Blythe Coopman never imagined she’d be homeless, but a series of events has landed her on San Antonio’s streets…hungry, tired, and scared. She clings to her most precious possession, a phone accidentally swiped from a local firefighter, who, instead of canceling the number, starts texting her. Soon, the man’s calls and texts are the highlight of her days, but she declines his frequent offers of … of help. Blythe refuses to be his burden—until a vicious attack takes the decision out of her hands.
When the woman he’s already begun to care for ends up in the ER, Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay is livid—and ashamed. He should have insisted she accept his help long ago. Now, he’s not taking no for an answer. While his friends rally round Blythe, Squirrel’s bond with her grows stronger by the day, until he realizes he’ll do anything to keep her safe, healthy, and happy…even as his own lifelong insecurities work against him.
But despite leaving the streets behind, Blythe and Sawyer discover old dangers still linger, threatening to end the couple’s new bliss before it’s barely begun.
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Waiting months and months for this story, and it was worth the wait. Then again, any story written by Susan Stoker usually is. Read this book in two sittings, meaning I was invested, intrigued and engaged from start to finish.
I loved Sawyer and Blythe together. Once again Ms. Stoker created less than perfect characters, with fears, and hang ups that makes it easy to relate with. In this case, a homeless woman and a firefighter. This is not about a hero complex that leads into romance, no. It’s about two people brought together by understanding and chemistry. A story that lets any audience know, “this could be you.” That’s what made this story so much better.
I started reading books by this author back in late 2017, thus far everything I’ve read I’ve loved and devoured. This is no exception. Highly recommend this heartfelt romance story.
I listened to the Audiobook because I couldn’t wait for this book to release! This is such an amazingly uplifting story! I had a feeling this was going to be a favorite of mine having met Blythe in an earlier book. Susan is such a fantastic storyteller and Blythe and Sawyer (Squirrel) are wonderful characters. There was no way to not fall in love with Sawyer. It’s very rare to find a hero who has self esteem issues and this made him all the more lovable and real. Add to that the fact that he is so selfless and sweet and would do anything for the people he loves and you have a most swoon worthy hero!! Blythe has been through hell. A tragic event in her life rendered her homeless and she had been on the streets for a year. Thankfully the first time Sawyer met Blythe at a fire he had been called to, he gave her his sweatshirt but hadn’t realized his phone was in it. This would turn out to be the lifeline she needed and a way for them to keep in touch as well as the way he would eventually be able to see her again. He had not been able to forget her.
All the wonderful men and women we have come to know in this series make appearances in this heartwarming and awesome comeback story. You will love Blythe and Sawyer and how she fits in with everyone else too. They are perfect together!!! The epilogue is beautiful!
Erin Mallon is such a great narrator and I just love how she brings the characters to life! I love listening to the books she narrates especially if they are written by Susan Stoker!!!
I am really looking forward to the next book that is set up for us at the very end of this one.
Another hit by Susan Stoker
“Shelter for Blythe” is Susan Stoker’s latest installment in her “Badge of Honor” series. These books revolve around firefighters and police officers in San Antonio, TX. As with many of her other books that deal with today’s issues, especially in this series, Ms Stoker has brought to light a difficult, but unfortunately an all-too-common, scenario – homelessness brought about by the loss of a job and crushing medical debt. Blythe Coopman has spent over a year on the streets, but she never lost her basic goodness. Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay is a firefighter who accidentally gave Blythe his cell phone during a call, and then struck up a friendship with her via that same cell phone. When she is injured, he is called and takes that opportunity to rescue her from the streets. The story centers around Blythe regaining her self-worth while discovering that leaning on a circle of friends is OK. Everyone needs a support system. She didn’t have one before, she definitely has one now. McClay, who was always the “friend” and not the “hero”, at least in his mind, learns that true love sees beyond the package to the essence of what’s inside. Blythe and McClay are good with each other and for each other. The romance fit the characters and the story, but what I really liked about the book was the friendship, not just between the leads, but with the entire circle of characters that makes up this series. These books keep getting better and better. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
All the feels
It was so believable as to why Blythe ended up where so did. Sawyer is an amazing man with deep emotions and lots of love to give. Proves that now matter how you look, there is someone out there who will love you.
Susan Stoker wrote this amazing story of Blythe Coopman and Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay. This story has all of the elements that we love in Susan Stoker stories. This story also has a few twists, as well as updates on the other couples in the Badge of Honor Series. The drama part of the story is so awesomely done! I NEVER saw the ending to the drama coming…at all!
Erin Mallon (the narrator) did such an amazing job at narrating the story. She acts out the story so well. I LOVE her as a narrator!!
You so need to read/listen to this story!!! We haven’t hear to much about Squirrel before this story, but his story is so well done!! Susan did such a great job writing about homelessness and all that it encompasses. Susan Stoker did a wonderful job making you feel throughout this book!!
Also…wait until you find out how he got the nickname “Squirrel”!! It is so worth it and so original of a reason!!
Well crud, I finished it in one sitting, LOL! I LOVED this book, I cried and laughed and rooted for Sawyer and Blythe through the whole book. Sawyer’s relationship with his sisters made my heart melt, and his entire family ROCKS! I especially loved how honest Blythe was with everyone that asked her questions about being homeless once she had opened up to Sawyer. The plot is fantastic, the characters are top notch (I love how everyone stepped up to help) and the writing as always pulled me in from the first page. I think Blythe is my new favorite heroine of Susan’s (okay maybe second after Caroline), her internal fortitude and determination to do the right thing is inspiring. Another fabulous story Susan Stoker!
We got our first glimpse of Blythe in Shelter for Sophie. Elusive and mysterious, she hides away from any kind of help. Her one valuable possession, a phone. She found it in the sweatshirt Squirrel ‘Sawyer’ gave her to wear the night of the fire. The one that demolished the building she was staying in with Louise and Todd. However, before they could get her to go with that couple, she vanished and Squirrel did the most unpredictable thing in her mind, he didn’t cancel the phone, he started texting her.
It’s because of that phone that Squirrel was finally able to put his sort of plan in place. He was able to convince her to stay at Sophie’s house, like Todd and Louise had, after she was injured helping others.
Oh the sniffles! When they arrive at the house was only the first of many times I found myself tearing up.
This is a very emotional story, and Blythe has gone through so much. Sawyer has some issues as well, and they both learn from each other.
I love the women in these books, they have endured and come back even stronger. Banding together to be with Blythe.
Oh and the donkey!!! So dang cute and had me giggling.
So much happens in this book, a heartrending, inspiring, hold your breath, page turner.
Susan Stoker is one of my favorite authors because her books never disappoint. Shelter for Blythe was no exception. The relationship between Blythe and Sawyer was unusual only because Blythe was homeless. Ms Stoker treated the subject with compassion and empathy while still giving us a great romance. It was wonderful to reconnect with the other Badge of Honor characters as we see once again how family is more than just sharing the same blood. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Blythe and Sawyer are perfect for each other. They both have trouble seeing themselves as the other one sees them but they make each other better and stronger. Blythe is happy to not be alone any more and Sawyer is determined to do everything he can to keep her happy. So when Blythe asks for his help to find her friend, he agrees. They didn’t find her friend but they did find trouble.
4.5 Stars
I became quite fascinated with the enigmatic character of Blythe when she first appeared in Shelter for Sophie, and then in Justice for Milena, and was eager to discover her story.
Shelter for Blythe is an emotional story of hope, survival, strength and love. It’s a friends to lovers romance, that is quite unique and unconventional in the fact that the heroine is homeless.
Squirrel aka Sawyer is a sweet, kind, caring, protective and compassionate man. All traits that go hand in hand with his role as a firefighter and paramedic. He may be an alpha, but he is also kind of nerdy, and has an inability to see his own worth which make him all the more endearing. He’s not only likeable, but realistic and incredibly loveable.
A change in circumstances, found Blythe living on the street. In spite of her living situation she is incredibly independent and proud. She’s brave, strong and resilient, and has a huge heart, always trying to put others needs before her own.
As I’ve come to expect from Ms Stoker Blythe and Squirrel’s story has an element of intrigue and danger that will keep you enthralled with their story. I loved that the previous heroes in this series, and their leading ladies were so prevalent within this story line.
I’ve enjoyed each title in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series, with Blythe and Squirrel’s story being the eleventh title. I will be eagerly awaiting the next addition to the series, and was captivated by the glimpse we were provided with in the epilogue of this title.
Love Susan Stoker’s books! Shelter for Blythe is another great installment in her Badge of Honor series. LOVE Sawyer! Such a sweet love story. Susan Stoker never disappoints with her books! Great writing, and keeps your interest from the first page!
Susan Stoker can craft a tale like no other. And Shelter for Blythe is no different from any of her other amazing books.
Blythe is homeless through no real fault of her own and when a fire breaks out (from the book Shelter for Sophie) Squirrel helps her the only way he knows how. Offers her a sweatshirt to stay warm…she keeps it, leaving. Squirrel realizes his phone is in the sweatshirt and starts to text himself…hoping she’ll answer. When she does it begins a great friendship. You have to read this book. It is so good.
As far as H go Squirrel isn’t your typical buff guy that women are clamoring to get. He’s shorter, slimmer and he wears glasses; what he is though is loyal, loving and one hell of a catch.
Blythe finally agrees to Squirrel’s offer of help and discovers she should have accepted a long time ago.
Eye opening look into being homeless and the problems people face all the time. Great flow and storyline with engaging characters. Well worth the wait for its release and the time it took to read it.
I am so glad to finally get Blythe’s backstory! Her struggle with homelessness was realistic and believable. Overall the plot seemed a bit slow to me, but I enjoyed the story.
Sawyer, aka Squirrel, is not the typical alpha male hero. He’s more like a real guy, and definitely has his own insecurities. Blythe was a victim of bad circumstances that ended up with her being homeless. Squirrel finally gets her trust to let him help her; along with all of his friends. This was a good book, and I enjoyed reading it.
Susan Stoker is a fabulous author and I have yet to read a book by her that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are always likeable and relatable and the storyline is always plausible and one you could easily see playing out for yourself or someone you know in everyday circumstances. I like the fact that there is no tearing down or tearing apart of the characters and basic story. Yes, the characters always have situations or circumstances to overcome either emotionally, physically, and/or mentally but they are never broken down to nothing, demeaned or persecuted in order to make a good read. She creates strong, solid characters and storylines that draw you in and keep you interested in their plight. And she does an amazing job of spotlighting everyday circumstances and struggles that we or others we know may face (homelessness, body weight, bullying, self-esteem, behaviors, etc.) and handles them with compassion and understanding. This current book, Shelter for Blythe is no different.
Blythe is strong, independent, and proud and has a huge heart. The circumstances that befall her are sad and unfortunate and she struggles to hold onto herself, her sanity, her dignity and keep herself safe while she tries her hardest to make her situation better on her own. The streets are rough and scary and even though she has been offered assistance, more than once, she is too proud to accept. She does not want to have to depend on anyone or owe something to anyone who may help her. By accident she receives a cell phone that has become her lifeline and her connection to Sawyer, who has come to mean a lot to her. And even though he worries for her, he never puts pressure on her knowing she needs to do things her own way. She is scared of what he may want from her in return if she ever accepts his offer of assistance. However, that choice is taken out of her hands after a brutal attack. Blythe’s entire world shifts overnight and she struggles to keep up with the changes, new feelings and deal with the emotional and mental trauma she has dealt with and come to terms with it all and with Sawyer’s help she is finally hopeful and looking towards the future.
Sawyer “Squirrel” is not your average alpha male. He stands out from the rest of his firefighter brothers, all being bigger, more confident and the epitome of the alpha male image; he has a slighter physique, wears glasses and thinks of himself more as a nerd. He can hold his own just as well as his friends but he does not stand out in the eyes of the female population. He is always ‘the friend’; the guy who the ladies want to help set them up with his friends…it is never him. Sawyer briefly meets Blythe in Shelter for Sophie, during the aftermath of the fire that burned down the abandoned building she and some friends were staying in. He gives her his sweatshirt, which unbeknownst to him has his cell phone in the pocket. Instead of turning it off, he buys another and begins texting his old phone hoping the woman who has it will answer one of his messages. Aside from worrying for her safety and wellbeing after the fire, he is drawn to her and desperately wants to help however he can. When a horrible incident lands her in the hospital, Sawyer decides to take charge. He wants to keep her safe and in his life but he has to work stealthily to keep her from running and convince her to finally accept his help. As their bond grows stronger, he realizes he will do whatever he has to do to keep her safe and with him for good.
This is a true feel good, sweet read with genuine characters and a solid storyline. The situations addressed in the book are real issues in today’s society and Stoker handles them wonderfully with care and respect. I really enjoyed reading Shelter for Blythe and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
*I received an ARC copy of this book with no obligation to review. The thoughts expressed in this review are non-biased and completely my own.
***5 Stars***
All. The. Feels.
Not that I expected any less, I really didn’t, but Blythe and Sawyer seemed to make my heart swoon and break so many times throughout this book that I lost count, and that doesn’t even take into account the rest of the BoHTH crew and how they all rally in this one. This book was pretty much everything.
I adored both Blythe and Sawyer aka Squirrel. Blythe is strong, intelligent and despite all that she has gone through still has a heart of gold. After finding out all that she had been through I couldn’t help but admire the woman and loved watching as she worked through a whole myriad of issues to get back on her feet and take her future by the horns. Sawyer was all kinds of nummyness. He’s got that alpha AF thing going on and yet is man enough to know when to step to the side and not dictate on how one should do things, even when it drives him batshit crazy. He also has a few…insecurities that made it all at once easy to connect with him, even as I wanted to Gibbs smack some sense into him.
Blythe and Sawyer’s journey started out in a unique way and I loved how it turned into a friendship, even if it wasn’t done in a conventional way ~ though to be honest, in this day and age it isn’t really all that unconventional. But once they finally have the opportunity to actually be physically around each other things really take off and I loved watching as they met each obstacle and worked through them together, even if that ‘togetherness’ was simply standing by the other and letting them know they’d be there to help if it was needed. They saw beyond the physical, beyond their circumstances, and all the way to who the other truly was and it made it blatantly obvious how well they fit together in every way, and I mean every because the smexy was 5 alarm fire HAWT!
This was simply another great addition to Ms. SToker’s already get list of books. She does tackle a few issues that impact our society today, and as she does in all her books, handles it with care and respect. And as for the rest of the BoHTH crew, I loved how they rallied in this one. I have stated this before, I haven’t read all the books in this particular series (and you don’t have to in order to enjoy this book ~ it can be read as a standalone), but I really like all of them, even if I can’t always keep who’s who straight, and really liked all that they brought to the table in helping Blythe and Sawyer. And as for that epilogue…I cannot wait for Justice for Hope!
~ Copy provided by RockStarLit & voluntarily reviewed ~
THE ABSOLUTE BEST BADGE OF HONOR STORY AS OF YET! Oh my wonderful goodness, how I FLOVED Shelter For Blythe!
Squirrel may think he isn’t the normal woman’s fantasy but let me tell you, he is EVERY woman’s fantasy. What he thinks is average or below average I think is something special and amazing. He was probably one of the most admirable hero so far. I thought he was VERY hot. He was incredibly alpha and wonderfully caring and is just had a beautiful soul. He made me wish for, not just any of the Badge of Honor heroes, but for HIM alone. He knows how to treat a woman and the way he was with Blythe was nothing short of inspiring.
Now Blythe, she was another amazing heroine. She had such a rough start but when she finally accepted help, she changed into a beautiful, caring, wonderful woman that I would just LOVE to be friends with. She was absolutely PERFECT for Squirrel and I couldn’t be any more happier with this book than I am right now. It is one of my FAVORITES and one I will hold close to my heart for a VERY long time. WOW! Shelter For Blythe is sweet romance with the right blend of suspense in just the right spot. Susan Stoker wins me over AGAIN with one of her awe-inspiring stories with the most swoon worthy hero YET! Ladies, be prepared to have your heart swoon and melt for Squirrel! I give this book a FANFREAKINGTASTIC FIVE MUST READ STARS!
Sawyer “Squirrel” Maclay has been fascinated by Blythe Coopman since their brief encounter at a fire. Discovering he’d accidentally given her his phone gives him the perfect excuse to make and keep a connection with her. If nothing else he’ll be her friend although he’d like to be so much more. Blythe, like so many others, finds herself homeless because of circumstances beyond her control. Learning to live on the streets has been a powerful life lesson and even though she wants to lift herself out of what seems a hopeless situation, her choices are practically nil. All Sawyer wants to do now is convince her that he wants to give her a hand up, not a hand out. A near deadly encounter finally convinces her to extend her hand. She thinks she’s not worthy of him. He aims to prove otherwise.
“Shelter for Blythe” is the eleventh book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series and it is the story of Blythe Coopman and Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay. Sawyer is a firefighter that gave Blythe his jacket when he met her on the street, because she was cold, not realizing he had left his phone in the pocket. Instead of deactivating the phone, he simply got another and began texting Blythe in hopes that she would accept help from him. The reason Blythe is homeless and living on the streets is truly heartbreaking and as a reader I realized what choice did she really have? When Blythe is attacked Sawyer decides to help her whether she wants that help or not. He will do anything to keep her safe and so will his friends.
This book is loaded with passion, heartache, love, friendship and hope.