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Safe, in His Arms

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Alpha. Fierce. Protective.

Onyx Inwood lives a strict life of order and strategy.
He knows every move he makes before he takes action.
As a detective in the NYPD he knows the city streets like the back of his hand.
So why, when he stumbles upon a wandering girl, does his world turn upside down?

Shy. Klutzy. Afraid.

Grace Hawthorne often forgets why she doesn’t like to leave her tiny apartment.
The world outside is huge, unforgiving, full of strangers & danger.
Her step-mother often says she lacks basic human knowledge.
When she meets a big scary man in the park, she forgets why she’s afraid of the world and embraces being safe, in his arms.

Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2018

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About the author

K.L. Donn

151 books1,540 followers
Krystal writes as USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she has over 50 published books in differing romance genres. She enjoys making her readers cry as they go on a deep journey of love and loss through each book.

Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
 
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.

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5 stars
189 (40%)
4 stars
125 (27%)
3 stars
94 (20%)
2 stars
37 (8%)
1 star
17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 21, 2018
If you want a book with zero angst and insta love, then go for this.
This reminds me of Alexa Riley’s insta love books.
It’s simple and plain, where you already know what’s gonna happen.

The dumb girl who is supposed to be shy has no problem whatsoever in shoving her tongue in the H’s mouth in there first meetings.
This is not my thing.
This book is something anyone can write. It’s like no brain is needed to write this.

It’s not like I don’t appreciate such books but at least they should be free. I wasted my money on this and I know it’s really stupid. At least I could have eaten a good chocolate from that money, which would have been satisfying.
Profile Image for Neringa Neringiukas.
1,232 reviews85 followers
August 22, 2018
It was quick and super sweet, fairytale like story. I loved Onyx and his sweet possessive ways. And Grace... She deserved Onyx in her life. But damn she was accident prone. And I wasn't sure to laugh or be irked by it.
Anyway, I'm looking forward for next book.
Profile Image for Ruby Ap..
655 reviews50 followers
August 21, 2018
I've been waiting for this short novella since it was posted by the author, KL Donn, who's one of my favorite authors', and I've counted the days to read it and it's finally been read and I definitely DON'T regret reading this short story one single bit... AT ALL! :)

I know some people may complain that it's short, but I really couldn't care less since it was written to perfection, at least to me and I know many readers will agree with me as well :) The instant connection and sizzling heat of the chemistry between sweet, innocent and shy Grace with her hot, VERY possessive and super protective alpha man, Onyx, by the way, I love his name, it suits this hunk of a man ;)

Grace hasn't had a easy life, not going to spoil anything to you guys so go ahead and read this but to some she may seem like a complete klutz but to me, she had inner strength and I loved her character so much. Her innocence was a beautiful thing to read about and that's one of the many things that drew Onyx to her apart from his mind stating, MINE, when first laying eyes upon her ;)

This is a sort of remake of one of my favorite fairy-tale stories and I think the author, KL Donn did an awesome job writing Onyx and Grace's story and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! :) <3
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews351 followers
August 24, 2018
description
This was a very short, insta-love type romance. But at the same time it was sweet as well.

From the moment Grace and Onyx meet, they are drawn to one another. Grace had a unpleasant childhood and meeting Onyx changes her whole life. Onyx is a tough detective who feels pulled in the moment he sees her.

As short stories are known to do, everything goes quickly between these two. But Onyx comes across as a genuinely nice guy and Grace is a sweet, sheltered and previously mistreated woman so you just want the best for them.

It was nice to get a quick romance that gave me some intense moments, some very steamy ones, and a perfect ending. While I do think the book could have been expanded into a longer book, I think this new to me author did a good job with this one. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,187 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2018
I loved this sweet,quick love story. The author had stated that this was a quick,short story, and that it was. I really wish it had been longer! Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Island Girl Romance Reads.
508 reviews54 followers
August 21, 2018
A short and sweet fairy tale romance!
Grace didn’t have a good life growing up with her stepmom.
After finally breaking free and living on her own, she meets Onyx.
Love the insta love and the story was sweet, a Cinderella story.
If you like sweet romance and insta love, then this book is for you.
Can’t wait for Coached, in his arms.
Profile Image for Kathleen Lemke (Page).
544 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2022
My rating: 3 stars

What I liked: I liked how this was a quick read since that is what I was looking for.

