A Bond for Dominic

Alaskan Pebble Gifters #8

by Amy Bellows

Flint never found his pebble.

Fairy penguin shifters can’t bond to a mate without one, but Flint intends to find love anyway. Even if that means looking for his mate among polar bear shifters who never commit to their partners for more than a few years.

Dominic needs a fake mate.

His father is trying to set him up with the local matchmaker to preserve the family line. The only way out is to find a mate on his own.

When Dominic meets Flint at a bar, he immediately likes him. After a whirlwind night together, he asks Flint to pretend to be his mate.

But Flint has no intention of keeping things pretend. He wants Dominic, and plans to win him over for real.

Flint may not have a pebble, but he has a plan. And Dominic will soon discover that he doesn’t give up easily…

A Bond for Dominic is a grumpy/sunshine romance with a goofy musician and the ornery welder who reluctantly falls in love with him. It’s book eight of the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series and will only make sense if you’ve read the first seven books.

Genres: Omegaverse, Romance, Shapeshifters, M M Romance, LGBT, Fantasy, Paranormal

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[QuietlyKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes to self:
I read this one while on a mini vacation in Lake Geneva with my sisters and finished it a few days ago. Already the details are a bit fuzzy, both due to the vacay and starting A Bond for Dominic the day after my kidney stone/shockwave lithotripsy surgery. I find writing reviews challenging under the best of circumstances, and these circumstances were far from ideal for fully absorbed reading or thoughtful review.

A Bond for Dominic is a solid addition the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series but not amongst my favorites. It does a good job of wrapping up some loose ends and I enjoyed the characters but I’m not sure I need to add the ebook or the audiobook to my permanent library.

Borrowed on KU. 3.25-3.5 stars. Rounding down for now but open to the possibility of rounding up at a later date. Definitely worth re-reading with the rest of the series at some point.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book overlaps in time and deals with the storyline book 6 A Nest for Eli, but from Dominic's POV. Look, my brain is getting old and I read that one in 2021 so I had a bit of a tough time remembering what happened and who did what so I think that slowed me down here. Take my rating for what it is, but I think I'm losing interest in these super-long series that have years between books, because I'm just not keeping track of the details when the books are so spread out.

I still enjoy this series, but something was missing here. A lot is going on based on Dominic's past with his family and I felt for him. Flint is a ray of sunshine that can't be beaten down. I did love Flint's nesting scene which was odd to say the least but the relationship building and the wrap-up of the story at the end felt a bit rushed.

[Mello · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[wert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the world building of this series as well as the Heron Mannor, but this book just felt like a means to an end. The characters felt really 2D and each had a problem that was neatly solved in a timely manner, neither of them even solving it themselves. The book is set back in time between previous books so everything has been decided and already occurred, leaving it to be something that’s just used to wrap up all the loose ends. I didn’t really get a sense of love for this set of characters like in the other books. I don’t know if the author is just tired of this series or burnt out from writing so many books in succession, but I hope they just focus on the love they put into their writing, even if it takes them longer to publish. I’d much rather a book that comes out in a few more months than one where I feel the need to leave a review when I usually never. At some times it felt like the sentences were a bit choppy or too much “tell” instead of “show”.

I also really don’t understand why they felt the need to buy back the hella expensive mansion that Dominic grew up being abused in. Also, it felt a little too “Cinderella” for my liking that Flint just met a rich guy and all his problems were solved. He meets Dominic and suddenly he gets a modeling/gig offer from the richest lady in town, new clothes, a fancy haircut, etc. He gets a music room and an expensive piano he would have never been able to have bought previously. This feels like a really good part to actually delve into the character so I’m not only left with this as his description: “not like other alphas”, lonely, funny, nice, caring, kinky, and musical. He could have felt like he didn’t deserve those things or like he had to work for them instead of being handed them on a silver platter. I know it’s said in the book from Dominic’s POV that he acts in ways he doesn’t expect, like going off at Sarah when she was being rude to him, but that also felt very contrived. I know that the author is trying to make it seem like Sarah is just too in her alpha ways, but she seems so much more 2D than in Kade’s book. She felt like an actual person in that installment and in this one she’s just shown as a bumbling fool who doesn’t think before acting. And it’s fine if that’s her archetype but it felt very meh. And for Dominic, he’s: “not like other omegas”, rich, sure of himself, strong, empathetic, etc. He just felt like a watered-down Cy. He’s a welder that’s an omega and his dad sucks. But not once do we ever meet the dad in this book. Like hello? We’re constantly told that’s he’s dangerous and could hurt Flint for being involved with Dominic. It’s all “tell”. I want to see actual scenes of Dominic being scared of his father and being talked down to, or actually being threatened. I know we find out about the creepy torture holding cell thing for the human trafficking ring, but we never get an instance of the terror someone actually went through there. It would have been so interesting for Dominic to meet a victim of his father and apologize to them and see the actual consequences of his father’s/family’s actions. Or he could have spoken against his father at his trial and seen his father as nothing but a small, pathetic man who’s in hand cuffs and finally felt free. Plus, we never actually see him interacting with Max. We’re told that he was in love with Max when they were in high school, but there’s never any awkward moment where he accidentally compares Flint to Max and felt guilty over it or something. Like, Dominic is experienced sexually, but not romantically until he meets Flint. So why wouldn’t he compare his only romantic relationship with his new blossoming one? I feel like this is all leading up to me saying, why does every book have to end with pregnancy ? It’s getting so old. For once I would like to see a character actively just not want kids. Especially for this one I feel like Dominic doesn’t seem like the type to want kids. Both of his parents were shitty and I think he would take that to heart and just want to a fun rich uncle or adopt later in his life or care for a relative’s children like he was when he was little with his grandparents. We’re told that the only place he ever felt safe was with his grandparents from his omega dad’s side but they’re never spoken of again. We have no idea if they’re still alive or what. I think it would have been nice to have bought the house his grandparents had lived in and stayed there instead of the mansion. It would have really humanized him and his struggles with his dad’s abuse. Speaking of that, we’re never shown the after-affects of his abuse. I’m not saying he needs to be a traumatized victim, but maybe we could have seen him reacting badly to some phrases or certain touches by Flint. And then they could have spoken about how deeply it affected him and brought them together as a couple. Tbh that’s what really is the problem. It’s way too insta-love. They meet, they have sex, bam! they’re moving to New Zealand and getting pregnant. It moves way too quickly and they don’t even know each other that well. They have one night to get to know each other when they can’t physically touch each other since it’s a video call and every other time they’re banging. In the end, I just hope the author can focus more on the well-roundness of her characters before the plots’ need to be perfected.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how aggressive and serious Dominic is in comparison to Finch, who is the alpha and so far have always been bigger and more dominant, but Finch has more cinnamon roll vibes

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually enjoy fake boyfriend stories. This bit of the book was fine for me though.

This instalment was done better than the previous book.

The previous book had gentoo penguin characters and it felt like the writer engaged with the darker elements of their culture at a step or two removed and didn't really engage with the peak dramatic moment. It was all a bit odd.

In this one the story is more direct. The story also moved forward the broader plot about shifter society in Alaska. In fact, I'm planning to reread the series from the beginning.

Also, the nesting is excellent.

[Hazel Bean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man I absolutely loved Flint in the beginning. He was so spicy and confident!! Fairy penguins will always be my favorite species in this series. But I think the story got away from us, and we lost their relationship throughout the book. By the time we got past the heavy story with Dominic’s family, Flint and Dominic seemed like a completely different couple. Even during nesting, they weren’t together very much. The dialogue was also choppy in some parts, especially during the scenes with Dominic and his sisters. I normally love Amy’s books, but I struggled with this one and eventually skimmed to the end.

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy in my opinion did it again. Felix and Dominic are a fun match. Both kinda outsiders not by choice who find there is morw than physical attraction. The nesting scene was unexpected, but a good one. Also loved Felix his mom is a minor part in the story with her love .
I appreciate some events/ situations which have run throughout the series come to ahead and are brought to the surface and exposed.
This book can be read as a stand alone but I would advice to read in order to get the whole backstory and 'faces' to side characters and events in this book.

Audiobook update 10 Nov 2024:
Zachary Zaba is a the narrator for this series and he once more surely made it a joy to listen to.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nesting science for the WIN!!!!

I love this world! J feel like the could almost be the last book of the series because it mentions so many other couples a d it rounds out so many other stories. I loved seeing Flint and Dominic find the love they never expected. They were so sweet together! Of course the nesting scene was iconic, as they all have been! Its one of the main things that make these stories so great. I kinda wish Flint had been able to find a pebble for Dominic or at least something to represent one for the bond.

[Kelli D · Rating 3 out of 5]

going good until it wasn’t

I was really enjoying this book until I wasn’t.
********Spoiler********




Once Dominic’s sister walked off the slope it’s like the author got tired of writing and everything speed up and got summarized vs us reading about it as it happened.

[Sabrina Morissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominic + Flint

[Smut Report]

We read all books in the series and reviewed them together. Find more at A Pebble for Lewis, An Egg for Ansel, A Home for Ben, A Mate for Lu, A Handkerchief for Kade, A Nest for Eli, Practice for Toby, and Love for Heller, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: Messy, sweaty, and routinely filthy

Character Chemistry: Heart eyes is pretty much the only goal here

Plot: These societies are stuck with some pretty hurtful cultural norms, and our MCs start to change all that.

Overall: It starts out all, “Awwww” with heart eyes, and then you’re already sucked in and, like, these societies are very oppressive. Good for our MCs for living their best lives anyway.

(alpha fairy penguin shifter and omega polar bear shifter)

(exhibitionism, hurt/comfort)

This book overlaps with a few other books in the series. Dominic is the mafia boss’s omega heir since his sister got sent to the work camp after cutting off their dad’s hand so he couldn’t do bad things anymore (except he totally still does). Dominic’s stuck in the position of trying to do good while also being strong-armed into the family business. When his dad blackmails him into mating, he tries to worm his way out, only to find that his fated mate is an extremely unsuitable and broke fairy penguin musician. Together they sort of deconstruct the mafia situation, except it’s mostly off page, so where the drama go?

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[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟑.𝟖/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

i'm so glad that i can always trust amy bellows to deliver with the best nesting scenes👏👏😭😭💀😆 that alone was worth reading this book for fr.

there were a lot of things going on here - mainly bc of all the characters, & while i do love the cameos & the whole found family vibes, it took me a bit to recall who everyone was & what happened in all the previous books..💫

my fave mc in this book was Flint, he was a surprising character & was just really lovable💗 which may be ironic as he was struggling for so long to find someone to love & be loved by..🥺 but he was so precious & brave & determined when it came to finding his mate no matter what/where!

i loved Flint & Dominic's dynamic, Flint was always so fully confident in his relationship with Dominic, he wasn't judgemental when it came to polar bear shifters or other shifters' culture, & he was eager to learn, help & support Dominic in every way he could! i also loved the fact that Flint was a smaller alpha while Dominic was "surprisingly muscular but adorable" (🤭) 💕

overall i liked this story tho the end felt a bit rushed.. i still love this whole universe amy bellows created in this series, it's just so special🐧🐻‍❄️✨

➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
🎹 ᴏᴍᴇɢᴀᴠᴇʀsᴇ
🎹 ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ
🎹 ᴘᴏʟᴀʀ ʙᴇᴀʀ × ғᴀɪʀʏ ᴘᴇɴɢᴜɪɴ sʜɪғᴛᴇʀ
🎹 ʀɪᴄʜ × ᴘᴏᴏʀ ᴍᴜsɪᴄɪᴀɴ
🎹 ✧ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ✧ sᴏɴɢs
🎹 "ғᴀᴋᴇ" ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘ
🎹 ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ/sᴜɴsʜɪɴᴇ
🎹 ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄ sᴇx, ᴇxʜɪʙɪᴛɪᴏɴɪsᴍ
🎹 ᴋɴᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ᴍᴘʀᴇɢ, ɴᴇsᴛɪɴɢ
🎹 ʜᴇᴀ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜᴘʟᴇ (sᴇʀɪᴇs ɪs ʙᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ)
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴘᴀsᴛ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ . ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ, ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴛʀᴀғғɪᴄᴋɪɴɢ & ᴇɴsʟᴀᴠᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ (ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴄs) . ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴍᴀɪʟ . ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴀɢɢʀᴇssɪᴏɴ & ᴍᴜᴛɪʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅs ᴍᴄs)

[Traci S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spending time with these characters and the world building across the series is epic and so impressive. Flint is one of my new favorite characters in this series, feeling his loneliness through the early chapters was quite moving. I was in his corner right from the start - he is lovely and deserves all the good things. Flint just needs to find the perfect grump to his sunshine. Dominic is that grump, he’s strong, smart, and brave. He’s also under intense pressure from his scary and powerful family. Dominic’s father wants him to take a mate and provide some heirs. He’s not above forcing Dominic’s hand either, by threatening the life and safety of his best friend Max. When Flint and Dominic meet and the chemistry is off the charts, they realize maybe they can help each with a fake relationship. Dominic can get a little breathing room from his father and Flint gets the connection with an omega he’s been longing for. This is my favorite kind of fake relationship, because it was never really fake. It was just a matter of time before Flint’s charm and general wonderfulness get past Dominic’s walls. It won’t be easy though, Dominic is stubborn and rightfully fears his family’s interference. I loved the sense of suspense and danger an impending confrontation with his family brings to the story. The payoff is so absolutely worth it, gosh these two make a beautiful ending for themselves! I loved this couple and their story is filled with humor, emotion, steam, and a bit of magic.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting Dominic's story since An Egg for Ansel and I am so so so happy that this is totally the story he deserved! Flint won me over from the beginning with his sweetness and his optimism. His mom is worried for him because he can't find his pebble for his future mate. However, I think we know why he never found his pebble the minute his path crossed with Dominic. Dom's in a rough space with Flint catches his eye. Dom's dad is a horrible person and is threatening to expose his best friend if Dom doesn't do what his dad wants. I loved how Flint is strong in a very flexible way as that's what Dom needs in his life. Someone who will stand up and by him but also let him take charge when he wants. The vulnerability Dom allows himself with Flint is almost heartbreaking. I loved these two and am so happy for this story! It makes me want to reread this series from the beginning.

While you could read this one by itself, I think it would be helpful to have read the ones that came before. Eli (Dom's best friend) does have his own story. That would be helpful as background when it comes to Dominic's situation. Also, there are a lot of other cameos (Ansel, Kade, and Cy) which would make more sense if you have read the previous stories.

Dom's nesting scene is a whole other reason to read this story. it's completely different from ones that have come before and yet it's incredibly and uniquely Dom. I don't know how Amy does it but each next truly encapsulates the characters and are really special!

[Alex Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Good but it didn’t really move the over arching story forward any. It happened at the same time as Max/Eli and Kade/Otis. So it felt like a step back in the series. It also came after the stuff with Felix and Toby being hurt by Gentoo culture and the Beyala Smurt, which I guess was Dima (Dominic’s dad).
The family dynamics of Dominic’s were a bit tedious in the book. And there was less smut than the last few books (or maybe it just hit different? Idk. It wasn’t quite as good).

All the story advancement happens at the end and felt a little rushed. But Dima is arrested and the Beyala is theoretically shut down. One more book in the series. I’m looking forward to it and sad to know it will be the last one.


Shifter. Omegaverse. Fluffy. No OWD/OMD. No cheating. Light. Gay. Anal. Knotting. Fated mates. Polar bear omega and fairy penguin alpha. Flint is a virgin. Parental neglect and trauma. Death of a parent for an MC (off page). Descriptive birth (egg). Fisting. Exhibitionism. Nesting.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominic Ivanov, omega polar bear shifter (???)
Flint Wright, alpha fairy penguin shifter (29)

Here's the thing, I just love this series. That said I didn't really feel Dominic and Flint's romance, it was too heavily overshadowed by other factors and as they started out as perfect strangers it felt like their relationship relied almost entirely on being fated than any real compatibility or connection.

Fake dating isn't my favourite trope, but I think I would have enjoyed it in this context of Dominic trying to appease his father without succumbing to a matchmaker and risking his best friend's secret Max being an alpha who enjoys being with other alphas being revealed while Flint gave it his all in making Dominic fall in love with him.

I mean, that's kind of what happened but the relationship progression was just so fast that I didn't even really get to enjoy it. This had some great scenes, their first meeting at the club when Flint is just being his quirky self, their chemistry, Dominic seeing Flint perform at the bar, the kinky exhibitionism but after the heat, I pretty much got whiplash from how the story proceeded and how convoluted the Ivanov storyline turned out to be.

The nesting was fun/funny, but my favourite nesting scenes are the ones filled with meaning. This kind of just brought up more questions because I want to know what exactly happened to make the song deal between Liam and Flint go sour. It felt like there was quite bit of this storyline that was unresolved.

[els✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

- an MM shifter romance! Penguin x polar bear shutters, fake dating, instalove, fated mates, MPreg!
- Miss Bellows does love a sad prologue
- god i love Flint SO MUCH
- very very good sex scenes!!
- love Flint’s out look on life, he’s so optimistic even when he’s been beaten down
- the heat scene made me so sad :(
- my heart hurts for Dominic i just want him to be happy 😭
- we are getting so much lore from Cynthia!! it’s all insane
- this one is SO DRAMATIC omg
- everything they found at those houses acc broke me 😭
- NESTING!!!!!
- that is genuinely the best nesting scene we’ve ever gotten (and they’re all amazing so that’s saying something) Dominic got a whole ass PERSON to be a part of the nest 😂
- also does this mean we’ll get a Liam story because i would love that
- i do think the end was very rushed, like we were just told a bunch of stuff instead of being shown what was going on
- still loved this one tho!! i’ve missed everyone so much
- and i’m so glad they became besties with the others!!

[Fritzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Has to be read after the others in the series!

I love the Alaskan Pebble Gifters! Great couples, cute babies and the nesting scence are always the absolut best part of the book! All those three are as awesome as always in this book too.

But... somehow after about 2/3 the pacing got weird for me and I would have loved more detailed story telling. I loved Dominic in the beginning but lost the connection to him throughout the book somehow. I couldn't understand a lot of decitions made by Dominic in the end. Also I had the feeling the spice got a bit less space than in other books.
Even though I read all of the books in the series I was confused with some of the stroy lines bc it was a few books prior. I would love a quick "what happend" in the front of the book after so many books before!

I still read the book in one go bc I love Amy Bellows books. And bc Amy is one of my favourite authors this is comlaining on a high level.

[Michelle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues its chokehold over me - I can’t believe I have to wait for the next one now, haha.

This book was less heavy than the last but still so much darker than I was expecting with the series. Please know that the content warnings on these include cults, forced marriage, kidnapping and talk of harm, SA and non-consent situations.

This story follows a polar bear omega and a fairy penguin alpha shifter and honestly I was waiting for this one after we saw their meet cute a couple books back.

The relationship in this one is just as sweet and swoony and I loved the dynamic, this author really keeps it fresh with her characters and their personalities.

The story is a culmination of the rest of the series so do read in order. We finally get some justice over the bigger evils and a bit more of a hard fought HEA.

As usual the nesting is hilarious. This one comes with a twist.

Great story. Can’t wait for the finale coming soon.

[Einat Keshet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the main events that lead to the largest plot twist in this book actually happened in previous books, so you really need to read this series in order to get the most of it.

But I was waiting for Dominic to get his happily ever after.

I only feel like there were a few foreshadows and some loose ends that I hope Amy will tie up in future books she hinted at (Sarah's story maybe?)

Also, not enough Cy in this book. I felt the whole aspect of Dominic and Cy's stories could've evolved a bit more and i was a bit disappointed we didnt even get a hint for the omegas continuos leadership and evolution in the Polar Bear Guild.

But the nesting scene, as always, was everything.
I loved that this book shows what happens when you have an angry shifter nesting lol

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, fake relationship

Flint is just the sweetest guy.
He never lost hope searching for his mate and was determined to make the best of a difficult situation.
Dominic is really nice as well and has a horrible father who's threatening his best friend in order to force an arranged mating.
When they meet Dominic makes it very clear this is only temporary but Flint is determined to win him over.
They really shouldn't work as a meted pair but they're actually perfect for each other.
Flint is so loving, supportive and protective of Dominic but he also knows when to let Dominic lead.
Their chemistry was great from the beginning and Dominic's nesting scene was very uniquely inventive.

[Chase Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingggg

It is almost 4 in the morning but I couldn't put this book down it's so cute and beautifully written as always my heart kinds hurt when we attacked the squishmallows but it's okay this couple definitely was long awaited I'm very happy how they turned out. I can't get over all the previous characters coming in at the end as a big family this book was definitely the biggest link to the rest of the series and tied up some lose ends which was great. Amy bellows has definitely earned my second favourite author position only second to clio evans but I'm always on the edge of my seat waiting to fall in love with these adorable couples. ❤️

[Becky A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bond for Dominic" received FOUR stars.

I love this series. ❤️

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Lynn A · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! Some answers and details, and the perfect HEA!

Loved this book so much! It gave more of an explanation about some things that happened/were witnessed in other books in the series, as well as how certain things were done and accomplished that were only summarized before, which I really appreciated, and I’m so happy to know how things went down with Dominic and the strange fairy penguin shifter from the rainbow chain club. The HEA was hard won in this book, despite being pretty low angst, but everything worked out so perfectly in the end, and I can’t wait read Francis’ story!!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and loving read! I absolutely loved Flint and Dominic’s story. Their story starts as a fake relationship, at least for Dominic, but turns into something more. They help each other fight their demons and become closer in the process. I’m sad there’s only one more book left in this series, but it was great to see all the other couples from the previous books in the series show up in this one. I recommend reading this book after reading the other books in the series, as it will make more sense when you meet certain couples as well as the plot. This was such a great read and I look forward to the last book!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...

This one was not one of my favs. I felt there was more focus on the who overarching storyline, less focus on the mcs. Dominic's dad was horrible and Flint had a rough life.

Dominic is Max's best friend and an omega polar bear shifter and Flint was a fairy penguin alpha who never found his pebble.

But the nesting in here was awesome. The destruction was great.

The make up scene with the former friend was kind of a let down. No angry words, no clearing the air, just nothing.

But man with so many names to keep up with, not to mention the kazilion kids this group has, makes it hard to remember who is who.

[Marianne | Petite.BumbleBeeBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was such a delight! I started the first one thinking it was a standalone, but then realized 8 other couples were just waiting for me to discover them!

These books are everything it promises and more. It's fun, flirty and super sexy. But it also has great world building, and character growth.

Throughout the series we navigate serious themes like found family, not fitting in, sex work, dysfunctional families/religion, prison and its ethicality, etc.

It's no surprise that I adored how the author explored the themes of nest/nesting. Those scenes were as adorable as they were hilarious.

Here are my favourites aka the ones I cried: A home for Ben, A mate for Lu, A nest for Eli.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry

This book made me cry….in a good way. Honestly when I started reading this series I thought it would be just another sweet shifter series, but Amy Bellows has captured something special in her writing. The characters and their relationships, both romantic and not, are what stand out for me but the sheer amount of plot that she manages to pack in also stands out. Oh and the feels. The feels. I guess when I start thinking about it I just love everything about these stories.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Pebble you can still bond with...a polar bear?

This is one fantastic addition to this series! Amy has worked her magic again. Magic metal forging. Songs that sound magical. Two men meant to be together. I was swept up in their lives from the first pages. They pushed all my buttons. The story is both simple and complex. A simple love story. Complex with layers of secrets, family angst, metal magic, and music. Ooh, and the best, weirdest, nesting collection ever! This book is a joy to read! It will light up your day. So, go get it. Now!