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Bear’s Heart: A Small Town Cowboy Romance
World champion bull rider, Braden ‘Bear” Anderson is a Montana legend in and out of the arena, but when a horrifying accident in Tulsa leaves him fighting for his life, many fear for Bear’s future. Determined to live independently, he hires a design company to remodel his luxury log cabin to accommodate his new needs, but when he arrives, and the work does not meet his specifications, he furiously fires the crew.
Josie Calhoun is no stranger to challenge. A passionate advocate for universal design after growing up with a younger brother with special needs, she’s determined to ensure that Bear’s cabin is everything he needs and wants. Bear is fierce, but Josie’s not intimidated and immediately gets to work. She soon realizes Bear needs more than an accessible home, he needs a new purpose.
Josie’s family objects to how much time she spends with Bear, but she’s never been happier. Bear knows he doesn’t deserve Josie, and thinks he should push her out the door. But can he let go of the best part of his life?
Josie Calhoun is no stranger to challenge. A passionate advocate for universal design after growing up with a younger brother with special needs, she’s determined to ensure that Bear’s cabin is everything he needs and wants. Bear is fierce, but Josie’s not intimidated and immediately gets to work. She soon realizes Bear needs more than an accessible home, he needs a new purpose.
Josie’s family objects to how much time she spends with Bear, but she’s never been happier. Bear knows he doesn’t deserve Josie, and thinks he should push her out the door. But can he let go of the best part of his life?
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
21 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
627 books2,051 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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July 29, 2024
I could feel the emotion flowing from the words while reading this one, it is a gorgeous story of love, caring and romance, come along and meet Bear Anderson and Josie Calhoun, you will be feeling so many emotions and there will be tears, happy ones as Bear and Josie work their way to a beautiful HEA.
Bear, was at the top of his field as a bull rider until it all went horribly wrong and he found himself in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury, life was hard and a break-up with his fiancé didn’t pull him down for long accepting what life would be he moved back to the house that he was to live in finding it was not suited now and hired a company to have a look at some changes that didn't go well and he fired them but the young woman who was sent was determined ensure that things were done.
Josie, comes from a family who is used to wheelchairs and her specialty is to design homes and business to suit all disabilities and when she meets Bear she is not put off by his grumpiness and knows that she can make life in his home much better for him unless she can get him to purchase a house that would be even better.
Soon Bear has moved to Marietta and has also purchases the building to start the business that is dear to his heart and that is helping people with spinal cord injuries and the beautiful and bubbly Josie is helping with the designing of not only the business but the new house he has bought and moving in as his roommate but will they only ever be roommates or will their hearts take over and see them finding the love and happiness that they both deserve?
I loved this one from start to finish Josie is beautiful inside and out and Bear strong and so loving no matter what he has gone through, I highly recommend this one it is a beautifully told story that is open and honest about people in wheelchairs and that love will always be there.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Bear, was at the top of his field as a bull rider until it all went horribly wrong and he found himself in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury, life was hard and a break-up with his fiancé didn’t pull him down for long accepting what life would be he moved back to the house that he was to live in finding it was not suited now and hired a company to have a look at some changes that didn't go well and he fired them but the young woman who was sent was determined ensure that things were done.
Josie, comes from a family who is used to wheelchairs and her specialty is to design homes and business to suit all disabilities and when she meets Bear she is not put off by his grumpiness and knows that she can make life in his home much better for him unless she can get him to purchase a house that would be even better.
Soon Bear has moved to Marietta and has also purchases the building to start the business that is dear to his heart and that is helping people with spinal cord injuries and the beautiful and bubbly Josie is helping with the designing of not only the business but the new house he has bought and moving in as his roommate but will they only ever be roommates or will their hearts take over and see them finding the love and happiness that they both deserve?
I loved this one from start to finish Josie is beautiful inside and out and Bear strong and so loving no matter what he has gone through, I highly recommend this one it is a beautifully told story that is open and honest about people in wheelchairs and that love will always be there.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
July 31, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story featuring a tough hero marked by tragic circumstances and a younger, strong heroine, “Bear’s Heart”, by Jane Porter, shows how delivering a selfless project might be a decisive step to personal healing and peace of mind.
Bear is a great hero, a blend of toughness, pain and vulnerability. He’s still adjusting to his condition.
Josie is smitten at first sight. She’s young, still innocent, tender, open-hearted, but strong and resilient.
I loved how the leads worked so well together, their different talents and skills synchronized for common goals. Bear’s vision and passion about the center is amazing.
I also liked the author’s honest, realistic outlook on Bear’s challenges and prognosis, and what it means to a lover/wife and/or close family in the long run.
I would have liked to have seen more scenes with Josie and Bear together and less with the meddling, even if supportive, family. I wanted more of them together, the romantic interludes, the intimacy…
I felt the leads talked a lot about their feelings and emotions within the couple and with other people.
There was a lot – I mean, a lot! – of external influence/interference in the relationship, and at least one person’s involvement was so weird, especially near the end.
A story featuring a tough hero marked by tragic circumstances and a younger, strong heroine, “Bear’s Heart”, by Jane Porter, shows how delivering a selfless project might be a decisive step to personal healing and peace of mind.
Bear is a great hero, a blend of toughness, pain and vulnerability. He’s still adjusting to his condition.
Josie is smitten at first sight. She’s young, still innocent, tender, open-hearted, but strong and resilient.
I loved how the leads worked so well together, their different talents and skills synchronized for common goals. Bear’s vision and passion about the center is amazing.
I also liked the author’s honest, realistic outlook on Bear’s challenges and prognosis, and what it means to a lover/wife and/or close family in the long run.
I would have liked to have seen more scenes with Josie and Bear together and less with the meddling, even if supportive, family. I wanted more of them together, the romantic interludes, the intimacy…
I felt the leads talked a lot about their feelings and emotions within the couple and with other people.
There was a lot – I mean, a lot! – of external influence/interference in the relationship, and at least one person’s involvement was so weird, especially near the end.
July 25, 2024
I am writing to you today about a book that comes out on the 31st of July 2024, it is being published by Tule Publishing and is the 2nd book in the Calhoun series by Jane Porter, called Bear's Heart. I am fortunate to be on her review team where we get her new book in advance to read and review. This book I read in a day.
We meet Josie Calhoun who is finishing up her design training. She is a strong independent, caring lady who wants to do the best for all those she meets and who require help. She has been like this since her childhood.
She arrives unannounced at the house of Bear Anderson, the firm she is interning for have been asked to modify the house and Bear wants the modifications done but he is not the easiest man to get on with. Josie immediately sees what things could be done to help but Bear doesn’t want the modifications to take long. Her opening words to him are "it is an ugly ramp and we should have done better". By showing Bear that she has empathy, she shows him that there is someone who cares about what he wants and is there to help him.
He feels trapped in the house in many ways. The house was built when he was in a different stage of life and it holds many memories that are not holding him back but maybe hurt him without him realising it. He also has a tie to the land the house is built on and the surrounding area as it has been in his family for generations, so it is easy to understand why he doesn't want to move.
Josie and Bear become friends, she is enthusiastic about the project that Bear wants to start. When he offers her the opportunity to design the space, she agrees. This will help her complete her design project for her course, which will lead to graduation. Josie has a sunny outlook on life and throughout the book her joy in what she does shines through. There is an incident where she meets someone from her past and he is not a nice man and says some nasty things to her but she doesn't show how upset she is. She even tells him how sorry she is for him and his attitude, which I was cheering her on about.
The change in Bear spending time with Josie and getting to know her is good to see, he still struggles but has someone there who understands in some ways what he is feeling and do what she can to help alleviate the pressure.
As they spend time together and get to know each other, they grow closer but Josie’s mother is not happy with this and does all she can to stop this happening. I could understand her reasons for this but surely she would want her daughter to be happy. Will Josie and Bear stay together or will her mother’s interference spoil it all?
I really appreciated the representation of a character with a disability and the difficulties that they had to face in day to day life. I appreciated the research and thought that had gone into this story. Not many writers would explain how doorways in many houses are not big enough for a wheelchair and how depending on the type of wheel chair the door opening width has to change. Also the adaptations that are required in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms in particular. When Josie talks to Bear about these issues she makes her suggestions but not in a condescending way.
I really enjoyed this story, loved the characters and the plotline. I enjoyed seeing Josie flourish with the project, she really was a ray of sunshine. I enjoyed her interactions with her brother and sister in law and her younger brother. Bear’s journey was good to see, Josie was good for him and helped him develop in many ways. It was nice to see him also become friends with Rye (Josie’s brother).
Jane writes with an easy style that engages you from the start, she draws readers in makes you as the reader want to know what happens next. Her characters are believable and you can find yourself imagining how you would feel being in their position.
I found myself relating to Bear's situation, he has a disability but it doesn't stop him wanting to make a difference to other people who are in the same situation as himself. As someone who lives with a chronic illness it can be hard to do things you want to do but taking things one step at a time you can achieve things and make your life richer.
I would recommend this book to you and hope that you will read it when it is published. If you do read it please come back and chat with me in the comments, telling me your thoughts. Did you enjoy Josie as a character? What did you think about Bear and his situation? What would you have done in Mrs Calhoun's position? I would love to know your thoughts.
We meet Josie Calhoun who is finishing up her design training. She is a strong independent, caring lady who wants to do the best for all those she meets and who require help. She has been like this since her childhood.
She arrives unannounced at the house of Bear Anderson, the firm she is interning for have been asked to modify the house and Bear wants the modifications done but he is not the easiest man to get on with. Josie immediately sees what things could be done to help but Bear doesn’t want the modifications to take long. Her opening words to him are "it is an ugly ramp and we should have done better". By showing Bear that she has empathy, she shows him that there is someone who cares about what he wants and is there to help him.
He feels trapped in the house in many ways. The house was built when he was in a different stage of life and it holds many memories that are not holding him back but maybe hurt him without him realising it. He also has a tie to the land the house is built on and the surrounding area as it has been in his family for generations, so it is easy to understand why he doesn't want to move.
Josie and Bear become friends, she is enthusiastic about the project that Bear wants to start. When he offers her the opportunity to design the space, she agrees. This will help her complete her design project for her course, which will lead to graduation. Josie has a sunny outlook on life and throughout the book her joy in what she does shines through. There is an incident where she meets someone from her past and he is not a nice man and says some nasty things to her but she doesn't show how upset she is. She even tells him how sorry she is for him and his attitude, which I was cheering her on about.
The change in Bear spending time with Josie and getting to know her is good to see, he still struggles but has someone there who understands in some ways what he is feeling and do what she can to help alleviate the pressure.
As they spend time together and get to know each other, they grow closer but Josie’s mother is not happy with this and does all she can to stop this happening. I could understand her reasons for this but surely she would want her daughter to be happy. Will Josie and Bear stay together or will her mother’s interference spoil it all?
I really appreciated the representation of a character with a disability and the difficulties that they had to face in day to day life. I appreciated the research and thought that had gone into this story. Not many writers would explain how doorways in many houses are not big enough for a wheelchair and how depending on the type of wheel chair the door opening width has to change. Also the adaptations that are required in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms in particular. When Josie talks to Bear about these issues she makes her suggestions but not in a condescending way.
I really enjoyed this story, loved the characters and the plotline. I enjoyed seeing Josie flourish with the project, she really was a ray of sunshine. I enjoyed her interactions with her brother and sister in law and her younger brother. Bear’s journey was good to see, Josie was good for him and helped him develop in many ways. It was nice to see him also become friends with Rye (Josie’s brother).
Jane writes with an easy style that engages you from the start, she draws readers in makes you as the reader want to know what happens next. Her characters are believable and you can find yourself imagining how you would feel being in their position.
I found myself relating to Bear's situation, he has a disability but it doesn't stop him wanting to make a difference to other people who are in the same situation as himself. As someone who lives with a chronic illness it can be hard to do things you want to do but taking things one step at a time you can achieve things and make your life richer.
I would recommend this book to you and hope that you will read it when it is published. If you do read it please come back and chat with me in the comments, telling me your thoughts. Did you enjoy Josie as a character? What did you think about Bear and his situation? What would you have done in Mrs Calhoun's position? I would love to know your thoughts.
August 1, 2024
Bear’s Heart is the second book in Jane Porter’s heartwarming series, The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch. The story is very warm and powerful. The reader can tell the author is quite passionate about the characters and their story. Book two features Josie Calhoun. We met her in the first book. She is the younger sister of Rye Calhoun and is working as an intern for an interior design company. She is trying to finalize her final project in her universal design studies. Josie offers to go to help Bear Anderson make his mountain home accessible after his devastating accident. Bear is struggling to move around his home in his wheelchair and has dismissed other designers who have tried to work with him. Josie has a brother with cerebral palsy and a dad with a broken back so she is well acquainted with what is needed for Bear’s home. As the book opens Josie offers her suggestions to Bear and involves her brother Rye and his construction company.
Josie realizes the home will require more work than Bear is willing to pay for. She suggests renting something that is already designed for someone who is in a wheelchair. Bear tells her he also has plans to set up a business providing exoskeletons for people with spinal injuries like him to use. They are too expensive for people to buy their own but he can design a facility for others to come to. Josie and Rye start looking for a house for him to rent and a building near it for his business. They locate an old abandoned building and an accessible home in Marietta, Montana. Bear tours them and decides to purchase both. He gets Josie to agree to be in charge of the design and Rye to handle all the renovations. He and Josie spend time sharing about their pasts and their plans for the future. He tells her about his ex fiancee and their history. Both start developing feelings for the other. Bear knows he is paralyzed and unable to have sex and he cares too much for Josie to allow her to become serious about him. Josie’s family worries about their friendship and what it means. When Bear’s ex shows up, she adds complications to their lives. There is a lot of angst.
This is a beautifully written story with genuine and loving characters. I am glad Jane told Bear’s story. It is tragic but heartfelt and special. Josie and Bear make a wonderful couple. I was happy that Rye, his wife and his family was included in this story. It was fun also to see the names of characters from prior books that Jane has written like the Sheenans. This is a five star book I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Josie realizes the home will require more work than Bear is willing to pay for. She suggests renting something that is already designed for someone who is in a wheelchair. Bear tells her he also has plans to set up a business providing exoskeletons for people with spinal injuries like him to use. They are too expensive for people to buy their own but he can design a facility for others to come to. Josie and Rye start looking for a house for him to rent and a building near it for his business. They locate an old abandoned building and an accessible home in Marietta, Montana. Bear tours them and decides to purchase both. He gets Josie to agree to be in charge of the design and Rye to handle all the renovations. He and Josie spend time sharing about their pasts and their plans for the future. He tells her about his ex fiancee and their history. Both start developing feelings for the other. Bear knows he is paralyzed and unable to have sex and he cares too much for Josie to allow her to become serious about him. Josie’s family worries about their friendship and what it means. When Bear’s ex shows up, she adds complications to their lives. There is a lot of angst.
This is a beautifully written story with genuine and loving characters. I am glad Jane told Bear’s story. It is tragic but heartfelt and special. Josie and Bear make a wonderful couple. I was happy that Rye, his wife and his family was included in this story. It was fun also to see the names of characters from prior books that Jane has written like the Sheenans. This is a five star book I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2024
Braden Anderson, also known as Bear, is a former champion bull rider. An accident, which resulted in a spinal cord injury, caused his life to change forever. Now living life as a paraplegic, he’s determined to be as independent as possible as he returns home to his Montana cabin. But independence would show to be difficult with the cabin setup as it is. When the company who was hired to make renovations didn’t put forth what was planned, he was forced to find another company to do the work.
Josie Calhoun’s passion is to design accessible houses to allow those with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Having a brother and father who both live their lives in wheelchairs has been the driving factor in choosing this career path. When she hears that someone needs help redesigning their house to make it more accessible, she knows she’s just the person for the job.
Bear is hesitant to let someone into his heart. He feels too broken and undeserving of love now. But the moment he meets Josie the mutual attraction is undeniable. He feels that he’ll never be able to give a woman, especially a woman as amazing as Josie, what she needs. Especially physically. More than just his body has been injured, his spirit has taken a huge hit as well. Can Josie heal his heart while convincing him that his physical disability is something that wouldn’t hinder a future together?
I love that Jane Porter put a spin, like having a disabled hero, in her romance novel. Too many times we read stories about “perfect” people falling in love, marrying and spending their lives with an equally perfect partner. But, as we know, the world is anything but perfect. We need to read stories with realistic characters who are going through real-life struggles. Not only did Jane do that in this story, she did it in a way that you didn’t feel sorry for Bear, but instead rooted for his internal and emotional growth. I loved this book so much! I hope we get to revisit with these characters in future books.
Josie Calhoun’s passion is to design accessible houses to allow those with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Having a brother and father who both live their lives in wheelchairs has been the driving factor in choosing this career path. When she hears that someone needs help redesigning their house to make it more accessible, she knows she’s just the person for the job.
Bear is hesitant to let someone into his heart. He feels too broken and undeserving of love now. But the moment he meets Josie the mutual attraction is undeniable. He feels that he’ll never be able to give a woman, especially a woman as amazing as Josie, what she needs. Especially physically. More than just his body has been injured, his spirit has taken a huge hit as well. Can Josie heal his heart while convincing him that his physical disability is something that wouldn’t hinder a future together?
I love that Jane Porter put a spin, like having a disabled hero, in her romance novel. Too many times we read stories about “perfect” people falling in love, marrying and spending their lives with an equally perfect partner. But, as we know, the world is anything but perfect. We need to read stories with realistic characters who are going through real-life struggles. Not only did Jane do that in this story, she did it in a way that you didn’t feel sorry for Bear, but instead rooted for his internal and emotional growth. I loved this book so much! I hope we get to revisit with these characters in future books.
July 29, 2024
Bear’s Heart byJane Porter
This was an amazing read that I could not put down.
Bear Anderson was a legend. He was badly injured after being crushed by a bull and his life as he knew it did not exist anymore. He had a beautiful home built on his family property and it no longer is able to accommodate him now that he is in a wheelchair. In steps Josie Calhoun who is an intern at the design firm that built his home ,to make whatever accommodations are necessary, so he can be comfortable since she specializes in accessibility designs.
As she walks through his house she sees many things that need to be changed to accommodate him. He is reluctant but knows that he can’t continue as he has been. Josie feels an instant attraction to Bear and wants to help him even though he is very intimidating.
Bear feels an attraction as well but he can’t do anything about it. He feels he would only hurt her. He just doesn’t realize how stubborn and determined Josie can be.
Even though Bear decided he was not going to do the work to make alterations Josie goes full
speed ahead with her brother’s help.
Bear decides it would be best to lease his house and rent something for a while. He also is looking for commercial property where he can open a facility for people with spinal cord injury
where they can work with robotic walkers. Josie ends up
Helping him find both places and they get closer.
Josie’s mother is not happy with them
starting a relationship and let’s Bear know that he should back off.
Josie is heartbroken but will there be a chance for her to convince Bear that only her and Bear should
be the ones to decide?
You must read this wonderful book to see where the future may or may not lead them.
This was an amazing read that I could not put down.
Bear Anderson was a legend. He was badly injured after being crushed by a bull and his life as he knew it did not exist anymore. He had a beautiful home built on his family property and it no longer is able to accommodate him now that he is in a wheelchair. In steps Josie Calhoun who is an intern at the design firm that built his home ,to make whatever accommodations are necessary, so he can be comfortable since she specializes in accessibility designs.
As she walks through his house she sees many things that need to be changed to accommodate him. He is reluctant but knows that he can’t continue as he has been. Josie feels an instant attraction to Bear and wants to help him even though he is very intimidating.
Bear feels an attraction as well but he can’t do anything about it. He feels he would only hurt her. He just doesn’t realize how stubborn and determined Josie can be.
Even though Bear decided he was not going to do the work to make alterations Josie goes full
speed ahead with her brother’s help.
Bear decides it would be best to lease his house and rent something for a while. He also is looking for commercial property where he can open a facility for people with spinal cord injury
where they can work with robotic walkers. Josie ends up
Helping him find both places and they get closer.
Josie’s mother is not happy with them
starting a relationship and let’s Bear know that he should back off.
Josie is heartbroken but will there be a chance for her to convince Bear that only her and Bear should
be the ones to decide?
You must read this wonderful book to see where the future may or may not lead them.
August 7, 2024
It's always intriguing to read a story that offers something a little different. This is book 2 in the series, and I haven't read book one yet. Rye Calhoun from book 1 is a secondary character.
It's his sister Josie who is the sunshine in this story. Josie has grown up with family members living with a disability, so her design career incorporates the essentials of universal design to ensure accessibility as a key aspect of the places she works on. In fact, she is looking for a project to finish her final assignment in her college course.
Bear Anderson is a legend in his lifetime. As a child he faced off with a bear to save someone he loved. Not really sure if it was his sister or his dog to hear him tell the story.
Three years before this story starts, he and a very large bull faced off in the ring, and this time Bear came out of the encounter with more than a few stitches. As a wheelchair user, he's having to confront challenges he never expected. Like getting though the bathroom door in the fabulous house he built for his then fiancée.
Josie has the answers, even though they aren't the ones Bear was looking for initially.
This was a really lovely story of two people who have a connection and have to work through more than the usual challenges to find where it leads. Well-meaning relatives, an ex-fiancée, and simple day to day struggles all combine to make this romance harder than it should be.
I really enjoyed the story and the ending was beautiful.
Having a POV from the ex-fiancée did throw me at one point but my major concern was where I was going to find huckleberries in rural Australia for the yummy looking recipe at the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's his sister Josie who is the sunshine in this story. Josie has grown up with family members living with a disability, so her design career incorporates the essentials of universal design to ensure accessibility as a key aspect of the places she works on. In fact, she is looking for a project to finish her final assignment in her college course.
Bear Anderson is a legend in his lifetime. As a child he faced off with a bear to save someone he loved. Not really sure if it was his sister or his dog to hear him tell the story.
Three years before this story starts, he and a very large bull faced off in the ring, and this time Bear came out of the encounter with more than a few stitches. As a wheelchair user, he's having to confront challenges he never expected. Like getting though the bathroom door in the fabulous house he built for his then fiancée.
Josie has the answers, even though they aren't the ones Bear was looking for initially.
This was a really lovely story of two people who have a connection and have to work through more than the usual challenges to find where it leads. Well-meaning relatives, an ex-fiancée, and simple day to day struggles all combine to make this romance harder than it should be.
I really enjoyed the story and the ending was beautiful.
Having a POV from the ex-fiancée did throw me at one point but my major concern was where I was going to find huckleberries in rural Australia for the yummy looking recipe at the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Bear’s Heart by Jane Porter, book two in the The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch series, is a heartfelt, and emotional story about how far someone will go for love.
Josie Calhoun, a design intern in her last year of college, wants to help former champion bull rider Braden “Bear” Anderson; who was left paralyzed by a dreadful accident. After a long rehabilitation, he retreated to his Montana log cabin, only to realize it needs major renovations to accommodate his wheelchair. He’s gruff, unhappy and still learning to deal with his disability. Josie offers him suggestions on what needs to be done at the cabin. She has a lot of ideas mostly because her brother and father and both in a wheelchair and she needs a design project prior to graduating; one not connected to her internship. She knows how to think outside the box and visualize what will work for her clients. Bear offers her an alternative for her project: retrofit a house in Marietta and design a facility for the company he wants to establish to help others with spinal cord injuries.
Josie is exactly who Bear needs to help facilitate this project; not only does he need a designer, he is in need of a special person in his life, one who puts him first, but doesn’t know it yet. She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition. The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie spend time together, get to know each other, becoming a impressive team as they balance each other; eventually finding forever love.
It was fun hearing about the ice cream shop and the other stores and shops in Marietta. The additional secondary characters, Noah, Savannah, Rye & Ansley, and the rest of Josie’s family added depth and obstacles to the story. I know Savannah didn’t play a part in the story, but I wanted to know more about her future and what happens to her baby. I had an idea, but know it was up to Ms. Porter and wonder if she will be featured in another story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Josie Calhoun, a design intern in her last year of college, wants to help former champion bull rider Braden “Bear” Anderson; who was left paralyzed by a dreadful accident. After a long rehabilitation, he retreated to his Montana log cabin, only to realize it needs major renovations to accommodate his wheelchair. He’s gruff, unhappy and still learning to deal with his disability. Josie offers him suggestions on what needs to be done at the cabin. She has a lot of ideas mostly because her brother and father and both in a wheelchair and she needs a design project prior to graduating; one not connected to her internship. She knows how to think outside the box and visualize what will work for her clients. Bear offers her an alternative for her project: retrofit a house in Marietta and design a facility for the company he wants to establish to help others with spinal cord injuries.
Josie is exactly who Bear needs to help facilitate this project; not only does he need a designer, he is in need of a special person in his life, one who puts him first, but doesn’t know it yet. She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition. The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie spend time together, get to know each other, becoming a impressive team as they balance each other; eventually finding forever love.
It was fun hearing about the ice cream shop and the other stores and shops in Marietta. The additional secondary characters, Noah, Savannah, Rye & Ansley, and the rest of Josie’s family added depth and obstacles to the story. I know Savannah didn’t play a part in the story, but I wanted to know more about her future and what happens to her baby. I had an idea, but know it was up to Ms. Porter and wonder if she will be featured in another story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 19, 2024
Bear's Heart is a beautifully written and emotional story. Set in Bozeman and the fictional town of Marietta, Montana it's about design student Josie Calhoun (her brother Rye's story is Take Me Please, Cowboy) and former rodeo rider, Braden aka Bear Anderson. Bear was tragically injured in a rodeo accident almost 3 years ago. His life changed in an instant and he was lucky to survive but is now paralyzed. He's struggling in the home that he had built for himself and his ex-fiancee. It was built for beauty but not for his current needs and that is where Josie comes in. She's passionate about functionality and knows that Bear's home can be redesigned to his current needs even though that might not be the right thing for him at this stage of his life. As Bear works with Josie on finding a new home and designing it for his current life, she also assists him with his new business venture. These two are wonderful together and it warmed my heart to read about their growing love. The downside is that others aren't so happy about their budding relationship. Josie's mother has serious concerns and add to that, Bear's ex-fiancee returns to town looking for assistance after her life has been upended again. Bear's ex is not a nice person. I hated everything about her self-centered character and I honestly don't know if there are any redeemable qualities to this woman. As for Josie's mother, she was misguided in Rye's story so her behavior didn't shock me but it did disappoint me. Bear's Heart was told from dual POV. It stands alone but I do recommend going back and reading Rye's story because I really adore these Calhoun siblings.
July 24, 2024
This book can be read and fully enjoyed even if you didn’t read the first one.
🐂Bear, an injured and now disabled bull rider, is in need of fixing up his house to accommodate his new medical needs. Josie, a designer, is just what Bear needs to help facilitate this. Not only does he need a designer, he may be in need of a special person in his life but doesn’t know it yet.
🏡I found Josie to be one of the most pleasant characters I have read in a long time. Bear is kind of grumpy and a bit older than Josie. He was into his work and kind of grumpy before the accident, but now he has more issues and concerns to deal with. However, he has a kind heart. Josie is persistent and her tenacity and sweetness pair well together. Bear and Josie balance each other out.
🦼This book has me wanting to discuss the characters more than some other books. Mainly, the dialogue between all of them really allows us to get to know them. I began to not like Bear in the beginning but as I got to know him, all I wanted was to see him happy.
💗The secondary characters are so supportive and nice and full of personality. After I finished reading, I felt the warmth and happiness a reader wants to feel after a romance novel is finished. Jane Porter will pull you into the story and have you forgetting you’re just reading the book; you’re not really there with the characters!
Thank you Jane Porter and Tule Publishing for the ARC of this book. As always, I am so happy to spend my time reading quality books I just don’t want to put down.
🐂Bear, an injured and now disabled bull rider, is in need of fixing up his house to accommodate his new medical needs. Josie, a designer, is just what Bear needs to help facilitate this. Not only does he need a designer, he may be in need of a special person in his life but doesn’t know it yet.
🏡I found Josie to be one of the most pleasant characters I have read in a long time. Bear is kind of grumpy and a bit older than Josie. He was into his work and kind of grumpy before the accident, but now he has more issues and concerns to deal with. However, he has a kind heart. Josie is persistent and her tenacity and sweetness pair well together. Bear and Josie balance each other out.
🦼This book has me wanting to discuss the characters more than some other books. Mainly, the dialogue between all of them really allows us to get to know them. I began to not like Bear in the beginning but as I got to know him, all I wanted was to see him happy.
💗The secondary characters are so supportive and nice and full of personality. After I finished reading, I felt the warmth and happiness a reader wants to feel after a romance novel is finished. Jane Porter will pull you into the story and have you forgetting you’re just reading the book; you’re not really there with the characters!
Thank you Jane Porter and Tule Publishing for the ARC of this book. As always, I am so happy to spend my time reading quality books I just don’t want to put down.
August 1, 2024
Josie Calhoun, with stars in her eyes, just getting ready to take on the adaptive design community by storm, gets the opportunity to redesign rodeo bull rider Braden 'Bear' Anderson's dream home after he becomes a paraplegic due to an almost fatal fall during his last rodeo. The lack of knowledge of the needs of a wheelchair bound person are evident when she walks up to the house.
Bear just wants to be able to use the bathroom without falling. He isn't interested in the aesthetics of the house, and really isn't interested the the functionality of being able to reach things and work effectively in the house. He certainly doesn't need a gorgeous young woman to 'help' him.
Luckily for us, Josie doesn't give up and even though there are family members who meddle, and people right and left trying to tell them both how their attraction to each other won't work, the love and care Bear and Josie have for each other shines through. Their commitment to spinal cord injury patients is evident as Bear's new enterprise takes off with Josie's designs. Gorgeous and functional are both needed as people heal.
I was thrilled that this book was all about inclusion and of course, love. No miracle cure for Bear's paralysis, but teaching moments throughout the book on how we need to include everyone in all aspects of life. Some people are differently abled physically, they are certainly not disabled.
Bear just wants to be able to use the bathroom without falling. He isn't interested in the aesthetics of the house, and really isn't interested the the functionality of being able to reach things and work effectively in the house. He certainly doesn't need a gorgeous young woman to 'help' him.
Luckily for us, Josie doesn't give up and even though there are family members who meddle, and people right and left trying to tell them both how their attraction to each other won't work, the love and care Bear and Josie have for each other shines through. Their commitment to spinal cord injury patients is evident as Bear's new enterprise takes off with Josie's designs. Gorgeous and functional are both needed as people heal.
I was thrilled that this book was all about inclusion and of course, love. No miracle cure for Bear's paralysis, but teaching moments throughout the book on how we need to include everyone in all aspects of life. Some people are differently abled physically, they are certainly not disabled.
August 7, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Bear and Josie
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- about 230 pages
Heat- 0/5. No erotic content.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of pregnancy termination
Tropes- Instalove, Age Gap, Hero with a Disability, Forced Proximity (roommates)
Mewsings- this was a nice romance BUT…
…I had serious issues about how the erotic life between the two main characters was portrayed. As in there was none. Which is unrealistic because just because a couple can’t have PIV zexytime doesn’t mean there aren’t many other things they could do to take their intimacy to the next level.
So I’m on the fence with this one. I liked both main characters, and the story was clear, if a little bit preachy. The story also raises awareness about accessibility issues. But it was a very surface story, with more depth given to reactions to his disability, accessibility in general and how it worked for Bear, and the projects that he and she were working on to give back to the disabled community. The romance wasn’t the priority here. This was more of a novel in a family saga than a romance. The characters kept telling each other and Josie what she would be giving up, and I did like that she debunked their theories and stood up for her ability to make her own decisions. But I needed more of the romance- love and hearts and flowers, etc., not necessarily zexytime.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Bear and Josie
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- about 230 pages
Heat- 0/5. No erotic content.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of pregnancy termination
Tropes- Instalove, Age Gap, Hero with a Disability, Forced Proximity (roommates)
Mewsings- this was a nice romance BUT…
…I had serious issues about how the erotic life between the two main characters was portrayed. As in there was none. Which is unrealistic because just because a couple can’t have PIV zexytime doesn’t mean there aren’t many other things they could do to take their intimacy to the next level.
So I’m on the fence with this one. I liked both main characters, and the story was clear, if a little bit preachy. The story also raises awareness about accessibility issues. But it was a very surface story, with more depth given to reactions to his disability, accessibility in general and how it worked for Bear, and the projects that he and she were working on to give back to the disabled community. The romance wasn’t the priority here. This was more of a novel in a family saga than a romance. The characters kept telling each other and Josie what she would be giving up, and I did like that she debunked their theories and stood up for her ability to make her own decisions. But I needed more of the romance- love and hearts and flowers, etc., not necessarily zexytime.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2024
This review contains spoilers. Bear’s Heart is book #2 in the Cold Canyon Ranch series,but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Bear is a bull rider who has a riding accident that leaves him with a spinal cord injury and wheelchair bound. His longtime girlfriend/fiancé Savannah ends up not being able to handle the many changes that are involved with his accident & they breakup,but not before she angrily tells him that shortly after his accident,she had an abortion & terminated the baby that her knew nothing about. After rehab,Bear goes back to the house they designed together & it’s not wheelchair accessible. The interior design company sends intern Josie to access the house & see if changes can be made to accommodate Bears special needs. Josie has a father & brother who are both in wheelchairs,so she’s perfect for the job. Bear ends up buying a much smaller house & hires Josie to make the changes the house needs. She ends up moving into the house to do the repairs (her lease on her place wasn’t renewed). Shortly after moving in sparks start to fly between Bear & Josie,only to come to a halt thanks to her mother’s interference. After a short breakup,they reunite….”Love is patient,Love is kind,Love never fails” ❤️ Thank you to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read & review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
She is his heart and he is hers. - I absolutely loved this book. Josie is smitten with Bear before she even sets eyes on him. He's a legend in Montana, but not for the purported reason (scary / kinda funny story behind that). He's just as taken with her, but his physical limitations give him pause. His own negative thoughts are reinforced by his ex-fiancee showing up and by Josie's mom. Savannah left him in the lurch when he got hurt, doing and saying awful things on her way out the door. Jennifer doesn't want her 23-year-old daughter to live the life she has for so long, being a caregiver to someone with a lifelong disability. The only person whose opinion Bear didn't consider is Josie. But just as she butted into Rye's business with Ansley, her big bro has her back. He won't sit and watch Josie be unhappy. She's too good-hearted to not have her own perfect HEA, and Bear is the person to whom she's given her heart.
A wonderfully sweet story with more great characters (Savannah got better with time) set in the mountains of Montana. Josie and Bear are made for each other, no matter the age gap or his being in a wheelchair. They both want to make the world a better place. Just by sharing their love with each other they already have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderfully sweet story with more great characters (Savannah got better with time) set in the mountains of Montana. Josie and Bear are made for each other, no matter the age gap or his being in a wheelchair. They both want to make the world a better place. Just by sharing their love with each other they already have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Josie is completing her degree, and she's got a special finesse for designing and creating spaces which are accessible. She knows the importance of accessibility better than most, because her brother was born with a congenital anomaly and her father acquired a mobility disability after an accident.
Bear became a paraplegic after a rodeo accident. A wheelchair is his means of mobility, but it doesn't define his life. He's still running a business and wants to open a facility to help others in need of accessible therapy. His ranch house isn't meeting his needs and he's no longer emotionally attached to it.
Josie helps Bear find a short term fix for his ranch home, and she also finds him temporary housing which will work with a few accessible updates while he decides what to do with the ranch house. She also is helping him renovate a space for the training center.
As they work together, they develop feelings for each other, but Bear feels that part of his life is over and makes the decision to end things for Josie, rather than hearing if she's all-in, even with possible limitations in their relationship.
As the renovations are nearing the end, can they find a way into each other's heart for keeps?
A truly beautiful and moving story of love over obstacles.
Bear became a paraplegic after a rodeo accident. A wheelchair is his means of mobility, but it doesn't define his life. He's still running a business and wants to open a facility to help others in need of accessible therapy. His ranch house isn't meeting his needs and he's no longer emotionally attached to it.
Josie helps Bear find a short term fix for his ranch home, and she also finds him temporary housing which will work with a few accessible updates while he decides what to do with the ranch house. She also is helping him renovate a space for the training center.
As they work together, they develop feelings for each other, but Bear feels that part of his life is over and makes the decision to end things for Josie, rather than hearing if she's all-in, even with possible limitations in their relationship.
As the renovations are nearing the end, can they find a way into each other's heart for keeps?
A truly beautiful and moving story of love over obstacles.
August 1, 2024
Braden Anderson, better known as Bear, was a champion Bull rider until the fateful ride that left him paralyzed and in a wheel chair. When he comes home to a house he built for his future after his riding days were finished, can not accommodate him and his chair. When interior designer, who is an expert at designing for people with disabilities, as her younger brother is also disabled, she knows what she is talking about, but Bear fights her on the changes that need to be made to help him live a good life.
As Josie finally convinces Bear to move into a place that will accommodate him, and gives him the encouragement that he need to start a new journey of fulfillment, she realizes that he has come to mean a lot to her. But one thing stands in her way of happiness with him, her family. Will see that they have a future or will he break her heart and maybe his too.
This book was full of emotion and so inspiring that your heart will over flow while reading it for Josie and Bear. There feelings for each other start from page one until the end. Once I started i could not stop reading this book. This book is a book I would recommend to be on your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As Josie finally convinces Bear to move into a place that will accommodate him, and gives him the encouragement that he need to start a new journey of fulfillment, she realizes that he has come to mean a lot to her. But one thing stands in her way of happiness with him, her family. Will see that they have a future or will he break her heart and maybe his too.
This book was full of emotion and so inspiring that your heart will over flow while reading it for Josie and Bear. There feelings for each other start from page one until the end. Once I started i could not stop reading this book. This book is a book I would recommend to be on your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2024
BEAR’S HEART by Jane Porter is the second in her The Calhoun’s & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch series and I highly recommend grabbing your copy. BEAR’S HEART follows Josie Calhoun and Bear Anderson. Josie, a design intern, has a passion for accessible design and needs a final project to finish her degree. Bear needs help making his luxury home functional for his new reality. Bear’s life changed in an instant, but now he’s coming to terms with his new reality and is determined to make a difference in others’ lives. Josie’s passion, attitude, and friendship are exactly what Bear needs, but with his challenges, he has no intention of having a romantic relationship with anyone, especially Josie. Josie doesn’t see anything more than a handsome man she admires.
Can these two overcome the challenges they face, including her family’s objections, to find their HEA? You will love these two beautiful people that deserve to have all the happiness they can get. This can stand alone if you haven’t read the first in the series, but after reading it, you’ll want to read Rye and Ansley’s story!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Can these two overcome the challenges they face, including her family’s objections, to find their HEA? You will love these two beautiful people that deserve to have all the happiness they can get. This can stand alone if you haven’t read the first in the series, but after reading it, you’ll want to read Rye and Ansley’s story!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
July 30, 2024
AMAZING!!
I just couldn’t put this one down! You can feel the emotion in every page ! Jane really out did herself on this one.
Bear Anderson has a tragic accident and ends up paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
Josie Calhoun is an intern at a design school. She is used to men in a wheelchair. Her brother and her father are both disabled. For different reasons.
Josie has to convince Bear to let her design his home and his business. She is doing this pro bono to be able to finish her internship. The house that Bear lives in was built before he became wheelchair-bound. So it definitely needs work. The business that he’s working on is a therapeutic gym, for people that are wheelchair bound. He wants this gym to have the best equipment and to be available to all patients, regardless of money.
Josie is immediately mesmerized by Bear. And Bear feels the same way, but he hides his feelings because he feels Josie deserves a better life.
I love how their relationship develops. And how they are both just amazing people.
This is definitely one that you want to grab, the minute it comes out on July 31, 2024
I just couldn’t put this one down! You can feel the emotion in every page ! Jane really out did herself on this one.
Bear Anderson has a tragic accident and ends up paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
Josie Calhoun is an intern at a design school. She is used to men in a wheelchair. Her brother and her father are both disabled. For different reasons.
Josie has to convince Bear to let her design his home and his business. She is doing this pro bono to be able to finish her internship. The house that Bear lives in was built before he became wheelchair-bound. So it definitely needs work. The business that he’s working on is a therapeutic gym, for people that are wheelchair bound. He wants this gym to have the best equipment and to be available to all patients, regardless of money.
Josie is immediately mesmerized by Bear. And Bear feels the same way, but he hides his feelings because he feels Josie deserves a better life.
I love how their relationship develops. And how they are both just amazing people.
This is definitely one that you want to grab, the minute it comes out on July 31, 2024
July 31, 2024
Author Jane Porter has another heartfelt winner with Bear’s Heart, the second book from her Calhouns and Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch series. This is a quick read with meaningful characters and the Crazy Mountains landscape.
Josie Calhoun always puts those she cares about ahead of herself. As a result, she spreads sunshine wherever she goes. Her ability to design spaces for people with special needs is near and dear to her heart. So when Josie is hired by Bear Anderson to design his new home and facility for those with spinal injuries, she jumps at the chance. Bear was a champion bull rider for many years, until an awful accident paralyzed him from the waist down. Overtime, Josie and Bear become more than employer and employee. They become friends which evolves into love.
I really enjoyed this sweet story. Ms. Porter's writing style continues to be effortless and easy to understand. Josie and Bear are perfect together and I felt their connection almost immediately. The secondary characters added a lot of interest to the book, especially Josie's mother. Her over protectiveness was a bit manipulative. Overall, a solid romantic read.
Complimentary copy provided.
Josie Calhoun always puts those she cares about ahead of herself. As a result, she spreads sunshine wherever she goes. Her ability to design spaces for people with special needs is near and dear to her heart. So when Josie is hired by Bear Anderson to design his new home and facility for those with spinal injuries, she jumps at the chance. Bear was a champion bull rider for many years, until an awful accident paralyzed him from the waist down. Overtime, Josie and Bear become more than employer and employee. They become friends which evolves into love.
I really enjoyed this sweet story. Ms. Porter's writing style continues to be effortless and easy to understand. Josie and Bear are perfect together and I felt their connection almost immediately. The secondary characters added a lot of interest to the book, especially Josie's mother. Her over protectiveness was a bit manipulative. Overall, a solid romantic read.
Complimentary copy provided.
August 3, 2024
Bear's Heart ~ The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch #2 by Jane Porter.
A heart-wrenching story from Jane, that has been written brilliantly and has covered a disability very well. It certainly pulled my heartstrings while reading the book.
I was engaged from the start, with the wonderful characters Josie Calhoun and former world champion bull rider Braden ‘Bear” Anderson. Their chemistry was so good. After a horrible accident that left Bear fighting for his life, he hired a firm to modify his house to accommodate his needs with his wheelchair, only to find it didn't work. Along comes the intern Josie, but little did Bear know that Josie knew all about wheelchair access.
Could Josie and Bear work together? Can Bear love again? Will they get their HEA?
A brilliant addition to this new series from Jane. Don't miss out on this incredible story that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more. Get your copy of this fantastic book today! I highly recommend it deserves more than 5*
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic,
Wonderful characters, and Marietta Montana:)
A heart-wrenching story from Jane, that has been written brilliantly and has covered a disability very well. It certainly pulled my heartstrings while reading the book.
I was engaged from the start, with the wonderful characters Josie Calhoun and former world champion bull rider Braden ‘Bear” Anderson. Their chemistry was so good. After a horrible accident that left Bear fighting for his life, he hired a firm to modify his house to accommodate his needs with his wheelchair, only to find it didn't work. Along comes the intern Josie, but little did Bear know that Josie knew all about wheelchair access.
Could Josie and Bear work together? Can Bear love again? Will they get their HEA?
A brilliant addition to this new series from Jane. Don't miss out on this incredible story that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more. Get your copy of this fantastic book today! I highly recommend it deserves more than 5*
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic,
Wonderful characters, and Marietta Montana:)
August 18, 2024
Bear a legend in the rodeo circuit until a devastating accident that put him in a wheelchair, ending his dreams. Josie is a a designer-in-training who specializes in accessible living design, something she is familiar with as her brother and father are both in wheelchairs.
Bear decides that he needs to move out of his dream home, not only because it's hard for him to get around, but because it had been designed for his fiancé, a relationship that had ended when his accident happened. He also wants to start a business that focuses on helping those who have spinal cord injuries. He is impressed with Josie's ideas and with her. Josie's heart and mind are touched by Bear and his thoughtfulness in trying to help those who don't have the ability to get the help they need.
But his pride and past history stop him from listening to his heart, can Josie make him see that he is so much more than he thinks?
I loved this book; it was a very moving and thought provoking read and an emotional rollercoaster for me. Plenty of laughter and tears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bear decides that he needs to move out of his dream home, not only because it's hard for him to get around, but because it had been designed for his fiancé, a relationship that had ended when his accident happened. He also wants to start a business that focuses on helping those who have spinal cord injuries. He is impressed with Josie's ideas and with her. Josie's heart and mind are touched by Bear and his thoughtfulness in trying to help those who don't have the ability to get the help they need.
But his pride and past history stop him from listening to his heart, can Josie make him see that he is so much more than he thinks?
I loved this book; it was a very moving and thought provoking read and an emotional rollercoaster for me. Plenty of laughter and tears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2024
Jane Porter has written an amazing book that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Bear Armstrong was a Montana legend - a rodeo champion who never knew defeat until a devastating spinal cord injury ends his career and his dreams. I admire that Bear is able to find a new purpose and wants to help others who struggle with their disability. Josie Calhoun is a ray of sunshine. She's a designer-in-training who wants to design accessible housing so that people can live in comfort and safety. Her brother and father are both disabled so she understands how important this is. Her goodness is a blessing to those around her. She is a strong, determined woman who believes in improving the quality of life. Bear and Josie have a powerful attraction, but the obstacles they face are daunting. I gained a new understanding about physical disabilities and how it changes the person's behavior and that of their family and friends. Bear's Heart is a beautiful, uplifting story. It opened my eyes and made me realize the importance of exclusivity.
July 31, 2024
Bear Anderson is a rodeo legend. That is until he suffered an injury that not only ended his career but almost his life. Now it has been a few years and he is starting his life over. He lost everything including his girl. Now he has returned to the house they built together to start his life with the new version of himself. Josie needs a project for to graduate. She finds out from her contractor brother that Bear needs some modifications to his house. Having grown up with a brother and father in wheelchairs, Josie knows a thing or two about how to make things easier for Bear's daily life.
When she meets him there is an instant attraction. Not just his beautiful face but with his soul. Despite her helpful insight, Bear has to fight his attraction to Josie. He never expected to feel that kind of attraction again after his injury. He thinks it would not be fair to her when he can't give her what she deserves in a physical relationship. Now it is up to Josie to convince Bear to give her a chance and open his heart to the possibility of finding love. Good read.
When she meets him there is an instant attraction. Not just his beautiful face but with his soul. Despite her helpful insight, Bear has to fight his attraction to Josie. He never expected to feel that kind of attraction again after his injury. He thinks it would not be fair to her when he can't give her what she deserves in a physical relationship. Now it is up to Josie to convince Bear to give her a chance and open his heart to the possibility of finding love. Good read.
August 8, 2024
I loved this book on so many levels. It was such a great story, but for me, it was deeper than just a romance novel. The premise of the book is about a rodeo star named Braden nicknamed Bear who is overcoming some challenges due to an injury that he suffered a few years back. It also has an up and coming home accessibility design planner named Josie who has a very determined personality and heart that is the size of Texas. As Josie works with Bear to better understand him and help ease his everyday life, she sees him in a whole new light. Not injured…Not retired rodeo star…..Just one amazing whole man named Bear…..What really tugged at my heart was that we all are overcoming some kind of challenges in life- mental, emotional, physical, but we see ourselves as being not good enough. We need to see ourselves for just a minute from our friend’s and family’s view…and if you have a partner…their view as well. They all see us as completely whole and fabulous!!!! Go buy the book to see how Bear and Josie’s story ends!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 31, 2024
July 27
Bear's Heart by Jane Porter
Fantastic read and especially because it's about a disabled man. About the author at the end talks about how this book came about and just how personal it is to the author, Jane and her life. Pure heart and soul in this story.
Story follows Josie who is a designer intern til her schooling is finished. She has a lot of ideas mostly because her brother and father and both in a wheelchair.
She has to think outside the box and see what works for her clients. As a last resort she is sent to Clyde Park to talk to Bear. He is an ex bull rider who almost died after he was thrown off the bull.
Was in a coma and so many years of rehab to get where he's at today. He's retuning to the house he had built when he was going to marry Savannah but things changed after the accident.
The house no longer works for him either. He can't even get to the second floor, other rooms are too small for the wheelchair.
Josie is very patient and he has an idea and asks her to help him with finding him a more useable house and a business he wants to open.
Love the idea of the rehab idea and what it all involves. So caring and useful for those who need it. Check it out on the internet, so cool!
Love hearing of the ice cream shop and the other town stores and shops. So many twists and turns.
Story also has a bit of Noah, Bears best friend, Savannah and Josies family and Rye and Ansley. Easy to keep them all straight, even if you've not read the other books in the series.
Things are going so smoothly til a meeting and then Bear breaks up with her. Josie finds a friend then heads home to her parents’ house..
Such hurtful things said, you know there is no way they are getting back together.
Super read, one to Keep!
Received this review copy from the publishing company and this is my honest opinion.
Bear's Heart by Jane Porter
Fantastic read and especially because it's about a disabled man. About the author at the end talks about how this book came about and just how personal it is to the author, Jane and her life. Pure heart and soul in this story.
Story follows Josie who is a designer intern til her schooling is finished. She has a lot of ideas mostly because her brother and father and both in a wheelchair.
She has to think outside the box and see what works for her clients. As a last resort she is sent to Clyde Park to talk to Bear. He is an ex bull rider who almost died after he was thrown off the bull.
Was in a coma and so many years of rehab to get where he's at today. He's retuning to the house he had built when he was going to marry Savannah but things changed after the accident.
The house no longer works for him either. He can't even get to the second floor, other rooms are too small for the wheelchair.
Josie is very patient and he has an idea and asks her to help him with finding him a more useable house and a business he wants to open.
Love the idea of the rehab idea and what it all involves. So caring and useful for those who need it. Check it out on the internet, so cool!
Love hearing of the ice cream shop and the other town stores and shops. So many twists and turns.
Story also has a bit of Noah, Bears best friend, Savannah and Josies family and Rye and Ansley. Easy to keep them all straight, even if you've not read the other books in the series.
Things are going so smoothly til a meeting and then Bear breaks up with her. Josie finds a friend then heads home to her parents’ house..
Such hurtful things said, you know there is no way they are getting back together.
Super read, one to Keep!
Received this review copy from the publishing company and this is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2024
You know how some characters just grab you by the heart and squeeze all of your emotions? Bear and Josie did that to me. I loved them both so much. Bear was so sweet and kind, he wanted to help others with spinal cord injuries because his life completely changed when he was in an accident. Josie is a strong, loyal, loving, intelligent, independent woman who knows what she wants. Josie is also determined to help others. Bear feels trapped in his home, he can’t access some areas because of his wheelchair and so Josie steps in. I adored these two, Josie has such a big heart and she sees the person Bear is inside rather than the man he once was. This story has everything ancient more, small town, family and history with the strengthening relationship between Bear and Josie. This is the second story in Jane’s The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch series and I am truly grateful for the chance to read this one early. Thanks to @authorjaneporter and @tulepublishing
August 10, 2024
Bear's Heart is a story that will stick with me for awhile. It truly touched my heart.
This is book 2 in The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch Books, but is a stand alone. It is a grumpy/sunshine book, which I love. It is Bear, a former Rodeo star, and Josie's story. Bear is learning to live with his disabilities and needs remodeling done because of it. Josie knows what is needed because of her own family, and she is hired on to help with the redesign. Bear wants to open a facility to help others, so together they work on finding a place for that and a new home.
I do not want to give away too much or have any spoilers, but it was refreshing to have a character that was not perfect and to see how they struggle with their new normal and how they react with others and how they let people in or not. I truly appreciate the way the story was written, it made me cry, love, and root for the characters. Honestly I learned some things too, even about myself.
This is book 2 in The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch Books, but is a stand alone. It is a grumpy/sunshine book, which I love. It is Bear, a former Rodeo star, and Josie's story. Bear is learning to live with his disabilities and needs remodeling done because of it. Josie knows what is needed because of her own family, and she is hired on to help with the redesign. Bear wants to open a facility to help others, so together they work on finding a place for that and a new home.
I do not want to give away too much or have any spoilers, but it was refreshing to have a character that was not perfect and to see how they struggle with their new normal and how they react with others and how they let people in or not. I truly appreciate the way the story was written, it made me cry, love, and root for the characters. Honestly I learned some things too, even about myself.
July 24, 2024
A powerful love story.
From the first few pages, I knew this book was going to be special. It is truly some of Jane Porter’s best work. A fabulous romance/women’s fiction story about Bear, a paraplegic former rodeo star who was injured during a bull riding event. He feels he is unworthy of love because he will be a burden to anyone who falls in love with him. But then he met Josie, who had her own struggles growing up and has two handicapped family members. She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition. The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie get to know each other and eventually fall in love.
I highly recommend this book. It is a heartfelt and emotional story about how far someone will go for love. It is an unforgettable love story.
From the first few pages, I knew this book was going to be special. It is truly some of Jane Porter’s best work. A fabulous romance/women’s fiction story about Bear, a paraplegic former rodeo star who was injured during a bull riding event. He feels he is unworthy of love because he will be a burden to anyone who falls in love with him. But then he met Josie, who had her own struggles growing up and has two handicapped family members. She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition. The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie get to know each other and eventually fall in love.
I highly recommend this book. It is a heartfelt and emotional story about how far someone will go for love. It is an unforgettable love story.
July 24, 2024
Bear's Heart is the second book of the Calhoun series by Jane Porter.
Bear is a World Champion Rodeo Cowboy who has suffered a life changing injury in the rodeo arena. Josie Calhoun is an intern at a design firm, who is full of ideas to adapt Bear's home to make his life easier.
They begin working together on projects for Bear's home and his new business adventure. Josie's brother Rye is a contractor assisting in the remodels and becomes close friends with Bear.
I love reading new books set in Marietta and catching up with characters who make the town so special. I really enjoyed this book and could not put is down.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Bear is a World Champion Rodeo Cowboy who has suffered a life changing injury in the rodeo arena. Josie Calhoun is an intern at a design firm, who is full of ideas to adapt Bear's home to make his life easier.
They begin working together on projects for Bear's home and his new business adventure. Josie's brother Rye is a contractor assisting in the remodels and becomes close friends with Bear.
I love reading new books set in Marietta and catching up with characters who make the town so special. I really enjoyed this book and could not put is down.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
July 31, 2024
A new Jane Porter favorite.
The two main characters, Bear and Josie, are a kaleidoscope of personality and emotions and I fell in love with both of them. A surely disabled former rodeo star and legend returns to his Montana mansion created for his fiance and finds it's not handicap accessible. Josie, a designer intern, with a passion for universal access, volunteers to approach the frustrated, growling client.
A short list of side characters adds dimensions, and a roller coaster of energy from extreme negativity to optimism. In a nasty twist, one of them poisons the well of happiness growing between Bear and Josie.
On top of this was the delightful concept of following someone new moving into the fictional town of Marietta and getting to experience this magical place all over again. I love how the community folds in their support and encouragement into welcoming a happily ever after.
The two main characters, Bear and Josie, are a kaleidoscope of personality and emotions and I fell in love with both of them. A surely disabled former rodeo star and legend returns to his Montana mansion created for his fiance and finds it's not handicap accessible. Josie, a designer intern, with a passion for universal access, volunteers to approach the frustrated, growling client.
A short list of side characters adds dimensions, and a roller coaster of energy from extreme negativity to optimism. In a nasty twist, one of them poisons the well of happiness growing between Bear and Josie.
On top of this was the delightful concept of following someone new moving into the fictional town of Marietta and getting to experience this magical place all over again. I love how the community folds in their support and encouragement into welcoming a happily ever after.
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