Saturday, April 18, 2026

DETECTING DANGER and ESCAPING PERIL by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 TWO BOOKS FROM THE REFUGE COVE SERIES

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DETECTING DANGER
"Starting over was possible. Believing in herself enough to do it - that was the part that took practice."

Finally deciding to seek refuge away from all connections to her abusive ex-husband, Millie Anderson arrives at the secluded house of refuge in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only to discover that it is owned and operated by Caleb King, a face from her past who represents a previous phase of deep heartache. Sensing Millie's distress at his presence, Caleb assures her that the property is secure and that Refuge Cove is a place where she can breathe easier without the anxiety of constantly looking over her shoulder. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth.

This second chance romance is riddled with speed bumps and pot holes that jar the reader to the point of no return in certain instances, yet step-by-step Millie and Caleb yield to the hope that they have been reunited for a reason.

A nice start to a new series!

BackCover Blurb:
He broke his promise of forever. Now he’s the one standing between her and danger.

Millie Anderson learned the hard way that love comes with consequences. After years of abuse at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, she's finally free—but not safe. With nowhere else to turn, she flees to Refuge Cove, a shelter hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where women can find sanctuary along with their beloved dogs.

When Millie arrives, she expects to find protection. What she doesn't expect is to find Caleb King waiting there to welcome her. He broke her heart years ago. Now he wants her to trust him to keep her safe. But trust is a luxury Millie can’t afford—not when her past is closing in and unsettling incidents begin to plague the Cove.

Millie and Caleb must confront their painful history while racing to uncover the truth. Because someone is willing to kill to keep their secrets buried . . . and some second chances come with a deadly price.

Content Note: References to domestic violence appear in this story.
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ESCAPING PERIL

"I just hope you remember what's important."

The problem was, Naomi King couldn't remember anything about the vicious attack that could have killed her if bystanders had not intervened. Leaving her New York City lifestyle behind, she moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains and settled down to help her family manage Refuge Cove, a safe place for women who needed to remove themselves from danger.

Now it seemed that a different kind of peril was confronting Naomi, not only did their immediate neighbors begrudge the fact that the King family had acquired their family property, but they were telegraphing their hostility in dangerous ways. In addition, one of their recent guests had betrayed their trust and now needed help; could Naomi add taking care of a newborn to her growing list of responsiblities? And what about those forgotten memories?

Enter Sheriff Micah Sutherland. Calm, consistent, protective Micah whose steady presence kept grounding Naomi when she needed him the most. Beyond that, Naomi kept battling her own insecurities and Micah was clearly keeping their frequent inter-actions in the category of totally professional.

A wonderful, multi-layered romantic suspense with a potent blend of characters and perplexing plot threads! 

BackCover Blurb:
She's running from a night she can't remember. He's determined to protect her from what she can't see coming.

Naomi King can't remember the night she was attacked and left for dead in New York City. Searching for healing, she leaves her successful career behind and finds new purpose at Refuge Cove, a women's shelter nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But when a newborn baby suddenly needs protection, Naomi's decision to step in puts her directly in harm's way again—and forces her to face the truth her fractured memory has been hiding.

Sheriff Micah Sutherland has built his life around keeping others safe. He knows firsthand what it costs when you fail. Protecting Naomi is his duty. Getting close to her was never part of the plan. But as the threats escalate and danger closes in from every direction, Micah has to decide how much he's willing to risk—and whether the walls he's built are protecting him or just keeping out the one thing that might finally be worth the risk.

When enemies from the past refuse to stay buried, Naomi and Micah must trust each other with everything—their secrets, their safety, and the fragile hope that something good can still grow in the shadow of what they've survived.

*I purchased these two books and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 

Available from River Heights Publishing in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon 


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