Safe in His Arms

Under Texas Stars #2

by Colleen Coble

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Under Texas Stars, #2

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Westerns

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was time for a nice bit of romance.
So book 2 in this historical fiction series.

Safe in His Arms Is based around Margaret O’Brien. Born and bread in Texas and living on the family ranch she puts her whole into keeping it going. She takes great pride in what she’s achieved.

No time for romance, gave up on that.......until.

Never say never to a bit of romance.

Very enjoyable read.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe in His Arms was such a great read! I loved the characters...especially Margaret as I felt like I could see some of myself in her. I felt like Daniel could have prevented some problems if he would have just been honest with Margaret sooner; but other than that, I liked his character as well.

The story was written very well and I felt like there was always danger just a page away. The ending was intense and I had a difficult time reading fast enough - I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

All in all, Safe in His Arms was definitely worth the read and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Safe In His Arms" is the second book in Colleen Coble's "Under Texas Stars" series, and it is charming continuation of the stories of the folks of Larson, Texas. In this story, readers get to know Margaret O'Brien, the best friend of Lucy Stanton from the previous book, "Blue Moon Promise."

I loved the character of Margaret. She is a strong, brave woman with opinions and ideas of her own, which was not alway well received back in the 1870s. She has a problem with her self-image - she doesn't feel she is attractive enough to find a husband. But when Daniel Cutler comes into her life, suddenly Margaret doesn't feel quite so plain after all. But can she trust a man who has so many secrets in his life?

I love how Colleen pulls her readers deep into the heart of the story and how she intertwines a lovely romance with a bit of mystery and adds in a message of faith and hope as well. This is a delightful book that fans of historical fiction and inspirational fiction will enjoy.

(I also got a kick out of Colleen's inclusion of one of the character's unseen girlfriend from Wichita Falls - my hometown!)

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

A kidnapping, an attempted murder, a murder, a reunion with a wayward brother, a bank robbery, a tornado, a sprained ankle, another kidnapping, and a marriage proposal all in one day? Seriously?

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical westerns are one of my favorite genres, but this one was a miss for me. I didn't connect with the characters or find the plot very engaging. I felt like the motives and personalities shifted in ways that were not part of a character arc but seemed incongruous. Margaret's father especially did not make much sense and he seemed more like a plot device. I missed the layers I usually enjoy discovering in the characters.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really have no feelings for this book whatsoever, it was one of the biggest "meh"s I read in a while
So this book will follow Margret who was supposed to marry Nate in the first book ( but he ended up with Lucy) so now she is convinced that marriage is not in her destiny and she is content in working in her fathers ranch like one of the men, but then Daniel arrives, he holds some deadly secrets and Margret discovers that he is a criminal .. what is the truth ?
I really couldn't care any less for this really problematic relationship and I just wanted the book to be over .. really disappointed because the cover and the book title is amazing

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Colleen Coble and might i say it wont be the last!!

I read this book cause it was a Buddy Read with my cousin and i really enjoyed it!!

The Christian aspect of it was perfect without and overkill of Western!! I can't wait to read more by this author in the future!!

Wish i could rate it 10 stars!!

[Abbigail B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man, what's better than reading a story about a feisty woman and a frustrating ranch foreman? I love the message of this story, and its definitely one that I've had to tackle myself. Believing that God made us all in His image and are beautiful, no matter what the world may say.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

b>My thoughts: Ranch life in the 1800s was not easy for man or woman, married or single. Opening the pages of Safe In the Arms we find Margaret O'Brien who is helping her father run the ranch. Margaret's mother died when Margaret was young and she has not had much female inflluence in her life. Her life has been that of the rough riding ranch hand - but she is the daughter of the owner of the ranch. She has worked hard to help her father keep the ranch going and building it to enviable status.


Now dad hires a new foreman, Daniel Cutler and Margaret sees him as an intrusive, soft, non-rancher who possibly has a criminal background. The story has twists and turns around future ownership of the ranch when Dad decides he is going to leave the ranch to a male cousin and settle money on Margaret when she marries. His goal is to see her settled in the role of wife and mother. Margaret is headstrong as well as body-strong and she is hurt, befuddled, and very ill at ease with the situation.

Then things really begin to happen and danger lurks.

Author Colleen Coble has written an interesting historical story of the peoples and life on a Texas ranch in the 1800s bringing her characters to life and capturing our interest. Yes, I figured that the romance would happen and predicted its outcome. I did not, however, see the outcome of the danger and intrigue portions. You'll find this an interesting read.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2013... Just enter via the Rafflecopter. This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins Jan. 28, 2013 - ENDS February 14 at 12:01 a.m. EST

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary advance reader copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely mine and I was under no obligation to render a positive review.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical Christian romantic adventure novel was the sequel to Blue Moon Promise, but, that being said, since I first read this book in 2013 not knowing that it was the second book in a series and followed the story without a problem, I know that this novel can also stand on its own. Anyway, I finally got around to reading the first book of the series earlier this June, and I decided to reread this book because I wanted to see if it was as good as I remembered. Now then, I did still enjoy the book in general, and I liked the characters as much as I did the first time I read it--it was nice to have some backstory about two prominent secondary characters also--but I had to take away a star from this book because the author simply stuffed far too much action into one day as the book came to an end. When I first read it, I was too overcome by the excitement of the suspense to recognize how unrealistic it was to have a tornado resulting in a sprained ankle that was followed by a kidnapping, followed by an escape involving an intense horse race and mountain climb, followed by a second kidnapping attempt all in one day, and of course, there was a marriage proposal tacked on at the end of all of that insane adventure as well. It was just too much for believability. Otherwise, it was a well written and highly entertaining novel.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colleen Coble's latest book, Safe In His Arms, is a historical set in Texas. Maggie O'Brien doesn't fit anyone's image of what a woman should be. Yet Daniel Cutler thinks she's beautiful, something she just can't accept --especially when she's convinced he's a bank thief. This historical romance and mystery winds around the deep truth that God loves us unconditionally, a truth that can transform our lives if we let it.

This book has Coble's trade-mark characterization and a setting that can't be removed from the book without removing a key element of the book. I found myself sucked into the pages -- in a good way!

[Haley S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow! It seems like it has been a long time away from my blog but it has only been a few days. Maybe the reason that it has seemed like a long time is because I have been non-stop working throughout the entire weekend. I have been clearing land (yes, I even chopped down a tree) for my family’s new house as well as working at my summer job. So, it has been quite hectic!
Anyway, back to Safe in His Arms.
I had high hopes for this book. I really wanted it to be good. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it that much. I just did not like Margaret or Daniel at all. The whole story was just confusing, with too many things/characters going on at once.
I am not at all trying to bash Colleen Coble. I will definitely try another book by her. I simply may have to try a different series.
The main reason I did not like the book was Margaret. She seemed like a child. One minute she was nice to Daniel and then the next she was spitting fire at him. I was quite confused as to whether she liked Daniel or not, even at the end.
The plot was also unclear. Daniel’s story was a secret for way too long. I pretty much just got tired of it and simply wanted to finish the book.
The cover was pretty. That is the main reason that this book intrigued me. I went to the library and looked through her books. I chose this book because I liked the cover the best…from what I saw. I am going to give it 4 stars.
As for the book, I am going to give it 2 stars. I did not enjoy it, and unfortunately am not going to recommend this novel. I would say to first time readers, like myself, to start with a different book. But, to all Colleen Coble fans who are reading this review, never fear! I will find another book and give her a second chance. Any recommendations?

Title: Safe in His Arms
Author: Colleen Coble
Author’s Website: http://colleencoble.com/

Reading Resolution: #14 (Denise Hunter is always recommending Colleen Coble’s books so I decided to try one!)

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. I had been intrigued by Margaret O'Brien's character in the first book in this series, and knowing I can rarely go wrong with a book by Colleen Coble, I quickly picked this book up and I liked it quite a bit.

What I Liked: The suspense. Ah! The suspense! This author kept me guessing about Daniel Cutler until 3/4 of the way through the book. I kept thinking to myself: "How is Colleen going to work this plot out?" But yet, she did! There were no loose strings at the end of this book whatsoever.

I liked that the book continued on a few chapters after the mystery with Daniel was uncovered. It was neat to see Margaret and Daniel working together on the same common ground.

I also really liked the message of this book. Margaret was always so concerned about her outward appearance and just what other people in general thought of her. She was scared about her future. I really resonated with her and was cheering her on as she was learning that with God, you were always safe in His arms. :)

What I Didn't Like: The romance. Um...I felt that the romance was slightly heavier in this book than the previous one and the romance in the last book was between a married couple! There seemed to be ton of places where Daniel and Margaret's attraction to each other made me a bit uncomfortable. One or the other (or both, at times) seemed to be thinking often of kissing the other and such stuff like that. It made me a wee bit uncomfortable. :) But, of course, that's just me.

I give this book 3/5 stars for a very sweet story.

[Lydia Chaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had my heart pounding and my legs shaking on the side of the bed. What a thriller and suspense. Colleen leaves you on the edge so much you never know how it’s gonna turn out, but the ending never disappoints.

[Heather Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Western historical fiction, there's no doubt about it. I love romances with cowboys -- always have! Even though I've not read the first book in Coble's Under Texas Stars series, as with many Christian fiction series, this book works well as a stand-alone read -- more so than many other series I've read, in fact. Coble's writing is engaging and easy to read, and in addition to the love story, there is a bit of mystery to this novel, as well.

I will admit this is one of those rare instances that I wish I still gave ratings in half-star increments. I probably would actually give this 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars -- 3 stars seemed too low since I did enjoy most of the story. I liked the feeling of satisfaction and contentment that I by the time I finished the book, but the romance was perhaps just a teeny bit too formulaic -- the handsome cowboy falls in love with a plain Jane who just can't understand why he would. I don't mind that storyline, but it is often hard to make it feel fresh with so many stories out there along those lines. And then you've got the action-packed last third of the book... Multiple incredible events occur so rapidly in such a short span of time, it is really just a bit too unbelievable -- exciting, but perhaps a little ridiculous, as well.

With all Christian fiction, my basic requirement is that I don't want to be preached to. I suppose you could say, well, after all it is Christian fiction so what do you expect?  Nevertheless, it is possible to write an inspiring story without preaching. Thankfully, it seems fewer authors choose to preach and instead focus more on actual story-telling, but with definite Christian overtones and themes. Coble falls into the non-preachy category, so on that basis alone it was likely I would enjoy this book!





Read this book if you like...

- Christian fiction that isn't too preachy
- Historical fiction set in the early Western frontier
- Books by Tamera Alexander, Kelly Eileen Hake, Janette Oke (and other authors whose books tend towards Western inspirational fiction)


*Originally posted at Melissa's Bookshelf.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret has been working the ranch with her father for years and figures she will never marry because she is not pretty and loves the ranch more then the kitchen. What she did not expect was for her farther to hire a foreman for the ranch when Margaret thinks she has everything under control. She was even more surprised to find her father bring in her cousin to run the ranch and telling Margaret its time she found a husband and start acting like a proper lady. The only person who seems to see how special she is seems to be the new foreman which makes Margaret even more confused because she thinks he is trouble and only out to rob her town.

Daniel only plans to work on the ranch for a little while. He has a mission to help his brother and working on the ranch is only a means to reach that goal. What he did not expect was to start to care for his new boss who is unlike any other woman he has ever known. He soon finds himself having to make choices he was not planning on. Can he keep those he cares for safe and maybe find love and a new beginning too?

This was a enjoyable book. A western with romance and some suspense.

What I liked: Both Margaret and Daniel where likeable. I felt bad for Margaret because she very much wanted to be loved and liked for who she was but thought that no one would ever love her for herself. Daniel wants to save his brother and is risking everything to do it. I liked how he saw Margaret and slowly helped her to see she had worth. I also enjoyed the suspense and thought the author did a great job of ending the book.

What I did not like: Over all not much but the one thing that bothered me some was how long it took Daniel to explain to Margaret what he was really doing. I get the need for suspense but it felt like it went on just a little to long and I kind of pieced it together by the time he finally explained. Not a huge deal over all.

I enjoyed the book. It was nice to see how the characters from the first book where doing and I liked how they fit into this book. I am curious to see where the 3rd book takes us and who it will be about. A very enjoyable serious so far. You can easily read this book as a stand alone as well.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2013/0...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: SAFE IN HIS ARMS
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1-5955-4914-3
Genre: Historical romance

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

SAFE IN HIS ARMS is the second book in Ms. Coble’s Under Texas Stars series. It easily stands alone, but readers will want to read Blue Moon Promise to meet some of the other characters, such as Margaret’s best friend.

I enjoyed this story a lot. Historicals usually bore me but Daniel intrigued me and I fell in love with him. I had to keep reading to know his story. I felt kind of sorry for Margaret, feeling so down on herself and unwanted. She broke my heart. I wanted them to find happiness. If you like historicals you can’t miss SAFE IN HIS ARMS. Fantastic read. And I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Margaret. $15.99. 320 pages.

[Lindsey Silvestrini · Rating 4 out of 5]

What woman hasn’t struggled with insecurity in their life? I know I have and still do! Safe in His Arms is a wonderful story about a girl named Margaret who experiences extreme insecurities because of her looks and because she is different from all the other women she knows. I could so relate to Margaret and her inner demons that she battled. The things that she thought defined her in a negative way were seen as positives by others.

In Safe in His Arms from the Under Texas Stars series, Colleen Coble beautifully tells the story of Margaret and she makes this character become so real to you by the depth of emotions she gives her. I think any time that you can make people connect to a character on a personal level, you are going to have people adore your characters and you as an author!

Safe in His Arms was such an extraordinary book on so many levels. Not only did it have deep emotion but there was also a complicated love story, a bit of a mystery and even murder and suspense. It’s rare to find all of these things blended together so flawlessly in one book.

I like a good love story but I need more than just the typical “fluff” that you find in them. Coble managed to strengthen her love story by the fact that it was not a stand alone theme. Her characters had more to them than met the eye and I love a story that I can’t predict the ending to!

I fell in love with Coble’s writing when I reviewed Tidewater Inn and she has another winner with Safe in His Arms. I am so looking forward to what she comes up with next in this amazing series!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Coble is one my favorite authors because she always keeps you on your toes and writes such amazing stories about people that you would love to meet and can truly identify with. Safe in His Arms was such a wonderful story about trust, forgiveness and acceptance. I so identified with Margaret and feeling like no one really saw her for who she was and having a difficult time accepting that God created her the way she was for a reason. She spent so much time comparing herself to others, that she missed the great gifts that God had blessed her with and also realizing that others did love her and see her for who she really was. She never felt worthy of love and always assumed that no one would see her for her true self. When Daniel walked into her life, he turned her world upside down. Daniel was not at all what he seemed and yet he was every bit the man he showed in the little things he did for Margaret. He looked into her heart and saw the vulnerable woman desperate for love and longed for her to see herself the way that he did but more importantly, the way that God saw her. I don't want to give too much away because I really and truly loved this story and think everyone should read it. It is a story of 2 people who have real struggles. They also face many trials and in the end they must decide to take a leap of faith and trust God. Please read this story! I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things never seem to change. Probably from the very beginning women have compared themselves to other women and found themselves lacking. Such is the case with Margaret O’Brian. She has been raised by her father on their rough and tumble ranch so she tends to shun most feminine ways.


One day Margaret’s father Paddy decides it is time that she act more like a woman and find a suitable mate so he can have grandchildren. Without letting Margaret know, Paddy brings in his nephew to inherit the ranch and Daniel Cutler to be the new foreman.


From the beginning Daniel makes it known that he finds Margaret very attractive. But there is something mysterious and possibly even sinister about Daniel. Who is he really and what are his true intentions. The twists and turns that this story takes make for a thrilling tale of discovery. It reminds me of Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever is true, whatsoever is honorable…think on these things.”


This second installment in the Under Texas Stars series is every bit as good as the first. If you read Blue Moon Promise you will enjoy catching up with Nate and Lucy. If you haven’t read the first book you will easily enjoy Safe in His Arms as a stand-alone story.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love under a Texas sky.


Margaret struggles to trust others, and God. But when her father makes a shocking revelation that he intends to leave the family ranch to her cousin instead of her, Margaret doesn't know how to change her father's mind. A new ranchhand comes to town, but he just may be hiding more than any of them see...


A nice sequel to Ms. Coble's Blue Moon Promise, with old and new characters alike, in this stand alone novel. While there are some connections to the previous book, Ms. Coble explains much of what happened in Blue Moon Promise, so that new readers won't get lost in this delightful western.


Margaret was a strong and vulnerable heroine, who was very endearing. Though to be honest I wasn't exactly a huge Daniel fan, especially in the beginning because of how terribly forward he was with Margaret.


Overall, a nice western read with twists and turns that keep you wondering throughout. With old and new friends within the pages, Safe in His Arms is an engaging and quick read. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series!


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one as much as the first book in this series. We again meet up with Lucy and Nate Stanton, which I so enjoyed catching up with them and what is going on in their lives.
Margaret thought that she and Nate were going to marry, and has just resigned herself that she will run the ranch for Dad. She has been doing it for several years now, anyway. When he brings a new foreman, Daniel Cutter, into the picture, her nose is completely out of joint.
There is a growing attachment between the two, but Margaret overhears that he is a bank robber. Oh no!! He acts like a Godly man, but? When he finds out that Paddy O'Brien is going to leave the ranch to Margaret's cousin. Daniel tells him that it isn't fair!
As usual in Colleen Coble's books there is a lot of action, the hero or heroine end up with a lot of injuries. There are a lot of trials, and situations, and their is a great reliance on God.
I recommend this as a great Christian Western Romance Adventure, don't miss this one, you won't put it down once you start!

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe in His Arms is the second book in the Under Texas Stars series. This story follows Margaret O'Brien, only daughter of a successful rancher. Margaret has some pretty serious insecurities that hinder her relationships with others. She never feels that she measures up and views herself as unattractive. Enter Daniel Cutler, who has just been hired on as the new foreman to the ranch. He has some big secrets to hide. A natural attraction develops between the two. Daniel seems to love God and appears to truly believe Margaret is beautiful and the woman for him. But will this attraction be able to survive Margaret's insecurities and Daniel's secret? What is true and who is trustworthy? Colleen Coble does a good job at setting up a good, old-fashioned Western mystery novel. Only at the end of the novel is all truly resolved and are things made clear. I received a fee copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Keelin (Adventures in Lit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this half of this book in an audiobook for a trip, but I finished it with an ebook.
I LOVED this book! I’ve always enjoyed the books I’ve read by Colleen Coble and the first book in this series was also very well written (loved seeing the crossover of characters from it too in this one).
The spiritual messages in this book are so good! Unconditional love is something we only get from Our Heavenly Father, and it’s neat to see the parallel made in this story and how Margaret had to accept it to truly be herself.
Would recommend this series!!☺️

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book to listen to while doing household chores. It has romance, mystery, some evil bad guys and a good religious message all in one. I liked the first book in this series better, but this one was still good. The only thing that annoyed me was Margaret's constant self doubt. After a while, it became somewhat annoying. All in all though, I really like this author and liked this book. It was an easy read to listen to.

[Cat B The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book because Colleen Coble made the main character tall and from Texas, just like me! LOL. So I related to this character a lot! Other than that I loved that it was full of suspense and also made me laugh a lot! I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I was always saying yep, I could see me doing that. It was an excellent read and I didn't want to put it down!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read in a long time where the message of the story affected me as something I really needed to take to heart. I've really enjoyed this author, and loved this story. Very simple, sweet, and satisfying.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was stilted and a bit flat. I also couldn't get over how the male lead's following around and touching of the female lead after she told him not to was made to seem permissible and desirable. This reinforces the lack of boundaries in the broader culture.