Shield

by Angela Wolbert

Lilly Whelan never intended for any of this to happen. Working to convert an old warehouse into a shelter for the needy was her life, her way of quieting the ghosts of her past. She didn't have anything else. Until she meets Miller Locklin. With his disheveled appearance and bright blue eyes that seem to see right into her soul, Miller draws her to him with an almost inexplicable force. Equally strange is how he seems to be similarly drawn to her, almost like he needs her. But there's something very different about him, something she can't put her finger on. He knows too much. Things he has no way of knowing, sometimes even before they happen. Things no one could ever know . . .

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2010

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 4.5 stars. This is a wonderful, character driven romance with a few "quirky" additions not usually found in a love story. Lilly is helping a few other people remodel an old warehouse into a place for people to go when they have no other place left. Lilly is motivated to help because of her background as a foster child and witnessing some pretty horrible things during that time. She always felt that if someone had a safe place to go some of these things might have been prevented.

While working at the site she meets a new volunteer, Miller. Miller is a lanky, quiet, disheveled guy who doesn't communicate much nor seems to like to be around other people. But he plays piano and guitar beautifully, works hard and Lilly is drawn to him. They form a friendship but Lilly would really like more but is having a hard time getting Miller to really communicate with her. And he disappears at the strangest times.

Without trying to spoil anything, it seems that Miller can "feel" what people are thinking, feeling and fearing. And, sometimes, agonizingly, he embodies these feelings and thoughts into himself which exhausts and sickens him. Sometimes for days. Lilly starts to understand what is happening and a lot of this story is about her trying to help him and falling for him.

I love Angela Wolbert's writing. She focuses on the main characters even while there are many other interesting characters wandering around the story. She never loses focus on who the book is really about. And you get to know these characters in depth and you really like them and know what makes them tick.

My only complaint about "Shield" was the lack of any focus on the sexual relationship that obviously developed. A main part of the story was Miller's ability to read what was in Lilly's eyes. Wouldn't it have been great to know what was in those eyes as they made love.

But, just a wonderful story from a wonderful writer.

[LAKristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and edited stand-alone book.

A few other readers have noted that this was a slow start for them, it confused them and they gave up. First, don't give up. I actually think the slow, confusing opening is by design. It seems like the author is not only telling us what the main character is thinking, but also helping the reader experience her confusion and frustration with the bits and pieces of the story. The impatience and frustration I felt at the beginning (where I did have to go back and reread some pages, thinking I was missing stuff -- but I wasn't) is sort of doubly ironic as the story progresses, and I think ultimately really enhances the emotional experience of the story.

Although there are romantic elements, I'm not sure this is a romance. It is a very sweet, mysterious story about two people who have trouble connecting with the world-at-large, but are inextricably drawn to each other. Romance does come (and that's not a spoiler,) but to me, this story is more about loneliness, guilt and redemption than romance.

For those who've read A More Deserving Blackness, the only two similarities are there are two people who need each other for unusual reasons. This is truly a completely different book with a radically different style, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book -- I respect the author even more for her ability to so skillfully share interesting, unique stories without turning every idea into a series.

Strongly recommend.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

at first i didnt know if i would like this book because i thought it was going to be another book about vampires or werewolves (even though i love reading those books they can get a little bit boring at times) but i was pleasently suprised to find that this book did not revolve around them at all but something completely different altogether,, it was nice to read something other than the typical new guy at school who turns out to be a brooding vampire or the myserious looking guy who is a werewolf,, this book starts off slow at first but it quickly picks up once you get into it and keeps you interested at whats going to happen next,, and through out the book you learn to love the two main characters (lilly and miller) in the story and you learn why he needs her so much and how she keeps him grounded when things get too tough for him,, its a moving story about young love and how hard life can be when you got no control over what would/could happen next,, especially when you are a young boy who has the ability to feel what everyone else around you is feeling and how painful it is to see/feel so much pain and terror and how he has suffered over the years until he met her,, i really enjoyed this book because it was different from the other books that i have read recently and its nice to read something other than vampires and werewolves for a change.

[Luli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro no sé cómo describirlo. Por un lado tiene los ingredientes que hacen que una historia me guste muchísimo, pero por otro lado, no ha conseguido capturame…
Lilly es una chica encantadora, con un pasado triste, que se dedica a trabajar en la construcción de una casa de acogida para mujeres sin recursos y/o con problemas; es su manera de “luchar” contra su pasado. Miller es un chico tímido e introvertido, que llega a trabajar en esta casa de acogida y allí se enamoran el uno del otro.
El romance es muy tierno y muy bonito (seguramente alguien pensará que también un poco empalagoso, puede ser…pero es muy tierno…) pero…eso es lo único que hay…
Creo que este ha sido mi problema…igual si la propia construcción del albergue, el “secreto” de Miller o ese “evento trágico” que ocurre al final del libro hubiesen tenido más peso en la historia, o los personajes secundarios hubiesen tenido más líneas, más desarrollo, me habría enganchado y afectado más, pero a pesar de que me ha gustado el romance (dos personas con bagaje y heridas que intentan construirse un futuro y no dejan que su pasado los domine) creo que ha faltado algo en la historia.
Aún así, es un libro muy tierno y con un bonito romance.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I downloaded this after enjoying the authors other book 'A More Deserving Blackness'. This one was totally different and it definitely had a different theme. The other novel hooked me from the first paragraph but this one was really slow moving, so slow I nearly gave up on it but I persevered but still, it is not really my kind of book.

Lilly is working to convert an old warehouse into a shelter for the needy. When Miller comes to volunteer, Lilly is drawn to him. As I say, it's slow moving and it's not a typical romance. Miller is different, he senses peoples auras. This is a gentle romance, the sex scenes are not particularly detailed.

I much preferred her other novel but I'm sure other people will like this book. The author can definitely write. I look forward to reading another story from her.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place during a time when the main characters are involved in building a shelter that offers support to at-risk women suffering from violence or abuse and people with mental health issues, for example. The characters are crusaders and passionate about what they do in many cases because of things they've experienced in their own lives. Add in a love story between a tortured hero that relies on the heroine to "shield" him from some of the things he experiences due to a special ability of his own and you have a well-rounded story. The story even has some intense action that keeps the reader engaged. I'm interested in Wolbert's other work.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very vague it took about 50% in the book to get some background info about the main characters.

Lilly Whelan works hard in an old warehouse to help turn it into a shelter, Miller is a helper he keeps to himself and works hard. Miller seems different and the more Lilly spend time with him to more she falls for him.

The story was lacking character development, we don't get to know more about the characters except of what's happening inside the building. The words embarrassed and sorry were on almost every page.
Lilly comes off as Bella and Miller as an Edward.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to.

[Wendy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK! It's a story of a mysterious man and the woman who falls for him. He's a loner, won't touch people, and doesn't associate with others if he can help it. After he volunteers to help renovate an old building, things start to happen. You might think that doesn't sound like much of a story, but the reasons behind his actions and what happens when he becomes involved in the lives of those around him is. I would definitely read this one again!

[Lately25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

I really enjoyed this book immensely, so much so that it took me days to read it because I would continuously reread certain parts over and over again. I fell in love with the tortured sensitive hero; and for a moment I was annoyed with the heroine, until I realized it was because her inquisitive and quick to snap nature reminded me of myself, LOL. The storyline flowed perfectly, and I truly enjoyed this author's work and cannot wait to read more.

[Karoline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Angela Wolbert's heroes. They are so sweet, kind and understanding. Miller was so good to Lilly and I loved the way their relationship grew. The only thing I had a problem with was the "something different" about Miller. I just wasn't totally...sold on it I guess. Like another reviewer said, that aspect wasn't explored or explained at all. But I still very much enjoyed this book. I really look forward to hearing more from this author.

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for a great slow and sweet romance. Shame the sex scenes were skipped.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Johanna Haas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't make it through the first chapter. Very poorly written.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love your books!