What do you think?
Rate this book
Grizzly's Grump: A Small Town, Grumpy/Sunshine, Found Family Bear Shifter Romance
I’ve spent years keeping to myself. Just me, the woods, and the quiet that helps me forget everything I’ve lost.
Then she showed up.
Cilla Morgan, sweet smile, sugar-scented skin, and a stubborn streak as wide as the forest. I didn’t want a mate. Didn’t deserve one. But the bear inside me roared the moment he saw her. Mine.
She doesn’t believe in magic. Doesn’t know what I am.
But that doesn’t matter.
Because I’ll protect her. I’ll claim her.
Even if she runs. Even if fate has other plans.
She’s mine. And I’m not letting her go.
Welcome to Redwood Rise, where the bears are grumpy, the mates are fated, and the only thing stronger than magic… is love.
Then she showed up.
Cilla Morgan, sweet smile, sugar-scented skin, and a stubborn streak as wide as the forest. I didn’t want a mate. Didn’t deserve one. But the bear inside me roared the moment he saw her. Mine.
She doesn’t believe in magic. Doesn’t know what I am.
But that doesn’t matter.
Because I’ll protect her. I’ll claim her.
Even if she runs. Even if fate has other plans.
She’s mine. And I’m not letting her go.
Welcome to Redwood Rise, where the bears are grumpy, the mates are fated, and the only thing stronger than magic… is love.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
245 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Delta James
320 books2,304 followersAs a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 31, 2025
This book left me feeling pretty confused overall. There was so much talk about ley lines and other concepts that felt like they needed far more explanation to really ground the story. That said, Cilla was such a fun FMC: fiery, resilient, and unwilling to let her past break her even when it would have been easy. Calder’s grumpiness, once we learned the reason behind it, was actually really endearing, and I found myself enjoying his softer side.
★ ”You wreck me.” ☆
Still, their relationship felt underdeveloped. I wish there had been more banter and genuine interaction between them before they gave into the mating bond, which Cilla herself wasn’t even aware of at the time. The connection came across as forced instead of naturally built, which made it harder to invest fully in their romance.
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
★ Fated Mates ☆
☆ Shifter x Human ★
★ Grumpy x Sunshine ☆
☆ Small Town ★
★ ”You wreck me.” ☆
☆ ”Good. I want every piece.” ★
Still, their relationship felt underdeveloped. I wish there had been more banter and genuine interaction between them before they gave into the mating bond, which Cilla herself wasn’t even aware of at the time. The connection came across as forced instead of naturally built, which made it harder to invest fully in their romance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spice: 1/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
★ Fated Mates ☆
☆ Shifter x Human ★
★ Grumpy x Sunshine ☆
☆ Small Town ★
August 10, 2025
An intriguing read. The ley lines are playing up when Cilla hits the Redwood Rise town after being betrayed and defrauded by her ex fiancé. The town's people treat her like the outsider she is in a town of shifters. Then there's the stoic, tattooed Calder, a bear shifter with his own baggage who knows she's his mate, but he's giving her a cold shoulder. The attraction build up is electrifying. He is scared she might get hurt, but she's determined to stay. A quick read, well written with much introspection and unknowns, but with a HEA though there's peace for now, but more to come. Start to a new series.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
July 29, 2025
UNWISE—UNFINISHED—UNFORGETTABLE
The story is the beginning of a new series, Shifters of Redwood Rise. It is a rather secluded, reclusive small town of shifters of many different kinds. They don’t take to outsiders and would rather keep to themselves. What happens when a stranger in a vintage pink truck arrives, parks, and starts baking?
Cilla Morgan thought her future was set—that was until she walked into her pink food truck to see her fiancée, Troy, between the legs of her ‘best-friend’, Lola. Right then, something inside me cracked, and it didn’t stop. I drive away with a destination in mind, Redwood Rise, California.
Calder Hayes is a grumbly grizzly bear of a man, thanks to Mary Ann. He would be alone, working in his workshop and avoiding people. What a shock when a pink food truck parks next to his workshop and sets up business.
The story is an ancient mystery, shifter secrets, and pulsing ley lines that have made their presence known again. It seems the arrival of Cilla is tied to the disturbance. There is something about the ley lines that is calling to Cilla, and that has Calder and his brothers concerned, especially when he finds her in the woods at the edge of the lines.
Calder: Cilla.
Cilla: Calder? What is this?
Calder: Don’t move. You could’ve been hurt.
Cilla: I didn’t know. I was just—drawn to it. It felt like it was calling me.
Calder: It was.
Cilla: What is it?
Calder: Ley line. A flare. That kind of energy messes with people—especially ones like you.
Cilla: Ones life me?
Calder: Sensitive. Unshielded. You walk through that kind of power with your heart wide open; it can bend you sideways.
Cilla: And you’re shielded?
Calder: No. But I’ve lived here long enough to brace for it.
Cilla: You carried me.
Calder: I wasn’t about to let you collapse in the middle of a surge.
Cilla: I’m not made of glass.
Calder: No. You’re not.
“She’s not just getting to you. She’s changing your current.”
