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Audio Review: Safe Haven by Kristen Proby
Safe Haven
Kristen Proby
Triple Creek Ranch Series, Book 1
281 pages, Kindle Edition
February 17, 2026 by Montlake
Narrated by:
Connor Crais
Savannah Peachwood
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an emotional romance where two best friends reunite at Triple Creek Ranch, proving that home is where love finds its way.
Fifteen years ago, my best friend found salvation at the Triple Creek Ranch, transforming from an angry foster kid into a hockey legend. Now, with his adoptive father’s death forcing him home, Ryker’s trading his hockey stick for ranch life—and I’m not sure my heart can handle having him this close again.
I’ve spent the past decade raising my troubled nephew alone while building my career as an audiobook narrator. When my boy needs a fresh start, Ryker offers us sanctuary at the ranch. But living under the same roof with the man who’s always owned my heart ignites feelings I’ve tried hard to bury.
Between helping manage a struggling ranch, watching my nephew find his way, and dealing with the shadows of Ryker’s fame, we discover our connection is stronger than ever. But when threats from his past surface, we’ll have to decide if our second chance is worth fighting for.
5 Stars
Safe Haven is a small town, friends to lovers, make you swoon over and over again. Willow and Ryker are pure perfection.
Willow is absolutely amazing. She is an audiobook narrator. What an amazing job! She is the guardian of a teenage boy, who has been through quite a bit and she gives him her heart 100%. She’s genuinely sweet, caring and very relatable in so many aspects. Her chosen family means the world to her. Extremely loyal and would do anything in the world for those she loves.
Ryker, the hockey star. Spending 15 years on the ice was absolutely amazing for him but his mind and body say it’s time to put up the skates. Ryker has had a tough life. When two people were willing to take a chance on him. He found a family. He never thought he would have. He may come across brash and intimidating, but he truly is one of a kind. He’s understanding and caring. He’s giving and willing to teach and understands when comfort and caring are needed. He’s like the perfect man.
I absolutely adored Safe Haven. Willow and Ryker met when they were teenagers. And over the years developed a deep bond that’s hard to explain. Watching their relationship going from friends to lovers was beautiful. This one definitely checks off all the boxes.
This was a very emotional rate for me hearing I had to grab the tissues almost from the beginning. Aiden is also a very big part of the story. To see Aidan ‘s growth while Ryker and Willow are evolving their relationship to something more makes the story hit the heart even more. Kristen Proby delivers another winner with Safe Haven.
I had the pleasure of listening to this story as an audiobook. Narrators Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais truly made the story come alive. Delivering every emotion expertly and pulling you into the story so deeply.
Review: Accidental Runaway Groom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidental Runaway Groom
Carrie Ann Ryan
Clover Lake Series, Book 2
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2026
I picked up a groom on the side of the road on the way to a wedding.
One problem: I wasn’t the bride.
And he didn’t mean to run away.
Sometimes things happen for a reason and six months later, I’m back in Clover Lake and Sharp McBride is single, not-so-heartbroken, and my new best friend.
Only neither one of us wants to be just friends.
I don’t know where his heart belongs, and I don’t want to be the person to break what’s left. Yet I’m only in town for a short time and I’m not sure I’m made for small time life.
And if we’re not careful, this time I might have to be the one who runs away.
**Accidental Runaway Groom is a next generation, grump rancher, friends to lovers, not-what-you-think romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Jamie Montgomery & Sharp McBride. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Accidental Runaway Groom is a sweet and fun Novella in Varrie Ann Ryan’s Clover Lake Series.
Sharp is a man trying to do the right thing. But when he wakes up on the day of his wedding in an old truck in a field, and not his home, the math is not mathing. When a Kind stranger picks him up on the side of the road and drives him to the church where his wedding is taking place, little did Sharpe know the moment he walked into that church his life was truly changing.
