Otter shifter Nate is living a whopper of a lie. Everything will be fine, as long as nobody—especially his best friend, sweet-gruff grizzly shifter Mac—finds out he used to be an elite rescue swimmer who failed to save the one person he loved most.
+
Nate Landry is living a whopper of a lie.
He’s an otter shifter, that much is true. Folks say he’s the best river guide in the region, with an uncanny knack for finding the hottest fishing spots. And he has a good friend again, a guy he likes more than he ought to.
Everything will be fine, as long as nobody—especially Mac—finds out he used to be Charlie Beauchamp, a covert-ops rescue swimmer who failed to save the one person he loved most.
Then the real Nate Landry shows up, dragging Charlie’s grief and guilt out of the depths.
+
McKinley Greer knows how to keep a secret.
Like where a bear shifter might find the best honey trees. Or why he brews beer but doesn’t drink a drop of it. Or why the vids he watches at night feature guys who look a helluva lot like his best friend.
But suddenly Nate isn’t Nate—he’s a freaking hero named Charlie—and when he begins to share his own secrets…
It’s only a matter of time before all the things Mac’s stashed in the darkest den of his heart get hauled into the light.
EMBRACE THE BEAST is the 3rd novel in the GRIZZLY RIM m/m shifter series.
Brace yourself for a bear with a sweet tooth, an otter who knows how to use maple syrup, some very sticky sheets, and…well…it’s not called Grizzly Rim for nothin’.
friends to lovers, secret identity, size difference, introvert vs extrovert
Content This story includes depictions of sibling grief, alcohol sobriety, memory of alcohol abuse, a high-water rescue, and self-harm (cuts and scrapes) as a result of loss of control.
Epic romance, two heroes at a time! My story universe features warriors and blacksmiths, rescue swimmers and hockey players, treasure hunters and time travelers, and quite a few shifters. My favorite kind of hero: a grumpy f*cker who’ll do anything for the man he loves.
Best one yet. And if you don't want to read the first one, again it's not pivotal to the goings on here. BUT I would recommend the second one...not only because it was really good but also those MCs do have more significant roles this time around as Mac & Charlie's closest friends.
Once again we have a less-than-perfect MC; Mac is a bear-shifter...and he embodies everything that is bear. Not so much the leather daddy aspect, but definitely the animal. Oh, and he's another MC that is overweight - and wears glasses because bears have shit sight! - and pursued by a younger, slinky, sexy otter-shifter. Totes Adorbz. (And honestly, Charlie's personality also perfectly embodies that animal's behavior. Playful & fun, a bit possessive but totally free of inhibitions.)
I think I'd have rated this the full 5 stars if it weren't for how Charlie's family situation didn't feel fully explained. I was left with unanswered questions about what happened to Denny - much like Charlie I guess. Also, I felt like there needed to be just a little bit more on Mac's struggle with .
Also, that epilogue. OMG I loved it. LOVED it. I think it would creep me out a little to have but, like Real Nate said, it was fitting that Denny still be a part of Charlie's Big Day.
Another great freebie from the 'Zon. I'm on a roll here. Which is worrisome because that trend tends to come to a screeching halt with a Seriously Bad Book. Luckily it was NOT this one.
I hope that Real Nate has his own installment, eventually; as he's Coast Guard it probably wouldn't be set in Grizzly Rim (unless he retires) but I'd totally read it wherever it's set. Because Seal Shifter. *nods* Also, I think there may be more to Denny's story that only Real Nate can reveal...
This is my favorite of the series so far, I loved it. The MC's had the best friends-to-lovers thing going on. Their first time together was hawt with an "aw" and solidified these two as my favorite in this series.
He’s otter shifter that folks say is the best river guide in the region with an uncanny knack for finding the hottest fishing spots. Everything will be okay as long as nobody – especially Mac – finds out that Nate Landry used to be Charlie Beauchamp, a covert-ops rescue swimmer who failed to save the one person he loved most. McKinley Greer is a bear shifter and nobody knows why he brews beer but doesn’t drink a drop of it or why the vids he watches at night feature guys who look a helluva lot like his best friend.
The third book in the ‘Grizzly Rim’ series is an emotional but sweet romance full of passion. The two heroes in this book have some issues that keeps them from moving from best friends to more but as the emotions flow, secrets are revealed, the closer to Mac and Charlie find themselves and soon the passion and chemistry is hard to deny.
The plot is fast paced and full of suspense as twists and turns have the two heroes revealing parts of themselves they would have preferred to remain hidden and forcing them to deal with those issues and move forward and readers can’t help but become caught up in all the emotions that flows from the pages of this captivating romance.
Great way to round out the series. These books are all fairly short, but the pacing is good, so it works. They all deal with some fairly heavy topics, and I like how the author handles them without being overly melodramatic.
There is no hotter pairing than a bear and otter (writes one ginger otter in his Goodreads review...), whether they’re shifters or not.
It’s like this book was written just for me. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I quickly realized that Mia West (this one’s my first) is a very good writer. Dare I say, even literary? I’ve gotten too used to slashfic novels reading like the work of horny high-schoolers turning in their sexual fantasies for English class creative writing projects.
Not a single cringe-worthy line in this one, unless it’s meant as adorable banter. Here’s my favorite:
“I have old-growth wood for you.” Mac snorted. “Nerd.” “Serious. I’m loaded for bear.” “Stop.” “Just though you otter know.” “You want to make out or not?”
(Yes I have a mushy gooey soft cheesy center)
This is a really sweet and satisfying friends to lovers story. The fact that they’re shifters seems more metaphor than reality, it’s that secondary (and again, literary.) The high drama of “secrets” promised by the abstract is also a bit misleading; who cares when all you need is the slow burn romance of Mac and Charlie discovering each other? It’s enough, more than enough. The heat is hot, but sweet and tender too.
When browsing West’s entire catalog, this was the only one that spoke to me. But now? I’ll have to read more.
It is not without some trepidation that I give this 5 stars. That’s some serious high praise. But it deserves it. My heart feels full.
GRIZZLY RIM Book #3. Aww, this Book is absolutely AMAZING!! Mac a lonely Bear has met his match if he has the courage to step forward. Charlie is the sweetest Otter ever. These two are made for each other. These two face self imposed obstacles on their way to happily ever after. Everyone's personal struggle is their own. It blinds you to your true self that others see so clearly. I have enjoyed this GRIZZLY RIM Series so much. MIA WEST is a strong and wonderful Author. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS MAGNIFICENT GRIZZLY RIM SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
This is definitely a series to read in order, though you probably won’t be lost if you start anywhere.
We’ve already met Nate and Mac and wondered at the connection between the two. Well, this shows us their back stories and their present.
Mac is a bear shifter – grumbly, solitary, fiercely independent and hiding something. Nate is an otter shifter – social, touchy-feely, fun loving and hiding something. When Nate’s friend returns to Grizzly Rim with disturbing news, Nate’s story tumbles out and Mac is there to help him in a time of need.
The two explore another side of their relationship but without being completely honest the two won’t stand a chance.
**
One of the things I love about this series is that it’s sensual without being all about the sex. The relationship building is the key but we don’t lose any of the erotic nature to the relationship either.
Another thing I love about the series is how flawed our characters are. No one is the perfect alpha this or omega that. No body is the “top” to someone else’s “bottom”. Just two partners making a go of it – equals.
We also get to see a bit from the previous MCs – so that’s always fun – and see more about the town. But most importantly we get to finally understand what makes Mac and Nate tick and it’s a great story – but the author doesn’t pound away at us with the details – in fact we’re still left with several questions – but we know enough to understand and the rest we must fill in for ourselves. I love that. It gives room for interpretation and trusts that we can do that – no need to have it spelled out in block letter.
I have really enjoyed each book in this series and think Mia is a fantastic writer. I only wish there were more – NOW! Highly recommended.
This is the latest novella in Mia’s Grizzly Rim series. I’ve loved the previous books in this series, but you can definitely read this one as a standalone if you wish.
Otter shifter Nate Landry might have come to Alaska under not-the-best circumstances, but he’s made himself a home amongst the other shifters in Grizzly Rim. Except none of them know he’s using a borrowed name, not even his best friend Mac. Mac’s got his own secrets that keep him from getting too close to anyone, but when he finds out that Nate’s real name is Charlie, and the circumstances surrounding his flight to Alaska, he can’t help but be drawn even closer to the man.
One of the things I love about Mia’s Grizzly Rim series is that although the books are novella-sized, they are complete and whole stories that balance their paranormal and romantic elements very well. If you’re looking for a very well done paranormal snack, I highly recommend these books!
This was a quaint novella that is easy to read and passes the time without being anything overly special or memorable. Could have been four stars if not for the drama towards the end that felt unecessarily fabricated for the sake of drama rather than an actual conflict that needs to be resolved.
This was nicely written, mostly extra sappy sweet, with two adorable MCs, but unfortunately some important elements of the plot tarnished the whole thing.
I had trouble going through the very first pages that didn't seem very well inspired for a beginning, but then the writing got much better.
Then came an odd idea with the name switch. That was definitely unnecessary.
The bulk of the story was terribly sweet, to the point that it was borderline too much for me, even though I usually love sap. That part was very well executed.
Finally arrived the drama that revolved around two secrets, both of which shouldn't have been secrets for two adults who have been friends for a while already (years). One secret involved some shame that should belong to another century that ours, and the other one was just a personal trauma from the past of one MC. None of these secrets had any reason to be a secret or to threaten a starting relationship. And to create some additional drama the author chose to have one MC react in the most ridiculous possible way.
It could have been a really good book with a real plot, but I just rolled my eyes a few times and had to take a break between chapters.
Moreover, I'm not convinced that having two shifters as MCs is adding much to this story.
It's an OK book if you don't have too high expectations.
This is the third book in Mia West's Grizzly Rim series and to be honest, I think it's best read after you've read the second in the series. You can get away without reading book 1 but for maximum enjoyment I'd read book 2 first. Anyway... This book finally gives us the story of Nate and Mac, two characters I'd already grown to know and love from the previous books but who happened to still be full of surprises. Nate, aka Charlie, has been hiding his identity which is now revealed to everyone...but it takes a while for Mac's secret to be revealed. This book is all about the relationship, about building back the trust and realising that no matter what, someone has your back. It also introduces us to the Rogue Rescue team...which just so happens to give us a spin off series so the stories don't end here! I'd definitely recommend reading this book and I can't wait to dig in to the first Rogue Rescue book that follows the story of the real Nate Landry!
I liked this one a lot. There were some aspects that I would have liked to have a bit more depth - especially the secret Mac was hiding. I also loved that Mac wasn't physically perfect - he had a bit of a gut and wore glasses because he had terrible vision. He wasn't described as being gorgeous which happens in so many shifter books. He had hang ups and some confidence issues as well. Charlie was also a fun character although I wanted to know more about what really happened to Denny. He was sweet and in some ways completely unaware until he wasn't. I really loved these two together and this was my favorite in this series so far. I'm intrigued by "the real Nate" and saw their is a spin off series about him as a member of the Coast Guard. Definitely plan to check that out.
We all have secrets. True. But we shouldn't hide them from the ones we love. Mac's secret isn't even something horrible, just something he's ashamed of. Charlie's secret, isn't even his, unless you count guilt over something that isn't your fault a secret.
The story was fine. The location was good, the believability of the characters as realistic is believable. The lack of adult communication sucks. No, everyone doesn't deserve to know your secrets, fears, self-doubt. But your partner isn't "everyone," especially when you have friends out there who you've told them to. A friend over a partner. Doesn't speak well for the trust department in a relationship.
Mac is my absolute favorite of this whole series. Has a weakness, but is incredibly strong and determined and made it his strength. Loved seeing his relationship with Dimitri and the way Mac and Nate didn't have any misunderstandings in terms of whether or not they loved each other, even as there was still enough tension and drama to make it interesting.
This author definitely knows what she is doing and every book I've read for now was different with all the characters having a different thought process which makes it so interesting and engaging.
Oh, these two men. They just can’t get past their pride, their hangups, and their secrets. It’s gonna take a lot of lust, a little jealousy, the whole heap of courage to get them past the friend zone that fear has locked them in to… but it will be so worth it once they do.
I loved the characters. It’s a slow burn romance. It’s a true friend to lovers tale about moving past your self recrimination, and allowing yourself to be loved, whether you feel worthy or not.
When you run away from your life it will always catch up with you. It's how you deal with it is what counts.
Both the characters have had things in there life that they are not proud. But when they come to light they find that together they can overcome them together. Love and friendship can overcome anything.
This is book three in the series and another wonderful story. I hope that there will be more to come!
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength. The story of love of sensation. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed. Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's not mentioned if it’s a #MiddleLifeRomance, but I think/feel like it is.
All 3 of the Grizzly Rim books were wonderful, I'm so glad I picked them up during #StuffMyKindle. This is the last of the grizzly rim books, while they all have some deep emotions this is easily the most intense of them.
There is no mpreg which is hugely enjoyable. LOVED that there was no stress about little critters.
Here's yet another representation of my train of thought while reading this one:
Now this one! This one was a treat! More shapeshifting (of course). But in this one we had an otter (🥹) and a grizzly bear! Oh there was some good drama in this one and I felt both of their pain and ohmygod I needed more 😭! These two are so adorable together my heart kinda hurts..
Definitely the best in this three-book series. This one had a good hurt/comfort theme for both Mac and Charlie and it gave them both more depth than the characters in the previous books. At first I thought their respective “secrets” might be overplayed, but in the end, I felt they were handled well. It was nice to have Dmitri and Thierry play active roles which, to me, made them more endearing characters. The epilogue was both bittersweet and joyful and just the right ending for this story.
Loved how. Mac and Charlie came together after Charlies been living in there little town as Nate. Wanting to be someone else to hide the guilt he felt over his brothers death. To bad the series ended with this one it was really very interesting reading 📚 each story.
Embrace the Beast (Grizzly Rim #3) by Mia West is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about shifters, LGBT and paranormal romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting scenario in character back stories but it didn't go anywhere. Why did Nate's brother drown? Was alcohol a factor? What's with Nate's prejudice that limited his love life? Or Mac's story? The romance was OK but underdeveloped.
Bloody brilliant series for sure I couldn’t get enough of it. This is a great series that has a awesome spin off series which has book one Crash Course totally captures you right from the start. These two series are a definite must have and read immediately for sure.
I read the earlier novella and feel this expanded novel was a big improvement. I had a much better understanding of their motivations, their fears, and therefore much more sympathy around their decisions. They were also more clearly enwrapped in the whole community.
Like the rest of the series, this was a fun read. Wish the characters would just *talk* to each other, though--would save a lot of trouble. But, y'know, plot and conflict and tension and all that. I did enjoy getting to know Mac better and Charlie was a joy.