This was a unique shifter story that kept the pages turning as the mystery unraveled. Cilla and Calder have chemistry between them, no matter how hard he tries to fight it. Has fate brought Cilla to Redwood Rise and Calder as his mate? How will she react when she learns the truth about the town, the people who live her, and how they have tried to keep her at a distance?
“Blood of my blood. Bone of my bone. Soul of my soul.”
“Either way, Redwood Rise is not finished with us—not with me, not with Calder, not with any of us who choose to live here. The story doesn’t end with us—it’s only just begun.”
The story is the beginning of a new series, Shifters of Redwood Rise. It is a rather secluded, reclusive small town of shifters of many different kinds. They don’t take to outsiders and would rather keep to themselves. What happens when a stranger in a vintage pink truck arrives, parks, and starts baking?
Cilla Morgan thought her future was set—that was until she walked into her pink food truck to see her fiancée, Troy, between the legs of her ‘best-friend’, Lola. Right then, something inside me cracked, and it didn’t stop. I drive away with a destination in mind, Redwood Rise, California.
Calder Hayes is a grumbly grizzly bear of a man, thanks to Mary Ann. He would be alone, working in his workshop and avoiding people. What a shock when a pink food truck parks next to his workshop and sets up business.
The story is an ancient mystery, shifter secrets, and pulsing ley lines that have made their presence known again. It seems the arrival of Cilla is tied to the disturbance. There is something about the ley lines that is calling to Cilla, and that has Calder and his brothers concerned, especially when he finds her in the woods at the edge of the lines.
Calder: Cilla.
Cilla: Calder? What is this?
Calder: Don’t move. You could’ve been hurt.
Cilla: I didn’t know. I was just—drawn to it. It felt like it was calling me.
Calder: It was.
Cilla: What is it?
Calder: Ley line. A flare. That kind of energy messes with people—especially ones like you.
Cilla: Ones life me?
Calder: Sensitive. Unshielded. You walk through that kind of power with your heart wide open; it can bend you sideways.
Cilla: And you’re shielded?
Calder: No. But I’ve lived here long enough to brace for it.
Cilla: You carried me.
Calder: I wasn’t about to let you collapse in the middle of a surge.
Cilla: I’m not made of glass.
Calder: No. You’re not.
“She’s not just getting to you. She’s changing your current.”
This was a unique shifter story that kept the pages turning as the mystery unraveled. Cilla and Calder have chemistry between them, no matter how hard he tries to fight it. Has fate brought Cilla to Redwood Rise and Calder as his mate? How will she react when she learns the truth about the town, the people who live her, and how they have tried to keep her at a distance?
“Blood of my blood. Bone of my bone. Soul of my soul.”
“Either way, Redwood Rise is not finished with us—not with me, not with Calder, not with any of us who choose to live here. The story doesn’t end with us—it’s only just begun.”
September 7, 2025
This is Cilla and Calder's book. Let's first address the "everything wasn't resolved" feedback. Hi, have you read any of the author's older shifter series? Even her Grimm series - it's not all revealed in the first book. The first book usually establishes the mystery and reveals certain clues. As for the insta love vs a slow burn. Again - read the books? This one she actually seems to have listened and let the relationship develop at a slower pace. The main female lead goes with the flow. She finds her fiancé and best friend together - let's hope she did a deep clean and simply left. She finds the contract - which seemed to be a plot twist that either was dropped or will play a bigger part later - and she calmly decides to drive. When the truck has issues, she simply stops and sets up shop. When she wakes up alone, she throws herself into baking. Even Calder turning into a bear didn't really phase her. She's not going to throw a fit because she woke up alone. I get it Calder is stand offish about a lot. One is he thought he'd found the one and she ran. Unclear why he thought that since there was no inkling she was the fated mate. According to Calder, their family is supposedly cursed & he's a bit much keeping everyone at arm's length.
Now to the story, it's a high overview not a complete reveal. This harkens back to the Grim series and her Mystic/Otter/older shifter series. It will be revealed in bits throughout the series. Both Calder and Cilla have their own ways of dealing with things but one thing in common, they don't leave. It's a slower pace first flush of dating type relationship that hints at a stronger bond developing. They accept each other. The reason for the five is it's a return (at least in this book) to her older series. The relationship is slow to develop so the characters are revealed, and the reader can care and root for them. The secondary characters are more fleshed out to make them memorable and interesting. My opinion may change later on with the series, but this is a good start. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now to the story, it's a high overview not a complete reveal. This harkens back to the Grim series and her Mystic/Otter/older shifter series. It will be revealed in bits throughout the series. Both Calder and Cilla have their own ways of dealing with things but one thing in common, they don't leave. It's a slower pace first flush of dating type relationship that hints at a stronger bond developing. They accept each other. The reason for the five is it's a return (at least in this book) to her older series. The relationship is slow to develop so the characters are revealed, and the reader can care and root for them. The secondary characters are more fleshed out to make them memorable and interesting. My opinion may change later on with the series, but this is a good start. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
3.5stars
GRIZZLY’S GRUMP is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult SHIFTERS OF REDWOOD RISE erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is bear sifter Calder Hayes, and food truck owner / baker Cilla Morgan’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Cilla and Calder) GRIZZLY’S GRUMP follows in the wake of Cilla discovering her fiance Troy’s affair with her best friend Lola. Determined to start anew, Cilla heads to places unknown in Northern California where she will set up her cupcake truck in the remote town of Redwood Rise but Redwood Rise is no ordinary town, and our heroine is about to discover the magic of the supernatural. Calder Hayes is a bear shifter, and his bear knows immediately that Cilla is their mate but the town of Redwood Rise struggles to accept newcomers, especially those who are human, and Calder is torn between claiming Cilla or sending her home. All is not well in Redwood Rise, the ley lines have awakened, and they are calling to our story line heroine.
The world building focuses on the awakening of the ley lines as the town struggles with the demons from their past. Experience has taught them that not everyone will survive when magic demands a sacrifice .
The relationship between Cilla and Calder is acrimonious at best. Calder is determined to protect our story line heroine but revealing the truth means claiming our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are limited but impassioned.
The secondary and supporting characters include many of the local townsfolk aka shifters. We are introduced to Calde’s brothers Beau and Eli.
GRIZZLY’S GRUMP is a fast paced, quick read. The premise is entertaining and interesting but the author’s writing style is changing-there is more introspection than one on one conversation. The romance is limited but passionate; The characters are energetic and determined.
Copy supplied for review
GRIZZLY’S GRUMP is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult SHIFTERS OF REDWOOD RISE erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is bear sifter Calder Hayes, and food truck owner / baker Cilla Morgan’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Cilla and Calder) GRIZZLY’S GRUMP follows in the wake of Cilla discovering her fiance Troy’s affair with her best friend Lola. Determined to start anew, Cilla heads to places unknown in Northern California where she will set up her cupcake truck in the remote town of Redwood Rise but Redwood Rise is no ordinary town, and our heroine is about to discover the magic of the supernatural. Calder Hayes is a bear shifter, and his bear knows immediately that Cilla is their mate but the town of Redwood Rise struggles to accept newcomers, especially those who are human, and Calder is torn between claiming Cilla or sending her home. All is not well in Redwood Rise, the ley lines have awakened, and they are calling to our story line heroine.
The world building focuses on the awakening of the ley lines as the town struggles with the demons from their past. Experience has taught them that not everyone will survive when magic demands a sacrifice .
The relationship between Cilla and Calder is acrimonious at best. Calder is determined to protect our story line heroine but revealing the truth means claiming our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are limited but impassioned.
The secondary and supporting characters include many of the local townsfolk aka shifters. We are introduced to Calde’s brothers Beau and Eli.
GRIZZLY’S GRUMP is a fast paced, quick read. The premise is entertaining and interesting but the author’s writing style is changing-there is more introspection than one on one conversation. The romance is limited but passionate; The characters are energetic and determined.
Copy supplied for review
August 25, 2025
Grizzly is the Grump
It's a silly thing to start with, but the Grizzly IS the gump, he doesn't have the grump. The FMC is sunshine and cinnamon rolls. Which makes the title misleading, and is pretty on par for the rest of the book. Half details and truths.
The author has a way with describing the lei lines and nature that is wonderful, and reall enbodies a Tolkien quote that is in this book - "Why use one word when you can use a thousand." To bad that doesn't extend to the relationship or the plot. I'd estimate half this book was waxing poetic about the trees and the magic. a quarter of the book was the relationship, and the final fourth was the actual magic mayhem not making any sense.
The relationship between the MCs is barely passable, even after they get together. She wakes up alone in bed, and is invited to a party he is throwing by someone else, and it doesn't seem to bother her. Nor does it bug her that he ignores her for the entire party until the magic acts up, again. There was a lot of confusion about her being on the sanctuary for the first time, but also ahaving been there before, and the entire mate ceremony was so rushed, it may as well not have happened.
The magic going wonky was a cool idea, but I don't feel like it was well executed. Because it is supposed to be the over arching theme of this series, we really don't get any answers in this book. Not to why the FMC is special. Not to the wolf/bear or magic ceremony she sees (and never tells any one about). Not to why she is special. There were so many unanswered questions. Unfortunately, those questions weren't handled in a way that is going to make me want to come back to get them answered. They just left me confused and annyoed
It's a silly thing to start with, but the Grizzly IS the gump, he doesn't have the grump. The FMC is sunshine and cinnamon rolls. Which makes the title misleading, and is pretty on par for the rest of the book. Half details and truths.
The author has a way with describing the lei lines and nature that is wonderful, and reall enbodies a Tolkien quote that is in this book - "Why use one word when you can use a thousand." To bad that doesn't extend to the relationship or the plot. I'd estimate half this book was waxing poetic about the trees and the magic. a quarter of the book was the relationship, and the final fourth was the actual magic mayhem not making any sense.
The relationship between the MCs is barely passable, even after they get together. She wakes up alone in bed, and is invited to a party he is throwing by someone else, and it doesn't seem to bother her. Nor does it bug her that he ignores her for the entire party until the magic acts up, again. There was a lot of confusion about her being on the sanctuary for the first time, but also ahaving been there before, and the entire mate ceremony was so rushed, it may as well not have happened.
