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Arcturus Champions #1
Heart of the Bear Champion: Celestial Soul Mates, Inc.
Nessa Baxter’s about to get everything she wants. A close friend has offered Nessa her dream job as his personal chef. But can Liora Delphine, Arcturus Nebula’s matchmaking Oracle, find Nessa her dream mate?
After years of waiting, Nessa’s pretty sure she’s a lost cause. But then she meets strong, sexy Gaius, a bear shifter bachelor whose skills with his tools will be instrumental in building her the kitchen of her dreams. Lonely and aloof, the dominating former Arena Champion seems the perfect match for strong-willed Nessa. But if that were true, wouldn’t the Oracle they’ve both placed their trust in have matched them up already?
The Oracle’s silence is telling; Nessa doesn’t want to get close to anyone she’s not going to have a future with, and Gaius isn’t sure he’s ready to have a future with anyone at all. The trouble is, the bossy she-bear has lit a fire in him that can’t easily be quenched, and her skills in the kitchen are going straight to his heart.
After years of waiting, Nessa’s pretty sure she’s a lost cause. But then she meets strong, sexy Gaius, a bear shifter bachelor whose skills with his tools will be instrumental in building her the kitchen of her dreams. Lonely and aloof, the dominating former Arena Champion seems the perfect match for strong-willed Nessa. But if that were true, wouldn’t the Oracle they’ve both placed their trust in have matched them up already?
The Oracle’s silence is telling; Nessa doesn’t want to get close to anyone she’s not going to have a future with, and Gaius isn’t sure he’s ready to have a future with anyone at all. The trouble is, the bossy she-bear has lit a fire in him that can’t easily be quenched, and her skills in the kitchen are going straight to his heart.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2024
143 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Ophelia Bell
141 books979 followersOphelia Bell is the author of the super steamy Sleeping Dragons series. Ophelia loves hot alpha heroes, especially if they’re dragons, but believes the world needs more alpha heroines, so has made it her mission to make that happen. Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her sexy tattooed alpha husband and five-and-a-half attention-whoring cats (one of them is exceptionally large and might actually be a dragon in disguise).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 14, 2025
Nessa Baxter,a she bear, and a remarkable chef. Her mother has had her on the mating list since she was 2. Her mother wants a very well made match for her. Nessa just wants to cook. She can wait on the mate business. She can be a bit of a handful with others.
Gaius, a bear shifter bachelor, was once a champion in the arena. He retired and has been retired for two years. He has a business as a construction person specializing in cabinetmaking. The first time he meets Nessa he is shocked about how attracted to her she is. That is until she opens her mouth..bossy much!? He fights his attraction to her.
The battle of the sexes is alive and in rare fighting form. Slowly he comes around to the fact she is his mate. But he isn't sure about how she feels. Will she be able to accept an old grumpy and damaged bear like him? Will her mother interfere with what Nessa wants?
A beautiful story of mates and how it can happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gaius, a bear shifter bachelor, was once a champion in the arena. He retired and has been retired for two years. He has a business as a construction person specializing in cabinetmaking. The first time he meets Nessa he is shocked about how attracted to her she is. That is until she opens her mouth..bossy much!? He fights his attraction to her.
The battle of the sexes is alive and in rare fighting form. Slowly he comes around to the fact she is his mate. But he isn't sure about how she feels. Will she be able to accept an old grumpy and damaged bear like him? Will her mother interfere with what Nessa wants?
A beautiful story of mates and how it can happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2024
I love fated mates stories, and this one is so much fun to read. Nessa's mom has aspirations for her daughter, mating a clan leader. All Nessa wants is to cook, make people happy through her food. So when she meets Gaius, the grumpy bear, she doesn't recognize who he is only that her strong will, will keep her from thinking about him.
Be ready for descriptive scenery that makes you wish you were there and heat so wild the waterfall may not cool you off. A wonderful start to a series that makes you crave for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Be ready for descriptive scenery that makes you wish you were there and heat so wild the waterfall may not cool you off. A wonderful start to a series that makes you crave for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2024
This book was amazing!! Again Ophelia shows what a Wonderful story teller she is in this book.
Nessa a strong young woman who knows what she wants til she meets Gaius, she wants him but because of her mother and things that happened when she was a child she doubts
Then there's Gaius, a distinguished older gentleman who has many talents and one of them is working with Nessa and falling in love with her.
It was so enjoyable reading their love story.
Nessa a strong young woman who knows what she wants til she meets Gaius, she wants him but because of her mother and things that happened when she was a child she doubts
Then there's Gaius, a distinguished older gentleman who has many talents and one of them is working with Nessa and falling in love with her.
It was so enjoyable reading their love story.
July 2, 2024
Another one for the “nothing wrong with it, but nothing outstanding either” category. It bothered me how often the FMC was referred to as bossy because I thought she was anything but. She’s hired on as a personal chef for a wealthy longtime friend who is gutting and remodeling his entire house. He tells her that she can have anything she wants for the kitchen, that he wants her to have only the best, and that she has carte blanche. This is what she says:
> “The garden is where I want to start, actually. The ornamentals are pretty, but a bit of a waste. I want to fill this entire space with culinary plants. Herbs, flowers, fruit trees, everything. It’ll be functional and ornamental by the time I’m done with it.”
> “If it’s all right, I’d like to do a lot of it myself. I’ve kind of always loved this part of the property. It means a lot to me to have a hand in the actual work. Adds to the alchemy of the dishes if I grow the ingredients myself.”
> “The kitchen! It should be the heart of the home, and that—” she pointed into the house just past the doors “—is right in there. You have to admit the formal dinners your parents threw were always boring as all get out. I think you should repurpose this part of the house. Move the kitchen here, next to the garden. Keep a less formal dining room in the center of the house with a view of the lake.”
None of this is even remotely bossy or out of line, the homeowner agrees instantly, and the MMC complains while secretly agreeing with the idea and thinking that he’d come to the same conclusion on his own. It’s all couched in that kind of feminine soft-talk we do to not offend others with our suggestions: “I think,” “a bit,” “you have to admit,” “actually,” “if it’s all right.”
(I’m constantly catching and deleting phrases like that in my own writings because I’ve long since realized that it’s okay to have opinion. Men don’t feel the need to sweeten the deal when they brashly announce whatever’s in their heads like their opinions are actual fact, and neither should we. And if I sound bossy, great! *Boss Bitch by Doja Cat starts playing in the background while I rant*)
So yeah, it’s dumb. I didn’t really care for/see the point of the age gap, and the shifter elements are pretty mild. Shifting happens once, basically off page, and then they do claiming bites, and that’s it. The matchmaking service is implied to be magic, but all magic happens off page. It’s a CR in every other aspect.
I kinda laughed at the descriptions of the house the MMC is building because it is so “of its time,” with the open-plan first floor, lofted master bedroom, rainfall shower in the master bath, cathedral windows, copper sinks… yeah I don’t think that stuff is gonna be cool 25 years from now, let alone the far-flung future where we have settled on distant planets.
> “The garden is where I want to start, actually. The ornamentals are pretty, but a bit of a waste. I want to fill this entire space with culinary plants. Herbs, flowers, fruit trees, everything. It’ll be functional and ornamental by the time I’m done with it.”
> “If it’s all right, I’d like to do a lot of it myself. I’ve kind of always loved this part of the property. It means a lot to me to have a hand in the actual work. Adds to the alchemy of the dishes if I grow the ingredients myself.”
> “The kitchen! It should be the heart of the home, and that—” she pointed into the house just past the doors “—is right in there. You have to admit the formal dinners your parents threw were always boring as all get out. I think you should repurpose this part of the house. Move the kitchen here, next to the garden. Keep a less formal dining room in the center of the house with a view of the lake.”
None of this is even remotely bossy or out of line, the homeowner agrees instantly, and the MMC complains while secretly agreeing with the idea and thinking that he’d come to the same conclusion on his own. It’s all couched in that kind of feminine soft-talk we do to not offend others with our suggestions: “I think,” “a bit,” “you have to admit,” “actually,” “if it’s all right.”
(I’m constantly catching and deleting phrases like that in my own writings because I’ve long since realized that it’s okay to have opinion. Men don’t feel the need to sweeten the deal when they brashly announce whatever’s in their heads like their opinions are actual fact, and neither should we. And if I sound bossy, great! *Boss Bitch by Doja Cat starts playing in the background while I rant*)
So yeah, it’s dumb. I didn’t really care for/see the point of the age gap, and the shifter elements are pretty mild. Shifting happens once, basically off page, and then they do claiming bites, and that’s it. The matchmaking service is implied to be magic, but all magic happens off page. It’s a CR in every other aspect.
I kinda laughed at the descriptions of the house the MMC is building because it is so “of its time,” with the open-plan first floor, lofted master bedroom, rainfall shower in the master bath, cathedral windows, copper sinks… yeah I don’t think that stuff is gonna be cool 25 years from now, let alone the far-flung future where we have settled on distant planets.
May 17, 2024
Nessa, the female bear shifter lead, knows her mother has had her registered with a matchmaker since birth. It makes her a little sad to think that she’s unmatchable but she’s “resigned” to being a fantastic chef to elite athletes instead.
When she accompanies her boss to his new home, she’s intrigued and a little put out by Gaius, the male bear shifter, construction master lead, who will be completing renovations on her boss’ house, including the kitchen.
Gaius is also registered with a matchmaker and has been waiting two years for a match. He’s a little grumpy and sad because he wants a mate to start a life with. But he’s definitely attracted to and intrigued by Nessa…
This novella is mostly dual POV, with a couple of chapters from the matchmaker, well written and edited, and a cute, fluffy, funny, shifter romance. I enjoyed Nessa’s assertiveness and confidence, that she knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to demand it. I enjoyed Gaius’ confidence and his willingness to accept Nessa’s input, that he wasn’t intimidated by her. I enjoyed their intimate interactions. I enjoyed Gaius’ wish to finish his home with his mate so it reflected both of them - I felt this was really sweet. I enjoyed the secondary character interactions and chuckled at many of them. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When she accompanies her boss to his new home, she’s intrigued and a little put out by Gaius, the male bear shifter, construction master lead, who will be completing renovations on her boss’ house, including the kitchen.
Gaius is also registered with a matchmaker and has been waiting two years for a match. He’s a little grumpy and sad because he wants a mate to start a life with. But he’s definitely attracted to and intrigued by Nessa…
This novella is mostly dual POV, with a couple of chapters from the matchmaker, well written and edited, and a cute, fluffy, funny, shifter romance. I enjoyed Nessa’s assertiveness and confidence, that she knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to demand it. I enjoyed Gaius’ confidence and his willingness to accept Nessa’s input, that he wasn’t intimidated by her. I enjoyed their intimate interactions. I enjoyed Gaius’ wish to finish his home with his mate so it reflected both of them - I felt this was really sweet. I enjoyed the secondary character interactions and chuckled at many of them. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2024
Heart of the Bear Champion - Gaius & Nessa
“How could you not be inspired by this view? I mean, look at that!” She waved her arm at the expanse of gilded sky, her face practically glowing with awe. Gaius shot a cursory glance at the vista he’d chosen this land for, then looked back at her. “Maybe I just needed someone to share it with,” he said, giving her a bump with his shoulder. “Well, it would be a shame for you to hoard it all to yourself. Anytime you want to share, you let me know.”
Ophelia Bell has reworked this book, as part of her Celestial Soulmates Inc. series, and it is a delightful paranormal romance. Gaius had to retire from being an Arena Fighting Champion, due to knee injuries. Without his competing, he decides to go back to his building profession and seek out a mate.
After Nessa’s chef father dies, she is eventually able to become the home chef for her true friends, still Arena champs. As their remodeling, Nessa is given carte blanche for all kitchen decisions. But immediately realizes she will be butting heads with their builder friend Gaius.
From initial animosity emerges a unique relationship that Nessa believes to be short lived as each wait for the Oracle to choose them mates. Romantic, fun, and steamy, these two find what everyone searches for in a mate!
“How could you not be inspired by this view? I mean, look at that!” She waved her arm at the expanse of gilded sky, her face practically glowing with awe. Gaius shot a cursory glance at the vista he’d chosen this land for, then looked back at her. “Maybe I just needed someone to share it with,” he said, giving her a bump with his shoulder. “Well, it would be a shame for you to hoard it all to yourself. Anytime you want to share, you let me know.”
Ophelia Bell has reworked this book, as part of her Celestial Soulmates Inc. series, and it is a delightful paranormal romance. Gaius had to retire from being an Arena Fighting Champion, due to knee injuries. Without his competing, he decides to go back to his building profession and seek out a mate.
After Nessa’s chef father dies, she is eventually able to become the home chef for her true friends, still Arena champs. As their remodeling, Nessa is given carte blanche for all kitchen decisions. But immediately realizes she will be butting heads with their builder friend Gaius.
From initial animosity emerges a unique relationship that Nessa believes to be short lived as each wait for the Oracle to choose them mates. Romantic, fun, and steamy, these two find what everyone searches for in a mate!
May 14, 2024
A simply wonderful read, a bear shifter and mate and the wonderful life together
This is a really entertaining and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and am sure that other readers will be as equally enamoured by the characters as myself. Gaius is determined to find his mate and calls on the services of Gerri who is well respected within the shifter community.
Nessa has always dreamed of becoming a chef since she had been a young girl and when she meets the contractor that is to build the kitchen of her dreams, she realises that there is a very special chemistry between them and Nessa realises that it may well be that she has finally met her mate.
As Gaius and Nessa begin spending more time together it is apparent to everyone it seems that they are mates, it seems however to be taking a little longer for the penny to drop with this stubborn couple.
Gerri will once again prove that she is a wonderfully talented mate finder and that this is another success, she hopes you will have to see for yourselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really entertaining and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and am sure that other readers will be as equally enamoured by the characters as myself. Gaius is determined to find his mate and calls on the services of Gerri who is well respected within the shifter community.
Nessa has always dreamed of becoming a chef since she had been a young girl and when she meets the contractor that is to build the kitchen of her dreams, she realises that there is a very special chemistry between them and Nessa realises that it may well be that she has finally met her mate.
As Gaius and Nessa begin spending more time together it is apparent to everyone it seems that they are mates, it seems however to be taking a little longer for the penny to drop with this stubborn couple.
Gerri will once again prove that she is a wonderfully talented mate finder and that this is another success, she hopes you will have to see for yourselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2024
I really liked this book. The characters are likable and the story is interesting. An Oracle for the Celestial Soul Mates has two clients that call for a little extra patience. Gaius 'The Blackpaw' Osborn has retired from the Arena League as a Champion and is finally ready to find a mate. Chef Nessa Baxter's mother hired Liora when Nessa was a child to be on the lookout for her mate. Nina Baxter is hoping for the son of a bear clan leader, but Liora is not interested in helping Nina climb the social ladder. She knows Gaius and Nessa belong together, but neither are the type to be simply presented with their mate, they need to be finessed into thinking it was their own idea. Nessa is independent and bossy and Gaius will not necessarily immediately admire these qualities. But Liora has a long term plan to nudge the two together via a mutual friend.
You'll love these two bear shifters and their dance of attraction. Both are stubborn but also lonely. They just have to get out of their own ways and recognize what they are to each other.
I plan to read more books in this series. I want to know what happens with Ignazio and Bryer. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You'll love these two bear shifters and their dance of attraction. Both are stubborn but also lonely. They just have to get out of their own ways and recognize what they are to each other.
I plan to read more books in this series. I want to know what happens with Ignazio and Bryer. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
I loved this story. First book in a new series, but it was created in an existing world, which I love. Nessa had her future mapped out when she was a baby. Her mother hired an Oracle to find her her mate when she was grown. Her mother has her heart set on a clan leader. Nessa just wants to follow in her fathers footsteps and be a chef. She is committed and passionate about her culinary future. Her mother let's her bide her time till her match is found. Gaius is retiring from the only life he's known. Champion. His knees are shot, and it's time to find a life outside the arena. That means find a mate. How their world are going to collide, fate definitely has fun, with a bit of help from the Oracle. Gaius and Nessa are great characters, both full of life and passion. Both are stubborn and focused on what they believe. They are supported by a great cast of characters, who I hope will get their own stories in the series. It is a beautiful story filled with interesting characters. Great dialogue and scorching detail. I highly recommend this book and author. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 4, 2024
"Heart of the Bear Champion" is the captivating first book in Ophelia Bell's "Celestial Soulmates, Inc./Arcturus Champions" series. This story explores how two stubborn individuals, Nessa and Gaius, finally overcome their personal obstacles to be together. Ophelia Bell masterfully blends sweetness and heat, creating characters that readers genuinely root for.
Nessa and Gaius's journey is both entertaining and heartwarming. The dynamic between the bear shifter and his mate is compelling, making their story a delightful read. Bell's ability to create engaging and relatable characters shines through, and her signature mix of romance and passion keeps you hooked from start to finish.
"Heart of the Bear Champion" is a wonderfully entertaining and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I eagerly anticipate meeting the next couple in this series and am confident that other readers will be equally enamored with Nessa and Gaius's story. If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this book is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nessa and Gaius's journey is both entertaining and heartwarming. The dynamic between the bear shifter and his mate is compelling, making their story a delightful read. Bell's ability to create engaging and relatable characters shines through, and her signature mix of romance and passion keeps you hooked from start to finish.
"Heart of the Bear Champion" is a wonderfully entertaining and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I eagerly anticipate meeting the next couple in this series and am confident that other readers will be equally enamored with Nessa and Gaius's story. If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this book is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2024
It was boring. I skipped a lot. The chapters in the matchmaker POV were completely unnecessary, especially since we get the same information from the MCs POVs later. There was a very long first chapter of nothing but exposition that only left me more confused, and the relevant information from there is later told again, so it was useless. The matchmaker made no sense, she did absolutely nothing but took all the credit (and all the money, apparently) for the relationship. All she did was misinform everyone to create unnecessary conflict.
Another thing is that this has absolutely nothing to do with shifters. They don’t even realize they’re mates. There’s mention of her shifting once, and not even the MMC sees it, we’re just told he hears “sounds of a she-bear”. It also is supposed to be on some other planet, but I kept forgetting it wasn’t set on Earth because everything is so mundane. They have the same technology (other than the “transport”, but that could be what these people call their car for all I know, since it’s never described) and eat cheeseburgers and omelets. with very minor changes this could have been a contemporary age-gap romance. I don’t like those.
Another thing is that this has absolutely nothing to do with shifters. They don’t even realize they’re mates. There’s mention of her shifting once, and not even the MMC sees it, we’re just told he hears “sounds of a she-bear”. It also is supposed to be on some other planet, but I kept forgetting it wasn’t set on Earth because everything is so mundane. They have the same technology (other than the “transport”, but that could be what these people call their car for all I know, since it’s never described) and eat cheeseburgers and omelets. with very minor changes this could have been a contemporary age-gap romance. I don’t like those.
May 15, 2024
Gaius met with the oracle a couple years ago and was assured he would have a mate soon. He moved to the mountain woods he decided to call home. He started on his cabin but soon lost interest as he wanted his mates input. Nessa believes she has no mate as her mother contacted the oracle when she was a baby, and no results occurred. Unknown to Gaius and Nessa is this particular oracle perfers organic meetings. In the case of nessa a interfering mother must be convinced. Nessa took over as a famous chef like her father. And will now be the cook for the same famous dragon family her father was. So she moves to the new home the family is building. She is one hundred percent in charge of the kitchen design. The very kitchen Gaius will be building. The Bossy little bear ordering him around annoys him to no end but he and his bear also can't resist her. Especially when she sees everything in similar light as him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2024
This is a delightful, fun, heartwarming romance 💕. Nessa is a bear shifter and talented chef working for Ignazio a dragon champion. Nina Baxter is the mother of Nessa, she’s had the matchmaker looking for a mate for Nessa since she was a child. Nina is unhappy that Nessa is moving away from home. Gaius Osborn has retired and asked the matchmaker to find his mate, he now lives close to where Nessa will live and work. He is renovating the mansion for Ignazio, there he meets Nessa. And the sparks fly, Gaius is a grumpy, stubborn bear and talented builder, he and Nessa are funny and delightful to watch. They can’t decide whether they love or hate each other, but when Nessa arrives at Gaius half built home things change. I greatly enjoyed this beautifully crafted romance 💕 and I am sure you will be delighted with the wonderful, heartwarming experience, delicious, steamy happy ever after. Awesome reading 🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2024
"...She was at least easy on the eyes, even if she was a test to his patience."
Gaius has retired from a rough life in professional sports, and has the injuries to show he fought hard during his first career. Now he's a contractor building houses, and taking pride in a job well done.
Nessa is a Chef who is beyond excited when her dream job offers to let her oversee the remodelling of the kitchen. But dreams clash with cherished memories and she's left struggling to balance the two.
This done in one book centers on the fear of being a list cause. Nessa and Gaius aren't the only ones fearing that they should have met the one for them by now, if such a person existed... it's an easy to relate to feeling that can apply not only to relationships, but jobs as well.
I loved Gaius' feelings about building his own house, and how he was living there at the beginning of the story.
I was gifted with a copy of Heart of the Bear Champion and chose to share my thoughts.
Gaius has retired from a rough life in professional sports, and has the injuries to show he fought hard during his first career. Now he's a contractor building houses, and taking pride in a job well done.
Nessa is a Chef who is beyond excited when her dream job offers to let her oversee the remodelling of the kitchen. But dreams clash with cherished memories and she's left struggling to balance the two.
This done in one book centers on the fear of being a list cause. Nessa and Gaius aren't the only ones fearing that they should have met the one for them by now, if such a person existed... it's an easy to relate to feeling that can apply not only to relationships, but jobs as well.
I loved Gaius' feelings about building his own house, and how he was living there at the beginning of the story.
I was gifted with a copy of Heart of the Bear Champion and chose to share my thoughts.
May 27, 2024
'Heart of the Bear Champion' is the first book in Ophelia Bell's "Celestial Soulmates, Inc. - Arcturus Champions" series. I appear to be one of the few late to the party since this is a rewrite and I hadn't read the original so I have an unbiased opinion. Ms. Bell has brought a storyline that is swoon-worthy. Gaius, a bear-shifter who left his legacy to become an Arena Fighting Champion, has been forced to retire due to his knee injuries. Nessa, also a bear-shifter, has accepted a chef position once held by her father until he passed away. She's thrilled but her mother is wanting her mated to an Alpha, hence the contract with the Oracle. There's plenty of passion, chemistry, and the angst that comes with doubting one's wants while trying to come to terms with what someone else wants for you. This not only had all the passion I've come to expect from Ms. Bell but the storyline was sigh-worthy in its delivery I'm hooked and want to see what other miracles this Oracle can pull off.
May 4, 2025
What a mess a misunderstanding can make.Something sparks between them when they are meeting for the first time. But it blows up when she goes to his house and finds him under the waterfall. Or house? It is the start of a house, the place it is situated is amazing, but it isn't finished. The reason for that is because he is waiting for his mate. She is not waiting for her mate, but her mother is working on it. How they react to each other is a more than steamy read. But I sometimes wanted to push him to tell her more about his feelings. Or push her to go home with him to see the work he has done at the house with her in his thoughts.
The misunderstanding? That is all thanks to her mother. What is it about? And will it give a HEA at the end? For that you have to read the book, you won't regret it when you are into a steamy fantasy new adult read.Also nice to see some familiar faces from the other books in these series.
The misunderstanding? That is all thanks to her mother. What is it about? And will it give a HEA at the end? For that you have to read the book, you won't regret it when you are into a steamy fantasy new adult read.Also nice to see some familiar faces from the other books in these series.
August 16, 2025
Nessa & Gaius are an epic combination!
I read this book previously when it was released years ago as Book 1 of the Aurora Champions series in Milly Taiden's world. Reading again, since all mentions of that & all referencing materials have been scrubbed, makes it an awesome new story & well worth the read!
As a great book in its new world, I can't wait to see what comes next! I fell in love w/ Nessa almost immediately. Gaius, on the other hand, well, he took me a minute. LOL
Both characters have layers & I absolutely loved the story - both the new & old parts. Nessa is a gal after my own heart! Always a HEA & a kick-ass ride to get there. All the steam, drama & tension blends right in w/ the amazing storytelling & vibrant worlds that this author creates. Very highly recommend this book & this author to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read this book previously when it was released years ago as Book 1 of the Aurora Champions series in Milly Taiden's world. Reading again, since all mentions of that & all referencing materials have been scrubbed, makes it an awesome new story & well worth the read!
As a great book in its new world, I can't wait to see what comes next! I fell in love w/ Nessa almost immediately. Gaius, on the other hand, well, he took me a minute. LOL
Both characters have layers & I absolutely loved the story - both the new & old parts. Nessa is a gal after my own heart! Always a HEA & a kick-ass ride to get there. All the steam, drama & tension blends right in w/ the amazing storytelling & vibrant worlds that this author creates. Very highly recommend this book & this author to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
This is a very good story with the right amount of sugar and spice. It’s about coming out of one’s comfort zone, overcoming differences and finding what is best without letting preconceived notions get in one’s way. Gaius is a bear shifter, a fighter and a champion. Nessa is a loud mouthed she-bear chef who is not afraid to speak her mind. Both Nessa’s mother and Gaius seek the help of celestial soul mates oracle to help find the one each of them are fated for. The matchmaker knows something they don’t know but is just happy to let them find out for themselves. When they finally meet both bears stand up and pay attention but their human sides are slower to catch up. When they do the sparks start flying and they start drifting towards each other. Are they unmatchable or just fated to be together?
May 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. It tells the tale of Nessa who is following in her father's footsteps as a personal chef with her mother trying to marry her off to a bear clan leader - anyone will do as long as they are a clan leader! In an effort to achieve this Nessa's mum had approached the matchmaking Oracle Liora when she was very young. When she goes to her new place of work she meets up with Gaius a grumpy bear who is carrying out the renovation work for their friends. Gaius has also approached the Oracle to find a mate for him. Both are interested in each other and there is a definite pull towards each other but both are also headstrong and grumpy. But holding Nessa back is the fact the Oracle hasn't matched them. Will it all work out for our duo? Read the book and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
May 22, 2024
Matchmaker Liora Delphine has her work cut out for her, when a determined mother secures her service for her daughter Nessa. Nessa's mother wants her paired to mate of high esteem and social standing. Liora plans to do her past to secure a suitable pairing. When strong willed Nessa and stubborn Gaius meet, their initial interactions are visceral and prickly. Attraction develops between the pair as they navigate conflicted emotions and their desires. Their story was fun to read as the elements of humour, heat and heart weave together. The book lays the groundwork introducing characters that will be in need of Liora's special skills. I enjoyed this revised version of Gaius and Nessa's love connection.
May 31, 2024
This was one of those books that you can go back and read again and still enjoy as you watch two people who are looking for mates and are working together finally realise what’s right in front of them but are to stubborn to admit it when everyone knows they are perfect together and this is Nessa and Gaius story. Nessa is a chef who takes over her father’s job when he passes away and Gaius is a retired Arena Fighting Champion who is now a builder. Both our Bear Shifters are looking for mates but are yet to find them even with the help of matchmakers but now while working together there burning attraction is off the charts as they get closer to one another and wonder if they are mates after all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
Hot shifter romance!
The Celestial Soul Mates’ oracle has yet to find a mate for Nessa Baxter and Nessa is beginning to think she is unmatchable. In the meantime, her dream job has just become a reality. She is now a personal chef for one of her close friends who has given her carte blanche in designing the kitchen. It will mean working with the grumpy, sexy bear shifter who will be building it.
Gaius isn’t a bachelor by choice but he has never found a woman he wanted as a mate but the bossy she-bear gets his attention. Too bad he doesn’t want a mate.
This book has humor, shifters, and hot romance. I want more of this series. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
The Celestial Soul Mates’ oracle has yet to find a mate for Nessa Baxter and Nessa is beginning to think she is unmatchable. In the meantime, her dream job has just become a reality. She is now a personal chef for one of her close friends who has given her carte blanche in designing the kitchen. It will mean working with the grumpy, sexy bear shifter who will be building it.
Gaius isn’t a bachelor by choice but he has never found a woman he wanted as a mate but the bossy she-bear gets his attention. Too bad he doesn’t want a mate.
This book has humor, shifters, and hot romance. I want more of this series. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
June 9, 2024
This book will have you wanting to do home renos . No seriously the main characters are both clients of the matchmaker and feel as if there is no one out there for them - Nessa’s been on the list since she was a baby club and Gaius went on as soon as he retired from bieng a champion two years ago. However, while they are waiting for their “happy ever after” phone calls, sparks fly when Nessa is bossy to Gaius and the more that they try to resist the more pull it has.
I really enjoyed the flow and banter between these characters as well as the other ones in the story. And I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the flow and banter between these characters as well as the other ones in the story. And I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2024
Absolutely wonderful
I loved this book. Two stubborn bear shiffers. Nessa is a chef and taking over her fathers job for Ig and Bry. Her dragon friends. The builder Gauis is to make sure she gets the desired kitchen she wants for her new job. He can't stand the bossiness of Nessa. She annoys him. However, he annoys her too. He refuses to eat her food and it bothers her. They've been matched up for mates by the Oracle. They just don't know yet if they are destined or just having fun. When she is sent back home Gauis isn't having it. He wants her whether he has a mate elsewhere or not. Summoning the Oracle is the inky way to know who is matched to. Oh did I mention they both are bear shifters
I loved this book. Two stubborn bear shiffers. Nessa is a chef and taking over her fathers job for Ig and Bry. Her dragon friends. The builder Gauis is to make sure she gets the desired kitchen she wants for her new job. He can't stand the bossiness of Nessa. She annoys him. However, he annoys her too. He refuses to eat her food and it bothers her. They've been matched up for mates by the Oracle. They just don't know yet if they are destined or just having fun. When she is sent back home Gauis isn't having it. He wants her whether he has a mate elsewhere or not. Summoning the Oracle is the inky way to know who is matched to. Oh did I mention they both are bear shifters
July 2, 2024
Chef Nessa loves her work, but her mother wants her married to a clan leader, having signed Nessa up with an Oracle matchmaker when she was a child. Champion Gaius has retired, started a construction business and has registered to be matched to a mate. Neither expected to feel the chemistry when they met.
I loved this story. Nessa is strong willed, and dedicated to her calling as a chef, but doesn't want to disappoint her mother. Gaius knows he wants Nessa, but feels her hesitation and doesn't want to force his feelings on the much younger woman. There is much respect, caring, and plenty of steam with this couple. I eagerly look forward to the rest of this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story. Nessa is strong willed, and dedicated to her calling as a chef, but doesn't want to disappoint her mother. Gaius knows he wants Nessa, but feels her hesitation and doesn't want to force his feelings on the much younger woman. There is much respect, caring, and plenty of steam with this couple. I eagerly look forward to the rest of this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
Oh my heart! They were barely (sorry, couldn’t resist) able to stand each other at first, but Nessa and Gaius were always meant to be together. They were just too stubborn (and afraid) to admit it. But when they did, ooh! Gaius is so beary alpha (not sorry this time) but so swoony. I mean, come on, that house! And you can’t get much sweeter — and sexier— than him claiming Nessa in words and steamy, steamy deeds. 🔥
Ophelia always gives readers sweet and heat and characters you genuinely root for, and Nessa and Gaius are no exception. I can’t wait to meet our next couple!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ophelia always gives readers sweet and heat and characters you genuinely root for, and Nessa and Gaius are no exception. I can’t wait to meet our next couple!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
I enjoyed the story. Nessa is going to be her friends personal chef and he gives her cart blanche to make her dream kitchen in his house. Gaius is a former Arena Champion and now spends his time building house and he specializes in kitchens. He is there to make Nessa's dream kitchen come true. Her mother consulted an Oracle when she was a baby to find her a mate. One has not been found yet. Gaius consulted the Oracle when he left the arena and he hasn't heard from her either. They are falling for each other when the Oracle finally calls. What will happen now?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2024
Nessa and Gaius are both bear shifters who are waiting for the matchmaker Oracle to find them a mate. When they meet, they are unaware they are each other's mates. At first, they get on each other's nerves, but that is tempered by an underlying attraction they feel at the same time. They are both strong characters who know what they want and aren't afraid to ask for it; as a result, the sparks fly, both in bed and out. I like the matchmaker Liora and the other side characters. There are steamy scenes throughout the book and a good deal of humour. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2024
Love isn’t always easy to find. But for this world they have matchmakers. They are able to not just find a mate for you but your soul mate. Just remember it is a process and takes time. For Nessa her mom has been trying to find her mate since she was born. Thankfully Nessa isn’t in a hurry and doesn’t believe there is one for her. Gaius is a retired fighter and has high hopes to find his mate. But now after a few years he has given up. Can these two bear shifters find love or are they just to stubborn to see what is right in front of them?
July 5, 2025
So to be honest the first chapter I was a little confused. It seemed there were a lot of names to know, figuring out who was who…but I hung in there…. And….WOW!!!!! What a beautiful beautiful love story!!!! Fated mates and hunky growly bears, and meddling mums…and sweet side characters…and the steamy bits??? I’m a puddle of goo over here….
With a HEA and enough sweet stuff to curb a craving this book was AWESOME!!!! I can’t wait to find some more of them!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With a HEA and enough sweet stuff to curb a craving this book was AWESOME!!!! I can’t wait to find some more of them!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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