My Bear to Heal

Cypress Valley Shifters #3

by E.M. Sauber

Tyler

I came to Cypress Valley nursing a broken heart.

All I wanted was to drown myself in the monotony of daily life and forget my ex-fiancée.

Fate had other plans for me, in the form of fiery-red curls and stormy-gray eyes.

Adelaide Rose is my dream girl.

Her sweet rose scent clouds my judgment, letting my bear get the better of me.

I can’t fight the urge to taste her as my lips land on hers, scaring Addie away and pushing us to be “just friends”.

After two years of friendship, I’m ready to cross that line and try again...

Is she?

Adelaide

When my dad had a health crisis, I dropped my life in Chicago without a second thought to come home to Oak Ridge.

What I wasn’t expecting was a magnetic pull to a certain tattooed bear shifter.

Tyler Gardner is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen and dangerous for my heart.

To protect myself and my future, I shove him headfirst into the friend zone.

But plans change, and I end up helping him and his pack mates, instead of returning to my previous life.

Lines blur, and our friendship turns into something more.

Will he give me a second chance to heal his heart and have all my dreams come true in Cypress Valley?

My Bear to Heal is the third installment in the Cypress Valley Shifters series. It is a standalone, however, I do recommend reading the series in order for a better overall understanding of character dynamics and world-building.

As always, please check the trigger warnings at the front of the book before reading.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

About the author

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Born and raised in the Midwest, reading has always been a part of her life. A way to escape when the real world gets to be too much.

E.M. currently lives in Minnesota with her wonderful husband, two children, and two dogs.

When she isn't writing steamy shifter stories, you can find her cuddled on the couch under a fuzzy blanket with her kindle.

Reviews

[Kara McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐ 4/5🌶️


This is the 3rd book in the series and man It did NOT disappoint! I had been waiting for Tyler and Addies book and man if they aren't just perfect for each other.
I can't say I'm always the biggest fan of the 'friends to lovers' trope, but they embodied it so so well. And I absolutely loved it. The 2 of them having both been pining for one another without actually saying anything had me wanting to shake them. But then getting to see them get their HEA in the end was so satisfying. Also can we talk about Gertie??? At the begining of the book I kept saying to myself 'man she's too well behaved for a goat' and as the book went on I 100% tool that comment back. She is, in fact, a menace 😂. Overall I loved the book (although after loving the first 2 I wasn't surprised that I loved it) and I would recommend the series and this book to anyone who loves shifter romance, friends to lovers, or maybe even just a big handsome tattooed guy who drives a motorcycle and has a soft spot for a goat 🩷
please keep in mind this is the 3rd book in the series and though it's a stand alone story, it really won't make any sense if you don't read the other 2 books first. My recommendation? Read them in order. Then everything makes sense (and you get to experience everyone's stories).

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you E.M Sauber for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️


Oh man I just KNEW this smut reading, motorcycle riding, gardening Bear shifter would be my favorite. Tyler, I adore you.

This is the third book in the Cypress Valley shifters series and we finalllllly get inside Tyler’s brain. We have briefly seen him pine over Addie in the previous books but reading his story and seeing his and Addie’s relationship flourish was so sweet.

E.M Sauber did not hold back on the spice in this book. Dominant and dirty talking. Both Tyler and Addie are very vocal on their wants and needs once they give into their bond.

[Erica G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm such a fan ox E.M. Sauber's Cypress Valley series and I've been looking forward to Tyler's story since book 1! And, let me tell you, it delivered!
I don't want to give too much away but Tyler's first POV chapter broke my heart! He's such a kind and funny soul, I'm so happy he found a family among the other Shifters and their mates.
Speaking of mates...Addie is the perfect fit for Tyler! She's everything I want in an FMC, strong, kind, and determined.
The spice was extra spicy, to my delight! I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

[Robyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Addie's story was everything I wanted it to be!
I love their friendship and the mutual pining between them!
I've been excited for Tyler's book since book one and was just as amazing as I knew he would be.
And I loved seeing more of Keirnan and Reese!

[McKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAYYYYY I loved this one!! I’m absolutely head over heels obsessed with Tyler and Addie. Their friends to lovers was just so sweet. This spice level in this one is 🔥

[Paige (paigersturnspages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review coming soon

[Mama's Reading List · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how friends to lovers should be done! ✨

I was so excited for this book! It's book 3 in the series and by far my most anticipated one. Tyler and Addie did not let me down! Tyler gave himself the grace he needed to heal from his past and Addie never pushed or judged she was what a best friend should be. The connection and support they had for one another was exemplified as they dealt with major challenges, and let me tell you their mutual support of each other had me tearing up. The way the author wrote their emotions coming to a head together was so powerful.

There were so many fun moments that really showed the foundation of their friendship, and allowed us to peek in on the other couples we met in previous books. (I will never look at Oreos
the same 😅)
Being able to catch up with the pack from Cypress Valley and having them all there as part of Tyler and Addie's story just felt right. I'm hoping we get to see more of them in the future!

My new favorite animal sidekick is Gertie! 🐐 I kinda want one now! 💗 (Not that I have the space or time)

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review :)

[Biblio · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the series yet! Which is hard to say because Reese and Syd have such a special relationship. Hotshot and Sweet Rose though. OMG. This friends to lovers story will rot your teeth it's so sweet. There's animals that sometimes get in the way, your favorite shifter pack and mates, and references that will have you relating to Adelaide so hard! I love her so much. And Tyler too! THAT DIRTY TALK THOUGH WHEWWWW. This was everything and more. E.M. Sauber is such a wonderful writer and I love her stories so so much. Another amazing read!

*pre release review, coming 11/8

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addie's life has been in a bit of a standstill for the last years. Taking care of her father, didn't leave much to persue her own dream of becoming a vet. Now she's waiting for a position at the local vet to be near her father AND to finally make her dreams come true.
In the meantime, the shifters of Cypress Valley asked for her help taking care of a bunch of chickens to get more self-sustaining. But being in Cypress Valley also means being near Tyler. Her best friend and the man she's had a crush on for a long time. Will she be able to finally make a move and will Tyler even want her?
Tyler has known that Addie's his fated mate for years now. But after a bad break up with his first love, he feels broken and doesn't trust easily. Will he be able to let Addie in and finally be happy with her?
Wow!! I was really looking forward to Tyler's and Addie's story and it didn't disappoint 🥰
The tension between the two before they finally snap? ❤️‍🔥 Tyler finally deciding he's done running from his fears and Addie realising she didn't ruin everything for them years ago when she rejected his kiss 👩‍🍳💋
Read if you like: friends to lovers with amazing tension, fated mates, fantastic 🌶️, found family and adorable furry, côçk blocking sidekicks named Gertie 🥰

[Sopha · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s an absolutely combustible combination of leather and lace. And I’m ready to get burned.

—

Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

The last thing I expected was to be hit in the feels with My Bear to Heal, the 3rd book in the Cypress Valley Shifters series. First with the dedication, then the scenes at the beginning between Addie and her father 🥹

It was so good to get Tyler’s back story and poor baby definitely got burned by his ex-girlfriend after his bear shifter gene awakened. But thanks to that, he had to leave the city and ended up in Cypress Valley, where he met his fated mate. Kissing Addie at their first meeting was probably not the way to go though, which resulted in her rejecting him. Understandable.

And so the mutual pining game begins.

It was well done and there was no moment where I was frustrated with our MCs. Tyler was afraid to get hurt again while Addie had her own fears and worries, namely about her father’s health and her residency as a veterinarian. They were wonderful characters individually and together, and shout out to Gertie and Hennifer 🤭

Tyler might seem like a sweetie, but boy, that bear has a dirty mouth, whew! The best kind 🌝

What I want to note as well is that Cypress Valley is known as a safe community for shifters and I felt that sense of community because our dear author didn’t skip on scenes about the girls hanging out or Ty pranking on Reese. Wren and Sydney were not reduced to mere background extras, and I appreciated that a lot. I would love to move there too, please.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I'm definitely the odd one out on this one. But it also seems like the majority are arc readers. There was a major plot issue that bothered me soooooo much.

Tyler got Addie's name tattooed on him. He also got the rose tattoo to represent her. He says how he's loved her from the moment he met her and he was just waiting for things to hopefully come around. He KNEW who his fated mate was, yet he kept going home with women saying he would try to sleep with them? Nope. Being involved with partners before you know of an actual fated mate is 100% different than knowing, and them expressing the longing they have for them. Their obsession with how they feel...this did not follow through at all.

I also don't love miscommunication tropes. They drive me bonkers. There was so much of it and I felt like this should have been a faster paced book. Mainly because they already had an established relationship. Maybe more banter instead of the constant inner monologue of the same "maybe she is" or "maybe he is".

This was so disappointing for me because I loved the other 2. I like the mouth on him and I wish we had a bit more of that relationship. I just felt like things would go 0-100 in a page.

I'm sad 😔

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of “My Bear to heal” for an honest review.

⭐️ 4
🌶️ 4

Tropes include:
Shifters
Found family
Slow burn
Second chance romance
Small town romance
Friends to lovers
Open door spice
Knotting
Miscommunication- little
Fated mates
Light degradation
Biker MMC

This book is the 3rd instalment to the Cypress Valley shifters series, and follows the story of Tyler & Addie. I’m so glad we finally got inside Tyler’s mind! To understand what happened and how he found his way to Cypress Valley.

The very first chapter! I would not want to be in that restaurant! 😂

I loved seeing the previous couples be interconnected too! (I love the bond between Wren, Sydney & Addie). And Gertie! So cute!

I’m not normally a big fan of the miscommunication trope, but it didn’t last long enough for it to be a deterrent for me.

The goofiness between Addie & Tyler is so sweet and made sense for their relationship as best friend first.

Overall a great quick read and a definite recommendation.
I’ll miss Cypress Valley! I love being in that world. 😘

Happy reading
😊🐐🐥

[Michelle Lebron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect read to embrace this cozy season—a beautiful story filled with just the right amount of spice that we love. We’re back in Cypress Valley with our “bad boy” bear, who’s actually a total sweetheart, and you’ll fall head over heels with this gorgeous romance. A well-executed friends-to-lovers story, Tyler and Addie are perfect for each other, even though it took Addie two years to take that step and accept Tyler. Everything happened at just the right time, as Tyler needed to heal from a past relationship before embracing his fated mate. Both know what they want when it comes to the spice, and although it takes time to build up, it won’t disappoint you in the least when it arrives. And you can’t miss Cypress Valley’s new official pet, an adorable and spoiled goat named Gertie. I loved this story of these two lovebirds who are perfect for each other—our beloved gardener bear, Tyler, and our beautiful veterinarian, Addie.

[Rieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not ready to let go of this series and I am definitely going to have to add it to my comfort reread list! Once again the writing style makes it to where I felt right in the Cypress Valley with these magnificent characters. Tyler and Addie's story may actually be my favorite but choosing a favorite is still really hard. There was a lot of heartbreak and self healing in this book. Two characters needed to mend themselves before they could accept another in their heart but all along they didn't even realize that their friendship would do just that.

Those nicknames they have for each other definitely sum up their connection!! Hotshot and Sweet Rose! I love the small gestures they do to show their affection without even realizing it. Poor Tyler was so broken all because he was just being himself. I get afraid of the unknown but he puts his whole heart into Amber's hands.....Addie is so sweet and selfless and will always put those she loves before herself. When both of these two realize that each other is the answer to all healing it's game on and the epic love story unfolds!!!

[Britt 🐺 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAVE OF THE SERIES!!!

This is one of the best friends to lovers I have ever read! I’m not usually a friends to lovers girly but this was amazing. I finished it in a day because it was just THAT good. It was fast-paced and I just could not stop reading.

We met Tyler in the previous books and got a hint of what to expect from him but I loved his story so much. Him and Addie were utter perfection. And Miss Gertie too! Ugh, so cute.

I don’t want to give too much away but this book, really the whole series is such a fantastic read. I can really see how the characters and setting came to life. I would LOVE to live among the bear shifters in Cypress Valley. It’s such a comforting series too. I felt like I was right there with the characters and in their inner circle. I already want to reread the entire series!

[Angela Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run from E.M. Sauber! We've all been waiting for Ty's story, and E.M. delivered! He and Addie are couples goals. After his fiancé left him with nothing, Tyler stubbles his way into Cypress Valley and works hard to find a home and heal his broken heart. Addie has moved home to take care of her dad after a heart attack and is still working towards her goal of becoming a vet. The pair of been shying away from their mutual attraction but not any longer. Addie's dad is tired of her postponing her life, especially not that he's been cleared by the doctor. Between dad's meddling and the rest of Cypress Valley pulling for the couple, these two are a forgone conclusion. This is another super sweet novel from Cypress Valley, and a must-read for anyone who loves a shifter romance and needs a HEA.

[Kaitlyn Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book.
Tyler may have beat out Reese as my favorite bear.

This book is spicey and sweet and a little almost heartbreaking towards the end. But it was the perfect way to wrap up the Cypress Valley set.

Tyler has intrigued me since he was introduced in book 1. His love of romance novels and video games made him perfect. And then to learn that he went through so much hurt and pain, and was still such a goofball, just made me love him even more.

And Addie is so selfless and kind, and the way she loves Ty after all they've both been through. It makes me want a love like that.
She really was perfect for him.

I'm so happy they were able to come together and be happy. They really really deserved it.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Cypress Valley shifters. Tyler is a bear shifter who will do anything for anyone. His backstory is heartbreaking and made me want to give him a big hug for the pain he’d been put through. He was made for an endless love and pines for his mate.

Adelaide is our spunky FMC who’s fallen head over heels for Tyler and just getting her life and goals back on track. When they finally collide it’s fireworks.

E.M. Sauber writes spicy, shifter romance that is sweet and entertaining. I usually binge her work in one sitting and this was no different. I highly recommend if you’re into shifter romance and curious about grizzly bears. Tyler may have been the spiciest one yet.

Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look for the Bear Necessities 😉

I think this one is my favorite of the series so far. It's low stakes angst with a decent delivery when the sparks ignite. The friendship and support these two give each other is sweet. And who's not gonna fall for a bear shifter who's dying to snuggle?! 😉

Highlights/Tropes:
🐻 He's a Tatted & Flirty bear shifter
🌹 She's a tall & curvy soon-to-be Vet
🐻 Friends to lovers
🌹 Fated mates
🐻 Bad breakup has him shook up
🌹 She's home to help her Dad get better not oogle her best friend's muscles
🐻 Mutual Pining
🌹 Spicy with a dash of talk dirty to me
🐻 He's got a 🪢
🌹 No 3rd act break up
🐻 He's tattooed up for her
🌹 She might have a secret tattoo for him too 😜

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Bear to Heal by E.M. Sauber is my favorite in the series so far!
Who doesn't love a friends to lovers, romance with a tattooed, bear shifter???
Tyler is so sweet, and my heart broke for him once we learned his back story.
Addie returned home to take care of her dad, and is waiting to get a job with a local vet, so she can stay close to her dad.
Tyler & Addie are best friends, who both secretly are pining for one another.
Tyler made a move when they first met but Addie turned him down.
The tension & chemistry between these two is off the charts, and when they finally get together? Wowza!!!!
This was a fantastic read! I could not put it down and did not want it to end!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re the piece of my heart that’s been missing my entire life. The healing solace I need to finally be whole again.”
…
My Bear to Heal is the final installment in the Cypress Valley Shifter series. It’s so bittersweet, but I’m so happy to have read this series! Tyler and Addie’s story will melt your heart. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

I absolutely adored Tyler and Addie. Tyler has always been so funny and flirty in the other books and I’m glad he finally gets his HEA. Addie might be my favorite FMC in the series. She’s so determined and smart. I love how selfless she is!

This book is a slow burn so buckle in for some mutual pining and angst… but the payoff is so worth it. Tyler has the dirtiest mouth. Absolute top tier smut 🥵. What I loved most about these two is their friendship. They’ve been friends for years, and while Tyler has always known Addie was his mate, he was patient and respected her boundaries. I love how they naturally come together and work everything out.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, spicy shifter read

Loved the main male in this. Tyler is so visibly rugged with his long hair and tattoos and motorcycle.. but he starts this story so broken and almost using humor as a mask. He is such a soft hearted man and loves Addie so much that he’s afraid to go the next step and lose her friendship.

They have such a unicorn dynamic and I’m so happy the book ended how it did!

[SmuttyVanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️3.5🌶️ 

Tyler has done from first sight that Adelaide is his mate. But their first meeting didn’t go as plans am Adelaide life was in turmoil at the time. So if a friendship is all Tyler could have with Adelaide is settle for that for the past two years. 

Calmer waters and finally settling in Cypress Valley has Adelaide realizing that she must go for what she wants and Tyler has been it for her since the beginning too. 

I lived for both Ty and Addie dirty talk and banter as friends and lovers. 

This friends to lovers reads has it all great banter, spice, great friends and family support and the cutest pets 🐓🐐🐓. 

Cypress Calley continue to be the place for these hottest, spiciest, fated mates, bear shifters 🐻 stories to blossom. 

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
The wait was so worth this amazing third installment in the Cypress Valley Shifter series. This was a miscommunication trope done WELL, they both had reasons for not being honest with each other when they first met. But after years and a friendship that was built on trust and care for one another these two lovebirds finally found each other and took a leap together (with a little help from Adelaide’s dad lol). The spice was magnificent and the story was a fun ride, with a slightly suspenseful moment that showed just how much everyone in Cypress Valley cares for each other. Please, please, please read this entire series and enjoy every story to get the maximum cozy and cuteness from this novel.

[❥Daniela ✿☕︎˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥

4⭐️
2-3 🌶️

This book is filled with so much sweetness, and plenty of ‘just go for it’ moments! It’s such a lovely, spicy, and incredibly comforting Best Friends to Lovers story ❤️‍🩹✨

If you love the thrill of watching two best friends fall in love, you’re going to adore this book 🫶🏼 On one side we have our protagonist Addie, an amazing, loyal , intelligent, and confident woman who is completely in love with her best friend Tyler, the ultimate golden retriever personality but with a filthy mouth and not just him, Addie has the dirtiest mouth in the spicy scenes, and it’s the best. She’s the top of the top! ❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 I’m even more in love with Addie….she’s MY CRUSH 🧎🏻‍♀️

Without a doubt, this book is beautiful and super cute! I highly recommend reading it when you’re in the mood for something cozy 🌲 Plus, you’ll find shapeshifters which are simply the best! 🤎🐻

YOU HAVE TO READ IT! 🫵🏼

[Ashton Choate · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐻🌹My Bear To Heal🌹🐻 by E.M. Sauber
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

I love Addie & Tylers's love.
I love Gertie.
I love the chicken mansion.
I love Will & Benny.
I love Addie's dad.
I just loved it.

I hope this isn't the end of our time in Cyprus Valley.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Tyler's story since book one and this did not disappoint! I love it when a sweet, pining shifter is simultaneously a tattooed, dirty talking, cl!t-slapping, cinnamon roll.

Enjoy!

[Ashley ADirtyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

These shifters 😌

Friends to lovers 🥰 Always destined to be mates but both a wee bit afraid. They both are dirty 😉 his mouth - her responses. EM creates a sweet story that gets you blushing.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Angi Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not ex fiancee, they never got engaged because she dumped him.
So turns out Addie rejected Tyler for some dumb reason.