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Unexpected Heroes #0.5

Safe in His Arms

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Can a California transplant survive Montana’s deep snows? New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melody Anne breaks the ice between a sexy fireman and a brand-new teacher in this steamy holiday tale—originally published in the sizzling anthology Baby, It’s Cold Outside—which launched her popular Unexpected Heroes series.

Natalie Duncan is thrilled to get her first teaching job, but southern California didn’t prepare her for winter in Montana—or for gorgeous fire chief Hawk Winchester. For a man dedicated to putting out fires, Hawk really knows how to add heat to Natalie’s life, especially when he’s rescuing her from compromising situations. A man this strong and capable should know exactly what to do when a lady is trapped under the mistletoe. Suddenly Natalie’s blue Christmas is glowing red-hot...

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2015

259 people are currently reading
690 people want to read

About the author

Melody Anne

132 books5,042 followers
Nobody likes sexy men, sassy heroines, and emotionally charged books, right? WRONG! We all want to feel extraordinary when we read, and that's exactly what you'll get when you pick up a Melody Anne book. She has the feel-good stories of a damsel in distress with prince charming riding in to save the day . . . and she also has emotionally charged books that take you through a journey of emotion as you try to figure out if you love or hate the characters as they find themselves. What you get at the end of every Melody Anne book is a resolution that has you begging for more.

Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.

See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.

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5 stars
595 (45%)
4 stars
411 (31%)
3 stars
223 (17%)
2 stars
60 (4%)
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22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
October 27, 2015
3.5 - "They all fall... sometime." Stars.

Melody Anne is an author new to me, so this little novella was the perfect way to introduce myself, to what was a really enjoyable and engaging writing style. Safe in his Arms is the first book in the Unexpected Heroes series, and Melody gives the reader a great introduction to the town and people of Sterling, Montana.



Hawk and Natalie, were a likeable couple, and their story was easy to immerse myself in, along with the introduction to some pretty entertaining secondary characters. The main plus for me, is as this is the beginning of a series, and I enjoyed this book immensely, I know I have plenty of books and characters, with their own stories to look forward to reading in future months and (hopefully) years to come.

”All the best things in life happen because of bad ideas.”

This novella wasn’t a bad idea, this series looks like it will be a really, really good idea! and I cannot wait to see what Melody has in store for the Unexpected Heroes series, with the next release Her Unexpected Hero, due 24th February 2015.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,560 reviews234 followers
November 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this sweet, short and steamy holiday novella. Natalie accepts a teaching job at a school in a small Montana town. Hawk is the sexy fire chief and comes from a loving, meddling family - something Natalie has never had. Hawk doesn't do relationships and he doesn't date girls that live in their small town but for Natalie, he'll have to break all his own rules. I really enjoyed this one, even though it was short, it was a complete story with great chemistry between the main characters.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,076 reviews2,874 followers
December 13, 2015
Ya this pretty much sucked.

I didn't like the h at all, she came across as a rude bitch at the beginning of the story, and though she got better, I never really connected with her. And seriously, who moves from southern Cali to Montana, and doesn't know it's frigging cold there in the winter? This is the woman they hired to teach their children??!!

The H/h had no chemistry whatsoever, not to mention we went from dislike to "will you marry me?" in 1.2 seconds.

Just a dull uninspired holiday read.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,892 reviews136 followers
November 25, 2015
Talk about matchmaking mommas - this books has a trio of them! They use their roles in the small town community to try to find partners for the eligible bachelors in their community, starting in this story with the local fire chief, Hawk Winchester, who is hot in oh so many ways! They are involved with the selection of a relief teacher to cover for the absence of a permanent teacher in the local school - so they look through the applications and select the one they think might just be right for Hawk. That’s how Californian Natalie Duncan finds herself in Montana, unprepared for the freezing conditions and about to take on her first teaching job. He’s also her landlord and their attraction mutual so the manipulating mommas are going to do their best to feed the fires of attraction regardless of how the fire chief keeps trying to douse the flames!

As a primary teacher, this story really appealed to me - I could imagine so much of it happening and really enjoyed it. It is another Montana based small town romance with great characters, superb community involvement, a handsome firefighter and a young lady with a traumatic past - what a great recipe for a fantastic festive read!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

For more of my reviews, please visit https://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,579 reviews1,697 followers
November 14, 2015
When Natalie Duncan accepts a teaching job in Montana she comes in completely unprepared for the weather and the matchmaking crew of ladies that already have plans to set her up with the town's most eligible bachelor Hawk Winchester the fire chief. After being paired up together on many occasions Natalie and Hawk find themselves becoming more involved than either planned or hoped for.

Another lovely little holiday read taking place from Thanksgiving to Christmas time. This one would be great for anyone ever checking out the sexy firefighters as Hawk is certainly a steamy male lead. Natalie was also great, her back story was very touching and couldn't help but feel for her and enjoy her strength.

This was also another one of those small town reads where everyone knows each other and such a feeling of family and togetherness. Great book to cozy up to on the cold winter nights ahead!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,875 reviews6,700 followers
December 31, 2015
Safe in His Arms is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Melody Anne. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthology titled Baby, It's Cold Outside. It is also #0.5 in Ms. Anne's Unexpected Heroes series. This was my first exposure to the series.

I would classify Safe in His Arms as insta-love to the extreme! However, I did like the theme of family...and not just marriage but the family members you care about and surround yourself with. Nice for the holidays :)
Profile Image for JJ Weir.
1,579 reviews81 followers
January 3, 2022
Cute! Short, easy read, perfect for something to fill time. The characters are likeable and nothing is overly dramatic or drawn out. Give this one a shot if you are looking for something uncomplicated.
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews51 followers
November 19, 2015
This was a short quick holiday read and I enjoyed the whole holiday theme.

Natalie is ready to start her teaching career and it brings her to Montana from Southern California. She has goals and one thing she isn't looking for is a man but there is something about Hawk that makes her want to readjust her goals.

Hawk only does one night stands with woman from another town but after meeting Natalie and seeing the chemistry they have when they are together it's time to take a chance.

I love the holidays and while reading this book I got excited they are just around the corner. The story starts off a few days before thanksgiving and ends with Valentine's Day which was a special treat.

One thing I loved about these two characters was the chemistry they had when they were together. I wasn't too fond of Hawk proposing only after a month of dating but for these two characters you could tell they would have a ever lasting bond.

I have read this series out of order but I am looking forward to reading more and getting to know the characters better.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,235 reviews19 followers
November 25, 2015
The poor 23 year old California girl gets her first real teachers job. Nope that’s not the bad part. What is? Well, she gets in Montana in November. She did not do one ounce of research to see what type of conditions she would be living in. But it’s Montana. Yup I could hear you cuz that’s what I was thinking too. Nope poor Natalie Duncan arrived in 4 inch heels, pencil skirt, and blouse with snow on the ground.
She was tooling along through the airport daydreaming as she always seems to do. When she gets to the doors leading outside. Wow! It stole her breath from her lungs which stung because it was so cold. Making her quickly run back in and take stalk of her clothing and what she brought with her clothing wise and what she brought to wear now. Yup, nothing near good enough to protect you. New clothing and there goes some of that hard saved savings account she hoped to keep for those hard times.
When she arrives at the house the school board had provided for her she hears the cab driver say, “Hawk is here as your welcome committee.” As she looks up she sees this Adonis hunched over talking to the driver through the open window. Her mind wanders again having an inner dialog again about her 10 year plan the one where a guy and family don’t come for at least another 5 years. When all of a sudden the door to the cab opens and this Hawk person is extending his hand to help her out. For what seems like forever to her she panics to have to touch him. For this thing of love at first sight can’t at all be true right? Nah!
She reaches for his hand which is gloved and she can feel it tingle all the way up her arm. By the smoldering look in his eyes so can he. She drops it immediately. They exchange names he is Hawk Winchester fire chief. She says she’s glad to meet him then brushes past him to go to the porch. She notices the much older car she bought from one of the nice ladies on the school board for super cheap. She’s happy to see someone had made a path through the snow so she could get to the door.
But before Hawk could tell her to wait she was already going heels up and bracing to hit the snow. Just before she was due to hit Hawk caught her. Once again she was staring into Hawk’s thirsty eyes. She curtly ask him to right her. He does and she does get to the door. She says she can handle it from there but he says she may need the keys. She looks at him funny but then he tells her that he is her landlord. Did Hawk feel it too?
The next day these two have a run in that sets a whole set of things in motion. The ladies of the town may have started the wheels moving but it was the wheels of love that keeps this story moving in the right direction. Find out why Natalie has no clue it was Thanksgiving when their run in occurred. See what has these two so spooked being around each other. I really enjoyed this book. Love family sagas with fun meddling town to add to the craziness of love. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com
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Profile Image for Sheyla ✎.
2,028 reviews654 followers
November 30, 2015


This was a super cute novella. It was perfect for the Christmas season.

When you read a novella, you know insta-love is part of the package and even though I'm not a fan of insta-love but for some reason, in this case, I was ok with it.

If you read other books by Melody Anne you know there are always meddling parents or grandparents trying to make their grown up children fall in love. This is the case for Hawk and Natalie.

Natalie is the new teacher in town. She moved from California to Sterling, Montana. She had no idea what a Montana winter would be and she was not dressed for it. She was also not ready to fall for the chief of the fire department, Hawk Winchester. Her plans do not involve falling in love before her career has settled down or owning a home.

Hawk Winchester is happy with his job and he loves his family except when they are meddling in his love life. That's why he doesn't date close to home which makes it unbelievable crazy to want to date Natalie. She has woken up something in him, he can't turn away from. He wants her close to him and for her to become part of his family too.

I love how Hawk didn't want to play games. He knew and accepted that Natalie fit right in his life. He also had a great heart and one particular scene got me misty-eyed. In regards to Natalie, this book made me want to hug her and offer her my complete support. She had a tough upbringing and she needed someone to take care of her just like Maggie did.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Profile Image for Angy Potter - Collector of Book Boyfriends.
638 reviews134 followers
December 2, 2015
Book Review: 3.5 stars

This was a good novella. I liked how they met, even though I didn’t like how Natalie and Hawk were set up to meet each other. I liked the sexual tension between them and how much they both fight with it, but the attraction couldn’t be denied and they finally gave in to it. Natalie was so stubborn and Hawk was too patient. And the sex was so hot. Way too hot. Hawk is def one sexy character.

What I liked: Hawk’s family. Hawk being a firefighter *day dreaming*. Natalie asking for forgiveness. And the ending. I loved what he said to her. So romantic.

What I didn’t like: Natalie being so bitter at so young age.

Audiobook review: 4 stars

Rebekkah Ross and Deacon Lee did a great job, especially Deacon. I love how he narrates his characters. He gets into them and shows every emotion with his voice, and he did exactly that with Hawk. My favorite parts of the audiobook were in Hawk’s POV. Rebekka did good with Natalie, and she made me like her despite her annoying personality.
Profile Image for Angela Carr.
763 reviews81 followers
December 5, 2015
Originally read from Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology

Natalie is a Cali-city girl newly relocated in Montana for her dream teaching job. But being a city girl, she was not prepared for what Montana has to offer. Hawk Winchester, the town’s fire chief, will be the one who will acclimate her to this small town.

This is another novella from a series I follow and enjoy. Natalie and Hawk’s story is another sweet story. Natalie annoyed me at times as she put herself in situations that can be easily be avoided. But given she’s a city girl and with her past, it’s easily forgiven. Lucky for her, Hawk has a heart the size of Texas and he was more than willing to give her anything and everything. Another sexy hero to add to this anthology.
Profile Image for Margaret Sholders.
1,121 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2015
I haven't read many books by Melody but what I did read were really good. She developed her Story Line and characters and delivered them to us just in time for the Christmas season. There isn't a Santa, just two people who are tired of being alone. Natalie has moved to Montana for South California. She is so out of place. Hawk is her landlord and tries to help the new teacher in town. She really is feeling his presence as is he. Spoiler. She has been alone for a long time. He has grown up in a town who never forgets anyone. She pulls herself inside and he works to pull her back out. Spoiler. This is a cute story but there may be some tissue times. The story is a short one but it packs a punch. I liked this story. While it is short it will go into my favorites pile. Enjoy! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
November 15, 2015
Hawk is quite the playful guy when he's in a good mood, “then the fire chief has to come put out the flames,” he said. Their bodies were practically touching now." I loved his playfulness, I really did I loved how kind and generous Hawk was I just loved how he treated his woman, “I don’t know. You just learn to tune out certain noises,” he said with a crooked smile as he began rubbing a hand along her thigh." I enjoyed this book and can't wait for more from this author.
Profile Image for Deatrice Farrior.
265 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2015
Another good read...

I really enjoyed this one. Hawk and Natalie were good together. Hope to here more about them in the future.
Profile Image for Cunningham Sandra Chamber.
277 reviews
July 11, 2018
Love the book and would read it again..Here is a highlight from the book.. I feel like what we have together is one hundred times stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before. I never thought anyone could make me as happy as you do. Everything that’s stressful in my life disappears the second I see your smile. I can say with one hundred percent certainty that you are my soul mate. There is a plan for everyone and I know that you are my only future. I will never let you go no matter what your answer is. Please marry me and make me the happiest man alive.” He didn’t break the connection of their eyes, and though he’d shown her day after day that he wanted to be with her, this was something she would have never expected from him, not because he wasn’t perfect, but because she wasn’t. At least she wasn’t in her own eyes. Natalie didn’t know what to say. Yes, this had moved quickly, and yes, she should try to think logically, but running over the last month in her head, she knew that she was happiest when with him, whether at the school, or in the gym, or just sitting and playing a board game at his parents’ place. Their love would only grow stronger from this day forward. This wasn’t a part of her plans. This wasn’t even on the table, but love didn’t care. They had found each other and there was nothing that would change how they felt. Nothing. “I love you, too, Hawk,” she whispered. And she didn’t even notice that her voice had wobbled. “I love that you care about me, insecurities and all. I love that you see me differently than I see myself, and I love that family is so important to you. I want a family; I’ve just always been afraid to ask for one. I thought I had a plan I needed to follow, but what you’ve taught me is that the best things in life aren’t planned—they’re discovered.” “Will you marry me, Natalie?” “Right this minute if I could,” she told him. Soft sighs echoed through the room as Hawk moved forward, pulled Natalie to her feet, and drew her gently into his arms, where he sealed their promises to each other with a tender kiss. Love had found them this holiday season, and it had taken hold of both of their hearts. And it wasn’t about to let go.
Profile Image for Maida.
Author 15 books463 followers
June 4, 2017
2.5 stars. I did not enjoy this book except until the proposal speech at the end. The heroine was not characterized very well. She was TSTL almost. Going to Montana in November without having proper winter clothes is criminally stupid. The conflicts are all on her side. I also didn't like that the first time they had sex was in his fire truck. That's irresponsible and NOT romantic. Then, the second time was in a hayloft. Eww! It doesn't show much respect for the heroine. I also did not like it when people say a thousand percent. No. One hundred percent is exact. There is no such thing as giving more than one hundred percent.

As mentioned already, the proposal was good and the small town culture was described well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2017
This book really made me fall in love, and I really had a good time reading it, it was such a quick read, I really like Natalie and Hawk, the fire- catcher, and seriously they were believable characters, Thiis book gave me a lot of joy, and i really enjoy the writing, If anyone could recommend more books on this author, it would be great..

The writing style was so nice, the chapters were short, i seriously loved this book, and i hope to read more books of hers...
Profile Image for Maria .
2,492 reviews23 followers
November 16, 2019
Too Short, but Good

Hawk and Natalie's story was short, but good. I wanted it longer. Him being such a player, I was hoping to have some drama about his past exploits. These two came together full circle in a month, I needed more in between. I did love that Cole and Joseph were in this story. This was good as a short story and a quick read, but because Hawk had been in Cole's story, I personally wanted more for him.
1,796 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2018
Great!

I chose this rating because this was a really great book. I adored all the characters. Even the meddling ones. Natalie and Hawk they had a little trouble getting together. They got help from the town meddlers. They did a great job hooking them up. This was a really great book. I enjoyed each and every page. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews45 followers
January 29, 2017
Hawke and Natalie's short was super sweet I have to say I loved how clumsy Natalie was falling into Hawke's arms that was to funny but hey it made him realise he had found the one eventually.

A great christmas love story.
1,118 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2017
That was absolutely sweet..I can't think of two more deserving people. Hawk and Natalie deserved their slice of happiness. Even if it took a few harsh words and some serious meddling. The end result was PERFECT. Loved it. Exceptional read.
57 reviews
July 15, 2017
It is a sweet and very short read. Natalie has had a rough life albeit The characters do not have an unbelievably horrible past. Hawke has a loving and caring mother who along with her friends plot for the hero and heroine to fall for each other. This adds a bit of fun to the book.
Profile Image for 〰️Beth〰️.
816 reviews62 followers
November 29, 2018
Another safe read

Melody Ann has a way of making quirky people feel at home with match makers galore. Would have liked to have see some more back story on Natalie, but still na fun rom com
Profile Image for Letricia.
203 reviews
March 14, 2020
Firer

I loved this book Hawk and Natalie story was awesome. The three women did a job in the beginning but the connection between the two was there. If you’re a romantic you’ll love this book.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,848 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2023
So good

Somehow I missed this one. I have a few other in this series that I need to catch up on as well. It sure was fun getting to know the new characters. Looking forward to the rest of the books in thus series.
723 reviews
July 18, 2023
A cute love story

This was a good book. The h took a teaching job in a small town where she met the H. Both didn’t do relationships but there was instant chemistry, she tried to avoid him but eventually she gave up. The plot was cute and the characters were very well developed. Great epilogue.
Profile Image for Iluvbooks44.
2,234 reviews16 followers
August 17, 2017
I love Melody's books, she is one of my favourite authors.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
September 15, 2017
Have it in Audio. It's a short Novella. First one I heard/read from the author won't be my last. Going to get the next one
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