Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Shelter of his Heart
SERIES: Carlisle Universe
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Andrew Grey Books
LENGTH: 104 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2026
BLURB:
College professor Jameson Kline has a good life, if a little quiet and maybe lonely. But all that changes when he encounters his high school crush, Todd, and Todd’s young son, in the woods at the back of the local park. Not knowing what else to do, he takes them home and gives them dinner and a place to rest for a while.
Todd Morris is ashamed of his current situation, but unsure of how to come back from losing nearly everything, especially a home and safety for his son, Kenny. With Jameson’s help, Todd begins to piece their lives back together one step at a time. But being without a steady home has left a mark that’s hard to overcome, including not being able to rely on others for anything.
As Jameson helps Todd get his feet under him again one step at a time, Todd’s heart opens to Jameson’s kindness and old feelings find new life. But Todd and Kenny’s old life refuses to go quietly, putting Kenny in danger. As they work together to rebuild and keep Kenny safe, Todd and Jameson’s simmering attraction grows more intense and possibilities open for both of them, if they can hold the threat at bay.
REVIEW:
I always enjoy my trips to the Carlisle Universe that Author Andrew Grey takes us on. This trip was particularly touching.
Jameson “Jamie” Kline leads a quiet, and possibly a bit lonely, and comfortable life. He’s on track for tenure at the local college in Carlisle and enjoys teaching his students. While out walking his sweet dog Cindy he comes upon a blast from his past. The boy that he had a crush on in high school is now in need of his help. Todd Morris has come upon hard times. His mom passed away and his jobs dried up. Living in a tent with his five year old son Kenny was never in the plans. But getting a job while homeless and phone-less is almost impossible to do. When his high school acquaintance takes them home and gives them food and shelter it’s almost too much to imagine! And discovering that they both had crushes on the other when they were younger is a shock! But can these men make a go of it years later?
I really, really loved this novella. Jamie is a sweetheart and opening his home and life to a former classmate with a young son was such a selfless thing to do. And even though he shared with Todd that story from high school and that he admitted his crush, I truly believe he did what he did because he is a good person who cares. Poor Todd has had his share of more downs than ups but he never gave up. And he always made sure that Kenny was safe and fed. Even if if it meant he did without. He was a honorable man and a devoted father. He just needed a helping hand to get back up again. And Jamie was right there to give it.
The whole saga with Charlie was terrifying. Drugs and psychosis in homeless encampments are rampant. Add in the obvious medical problems and it makes a person very unstable and extremely dangerous. It was disconcerting that the beat patrol officers weren’t as concerned about Charlie at the beginning but thankfully Carter did!
I loved this story so much and really didn’t want it to end. Kenny was so precious and brilliant. Todd was the salt of the earth and Jamie is the friend that you always wanted. Together they made the perfect family! This hit me hard right in the feels of what can happen if someone just offers a helping hand. 💝
RATING: 
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