★★★★★

Book Blurb

Elise Cormier has hated Cole Whitehurst since she was five years old. He’s always known just how to make her feel dumb, shabby, and — worst of all — invisible. 

Even when they live under the same roof.

But that’s where Elise learns Cole’s terrible secret and why he is the way he is. Despite how he’s always treated her, Elise becomes his ally.

Cole Whitehurst has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Day in and day out, it’s up to him to keep his mother and sister safe. He’s used to giving up everything he wants in order to protect them.

And there’s nothing he wants more than Elise Cormier.

Cole has no business falling for his housekeeper’s daughter, but how could he resist? She’s funny. She’s real. And he trusts her with his life.

But, as Cole knows, loving someone comes with a price, and it may take him years to pay it.

My Review

Shelter by Stephanie Fournet is easily one of the best books I have read this year. I haven’t read nearly enough in the last few years, and clearly I have missed out on this author’s books. I was captivated from the start. It is not often that I say “wow” to myself within the first paragraph, but I was blown away by her storytelling and her beautiful prose within the first few sentences.

Her descriptions are so clear it’s like a movie playing out in front of me. I could see and feel every emotion and expression on the main characters’ faces and I needed to know more. It took me far too long to get through it, but it wasn’t because I didn’t want to read it all in one sitting (I did!), I just didn’t allow myself enough time for it.

The book was heartbreaking, but in the way that makes you so grateful for the things you have and the other people in your life. Around 75% of the way through I knew something was going to throw a wrench into things, but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

I would hands down recommend this book to anyone who loves a solid romance fraught with conflict, pain and real everyday issues. You won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up!