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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He a firefighter gave her a sweatshirt when he saw she was cold it had his cell phone in it She is homeless through no fault of her own that phone becomes her lifeline He gets a call from a detective who tells him she has been hurt he comes to the hospital and when she gets out many friends are there to help her out so begins her journey of getting back on her feet She has a dream about him and her so she does what she can to make it a reality they have sizzling romance and a happy ending
This story shines the light on the plight of the homeless, not only the prejudices they face but the danger of living on the streets and in the shelters.
We meet up with Blythe who has made an appearance in some of the other books in this series. Her and Squirrel, one of the firefighters have been communicating via the phone he inadvertently loaned her for months.
Friendship has started to develop and when she ends up in the emergency room, Squirrel steps in and insists she has a safe place to stay until she can get back on her feet.
Friendship very soon leads to feelings……… All the wives and girlfriends take Blythe under their wing and provide positive input into her new lease on life.
Such a good story. And you can tell she did her research. The homeless population is like its own little social world. With its own rules and regulations. Blythe and Sawyer meet by chance be at a structure fire and he gives her his sweatshirt that accidentally has his cell in the pocket. After texting home self for weeks she finally responds. They chat for awhile and then the unthinkable happens and she is attacked and Sawyer is called to the hospital because of being listed In his/Her phone. He gets her help and a place to stay. They both have insecurities. And just want to be seen for who they are.
It’s not as over the top as some other books in the series but it will definitely be worth your while.
I have been anxious to read Blithe’s story after Malena & then Sadie’s. It was even better than I had hoped. This story gives a little insight into what being homeless can be like. It is romanticized many times but here gives a more realistic point of view.
Erin Mallon did a fantastic job bringing the story to life and has some amazing voices.
Another fantastic story told by Ms Stoker.
A very real eye opener about the realities that some homeless people have to endure.
The story of Blythe and Sawyer was told so beautifully and the ending was perfect.
Squirrel becomes a Shelter for Blythe
Blythe has been on the street for a little while through no fault of her own….just circumstances she couldn’t control. When she accidentally takes a phone belonging to a firefighter it isn’t long before he starts communicating with her. He eventually gets a call late in the night, that she’s on her way to the hospital. He races off to be with her but decides he will do anything to ensure she no longer has to live on the streets
I really enjoyed this story and have to admit as I get closer to the end of this series I’m finding all the characters and stories amazingly inspiring and know I’m going to hate to finish them as I will definitely miss this group of honourable people
This installment was one I have been looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Sawyer has such a strong ability to see to the core of a person and not just see the outside. Blythe had hit bottom when she found hope in a group of friends and a wonderful man. Be sure to check this one out! I’m on to the next story.
When a helping hand means more than enough.
Shelter for Blythe is Susan Stoker’s take on the plight of the homeless. Here, she introduces us to Blythe Coopman, a homeless woman who lost everything caring for her mother, who eventually succumbed to cancer.
We meet Sawyer “Squirrel” McClay, a firefighter, who falls for Blythe after encountering her in one of the fires that he helped put out.
Sawyer and Blythe’s lives cross when, in the midst of lending Blythe his sweater, Sawyer inadvertently left his mobile phone in its pocket. Instead of going after Blythe, he saw the loss of his phone as a means to keep in touch with her, and that he proceeds to do as he tries to convince her to get off the streets.
Circumstances force Blythe to accept Sawyer’s help when, one day, she was attacked in an alley. The rest, of course, you have to read to appreciate the story.
I understand that some readers are put off with some stories shining a light in the plight of the homeless. Whatever their reason, that is theirs to keep, and I know I should let that be.
But.
“The homeless know they can always go to a shelter.”
“The homeless won’t do anything because they know they can always beg for food/help/money.”
“The homeless are lazy, entitled people who believe society owes them something and will not do anything to help themselves.”
Why even shine a light on their plight, right? And what’s up with Sawyer, taking one look at a homeless woman and knowing that she is the love of his life? Creepy much?
Yes, some of those who are homeless resort to a life of crime and drug addiction to make ends meet, and these are the ones we should be wary of.
But. Let us face the facts that not all homeless people are out for handouts. Just because they live in the streets, it does not mean that all of them are lazy. Some of them may have experienced circumstances that prevented them from having a roof over their heads, or, worse, a home with loved ones they can turn to when needed.
I have heard of a countless number of war heroes who go home thinking they have something to look forward to, someone to turn to when they needed them the most, only to end up in the streets because they have been abandoned by those who could not wait for them to come home.
I have heard the story of a teacher who, even with his master’s degree, was forced to live in the streets when he fell ill and could not return to his profession.
I have read the story of a child who had to use a street lamp so that he could study at night–yes, he is able to go to a public school, but he lives on the streets with his Mom, who picks up discarded plastic bottles and barters them for food at recycling stations. His mom, I heard, was thrown out of their home, for giving birth to a child of rape.
So yes, turn a blind eye to the homeless. But when it happens to you, or your loved ones, know that you, yourself, can make a difference in their lives, and I hope that you do.
I had been looking forward to reading Blythe’s story ever since we get a glimpse of her in Shelter for Sophie. There were so many questions surrounding her so it was great that I was able to finally read her story. And what a heart-breaking story it was. This book showed the strength and love that Blythe was capable of. I could not imagine enduring what she had to for the past year being homeless. The only beacon of light she had was the cell phone that was in the sweatshirt that Sawyer “Squirrel” had given her a few weeks prior. The eventual phone calls and texts made her feel safe and content in the otherwise scary reality she was in. As for Sawyer, these phone calls and texts were important to him too. Even though they were in each other’s presence for a few moments, he got to know Blythe by phone and he liked her and he was desperate to get her off the streets and safe. For weeks he offered to help, but Blythe refused to be in debt to anyone. When she finally thought maybe it would not be so bad to take him up on his offers, it was too late. Sawyer is notified of the attack on Blythe and he and the rest of his teammates and friends are immediately there for Blythe and does everything in their power to keep her off the streets and finally safe.
Blythe and Sawyer’s story was definitely an emotional one. Blythe’s heart was pure and so strong. Even out in the streets, she was there for people in trouble. I just loved her so much. As for Sawyer, he was not the typical alpha male. He had some self-image issues. He wasn’t as muscular or tall as the other and not as “manly,” but to Blythe, he was perfect. Even though they both felt like they were not good enough for the other, they were indeed perfect for each other.
Shelter for Blythe is a wonderful romance with the right amount of bad guys and dangerous situations. The friendship and camaraderie that is displayed in this book was so heart-warming. And the love that Blythe and Sawyer have for eachother is pure and just plain wonderful. Another stellar novel from the Badge of Honor series.
Shelter for Blythe is Squirrel AKA Sawyer and Blythe’s story within the Badge of Honor series. I have to say that I’ve been waiting for this book but not as long as Moose and Penelope’s.
Blythe Coopman has been homeless after her mother lost her battle with cancer and she was evicted but when she stands up for a couple being robbed she ends up being stabbed by Dog and Tweek. When Squirrel finds out he rushes to the hospital. Sophie offers her home to Blythe to recover in and from there he does whatever it takes to make her feel safe and loved. But she wants to find Hope and her son Billy who are also in Milena’s story plus she’ll have a lead into Calder’s book also.
Sawyer has always felt like he wasn’t enough, not tall, muscular, handsome or popular but when he accidentally gives Blythe his sweatshirt with his phone he’ll start texting her. He hopes someday he’ll find a way to get her off the streets. He doesn’t hesitate to be there while she recovers and show Blythe how much he cares for her. What I love about all the Badge of Honor series is that there’s a slow burn to the climatic ending plus a lead into the next book which is Calder and Hope’s. Plus everyone from the Fire Station, SAT police, Texas Rangers and FBI gather around to give Blythe the family she has missed when her mom passed away. The women they love show Blythe they care about the new girl who’s joined their family of men in the Badge of Honor.
This was a great book, it wasn’t my favorite in the group but I still enjoyed it.
Blythe is a character we have been reading about for a couple of books. She is homeless and everyone seems to know she doesn’t “seem homeless” she still is. She is a woman who is trying to do everything she can to get by. She has her pride and now willing to sucome to what people have to do on the streets.
Sawyer has taken an interest in Blythe and wants to help her even if its just to be her texting buddy. However when she is hurt, he decides that he needs to help her maore than he has been.
It was interesting to read about Sawyers insecurities. It isn’t something that is usually addressed in a romance book but I really liked this aspect of him. Not that I liked him having these issues but it made him very human and relatable.
Predictable, but very interesting plot. At one point there was no way I could stop reading until I found out what happened.
Blythe is homeless after being evicted from her apartment. Sawyer is a paramedic/firefighter who wants to help Blythe but her pride won’t let her accept his help. But when she is injured while helping a couple being robbed, Sawyer doesn’t take no for an answer. His fellow firefighter and girlfriend has an empty house and convince her to move in until she can get on her feet. The guys who hurt her are still after her and will stop at nothing to get back at her. Sawyer will do anything to keep her safe.
Two people who have low self esteem realize they are just what the other one needs. Sexy, romantic and a page turner. Can’t wait for the next one!
As I read the book it just became tedious. Not sure I will continue the series.
I truly loved this book!
It’s another awesome story in the
Badge of Honor series.
This is an emotional & heartfelt book.
It is so beautifully written story. You
felt everything Blythe went through
& the compassion of Sawyer & friends.
Grabbed me by the heartstrings,
& never let go.
Can not wait for Hope’s story!!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
I love Susan Stoker’s novels because she does not have physically perfect heroes and heroines. This book will be one of my favorites because of the way she depicts Blythe who is homeless due to no fault of her own…circumstances led her to this place. Yet she is a good person trying to get back on her feet. Caring and giving even while living on the streets. An moment in time when Blythe’s path crosses Sawyer’s (Squirrel) – and she ends up with his cell phone. They begin a text relationship…yet, in her pride she won’t let him help her or even meet yet. Yet fate brings them together…each with their own pride hangups. Their romance as well as the humanizing the homeless is one reason I love the book. I totally recommend this book…if only to get a different viewpoint on the homeless.
This was an emotional story of hope, survival, strength and love. A great friends to lovers romance, that had a unique and unconventional storyline considering that the heroine is homeless. The story was well written and had characters that were likable, had amazing chemistry and were well developed. A great read that kept my interest from beginning to end.
I am hooked on Susan’s firehouse heroes. I can hardly wait for each new instalment. I need to know what has happened to the other members of the firehouse and their mates as well as the story of those we have glimpsed in the other books. Before I even opened the book I already knew that Blythe and Squirrel were people I wanted to know better. Even though Blythe is homeless, she continues to care about the welfare of others over her own safety. Squirrel and his buddies are steadfast friends who are there through thick and thin.
ONE OF MY FAV. AUTHERS, LOVE THIS SERIES