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Discovering your ex is a serial-killing religious zealot would put anyone off dating for a good long while. That’s where Hudson “Taco” Vines’s head is at when he meets Koren, a woman who looks a little too much like his ex for comfort. But he can’t deny their attraction, and the more he gets to know her, the more Taco realizes how different Koren is from his ex, in all the best ways. It’s not long before he’s feeling things for her that he’s never felt for anyone, ever. After the drama of his last relationship, maybe this is his reward…a supportive, comfortable life with a woman he’s coming to love.


Koren Garner is no fan of drama, and it certainly seems Taco and his friends have all seen more than their share. So you’d think meeting him for the second time at the scene of her own car accident would be enough to warn her away. But Koren can’t resist the sexy firefighter. A little drama might be worth the risk…even when an unknown threat starts targeting Taco’s friends. Someone’s setting fires, and the danger’s escalating with each blaze. Koren and Taco can only pray the culprit is caught before their relationship—and their lives—go up in smoke.

** Shelter for Koren is the 14th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2019

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About the author

Susan Stoker

255 books7,379 followers
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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Profile Image for Erth.
4,710 reviews
July 18, 2019
This is Hudson/Taco and Koren’s story.
In this story, Taco is wary of psycho serial killing women. Who could blame him, right? His crew gets sent to a call and DAYUM!!! The car is mangled, the woman...well, she’s alive. She’s also a pretty close look alike to his ex serial killing gf. Darn it!
They end up meeting again. They end up in a Susan Stoker story. Annnnnnnd there is plenty of drama for Koren’s llama and her mama.

Can Susan Stoker save this heroine from a killer?
Can men ever get their heads out of their alpha butts?
Can Koren ever forgive Taco?
Can Taco save Koren from this maniacal author?he he he

The epilogue was perfect!
The lead into Penelope’s story???

No. Words.

This entire story is just epically, wonderfully stupendous!!!

One click people!! What’s ya waiting for?? You know you should...
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,435 reviews1,342 followers
November 26, 2019




description

Shelter for Koren is the fourteenth book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Taco is finally finding peace after getting over his crazy psycho ex. The thought of dating anyone ever again is not on his radar. However, when Taco meets Koren he begins to doubt his resolve. Koren resembles his crazy ex so it takes him a hot minute to recognize the passion and connection the two share.

description

Overall, Shelter for Koren is another Susan Stoker winning read. I always find myself entertained by Stoker's characters and the witty dialogue they partake in. The passion between Koren and Taco is combustible and the way in which they claim each other left me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I will never tire of Susan Stoker goodness. I cannot wait for more!

🎵 I listened to this book on audible! 🎵

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Profile Image for Susan Stoker.
Author 255 books7,379 followers
Want to read
July 24, 2019
IT'S LIVE!

Koren is attracted to Taco, but she wants a drama-free relationship...can she get that with a man who someone seems to have it out for?



Shelter for Koren
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124 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2019
This is Hudson/Taco and Koren’s story.
In this story, Taco is wary of psycho serial killing women. Who could blame him, right? His crew gets sent to a call and DAYUM!!! The car is mangled, the woman...well, she’s alive. She’s also a pretty close look alike to his ex serial killing gf. Darn it!
They end up meeting again. They end up in a Susan Stoker story. Annnnnnnd there is plenty of drama for Koren’s llama and her mama.

Can Susan Stoker save this heroine from a killer?
Can men ever get their heads out of their alpha butts?
Can Koren ever forgive Taco?
Can Taco save Koren from this maniacal author?he he he

The epilogue was perfect!
The lead into Penelope’s story???

No. Words.

This entire story is just epically, wonderfully stupendous!!!

One click people!! What’s ya waiting for?? You know you should...
51 reviews
July 24, 2019
Another great one!!!!

Went back and read a couple previous ones in anticipation of Koren &Taco’s story and I timed it well. Very pleased that the plot was turned on its head and actually had enough differently timed and situational drama that didn’t seem like the same story retold 13 different ways. Yes the crazy edge of my couch scenes were plentiful but it was a nice change. This really made me wonder if anyone could react fast enough in a car crash to get the results Koren did. Still chomping at the bit for Penelope’s story...have been since she was first introduced and now for the last 4 books eagerly waiting for more. Great books to reread!!! Love that something can happen or I can hear a phrase and it reminds me of one of theses stories and then I’m hooked all over again!!!
Profile Image for Ginny Rose.
556 reviews30 followers
July 25, 2019
As always, a Susan Stoker book is always worth the wait. Shelter for Koren is no exception.

All Taco wants is to have what his friends have found. Someone to love who loves him back. Someone to protect. A partner who sees him for HIM. But after what his ex did, putting a friend in danger, he's developed an aversion dating. Until fate put Koren in his path.

I loved Koren and Taco so much. Koren is down to earth, say as she sees it, gives all she can kind of woman. She is exactly what Taco needs to restore his belief in love.

Although it saddens me that we're a book away from closing this series, this also means that we're a book away from Penelope's (Tiger) story.

I highly recommend this book, this series, this author.
97 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2019
Loved loved love Taco and Koren’s story. Taco swore off women after his disastrous relationship with Jen, but when he sees Koren again, he can’t help but feel the chemistry between them. Koren is safe, drama-free and just what he needs but when things start happening to the other firefighters, Taco blames himself and tries to push her away, but she will not give up without a fight. Koren will do all that she can to show Taco that there are good people out there and that he can’t let the past dictate their future. I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end, on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put it done till the end. Can’t wait for the last book in the series
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews543 followers
August 25, 2019
This book was a crazy ride from start to finish. The accident at the start made my hands shake, I could see it, could feel how horrible it would be to be in that situation. I was happy when Koren came away with bumps and bruises, she was very lucky. I really liked how Koren seized the day and asked Taco out, hated that he turned her down, but he did manage to redeem himself in a good way after.

I get that Taco has issues due to Jen, but my god, they beat that like a dead horse, constantly bringing it up over stupid little things.

I loved how the group at large embraced Koren and how all of them realized right away that Koren was in no way, shape or form like Jen. That was a very good thing as a stupid person was once again coming after them all.

And let's talk about this POS that came after Taco who makes me so mad. Of course it wasn't her fault the kid died, it wasn't like you are a bad mother and an addict who left her kid alone and let them drink when they are barely a teenager. WTF!! This bitch needs to get hers and in a bad, bad way. And sure she did get hers in the end, but it wasn't enough, it was the cowards way out.

I found when I finished this one I was happy for Koren and Taco, glad that Koren and Taco were able to find their HEA, they both deserved it. But I was also so very sad for Penelope, who is spiraling out of control. The thing is they all know it, including Penelope, but no one is sure what to do about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
800 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2019
This is one of the most emotional reads of the year, and that’s saying a great deal. Shelter for Quinn, the book immediately preceding this one, features a villain who uses Taco to get to her victim, which has the understandable effect of making him very leery of any woman showing an interest in him. Koren is night and day away from that villain, but it takes a while for Taco to trust her. And a series of seemingly coincidental fires seem to draw attention back to that bad relationship. As always with one of Susan Stoker’s books, there is suspense, there are surprises, and there are supportive networks of both operatives (in this case the fire house) and their partners. But Smokey haunted my dreams last night, and it will be a long time before I forget that scene, although it is only one of the memorable scenes in a fabulous book. As always, this can be read as a standalone; familiarity with earlier books adds a layer to your enjoyment, but it is not essential for that enjoyment. Just a great book in every respect.
3,147 reviews
July 24, 2019
Freaking awesome

Koren is a internet travel agent. Koren is in a car wreck and should have been killed but just has bruises and scratches. Taco, a firefighter, is the one to get to her first. She asks him out but he declines because his ex girlfriend was a serial killing cult member. Taco goes to work but can’t stop thinking about Koren, so he goes and checks on her and tells her he’ll go out with her. Someone is watching them though and has a vendetta against Taco. Can they find who is setting fires or will she take what Taco loves the most away, Koren?
Excellent story with hunky firefighters, steamy sex, and a crazy stalker. I loved it and can’t wait to see what happens next.
551 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2019
Phenomenal!!! I really can't say enough about this book. After dating a complete psycho taco wasn't really wanting to date until koren came around. I loved that Koren called Taco out on his bull! She's an incredibly brave and fun character. She's seriously one of my favorites. I loved that this story was a bit different with the heroine not being the reason there is drama ( koren may also mention this lol) phenomenal book. I cannot wait until Penelope's book! Susan gave us a glimpse of it at the end of this book and I cannot wait!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,215 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2019
Taco

Taco finally gets a great girl! I liked that the issues were with the guy and not the girl this time, nice change of pace. Koren still has it rough! Looking forward to Penelope.
1,934 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2019
Koren is in an accident. Taco is the first firefighter to get to her car. After they get her out, she asks him out but he declines. Taco is still messed up with his ex trying to kill Quinn. He goes to the hospital later and asks her out.
There is someone targeting Station 7. Each fire is escalating. One finally shows it is because of him. Can they find who is behind the fires before someone gets hurt?
41 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2019
OH TACO !!!

Once again Susan Stoker has left me speechless. Shelter For Koren is book 14 in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series. This series is everything you are looking for in a good read. We have action, romance, a strong woman and a sweet alpha man who loves her deeply. Susan is amazing at developing her characters. Her ability to make you feel the depth of the characters emotions is spell binding!!!
Profile Image for Sandra White.
196 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2019
This book brings all the feelings home

Taco and Koren's story is an emotional rollercoaster from page one! The fact that they both abhor drama in their lives seems to be a catalyst for events to affect everyone in their lives. All stemming from a statement taken out of context by a meth using woman.

This book leads into the final showdown for Moose and Tiger. This whole series is absolutely amazing!
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,712 reviews15 followers
July 28, 2019
WOW intense

Another awesome story by this author.
I have loved reading every one in every series she has published and am looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Tammy  Kazmierczak.
423 reviews
August 4, 2019
Loved Taco and Koren!

This series has just gotten better and better. Love this group of firefighters and their significant others. They have all had some crazy things happen to them but their friends are like family to them and support them. The next book has been a long time in the making. Penelope and Moose deserve their HEA but it will be rough getting it.
Profile Image for Lacie Romano.
615 reviews16 followers
July 26, 2019
This was yet again another fantastic read from this author! Typically this author's heroines are in the midst of drama, or have something that isn't "typical" about them and yet this book the heroine does have a small drama happen but otherwise is "normal" A no B.S. type of gal who is who she is and Taco is man enough to admit when he has fallen. Suspenseful and awesome, this book not only brings you along for the ride, it catches you up with other favorite characters and gives you a hint of what's to come with Moose and Penelope!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,014 reviews29 followers
July 31, 2019
This book was so good! I loved Koren's independence and her spunk. Loved getting to really know Taco and watch these two grow together.
Profile Image for Marcie Nair.
23 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2019
I loved this. Taco needed his happily ever after and Koren kicks ass. They are awesome together and perfect. But I need Penelope like now not that I want the badge of honor series to end but I need Penelope to be ok. I love Susan’s stories. Reading them is like hanging out with beloved friends you laugh you cry you get angry and you cheer them on and you fall just as in love with them as they do each other.
46 reviews
July 24, 2019
More terror, love , and life

A big reason Stoker's books are so popular seems to me that they are about every people who are able to survive horrendous events. Her development of each person is such that the reader knows the type of person each is and cares about them.
892 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2022
Once again I can't get over about the wonders and fantastic stories that a Author can conjurer up.
As one can see and find out poor Taco (Hudson Vines) by the way a name he does not like, but to find out why, you have to read the book.
Tacos last girl friend was a psycho who tried her best to kill Quinn, thank god she failed, but left Taco feeling down.
Enter Koren a gal he already met once, but having sworn of woman well lets just say, Koren is in a bad accident and guess who appears to the rescue, yeah Taco and Station 7.
Now as the two get closer someone is out to get him, read the story its a good one, and all the characters are back, its nice to see them.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2019
This book was a little different from the rest of the series in that the drama was not coming from the girlfriend! It was all because of Taco. He becomes the target of revenge by the most dangerous kind of woman, one with nothing left to lose. She conjures up a plan and starts toying with his friends first. Meanwhile before her plan is put into action Taco meets Koren again when she is in an MVA. She asks him out and that is refreshing as well!

Anyway one thing leads to another and there is drama which Koren avoids like the plague but she can't seem to stay away from Taco, they have a connection neither one has felt before. He pushes her away to protect but she cries BS. These two are made for each other. They compliment each other well and they both fall fast and hard.

Taco is just like his friends from the series, an alpha male to the core and he gives 110% of himself to her and his job. He is sexy to boot and a sweetheart with a past that includes dating a serial killer and who quite frankly would want to date after that debacle. Koren doesn't demand anything from him and she is comfortable in her own skin but is a little self conscious because she isn't model thin and likes to eat. That is what makes the female characters real. They aren't model thin and model gorgeous, they are down to earth and realistic characters that are relatable.

We also got a hint of what is to come as far a Penelope's story goes. It's not much but it makes you hurt for her. She has been through so much but she isn't dealing with it. Everyone is suffering a bit as they watch her spiraling downhill. I can't wait for her story but in a way I can because it's the last one in the series and well it always sucks when the series ends even when it makes way for a new series to be written.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
September 13, 2019
Taco first met Koren at the grocery store where Quinn introduced them. He really doesn't want to be fixed up with anyone and Koren had a resemblance to his serial killer ex. The next time he sees Koren, he's on the job.

A horrific accident one where the outcome usually isn't good, but there were definitely angels in play here.

This isn't the last time he sees Koren, feeling bad for not answering her, he goes to the hospital to see her and accept the date. He's more than a little surprised to find she's already being discharged.

This is the start of something, but when Koren doesn't hear from him she decides to bring cookies as a thank you to the firehouse and let him off the hook.

A great meeting with all the ladies of the crew, who decide they like her a lot. But when things start heating up they do in a big way and in more ways than one.

We also get to see some more of what Penelope is going through and Smoky and Coco play a role as well.

So much going on, a lot of suspense and scary coincidences will have you turning the pages to the very end.

I can't wait for Penelope's book, even though it looks to be the last of this series.
Profile Image for Sue.
344 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2019
Susan Stoker is a master at weaving stories that suck you in until the very end.

Hudson “Taco” Vines is a sexy, hot fireman who decided that he is done dating for awhile since his ex-girlfriend turned out to be a serial killer. Koren has no drama in her life and likes it that way. Taco feels a connection to Koren right away and decides to take a chance with the urging of his fellow firefighter friends.
There is someone who is out for revenge and Taco is the target. What follows is a story that grips you and tugs at your heartstrings.

I felt the connection between Taco and Koren right away. I love how Ms. Stoker sets the stage building the relationship between her characters and then bang! I loved this book and some of my favorite parts were the conversation between Taco and Beth and the one with Taco and Koren when he was being a jerk, He makes up for it though. *sigh”. Koren was amazing in that scene.

Whoever is reading this review and if you haven’t read this author, you are missing out on some awesome reading. Ms.Stoker has a few books you can read for free and believe me you will want them all!

Waiting impatiently for Penelope’s book which I know will be epic.
820 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2019
After discovering your ex is a serial-killing religious zealot that used her relationship with him to attack his friend, Hudson “Taco” Vines has no interest in getting involved in another relationship. But when his station is called out to a traffic accident and he meets Koren, a woman who looks a little too much like his ex for comfort, he is a little uncomfortable with his attraction to her. He can't stop thinking about Koren and gives in to his curiosity about her and goes on a date. After being around Koren Taco realizes just how different and refreshing she is from his ex.

Koren Garner is no fan of drama, but after meeting Taco's friends she learns that they have more than their share. She soon becomes familiar with a little drama when an unknown threat starts targeting Taco’s friends. Someone is setting fires and targeting Taco's station teammates and the danger is escalating with each blaze. Things truly become intense when Koren finds herself the next target. Will Taco and his team save her in time?
Profile Image for Rachael Bromley.
1,668 reviews17 followers
August 5, 2019
A read that had me glued to me seat

Wow what a read. The first part of the story was getting to know all about Koren and Taco, the next was the drama all caught up in the men's and women's lives, the last was the outcome and Penelope. Koren loves working from home and after a near life changing event she does something for her and asks Taco out. We met Taco in Quinn's story when he was going out with Jen who was found to be a serial killer and had kidnapped Quinn. What we see from there is a lot of drama as Taco is blamed for something he didn't do, someone wants revenge and is willing to do anything to make him suffer. Will Taco be able to keep everyone safe??? Who is the person wanting revenge???? An incredible read that had me on the edge of my seat. I so can't wait for Penelope's book. That is one person I would love to give a huge hug to.
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
August 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this book.

One thing that was very different was the drama mostly centered around Taco and not one of the female characters. It was refreshing to see if from this point of view. Taco is a great man and only wants what his buddies have and to be a great firefighter. Not knowing who the intended target is, and why, is killing him especially when he finally found his forever.

I LOVED Koren in this book. I loved her no nonsense drama attitude. I loved that she called herself boring and was completely OK with that. She is a happy, caring, wonderful type of woman that I think we all can strive to be more like.

Penelope continues to break my heart. She is struggling so much and while everyone is trying to help her, she just doesn't seem to know what to do.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
March 21, 2020
No one would blame Hudson "Taco" Viness for not wanting to date again after his ex-girlfriend turned out to be a cult-leading serial killer. However, he's the last of the Texas heroes (except for fellow firefighter Penelope, who gets some interesting moments in this book), so it's time for him to fall in love. Enter Koren Gardner, whose miraculous rescue from a car accident doesn't quite qualify as a meet cute (though they meet, and are cute). The villain in this story is an interesting change, as she's a mother whose own drug-addicted careless behavior led to her son's death in a fire. She can't blame herself, so she blames the firefighter (Taco) who couldn't save her son. Otherwise, it's a good, solid, entertaining novel.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,237 reviews46 followers
July 26, 2019
Taco and Koren.

What I loved most about this story was the drama all came from Taco...lol it was different to the girls bringing the drama, I love that Koren didn't do drama, she is low key, sensible and strong but seriously there for her loved ones when needed and even though she doesn't do drama if it comes at her you can bet she'll handle it.

Now for the part where Taco decided his way of protecting Kroen was the 'right' way ...lol I have to say I love a man who back peddles that quickly when he knows he made a big mistake...lol

Shelter for Koren was suspenseful, it had some really funny and sweet moments really everything i have come to love about a Susan Stoker book and the lead into Penelope's book well I am so looking forward to that, Moose is gonna lose hit sh.t...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews

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