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Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes #8
Shelter for Sophie
She's shy, he's stoic...not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman "Chief" Proudfit have their work cut out for them.
Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She's been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn--which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He's definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach.
Roman's difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he's man enough to admit it...and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner.
As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose...
** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She's been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn--which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He's definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach.
Roman's difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he's man enough to admit it...and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner.
As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose...
** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
375 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2017
2443 people are currently reading
1193 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stoker
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
July 8, 2019
Another heart melting, sigh-inducing romance in Susan Stoker's Badge Of Honor series! Shelter For Sophie is sweet, and heart warming and I feel like I learned a bit more about Native Americans as well as a few of their traditions and a bit of there language. I also learned a bit about a person that stutters and to get a Native American hero and a gorgeous, caring woman that stutters and I tell you, how they met, and how they start to develop a relationship will just have you warming up nicely! I ADORED Chief, and Sophie, she is a wonderful heroine and the way she cares for the homeless around her work had me LOVING her! I DEVOURED this book within a day and I LOVED LOVED LOVED the entire thing! From front to back, this book was a written beauty and I can't seem to stop wanting more from Miss Stoker.
August 3, 2020
Where have I been? THIS BOOK IS BEAUTIFUL
The hero -Chief was an ass at first but he apologized profusely to the heroine. Yes, the heroine did not have experience but he wasn't sexually active for a while either. He was a bit of a hoe when he was in his twenties but as he got older he really was looking for someone to have a life with, so he eventually became celibate for a while if I am not mistaken. They actually developed their relationship, by dating first, getting to know each other, and finally came (pun intended lol) together which was actually beautiful lol. I love that both of them are imperfect and her stutter is accepted by him. He has had an interesting childhood which causes him to develop OCD, and she had a bad accident which influences her view on people.
I really want to read about Quinn, the one with the birthmark, she has some self-esteem issues that is sad and I am looking forward to seeing her become stronger.
It has some paranormal aspects to do with the Navajo culture, which I loved, and judging from the author's note she tried to get it as accurate as much as possible which I respect.
The hero -Chief was an ass at first but he apologized profusely to the heroine. Yes, the heroine did not have experience but he wasn't sexually active for a while either. He was a bit of a hoe when he was in his twenties but as he got older he really was looking for someone to have a life with, so he eventually became celibate for a while if I am not mistaken. They actually developed their relationship, by dating first, getting to know each other, and finally came (pun intended lol) together which was actually beautiful lol. I love that both of them are imperfect and her stutter is accepted by him. He has had an interesting childhood which causes him to develop OCD, and she had a bad accident which influences her view on people.
I really want to read about Quinn, the one with the birthmark, she has some self-esteem issues that is sad and I am looking forward to seeing her become stronger.
It has some paranormal aspects to do with the Navajo culture, which I loved, and judging from the author's note she tried to get it as accurate as much as possible which I respect.
September 24, 2017
Another hit
I really enjoy a Susan Stoker alpha. I have since I read Protecting Caroline all the way to this release. She had become one of a select few that I auto buy because I trust her.
Chief was a great hero. We have seen him in previous books being stoic and quiet so it was nice to see this side of him. He was initially a jerk when he made assumptions about Sophie but he quickly won me over. In true Susan Stoker fashion, he was alpha, protective and loving.
Sophie and her group of friends were endearing. She was so positive and loving, it was hard not to like her. She didn't let Chief walk over her but she also didn't push him away, even when she though he could never want her because of her stutter.
- No cheating
- No ow/om drama whatsoever
- No pushing away
-a couple steamy scenes but not a lot
- No violence
- No epilogue (a set up for the next story is not an epilogue in my opinion) which is what brought my rating to a 4. We have zero look into their future. HFN ending
I really enjoy a Susan Stoker alpha. I have since I read Protecting Caroline all the way to this release. She had become one of a select few that I auto buy because I trust her.
Chief was a great hero. We have seen him in previous books being stoic and quiet so it was nice to see this side of him. He was initially a jerk when he made assumptions about Sophie but he quickly won me over. In true Susan Stoker fashion, he was alpha, protective and loving.
Sophie and her group of friends were endearing. She was so positive and loving, it was hard not to like her. She didn't let Chief walk over her but she also didn't push him away, even when she though he could never want her because of her stutter.
- No cheating
- No ow/om drama whatsoever
- No pushing away
-a couple steamy scenes but not a lot
- No violence
- No epilogue (a set up for the next story is not an epilogue in my opinion) which is what brought my rating to a 4. We have zero look into their future. HFN ending
August 16, 2017
Susan Stoker is one of my automatic one click authors because of her characters. Stoker writes characters that are unique and she doesn't shy away from that uniqueness in the story to start dialogue. In Protecting Kiera, the hero was hearing impaired. In Shelter for Sophie, both characters have a uncommon character trait and I adored both!
Sophie has a stutter. As one would expect, it has made her a bit shy and withdrawn. However, I thought that Stoker's approach was great because the stutter didn't define Sophie or her character. It was a plot device only in so much as it has shaped Sophie's life to this point. Stoker didn't make it a huge area of conflict and strife, which I appreciated. Her kindness had tears streaming down my face pretty much the entire story. She didn't come off as showy in her kind deeds; she wasn't doing it to get accolades. Her kind heart extended to all kinds of people she encountered and it was genuine. It really did make me so emotional because she is the type of person I wish I was more often.
Chief is Native American. I was fascinated by the cultural aspects Stoker included that helped the reader understand Chief as a person. It didn't come off as stereotypical or cliched and I am always concerned that when an author makes a bold decision like this, it could be offensive. I thought it was great that Sophie didn't tell Chief his believes were ridiculous. When he is explaining that he feels he has evil spirits in him and must go back to the reservation for a ceremony, Sophie doesn't tell him that its crazy to believe that, or that it isn't true. I found Sophie's support to be appropriate and comforting without being condescending. It made me think about my own beliefs. Catholics believe some things that others don't and that some people find disturbing or weird. However, being part of a major world religion, being mocked for my beliefs doesn't happen frequently. However, I imagine what it would be like if someone told me that going to confession was like witchcraft and it doesn't work. If someone mocked me for having faith in something, it would be hurtful, especially if it was a person I cared about. So, I thought this was a fascinating aspect of the characters.
However, Sophie's stutter and Chief's heritage weren't the story. Like I said, Stoker doesn't use these things as plot tropes. So, the story revolved around these two building their relationship, getting to know each other, understanding their past and how it has shaped them. There is some danger and conflict, but it isn't manufactured simply to have conflict. It feels organic and real. Stoker has written a beautiful, character driven story that will keep you reading!
Stoker also begins to introduce us to some future characters that I am VERY excited about! Quinn, who works with Sophie, is fascinating and I can't wait to hear more about her. And I am super intrigued by Blythe's story and how she ended up homeless. To say I am glad Stoker writes books fast is a HUGE understatement because if I wasn't getting a book a month from her, I would have serious withdrawals. She is THAT good of an author in my opinion.
POV: 3rd
Tears: yes
Trope: firefighter, opposites attract
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone (part of an interconnected series, but can totally be read as a standalone)
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Resurrection by Katie Reus, Wrecked by JB Salsbury, Run to Ground by Katie Ruggle...then you will probably like Shelter for Sophie!
Shelter for Sophie
August 10, 2020
.
Actually this is a DNF at 80%. I just felt like I'd gotten what I wanted from the story. I didn't really care to listen to the end where no doubt
Sometimes predictable stories is a comfort and sometimes it's just NOT.
But anyways, I did like Sophie and Chief and was happy to read about them getting together and falling in love.
Chief is Sophie's sexy new firefighting native american neighbour. He's been next door for a year but not really noticed Sophie. She is pretty shy and has a stutter.
He makes some assumptions about Sophie from some stuff he overhears, and that was fun reading about him learning the truth and deciding to go after her.
But by 80% they are firmly in love and have had sex and well there's really nothing else in the story I care about. Well they'll probably meet each other's parents too. A large part of the plot is about the homeless people in the building next to where she works, that are about to be evicted. Sophie is a VERY Mary Sue character so this is all under her do-gooder umbrella.
Anyways, safety is fine but the usual sexist crap.
Actually this is a DNF at 80%. I just felt like I'd gotten what I wanted from the story. I didn't really care to listen to the end where no doubt
Sometimes predictable stories is a comfort and sometimes it's just NOT.
But anyways, I did like Sophie and Chief and was happy to read about them getting together and falling in love.
Chief is Sophie's sexy new firefighting native american neighbour. He's been next door for a year but not really noticed Sophie. She is pretty shy and has a stutter.
He makes some assumptions about Sophie from some stuff he overhears, and that was fun reading about him learning the truth and deciding to go after her.
But by 80% they are firmly in love and have had sex and well there's really nothing else in the story I care about. Well they'll probably meet each other's parents too. A large part of the plot is about the homeless people in the building next to where she works, that are about to be evicted. Sophie is a VERY Mary Sue character so this is all under her do-gooder umbrella.
Anyways, safety is fine but the usual sexist crap.
Want to read
July 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
October 2, 2017
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but there is just one part that really bugs me and thus lowered the book from 4 stars to a 2 stars. It was a nice slow paced romance that did not have any drama and was really sweet. But I can not get over the big misunderstanding scene and the way Sophie talked. I know we are supposed to think it's Chief who overreacted and stuck his foot in his mouth, but I hands down disagree and think it's Sophie who was the one who misspoke. Reading that scene it left me uncomfortable with the heroine through out the rest of the book. I even went back to see if I had read it wrong, but I didn't. It wouldn't have been so bad if it is was just the first part of the conversation Chief heard but it was the second part. I hands down hated that her friends all chuckled when she said the patient begged to be let in and the labeling of the patients as vulnerable. It felt disgusting to me. Up to then it had been Sophie's friends actions that were a little iffy but Sophie then says in her own words that the disadvantaged people are the easiest to convince and she sometimes feels bad but then she just thinks about herself and the institute and the money and she's perfectly okay with her actions. These patients have just suffered second and third degree burns and are in excruciating pain. Sophie looks and sounds like an asshole here and nothing she does in the book makes me okay with what she said. I was waiting for her to say yeah I do feel bad but then I think about how we're trying to help them heal and then it would have come off better. It just really made my blood pressure rise. I felt like the rest of the book was meant to make Sophie seem like Mother Teresa and made her too good. That one scene really tainted an other wise good book.
October 1, 2017
Sophie is a nice person who loves to help others, the few friends she has are like family. Having been a victim to a bad burn when young she has spent years training, researching to find a way to aid the healing and ease the pain for others.
Chief is quiet but caring, close to his friends but doesn't talk a lot. Having grown up on a Navajo Reservation his beliefs and faith are very strong. He also spent years being teased and bullied for his ancestry and heritage, he tends to now keep himself to himself unless with his close friends. Coming home from the fire station after a long three day shift he meets his neighbour as she has just finished mowing his lawn, not knowing it was her he asks her to thank her boyfriend and gives her money to pass on to him. Stunned and shy she doesn't say a word.
These two are really well suited both have insecurities, but both are strong and caring of others. They don't see defects or faults, only the person on the inside.
I really loved this story and how each just accepted the other, everything and everyone around them. How both cared about the homeless group of people squatting near the hospital, how Sophie straight away steps in to help Beth no questions asked.
There is some suspense but for me it was more about the spiritual aspect, learning more about Chief's culture and beliefs and his beautiful language. The lifestyle of growing up as he did on the reservation.
Each of these books in this series is different and varied of subject matter, all are well researched and handled with sensitivity. I thoroughly recommend reading them. I have been enthralled by every single one and cant wait for Erin and Conor's story to release. Which I have pre-ordered.
Chief is quiet but caring, close to his friends but doesn't talk a lot. Having grown up on a Navajo Reservation his beliefs and faith are very strong. He also spent years being teased and bullied for his ancestry and heritage, he tends to now keep himself to himself unless with his close friends. Coming home from the fire station after a long three day shift he meets his neighbour as she has just finished mowing his lawn, not knowing it was her he asks her to thank her boyfriend and gives her money to pass on to him. Stunned and shy she doesn't say a word.
These two are really well suited both have insecurities, but both are strong and caring of others. They don't see defects or faults, only the person on the inside.
I really loved this story and how each just accepted the other, everything and everyone around them. How both cared about the homeless group of people squatting near the hospital, how Sophie straight away steps in to help Beth no questions asked.
There is some suspense but for me it was more about the spiritual aspect, learning more about Chief's culture and beliefs and his beautiful language. The lifestyle of growing up as he did on the reservation.
Each of these books in this series is different and varied of subject matter, all are well researched and handled with sensitivity. I thoroughly recommend reading them. I have been enthralled by every single one and cant wait for Erin and Conor's story to release. Which I have pre-ordered.
December 1, 2020
I have enjoyed the first few books in this series, so when this one popped up as a freebie, I grabbed it, even though I jumped over a few books.
The first books dealt with truly evil people. This one involves petty prejudices and bad attitudes. The H and h are both strong, partly from carrying some baggage. Their relationship grows normally, with lots of nudges of encouragement from their friends. The sex scenes are warm and sensual. The main challenge scene is very well developed and detailed.
I will read more from this series.
The first books dealt with truly evil people. This one involves petty prejudices and bad attitudes. The H and h are both strong, partly from carrying some baggage. Their relationship grows normally, with lots of nudges of encouragement from their friends. The sex scenes are warm and sensual. The main challenge scene is very well developed and detailed.
I will read more from this series.
August 7, 2017
Let me just say, this book took me through the gamut of emotions for both Chief and Sophie. Ms. Stoker writes stories that are ,sexy,suspenseful,intriguing,
Compassionate, sassy, funny, emotional, and amazing!
Her newest From the Badge of Honor series, Shelter for Sophie is one of my favorites. It's a beautiful story full of strength, courage, customs, and love.
Sophie stutters, and I physically felt her pain when she told of her time when she was 7 years old. She has one of the most compassionate, giving, and loving hearts.
Roman (Chief) Proudfit is a firefighter as well as being Native American (Navajo) growing up on the reservation, his story told the plight of his people touched me deeply. I loved how he told of the traditions that he follows and believes in. His heart knowing that Sophie was the other half of his soul. Ayoo Aniinish' ni, The Skin Walkers, drumbeats. Fascinating. And he's Alpha male all the way. **sigh**
These two are so amazing together. I couldn't wait for Chief's story, because the glimpses we've seen of him made you want to find out what is behind his stoic persona. Well, it was well worth the wait. You'll want to read this special story yourself. Ms. Stoker you really hit another home run!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Compassionate, sassy, funny, emotional, and amazing!
Her newest From the Badge of Honor series, Shelter for Sophie is one of my favorites. It's a beautiful story full of strength, courage, customs, and love.
Sophie stutters, and I physically felt her pain when she told of her time when she was 7 years old. She has one of the most compassionate, giving, and loving hearts.
Roman (Chief) Proudfit is a firefighter as well as being Native American (Navajo) growing up on the reservation, his story told the plight of his people touched me deeply. I loved how he told of the traditions that he follows and believes in. His heart knowing that Sophie was the other half of his soul. Ayoo Aniinish' ni, The Skin Walkers, drumbeats. Fascinating. And he's Alpha male all the way. **sigh**
These two are so amazing together. I couldn't wait for Chief's story, because the glimpses we've seen of him made you want to find out what is behind his stoic persona. Well, it was well worth the wait. You'll want to read this special story yourself. Ms. Stoker you really hit another home run!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.
August 14, 2017
Misconstruing a conversation he overhears, Roman "Chief" Proudfit proceeds to open his mouth and insert his foot against his very shy neighbor, Sophie Carson..and ends up eating crow when he discovers how wrong he is.
Sophie was on the shy side, but had a fun dose of spunk I really enjoyed. I think her stutter made for an interesting read. The way she was written, Sophie's stutter didn't define her as a person; it was just another aspect of her personality and I liked the separation. Yes, it could interfere in her life in some ways, i.e. dating, but Sophie worked hard to make sure it wasn't her defining feature.
Roman was a typical alpha, overprotective hero. At first, he seemed like a loner, but it turned out he was just really selective with his friendship. However, when he gave his all, it was 100%. His OCD tendencies were relatable and I think Stoker handled it reasonably well. Truth be told, I found myself cringing over a few things Roman did-the difference was, he handled the issues more gracefully than I would have.
Their romance wasn't exactly insta-love, well maybe for Roman it was, but he didn't pressure Sophie and he took the time to get to know her, so it worked itself out. Their courtship flows over the course of a couple of months, leading to a few steamy interludes and provides hilarious, yet supportive ribbing from their closest friends over delaying the physical aspects of their relationship.
Book 8 in the Badge of Honor services, Shelter for Sophie was a nice, solid read. The characters were well developed and the plot was good. Roman's overprotectiveness would drive me crazy in real life, but he was always conscious of not going to far and if he did, Sophie had no problems putting him in his place! I will mention I haven't read all the previous books in the series and had no problems following the different characters and storylines mentioned.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book which I received at no cost from the author.
Sophie was on the shy side, but had a fun dose of spunk I really enjoyed. I think her stutter made for an interesting read. The way she was written, Sophie's stutter didn't define her as a person; it was just another aspect of her personality and I liked the separation. Yes, it could interfere in her life in some ways, i.e. dating, but Sophie worked hard to make sure it wasn't her defining feature.
Roman was a typical alpha, overprotective hero. At first, he seemed like a loner, but it turned out he was just really selective with his friendship. However, when he gave his all, it was 100%. His OCD tendencies were relatable and I think Stoker handled it reasonably well. Truth be told, I found myself cringing over a few things Roman did-the difference was, he handled the issues more gracefully than I would have.
Their romance wasn't exactly insta-love, well maybe for Roman it was, but he didn't pressure Sophie and he took the time to get to know her, so it worked itself out. Their courtship flows over the course of a couple of months, leading to a few steamy interludes and provides hilarious, yet supportive ribbing from their closest friends over delaying the physical aspects of their relationship.
Book 8 in the Badge of Honor services, Shelter for Sophie was a nice, solid read. The characters were well developed and the plot was good. Roman's overprotectiveness would drive me crazy in real life, but he was always conscious of not going to far and if he did, Sophie had no problems putting him in his place! I will mention I haven't read all the previous books in the series and had no problems following the different characters and storylines mentioned.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book which I received at no cost from the author.
August 27, 2020
This is a slow-burn romance with interesting characters, but Sophie is such a goody-two-shoes she got on my nerves. There is a hint of metaphysical but not enough to push this into paranormal. The suspense aspects were not as strong as I expect from this author, basically a slow burn romance where some stuff happens.
February 24, 2018
Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series, but it can be read as stand since each book features a different couple and a different story. In this book, we have Roman a firefighter and his shy neighbor, Sophie who is working with people who have been severely burned. As you can see both of their jobs is related to fire somehow and it has a major role in the story too. Roman's Indian roots also have a role in this book. Throughout the book, Roman mentions a few things that a man Indian man wouldn't have noticed or paid attention to. I loved how everything was connected at the end of the book and it made Roman save Sophie. I might have shed a tear there. Honestly, the book was more emotional than I was expecting and that won me over, despite Roman's behavior in the beginning. He was a real piece of work and really mean to Sophie. Sophie is a good person and I the most likable there. She is kind and difficult to hate, so I was on her team and I didn't like how Roman twisted her words. It took some time before he made it on my "good people" list after that. Overall, I would recommend the book because it was good and I enjoyed it a lot.
August 12, 2017
Oh my goodness how amazing Sophie and Chief's story. They live next door to each other and from the very beginning get off on the wrong foot. Once the misconceptions are cleared they start on a great journey to becoming a couple I would admire. I enjoyed getting to see how they became closer and how they learned to accept their differences as individuals to become a couple. Sophie is such a kind and giving person and Chief's kindness was there as well but his was tempered by his past. Sophie was a good balance for Chief. I loved reading their story and can't wait to see who's story is next!
June 30, 2023
I have been dying for Chief’s story and this did not disappoint! 😍
He’s so possessive and protective, I literally love him. Learning about his culture and background was amazing. He’s so open and honest about everything so I love how genuine Sophie is when asking about questions.
He’s so possessive and protective, I literally love him. Learning about his culture and background was amazing. He’s so open and honest about everything so I love how genuine Sophie is when asking about questions.
December 29, 2017
Sophie has a stutter and that makes her not confident in herself.
She has had a crush on her neighbor since he moved in.
Chief is a Navajo Indian and a firefighter.
One night at a bar, the two collide. Chief overhears Sophie talking about trials run on underprivileged individuals and misconstrues the conversation. Sophie goes right up against him and tells him to check it out he is wrong and will owe her an apology.
Chief does, in fact, check the facts, to learn he was wrong. He goes about trying to woo Sophie and their first date is in the hospital cafeteria.
Sophie is kind to everyone and has a strong network of girlfriends who help to bolster her self worth.
Chief believes he has found is soul mate and goes on a mission to make Sophie his.
Learning tribal words and customs, Sophie slowly falls for Chief, but when danger in imminent, can he save her.
4.5 stars
She has had a crush on her neighbor since he moved in.
Chief is a Navajo Indian and a firefighter.
One night at a bar, the two collide. Chief overhears Sophie talking about trials run on underprivileged individuals and misconstrues the conversation. Sophie goes right up against him and tells him to check it out he is wrong and will owe her an apology.
Chief does, in fact, check the facts, to learn he was wrong. He goes about trying to woo Sophie and their first date is in the hospital cafeteria.
Sophie is kind to everyone and has a strong network of girlfriends who help to bolster her self worth.
Chief believes he has found is soul mate and goes on a mission to make Sophie his.
Learning tribal words and customs, Sophie slowly falls for Chief, but when danger in imminent, can he save her.
4.5 stars
January 21, 2019
This book was really cute! I enjoyed it and to be honest I am a really big chicken, so I got a little scared towards the end😂. I am truly a really big baby, but if you’re very very easily scared like me don’t read the ending chapters in the dark😂haha it’s really not even that scary, but when I say I’m a big chicken I mean it!
My only real complaint and why I took off a star is because of the epilogue. As I’ve said many many many times before, I hate epilogues that are about a couple for a future book and not about the couple in the book I’m reading. I would’ve loved an epilogue with chief and Sophie. Had this book had an epilogue with the mc’s, it definitely would’ve been a 5 star
Overall though really good book!
My only real complaint and why I took off a star is because of the epilogue. As I’ve said many many many times before, I hate epilogues that are about a couple for a future book and not about the couple in the book I’m reading. I would’ve loved an epilogue with chief and Sophie. Had this book had an epilogue with the mc’s, it definitely would’ve been a 5 star
Overall though really good book!
June 28, 2018
Great read!
August 16, 2017
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2017
She’s shy, he’s stoic…not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman “Chief” Proudfit have their work cut out for them.
Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She’s been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn—which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He’s definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach.
Roman’s difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he’s man enough to admit it…and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner.
As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose…
** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHELTER FOR SOPHIE is the eighth installment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult BADGE OF HONOR: TEXAS HEROES contemporary, romance series. This is firefighter and Native American Roman ‘Chief’ Proudfit, and scientist Sophie Carson’s story line. SHELTER FOR SOPHIE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Sophie and Roman SHELTER FOR SOPHIE follows the building relationship between scientist and researcher Sophie Carson, and her next door neighbor Native American firefighter Roman “Chief” Proudfit. Their acrimonious introduction follows Chief’s misunderstanding of the who and what of Sophie Carson-a misunderstanding that opens a new world of knowledge for both of our story line leading characters. What ensues is the building relationship and growing love between Sophie and Roman, and the fall out when a fire in an abandoned building threatens the life of the woman with whom Roman has fallen in love.
SHELTER FOR SOPHIE finds our heroine has a soft spot for the homeless who live near the hospital where Sophie works. An arsonist is setting fire to abandoned building and homes, and Sophie worries that the people she has befriended may have to move when the hospital makes plans to demolish the latest eyesore. Roman ‘Chief’ Proudfit is determined to make amends for his initial treatment of our story line heroine. His attraction to Sophie is palpable but Sophie has a propensity of placing other people’s safety above her own.
The relationship between Sophie and Roman is one of mutual attraction although Sophie’s attraction to Roman long surpasses our hero’s introduction to our story line heroine. Roman’s misunderstanding of Sophie’s position at the hospital places our hero in a position to beg forgiveness for the assumption that Sophie was not the woman she professed to be. Sophie is a strong, courageous and sassy heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Susan Stoker’s heroines all have some issues that prevent the character from grabbing life by the horns and enjoying the ride. In Sophie’s case our heroine struggles with a speech impediment, as well as scars from a case of childhood abuse.
There is a large ensemble of secondary and supporting characters including Sophie’s best friends Autumn McCoy, Tory Brown and Quinn Dixon as well as most of the previous story line couples; a handful of firefighters and rescue personnel looking for love; several homeless men and women, and the Sloppy Cow’s bartender, and kinesiology instructor Erin Gardner. Erin and Game Warden Conor Paxton’s story line is next in Justice for Erin.
Susan Stoker weaves Native American and Navajo lore, culture and language into a story line that includes some elements of the paranormal as the couple struggles with an unknown enemy that threatens to destroy their growing love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are spirited and heartwarming; the romance is passionate and captivating. SHELTER FOR SOPHIE is a moving and enjoyable addition to the author’s Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes romance series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2017
She’s shy, he’s stoic…not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman “Chief” Proudfit have their work cut out for them.
Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She’s been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn—which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He’s definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach.
Roman’s difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he’s man enough to admit it…and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner.
As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose…
** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
•••••••••••
REVIEW: SHELTER FOR SOPHIE is the eighth installment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult BADGE OF HONOR: TEXAS HEROES contemporary, romance series. This is firefighter and Native American Roman ‘Chief’ Proudfit, and scientist Sophie Carson’s story line. SHELTER FOR SOPHIE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Sophie and Roman SHELTER FOR SOPHIE follows the building relationship between scientist and researcher Sophie Carson, and her next door neighbor Native American firefighter Roman “Chief” Proudfit. Their acrimonious introduction follows Chief’s misunderstanding of the who and what of Sophie Carson-a misunderstanding that opens a new world of knowledge for both of our story line leading characters. What ensues is the building relationship and growing love between Sophie and Roman, and the fall out when a fire in an abandoned building threatens the life of the woman with whom Roman has fallen in love.
SHELTER FOR SOPHIE finds our heroine has a soft spot for the homeless who live near the hospital where Sophie works. An arsonist is setting fire to abandoned building and homes, and Sophie worries that the people she has befriended may have to move when the hospital makes plans to demolish the latest eyesore. Roman ‘Chief’ Proudfit is determined to make amends for his initial treatment of our story line heroine. His attraction to Sophie is palpable but Sophie has a propensity of placing other people’s safety above her own.
The relationship between Sophie and Roman is one of mutual attraction although Sophie’s attraction to Roman long surpasses our hero’s introduction to our story line heroine. Roman’s misunderstanding of Sophie’s position at the hospital places our hero in a position to beg forgiveness for the assumption that Sophie was not the woman she professed to be. Sophie is a strong, courageous and sassy heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Susan Stoker’s heroines all have some issues that prevent the character from grabbing life by the horns and enjoying the ride. In Sophie’s case our heroine struggles with a speech impediment, as well as scars from a case of childhood abuse.
There is a large ensemble of secondary and supporting characters including Sophie’s best friends Autumn McCoy, Tory Brown and Quinn Dixon as well as most of the previous story line couples; a handful of firefighters and rescue personnel looking for love; several homeless men and women, and the Sloppy Cow’s bartender, and kinesiology instructor Erin Gardner. Erin and Game Warden Conor Paxton’s story line is next in Justice for Erin.
Susan Stoker weaves Native American and Navajo lore, culture and language into a story line that includes some elements of the paranormal as the couple struggles with an unknown enemy that threatens to destroy their growing love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are spirited and heartwarming; the romance is passionate and captivating. SHELTER FOR SOPHIE is a moving and enjoyable addition to the author’s Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes romance series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 9, 2017
***5 ‘Team Sophie’ Stars***
Ever since stumbling upon the Delta Force series I’ve become a fan of Ms. Stoker’s and get excited when a new book is announced (even if I may not have time to read it). I enjoy her no muss, no fuss style of writing, especially when it comes to any angsty-ness and how she gives a well rounded story that has me totally invested in the main couple while wanting to know more about the supporting cast of characters around them and Shelter for Sophie checked all those things off right from the beginning and all the way through to the last page.
I adored Sophie. The woman may be shy, but she sure isn’t a doormat. It may take a bit of time for her to do certain things, but when she feels passionately about something she goes all in. I loved how huge her heart was and how she just did things for others without expecting anything in return. Chief definitely put his foot in it in the beginning, but I can’t help but admire a man who admits when he is wrong, and after that little bump in the road, I definitely admired the man. I loved his little quirks and how, given the right situation, the stoic man turned extremely chatty and candid. He has a huge heart, which is shown by his actions and he definitely falls under the Alpha AF category.
I loved their journey, even though their two collisions before things really started rolling were not the type of meet cutes one would want them to have. But after the initial issue was cleared, Chief and Sophie’s journey was fun to be apart of. They clicked on many levels and Sophie never got smothered by Chief’s alpha tendencies, she held her own. My favorite aspect though was how much they communicated with each other. They didn’t play games and didn’t expect the other to read their minds, which I was very grateful for because it kept the angst down to a minimum which allowed for more swoony, fun and smexy times.
This was another fun, quick read and though this is the first of the Badge of Honor books I’ve read I wasn’t lost in anyway and there were a couple of names I recognized from the Delta Force series, so I good to go. There is a bit of a suspense/mystery storyline woven throughout the book, but it was kept in the background for the most part. I liked how the Navajo culture was written into the story, it gave Chief a lot of depth. I loved the secondary characters and am looking forward to the next book in the series, while crossing my toes that I’ll be able to get to some of the previous books in the series before the next one drops.
~ Copy provided by RockStar PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Ever since stumbling upon the Delta Force series I’ve become a fan of Ms. Stoker’s and get excited when a new book is announced (even if I may not have time to read it). I enjoy her no muss, no fuss style of writing, especially when it comes to any angsty-ness and how she gives a well rounded story that has me totally invested in the main couple while wanting to know more about the supporting cast of characters around them and Shelter for Sophie checked all those things off right from the beginning and all the way through to the last page.
I adored Sophie. The woman may be shy, but she sure isn’t a doormat. It may take a bit of time for her to do certain things, but when she feels passionately about something she goes all in. I loved how huge her heart was and how she just did things for others without expecting anything in return. Chief definitely put his foot in it in the beginning, but I can’t help but admire a man who admits when he is wrong, and after that little bump in the road, I definitely admired the man. I loved his little quirks and how, given the right situation, the stoic man turned extremely chatty and candid. He has a huge heart, which is shown by his actions and he definitely falls under the Alpha AF category.
I loved their journey, even though their two collisions before things really started rolling were not the type of meet cutes one would want them to have. But after the initial issue was cleared, Chief and Sophie’s journey was fun to be apart of. They clicked on many levels and Sophie never got smothered by Chief’s alpha tendencies, she held her own. My favorite aspect though was how much they communicated with each other. They didn’t play games and didn’t expect the other to read their minds, which I was very grateful for because it kept the angst down to a minimum which allowed for more swoony, fun and smexy times.
This was another fun, quick read and though this is the first of the Badge of Honor books I’ve read I wasn’t lost in anyway and there were a couple of names I recognized from the Delta Force series, so I good to go. There is a bit of a suspense/mystery storyline woven throughout the book, but it was kept in the background for the most part. I liked how the Navajo culture was written into the story, it gave Chief a lot of depth. I loved the secondary characters and am looking forward to the next book in the series, while crossing my toes that I’ll be able to get to some of the previous books in the series before the next one drops.
~ Copy provided by RockStar PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 11, 2017
4 Finding Their Way Stars!!!
This is my first book by Ms. Stoker and to say I'm thrilled to have found a new to me author would be putting it mildly. Sophie is a girl that has a very scarred heart thanks to an upbringing that had me in tears. She also has a stutter that for understandable reasons makes her a little shy. Just because she's shy doesn't mean she hasn't had a crush on her handsome next door neighbor, fire fighter Chief Proudfoot .
Chief is all man and all alpha. He also has a gruff exterior and doesn't really want to be neighborly towards the beautiful Sophie. Especially when he overhears a conversation that he totally misconstrues. This leads us to circumstances that our H/h spend time together and Chief admits to himself he loves his quiet and shy neighbor.
These two captured my heart and I so wanted them to find the love they both need to heal their lives. I absolutely loved the level of detail Ms. Stoker gave us when it came to Chief's Indian Heritage. I so appreciated this bird's eye view of that world as it's a culture that I've not read too much in romance novels. Once Sophie and Chief start to get to know each other and their growing feelings this story became so much more for me.
I adored how he cared for and about Sophie and wanting to take it slow which in my opinion is what they needed...creating that slow burn. And when Sophie puts herself in danger, Chief's alpha protectiveness comes out. This of course leads both of them to the fact that theirs is a forever kind of love because they're both what the other needed. I'm hooked into this series now and will be going back and reading the other books in this series as well as looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is my first book by Ms. Stoker and to say I'm thrilled to have found a new to me author would be putting it mildly. Sophie is a girl that has a very scarred heart thanks to an upbringing that had me in tears. She also has a stutter that for understandable reasons makes her a little shy. Just because she's shy doesn't mean she hasn't had a crush on her handsome next door neighbor, fire fighter Chief Proudfoot .
Chief is all man and all alpha. He also has a gruff exterior and doesn't really want to be neighborly towards the beautiful Sophie. Especially when he overhears a conversation that he totally misconstrues. This leads us to circumstances that our H/h spend time together and Chief admits to himself he loves his quiet and shy neighbor.
These two captured my heart and I so wanted them to find the love they both need to heal their lives. I absolutely loved the level of detail Ms. Stoker gave us when it came to Chief's Indian Heritage. I so appreciated this bird's eye view of that world as it's a culture that I've not read too much in romance novels. Once Sophie and Chief start to get to know each other and their growing feelings this story became so much more for me.
I adored how he cared for and about Sophie and wanting to take it slow which in my opinion is what they needed...creating that slow burn. And when Sophie puts herself in danger, Chief's alpha protectiveness comes out. This of course leads both of them to the fact that theirs is a forever kind of love because they're both what the other needed. I'm hooked into this series now and will be going back and reading the other books in this series as well as looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 9, 2017
Shelter for Sophie by Susan Stoker has a lot of tropes that I love (neighbor romances, shy heroine, a hero in uniform) so in theory I should have loved this book. Unfortunately, it just wasn't a good fit for me.
Shelter for Sophie is about scientist Sophie Carson and firefighter Roman "Chief" Proudfit. They've been neighbors for a little bit, and Sophie has been super crushing on him. But she is shy and has a stutter, so they really haven't spoken. One night when Sophie is out with her friends she talks about him to her friends, and he overhears. At first he's happy about it, because he likes her too. Then he hears some other things Sophie is saying about her work at the hospital and he becomes very angry with Sophie and yells at her. After the misunderstanding is resolved, they of course start a relationship and romance.
To be completely honest, I found Shelter for Sophie to be fairly dull. I was so excited to read about Sophie initially, but pretty soon, I was just annoyed with Sophie. Almost right away she made some choices that annoyed me. When Roman confronts her at the bar after he overheard her talking about a patient at the hospital, she actually gives Roman the name of this kid in the hospital. And that just pissed me off. I mean, she isn't exactly a doctor, but she is working for the hospital, so there has to be some kind of patient confidentiality rules. And even if this isn't, she should not have been giving out that information just so she could prove to Roman that she isn't a jerk. That was just unbelievable to me!
But besides that, I also found Sophie to be a bit too passive. Although I love to read about shy characters, that doesn't mean I want to read about someone who constantly just does what the hero in the novel wants. I also found Sophie to be almost too "good." She helps poor victims who have burned, she's formed a strong relationship with a mentally disabled volunteer, she brings food and blankets to the homeless people across the street. Obviously I want to like the characters in a romance, but holy cow, this is a bit much.
As for Roman, I didn't love him either. He makes this little comment internally that he doesn't like it when women approach him and ask him out. Seriously! At one point this woman (not Sophie) approaches him and asks him out, and it's like he's offended by it. While I like an alpha hero, this is too much. I wills ay that once he and Sophie get together, he is very nice and respectful to her, and he is not at all thrown by her stutter, but still. I just didn't love him.
The romance was just okay. I had a hard time rooting for two people that I didn't care much for. There were definitely some moments when characters acted stupidly which mostly felt as a way to move the story along than actually realistic. The narrator, Erin Mallon was fine. I don't have anything bad to say about her narration, but it wasn't stand out either.
Overall, Shelter for Sophie by Susan Stoker left me completely underwhelmed. Although, a lot of readers do love her books, so maybe it just wasn't a good fit for me.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Shelter for Sophie is about scientist Sophie Carson and firefighter Roman "Chief" Proudfit. They've been neighbors for a little bit, and Sophie has been super crushing on him. But she is shy and has a stutter, so they really haven't spoken. One night when Sophie is out with her friends she talks about him to her friends, and he overhears. At first he's happy about it, because he likes her too. Then he hears some other things Sophie is saying about her work at the hospital and he becomes very angry with Sophie and yells at her. After the misunderstanding is resolved, they of course start a relationship and romance.
To be completely honest, I found Shelter for Sophie to be fairly dull. I was so excited to read about Sophie initially, but pretty soon, I was just annoyed with Sophie. Almost right away she made some choices that annoyed me. When Roman confronts her at the bar after he overheard her talking about a patient at the hospital, she actually gives Roman the name of this kid in the hospital. And that just pissed me off. I mean, she isn't exactly a doctor, but she is working for the hospital, so there has to be some kind of patient confidentiality rules. And even if this isn't, she should not have been giving out that information just so she could prove to Roman that she isn't a jerk. That was just unbelievable to me!
But besides that, I also found Sophie to be a bit too passive. Although I love to read about shy characters, that doesn't mean I want to read about someone who constantly just does what the hero in the novel wants. I also found Sophie to be almost too "good." She helps poor victims who have burned, she's formed a strong relationship with a mentally disabled volunteer, she brings food and blankets to the homeless people across the street. Obviously I want to like the characters in a romance, but holy cow, this is a bit much.
As for Roman, I didn't love him either. He makes this little comment internally that he doesn't like it when women approach him and ask him out. Seriously! At one point this woman (not Sophie) approaches him and asks him out, and it's like he's offended by it. While I like an alpha hero, this is too much. I wills ay that once he and Sophie get together, he is very nice and respectful to her, and he is not at all thrown by her stutter, but still. I just didn't love him.
The romance was just okay. I had a hard time rooting for two people that I didn't care much for. There were definitely some moments when characters acted stupidly which mostly felt as a way to move the story along than actually realistic. The narrator, Erin Mallon was fine. I don't have anything bad to say about her narration, but it wasn't stand out either.
Overall, Shelter for Sophie by Susan Stoker left me completely underwhelmed. Although, a lot of readers do love her books, so maybe it just wasn't a good fit for me.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
August 17, 2017
I am finding it difficult to find new words of praise for Susan Stoker. Once again she has enthralled me with her tale. In this one we once again have a very strong woman, but she is also introverted and shy. Sophie is a researcher, looking to find better and less painful ways to treat severe burns.
Chief is a paramedic/firefighter who has previously insulted his neighbor by giving her twenty dollars for mowing his lawn while he was on shift. Without knowing her, he again puts his foot in it while out with friends at the Sloppy Cow.
From here Chief has to eat a lot of crow and even grovel a bit to get back into Sophie's good graces. He is determined though. Especially as he learns more about her and her never ending quest to make things better for those in need.
Another beautiful example of how strong and beautiful one is, even with what some would consider a disability.
I couldn't put this book down, thank you Susan for not being quite as hard as you usually are on your heroines!
Chief is a paramedic/firefighter who has previously insulted his neighbor by giving her twenty dollars for mowing his lawn while he was on shift. Without knowing her, he again puts his foot in it while out with friends at the Sloppy Cow.
From here Chief has to eat a lot of crow and even grovel a bit to get back into Sophie's good graces. He is determined though. Especially as he learns more about her and her never ending quest to make things better for those in need.
Another beautiful example of how strong and beautiful one is, even with what some would consider a disability.
I couldn't put this book down, thank you Susan for not being quite as hard as you usually are on your heroines!
September 4, 2017
With how this one started out I didn't expect to like it. Chief seemed to be a judgmental ass, one who jumped to conclusions with Sophie a couple of times and I hated that she had a crush on him. I loved it when Sophie stood up to him and basically told him to go to hell and oh by the way on your way there here is where you can check things out to see how very wrong you are.
It was nice that Chief quickly realized he was wrong and apologized to Sophie. From there things really changed for them. They talked more, even started to date, it was sweet. I loved how Sophie's friends were there for her, to give her the confidence that she could indeed go out with this handsome man.
Sophie's stuttering problem seemed to color her life, when it shouldn't have. She was so kind and generous, all she wanted to do is help people. You could see that Chief admired this, even as it got her into trouble towards the end. I was glad that Chief had the job he did and was able to save the day and his girl.
It was nice that Chief quickly realized he was wrong and apologized to Sophie. From there things really changed for them. They talked more, even started to date, it was sweet. I loved how Sophie's friends were there for her, to give her the confidence that she could indeed go out with this handsome man.
Sophie's stuttering problem seemed to color her life, when it shouldn't have. She was so kind and generous, all she wanted to do is help people. You could see that Chief admired this, even as it got her into trouble towards the end. I was glad that Chief had the job he did and was able to save the day and his girl.
March 16, 2021
A long running series, part of an interconnected world, but the first one I've actually read. While I enjoyed it, there were definitely some weak points. Some look like they might be just part of her writing style, but some were about these characters in particular. Still, overall I liked it, so 3+ stars.
Sophie (h) works with medical research at a burn center. She is overheard one night out by her neighbor, firefighter Chief (H) talking about her research efforts, which he misinterprets. After snapping at her, she calls him out to learn more. As he does, he learns there is much more to his shy, stuttering neighbor than what he first saw. Can she accept his apologies? And where can they go from here?
I liked a lot of the character relationships. The guys at the station are my favorites, bantering back and forth. Of course they've all got nicknames, the way these alpha male teams do, but I do want to hear the story behind Moose and Squirrel and their names. I liked Sophie's coworkers too. Can see them showing up in future books, and I wouldn't mind hearing their stories (looks like Quinn in particular has a book coming up - Shelter for Quinn).
I liked Chief as an H character. How can you go wrong with an alpha male with cats? While he may have his knee-jerk reaction moments, he also knows how to do his research and admit that he was wrong. And the Navajo was a refreshing language/cultural detail to add to the story. All for diversity in my stories!
I didn't like Sophie though. She just never felt real. I liked that she wasn't perfect - the stutter - and I liked how that was incorporated into Chief's culture. But honestly, Sophie was just too much. While yes, Chief did overreact in the bar while not knowing the full story, Sophie's actual words were pretty predatory and cold. But after that scene, she was this perfect angel - friends with the homeless, the disabled, the disadvantaged. Seriously, nobody had anything bad to say about her ever! But that's just not believable. She was too giving and angelic and whatnot, and so she ceased feeling like a real person. And she never really grew, either. Her stutter was there and made her a little shy, but it didn't seem to actually be a hurdle she was trying to overcome. She was functional, even assertive, especially professionally, but even in the bar when she was facing off against the guy she had a crush on. She really felt the same person at the end as she did at the beginning.
Despite being angelic and perfect, she did have a huge TSTL moment. I understand being stressed about having friends trapped in a burning building. But to run in unprotected? Not even really telling anyone? And not just any burning building, but a condemned one already with structural weaknesses! But hey, I'm superwoman and I must save my friends. No one else can save them, certainly not the trained and equipped professionals, so in I go! Idiot.
These thoughts seem to be a bit more Stoker's writing in general (or maybe this series?):
Since these books are all part of a bigger world, it seems like Stoker feels obligated to bring in as many of the former characters as possible. True, we all like updates on previous characters and in this case, a lot of the characters do work together, but it makes for a lot of names to remember and stray plot details to keep straight. Can kinda derail plot development in this story without actually adding too much. "Hey, let's hold a barbecue to help you deal with your social anxiety, but really, we're spending a chapter or two giving updates on everyone from the past 7 books." If I was reading these in order, it might be less irritating, but even still, it does rather slow things down with the leads as we listen to (for example) Mackenzie rambling innanely. Which apparently she does a lot. At least in this one, the barbecue did serve to introduce Quinn and Driftwood, setting up their book, but it didn't do much for this story. At least not in comparison to the amount of pages actually spent on it.
Sophie was almost too perfect, as I said above. But that seems to be usual in these stories. The Stoker stories seem to have super devoted characters, and kinda lopsided character development dynamics. Sophie just seemed to cause/support growth in Chief much more than he did in her. Not that he was bad for her - that level of support and protection and devotion can be romantic too - but just that he seemed to develop as a character and she didn't. The shy, stuttering version of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, I guess. While having that devotion can be romantic in some ways, I always prefer the stories where both leads have growing to do. Personal tastes.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle nonsense. All about an uptight fireman falling in love with a shy, stuttering, and insanely selfless woman. Some supernatural touches reflecting Navajo culture, which I enjoyed. Not enough to make it a "SPN Romance" but the sort of touch that anyone with a near-death experience might talk about. I wish Sophie had more character development, but she seemed to be the static Perfect Character to help the other grow. I liked Chief and his growth, though, and overall it made for a fairly satisfying romance. HEA and no cliffhanger. Epilogue sets up the next book in the series, Erin and Game Warden Conor's story. No down-the-road look at our main couple, but the way these books overlap, there're plenty of chances to see more of them.
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes. Fairly well written, though with some characters just a little too perfect. Still makes for an enjoyable escape with a little bit of suspense involved.
Sophie (h) works with medical research at a burn center. She is overheard one night out by her neighbor, firefighter Chief (H) talking about her research efforts, which he misinterprets. After snapping at her, she calls him out to learn more. As he does, he learns there is much more to his shy, stuttering neighbor than what he first saw. Can she accept his apologies? And where can they go from here?
I liked a lot of the character relationships. The guys at the station are my favorites, bantering back and forth. Of course they've all got nicknames, the way these alpha male teams do, but I do want to hear the story behind Moose and Squirrel and their names. I liked Sophie's coworkers too. Can see them showing up in future books, and I wouldn't mind hearing their stories (looks like Quinn in particular has a book coming up - Shelter for Quinn).
I liked Chief as an H character. How can you go wrong with an alpha male with cats? While he may have his knee-jerk reaction moments, he also knows how to do his research and admit that he was wrong. And the Navajo was a refreshing language/cultural detail to add to the story. All for diversity in my stories!
I didn't like Sophie though. She just never felt real. I liked that she wasn't perfect - the stutter - and I liked how that was incorporated into Chief's culture. But honestly, Sophie was just too much. While yes, Chief did overreact in the bar while not knowing the full story, Sophie's actual words were pretty predatory and cold. But after that scene, she was this perfect angel - friends with the homeless, the disabled, the disadvantaged. Seriously, nobody had anything bad to say about her ever! But that's just not believable. She was too giving and angelic and whatnot, and so she ceased feeling like a real person. And she never really grew, either. Her stutter was there and made her a little shy, but it didn't seem to actually be a hurdle she was trying to overcome. She was functional, even assertive, especially professionally, but even in the bar when she was facing off against the guy she had a crush on. She really felt the same person at the end as she did at the beginning.
Despite being angelic and perfect, she did have a huge TSTL moment. I understand being stressed about having friends trapped in a burning building. But to run in unprotected? Not even really telling anyone? And not just any burning building, but a condemned one already with structural weaknesses! But hey, I'm superwoman and I must save my friends. No one else can save them, certainly not the trained and equipped professionals, so in I go! Idiot.
These thoughts seem to be a bit more Stoker's writing in general (or maybe this series?):
Since these books are all part of a bigger world, it seems like Stoker feels obligated to bring in as many of the former characters as possible. True, we all like updates on previous characters and in this case, a lot of the characters do work together, but it makes for a lot of names to remember and stray plot details to keep straight. Can kinda derail plot development in this story without actually adding too much. "Hey, let's hold a barbecue to help you deal with your social anxiety, but really, we're spending a chapter or two giving updates on everyone from the past 7 books." If I was reading these in order, it might be less irritating, but even still, it does rather slow things down with the leads as we listen to (for example) Mackenzie rambling innanely. Which apparently she does a lot. At least in this one, the barbecue did serve to introduce Quinn and Driftwood, setting up their book, but it didn't do much for this story. At least not in comparison to the amount of pages actually spent on it.
Sophie was almost too perfect, as I said above. But that seems to be usual in these stories. The Stoker stories seem to have super devoted characters, and kinda lopsided character development dynamics. Sophie just seemed to cause/support growth in Chief much more than he did in her. Not that he was bad for her - that level of support and protection and devotion can be romantic too - but just that he seemed to develop as a character and she didn't. The shy, stuttering version of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, I guess. While having that devotion can be romantic in some ways, I always prefer the stories where both leads have growing to do. Personal tastes.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle nonsense. All about an uptight fireman falling in love with a shy, stuttering, and insanely selfless woman. Some supernatural touches reflecting Navajo culture, which I enjoyed. Not enough to make it a "SPN Romance" but the sort of touch that anyone with a near-death experience might talk about. I wish Sophie had more character development, but she seemed to be the static Perfect Character to help the other grow. I liked Chief and his growth, though, and overall it made for a fairly satisfying romance. HEA and no cliffhanger. Epilogue sets up the next book in the series, Erin and Game Warden Conor's story. No down-the-road look at our main couple, but the way these books overlap, there're plenty of chances to see more of them.
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes. Fairly well written, though with some characters just a little too perfect. Still makes for an enjoyable escape with a little bit of suspense involved.
March 21, 2020
Sophie's stutter, exacerbated by childhood abuse, has been one of her defining characteristics since childhood. Roman "Chief" Proudfit has faced a lifetime of discrimination because of his Native American heritage. These two neighbors come together despite obstacles (including a fire, as this is a firefighter romance) in a cute but suspenseful novel.
There are few cliched romance-novel misunderstandings in this book, and the author gets them out of the way in the beginning, which is good. In this series, stoker has included heroines with a number of medical conditions, including epilepsy, blindness, and anxiety, as well as Sophie with her stuttering, which is a refreshing change from perfect heroines in some series. Overall, this is a very good novel. Nothing revolutionary, but a solid, enjoyable read.
There are few cliched romance-novel misunderstandings in this book, and the author gets them out of the way in the beginning, which is good. In this series, stoker has included heroines with a number of medical conditions, including epilepsy, blindness, and anxiety, as well as Sophie with her stuttering, which is a refreshing change from perfect heroines in some series. Overall, this is a very good novel. Nothing revolutionary, but a solid, enjoyable read.
August 2, 2017
*Note: I got the audible version of this book.**
Chief and Sophie were amazing. I was so impatiently awaiting the release of this book and i have to say, I loved this book so much. First off the narrator, Erin Mallon, did a fantastic job with this book and the stutter for Sophie ( this was my one fear about the audible version)! I love how their first interaction in the book comes about and also how she reacts in their next meeting. Chief is alpha, but also is very open with his feelings and beliefs. He was strong and sensitive at the same time and that was perfect for them! The bond that the two have is fantastic and i love love love that Mrs. Stoker took the time to research some Navajo language and traditions. This book was a great addition to the series and i look forward to the next book!
Chief and Sophie were amazing. I was so impatiently awaiting the release of this book and i have to say, I loved this book so much. First off the narrator, Erin Mallon, did a fantastic job with this book and the stutter for Sophie ( this was my one fear about the audible version)! I love how their first interaction in the book comes about and also how she reacts in their next meeting. Chief is alpha, but also is very open with his feelings and beliefs. He was strong and sensitive at the same time and that was perfect for them! The bond that the two have is fantastic and i love love love that Mrs. Stoker took the time to research some Navajo language and traditions. This book was a great addition to the series and i look forward to the next book!
August 27, 2017
OMG!! If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I adored Sophie and Chief. Sophie sticks up for everyone including herself, Chief has some learning to do but he's gracious and wonderful about it. All of Sophie's friends are amazing and I'm hoping they all get their own stories eventually.
I really love learning new things. The research that Susan does for her books blows me out of the water and I always feel like I've learned a little bit about something new.
Susan Stoker is one of my very few one-click authors. I'm definitely waiting with baited breath for the next book in any of her series.
I really love learning new things. The research that Susan does for her books blows me out of the water and I always feel like I've learned a little bit about something new.
Susan Stoker is one of my very few one-click authors. I'm definitely waiting with baited breath for the next book in any of her series.
August 7, 2017
Shelter for Sophie written by Susan Stoker is another awesome book.
She has done again with a wonderful addition to the Badge of Honor series.
I loved the book & really enjoyed reading it.
It is a touching & emotional love story about
Chief & Sophie. Their first & second meeting did not go well. Once Chief & Sophie's misunderstanding was cleared up, they couldn't ignore their attraction is undeniable.
It is Romance Suspense at it's finest!!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
She has done again with a wonderful addition to the Badge of Honor series.
I loved the book & really enjoyed reading it.
It is a touching & emotional love story about
Chief & Sophie. Their first & second meeting did not go well. Once Chief & Sophie's misunderstanding was cleared up, they couldn't ignore their attraction is undeniable.
It is Romance Suspense at it's finest!!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
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