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The Sheltering Tree
The heart of Alastair Harding's life is his duty. Becoming the first gay chief of the Metropolitan police has required certain sacrifices, but Alastair made them willingly. If his life now lacks human connections, he can't exactly complain—and it's a little too late for regrets.
Jay Fieldhouse knows all about sacrifice, too. Brought to London for his own safety by witness protection, Jay's grassroots charity works day and night to save vulnerable kids from a life of crime. But getting close to other people is tough when no one really knows who you are.
When he meets Alastair one night at a charity event, Jay is intrigued by his glimpse of a gentle soul beneath the commissioner's uniform. The two men decide to run their lonely paths side by side for a while—after all, life is short and good sex is hard to come by.
Then the shadows of the past begin to stir, and the words which go unsaid might be Jay and Alastair's undoing.
The Sheltering Tree is J.R. Lawrie's first full length novel, following her debut anthology, Let Your Heart Be Light.
Jay Fieldhouse knows all about sacrifice, too. Brought to London for his own safety by witness protection, Jay's grassroots charity works day and night to save vulnerable kids from a life of crime. But getting close to other people is tough when no one really knows who you are.
When he meets Alastair one night at a charity event, Jay is intrigued by his glimpse of a gentle soul beneath the commissioner's uniform. The two men decide to run their lonely paths side by side for a while—after all, life is short and good sex is hard to come by.
Then the shadows of the past begin to stir, and the words which go unsaid might be Jay and Alastair's undoing.
The Sheltering Tree is J.R. Lawrie's first full length novel, following her debut anthology, Let Your Heart Be Light.
507 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2021
84 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Lawrie
2 books119 followersJ.R. Lawrie was born in Manchester in 1989, received a first-class degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds in 2011, then vanished into the thorny undergrowth of fanfiction and was never seen again.
Their first novel The Sheltering Tree has been described as 'heart wrenchingly beautiful', 'a powerful and passionate story', and '1/5 never delivered'.
Their first novel The Sheltering Tree has been described as 'heart wrenchingly beautiful', 'a powerful and passionate story', and '1/5 never delivered'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 28, 2021
Have you ever felt as if you’re intruding on a private moment? You know what I mean, right? When the air is thick with raw emotions and if you’re not directly involved with them you feel like you’re stealing moments that don’t belong to you. Yeah, one of those. There’s that fierce electrical charge that pulsates all around you, begging you to close your eyes but you just can’t. That was me and this entire book. As each chapter slipped by I felt more and more like a trespasser. However, nothing could pull me away. It was breathtakingly beautiful and I was willing to risk prosecution. This love story of the most unlikely pair was intense, intimate, and intoxicating.
I’ve always been a fan of a man in a uniform and Sir Alastair does not disappoint. I’m also a sucker for a sexy silver fox. *shivers* Pair this older man of the law with a younger inked firecracker and you’ve got one spicy couple. Jay is a bit of an enigma, one that Alastair wants to unravel and indulge in. I adored his witty spark and frisky dialogue. The British slang was in full effect and I couldn’t get enough. They meet at an event honoring Jay’s charity. Al and Jay are not just from the other side of the tracks or even opposite ends of town, they are from polar worlds. They are too different. They could never last but nothing is stopping them from having some fun. Before long, their arrangement starts to shift. Neither wants to voice their desires, too afraid the chaos of reality will drown them out. Unbeknown to them, everyone around them can see and feel it. The secondary characters are strong and memorable. Al and Jay are a mismatched couple doomed for failure. Not only are they poles apart but heavy baggage weighs them down. Jay’s past haunts him. He’s been shackled to his former life and when he finally felt the taste of freedom and the whisp of clouds on his face, everything comes crashing down. I was anxiously sitting on the edge of my seat, pleading for the happily ever after they both desperately deserved. Oh, the anticipation!
This was my first jaunt with Lawrie and I was impressed with her capacity to create such an authentic atmosphere. As a LEO spouse, I tend to be overcritical of police stories. It’s difficult for me to compare tactics and procedures from across the pond but I would imagine she did well maintaining fair representational details. Lawrie’s style is distinct and her emotional pull was outstanding. Granted there were times I felt some tedious thinning would not go amiss. And honestly, I’m not sure about the cover. At first glance, I did pause and take a closer look but was not bedazzled. Let’s face it, smoking isn’t always a winning look. However, Jay is delightful and charming and quickly won me over. Life hasn’t always been kind to him but he’s determined to pay forward the lifeline that was thrown his way. The artwork on his flesh tell a story. One of triumph and survival and I hope you take a gamble to discover it firsthand. I can promise you one thing, Alastair is thanking his lucky star that he did.
Beware of: Mature men falling into an unforeseen love affair. Off the charts sultry sexual chemistry and knee-wobbling romance. And the harsh reminder that the paths behind us do not define us, for actions do indeed speak louder than words.
This book is for: If you’re on the hunt for a passionate story with some drama and loads of love, why not give these two a chance? The risks are high but they prove the impossible may be possible after all.
Book UNfunk
I’ve always been a fan of a man in a uniform and Sir Alastair does not disappoint. I’m also a sucker for a sexy silver fox. *shivers* Pair this older man of the law with a younger inked firecracker and you’ve got one spicy couple. Jay is a bit of an enigma, one that Alastair wants to unravel and indulge in. I adored his witty spark and frisky dialogue. The British slang was in full effect and I couldn’t get enough. They meet at an event honoring Jay’s charity. Al and Jay are not just from the other side of the tracks or even opposite ends of town, they are from polar worlds. They are too different. They could never last but nothing is stopping them from having some fun. Before long, their arrangement starts to shift. Neither wants to voice their desires, too afraid the chaos of reality will drown them out. Unbeknown to them, everyone around them can see and feel it. The secondary characters are strong and memorable. Al and Jay are a mismatched couple doomed for failure. Not only are they poles apart but heavy baggage weighs them down. Jay’s past haunts him. He’s been shackled to his former life and when he finally felt the taste of freedom and the whisp of clouds on his face, everything comes crashing down. I was anxiously sitting on the edge of my seat, pleading for the happily ever after they both desperately deserved. Oh, the anticipation!
This was my first jaunt with Lawrie and I was impressed with her capacity to create such an authentic atmosphere. As a LEO spouse, I tend to be overcritical of police stories. It’s difficult for me to compare tactics and procedures from across the pond but I would imagine she did well maintaining fair representational details. Lawrie’s style is distinct and her emotional pull was outstanding. Granted there were times I felt some tedious thinning would not go amiss. And honestly, I’m not sure about the cover. At first glance, I did pause and take a closer look but was not bedazzled. Let’s face it, smoking isn’t always a winning look. However, Jay is delightful and charming and quickly won me over. Life hasn’t always been kind to him but he’s determined to pay forward the lifeline that was thrown his way. The artwork on his flesh tell a story. One of triumph and survival and I hope you take a gamble to discover it firsthand. I can promise you one thing, Alastair is thanking his lucky star that he did.
Beware of: Mature men falling into an unforeseen love affair. Off the charts sultry sexual chemistry and knee-wobbling romance. And the harsh reminder that the paths behind us do not define us, for actions do indeed speak louder than words.
This book is for: If you’re on the hunt for a passionate story with some drama and loads of love, why not give these two a chance? The risks are high but they prove the impossible may be possible after all.
Book UNfunk
January 31, 2022
***3.5 Stars***
Holy snail's pace, this must have been a new record for me. The longest read evah! Not that I didn't like it, I did, but...Ialsohadissues.
First things first, though: Congratulations on your stamina, Alistair! For a man in his fifties your recovery time would be something a man is his twenties would be proud of, envious of or whatever. *thumbs up*
Yes, there was a lot of sex, a lot of fade-to-black sex, too, and both guys hit it off like being struck by lightning... and yet, their intimacy fealt real somehow and I sometimes had a dopey grin on my face because... feelings. On the other hand, they both were a bit too imperfectly perfect. Or too perfectly imperfect? Some things were just too good to be true and the whole scenario that everyone and their mother would be in awe of their chemistry and on the verge of melting into a puddle of goo just watching them interact, was a bit too OTT for me.
Also, this book was loooooong, hence me taking forever to finish it. It definitely needed some editing because cutting out some (sex) scenes and inner monologue would have done wonders for the reading flow, not to mention lots of typos.
Good Lord, this really sounds like ranting, but the story overall really entertained me quite a bit. Granted a bit of suspension of disbelief was required, but that's something I usually don't mind. :)
Holy snail's pace, this must have been a new record for me. The longest read evah! Not that I didn't like it, I did, but...Ialsohadissues.
First things first, though: Congratulations on your stamina, Alistair! For a man in his fifties your recovery time would be something a man is his twenties would be proud of, envious of or whatever. *thumbs up*
Yes, there was a lot of sex, a lot of fade-to-black sex, too, and both guys hit it off like being struck by lightning... and yet, their intimacy fealt real somehow and I sometimes had a dopey grin on my face because... feelings. On the other hand, they both were a bit too imperfectly perfect. Or too perfectly imperfect? Some things were just too good to be true and the whole scenario that everyone and their mother would be in awe of their chemistry and on the verge of melting into a puddle of goo just watching them interact, was a bit too OTT for me.
Also, this book was loooooong, hence me taking forever to finish it. It definitely needed some editing because cutting out some (sex) scenes and inner monologue would have done wonders for the reading flow, not to mention lots of typos.
Good Lord, this really sounds like ranting, but the story overall really entertained me quite a bit. Granted a bit of suspension of disbelief was required, but that's something I usually don't mind. :)
April 1, 2021
J.R.'s debut collection of short stories is one of my favourite books of all time and this one has gone right next to it on the shelf.
The relationship between Alastair and Jay is perfectly developed through intense chemistry when they first meet, to a hesitant friends with benefits sexual exploration and then into a deep friendship.
They are studies in opposites, Alastair's high flying job as Commander of the Metropolitan Police puts him in the spotlight but it's something he does under sufferance. Jay's role as CEO of a company helping at risk kids is close to home and he's hiding a painful secret which would have devastating consequences if it comes out.
There's a tension runs through the book because of this secret, which the reader isn't a party to either in full, which makes the narrative pacing a perfect blend of the quieter, intimate moments with the suspense elements.
Sex is inspired between these two. Alastair hasn't had chance to have a relationship for years, Jay is too busy hiding himself to really let go but together, they fly high.
The scenes at Cliveden are among my most favourite romantic encounters in any book, they're so filled with all the feelings the two men are trying to surpress. The speculative added commentary from the hotel staff just pops the cherry on an already delicious cake imho. It made me smile big time.
There's also an excellent set of secondary characters, one of my favourites being Alastair's personal assistant (and general go-to gal) Juliet, who is encouraging and mothering of him even though she's much younger.
I won't go into the details of the suspense element of the plot, only to say that it works perfectly throughout as Jay's past comes back to threaten not only him, but Alastair's position. The build-up to the final quarter of the book will make your heart race as the danger gets closer.
Oh, and the wee little Easter Egg reference to Richard from J.R.'s Let Your Heart Be Light: A Collection of M/M Holiday Romances was brilliant. If you've not read that book yet, I'd definitely suggest you do!
I can't wait to see what other people think of this book, it's one of my absolute favourite reads in any genre.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
The relationship between Alastair and Jay is perfectly developed through intense chemistry when they first meet, to a hesitant friends with benefits sexual exploration and then into a deep friendship.
They are studies in opposites, Alastair's high flying job as Commander of the Metropolitan Police puts him in the spotlight but it's something he does under sufferance. Jay's role as CEO of a company helping at risk kids is close to home and he's hiding a painful secret which would have devastating consequences if it comes out.
There's a tension runs through the book because of this secret, which the reader isn't a party to either in full, which makes the narrative pacing a perfect blend of the quieter, intimate moments with the suspense elements.
Sex is inspired between these two. Alastair hasn't had chance to have a relationship for years, Jay is too busy hiding himself to really let go but together, they fly high.
The scenes at Cliveden are among my most favourite romantic encounters in any book, they're so filled with all the feelings the two men are trying to surpress. The speculative added commentary from the hotel staff just pops the cherry on an already delicious cake imho. It made me smile big time.
There's also an excellent set of secondary characters, one of my favourites being Alastair's personal assistant (and general go-to gal) Juliet, who is encouraging and mothering of him even though she's much younger.
I won't go into the details of the suspense element of the plot, only to say that it works perfectly throughout as Jay's past comes back to threaten not only him, but Alastair's position. The build-up to the final quarter of the book will make your heart race as the danger gets closer.
Oh, and the wee little Easter Egg reference to Richard from J.R.'s Let Your Heart Be Light: A Collection of M/M Holiday Romances was brilliant. If you've not read that book yet, I'd definitely suggest you do!
I can't wait to see what other people think of this book, it's one of my absolute favourite reads in any genre.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 6, 2021
So I definitely have to agree with Renee, while I enjoyed the storyline and the writing was definitely good this one was WAY too long.
That being said, I never got bored or skimmed.
There was a lot of sex - most of the first 50-60% of the book. But it wasn't that many scenes, they were just incredibly LONG drawn out scenes. Sometimes a full chapter long. So I definitely wouldn't call it "smutty".
I did like it and enjoy it so I'll definitely keep this author on my radar!
That being said, I never got bored or skimmed.
There was a lot of sex - most of the first 50-60% of the book. But it wasn't that many scenes, they were just incredibly LONG drawn out scenes. Sometimes a full chapter long. So I definitely wouldn't call it "smutty".
I did like it and enjoy it so I'll definitely keep this author on my radar!
May 4, 2025
Loved it.
Written beautifully, full of emotions.
Alistair and Jay's story touched me deeply, I couldn't put the book down.
The relationship development was awesome, the emotional intimacy stellar.
I loved to get both Alistair and Jay's pov because they held back so much of themselves for quite some time. And once they started to open up, the plot shot through the ceiling, turning the romance partly in a criminal case, it was simply fantastic.
Instant all time favourite.
Written beautifully, full of emotions.
Alistair and Jay's story touched me deeply, I couldn't put the book down.
The relationship development was awesome, the emotional intimacy stellar.
I loved to get both Alistair and Jay's pov because they held back so much of themselves for quite some time. And once they started to open up, the plot shot through the ceiling, turning the romance partly in a criminal case, it was simply fantastic.
Instant all time favourite.
April 19, 2021
This book gives us Alastair, the gay chief of the Metropolitan police, a man who worked his way up through the ranks as a gay cop, partly by keeping his sexuality as unobtrusive as possible. He's out, but he never dates and hasn't had a significant other in a decade or more. He considers a kind of monastic existence part of the price he pays for a job he is really good at, and the chance to pave the way for others to follow.
But at a charity dinner, doing the required schmoozing, he is seated next to Jay, the younger, attractive CEO of a youth charity they're honoring. And for the first time in years, he wants someone enough to give up his rectitude and indulge, even if just for one night. He wants Jay's smile, and his tattoos, and his size, and his lightness of being.
Jay has some darker secrets, though. The biggest being that he's in witness protection, and if the man he's running from finds him, his whole life has to vanish in the rearview mirror again. He's very taken with Alastair, but can he really afford to let himself go deeper than one heated night? And if he does, why on earth would a man with class and rank want a guy who worked himself up from the gutter?
This story is written richly and indulgently, with a sensual approach to both description and sex scenes. The men fall for each other hard, but are unwilling to express it. And when they finally do, life is on the verge of falling apart.
I enjoyed this story, although at times it went just a little deep into the sweetness and perfection. In particular, the women in the story swooned over the guys more than felt natural (although I did love having a couple of women characters in important positions.) And the one moment where the characters' imperfections and bad choices led to really interesting psychological conflict was short-circuited by the press of plot drama. The aftermath of that drama slid back into sweetness without the conflict and lingering issues that could have added a bit of edge to the story. (And painful injuries disappear from the narrative.)
Having said that, this is a great story if you want to sink deep into a relationship that really speaks to the word "romance." There is enough outside mystery-ish plot happening for interest. The men are appealing, their chemistry is almost palpable, the developing love story has moments of sweet perfection, the HEA is solid as a rock. One for my comfort reread shelf when I'm in the mood
But at a charity dinner, doing the required schmoozing, he is seated next to Jay, the younger, attractive CEO of a youth charity they're honoring. And for the first time in years, he wants someone enough to give up his rectitude and indulge, even if just for one night. He wants Jay's smile, and his tattoos, and his size, and his lightness of being.
Jay has some darker secrets, though. The biggest being that he's in witness protection, and if the man he's running from finds him, his whole life has to vanish in the rearview mirror again. He's very taken with Alastair, but can he really afford to let himself go deeper than one heated night? And if he does, why on earth would a man with class and rank want a guy who worked himself up from the gutter?
This story is written richly and indulgently, with a sensual approach to both description and sex scenes. The men fall for each other hard, but are unwilling to express it. And when they finally do, life is on the verge of falling apart.
I enjoyed this story, although at times it went just a little deep into the sweetness and perfection. In particular, the women in the story swooned over the guys more than felt natural (although I did love having a couple of women characters in important positions.) And the one moment where the characters' imperfections and bad choices led to really interesting psychological conflict was short-circuited by the press of plot drama. The aftermath of that drama slid back into sweetness without the conflict and lingering issues that could have added a bit of edge to the story. (And painful injuries disappear from the narrative.)
Having said that, this is a great story if you want to sink deep into a relationship that really speaks to the word "romance." There is enough outside mystery-ish plot happening for interest. The men are appealing, their chemistry is almost palpable, the developing love story has moments of sweet perfection, the HEA is solid as a rock. One for my comfort reread shelf when I'm in the mood
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April 9, 2021Hi, Goodreads! The Sheltering Tree is now available to buy through Amazon, both in paperback and ebook formats. I really hope you enjoy Jay and Alastair's story - thanks for reading. x
Read
January 31, 2022dnf @ 11% for now, might come back to it later
April 28, 2021
I liked the story just fine, along with this author’s writing style.
Except.....the pacing was so incredibly slow. I started skimming sex scenes, which isn’t a good sign.
Except.....the pacing was so incredibly slow. I started skimming sex scenes, which isn’t a good sign.
Read
April 12, 2021DNF
I can’t get into it 😩☹️
I can’t get into it 😩☹️
April 17, 2021
Le sigh... I don't really know how to rate this. Too much of a good thing? Too rich for my blood? It might be a "it's me not you" thing but then again that's how people and books break up, right?
Erm...
There's a lot of "too" in the book. The MCs are just too perfect in their imperfections. There is a lot of fragility and weakness and giggling and lip-biting which is quite frankly just too adorable. But then again they are also too perfect in their perfectness. Everybody and their little sister loves them because they are JUST SO PERFECTLY PERFECT (and adorable) which demands undying respect and loyalty.
And I don't feel it. There, I said it. But I'm a tired, old cynic who doesn't feel it. This book might just be a perfect fit for another reader. Just not me.
Also, and that's really just on me - too many sex scenes. The first third or so of the book is about them trying to pretend that they are just friends with benefits, so that's probably inevitable but really, no. Too much "too".
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because I finished it. Sorry, little book. So many people love you :-).
Erm...
There's a lot of "too" in the book. The MCs are just too perfect in their imperfections. There is a lot of fragility and weakness and giggling and lip-biting which is quite frankly just too adorable. But then again they are also too perfect in their perfectness. Everybody and their little sister loves them because they are JUST SO PERFECTLY PERFECT (and adorable) which demands undying respect and loyalty.
And I don't feel it. There, I said it. But I'm a tired, old cynic who doesn't feel it. This book might just be a perfect fit for another reader. Just not me.
Also, and that's really just on me - too many sex scenes. The first third or so of the book is about them trying to pretend that they are just friends with benefits, so that's probably inevitable but really, no. Too much "too".
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because I finished it. Sorry, little book. So many people love you :-).
October 4, 2025
I gave this book a second try and it worked really well this time! I was surprised how quickly I was hooked when, while reading it for the first time, I put it aside because I couldn’t get into it.
This time I was really enjoying reading about Alastair (despite the name because I kind of hate it😅🤦🏻♀️) and Jay. Two people couldn’t have been more different. But their chemistry was off the charts! I loved the built up to the point where it went off the rails, you could sense that was going to happen, but the way the author wrote it, made me quite nervous about the when and how.
I loved all the sweet and dear and sexy moments between those 2 men, but at some point I got a bit annoyed by the use of all the endearments, and that’s the reason for me not to rate this 5 stars.
The writing was very good though, and I was a bit sad to see there are no such books like this by this author.
This time I was really enjoying reading about Alastair (despite the name because I kind of hate it😅🤦🏻♀️) and Jay. Two people couldn’t have been more different. But their chemistry was off the charts! I loved the built up to the point where it went off the rails, you could sense that was going to happen, but the way the author wrote it, made me quite nervous about the when and how.
I loved all the sweet and dear and sexy moments between those 2 men, but at some point I got a bit annoyed by the use of all the endearments, and that’s the reason for me not to rate this 5 stars.
The writing was very good though, and I was a bit sad to see there are no such books like this by this author.
Read
August 28, 2021DNF
April 26, 2021
3.5 stars
August 14, 2021
Intense and romantic
I wrote this review as I read the book.. as you do…
This isn’t really a spoiler since it happened in the first 8% of the book.. fade to black FIRST time sex is usually a DNF for me but since I’m only 8% in and everyone and their brother has recommended this book to me I’ll keep going….
I’m at 21% and most of the sex is off page. Reading the reviews.. some people said there was too much sex?!? Where?? Fade to black sex is almost worse than no sex at all. The characters are still interesting enough for me to keep reading. Like Jay runs a charity, I still do not know what that even entails. What is it? What are his charitable works? So far everything has been very shallow and surface only when it comes to Jay. Alastair bears his soul on family and life but Jay is a closed book.
I hope that changes soon….it does eventually…
Smoking in a hotel room. Does that even happen anymore. 😳 is this book set in 2021? Or 1981. Strange.
The book has gotten more interesting. BUT Jay and Alastair are SO clueless when it comes to love. They both have coworkers advising them. It’s painful. They both NEED the BIG conversation but both are so immature they can’t seem to get there. **face palm**
THEN the other shoe drops and boy is it a doozy! I did not see that coming! No spoilers but then this book gets especially intense. We learn Jay’s tragic background.
I did enjoy this book but it was extraordinarily LONG. It needed editing to make certain scenes pop. It languished a bit in parts where I’m like where is this even going exactly. It could have been tighter.
Jay and Alastair get their HEA and it’s sweet and romantic which was lovely but it took a long time to get there.
I wrote this review as I read the book.. as you do…
This isn’t really a spoiler since it happened in the first 8% of the book.. fade to black FIRST time sex is usually a DNF for me but since I’m only 8% in and everyone and their brother has recommended this book to me I’ll keep going….
I’m at 21% and most of the sex is off page. Reading the reviews.. some people said there was too much sex?!? Where?? Fade to black sex is almost worse than no sex at all. The characters are still interesting enough for me to keep reading. Like Jay runs a charity, I still do not know what that even entails. What is it? What are his charitable works? So far everything has been very shallow and surface only when it comes to Jay. Alastair bears his soul on family and life but Jay is a closed book.
I hope that changes soon….it does eventually…
Smoking in a hotel room. Does that even happen anymore. 😳 is this book set in 2021? Or 1981. Strange.
The book has gotten more interesting. BUT Jay and Alastair are SO clueless when it comes to love. They both have coworkers advising them. It’s painful. They both NEED the BIG conversation but both are so immature they can’t seem to get there. **face palm**
THEN the other shoe drops and boy is it a doozy! I did not see that coming! No spoilers but then this book gets especially intense. We learn Jay’s tragic background.
I did enjoy this book but it was extraordinarily LONG. It needed editing to make certain scenes pop. It languished a bit in parts where I’m like where is this even going exactly. It could have been tighter.
Jay and Alastair get their HEA and it’s sweet and romantic which was lovely but it took a long time to get there.
April 19, 2021
4.25 stars from me.
I absolutely loved Let Your Heart Be Light a couple of years ago, but this gritty, contemporary British thriller from J.R. Lawrie couldn't have been any more different...as alike as chalk and cheese in fact.
I could've done with less sex to be perfectly honest; I didn't think that the story needed so much although the MC's clearly did 😏, and maybe instead we could've delved a little more deeply into both Alastair and Jay's backgrounds, BUT I have to admit that as a couple, they were as sweet as can be [for oldies 🥰🥰, of which I am definitely one].
Really looking forward to more stories in the future.
I absolutely loved Let Your Heart Be Light a couple of years ago, but this gritty, contemporary British thriller from J.R. Lawrie couldn't have been any more different...as alike as chalk and cheese in fact.
I could've done with less sex to be perfectly honest; I didn't think that the story needed so much although the MC's clearly did 😏, and maybe instead we could've delved a little more deeply into both Alastair and Jay's backgrounds, BUT I have to admit that as a couple, they were as sweet as can be [for oldies 🥰🥰, of which I am definitely one].
Really looking forward to more stories in the future.
April 20, 2021
Un libro muy difícil de evaluar porque si bien en general me gustó, me resultó muy extraño como desarrolla la historia.
Muy interesante que los dos MC estén rondando los 50 con unos diálogos y una relación acorde a su edad, que esté ambientado en UK es un plus porque, seamos realistas, a los europeos nos resulta todo más familiar que las historias americanas, y una historia de amor súper dulce y bonita sin resultar empalagosa, pero la parte de misterio paralela se queda escasa, yo creo que porque el primer tercio del libro es el enamoramiento, el segundo es el misterio y toda la tercera y última parte es una gran epílogo que acaba resultando largo y cansino.
Resumiendo, 4* los protagonistas y la parte amorosa, 2.5* al desarrollo y el resto de la historia
Muy interesante que los dos MC estén rondando los 50 con unos diálogos y una relación acorde a su edad, que esté ambientado en UK es un plus porque, seamos realistas, a los europeos nos resulta todo más familiar que las historias americanas, y una historia de amor súper dulce y bonita sin resultar empalagosa, pero la parte de misterio paralela se queda escasa, yo creo que porque el primer tercio del libro es el enamoramiento, el segundo es el misterio y toda la tercera y última parte es una gran epílogo que acaba resultando largo y cansino.
Resumiendo, 4* los protagonistas y la parte amorosa, 2.5* al desarrollo y el resto de la historia
July 22, 2021
Sensational. I am struggling to find the words to talk about this book, but this was perfection for me.
Sensual smut, written so well that you could almost taste it. Gorgeously flawed characters, and the pining was off the charts.
So yes, I am stunned into silence here. Just grab it, read it and enjoy. x
Sensual smut, written so well that you could almost taste it. Gorgeously flawed characters, and the pining was off the charts.
So yes, I am stunned into silence here. Just grab it, read it and enjoy. x
April 14, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
J.R. Lawrie is a new author to me and The Sheltering Tree is the author’s first full length novel. I liked this book right from the start and, as each chapter revealed itself, I liked it more and more and then some more. With deep character development and sensual scenes, this book is a love story from start to finish.
We know from the beginning that Jay is in witness protection and where Alastair is in his career as police commissioner. There is instant attraction and Jay takes his shot and while he expects to be turned down, he makes a direct hit. Jay cannot believe that someone that he thinks is so far out of his league like Alastair would have a drink with him, let alone spend the night with him, and the way he calls Alastair “posh thing” and “sunshine” unravels them both. The men burn bright and hot right from the start and the chemistry that is flawlessly layered throughout this entire story is mesmerizing.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
J.R. Lawrie is a new author to me and The Sheltering Tree is the author’s first full length novel. I liked this book right from the start and, as each chapter revealed itself, I liked it more and more and then some more. With deep character development and sensual scenes, this book is a love story from start to finish.
We know from the beginning that Jay is in witness protection and where Alastair is in his career as police commissioner. There is instant attraction and Jay takes his shot and while he expects to be turned down, he makes a direct hit. Jay cannot believe that someone that he thinks is so far out of his league like Alastair would have a drink with him, let alone spend the night with him, and the way he calls Alastair “posh thing” and “sunshine” unravels them both. The men burn bright and hot right from the start and the chemistry that is flawlessly layered throughout this entire story is mesmerizing.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 20, 2021
Oh, I just loved this soooooo much! It was almost insta-lovey but not quite. Alastair and Jay had the kind of insta-connection that made everything else that followed once they met so worthwhile. The writing is beautiful, the characters are endearing, the steam is steamy. Alastair and Jay are wonderful together, just so damn lovely and adorable and I could read an entire second book about them.
June 27, 2024
I'm speechless
I've loved J.R. Lawrie's other work, Let Your Heart Be Light, so I knew I had to read this one. I love how they spin the story, making the same-old with a happy ending seem different and new and exciting.
Besides that, I love that the main characters are grown men, older but not old, as usual romance books characters are much younger. I feel like this gives the overall story a different perspective and maturity. Don't get me wrong, I'm in my mid twenties myself, so I love characters in my age range, but it's nice to mix it up every once in a while.
For those starting the story, or halfway there, if you think you know Jay's real identity, you'd be wrong. I won't say more on the subject in order to avoid spoilers, but I loved that it wasn't as predictable as how these stories tend to go.
Even though, as this is an adult romance, there are intimate scenes, it feels like the author emphasized Jay and Alastair's emotional connection growing, their conversations and just quiet moments spent together. It's a wonderful direction of the story, and it made me fall in love with the characters more and more as the book continued.
Both Alastair and Jay change their roles as the situation requires. Usually, there seems to be a clear divide in a couple, even in an LGBT romance. This time, we see both in the roles of protector/caregiver and the one needing support and love. Alastair is all put together police commissioner, but in those intimate moments with Jay, we see his vulnerable and needy side as well. Jay seems uncertain and feeling out of place, but then we see him talk so confidently and sweetly to Alastair (calling him 'sunshine' - love the nickname!).
I started this story after midnight and I had to force myself to stop and go to sleep. It pulls you in. This is definitely going into one of my favourites, and I have a feeling that just like the author's other work, I will be coming back to reread it.
I've loved J.R. Lawrie's other work, Let Your Heart Be Light, so I knew I had to read this one. I love how they spin the story, making the same-old with a happy ending seem different and new and exciting.
Besides that, I love that the main characters are grown men, older but not old, as usual romance books characters are much younger. I feel like this gives the overall story a different perspective and maturity. Don't get me wrong, I'm in my mid twenties myself, so I love characters in my age range, but it's nice to mix it up every once in a while.
For those starting the story, or halfway there, if you think you know Jay's real identity, you'd be wrong. I won't say more on the subject in order to avoid spoilers, but I loved that it wasn't as predictable as how these stories tend to go.
Even though, as this is an adult romance, there are intimate scenes, it feels like the author emphasized Jay and Alastair's emotional connection growing, their conversations and just quiet moments spent together. It's a wonderful direction of the story, and it made me fall in love with the characters more and more as the book continued.
Both Alastair and Jay change their roles as the situation requires. Usually, there seems to be a clear divide in a couple, even in an LGBT romance. This time, we see both in the roles of protector/caregiver and the one needing support and love. Alastair is all put together police commissioner, but in those intimate moments with Jay, we see his vulnerable and needy side as well. Jay seems uncertain and feeling out of place, but then we see him talk so confidently and sweetly to Alastair (calling him 'sunshine' - love the nickname!).
I started this story after midnight and I had to force myself to stop and go to sleep. It pulls you in. This is definitely going into one of my favourites, and I have a feeling that just like the author's other work, I will be coming back to reread it.
September 1, 2023
Really great.. So intimate, so tender, a whole new level of what intimacy means and how to show it and voice it. A beautifully needy powerful man, touch starved and craving affection. A very fine story highlighting the intimacy of falling in love, the softness, how simple actions can be so poignant when with the right person. So well done.
Don’t read any reviews, blurbs or spoilers. Just go into this book with little to no information, you will be rewarded with a wonderful level of suspense and intrigue. The story starts unfolding at around 12%, so you dont have to wait long, but the payout is immense.
Heat is medium with many scenes going off page and fading to black. Enough spice to keep it interesting and pivoting the focus to the intimacy and their emotions as they physically become closer. There is a real sense of bonding and connection throughout this whole book.
This is a really great book, low angst, dual POV, m/m, HEA. Lovely and soft and intimate. The title is so very well chosen.
Don’t read any reviews, blurbs or spoilers. Just go into this book with little to no information, you will be rewarded with a wonderful level of suspense and intrigue. The story starts unfolding at around 12%, so you dont have to wait long, but the payout is immense.
Heat is medium with many scenes going off page and fading to black. Enough spice to keep it interesting and pivoting the focus to the intimacy and their emotions as they physically become closer. There is a real sense of bonding and connection throughout this whole book.
This is a really great book, low angst, dual POV, m/m, HEA. Lovely and soft and intimate. The title is so very well chosen.
September 21, 2023
I loved this book so much. I read some of the other reviews and can see what they mean when they say there may be too many sex scenes but to me they felt needed as this was the way the characters connected to each other. And after the plot resolution I actually loved that we got so much more story. It just felt like a lovely big epilogue. The writing style is pretty amazing too. Can't wait to read more from this author.
April 9, 2021
Everyone else has said it way better than me, this book is wonderful <3
December 30, 2023
While I loved the characters and the development of the suspense plotline in the middle of the book, the first 40% and the last 20% were boring, repetitive and overly cheesy.
I liked both characters and I enjoyed having older protagonists in their 40s/50s. Neither of them had ever prioritized romantic relationships in their lives, so when they fall head over heels for each other, it was adorable how nervous they both became. They're both comfortable and confident in their professional lives but their lack of experience with romantic relationships made them understandably nervous, which manifested in adorable awkwardness. I especially liked that Alastair's lack of experience made him turn to his PA for help, which led to many funny and cute moments.
However, an editor should have taken a pair of garden shears to this book (a pair of scissors wouldn't have done the job). This book (500 pages) is nearly twice as long as an average romance book (300 pages) and it didn't need to be. The first 200 pages (!!) consist of repetitive scenes where Alastair and Jay have sex, flirt and think sappy thoughts about each other while also angsting about their relationship status. There was very little plot development and most of their conversations were repetitive. Even the sex scenes became boring because most of them were kept vague or were fade-to-black, making most scenes very similar to each other.
I was very close to DNFing the book, but I was intrigued by the reviews that hinted at an epic plot twist, so I hung in there. I'm glad I did because at 40%, the plot took off with a bang and things finally got interesting. I liked how the author paced the slow reveal of Jay's history and yes, that epic plot twist really was epic and I ended up laughing at myself because the author succeeded in tricking me. I won't spoil it, but there's some fantastic misdirection which I completely fell for. The entire suspense plotline was intense, exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author is definitely a good storyteller!
Unfortunately, I didn't like how Alastair became weak, overly emotional and prone to dramatics during
When the suspense plotline ended at 80%, I remember sighing because I had a strong suspicion that the last 100 pages would go back to the boring, repetitive cheese-fest that we had at the beginning...and I was right. Only this time, there wasn't even the angst from earlier because both Jay and Alastair are now secure in their feelings for each other. So we get scene after scene of them having the same conversations over and over again, constant love declarations, Alastair being overly emotional and the same kind of sex scenes we had earlier. I ended up skimming until the end because I was so bored.
So in conclusion, there's no reason for this book to be 500 pages and it would have been easy to get this book down to 300 pages (or lower) without impacting the plot in significant ways, which proves how bloated it was. In fact, many scenes could have been removed entirely without having to make any other changes to the book, which indicates that the scenes were pointless in the first place. Thinking that readers need multiple scenes demonstrating the same point in order for that point to come across properly is a rookie mistake that's common for beginning writers and I'm sad that the author's beta readers and/or editors didn't help the author make the necessary cuts (or that the author ignored their advice). I have no idea how many people give up on the book in the first 200 pages because of boredom but I'm wiling to bet it's quite a few, which is a shame. But I did enjoy the writing style and I loved the story and the characters so I look forward to reading more from this author.
I liked both characters and I enjoyed having older protagonists in their 40s/50s. Neither of them had ever prioritized romantic relationships in their lives, so when they fall head over heels for each other, it was adorable how nervous they both became. They're both comfortable and confident in their professional lives but their lack of experience with romantic relationships made them understandably nervous, which manifested in adorable awkwardness. I especially liked that Alastair's lack of experience made him turn to his PA for help, which led to many funny and cute moments.
However, an editor should have taken a pair of garden shears to this book (a pair of scissors wouldn't have done the job). This book (500 pages) is nearly twice as long as an average romance book (300 pages) and it didn't need to be. The first 200 pages (!!) consist of repetitive scenes where Alastair and Jay have sex, flirt and think sappy thoughts about each other while also angsting about their relationship status. There was very little plot development and most of their conversations were repetitive. Even the sex scenes became boring because most of them were kept vague or were fade-to-black, making most scenes very similar to each other.
I was very close to DNFing the book, but I was intrigued by the reviews that hinted at an epic plot twist, so I hung in there. I'm glad I did because at 40%, the plot took off with a bang and things finally got interesting. I liked how the author paced the slow reveal of Jay's history and yes, that epic plot twist really was epic and I ended up laughing at myself because the author succeeded in tricking me. I won't spoil it, but there's some fantastic misdirection which I completely fell for. The entire suspense plotline was intense, exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author is definitely a good storyteller!
Unfortunately, I didn't like how Alastair became weak, overly emotional and prone to dramatics during
When the suspense plotline ended at 80%, I remember sighing because I had a strong suspicion that the last 100 pages would go back to the boring, repetitive cheese-fest that we had at the beginning...and I was right. Only this time, there wasn't even the angst from earlier because both Jay and Alastair are now secure in their feelings for each other. So we get scene after scene of them having the same conversations over and over again, constant love declarations, Alastair being overly emotional and the same kind of sex scenes we had earlier. I ended up skimming until the end because I was so bored.
So in conclusion, there's no reason for this book to be 500 pages and it would have been easy to get this book down to 300 pages (or lower) without impacting the plot in significant ways, which proves how bloated it was. In fact, many scenes could have been removed entirely without having to make any other changes to the book, which indicates that the scenes were pointless in the first place. Thinking that readers need multiple scenes demonstrating the same point in order for that point to come across properly is a rookie mistake that's common for beginning writers and I'm sad that the author's beta readers and/or editors didn't help the author make the necessary cuts (or that the author ignored their advice). I have no idea how many people give up on the book in the first 200 pages because of boredom but I'm wiling to bet it's quite a few, which is a shame. But I did enjoy the writing style and I loved the story and the characters so I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 25, 2022
DNF @ 2%.
I don’t know what it is about the writing, but I find it incredibly grating. Maybe it’s the MC’s douchey observations of women. Maybe it’s the fact that everything is decided in two million details. Maybe it’s the chief of police being intrigued by someone drumming their fingers in a tabletop. Regardless, I’m not sticking around to suss this one out.
I don’t know what it is about the writing, but I find it incredibly grating. Maybe it’s the MC’s douchey observations of women. Maybe it’s the fact that everything is decided in two million details. Maybe it’s the chief of police being intrigued by someone drumming their fingers in a tabletop. Regardless, I’m not sticking around to suss this one out.
May 9, 2021
I can’t get over how INSANELY GOOD this book is!!
I used to frequently write reviews on here, but for various reasons I lost the motivation to write them over the past couple of years and instead would give a star rating and leave it at that. I couldn’t do that for this one. I couldn’t just give it the 5 stars it deserves without expressing in words (albeit in my usual chaotic way) just how incredible this story was, and how much I fell madly in love with it.
The Sheltering Tree was absolutely perfect and I couldn’t get enough of it. I was hooked from the very first page and I never wanted to put my Kindle down. I ended up sitting on the sofa for hours and hours because I was so engrossed in the story and the characters and the incredible love that we see developing between Alastair and Jay. When I did have to put it down and go back to the real world, it was all I could think about. This story consumed my life and I am absolutely okay with that!
I loved these characters with my whole heart. They made my heart ache, made my eyes well up with tears more than once, and I just wanted them to get their HEA so badly that my heart hurt (in the best way!). And to be honest, I could have read about them FOREVER. This isn’t a short story, but I could have quite happily read thousands more words about these two without any complaints.
I loved so many aspects of this book - the sex, the intimacy, the character development, the perfectly paced plot.... it also has older MCs which was refreshing (I don’t feel like this is done enough although that may be just because I don’t seem to see it on my feeds and recs?), and there was a healthy amount of pining and a lovely bit of angst too. I LOVE PINING AND ANGST. The sex was beautiful and emotional, the love was heart-achingly good, and there were plenty of moments that made my heart hurt but it felt SO GOOD.
The story was written SO WELL. I just can’t get over the beautiful writing - there was something so hypnotic and lovely about it. I could picture everything so perfectly in my mind, the descriptions of everything were so wonderfully done, and I just fell madly in love with each word.
This review probably makes no sense and is just a ramble. My point is this - I bloody LOVED it. I’ve read a lot of books in this genre, both good and bad, and I can say with certainty that this is one of the best I’ve ever read. It has become one of my favourite books in this genre, but also a favourite out of all the many books I’ve read in the last few years. Just.... please read this. That’s all I can say. Read it right now, and I really hope you’ll love it as much as I did.
I used to frequently write reviews on here, but for various reasons I lost the motivation to write them over the past couple of years and instead would give a star rating and leave it at that. I couldn’t do that for this one. I couldn’t just give it the 5 stars it deserves without expressing in words (albeit in my usual chaotic way) just how incredible this story was, and how much I fell madly in love with it.
The Sheltering Tree was absolutely perfect and I couldn’t get enough of it. I was hooked from the very first page and I never wanted to put my Kindle down. I ended up sitting on the sofa for hours and hours because I was so engrossed in the story and the characters and the incredible love that we see developing between Alastair and Jay. When I did have to put it down and go back to the real world, it was all I could think about. This story consumed my life and I am absolutely okay with that!
I loved these characters with my whole heart. They made my heart ache, made my eyes well up with tears more than once, and I just wanted them to get their HEA so badly that my heart hurt (in the best way!). And to be honest, I could have read about them FOREVER. This isn’t a short story, but I could have quite happily read thousands more words about these two without any complaints.
I loved so many aspects of this book - the sex, the intimacy, the character development, the perfectly paced plot.... it also has older MCs which was refreshing (I don’t feel like this is done enough although that may be just because I don’t seem to see it on my feeds and recs?), and there was a healthy amount of pining and a lovely bit of angst too. I LOVE PINING AND ANGST. The sex was beautiful and emotional, the love was heart-achingly good, and there were plenty of moments that made my heart hurt but it felt SO GOOD.
The story was written SO WELL. I just can’t get over the beautiful writing - there was something so hypnotic and lovely about it. I could picture everything so perfectly in my mind, the descriptions of everything were so wonderfully done, and I just fell madly in love with each word.
This review probably makes no sense and is just a ramble. My point is this - I bloody LOVED it. I’ve read a lot of books in this genre, both good and bad, and I can say with certainty that this is one of the best I’ve ever read. It has become one of my favourite books in this genre, but also a favourite out of all the many books I’ve read in the last few years. Just.... please read this. That’s all I can say. Read it right now, and I really hope you’ll love it as much as I did.
April 11, 2021
J.R. Lawrie has written a beautiful marvel in The Sheltering Tree, with descriptive and tender words that made me gasp, swoon and sigh. It’s a powerful and passionate story and the sparks can be felt from the first interactions between the main characters.
In the beginning, the sweet chemistry between Jay and Alastair is like a gently blooming flower – gradual and delicate but also compelling and evocative. Each protagonist endears themselves to the reader in very different ways, Jay with his vulnerability and passion and Alastair with his dedication and protectiveness.
Some books go to sleep in your mind between the periods of reading but some – like this one – stay in your conscious, murmuring at you until you pick the Kindle back up. I eagerly attended to tasks so I could return to Alastair and Jay’s world as quickly as possible!
I very rarely quote from the books I read as I prefer to take the story as a whole and garner my own impression from it as a complete work, but J.R.’s words were often poetic and so completely perfect that I highlighted several passages for myself, which I seldom do. This one is particularly moving: “Outside these woods, every clock had come to a stop. Every person stood frozen in time, an illusion waiting to resume. Only Alastair’s body, pressing him here, against this tree, was really real. Alastair’s pulse, quick and hard against his own, was the only other living pulse.”
The Sheltering Tree is a roller coaster of emotions, which flows between sweet and romantic, to charged, with suspense and tension. Taken all together it makes for a remarkable experience. J.R. Lawrie’s first full-length novel is extremely well written and will be highly sought after by readers looking for an edgy read in a character driven story. I can’t wait to see what J.R. brings out next!
In the beginning, the sweet chemistry between Jay and Alastair is like a gently blooming flower – gradual and delicate but also compelling and evocative. Each protagonist endears themselves to the reader in very different ways, Jay with his vulnerability and passion and Alastair with his dedication and protectiveness.
Some books go to sleep in your mind between the periods of reading but some – like this one – stay in your conscious, murmuring at you until you pick the Kindle back up. I eagerly attended to tasks so I could return to Alastair and Jay’s world as quickly as possible!
I very rarely quote from the books I read as I prefer to take the story as a whole and garner my own impression from it as a complete work, but J.R.’s words were often poetic and so completely perfect that I highlighted several passages for myself, which I seldom do. This one is particularly moving: “Outside these woods, every clock had come to a stop. Every person stood frozen in time, an illusion waiting to resume. Only Alastair’s body, pressing him here, against this tree, was really real. Alastair’s pulse, quick and hard against his own, was the only other living pulse.”
The Sheltering Tree is a roller coaster of emotions, which flows between sweet and romantic, to charged, with suspense and tension. Taken all together it makes for a remarkable experience. J.R. Lawrie’s first full-length novel is extremely well written and will be highly sought after by readers looking for an edgy read in a character driven story. I can’t wait to see what J.R. brings out next!
April 29, 2024
Reread (for the umpteenth time) April 2024, still utterly wonderful, still a wholly deserved 5 stars.
_______________
Oh my heart. This book. THIS BOOK.
My book of the year so far, for sure. The main characters, the side characters, the settings, the descriptions all weave together to make something utterly remarkable. I want to call it a modern fairytale but it feels too real for that.
Yes there's tension and drama and that part is thrilling in itself (and never too much) – but what I like most is that it doesn't end at the climax. This is about two mature people from different lives meeting, and falling in love, and living, and navigating through things and carrying on living after life throws shit at you. The pacing is fantastic, and just existing with Alastair and Jay in the final chapters was a perfect balm.
One of the very few books I finished and immediately started again - the last book I had that with was The Sea Ain't Mine Alone. Different setting and vibe, but same tone. If you like that, seriously cannot recommend this enough.
(My only minor quibble is Manchester being given a bad rep all round. I live here. Most parts are GREAT!)
_______________
Oh my heart. This book. THIS BOOK.
My book of the year so far, for sure. The main characters, the side characters, the settings, the descriptions all weave together to make something utterly remarkable. I want to call it a modern fairytale but it feels too real for that.
Yes there's tension and drama and that part is thrilling in itself (and never too much) – but what I like most is that it doesn't end at the climax. This is about two mature people from different lives meeting, and falling in love, and living, and navigating through things and carrying on living after life throws shit at you. The pacing is fantastic, and just existing with Alastair and Jay in the final chapters was a perfect balm.
One of the very few books I finished and immediately started again - the last book I had that with was The Sea Ain't Mine Alone. Different setting and vibe, but same tone. If you like that, seriously cannot recommend this enough.
(My only minor quibble is Manchester being given a bad rep all round. I live here. Most parts are GREAT!)
December 17, 2023
4.5 Stars. This is a beautiful, charming story that is very elegantly written and I actually enjoyed the longer length.
Jay and Alastair are so romantic and sensual together and I loved reading this.
The only thing that prevented me from wholly enjoying this was that the dialogue came across a bit too formal and pretentious quite often and it pulled me out of the story.
Jay and Alastair are so romantic and sensual together and I loved reading this.
The only thing that prevented me from wholly enjoying this was that the dialogue came across a bit too formal and pretentious quite often and it pulled me out of the story.
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