What I didn’t like: I thought for Grace(h) to be so shelter there was no way that she would be totally ok with Onxy(H) just coming right in and being intimate. So it made the story unbelievable for me.

***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: h’s father passed away and he step mother raised her. Step mother was horrible and made the h stay home and not do anything. She even home schooled her. When h turns 18 she leaves and while homeless the lawyer tells her that her dad left her a trust fund. h finds a one bedroom place and while out runs into the H. H is a cop and takes a liking to the h right away. H gets called to go and tells the h he will come for her. H goes to the h and tells her that her step mother has died. H comes back that night and H claims the h as his, telling her that she will be having his baby. h gets hurt by falling down the stairs and calls the H. He rushes to her and stays with her at the hospital where he puts a ring on the h’s finger (not asking but telling her that she is his and they are getting married). HEA

Descriptive Sex: Yes

Final thoughts: This was an ok read. I was looking for quick reads and after reading it, I will definitely the next one about his partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
August 23, 2018
Grace has finally been able to put her past behind her and venture on her own, but she doesn’t have the life skills that most people take for granted. Onyx is a detective who ends up rescuing Grace and for the first time in her life she feels safe and protected. Is he the Prince Charming she has always dreamed about?

I loved these two characters. Onyx is so protective and caring towards her and Grace’s innocence and clumsiness only makes her more endearing. This is a short and sexy fairy tale that will have you believing in happy ever after. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
August 20, 2018
I was really looking forward to reading this after reading the blurb.

Unfortunately, it fell a little short for me. The story was good, reminiscent of Cinderella: the stepmother, Gracie (Cinderella) and Onyx (Prince Charming). I was hoping for more of a build up to the relationship, but it was right of the gate.

IMO: If the story had been longer, it would have helped the story progress at a better pace.
Profile Image for Dana.
651 reviews59 followers
August 20, 2018
I was really looking forward to reading this after reading the blurb.

Unfortunately, it fell a little short for me. The story was good, reminiscent of Cinderella: the stepmother, Gracie (Cinderella) and Onyx (Prince Charming). I was hoping for more of a build up to the relationship, but it was right of the gate.

IMO: If the story had been longer, it would have helped the story progress at a better pace.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,129 reviews47 followers
August 27, 2018
Loved this short beautiful read of Onyx and Grace.Maybe we can get Marty story
Profile Image for Christina  Fender.
413 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2018
Onyx and Grace. It was lust at first sight.

This story was a very quick read. It’s basically an insta-love story. I did enjoy this story and the scenes were hot, but I feel like we’re missing a ton of story here. I feel like the author needs to finish filling in the book.

Christina- Book Haven Book Blog.
Profile Image for Sharing My.
1,248 reviews17 followers
October 28, 2018
Loved it! Cinderella/Beauty and the Beast novella. I loved Grace and Onyx! Grace was klutzy and shy, but Onyx made her feel safe. I loved that from the first glance, Onyx knew Grace was meant to be his. He wanted to be her knight and protect her always. Grace dreamt of one day meeting her prince and living happily ever after, just like in the fairytales. I loved their instant chemistry too. This is the first book I have read by K.L. Donn, but it definitely won't be the last.
Profile Image for E.M. Shue.
Author 79 books1,478 followers
January 24, 2020
Holy short story

Love this quick short read. It's just what I needed, a fairytale before be. Thanks so much KL for another winner.
Profile Image for Laundry.
241 reviews26 followers
August 29, 2018
If you're ever in a reading slump and need something steamy to "Stella got her groove back", Safe, In His Arms is literally the best option. It's a quick read but it is absolutely NOT lacking in any department. You've got a banging story line, naughty laundry and super likable characters. Seriously. You cannot go wrong with KL Donn. And this latest release? YUM.

Story Line: Can I just say I love fairy tale story lines? I'm a hopeless romantic, what can I say? I'm so lucky I married the least romantic man on the planet. Okay, he's not that bad. But romance isn't his really his forte. Kinky laundry on the other hand... Sorry, this book brought out a lot of naughty thoughts apparently. Grace is our modern day cinderella. Thankfully, she escapes her New York apartment tower and starts her life fresh on her own. Enter Onyx. Side note, Onyx may be the hottest name ever for a cop, just saying. Onyx is 6 foot 6 of pure muscle and hotness. He sees our beauty and it's insta-possessive attraction. Swoon. I loved their fast paced love story so hard. Seriously. Some may be negative nelly's and say it's too fast, but you know what? Sometime love really does work that quickly. My hubby and I ran into each other at a bar and within 24 hours I knew I'd found my other half. So, to all of you naysayers... shut it. Love is love. It doesn't have a time line. And KL Donn just proved it with this bomb dot com love story.

