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Watchdog Mountain Division #1
Bear on the Mountain
When the law can't protect you, Mountain Division can.
These former soldiers returned home from war torn countries, changed by the injustices they'd seen. The pain and fear in a woman’s eye. The mistrust in a child’s careful smile. They did what they could to right the wrongs that hid their faces in shadows. As civilians back in the U.S. they’re still on a mission to help the wronged who can find no justice and no peace in a broken system.
Jonathan “Bear” Behr, a former Army Ranger, has been roaming the country aimlessly after the atrocities he's seen. A mountain man at heart, he returns to Lyons, Colorado where he grew up and takes a temporary job as a handyman for a bodyguard company. After that, he plans to move on to Texas for the winter. Until he meets Ellie, a woman on the run from her abusive family. Ellie has inherited a rundown cabin in the mountains and she is determined to make it her home, even if she has to fix it up alone.
Despite his best efforts to avoid entanglements, Bear can't help but fall for sweet Ellie as he helps her fix up her cabin, until their grumpy and sunshine relationship grows into a passionate romance.
Meanwhile, Bear's old friends are trying to recruit him into Mountain Division. Bear resists, not wanting to face any of his old ghosts. But as Ellie's family tracks her down and threatens her, Bear must use his skills and the help of Mountain Division to save the woman he’s come to love more than life. As Bear and Ellie confront the dangers of their pasts, can they protect their future together?
Olivia Michaels Watchdog Security Series and Watchdog Protectors Series are now joined by Watchdog Mountain Division -- a series about mountain men and brothers in arms who find love while protecting their Rocky Mountain small town from human predators.
These former soldiers returned home from war torn countries, changed by the injustices they'd seen. The pain and fear in a woman’s eye. The mistrust in a child’s careful smile. They did what they could to right the wrongs that hid their faces in shadows. As civilians back in the U.S. they’re still on a mission to help the wronged who can find no justice and no peace in a broken system.
Jonathan “Bear” Behr, a former Army Ranger, has been roaming the country aimlessly after the atrocities he's seen. A mountain man at heart, he returns to Lyons, Colorado where he grew up and takes a temporary job as a handyman for a bodyguard company. After that, he plans to move on to Texas for the winter. Until he meets Ellie, a woman on the run from her abusive family. Ellie has inherited a rundown cabin in the mountains and she is determined to make it her home, even if she has to fix it up alone.
Despite his best efforts to avoid entanglements, Bear can't help but fall for sweet Ellie as he helps her fix up her cabin, until their grumpy and sunshine relationship grows into a passionate romance.
Meanwhile, Bear's old friends are trying to recruit him into Mountain Division. Bear resists, not wanting to face any of his old ghosts. But as Ellie's family tracks her down and threatens her, Bear must use his skills and the help of Mountain Division to save the woman he’s come to love more than life. As Bear and Ellie confront the dangers of their pasts, can they protect their future together?
Olivia Michaels Watchdog Security Series and Watchdog Protectors Series are now joined by Watchdog Mountain Division -- a series about mountain men and brothers in arms who find love while protecting their Rocky Mountain small town from human predators.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
631 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Michaels
20 books96 followersOlivia Michaels is a life-long reader, dog-lover, gardener, and a certified beachaholic. When she’s not throwing a Frisbee for her fur-baby, harvesting tomatoes, or writing, you can find her playing in the surf, kayaking, or kicking back on the sand and cracking open a romantic beach read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 8, 2025
I didn't realize this one was a spin off series, felt a bit lost with some of the other characters, but could still follow along.
The couple really got to me. Both of them were just yearning to find a place to fit in and be safe. Luckily they found it with each other. The way that they were smitten with each other was so cute, yet they also let the other know they were interested. It was just those not worthy feelings that made things go slow. But holy cow, once they acted, they both were all in.
The ending got a bit dicey when Ellie's past came into play, but Bear had her back and the whole group had both of their backs. Now all they need to worry about is living happy each day.
The couple really got to me. Both of them were just yearning to find a place to fit in and be safe. Luckily they found it with each other. The way that they were smitten with each other was so cute, yet they also let the other know they were interested. It was just those not worthy feelings that made things go slow. But holy cow, once they acted, they both were all in.
The ending got a bit dicey when Ellie's past came into play, but Bear had her back and the whole group had both of their backs. Now all they need to worry about is living happy each day.
December 4, 2025
I believe that each book in a series needs to stand alone on its own merits, without cliffhangers, without onerous explanations about what has gone before, without unnecessary explanation of previous books…and, certainly, without a next book in the series included in the epilogue. This book comes close but doesn’t quite succeed on all counts.
There are references to what has gone before – presumably in another series of books from which this current series has sprung – but they serve no real purpose here. Crossover characters need real introductions: who are they? What are they doing in this book and why? Arden and Kyle appear to be from a previous series. They seem to have a history, but what does it have to do with this book? Why is it important? We don’t know. The best part of them is their dog, Camo.
Our main male protagonist is the eponymous Bear (Jon Behr). He’s a former U.S. Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD – his survivor guilt and nightmares overwhelm him, keeping him a nomad trying to get away from the events from his past that have the power to break into his present and cascade into his future. He’s a well-rounded character who falls into insta-love, something I generally disdain as unlikely and hugely unreal. However, he handles it well, and it works in this story.
Our main female protagonist is Ellie Jamieson. Ellie is on the run from her father and two brothers left at their home somewhere in Illinois. Ellie suffers from her own PTSD: she’s been abused – emotionally and physically – by her family. She falls into insta-love, too, and deals with it well. How she handles this is an important part of her story.
Our two main characters meet in Colorado, and they begin immediately to mesh. Both have a history that neither has thought about in years. They knew each other as children. Their history is another big part of their story, and the writer reveals their earlier association in stages that are well crafted.
The pace of the book is off in places. Some parts seem to beg for speedreading – Ellie’s recovery, for instance (saying much more would be giving away too much), is a bit of a slog to get through. We readers feel for Ellie, but it’s just too much – it could be edited down by half, I think. We can see the evil family members coming from page one; there’s no tension because we know what’s going to happen.
There is a scene that serves little purpose except to show that these friends (called “the pack”) can be violent, all in the cause for a greater good. Bear nearly kills a man who is a child molester. Readers are assured by the members of the pack that the charges leveled against the man are real, but we aren’t shown this. While I have no mercy in me for anyone who hurts a child, during the beat-down scene, I found myself wondering, “what if they’re wrong?” I wasn’t convinced just because I was told the man was a perverted bit of evil that he really was. I didn’t want to read about what the man did, but I needed more justification for the violence. It’s not enough to be told that the men are right. I’d like to have been shown more context: what had been done previously to the man who was molesting children? Was the men's violent act truly a last resort? I think the scene served to show Bear could go off the tracks, beating down on a man, and Bear’s act had to be justified to readers.
There’s another scene at the end of the book – it’s the crisis we’ve been reading towards – and it reads just like the rest of the book, without tension, as if we are observing, but without depth of feeling. I’m not sure how it could be written better, but we need to be more than observers. Third person POV is a wonderful choice that has the potential of drawing back a bit and showing a scene in its entirety, outside the characters’ POV – the writer doesn’t use this advantage.
The epilogue includes a hook – an ad, really – for the next book in this series. Someday good writers will understand that hooks aren’t necessary when their writing style is enjoyable to read, and their characters leap from the page to lodge in readers’ minds. Hooks are hugely overrated; they make me suspicious, and they typically smack a reader over the head with a wooden mallet.
There are a few stoppers – not many, and that’s good.
Bear is thinking about going to Texas because there’s “nothing to time him down” in Colorado. I think the writer means “…nothing to tie him down.”
“’That’s a long walk,’ Bear said as walked over to the alpaca enclosure…” I believe that should read, “…as he walked over to the alpaca enclosure…” We’re missing a pronoun.
“The conversation switched the old days when they were kids…” We need a preposition here; otherwise, it appears the conversation is switching with something else. Here’s how it could read: “The conversation switched to the old days…”
One of the rules in writing conversation is that each speaker has her/his own paragraph. Two or more speakers do not share the same paragraph – it can be confusing to figure out who is speaking. Here, this rule is violated:
Two people are speaking in this paragraph; it should be divided into two. For instance:
There’s no confusion when the single paragraph is split into two. “Her stomach quivered” is an action tag that labels the following comment as hers.
I believe this is a typo: “…talk to your mom about not brining Arnold and Harlan back.” Unless the mom is going to turn Arnold and Harlan into pickles, she probably isn’t brining them. It could read like this: “…about not bringing Arnold and Harlan back…”
There are a couple “sitting” vs. “setting” verb issues, but that’s the norm in writing these days. There are deeper rules that include transitive/intransitive verbs and direct objects that help determine which verb (“sit” vs. “set”) to use. However, what most of us learned in childhood still holds: if it’s an inanimate object (e.g., a book or a house), it sets. If it’s an animate object (e.g., a person or a dog), then it sits.
I rated this book three solid stars. I’ve never read Ms. Michaels’ books before and I’m looking forward to reading more. This book was an enjoyable read. Ms. Michaels’ style is easy to read, and her two main characters had a good deal of charm. I liked both of them. Both changed in the course of the story, and the changes were logical and evolved in a smooth progression. There appear to be a number of books in the Watchdog Security series – this book has enticed me to read another…soon.
There are references to what has gone before – presumably in another series of books from which this current series has sprung – but they serve no real purpose here. Crossover characters need real introductions: who are they? What are they doing in this book and why? Arden and Kyle appear to be from a previous series. They seem to have a history, but what does it have to do with this book? Why is it important? We don’t know. The best part of them is their dog, Camo.
Our main male protagonist is the eponymous Bear (Jon Behr). He’s a former U.S. Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD – his survivor guilt and nightmares overwhelm him, keeping him a nomad trying to get away from the events from his past that have the power to break into his present and cascade into his future. He’s a well-rounded character who falls into insta-love, something I generally disdain as unlikely and hugely unreal. However, he handles it well, and it works in this story.
Our main female protagonist is Ellie Jamieson. Ellie is on the run from her father and two brothers left at their home somewhere in Illinois. Ellie suffers from her own PTSD: she’s been abused – emotionally and physically – by her family. She falls into insta-love, too, and deals with it well. How she handles this is an important part of her story.
Our two main characters meet in Colorado, and they begin immediately to mesh. Both have a history that neither has thought about in years. They knew each other as children. Their history is another big part of their story, and the writer reveals their earlier association in stages that are well crafted.
The pace of the book is off in places. Some parts seem to beg for speedreading – Ellie’s recovery, for instance (saying much more would be giving away too much), is a bit of a slog to get through. We readers feel for Ellie, but it’s just too much – it could be edited down by half, I think. We can see the evil family members coming from page one; there’s no tension because we know what’s going to happen.
There is a scene that serves little purpose except to show that these friends (called “the pack”) can be violent, all in the cause for a greater good. Bear nearly kills a man who is a child molester. Readers are assured by the members of the pack that the charges leveled against the man are real, but we aren’t shown this. While I have no mercy in me for anyone who hurts a child, during the beat-down scene, I found myself wondering, “what if they’re wrong?” I wasn’t convinced just because I was told the man was a perverted bit of evil that he really was. I didn’t want to read about what the man did, but I needed more justification for the violence. It’s not enough to be told that the men are right. I’d like to have been shown more context: what had been done previously to the man who was molesting children? Was the men's violent act truly a last resort? I think the scene served to show Bear could go off the tracks, beating down on a man, and Bear’s act had to be justified to readers.
There’s another scene at the end of the book – it’s the crisis we’ve been reading towards – and it reads just like the rest of the book, without tension, as if we are observing, but without depth of feeling. I’m not sure how it could be written better, but we need to be more than observers. Third person POV is a wonderful choice that has the potential of drawing back a bit and showing a scene in its entirety, outside the characters’ POV – the writer doesn’t use this advantage.
The epilogue includes a hook – an ad, really – for the next book in this series. Someday good writers will understand that hooks aren’t necessary when their writing style is enjoyable to read, and their characters leap from the page to lodge in readers’ minds. Hooks are hugely overrated; they make me suspicious, and they typically smack a reader over the head with a wooden mallet.
There are a few stoppers – not many, and that’s good.
Bear is thinking about going to Texas because there’s “nothing to time him down” in Colorado. I think the writer means “…nothing to tie him down.”
“’That’s a long walk,’ Bear said as walked over to the alpaca enclosure…” I believe that should read, “…as he walked over to the alpaca enclosure…” We’re missing a pronoun.
“The conversation switched the old days when they were kids…” We need a preposition here; otherwise, it appears the conversation is switching with something else. Here’s how it could read: “The conversation switched to the old days…”
One of the rules in writing conversation is that each speaker has her/his own paragraph. Two or more speakers do not share the same paragraph – it can be confusing to figure out who is speaking. Here, this rule is violated:
“I have a surprise for you,” he said when they got into his truck. Her stomach quivered. “What surprise?”
Two people are speaking in this paragraph; it should be divided into two. For instance:
“I have a surprise for you,” he said when they got into his truck.
Her stomach quivered. “What surprise?
There’s no confusion when the single paragraph is split into two. “Her stomach quivered” is an action tag that labels the following comment as hers.
I believe this is a typo: “…talk to your mom about not brining Arnold and Harlan back.” Unless the mom is going to turn Arnold and Harlan into pickles, she probably isn’t brining them. It could read like this: “…about not bringing Arnold and Harlan back…”
There are a couple “sitting” vs. “setting” verb issues, but that’s the norm in writing these days. There are deeper rules that include transitive/intransitive verbs and direct objects that help determine which verb (“sit” vs. “set”) to use. However, what most of us learned in childhood still holds: if it’s an inanimate object (e.g., a book or a house), it sets. If it’s an animate object (e.g., a person or a dog), then it sits.
I rated this book three solid stars. I’ve never read Ms. Michaels’ books before and I’m looking forward to reading more. This book was an enjoyable read. Ms. Michaels’ style is easy to read, and her two main characters had a good deal of charm. I liked both of them. Both changed in the course of the story, and the changes were logical and evolved in a smooth progression. There appear to be a number of books in the Watchdog Security series – this book has enticed me to read another…soon.
June 28, 2024
I went back and forth on this book. It was always between a two and a three. The ending saved it. The rest of the book was okay. I’m glad I finished and think book two might have potential. One more try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
The premise sounded good and the book was free. So, I gave it a try. Nope, the book is not for me. In this book the main characters are okay with vigilante justice. The group that Bear is a part of, beats up a guy and almost kills him to get him to resign his post. In another situation, they make a body disappear. The books in the series involve the members of this group. Ellie was okay with the first situation. I don't know if she ever knew about the body disappearing.
Both of the main characters seem rather beat down to me. Of course they bolster each other up in a very short period of time.
Bear, rather conveniently to me, just happens to have the money to fix up Ellie's cabin. She doesn't even get angry when she finds out. Though she keeps insisting that she wants to do stuff on her own.
Since this is the first book I have read by the author, I was a little lost when the situation with Kyle and Arden was mentioned. Whatever happened the previous summer was referred to several times but never explained. Ellen was Ellie's cousin, but who was Arden? Arden is about Ellie's age, but is Ellen about the same age also?
There, of course, was a teaser about the next book in the series. I skipped that as I have no intention of reading it. As I stated earlier, I am not into vigilante justice as the main character in the next book is part of that group. I may go back and read Kyle and Arden's book in order to understand parts of this book, but I have no plans to read anymore by the author.
Both of the main characters seem rather beat down to me. Of course they bolster each other up in a very short period of time.
Bear, rather conveniently to me, just happens to have the money to fix up Ellie's cabin. She doesn't even get angry when she finds out. Though she keeps insisting that she wants to do stuff on her own.
Since this is the first book I have read by the author, I was a little lost when the situation with Kyle and Arden was mentioned. Whatever happened the previous summer was referred to several times but never explained. Ellen was Ellie's cousin, but who was Arden? Arden is about Ellie's age, but is Ellen about the same age also?
There, of course, was a teaser about the next book in the series. I skipped that as I have no intention of reading it. As I stated earlier, I am not into vigilante justice as the main character in the next book is part of that group. I may go back and read Kyle and Arden's book in order to understand parts of this book, but I have no plans to read anymore by the author.
August 29, 2023
Jon aka Bear is a wanderer, not settling anywhere, always on the move and hasn't been to his hometown in years. It’s time and he comes home for the time being, contracting out with Watchdog and fixing up the safe houses on the property, he doesn’t want to join the teams, he’s had enough bloodshed, seen and lived enough horrors that he doesn’t want anymore. Ellie is on the run from her family and goes to the only place she believes she can hide, but instead finds out that a lot has changed from when she was a little girl and the one place she can call her own, may not be a place she can actually hide out in. Luckily she has met Bear and she feels safe with him and as the days pass, Bear vows to do whatever it takes to make her happy and if he is lucky enough, she will ask him to stay…forever…but her family will not let go and if they find her, her slice of heaven may be lost forever.
A great read with some suspense, steam and amazing characters. Bear and Ellie become each other’s North Star, their home is wherever the other is and I LOVED the no drama between….mature adults who lay it all on the line and don’t shy away from their feelings.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A great read with some suspense, steam and amazing characters. Bear and Ellie become each other’s North Star, their home is wherever the other is and I LOVED the no drama between….mature adults who lay it all on the line and don’t shy away from their feelings.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
April 11, 2024
Though his damaged friend lived, since being discharged from marines, Jonathan ‘Big Bear' Behr still has survivor’s guilt and deals with it by being a vagabond. On his way to Texas for the winder, Bear stops in his hometown and runs into his old group of besties and decides to hang out there for a while, working as a handyman.
Ellie Jameson last visited Colorado as a child, she has to escape her abusive father and brothers and desperately needs the refuge her inheritance would provide. With a little coaxing, Bear and a few of his buddies remember sweet Emma though Alden and a few other remember immediately. Remembering the males of her family, they’re all willing to help Ellie build a new life. Maybe she can stop looking over her should for her family and convince Bear to be part of her new life here.
Bear came to town thinking he’d pass through, since re-meeting Ellie he’s undecided and she’s anxious for him to stay! Meanwhile, Ellie’s brothers, Arnold and Harlan, incorrigible children are whatever comes after that as adults and Arnold’s furious, that Ellie stole from him to escape, she foiled his plan to give her to the local pimp to pay off his debt. A fluke gives Arnold a clue where Ellie ran, he and the pimp are on Ellie’s trail!
Rating: 4.5stars
Ellie Jameson last visited Colorado as a child, she has to escape her abusive father and brothers and desperately needs the refuge her inheritance would provide. With a little coaxing, Bear and a few of his buddies remember sweet Emma though Alden and a few other remember immediately. Remembering the males of her family, they’re all willing to help Ellie build a new life. Maybe she can stop looking over her should for her family and convince Bear to be part of her new life here.
Bear came to town thinking he’d pass through, since re-meeting Ellie he’s undecided and she’s anxious for him to stay! Meanwhile, Ellie’s brothers, Arnold and Harlan, incorrigible children are whatever comes after that as adults and Arnold’s furious, that Ellie stole from him to escape, she foiled his plan to give her to the local pimp to pay off his debt. A fluke gives Arnold a clue where Ellie ran, he and the pimp are on Ellie’s trail!
Rating: 4.5stars
August 17, 2023
Growing up Jonathan “Big Bear” Behr was part of the pack a group of teenage boys who tried to rectify wrongs now those men are grown and are even more determined to right any wrongs that they can. Little did this ex ranger who couldn't find a way to settle down always wandering would find his haven not in a place but a person a woman who has suffered years of abuse at the hands of her family The best times in Ellie's was when her mother took her to Lyons and she got to run with the pack but the abuse of her brothers caused them to longer be invited but now her uncle has left her a rundown cabin and it is her chance to finally escape her family. The fact that she is also falling for a bear of a man who is gentle at heart is a bonus but like a bear Jon can be extremely vicious when he is protecting the one he loves and with the help of his old pack and his new brothers at Watchdog he will do whatever he needs to keep Ellie safe. This is a fast paced read that you won't want to put down once you start it and I can't wait for more stories about the pack.
August 22, 2023
'Finally, there you are'
Ah! Bear! Such a tortured soul who places the weight of the world upon his own shoulders. I love that the minute he sees Ellie....he knows. He is not brave enough at that point to think she could actually be his, but he knows in his heart she is and settles for protecting her. Watching Ellie grow in confidence as she finally believes what Bear, Arden and Kyle are telling her is so beautiful to watch, the wonder, fear and disbelief she arrives with is replaced by hope and determination. They both have damaged and dinted souls, but the love that flows between them helps heal those wounds and they navigate a future that neither dared to dream of...a future together.
The first in the Mountain Division spinoff series we catch up with the 'brothers' who have all returned from service missing a part of themselves, they are determined to right the wrongs that the law fails to correct and they do it as one. Brothers forever and heroes everyday.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited
Ah! Bear! Such a tortured soul who places the weight of the world upon his own shoulders. I love that the minute he sees Ellie....he knows. He is not brave enough at that point to think she could actually be his, but he knows in his heart she is and settles for protecting her. Watching Ellie grow in confidence as she finally believes what Bear, Arden and Kyle are telling her is so beautiful to watch, the wonder, fear and disbelief she arrives with is replaced by hope and determination. They both have damaged and dinted souls, but the love that flows between them helps heal those wounds and they navigate a future that neither dared to dream of...a future together.
The first in the Mountain Division spinoff series we catch up with the 'brothers' who have all returned from service missing a part of themselves, they are determined to right the wrongs that the law fails to correct and they do it as one. Brothers forever and heroes everyday.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited
May 3, 2025
Jon “Bear” Behr is a former Army Ranger and has finally returned home to Lyons, Colorado. He plans on staying a short time and then is heading to Texas for the winter. All his buddies are home and work for Mountain Division, a place that helps people when the law can’t or won’t. They are trying to get him to join them but he just fixes up the safe houses until it’s time to go. But Elinor “Ellie” Jameson comes to town looking for her cousin. Her uncle left her a little fishing cabin and land. Ellie and her family used to visit when she was younger. She left her abusive family to hopefully start a new life. Bear falls almost instantly but thinks if she knows the real him, she will be afraid of him. Bear helps her fix up the cabin and all is good until her brother finds her. Can Bear save Ellie’s life and his own?
This was a good story. Bear is a protector and Ellie just wants to feel safe for once. Steamy. Good guys trying to help the people who have been wronged and hurt.
Steamy.
Tear jerker.
This was a good story. Bear is a protector and Ellie just wants to feel safe for once. Steamy. Good guys trying to help the people who have been wronged and hurt.
Steamy.
Tear jerker.
August 13, 2023
Bear on the Mountain is the first book in the Watchdog Mountain Division, and I think that it is one of my new favorite books by Olivia Michaels. Olivia Michaels did an outstanding job relaying a range of emotions in the story. The book was the perfect blend of awesome characters, a romantic love story, steam, and suspense. I couldn’t put it down. Bear and Ellie knew each other as kids, but they haven’t seen each other in years. They both had done major baggage from their posts. Ellie’s came from her family’s abuse. Bear’s came from his time with the Rangers. Together they find a second chance at love and trust, and they build a home and a life together. The characters from the Watchdog series are mixed in with the new ones, and they give lots of support to each other. I teared up and laughed, and Bear on the Mountain left me with a smile on my face. I can’t wait for more books in this series.
August 28, 2023
A Tough Restart!!
Ellie has never had the best family situation, but with her brother escalating and “promising” her to the man he owes money to, she decides to run. With a bike, a .38 and a few power bars, she works her way to Colorado, where she used to have family.
Jon “Bear” Behr is renovating a safehouse for Watchdog. He and most of his group of friends grew up in this area. Catching Ellie sneaking around creates questions, though he remembers her as a child.
A dilapidated cabin, no water, no power, yet a quiet willingness to help gives Ellie hope. A secretive Mountain Division, whose goal is justice, tempts Bear to stay in the area.
Poignant, beautiful, caring and romantic progression of events make this a terrific story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Ellie has never had the best family situation, but with her brother escalating and “promising” her to the man he owes money to, she decides to run. With a bike, a .38 and a few power bars, she works her way to Colorado, where she used to have family.
Jon “Bear” Behr is renovating a safehouse for Watchdog. He and most of his group of friends grew up in this area. Catching Ellie sneaking around creates questions, though he remembers her as a child.
A dilapidated cabin, no water, no power, yet a quiet willingness to help gives Ellie hope. A secretive Mountain Division, whose goal is justice, tempts Bear to stay in the area.
Poignant, beautiful, caring and romantic progression of events make this a terrific story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
August 11, 2023
This is now my favorite book of this author and series. Bear just really resonated with me, a big giant teddy bear. Ellie is also a flower that is blooming under Bear's watch as well. She proves she is strong than she believes. "I'm gonna let you." The sweetest words in this book. I just about died when I got near the end of the book, I was on pins and needles and I was gritting my teeth, waiting for what was to happen next. It was such an emotional read. I love this family and can't wait to see where the next story brings us. Loved the star gazing. Particularly loved the authors note at the end, very poignant.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 13, 2023
What a beautifully written book…
Ellie a strong woman whose backstory will make you want to yell and fight for her and Bear a gentle giant who was vulnerable and felt undeserving in having Ellie! It’s a story of new beginnings, of fighting for what you believe in, even when it’s scary and fraught with danger!
The last few chapters are emotionally heartbreaking and uplifting all at once!
The secondary characters are wonderful and it’s going to be amazing to have all their stories….A new team and old friends. Olivia’s gift is that you feel so immersed in the stories and can picture it clearly in your mind! Thank you Olivia for the opportunity to read this ARC💕
Ellie a strong woman whose backstory will make you want to yell and fight for her and Bear a gentle giant who was vulnerable and felt undeserving in having Ellie! It’s a story of new beginnings, of fighting for what you believe in, even when it’s scary and fraught with danger!
The last few chapters are emotionally heartbreaking and uplifting all at once!
The secondary characters are wonderful and it’s going to be amazing to have all their stories….A new team and old friends. Olivia’s gift is that you feel so immersed in the stories and can picture it clearly in your mind! Thank you Olivia for the opportunity to read this ARC💕
August 20, 2023
Bear was a born protector but decided to live the nomad life. Ellie’s life had been a big lesson in survival but she never gave up. Ellie is a strong determined female character that fits perfectly with Bear. These two characters compliment and complete each other in ways only written in a book. I fell in love with this book and I even got a little emotional. I have to say that once the watchdog family decides you are family you’ll never have to be alone again. I totally got sucked into this book and couldn’t put it down. It took me a couple days to come out of my book coma! So don’t hesitate on this one!
September 4, 2023
This new Olivia Michaels' book dovetails perfectly into her Watchdog Security series spinoffs. Bear on the Mountain is the first in the Mountain Division. Jon 'Bear' Behr and Ellie Jameson are damaged souls for vastly different reasons but damaged nonetheless. He's on the move constantly because his restless spirit is burdened by his failures on the battlefield. She's on the run from a cruel, vengeful family. She shouldn't trust him but she does. He shouldn't want her but can't seem to stop. A secluded, dilapidated cabin in the mountains brings them both peace and a friendship that morphs into more as they work together to transform the place into a home.
January 16, 2025
Reviews
Jonathan "Bear" Behr is a former Army Ranger that is roaming around with no roots. He is a mountain man at heart, he returns to Lyons, Colorado where he grew up getting a temporary job before he goes to Texas for winter. Ellie is going to her Uncle and cousin house to hid out from her family. Bear catches her slipping on private property that belongs to Watchdog Security Agency. They realize who she is that they knew her when she played with when they were kids. Her uncle died and left his cabin to her.. Bear made Ellie feel safe and they had a connection. He helps help with her cabin and start dating
Jonathan "Bear" Behr is a former Army Ranger that is roaming around with no roots. He is a mountain man at heart, he returns to Lyons, Colorado where he grew up getting a temporary job before he goes to Texas for winter. Ellie is going to her Uncle and cousin house to hid out from her family. Bear catches her slipping on private property that belongs to Watchdog Security Agency. They realize who she is that they knew her when she played with when they were kids. Her uncle died and left his cabin to her.. Bear made Ellie feel safe and they had a connection. He helps help with her cabin and start dating
October 22, 2025
You are home
Bear and Ellie. They knew each other as kids and now life has brought them back to the mountains. They have a chemistry but both are slow to act due to their personal backgrounds and demons. Ellie is on the run and Bear is a protector so he immediately steps in and we see Kyle and the other Watchdog group, but we also get a closer look at the men who helped save Sylvie in an earlier book. These group all grew up together and have special skill sets. I do wonder who their source is, I thought Gina, but then she would have known more in Sylvie book? Regardless it was a good read and full of danger, intrigue and some great world building with a dash of romance!
Bear and Ellie. They knew each other as kids and now life has brought them back to the mountains. They have a chemistry but both are slow to act due to their personal backgrounds and demons. Ellie is on the run and Bear is a protector so he immediately steps in and we see Kyle and the other Watchdog group, but we also get a closer look at the men who helped save Sylvie in an earlier book. These group all grew up together and have special skill sets. I do wonder who their source is, I thought Gina, but then she would have known more in Sylvie book? Regardless it was a good read and full of danger, intrigue and some great world building with a dash of romance!
August 10, 2023
I loved this first book in the new Watchdog Mountain Division series. Bear and Ellie were great characters and it was lovely to watch their relationship develop. This book is part of a new series but it was a treat to catch up with characters from other books by this excellent author. Olivia Michaels is one of my go to authors and this book certainly did not disappoint. Steamy romance and a well thought out and exciting plot. I look forward to seeing how this series develops and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. I highly recommend this book
August 22, 2023
This one will tug at your heartstrings. I didn't want to put it down once I started, as it drew me in from the first words. Ellie and Bear had an instant connection, though they tried to fight it. I kept rooting for them to just give in because it would be amazing and the two of them deserved to find home in each other. A slow burn story that played with my emotions, and delivered on some edge of your seat danger and suspense, showcasing how much these two meant to each other even as it tore at my heart.
January 7, 2024
Bear on the Mountain
Wow! This is a very intense story about Bear and Ellie! Ellie finally was able to escape from her monster family. Bear finally made it back to his hometown. These two meet under strenuous circumstances. They become fast friends and then fall in love. The ending was so heartbreaking when Ellie fell victim to her brother. At least the bad guys are taken care of. So happy for these two to find their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Olivia! The next book is too far out! I would recommend this book!
Wow! This is a very intense story about Bear and Ellie! Ellie finally was able to escape from her monster family. Bear finally made it back to his hometown. These two meet under strenuous circumstances. They become fast friends and then fall in love. The ending was so heartbreaking when Ellie fell victim to her brother. At least the bad guys are taken care of. So happy for these two to find their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Olivia! The next book is too far out! I would recommend this book!
April 20, 2025
Bear On The Mountain by Olivia Michaels is a fantastic way to spend your money. Ellie and Bear's (Jon's) story is filled to the brim with amazing characters, humor, sizzle, action, suspense and drama. This book did not disappoint!! Bear On The Mountain is book 1 of the Watchdog Mountain Division but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I read a paperback copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. They'll be yours too though if you order the book.
I read a paperback copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. They'll be yours too though if you order the book.
April 25, 2025
Great book
Wow!! Bear and Ellie are such a cute couple. They both have not had it easy but when it comes to them together, there is nothing easier than the two of them. They are both in their heads that it takes them a while to figure out that they both like each other. She is running from her brother but no one knows that. She has inherited her uncles cabin which she thinks is the perfect place to hide out. When she gets there she is disappointed at the condition of it but won’t let it stop her from keeping it and making it her own.
Wow!! Bear and Ellie are such a cute couple. They both have not had it easy but when it comes to them together, there is nothing easier than the two of them. They are both in their heads that it takes them a while to figure out that they both like each other. She is running from her brother but no one knows that. She has inherited her uncles cabin which she thinks is the perfect place to hide out. When she gets there she is disappointed at the condition of it but won’t let it stop her from keeping it and making it her own.
June 3, 2025
Awesome!
This is my first Olivia Michaels book and I have to say, I’m totally not disappointed!
I fell in love with Bear and wish I could find one just like him for myself! This book has it all, hot hunky former military warrior , a damsel who is braver than she thinks, danger and villains you’ll love to hate. I’m hooked on the Watchdog Mountain series already and I can’t wait for Timberwolf and the others!
This is my first Olivia Michaels book and I have to say, I’m totally not disappointed!
I fell in love with Bear and wish I could find one just like him for myself! This book has it all, hot hunky former military warrior , a damsel who is braver than she thinks, danger and villains you’ll love to hate. I’m hooked on the Watchdog Mountain series already and I can’t wait for Timberwolf and the others!
June 19, 2025
"She’s the blooming warmth from whiskey spreading in your chest on a bitter cold winter’s night." Jon Behr is a big strong man who can calm wild beasts and he immediately recognizes the fear in Ellie's demeanor. I loved this story and look forward to learning more about his childhood pack and the protections that they provide through Watchdog. I did not read the prior books, and this stood fine on its own. Swoony hero, getting strong on her own female lead. Fixer upper cabin. HEA
August 24, 2023
Ellie had a hard life but she was a survivor willing to do whatever it took to get out of her circumstances. Bear was a nomad, never trying to put down roots in any one place until he runs across Ellie. This is a slow burn that will pull on your emotions and having you turning the pages until the very end. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.
August 30, 2023
Excellent
Loved this book. Bear came back to his home town for a visit. He didn't plan on staying long. Ellie escaped her brothers and father and came back to the mountains were she came when she was little. Her uncle had passed and left her a cabin on the mountain. Bear helped Ellie fix it up and fell for her.
Loved this book. Bear came back to his home town for a visit. He didn't plan on staying long. Ellie escaped her brothers and father and came back to the mountains were she came when she was little. Her uncle had passed and left her a cabin on the mountain. Bear helped Ellie fix it up and fell for her.
October 22, 2024
Bear on the Mountain
Bear on the Mountain by Olivia Michaels is a book in the Watchdog Mountain Division series.
This is a new author to me. She's a pleasant surprise.
Ellie leaves an abusive home life with her disabled father and two brothers. She meets Bear, Jon, at her extended family home.,,
Bear on the Mountain by Olivia Michaels is a book in the Watchdog Mountain Division series.
This is a new author to me. She's a pleasant surprise.
Ellie leaves an abusive home life with her disabled father and two brothers. She meets Bear, Jon, at her extended family home.,,
February 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book! It has been a while since I have read a Watchdog book and I really missed them! This one was a great story about “Bear” and Ellie. They were well written characters. It was also great fun to catch up with so many recurring Watchdog characters. This was a solid start to the new series and I am looking forward to the next book.
April 24, 2025
All I ask is a reasonable story. Here is Ellie, suffering from altitude sickness, hasn't eaten in a couple of days, and all the guys give her is water and some chips to eat before taking off on a trip to a very remote cabin she inherited? Bear is hit with insta-love, after less than 24 hours. The story is predictable as are the characters.
April 24, 2025
wonderful
I love this series this book just adds to the experience.
Great hero great heroine perfect blend of action, hardship, survival, and love.
I enjoyed every minute on the mountain with watchdog and Bear.
You should grab the whole series I can guarantee you’ll love them all.
I love this series this book just adds to the experience.
Great hero great heroine perfect blend of action, hardship, survival, and love.
I enjoyed every minute on the mountain with watchdog and Bear.
You should grab the whole series I can guarantee you’ll love them all.
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