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The Haven Brothers #4
Whispers And Wildfire
He’ll save her from the nightmare in her past.
Luke Haven has an adrenaline problem. As in, he can’t get enough.
His squeaky-clean, nice-guy reputation in his small town isn’t a lie. But it’s not the whole truth, either. Although his real problem? He’s not even sure what he’s searching for.
Melanie Andolini never thought she’d be starting over in her thirties. But moving back to her hometown is exactly the fresh start she needs.
Until she runs into Luke Haven, and things get complicated. Really complicated. Although it feels like a lifetime since they dated in high school, sparks fly as soon as they’re face to face—hot enough to light up the whole town.
Melanie blazes into Luke’s life like wildfire—messy and chaotic, beautiful and tempting. But they played with fire once and both got burned. They’re not going down that road again.
Except Melanie brought home a secret that still haunts her dreams. And when her nightmares turn all too real, Luke will risk everything to save her.
And make her his—this time, forever.
Author’s note: a not-your-usual second chance romance with a fiery heroine and a hero who won’t quench her flames—he’ll bask in her heat. Family shenanigans, witty banter, page-turning suspense, and a wild happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Luke Haven has an adrenaline problem. As in, he can’t get enough.
His squeaky-clean, nice-guy reputation in his small town isn’t a lie. But it’s not the whole truth, either. Although his real problem? He’s not even sure what he’s searching for.
Melanie Andolini never thought she’d be starting over in her thirties. But moving back to her hometown is exactly the fresh start she needs.
Until she runs into Luke Haven, and things get complicated. Really complicated. Although it feels like a lifetime since they dated in high school, sparks fly as soon as they’re face to face—hot enough to light up the whole town.
Melanie blazes into Luke’s life like wildfire—messy and chaotic, beautiful and tempting. But they played with fire once and both got burned. They’re not going down that road again.
Except Melanie brought home a secret that still haunts her dreams. And when her nightmares turn all too real, Luke will risk everything to save her.
And make her his—this time, forever.
Author’s note: a not-your-usual second chance romance with a fiery heroine and a hero who won’t quench her flames—he’ll bask in her heat. Family shenanigans, witty banter, page-turning suspense, and a wild happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2025
6263 people are currently reading
6009 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
72 books12k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
April 13, 2025
This second chance romance hits the ground running with sparks, suspense, and sizzling chemistry. Luke and Melanie are the kind of couple you can’t help but root for—two people with real baggage, undeniable attraction, and a whole lot of unfinished business. Their reunion is messy in the best way, with plenty of banter, lingering tension, and emotional depth.
🎶“I Hate You, I Love You” – Gnash ft. Olivia O’Brien
🎶“Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
🎶“I Hate You, I Love You” – Gnash ft. Olivia O’Brien
🎶“Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars
returning to Tlikum felt like revisiting a memory i didn’t know i’d missed. the mischievous squirrels, the Haven, Bailey’s warmth and Miles’s quiet presence. this small town is stitched with comfort, familiar faces, and the kind of softness only a well-built fictional world can offer.
Melanie was a breath of fresh air; fierce, unyielding, and crudely human. and finally, Luke’s story, the one i’ve been waiting for since book three in the Bailey series, unfolded with all the ache and tenderness i hoped for. their romance curved into a second-chance slowburn with a soupçon of mutual pining and unspoken jealousy, i especially appreciated how it never relied on tired dual-timeline formulas. instead, their shared past was an undercurrent, quietly informing the present rather than overtaking it. that restraint was surprisingly refreshing.
i also found myself drawn to the suspense distilled into the story, the thriller thread offered glimpses into the mind of the culprit through his perspective but without ever revealing too much. we were placed inside his head, yet kept at arm’s length. it was unnerving and fascinating all at once, and brilliantly executed.
another comforting yet layered installment from one of my favorite authors—each book feels like a return, and this one in particular reminded me why i keep coming back.
❦ many thanks to the author for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! ❦
❛❛she was the love of my life. I’d loved her then, and I loved her still.❜❜
returning to Tlikum felt like revisiting a memory i didn’t know i’d missed. the mischievous squirrels, the Haven, Bailey’s warmth and Miles’s quiet presence. this small town is stitched with comfort, familiar faces, and the kind of softness only a well-built fictional world can offer.
Melanie was a breath of fresh air; fierce, unyielding, and crudely human. and finally, Luke’s story, the one i’ve been waiting for since book three in the Bailey series, unfolded with all the ache and tenderness i hoped for. their romance curved into a second-chance slowburn with a soupçon of mutual pining and unspoken jealousy, i especially appreciated how it never relied on tired dual-timeline formulas. instead, their shared past was an undercurrent, quietly informing the present rather than overtaking it. that restraint was surprisingly refreshing.
i also found myself drawn to the suspense distilled into the story, the thriller thread offered glimpses into the mind of the culprit through his perspective but without ever revealing too much. we were placed inside his head, yet kept at arm’s length. it was unnerving and fascinating all at once, and brilliantly executed.
another comforting yet layered installment from one of my favorite authors—each book feels like a return, and this one in particular reminded me why i keep coming back.
❦ many thanks to the author for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! ❦
April 9, 2025
This was another thrilling entry to the Haven Brother's Romantic Suspense series. I was riveted right from the beginning, and I couldn't look away. This one had my favorite suspense element to date. The creepy chapters from the stalker's POV were bone-chilling. Robert Hachet performed those, and he was spot on. The level of earnestness and calculation was right on the edge. I was biting my nails, and I had chills whenever his POV came up.