Jamie is just driving along on her way to a wedding when a man is standing there on the side of the road. Being the kind person she is she stops to make sure he’s OK and ends up giving him a ride to his own wedding. She follows him into the church and let’s just say it was more of a spectacle than a wedding. From that day, Jamie and Sharp began texting and became friends. Six months later, Jamie’s back in Clover Lake for a little bit of time, but she does know the person she made friends with as a person she would like more with but will not be a part of breaking anymore of his heart that is left.
Carrie Ann Ryan does it once again with Accidental Runaway Groom. A novella that can deliver the same level of emotion that a full-fledged novel does. We get heat, heart and family. As a long time reader, it’s very much a treat to be getting the next generation of Montgomery’s. Sharp and Jamie complement one another beautifully. A story that shows sometimes blessings are hidden as something else to surprise you with at a later date.
Review: Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James
Of Ink and Alchemy
Sloane St. James
Black Rabbit Series, Book 1
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
All’s fair in love and war at a tattoo parlor―until a stalker enters the picture―in this deliciously dark romance from the author of the Lakes Hockey series.
Even before her father’s death, Kelly Everhart always knew Logan Teller was someone she could rely on. Now he’s taken over the Black Rabbit tattoo shop and brought her along with him. And while Kelly still finds her former crush and current mentor hot as hell, they’re firmly in the friendzone. Or so she thinks . . .
Logan’s been biding his time, but he’s no longer leaving anything to chance―not since Kelly started getting serious with her boring boyfriend. And as Logan manipulates the situation and sabotages the couple every chance he gets, Kelly starts to notice all the ways her Jason doesn’t quite measure up to the man who’s always been such a huge part of her life.
When her relationship with Logan suddenly goes from playful and platonic to strictly sinful, Kelly can’t stop herself from falling head over heels. But just as things are heating up between them, she starts receiving anonymous messages with information only a few―including Logan―could possibly know about her. Can she trust him after all?
Of Ink and Alchemy is a dark romance with a morally gray MMC and mature content featuring explicit scenes.
4.5 Stars
Kelly Everhart is living in and trying to break out of the shadow that is her namesake. Being the daughter of a major influential tattooist, her name alone, gives her big shoes to fill and exceed. With her father ‘s passing Kelly deals with major loss while putting everything of herself into her art. Logan, her father ‘s protégé, now her mentor and her best friend is a constant in her life. Yes she has crushed on him and is attracted to him, but everything is strictly in that friend zone. Or is it?
Logan Teller is an amazing tattooist and current owner of black rabbit tattoos. Logan yes oh my God I need a fan myself hot. Description of his face and those glasses my goodness ladies. Logan is obsessive and possessive and morally gray. Logan always knew that Kelly was the one for him and he decided to buy his time patiently waiting for the girl that he deemed his. My goodness does this man have the most delicious dirty mouth on him. Promising Kelly’s father that he would care for her when he was no longer here was an easy one to make, but waiting for her to choose him makes him do a few questionable things. All in the name of love right.
Of Ink and Alchemy was a sinfully delicious read. Level five on the spice, with that dark and slightly forbidden edge and some well written suspense, makes this story unbelievably good. Chefs kiss all the way. Logan and Kelly worked so well together. They’ve known each other for years and have a friendship that is bonded deep. There is one Smexy scene that is so emotionally fueled. I can’t even begin to describe how good it was.
Feelings boiled with hatred, combined with chemistry that is about to explode. Yes, that one was really hot. This is my first time reading anything from Sloane St. James and will definitely not be my last. Her writing style is amazing, and she was able to paint this beautiful vivid story with words.
As always, please check the trigger warnings as this does contain darker content. Your mental health comes first and please only read what is comfortable for you.
Review: Jacob by V.H. Nicolson
Jacob
V.H. Nicolson
The Boys of Castleview Cove Series Book 2
April 23, 2025 by Boldwood Books
296 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2022
Once upon a time… You know the story… prince meets princess. Evil thwarts their love, and the prince must fight for her heart. Good always wins and there is a stunning wedding at the castle on the hill. I used to dream of having a fairy tale love story of my own, but I don’t think the author of mine got the memo because right now, I’m shackled to a bed, scared for my life.
