself on her even though her wolf calls to him. You can see that it is difficult for him to reel in his wolf and stop himself from claiming Joan but he manages it because he wants to give her the time to heel and for her to make the decision herself. Moira Rogers writes admirable, respectful and fierce alpha males and that tradition continues with Seamus Whelan.

The story itself is a basic cruel alpha who needs to be taken out story with not many surprises, but like all Moira Rogers books it has characters that take everything up a level. A Safe Harbor shines more light on the world of corrupt alphas and the ones who are willing to risk everything to help the victims. It is a must read for fans of Moira Rogers' Red Rock Pass series. You will also get to meet Simone and Victor whos story you will find in Undertow, which will be out this October. I'm interested to see how Simone got caught in Edwin's web and how Victor will handle a female who will tell him what is on her mind and will not tolerate being called little lady.


~Stephanie G
Profile Image for Habrewer.
439 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2010
A Safe Harbor is the first book in the Building Sanctuary series. We are introduced to Seamus and Joan, the backbone of their combined pack. Joan is a strong alpha and capable of taking care of herself but is ready to let someone else call the shots for awhile. Seamus is a former bootlegger that is determined to be there for his buddy Gavin, even if it means playing taxi to a pack of female wolves.

Joan was turned against her will and has been taking care of the women that escaped their former pack. She couldn't do it alone so she formed a bond with a vampire and a witch. Adam is their pack leader and all of the wolves are magically tied to him until something goes wrong.

Gavin calls in his former buddy Seamus to help get the women to safety while he and Adam rescue the rest of their pack. Seamus and his group are not used to having to deal with scared females but they agree to get the pack to safety.

I have to say I am all about the lumberjack vampire in Sanctuary Unbound (Adam) but I have to say Seamus, the Bootlegging Wolf is growing on me. He is definitely an alpha male with all of the usual alpha characteristics but he is not afraid to step back and allow Joan to fight her own fight. That says a lot for his character and his faith in his mate. He is also not afraid to compromise when needed. He is strong and provides a shoulder for Joan to lean on when she needs it.

Joan is a very strong female character, who has had to toughen up since she was turned into a werewolf. She has fought to protect those under her care and is determined to get them to safety. She is an alpha female that has been taking care of everyone for so long, she has forgotten how to take care of herself.

I love the fact that their wolves recognize each other as mate but the human self is reluctant to act on it. I also love the tenderness and time that Seamus takes with Joan their first time together.

The story flows well and progresses nicely. Bree and Donna do an excellent job of not only telling the story but also showing us. Overall I give A Safe Harbor 3 1/2 flaming hearts.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,832 reviews230 followers
October 22, 2010
Alright. So Moira Rogers was the recipient of my very first Spotlight On post and I pretty much love anything written by her/them. Oh, and this whole pronoun thing confuses the hell out of me so I'm just going to go with HER and leave it at that. Do you hear me, Bree and Donna? You've confused me and now I have to make a judgment call on pronoun usage.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of historical-type books. Sure, I read historical romances on occasion but I prefer my supernatural creatures to be set in the here and now. So when I say that this book impressed me, you'll have to factor that in. And I was impressed. My one wish was that I could have had more book to read. Come to think of it, I had the same reaction to Cry Sanctuary. I wanted more as soon as I got to the end of that book but by the end of the series I was extremely satisfied. Since Undertow just came out I do get my wish of more bootlegging werewolves. Do you see how that works out?

Joan and Seamus are very sweet together. Their attraction is immediate (although Joan has a hard time facing it) and undeniable. I liked getting a look at Adam's role in these events. We were told about them in Sanctuary Unbound but being told is different from seeing Adam's reactions filtered through the eyes of a werewolf who lived through it.

I really liked seeing how Seamus' plans to build a safe place for his men was already in motion before he met Joan and her battered wolves. It gave Seamus a bit more depth than I think he would have had if he had made the decision to start up the sanctuary only because Joan needed a place to stay.

Although I had a little trepidation going in, I should have trusted the fact that I always enjoy Moira Rogers' writings and the worlds she creates. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Chelsea.
Author 8 books321 followers
July 18, 2010
This review is also posted at Vampire Book Club

A Safe Harbor gives us a quick read with characters we want to see together.

This short novella (only 88 pages) is the opening of Moira Rogers’ new series Building Sanctuary. These books will serve as prequels to the author’s Red Rock Pass series. Though, this novella doesn’t rely on readers being familiar with the other books.

The paranormal romance brings together two werewolves — a strong alpha female and an alpha male from another pack. Joan has always shunned the men of her pack, seeing how they’ve taken advantage of the female weres she protects. Her forthright nature stands out more here than in other werewolf books because the story is set in the early 1900s. Seamus, the alpha called in to help rescue Joan’s pack, doesn’t push her, treats her as his equal and is protective in the way we all (sometimes secretly) long for.

