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Donnelley Brothers #2

A Safe Surrender

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A tale of love after betrayal, A SAFE SURRENDER follows one young woman as she finds love and heals the scars carved into her soul.

At twenty-two, Kamilla Reyes has survived the tragic loss of her mother, the foster system, physical and mental abuse—and Rhett. Once her savior, Rhett had become her prisoner. She knew Rhett inside out: his quirks, anger, impatience, and even the sting of his quick fist. There was no pain Kami thought she could not shoulder until, finally, Rhett crossed a line that couldn’t be uncrossed.

Desperate for an escape, when a friend shows her an advert for a position at the Donnelley Ranch, Kami packs her bags and disappears. She wasn’t looking for romance, or even friendship. All she wanted was a safe place where she could lay her head each night, a home to call her own, and a steady wage.

She found a whole lot more in Kyle Donnelley, one of four sons who work the Ranch alongside his parents. Before long, Kamilla is working alongside Kyle in the rock-climbing facility, falling ever so swiftly into friendship, she doesn’t realize until it’s too late that she’s also fallen in love.

But can Kami find the strength to surrender herself to a good man after having lived the pain of standing beside a man with demons?

250 pages, ebook

First published November 25, 2014

11 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Alannah Carbonneau

68 books374 followers
Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Alannah Carbonneau is only a short drive away from the Rocky Mountains that have a staring place in so many of her novels. With seventeen novels and counting currently available on Amazon, Alannah is not only a full-time author, but a full-time mom of two beautiful boys, and wife to an amazing man who always has her back. She lives in a rambling ranch house that needs way too many renos and has one too many cats, but she is happy and in love.

With a solid circle of friends and family, and a very manly, supportive husband who does his best to make sure his family is taken care of, Alannah’s novels feature manly men (sometimes they can be a LOT manly) and friend/family relationships weaved into the stories, because life is about a whole mess of people, and although this is fiction, the best fiction is sprinkled with sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) bits of reality.

Because she loves romance, Alannah writes Contemporary and New Adult Romance. Soon to be released is the Creekwood Valley Series that has ties to the reader beloved Donnelley Brother Series, where light suspense and romance weave to create titillating stories that not only steal your heart but keep you on the edge of your seat. She is the author of the highly rated Teach Me Series, an emotional read about love, life and lessons learned. Our Dark Design is a standalone erotic romance peppered with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and The Choice is an entirely unconventional standalone romance about three.

She is currently working on a Cross World Fantasy Romance Series for Adults she can’t wait to share with you, because this will feature hot men who are a little bit dominant and a lot protective who are head over heels in love with stubborn, magnificent women.

When Alannah isn’t writing or spending time with her three men, she can be found in her garden, or with a paint brush in hand. But no matter where she is or what she’s doing, you can bet that she’s thinking of a love story she can share with you.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Raunchyrudereadersblog.
191 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2015
This was such a heartbreaking book for me.
Growing up in a domestic violence home, you learn to be quiet, so's not to wake the monster. Fearing every second, don't say the wrong thing, dont play too loud.
It's easy to say "I wont ever get into a relationship like that."
"I would leave him/her."
Sometimes we blame ourselves, but when you fall in love you're handing your heart over to another for them to treasure it, never expecting them to shatter it into a thousand pieces.
And sometimes you want to forgive them, maybe they were drunk they weren't thinking when they hit you, attacked you. I mean they look sorry the next day, so obviously they never ment to hurt you, cause i mean if they apologize they couldn't have ment it right?.

Well this book for me tapped into all this and more.

Kami is a young, beautiful, broken women, dealing with the loss of her mother at 15. Being put into the Foster system and meeting Rhett, a guy who showed her what love is or so she thought.

A relationship that was built on control, vulnerability and manipulation.

Everything changed and not for the better. Rhett became someone Kami didn't like or know.

"I'm sorry,Kami." His words sounded pained."I was drunk."

I felt his nose in my hair as he inhaled. "You know I love you, baby. I just lost control." He rubbed his hand over my arm. "It'll never happen again."

The violence both mentally and physically took there toll on Kami and finally one day she decided 'enough was enough.'

It takes alot of courage to do what kami did and leave the only life she's ever known, especially when the guy has broken your spirit and self worth.

After help from her best friend Ember, kami hears about job vacancies at The Donnelly's Wild Land Tours.
She looks up on Facebook what the job entails and phones the company to apply and after speaking with Grace, she secures herself a job interview for the next morning.


This is the fresh start Kami is looking for, somewhere she can reinvent herself.
Kami needs a fresh start, and i believe she gets that, and more.

Not only does the Donnelly Ranch offer her the peace and sanctuary she requires, it offers her friendships and a family she's never had.

I love that there's an instant connection between Kami, and Kyle ( the quietest of the Donnelly brothers).
He knows there's something not quite right in Kami's life and makes it his mission to help be what she needs, a friend, a lover, a protector.
This Donnelly brother is so swoon worthy, he will have you melting in your seat.

I dont want to spoil it for you, so I'm going to stop in a minute, i could seriously go on and on and on about this book.

This book will melt your heart. Yes it's heartbreaking and a taboo subject for some people, but seriously don't let the subject of this book put you off.
Yes it may be about domestic violence but it's also about opening your heart to new experiences, having the ability to be strong and realizing your self worth, and learning to trust again. It's about friendships, family and Love.

This is the second book in the series and i can honestly recommend both, im so looking forward to the next one, i wish it was ready now.

It's not only the storyline you'll fall in love with, it's the Donnelly brothers too. ;-) Damn they're hot and my list of BBF'S is ever growing.

Alannah has seriously knocked it out of the park with this one.
I wish i could rate it more than 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★.

I'm honoured again that i got to Arc read the next installment of the series.

#DonnellyBrothersAreHot #GracieAndHerCupidBow #LoveInTheWilderness #ASafeSurrender #MountainClimberBySummerCowboyByWinter.
Profile Image for Kimmy.
374 reviews64 followers
November 16, 2014
I was given A Safe Surrender for an honest review, with that being said : Holy amazing writing and another Home run Alannah!!

When I started this book I wasn't sure if I would be able to read the the entire book due to the subject matter. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well written the scenes were. They weren't over the top or overly graphic, the subject matter couldn't have been written any better. Oh and yes you will be needing tissues again!

A Safe Surrender was an amazing emotional roller coaster that I just didn't want to end. Once I started this book I just couldn't put it down.

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Kami has been with Rhett since she was 15 years old and living in foster care. Slowly things with Rhett have been going from good to bad to worst. After a night of Rhett taking things from bad to worst Kami realizes that needs to leave. With the help of her friend Ember she decides to apply for a job at the Donnelley Ranch.

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Kyle Donnelley is known as the quiet Donnelley brother who teaches mountain and rock climbing. Pickup A Safe Surrender to find out what happens when Gracie pairs Kami with Kyle oh and of course do get to see Reese, Logan, Collin and Luke again.

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Profile Image for Imy Santiago.
Author 11 books354 followers
November 26, 2014
"I don't know the kind of men you know, Kami, but I'm not the kind of man who makes a promise I can't keep. I told you it'll work out and it will." -Kyle Donnelley in A Safe Surrender by Alannah Carbonneau

This is the second novel in the Donnelley Brothers Series and it surely didn't disappoint. After reading Counting Stars, I eagerly awaited its sequel A Safe Surrender. With trembling fingers I turned the first page and what I read took my head for a spin and then some. This novel gripped me from the moment I laid my eyes on its powerful, riveting prologue. Never in my wildest dreams I thought the direction the author would go where it went. Forgive my vagueness but I'm afraid if I say anything further, I would give the plot away.

In Counting Stars we met the eldest of the Donnelley Brothers, Logan and I thought his love story would be hard to top. Wrong. Wrong. WRONG! Kyle Donnelley just took my breath away and then some. Like Logan, Kyle keeps to himself and isn't much of a talker or a people person. That is until he meets Kamilla.

Kamilla endured a series of heartbreaking moments in her life prior to meeting Kyle. Running away from a horrid past, she finds herself taking a job at the Donnelley Family Ranch. With a car packed full of her belongings, she finds herself in a different place surrounded by people with the biggest hearts. The way Kami and Kyle meet is the quirkiest and random of ways and the way the author put them together made me smile the biggest grin. There is humor and uncertainty laced together- a formula so well put together, that I as an author dream to achieve. Well done, Ms. Carbonneau.