The magic going wonky was a cool idea, but I don't feel like it was well executed. Because it is supposed to be the over arching theme of this series, we really don't get any answers in this book. Not to why the FMC is special. Not to the wolf/bear or magic ceremony she sees (and never tells any one about). Not to why she is special. There were so many unanswered questions. Unfortunately, those questions weren't handled in a way that is going to make me want to come back to get them answered. They just left me confused and annyoed
Read
September 10, 2025this first book starts off with cilla and calder and a whole lot of magic. cilla has been betrayed by fiance and best friend so takes off in her food truck to places new for a fresh start. stopping in redwood rise is a fluke and she never intends to stay but she's out of money and needs to make some to move on. she parks on calder's land a very grumpy very untalkative furniture maker who recognizes she's his mate but is too afraid of his past to accept it. the town is full of magic, sitting on ley lines that power the town full of shifters which cilla knows nothing about and wouldn't believe was real. the magic is tied to all the shifters, their blood line and the energy of the forest. something in the ley lines calls to cilla and she tries to understand how the forest can be calling to her and how she is so attracted to the grumpy calder. but calder isn't sharing information and he's running hot and cold pulling her close then pushing her away and she's done being hurt. she will find out on her own the answers she seeks. but its dangerous and calder must protect her despite his own fears. will she find the answers she seeks? what seems to be waking up in the earth and forest and why is it seeking cilla so hard? can calder face his fears and accept his mate? will cilla run when she finds out that shifters are real and magic exists? and is whatever thats waking up dangerous, just the winds of change, accepting a new human or something evil looking for injure. great rich well developed characters, a wonderful town , tons of magic and complicated plot details, and mixed in love acceptance, self forgiveness, and more. a wonderful start to a new series that promises to be enthralling.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and this is my honest voluntary review.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and this is my honest voluntary review.
August 7, 2025
This was a simply wonderful read, tremendous characters and a simply wonderful scenario
Cilla had her heart broken after she caught her supposed very best friend having sex with her fiancée inside her pink food truck and it had nearly broken her but she had picked herself up and and had simply left in her car and travelled to Redwood Rise in California.
Calder is a grizzly bear shifter and he has had his world turned on its head since a pink food truck has started to do business outside his workshop and this is having quite a detrimental effect on him and it is making him very grumpy.
Cilla and Calder are the ideal opposite for each other she is calmness for his grumpiness and she is laughter and sunshine and he is protective and all action and now that she has moved to Redwood Rise it seems that she is calling out not only to Calder but she is also concerning his brothers as well.
This is a simply wonderful hot and sexy spicy shifter story where Cilla and Calder which is trying to evade any possible drama from her fiancée who has been ensuring they have been doing everything possible to see her and her food truck is doing well in the small town.
I guarantee that you will enjoy every moment of this simply wonderful book, the characters and the plot will hold you totally riveted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Cilla had her heart broken after she caught her supposed very best friend having sex with her fiancée inside her pink food truck and it had nearly broken her but she had picked herself up and and had simply left in her car and travelled to Redwood Rise in California.
Calder is a grizzly bear shifter and he has had his world turned on its head since a pink food truck has started to do business outside his workshop and this is having quite a detrimental effect on him and it is making him very grumpy.
Cilla and Calder are the ideal opposite for each other she is calmness for his grumpiness and she is laughter and sunshine and he is protective and all action and now that she has moved to Redwood Rise it seems that she is calling out not only to Calder but she is also concerning his brothers as well.
This is a simply wonderful hot and sexy spicy shifter story where Cilla and Calder which is trying to evade any possible drama from her fiancée who has been ensuring they have been doing everything possible to see her and her food truck is doing well in the small town.
I guarantee that you will enjoy every moment of this simply wonderful book, the characters and the plot will hold you totally riveted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
August 15, 2025
Good book, but kinda leaves you hanging. Not an actual cliffhanger per say, just not the end of the story. When Cilla finds her fiancé in a compromising position with her best friend inside Cilla's own food truck, she kicks them both to the curb and takes her truck and drives off looking for a town she only knows from a postcard. Redwood Rise doesn't look like much, but her old truck was lucky to get there and she doesn't plan to leave anytime soon. It would be nice if the locals would actually buy her baked goods, but she is patient and hopeful. The grumpy man who owns the land where she parks seems determined to ignore her...until he isn't.
Calder knew as soon as the pink food truck rolled into town that Cilla was his mate. His bear wants to stay close to her, but Calder has had bad luck with human women and wants to steer clear. It seems the local ley lines have other ideas. Something is causing them to surge and Calder is pretty sure it is Cilla. Can he protect her and his heart, or will he be forced to admit that she is his?
Lots of woo-woo. So far it doesn't lead to much except ley line temper tantrums. But it is obvious there is something coming and Calder has brothers... I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Calder knew as soon as the pink food truck rolled into town that Cilla was his mate. His bear wants to stay close to her, but Calder has had bad luck with human women and wants to steer clear. It seems the local ley lines have other ideas. Something is causing them to surge and Calder is pretty sure it is Cilla. Can he protect her and his heart, or will he be forced to admit that she is his?