Interaction: Onyx, you alpha hottie you. I could just eat you with a spoon. He tells Grace exactly how he's feeling, when he's feeling it. Can you say praise hallelujah? Okay maybe not that dramatic. For the love of all that is holy, do not read this book in church. Or do, if you like pushing the limits and all that. Back on track, Onyx is very straight forward with his woman. Grace never questions for a single second how this man feels about her. And he brings out the best qualities in her. Literally page by page we see Grace come out of her shell and it's absolutely beautiful. That's what happens when your soul recognizes its counterpart. Love brings out the best in all of us.

Laundry: Good lord. Onyx is the tallest laundry on a stick I've ever read about. No exaggeration, y'all. He definitely has a presence about him. And here's beautiful, innocent Grace who knocks this big brooding man on his rear end. And the first time they come together? OMG I want that. I want to reread that scene over and over and over again. Of course, because food is life, I was just a little saddened they didn't get to eat the dinner she made him. But I think I'll let it slide since the reason they missed out was clearly worth it.

Depth: The cinderella story line has been told in modern day scenarios many times. That's no secret. But what sets this one apart from the rest is in the details. The story isn't twisted and pulled apart to make it overly complex. Sure, there's depth there. Evil step mother, starting life over, falls, etc. But those little details never overpower the true story here- a love story. This is the story about two people who were destined to be together. It's how they fell in love and how they found their happily ever after. And it was told in such a beautifully realistic way that you can't help but finish with a huge smile on your face.

Go pick it up on Amazon right now. You will inhale this book just like I did. Scouts honor.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,573 reviews243 followers
August 25, 2018
Onyx, a detective, sticks to his strict way of life that revolves around order and strategy. And it serves him well in his job where the slightest slip could cost him his life or that of others. Nothing has shaken his control, until now.

Grace is anything but controlled. She's klutzy and knows it, not to mention she's shy, which is fine when she's sequestered herself in her apartment. It's safer there. And as her stepmom likes to remind her, Grace isn't exactly a leading expert in people.

When their paths cross in a park at night, Grace should be terrified, but she's not. Onyx should want nothing to do with the woman who's lost in so many ways, but that's not the case. As they get to know one another, Onyx realizes that beneath the innocence that shines out of her, she's got more strength then she knows. As for Grace, in Onyx she finds a shield that protects her from anything that dares to cause her harm, but he's even more careful of her fragile heart and wants to win it for himself.

Can these two find a common ground aside from the instant feeling of finding what neither knew they were searching for? Will Grace find the strength to move forward and let her past go? Can Onyx let go of his carefully controlled life without compromising who he is? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two people, seemingly opposite in all ways, find something in one another that bridges any gap. I love that Onyx helped Grace see herself as he did. She'd been so beaten down by her stepmother, and for so long, that she'd begun to believe it. Onyx though, and her love for him, helped her see she was so much more than she'd been told. As for Onyx, though he was all about control, Grace and his love for her was something he couldn't stop from happening and he didn't hesitate to accept it. I look forward to the next in the series. - By Elizabeth
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,192 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2018
First the positives...The cover drew me in, unfortunately it’s not displayed on Goodreads but it is simply gorgeous. The editing in this book is beautiful and I appreciate the extra effort put into it. Proofreading was excellent only found one error. The plot of the story is fantastic unfortunately it was poorly executed.
Now for the negatives...To say I am disappointed in this book is an understatement. It was an hour long read, not exactly what I’d call a book. The characters lacked depth, the storyline jumped from one situation to another with no backstory. Although this book was only 99 pennies I feel like I’ve been taken for a ride.
Grace’s father dies leaving her with her stepmother from the age of ten. She’s been kept in a tower, home schooled and is thrown out on her eighteenth birthday. Living on the streets for twelve months until a Private Investigator finds her. It appeared her father left a trust for her but she has to battle it out in court to retain what is rightfully hers. Hot cop sees her from a distance, kisses her, leaves her as he’s called out to a scene. Then attends her apartment to let her know the stepmother has died, kisses her and returns for dinner and they live happily ever after.
KL Donn please read some good authors books and learn how to write a better book. You gave us the basis but didn’t make the most of it. I’m not an author but I know that you could of written about Grace’s time on the streets and shelter, being found by the PI, the court case, buying an apartment etc. instead you wrote it with as much detail as I’ve written above. You missed the mark and I won’t be reading any more of your books. I noticed almost every review on Amazon was five star and I am flabbergasted as to what book these people read. I wish you luck in your journey of growth as an author.
Profile Image for Carol Dawn.
Author 29 books326 followers
August 18, 2018
Oh…My…Fairy tale…

I loved this book. I love insta~love stories. I read a ton of them. And by that..I mean every single one I can get my sticky fingers on. But, (and this never fails) every insta~love book I read is super cheesy to the point that it’s just..well…ridiculous. Of course, that doesn’t stop me. I may have a problem. 😜

Going into this book I already knew what to expect. But, I actually didn’t get what I was expecting. You do get the insta~love and the super sweet romance but what you don’t get is the over abundance of cheese! Yeah, it’s a fairy tale type of romance, not something you would expect to actually happen in your everyday life. But, it wasn’t overly cheesy. Also, what I really loved was that we didn’t lose our author. If you have read this authors previous work you can clearly see her shinning through. She keeps true to herself no matter if shes writing her dark romance or this lighter romance. I could pick this book up without her name on the cover and by the time I was finished I could most likely have guessed it was a KL book.

I’ve read so many dark books lately. Not just dark, but full of angst and so many roller coaster emotions. This is the perfect book to just sit back and take a nice big breath and relax. I fell in love with both Onyx and Grace. I won’t go into why, but, from the first page KL had me completely captivated. I’m very excited to see what the next book is going to be about.


To see full review go to https://carolscornerorg.wordpress.com...
August 23, 2018
Grace Hawthorne grew up lonely, often put down by her step mother and told she had no life skills to take care of herself in the real world. She fears the outside, and being a bit clumsy and awkward doesn’t help her lack of desire to be a part of the world outside of her apartment. When she gets lost in the city, she never expected to find the one man who could make her feel safe.

Police detective Onyx Inwood enjoys rules and order. When he sees a young woman looking lost and scared on the street he feels an instant need to protect and care for her. He knows he has found the one woman he is looking for in his life and now he’ll never let her go.

K.L. Donn’s Safe in His Arms was a fun take on the classic Cinderella tale. This novella is a tale of opposites attract as Onyx and Grace instantly fall in love.

While I don’t mind insta-love in a novella, I wanted a bit more plot and character depth. This author typically creates extremely memorable stories and characters and I missed that in this book. I felt like the relationship moved too quickly, even for the insta love trope.

If you are looking for a sweet fairy tale romance, you’ll love Safe in His Arms. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews55 followers
August 21, 2018
Safe in his arms is short, fast paced and a sweet read. This story is a bit like a modern day Cinderella but without the stepsisters. I devoured this story within half an hour and desperately wanted more. I wish this book were longer! But that is just me being greedy. I loved Grace. I found her love of fairytale’s cute. Although she was a little naïve, she wasn’t immature. I found her clumsiness endearing. I really liked Onyx and wanted to steal him away and keep him for myself! I liked that as soon as he saw or should I say.. Smelt Grace, he knew she was the one for him. The chemistry between them was instant and I loved them as a couple. I really liked how protective Onyx was of Grace, I loved their story.
The epilogue for this story is super sweet. I liked seeing Onyx and Grace as parents.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is a sweet read. I cannot wait for more from this series.
Profile Image for Erëza Zogu.
8 reviews
Read
June 5, 2020
Ok, I will admit I barely managed to read this book past the first few chapters because of several reasons:

1. The hero and heroine meet in the first chapter and kiss 5 seconds after.
2. When he first sees her, the H comments on the fact she looks no older than a teen, and yet he kisses her on the lips on the next sentence without verifying that she is actually an adult. That is just not right on so many levels. 🤦🏻‍♀️
3. We go straight into the love-at-first-sight, without any background or anything. I mean, I do like quick reads and some of this author’s books are quite good even though they’re quick but this one is definitely not written well.
4. The day after they meet the H goes to the h’s apartment to have dinner, they end up in bed and saying i love you before the night is over AND decide to have a baby the next morning 😮😮

I could go on and on listing other reasons but I think this is enough to get the picture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hazel Harkins.
437 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2018
Krystal has a knack for instalove and she has definitely brought her A game to this sweet book.

Onyx Inwood is a sweet alpha who knows what he wants and how he'll go about getting it. When it comes to Grace Hawthorne he knew she was his the moment he caught sight of her.

Grace Hawthorne has never known confidence but when she meets a big scary man in the park she feels nothing but safe in his arms and forgets her fear of the outside world.

This book is filled with the love a man feels for his woman and his protective instincts take over and he knows she is his and he will do whatever it takes to make her is and will never let her go.

As these two build a life and family together their love for each other is a sight to behold. Onyx still has to continue protecting Grace from her klutzy ways but does it with such gentleness you can't help but fall in love with him.

Profile Image for Leslee.
2,433 reviews71 followers
August 26, 2018
Gracie is just like Rapunzel, locked away from the world and terrorized by her stepmother to be terrified of the outside. She finally gets her freedom even though it involves getting tossed out onto the street at age eighteen. Luckily, she loses her way and stumbles into the arms of Officer Onyx Inwood. Onyx is mesmerized by the petite girl and knows he has found the one. Will they get their happily ever after?

This is my first book by K.L. Donn but it won't be my last! This tale is totally swoon-worthy! Onyx is yummy, big and strong, totally a knight in shining armor. If anyone ever needed protecting it is Grace Hawthorne. This was such a sexy and romantic novella, I quite simply fell in love with these characters. I cannot wait to read more by this fabulously talented author! All the stars for Safe, in His Arms!
Profile Image for Tracie Simister.
719 reviews30 followers
October 29, 2018
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s
Title: Safe, In His Arms
Series: The In His Arms Series Book 1
Genre: Romantic Erotica
Author: KL Donn
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Aug 21, 2018

I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Read, Review, Repeat and am voluntarily leaving a review.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Character’s Descriptions:
Onyx Inwood is always in control. As a detective in NYPD that has suited him well in love not so much.
Grace Hawthorne Shy introverted and clumsy she is afraid of the outside world but for some reason he doesn’t frighten her.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: This was a super quick read along the lines of a insta-love romance. Loved the way the characters related and the attraction between was well described.
Profile Image for Archana.
1,443 reviews32 followers
July 19, 2021
Onyx is a NYPD detective who finds a beautiful girl wandering around who looks lost, he approaches her and is struck by his attraction and the connection to her he feels. He gets called away to a case and tells her he will send an officer to help her home and will see her soon. Gracie has had a rough childhood, after her mom died her father married a terrible woman who pretty much made Gracie a shut in. When he dies to she is abused by the stepmother until Gracie left when she turned 18. She lived in shelters until a lawyer finds her to tell her she has an inheritance from her father. She has a real hard time in the outside world but she’s trying. Her connection with Onyx is sweet, their sexy tines hot. A little drama with Gracie being super klutzy and falling down some stairs. Two epilogues with one baby and more years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dora.
750 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2018
After reading some heavier and longer books lately this quick insta-love story was just what I needed. It was really sweet with really sexy scenes. Grace did not have a great life when her father passed away and she had to live with her (wicked) stepmother. She was kicked out at 18 and after being isolated for most of her life she was scared to be out there in the real world. One day she is in the park and she was lost, literally and emotionally. In swoops in NYPD detective Onyx Inwood, a very possessive, protective alpha, he sees Grace and declares she is his and nothing was going to stop him.

I really enjoyed this story, I would have like to see more of them together but I'm happy with the HEA.
August 21, 2018
4.5 stars

This book gets right to the point! This insta love novella was cute, it was sweet and a little bit steamy.

Onyx is a cop. He knows what he wants in life and he wont stop until it’s his. Grace is a young girl with a sad background. Could Onyx be the fairy tale she has been waiting for all her life?
This couple burns the pages with their instant connection. I thought they were both fun, sweet characters.

This book was super quick to read but I enjoyed it. I would have loved more to the story because I did not want it to end! Can’t wait for more.
If your looking for a quick steamy read, I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

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