As for the romance, that was also so good! Luke Haven is a restoration mechanic by day, and an illigal street racer by night. He doesn't do it for the money but for the thrill. He just can't help it. Then his ex-girlfriend, Melanie, comes back to town for a fresh start. They have an animosity for one another but it's clear that it is hiding a chemitry and attraction that just never fully went away.
Through some meddling of their families and the town as a whole, Melanie starts working for him after his receptionist went on maternity eave. They think it will be a disaster, but really, it forces them to face what they miss about one another. They may argue like crazy but they have a deep connection. And as they grow closer again, Melanie confides in him about an incident in her past that may have something to do with some recent disappearances in the area. Some incidents that may all be practice for what's waiting for her.
This was a great entry to the series, and if you like Romantic Suspense in a small town, this is a must-read for you.
This was narrated by Erin Mallon, Marcio Catalano, and Robert Hachet. They were a fantastic cast! There was also a little side plot about narration and voice actors that I thought was really fun!
5 Stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: kidnapping, stalking, violence against women, and murder
*Thank you to the author for an ALC and ARC of this title.*
As for the romance, that was also so good! Luke Haven is a restoration mechanic by day, and an illigal street racer by night. He doesn't do it for the money but for the thrill. He just can't help it. Then his ex-girlfriend, Melanie, comes back to town for a fresh start. They have an animosity for one another but it's clear that it is hiding a chemitry and attraction that just never fully went away.
Through some meddling of their families and the town as a whole, Melanie starts working for him after his receptionist went on maternity eave. They think it will be a disaster, but really, it forces them to face what they miss about one another. They may argue like crazy but they have a deep connection. And as they grow closer again, Melanie confides in him about an incident in her past that may have something to do with some recent disappearances in the area. Some incidents that may all be practice for what's waiting for her.
This was a great entry to the series, and if you like Romantic Suspense in a small town, this is a must-read for you.
This was narrated by Erin Mallon, Marcio Catalano, and Robert Hachet. They were a fantastic cast! There was also a little side plot about narration and voice actors that I thought was really fun!
5 Stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: kidnapping, stalking, violence against women, and murder
*Thank you to the author for an ALC and ARC of this title.*
May 6, 2025
a small town romantic suspense, high school sweethearts both back in their home town after years apart - but they cannot stop throwing jabs and insulting each other. their dynamic was so fun 🙂↕️ but also my heart rate listening to the last 15% of this one 📈
April 12, 2025
This series has been very hit and miss for me, so while this book was just okay for me, books 1 and 3 I enjoyed more. This is a small town, romantic suspense, second chance romance between former high school sweethearts.
Melanie returns back home to Tilikum after a divorce and runs into Luke Haven, her ex from high school. He ends up hiring her at his garage shop and they’re around one another again. We have seen the Haven siblings featured throughout this series, as well as having some crossover with other books from this author too. There was a lot going on in this one and something about the characters just never worked for me that well. Melanie is a voice actor and is a popular character for a children’s show. Luke has the garage shop, as well as does some illegal car racing on the side. He is so thrown off with his ex being back in town that he can’t even date or pick up women normally cause of always thinking about Melanie instead. We do get chapters of the villain in the story as well and see the romantic suspense elements play out, which wasn’t really my fav. All in all, this one was okay but I just enjoyed others from this series and author more.
Melanie returns back home to Tilikum after a divorce and runs into Luke Haven, her ex from high school. He ends up hiring her at his garage shop and they’re around one another again. We have seen the Haven siblings featured throughout this series, as well as having some crossover with other books from this author too. There was a lot going on in this one and something about the characters just never worked for me that well. Melanie is a voice actor and is a popular character for a children’s show. Luke has the garage shop, as well as does some illegal car racing on the side. He is so thrown off with his ex being back in town that he can’t even date or pick up women normally cause of always thinking about Melanie instead. We do get chapters of the villain in the story as well and see the romantic suspense elements play out, which wasn’t really my fav. All in all, this one was okay but I just enjoyed others from this series and author more.
April 13, 2025
I had a hard time with this one, normally I read this series in one sitting, but this one took me 3 different times to finish it. I had a hard time buying into this couple which made it hard for me to root for them to get together. Their whole relationship was one of misunderstanding in the past and sniping in the present, followed by I need to protect you. By the end of the book, I was glad the drama was done and everyone was safe, but I was also glad the book was over.
July 23, 2025
FMC - Melanie: 5 🌟
MMC - Luke: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶 🌶
So I've read a handful of mystery romances, and they sometimes fall short because the plot twists are disappointing or a little tacky. This was one of the first mystery romances in a long while that kept a consistent and entertaining tension, the twist was thrilling, and the bad guy was actually unnerving and made for an interesting antagonist!
The book was written well, where you enjoy the will-they-won't-they of this second chance romance, even getting some comedic relief from Melanie's verbal diarrhea and the loving chaos that is Melanie's and Luke's families, and then suddenly get thrown into the perspective of the stalker who's closing in. I was on the edge of my seat once everything came to a head, and I even delayed dinner because I had to know how it all ends lol. And the ending really is worth it 💕
I may know how it all happens now, but I know I'm going to want to read it all over again someday!