Lots of woo-woo. So far it doesn't lead to much except ley line temper tantrums. But it is obvious there is something coming and Calder has brothers... I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
September 2, 2025
This is fast paced fated mate, mystic romance. Cilla, after catching her fiance and best fried having an affair and after he fraudulently left Cilla with a huge loan to repay, she packs up her food truck and hits the road. She finds herself broken down in a small community called Redwood Rise. This is a very different town. The residents are not friendly. The ground, mist and trees do not seem quite right. Enter Calder, a bear shifter, who has been left brokenhearted and skittish to a relationship. But his bear does not care. He recognizes Cilla as his fated mate. And soon Calder will not be able to refuse the whole fated mate thing, because the mystical ley lines that run under Redwood Rise have woken up and Cilla seems to be at the centre of it, without knowing why. There seems to be something evil under the ground. The question is, why is this happening and how will Calder protect Cilla?
I loved the premise of this book and I would have given it 5 stars, if not for way it was written . It is 2 POVs and in the current tense. It is not typical of this author's writing style and not really a favorite of mine, if I am being honest. Having said that, I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I loved the premise of this book and I would have given it 5 stars, if not for way it was written . It is 2 POVs and in the current tense. It is not typical of this author's writing style and not really a favorite of mine, if I am being honest. Having said that, I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 17, 2025
Cilla walks away from her ex-fiancé and best friend after an unforgettable betrayal—catching them in a compromising position on the counter of her food truck. In search of a new beginning, she finds herself in Redwood Rise, a picturesque town she once glimpsed on a postcard, longing to belong. Though wounded, she is determined to rebuild her life.
Her food truck struggles to find its footing, and she sets up across from Calder’s workplace. Calder, hardened by his own past, responds to her attempts at conversation with little more than gruff grunts and terse one-word answers. The townspeople are wary of outsiders, making Cilla's adjustment all the more challenging.
What she doesn't know is that Redwood Rise is home to shifters, while she is merely human. Strange phenomena begin to unfold as she settles in, linked to the powerful energies of the ley lines that crisscross the town. This enchanting place hums with magic and mysticism, shaping the lives of both Cilla and its inhabitants.
As Cilla and Calder's connection deepens, she becomes increasingly aware that the ley lines are calling to her. This story offers a fresh perspective on shifters, enriched by well-developed characters and an enthralling narrative that pulls readers into an intriguing and mystical world.
Her food truck struggles to find its footing, and she sets up across from Calder’s workplace. Calder, hardened by his own past, responds to her attempts at conversation with little more than gruff grunts and terse one-word answers. The townspeople are wary of outsiders, making Cilla's adjustment all the more challenging.
What she doesn't know is that Redwood Rise is home to shifters, while she is merely human. Strange phenomena begin to unfold as she settles in, linked to the powerful energies of the ley lines that crisscross the town. This enchanting place hums with magic and mysticism, shaping the lives of both Cilla and its inhabitants.
As Cilla and Calder's connection deepens, she becomes increasingly aware that the ley lines are calling to her. This story offers a fresh perspective on shifters, enriched by well-developed characters and an enthralling narrative that pulls readers into an intriguing and mystical world.
August 23, 2025
After the character introductions, it took me a few chapters to fully settle into this storyline and understand what was going on. Once I grasp the concept that the lay lines were essentially a stabilizing force, and the shifters were keepers/Guardian's that protected the forrest (a convergence area), things made a more sense. Especially since Cilla was somehow messing with that stability (you'll have to read the book to maybe find that out). The pararomance between her and Calder was fun to watch play out. He really is a grumpy bear!! Maybe it runs a bit in the genes because all his brothers have at least a smidgen of pessimism in them too.🤷♀️ Maybe we'll learn more in the next book - brother Beau takes a turn next.
Oh, while the romantic issue did get resolved within this book, there is an inter-series arc apparently, as the other storyline was left with maybe more questions than answers at this point. That's not uncommon at the early stage of one of Delta's series and I have no doubt by the end of the whole thing she'll wrap it up nicely for us.
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Oh, while the romantic issue did get resolved within this book, there is an inter-series arc apparently, as the other storyline was left with maybe more questions than answers at this point. That's not uncommon at the early stage of one of Delta's series and I have no doubt by the end of the whole thing she'll wrap it up nicely for us.
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
September 11, 2025
Cilla leaves her ex-finance’ and best friend after she caught them in a compromising position on the counter (UGH!) of her food truck. She ends up in Redwood Rise, a town she had seen a picture of in a postcard. Her food truck barely made it, and she finds a spot across from Calder’s work. The town isn’t trusting of strangers and it’s a difficult start for her. Unbeknownst to Cilla, the town is made up of shifters and she is human.
Strange things start happening in the town, different energies coming from the ley lines that intersect in the town. There are a certain magic and mysticism in Redwood Rise, and it affects Cilla, as well as the other residents. As she and Calder begin to grow closer, the ley lines seem to be calling to her.
The one challenge of the story to me is that a great amount of time is spent on the ley lines. I found myself skipping through some of the pages to get past it. However, the remainder of the book was very engaging, especially the slow burn between Calder and Cilla. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Strange things start happening in the town, different energies coming from the ley lines that intersect in the town. There are a certain magic and mysticism in Redwood Rise, and it affects Cilla, as well as the other residents. As she and Calder begin to grow closer, the ley lines seem to be calling to her.
The one challenge of the story to me is that a great amount of time is spent on the ley lines. I found myself skipping through some of the pages to get past it. However, the remainder of the book was very engaging, especially the slow burn between Calder and Cilla. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love all the books Delta James writes, how she can draw you into the book flipping pages until the very end, the romance with the two main characters it's a tease to start with while you salivate and then the romance that would make you blush. This story was about Cilla and Calder, Cilla was just driving when she stopped at a place called Redwood Rise, her food truck started having problems so she parked off road. Calder is a grumpy shifter that lost his mate, but the ley lines are starting to move and he could feel his mate, his shifter side wants to claim her and his head said no. Cilla felt an attraction towards the grumpy hot man that makes things with wood. Cilla is trying to get the people in town to like her, she believes baking for them might win them over. Cilla is told by the grumpy man to stay away from the forest and blames her for the ley lines to be pumping through the body to just pack-up and leave or not.
I love all the books Delta James writes, how she can draw you into the book flipping pages until the very end, the romance with the two main characters it's a tease to start with while you salivate and then the romance that would make you blush. This story was about Cilla and Calder, Cilla was just driving when she stopped at a place called Redwood Rise, her food truck started having problems so she parked off road. Calder is a grumpy shifter that lost his mate, but the ley lines are starting to move and he could feel his mate, his shifter side wants to claim her and his head said no. Cilla felt an attraction towards the grumpy hot man that makes things with wood. Cilla is trying to get the people in town to like her, she believes baking for them might win them over. Cilla is told by the grumpy man to stay away from the forest and blames her for the ley lines to be pumping through the body to just pack-up and leave or not.
October 10, 2025
REDWOOD RISE EST 1834
Calder and Cilla. Shes in business with her boyfriend. A food truck. She appears early with lunch. Finds her "EX" already eating. Her best friend. A forgery and a betrayal. She drives off until the truck wont go any further and she sets up in a mountain town. The name of a town she found in the pages of an old cookbook. She sets up the truck. She bakes. Theres an eerily fog. Then some customers. He tells her shes not one of them. He wants her gone. She doesnt belong. But theres a feeling he cant deny. Shes brought something with her. Now he'll protect her. He'll keep her. He wont let her go no matter what.
Another start to a great series. Full of shifters, magic and mystery. And a grumpy delicious protective alpha. Cilla is a curious and bright bubbly personality that wont give up. The book keeps you turning the pages to see what next for them. It makes you believe in magic and want to go find a small town of your own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Calder and Cilla. Shes in business with her boyfriend. A food truck. She appears early with lunch. Finds her "EX" already eating. Her best friend. A forgery and a betrayal. She drives off until the truck wont go any further and she sets up in a mountain town. The name of a town she found in the pages of an old cookbook. She sets up the truck. She bakes. Theres an eerily fog. Then some customers. He tells her shes not one of them. He wants her gone. She doesnt belong. But theres a feeling he cant deny. Shes brought something with her. Now he'll protect her. He'll keep her. He wont let her go no matter what.
Another start to a great series. Full of shifters, magic and mystery. And a grumpy delicious protective alpha. Cilla is a curious and bright bubbly personality that wont give up. The book keeps you turning the pages to see what next for them. It makes you believe in magic and want to go find a small town of your own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
“He kisses me slow and deep like we’ve got nothing but time.”
4 ⭐️ Captivating start of a new series about shifters living in the small town called Redwood Rise. The story has interesting characters you want to learn more about - and I am a sucker for small town settings. Cilla, a baker arriving in a food truck has been drawn to the town. Once there, she has to deal with aloof townspeople and the change that the ley lines are predicting is coming whether they want it or not. But they underestimate her strength of will and ability to survive life’s challenges - especially one certain grizzly bear shifter who is drawn to her against his will. But once bitten, twice shy, and he doesn’t make it easy at first for sure. Expect steamy fated mate action with some supernatural powers that may or may not be dangerous. Waiting for Beau and Sawyer to meet their mates!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 ⭐️ Captivating start of a new series about shifters living in the small town called Redwood Rise. The story has interesting characters you want to learn more about - and I am a sucker for small town settings. Cilla, a baker arriving in a food truck has been drawn to the town. Once there, she has to deal with aloof townspeople and the change that the ley lines are predicting is coming whether they want it or not. But they underestimate her strength of will and ability to survive life’s challenges - especially one certain grizzly bear shifter who is drawn to her against his will. But once bitten, twice shy, and he doesn’t make it easy at first for sure. Expect steamy fated mate action with some supernatural powers that may or may not be dangerous. Waiting for Beau and Sawyer to meet their mates!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2025
This is a different book than what the author normally writes as far as paranormal - shifters. This one includes ley lines and the mystery of a shifter town.
