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Safe With You
Leslie Reilly is a police officer in the small town of Santa Anna Springs. He has a job he loves, a supportive family, and good friends, but he’s lonely. He hasn’t had much luck with romance. And he’s not the only one. Since the death of his wife, Gavin Donovan has been alone—raising his young son Ben and trying to protect Ben from his homophobic grandfather, whose attempts to get custody of the boy are growing more and more desperate. When Leslie and Gavin meet, they know making a life together might not be easy, but they’re willing to do whatever it takes to be a family.
All Leslie wants is to protect Gavin and Ben, but it’s proving harder than he expected as Gavin’s father-in-law’s violence escalates. When Gavin is injured and Ben is kidnapped, Leslie must decide how far he’s willing to go to keep the ones he loves safe.
All Leslie wants is to protect Gavin and Ben, but it’s proving harder than he expected as Gavin’s father-in-law’s violence escalates. When Gavin is injured and Ben is kidnapped, Leslie must decide how far he’s willing to go to keep the ones he loves safe.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2016
2 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lievens
327 books259 followersCatherine is the creator of several series, most of them paranormal, including the Whitedell Pride Series and the Gillham Pack Series. While she graduated in translation, she decided to go the writer’s way because it was more fun to create her own stories and characters.
She’s been living in Italy for more than twenty years, but she’s a daughter of the North—Belgium to be precise—and she misses it so much that she’s already planning to move back.
She loves pizza—probably too much —her pets, and of course, books. She sneaks some reading time in her schedule every time she has five minutes free from writing, demands from her various pets and son, and lastly, housework.
She’s been living in Italy for more than twenty years, but she’s a daughter of the North—Belgium to be precise—and she misses it so much that she’s already planning to move back.
She loves pizza—probably too much —her pets, and of course, books. She sneaks some reading time in her schedule every time she has five minutes free from writing, demands from her various pets and son, and lastly, housework.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
no
November 1, 2016note to self: never buy, never edit, and never befriend in any capacity the kind of author who has 54 distinct works and yet can't help but steal massive swathes of her latest novel from a fanfic author and then compounds this ghastly violation with a malarkey excuse so bad it's an MM insider dreamspinner press punchline for three days.
just-no
November 2, 2016I read this when it was a Sterek fanfic - and the author who wrote that Sterek fanfic is not this author.
Over 200 000 other people also read the Sterek fanfic.
But I'm sure nobody will notice, right?
You guys...the m/m romance community and the fanfic community? There is a lot of overlap there. A lot. Which means people who steal fan fiction and try to pass it off as their own original fiction will absolutely be caught out.
If you want to read the original, check out Our Lives Are Changing Lanes, by grimm. Here's the link:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152767
You can read it for free there, and it would be great if you could leave the actual author a nice comment.
Over 200 000 other people also read the Sterek fanfic.
But I'm sure nobody will notice, right?
You guys...the m/m romance community and the fanfic community? There is a lot of overlap there. A lot. Which means people who steal fan fiction and try to pass it off as their own original fiction will absolutely be caught out.
If you want to read the original, check out Our Lives Are Changing Lanes, by grimm. Here's the link:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152767
You can read it for free there, and it would be great if you could leave the actual author a nice comment.
will-never-ever-read
November 1, 2016Plagiarism = will never read this author
November 1, 2016
This book was not published as intended, likely because the publisher found out that it was apparently stolen from a Sterek (Teen Wolf) fanfic which is still available online at AO3.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
Now I wonder how many more of this author's books are also plagiarized works.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
Now I wonder how many more of this author's books are also plagiarized works.
no-or-probably-never
June 13, 2017No review to be done. I just found out this book has been pulled from DSP and Amazon as it is not an original work of the author.
**********
Original work by Grimm called "Our Lives are Changing Lanes" was taken, the names changed, and published. As soon as Dreamspinner Press found out they pulled it from sale.
Original free Sterek fic:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
**********
Original work by Grimm called "Our Lives are Changing Lanes" was taken, the names changed, and published. As soon as Dreamspinner Press found out they pulled it from sale.
Original free Sterek fic:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
November 2, 2016
Plagiarized from Sterek fanfic. WTH is wrong with people?
You can still find the fanfic, here:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
So. Much. Nope.
You can still find the fanfic, here:
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152...
So. Much. Nope.
August 27, 2016
Due to circumstances recently brought to light I will not write a review for this.
June 5, 2021
Plagiarism is
never
okay! Just because a book doesn't get professionally-published or self-published through mainstream book-sites doesn't mean its not good or well written. I mean obviously the story was good enough for the author to
steal it
and put their name on it.
So here's to giving credit where credit is due and acknowledging that this fan-fic was written by someone who took their time and love for Teen Wolf to write this https://archiveofourown.org/works/115....
I just want to say how truly disrespectful the author is for doing this. It's not only a slap in the face to the original author of this story but its also a slap in the face to all the readers the author thought would be too stupid to notice someone else's work.
So here's to giving credit where credit is due and acknowledging that this fan-fic was written by someone who took their time and love for Teen Wolf to write this https://archiveofourown.org/works/115....
I just want to say how truly disrespectful the author is for doing this. It's not only a slap in the face to the original author of this story but its also a slap in the face to all the readers the author thought would be too stupid to notice someone else's work.
November 2, 2016
Oh look, the original is still listed on GR, even! our lives are changing lanes
Authors, don't steal other writer's work, it's not freaking cool! But damn, you'd think they'd at least research that shit. Grimm is a fairly popular Teen Wolf fic writer! Now, people are going to be side-eyeing EVERYTHING this author has published. Was it really worth it??
Authors, don't steal other writer's work, it's not freaking cool! But damn, you'd think they'd at least research that shit. Grimm is a fairly popular Teen Wolf fic writer! Now, people are going to be side-eyeing EVERYTHING this author has published. Was it really worth it??
no-probably-no
November 1, 2016Author plagiarized this fanfiction: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1152767
DSP has pulled this fic from publication, as well.
DSP has pulled this fic from publication, as well.
July 3, 2022
It's so tacky when authors can rationalize stealing someone else's fanfic and publish it as their "own" work. #Epicsideeyetothissocalledauthor
November 3, 2016
11/2/16: I just learned this was plagerized work. So I've downgraded the rating.
I really enjoyed reading this one. What a cute story. It was nice, a little predictable but sweet nonetheless.
Officer Leslie Reilly’s life had grown monotonous. He works with this father, the Chief of Police, and he hangs out at home with his cat puddles. When a routine theft investigation led him to meeting Gavin Donovan, Leslie’s life bloomed.
I love stories involving little kids and extended family. They always add shading to protagonists because it allows the reader to see the main characters through the eyes of others. Both characters had complimentary temperaments. Leslie was a tad goofy, shy and naive. Whereas Donovan was reserved, confident and a tad more cultured. I liked how guileless Leslie was around Donovan. I found it endearing and amusing at the same time. I liked Gavin and how his family was so protective of him and his five-year-old son Benjamin. I also enjoyed Leslie’s relationship with his dad. It was clear that the Chief of police had no qualms about his son’s sexuality. In fact, for a small town, it seemed that only Gavin’s ex-father in law Samuel was the only homophobe around.
I appreciate the author focusing more on growing relationship between Leslie and Donovan and not as much on the father in law’s obsession. It kept the story on the positive and hopeful. The author’s writing had a natural progression and flowed well to me. I just delight in reading this journey to love and would love to explore of this author’s work.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this one. What a cute story. It was nice, a little predictable but sweet nonetheless.
Officer Leslie Reilly’s life had grown monotonous. He works with this father, the Chief of Police, and he hangs out at home with his cat puddles. When a routine theft investigation led him to meeting Gavin Donovan, Leslie’s life bloomed.
I love stories involving little kids and extended family. They always add shading to protagonists because it allows the reader to see the main characters through the eyes of others. Both characters had complimentary temperaments. Leslie was a tad goofy, shy and naive. Whereas Donovan was reserved, confident and a tad more cultured. I liked how guileless Leslie was around Donovan. I found it endearing and amusing at the same time. I liked Gavin and how his family was so protective of him and his five-year-old son Benjamin. I also enjoyed Leslie’s relationship with his dad. It was clear that the Chief of police had no qualms about his son’s sexuality. In fact, for a small town, it seemed that only Gavin’s ex-father in law Samuel was the only homophobe around.
I appreciate the author focusing more on growing relationship between Leslie and Donovan and not as much on the father in law’s obsession. It kept the story on the positive and hopeful. The author’s writing had a natural progression and flowed well to me. I just delight in reading this journey to love and would love to explore of this author’s work.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2018
The blurb sounded great. It probably sounded great because I read this story two years ago when it was posted on AO3 as Sterek fanfiction. It was an awesome story by Grimm called "Our Lives Are Changing Lanes." I suggest you go and read the original and leave your feedback for Grimm, not this author who allegedly plagiarized it from Grimm without her knowledge.
November 1, 2016
PLAGIARISM IS NOT OKAY.
I don't understand why an author who has SO MANY books under her belt thinks she can get away with pulling this shit.
I don't understand why an author who has SO MANY books under her belt thinks she can get away with pulling this shit.
author-behaving-badly
September 7, 2016Marked as read but actually not interested in reading for reasons.
Noted to remind me to not buy any version of this book and to avoid this author in future.
Noted to remind me to not buy any version of this book and to avoid this author in future.
August 11, 2016
3.5 STARS
Safe with You is a sweet and mellow romance. There was no angst whatsoever and some very sweet moments among our lovely couple and their five year old son. The entire story is about the developing relationship between Gavin and Leslie and Gavin’s son, Ben. It was predictable with very little happening story wise but it was enjoyable.
Leslie Reilly is a cop in the small town of Santa Anna springs. His father is the police chief and the most dangerous criminal he had to catch were a bunch of kids vandalizing people’s property. Leslie was the sweetest and most adorable character ever. He is a cop but he was like an over grown baby. Sticking his tongue out when he is displeased and pouting when he had a lot of paperwork was just how Leslie rolled. His father was like an overprotective papa bear always looking out for his kid. I liked Leslie very much. He was compassionate, kind and sweet with a big heart. Leslie wracked with nerves at the beginning, when he starts dating Gavin was very endearing and adorable. The entire story is in Leslie’s POV and I loved being in his head. He was the hero for little Ben and I loved Leslie’s connection with the sweet kid.
“Gavin and Ben were Leslie’s safe harbor, and he wanted forever with them.”
Gavin Donovan is a single father who has lost his wife to cancer many years ago. He has raised his son all alone and Ben is his entire world. Gavin is the more responsible and mature partner in the relationship. His interactions with his son were sweet and beautiful. Leslie was a perfect addition to his family of two. They were understanding of each other and so very cute together. Apart from dealing with a very persistent and cuckoo villain, Gavin and Leslie’s relationship was pretty smooth sailing. I loved Gavin’s entire family. They were supportive and loving and always present to provide Gavin support in every walk of his life.
“you’re the only stable thing I have apart from my family. I need you. I need you because you’re able to keep your cool, to have a rational mind even when I go nuts. You’re the calm in my life, the place I can come back to when stuff around me gets crazy. You’re what keeps me sane, and I know I’m safe with you.” ~ Gavin
There was not much heat in the romance but the lack was filled up by loads of sweetness. Gavin and Leslie made a very nice and sweet couple. Except for Leslie’s homophobic uncle, everyone of their friends and family supported them and cheered them on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this romance. It was soothing and would make a very good read on a lazy day in bed.
Safe with You is a sweet and mellow romance. There was no angst whatsoever and some very sweet moments among our lovely couple and their five year old son. The entire story is about the developing relationship between Gavin and Leslie and Gavin’s son, Ben. It was predictable with very little happening story wise but it was enjoyable.
Leslie Reilly is a cop in the small town of Santa Anna springs. His father is the police chief and the most dangerous criminal he had to catch were a bunch of kids vandalizing people’s property. Leslie was the sweetest and most adorable character ever. He is a cop but he was like an over grown baby. Sticking his tongue out when he is displeased and pouting when he had a lot of paperwork was just how Leslie rolled. His father was like an overprotective papa bear always looking out for his kid. I liked Leslie very much. He was compassionate, kind and sweet with a big heart. Leslie wracked with nerves at the beginning, when he starts dating Gavin was very endearing and adorable. The entire story is in Leslie’s POV and I loved being in his head. He was the hero for little Ben and I loved Leslie’s connection with the sweet kid.
“Gavin and Ben were Leslie’s safe harbor, and he wanted forever with them.”
Gavin Donovan is a single father who has lost his wife to cancer many years ago. He has raised his son all alone and Ben is his entire world. Gavin is the more responsible and mature partner in the relationship. His interactions with his son were sweet and beautiful. Leslie was a perfect addition to his family of two. They were understanding of each other and so very cute together. Apart from dealing with a very persistent and cuckoo villain, Gavin and Leslie’s relationship was pretty smooth sailing. I loved Gavin’s entire family. They were supportive and loving and always present to provide Gavin support in every walk of his life.
“you’re the only stable thing I have apart from my family. I need you. I need you because you’re able to keep your cool, to have a rational mind even when I go nuts. You’re the calm in my life, the place I can come back to when stuff around me gets crazy. You’re what keeps me sane, and I know I’m safe with you.” ~ Gavin
There was not much heat in the romance but the lack was filled up by loads of sweetness. Gavin and Leslie made a very nice and sweet couple. Except for Leslie’s homophobic uncle, everyone of their friends and family supported them and cheered them on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this romance. It was soothing and would make a very good read on a lazy day in bed.
Read
August 12, 2016no review since the publisher cancelled publication of this book
January 16, 2018
Plagiarism.
For an "author" to take an MM fanfic story and pass it off as her own (to profit off of) is not only deceitful, it's dumb.
Sterek is probably THE MOST read pairing in Teenwolf fanfic...and it was inevitable someone would recognize it.
Seriously, the level of stupid is astounding.
For an "author" to take an MM fanfic story and pass it off as her own (to profit off of) is not only deceitful, it's dumb.
Sterek is probably THE MOST read pairing in Teenwolf fanfic...and it was inevitable someone would recognize it.
Seriously, the level of stupid is astounding.
December 12, 2016
Si hay algo que desprecio de forma absoluta es el plagio, no sé en qué estaría pensando Dreamspinners cuando hizo esta marranada, pero señores, esto no está bien, si ya es repugnante que entre fickers haya este tipo de asuntos, peor es querer sacar dinero. Menos portadas horteras señores de Dreamspinners y vamos a ponernos la capa de la profesionalidad, y al autor.... qué lástima me da de él. La prueba: https://archiveofourown.org/works/115...
August 21, 2016
Review will not be completed as the publishers will no longer be releasing this for sale.
August 15, 2016
The plot could've been more solid, but that didn't deter me from enjoying the read. Leslie made me smile with his antics and babbling, winning me over easily just as he did Gavin.
July 26, 2017
loved it
August 9, 2016
This was a one-sitting book - it was so good, that I didn’t want to put it down. It was an overall cute and nice love story between Gavin and Leslie - with some crazy family drama thrown in. It was so heartwarming to see the love between Ben and his Dad, contrasted with the crazy former father-in-law of Gavin.
Both Leslie and Gavin were deep characters with unique personalities, fitting together nicely. At times, the author played Leslie, a police officer, as a bit more naive or “dumb” than fit, but it usually was to help the story move forward. And Gavin’s son, Ben, is so adorable - and was a truly lovable character.
In all, this was a great love story filled with drama, but lots of love and heartwarming feelings that extended beyond just the main characters, and reached to the supporting cast as well. At the end, things got tense and then instantly solved itself - which is why I bumped it down to four stars. The pacing was great, until the important parts - and then it felt rushed. But other than that, Safe with You is a great read for anyone who is looking for a nice love story.
Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club.
Both Leslie and Gavin were deep characters with unique personalities, fitting together nicely. At times, the author played Leslie, a police officer, as a bit more naive or “dumb” than fit, but it usually was to help the story move forward. And Gavin’s son, Ben, is so adorable - and was a truly lovable character.
In all, this was a great love story filled with drama, but lots of love and heartwarming feelings that extended beyond just the main characters, and reached to the supporting cast as well. At the end, things got tense and then instantly solved itself - which is why I bumped it down to four stars. The pacing was great, until the important parts - and then it felt rushed. But other than that, Safe with You is a great read for anyone who is looking for a nice love story.
Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club.
August 9, 2016
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Leslie meets Gavin at a local park while investigating a string of petty crimes in the neighborhood. Gavin is surrounded by kids and Leslie assumes he’s married with a pack like that. He forgets all about it - well, at least tries to - until they meet again and decided that maybe they can make something work.
It isn’t easy, but they want it so they pursue each other. The story was predictable, but enjoyable. I liked all the characters and felt like the story progressed at an okay rate. I enjoyed a few quotes from the story like this one from Gavin to Leslie after an encounter with Gavin’s former father-in-law:
“I need you. I need you because you’re able to keep your cool, to have a rational mind even when I go nuts. You’re the calm in my life, the place I can come back to when stuff around me gets crazy. You’re what keeps me sane, and I know I’m safe with you.”
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it just didn’t draw me in as much as I would have liked. There were places where it jumped around and places where I felt there could have been more detail and it was glossed over. I would still buy the book and read it though.
*** I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review ***
Leslie meets Gavin at a local park while investigating a string of petty crimes in the neighborhood. Gavin is surrounded by kids and Leslie assumes he’s married with a pack like that. He forgets all about it - well, at least tries to - until they meet again and decided that maybe they can make something work.
It isn’t easy, but they want it so they pursue each other. The story was predictable, but enjoyable. I liked all the characters and felt like the story progressed at an okay rate. I enjoyed a few quotes from the story like this one from Gavin to Leslie after an encounter with Gavin’s former father-in-law:
“I need you. I need you because you’re able to keep your cool, to have a rational mind even when I go nuts. You’re the calm in my life, the place I can come back to when stuff around me gets crazy. You’re what keeps me sane, and I know I’m safe with you.”
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it just didn’t draw me in as much as I would have liked. There were places where it jumped around and places where I felt there could have been more detail and it was glossed over. I would still buy the book and read it though.
*** I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review ***
August 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It is Leslie “Les” the cop who is clumsy and fumbling, you also wouldn’t think it. Gavin is a single mechanic father that hs been through some trying times. Ben is Gavin's son and I loved him. Les has his father who is also the police chief and loves his son. Les makes me laugh at the predicaments he gets himself into. Les has a great support system in his father and best friend and partner Chris along with Chris’ wife. Gavin has a great support system as well in his family. I liked the supporting characters. There is some drama with the former father-in-law, but I think they handle it well.
The cat puddle was great. A mischievous little booger.
I am excited to read more from this author in the future.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club
The cat puddle was great. A mischievous little booger.
I am excited to read more from this author in the future.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club
August 12, 2016
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
This book was super sweet with a little angst thrown in. Leslie is a cop in a small town, Gavin is a widow with a small boy, Ben. When Leslie sees Gavin he is instantly attracted. I did love the scene with the snails, I totally agree with “who would eat snails”. The angst/drama with the father-in-law at times was a little over the top but then was solved really fast which kind of irked me. All in all it was a sweet little romance with two hot guys you couldn’t help but love and one adorable little boy.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
This book was super sweet with a little angst thrown in. Leslie is a cop in a small town, Gavin is a widow with a small boy, Ben. When Leslie sees Gavin he is instantly attracted. I did love the scene with the snails, I totally agree with “who would eat snails”. The angst/drama with the father-in-law at times was a little over the top but then was solved really fast which kind of irked me. All in all it was a sweet little romance with two hot guys you couldn’t help but love and one adorable little boy.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
August 10, 2016
Awesome! This is my first time reading a book from Catherine Lievens. I completely fell in love with Gavin and Leslie and also Gavin's son Ben too. Leslie is caring, loving, loyal, and funny. I love how Leslie doesn't have a mouth to filter alot of times. Gavin is loving, caring, strong, and sexy. You can feel the love that they have for each other. This one will have your emotions all over the place. I can't wait to read more from Catherine. Keep up the awesome job!!
review by Chantelle
review by Chantelle
August 19, 2016
Awesome! This is my first time reading a book from Catherine Lievens. I completely fell in love with Gavin and Leslie and also Gavin's son Ben too. Leslie is caring, loving, loyal, and funny. I love how Leslie doesn't have a mouth to filter alot of times. Gavin is loving, caring, strong, and sexy. You can feel the love that they have for each other. This one will have your emotions all over the place. I can't wait to read more from Catherine. Keep up the awesome job!!
Read
August 15, 2016Excellent, I really enjoyed the humor & banter, the main character especially. Story was mild but got really good towards the end. I wished there was more there & interaction with the kid. Overall a really enjoyable, feel good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews