Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Sophie isn’t looking for another man. Uncomfortable lingerie, Brazilian waxes, and a selfish, cheating husband, those days are behind her. So when that full-of-himself lawyer with those gorgeous blue eyes gets in her way at work, she’s determined to ignore the smoldering chemistry. She has zero intention of falling for another player who keeps dark secrets.

Max sure as hell isn’t looking for a relationship, and if he was, it wouldn’t be with her. She’s bossy and demanding, wants things that are too hard to give. At least they’re too hard for him to give. But he can’t seem to stay away from the sultry brunette, with her plump, heart-shaped lips. Before long, he’s forced to confront the past, or lose her forever.

This is the story of a woman afraid to trust, and a man who leads his life in a way that challenges those very trust issues. It’s the story of a man in unbearable pain, and the woman who helps him heal. It’s forgiveness, and second chances, and not letting the monsters win.


This book contains graphic sex scenes, strong language, and deals with highly sensitive subject matter.


Sheltered Heart is the first book in The New American Royals series and can be enjoyed as stand-alone—no cliff-hangers.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2015

146 people are currently reading
810 people want to read

About the author

Eva Charles

23 books1,504 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
169 (49%)
4 stars
105 (30%)
3 stars
53 (15%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,839 reviews119 followers
January 28, 2018
My heart is so full of love! My first book by Eva and I’m simply hooked! I can’t wait to read more about this amazing family! So much love and humor! I mean with phrases like “I drained my beer, hoping to find my cojones at the bottom. Nope. I had to see her again.” You can’t help but laugh and just fall madly in love with all the characters! This book even tackles some tough topics and it made me love it even more!
85 reviews19 followers
January 18, 2018
Another masterpiece by Eva Charles. When Sophie and Max meet during a mutual case they are working on they don’t even like each other that much. He’s arrogant and she is bossy. As they continue working together their chemistry becomes electric but neither of them are looking for a relationship. She’s been burned in the past and he has too many ghosts to overcome as well as major trust issues. After Sophie's Life is put in danger, Max is unable to handle it and withdraws. Both of them need to work on their trust and facing their past. I have enjoyed every book I read by Ms. Charles who is a magnificent writer. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review but I already purchased the original version anyway. I believe anyone who reads this will love it.
Profile Image for Vasiliki.
448 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2016
4 stars

ARC kindly provided by Rock Star Lit in exchange of an honest review.

This is the story of Sophie and Max. Both of them have felt lots of pain in different ways that have marked them.

I really liked this story, especially in the beginning. It was strong and charming! The plot was floating and the writing was beautiful. The flirt among the heroes was tactful and nice! I loved the setting of the families and their ties! It was really nice to read about them! I also loved that the relationship of Sophie and Max didn't happen in a week's time but it was built slowly and nicely.

Unfortunately there was a negative point that effected the mood of the book and it was that it was written in third person. Few times was switching from Sophie to Max without any clear indication and I had to go back to figure out what happened or who said what.

Sophie is an amazing woman! She is passionate, proud and honest! She has been hurt before but she doesn't hide herself! I really love her!

Max is a great guy. He has a reputation but there is a reason for his choices! I also like him and his gentleman ways!

Their interactions were brilliant! I totally loved their discussions and their flirtations and their love!

The last chapters of the book were a bit numb for me. Probably because a change was coming! All in all I really enjoyed this book and I look forward reading the story of Cole, Sophie's cousin who is a doctor!

I definitely recommend this book for the fans of a charming love story without dramas.
Profile Image for Lauren Seiberling (Romance Novel Giveaways).
651 reviews408 followers
May 2, 2016
A feel-good contemporary romance!
Everything about the story was great, but I especially liked the character of Sophie. She was truly a strong, independent woman, and she was written in such a way that these attributes were evident but I wasn't beaten over the head with them (like I am in some other romance novels).
The evolving relationship between Sophie and Max kept me turning the pages to see how their Happily Ever After would turn out. and it didn't disappoint! They experienced their share of twists and turns, but it was all worth it at the end :)
I was introduced to many wonderful and interesting characters in this book, and I can't wait to read their stories too!
All in all. This is a solid contemporary romance read, and I'm looking forward to more books in this series!
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
May 21, 2016
Such a great feel good contemporary romance book! This is the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. It starts out with Sophie walking in on her husband in a very compromising position and he of course blames her for being a cold b*tch. Typical cheating response. Sophie is one tough cookie. I really, really liked her character. She was fiery and had quite the spunk and definitely wasn't afraid to put Max in his place. I absolutely love the banter between these two. Max, oh Max, man he was so yummy. I fell in love with these two from the get go and really rooted for them. Max was such a good man despite what he thinks. And the male cousins were hilarious!!! I can not wait for more in this series. I think this is one author to definitely check out. I give this one 5 AMAZEBALLS stars!

Review by Tabitha
Profile Image for Liz.
3,716 reviews64 followers
January 16, 2018
Sheltered Heart by Eva Charles was my first read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more. This was a story about second chances and moving forward.

I loved Sophie and Max. Sophie was hurt before and is now done with relationships. Even so, she was strong, feisty and honest. Max is a bit of a player. He has never found anyone he wanted more from, but he harbors demons from his past. When they first meet, they seem more at odds than anything else.

I really enjoyed watching Sophie and Max come together. They had great chemistry and interaction right from the start. Though both were not looking to get into a relationship, something about the other pulled at them.

I loved this slow burn romance. The story was sweet, charming and emotional with great characters. I am excited to read more of this series.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Patricia.
183 reviews27 followers
May 2, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of A Wedding at Meadow Shores by Eva Charles for the purpose of an honest review.

It is always a great privilege for me to have the opportunity to read and review a book. It is not a privilege I take lightly. I enjoy what I do and I am very prudent about the subject matter of the books I choose. Although the last several books have been about subject matter that is very near to my heart and my life. A Wedding at Meadow Shores by Eva Charles is another of those novels.

It is difficult to keep my life’s experiences from coloring my reviews, and with domestic violence, shelters for victims of domestic violence, and PTSD all included in the contents it is virtually impossible. I was forced to take breaks as flashbacks of my history interrupted the heart of this beautiful love story. I read and fell into exhausted sleep as the flashbacks took their toll. I cried silent tears and relived some of the worst moments of my past, yet I kept reading.

A Wedding at Meadow Shores encompasses some very ugly truths about domestic violence and PTSD but wraps all these ugly realities into a beautiful story about family, about trust, about caring, about love, and most of all about strength. Sophie and Max face so many obstacles, yet the strength of their individual characters and the ultimate strength of their love for each other wins out over any damage that the past has managed to inflict upon either one of them. And for that strength of character written by Eva Charles I fell in love with this book and these characters and their families.

It is for the strength written into these characters that I give five steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee to A Wedding at Meadow Shores by Eva Charles as my humble review and I very highly recommend you read this beautiful beginning to what I feel certain will be a wonderful relationship with the characters of the Meadow Shore Series by Eva Charles.

©May 1, 2016
Patricia, Room With Books
Profile Image for Marti.
3,306 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2016
A Wedding at Meadow Shore is the first in what I hope will be a long series about the Clayton/Harrington Cousins. Meadow Shore is the home of the families - much like a compound - run by their older and wiser Portuguese grandmother and aunt. It is a place for them to be together, eat marvelous Portuguese food, and commune. They are a tight clan and due to the unexpected death of their parents over protective of each other.

Sophie Clayton is the oldest of all of the cousins. She was duped at a young age into marriage with a user who wanted nothing more than her money and family contacts. Sophie survived his deceit and became a strong advocate and executive director for a battered woman’s shelter. It is through this that she comes into contact with the Parker Family - specifically Max.

Max is seen as a constant player of women. He is out and about with new women and loves and leaves them. When he meets Sophie, he has met his match, as has she. The result are sparks, poor communication, lack of understanding and patience - in other words an affair of the hearts and minds - without their minds being engaged. Both of them jump to conclusions and so the story starts.

A Wedding at Meadow Shore by Eva Charles is a fun read with lots of interference of grandmother, cousins and family. I am looking forward to reading more about this clan and the wonderful place called Meadow Shore.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,613 reviews
May 28, 2016
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Rock Star Lit PR in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty good start to a series that looks like it's going to be all about love and family. The relationship between Sophie and Max never feels forced and we get to see them learning to trust each other and take risks in pursuing something more with one another. We get to meet the Harringtons and the Claytons, as well as Max's family, and everyone seems to be interesting and I'm sure we'll see them again as the series progresses. There were moments, however, when a character is introduced simply for the sake of them being made known to the reader but not really having any actual significance to the story. Then there's me feeling as if I was being told a story rather than being allowed to experience the story as it was happening. I was reminded, more than once, of how it was to be a child having a story read to you. I wanted more meaningful interaction and moments. The story and characters were good, but I needed more overall. I'm giving A Wedding at Meadows Shore 3.5 stars and will await the second book's release. ♥
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 8, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (7/8/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Sophie isn’t looking for another man. Uncomfortable lingerie, Brazilian waxes, and a selfish, cheating husband, those days are behind her. So when that full-of-himself lawyer with those gorgeous blue eyes gets in her way at work, she’s determined to ignore the smoldering chemistry. She has zero intention of falling for another player who keeps dark secrets.

Max sure as hell isn’t looking for a relationship, and if he was, it wouldn’t be with her. She’s bossy and demanding, wants things that are too hard to give. At least they’re too hard for him to give. But he can’t seem to stay away from the sultry brunette, with her plump, heart-shaped lips. Before long, he’s forced to confront the past, or lose her forever.

This is the story of a woman afraid to trust, and a man who leads his life in a way that challenges those very trust issues. It’s the story of a man in unbearable pain, and the woman who helps him heal. It’s forgiveness, and second chances, and not letting the monsters win.


This book contains graphic sex scenes, strong language, and deals with highly sensitive subject matter.


Sheltered Heart is the first book in The New American Royals series and can be enjoyed as stand-alone—no cliff-hangers.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,027 reviews96 followers
July 3, 2016
Every once in a while the first book in a series will come along and I know instantly I am going to love the characters. I also know that I will eagerly await every book that comes after because I want to see everyone get their HEA. A Wedding at Meadows Shore is the first in a series about a large Portuguese family who love fiercely and loudly. It made me wish I came from a big noisy family.

I absolutely loved Sophie and Max's story. I thought they were a perfect match.. Their playful banter was laugh out loud funny at times. Both of them have demons. I applauded Sophie for her decision to walk away until Max agreed to get help. What I also loved about their love story is that it took place over a long period of time, as in more that a few weeks. It just made everything that much more believable to me. I also adored Sophie's family. Even though they constantly tesed each other you could tell they all had a close bond.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,519 reviews71 followers
August 17, 2018
Sheltered Heart has everything.. humor that had me giggling as I read, romance and a romantic hero who had me swooning from the start, and some danger to get the heart racing as I hurried to flip pages.

“I didn’t want to be the guy you thought I was when we met. I want to be better than that.” I cupped her cheek. “You make me want to be better.”

Max is a serial dater. Keeping up appearances of a womanizer in his private life and “Attila the Hun” in the courtroom. He was...

“Always wanting to solve my family’s problems with a hammer when a feather would do the job. I knew my over-the-top approach was an issue, but I had piss-poor control over it.”

Sophie chose the completely wrong kind of guy the first time around and her overprotective cousins don’t want her to make the same mistake again.

“You’re waiting for someone special.” I stared at my shoes. “I’m not that guy, Sophie.”

Sheltered Heart was my first book by this author. It won’t be the last, for sure! I cannot wait to dive into more of her stories, especially ones about the rest of Sophie’s family! I just know those cousins are going to cause some major mayhem!!! ;)
-5 Stars!-
Profile Image for Amber.
96 reviews
January 25, 2018
This was such a sweet story! Sophie has trouble trusting men after her divorce and Max has a lot of issues from his past that he has to work through. I really loved these two together! They didn’t have a great start and hit a few rough patches but I think it ended perfectly. The epilogue was great! This is a story about healing, love, family, and new beginnings. It was a very emotional book. I definitely recommend!
*I received an ARC. These are my honest thoughts! 😊
1,099 reviews7 followers
February 29, 2016
A really good book. Love, family, relationships, forgiveness
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,366 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2018
Sheltered Heart
Sophie’s Story
Eva Charles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OMG this story was absolutely beautiful. I was super thrilled to win it and jumped in 1st chance I had, and I’m so freaking glad I did. As book one, I will certainly be reading the others. If you enjoy a story rich in Family history, not one but 2 alphas, guilt, devastation, 2nd chance love and happy ever after, you Must read Sheltered Heart.

Max Parker, has had a troubled life after losing his mother and sister to murder, he is now grown up and is a lawyer, a very hot lawyer. He’s worked hard to be where he is, and generally nothing stands in his way if he wants something- Max has just found his new something. His father Daniel Parker sits on The board of New Day, a foundation that helps women in domestic violence cases, meaning Max also helps pro bono to help them get some closure, to move on. It would be a case that would have Max finding his new something. Max is and has always been a lover… Of women, preferably super model thin, a friends with benefits arrangement. Relationship is not anything he has interest in, his Terrible past, has always played a major part in his growing up.

Sophie Clayton, comes from a line of senators, and huge extended family, so men like Max Parker are of no interest to her. She knows his type. After her marriage breakup from a cheating scum bag, Sophie has a new life as Victim Advocate at New Day, and loves everything about her job. But a new attorney is set to change up her life. Men like Max Parker are their own type and despite her heart flutters, she is not interested in him. She cannot deny the empty bed feeling everyday, but hooking up is not her thing, and certainly not with Max Parker. After an initial meeting where Max serves up his distain for her relationship with his father, he is perfectly put in in place when Sophie gives him the attitude right back, and the fact he is so so so wrong.

That moment at the museum will change everything for this couple. Max starts on a road to rekindle that spark he knows was there. Sophie is no push over and their “relationship” means he’s about to cop a mouthful right back. In a battle of wills that will have you laughing and crying over the antics, it will suck you in with the devastation both these souls have endured. With those demons, comes the realisation that nothing comes for free. Taking a chance on Love is one thing, but coming to terms with the past may be the one thing neither can fix on their own. Max must decide whether keeping Sophie is more important than stepping into his past to find his future. Never fear if he doesn’t see it, the Clayton/ Harrington family will be certain to make him aware…

With so many twists and turns, this was a fantastic read.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
January 12, 2018
This is a contemporary romance that is book 1 in the series. Sophie is a divorcee who swore of men completely especially after her bad marriage. She ran an agency for domestic violence victims and she went over to protect her clients with everything she has in her arsenal. Max is a successful attorney that had his own demons but he covered it up by being a player. Max and Sophie took at the beginning -- Max and Sophie met when he was the attorney for one of her victims yet at the same time they fought and butted heads. Max thought she was the bees knees , that she was the most gorgeous woman he ever had seen. They had so much chemistry and connection when they were around each other yet each other’s demons were getting in the way. These two couldn’t stand being away from one another and so they started working things out and letting each other in and things looked to be working out for them until an incident that almost destroyed them all. Will Sophie walk away for good or will she decide that Max is worth all the heartache?
This is a contemporary love story of two people who have demons in their backgrounds. Their love story is unique. There are ups and downs in this story and I don’t want to give away any spoilers so you do want to read this beautiful love story. Sophie is a smart , beautiful and intelligent woman who is slightly broken due to her past marriage. She deserves happiness and Max is it for her. Max is a handsome, sexy, funny and successful man who has demons in his past which makes him act like a player. The reasons for why he did what he did come out and everything will be explained…..will it be in time to save his and Sophie’s relationship? The ending had me in tears…Tissues will be needed.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,721 reviews22 followers
December 23, 2017
Beautiful love story with some very emotional, heartbreaking moments. Sophie was a divorcee who swore of men completely especially after having such a terrible husband. She ran an agency for domestic violence victims and protected them with everything she has. Max was a successful attorney that had his own demons but covered it up by being a womanizer. He never let anyone get close nor gave his heart to anyone. Until he met Sophie.

Max and Sophie met when he was the attorney for one of her victims and they butted head from day one. But from day one Max thought she was the most gorgeous woman he’s ever seen. These two couldn’t stand to be around each other but kept it cordial. But little by little things started changing. It was not rushed and it developed slowly. There was a slight bump but then they worked everything out until an incident that almost destroyed them all.

That incident opened up the demons that Max harbored and Sophie tried her best to be there but there is only so much she can do. After many ups and downs things finally started coming around for these two. The epilogue was beautiful.

The secondary characters also added spice and some humor. Sophie has 4 sisters and 5 male cousins that are ridiculously overprotective of their female cousins but the love they share is priceless.
Profile Image for R Rais.
1,561 reviews43 followers
January 16, 2018
A new author for me and won't be the last time i read her books!
Now, before i start review i think i have to explain my stars.
I would never give 1 star. Cause any books come from lots and lots hard work from the author. If any books are so unbearable to read, i'll just not review at all!
3 star say i read and finish but meh! Crash and burn
4 star say yes! I like it. I would recomended you read it too.
5 star would be unicorn. I would scream to you to read it! Its a must read! Its a slap in the face kinda read. Its the perfect absolutely off the chart read. Atleast for me as a common reader.
Now, about Sheltered Hearts....i like Sophie and Max. They both hard gone through a lot. You know when you see a person that look had it all and you wish you are them? That's Sophie and Max. The have great family background. Them have money. They have power. And yet, all that bring them betrayel from the person they give their most precious posession. Their heart!
So when they meet each other, walls are errect but their chemistry just won't be containt. And so start their fighting towards their own chemistry along with missunderstanding and burning sizzling attraction, smart banters, lots of heart and swoony moments.

Profile Image for Amy Stephens.
Author 119 books551 followers
January 12, 2018
Sheltered Heart was so much more than I was expecting!

Eva Charles has spoken to me and I'm so glad I had the chance to read this story about Sophie and Max. It really had a little bit over everything in it--second chances, finding happiness, heartbreak, and let's not forget the romance. I also liked the importance of family that was brought out in the storyline.

Sophie was very independent and strong-minded. I liked that about her character. And Max was unique in that he was set in his ways as well. Both were tough, determined individuals that were hard not to like.

The story flowed really well, which I liked and kept my interest all the way to the end. Now, I'm eager to read more by this author because she has such a way of making you fall in love with her characters.
1,707 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2018
Max had a tragedy occur in his life that made him closer his heart to finding love. I understood where he was at, to an extent. Sophie had a cheating, lying ex who she swore would not dictate her life again. She saw a lot of her ex in Max, until he started showing bits and pieces of his true self.
Just when they think they can be happy tragedy 'almost' strikes again. Unfortunately, Max can't let it go and pushes Sophie to walk away. She can't fight for him and them if he won't fight at all. Will he realize what he stands to lose before it's too late? Will he realize what he needs to do to be complete and will Sophie give him the chance?
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,395 reviews66 followers
September 11, 2018
This book was about so much more than two people falling in love. It's about family, friends, loss, healing, and overcoming life's obstacles.

Sophie comes from a very close knit family, but she and her cousins lost their parents several years before in an accident. Though they have this tragic event that happened it made them band together stronger.

Max has also suffered a loss. His loss was due to murder. A murder that he blames himself for.

Sophie worked with victims of domestic abuse and I loved the the author showed that the victim is not just the person who is being abused, but also the people that love the abused person (family/friends). Everyone involved feels helpless, especially if the abuse leads to loss of life.

Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
January 9, 2018
A sweet romance filled with love, healing, family and moving forward. Sophie and Max seem to have off the charts chemistry from the very beginning of this book. I loved every misstep Max and Sophie took at the beginning when it came down to each other. You really pull for them through everything. They are a perfect match. I love how close-knit Sophie's family is and how protective they all are. Max is definitely more then he seems and you know Sophie is a goner once everything comes out. I love Max and Sophie together. I can't wait for more. Eva Charles did an amazing job with this one. Seriously such a good read.
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,739 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2018
This was the first book I have read by Eva Charles. I loved this story about finding love when you don't think you are capable of loving someone. This book had sexy scenes, heartbreaking scenes, true love and happiness. Even a little scary part with Sophie getting hurt. I loved Max and Sophie together. Loved how they seemed to help each other find true love and realize what they both deserved. This was a beautiful story and I can not wait to read about all the other sisters and cousin's falling in love and finding their happily ever after!
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
January 14, 2018
4 star review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

This is a new author to me, but one I want to read more from. Sophie just got out of a bad marriage. The last thing she wants is to fall in love again. Max has no intention of ever having a relationship, with anyone. That is until he meets the feisty Sophie.

I really enjoyed this story. I'm giving it 4 stars because it took me a couple days to read this story. I loved the characters, the chemistry, the love, and forgiveness that happens in this book. I just couldn't get into it the way I normally would. It's no fault of Eva Charles. I fully believe it was me. I enjoyed the story. I hope you will call check it out for yourself.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,636 reviews11 followers
January 11, 2018
Contemporary Romance at it’s Best!

Sheltered Heart is a wonderful contemporary romance. I love the storyline and the wonderful characters!
I loved the banter between Max and Sophia! Sophia’s cousins were hilarious!
I love how protective they were of her!
This story shows a very loving family!
Max and Sophia made a great couple and their chemistry was fantastic!
This book was wonderful!
I can’t wait to read more of this series!
1,323 reviews23 followers
August 13, 2018
This was a really good romance. I started it and then kept turning the pages and before I knew it I was almost done. Eva's style of writing is just amazing as you like the character even if you are supposed to not like him so much. I really enjoyed this book and am going to continue to keep reading Eva's books. Eva hit a home run with this!
30 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2019
My first book from this author, and I can't wait to read more. Sophie and Max are perfect together! There is the humor and banter between them is amazing I have know people who are this way with each so it was very heart felt. Love the topics that the book touches on just makes this book down to earth and knowing how yo address some of these issues. Well done Ms Charles
Profile Image for Sylvie Rochon.
2,487 reviews
September 10, 2019
Max and Sophie

This is a heart warming story dealing with a heart-wrenching issue: domestic violence and infidelity and how both leave scars on not just its victims both those around. It's well written, has funny moments and is a great start to this series.
Profile Image for Bec.
1,354 reviews20 followers
Read
January 12, 2020
This is my first book by this author. I find the writing perspective to be confusing. Sometimes it was difficult to tell who was speaking and what was said. I just couldn’t get into the swing of it and have given up🙃
Profile Image for Chasidy.
698 reviews20 followers
January 10, 2018
Sheltered Heart was my first book by Eva Charles and I enjoyed it!

Sophie and Max's story drew me in and I couldn't wait to see where their journey would lead them. What a journey it is, it has twists and turns that keeps you wanting more. I adored Sophie!!! I love reading a story with a strong heroine.

I look forward to reading future books from Eva and more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.