I liked Cilla. She has been through a lot and is drawn to Redwood Rise after her fiancé does the unthinkable. She is sunshine wrapped in her delicious pastries. She also has to win the hearts of the town folk. And she does this in her won way.
Calder is the poster man for grumpy. Scowling all of the time. I loved how this just encourages Cilla to get to know him better. She is not intimidated by him. Loved how determined she is.
POV of each. World building was good. Steam to the eventual romance. For them it is a nice HEA. But this is just the beginning of the backstory. There is still more to figure out. I liked the mystery of what is in the forest.
You can read this as a standalone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked Cilla. She has been through a lot and is drawn to Redwood Rise after her fiancé does the unthinkable. She is sunshine wrapped in her delicious pastries. She also has to win the hearts of the town folk. And she does this in her won way.
Calder is the poster man for grumpy. Scowling all of the time. I loved how this just encourages Cilla to get to know him better. She is not intimidated by him. Loved how determined she is.
POV of each. World building was good. Steam to the eventual romance. For them it is a nice HEA. But this is just the beginning of the backstory. There is still more to figure out. I liked the mystery of what is in the forest.
You can read this as a standalone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2025
"Another Stunning Shifter Romance series by Delta James"
I have loved every series Delta James I have read! Each one has been exciting, steamy hot, and so much fun to read.
Cilla is a curvy,and spunky young baker. She ran a food truck with her fiance. Till she caught him in bed with her best friend. Cilla kicked him out and left town. She decided to go to a little town she seen on a post card. She had found the post card in an old cook book. Her truck verily makes it to the town. Which is called Redwood Rise. There she meets a sexy, and grumpy wood worker. The town seems a little strange. The people seem stand offish.
Calder is a sexy bear shifter wood worker. At first he doesn't want Cilla there. Until he discovers she is his fated mate. Even then he tries to fight the mate pull. When the Ley lines under, and around town put Cilla in danger. Calder finds it even harder to fight fate.
Can he keep her safe and will he give in to fate? You will love this five star plus new series!
I have loved every series Delta James I have read! Each one has been exciting, steamy hot, and so much fun to read.
Cilla is a curvy,and spunky young baker. She ran a food truck with her fiance. Till she caught him in bed with her best friend. Cilla kicked him out and left town. She decided to go to a little town she seen on a post card. She had found the post card in an old cook book. Her truck verily makes it to the town. Which is called Redwood Rise. There she meets a sexy, and grumpy wood worker. The town seems a little strange. The people seem stand offish.
Calder is a sexy bear shifter wood worker. At first he doesn't want Cilla there. Until he discovers she is his fated mate. Even then he tries to fight the mate pull. When the Ley lines under, and around town put Cilla in danger. Calder finds it even harder to fight fate.
Can he keep her safe and will he give in to fate? You will love this five star plus new series!
August 26, 2025
Great atmospheric descriptions! The “spooky factor” is strong. Cilla takes her food truck and runs from her cheating fiancé (and her former best friend) to Redwood Rise, a place she knows nothing about except she found the name on an old postcard and it looks picturesque and perfect. Unfortunately, she isn’t welcomed with open arms but despite that, she just works harder to be accepted. Calder - well, I wanted to smack him a few times! He had had a bad relationship/break up - who hasn’t? Yes, his life is more complicated than others, but his single word answers and hot and cold behavior were really annoying, confusing and hurtful. He sensed right away that Cilla was his mate but he still kept trying to push her away. She wouldn’t stand for it - yay Cilla! Lots of eerie descriptions and mysterious happenings, good heat and story. Great start to the series! Very fun read!
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.
August 8, 2025
The mystery of the ley lines was well, mysterious. Lol. There was a magical, mystical quality to Cilla and Calder's story. I felt there was more to the mystery that was left to be revealed. What was it about Cilla and even Calder that attracted that specific energy?
I felt like the slow burn (not sure what else to call it) didn't revolve around the romance, but it focused on whatever was happening in the forest. The romantic tension between Calder and Cilla was there and it was growing in intensity.
The aspect of the story I eventually found so mesmerizing was the descriptions of the forest, the ley lines, the uncontrolled energy, how it affected the shifters, the earth, and ultimately, Cilla and Calder. I am looking forward to.the next entry in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
I felt like the slow burn (not sure what else to call it) didn't revolve around the romance, but it focused on whatever was happening in the forest. The romantic tension between Calder and Cilla was there and it was growing in intensity.
The aspect of the story I eventually found so mesmerizing was the descriptions of the forest, the ley lines, the uncontrolled energy, how it affected the shifters, the earth, and ultimately, Cilla and Calder. I am looking forward to.the next entry in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
September 15, 2025
Grizzly's Grump is the first in a new series Shifters of Redwood Rise and wow what a way to start a new series. This author has an amazing skill at world building and she has definitely set up the scene for future books in this series. The storyline is full of great characters, magic, fated mates, bear shifters and something evil this way comes. I love character driven stories and Cilla and Calder are expertly written with depth and back stories. Secondary characters especially small town shifters give great flavor and quirkiness that helps build the ambience. I can see the dark eerie woods with magic flares and owls watching in my head. This is a slow burn romance which makes it so much more sweet. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. This was just a tease we are not sure where we are being led but I for one am willing to go.