"I trust you immeasurably." -Kyle Donnelley

Kami brings in a side in Kyle that shocks him yet he does not fight it. He is a patient man, understanding, caring and dare I say the best friend a girl could ever have. Kami on the other hand feels her attraction towards him and fights it tooth and nail given her past. But like all things in life, they can be ignored for a while but it is ultimately up to fate to change things in its due time. I love that each character knew what they wanted and took their time getting to that place where they could find mutual understanding and ultimately, love.

I loved the pace of the story and the author evoked so many feelings within me. I understood Kami's pain and felt Kyle's frustration as he patiently waited for the love of his life to come to terms with her feelings in regards to him. The seduction was beautiful and more than once I found myself squirming in my seat. Oh Kyle! *faints* I got goosebumps reading and their love is more than swoon-worthy.

"I never want you to feel, for even a moment, however fleeting, that you are not loved by me. Kamilla, you are my world." -Kyle Donnelley

A Safe Surrender is a five star read in my book. You definitely need to read this series, but please, start with Counting Stars. Yes, you can read A Safe Surrender but there might be elements you would be missing if you didn't read Counting Stars first. Bravo, Ms. Carbonneau. I eagerly await book three of this series. Is it December 16th yet?!

Brava.
Profile Image for KFForever.
1,053 reviews32 followers
November 24, 2014
Reviewed by Dawn Vickers on behalf of Kindle Friends Forever.

This novel can be read as a standalone; however, the characters from book one do make appearances throughout.

Kami suffered a tragedy at a young age and ended up in foster care. When she was fifteen, she met Rhett. He was all she ever knew, all she ever had, but his impatience and quick temper was constantly dumped on her. Not only was she on the receiving end of his ire, but on numerous occasions had to live under stress. The last straw broke when he did something she couldn't live with or accept, so she planned her escape. With the help of her friend Ember, she gets a job at the Donnelley Ranch. On arriving, she meets Gracie, her son Logan and his wife Reece. Ignoring their advice on bad weather setting in, she drives to town for supplies only to crash on the way back to the ranch. A man comes to her rescue who turns out to be Kyle Donnelley. Kami feels at ease and safe with Kyle. There’s an instant attraction on his part, and he feels a strong desire to protect Kami.

This drop-dead gorgeous man’s character is of a quiet nature. In fact, he’s bearing a burden, too. And as neither of them are forthcoming with their past experiences, their friendship which is growing into something more amorous, could be destroyed. Kyle is everything that Rhett wasn’t. Caring and watching over her, the flame of his desire and attraction is described beautifully in this book. Kyle wants it all with her; Kami is scared and feels she’s damaged goods and only bring him pain. Can Kyle convince her they were meant to be together? Or will Kami forever be running from her past; afraid to face her future? What happens when she discovers what he’s been keeping from her? There are certainly a lot of questions to be answered in this unputdownable read.

Alannah has done it again! The first book in this series was brilliantly written, but she’s surpassed herself with this one. Impeccably written with such emotion and depth of feeling will have you shedding tears. Some of them happy ones though. She has a way with words that make you want to be part of these characters lives. Alannah has tackled a hard subject with the utmost sensitivity and you feel so much for Kami as she tries to make herself a new life and overcomes her fears and mistrusts from the past. I am really looking forward to the next Donnelley Brother story!

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Profile Image for Deanna.
163 reviews24 followers
November 25, 2014

5+ Stars!
I am in LOVE with the Donnelley Brothers!! After reading this and Counting Stars, I feel like I need to spend some time at the Donnelley Ranch.

Kami, at twenty-two years old, has been through a lot in her young life. At a young age, she lost her mother and ended up in the foster care system. During this time, she meets Rhett. She sees him as her savior from foster care. He turns out be far from that though and after seven years with him, Kami decides she needs to leave. Only she has no idea how to safely go about it. One day, while talking with her friend, Ember, Ember suggests to Kami to apply for a position she came across in an ad. The position happens to be at a ranch that Ember spends some time at every summer. Kami decides this is her chance to get away and make a frest start so she makes the call. She then finds herself on her way the the Donnelley Ranch where she meets and gets to know Kyle Donnelley.

Kyle and Kami have an immediate connection. It’s almost like he knows she’s been through something and he becomes overwhelmed with this need to be her friend. To be there for her. To protect her. Simply put, Kyle is an amazing man, but is he enough to help Kami move on from her past and accept a future with someone? With him maybe?

Kami is not really ready to jump into another relationship, but she enjoys the way Kyle makes her feel. She’s never had that before and at times it seems like it’s almost too much for her. Kyle lets her know on a daily basis how he really feels about her, but she’s holding back. Will she let Kyle in and give their relationship a chance? You definitely need to read this!

Alannah has definitely solidified herself as one of my autobuy authors. This is the fifth book of hers that I have read and I can never put them down once I start! This book was at times heartbreaking, but I was also uplifting. One thing I love about Alannah’s books is that she makes it easy to relate to the characters. To put yourself in there shoes and really experience every emotion they are right along with them. After reading, this book and Counting Stars (Book 1), I find myself wishing I was a part of the Donnelley family. The mom, Gracie, is just awesome and you can try your hardest not to fall for Logan or Kyle, but it won’t work. :) I’m really looking forward to reading about Collin and Luke. This series is a really refreshing and I’m highly recommend this and book 1, Counting Stars.
Profile Image for Emma Edwards.
225 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2014
I was offered an ARC in return for an honest review ,,, after already reading book one in this series and thoroughly enjoying it the decision to read this book was simple ,,,

After reading book 1 (Counting Stars) you'll know that there are four Donnelley Brothers ,,, you'll also know of Gracie ,,, the brothers full time mother ,,, part time Cupid stand in ;) ,,, this book is about brother number two Kyle ,,, and Kami

The story begins with Kami ,,, she has had a tough upbringing ,,, she had a childhood with a loving parent ,, but her mother was taking from her at a young age ,,, with no one else to are for her she'll understand herself in foster care ,,, it was at the age of 15 that she,et a guy called Rhett ,,, at the time he gave her everything she wanted and felt she needed ,,, he had controlling tendencies but at the time she couldn't see them for what they were she only felt as though he was be protective ,,, unfortunately as their relationship progressed so did his protectiveness, control and aggression ,,, Kami has never had the chance to learn who she is ,,, but when Rhett takes his actions too far Kami knows she needs out ,,, and now ,,, with help from a friend she finds her way out,,,

Kami now hash new job on a ranch ,,, but she wants her independence and not handouts ,,, this leaves her out in a storm and stuck ,,, somebody finds her and helps ,,, although she is fearful there is just something about this man that feels safe ,,, meet Kyle ,,,

Kyle and Kami have a bond that grows ,,, they want similar things in life but at different times ,,, Kyle wants it all now ,,, Kami needs to wait ,,, Kami has had to deal with so much that she has trouble with self esteem and trust ,,, will she fight her desires or overcome her fears?

Gracie ,,,, ahh Gracie ,,, gotta love her ,,, she's a mother and friend we'd all be happy to have ,,, all I have to say though is watch out Collin and Luke ,,,,, your turn is coming ,,, and I cannot wait ;)

Really enjoyed this book ,,, there is some sadness through it and you'll really feel for Kami throughout ,,,but you'll also be smiling because of her strength and courage that she finds with the help of some great people

Highly recommend
Profile Image for Emma Louise.
34 reviews22 followers
November 24, 2014
I could not wait to read this this book, I was given an ARC for an honest review, and honest is all I can be.. Are you ready to go on one roller coaster of a ride, with my emotions being pulled once again by this amazing writer.... Oh and yes you will need your tissues ready!!!

Kami is a girl struggling with her life, her story at the opening of the book captured me. I won't give anything away, but Alannah handled this particular storyline extremely well. This story line is what seen Kami get in her car and drive to a new Life in the Alberta Mountains..... Fate strikes and Kami finds herself being rescued from an accident by a stranger.... Kyle Donnelly.

Kyle and Kami begin a very honest friendship, feelings between them both begin to simmer, and the snow on those Mountains begins to melt.

Can Kami let herself feel again, can Kyle show Kami there is another life he can give her, will Kami let him.
Kyle is a man who hasn't giving himself fully before, but Kami brings the best of him out. He has feelings he never knew he could feel, and he is an honest man, a man who knows what he wants, and thats Kami. He is a man with integrity, honor, he has an old way about him, and won't give himself over fully until he gets an answer from Kami...

Kami see's the sun, she see's Light with Kyle, but can she allow herself to have feelings for Kyle? Can she let him in completely? Can she let herself have the life she deserves, and give Kyle the best of herself to him....

One click this book and get ready to be enthralled and captivated by A Safe Surrender.
Alannah Carbonneau
Profile Image for Tonya.
2,072 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2014
Review for Rising Indies United.

I am hooked on this series now! I love the Donnelley brothers, and their mom Gracie, the match maker. I can't wait to see Collin get matched up by his mom!

With that said. Just like in the first book, I love the characters in this one as well. Kamilla "Kami", has been through so much. Her mom murdered when she was 11, then put in the foster system. Toxic love, where she was beat and raped, before she finally knew she had to leave him before he killed her.

She needed that push, she had no where to go. That's where her bestfriend, Ember, comes in. She's gone out to the ranch every summer and saw that they were hiring new staff, no experience needed. The perfect break for her to get away. And that she did. Little did she know, she would actually find her soul mate there. Gracie knew right away though. Man, I love that woman!

Kyle is a lot like Logan. He is quiet, almost shy. But when he first sees Kami, he's a goner. He's such a caring, loving, good man. He doesn't push Kami for her story. He knows that she was hurt badly, by her ex though.

"Love, in its true form, is so much more than most know or believe it to be. Love is patient and kind. Love is gentle and soothing. Love builds you higher and never fails to offer strength when needed."

It takes Kami awhile before she realizes this. She doesn't think she deserves someone like Kyle. He does everything he can to show her that she does though. I did find it funny, how he "held" out on her until they were married. Most men, wouldn't have been able to say no like he did lol.
Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews158 followers
November 29, 2014
After a tragic accident happens to her mother, Kami is placed in the foster care system at the age of 11. When she meets Rhett, she thought he was her savior and a shot at a new life. She was sure he loved her, until he changed and became violent and abusive. Desperate to escape from him and his abusive ways when she sees an advert to work on the Donnelly ranch, she does not hesitate to apply and is surprised to find out that she is hired.

Kami was not looking for a relationship so soon after leaving Rhett so she cannot understand why she has an attraction to Kyle, the owner’s son. Feeling like she is not deserving of Kyle, she keeps him at arm’s length despite the lengths he will go to to prove his love. Will Kyle ever manage to convince her that not all men are the same? Will she stop letting her past dictate her future?

This was yet another amazing book by this very talented author. I really felt sorry for Kami right from the start of the book as not only has she had a rough start by being in foster care and her mum dying but then having to put up with Rhett appalling behavior towards her. And then just when I thought she was leaving it all behind she then decides that she can’t have a relationship with Kyle as she doesn't think she deserves him (she thinks she is toxic!!)

I loved Kyle; you could tell as soon as we were introduced to Kyle that he was a good man and clearly adored Kami. I loved the way that even though she kept him at arm’s length, he was still able to prove to her that not all men were the same and that he did love her. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to others. This is the second book in The Donnelly Brothers.
Profile Image for Linda Field.
224 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2014
A Safe Surrender by Alannah Carbonneau

This is book two in The Donnelley Brothers series.

I was given an Arc of this book for an honest review, after reading Counting Stars book one in this series I was really looking forward to reading it.

Kami has had such a lonely life losing her mother in a cruel way, she has been in the care system for a while. Moving from home to home. All Kami wants is not to be lonely.
Rhett becomes her safe place she will do anything for him. As years pass Kami knows her relationship is not right, frightened of what Rhett might do next she lives in fear.

Kami just wants to feel safe and secure, when her friend Ember notices the latest marks on her body, she gives Kami an out.

Soon Kami is fleeing to the Wild Tours Ranch for a fantastic job opportunity.

Can Kami find peace?
Will she ever fell safe and secure?

Omg this is one emotional heartbreaking story. I loved every minute of it. Again the book focuses on one of the Donnelley Brothers, this time it's Kyle we here a little of Reese and Logan from book one and of course Gracie, I loved Gracie she is just one of a kind.

It is truly a wonderful love story, that has your heart swelling with adoration.

You have surpassed yourself again Alannah.
I can't wait for Collins book though :-)

5***** from me
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews242 followers
November 29, 2014
A Safe Surrender is book two in the Donnelley Brothers series. Each book focuses on a different brother, so they can be read as a stand alone. The Donnelley's all live on a ranch and run a tour guide company. Even though each book focuses on one brother finding love, we get information on all of the family in each book.

I loved the first book, Counting Stars. So, when asked if I wanted to read book two, I jumped at the chance to read it. When I started I didn't know which brother A Safe Surrender was about. I was secretly hoping it was about Collin but it's Kyle's book. Kyle and Kami's story is a great one.

At the start of the book Kami is in an abusive relationship with Rhett. At the urging of her friend, Ember, she applies for a job at the Donnelley ranch. Once hired at the ranch, she is paired up with Kyle. Kami is a little broken and is not looking for love but sometimes love finds you when your not looking for it. For Kami love comes in the form of a sexy, rugged country guy. Kyle is great. He falls hard and fast for Kami but he is also patience.

As I was reading, I was waiting for Rhett to make a reappearance. It's a great sweet story. I can't wait to read the next one.

A copy was received for a review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
503 reviews
November 25, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this for an honest review and I have to say that I couldn't wait to read it after loving the first one so much! This did not disappoint, I loved it and it had me completely hooked.
Kami is suffering domestic violence from her long term boyfriend, both physically and mentally. He has got worse and worse until she can't take it anymore and thankfully has a friend, Ember, who helps her to leave him after seeing a job advert at the Donnelley ranch.
Kami gets the job and soon finds herself at the ranch and meeting the lovely Kyle! They instantly hit it off but because of her previous experience she is scared of her attraction to him. They become really good friends, I love the banter between them and they get on so well.
You can feel the chemistry between them as you read so when they finally give in it's pretty hot!! lol
I loved this story, we got more of Reece and Logan too as well as the rest of the Donnelley family. It is such a 'feel good' story, Kyle is totally swoon worthy and I just loved everything about their story!
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Maggie's Book Collection.
338 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2014
This is the second book in The Donnelley Brothers series, Counting Stars being the first. This book focuses on Kyle and you get to catch up with the whole family in the story, as it progresses from Counting Stars. All these books can be read as stand alone novels, but I'd read them in order.

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC to proof read. I loved Counting Stars and this story was just as good. It is a beautiful story of Kamilla and Kyle. Kamilla is escaping an abusive relationship and heads to the Donnelley ranch for a new start.

I loved every word of it, it is beautifully written and Alannah Carboneau is a wonderful story teller. Her story flows and is totally engrossing; her characters invite you to love them and you do; and her prose is well crafted and beautiful.

I highly recommend this and cannot wait for the third book in the series.
Profile Image for booklover.
1,494 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2015
Yet another beautiful and amazing story by Alannah. Absolutely loved it !
Kami has had a tough start in life and finds herself stuck in a relationship where she thinks she's loved and loves him back until he does the one thing she can't forgive....... Kyle a guy with morals (yeah you read it right), meets Kami in not such fortunate circumstances but know upon seeing her that she needs protecting and he wants to be the one to do it, he wants her to be his.
This was such a beautiful heartwarming story, and what was really unique about it was the fact that as much as Kami wanted for Kyle to make her his he refused to and stuck to his morals and beliefs. No where do i find a man like Kyle.............
Profile Image for Jamie Sadler.
295 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2014
Phenomenal story. Kyle is hotter than Logan. This is a great story about true love and forgiveness. I love the Donnelley family!
Profile Image for Melanie Clark.
260 reviews16 followers
November 24, 2025
Yahhhhhh okay.
Rhett just “magically changes” after years of being abusive. Pleaseeeee. When a victim leaves their abuser, the abuser usually goes off the rails and doesn’t just let them leave like that.

In real life, leaving an abusive partner is actually the most dangerous time. Most abusers don’t suddenly become calm, accepting, or “changed” within a few months. They usually escalate, lash out, stalk, or try to regain control, especially after years of grooming and abuse.

Because the FMC was abused from age 15 to her early twenties, the power imbalance and long-term control would make a peaceful, easy separation extremely unlikely. Someone who manipulates and dominates a teenager for nearly a decade doesn’t just let go without a reaction. The book treats that dynamic almost casually, which felt unrealistic and didn’t match what we know about actual abuse patterns.

And while Kyle’s behavior seems innocent, he was also pushing boundaries that didn’t sit right with me.
Profile Image for Ashley Heather.
218 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2014
An amazing beautifully written story from the beginning. I was asked to read the ARC of this novel for an honest review and I feel blessed to have read this.

I truly love this authors work, she writes so exquisitely and with so much depth you simply can't help but fall into her books world. Totally immersing yourself in the life of the characters.
After reading several of her novels now, you would think I would begin to have expectations of how the flow of her stories will go but it's quite the opposite, she literally blows me away with every new novel she produces. This book was no exception, I just finished and I'm a whole mix of heady emotions.

This is the second book in the Donnelly Brothers series.
I absolutely adored the first book Counting Stars and the characters within it. Even though in this book some of the characters from the first make another appearance it still can be read as a stand alone story.
Im so pleased that the characters I loved from Counting Stars were included in this book, however I am also happy that this was not just a continuation of the first book. This one introduced a new set of characters that yet again I found a connection with yet these characters had a whole new depth to them with their own story to tell.

This book is the story of Kami, it tells how at such a young age she endured a tragedy that left her an orphan and placed into the foster care system. As a young teen she meets Rhett, he sweeps her off her feet and away from life she found herself in. In Rhett, Kami believes she's found her Prince only to discover Rhett doesn't have such a charming side all the time.

**********

'His lip curled and I knew I'd done it. I watched as Rhett reached out to the lip of the plate. He slid it slowly off the counter and then he whirled around, throwing the plate across the room - towards me. ' ~ Kami, A Safe Surrender

**********

Vowing to never again surrender herself to a man, Kami knows she must get away from her current situation and in doing so she finds herself hired at the Donnelly Wild Tours Ranch where she meets Kyle Donnelly.

This is a wonderful story of a young woman discovering her worth and beginning to re-open her heart to trust and love. The sensitive issues raised in the story of domestic abuse is perfectly delivered by Ms Carbonneau in a way that not only do you feel for Kami as a victim but also you feel her strength and determination as she evolves.

This is I fictitious story of emotional and physical abuse that will affect you profoundly but as you read you will also feel courage and love can be discovered in the bleakest of places. If this book is picked up by one person that finds themselves in the type of situation that Kami herself endures then I would expect that person to find inspiration from this story to also discover their true worth in life.

***********

"You've given me the courage to do so many things I never would have done on my own. It's my ability to surrender my life to you - to trust in you to protect me and love me always - that gives me the strength to be brave" ~ Kami, A Safe Surrender

**********


Yet another emotion twisting piece of awesome literature from Ms Carbonneau that will stay with you long after the last page has been read.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and other work from this very talented author.
Profile Image for Letty  (Cover to Cover Book Blog Reviewer).
650 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2015
Kamilla (Kami) has lived a hard life, coming from the Foster system after the death of her mother. She has found herself in a very abusive relationship for many years, but after the latest assault, she finally listens to her best friend's advice and leaves.

Escaping to the Donnelley Ranch, she is determined to find herself and start anew, in a new place and with a new job. Kami wants to prove to herself and to others that she is independent and doesn't need to rely on anyone to survive.

On her first night at the ranch, she finds herself stuck in a ditch after crashing her car into the snow. A dark stranger comes to her rescue and she doesn't understand why she feels apprehension, but not fear. she actually feels safe, something she's never felt before. This makes her happy, especially after finding out he's none other than Kyle Donnelley, whom she's to be working with.

The attraction between Kami and Kyle is immediate. His quiet demeanor is something that helps ease Kami into a friendship with him. They become great friends and feel comfortable enough to talk about everything, including their plans and vision for the future. Kami doesn't feel worthy and decides she wants to take things slow. Kyle lets her know he doesn't necessarily agree, but will be there waiting for her, because he's not letting her go.

The relationship between Kami and Kyle was one I found beautiful. They were very open with each other and he never allowed her to talk bad about herself. He was always looking at making her feel beautiful and wanted her to understand the wonderful and courageous woman that she was.

Although the book started off dark because of the sad subject, it evolved into a story of hope and beauty, once Kami realized that she was worthy of love, by seeing herself through Kyle's eyes.

Once again, another book in this wonderful series that everyone should pick up. I can't wait to read Colin's story.
Profile Image for Suzie.
564 reviews11 followers
December 8, 2014
This is the second book of the Donnelly Brothers series.

This is Kami snd Kyles story and deals with the delicate subject of domestic abuse. Kami hasn't had it easy and tries to escape her abusive relationship by getting a job as far away from Rhett as she can. She applies for a job on a ranch and meets Gracie who just happens to be great at playing Cupid. She teams Kami up with Kyle and their relationship blossoms.

This is a brilliant book that is emotional, sweet and funny. It focuses on love that starts as friendship and once you start you won't be able to put it down.

Can't wait for book 3!!!
Profile Image for Ajs  Book Reviews.
275 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2015
Kami has left her abusive boyfriend and leaves to find some peace. She takes a Job at the Ranch Tours. Looking for a new start has her happy yet on edge.

Kyle keeps to himself and his work. Having grown up dealing with the work that his family does, he always meets new people. Kami was the last person he was expecting to find. He was instantly drawn to her.

Once again, I was drawn in and literally couldn't stop reading. I am in love with both characters as well as the family. The strength Kami shows is amazing and the way Kyle doesn't push her but helps her, is rare.

This author has quickly become one of my favorites! I'm on to read the next book!!

5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Lindsey Melia.
384 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2014
Alannah!!!!! How do you do it girl!!?? You had me hooked again from page one!!!! And seen Reese and Logan again was such a BRILLIANT touch! Oh and seriously Grace??? Is absolutely hilarious! That woman may have stole my heart more then her son's LOL!!!! I am on the edge of my seat wanting to know when the next book will be out. I may have to hound you so your not slacking LOL. I need my Donnelley brothers fix!!!!
Profile Image for Ebf.
207 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2015
First book of this series I read. I enjoyed Kami and Kyle's story very much. I loved all the other characters especially the boys mother. She is a hoot! I plan on reading the rest of the books in this series when I can :)
Profile Image for Crystal Dundas-miller.
73 reviews
March 17, 2015
I am so loving this series, I cannot put it down! Amazing characters and story lines! Also love that it takes place in Canada!
1,144 reviews
June 22, 2024
Great read. R. A

She went through so much and was strong for leaving. Loved it but its a fast read.. Must read fast read.
Profile Image for LAKristy.
253 reviews39 followers
June 6, 2015
Fairly well written, but needs editing for grammar. This is a stand-alone book about one couple, with no cliffhanger.

There are a lot of things to like about both main characters in this story. A veteran of the foster system and domestic abuse survivor, the female lead realizes her boyfriend's behavior is escalating and she accepts help that's offered to start over, far away. The male lead character is patient, gentle and steadfast -- in addition to super hot.

Although I don't like flashbacks, and they're rather abruptly inserted throughout this book, the story told by the flashbacks is a complex, complicated story that rang true about the guilt, love, and obsessive behavior that slowly builds.

Recommended for fans of the Canadian Rockies, hot, over-protective alpha males and HEAs.
Profile Image for Angarad.
1,503 reviews22 followers
January 13, 2017
I really liked Kyle who I never saw taciturn or shy. I would have like to see the difference before and after Kami.
As for Kami, I felt for her and really loved her resilience and inner strength. The two made a beautiful couple.
The story itself was a bit boring past the middle, I would have love some twists or surprises.
Profile Image for Vevo.
662 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2017
Bellissimo
Mi è piaciuta la protagonista
Ho amato follemente il protagonista
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