Although the writing was good and the description of the world brings it too life, the characters just did not connect with me or seem really to connect with each other.
Overall the story was very disappointing with a lack of depth.

This was an entertaining read. I liked the writing style and I enjoyed both the characters and the plot.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
I’m still not quite sure what to make of this story. Part fantasy and part romance, there isn’t quite enough world building for readers to understand where it sits in time and place and the characters share far too few emotions for a romance.

It took me far too long to engage with either Grif or Kiernan. Grif starts out brutish and cruel while Kiernan is whiny and helpless. Not enough backstory is shared to give readers any real insight into either of these characters, so I struggled to care about their survival. And at its core, this is a survival story. Most of the book focuses on the men’s daily struggle for food and shelter.

There is sex in the book but while descriptions are quite graphic, the scenes lack heat and the sex often feels somewhat utilitarian. The relationship between Kiernan and Grif builds to an unconvincing happy for now.

I struggled with this story. I’m not a huge fantasy fan and I need a whole lot of world and character building when I do engage with fantasy. This sits somewhere between fantasy and historic fiction and it lacks the human emotion I need to engage with a story. Parts of it read like Game of Thrones fanfic and I’m guessing GOT fans might enjoy this more than I did.

3.5 Stars

Grif had a decision to make—either succumb to his exhaustion and the worsening elements on the mountain he traveled, or try to survive and live to fight another day. The decision was difficult, primarily because Grif was so utterly alone—no friends, no family, or a job to occupy his sword. When he fell off the cliff due to the fatigue and blinding snow he traveled in, he thought that was the end.

When Kiernan saw the man literally fall from the sky, he knew he had to help him. Being a small man with little less than what he could carry on his back in terms of provisions, Kiernan managed to drag the man into his makeshift camp and warm him up, intending to share what little he had with the man should he survive the night. Little did he ever think he was saving a man who would later physically harm him, and also steal all his worldly goods. But Kiernan had a mission, and he was determined to continue on his mission despite the weather and the foul, mean-spirited Grif. The quest that found him traveling the mountains at the onset of winter was given to him by the son of the Tsarn he had sworn his fealty to, and the same son he had been discovered laying with a man Kiernan secretly loved and foolishly trusted.

Unfortunately, Kiernan was to figure out that love was one-sided, and his mission may indeed have been just a way of getting rid of him. Now, he was on a fool’s errand with a man who wanted no part of a friendship beyond using his meager supplies and occasionally scratching the itch of sexual tension that lurked beneath the surface for both of them. But to admit what was staring him in the face meant he had nothing to return home for, and Kiernan could not allow that idea to be true. Until he decided whether or not to continue on the mission he’d been given, Kiernan must survive the harsh elements and somehow find a peaceful way to coexist with Grif, whose help he desperately needed. That would be a challenge to say the least.

Shelter from the Storm felt like only the beginning of a potentially good novel. So many pieces seemed to be missing, including some type of epilogue that gave us a hint that the HFN ending we were handed would either blossom or dissolve. There were many other elements to the story that left me hankering for more. For instance, the author chose to barely scratch the surface of Grif’s past by dropping just a few tiny clues as to how he had been treated poorly, both sexually and as a sword for hire. You get the impression at the beginning of the book that Grif has burned his last bridge, possibly cheated, killed and ruined his reputation for good, but we never get a real explanation as to why he has or what culminating experience drove him to such desperate decisions.

Then there was Kiernan, who, in my opinion, was much more developed and gave us at least a better glimpse into his past, but I never got a sense of place or a definitive time period from either character’s past or present. I think we were in medieval times, due to Grif mentioning he was a sword for hire, but I must tell you that this read as more of a survival guide in the frozen wilderness than a historical romance.

I could go on but suffice it to say that I really admire Kate Sherwood and her writing abilities, but this one left me scratching my head as to why she chose to give us what appeared to be just a partial story with characters that weren’t particularly alluring to me and for whom I could muster little sympathy or concern over.

Reviewed by Sammy

3.5 stars. Another Kate Sherwood that made me happy with realistic characters. Kiernan is young and naive, but has a good heart. Grif is older, world-weary and worn down by the large and small betrayals of life. Kiernan is not a good man (yet) because this is the first time he's really experiencing life outside his small piece of it and <spoiler>because he's being betrayed by his poorly-chosen lover</spoiler>. Grif is not a nice man because his much-wider world has been kicking him when he was down for a long time now. When Grif gives up and Kiernan rescues him from hypothermia all bets are off. I enjoyed watching the two of them make each other better people.

I like a good survival story and I love reading about trying to survive in the elements so there were parts of this book I really enjoyed. However, I wish there had been a bit more growth fro Grif and I wish we had a bit more world building. This takes place in a world that isn't ours but we really don't find out much about it. What we do get is a real sense of trying to survive in the barren, snowy and cold arctic conditions and the harshness of the elements. The book is really about the two MC's and there aren't really any secondary characters or subplots just the two main characters trying to survive. I'm not sure I'd call this a romance although there was definitely a relationship developing between Grif and Kiernan. I liked that Grif was trying to protect Kiernan and Kiernan realized this since it wasn't in any traditional way. Grif's character just made me a bit sad and the story needed an epilogue badly. It ended in a HFN but even that wasn't clear cut.

There’s a lot of information about how to survive harsh winter weather in primitive conditions in this book, way more of that than actual romance.

The plot had potential. Grif, a sellsword, is so tired of his life that he hikes out into the wintry mountains to die. His plans are foiled when he’s found by a young man named Kiernan, who cares for Grif after a fall. Grif then decides that he wants to live, and he bullies Kiernan into accompanying him back down the mountains by threatening to take his supplies. Kiernan resists, as he has his own mission to complete beyond the mountain range. But Grif knows going any deeper into the mountains would be a death sentence for Kiernan, and he is reluctant to let the naïve young man throw his life away when caring for Kiernan has given Grif’s life new meaning.

Not a bad setup, but the execution was lacking. I didn’t mind some of the winter survival stuff—building a den out of snow, setting snares, butchering a deer, etc.—while the two of them were getting to know each other. There’s too much of it, though. And the part of the plot involving Kiernan being sent to his death doesn’t get a satisfactory solution. Grif and Kiernan just decide to go off together, when a confrontation with the villain of the piece would have been much more satisfying. As it was, the ending fell flat.

I’ve read some other books by the author, and this one isn’t her best effort. Sacrati has some of the same elements and a more interesting plot; I’d recommend that instead.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

This book was incredibly different than anything I've read from this author in the past, but it was well-written and flowed well. I wasn't sure what to think when I picked it up, but it was a quick and enjoyable read.

Shelter from the Storm was so incredibly different from what I’ve been reading lately and I loved every bit of it. I don’t know if I’d classify this novella more as a fantasy or historical romance but it has that other worldly, non-contemporary feel to it. There isn’t substantial world building, but it didn’t feel scant on details either. Rather, the book focused on the environment and the elements the men faced as they tried to survive a winter in the mountains.

A survival story, Shelter from the Storm features an experienced mountain man who’s all but given up on life unexpectedly meeting up with an inexperienced man on a mission. The men get trapped in a winter storm in the mountains and rely on one another to survive. The author did a fantastic job making the environmental factors into a secondary character. The stark coldness and barren areas felt alive and substantial, lending an intensity that created a different sort of conflict for characters to face in a romance and providing ample opportunity for both men to grow over the course of the winter.

The romance between Grif and Kiernan was steady and unrushed. Considering the shorter length, I was impressed with just how palpable the connection was between the men, delivering both a good amount of steam and emotional depth. Between the romance, setting, and characters, I found myself completely submerged in the story and would definitely recommend Shelter from the Storm to anyone looking for a romance that’s a bit different.

This was another short read, although a little longer than a couple of others I've read recently. It's also another one that I didn't feel was lacking. Although, I kind of wanted to see where these two end up in the future. 

Grif was a hard guy to like to begin with, even when you got his POV. He grew on me though, a little faster than he grew on Kiernan. Kiernan was definitely naïve, but it wasn't really a bad trait. He just didn't have as much life experience as Grif. Given the fact that his life experience was the main reason he'd had enough. 

If these two had met under different circumstances, they never would have stood a chance. Their worlds were too far apart. Turns out a change was what they both needed. 

It's been a while since I've read any books by Kate Sherwood, but I haven't been disappointed yet. As a matter of fact, her Common Law series was one of my 2017 favorites. The only other book by her that I've read was Mark of Cain, which was another one of her stand-alones. I'm glad I stumbled on this ARC because it reminded me that I need to check out some of her other series and keep my eyes open for any new books in the future.

Shelter From The Storm by Kate Sherwood

When I finished reading last night (at 3:30 am) I thought, “M/M…or is it…M/m fantasy fairy tale.” With Griff the rather gruff sellsword starting out the story two weeks into on his journey while at the lowest point in his life and thinking he is ready to pack it in somewhere in the snowy mountains he keeps plodding only to fall off a cliff and…be saved by Kiernan. Now, Kiernan is much softer and some younger and totally clueless in more ways in one BUT also much more clued in to what he wants and…that is…Griff. This is a survival story with Griff teaching Kiernan many skills while Kiernan opened Griff’s heart and created a life that was so much better than he had experienced before. And, over time their relationship grows and changes significantly creating a sense of trust, caring, sharing and also the potential for a future together.

Did I like this novella? I must have – stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
Would I read more by this author? Yes

I can see this as the introduction to a series set in the mythical land Griff and Kiernan speak of and would enjoy reading such a series if it existed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

"Shelter from the Storm" is set in a largely undefined vaguely fantasy world of mercenaries, healers, kingdoms, but the story takes place entirely on a mountain, with two men trying to survive a long cold winter. Kiernan is younger, an idealist, a healer's apprentice who has been sent into the mountain on a important mission .... or is it a fool's errand? Grif is weary of his mercenary life (he's described as a "sellsword") and walks off into the snow, hoping for an easy death. But his fall off a cliff lands him on Kiernan's tent, which the utterly unprepared younger man unknowingly pitched in the perfect spot to keep the wind from blowing it down.

The language here is sparse and lean, much like the landscape. This is NOT a romance with a HEA; there are a few sex scenes, and a certain chemistry that develops between the two men, but this is a survival story with a M/M element. There's a lot of information about surviving the winter, including building protective snow barriers, drinking boiled blood to keep the body strong, animal guts and all sorts of gore that I found incredibly fascinating. This small struggle to survive, minuscule in the world in which it exists, feels quietly epic to me. 3.5 stars.

This read to me as slice of (fantasy) life, part of bigger and all-encompassing story. It was fun, enjoyable, even heart-warming despite the freezing vibe throughout the story. But as much as I loved Grif and Kieran, the full story seemed to elude me.

“Shelter from the Storm” recounted the journey of Grif and Kiernan, two total strangers with contrary backgrounds, purposes, and personalities. A fantasy set in fictional Whitetooth Mountains on early Winter, the story followed the men’s first meeting (or as I first to say: finding) to their bickering the whole time they were trying to survive the Winter in the mountains and (then) fulfill their mission(s). Grif was an ass of the highest order (Kieran dubbed him as the Highly Annoying Man) yet turned out he had a soft spot for Kieran. Grif was forever tricking and provoking Kieran with outrageous statement or behavior, then doing something that ease the hurdle they faced while shouldering most of the hassle himself.

Now, I loved opposites attract and redeemed rake tropes as depicted by Grif and Kieran here. However, I felt this story was lack of full situation and closure on both men. I got bits and pieces from Grif’s and Kieran’s POVs when they thought back on their life, but not enough to fully comprehend it. Mostly, I just guessed or assumed. As I pointed out earlier, this made it as if the book was part of something more. I don’t know if there will be sequel to this book or not, as far as I know “Shelter from the Storm” is a standalone. I’m keen if the author write sequel/series following this, for sure.

To summarize, I enjoyed Grif’s and Kiernan’s adventures, their silly arguments, the gradual affection they had for each other but I just wish the story could be tweaked so that I could know more. All I can say to underline my thought is to quote what Kiernan told Grif.
”I’d never know. About Vin, and why he sent me on this mission. I’d never be sure exactly what he was thinking.”
Ditto, Kieran. And wouldn’t we want a story on that... *wink wink*


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am reluctant to call this a <i>traditional</i> romance. Honestly, this feels more like reading about a book on how to survive in the mountains during hard winter. There were a LOT of description of how one of the two men either setting up fire, setting up snare, preparing the food in terms of rabbit, squirrel, deer ... there are mentioned of the animals' blood, innard, intestines (because apparently they are prepared as bow strings), and brain somewhere.

When I reached the tentative ending, I still felt like I didn't know much about either Grif and Kiernan -- other than there's at least a decade between them, Grif has been living a hard live, and Kiernan is pretty sheltered and naive -- or the 'world' where this novella was set. I didn't really believe they will be together forever after they came back from the mountain as well *shrugs*

At least Sherwood's writing is good as ever.

Grif a tough mercenary, not really sure why he went into the snow covered mountains. Only knew he was tired, of everything. He didn't go there to die but if that happened it was ok. Trudging along he finally felt warm, wanting to sleep. Knowing he wouldn't ever wake up. Then he fell off a cliff.

Kiernan is surprised when the man landed in the snow. Afraid to make his injuries worse but knowing he needs to get him to shelter, he drags him to his tent. When Grif wakes up he defends himself against a potential enemy. Not realizing he was dealing with a spoiled boy with no practical experience in life. Kiernan has been sent on an important journey by his lover and rulers son. Expecting to only take a few days to get where he had been sent. When he finds out it will take a lot longer than that he is determined to finish his mission. Grif disabused him of that notion fairly quick by stealing his supplies.

Grif takes care of the boy, realizing quickly that Kiernan is a man, even if he acts like a child. They begin to work together to survive. Kiernan soaking up Grif’s knowledge. Grif hopes he can keep them alive. The mountain is not a kind place to be. Their struggle to stay alive bringing them closer.

Grif came to care for Kiernan a little bit at a time. Kiernan needed Grif in the beginning, but I think Grif needed him just as much. I liked how that need changed to want and progressed to caring. The hardened heart and the pure soul slotted together nicely. I wish it had been longer. HFN is ok but I really needed them settled into a good happy life. Still a nice story though.

Sherwood's writing here is stark but lovely. The world building is minimal, but I felt the snow and ice, experienced the abject terror of trying to survive in a barren, frozen tundra.

The setting had a Medieval feel; this is only a fantasy in the sense that the world isn't ours.

Both MCs have a voice, and there is an undeniable connection between them. There are no subplots or secondary characters. This is a pure survival story, with a side of romance.

Scratch that. I'm not sure this is a romance exactly, but the relationship is front and center.

I would have found the reading experience less solemn had Grif shown more emotional growth. I understood Grif's fears, his utter reluctance to believe he could love and be loved, but it made for a rather sad story.

Kiernan tried. Even after he threw out accusations, Kiernan understood that Grif had protected him in his own way.

The ending is a reluctant HFN. We're abandoned with a glimmer of hope. This story desperately needed an epilogue to feel complete.

I had a hard time getting into this relationship. Grif is a callous, nasty type and Kiernan seems very immature. There's not much plot.. The whole story is about the two of them getting through harsh conditions. It was an OK read but not a keeper.

Let's say I was expecting a fantasy novel and not son m/m erotica. The story need some fleshing and more development and world building.
I liked the two characters and their relationship.
Many thanks to Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC

3* Really lacklustre. Not sure why I persisted with this one.

I can only summarise this tale this way: it feels like a synopsis of a novel that needs fleshing out. Nothing about it made me feel that I knew the setting, the guys, their quests, where they would end up and why the author told us they'd fallen for each other. I didn't like the older lead's threats and physical violence to the younger, despite the 'foreign lands' setting that might allow for it, and I ended the tale feeling as if my time could have been better spent.

ARC courtesy of Riptide Publishing and NetGalley, for my reading pleasure.

(3.5 stars)

this was a character-driven romance novella about a naive young man who saves a grumpy-ass sellsword in the mountains, and their quest to survive the winter.

i found it quite entertaining, and i thought the characters were well-developed for a novella, as well as the romance. i would have liked a little epilogue maybe, just showing them merchanting in a city (and possibly encountering vin and kicking his ass) but oh well.