MMC - Luke: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶 🌶
So I've read a handful of mystery romances, and they sometimes fall short because the plot twists are disappointing or a little tacky. This was one of the first mystery romances in a long while that kept a consistent and entertaining tension, the twist was thrilling, and the bad guy was actually unnerving and made for an interesting antagonist!
The book was written well, where you enjoy the will-they-won't-they of this second chance romance, even getting some comedic relief from Melanie's verbal diarrhea and the loving chaos that is Melanie's and Luke's families, and then suddenly get thrown into the perspective of the stalker who's closing in. I was on the edge of my seat once everything came to a head, and I even delayed dinner because I had to know how it all ends lol. And the ending really is worth it 💕
I may know how it all happens now, but I know I'm going to want to read it all over again someday!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
“I really wanted to keep hating you, but I just can’t. Even though you drive me nuts. I can’t get enough of you.” —Luke
“I can’t hate you either.” —Melanie
Remember some years back when we had a strong dislike for Luke Haven because he hit on Fiona and tried to buy a car out from under Evan Bailey? I am here to say we should no longer have a dislike for him…we should LOVE him!
Second chance is a favorite trope and I loved everything about Luke and Melanie finding their way back to each other. From their first encounter that will leave you giggling to him being so fiercely protective of her. He is more calm and collective while she is slightly high energy. They still have a strong connection after being apart for 11 years.
Then there are the tender moments between them and the loving way that Luke reassures her of his love and vice versa. Melanie has a strength to her that Luke respects and he always has her back!
I feel like I always say the same things when it comes to a Claire book but dang it, it’s always true. She has this way of making you feel like you are wrapped up in a flannel of comfort when reading these Haven boys. They are so much more than what we got glimpses of in the Bailey Brothers series. Luke and Melanie’s story is sure to leave everyone with a heart full of love!
********AUDIO REVIEW********
Erin Mallon has always been a favorite female narrator for me and she solidified that with her role as Melanie! She has the knack for conveying the quick wit a FMC will have and Melanie is very quick witted. Ms. Mallon also has the skill of a good male voice. When I see her listed as a narrator I always know both the FMC and MMC are in good hands.
Marcio Catalano is new to me and I was immediately loving his voice. He delivers Luke exactly as I would have imagined while reading it. He does an amazing job of changing his voice depending on what character is talking and he was great when it came to the female parts. I seriously couldn’t get enough.
Lastly, Robert Hatchet. I have only ever heard him in a more comedic type role. Let me just say that him as a bad guy….I was there for all of it and wanting more of it. I knew it was him but had I not known I would have been looking it up because he does sound slightly different in a good way. Bravo on pulling off the bad guy as well as you did!!!
“I can’t hate you either.” —Melanie
Remember some years back when we had a strong dislike for Luke Haven because he hit on Fiona and tried to buy a car out from under Evan Bailey? I am here to say we should no longer have a dislike for him…we should LOVE him!
Second chance is a favorite trope and I loved everything about Luke and Melanie finding their way back to each other. From their first encounter that will leave you giggling to him being so fiercely protective of her. He is more calm and collective while she is slightly high energy. They still have a strong connection after being apart for 11 years.
Then there are the tender moments between them and the loving way that Luke reassures her of his love and vice versa. Melanie has a strength to her that Luke respects and he always has her back!
I feel like I always say the same things when it comes to a Claire book but dang it, it’s always true. She has this way of making you feel like you are wrapped up in a flannel of comfort when reading these Haven boys. They are so much more than what we got glimpses of in the Bailey Brothers series. Luke and Melanie’s story is sure to leave everyone with a heart full of love!
********AUDIO REVIEW********
Erin Mallon has always been a favorite female narrator for me and she solidified that with her role as Melanie! She has the knack for conveying the quick wit a FMC will have and Melanie is very quick witted. Ms. Mallon also has the skill of a good male voice. When I see her listed as a narrator I always know both the FMC and MMC are in good hands.
Marcio Catalano is new to me and I was immediately loving his voice. He delivers Luke exactly as I would have imagined while reading it. He does an amazing job of changing his voice depending on what character is talking and he was great when it came to the female parts. I seriously couldn’t get enough.
Lastly, Robert Hatchet. I have only ever heard him in a more comedic type role. Let me just say that him as a bad guy….I was there for all of it and wanting more of it. I knew it was him but had I not known I would have been looking it up because he does sound slightly different in a good way. Bravo on pulling off the bad guy as well as you did!!!
March 29, 2025
There's a fine line between love and hate
Oh wow. I'm almost at a loss for words. Whispers and Wildfire was amazing! It's probably a safe bet that most of us have that one that got away. Every now and then maybe you wonder what that person is up to, or what your life would have been like if they hadn't gotten away. Whispers and Wildfire is all about that one that got away, in more ways than one. Melanie is #girlgoals for all of us who have ever been told we're too loud, too over the top, too much. I love that she didn't let her light dim, even if she was worried that Luke would eventually think it as well. That's a lesson for us all... be you, do you and the right one will love you for all that you are. And Luke... He was chasing adrenaline highs because he lost the love of his life and it was almost too late when he finally figured it out. It was such fun watching them try to work it all out. Of course, no trip to Tilikum is complete without the zany squirrel antics. But Luke giving a squirrel a drink of water was a total swoon moment! Havens and Baileys, nerd mobiles and muscle cars, princesses and an evil queen abound in this truly wonderful story of lost love rediscovered.
Oh wow. I'm almost at a loss for words. Whispers and Wildfire was amazing! It's probably a safe bet that most of us have that one that got away. Every now and then maybe you wonder what that person is up to, or what your life would have been like if they hadn't gotten away. Whispers and Wildfire is all about that one that got away, in more ways than one. Melanie is #girlgoals for all of us who have ever been told we're too loud, too over the top, too much. I love that she didn't let her light dim, even if she was worried that Luke would eventually think it as well. That's a lesson for us all... be you, do you and the right one will love you for all that you are. And Luke... He was chasing adrenaline highs because he lost the love of his life and it was almost too late when he finally figured it out. It was such fun watching them try to work it all out. Of course, no trip to Tilikum is complete without the zany squirrel antics. But Luke giving a squirrel a drink of water was a total swoon moment! Havens and Baileys, nerd mobiles and muscle cars, princesses and an evil queen abound in this truly wonderful story of lost love rediscovered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Another ass book but better than the last one. At least this one I was able to finish. Let’s do a little recap of the Haven brothers series so far, shall we?
Book 1: Brother trying to kill his sister;
Book 2: Ex-boyfriend trying to kidnap the heroine for his human trafficking scheme;
Book 3: Hero starts investigating a cold case, the criminal decides to harass the heroine as revenge;
Book 4: Psychopath stalker kidnaps the heroine.
Do you guys see the pattern? What happened to Claire Kingsley that made her so obsessed with writing books about men abusing women? That’s all there is to the suspense plot of her stories, it’s always just a man harming the heroine. Who picks up a romance book and wants to read about that?
Also, isn’t this supposed to be a safe town? You have all of this insane crimes happening to one specifically family over and over again for what? At what point is it enough? If she wanted to have suspense in this series, why not go the most palatable and believable way and have a big mystery happening throughout the books, instead of weird random crimes occurring to each person separately?
Comparing the Haven’s books to the Bailey’s books is an exercise in frustration, they seem like worlds apart in terms of quality, character development and storytelling.
Speaking specifically about this book, Luke was okay, Melanie was all over the place, the reason why they broke up in high school was the stupidest thing I’ve ever read, and they had very little in common. Again, just as it happened in the previous books, the “suspense” took a lot more time than it should have, so the romance aspect felt rushed and underdeveloped. They hated each other and then out of nowhere they loved each other.
The big problem with the romance was that it was supposed to be a second chance story, but they very rarely talked about their previous relationship. They just briefly said that they used to fight a lot, there’s no reminiscing of the good times, not one reason to explain why they were so good before that would justify them getting back together again, things that are essential to make the second chance plot work.
The next big problem was the lack of mystery in the suspense part of the book. Because we have the stalker’s POV, we immediately know who he is, why he is doing it and how he’s going to do it. It completely defeats the purpose of having a suspense subplot if there’s no enigma behind it.
I’ll still read the next 2 books just because I want to know what happened to Reese, but overall the books so far have been nothing but huge disappointments.
Book 1: Brother trying to kill his sister;
Book 2: Ex-boyfriend trying to kidnap the heroine for his human trafficking scheme;
Book 3: Hero starts investigating a cold case, the criminal decides to harass the heroine as revenge;
Book 4: Psychopath stalker kidnaps the heroine.
Do you guys see the pattern? What happened to Claire Kingsley that made her so obsessed with writing books about men abusing women? That’s all there is to the suspense plot of her stories, it’s always just a man harming the heroine. Who picks up a romance book and wants to read about that?
Also, isn’t this supposed to be a safe town? You have all of this insane crimes happening to one specifically family over and over again for what? At what point is it enough? If she wanted to have suspense in this series, why not go the most palatable and believable way and have a big mystery happening throughout the books, instead of weird random crimes occurring to each person separately?
Comparing the Haven’s books to the Bailey’s books is an exercise in frustration, they seem like worlds apart in terms of quality, character development and storytelling.
Speaking specifically about this book, Luke was okay, Melanie was all over the place, the reason why they broke up in high school was the stupidest thing I’ve ever read, and they had very little in common. Again, just as it happened in the previous books, the “suspense” took a lot more time than it should have, so the romance aspect felt rushed and underdeveloped. They hated each other and then out of nowhere they loved each other.
The big problem with the romance was that it was supposed to be a second chance story, but they very rarely talked about their previous relationship. They just briefly said that they used to fight a lot, there’s no reminiscing of the good times, not one reason to explain why they were so good before that would justify them getting back together again, things that are essential to make the second chance plot work.
The next big problem was the lack of mystery in the suspense part of the book. Because we have the stalker’s POV, we immediately know who he is, why he is doing it and how he’s going to do it. It completely defeats the purpose of having a suspense subplot if there’s no enigma behind it.
I’ll still read the next 2 books just because I want to know what happened to Reese, but overall the books so far have been nothing but huge disappointments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
No sé qué tienen los libros de Claire que se leen sin soltarlos. Este es, como siempre, perfecto para reconfortarte.
Esperábamos la historia de Luke desde que leíamos a los Bailey y por fin ha llegado. Seguro que no te va a decepcionar.
Es un romance de segunda oportunidad, Luke y Melanie fueron novios en el instituto. Con suspense como tiene toda esta serie, por supuesto, en Tilikum y con todos nuestros personajes favoritos.
No te voy a desvelar nada porque tienes que leerlo.
Esperábamos la historia de Luke desde que leíamos a los Bailey y por fin ha llegado. Seguro que no te va a decepcionar.
Es un romance de segunda oportunidad, Luke y Melanie fueron novios en el instituto. Con suspense como tiene toda esta serie, por supuesto, en Tilikum y con todos nuestros personajes favoritos.
No te voy a desvelar nada porque tienes que leerlo.
April 9, 2025
”I was always chasing something—chasing the high, I guess—only to crash soon after. Being with you is like that, only without the crash. And without the likelihood of dying.
Melanie has moved back to Tilikum, to be with her family and escape her past. Little did she know that her past would follow her there, and she would be faced with the man who broke her heart, and he would become the man who would help her conquer her shadowed past.
Luke Haven is a street racer, who has been chasing the adrenaline high for as long as we’ve known him. He never wants to accept help from others, especially if her name is Melanie.
Melanie and Luke’s love story was unlike anything i’ve read before. It’s a second chance romance, but in a very unconventional way. I absolutely loved the found family, and the SPS are truly the real MVP’s in this series. I was absolutely obsessed with the way Claire wrote the antagonist’s POV, telling us just enough about him to keep us guessing, but not too much that we could predict his next move.
There is something so special about this series to me. There’s heartbreak, healing, suspense, swooning and so much more. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you guessing, just as much as it has you kicking your feet, I could not recommend this series enough!
Thank you to Claire Kingsley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. ❤️
Melanie has moved back to Tilikum, to be with her family and escape her past. Little did she know that her past would follow her there, and she would be faced with the man who broke her heart, and he would become the man who would help her conquer her shadowed past.
Luke Haven is a street racer, who has been chasing the adrenaline high for as long as we’ve known him. He never wants to accept help from others, especially if her name is Melanie.
Melanie and Luke’s love story was unlike anything i’ve read before. It’s a second chance romance, but in a very unconventional way. I absolutely loved the found family, and the SPS are truly the real MVP’s in this series. I was absolutely obsessed with the way Claire wrote the antagonist’s POV, telling us just enough about him to keep us guessing, but not too much that we could predict his next move.
There is something so special about this series to me. There’s heartbreak, healing, suspense, swooning and so much more. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you guessing, just as much as it has you kicking your feet, I could not recommend this series enough!
Thank you to Claire Kingsley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. ❤️
April 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nailed it Claire.
The banter was so good, the storyline and suspense even better. Tilikum is the best little town.
I didn’t want to put this down and absolutely devoured it in 2 days, while trying to parent 😏
Can’t wait for the final 2 brothers!!
Nailed it Claire.
The banter was so good, the storyline and suspense even better. Tilikum is the best little town.
I didn’t want to put this down and absolutely devoured it in 2 days, while trying to parent 😏
Can’t wait for the final 2 brothers!!
March 31, 2025
✨ small town romantic suspense
✨second chance
✨no third act break up
✨ fiery heroine x highschool boyfriend
Claire!!! CLAIRE! This was fantastic. Luke Haven has been the love of my life since Unraveling him. I couldn’t help it. The car guy, the mechanic the AURA this man has. You throw in a highschool ex girlfriend who has never been too much for him, in a world where everyone tells her she’s too much. You throw them together and they’re wildfire. Crazy, unpredictable but absolutely beautiful and untamed.
This romantic suspense was layered beautifully into this slower than her previous books in this series burn. Them rediscovering each other and the way they’re just as intense as they were before. The jealousy THE PINING?
Seeing all my favorite characters from the Haven and even the Bailey side and how far this family has come in these past two series. Absolutely amazing. I ate up every moment of this. I love how perfectly these two compliment each other and how epic I was getting to experience them. It was funny, it was raw, it was like coming back home to Tilikum yet again 🥹
✨second chance
✨no third act break up
✨ fiery heroine x highschool boyfriend
Claire!!! CLAIRE! This was fantastic. Luke Haven has been the love of my life since Unraveling him. I couldn’t help it. The car guy, the mechanic the AURA this man has. You throw in a highschool ex girlfriend who has never been too much for him, in a world where everyone tells her she’s too much. You throw them together and they’re wildfire. Crazy, unpredictable but absolutely beautiful and untamed.
This romantic suspense was layered beautifully into this slower than her previous books in this series burn. Them rediscovering each other and the way they’re just as intense as they were before. The jealousy THE PINING?
Seeing all my favorite characters from the Haven and even the Bailey side and how far this family has come in these past two series. Absolutely amazing. I ate up every moment of this. I love how perfectly these two compliment each other and how epic I was getting to experience them. It was funny, it was raw, it was like coming back home to Tilikum yet again 🥹
April 12, 2025
With each book, I fall more in love with this family.
Melanie is back in her hometown after a divorce. She's ready to start over again and get closer to her family. The problem is, she needs some temporary work (her job is so cool, I'd never read FMC before with a job like hers) while she waits to work again.
Luke Haven has a problem. His front desk worker is... not working out. So, who could help him? His ex??? !!!!!!!!! Aka Melanie. I loved it. These two were a little contentious. Their past relationship was filled with young adult angst, and it bled out to how they are reacting to each other in the present.
Luke loves his family, but he's not in the same place as them. WE see what he wants. But he's not sure. He also has a need for speed, which he's keeping a secret. Melanie being back? It really does through him into a loop. She really keeps him on his toes. And vice versa. The longer these two are together gets ... well... ugh, so good.
Melanie might be rebuilding her life, but someone else is watching her. Who's becoming more and more dangerous. Can Luke help her?
I loved the second chance. They grew up while they were apart. And of course, the mystery. I love a little suspense mixed in!
Can't wait for my next Haven brother.
Melanie is back in her hometown after a divorce. She's ready to start over again and get closer to her family. The problem is, she needs some temporary work (her job is so cool, I'd never read FMC before with a job like hers) while she waits to work again.
Luke Haven has a problem. His front desk worker is... not working out. So, who could help him? His ex??? !!!!!!!!! Aka Melanie. I loved it. These two were a little contentious. Their past relationship was filled with young adult angst, and it bled out to how they are reacting to each other in the present.
Luke loves his family, but he's not in the same place as them. WE see what he wants. But he's not sure. He also has a need for speed, which he's keeping a secret. Melanie being back? It really does through him into a loop. She really keeps him on his toes. And vice versa. The longer these two are together gets ... well... ugh, so good.
Melanie might be rebuilding her life, but someone else is watching her. Who's becoming more and more dangerous. Can Luke help her?
I loved the second chance. They grew up while they were apart. And of course, the mystery. I love a little suspense mixed in!
Can't wait for my next Haven brother.
March 29, 2025
Whispers and Wildfire is the latest book in Claire Kingsley’s wonderful Tilikum series featuring the Haven and Bailey families. While this book is part of a series, you can still read and enjoy it as a standalone without being confused by all the other character’s backstories. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Whispers and Wildfire we meet Melanie Andolini, a woman in her 30’s forced to move home to Tilikum after a painful divorce and other difficult experiences. Melanie is the high school girlfriend of Luke Haven, and she still has some unresolved feelings towards Luke after their bad breakup in high school. Melanie is a voice actor who is very dramatic and has no verbal filter, people often find that she is “a lot”. In Whispers and Wildfire we learn what the real Luke Haven is like; his insecurities, his secret car racing pastime and his anguish over losing the girl who got away. Luke and Melanie’s first meeting after many years was very entertaining. The “hate/unresolved feelings” between Luke and Melanie is very entertaining as they navigate living in the same small town and their attraction for each other. As standard for this series, and most of Claire’s books, there are a lot of very funny family conversations and antics that will have you laughing out loud. While this book is a romantic comedy it also has an element of suspense thriller. Someone from Melanie’s past comes to town and puts everyone in danger. The ending of the book is very fast paced and is very hard to put down. Personally I stayed up way too late finishing this book, because I had to find out how everything ends. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
Whispers and Wildfire will be released on April 10, 2025 in Paperback, Kindle Unlimited, and Audiobook.
In Whispers and Wildfire we meet Melanie Andolini, a woman in her 30’s forced to move home to Tilikum after a painful divorce and other difficult experiences. Melanie is the high school girlfriend of Luke Haven, and she still has some unresolved feelings towards Luke after their bad breakup in high school. Melanie is a voice actor who is very dramatic and has no verbal filter, people often find that she is “a lot”. In Whispers and Wildfire we learn what the real Luke Haven is like; his insecurities, his secret car racing pastime and his anguish over losing the girl who got away. Luke and Melanie’s first meeting after many years was very entertaining. The “hate/unresolved feelings” between Luke and Melanie is very entertaining as they navigate living in the same small town and their attraction for each other. As standard for this series, and most of Claire’s books, there are a lot of very funny family conversations and antics that will have you laughing out loud. While this book is a romantic comedy it also has an element of suspense thriller. Someone from Melanie’s past comes to town and puts everyone in danger. The ending of the book is very fast paced and is very hard to put down. Personally I stayed up way too late finishing this book, because I had to find out how everything ends. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
Whispers and Wildfire will be released on April 10, 2025 in Paperback, Kindle Unlimited, and Audiobook.
March 30, 2025
Love, pickles and danger
I loved, loved, loved Luke and Melanie’s second chance small town romantic suspense tale. The story had the perfect blend of sweet moments, spice, laughs, supportive friends and family, painful pasts, deep emotions, danger, suspense, and all the happy heart squeezing love. The slow ratcheting up of the tension that accompanies the hints and glimpses of the bad guy was delicious perfection. And hoo boy was he creepy. But don’t worry, the suspense was well balanced with the romance and the Tilikum small town goodness. Add in the chapters from a third POV to give us information about the bad guy without the MCs knowing things yet and it created a wonderful cocktail of awesomeness. Luke owns his own auto restoration shop in small town Tilikum. He has a good life but feels unsettled like something is missing. Melanie is a voice actress who has recently moved back home to Tilikum after her divorce. Luke and Melanie were HS sweethearts who broke up for reasons. Melanie is a spicy nice hot mess and Luke is a growly cinnamon roll with a bit of an adrenaline addiction. When Luke and Melanie run into each other, the sparks just leap off the page. The angry smexy banter paired with their internal monologues before they both get out of the way of their inevitable HEA was perfectly done. I was immediately caught up in the eye rolling ridiculousness of when will they which meant frantic page turning because I was equally desperate to finish the goodness of the story as I was to make it last. As always with this author, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. I cannot wait to read which Haven brother falls next especially since there are only two left.
I loved, loved, loved Luke and Melanie’s second chance small town romantic suspense tale. The story had the perfect blend of sweet moments, spice, laughs, supportive friends and family, painful pasts, deep emotions, danger, suspense, and all the happy heart squeezing love. The slow ratcheting up of the tension that accompanies the hints and glimpses of the bad guy was delicious perfection. And hoo boy was he creepy. But don’t worry, the suspense was well balanced with the romance and the Tilikum small town goodness. Add in the chapters from a third POV to give us information about the bad guy without the MCs knowing things yet and it created a wonderful cocktail of awesomeness. Luke owns his own auto restoration shop in small town Tilikum. He has a good life but feels unsettled like something is missing. Melanie is a voice actress who has recently moved back home to Tilikum after her divorce. Luke and Melanie were HS sweethearts who broke up for reasons. Melanie is a spicy nice hot mess and Luke is a growly cinnamon roll with a bit of an adrenaline addiction. When Luke and Melanie run into each other, the sparks just leap off the page. The angry smexy banter paired with their internal monologues before they both get out of the way of their inevitable HEA was perfectly done. I was immediately caught up in the eye rolling ridiculousness of when will they which meant frantic page turning because I was equally desperate to finish the goodness of the story as I was to make it last. As always with this author, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline. I cannot wait to read which Haven brother falls next especially since there are only two left.
March 30, 2025
Wow, what can I say about Whispers and Wildfire?
We first met Luke Haven early in the Bailey
Brothers series. He had a well-known rivalry with Evan Bailey, mostly because they own
competing auto restoration businesses. Despite what Evan used to think, Luke is mostly a
good guy. Upstanding business owner, maybe a little moody sometimes. But as far as most
townspeople are concerned, the most problematic thing about Luke seems to be that he picks
women that are wrong for him. Then again, the town of Tilikum doesn’t know that he competes
in illegal races on the side for a rush.
Melanie is a new addition to the town, or should I say she is the prodigal daughter returning.
Recently divorced from a less-than savory character, she has moved back home to be with her
family. And she fits right in like she was always meant to stay! She’s also between jobs, and
ends up at her high school ex’s, aka Luke’s, business while she waits for her new job to be
ready.
Luke is not happy to see her. They don’t exactly have the best meet-cute upon Melanie’s return
to town. And he is especially not happy for her to invade his work space. But the proximity is
good for both of them.
But what about the suspense? Well, Melanie has a bit of a past. And it may just be coming
back to haunt her. I won’t give spoilers, but let’s just say I’m going to be avoiding a certain
romance sub-genre for a little bit, until I get certain whispers out of my head.
We also got a lot of returning characters in this book, including a couple I didn’t expect, so
longterm CK fans should keep an eye out! After all, they’re practically family.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I already have it preordered on Amazon!
We first met Luke Haven early in the Bailey
Brothers series. He had a well-known rivalry with Evan Bailey, mostly because they own
competing auto restoration businesses. Despite what Evan used to think, Luke is mostly a
good guy. Upstanding business owner, maybe a little moody sometimes. But as far as most
townspeople are concerned, the most problematic thing about Luke seems to be that he picks
women that are wrong for him. Then again, the town of Tilikum doesn’t know that he competes
in illegal races on the side for a rush.
Melanie is a new addition to the town, or should I say she is the prodigal daughter returning.
Recently divorced from a less-than savory character, she has moved back home to be with her
family. And she fits right in like she was always meant to stay! She’s also between jobs, and
ends up at her high school ex’s, aka Luke’s, business while she waits for her new job to be
ready.
Luke is not happy to see her. They don’t exactly have the best meet-cute upon Melanie’s return
to town. And he is especially not happy for her to invade his work space. But the proximity is
good for both of them.
But what about the suspense? Well, Melanie has a bit of a past. And it may just be coming
back to haunt her. I won’t give spoilers, but let’s just say I’m going to be avoiding a certain
romance sub-genre for a little bit, until I get certain whispers out of my head.
We also got a lot of returning characters in this book, including a couple I didn’t expect, so
longterm CK fans should keep an eye out! After all, they’re practically family.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I already have it preordered on Amazon!
Read
April 13, 2025DNF. This book is a combination of enemies to lovers and second chance, with a suspense plot. It features Luke and Melanie, former highschool sweethearts and current adversaries. (I didn't get far enough - wasn't compelled enough - to find out why they split.) There's a threat endangering Melanie. The risk is foreshadowed with chapter headings like Rehearsal and Soon. The stalker is an anonymous threat from Melanie's past; there's no previous relationship or explanation for the obsession. For whatever reason, I could not connect with this couple. Luke was interesting, but I didn't feel like the author planted the seeds for a growing connection.
Read
April 21, 2025I’m not sure I get the recent hype for small town romantic suspense. They’re all basically the same - FMC gets kidnapped around 75% and MMC saves her by 90%. There’s rarely ever anything unique or interesting about the suspense aspects to make them a worthwhile addition. So, while I didn’t really care about that part of this book, I otherwise enjoyed the romance.
In this one, Melanie and Luke dated in high school and more than a decade later find themselves thrown together again. While this didn’t have the level of angst I prefer from a second chance romance, I still enjoyed their relationship. I solidly liked it, I just didn’t love
In this one, Melanie and Luke dated in high school and more than a decade later find themselves thrown together again. While this didn’t have the level of angst I prefer from a second chance romance, I still enjoyed their relationship. I solidly liked it, I just didn’t love
April 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! There was no third act breakup! I enjoyed the romantic suspense and great moments between Luke and Melanie! Check it out!
May 13, 2025
I debated not finishing this because i did not care what happened, but I skimmed the last 70%
April 13, 2025
LUKE’S BOOK PLEASE
April 12, 2025
THIS WAS SO GOOD!
This was one of my favourite CK books and I was excited to finally have Luke’s story. I’ve been waiting since the Bailey series for Luke to get a HEA.
The suspense side of this story really was well done. It had me hooked like any straight up thriller. It really does add another layer getting into our villains head.
The nod to the squirrels, the Bailey/Haven blended world and Luke’s meddling aunt with a dash of evil queens all highly entertaining … & the bickering/tension was hilarious. I really like Melanie and Luke as a pair and I usually am not a fan of second chance/high school sweethearts. But it worked for me this time!
Could def be read as a standalone but honestly, you should read all of the Bailey Brothers & Haven Brothers series - it’s totally worth it
Can’t wait to dive into the Miles family and continue with CK’s collab with Lucy Score… I still need answers!
This was one of my favourite CK books and I was excited to finally have Luke’s story. I’ve been waiting since the Bailey series for Luke to get a HEA.
The suspense side of this story really was well done. It had me hooked like any straight up thriller. It really does add another layer getting into our villains head.
The nod to the squirrels, the Bailey/Haven blended world and Luke’s meddling aunt with a dash of evil queens all highly entertaining … & the bickering/tension was hilarious. I really like Melanie and Luke as a pair and I usually am not a fan of second chance/high school sweethearts. But it worked for me this time!
Could def be read as a standalone but honestly, you should read all of the Bailey Brothers & Haven Brothers series - it’s totally worth it
Can’t wait to dive into the Miles family and continue with CK’s collab with Lucy Score… I still need answers!
April 2, 2025
Well it's official. Whispers and Wildfire is my new favorite of the series! I absolutely adore Luke Haven. Melanie is his high school sweetheart who moved back in town. They did not end on the best terms so frustrations with each other were high. Melanie is a quirky and fiesty and happens to be exactly what Luke has been needing in his life. I love that he accepts Melanie as she is and doesn't make her feel like she's too much. The banter was fantastic! They kept each other on their toes. They were truly so good together. I love second chance & this one did not disappoint.
Then there was the added suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I just had to know what happened!
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a dual narration by Marcio Catalano & Erin Mallon. Marcio is a new narrator to me and he had one of those voices that really drew me in. He played the laid back Luke so good! Erin is always so good at bringing the personality to of the character to life. Melanie is a voice actor and Erin was able to portray that fantastically! Robert Hachet narrated the villain and holy smokes, he was so good at it! Absolute perfection. I could not stop listening to this audiobook and I definitely recommend it.
This one releases April 10! Thank you so much to Claire Kingsley and team for this ARC/ALC.
Then there was the added suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I just had to know what happened!
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a dual narration by Marcio Catalano & Erin Mallon. Marcio is a new narrator to me and he had one of those voices that really drew me in. He played the laid back Luke so good! Erin is always so good at bringing the personality to of the character to life. Melanie is a voice actor and Erin was able to portray that fantastically! Robert Hachet narrated the villain and holy smokes, he was so good at it! Absolute perfection. I could not stop listening to this audiobook and I definitely recommend it.
This one releases April 10! Thank you so much to Claire Kingsley and team for this ARC/ALC.
June 8, 2025
I always enjoy the little crime, side plot element to these books! I love when the conflict isn’t a third act break up but something external to the couple and boy oh boy, was the antagonist creepy as heck. Loved the HEA for the couple and it was cute and unique to their characters which was also much appreciated
April 15, 2025
second chance romance
I love the unspoken chemistry between Luke and Melanie. It was obvious they still loved each other. The connection was on point and it was great to see the Haven family. Glad Luke got the HEA he needed.
I love the unspoken chemistry between Luke and Melanie. It was obvious they still loved each other. The connection was on point and it was great to see the Haven family. Glad Luke got the HEA he needed.
May 18, 2025
at first i wasn't really sure about this one bc it brought back memories of my own high school relationship but then it turned out better so it was a good book🫡
July 4, 2025
I loved Luke and the idea of the story, but I didn't care for the FMC, and I was let down by the "suspense" part of the story.
April 6, 2025
I love the Haven Brothers series legit so much. It always hits SO GOOD
Melanie moves back to her small town to find her high school sweetheart Luke Haven still there, and hotter than ever. I loved the two of them together, and we all know how I feel about second chances 🥵
🔥 not your usual second chance
🔥 small town
🔥 protective MMC
🔥 romantic suspense
🔥 fiesty FMC
🔥 BANTER
🔥 found family
Melanie moves back to her small town to find her high school sweetheart Luke Haven still there, and hotter than ever. I loved the two of them together, and we all know how I feel about second chances 🥵
🔥 not your usual second chance
🔥 small town
🔥 protective MMC
🔥 romantic suspense
🔥 fiesty FMC
🔥 BANTER
🔥 found family
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