Shelter from the Storm

Perfect Storm #2

by Mari Carr

A storm never felt so safe.

Desperate for a new life, Gretchen escapes her abusive ex and finds refuge in the small town of Gracemont. Her plan is lay low. But when she meets Theo Storm, her sexy new boss, everything changes. Drawn into the warmth of his world, Gretchen discovers the possibility of happiness, love, and family—things she thought were out of her reach.

For Theo, it’s love at first touch. From the moment he takes Gretchen’s trembling hand, he knows he’s found someone worth fighting for. Though he senses she’s hiding something, he’s determined to help her overcome her painful past.

When old demons come knocking, Theo calls on his family to help protect the woman who’s quickly claimed his heart. The Storms are a force of nature, and they quickly step up, ready to defend their own at any cost.

Will they succeed in keeping Gretchen safe, or will her dangerous past tear her and Theo apart?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

About the author

Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com

Reviews

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Found family, small town, woman in a run, and obsessed hero. This book has all my favorite tropes. I loved it so much.
There were so many characters mentioned, but it didn't make me overwhelming at all. Instead, those characters made me invested in this series. I definitely will read the book one and the rest of the books released in the future from this series. I got hooked.
The suspense side of the story was suspenseful enough for my like. I loved that even though this book was written in third-person POV, I didn't need much time to get used to it.

Thank you to Mari Carr and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

#HeartStrings
Be prepared to be swept off your feet. This is a sweet romance with a heart-felt storyline.
Check your triggers with this one and grab a tissue.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of Friendship and Found Family

I really like Gretchen (Kitten) Parker Banks. She's been dealt one crappy situation after another. While it sometimes knocks her down, literally and figuratively, it doesn't knock her out. I hate that she has to plot her escape the way she does, but I give props to anyone who pulls themselves out of anything resembling what she went through. (Fair warning, it is a domestic violence situation.)

Then there is Theodore (Theo) Storm (and his entire family). I kind of like that his life has been good and pretty sheltered to the point where DV isn't the first conclusion he jumped to about some of Gretchen's habits, reactions, and quirks. The instant attraction and how he frequently has an inner monologue about being patient is so stinking cute. I love that she gets someone like him (and his family) in her corner.

In the end, all he knew was that Gretchen had a determination and a quiet strength that had called to him in a way he’d never experienced before.
-- Theo Storm

I not only like them together because of how cute they are, but also because we see them both grow in very positive ways in the short time we follow them. Also, they are incredibly 🔥 whether or not there's a bed nearby. 🤭❤️‍🔥 Hooray for solid doors!

I would be remiss if I didn't also give a huge shout out to Edith Millholland, who made Gretchen feel safe for the first time in her life. She's an absolutely amazing woman who not only provides safe harbor but also becomes a trusted confidante. Her stories and love of pop culture are entertaining, too. I truly hope we see more of her (and Manny) as the series progresses. There are real people like this in the world, and we all could use more of them. 🤗

I'm only slightly surprised by the next couple. I had suspicions that it would be Boon or Shaw. I can't wait to get both and the rest of the Storm family regardless of the order.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators, Grace Noble and Jarman Day, continue to let the love and compassion of the Storms and their intendeds shine through. 🎧💚🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 34; h = 24

*Bk includes domestic violence, grooming, emotional abuse & isolation, child abuse, stalking, and assault

[Thisgirl.listens]

Atm this is a DNF for me

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHELTER FROM THE STORM is the second in Mari Carr’s Perfect Storm family series. Brewhouse manager Theo Storm and new event coordinator Gretchen Banks experience that famed ‘lightning strike’ moment that the Storm family has come to refer to as love at first touch. But while Theo is ready to be all in, Gretchen has just managed to escape a horribly abusive situation and is understandably wary. Fortunately Theo can be trusted to consider the long game.

Mari Carr's story lets readers witness Gretchen’s readiness to reclaim her life and her joy and relief at finding real friendship and support for seemingly the first time in her until now stark life. I loved the warmth and genuine love the Storm family and others in the Gracemont community readily poured out for her and the healing it nurtured as she flourished. Theo shows himself to be a supportive and considerate partner, and it is a real pleasure to watch Gretchen rediscover her true self and reveal her strength for the world to see. A stellar story.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretchen runs away from Harrisburg, PA to Gracemont, VA to start a new life. She has left her abusive ex, Briggs, and is intent on starting a new life as an Events Coordinator for the Storm family. Theo is immediately taken with her. He realizes that she has some issues and proceeds with caution. Gretchen does do a good job of eventually opening up about her past. When her past comes calling, she is forced to find the strength to trust Theo and his family. It was a quick, easy read and I liked both Theo and Gretchen. It was a good addition to book 1 and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two started out so meek and timid, and by the end, they were a full-scale hurricane force! Gretchen in on the run, Theo is a protector. They never should have met, but fate had plans for them. They have a slow burn, as she learns she can trust, and he works to gain that trust. By the time trouble finds them, they are secure and ready to face everything together <3

[Tracy Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running from an abusive ex, Gretchen runs to Gracemont for a fresh start and finds Theo. Theo knows Gretchen is for him from the very beginning, and when Gretchen's past catches up with her, his protective nature rises. The chemistry between Theo and Gretchen is hot and combustible. They are fabulous together. Shelter form the Storm is a great read and draws you in quickly from the start.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Theo and Gretchen’s story.
Gretchen has managed to escape from her abusive ex, and want to start a new life for herself, and she takes refuge in small town Gracemont. Theo knows as soon as he meets Gretchen, who has been hired as the events co-ordinator for his family’s brewery / winery, that she is the one for him, and is instantly in love. When Gretchen’s past come back to haunt her, Theo is determined to keep her safe and protected and enlists the help of his family.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, secrets, forced proximity, workplace romance, challenges, healing, humor, witty banter, suspense, and love, which leads to an entertaining, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gretchen has finally left her abusive boyfriend and ran to Gracemont Virginia to be the new event coordinator for Stormy Weather Farm. When she arrives and finally meets Theo Storm in person, an electric shock runs through them both. Theo believes in love at first sight/touch like his dad and brother and he knows Gretchen is meant to be in his life. Gretchen is timid and scared, she won't reveal her past and doesn't trust others.
Theo and her spend everyday together and she slowly learns to trust him. His family and the town have welcomed her with open arms. She starts to open up to Edith and Theo. What will happen when her ex shows up?

[AnotherRomanceReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Name/Series: Shelter from the Storm (Perfect Storm #2)
Author: Mari Carr
Standalone?: Can be read as a standalone, but includes characters from other books.

3 Stars

My Opinion: This was an okay book overall and I did enjoy parts of it, but there were also some things that I thought could have been improved.

I liked both the characters and I though they made a cute couple, and I loved the found family aspect of this story. However, it did feel quite rushed in my opinion, and there were so many references to Gretchen’s abusive ex Briggs (his name is mentioned 274 times throughout the book). I get that he was a big part of her life and that she struggled a lot with what he had done to her, but it felt constant, and it got to be a bit much.

Hero: 4/5. Theo (34) is the manager at his family’s brewery. He was a happy and charismatic guy. He was also super patient and sweet with Gretchen, and I loved how he included her in all his family’s events and how he encouraged and supported her. However, I have very mixed feelings about his determination to be with her. On the one hand, I like a hero who knows what he wants and goes after it, but on the other hand, I did feel like he was a little bit pushy sometimes because he was so sure she was the one while she was hesitant and didn’t quite know if she could trust her judgement because of her ex.
Heroine: 4/5. Gretchen (24) is on the run from her abusive ex and has landed in Gracemont where she got a job as an event coordinator for the Storm family’s winey and brewery. She is immediately attracted to Theo who is one of her bosses, but she doesn’t trust her judgement on men and was hesitant to open up about what she had been through. She was quite shy in the beginning, but she slowly came out of her shell, and I loved the relationship she developed with her 80-year-old landlord Edith and some of the other secondary characters.

POV: 3rd person POV (Theo and Gretchen).

Push/Pull: Gretchen pushes Theo away on a couple of occasions because she doesn’t trust her judgement on men and doesn’t think they can be together because he’s her boss. It’s very minor though and Theo doesn’t let it deter him at all.

Sadness: 1/5. Gretchen was groomed and abused by her ex, and she also had a rough childhood.

Explicit Sex and Spice Level: Yes. 2/5.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: No. Gretchen’s abusive ex does show up and try to get her back, but Gretchen is obviously not interested at all, and it doesn’t cause any drama between her and Theo.

Separation: No. Once they get together, they stay together.

Cheating: No.

Closure/Ending: HEA. The epilogue is a set up for the next book and not about the couple in this book which was a bit disappointing.

Possible Triggers: Abuse (both by a partner and a parent).

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartbreakingly beautiful well written story. Gretchen is trying to break free from an awful past including a gaslighting ex. Theo felt the “touch of love”
when he first shook his new employee’s hand. I loved how patient, determined and gentle Theo was when he sensed the deep fear from Gretchen. Edith’s heartwarming and sassy personality was perfect. I went through a gamut of emotions as the beauty of love and found family helped Gretchen overcome and bloom. Such a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelter From the Storm is book 2 in the Perfect Storm series and follows Theo Storm as he navigates obstacles left and right as he falls for Gracemont transplant, Gretchen.

Theo laughed at Levi when he fell in love at first sight. Granted Levi fell in love with someone they had all grown up with. But still. Love at first sight is just not a thing. At least not for Theo. He is busy running the family's business and expanding it in to planning and hosting events on the family farm.

Gretchen grew up in the foster system. She has an older brother who is a Navy Seal, but she has not kept in contact with him over the last few years. When she aged out of the foster system, one of the local police officers offered her a place to stay. He is 20 years older, but he is trying to be a mentor for her. Or so he says.

After two years of biding her time and planning everything to a tee, Gretchen manages to get a job at Storm Farm as their Events Coordinator. She takes a circuitous route to Gracemont so that she will not be found. She has changed her last name in the hopes of disappearing. Lucky for her, she has one friend on her side back home who helped her to escape and is keeping an eye out for any sign of trouble.

Theo is surprised to see a woman leaning against the wall. She is wearing a turtleneck top and jeans, but the weather is so warm today that she is overheated. When he finds out she is the new Events Coordinator, he takes her to the brewery for a drink. While there, he has the waitress get her a few shirts to wear. But he has no idea what she is hiding from the world.

Theo watches Gretchen's reactions to various stimuli. He know something is going on with her, but he is not sure what. When he finally gets her to open up about some of her past, his heart breaks for her. But he has not heard anything yet.

Gretchen does confide in her landlady. She knows something is wrong, so she tells Gretchen about her past. She does this hoping Gretchen will open up to her and tell her what she is running from. And she does. She is the only person Gretchen has trusted enough to tell her story to.

Until her past threatens her future.

Although she is skittish around law enforcement, with Theo's help she learns that Gracemont protects their own. And she is one of theirs. So when she gets a surprise visit from the Sheriff, she trusts him and tells him her story.

But this is not the end of her past haunting her happiness. Nor is it the end of many more surprises to come.

Storms protect their own, no matter what. Gretchen is one of them. Every single Storm is there for Gretchen. When push comes to shove, though, Gretchen protects herself. Even as all of the Storm men run to her defense.

When Gretchen arrived in Gracemont, she was timid and scared of everything and everyone. I loved watching her blossom and thrive. She found friends that had her back. She found a support system that was there for her when she needed them. And she found her strength from within.

I loved that Theo was there for Gretchen, no matter what. He did not shy away from her past. He did not judge her for the life she led. He listened. Yes, it made him angry, but he did not show her that knowing she could not handle his anger.

All I have to say is will the Storms adopt me please? I absolutely love this family.

It has been awhile since I have listened to a Grace Noble narration. I loved her as Gretchen and as Theo's cousin, Firecracker. Jarman Day played an understanding Theo. There were so many emotions in this story and these play managed to capture them all.

[Shannon Vaughan-Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe inspiring

Sheltered from the Storm is an emotionally charged, deeply romantic journey of healing, hope, and the power of love to break through even the darkest of pasts.

Gretchen has known pain more intimately than most. Abandoned by her father and left to navigate a life that spiraled into betrayal and abuse, she’s spent years learning to survive—alone, guarded, and constantly looking over her shoulder. Trust doesn’t come easily for her, and love has always seemed like something meant for someone else. But when she decides to start fresh, chasing a new beginning, she finds herself in a small town where the warmth of others begins to chip away at her carefully constructed walls.

Enter Theo—a steady, grounded man raised in a loving and supportive family, working the land on his family’s sprawling farm. Theo is everything Gretchen isn’t used to: patient, kind, unwavering. He sees beyond her haunted eyes and guarded heart, recognizing the strength and resilience that lie beneath her surface. And most importantly, he never pushes—he simply stands by her side, offering the kind of steady love that doesn’t ask for anything in return.

Their relationship unfolds with slow-burning intensity, as trust grows and sparks turn into something undeniable. Their chemistry leaps off the page, passionate and real, laced with tenderness and mutual respect. It’s not just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, a true connection that feels destined.

What makes this story so moving is not just the romance, but the transformation it brings. Gretchen doesn’t magically heal overnight—her growth is gradual, earned, and believable. And Theo’s love isn’t about saving her; it’s about walking beside her while she saves herself.

Mari Carr has crafted a story that balances heartache with hope, fear with courage, and darkness with a love that shines brighter than any storm. Sheltered from the Storm is a reminder that sometimes, love doesn’t come when we expect it—but when it does, it can change everything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when life kicks us repeatedly, all we need is the love of a good man in order to find true Shelter from the Storm and Gretchen learns that better than most when she falls in love with Theo Storm. Mari Carr takes us back to the hills of northern Virginia and Stormy Farms as we watch a woman that has lived through hell escape her hell and find a peace and happiness in the arms of a protector and loving hero. Gretchen has lived through a past that no woman should ever have to face, but she is finally free and is determined to stay that way as she begins her new life. However, she never imagined that starting that new life would mean she found the love of an amazing man that wants to begin a life with her, and she is determined to show him that she moves beyond her past and be the woman he needs and deserves. Theo fell in love with Gretchen the first time he touched her, and he is determined that she will be his, even if he has to take things slowly by becoming her friend and confidant first. But soon he cannot resist his feelings and has to make her his, even though there is danger around them and her fears have to be overcome slowly, nothing stops a Storm from claiming the love of their life. I loved the passion between Gretchen and Theo, even though it began as a slow burn as they became friends, but once they unleashed themselves that fire burned hot enough to light their mountain on fire. This story was one that reminds us that even though we often have a lot of trauma and pain to overcome, with the right partner and patience, love can always overcome anything in our past and lead us to a happiness that changes our worlds. I am looking forward to the next story in the series (Caught in a Storm)and cannot wait to see what trouble the rest of these Storms find themselves getting up to, because I have no doubt that Mari is going to be up to her tricks soon!

For full review check out the blog @
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....

[Mégan Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
2 🌶️

💚 Love at first sight
🤍 Overprotective hero
💚 Forced proximity
🤍 Workplace romance
💚 Secret past
🤍 Small town

If you're into protective heroes, found family, and a romance that packs both heat and heart, Shelter from the Storm should be on your TBR, like, yesterday. This is book two in the Perfect Storm series, but can perfectly be read as a standalone

The story follows Gretchen, who’s trying to rebuild her life after escaping a deeply toxic and abusive relationship. She finds herself in the quiet town of Gracemont, just looking to keep her head down and start over. But of course, that's when Theo Storm enters the picture. He's her new boss, and let’s just say, he's hot, kind, and protective in all the right ways. He immediately picks up on the fact that she’s been through a lot, and instead of pushing, he shows up in gentle, consistent ways which makes it really hard not to fall for him.

There’s instant chemistry, but what I loved most was how patient and supportive Theo is with Gretchen. He doesn’t try to fix her, he just stands by her while she finds her own strength. And when her past comes back to haunt her because of course it does, the way Theo and his family step up is genuinely heartwarming.

This book has a great mix of sweet moments, steamy scenes, and just enough suspense to keep things interesting. The Storm family dynamic is really fun too, it makes you want to move to Gracemont and get adopted by them.

It’s one of those stories where the romance builds with care, the characters feel real and layered, and you’ll find yourself cheering for Gretchen every step of the way as she learns to trust again.

So yeah, if you like your small town romances with a protective alpha, emotional healing, and just enough heat to keep things interesting, Shelter from the Storm totally delivers. Thank you Mari and the Author Agency for this arc opportunity! I volunteered to review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to the cowboy town of Gracemont for Theo’s story in Shelter from the Storm, the second book in the Perfect Storm series centred around the Storm family and their family business and following family tradition it’s a definite case of instalove for Theo as he falls hard and fast for the mysterious Gretchen, his newest employee with untold secrets in her eyes. But the last thing Gretchen is looking for is a man. She’d came to the town to hide from an abusive ex and didn’t want to attract any attention, but Theo slowly worked his way through her defences showing her how a real man treated his woman. She should’ve known things were too good to last when her past collided with her future but she hadn’t counted on Theo and his family who had claimed her as one of them and weren’t about to let anyone hurt her again.

This was another slowburn, but steamy romance that built up the tension gradually between the hero and heroine as Gretchen came to realise not only that in Theo she had found a man she could trust not to deliberately hurt or abuse her but that his love made her strong enough to face her ex. Theo was the perfect blend between dominant and protective and yet still sweet as he allowed her to set the pace, he was in it for the long haul and I loved how gentle he was with her but still found a way to push her limits without appearing threatening. With fabulous secondary characters, mostly his family who all welcomed Gretchen into the fold and were ready to defend her if necessary, this book was emotionally engaging on all levels

[Fernanda Giovannini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in Mari Carr's Perfect Storm family series. The famous "lightning strike" moment referred to by the Storm family as "love at first touch" is felt by Brewhouse manager Theo Storm and newly appointed event planner Gretchen Banks. Although Theo is enthusiastic about doing his best, Gretchen is inherently wary after recently experiencing a very uncomfortable situation. Fortunately, you can depend on Theo to consider the long term.

Having left her abusive ex, Gretchen is starting a new job and a fresh life; she just didn’t expect to become involved in her new boss's world. For Theo, it was love from the very first touch. He understood that he required Gretchen and that he must protect her from whatever she was escaping. Gretchen thought she would confront her past by herself before needing to escape once more, but she never expected that Theo and his family would be there for her and offer their unwavering support. Is everything here accurate? Or is she getting trapped again?

Given that all the Storms are wonderful individuals, it seems entirely expected and unsurprising that they are willing to help Gretchen move past her history and discover not just employment but also a place to live and a new support system. Nonetheless, Theo provides a significant amount of empathy, understanding, and connection, making him the perfect partner for Gretchen as she slowly steps out of her shell and transforms into the confident, strong, and self-reliant woman she was meant to become. I loved seeing those two together, and their journey to achieving a HEA is uplifting and satisfying.

Anticipating the upcoming Storm and the experience of love at first sight! I am openly and sincerely writing this review because I was fortunate to obtain an advance copy.

[Lita Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm (Perfect Storm #2) by Mari Carr is the story of Theo Storm. He has just hired Gretchen for the position of event coordinator for the family brewery/ winery. He had an instant attraction to her during the Zoom interview. However, when she finally comes to town and he meets her,the "instant touch" lets him know she is the one. This "instant touch " happened when his dad met his mom and when Levi caught Kasi when she fainted. Levi and Kasi's story is book 1, Taken By Storm. This book doesn't have to be read to read this book. Theo's story can be read as a stand-alone. However, Taken By Storm is a good story. Don't miss out. Theo knows Gretchen is the one. However, when he meets her,he knows she has something going on that is dark and painful. Gretchen is escaping an abusive relationship. She hopes this time will be it. She loves this new town and the people. She especially likes her boss. However, she is there to work, keep her head down, and not get into a relationship. Theo has other plans. Theo is everything. His family is wonderful, and everyone she has encountered is loving, which helps her to heal. When her past pops up, things get serious. I truly enjoyed this story and love Theo and Gretchen's journey to love. There was plenty of laughter, and the other characters were a hoot. 4 stars for me. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Keep them coming.

[gemma.louise.xx.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen is starting a new job and a new life after finally escaping her abusive ex, she just wasn’t expecting her new boss to draw her into his world. For Theo it was love at first touch. He knew he had to have Gretchen and knew he had protect her from whatever she was running from. When her past comes looking for her, Gretchen expects to face it alone before having to run again but she hadn’t counted on Theo and his family being in her corner and having her back, no matter what. But is all this really real? Or is she getting trapped again?

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this! Theo is the kind of man every woman deserves. He’s patient and kind and caring and protective and hot as hell. This wasn’t an easy book to read because it does cover abusive relationships and grooming but it also shows that there is a way out and there is a way to heal and move on and be loved the way you deserve to be. It was actually quite healing to read even though it was hard in places. I can’t wait for more from this big, chaotic family!

This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as the first book was the perfect story to kick off this series, Gretchen and Theo’s story beat it by a mile! I appreciate the care that Mari Carr put into being sensitive but honest in writing about the abuse that Gretchen suffered at the hands of her ex. As hard as it is to read, I’m sure it was just as difficult to write.
Theo is an absolute dream and his protective nature was evident as soon as he stepped into the page. He’s also funny, sweet, sexy and loyal. Never pushing Gretchen to reveal her secrets but letting her know she’s safe with him.
Gretchen grew so much as a person as she learned to let go of her fear and embrace her new life in Gracemont. Everyone she meets, from her new “bestie”, Edith, to the loud and caring Storm family, helps pull her out of her dark thoughts and into this brand new light and life. Her slow and steady friendship then relationship with Theo was exactly what she needed.
While familiar with the Storm family from the previous book, I got to know them more in this one, and it makes me want everyone else’s stories right. now!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!!

[SherrecePQ Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mari was new to me, with the first book in this series, so was excited to read this. I love Theo and Gretchen's story.

This series is set in Gracemont, where the Storm Family and extended family run a series of businesses. Gretchen is escaping an abusive ex, and by chance, or by fate, finds herself accepting a job as an Event Co-ordinator with Theo Storm as her boss. But, from that first "touch" Theo is smitten. Gretchen, though, is guarded and is covering an abusive past that she wants no-one to know about. However, meeting the owner of the B&B she stays at, Edith, she finds what she has been missing, a friend.

But, her past is going to catch up, but this time she has the support of found family and friends that she never had before, and most importantly Theo. The chemistry is there, but Theo doesn't want to spook "his Kitten" so takes it nice and slow, and boy doesn't he just melt the polar ice caps. This beautiful story had lighter moments of laughter, and others of passion and hope, for those who have ever sheltered from their own storm before. 4.25/5stars. Perfect. I look forward to Book 3.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm
Perfect Storm, Book 2
By: Mari Carr
Narrated by: Jarman Day, Grace Noble

You can escape your past. At least that is what Gretchen is hoping. Leaving her abusive relationship to start fresh in Gracemont is her hope. Theo has hired her as the new event planner and the instant that they met, he knew exactly what the his grandfather spoke of. Love at first sight. But her skittishness kept him moving slowly. He could wait. The bigger question is could he keep her safe from what was coming? This is a fabulous story. Not only a slow burn, but the community and family that enveloped Gretchen grabbed me in too and made us all feel safe and loved. Mari Carr has a way of writing that always pulls me in,and this series is no exception. Fall in love this weekend and grab this fabulous listen!

Jarman Day and Grace Noble are the amazing story tellers who let me enjoy this listen. Day as Theo has all the charisma and warmth in his voice to make Gretchen feel loved and safe. Noble as Gretchen instilled the fear and slowly let her come to feel the love of family and Theo. These two made the listen and I enjoyed their performance.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Carr's Perfect Storm series, and I can attest that it can easily be read / listened to as a standalone since I have yet to read / listen to book 1. The dual narration was perfect for bringing main characters Theo Storm and Gretchen Banks to life. There is not a lot of history provided in this book for Theo. He works with his family as a manager at a brewhouse and initially becomes Gretchen's boss. He's unaware of the spark that makes her his until right before she starts work but Gretchen comes with a very damaged past and Theo bides his time. Gretchen felt the spark too but due to her past she doesn't trust herself or others easily. This wonderful family and small-town community rally around Gretchen to help her overcome so much of her past and help her to heal and overcome so she and Theo can find their forever. I love the mix of sweet and steam and the character growth in Gretchen. A wonderfully well written and perfectly narrated romance read with some deep topics, heartfelt moments and a HEA!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5 stars

I have to say, I'm not usually a big fan of a "love at first sight" kind of connection. Okay, here we have "love at first touch", but it is also so much more. Theo and Gretchen develop strong foundation (friendship) for their relationship, so that it's not only physical attraction, but a true connection.
I loved following Gretchen's journey to rediscover her strength and face her past. I am so glad that she was the one confronting it with the help of her newly found family and that they (mostly Theo) didn't swoop in and do it for her.
And I loved the pacing of the romance and the spice! Some books in which FMCs go through something traumatic in the past romantic relationship go way too fast with that, but here it didn't feel rushed at all. And Theo indeed was a patient man, which made me love him even more. I mean, all Storm brothers are your dreamy, protective and caring MMCs.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Perfect Storm series by Mari Carr. This book features Theo Storm, third of the seven Storm brothers, and Gretchen Banks. Theo runs the family farm and is in charge of hiring an event planner. Gretchen is not the most experienced person he interviewed, but there is something about her that made him hire her. When they meet in person for the first time Theo feels sparks or, as his family refers to it, love at first touch. Gretchen is running from an abusive ex and just wants to feel peace. Working with Theo, spending time with his family, and her landlady Edith begin to make Gretchen want to find love and family. In this small town can she find refuge or will her past find her?

I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. Theo and Gretchen were great main characters, but i also loved all the secondary characters in this world. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Addy Cleaveland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of getting an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint. It was written a little differently than books I usually read (I’m used to the chapters being told from the characters point of view), and I feel like a lot of things were very quickly skipped over that shouldn’t have been, it was still a good book! I LOVED how Theo came to Gretchen’s rescue and helped piece her back together after running from such an abusive relationship. I loved watching Gretchen find herself again and learn to trust people. Watching their relationship blossom was so sweet (and spicy at times). I also loved getting glimpses into the other members of the Storm family and how their family dynamics work. Parts had me laughing out loud and being able to easily picture the scenes in my head. All in all, it was a great book. But like I said, I feel like so many parts of the story were skipped over or rushed when I would have loved to see how they played out (like their very first dance that was talked up for a few pages that we didn’t get to see). Definitely worth the read though!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both Gretchen Banks and Theo Storm right from the start and the storyline of Shelter from The Storm pulled me in right from the beginning and had me hooked until the end.
Theo is pretty easy going but is feeling overworked and with the family’s brewery and winery now adding a special event space he knows he needs help. Of all the candidates Gretchen Banks has the least amount of experience but there is definitely something about her that he is drawn to.
Gretchen desperately needs a new start as she is running from her ex boyfriend who has way too much power over her. The job of event coordinator that Theo offers her is a lifeline and a chance at a new start on life. Little did she know that not only Theo but the rest of the amazing people of the small town of Gracemont would offer her that peace and happiness she always wanted and definitely deserved. The question is, what is it going to take to keep her from constantly looking over her shoulder in fear and eliminate the threat of her ex interfering in her happiness.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve quickly become a huge fan of Mari Carr. Her stories always deliver a heartfelt triumph for the heroine and swoon-worthy heroes who truly know how to treat a lady. This series focuses on the Storm family, good old country boys with manners, chivalry, and a shared passion for running their family-owned winery and brewery. This second installment introduces Gretchen, a new hire escaping an abusive relationship. Theo, one of the Storm brothers, is instantly drawn to her. From their very first touch, he feels the family’s legendary “zing”- the unmistakable spark that signals they’ve found their match. What I love most about this series is how Mari Carr takes her time letting the romance bloom. The connection between Theo and Gretchen unfolds tenderly, with genuine love and trust building before the heat, making it such a sweet and satisfying journey. Both narrators were new to me, but they brought the characters and story to life beautifully. This series is an absolute must buy for me, and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next audiobook release!

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm is the 2nd book in the Perfect Storm series and even though it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommed reading the books in order for the full Storm family experience. Gretchen and Theo's story is a beautifully written, warm and emotional romance. All the Storms are wonderful characters, so their eagerness to help Gretchen overcome her past and find not just a place to work but a home and new family feel entirely natural and not surprising. But Theo adds lots of empathy, patience and chemistry to the mix, the perfect partner for Gretchen, who is slowing leaving her shell and becoming the strong, vibrant and decisive woman she's meant to be. I loved those two together and their journey to a HEA is very rewarding and encouraging. Can't wait for the next Storm to fall in love at first touch! I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.