There is so much to love here.

- Representation and diversity done well, written by a woman of color. I am and will forever be here for this.

- Also - interracial romance! Huzzah!

- While having a dominant man employing blindfolds and floggers may be a fantasy the characters are wholly based in reality. Check out our hero:

"My dick isn't a magic wand. I wasn't going to save her. I wasn't going to heal her with my kisses... and I sure as fuck wasn't going to fix myself."

And some girl talk:

"I know you probably had a carrot and some champagne today and I know there's an image [to maintain], but we are both thick women and we are beautiful that way."

"Amen," I say. "Extra pepperoni, please."

- The hero and heroine have their head on their shoulders and know what they want, even if they're not sure how to go about getting it. Misunderstandings are one of my biggest romance pet peeves and there's not even a whiff of a Big Mis here.

- People have problems - you could probably say they're "damaged" - but there's no wallowing. It's refreshing.

- The story itself moves along nicely and kept my interest.

This was my first book by Weatherspoon and I'm thoroughly impressed. A recommend for erotic romance fans, even if a side of bondage isn't usually your thing.

Goodreads
Serial killers on the loose doesn't make a great jumping off point for romance. The scene in the hospital talking (joking) about clowns fell flat and was totally weird! I liked Shep, Claudia -- not so much and Claudia's friend, Liz -- not at all. Her friend was too over the top with her protectiveness and then wanting to know all the sex details of Claudia's time with Shep. And, Claudia telling her the details including their BDSM play, crossed a line. The banter at the end between Shep and Claudia is the only thing that saved this story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1989178745

Amazon
It was very difficult for me to get past what happened to the heroine and her brother. The story was very dark and while I liked the premise of the mountain man and the city woman finding comfort in one another -- the actual story didn't live up to the synopsis. All in all, I would definitely read more mountain men stories from this author. Received ARC via Netgalley.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1Y81YGCX6H68O?ref_=glimp_1rv_cl

2.5 stars rounded to 3 stars

With a name like Beards & Bondage, sexy book cover, and a blurb promising us an intense romance between two people who shared traumatic experience, this book had all the makings of being a great read. I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately I was left unsatisfied.
Haven: Beards & Bondage is marketed as an erotic/BDSM romance but it lacks the intensity and the power play that you would expect from D/s relationship in this type of book. The hero, Shep, doesn't come across as an experienced Dom who knows what he is doing. The main heroine, Claudia, is not that interesting either. The sex scenes are underwhelming and rather tepid. I certainly wasn't feeling all hot and tingly while reading sex scenes, and my Kindle didn't catch fire.
Another reason I didn't enjoy this book is it has my least favorite type of narration - first person present tense. I rarely enjoy stories written in present tense.
This book could've been a psychological novel that explores an aftermath of trauma, it could've been an intense erotic BDSM story, it could've been a great romance between a raged, bearded mountain man and a city girl. Or it could've been all three, but unfortunately it fell short on all counts.

The concept of this interracial m/f romance is appealing -- two people who experience a traumatic event and are drawn together as a result. I also love reading about couples who discuss and consent to all the steamy sex they engage in. However, I found the progression of the week-long relationship frustrating, as the development from jumping into kinky sex to confessions of love seemed unearned and unbelievable. The characters' shared trauma also seemed to be hand-waved in the book's resolution. I've enjoyed other books by this author, and will try her again, but this one did not connect for me.

While I did like Shep and Claudia, and hoped for their HEA, at times I kept thinking how they really didn't know each other very well, and couldn't see this as a long term relationship. It starts out with him killing a man chasing her through the woods, and ends up with them in a bondage "fling". There are a lot of outside influences that seem out of place. For example, her brother's supposed fiance, or his ex-girlfriend. I wish they would have been explained more, or shown less, as they distracted at times. I liked the book, and do recommend it, but it could have been stronger.

I didn't DISlike this story, but I found it disappointing. Unfulfilled. It had the chance to be bigger than it was - but a lot of Claudia's choices were baffling and therefore either made her seem flighty, lacking in depth, or just written in such a way that you couldn't empathize. Shep was a little better filled out - but still, a lot of choices made you scratch your head. Then - and here's my major disappointment - her job offer came up, she left early, and all the kinkery that was planned/promised never came to anything, really. The author just cut off her nose despite her face. It made no sense. All the build-up.... then, nada. HEA rolls around, she runs back to him and he just takes her back. Head scratch. That's an unsatisfactory note to leave your reader on, ensuring that your book is immediately forgettable.

3.5 Stars Haven is the first book I have read by Rebekah Weatherspoon and I look forward to reading more.

I loved Shep and his dog and Claudia was a strong heroine which is always a bonus. The storyline lost me a little around the third quarter but didn’t detract me enough to put it down and it recovered soon after. These characters had a strong connection, I did feel Claudia let Shep down a bit however, she tried to do the right thing and not everything goes as we expect.

This book generated quite a buzz on my twitter and goodreads timelines so I decided to check it out. I haven't read this author before.

Haven starts out with a very impactful scene of a young woman on the run from an attacker. It's a good thing she stumbles upon Shep's cabin. There's a nice romantic suspense feel to this part of the book that I really liked.

In the aftermath of Claudia's attack and rescue, she and Shep both gravitate back to each other. I really liked the dynamic between these two and totally got why they were drawn together. And they are great together, too. I really got the feeling that these two were never going to be better than they were together. The sparks are there no matter what they are doing.

Complications arise when their relationship-with-an-expiration-date hits a rough patch. Claudia and Shep still have a lot to process regarding the way they met, and even though they communicate well, it's at this critical moment they can't talk to each other. I look a good heart-ripping-moment in a romance, and this one was pretty darn good. It only makes the reunion sweeter.

Yeah, I really liked this book. The BDSM elements were very hot and gave the story just the right amount of spice. Shep had just enough vulnerability to balance his dominance, and Claudia had enough sass to complement her submission.

There's a ton of feels when it comes to Shep and Claudia, both characters grabbed my attention right away and the story was perfectly paced to keep me coming back to this whenever I had a free moment. I will definitely have this author on my radar now.

ARC provided for review.

I enjoyed reading my first book by this author.

The books started fast and kept me entertained throughout. I would have liked to have heard a bit more about the beginning of the story in regards to Claudia and her brother being attacked. I liked Shep, a nice strong character. The story was full of sex along with loss and grief. Overall a good read.

This is the most I’ve learned about BDSM in a fictional book. It was eye opening. And I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t a little bit interested to learn more.

The beginning dove right in, like from the very first page it was clear what this book was about. I kinda dug that because some people tend to get twitchy with these kinds of books. You read the first page and know if you want to continue or not. Saves people who are on the fence time. I appreciated that.

The sexual parts were graphic without feeling like an info dump or manual. Their chemistry was pretty hot. The only thing I will say is I didn’t quite understand how fast they fell. It could have been a bit more deep in that aspect. Much of their relationship was rooted in trauma and sex so you knew they were gonna have strong chemistry. I just wish we could have moved passed the surface feelings in a more detailed way. The author kinda skimmed over the tough emotional parts of the relationship. And while they did address most of the reasoning behind their attraction, the way they went about pursuing the relationship was sub-par for me, especially in the end. Which is why I knocked off a star.

Other than that, I enjoyed how realistic is was. They were not perfect, in fact, I wanted to slap both Shep and Claudia multiple times throughout. But that was what intrigued me in the first place. I believed this could happen IRL. I didn’t know this was a series when I requested it. Not that I’m complaining, but y’all know I’m doing a series challenge and now this is just one more to add to my list.

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest/unbiased review.

5 "in love with this author" stars.
This was a really unexpected book for me. I found myself caught up in Claudia and Shep's story immediately and even though this is a hugely sexy and erotic book the storyline is what had me absolutely riveted to reading it.
I totally loved this book and finally had to put it down at 2 am last night with 20% left and I finished the rest this morning with my coffee.
This is an addictive, sexy and well written book that deals with a traumatic event that forever alters two people and it is a great romance story too. I will be looking for more books by this author.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Having gobbled up Rebekah Weatherspoon's "fit" trilogy, I was really glad to see on twitter this was coming. There was a lot of positivity about her writing and the plot. It lived up to the hype. A little point to note, this started and continued to be a lot "darker" than what I thought it would be. Not that we aren't warned, it's just darker (view spoiler) so keep that in mind. I was surprised by its darker element.

This novel is so sex-positive, so refreshing. The frankness in which they discuss needs, wants and desires is so stimulating. The two MCs were liable, strong willed and I loved their interactions. Such good chemistry. A hairy mountain man YES YES YES.Introverted dom tendencies YES YES YES.

With any of Weatherspoon's novel, I definitely felt the ending again felt rushed and undone. I would have liked more of detailed ending with perhaps an epilogue, But as this is book one its might not be the last time we see these characters.

Nice start to a series 4 stars.

Lordy, lordy, lordy. I believe I have found a new suspense/sexy/thriller/erotic author!

Let me start off with saying that Haven's series is titled Beards & Bondage: that's two checks for this girl right here *raises hand and waves*. Then we're given this jaw-droppingly sexy blurb that just says it ALL! I knew I needed to read this the moment I finished the blurb.

Now that we've laid the groundwork for an amazing story to be told... I love Shep Olsen. A secluded and introvert mountain man with a kink for..kink. SIGN ME UP! I love that this story starts you right in the action and drama of a killer on the loose and a woman desperate for help.

Shep and Claudia have this instant attraction that simmers just below the surface despite being thrown together in the midst of tragedy. I loved getting to see these two interact not only upon meeting one another (and Shep saving her) but also when Claudia can't stay away and comes back to see Shep. There's a bond between them that there isn't a term for. And they both seem hesitant to fell to it but the trust is there and they go for it!

With the drama of the small town getting to them and each of their pasts coming to the surface... this made for just one fantastic read! I devoured it in a handful of hours and I sincerely hope that there will be more to come!

I loved every single thing about this book. Shep and Claudia were amazing. I loved that he could be a dom without being a jerk. I loved that Claudia could submit and still be strong and full of sass and humor. I just loved it. The perfect mix of humor and suspense and drama. I can't wait to read it again! Would recommend this book. Also sorry for late review was in hospital and trying to catch up on my reviews which your book help me get through my stay so thanks very much and left review on Amazon.uk

Claudia and Shep's relationship is complicated, but the rawness fits perfectly with these two damaged souls! Their emotional conflict isn't exactly in your face; instead the intricacies come out in small pieces. It's just enough to suck you in and hold your breath anticipating what will happen next. And there's a lot. Like enough to have me read this book in one sitting and still go..wow.

But the ending! Oy, the book had plenty of highs and lows, yet the last quarter was too quick and clean, if that makes any sense. After the obstacle course of feelings, I simply wasn't expecting the simplicity of the ending!

When I pick up a romance, I admit that I'm all about fluff and happy endings-with minimal drama in between. If I want reality, I'll watch the news. But sometimes a book comes along and catches my eye just because it's not my usual cup of tea. Haven is grittier than I'm used to reading but I'm happy I took a chance! Weatherspoon is a new author for me, but her prose spoke volumes-edgy, vulnerable, and just enough darkness to reach in and grab hold..sigh, this was such a good book! Definitely adding this author to my buy list!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

Julie-Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

I was intrigued by Haven's blurb and I must admit a little apprehensive to read it I don't know why but I'm happy to say that I absolutely adored this book. I loved both main characters and how the author developed their relationship. As for the sex I loved, loved it. It was so hot.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author.

WOW! Such a wonderful story. Good writing. Totally had me hooked.

3/5

An eARC of this book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Honestly, I’m not much of a “sub/dom novel” kind of person. I like romances with actual romance, including everything in a romance – namely sex. But the “sub/dom” scenario doesn’t feel genuine in some books, and this is one of them. Just so you don’t think I don’t like any kind of book with this theme, the American Queen series by Sierra Simone is one of my favorites.

Synopsis: “A week-long getaway…

City girl Claudia Cade’s carefree life is plunged into chaos when a camping trip with her brother in the national forests of Northern California turns into a deadly dash for her survival. A solitary world turned upside down… Nature photographer Shepard Olsen has resigned himself to a quiet existence, with only his dog by his side, until a woman in need of his protection shows up on his doorstep and throws his universe into disarray.

Two lives linked by tragedy…

Claudia is desperate to heal from her traumatic loss, but can’t stop thinking about her run-in with evil….or the grizzled mountain man whose quick thinking and good aim saved her life. When she shows up on Shep’s doorstep again, she finds she isn’t the only one who can’t move on.

…saved by bliss.

The two begin an intense, passionate relationship of Dominance and submission, pleasure and pain, but with dark memories haunting them and decisions about the future rapidly approaching, Claudia can’t help but wonder…how long can they be each other’s haven?”

This is more of a mild Fifty Shades of Gray kind of book. The sex scenes didn’t feel convincing – like actual sex scenes – they were more like porn sex, as in forced and not enjoyable.

And it’s strange how they are coping with the grief – Claudia – and the shock – Shep – without talking it out. Sure they have a system of “ask, answer” but they are keeping things from each other.

It doesn’t really matter that the book was incredibly well written when the story sounds so fake. “It’s a book!” you might say. Yes, it is. But I have rarely encountered a book in which I didn’t feel part of, or felt as if it were a real world. A book is supposed to take you away, and make its world yours.

This book felt like a lie from the second chapter onwards. The first chapter made me feel as if I were inside the house, running… it felt like I was inside the story. Then comes the second chapter, and I feel as if I’m watching a badly filmed movie. As if I’m watching everything from behind a glass panel and with ear mufflers. I can’t feel, hear… I’m senseless.

This isn’t normal for a person that spends almost 15 hours a day reading. An actual reader loses themselves inside the books and forget the world exists. This book wasn’t what it could have been. It didn’t have spirit. It was a shell of an actual story.

This is my opinion, but you can think otherwise when you read it. So go on and buy it.