From USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn comes the first book in the Timeless Love Series.Once Upon A Time… Cecilia Marks was bullied. Bullied her entire life because of an accident she had no control over, Cecilia began college hoping for a fresh start. To her dismay, she’s been faced with the same bullies only with crueler taunts and words that can slice deeper than the sharpest of knives. A … crueler taunts and words that can slice deeper than the sharpest of knives. A short run-in with a stunning man had her world turning upside down in ways she never expected.
Landon Powers was possessed.
Walking back into college ten years after he left, Landon hadn’t expected to fall for the gorgeous brunette he ran into. But there she was, soft-spoken, unassuming, and the strongest woman he’d ever met. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. Including making it known, she wasn’t to be bullied.
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This story was absolutely freaking amazing! It touched something within me that resonated and I truly felt connected to this story so much. I was also bullied when I was younger, of course, not to the extent that Cecilia was but I know how you can feel. I felt her sorrow because I also felt it. I felt her pain and desolation because I also felt those emotions too.
In my eyes and I think that in many eyes when they read this story, Cecilia is such a strong character and I hated how she was treated and the reasons those people did it was so stupid, it frustrated me to no end! People could be so mean and heartless and only care for the superficial appearances, luckily Landon saw Cecilia for who she was, her inner pure light and genuine heart and to him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world, scars and all. I LOVED THAT <3
There are some obstacles that both need to overcome, especially Cecilia, in order to reach their happy ending but they do conquer these demons, both inner and outer, and get their beautiful, sexy as hell and awesome happily ever after <3 🙂
I've got to give a shout out to the amazing author, K.L. Donn because she did such an incredible job with Bullied, which was the original to "Once Upon A Time", but I will admit I loved this new version of Bullied so much more. I felt every single emotion, both the good and the bad and only a great author can transmit that into their writing unto their readers and that's exactly what author, K.L. Donn did 🙂
Major respect in the way Bullying was treated here, because everything that happens in this story can happen to many and it did happen to me and it was like this, bullying for no reason can cause so much emotional damage and can affect our believe in our self-worth. This story truly touched me and I know that it will do so for many more.
Guys, if you're being bullied, speak to someone, don't let those bad emotions to fester because it can cause irreparable damage. Talk to someone you can trust, don't let those bullies win. I know it's hard sometimes to be vulnerable in that way, trust me, I went through that and it wasn't easy at all but as I started as a victim, at the end, I became the victor because those bullies that with their words, speared my soul at times, couldn't destroy me like they probably intended, instead I grew stronger internally, and learned how to read people so I could learn who to trust because sometimes the people you think you can trust, sometimes, I'm not saying that this happens all the time but talking from experience, they're the ones to break that trust. Learn to trust your gut, sharpen those instincts and turn a deaf ear to those who are bullies because in reality, they're the ones are insecure about themselves that they have to bully other people to feel better about themselves and how their lives are going. You're much better than them and never doubt that! 🙂
Once Upon A Time
Okay I teared up while reading this book, Cecilia has gone through a lifetime of pain. She never expected to fell in love, she just wanted to be left alone, Landon fell know love at first sight when Cecilia bumped into him, he made sure she knows who she belongs to and wouldn’t go, I love how crazy Landon is about Cecilia
Really enjoyed this story. Quick read that will leave you satisfied. Landon and Cecilia were a great couple. Great chemistry between them. I need to read more from this series.
It is always refreshing to find a hero who is fiercely loyal and protective of his loved ones. Landon Powers is that hero. That fact that he was essentially a human shield for Cecilia Marks. Cecilia is a tortured soul who has been abused and bullied by almost everyone she has come into contact with.
Landon and Cecila’s meeting was fated and fortuitous. What results is a saving grace for them both. Their story is literally a whirlwind and takes place in the blink of an eye . It is fast-paced and filled with drama and angst. Their union is unlikely but the love they have for each other conquers all. K.L. Donn has written a dark and sexy contemporary fairytale.
This one is a strange one but good. Sorry that sounds conflicting. I’m not normally a fan of insta-love tales and this one was SUPER-INSTA-LOVE BUT it worked for this one as I did actually enjoy it and had it devoured in about 40mins.
I do feel like this one was slightly rushed, it would have been amazing as a full length novel. There was so many tangent that this story could have taken to turn it into a full novel.
Cecilia, I really liked her and my heart broke for all the pain she had been put through and was still being put through. I think this is where I had a slight issue with the insta-love as I do think with everything she had been put through she would be more guarded, more suspicious. She literally just accepted Logan with no questions.
Logan I did like the way he knew what he wanted and went for it. Most women would probably feel overwhelmed if someone is declaring their love within the first few seconds but again i still enjoyed it even though I was thinking WTF.
Despite me thinking the insta-love was too insta and my preference for this being a full length story I did really enjoy it and would like to see what else this author has brought us.
This book was so so good. Cecilia has been bullied practically her whole life and just when she thinks she’s gotten away from it all, it follows her to college. Then she meets Landon and sparks fly between the two of them. Landon falls for her hard and fast and I absolutely adored how protective he was of Cecilia. I loved everything about this book and definitely recommend you read it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
Loved this book. My first dip into a bully romance and I loved it.
WOW! This story totally pulled at your heartstrings!
Cecilia has had rough life, always being the centre of others brutality.
Landon is a man who sees what Cecilia thinks are flaws as something beautiful.
They have a whirlwind romance where Landon has to keep reassuring Cecilia that she is perfect just the way she is.
Outside forces do not want them together. Even people close to the couple, wish for their demise. However, we do get some people who stick up for them, and show them that their love can withstand anything.
This book touches on a very sensitive subject matter that is is circling around the world right now. It all came together full circle and I very much enjoyed the read.
Looking forward to more!
Loved the story line and the characters were realistic. Liked that the pace of the book was fast. Enjoyed every minute reading it. Love stories about bullies and how the were not the winners in the end.
What a touching book from KL, this one hits close to home. Bullying is one of the topics that I feel so strongly about and I love the way that KL has addressed it. Cecilia has dealt with so much loss and pain in her life the last thing that she should have to deal with is bullying just because of her looks. But with just one look Landon sees that she is the most Gorgeous creature he’s ever set eyes on. He knows that whatever it takes he will have her, that she was made just for him. With a chemistry like they have you can’t help but to swoon and wait for the HEA epilogue. Loved this one, KL delivers a Great read as usual.
This book touched on the serious issue of bullying.
Cecelia Marks suffered a trauma in her childhood and was basically bullied for it her entire life.
Landon Powers..wealthy hot and a veteran falls in love with her. The trouble is , Landons sister is Cecelia’s main bully.
This book is their journey of struggle and love. Landon sees to the heart of Cecelia even though she has been tortured and bullied by her physical appearance. Landon teaches Cecelia the power of love and that a beautiful heart is the greatest beauty of all.
Although this was a rewrite and I usually don’t read those, KL really did flesh out and improve on the story. It was super sweet and you get your Alpha Hero and HEA with some smexy times in between. KL became a one click auth for me when she hooked me with her first book and does not disappoint.
Cecilia Marks tries to hide in the shadows of the world after being picked on most of her life due to an accident that she had no control over. Landon Powers is hit with an overwhelming need to protect her from the moment she accidentally runs into him in a hallway. He will do anything in his power to have her, bit how do you overcome years of fear and the fact that his sister is her biggest tormentor. I loved this book by K.L. Donn!!
This was a beautiful emotional heart wrenching read about Cecilia and Landon. Their love was unconditional and true. I couldn’t stop reading until I finished this sexy amazing wonderful story. Some parts of this story were very hard to read but this does happen in real life and the feelings that this awesome author was able to invoke was truly phenomenal. Loved this beautiful love story and I can’t wait to read more by KL Donn.
This book will suck you in from the very beginning. Cecelia has spent her whole life being bullied and it will hurt your heart. The feels for this girl will rip you apart so make sure youve got tissues. Hoping to escape into college life far away from the bullies doesn’t work out so well until she meets Landon. He helps to protect and heal her from all the pain that’s been inflicted. This book may overwhelm you at first but it is written in such a beautiful way that it’s well worth it. This book will haunt you but help you to believe in the magic of love
Being bullied is never something that is easy to get over. It damages you inside and out. That damage isn’t always seen but even years down the road, the damage is still there no matter how much changes or doesn’t.
K.L. Donn proves she is an amazing writer of emotions once again with Once Upon A Time. Landon is the typical alpha male who hates when his girl is unhappy or hurt. Cecilia is the bullied girl who can’t see what is right in front of her as genuine and not something that has a hidden agenda. The characters are strong and K.L. Donn does a stand up job in showing how bad the inner turmoil can be for a bully victim.
I honestly don’t know how K.L. Donn could have done better with this story. It hit the mark in so many ways than I expected. My emotions got a workout with this one!
This book shattered my and then put it back together again. Bullying is such a serious and heart wrenching topic to read or talk about but the brilliant and and talented KL Donn done such a fantastic job. My heart goes out to Cecilia Marks all she wants is to belong and everyone else wants to tear her down. Landon Powers and man that knows what he wants and goes after it. That someone being Cecilia he makes her his everything. And when everything gets worse he stays by her side and becomes her rock even when she wants to run away.
Cecilia and Landon, this story can dress so many sizes, situations, faces and locations, anyone can be Cecilia, anyone can be Landon.
I think the magic power of KL is to transform everything in a real life story, to give a dimension whoever reads it can find something of its own life, reading her stories is a journey, all her stories together is your journey…..
This one is a wonderfully book to read it is a fast paced and short read. It is about a young lady being bullied for her loooks when noone know the reasons behind her looks or what had happened to her. I read this book when it first came out with a different name and cover it was great then. It has had some rewrites and extra added to the new version that just gives it the extra goodness per say. Check out this story by Kl Donn.
I read this book the first time it was published and I have to say I like it just as much today as I did then. It might, however, be a bit more relevant today. Bullying is such a relevant topic right now and this book kind puts you in the shoes of someone being bullied. Cecelia is a shy, lonely girl who gets bullied, even when she goes to college, because of the way she looks. Nobody really knows why she is being bullied, just that she is the perfect target for them.
In comes Landon, a guy who takes one look at her and knows she is it for him.
This book is less about a building romance and more about the emotional toll and struggle someone who is bullied goes through. The biggest obstacle in this book between Cecelia and Landon’s HEA is Cecelia.
This book is so worth the ready!
Bullied her entire life because of an accident she had no control over, Cecilia began college hoping for a fresh start. To her dismay, she’s been faced with the same bullies only with crueler taunts and words that can slice deeper than the sharpest of knives. Landon hadn’t expected to fall for Cecilia when he walked back into his old college. But there she was, soft-spoken, unassuming, and the strongest woman he’d ever met. He knew she was going to be his, so he let it be known that wasn’t to be bullied.
I always admire KL Donn for delving into topics that are otherwise shunned in today’s world. Here, she tackles bullying, a topic that, truth be told, has gotten out of hand with the onset of social media and the political storms happening all over the world. Sad to say that, even today, bullying is still a subject that is not taken seriously, and when a victim succumbs to it, there are still those who will blame the victim—he/she was too weak, there’s something physically or mentally wrong, every reason to believe that the victim did not have the backbone to fight for themselves will rear it’s ugly head. There then goes the cycle of feeling unwanted and unloved, of depression, or worse, learning and believing that, to save one’s self, one must become the bully.
I am glad that KL Donn portrayed Cecilia’s character as being strong enough to rise above it all. Yes, she had Landon to fight for her, even though in the real world, heroes such as him are few and far between. But the message is clear, though: if you are bullied, fight for your right to live as you should. Stand your ground, you have the right to live as everyone else does, and only you can dictate how and what you want your life to be. Because YOU matter.
Dear reader, if there ever was a time you felt bullied, or if you are being bullied now…find strength that, with or without someone like Landon by your side, you can and should fight for what is right. It does not matter if, like Cecilia, you feel unsure and doubt yourself at first. You only have to believe that you can, and reach out. I did. I clawed my way out, and am stronger for it.
Thank you, KL Donn, for this book.