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Grace & Poole #2
In Safe Arms
Smooth, seductive and savage: Lee Christine returns to the dark, criminal underbelly of Sydney with her follow-up to In Safe Hands.
Legal secretary Josephine Valenti has no idea why a notorious bikie president would be contacting her, but when he is murdered in front of her eyes, she knows that she is in very deep trouble. Fleeing to her home, she's intercepted by Nate Hunter, a man she used to know and lust after…a man she used to care about.
However, Nate has changed. His leathers and his bike tell of a lifestyle that Josie can't begin to accept or understand. His is a life of drugs, money laundering and prostitution.
Though, all is not what it seems, and Josie must fight harder than she ever has before � for the truth, for what's right, and, ultimately for the man who still has a hold of her heart.
Legal secretary Josephine Valenti has no idea why a notorious bikie president would be contacting her, but when he is murdered in front of her eyes, she knows that she is in very deep trouble. Fleeing to her home, she's intercepted by Nate Hunter, a man she used to know and lust after…a man she used to care about.
However, Nate has changed. His leathers and his bike tell of a lifestyle that Josie can't begin to accept or understand. His is a life of drugs, money laundering and prostitution.
Though, all is not what it seems, and Josie must fight harder than she ever has before � for the truth, for what's right, and, ultimately for the man who still has a hold of her heart.
220 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
15 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Lee Christine
17books126followersLee is the author of four crime novels with romantic elements published with Allen and Unwin.
Lee's best-selling Snowy Mountains series Charlotte Pass, Crackenback and Dead Horse Gap were published in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Charlotte Pass won the Australian Romance Readers Association award for Favourite Romantic Suspense in 2020. Lee's latest crime novel Glenrock, published in 2024, is set in Lee's hometown of Newcastle.
Prior to her shift into crime writing, Lee wrote six romantic suspense novels published with Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing.
Lee loves connecting with her readers and has appeared on a panel at the Newcastle Writer’s Festival, Lake Macquarie Libraries Write Here! Festival, and the Mount Beauty Writer's Festival. Lee has been a guest speaker at major fundraisers for the Friends of Newcastle University and the Mark Hughes Brain Cancer Foundation.
Lee has two grown children and lives in Newcastle with her husband and her Irish Wheaten Terrier, Honey.
Lee's best-selling Snowy Mountains series Charlotte Pass, Crackenback and Dead Horse Gap were published in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Charlotte Pass won the Australian Romance Readers Association award for Favourite Romantic Suspense in 2020. Lee's latest crime novel Glenrock, published in 2024, is set in Lee's hometown of Newcastle.
Prior to her shift into crime writing, Lee wrote six romantic suspense novels published with Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing.
Lee loves connecting with her readers and has appeared on a panel at the Newcastle Writer’s Festival, Lake Macquarie Libraries Write Here! Festival, and the Mount Beauty Writer's Festival. Lee has been a guest speaker at major fundraisers for the Friends of Newcastle University and the Mark Hughes Brain Cancer Foundation.
Lee has two grown children and lives in Newcastle with her husband and her Irish Wheaten Terrier, Honey.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 13, 2020
Josephine Valenti couldn’t believe what she was watching on her laptop screen. She quickly closes down the laptop and calls the police. Josie could hardly get the words out when the male police officer asked her what had happened. She answered by telling the officer she had just witnessed a murder via Skype. The officer told her to come into the police station straight away, but on her way to the station, Josie was run off the road and taken by a man who she knew, Nate Hunter. Josie hadn’t seen Nate for a few years.
Josie knew her life was in danger and things were going from bad to worse really quickly. She feared her life could be over in a matter of days when she finds out that Nate is a different person now and he was involved with bikies, drugs, money laundering and prostitution.
In Safe Arms is the second book in the Grace & Poole series by Aussie author Lee Christine and I absolutely loved it. This was a fast paced romantic suspense novel that had me hooked right from the beginning.
Josie knew her life was in danger and things were going from bad to worse really quickly. She feared her life could be over in a matter of days when she finds out that Nate is a different person now and he was involved with bikies, drugs, money laundering and prostitution.
In Safe Arms is the second book in the Grace & Poole series by Aussie author Lee Christine and I absolutely loved it. This was a fast paced romantic suspense novel that had me hooked right from the beginning.
May 23, 2017
You can find this review in English below.
Voy a ser incluso más breve que con el libro anterior .
Es imposible tomarse en serio esta historia. Un poli de incógnito que infiltra en su caso a una civil a la que quieren matar los malos. Hay más civiles trabajando con él. Y otros que descubren que es un poli de incógnito pero que se van de rositas. Vamos, el corral de la Pacheca. Y encima muy flojo. Con un montón de clichés y muy predecible.
***
I will be even briefer than in the latest book .
You can´t take seriously this story. It´s about an undercover detective who enlist the help of the civilian woman who he is protecting. And she is not the only one. There are more civilians helping him and another one who knows about the job but is allowed to go on with his life without a second thought. And to top it all the plot is weak and has a ton of clichés and is so predictable.
Voy a ser incluso más breve que con el libro anterior .
Es imposible tomarse en serio esta historia. Un poli de incógnito que infiltra en su caso a una civil a la que quieren matar los malos. Hay más civiles trabajando con él. Y otros que descubren que es un poli de incógnito pero que se van de rositas. Vamos, el corral de la Pacheca. Y encima muy flojo. Con un montón de clichés y muy predecible.
***
I will be even briefer than in the latest book .
You can´t take seriously this story. It´s about an undercover detective who enlist the help of the civilian woman who he is protecting. And she is not the only one. There are more civilians helping him and another one who knows about the job but is allowed to go on with his life without a second thought. And to top it all the plot is weak and has a ton of clichés and is so predictable.
June 10, 2015
Set in Sydney, Australia, Josephine (Josie) Valenti witnesses a murder via Skype. Nate is undercover with the Altar Boys, a biker gang, and when he sees who it is that just witnessed a murder he rushes to intercept her before she runs to the police and ruins 2 years of undercover work.
Although not listed as a series, there is a book before this one that features Allegra and Luke. I did not read it. But the story itself is a standalone and I never got lost or confused. It was a pretty decent read and I did like it but I wasn't as pulled in as I'd have liked.
Although not listed as a series, there is a book before this one that features Allegra and Luke. I did not read it. But the story itself is a standalone and I never got lost or confused. It was a pretty decent read and I did like it but I wasn't as pulled in as I'd have liked.
November 19, 2017
This was a quick and easy read but Josie seemed a bit young to me and everything happened very quickly.
January 4, 2014
Never had she felt so terrified! Josie Valenti had just witnessed a murder via skype; the worst part was, she was sure she recognised one of the perpetrators. Shaking with shock as she reported the incident, she was told by the police operator to come straight in to the station. But as she was leaving her parents� home she was run off the road and taken captive by none other than Nate Hunter, whom she hadn’t seen in at least two years�
Frightened for her life, Josie didn’t know what to do. It seemed that all of a sudden she was deeply involved with the bikie scene in Sydney, the drugs and prostitution, the money laundering � was her life about to end a few days before her 21st birthday? Or was Nate not as he seemed?
I absolutely loved this book! The gritty suspense, the fast pace, everything was geared to keep the pages turning. This is my second novel by Lee Christine, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both. Even though it’s classed as romantic suspense, in my opinion it’s more suspense than romance! A very talented writer, Lee Christine is another Australian author on my watch list, and one I highly recommend!
Frightened for her life, Josie didn’t know what to do. It seemed that all of a sudden she was deeply involved with the bikie scene in Sydney, the drugs and prostitution, the money laundering � was her life about to end a few days before her 21st birthday? Or was Nate not as he seemed?
I absolutely loved this book! The gritty suspense, the fast pace, everything was geared to keep the pages turning. This is my second novel by Lee Christine, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both. Even though it’s classed as romantic suspense, in my opinion it’s more suspense than romance! A very talented writer, Lee Christine is another Australian author on my watch list, and one I highly recommend!
December 4, 2013
I gobbled this book up from the very start. Thirty five year old Nate the previewed in In Safe Hands; takes the spotlight in this novel. He is undercover working to bring down the Altar Boys Biker Club money laundering business. Although, when he comes across Josie that also previewed in the first novel as well it turns into a spicy romance novel. I unfortunately started In Safe Arms unaware that it was the second of the series. Obviously, it is possible to read one without the other, but with such a splendid book I now want to learn more about Allegra and Luke. This is a criminal suspense novel wrapped up nicely in a drool worthy romance. Josie only being twenty adds a bit of the forbidding romance to these pages. Nate spends a duration of time sorting through his feelings, due to this one aspect, and I think it adds much more suspense to the story. I think it partially adds to his alpha male persona, and gives him more of a caretaker lead. For fans of Kristen Ashley, this is a must read. I felt the Ashley ability rolling through this entire read, and fell head-over heels in love with the similar characters. Lee Christine is wonderfully talented in creating a story of passion and danger. She carefully builds her story to invoke maximum emotion, and captivated readers will her intensity that will carry through the stories duration. This has most definitely sealed her position on my author's to watch list. BOOKWHISPERER RECOMMENDED READ!!~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
February 16, 2014
I have just finished a Lee Christine weekend 'marathon' with In Safe Hands, and In Safe Arms, in about three days. I was lucky enough to win these books in a recent Australia Day promotion here Down Under, and these were the first of Lee's books I've read.
I liked both books - is the short answer - but of the two, I definitely preferred In Safe Arms. This is about Josie (21 year old PA [and witness to a gangland murder]) and Nate (30), an undercover cop. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but for me the conflict, emotion & the chemistry between Josie and Nate was ever so slightly more enjoyable than that of Allegra & Luke in the first book. Don't let any sense of whether you've read one or both put you off, as both books can certainly be read stand-alone.
Lee Christine writes sizzling sex scenes... but never sex for the sake of it. I always felt the sensual scenes in this book elevated the story to a new high, and continued to develop the relationship between Josie and Nate.
I'm a bit of a fan of biker books. In fact, this is probably the only reason I prefer the second book to its predecessor. I love the TV series Sons Of Anarchy, and the bikie scenes in the book, particularly Nate's initiation, worked very well for me.
I'm over the moon to have won these books in the competition, and absolutely recommend them to readers who enjoy sizzling, emotional sex scenes in the romantic suspense genre.
I liked both books - is the short answer - but of the two, I definitely preferred In Safe Arms. This is about Josie (21 year old PA [and witness to a gangland murder]) and Nate (30), an undercover cop. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but for me the conflict, emotion & the chemistry between Josie and Nate was ever so slightly more enjoyable than that of Allegra & Luke in the first book. Don't let any sense of whether you've read one or both put you off, as both books can certainly be read stand-alone.
Lee Christine writes sizzling sex scenes... but never sex for the sake of it. I always felt the sensual scenes in this book elevated the story to a new high, and continued to develop the relationship between Josie and Nate.
I'm a bit of a fan of biker books. In fact, this is probably the only reason I prefer the second book to its predecessor. I love the TV series Sons Of Anarchy, and the bikie scenes in the book, particularly Nate's initiation, worked very well for me.
I'm over the moon to have won these books in the competition, and absolutely recommend them to readers who enjoy sizzling, emotional sex scenes in the romantic suspense genre.
May 12, 2019
"In Safe Arms" is book two in the Grace & Poole series by Lee Christine. One terrifying night Josephine Valenti witness by skype the death of Lloyd Mulvaney. On the way to the police station, Josephine Valenti was run off the road by Nate Hunter, the person she recognises in the room with the murder. However, it not what seems at first and Josephine Valenti believes, and life will change forever. The readers of "In Safe Arms" will continue to follow Josephine and Nate to find out what happens.
"In Safe Arms" I enjoyed reading this book, and it engaged me with the characters and plot from the beginning. More books I read of Lee Christine more I enjoy her writing style and the way she describes her settings. I love Lee Christine portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout "In Safe Arms".
The readers of In Safe Arms will learn about being an undercover law enforcement officer and the role they play in law enforcement investigations. Also, the readers of "In Safe Arms" will learn about the illegal drug trade and how it can corrupted legal and corporate officials.
I recommend this book.
"In Safe Arms" I enjoyed reading this book, and it engaged me with the characters and plot from the beginning. More books I read of Lee Christine more I enjoy her writing style and the way she describes her settings. I love Lee Christine portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout "In Safe Arms".
The readers of In Safe Arms will learn about being an undercover law enforcement officer and the role they play in law enforcement investigations. Also, the readers of "In Safe Arms" will learn about the illegal drug trade and how it can corrupted legal and corporate officials.
I recommend this book.
February 24, 2014
Another great read by an Australian author!!!:)
November 8, 2022
Loved this story ❤️
If you haven't read Lee Christine, do yourself a favour and do it. Fast paced, intense high voltage and filled with emotion. Not to mention sexy characters 😉
Both Grace and Poole books are equally as good.
Nice escapism and easy to read.
If you haven't read Lee Christine, do yourself a favour and do it. Fast paced, intense high voltage and filled with emotion. Not to mention sexy characters 😉
Both Grace and Poole books are equally as good.
Nice escapism and easy to read.
January 20, 2014
Everyone knows that I loved Lee Christine’s first novel, In Safe Hands, which was released in late 2012. But if I loved the first book, then this novel is indescribable. Words just can’t do it justice; but for the sake of this review, I’ll try my best. Though I should warn you here that I read this entire novel in one sitting, in the middle of a heat wave (without air conditioning), I simply just couldn’t put it down, that’s just how great it is.
In Safe Arms is the follow up narrative to Lee’s successful début novel In Safe Hands. Featuring many of the same characters, and a bunch of new ones as well, it’s a fast paced high action criminal suspense narrative, with an unlikely romance thrown in as well. Beautifully written and extremely well crafted, this novel is sure to place Lee Christine on many readers MUST watch list, and for good reason too.
Having witnessed a murder via Skype, Josie’s life is in danger. Even more so when the man she thought she recognised on screen, runs her off the road and takes her captive. Naturally freaked out, she tries to battle her way away from her would be attacker, but Nate Jordan’s arms are stronger and his hold more precise. He also just happens to be an undercover cop investigating drugs and money laundering within the Bikie Gangs in Sydney. While being with Nate might be the only thing keeping her alive, is it the right thing for Josie’s heart and her emotions? This is after all a man who once turned her down because of her age. A man she still has feelings for despite her current predicament and his bad ass demeanour.
In Safe Arms is one hell of a ride from start to finish. It’s a quick and highly entertaining read that is sure to leave you wanting more. Lee Christine has gone to great lengths to create a believable and honest narrative that leaps of the page. So much so, that whilst reading I often forgot what I was doing, for the imagery is so clear and the characters larger than life that is was though I was watching the drama played out before me on the big screen. In many ways I was.
If there is once thing that Lee Christine excels at, it is creating strong minded, individualist characters who drive the plot through their motives and emotions. It was this aspect of Lee Christine’s writing that so endeared me to her characterisation of Allegra and Luke in her first novel, and once again with Josie and Nate in this narrative. With characters larger than life and tangible emotions, it seems almost too easy for Lee Christine to create the novel around the pair of characters, who then predict and drive the narrative at their own pace. All of which creates a seamless narrative flow and produces larger than life characters. What’s more, it was great to see the inclusion of the much loved characters of Allegra and Luke within this story, so that past readers get to see how their happily ever after is working out for them. In many ways these two characters help to create an extra level and dimension to the story, expanding upon Nate’s exclusive hide away and his ugly underworld persona and livelihood.
My biggest issue with this story perhaps stemmed from the romance element of the narrative between naive twenty year old Josie, and worldly, undercover, bad boy Nate who just happens to be in this thirties. With something like a twelve year gap between the two, I found this side of the story harder to grasp initially and often wondered what the two possibly saw in each other.And then in dawned on me, that like real life, love doesn’t come with an a specific age bracket in mind, and we simply love who we love. Helping me to get over this small road bump, was the way in which Lee Christine, balanced out the characters responses, with both characters having issues with their feelings towards each other. Nate knew it was wrong to love someone that little bit too young for him, and he tried to stop himself from hurting her, from being the older man, but in the end love just is. And that’s just how life is. So I got over that.What I couldn’t fault in this area however was the chemistry between the two leading characters. Their witty banter, and cunning remarks made the story all that more enjoyable, whilst also bringing the pair closer and heightening the story� tensions and suspense. Tension, I might add, that is cleverly created and sustained throughout the novel and ultimately brought to a satisfying crescendo in all aspects of the story.
In short, In Safe Arms is a gripping, fast paced and highly entertaining story that is bound to leave you wanting more.
In Safe Arms firmly cements Lee Christine as a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure we will see big things from her in the future.
And on a side note, look at that cover! I may have fallen in love with that guy’s smile and bad boy appearance. Josie’s not the only one who can dream :)
This review was originally posted on my blog on January 20th 2014 and can be found here:
In Safe Arms is the follow up narrative to Lee’s successful début novel In Safe Hands. Featuring many of the same characters, and a bunch of new ones as well, it’s a fast paced high action criminal suspense narrative, with an unlikely romance thrown in as well. Beautifully written and extremely well crafted, this novel is sure to place Lee Christine on many readers MUST watch list, and for good reason too.
Having witnessed a murder via Skype, Josie’s life is in danger. Even more so when the man she thought she recognised on screen, runs her off the road and takes her captive. Naturally freaked out, she tries to battle her way away from her would be attacker, but Nate Jordan’s arms are stronger and his hold more precise. He also just happens to be an undercover cop investigating drugs and money laundering within the Bikie Gangs in Sydney. While being with Nate might be the only thing keeping her alive, is it the right thing for Josie’s heart and her emotions? This is after all a man who once turned her down because of her age. A man she still has feelings for despite her current predicament and his bad ass demeanour.
In Safe Arms is one hell of a ride from start to finish. It’s a quick and highly entertaining read that is sure to leave you wanting more. Lee Christine has gone to great lengths to create a believable and honest narrative that leaps of the page. So much so, that whilst reading I often forgot what I was doing, for the imagery is so clear and the characters larger than life that is was though I was watching the drama played out before me on the big screen. In many ways I was.
If there is once thing that Lee Christine excels at, it is creating strong minded, individualist characters who drive the plot through their motives and emotions. It was this aspect of Lee Christine’s writing that so endeared me to her characterisation of Allegra and Luke in her first novel, and once again with Josie and Nate in this narrative. With characters larger than life and tangible emotions, it seems almost too easy for Lee Christine to create the novel around the pair of characters, who then predict and drive the narrative at their own pace. All of which creates a seamless narrative flow and produces larger than life characters. What’s more, it was great to see the inclusion of the much loved characters of Allegra and Luke within this story, so that past readers get to see how their happily ever after is working out for them. In many ways these two characters help to create an extra level and dimension to the story, expanding upon Nate’s exclusive hide away and his ugly underworld persona and livelihood.
My biggest issue with this story perhaps stemmed from the romance element of the narrative between naive twenty year old Josie, and worldly, undercover, bad boy Nate who just happens to be in this thirties. With something like a twelve year gap between the two, I found this side of the story harder to grasp initially and often wondered what the two possibly saw in each other.And then in dawned on me, that like real life, love doesn’t come with an a specific age bracket in mind, and we simply love who we love. Helping me to get over this small road bump, was the way in which Lee Christine, balanced out the characters responses, with both characters having issues with their feelings towards each other. Nate knew it was wrong to love someone that little bit too young for him, and he tried to stop himself from hurting her, from being the older man, but in the end love just is. And that’s just how life is. So I got over that.What I couldn’t fault in this area however was the chemistry between the two leading characters. Their witty banter, and cunning remarks made the story all that more enjoyable, whilst also bringing the pair closer and heightening the story� tensions and suspense. Tension, I might add, that is cleverly created and sustained throughout the novel and ultimately brought to a satisfying crescendo in all aspects of the story.
In short, In Safe Arms is a gripping, fast paced and highly entertaining story that is bound to leave you wanting more.
In Safe Arms firmly cements Lee Christine as a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure we will see big things from her in the future.
And on a side note, look at that cover! I may have fallen in love with that guy’s smile and bad boy appearance. Josie’s not the only one who can dream :)
This review was originally posted on my blog on January 20th 2014 and can be found here:
January 7, 2014
Legal secretary Josephine Valenti is home alone when a notorious bikie figure in Sydney contacts her on Skype. Before he can say whatever message it is that he has for her, Josephine watches in horror as he is attacked by two men and murdered in front of her eyes. She kills the connection as quickly as she can but she’s pretty sure that one of the men saw her…and that he knows her.
Two years ago Josephine made a bit of a fool of herself by attempting to seduce Nate Hunter (a friend of her bosses husband) and she hasn’t seen him since. When she flees her parents house to go to the police with what she has seen, it is Nate that intercepts her and he is a lot…different these days. He’s dressed like a biker with long hair, driving a muscle Ute and it’s pretty clear as he manhandles her out of her car, ties her up and forces her into his that he’s not going to be helping her get to the cops. He’s been ordered by the head of a Sydney bikie gang to kill her for what she knows.
Nate has been deep undercover with the Altar Boys for two years, trying to get close enough into the circle to be included in the drop offs for the money laundering so that he can bust it wide open and make the arrests from the top of the chain down. When he agreed to go with the leader to the tattoo parlour of a rival club, he didn’t expect anyone to be there. Nor did he expect to watch as the leader of the Altar Boys murdered the leader of the rival club. Thankfully though it was Nate who saw Josie on the computer screen and knew who she was and where he could find her.
Now Nate and Josie are hiding from everyone. The world believes Josie kidnapped and probably murdered. The bikies believe Nate is a loyal member who has taken care of business and is now ready to step up to be granted full member status. Little do they know he’s looking to take them apart and when he does, it’s going to impact on Josie in ways that she could never have imagined, endangering the fledgling romance they’ve managed to build during their time together.
In Safe Arms is somewhere between a sequel and a companion novel to In Safe Hands. It features a different couple but Luke and Allegra are a part of this story too and make a couple of appearances. Josie works as Allegra’s assistant and given Allegra often defends bikies, she’s more than familiar with some of the faces but she’s unsure why the leader of one of the gangs would want to contact her instead of Allegra. It’s a bad night for Josie and it gets a lot worse when she’s kidnapped by the man she used to crush heavily on…but then it gets a lot better.
Josephine is only twenty and Nick is in his early thirties so at times the age gap between them in terms of life experience is quite significant. Josephine has been brought up in a wealthy, privileged lifestyle and although she regrets the slightly distant relationship she has with her mother, until she sees a bikie murdered on her computer screen, she hasn’t had to deal with much in the way of tragedy although she does cope remarkably well with being kidnapped, especially as she doesn’t know for a while that Nate is working undercover. By contrast, Nate has worked a difficult job for a long time and has been immersed in the bikies operation for two years, living as they do and witnessing things that he would’ve no doubt loved to stop (the murder for example) but couldn’t because it would blow his cover and the operation wasn’t finished yet. He knew there was a big man behind the scenes and he wanted to get him as well and for that he had to be patient, earn the trust of the Altar Boys and act just the way they did. Obviously he couldn’t “take care� of Josie the way that the bikies wanted him to and if they discovered that he hadn’t, it would be the end of both of them so he has to be very careful where he chooses to hide her. He takes a big risk for both of them.
I really loved In Safe Hands when I read it last year and I have been eagerly awaiting this novel ever since. And whilst I did enjoy this one too, I don’t think that Nate and Josephine had the same impact on me that Luke and Allegra did. The story is very good and unfolds nicely with clever pacing and plenty of action. I don’t know much about bikies but I’ve read a few stories revolving around them (and seen more than a couple of eps of Sons of Anarchy) and it’s such an environment that is ripe for so many different types of characters and stories. However I think I just didn’t warm much to Nate, especially his tendency to call Josephine “princess� all the time which got on my nerves a little bit. They did have some interesting chemistry and they were also quite an interesting match but I didn’t really find myself truly invested in them until right at the end and the final scenes between them made up a lot for not quite getting Nate earlier on.
I liked the character of Nate’s undercover handler�.I hope he might crop up in a book soon (hint hint Lee Christine?!)
Two years ago Josephine made a bit of a fool of herself by attempting to seduce Nate Hunter (a friend of her bosses husband) and she hasn’t seen him since. When she flees her parents house to go to the police with what she has seen, it is Nate that intercepts her and he is a lot…different these days. He’s dressed like a biker with long hair, driving a muscle Ute and it’s pretty clear as he manhandles her out of her car, ties her up and forces her into his that he’s not going to be helping her get to the cops. He’s been ordered by the head of a Sydney bikie gang to kill her for what she knows.
Nate has been deep undercover with the Altar Boys for two years, trying to get close enough into the circle to be included in the drop offs for the money laundering so that he can bust it wide open and make the arrests from the top of the chain down. When he agreed to go with the leader to the tattoo parlour of a rival club, he didn’t expect anyone to be there. Nor did he expect to watch as the leader of the Altar Boys murdered the leader of the rival club. Thankfully though it was Nate who saw Josie on the computer screen and knew who she was and where he could find her.
Now Nate and Josie are hiding from everyone. The world believes Josie kidnapped and probably murdered. The bikies believe Nate is a loyal member who has taken care of business and is now ready to step up to be granted full member status. Little do they know he’s looking to take them apart and when he does, it’s going to impact on Josie in ways that she could never have imagined, endangering the fledgling romance they’ve managed to build during their time together.
In Safe Arms is somewhere between a sequel and a companion novel to In Safe Hands. It features a different couple but Luke and Allegra are a part of this story too and make a couple of appearances. Josie works as Allegra’s assistant and given Allegra often defends bikies, she’s more than familiar with some of the faces but she’s unsure why the leader of one of the gangs would want to contact her instead of Allegra. It’s a bad night for Josie and it gets a lot worse when she’s kidnapped by the man she used to crush heavily on…but then it gets a lot better.
Josephine is only twenty and Nick is in his early thirties so at times the age gap between them in terms of life experience is quite significant. Josephine has been brought up in a wealthy, privileged lifestyle and although she regrets the slightly distant relationship she has with her mother, until she sees a bikie murdered on her computer screen, she hasn’t had to deal with much in the way of tragedy although she does cope remarkably well with being kidnapped, especially as she doesn’t know for a while that Nate is working undercover. By contrast, Nate has worked a difficult job for a long time and has been immersed in the bikies operation for two years, living as they do and witnessing things that he would’ve no doubt loved to stop (the murder for example) but couldn’t because it would blow his cover and the operation wasn’t finished yet. He knew there was a big man behind the scenes and he wanted to get him as well and for that he had to be patient, earn the trust of the Altar Boys and act just the way they did. Obviously he couldn’t “take care� of Josie the way that the bikies wanted him to and if they discovered that he hadn’t, it would be the end of both of them so he has to be very careful where he chooses to hide her. He takes a big risk for both of them.
I really loved In Safe Hands when I read it last year and I have been eagerly awaiting this novel ever since. And whilst I did enjoy this one too, I don’t think that Nate and Josephine had the same impact on me that Luke and Allegra did. The story is very good and unfolds nicely with clever pacing and plenty of action. I don’t know much about bikies but I’ve read a few stories revolving around them (and seen more than a couple of eps of Sons of Anarchy) and it’s such an environment that is ripe for so many different types of characters and stories. However I think I just didn’t warm much to Nate, especially his tendency to call Josephine “princess� all the time which got on my nerves a little bit. They did have some interesting chemistry and they were also quite an interesting match but I didn’t really find myself truly invested in them until right at the end and the final scenes between them made up a lot for not quite getting Nate earlier on.
I liked the character of Nate’s undercover handler�.I hope he might crop up in a book soon (hint hint Lee Christine?!)
December 14, 2013
In Safe Arms is the second book by author Lee Christine and is a follow up to her first novel,In Safe Hands. Both books can be read as stand-alones although the featured characters in Safe Hands do play supporting characters in this new book. If you're like me and like to read series books in orders, you may want to start with In Safe Hands, although not necessary. I haven't read the first book and just dove right into this one.
In this book, Josie gets put in a dangerous situation through no fault of her own. Nate, who is working undercover but posing as a biker in a Motorcycle Club, has no choice but to kidnap Josie to keep her from being killed. Josie and Nate actually know each other, so after her initial shock and fear of the situation subside, Josie comes around rather quickly and puts her trust in the hands of Nate. Nate's been working undercover for two long years trying to not only infiltrate a dangerous MC but also follow a trail of money to the the top dog who has financed the criminal organization for years. Now with Josie in the mix, he knows he has to work harder to keep her safe and end this once and for all.
In Safe Arms has alot of elements I really like in a romantic suspense story line. A bad-ass hero, a heroine that is likable and not annoying, a biker/MC element, and a nice dose of romance.
"Why do you do that?"
He raked a hand through his hair, as if unsure of the question, grey tee-shirt lifting at the hem exposing two inches of washboard stomach above the band of his Levis.
"It's like," Josie searched for the words that would convey her feelings. "It's like you give me a tasting plate, with little bits of you on it,and then take it away."
There was a hiss of air from between his teeth, and an audible change in his breathing pattern. He reached out and slid his fingers under her hair, cupping her hair, thumb stroking over the racing pulse in her neck.
"You hungry for the main course, princess? His eyes glittered with anticipation. "You sure you can handle it- handle me?
The book was also well written. I consider this a novella, being just at 150 pages, but the author does a very good job of telling a complete story. I didn't feel like there were holes in the plot and everything seemed to be well paced.
All that being said, I'm surprised I didn't like this book more than I did. Something was just a little off for me. I never totally connected. Sometimes when a book has all the ingredients I like and good writing but I don't love it, I just have to chalk it up to being a fluke thing. Not every book is going to be a hit with me. There was alot of Austrailian lingo used throughout the book. (The author lives in Austrailia and that is where the story takes place.) That certainly didn't make me dislike the book. Most of the words I wasn't sure of were listed in my kindle dictionary so I was able to get translation quickly. It is kind of interesting to see the different usage of certain words but maybe in the end it is a bit distracting too? I'm not sure.
Overall, this was a well written book that certainly deserves a second look if you're interested in a quick, romantic suspense story line.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2015
This is my first read by this author and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I know I’m going to have to go back to read the first book because I was intrigued by Luke and Allegra. The characters in this story were interesting and I totally loved Josie, she was just a breath of fresh air. I loved how honest she was and she just blurted out what she was thinking. I felt so bad for her for what she witnessed but she actually handled herself beautifully especially after learning that the person that she hit on was the person that was going to keep her safe. I know that it was hard for her she felt rejected but she was able to put that aside and help out in the investigation. The chemistry between Josie and Nate was hot and heavy and they were perfect for each other.
Josie Valenti couldn’t believe what she was seeing someone being murdered but what spooked her more was that she thought she recognized the person that came on the screen during the Skype. Nate Hunter is in luck when he goes searching for Josie he needs to make her disappear. She doesn’t know what to make of this is he going to hurt her how could he be a bikie but then he confesses to her that he is undercover and he is going to protect her. He is a very good person but he knows that he can’t let anyone see her because if the bikie’s find out that he didn’t carry out the hit then he is at risk. As the days pass not only are Josie and Nate working the trail of the money laundering but his handler is also helping and Josie dives into it she realizes something really big. I could not believe what I was reading when it was all revealed and it was a really great twist.
In Safe Arms was a great read that had a perfect pace. I loved the chemistry that these two characters had all I can say is that it was HOT. What really is great about this story is that it can be read as a standalone.
I look forward to reading more books of this author!!! Totally recommend!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
Josie Valenti couldn’t believe what she was seeing someone being murdered but what spooked her more was that she thought she recognized the person that came on the screen during the Skype. Nate Hunter is in luck when he goes searching for Josie he needs to make her disappear. She doesn’t know what to make of this is he going to hurt her how could he be a bikie but then he confesses to her that he is undercover and he is going to protect her. He is a very good person but he knows that he can’t let anyone see her because if the bikie’s find out that he didn’t carry out the hit then he is at risk. As the days pass not only are Josie and Nate working the trail of the money laundering but his handler is also helping and Josie dives into it she realizes something really big. I could not believe what I was reading when it was all revealed and it was a really great twist.
In Safe Arms was a great read that had a perfect pace. I loved the chemistry that these two characters had all I can say is that it was HOT. What really is great about this story is that it can be read as a standalone.
I look forward to reading more books of this author!!! Totally recommend!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
November 6, 2014
Such a superlative read from Lee Christine. Incredibly likeable H/h (I loved every minute of their interaction despite the age difference), suspenseful with great details on Sydney's underbelly and undercover operations and an emotional, fitting ending. Josie Valenti is an alluring mix of youthfulness, wisdom (with a penchant for swearing) and no too-stupid-to-live moments that endeared me to her immediately...and Nate Hunter is everything I could hope for in a romantic hero - seductive, brooding yet direct, questioning of his life's choices and his growing feelings for a woman whom he'd once rejected.
Above all, I loved how they subtly influence each other, finally coming together in a way that Christine has written very believably. I just wished there'd been a deeper exploration of their depth of feeling for each other (in particular Nate's) during the painful separation towards the end of the book, because that seemed glossed over. I wasn't too pulled in by Luke and Allegra as a couple but there was something so poignant, so compelling about the dynamic chemistry, emotions and the conflict between Nate and Josie that I can't forget even now - months after I devoured this novel.
But just like Luke and Allegra from 'In Safe Hands', I'm more than eager to revisit Nate and Josie again in Lee Christine's future books to see how they're been getting on after riding into a sunset (or Shangri-la) that they wholly deserve. Until then, I'll be re-reading this over and over like a delectable piece of chocolate to savour.
December 20, 2013
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely loved Lee Christine’s In Safe Arms. This book was a non-stop thriller that had surprises at every turn. I didn’t have the heart to put it down; I read it in one sitting. Extremely well written, the reader is drawn in almost instantly to the world that Josie and Nate live in.
Josie’s character is young, not even twenty-one years old yet. As such there are life lessons that she must learn the hard way. Her character was vibrant, intelligent, emotional and headstrong. What’s not to love here?
Nate is a bit older and more experienced. His character is dark, refreshing, loveable, stubborn and extremely intelligent. Nate has ben trying to keep Josie at arms length since one drunken encounter two years previously. Nate is a member of a MC, Josie witnesses his leader kill a person while she is talking to him on Skype. But as Josie will find out the hard way, not everything is what it seems. She is going to have to rely on her previous knowledge of Nate before he joined the MC in order to trust him.
Join Nate and Josie as the delve deeper in to the underworld of Sydney searching for the “Overseer�, because that will be the only way that they can get their own lives back on track. Nate and Josie steam up the pages together and find out for themselves how strong the pull of love can be.
I absolutely loved Lee Christine’s In Safe Arms. This book was a non-stop thriller that had surprises at every turn. I didn’t have the heart to put it down; I read it in one sitting. Extremely well written, the reader is drawn in almost instantly to the world that Josie and Nate live in.
Josie’s character is young, not even twenty-one years old yet. As such there are life lessons that she must learn the hard way. Her character was vibrant, intelligent, emotional and headstrong. What’s not to love here?
Nate is a bit older and more experienced. His character is dark, refreshing, loveable, stubborn and extremely intelligent. Nate has ben trying to keep Josie at arms length since one drunken encounter two years previously. Nate is a member of a MC, Josie witnesses his leader kill a person while she is talking to him on Skype. But as Josie will find out the hard way, not everything is what it seems. She is going to have to rely on her previous knowledge of Nate before he joined the MC in order to trust him.
Join Nate and Josie as the delve deeper in to the underworld of Sydney searching for the “Overseer�, because that will be the only way that they can get their own lives back on track. Nate and Josie steam up the pages together and find out for themselves how strong the pull of love can be.
October 14, 2014
In Safe Arms is the follow up book to In Safe Hands, but can be read as a standalone. This is the story of Josie and Nate. Josie is a PA at a law firm, and one night accidentally witnesses a murder on Skype. What she doesn't expect is one of the men on the screen to be her former coworker Nate. Nate and Josie have quite a history of office flirtation, but their easy relationship ended one night after Josie drunkenly propositioned Nate and was turned down.
Now running to the police, Josie is intercepted by Nate and despite the circumstances still feels the attraction for him that she has always harbored. Nate can see right away that Josie has changed just as much as he has. The girl he calls "princess" is much more mature than her age, and makes him rethink his decision to stay away from her.
Events have thrown them together, but neither Nate nor Josie can deny the attraction that looms between them. This is a well-written romantic suspense story, with twists up until the very end. I was engaged from the very beginning of the book, and was easily invested in to the lives of the characters. The easy-flowing dialogue is natural and easy to follow, and Author Lee Christine did a great job of weaving details naturally throughout the plot. I would absolutely read more books written by this author.
Now running to the police, Josie is intercepted by Nate and despite the circumstances still feels the attraction for him that she has always harbored. Nate can see right away that Josie has changed just as much as he has. The girl he calls "princess" is much more mature than her age, and makes him rethink his decision to stay away from her.
Events have thrown them together, but neither Nate nor Josie can deny the attraction that looms between them. This is a well-written romantic suspense story, with twists up until the very end. I was engaged from the very beginning of the book, and was easily invested in to the lives of the characters. The easy-flowing dialogue is natural and easy to follow, and Author Lee Christine did a great job of weaving details naturally throughout the plot. I would absolutely read more books written by this author.
December 19, 2013
Josie kills me she really does, "then her fingertips brushed his leather pants. Right there. Oh God! She jerked her hands away, cringing in the excruciating silence that followed. S***! When he spoke, Nate's voice was an amused drawl in the dark. "Forward as ever I see." Nate he's ALL man and I loved him I really did, he always knows what to say to a woman, "hey, don't stop eating because I said that." He searched his mind for a light hearted remark that would wipe the uncomfortable expression off her face. "I like a woman who can give her food a good nudge - as well as the alcopops." He's so flirty as well, "you hungry for the main course, princess?" his eyes glittered with anticipation. "You sure you can handle it - handle me?" Josie knows how to turn her man on, "she gripped his thighs, heard him growl low in his throat as she arched her back. He hardened beneath her, used his injured arm for the first time to turn her face towards him and capture her mouth." And he's a protective one as well, anyone hurts his Josie his mind is set to kill, "what?" Nate's body went rigid, expression turning harsh, the way it had when he'd dealt with Barry Simpson. "Give me his name, and I'll effing arrest him."
January 6, 2014
The main character Josie is on a face to face call with a biker president of an MC when he gets killed. She is recognized and intercepted by Nate, a guy she met a few years prior and hit on without success. Nate was in the room when the murder took place and looks to be part of the rival MC.
But things aren't always what they seem, and Nate keeps Josie safely tucked away, making sure no harm comes to her. It takes a bit to explain to Josie what brought about the change in his apparent life style over the past years, but she quickly catches on to the bigger picture and even helps in trying to achieve his ultimate goal.
A storyline full of promise, and well-written, with some of the characters quite believable.
I did not, however, connect with the idea of a twenty year old hooking up with a dyed-in-the-wool thirty something guy who had seen plenty in his life.....regardless of how 'mature' she might be. Just not able to swallow that down without a LOT more exposure to Josie than merely her interaction with one, maybe two people in the entire book.
A good book, with the potential to be much better.
But things aren't always what they seem, and Nate keeps Josie safely tucked away, making sure no harm comes to her. It takes a bit to explain to Josie what brought about the change in his apparent life style over the past years, but she quickly catches on to the bigger picture and even helps in trying to achieve his ultimate goal.
A storyline full of promise, and well-written, with some of the characters quite believable.
I did not, however, connect with the idea of a twenty year old hooking up with a dyed-in-the-wool thirty something guy who had seen plenty in his life.....regardless of how 'mature' she might be. Just not able to swallow that down without a LOT more exposure to Josie than merely her interaction with one, maybe two people in the entire book.
A good book, with the potential to be much better.
April 7, 2014
My Rating: 5 out of 5
OK, you’re looking for something hot, fast-paced and that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Right?? No�.I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about books as always!
I think I might just have the book that fits all those categories. In Safe Arms is the second of Lee Christine’s series set in and around the murky Sydney underworld. The first book, In Safe Hands, was a launch title in 2012 for Harlequin Australia’s digital-first line, Escape Publishing.
I’m yet to read book one, however based on this one, I’m going straight back to my Kindle to devour it!
You can check out the full review at .
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Escape Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
OK, you’re looking for something hot, fast-paced and that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Right?? No�.I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about books as always!
I think I might just have the book that fits all those categories. In Safe Arms is the second of Lee Christine’s series set in and around the murky Sydney underworld. The first book, In Safe Hands, was a launch title in 2012 for Harlequin Australia’s digital-first line, Escape Publishing.
I’m yet to read book one, however based on this one, I’m going straight back to my Kindle to devour it!
You can check out the full review at .
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Escape Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2014
I remember reading In Safe Hands back in 2012 and immediately falling in love with both Lee Christine's literary voice and the characters of the Grace and Poole legal firm.
In Safe Arms is no disappointment either and is easily as gripping and thrilling as it's predecessor, immediately hooking me from the opening chapter and keeping me engrossed to the final page.
I can't wait to see what Lee Christine does next. It's always great to see a new and promising writer on the rise!
In Safe Arms is no disappointment either and is easily as gripping and thrilling as it's predecessor, immediately hooking me from the opening chapter and keeping me engrossed to the final page.
I can't wait to see what Lee Christine does next. It's always great to see a new and promising writer on the rise!
August 24, 2016
I didn't like this book and could not push myself to read it past the third chapter. I hate it when I get a book like this as I feel I not only let myself down but also the concept the author is trying to convey. LC this is no reflection on you, I just didn't get it. Other people do enjoy your work so please don't stop. Being able to write and publish is a great achievement.
August 25, 2016
The story is pretty good and unfolds with nice pacing and plenty of action. What I know about Bikers I know from SOA, so it seems pretty action oriented LOL. There was something about Nate and Josie, or their relationship that I didn’t quite get, or fall in love with. Overall it was a good read, and I’d be willing to read something by Lee Christine again.
Want to read
November 24, 2013Net Galley via Harlequin Enterprises Australia and Escape Publishing
May 1, 2016
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I rounded up because the novel was set in Sydney, and I didn't have too read the first book in the series to enjoy this one
I rounded up because the novel was set in Sydney, and I didn't have too read the first book in the series to enjoy this one
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