This was super good!

I believe this was my first book by this author but I've had books by her on my TBR since forever. I'm so glad I finally picked one up. I was instantly drawn to this summary because I really enjoy high drama/thriller romances and I like BDSM romances generally. The introduction is very high intensity and I do wish that tone was continued a bit more throughout but I did really enjoy the direction this did end up going.

The relationship was really great. At first I was a little worried because I really don't tend to like romances based on trauma-bonding but the relationship really evolves beyond that. I liked that this was a more realistic approach to dealing with trauma and I really liked the high degree of communication between Shep and Claudia. The relationship connection may have started because of a shared trauma but they really moved beyond that and really grew an authentic connection. It was great that they had a bit of time apart to heal and then still wanted to be together, it really made me believe the relationship.

I don't have much to say about the character but I did really like them and the dialogue makes them feel really real. I definitely want to read more from this series and this author. This series has a lot of things I really like in a romance so I think the other books will also really work for me. ( )

More of a 3.5 stars for me, but I'm rounding up instead of down because it's mainly a not-my-kink issue. The romance is sweet, if a little abrupt at times, and the characters are great. Could have used a stronger copy-edit. ( )

Heartracing in more than one way. once you start you won't want to put this one down! ( )

Haven by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Beards & Bondage

Hooked from the first page and kept enthralled throughout – great characters and plot – loved this book.

When Claudia Cade, running from certain death, pounds on Shep Olsen’s door one dark night he manages to save her from serial killers. She can heal physically from the wounds she has sustained but the loss of her brother and close brush with death leave her changed and somewhat broken. She wonders if she will ever be whole again. Returning to their lives “before the incident Claudia and Shep spend time apart thinking about that night, what nearly happened and the connection they seemed to make – an inexplicable connection. When Claudia doesn’t “heal” emotionally she returns to the scene of the crime following a hunch that spending time with Shep will be beneficial. What happens in the time they agree to spend with together is intense and scorching both physically and emotionally. Claudia leaves before their allotted time is up and again she and Shep spend their time separated from one another thinking, “what if?” By the end of the book I was definitely ready for them to find a way to be together for the long haul because they are so perfect for each other.

If you are looking for a story with heart, kink, wonderful characters and a story you won’t be able to put down then I recommend this book to you. This is my first book by Weatherspoon but I doubt it will be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )