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Sheltered
Luca I’m a liar. To myself, mostly. I lie about the bruises. I lie about the manipulation. I lie about being in love. I even lie to Austin—my best friend in the entire world. After a forgotten text to Austin that Damien finds, my lies crumble. I can’t deny what he’s doing to me anymore. I can’t pretend that it’s love. And worst of all, I can’t hide it from Austin. All it takes is a middle of the night confession and Austin’s on a red-eye. At least I’m not a liar anymore. Austin is safety. He’s home. And he reminds me of who I am. Not who Damien made me believe I was. I spent so long convincing myself that happily ever afters weren’t real, but what if they are? And what if Austin is mine?
Austin They say hindsight is 20/20. At least that’s what I tell myself when I miss the signs—secret phone calls, stern warnings to never be the one who texts first, and a best friend who feels like a stranger. When Luca’s careful lies unravel, I know I have to get him away from Damien, so I leave in the middle of the night and get on a plane. Less than twelve hours later, he’s home with me. We’ve always been thick as thieves, but there’s something new there now. He turns to me for comfort, for safety, and for that piece of himself he lost with Damien. He doesn’t believe he deserves a happily ever after, but he does. He deserves it all. And I want nothing more than to be the man to give it to him.
Austin They say hindsight is 20/20. At least that’s what I tell myself when I miss the signs—secret phone calls, stern warnings to never be the one who texts first, and a best friend who feels like a stranger. When Luca’s careful lies unravel, I know I have to get him away from Damien, so I leave in the middle of the night and get on a plane. Less than twelve hours later, he’s home with me. We’ve always been thick as thieves, but there’s something new there now. He turns to me for comfort, for safety, and for that piece of himself he lost with Damien. He doesn’t believe he deserves a happily ever after, but he does. He deserves it all. And I want nothing more than to be the man to give it to him.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
91 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Sloan
10 books89 followersMorgan Sloan lives in the Midwest with her husband and kids, along with an obscene number of chickens. She's a Christmas junkie who can usually be found listening to Michael Bublé's Christmas album (don't judge) and surviving off sheer willpower and the tropical Red Bull (it's the best kind, and she will not be taking questions at this time). She woke up one day with an idea that wouldn't leave her head. So, now, here she is, trying her hand at bringing the people in her brain to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 24, 2025
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
*alpha read*
if you like friends to lovers (without the pining) and LOTS OF hurt/comfort, i have JUST THE BOOK FOR YOU. austin and luca are the kind of boys who are soulmates whether in a platonic way or a romantic way.
time and distance (and bad relationships) could never pull these two away from each other, and when luca needs austin’s help more than ever, he’s immediately on a plane to go rescue his best friend from an awful situation.
cue forced proximity and one bed tropes and luca learning to love himself again after being systematically torn down for years. austin is sweet and patient and nothing but the greenest of flags. and also a firefighter? swoon.
get ready for small town vibes + possessive mc’s + unconditional love and friendship.
available december 12.
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
*alpha read*
if you like friends to lovers (without the pining) and LOTS OF hurt/comfort, i have JUST THE BOOK FOR YOU. austin and luca are the kind of boys who are soulmates whether in a platonic way or a romantic way.
time and distance (and bad relationships) could never pull these two away from each other, and when luca needs austin’s help more than ever, he’s immediately on a plane to go rescue his best friend from an awful situation.
cue forced proximity and one bed tropes and luca learning to love himself again after being systematically torn down for years. austin is sweet and patient and nothing but the greenest of flags. and also a firefighter? swoon.
get ready for small town vibes + possessive mc’s + unconditional love and friendship.
available december 12.
December 15, 2025
Austin + Luca 🖤
Childhood friends | DV Survivor | Hurt comfort galore
This book. It's so sweet. So adorable.
First book I've read from this author that wasnt just a quick novella and I LOVED it.
Also, I NEED Jasper and Arlo to have a book 🤞🏻🤞🏻
....
“Can I ask you a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Do you think we could cuddle tonight?”
"Fuck. When did I start finding Luca so goddamn beautiful, and what am I gonna do about it now that I’ve seen it?"
“You’re okay. I’ve got you, baby. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
"If I were lucky enough to love you, I’d never lay a hand on you.”
“Hey, Luc. I’m here. I’m so proud of you for saying to stop. I’ll always listen to you. I promise.”
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Childhood friends separated at 16 after one has to move because his dads new job
They experimented with each other as teens, had first kiss, lost virginity to each other
Firefighter
Writer
Austin gets on red eye flight to immediately bring Luca home when he calls him for help after being severely beaten
Hurt comfort galore
Grilled cheese sandwiches 🥪
Sleeping in the same bed so Luca feels safe
Comfort cuddles
First use or "baby" during one of Luca's panic attacks 🫠
Self defense classes
Luca learning how to take his power back
Dry hump to completion
💦 in pants
Shower together
Consent king
Austin worships Luca
Marking - replacing the bad with good- loving obssessed marks instead of the hurting abusive ones before
Luca wants softness but is scared by it, feels like everything is a trap. Austin is so so good with him
Austin gets Luca a laptop for his writing
Tear filled love making
"Baby"
Found family
Slow burn
Small town
Swoon
Strict roles
Epilogue 3 years later - they get engaged- Luca asked - Austin wanted to forever but given Luca's history he didnt want to push any boundaries on the man who had once swore off love and relationships
Warnings:
Luca's parents died in a car wreck when he was 18
Luca's abusive ex was the lawyer at his parents funeral. That's how they met. Preyed on him when he was vulnerable
Severe physical and psychological abuse of an MC from a side character (on page)
Rape of an MC from a side character, no prep and beats him to unconsciousness after he yells stop. Then wakes up covered in cum.
Abuse cycle
Panic attacks
Fear
PTSD
Violence resulting in death, not of an MC (more details below)
MAJOR-ish SPOILER BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Damien (Luca's abusive ex) attacked Luca towards the end of the book after months of silence. Damien gets beat by Austin and dies at the end of the book. Austin is never charged.
Childhood friends | DV Survivor | Hurt comfort galore
This book. It's so sweet. So adorable.
First book I've read from this author that wasnt just a quick novella and I LOVED it.
Also, I NEED Jasper and Arlo to have a book 🤞🏻🤞🏻
....
“Can I ask you a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Do you think we could cuddle tonight?”
"Fuck. When did I start finding Luca so goddamn beautiful, and what am I gonna do about it now that I’ve seen it?"
“You’re okay. I’ve got you, baby. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
"If I were lucky enough to love you, I’d never lay a hand on you.”
“Hey, Luc. I’m here. I’m so proud of you for saying to stop. I’ll always listen to you. I promise.”
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Childhood friends separated at 16 after one has to move because his dads new job
They experimented with each other as teens, had first kiss, lost virginity to each other
Firefighter
Writer
Austin gets on red eye flight to immediately bring Luca home when he calls him for help after being severely beaten
Hurt comfort galore
Grilled cheese sandwiches 🥪
Sleeping in the same bed so Luca feels safe
Comfort cuddles
First use or "baby" during one of Luca's panic attacks 🫠
Self defense classes
Luca learning how to take his power back
Dry hump to completion
💦 in pants
Shower together
Consent king
Austin worships Luca
Marking - replacing the bad with good- loving obssessed marks instead of the hurting abusive ones before
Luca wants softness but is scared by it, feels like everything is a trap. Austin is so so good with him
Austin gets Luca a laptop for his writing
Tear filled love making
"Baby"
Found family
Slow burn
Small town
Swoon
Strict roles
Epilogue 3 years later - they get engaged- Luca asked - Austin wanted to forever but given Luca's history he didnt want to push any boundaries on the man who had once swore off love and relationships
Warnings:
Luca's parents died in a car wreck when he was 18
Luca's abusive ex was the lawyer at his parents funeral. That's how they met. Preyed on him when he was vulnerable
Severe physical and psychological abuse of an MC from a side character (on page)
Rape of an MC from a side character, no prep and beats him to unconsciousness after he yells stop. Then wakes up covered in cum.
Abuse cycle
Panic attacks
Fear
PTSD
Violence resulting in death, not of an MC (more details below)
MAJOR-ish SPOILER BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Damien (Luca's abusive ex) attacked Luca towards the end of the book after months of silence. Damien gets beat by Austin and dies at the end of the book. Austin is never charged.
November 28, 2025
♾️⭐
2 🌶️
Have you ever read a book that absolutely tears you to shreds because you feel every single thing the characters go through but by the end of it you’re healed and stitched back together as a different person? This book was that for me.
Morgan has taken such a delicate subject and turned it into a story of hope and healing. Of growth, of finding yourself again, and becoming who you were always meant to be.
Luca is strength personified. Even on his darkest days, when all he knows is pain, angry touch and vile words - he is resilient. He is the teeny tiny flower growing from the cracks in the concrete searching for the sun. He's wilted from years in the dark but slowly the warmth of the sun is healing him and showing him that he was never lost.
Austin is everything good wrapped up in human form. He’d tell you himself that he is not, that he’s just doing what Luca deserves. Time and time again he shows up for Luca. He shows Luca gentle touches, what love is supposed to feel like, how being someone else’s is supposed to feel.
There’s not enough words for me to tell you everything I want to about Luca and Austin and how much they mean to me. There’s something so hauntingly beautiful about them that I will never get over. I’ll be keeping these two with me forever.
Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading. There are extremely heavy topics discussed
WHAT TO EXPECT
💜 Firefighter x Writer
💜 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 One Bed
💜 Escaping Domestic Violence
💜 Hurt/Comfort
💜 Small Town
💜 Marking/Possessive MC
💜 Slow Burn
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
2 🌶️
Have you ever read a book that absolutely tears you to shreds because you feel every single thing the characters go through but by the end of it you’re healed and stitched back together as a different person? This book was that for me.
Morgan has taken such a delicate subject and turned it into a story of hope and healing. Of growth, of finding yourself again, and becoming who you were always meant to be.
Luca is strength personified. Even on his darkest days, when all he knows is pain, angry touch and vile words - he is resilient. He is the teeny tiny flower growing from the cracks in the concrete searching for the sun. He's wilted from years in the dark but slowly the warmth of the sun is healing him and showing him that he was never lost.
Austin is everything good wrapped up in human form. He’d tell you himself that he is not, that he’s just doing what Luca deserves. Time and time again he shows up for Luca. He shows Luca gentle touches, what love is supposed to feel like, how being someone else’s is supposed to feel.
There’s not enough words for me to tell you everything I want to about Luca and Austin and how much they mean to me. There’s something so hauntingly beautiful about them that I will never get over. I’ll be keeping these two with me forever.
Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading. There are extremely heavy topics discussed
WHAT TO EXPECT
💜 Firefighter x Writer
💜 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 One Bed
💜 Escaping Domestic Violence
💜 Hurt/Comfort
💜 Small Town
💜 Marking/Possessive MC
💜 Slow Burn
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
December 30, 2025
4.5 stars
Sheltered is a MM friends to lovers romance story about Luca and Austin.
This hurt/comfort story definitely had me emotional. My heart went out to Luca and everything that happened to him. It was hard to read at times, and Luca’s recovery and healing was definitely not easy. I did love how Austin wanted to take care of Luca and just wanted him to be happy, even if they just remained friends. Austin was so patient with Luca, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship dynamic change into so much more.
I also wanted to mention I thought it was so great that Luca and Austin had friends like Jasper and Arlo. I do have to say I would have liked if we found out what was going on with Japser and Arlo, but we were left hanging. Overall, I appreciated the way this author handled the heavy themes of domestic violence and trauma. This was my first book by the author, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Sheltered is a MM friends to lovers romance story about Luca and Austin.
This hurt/comfort story definitely had me emotional. My heart went out to Luca and everything that happened to him. It was hard to read at times, and Luca’s recovery and healing was definitely not easy. I did love how Austin wanted to take care of Luca and just wanted him to be happy, even if they just remained friends. Austin was so patient with Luca, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship dynamic change into so much more.
I also wanted to mention I thought it was so great that Luca and Austin had friends like Jasper and Arlo. I do have to say I would have liked if we found out what was going on with Japser and Arlo, but we were left hanging. Overall, I appreciated the way this author handled the heavy themes of domestic violence and trauma. This was my first book by the author, but it definitely won’t be my last.
December 1, 2025
wow. this book was so sweet it gave me cavities.
i am throughly addicted and i need more. this was my first book by this author and can guarantee it will not be the last because holy shit. the hurt / comfort was top tier and the way the harder subjects were handled in this was done so brilliantly. would i have loved the see the ex not get off so easily and suffer more? yes. however, that’s just a me thing. i definitely think everything that happened was perfect for the story and exactly what the MMC’s needed.🥹
i will be thinking about this literally forever. even when these boys were just platonic friends, they were literally soulmates… like these two were truly meant to be together.
ALSO!! THE MARKING? STOP. 🤪🥵
“I leave another, then another, not stopping until he’s breathing hard and squirming. When I look, I’ve covered his throat in a mosaic of my marks. Some are darker than others, but all of them are mine.”
THE CODEPENDENCY? give me more.
“Can we cuddle? I just want to be close to you.” “I’d let you live in my skin if I could, baby,” Austin says with a smile in his voice.
the way that Austin just wanted to take care of Luca no matter what made my heart so happy. they both deserve all the love in the world.
ok, i’m done. read this book.
i am throughly addicted and i need more. this was my first book by this author and can guarantee it will not be the last because holy shit. the hurt / comfort was top tier and the way the harder subjects were handled in this was done so brilliantly. would i have loved the see the ex not get off so easily and suffer more? yes. however, that’s just a me thing. i definitely think everything that happened was perfect for the story and exactly what the MMC’s needed.🥹
i will be thinking about this literally forever. even when these boys were just platonic friends, they were literally soulmates… like these two were truly meant to be together.
ALSO!! THE MARKING? STOP. 🤪🥵
“I leave another, then another, not stopping until he’s breathing hard and squirming. When I look, I’ve covered his throat in a mosaic of my marks. Some are darker than others, but all of them are mine.”
THE CODEPENDENCY? give me more.
“Can we cuddle? I just want to be close to you.” “I’d let you live in my skin if I could, baby,” Austin says with a smile in his voice.
the way that Austin just wanted to take care of Luca no matter what made my heart so happy. they both deserve all the love in the world.
ok, i’m done. read this book.
January 9, 2026
4.25⭐️
2.5🌶️
Y’all This Book Was Really Really Good. I Missed Morgan’s Writing So Much And She Did Not Disappoint With This One. Luca And Austin Oh They Were Just Darlings I Love Them So So Much. The RoAnd The Side Characters I Adored Them So Much, Especially Jasper And Arlo, Oh I Need Them To Get A Book IMMEDIATELY Cause I’m So Intrigued With Them. I Loved Everyone Expect Damien He Can 100% Fuck Off. But I Highly Recommend Y’all Read This Book Especially In The Winter Seasons Cause They Definitely Give Off A Winter Vibe. But I Need To Read More From Morgan Sloan Soon Yall She Is An Author I Must Read ALL Her Books From ASAP!!!!!!
2.5🌶️
Y’all This Book Was Really Really Good. I Missed Morgan’s Writing So Much And She Did Not Disappoint With This One. Luca And Austin Oh They Were Just Darlings I Love Them So So Much. The RoAnd The Side Characters I Adored Them So Much, Especially Jasper And Arlo, Oh I Need Them To Get A Book IMMEDIATELY Cause I’m So Intrigued With Them. I Loved Everyone Expect Damien He Can 100% Fuck Off. But I Highly Recommend Y’all Read This Book Especially In The Winter Seasons Cause They Definitely Give Off A Winter Vibe. But I Need To Read More From Morgan Sloan Soon Yall She Is An Author I Must Read ALL Her Books From ASAP!!!!!!
January 17, 2026
Do men like Austin really exist??❤️
Friends to lovers MM
DV survivor (check triggers)
This book broke my heart and put it back together again. The way Austin cared for Luca was simply beautiful🥰
I am very curious on Arlo and Jasper now. Looking forward to their story!
Friends to lovers MM
DV survivor (check triggers)
This book broke my heart and put it back together again. The way Austin cared for Luca was simply beautiful🥰
I am very curious on Arlo and Jasper now. Looking forward to their story!
December 7, 2025
This book is so beautifully written and the characters are handled with such care and so much love. Morgan has really managed to describe and make you feel every hard thing poor Luca has been through but still the story is a story about healing, finding your strength again and to finally allow yourself to be who you were meant to be.
Luca has been through so much, my heart breaks for him and I cried when he finally let Austin come get him. Austin, the sweetest, most green flag man ever written. You are such a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy Luca got to have you in his corner <3
These two will live in my heart for a long long time!!
Please check the TW before reading. There are some really heavy triggering things in Luca and Austin's story, but I promise they are handled with the most care and they get their HEA.
Thank you for the arc! My review is honest and voluntary.
Luca has been through so much, my heart breaks for him and I cried when he finally let Austin come get him. Austin, the sweetest, most green flag man ever written. You are such a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy Luca got to have you in his corner <3
These two will live in my heart for a long long time!!
Please check the TW before reading. There are some really heavy triggering things in Luca and Austin's story, but I promise they are handled with the most care and they get their HEA.
Thank you for the arc! My review is honest and voluntary.
January 18, 2026
6 (♾️) ⭐️
This book is the kind that doesn’t just tell a story, it digs into the raw, honest parts of being human. It handles pain, healing, and love with a depth that feels almost startling in how real it is. From the very beginning, it’s clear this isn’t just another romance; it’s an emotional experience.
Morgan writes difficult subjects with such clarity and compassion. Nothing feels forced or dramatized. Every moment rings true—every setback, every step forward, every quiet moment of hope. It’s a story that respects the weight of healing while still reminding you that it’s possible.
Luca’s character is deeply affecting. His pain is heavy, and you feel the impact of it, but what stays with you most is his bravery. The small choices he makes to keep going, to try again, to trust even a little, those moments make him unforgettable. His progress isn’t perfect, but it’s real, and that makes it powerful.
Austin is the steady force that helps hold the story together. He’s patient, gentle, and present in a way that feels rare. He doesn’t try to “fix” anything—he simply supports, listens, and shows Luca what it looks like to be cared for without conditions. His love feels genuine, grounded, and safe.
Together, Luca and Austin create something truly beautiful. Their relationship is emotional, tender, and full of moments that make your heart ache in the best way. Their story is one that stays with you long after you close the book.
This book is the kind that doesn’t just tell a story, it digs into the raw, honest parts of being human. It handles pain, healing, and love with a depth that feels almost startling in how real it is. From the very beginning, it’s clear this isn’t just another romance; it’s an emotional experience.
Morgan writes difficult subjects with such clarity and compassion. Nothing feels forced or dramatized. Every moment rings true—every setback, every step forward, every quiet moment of hope. It’s a story that respects the weight of healing while still reminding you that it’s possible.
Luca’s character is deeply affecting. His pain is heavy, and you feel the impact of it, but what stays with you most is his bravery. The small choices he makes to keep going, to try again, to trust even a little, those moments make him unforgettable. His progress isn’t perfect, but it’s real, and that makes it powerful.
Austin is the steady force that helps hold the story together. He’s patient, gentle, and present in a way that feels rare. He doesn’t try to “fix” anything—he simply supports, listens, and shows Luca what it looks like to be cared for without conditions. His love feels genuine, grounded, and safe.
Together, Luca and Austin create something truly beautiful. Their relationship is emotional, tender, and full of moments that make your heart ache in the best way. Their story is one that stays with you long after you close the book.
Read
December 24, 2025I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Morgan, for the opportunity! I'm truly honored!
This review is a little difficult for me to write. I have finished the book some weeks ago, but was trying to come up with the words so I could get my point across in a way that would sound only as some critical thinking that came to me, as a mental health professional, while I read it. I don't feel comfortable rating it, because I have two POVs about this story I hope I'm able to convey here. Once again, this is all said with the best of intentions and in any way means to be harmful or rude!
My first POV comes as a mere reader enjoying a story. First of all, Morgan is a great writer. Truly. I think they way she structured the story and chose which scenes to use to show us what was important about it was very well done. It doesn't get tiring, boring or repetitive in any way. There were some parts that felt a bit rushed, but it didn't damage the story for me. It's noticeable how much thought and feelings she puts on her work and characters. They show it on every single page. This is not an easy story to write in any way, and I could see how much care she had with it and the readers.
The first chapters were extremely intriguing to me. I was hang up on every word, anxious about what was going to happen, and really enjoying the direction things were going. The characters themselves, as well as their relationships, were captivating, and I rooted for them from the very start. The abusive relationship with the ex was also so well-depicted, and I'm glad she didn't linger on it for too long. It felt the exact amount of information we needed to set the story for us.
My second POV comes, as I said, as a mental health professional (I'm a psychologist and have experience with victims of domestic violence in multiple scenaries). And here is where I was uncomfortable. I expected Luca's journey to involve mental health assitence. I really liked all the thoughts and actions leading him to want independence, and him slowly putting himself back together: reuniting with himself and rediscovering pieces of him that felt lost along the way. That was a beautiful process in some parts.
However, there's never any acknowledgement about actually getting professional help. Nobody even talks about it. As much as the story tries to show that love isn't the only cure for trauma, it felt like something way more told than shown to me. In the end, I saw that the biggest part of his healing still involved being loved by Austin (and here I'm not saying that isn't important, just that it felt unbalanced, with it being the biggest part) and Luca rediscovering a romantic relationship. All the traumatic responses he had made total sense in many scenes, but I unfortunately didn't like exactly how most of them were handled.
Especially when it comes to their sex life. The sex scenes, while technically well-written, left me feeling like they did use it more than once as a healing factor. Their first time was upsetting to me, and I gotta be honest here that I kept thinking about people that went through something similar as Luca reading about Now, if all that was happening while Luca had professional help and a safe environment that was qualified to offer the resources he needed, it would have been a different story for me. But the way it all just happens between the two of them didn't feel right for me. Luca needed way, way more than what he got for his healing journey.
I did love the self-defense classes. It was a great idea. Also loved Luca's friendship with Arlo, which is another important instance of the healing process. However, he was surrounded by people who were not capacitated to deal with the depth of his trauma. And Austin, as a first responder who'd dealt with cases of domestic violence before, should be well-informed about the importance of proper mental health treatment. He was extremely understanding and respected Luca so much. It was almost as if he was created for Luca, and to be exactly what he needed without any flaws to it. But even in fiction, while dealing with such a serious matter, that does bother me.
I'm not sure whether there was a sensitive reading to this story, but the whole mental health part really felt very lacking for me. And, again, because of the subject it touches, I cannot let it pass by. That's why I don't feel comfortable rating it. While it would've been a very well-written story if I considered the fictional part alone, when something deals with such serious real-life matters like this one does, I'm unable to suspend reality and let it slide.
All that said, this is not a bad book at all! I do think some things should be reviewed with more sensitivity and many POVs of people who've been through /work with what it touches, and if that happened, it would be a fully amazing story! I wouldn't, however, recommend this for anyone who was a victim of domestic violence themselves. Like I said, I don't think the suspension of reality is possible here.
I did really like Arlo and Jasper, though, and will definitely read their book if it comes. They intrigued me, especially Arlo, so I'm curious to know more about him.
Once again, nothing here is meant to be rude or harmful. It's just a professional opinion of mine. I actually thought a lot whether I was going to post this, because it's not my intention to keep people from reading it or anything, but I thought it would be fair to give this POV as well for people who could be bothered by the same things I did to know how it goes.
Morgan really is an excellent writer, and I'll definitely be reading more from her! Hope to see much more of her journey as a writer!
This review is a little difficult for me to write. I have finished the book some weeks ago, but was trying to come up with the words so I could get my point across in a way that would sound only as some critical thinking that came to me, as a mental health professional, while I read it. I don't feel comfortable rating it, because I have two POVs about this story I hope I'm able to convey here. Once again, this is all said with the best of intentions and in any way means to be harmful or rude!
My first POV comes as a mere reader enjoying a story. First of all, Morgan is a great writer. Truly. I think they way she structured the story and chose which scenes to use to show us what was important about it was very well done. It doesn't get tiring, boring or repetitive in any way. There were some parts that felt a bit rushed, but it didn't damage the story for me. It's noticeable how much thought and feelings she puts on her work and characters. They show it on every single page. This is not an easy story to write in any way, and I could see how much care she had with it and the readers.
The first chapters were extremely intriguing to me. I was hang up on every word, anxious about what was going to happen, and really enjoying the direction things were going. The characters themselves, as well as their relationships, were captivating, and I rooted for them from the very start. The abusive relationship with the ex was also so well-depicted, and I'm glad she didn't linger on it for too long. It felt the exact amount of information we needed to set the story for us.
My second POV comes, as I said, as a mental health professional (I'm a psychologist and have experience with victims of domestic violence in multiple scenaries). And here is where I was uncomfortable. I expected Luca's journey to involve mental health assitence. I really liked all the thoughts and actions leading him to want independence, and him slowly putting himself back together: reuniting with himself and rediscovering pieces of him that felt lost along the way. That was a beautiful process in some parts.
However, there's never any acknowledgement about actually getting professional help. Nobody even talks about it. As much as the story tries to show that love isn't the only cure for trauma, it felt like something way more told than shown to me. In the end, I saw that the biggest part of his healing still involved being loved by Austin (and here I'm not saying that isn't important, just that it felt unbalanced, with it being the biggest part) and Luca rediscovering a romantic relationship. All the traumatic responses he had made total sense in many scenes, but I unfortunately didn't like exactly how most of them were handled.
Especially when it comes to their sex life. The sex scenes, while technically well-written, left me feeling like they did use it more than once as a healing factor. Their first time was upsetting to me, and I gotta be honest here that I kept thinking about people that went through something similar as Luca reading about Now, if all that was happening while Luca had professional help and a safe environment that was qualified to offer the resources he needed, it would have been a different story for me. But the way it all just happens between the two of them didn't feel right for me. Luca needed way, way more than what he got for his healing journey.
I did love the self-defense classes. It was a great idea. Also loved Luca's friendship with Arlo, which is another important instance of the healing process. However, he was surrounded by people who were not capacitated to deal with the depth of his trauma. And Austin, as a first responder who'd dealt with cases of domestic violence before, should be well-informed about the importance of proper mental health treatment. He was extremely understanding and respected Luca so much. It was almost as if he was created for Luca, and to be exactly what he needed without any flaws to it. But even in fiction, while dealing with such a serious matter, that does bother me.
I'm not sure whether there was a sensitive reading to this story, but the whole mental health part really felt very lacking for me. And, again, because of the subject it touches, I cannot let it pass by. That's why I don't feel comfortable rating it. While it would've been a very well-written story if I considered the fictional part alone, when something deals with such serious real-life matters like this one does, I'm unable to suspend reality and let it slide.
All that said, this is not a bad book at all! I do think some things should be reviewed with more sensitivity and many POVs of people who've been through /work with what it touches, and if that happened, it would be a fully amazing story! I wouldn't, however, recommend this for anyone who was a victim of domestic violence themselves. Like I said, I don't think the suspension of reality is possible here.
I did really like Arlo and Jasper, though, and will definitely read their book if it comes. They intrigued me, especially Arlo, so I'm curious to know more about him.
Once again, nothing here is meant to be rude or harmful. It's just a professional opinion of mine. I actually thought a lot whether I was going to post this, because it's not my intention to keep people from reading it or anything, but I thought it would be fair to give this POV as well for people who could be bothered by the same things I did to know how it goes.
Morgan really is an excellent writer, and I'll definitely be reading more from her! Hope to see much more of her journey as a writer!
December 9, 2025
This book felt like a heartbeat in my hands… uneven at first, trembling, then slowly finding its rhythm in the safest place imaginable.
Austin.
He is the greenest of green flags, the kind of man who makes you understand what “swoon-worthy” truly means. And Luca… my sweet, scared little baby, just trying to remember what safety feels like, what softness feels like, what he deserves to feel like. Watching their story unfold so naturally—like a spark that didn’t ask for permission before becoming a flame—was absolutely breathtaking.
It’s the kind of love that sneaks up on you, the kind that’s been waiting in front of you all along, patient and steady, even when you didn’t know to look for it.
The spice in this book was everything I wanted and more—dirty, passionate, and deeply emotional. It wasn’t just heat; it was healing. Luca deserved a loving hand, one that didn’t take but bruised skin with worshipped touches.
This story hollowed me out and filled me again. I shed many tears I damn well knew I’d been holding. I was kicking my feet like a lovesick fool at the tender, impossible things Austin said. And then, with Luca, I was shattered piece by trembling piece, broke open in painful, breathtaking, and achingly beautiful ways all at once.
It was an honor and a privilege to beta and ARC read this masterpiece. I will never be able to thank the author enough for trusting me with these pages. And thank you for letting me slide into your inbox again and again to scream, cry, and absolutely unravel over your words. Your stories deserve to be written—they deserve to exist—and thank you for giving them to us.❤️
Austin.
He is the greenest of green flags, the kind of man who makes you understand what “swoon-worthy” truly means. And Luca… my sweet, scared little baby, just trying to remember what safety feels like, what softness feels like, what he deserves to feel like. Watching their story unfold so naturally—like a spark that didn’t ask for permission before becoming a flame—was absolutely breathtaking.
It’s the kind of love that sneaks up on you, the kind that’s been waiting in front of you all along, patient and steady, even when you didn’t know to look for it.
The spice in this book was everything I wanted and more—dirty, passionate, and deeply emotional. It wasn’t just heat; it was healing. Luca deserved a loving hand, one that didn’t take but bruised skin with worshipped touches.
This story hollowed me out and filled me again. I shed many tears I damn well knew I’d been holding. I was kicking my feet like a lovesick fool at the tender, impossible things Austin said. And then, with Luca, I was shattered piece by trembling piece, broke open in painful, breathtaking, and achingly beautiful ways all at once.
It was an honor and a privilege to beta and ARC read this masterpiece. I will never be able to thank the author enough for trusting me with these pages. And thank you for letting me slide into your inbox again and again to scream, cry, and absolutely unravel over your words. Your stories deserve to be written—they deserve to exist—and thank you for giving them to us.❤️
November 29, 2025
This was definitely an emotional roller coaster. Luca had my heart from the prologue. Not only does he go through the typical teenage hardship of learning to be without his best friend every day but then he goes through a traumatic experience leaving him feeling even more alone. At all times he should have been enveloped in love, support and kindness and instead he found himself being gaslit and hurt by someone who claimed to love him. Luca’s last encounter with Damien at what was supposed to be his home and a place where he should have been safe was heartbreaking. I was so proud of Luca the moment he called Austin and was honest with him and himself. Austin is every shade of green a flag could come in and I loved it so much! From the way he jumped on a plane to get to Luca to the way he made it his mission to infuse Luca with all the love, compassion and feelings of safety he deserved. I loved how Austin moved at Luca’s pace and made sure to check in with him as things progressed between them. He always made sure Luca understood his actions and responses in situations so that Luca could process the way he needed to and decide how to proceed in a way that was best for him. Austin carrying Luca is one of my most random favorite things. It not only gave Luca a sense of safety but it was so cute. I really enjoyed reading about Luca finding himself again and taking his life back. Buying a car, getting a job, writing and cooking because he wanted to were all amazing things to see. There were times where his old life would try to push through but Luca held strong and kept moving forward while having Austin at his back. I loved their friendship and the sweetness of the change in their relationship dynamic as it became more. It progressed in such a heartwarming way. Jasper and Arlo have me intrigued. It was nice to see them there to support Austin and Luca. There were moments that were hard to read but I loved Austin and Luca story.
🩵ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
🩵ARC REVIEW💙
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
December 14, 2025
Loved this!! I’ve only read one other book by this author, Changing the play, and I loved that one so much I didn’t even wait for reviews on this one before I dived in.
This is a friends to lovers. Two men who have been bffs since birth but have kind of drifted after Luca gets into an abusive relationship. We do see the domestic abuse as well as sexual abuse on page but it’s so well written.
Luca calls his best friend, Austin, to come and get him and take him back home to his hometown.
Austin is literally chefs kiss!! Omg he’s such an amazing character. I loved him so much! He was so perfect for Luca and what Luca had gone through and is still going through. Loved their transformation from friends to lovers.
The two MCs are each other first everything. This happened back when they were teenagers. It wasn’t because they had feelings for each other but because they were the only two gay boys in town and decided to experiment with each other. So they both were with other people after Luca left town. Usually I hate that but it actually worked here. Neither one had feelings for the other. I’m also very happy we didn’t hear about any of Austin’s sexual past.
Also being the wife of a firefighter, and comparing notes with my hubby, I appreciate the accuracy of the firefighter MC. A lot of books are so inaccurate about the profession so I liked that this seemed to be researched even though there wasn’t a ton of it.
I really hope we get Arlo and Jaspers book soon. I loved both of them!!!
No cheating
No op drama
No third act break up
Domestic and sexual abuse on MC ( by ex)
HEA (engaged)
This is a friends to lovers. Two men who have been bffs since birth but have kind of drifted after Luca gets into an abusive relationship. We do see the domestic abuse as well as sexual abuse on page but it’s so well written.
Luca calls his best friend, Austin, to come and get him and take him back home to his hometown.
Austin is literally chefs kiss!! Omg he’s such an amazing character. I loved him so much! He was so perfect for Luca and what Luca had gone through and is still going through. Loved their transformation from friends to lovers.
The two MCs are each other first everything. This happened back when they were teenagers. It wasn’t because they had feelings for each other but because they were the only two gay boys in town and decided to experiment with each other. So they both were with other people after Luca left town. Usually I hate that but it actually worked here. Neither one had feelings for the other. I’m also very happy we didn’t hear about any of Austin’s sexual past.
Also being the wife of a firefighter, and comparing notes with my hubby, I appreciate the accuracy of the firefighter MC. A lot of books are so inaccurate about the profession so I liked that this seemed to be researched even though there wasn’t a ton of it.
I really hope we get Arlo and Jaspers book soon. I loved both of them!!!
No cheating
No op drama
No third act break up
Domestic and sexual abuse on MC ( by ex)
HEA (engaged)
November 30, 2025
Arc Review
Giving this book 5 stars doesn’t do it justice!
♾️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I don’t even know where to start. This book is utter devastating perfection. Morgan Sloan out did herself with this one. This story and its characters are imperfectly perfect humans and you can feel them and their lives through the pages.
Luca, Luca Luca after years of abuse finally breaks free with 1 call to his best friend who he has hid from for years. Once going home with Austin the way he finds himself again in the small things remembering he can do the big things is beautiful. The way he falls in love with Austin and himself while overcoming his trauma is so natural. His progression doesn’t feel forced or rushed.
Austin, how this man supports Luca and is there for him- take notes my friends. His love for Luca through it all, encouraging him unconditionally and softly is exactly what this book needed. I appreciate how Austin doesn’t try to fix Luca he empowers him to heal.
Luc and Austin’s relationship was set at a perfect pace. It never felt forced and I appreciate the care that went into dealing with the lasting effects of abuse. Even though Luca knew Austin would never hurt him, things still triggered him. The way they communicated with each other showed the years of friendship and new romance. Boundaries were welcome, respected and encouraged.
The conclusion of this book had me shook! I saw something coming but was still floored when I read it (I literally put the Kindle down and said some choice 4 letter words, picked my Kindle back up and continued reading desperately wanting to know what was next).
One Bed
Childhood best friends to Lovers
Domestic Abuse survivor
Marking
Slow burn
Hurt/Comfort
Firefighter/Novelist
No 3rd act breakup
HEA
This is the type of book that leaves you raw and even through all its ups and downs I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you check your trigger warnings. I love Luca and Austin and will be thinking about them for a long time.
Giving this book 5 stars doesn’t do it justice!
♾️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I don’t even know where to start. This book is utter devastating perfection. Morgan Sloan out did herself with this one. This story and its characters are imperfectly perfect humans and you can feel them and their lives through the pages.
Luca, Luca Luca after years of abuse finally breaks free with 1 call to his best friend who he has hid from for years. Once going home with Austin the way he finds himself again in the small things remembering he can do the big things is beautiful. The way he falls in love with Austin and himself while overcoming his trauma is so natural. His progression doesn’t feel forced or rushed.
Austin, how this man supports Luca and is there for him- take notes my friends. His love for Luca through it all, encouraging him unconditionally and softly is exactly what this book needed. I appreciate how Austin doesn’t try to fix Luca he empowers him to heal.
Luc and Austin’s relationship was set at a perfect pace. It never felt forced and I appreciate the care that went into dealing with the lasting effects of abuse. Even though Luca knew Austin would never hurt him, things still triggered him. The way they communicated with each other showed the years of friendship and new romance. Boundaries were welcome, respected and encouraged.
The conclusion of this book had me shook! I saw something coming but was still floored when I read it (I literally put the Kindle down and said some choice 4 letter words, picked my Kindle back up and continued reading desperately wanting to know what was next).
One Bed
Childhood best friends to Lovers
Domestic Abuse survivor
Marking
Slow burn
Hurt/Comfort
Firefighter/Novelist
No 3rd act breakup
HEA
This is the type of book that leaves you raw and even through all its ups and downs I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you check your trigger warnings. I love Luca and Austin and will be thinking about them for a long time.
December 25, 2025
40% DNF
34% - I am having a really hard time to merge Lucas’ behavior with other people and domestic abuse victim who just got out after suffering years of weekly bullying, beating and raping. He acts like he has been only verbally bullying and maybe hit few times in a year. I don’t think the author researched enough how the survivors of that kind of domestic abuse act, especially in a first month after escaping their abuser. But I’ll give this book more time before I DNF.
40% - I simply can’t continue.
- This is not realistic representation of a domestic violence survivor only a month after escaping.
- Also, Austin is a professional who doesn’t act like one: no mention to his friend to seek professional therapy, he is an initiator of a lot of touching especially on Lucas’ torso just a few weeks after brutal sexual assault and after 7 years of no physical contact with him.
- Austin mom trying to set up Luca and Arlo dating, even she is aware that Luca was abused just a few weeks ago. Additionally she has just started to know Arlo. What pseudo mom would do that?
The writing is beautiful, but lacking of realism in really important parts is a big No for me. The years with abuser were written spot on, so lacking reality in the life after escape is really confusing for me.
If you are survivor of a any kind of long violence, beating, rapping…I would suggest to skip this book.
34% - I am having a really hard time to merge Lucas’ behavior with other people and domestic abuse victim who just got out after suffering years of weekly bullying, beating and raping. He acts like he has been only verbally bullying and maybe hit few times in a year. I don’t think the author researched enough how the survivors of that kind of domestic abuse act, especially in a first month after escaping their abuser. But I’ll give this book more time before I DNF.
40% - I simply can’t continue.
- This is not realistic representation of a domestic violence survivor only a month after escaping.
- Also, Austin is a professional who doesn’t act like one: no mention to his friend to seek professional therapy, he is an initiator of a lot of touching especially on Lucas’ torso just a few weeks after brutal sexual assault and after 7 years of no physical contact with him.
- Austin mom trying to set up Luca and Arlo dating, even she is aware that Luca was abused just a few weeks ago. Additionally she has just started to know Arlo. What pseudo mom would do that?
The writing is beautiful, but lacking of realism in really important parts is a big No for me. The years with abuser were written spot on, so lacking reality in the life after escape is really confusing for me.
If you are survivor of a any kind of long violence, beating, rapping…I would suggest to skip this book.
January 3, 2026
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have to be honest, the beginning gripped me, and I was excited to read more, but then it began to feel unrealistic when Luca's healing journey began with no mental health intervention. With the years of abuse he's endured and the traumatic end to his and Damien's relationship, you would think seeking mental health would be the first thing his best friend Austin would suggest. Instead, they begin a romantic relationship. It took me longer than it normally would to finish this book because it all felt too rushed and unrealistic.
Currently reading
January 11, 2026Dnf @40%
I’m just not feeling these characters. Nothings really happening, Austin’s being supportive but not in a way I’d expect from a firefighter. They’re acting really nonchalant about Damien finding them as if he doesn’t have any idea where Luca used to live. Keeping the front door unlocked at night, having Luca sleep on the couch, Austin sleeping through Luca running outside and freaking out in the woods, it’s all really bizarre writing for a character that is a month out of leaving a really scary domestic violence situation.
Also the complete lack of any mental health professional care is odd. After going through so much for so many years, no one is saying “hey Luca should be get you a meeting with a professional to help you cope?”, even the original doctors who check Luca over don’t recommend anything.
A lot of the reviews are specifically bringing up the authors “beautiful” writing but I just don’t see it. This is written pretty similarly to a lot of other novels and authors I read, nothings jumping out as being leagues above the rest.
I’m just not feeling these characters. Nothings really happening, Austin’s being supportive but not in a way I’d expect from a firefighter. They’re acting really nonchalant about Damien finding them as if he doesn’t have any idea where Luca used to live. Keeping the front door unlocked at night, having Luca sleep on the couch, Austin sleeping through Luca running outside and freaking out in the woods, it’s all really bizarre writing for a character that is a month out of leaving a really scary domestic violence situation.
Also the complete lack of any mental health professional care is odd. After going through so much for so many years, no one is saying “hey Luca should be get you a meeting with a professional to help you cope?”, even the original doctors who check Luca over don’t recommend anything.
A lot of the reviews are specifically bringing up the authors “beautiful” writing but I just don’t see it. This is written pretty similarly to a lot of other novels and authors I read, nothings jumping out as being leagues above the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
hugs
I love a friends to more book. And this one did it well. I love the trust and care these two had. I love the push and pull of not wanting to ruin a friend ship but also trusting that friend so much that it just is meant to be. This was a healing story for both characters. Watching their journey was beautiful. There were some parts I wanted to shake the Mc about but over all the writing was great. The smexy was good and I love the found family. Can’t wait to see what the our two friends story looks like.
In the know
Dual pov
Relationship before
No cheating/sharing
Om drama
Again wish these books had more diversity
I love a friends to more book. And this one did it well. I love the trust and care these two had. I love the push and pull of not wanting to ruin a friend ship but also trusting that friend so much that it just is meant to be. This was a healing story for both characters. Watching their journey was beautiful. There were some parts I wanted to shake the Mc about but over all the writing was great. The smexy was good and I love the found family. Can’t wait to see what the our two friends story looks like.
In the know
Dual pov
Relationship before
No cheating/sharing
Om drama
Again wish these books had more diversity
December 3, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Luca and Austin
RTC
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Luca and Austin
RTC
November 30, 2025
Takes a deep breath...exhales slowly. Be patient with me while I hold my mended heart gently and dry my tears. If you've read any of Morgan Sloan's books, you know a person sometimes needs a minute when we say goodbye to characters. Luca and Austin are no exception.
I'm not even sure where to start, so let's start with selfcare. Please read the trigger warnings for this story. In Sheltered, Morgan faces a challenging subject matter head-on and does it beautifully. She tells a heartbreaking story in a voice, full of compassion and care. She didn't shy away from it, and she didn't gloss over it. You live it with Austin and Luca. So please be gentle with yourself.
I took my time with this one, I loved Austin and Luca from the first chapter. We meet them at 16, and their story is told over a 10-year span. My heart smiled at their innocence, broke for them in the middle, and healed with their HEA.
I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Luca and Austin. The pages turned faster than I realized because I fell into their story so completely. The character detail and development made it easy to imagine them, and I will admit that I got attached to both of them (as I have with every character Morgan has ever gifted us).
I'm intentionally not summarizing the plot or providing specific details. I don't want to give away a single moment of Luca and Austin's journey. I can't recommend Sheltered enough, grab a copy, find a cozy place to curl up, grab some tissues, a warm beverage (its cold in the northeast) and get ready to fall in love with Austin and Luca.
I'm not even sure where to start, so let's start with selfcare. Please read the trigger warnings for this story. In Sheltered, Morgan faces a challenging subject matter head-on and does it beautifully. She tells a heartbreaking story in a voice, full of compassion and care. She didn't shy away from it, and she didn't gloss over it. You live it with Austin and Luca. So please be gentle with yourself.
I took my time with this one, I loved Austin and Luca from the first chapter. We meet them at 16, and their story is told over a 10-year span. My heart smiled at their innocence, broke for them in the middle, and healed with their HEA.
I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Luca and Austin. The pages turned faster than I realized because I fell into their story so completely. The character detail and development made it easy to imagine them, and I will admit that I got attached to both of them (as I have with every character Morgan has ever gifted us).
I'm intentionally not summarizing the plot or providing specific details. I don't want to give away a single moment of Luca and Austin's journey. I can't recommend Sheltered enough, grab a copy, find a cozy place to curl up, grab some tissues, a warm beverage (its cold in the northeast) and get ready to fall in love with Austin and Luca.
December 3, 2025
Sheltered
Morgan Sloan
Luca & Austin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Childhood Best Friends to lovers
firefighter / Writer
Forced Proximity / One Bed
Escaping Domestic Violence
Hurt / Comfort
Small Town
Hurt Him and D!e /Marking / Possessive
Slow Burn
Oh my, my heart, what a beautiful story of having the courage to trust in love again after so much hurt.
This was so beautiful. Friends to lovers done right.
“I’m breathing again, Austin. Because of you.”
Luca and Austin have been best friends for years. Over the last few years, though, there has been distance. We are definitely blaming Luca’s boyfriend for that. He is an incredibly horrible, abusive, manipulative man.
Luca calls Austin one day to save him from Damien after a brutal attack. Austin flies out immediately and brings him to his hometown to help him heal and recover.
Oh my heart, these two were incredible. I adored how Austin was so mature, and respected consent so much, and constantly checked in with Luca.
“I love you,”
“In what way?”
“In all the ways.”
This is a best friends to lovers but no pining, so we really go to see two friends truly fall in love with each other. It was so beautiful to see their relationship grow and Luca heal from his trauma.
My heart hurt for Luca. Austin was so kind, tender and patient.
I loved this so much. Austin was so protective of Luca but also didn’t suffocate him, it was not toxic. They were so sweet. He wanted to see him grow and heal. The way he supported his writing was everything.
Austin's family was fantastic. The support was amazing.
I can’t help but wonder if Jasper and/or Arlo will get a book.
Fantastic book. I loved every second of it.
So thankful for this arc
Morgan Sloan
Luca & Austin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Childhood Best Friends to lovers
firefighter / Writer
Forced Proximity / One Bed
Escaping Domestic Violence
Hurt / Comfort
Small Town
Hurt Him and D!e /Marking / Possessive
Slow Burn
Oh my, my heart, what a beautiful story of having the courage to trust in love again after so much hurt.
This was so beautiful. Friends to lovers done right.
“I’m breathing again, Austin. Because of you.”
Luca and Austin have been best friends for years. Over the last few years, though, there has been distance. We are definitely blaming Luca’s boyfriend for that. He is an incredibly horrible, abusive, manipulative man.
Luca calls Austin one day to save him from Damien after a brutal attack. Austin flies out immediately and brings him to his hometown to help him heal and recover.
Oh my heart, these two were incredible. I adored how Austin was so mature, and respected consent so much, and constantly checked in with Luca.
“I love you,”
“In what way?”
“In all the ways.”
This is a best friends to lovers but no pining, so we really go to see two friends truly fall in love with each other. It was so beautiful to see their relationship grow and Luca heal from his trauma.
My heart hurt for Luca. Austin was so kind, tender and patient.
I loved this so much. Austin was so protective of Luca but also didn’t suffocate him, it was not toxic. They were so sweet. He wanted to see him grow and heal. The way he supported his writing was everything.
Austin's family was fantastic. The support was amazing.
I can’t help but wonder if Jasper and/or Arlo will get a book.
Fantastic book. I loved every second of it.
So thankful for this arc
December 12, 2025
Oh my freakin heart. This one absolutely wrecked me, in the best way. I was feeling all the things.
Luca and Austin had been friends for as long as they can remember. Basically two halves of the same hole. But when Luca’s Dad took a job in another city, the bond they had was stretched thin with the promise that Luca would come back home when he turned eighteen. But as always, life had other plans. After a tragic accident, Luca chose to stay in the last place his parents existed, clinging to what he had left. No amount of begging from Austin could convince him to go back to Silverpine. So Austin left, alone. And Luca stayed, and ended up in an abusive relationship that slowly burned the light left inside him.
After a brutal attack, Luca calls Austin and finally tells him what he’s been hiding for far too long. Without hesitation, Austin is on the first flight to go and help Luca.
Austin is the biggest green flag, so steady, patient, and protective. I was so so happy that Luca had him on his journey. He was exactly what Luca needed to find his way back to himself. Watching Luca’s spark return, seeing him trust again, it was absolutely everything.
Morgan handled this story with so much care and compassion. It is a beautiful story of hope. Please, please read the TWs before diving into this one
.
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Luca and Austin had been friends for as long as they can remember. Basically two halves of the same hole. But when Luca’s Dad took a job in another city, the bond they had was stretched thin with the promise that Luca would come back home when he turned eighteen. But as always, life had other plans. After a tragic accident, Luca chose to stay in the last place his parents existed, clinging to what he had left. No amount of begging from Austin could convince him to go back to Silverpine. So Austin left, alone. And Luca stayed, and ended up in an abusive relationship that slowly burned the light left inside him.
After a brutal attack, Luca calls Austin and finally tells him what he’s been hiding for far too long. Without hesitation, Austin is on the first flight to go and help Luca.
Austin is the biggest green flag, so steady, patient, and protective. I was so so happy that Luca had him on his journey. He was exactly what Luca needed to find his way back to himself. Watching Luca’s spark return, seeing him trust again, it was absolutely everything.
Morgan handled this story with so much care and compassion. It is a beautiful story of hope. Please, please read the TWs before diving into this one
.
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
December 12, 2025
The beginning of this read made my heart hurt; the end made it heal :)
That being said, if you are in search of hurt/comfort, you’ve come to the right place. Morgan treats her characters with so much care and thoughtfulness. So much hurt, anger, and fear is derived from Luca’s last relationship. Enter Austin, Luca’s childhood best friend who he trusts implicitly.
Simply put, Luca and Austin were always meant to be - no one can convince me otherwise. Just like Luca’s writings, their love feels *magical*
A few things to expect from Sheltered:
- childhood best friends to lovers
- surviving domestic v!olence
- small town
- marking/possessiveness (in a wholesomely kinky way, not a creepy way)
- it’s always been youuuu
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! (And thank you for having me part of such a wonderful street team)
That being said, if you are in search of hurt/comfort, you’ve come to the right place. Morgan treats her characters with so much care and thoughtfulness. So much hurt, anger, and fear is derived from Luca’s last relationship. Enter Austin, Luca’s childhood best friend who he trusts implicitly.
Simply put, Luca and Austin were always meant to be - no one can convince me otherwise. Just like Luca’s writings, their love feels *magical*
A few things to expect from Sheltered:
- childhood best friends to lovers
- surviving domestic v!olence
- small town
- marking/possessiveness (in a wholesomely kinky way, not a creepy way)
- it’s always been youuuu
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! (And thank you for having me part of such a wonderful street team)
November 30, 2025
Morgan Morgan Morgan this book….. I was so invested I could not put it down.
Luca stole my heart, I needed to hug him and let him know he was going to be ok!
Austin.. was just perfect. He has know who Luca was to him and has always been just one call away!
Luca & Austin are PERFECT 💗💗💗💗
I don’t think I would change a thing about this book. Morgan excellent writing.
I have my fingers crossed that we are getting Jasper & Arlos book..💖
I recommend this book! If you like these tropes then this book is for you:
- best friends to lovers
- one bed
- firefighter / writer
- escaping domestic violence
- Hurt/Comfort
- touch him and die
- small town
- slow burn
- marking/ Possessive
Luca stole my heart, I needed to hug him and let him know he was going to be ok!
Austin.. was just perfect. He has know who Luca was to him and has always been just one call away!
Luca & Austin are PERFECT 💗💗💗💗
I don’t think I would change a thing about this book. Morgan excellent writing.
I have my fingers crossed that we are getting Jasper & Arlos book..💖
I recommend this book! If you like these tropes then this book is for you:
- best friends to lovers
- one bed
- firefighter / writer
- escaping domestic violence
- Hurt/Comfort
- touch him and die
- small town
- slow burn
- marking/ Possessive
January 15, 2026
A Well Deserved HEA
Dee’s Grade: A+
These types of stories can be wonderfully healing or not. This one definitely falls into the healing category. I adore Lucas and Austin. Everyone should have an Austin in their lives. He’s a real life fictional knight in shining armor. He’s capable of convincing even the most hardened hearted of us we deserve an HEA no matter what traumas we endured.
Dee’s Grade: A+
These types of stories can be wonderfully healing or not. This one definitely falls into the healing category. I adore Lucas and Austin. Everyone should have an Austin in their lives. He’s a real life fictional knight in shining armor. He’s capable of convincing even the most hardened hearted of us we deserve an HEA no matter what traumas we endured.
December 22, 2025
4.5 ✨
Super sweet. Like sometimes a little on the boring cheesy side of sweet, but still a really beautiful hurt comfort friends to lovers story. And the epilogue was especially adorable - I love a book that can end on a strong note!
Super sweet. Like sometimes a little on the boring cheesy side of sweet, but still a really beautiful hurt comfort friends to lovers story. And the epilogue was especially adorable - I love a book that can end on a strong note!
January 14, 2026
Childhood best friends to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Domestic Abuse rep
Very sweet
Hurt/comfort
Domestic Abuse rep
Very sweet
December 19, 2025
This is one of those stories that will stay with you. I haven't stopped thinking about Luca and Austin since I finished this book.
Sheltered is beautifully written, Morgan skillfully captures the reality of abuse, the tenderness of healing, and the hope of finding love again in the arms of the man who becomes your safe place.
This one hurts 💔 Austin and Luca fight hard for their HEA but it's so worth it!
Sheltered is beautifully written, Morgan skillfully captures the reality of abuse, the tenderness of healing, and the hope of finding love again in the arms of the man who becomes your safe place.
This one hurts 💔 Austin and Luca fight hard for their HEA but it's so worth it!
December 2, 2025
there’s no accurate amount of stars that could capture the way i feel about this book
December 12, 2025
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
This was the first Morgan Sloan book I’ve read, and all I can say is that I can’t wait to get more from her.
This is one of those stories that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you’ve finished. This isn’t just a romance, this is a story about survival, healing, and the courage it takes to walk away from abuse and manipulation and take back control of your own life.
Luca is trapped in a toxic relationship with Damien, the guy who, under the guise of helping him, took over his life after Luca’s parents died in an accident when he was eighteen. Damien controls every aspect of Luca’s world, and what’s truly heartbreaking isn’t just the physical abuse, but the psychological manipulation Damien uses against him. As is so often the case in these kinds of relationships, Luca convinces himself he can’t leave, that Damien’s control is justified, and that the bruises are somehow his fault. He can’t break out of that mindset until he reaches his breaking point and turns to the only person in the world he believes can save him.
Austin is Luca’s lifelong best friend. He’s everything Damien isn’t, steady, kind, and incredibly protective. When Luca finally decides to break the cycle and calls him, Austin doesn’t hesitate. He upends his life to bring Luca home, offering him a safe haven where he can start to heal.
The contrast between Damien’s suffocating control and Austin’s quiet support is beautifully written, and it makes the shift from friendship to romantic love between Luca and Austin feel not only inevitable but deeply deserved.
I especially love how the book doesn’t shy away from showing Luca’s trauma. His recovery isn’t instant, and the way Morgan portrays the lingering fear, the self-doubt, and the struggle to trust again feels very real.
I really loved how Austin’s patience and love are the balm that allows Luca to slowly rebuild himself. Their relationship never feels rushed, their happiness grows out of friendship, trust, and shared history, which makes their romantic connection feel earned and so satisfying. Their physical connection requires a lot of healing and trust, too, after all the damage Damien caused, not just to Luca’s body, but to his mind.
What really touched me, though, is that even though Luca and Austin finally getting together is what everyone wants, and their journey is so beautiful, it’s not just about love, it’s about Luca reclaiming his identity and learning that he deserves happiness, that he was never what Damien tried to make him believe. There’s enough spice to keep things passionate, but it never overshadows the emotional core of the story.
Overall, Sheltered is a very moving read. It balances the darkness of Luca’s trauma with the light of Austin’s amazing love and support, it’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. You can’t help but admire Luca’s resilience. It’s the kind of story that makes you ache, then smile. I genuinely enjoyed it, and I recommend it to anyone who, like me, enjoys hurt-comfort stories and broken boys.
I recieved an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
*mild spoilers ahead*
This was the first Morgan Sloan book I’ve read, and all I can say is that I can’t wait to get more from her.
This is one of those stories that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you’ve finished. This isn’t just a romance, this is a story about survival, healing, and the courage it takes to walk away from abuse and manipulation and take back control of your own life.
Luca is trapped in a toxic relationship with Damien, the guy who, under the guise of helping him, took over his life after Luca’s parents died in an accident when he was eighteen. Damien controls every aspect of Luca’s world, and what’s truly heartbreaking isn’t just the physical abuse, but the psychological manipulation Damien uses against him. As is so often the case in these kinds of relationships, Luca convinces himself he can’t leave, that Damien’s control is justified, and that the bruises are somehow his fault. He can’t break out of that mindset until he reaches his breaking point and turns to the only person in the world he believes can save him.
Austin is Luca’s lifelong best friend. He’s everything Damien isn’t, steady, kind, and incredibly protective. When Luca finally decides to break the cycle and calls him, Austin doesn’t hesitate. He upends his life to bring Luca home, offering him a safe haven where he can start to heal.
The contrast between Damien’s suffocating control and Austin’s quiet support is beautifully written, and it makes the shift from friendship to romantic love between Luca and Austin feel not only inevitable but deeply deserved.
I especially love how the book doesn’t shy away from showing Luca’s trauma. His recovery isn’t instant, and the way Morgan portrays the lingering fear, the self-doubt, and the struggle to trust again feels very real.
I really loved how Austin’s patience and love are the balm that allows Luca to slowly rebuild himself. Their relationship never feels rushed, their happiness grows out of friendship, trust, and shared history, which makes their romantic connection feel earned and so satisfying. Their physical connection requires a lot of healing and trust, too, after all the damage Damien caused, not just to Luca’s body, but to his mind.
What really touched me, though, is that even though Luca and Austin finally getting together is what everyone wants, and their journey is so beautiful, it’s not just about love, it’s about Luca reclaiming his identity and learning that he deserves happiness, that he was never what Damien tried to make him believe. There’s enough spice to keep things passionate, but it never overshadows the emotional core of the story.
Overall, Sheltered is a very moving read. It balances the darkness of Luca’s trauma with the light of Austin’s amazing love and support, it’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. You can’t help but admire Luca’s resilience. It’s the kind of story that makes you ache, then smile. I genuinely enjoyed it, and I recommend it to anyone who, like me, enjoys hurt-comfort stories and broken boys.
I recieved an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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