The novella flips between Seamus and Joan’s points-of-view. It’s a smart move as we get to know the handsome wolf is putting Joan first, and we get to experience them both falling in love. Also, racy scenes from both perspectives cover all the bases.

A Safe Harbor is a fun read, albeit a bit short. If the series continues with Joan and Seamus, I could see becoming invested in the characters. The second half of the book is the right level of steamy with a few blush-worthy moments.

And don’t worry, Moira Rogers delivers your happily ever after (HEA).
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,021 reviews65 followers
Read
February 16, 2012
I’m not always the biggest werewolf fan but I have had this sitting around on my computer for a really long time and I decided that I should just read it. My feelings on A Safe Harbour are pretty neutral really. I didn’t love it but I didn’t completely hate it either.
I thought that the story was quite interesting. It was quite different to what I’d usually read. It was set in the time of the Depression and it had a female leader werewolf, which is very unique I might add.
The characters were alright, they didn’t stand out really but I’m never really a person who pays attention to the characters too much anyway. I thought that Joan and Seamus had an interesting relationship however.
Overall, I thought that A Safe Harbor was a short, interesting read and fans of werewolves would enjoy.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,768 reviews88 followers
May 24, 2010
I adored the strength shown by both, though especially Joan. As an alpha werewolf, it wasn't easy for her to give up control. I love that she was able to share her strengths and weaknesses with Seamus, and rely on him to share his with her. Too often with a strong female a line is crossed and she's seen as bitchy and unbending. Not so here.

I wish more details had been given - clothing and vehicle types, etc - to the era. As it was, the story really could have been set anytime. While that isn't always a bad thing, in this case I think it took something away from the story.

I'm anxious to read more about how Sanctuary came to be, and I'm glad to know there will be more to come in the series.
Profile Image for Christie.
455 reviews172 followers
September 9, 2010
The two authors who make up Moira Rogers never disappoint. They always bring fantastic characters and an intense plot. A Safe Harbor is no exception. A great cast of new characters, along with sightings of favorites from their Red Rock Pass series. The relationship between Seamus and Joan was sweet. Aware of her trust issues with dominant male wolves, he was so patient and attentive with her. He is definitely going on my swoon worthy list. Even with Joan’s innocence and fears the sparks between the two main characters fly. This is good paranormal romance!


I’m a big fan of historical fiction and werewolves. Combining the two was a win with me. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this new series.
Profile Image for Jamie DeBree.
Author 26 books58 followers
November 20, 2010
A darker werewolf tale, I really enjoyed this story of refugee werewolves fighting for their lives against an "evil dictator" leader. One of the most fascinating characters is the vampire helping them, and I hope to get more of his story from Rogers somewhere down the road. The interplay between Seamus and Joan is developed gradually and believably, and while both are extraordinarily strong characters, I found it wonderful that learning to lean on each other both made them stronger, and allowed them relief.

Well-written and an easy read. This story pulled me along and didn't want to let go. I'm certainly looking forward to more in this series as it progresses.
Profile Image for Wendy coling ( trowbridge).
615 reviews14 followers
March 3, 2015
Always love moira books. All packed with danger, romance. Joan is only one in the group that was turned and would my let go of her virtues. Seamus changes that when he helps the group Adam tried to protect. While Adam tries rescue the others Joan gets go help but Seamus follows try keep her safe. They fall for each other and Seamus lets her do the thing she wants most. Read to find out your enjoy the book.
Profile Image for Jamie ~ Bad Boy Inspector.
801 reviews106 followers
August 1, 2012
Not really sure how I felt about this book. It felt like I was missing part of the story. I think it was because I haven't read any of the Red Rock Pass series yet. I love the world and the plot is very interesting with a lot of promise so I think I will wait to read the others after or during the Red Rock Pass series. But I love Moira Rogers so I will read more.
Profile Image for Donna.
167 reviews24 followers
October 19, 2010
I immensely enjoyed A Safe Harbor. It was a bite-sized read yet fulfilling on all the points I like to see in a paranormal romance: a sexy solid Alpha and a strong heroine that I could relate to, with a solid plot and ending which left me with a feeling of total satisfaction.
Profile Image for Erika.
42 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2010
Another great read by Moira Rogers. My only complaint is now I have to wait for the next one
Profile Image for Sarah.
248 reviews26 followers
December 17, 2010
Suffice it to say, most of the other reviewers are dead on. Quick read, good and steamy, but definitely a prequel to other stories.
Profile Image for CB.
3,211 reviews6 followers
Read
March 27, 2018
Can read in the iPhone, or Adobe Digital Editions (download Kobo books on the PC, then open in ADE).
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,405 reviews42 followers
July 14, 2017
Neat to read about Adam’s past, and view it through Joan’s eyes. I loved how Seamus accepted and loved Joan without wanting to change her.

Bought from kindle
256 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2012
I'm interested in the back stories to the Sanctuary series, but the plot was thin.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews