Radclyffe's first book introduces us to Reese Conlon - the newly hired deputy sheriff; Tory King - the town's only doctor; and, of course, Provincetown - the legendary gay mecca. Tory and Reese have a lot in common - both are insulated from others, both are workaholics, both are dedicated to their professions. But they are quite different from one another as well - Tory knows why she's insulated herself whereas Reese has never learned to be with others.

Radclyffe is a fresh voice in the lesbian fiction genre. She writes about strong women overcoming seeming insurmountable difference to be with one another, she writes about trust and she writes about love. Her love scenes are graphic but gentle and sweet and sh never loses sight of the intensity of new love nor of her story.

Beware though. If you start reading Radclyffe, you will find yourself ordering everything the woman has written. Be prepared to stay up long after you should have turned the light off just to finish one more chapter. It is best to read the series books - the Honor series, the Justice series and the Provincetown books - in order so you understand where the characters started and why they do what they do.

I own and have read everything Radclyffe has published. I love her stuff and anxiously await each new release.

'Safe Harbor' is her most erotic, heart-wrenching story yet. The reader can't help but fall in love with Reese and Tori, and to subsequently await their coming together.

Reese, raised by her Marine father in a very regimented household and kept away from her lesbian mother as a teen, leaves active duty to become a deputy sheriff in Provincetown, MA. Because of the town's large gay population and her androgynous looks (like a cross between a young Gregory Peck and k.d. lang), everyone assumes Reese is a lesbian. However, in her early thirties, Reese has never had a relationship of any sort and isn't sure herself.

Tori, a gifted physician and former Olympic contender, is the town doctor. She injured her leg just before the Olympics and ruined her chances of competing. Her former lover, a woman Tori planned to spend a lifetime with, cheated on Tori and left her heartbroken three years prior to Reese's appearance.

Radclyffe skillfully takes these two women - one emotionally immature, and one emotionally barren - and creates a painfully erotic and emotional tale. Evidenced by the two sequels that have already been written, she leaves the story open for a proliferation of story lines.

Your personal collection will not be complete without this book and its sequels.

Award-winning writer Radclyffe lists among her bestselling novels "Safe Harbor," in which Reese Conlon leaves a military career to become Provincetown's new Deputy Sheriff. Once there, she finds herself fighting homophobia, which is directed at P-Town's local youth. While upholding the law, Reese also discovers truths about herself when she meets and falls in love with Dr. Victoria (Tory) King.

"Safe Harbor" has a character driven plot and presents a diverse well-defined supporting cast with each having an integral contribution to the story. The main character, Reese, is easy to fall in love with. An extremely private person, she has everyone curious to know more about her. "She's handsome, strong, sensitive, tender, and deeply passionate. And devoted-can't beat that," according to her creator Radclyffe; Reese turns more than a few heads. Comparable to a knight in shining armor, she is hard-working, decent, and honest. Reese upholds the law and takes her oath `to serve and protect' very seriously. Her boss, Sheriff Nelson Parker, and other locals are in awe of this admirable woman.

Sheriff Parker has a lot more than crime to deal with when he learns his daughter Brianna is gay. Radclyffe does a commendable job of describing the anguish he feels as he works his way, hopefully, toward acceptance.

Reese meets Dr. King while out on patrol to check on a break in at the East End Health Clinic. Tory has an "unanticipated visceral reaction" (p. 21) to the precise, professional, and truly stunning sheriff. Having endured a bad breakup and an accident that dashed her Olympic hopes to bits, Tory is leery of a gorgeous, self-assured woman, and she's unnerved that she's so taken with Reese. Trying not to fall for Reese's charm is a daunting task-especially when Reese says things like, "I saw you this morning-kayaking out on the bay. You were so much a part of the sea that you didn't even disturb the rhythm of the waves" (p. 31). Tory endears the reader with her professional manner while adeptly healing the sick in her care. Dr. King is a respected physician who puts other's needs before her own. In hopes of avoiding further heartache, she adamantly tries to deny love. Can she learn to trust Reese and more importantly, can she trust her own feelings?

Brianna (Bri) Parker, the sheriff's gay daughter, is a tough, troubled, and frightened youth who becomes the target of gay bashing. Although strong, Bri is no match for her attacker. Reese helps Brianna overcome obstacles that she and other gay teens face. Surprisingly, even the "gay Mecca" of P-town has its share of hatred. Reese helps not only Bri, but all the other gay kids in her jurisdiction to fight against homophobia.

Tory's sister, Cath, acts as Tory's conscience, playing devil's advocate as she wrestles with her heart and mind. When Tory thinks, "[Reese] has no idea what she's doing-she hasn't a clue to the effect she has on any lesbian with a heartbeat" (p. 111), in fact, Reese has no idea what she does to straight women and men either. Cath may be a straight, married, mother of two, but she empathizes with her sister and can fully appreciate how Tory feels about Reese.

"Safe Harbor" is a love story, a coming out story, and crime drama all rolled into one. When Reese was young, her mother Kate left home to be with her lover, Jean. She reconnects with her mother not knowing what to expect. She also must deal with her father's reaction to the news that she's gay.

Caring deeply about an author's characters, yearning to find out what happens next, feeling like you're a part of the action, and hating for it to end, is what great novels are all about. "Safe Harbor" by Radclyffe is such a novel. From the beginning, Radclyffe uses mystery and foreshadowing to keep the reader interested, and there is never a dull moment. The fabulous setting is the perfect backdrop and makes the reader long for a trip to Provincetown, with its "Mardi Gras energy" (p. 90).

A great story, memorable characters, fresh dialogue, important issues, scenic descriptions, an engaging plot and meticulous editing makes "Safe Harbor" a five star novel that can be enjoyed by both a gay and straight audience. I highly recommend "Safe Harbor" and anything penned by award winning novelist Radclyffe, whose recent accolades include two 2005 Golden Crown Literary Awards for "Fated Love" and "Justice in the Shadows."