“I am totally and irrevocably enchanted by this book…” ~Amazon ReaderLove has no limits.She’s beautiful and her love is true. She is like no other submissive I’ve ever met.A decorated officer in the military, I still suffer from demons in my past and find escape as a Dominant. But…when I look into her eyes, I see the man I used to be.Although we are perfectly matched, fate has determined we … perfectly matched, fate has determined we can’t be together. Being a man of honor, I vow to protect her–no matter the cost.
*A sexy romance by USA Today Bestselling Author, Red Phoenix
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Two tragic pasts, two individuals searching for their place in the world and love the way they need it.
This is the journey that took them both through their formative years. The outcome is to embrace a lifestyle unique to them.
Although Candy set out to have what most people would call a “normal” life, tragic incidents have shaped her future in a different direction. Surviving an abusive lover is not what she expected. As her friend Brie helps her to find out a better Dom and escape her abuser, Candy finds her future with The Captain. The fact that he is emotionally and physically damaged, does not stop her from pursuing him to collar her as his one and only. This is not a standalone. More is still to come…
Please be advised this has dark BDSM scenes. If you are fragile to these scenes you will want to take your time to understand that this lifestyle does not condone abuse. It is a different lifestyle but it is embraced by the power exchange and fulfillment of both participants with the submissive always having the control of stopping the scenes. In the case of an abuser, this is not what this lifestyle is about. That is just plain abuse.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
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This is a poignantly beautiful story about two people who both have known such joy and grief in their lives that it forever altered who they are. We learn Captain Charles Walker’s dogged determination to follow his chosen path against his father’s wishes. To Captain, duty honor and country are the cornerstones of his life. Battle scarred and weary he leads a lonely existence until he’s introduced to BDSM. He finds peace and acceptance in Domination. Cleopatra Cox finds and loses the love of her life just out of high school. Changing her name to Candy she moves away from her family to go to college. She stumbles into BDSM on the internet which leads to finding her to an online D/s relationship. Meeting her online Master in person becomes nightmare existence that finally ends when she is accepted into the Submissive Training Center program. At the Center she finds happiness and a missing piece of her life. She also meets Captain there and knows he’s the one she wants as her Dom. Will Captain agree?
Red Phoenix has written an emotionally charged story in Safe Haven. Candy and Captain are such strong, resilient, likeable characters that you rejoice in their happiness and wallow in their grief with them. I was teary eyed at the conclusion and can’t wait to read the next book.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lovingly Emotional 5***** Read
June 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Have some tissues ready readers because you are going to need them. We all know and love the stories of Brie, Sir, Rytsar, Master Anderson and all of the other wonderful characters from continuing story of “Brie’s Submission”. Well, welcome to “Safe Haven”, the story of Captain and Candy. This is where we learn about them BEFORE they became ‘Captain and Candy’. It is lovingly emotional to say the least.
Wow, the trials and tribulations of life that these two go through before they find each other will rip your heart out, have you sitting on the edge of your seat and gasping for breath while you cry through the heartache and have a few OMG moments!! I really wanted to stick my hand thru my Kindle and slap the heck out of a few people while I was reading this story.
As you know from reading other books by Red, she has the knack to draw us in to the story with her characters so deeply that we “feel” every emotion as we read. I am so in love with these two and cannot wait to read part 2 of their story. And please, if you haven’t read the whole series yet, please, please do so. You won’t be sorry.
***** I did receive a ARC of this book and this is my honest review. *****
Charles Walker knew exactly where he was headed the day after the last day of school; on a bus to start his first week of boot camp in the Army. Unlike his father who served as an Air Force pilot as his grandfather before him, Charlie fully had his mind set on field artillery believing the brave souls on the front line deserved the best of the best shielding them with firepower. And in Charlie’s mind, he fit the bill.
Cleopatra Cox met Ethan when they were each a Freshman in high school. Just about the time they were able to start getting to know each other, Ethan’s parents got a divorce. Since his mom is the one that moved out Ethan was transferred to another school. While all the rest of her friends dated, Cleo didn’t bother. Now a Senior, Ethan moved in with his father to finish his final year of high school. Which meant he and Cleo were a couple again. On the evening of their final day of school they lost their virginity to each other. Things were perfect.
Red Phoenix has created a story that absolutely kept me rivetted until the last page. How to explain to you the depth of emotion and sensuality within these pages? There’s love and loss, excitement and grief, love and betrayal. We are allowed brief glimpses and scenes from the BDSM community and the fierce loyalty of the friends. Cap and Cleo’s story is one that must be shared and Red Phoenix has done so beautifully.
The writer writes well but needs to pay attention to inconsistencies like the Captain’s age, and the heroine’s parent’s ages. I kept stopping to try to figure out everyone’s ages because they just didn’t make sense. STILL I liked the book even though it ended on the hateful cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers, writers have some faith in your writing!
So far I haven’t read a Red Phoenix book that I didn’t like.
For my first Red Phoenix story, I was really intrigued. I am so happy to have read this book. It is a dark and twisted story but a good read.
I have not read the Submission of Brie but I don’t feel like I missed anything since Red takes you back into Candy and Captain’s history. This book will walk you through their history and how they got to where they are. It will be interesting to see where we go from here, now that we know where they have been.
