Will he risk it all to be in safe arms?When a damaged man stumbles on a second chance, it’s all too easy to turn and run. It takes a determined photographer to convince him risk is worth it all.People deserve a second chance, right? How about a third or fourth?But what if I can’t even admit to myself who I am? I was truthful once before. I came out to one other person, and he left me broken and … before. I came out to one other person, and he left me broken and scarred. He destroyed the boy I was. I don’t even use the same name anymore; I go by Trent now. But I survived the streets. I got lucky and I made something of myself. I’m happy, sort of.
It’s Angelo who lights up my life. He’s my world. My rock and my family. He’s always there for me. But I keep hurting him. I say stupid things, and I always keep him at a distance. Still, he knows me better than anyone.
And I want him. But I can’t let myself go there. Not again.
I’ve lived in denial for so long and it’s killing me. In my weakest moments, I reach for Angelo and when he slips into my arms, I can breathe. He’s my solace. Selflessly, he’s there and he never expects anything in return. No judgment, not even an explanation. Having him in my arms is everything, and it’s getting harder to push him away. I’m not sure I want to anymore.
He doesn’t date, but he deserves to be loved. Cherished. Then he drops a bombshell—he’s found The One. I wish he’d fallen for me. I need that second chance to tell him. I need to risk it all because in his arms, I’m safe. I’m me.
more
Never give up hope.
Never accept less.
Promise yourself a future.
Sometimes what you believe can be wrong.
Sometimes who you need will save you.
Stunning, passionate, heartbreaking, and beautiful.
In Safe Arms is an incredible read that takes the characters (and its readers) through a roller-coaster of emotions. The author handles the challanging events with care and heartbreaking detail.
On top of the tears, the smiles and swoon-worthy moments came quick and easy. It was so easy to get swept away in Ann Grech’s beautiful world (and words).
An incredible must-read story.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the My Truth series, and I read it back to back to book one, All He Needs. While not strictly necessary to read book one before this one, I would personally recommend you do. Spoilers, is all you’ll get but book one was a 4 star read cos of one minor niggle that is explained in my review.
We met Angelo and Tristan in book and there were some indications to what might be in store for them in that book. Rick (Angelo’s brother) Mason, and Caden all pop up here, hence the spoiler tag.
THIS book, however, does NOT have that niggle and is an altogether different, difficult, heart-breaking, gut wrenching, sobbing kind of book!
I mean from the very beginning, when Tristan begins telling the tale, it’s awful reading, what happened to him at the hands of a family friend. When he is on the streets after, and what happened to him and his friend then. Tristan really does break your heart.
Then when Angelo takes up the story? OH, I wanted to wrap that man up in cotton wool and protect him! From Tristan of all people cos you know, right when they meet, Tristan is gonna break Angelo’s heart! And he does, just not in the way I was expecting.
Angelo is smitten with Tristan, right from the start, but Tristan comes across as straight and all Angelo can do is be a friend for Tristan. Then Angelo notices things, little touches, glances and the like, and it makes Angelo think.
When Tristan breaks down and finally tells Angelo everything that happened, you’ll cry, you really will! I rarely react to such extremes when READING, but I was sobbing great wracking sobs when Tristan was telling Angelo! Listening, I react more for so . . . . . oh. . . . .I need to LISTEN to this, I really do! Someone narrate it, please!
But I digress, sorry!
Because of Tristan’s history, the physical relationship between him and Angelo is slow, and takes time to build. There is an emotional connection from very early on, but the physical stuff comes much MUCH later in the book. And I LOVED that it did. Often, things move too fast for characters who suffer like Tristan did, but not so here. I did think, at one point, it might not ever happen, at all but once Tristan is able to talk to Angelo and then to professional help, things get much better, very quickly.
This is only the second book I’ve read of Ms Grech, after All He Needs, but I need to read more. She has a way of breaking your heart I’ve not come across before!
This is NOT a light and fluffy read, this is NOT a short book, both in page length and time span, this is not one of those books you can fall into and forget the world. This IS however, a stunning read that I read in one sitting and I stayed up way, WAY past my bedtime to finish it. I needed to know that things turned out okay for Angelo and Tristan, and I could not leave their story midway through.
5 stunning stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is a beautiful story about love and the power of words and actions. For Trent words and actions broken him. Made him hate himself beyond repair, to the point where he lashed out at others to alleviate the anger and hate he felt toward himself. But this story also proves that words and actions can also heal and mend the broken. Angelo, was the healing arms in this story. He was the steady hand that held a gentle heart and showed it how to grow stronger and more confident. The healing arms that Trent had needed all his life, to make him whole. Through Angelo’s love he is able to gain back everything that he lost.
Trent was also a healing source for Angelo. He helped him fill the hole in his heart, showing him that a life of solitude was not what was in store for him.
In Safe Arms is a powerful story of acceptance and love. A story that will make you cry, blush and love harder.
This is the first book I have read by Ann Grech, and I am hoping it was not be the last. Trent and Angelo, a beautiful romance that will break you down and heal you all in one beautiful story.
In Safe Arms is the second book in the My Truth series, and we get to have Trent and Angelo’s story. You could read this as a standalone, but in all honesty, why? Read book one (All He Needs) and get the bigger, better, fuller picture involving these characters!
Now, Trent was never my favourite, but don’t you just love it when an author spins you on your head and you actually end up rooting for the guy?!?!? This is what happened with Trent. I will say I am surprised how many times Angelo actually stayed with him. That man is a saint!!! Yes, the reasons are all there, and trust me, you will certainly feel for Trent by the end of it. His was a hard, rocky path to follow, and luckily for him, Angelo DID stick by him.
This is a moving story, that is exceptionally well-written. I was fully invested with the characters and the storyline, which flowed amazingly well. Now, you may be wondering why I’ve only given this four stars if I’m raving about it. It is simply some parts of the story disappeared. They are not major parts of the story by any means, but I was left with a nagging toothache, wondering just what had happened to… well, it’s not for me to say. I would suggest you read this for yourself, and then you might see what I mean, or you might be that blown away by the rest of the story, that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect the whole story, I promise you that.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a hard but satisfying read, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Highly anticipated this story of Trent’s, and Ann has certainly delivered a wonderfully emotional book. Wow what a start… this one grabbed you by the feels and did not let go!! I was so sad for Trent from the start, the things he went through were just so harrowing… but then I wanted to strangle him and hug him all at the same time. Ann evoked so many emotions for me throughout this well written story of a boy who became a man, overcoming so many setbacks to finding friendship and love. This is a must read series I can’t wait to see what’s next.
This was a really great read. Very realistic, emotional and educative. It gives a sense of hope to people who have been handed big blows in life but also teaches us to learn to be empathy even when we don’t understand what is going on in other people life. It also teaches that love heals all wounds. In the words of Viktor E. Frankl: “the salvation of man is through love and in love”. Trent found salvation safe in the arms of Angelo
I will be honest and say I wasnt sure if this book was me, I was never a fan of Trent but I can admit when I was wrong and boy was I ever wrong.
In Safe Arms has it all, pain, love, heartbreak, sacrifice and redemption.
Trent was hurt by someone he thought he could trust and now lives his life guarded and that leads him to say and do things he isn’t proud of.
Angelo has grown up in a very loving and caring environment and has fallen in love with his best friend.
But with Trent life is not easy and its not until 1 day that triggers a emotional breakdown that Angelo discovers the real Trent that his life takes a dramatic turn.
By the end of the book I am proud to say I am now a major fan of Trent and Angelo.
Ann has done a fantastic job in telling this story, I cant wait for her next story
This is such a good story!! It’s a heartbreaking tale of betrayal and friendship that turns into more. After Trent is forced to run from his past at the age of 16 he needs a wonderful photographer, Angelo. They have a beautiful friendship but Angelo wants more and Trent doesn’t see him in that way. Years later something changes and that friendship blossoms into more. This book takes you on an emotionally charged journey of Trent’s self discovery and dealing with his emotional baggage. Angelo is so patient with him and let him work it out on his own time. I highly recommend this book!! I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next!
I hate to do this again but I have to. I thought maybe this one would be different but sadly it wasn’t. I just couldn’t get into it. I apologize so hard to the author. I’m sure she worked really hard on this but I can’t force myself to read a book I can’t get into.
Trent ran away from home at the young age of sixteen, with no where to go, he lived on the streets for a time, but he worked hard and didn’t give up and ten years later finds him with a job, a place of his own, and even a few friends. Keeping his trauma and nightmares to himself, he presents himself to the world as straight and fun loving. When he and Angelo cross paths they end up starting a friendship. For Trent, Angelo is his best friend, for Angelo it has always been something more… but Angelo knows that Trent will never be his in that way. Until one day, one moment changes their views of each other. Can Trent overcome his demons and try for something more with Angelo?
This was such a good read! I can’t even begin to describe the feels you get when reading this story. Angelo is so patient with Trent, and even though Trent is clueless, Angelo proves his love time and time again. With loads of drama, some really deep subjects, nice naughty bits this gets 4 stars.
This book store my heart up. When the closest person to hurts him in an unimaginable way, his only thought is to leave everything he knew behind. When he finally comes to terms with what happened to him and finding a chance at love, only then does he feel that he can reconcile with those he left behind. This book takes you on a journey that you need to be emotionally prepared for. Ann did an amazing job with this book. I can’t wait to read what’s next.
This book , this book is why I read m/m I cant praise this book enough.
Beautiful and marvelous doesn’t even come near it …
I absolutely loved All he Needs book 1 in this series of My Truth.
That was Caden’s story— and that rocked me !
This story and journey is between Trent and Angelo .
This is such an emotional story you feel with your whole heart for Trent as he has to start his life again at age 16.
He is strong and exceptionally brave they way Ann has written about Trent’s life is magnificent .
Angelo is a photographer he meets Trent randomly they strike up a friendship ..
Their lives entwine their journey has trials but Angelo will always say “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always choose you.
The writing is beautiful and amazing this is such a wonderful book ..
When I read a book that means so much to me I have to leave the last few chapters so I read them in utter silence in a place just for me.
I did this with this book ..
Ann Grech you have out done yourself with this series .. I applaud you.
This book has warmth , intimacy, devotion and beautiful sexual scenes and such a wonderful ending …
I would give this book so much more than five stars ..
My heart broke for Keir in the beginning, the trauma he experienced was devastating to say the least. It was something that would never leave him and I wanted to do something violent to the perpetrator something fierce.
This author knows how to pull every emotion out of you and I mean literally, Every. Single. One. You find yourself feeling despair so deeply for a character, the next minute anger like you’ve never felt before then the next excitement and extreme delight with such happiness.
Angelo is an absolute angel so his name is perfect, he is such a beautiful character- inside and out, so caring and giving. Trent is a very complex character, I can’t help but wonder what he would have been like had he not suffered at an early age. Even with his moodiness and need to remake himself I liked him, I felt empathy for him but I could see so much more and felt he lost out for so long.
I totally love the hashtag for Ricky, Mason, Caden and Baby Grace, very clever. Although there is a huge, darker element in this story there is a fabulous amount of fun and this hashtag is one prime example of the great sense of humour sprinkled throughout the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing story and totally recommend it to everyone.