My story started with an ambivalent prince whose parents reminded me constantly that I simply wasn’t good enough for him.
When I broke free, a new hero stepped forward.
My boss, and my ex’s best friend. Jacob.
Broad, toned, and dripping in ink that he tried to hide from me.
Turns out, I’ve been looking for my happy ever after in all the wrong places and he’s been here, waiting for me since I was sixteen.
Except, he made a teenage pact. An unbreakable bro-code with my ex. Never touch each other’s past girlfriends. Ever.
So we resist.
Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching.
But this is more than just lust, this is love and real love always gets a happy ending, right? If we explain, my ex has to understand… especially since he’s already engaged to someone else.
But, even I have to admit, this doesn’t look good. I can’t see how I will get out of this mess.
I wanted my fairy tale, but right now I’d settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.
*****
Jacob, the second book in The Boys of Castleview Cove Series, is a steamy contemporary romance, dual point of view, best friend’s ex, friends to lovers, with a happy ever after. This book contains dark suspense content that some readers may be sensitive to or triggered by. 18+ only. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the Author’s website. All content warnings are also listed on the inside of the book.
4 Stars
Author VH Nicolson hooked me in from those very first pages. I was invested from the beginning, and let me tell you this story surprised me at how much I enjoyed it.
Jacob has been head over heal for Skye ever since he was a teenager. He had a missed opportunity when one of his best friends scooped in and asked her out first. He has stood beside and supported his friends and the girl he secretly loved for many many years. When Skye’s relationship ends, you would think he might consider acting on some of the feelings he’s been having but the pack of a bro code keeps him from trying to get the woman that he truly loves.
Skye has been in a relationship for many years. However, that relationship is not giving her what she needs and she finally breaks it off. Finally feeling like she’s breaking out of the shell and becoming the person who she was meant to be. She is a smart and successful woman yet she felt like she was not good enough for her boyfriend‘s family. She is almost like a new woman now. One late Saturday night while working on some code at the office, she witnesses something involving her boss who just happens to be her friend as well, that she should have walked away from. That single event opened a door to a world of feelings. Feelings that were extremely intense and just seem to intensify as time went on.
Jacob was my first read from Author VH Nicolson. It will surely not be my last. As I have said, the book hooked me from the beginning, and I was instantly invested in Jacob and Skye. Talk about chemistry. These two ignite the pages. There are some ants, some back-and-forth and a lot of sexual tension. From that first chapter, I thought the book was gonna go one way, but it ended up being something completely different, which was such a surprise. I truly enjoyed reading. Jacob and I look forward to going back to reading the first book in this series.
ARC Review: Dirty Sexy Inked by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde
Dirty Sexy Inked (Dirty Sexy Series Book 2) by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde
Date of Publication: April 5, 2016
Blurb
Breaking hearts is what wild and rebellious Mason Kincaid does best. Hit it and quit it is his motto, and with his bad boy reputation and tattoos, he doesn’t lack for female companionship. Until one hot night with the one woman he swore he’d never touch becomes an all consuming addiction he can’t kick. Katrina Sands has been his best friend for years, but now that he knows what she feels like, and tastes like, there is no going back to being just friends. Hot, dirty sex has never felt so good…or so right.
Available From
Katrina and Mason have been best friends since their early teens. They’ve been through each other’s highs and lows, and know most of the mental and physical scars each other carry. They have become a sanctuary for each other in their crazy messed up world. As the years passed a healthy dose of sexual tension is riding alongside their friendship. Causing life to become terribly miserable for one while the can’t seem to figure out what’s causing animosity.
Oh my goodness! Get ready for page scorcher. Mason and Katrina are amazing together. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, Dirty Sexy Inked hits it perfectly. Mason and Katrina’s friendship was portrayed beautifully on the pages. The transition to lovers is what made the story. Sexual tension so thick there are no boundaries once it’s released. Heartbreaking moments and fear make Dirty Sexy Inked a deep and emotional read. While chemistry, Mason’s dirty mouth and uninhibited passion make this a book you won’t be able to put down. I absolutely love this book. I can’t wait to see what Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde has in store for us with the last Kincaid brother.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review .
About Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde
***About Carly Phillips***
Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at http://www.carlyphillips.com.
***About Erika Wilde***
Erika Wilde is the author of the sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit website at http://www.erikawilde.com.
Find Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde Online
Teaser
“WE’RE OFF TO Las Vegas, Kitty-Kat,” Mason Kincaid said as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Sin City is the perfect place to get down and dirty and have some fun. What kind of trouble do you think we can get into while we’re there?”
Katrina Sands buckled her seat belt and settled more comfortably in the first-class leather seat next to Mason—her best friend since they were fourteen and freshmen in high school. She wasn’t at all surprised that he was already making a mental list of all the wild and reckless adventures that awaited him in a no-holds-barred place like Las Vegas. Mason Kincaid was a rule breaker, a thrill seeker, and a self-indulgent bad boy who was all about pleasure and instant gratification. From everything she’d heard about the city that never slept, he’d be right in his element.
Oh, joy, she thought with a resigned sigh. It wasn’t as though she was a prude. Far from it. She just wasn’t thrilled about watching her best friend’s man-whoring ways in action in Vegas. She spent enough time seeing it up close and personal on a day-to-day basis.
She turned her head and met Mason’s bright blue gaze. “You do realize that this trip isn’t all about you and your dick, right? That we’re heading to Vegas because your brother Clay is marrying Samantha?” she asked, reminding him of that one important detail.
The corners of his mouth curved with an indulgent grin. “Of course I realize my brother is strapping on the old ball and chain tomorrow afternoon. But that doesn’t mean the entire weekend is going to be all wedding, all the time. In fact, tonight Levi and I plan to take Clay out to make sure he spends his last evening as a bachelor in style.”
Which gave Mason the perfect opportunity to carouse for a willing female to take back to his hotel room for the night. It’s what Mason did. For as long as she’d known him, he’d had a hit-it-and-quit-it motto when it came to women, and he always made sure they knew the score up front. He didn’t make promises or do commitment or anything longer than a one-time fling.
And each time Katrina watched it happen, a little bit of hope died inside of her. The hope that one day Mason would see her as more than just a best friend and the woman who managed to keep his personal and professional shit together. But the man was oblivious to her deeper feelings for him, and she wasn’t willing to tell him and risk certain painful rejection. It was much easier, and safer, keeping them both squarely in the friend zone.
She’d known him for twelve years, and had truly come to believe that Mason Kincaid didn’t have the ability to commit to any single woman. And it really wasn’t hard for her to figure out why considering the kind of childhood he’d had—no father figure to speak of and a mother who cared more about her next fix than her own kids. Mason might be a master at giving off a carefree, I-don’t-give-a-crap attitude, but Katrina was one of the few people who knew just how much pain and resentment that laid-back demeanor really masked.
The commercial plane they were taking to Las Vegas finished the boarding process, and one of the cabin crew started closing the overhead luggage bins, while another made an announcement to set all electronic devices to airplane mode. A pretty brunette flight attendant stopped next to Mason’s aisle seat and set her hand on his shoulder.
He glanced up at her, and the woman smiled, her complexion flushing a bit as he turned all that potent male sex appeal her way. Yeah, Mason had that kind of breathtaking effect on women. Between his gorgeous features, that sexy, panty-dropping smile, and his sleeves of bad boy tattoos that wrapped around both muscled arms, he was an irresistible force to the female gender.
And the jerk knew it, too, and didn’t hesitate to use that charm to his advantage.
Coffee Books Life 