Safe Haven was my first read from this author and I have to admit I was taken by surprise and loved it. Full of drama, action and characters that pulled at my heartstrings this was one book I didn’t want to put down.
Both Captain and Candy have lived very different lives full of challenges and loss. Their path to each other had my emotions veering all over the place yet they both ended up right where they were meant to be. I enjoyed how in depth their backstory went and the dual point of view that allowed me to connect more with these amazing characters. After this emotional and engaging read I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this duet.
Laura’s 4 Star review
The author graciously provided a free copy.
I adore the Brie’s Submission Series so I was stoked to get to know more about some of the other characters with this spinoff. It didn’t disappoint. I sm in love with the Captain even thought he is so stubborn. He’s also powerful and HOT. St first I wasn’t sure about the age difference between Captain and Candy, but in the end it worked for me. I can not wait to get the conclusion of this story.
So this was a new author for me and while I’m not ruling out reading more of this particular writers work in the future to see if I can find one overall that’s a better fit for me; This story “Safe Haven” I had a really hard time making an actual connection with.
I just couldn’t seem to feel much for the characters involved here at all; which was such a shame as this wasn’t badly written, just missing something vital for me overall and I’m still not sure what that was exactly.
I think it was maybe a collection of items that contributed ultimately towards my disconnect here.
First, the way this story was told; using two separate narratives to arrive at a final destination where Candy and Captains destinies eventually converge; this didn’t actually work for me.
I found it extremely long-winded and unnecessary; sorry I just wanted the main course and was getting really sick of the bloody appetiser; it was actually 75% before these two eventually crossed paths; And from the actual blurb itself, this was not what I was led to believe was the case here, at one point I even checked to make sure I was actually reading the correct book; I was obviously.
I do understand what the author was trying to achieve here, and it was very brave of her to think outside the box like this; unfortunately for myself, this style of storytelling was a bust.
Not allowing me to become emotionally invested in them as a couple rather than just individuals lost the majority of my attention if I’m honest.
Now if you’ve have read previous in this series, You will be already acquainted with Captain and Candy and this will probably work out much better for you being somewhat invested in there future and not just going in blind like I did.
I also didn’t feel any real chemistry between these two beyond there obvious shared kink.
There seemed to be a lack of bonding and deeper conversations overall and it made me wonder how can they profess to love what they don’t actually know; these two seemed still such strangers to each other, even by the end.
The age gap itself didn’t bother me here either; Captain needed to really let that one go; what he should have been focusing on was their lack of any conventional interaction rather than mere numerals after all age is just a number.
I also hated the name Candy; wasn’t totally convinced that some people would be so rude to a complete stranger over there outward appearance; think it, yes, but not actual voice it aloud.
I asked my partner about this and he disagrees completely saying, that YES!! people are di**s and they so would behave in such a despicable obnoxious fashion; I’m too nice and like to see the best in everyone and also that I’m too British whatever that actually means.
I did enjoy spectating in Charlies/Captain’s metamorphosis from boy to man; I think this was actually my favourite part of “Safe Haven” overall.
So there is a second book after this; one I’m sorry to say I won’t be partaking of.
I’m just not emotionally invested enough here to want to continue on this journey to the finish.
I will try again with a different book from this author; just to see if I can find one that’s maybe a better fit.
Don’t let me put you off though, this is just my own personal take on “Safe Haven” and as you can see from the reviews, I am definitely in the minority here, we are all individuals so what doesn’t ultimately work for me might well be totally different for you.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a review copy of “Safe Haven” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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This book departs from Ms Phoenix’ usual story arc.
Not even the first Brie story did such an extensive sweep into the life ‘before’ the Submissive Training Center.
Both Candy’s and Captain’s life steps bringing them to meet there, are thoroughly narrated.
For me, the turn of events after the auction, was way too quickly told and ended with a ‘Oh no, you didn’t!’
There are so many open questions!
I do hope part two comes soon!
5+ Stars
Review by Allyson
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Loved. Every. Part! of Captain and Candy’s Story! 5 Plus Stars and more from the talented and well known author Red Phoenix! Safe Haven journeys back in time when both Captain and Candy are both ‘finding’ themselves; through the struggles in life, from the joys and pain and how they both end up together through the Submissive Training Center.
We’ve read about these descriptive characters previously through the Brie’s Submission series, but to have their own book that captures in their own POV was marvelous on Red’s part! This is only the first half of the duet and I can’t wait for the conclusion. Red Phoenix is a powerful writer and illustrator, keeping her readers in mind while writing vivid, emotional scenes in which you can become one with the characters.
“You’re everything I need.”
I like how Red began this novel. Starting both characters off at the same time frame; allowing us to follow gradually their life’s journeys. To see where Captain started from, how he became the man/Dominant he is… spectacular! He owns a piece of my heart now (even though a certain Russian holds the majority). Candy’s past… WOW! She is one strong and courageous female!
I have loved all the books within the Submissive Training Center. The emotions that will eventually embed in your heart literally leave a tingling feeling when the last word is written. That is just how this fantastic author writes and I encourage all to become addictive to her words as much as I have!
I’ve followed this series from the very first book. It was nice to delve in the world of Red Phoenix again. As always she has such a way with words that pulls you into the book. You feel the characters pain, their joy, their happiness. You feel it all! Each character went on a journey of their own to get to where they are. But when their journeys finally connect. You can’t help but to fall in love with them. This book was well written, it was steamy without going over the top and it also taught you some important lessons without you realizing it.- By Vanessa
4.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am blown away. At 18 Candy suffers a tragedy, she goes from being on top of the world with everything to nothing. She then lands at the Submissive Training Center where she meets a Dom that she believes is her savior. Captain is a war hero. Due to the age difference he won’t collar Candy. I can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet!!
Received and ARC of Safe Haven and let me just say WOW!! I love this book. So many wonderful feels. I laughed and cried. If you haven’t started this series yet this is a good place to start and if you Have then you will love the nostalgia of seeing our favorites! Way to go Red! Amazing Job
Safe Haven by Red Phoenix is the story of Cleopatra ‘Cox and Charlie ‘Captain’ Walker.
Charlie had everything worked out when he was younger…to join the military. Which he did but other things happened that he didn’t plan for that changed his world. Now a harden, older military man who is into BDMS he knows that a young Candy shouldn’t be for him. But they are both drawn to each other anyway.
Candy has her own personal issue the first being that when she was just 18 years old she lost Ethan, her first love to a terrible accident that she feels guilty for.
Fallen into the BDSM world seem to bring some peace to her but her feelings for Charlie where growing fast.
This book doesn’t end their story…another book will do that. Can’t wait for that installment!
I was so excited when I got Safe Haven. I had to start reading it the day I got it!
Safe Haven is a spin off from the Brie Series. By the way the Brie Series is also a must read. If you have read the Brie Series you will recognize the Submissive Training Center. Along with several of the characters too.
We have met both Captain and Candy before. Now we get to read their stories and what makes them, them. It isn’t only a sexy tale. This book brings out emotions. I wanted to cry, laugh, & love them.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this duet, Destined to Dominate. The conclusion of Captain’s story.
What a beautiful, emotional story! Easily a 5 star read!!! I can’t wait for more.
I was so excited to read Safe Haven. I am super picky when I read books that involve BDSM, but with this book, I was hooked from the get go. Red Phoenix truly blended the characters past and present quite beautifully. When I was at the “All Hope Is Lost” part of the book. I was glad there was a place Candy would finally become her true self.
Captain’s life story is truly tragic from the beginning to the present. I was hoping one day he will find true happiness. The woman he needs will be able to see behind the scars. When Candy came into his life, I was sure that they were soul mates. However, Captain has some fears that he can not let go. He is so kind and always puts others happiness before his own. The ending was a shock. I thought Candy and Captain made a break through. There is so much more that only book two can bring. Safe Haven will have you glued to every page!
4.5 Star Review of Safe Haven (Captain’s Duet #1) by Red Phoenix
Some things are meant to be and for Candy Cox and Charlie(Captain) Walker nothing could be truer. Safe Haven is just that, for Candy, her Captain is her safe haven and so much more.
This is a spin off from the Brie series and although it would be beneficial to have read some if not all of that series (which I have), it is not really necessary.
I was a little concerned that the age difference between Captain and Candy (30 years) it might make me uncomfortable, however this was not the case and in fact it really did not play into it for me.
It was great to see the history of these two characters and what had occurred in the lives to make them the people they are today.
This to me was certainly a more emotional book that others I have read from Red Phoenix. It tugged at my heart strings numerous times and gave me shivers.
Candy has led a tragic and at times hard life and when an accidental meeting with Brie Bennett gives her the opportunity to attend the Submissive Training Centre, he life changes completely.
It is there that she meets the man who will capture her heart, the only problem being, due to their age difference, Captain refuses to commit to a relationship or collar her,
I am excited to read the conclusion to Captain and Candy’s story which I believe will release in August.
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Safe Haven, Book 1 of a Duet by Red Phoenix
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
GAH!!! Candy and Captain’s Books!! Seriously these two and their dynamic has me wondering how they came to be. I mean YES their age difference was a big question for me but knowing them I knew there was a definitely underlying love so to see the beginning of the love starting = melted heart!!
SO I absolutely love how this story is told. We are seeing both Captain and Candy’s lives that lead them to the night of Candy’s auction. We see the struggles and situations that make them who they are today. We see the pain in loving someone and the pain in being hurt by love. We SEE what makes them the perfect fit.
Candy is everything Captain needs. She is the youthful and a carefree soul to help heal his battered mind, Body, and soul. Captain is the perfect nurturer for Candy. He is the person who will guide her heart and teach her to trust in herself again.
Seriously I could not put this book down. I DEVOURED it in the quickest time. I was so enthralled in THEM. I was so dedicated to finding out how they came to be and what shaped them to be the people they are today.
I loved the Candy/Captain dynamic when I was reading about them in the main story. Their side characters were amazing for other characters in the story IE Mary. But to get a book….scratch that….2 books all geared to them…..GAH!! I am so excited!!!