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Shelter Me #2

Reaching Refuge

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A couple in secret. Two warring families. This town isn't big enough for the both of them.

Slinging whiskey is all Avery Wells knows how to do, and soon she won't even have that. If she can't change her uncle's mind, her dreams of owning the family watering hole will soon go up in smoke.

Being an outcast is nothing new for Graham Foster, but when it comes to Avery, being on the outs was never apart of the plan. Despite their past, Graham never lost hope that they could find their way back to each other. Convincing Avery of that fact might be a harder sell.

But fighting their pull is the least of Avery's problems because someone doesn't want her to win the family bar, and murder isn't off the table.

Be careful where you seek your refuge...

190 pages, ebook

First published January 29, 2019

25 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

Annie Anderson

55 books2,416 followers
Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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5 stars
46 (50%)
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29 (31%)
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15 (16%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
January 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this quaint love story between Graham and Avery. It really kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
January 29, 2019
description
A second chance at a love lost. Graham and Avery have a history, one so intense that no amount of time or distance can take away. Their journey back to each other was gripping.

Anderson creates such endearing and real characters. In Seeking Sanctuary, in addition to falling in love with Levi and Isla, I couldn’t help but be intrigued with Graham. I was so excited when I found out this book would focus on him and I was not disappointed!

This fast-paced story packs a punch. We are given a mixture of romance, mystery, and so much more. Their regret and loss made me emotional. Suspense and a sense of danger amped up the tension and had me on the edge of my seat. And of course the excitement and passion of their relationship had me swooning.

Another beautiful story from Anderson. I am loving this series and I’m eager for more!
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
January 25, 2019
Reaching Refuge is Avery and Graham's story.
The way the story started, I was easily pulled in into the story. Avery and Graham are good. But I have mixed feelings with Avery sometimes. Anyway, despite it, both characters are easy to like.
The story, it's interesting and I was curious with all the drama. The plot and ending, my gawd!! It's heart stopping. I was satisfied with how the book ended.

Looking forward for more of the series and other characters.
Profile Image for Heather C.
691 reviews27 followers
January 30, 2019
Reaching Refuge is the second installment in the Shelter Me Series and can absolutely be read as a standalone. I say that because due to time constraints, I wasn't able to the first book before I jumped into this one. This is about Graham and Avery's story and oh what a ride it is.

I'm a sucker for romantic suspense novels. I like the feel of being on the edge, not knowing what is going to happen next. I felt like Anderson did a great job of building up the story and providing just the amount of details that kept my mind wandering. Plus you get the added dynamic of dueling families. Give me that "taboo" any day of the week.

Honestly, this is a second chance romance packed with suspense with two star-crossed, broken lovers. That's really all the picture you need painted right? I know I'd read it based of that sentence alone. It's actually been a while since I've read Anderson's work and that's shame on me. She just moved up to my automatically read author list.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,450 reviews275 followers
January 27, 2019
4.5 Stars

Years ago Graham Foster dated Avery Wells but her family thought his was scum and the next thing Graham knew Avery was gone and he never heard from her again.
Now Annie is back in town and running the Antler Pub along with her brother Wes. But trouble seems to be coming when Annie’s younger brother Ben also returns.
Graham is also back in town working for Levi Grady at his garage after years of military service overseas.
Will Annie be willing to give Graham another chance after so many years have gone by or will she once again fall to the pressure of her family and push him away?
This was a great book with lots of twists and turns to keep you wondering what was going to happen next!
At the beginning I was so mad at why Annie and Graham were forced apart and I wondered what had happened between their families to cause such hatred. Gradually through the book you learn a little more about what has been going on and things begin to fall into place.
I thought Annie was a great character who was working hard at getting Antler’s Pub successful although she was unfortunately under the thumb of her uncle Arlo. I wasn’t happy how Arlo got the pub and how he seemed to really want control of everything.
Graham was awesome and there were a few surprises that he had that I was not expecting at all. Graham’s family had issues and I was shocked at some of the things that happened, especially involving his uncle, James Foster.
There were so many twists that each of the families were entwined in and I loved how the author keeps you hooked and shocked at all the things that happen. I loved not being able to put the book down and needing to see how things ended!
The end was intense and I loved how it all played out and I can’t wait for more!! - By Rebecca


Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
January 21, 2019
4.5 Cranky Stars


I wish I had the words to describe the love story between Graham and Avery. It’s everything. I mean they loved each other for years even with an ocean between them and neither one even thinking that they still had that spark. Their families are like the Hatfields and McCoys. They both despise each other but Graham and Avery still fell in love until a chance encounter forced them apart. He went off to war and she fled the town that broke her heart. Years later they return and are still dancing around each other when it finally clicks that they are adults and don’t have to stay apart. They come together and it is all happiness and passionate touches. Sadly, the town has a dark secret and these two seem to be connected to it and it brings their relationship to its breaking point.


I love the Shelter Me series so far. It’s equal parts love and mystery. You find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering what will come next and who is really to blame. I have always loved Graham even from the snippets we got of him in the first book. He has this quiet protective demeanor about him you can’t help but love. Avery’s story is heartbreaking. Her family is damaged, and you aren’t sure they can be redeemed. There are some serious oh my god moments in this book you don’t see coming and you hope everyone comes out unscathed. I can’t wait to read Orin’s story next. I bet he has a good one to tell.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,285 reviews44 followers
January 25, 2019
I have read enough of Annie Anderson's books by now to know that you don't begin one of her books unless you have the time to finish it! This book was no different: I couldn't stop reading until the very end! Curses to you, Ms. Anderson!

Avery and Graham are star-crossed lovers due to family dynamics (most of it beyond their control). But, somehow both of them have made their way back to Evergreen, Colorado. Will they be able to pick up the pieces and find their HEA together? Or, will the dark forces around them instead consume them (or worse)?

The characters are wonderfully written, the story is fast paced and suspenseful and the sex? Well, of course it's steamy as can be! I love the way that this book has some of the characters from the first "Shelter Me" book, "Seeking Sanctuary". But, this is a standalone book, so don't let the #2 dissuade you from reading it.

I hope that Ms. Anderson continues to write for a long, long time. Her characters are wounded but strong, haunted but resilient, stubborn but soft, and hot as hell (of course!). If steamy sex and cursing bothers you, walk on by. But, if you love a good Romantic Suspense, this book is for you!

I hounded Annie into allowing me to read an ARC of this book, so I won't have to hunt her down and kill her. This review is entirely my own opinion ('cause I would have bought the book anyhow!).

Profile Image for Kathy.
2,613 reviews43 followers
January 29, 2019
This is the second book in the series and while they don’t have to be read in order, I still suggest it. Avery and Graham were in love once and still are but there are time and other people in between them. Or at least there were people in between them. Things went sideways when Graham got in trouble for trying to protect Avery. Things got out of hand and he was told to choose between jail and the military. Neither of them had a great childhood. Graham’s worse the Avery’s. There are things going on that Avery doesn’t know about. Graham has been protecting her for years. They both think the other blames them for what happened all those years ago. Avery makes a move to reconnect. She is tired of being scared and missing Graham. They have a chance to start over. Will the things Avery doesn’t know end their second chance before it even really begins? I love Avery and Graham so much. Graham has always been a protector and even more so with Avery. She is the love of his life and he will do everything in his power to make sure she is safe and happy. This book has danger, action, and so much more. This book was fantastic and I just can’t say enough about it. It is a MUST read for sure. Really everything by Annie is a must read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Barb Shuler.
Author 107 books160 followers
January 30, 2019
This book has a lot of emotion, suspense and people pulling the heart strings of the readers. But that’s not it. There is a past to the main characters that’s been pulled to the forefront and tossed on the table.

Avery and Graham are a pair to see. They’re tiptoeing around each other, trying not to fall into a pattern where there is place to get hurt again. It’s a tug and release of epic proportions. But that’s not all! There is a lot of family drama going on for them both. Avery’s family business is out in danger and her crazy arsed brothers are doing nothing but making her nuts and putting more and more stress on her shoulders. I’ll just say it, there’s a flying tackle and yelling... it’s awesome.

There is a lot of suspense going on here too, outside of their family drama. Graham’s family has issues a mile long, and some of them he’d just rather forget about. But he can’t, not when things go south.

Danger strikes and the way of life Graham has made for himself is threatened. If his life crumbles... it could be he end to it all.

But Graham Foster is a fighter... and he’ll fight to the end to make things right again.
Profile Image for K.A. Graham.
Author 22 books119 followers
January 19, 2019
Reaching Refuge (Shelter Me #2)
by Annie Anderson

☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆

#TeamGraham
I'm just putting it out there now, in case anyone was wondering where my loyalties lie. Graham is a broken, grumbly, sexpot of a man. A man who's had to battle through life's tragedies. Ones that would consume most of us.

His biggest regret...Avery. the one who got away. For reasons neither of them quite understand, they were torn apart for years, but all roads lead back to your heart. Eventually.

Dangerous chaos envelops them both, and they are faced with two options when it comes to their on and off relationship. Love it or leave it. Which will they choose?

Added in the mix is Avery's brothers. Good god! What a pack of crazies they are, but I love me some crazies! They brought some extra spice to this awesome story, and I'm definitely intrigued.

Loving this series, and can't wait to see what's next!
73 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2019
Great book. Very gritty, but in a good way. Avery and Graham are crazy about each other and their families hate each other. They are both so stubborn they don't want to admit how much they love each other. Reminds me of modern day Romeo & Juliet with a few twists. But they are finally able to tell everyone else to go fly a kite and they find their happy place together. Now that Avery's father is gone she can be free to love him. This book was a wonderful addition to the shelter me series. It relates back only slightly to the first one, so you could read it alone. I like that it is also very different from the first one. A lot of series books are just repeat plots with different characters, but not this one. It is truly unique.
I got this book in advance from the author and I loved it so much I am leaving a review for future readers.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,167 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2019
This book...I have no words but I'm gonna find some.

Avery mean business when it comes to her Mom's bar, but unfortunately things haven't been going her way...for way too long. Graham seems to love to torture himself by hanging out at Avery's bar, but it's more than just star crossed lovers.

A decade has passed since these two were last together and secrets kept them apart but not for much longer.

Annie once again kept me at the edge of my seat with some action and twists that I didn't see coming. And the heat between these two...sweet jeezums, I had to turn up my ceiling fan to arctic!

Read the book, read all the books...now hopefully she'll hurry with book 3 cause I needed it yesterday.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
January 29, 2019
ONE EXTREMELY CAPTIVATING READ!!!
OMG! Wow. Man, talk about being blindsided. Annie really pulled all the stops on this bad boy. One fantastic storyline and strong plot really keep you riveted from start to finish. Such an extremely intense, palpable and explosive chemistry between the two main characters as they face unexpected trials and tribulations. Betrayal and lies run rampant as secrets are revealed that will rock you to the core. Annie nailed this bad boy and brought it roaring to life brilliantly with so much passion and imagination it leaves you in awe. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together smoothly. Remarkable job Annie, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews13 followers
January 29, 2019
4.5 stars. From the very beginning of this book you will see that this family is all kinds of dysfunctional and I LOVED IT! It is bittersweet how circumstances caused the couple to be apart for 14 years! They both returned and did not reconnect. They protect each other from a distance. I thought this was going to be a run of the mill angsty romance. NO this was not. I am well know for being able to guess plots way ahead of time. This story took a turn that made me want to read this whole series. I have never read a book by this author nor heard of this series. Give this book a chance you wont regret it. I received this ARC and I chose to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2019
Reaching Refuge by Annie Anderson
“Star-crossed love, 4 stars”


Avery and Graham were once head over heels in love. Then life tore them apart or rather Avery’s family. They left town separately but now they are both back. And like a moth to a flame there is no keeping them apart. Or is there? Will Avery let her family stand in the way of her happiness? Will Graham let the family shame he carry’s cross over to Avery? Only one way to find out.
So, I have mixed feelings on Reaching Refuge. Don’t get me wrong it was a good solid book, but to me it was more mystery suspense then romantic mystery suspense. For me it was like Avery and Graham blindly jumped in without asking questions and finding out who the other was after over a decade apart. With that said as a mystery suspense it was a good book, but the romance of it felt almost as a after thought which is why it’s getting a 4 star instead of a 5.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-4/5
Overall-4/5
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.1k reviews165 followers
January 28, 2019
This intense and enticing series keeps getting better. Avery and Graham's story seriously sucks you in and under. My heart broke for these two star-crossed lovers. The emotions are deep, powerful and turmoil ridden as family and secrets do their best to keep these two apart forever. However, fate draws these two back to where it all began and we are treated to an epic romance that is filled with angst, heartache, suspense, drama and steamy chemistry. I loved Avery and Graham so much and their romance was incredibly moving. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,694 reviews85 followers
February 10, 2019
I didn’t expect anything less but perfection from this story and that’s what I got . The characters were great , the writing off the charts, and the plot was awesome. I loved this story and I enjoyed every second of this story . I was drawn into this with the first chapter and I could not stop loving from loving it . This author has grown and it shows in her work . This was a great story that I enjoyed up until the end and wanted more. I cannot see what’s next from this author.

review by Lindsey
Profile Image for Lori.
1,056 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2019
I loved this story. It has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet mind of feel to it. ( spoiler allert, Romeo and Juliet do not die in this story ). Reaching Refuge is the perfect name for this story. There is always someone needing a refuge.

I will say this is a very gripping, edge of your seat page turner. The who done it's, and the why's, just keep piling up. Everything comes together in the end. Wow, what an ending!

The Shelter Me Series is a must read.
6,493 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2019
This is a moving and emotional read. This is amazing second chance romance with several twists and turn. The plot had a non stop pace that keeps you on your toes. Avery and Graham after every thing they had been, they got the HEA they deserve in this well plotted and written story.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,753 reviews31 followers
February 3, 2019
Avery and Foster were in love but her family made sure they wouldn't stay together and both leave town but separately, now they are both back in town sidestepping each other but there is a second chance at love for them if they take it but will everything going on break them yet again. There is plenty of suspense, twists, shocks, passion and nail biting moments that have you turning the page needing to know what was going happen next and hoping Avery and Foster can finally be together.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
March 31, 2019
I liked this one, but it didn't resonate with me like the first one did. I was glad that Avery and Graham were able to find each other again in the way they should have been together the whole time. I was a bit shocked with the drama between their families, but glad it is now out in the open and Avery and Graham can just be together.
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
January 30, 2019
I loved Avery and Graham’s story. It’s wonderfully written with a well thought out plot. Their story is intense and full of passion. It definitely gave me all the feels. Once I started I couldn’t put it down.
I would definitely recommend this one.
Profile Image for Samantha   Vickery.
209 reviews13 followers
January 24, 2019
Sucked this book right up. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I love Annie’s writing style and attention to detail. I cannot wait to read more of her books
Profile Image for Kelly Vidito.
274 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2019
I loved Graham and Avery’s story. It’s a great second chance, romantic suspense story. It captured me from the beginning. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
537 reviews
January 25, 2019
Reaching Refuge by Annie Anderson is Book 2 in the Shelter me series. This was such a great story, it covered a number of tropes (small town romance, second chance, romantic suspense) but didn’t feel overwhelmed at all and it came together seamlessly.
The writing style and character building were spot on.
Avery and Graham were interesting, independent, stubborn, flawed and had great journies both together and apart.
Fantastic addition to the series.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
March 8, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What an intriguing romance to follow. Avery and Graham have quite a history behind them that one would think would go away after awhile but this book proves that wrong in so many ways. Combine never ending love, protective instincts, horrible family members, bad guys, and essentially never ending alcohol to create one explosive situation that these two have to pay for. It is quite engrossing following them as they find their way back to one another despite all of the obstacles. A well written second chance romance. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Shirley.
991 reviews231 followers
January 31, 2019
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Annie Anderson!

Reaching Refuge
is the second book in the Shelter Me series and tells the story of Avery and Graham. Each book in the Shelter Me series can be read as a standalone.

Seeking Sanctuary, the first book in the Shelter Me series, was the first book I’ve read by Annie Anderson and since that book, I fell in love with her writing. Reaching Refuge is the fourth book by Annie Anderson I’ve read so far and I cannot wait to read more books written by her.

Reaching Refuge is just like Seeking Sanctuary, a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading, both books were so addictive and so well written. Annie Anderson did an amazing job in creating these characters and the plot, and I couldn’t stop myself from falling for Graham.

Avery and Graham are both such enjoyable characters and I really liked reading in both perspectives. I love double perspectives, like I mentioned in a lot of my reviews, because it gives the reader a better view of the character’s thoughts and feelings. Avery and Graham both have a different view of what happened in the past, so the double perspective is really handy.

Reaching Refuge is an amazing sequel and such a fast paced read! I cannot wait for the third book in the Shelter Me series, Chasing Cover!
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
August 30, 2019
Another fantastic book from Annie Anderson! This was a book I couldn't put down. Even more intense than book 1, I was on the edge of my seat at times, ready to kick someones backside other times, in tears and oh so happy. All the feels needed. Graham Foster is my another favorite book boyfriend. Awesome characters, excellent story line and so happy to hear about characters from book 1. Can't wait for book 3!!! Must read series people!
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,020 reviews64 followers
January 29, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book had me captivated from the beginning, I just had to keep reading to know how it ended. Graham and Avery have a love like no other but their families conspire against them and they are torn apart. When Avery finally comes back to town after her father’s funeral she feels like there has been too much time and they can’t reconnect. Graham and Avery haven’t stopped loving each other but their families keep getting in the way. Will they let their families stand in the way of true love or will they take their second chance? I can’t wait for the next installment of this series! I highly recommend this book!!
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