Safe Haven

Triple Creek Ranch, Book 1

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.

©2026 by Kristen Proby. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

awesome

loved the plot. love the friends to lovers story. overall a very good read.

Dream couple!

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I devoured it in one sitting. This is one I could not put down. Willow and Ryker are exactly my dream couple. They are so sweet and loving to each other. They listen to each other, they understand each other and they give each other the opportunity to communicate, to explain when things go wrong, to simply be there for one another. They are couple goals!! I love how both Willow and her nephew/son became Ryker's to love and protect. The whole "they're mine" thing made me melt into a puddle. I loved all the aspects of the ranch life and the little snippets of city life. The spice was so freaking good!!! Great steam but at the same time purposeful and romantic. I loved it. The narration by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood was spectacular. These two had amazing chemistry and brought that to life. Perfect for small town romance lovers that enjoy love stories with emotionally mature characters who would do anything for those they love.

5 star dual narration performance

Safe Haven is a quick, satisfying hit of small-town romance with big “it’s always been you” energy. Childhood friends to lovers, a little messy, & just enough drama to keep things moving - this one goes down easy & sets up the series nicely.

Willow & Ryker have that deep, shared-past connection that makes the slight insta-love feel earned. When you’ve known someone forever - & survived real stuff together - it makes sense that the feelings snap into focus fast. The story moves at a quick pace, but it works here. This isn’t a slow burn; it’s a spark catching fire.

I especially loved the found-family vibes. Willow stepping up as guardian, Ryker grounding himself back home, & the way the ranch becomes a true reset for all of them. Plus, there is Gideon (I need his story ASAP)!

The audio is what really brings this story to life. The dual narration is a full 5-star performance. Savannah Peachwood brings so much warmth & emotion to Willow (who is a professional book narrator - loved this element), & Connor Crais is at peak swoony. They really elevate this story & make the emotional beats hit harder.

Kristen Proby is one of my favorites, delivering an engagement, small town romance that surprises me every time. This is a solid, enjoyable start to a new series. Not an all-time favorite, but absolutely worth the ride - especially if you’re listening. Cozy, romantic, a little dramatic, and easy to sink into. Exactly what I wanted from this story.

That’s how you do friends to lovers

Kristen Proby has done it again! This is such a sweet novel and is exactly how friends to lovers is done. I loved the found family dynamics (definitely got a bit misty eyed) so many parts had me smiling and giddy. I liked the FMC and enjoyed the healing and growth done in her nephew. Will definitely check out the next book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️(3.75 spice)

swoony, small town, friends-to-lovers

Safe Haven is a sweet and swoony small town romance. Willow and Ryker were childhood friends, keeping in touch over the years. Now Willow needs Ryker's help with her troubled nephew. Ryker was the perfect haven for both of them, becoming the steadfast, strong presence they needed.

Audio book is dual narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais. Both gave spectacular performances.