August 24, 2025
This was an intense and fast paced read. Cilla has picked Redwood Rise to have a fresh start with her food truck after being horribly betrayed. However, her food truck needs repair and when bear shifter, Calder, and the other townsfolk make it known she's not welcome, there isn't much she can do about it but try and change their minds. She was such a sunshine character that made sweet treats to spread joy. She was also strong and determined, which I love. Calder thinks she may be his mate but his ties to the ley lines indicate that she's at the centre of something. Dangerous or good is the question... Expect to get caught up in the mystery of Redwood Rise, the ley lines and Calder's past as they work their way to a fab HEA. I'm looking forward to the next book :D
September 13, 2025
Slightly different than her usual shifter stories but it's right on par . Cilla takes her bakery truck to a place called redwood rise after she finds her fiancé with his head between someone else's thighs. She needs a change of pace and this place certainly provides that. She sees Calder working in his shop not far from where her truck lands. The people here are not friendly and neither is he,the plot provides suspense,mystery and fated love to a grizzley bear shifter. I would have liked to taste some of her baked goods as they sounded delicious. The book grabs you and keeps you engrossed the whole time. A well crafted story line.i received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
Cilla loves having her pink bakery food truck and she is now in Redwood Rise. This place she found in her grandmother's receipe book on a postcard. But the town folk are leery of accepting a new person in their town. She knows and feels there is something going on but not sure what. Suspense, but only a glimpse is in the story that shows she is a wonder to a grizzly bear shifter named Calder. It was confusing and interesting at the same time. This underlaying story leaves a lot of questions for the next shifter to find their mate. The questions to the mystery keeps you guessing. Pretty good read. I liked the book.
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.
October 14, 2025
A fantastic first in a series of bear shifter romance novels. Cillia arrives in town a broken woman determined to make a fresh start. As a stranger, the townsfolk are slow to warm up to her, especially the grumpy, handsome man in the shop across the street from where she parks her food truck. When she is unexpectedly is drawn into the forest and the mystery surrounding something “living” in it, she and this man are drawn closer and closer together. He, like most of the people in the town is a shifter, a bear shifter and he will do anything to protect Cillia from her discovery. The only thing truly in danger are their hearts.
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.
August 2, 2025
As usual if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
This story is a little different there is more of the metaphysical about it. From Cilla finding the postcard in her nonna’s receipe book and relocating to Redwood Rise it just feels like it was all ment to be. Calder has tried with another who wasn’t right but Cilla is right and with both of them being hurt in the past it’s hard to try again. Calder his brothers and the town are afraid that she will upset the balance but I think she was called and was always ment to be there and be apart of the town’s story.
I received this ARC for free from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 7, 2025
When Cilla finds her fiancée having sex with her supposed best friend, in her pink food truck; she gets into her car and drives to Redwood Rise, California.
Calder is one grumpy grizzly bear shifter. His world is turns up side down when a pink food truck sets up business outside his workshop.
Cilla is sunshine to his grumpiness. Even though Cilla doesn’t believe in magic the ley lines in Redwood Rise seem to call the to her. Concerning Calder and his brothers.
We have mystery, secrets, family and a cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Calder is one grumpy grizzly bear shifter. His world is turns up side down when a pink food truck sets up business outside his workshop.
Cilla is sunshine to his grumpiness. Even though Cilla doesn’t believe in magic the ley lines in Redwood Rise seem to call the to her. Concerning Calder and his brothers.
We have mystery, secrets, family and a cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2025
Calder and Cilla’s story is a grumpy-sunshine filled read with lots of snark and growl y goodness ! They are polar opposites that work for just that reason . It’s a fun filled magical romp with minimal angst but heavy on overshadowing the future of the key lines. It doesn’t end with the story of what’s up with the key lines, so be prepared to wait for the next book, but we get a happy for now with these two ! Hot and sexy bear shifter makes for delicious heat in the sex scenes. 4✨’s and I’m ready for book 2 !!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
August 30, 2025What an intriguing and mysterious story. Cilla is looking for a new start and decides to try for one in Redwood Rise, to say that she’s made to feel unwanted is not an understatement. Calder is the silent, brooding, mountain man who she can’t quite make out. There certainly is some sort of spark there between them and as the story deepens that spark grows brighter. I enjoyed all the nuances of this story, the townsfolk had me intrigued and to see them and gradually warm and come round was heartwarming. Look forward to more in this series.
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.
September 2, 2025
After finding her fiancé and best friend in a compromising position, Cilla Morgan has had enough. She takes her food truck and moves on until she comes to the small town of Redwood Rise. Calder Hayes is a bear shifter resigned to spending his life alone, but when the pretty baker shows up in her bright pink food truck, his bear immediately recognizes her as his mate.
A fantastic beginning to a wonderful new shifter romance series by a favorite author. Engaging characters, plenty of steam, and interesting magical twist, and a happily ever after. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
A fantastic beginning to a wonderful new shifter romance series by a favorite author. Engaging characters, plenty of steam, and interesting magical twist, and a happily ever after. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews