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Flare
Runaway bride. Protective bear shifter. Slow-burn small-town romance with claws.
She thought she’d found Prince Charming—but her fiancé turned out to be a possessive bear shifter hiding criminal secrets.
On the run from danger, Emily Clarke flees back to the safety of Bearpaw Ridge. But even here in her old hometown, she’s not safe. Her ex is hunting her… and he’ll never let her go.
Edward “Ward” Swanson has spent years fixing up old homes—and hiding his heart. When his high school crush Emily returns to town in desperate need of protection, his inner bear roars to life. She’s his fated mate… but there’s a catch. She’s already been claimed by another shifter.
Torn between the laws of his kind and the needs of his heart, Ward risks everything to shelter Emily. As her stalker closes in and their bond deepens, one question remains—can love triumph over fear in this small-town paranormal romance?
Perfect for fans of protective shifters, cozy small towns, and slow-burn second-chance romance with claws.
She thought she’d found Prince Charming—but her fiancé turned out to be a possessive bear shifter hiding criminal secrets.
On the run from danger, Emily Clarke flees back to the safety of Bearpaw Ridge. But even here in her old hometown, she’s not safe. Her ex is hunting her… and he’ll never let her go.
Edward “Ward” Swanson has spent years fixing up old homes—and hiding his heart. When his high school crush Emily returns to town in desperate need of protection, his inner bear roars to life. She’s his fated mate… but there’s a catch. She’s already been claimed by another shifter.
Torn between the laws of his kind and the needs of his heart, Ward risks everything to shelter Emily. As her stalker closes in and their bond deepens, one question remains—can love triumph over fear in this small-town paranormal romance?
Perfect for fans of protective shifters, cozy small towns, and slow-burn second-chance romance with claws.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2025
29 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Ophelia Sexton
90 books150 followersOphelia Sexton is an author of paranormal romance. She has previously published historical romance under a different name, but has always loved reading about were-creatures, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 3, 2025
4.5 Bearpaw Stars🌟
Flare is the next book in the much anticipated Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series🚒
Emily is living in Spokane with her fiancé and after a weird encounter with him, she packs her things and drives to Bearpaw. Luckily, her friend Maggie is able to help her with accommodation and a job. But she’s also eager to let her cousin know that Emily is back, since she considers herself the local matchmaker☺️
Ward has also been interested in Emily and know that she’s back in Bearpaw, him and his bear are eager to get to know her again. But there are some complications and soon Ward is her friend and protector. But will she acknowledge that they could be more or will Ward lose his mate now that he’s found her?
A great story and so nice to be back in Bearpaw with old friends and family. I felt like I slipped right back into a comfortable pair of shoes with this one🥰 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review and eagerly awaiting the next book❤️
Flare is the next book in the much anticipated Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series🚒
Emily is living in Spokane with her fiancé and after a weird encounter with him, she packs her things and drives to Bearpaw. Luckily, her friend Maggie is able to help her with accommodation and a job. But she’s also eager to let her cousin know that Emily is back, since she considers herself the local matchmaker☺️
Ward has also been interested in Emily and know that she’s back in Bearpaw, him and his bear are eager to get to know her again. But there are some complications and soon Ward is her friend and protector. But will she acknowledge that they could be more or will Ward lose his mate now that he’s found her?
A great story and so nice to be back in Bearpaw with old friends and family. I felt like I slipped right back into a comfortable pair of shoes with this one🥰 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review and eagerly awaiting the next book❤️
September 1, 2025
New Life
I swear I say this every time, but this is probably my favorite book in the series. (Yes, I’m fully aware I said that last time. No, I’m not taking it back.) But seriously — Ward and Em? Absolute perfection. These two had me grinning, blushing, and clutching my Kindle like it was a lifeline.
Ward is the ultimate gruff, protective, brooding bear shifter with a gooey caramel center he pretends doesn’t exist. And Em? Total firecracker. She’s smart, fierce, and gives as good as she gets — which is saying something when your love interest is literally a bear in a flannel shirt with muscles for days.
Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their emotional connection? So real I could feel it. And let’s not forget the steamy moments — whew. I had to take a few deep breaths and remind myself these are fictional characters and not my actual mates. (Unfortunately.)
But it’s not just spice and swoon — the emotional depth in this story really hit me. There’s vulnerability, healing, and so many sweet, tender moments that I honestly wasn’t prepared for. My heart was pulled in all directions, and I loved every second of it.
If you’re into shifter romance with heart, heat, humor, and a bear who could bench press your emotional baggage and still make you feel safe? This is the book for you. 10/10 would let Ward growl at me any day.
I swear I say this every time, but this is probably my favorite book in the series. (Yes, I’m fully aware I said that last time. No, I’m not taking it back.) But seriously — Ward and Em? Absolute perfection. These two had me grinning, blushing, and clutching my Kindle like it was a lifeline.
Ward is the ultimate gruff, protective, brooding bear shifter with a gooey caramel center he pretends doesn’t exist. And Em? Total firecracker. She’s smart, fierce, and gives as good as she gets — which is saying something when your love interest is literally a bear in a flannel shirt with muscles for days.
Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their emotional connection? So real I could feel it. And let’s not forget the steamy moments — whew. I had to take a few deep breaths and remind myself these are fictional characters and not my actual mates. (Unfortunately.)
But it’s not just spice and swoon — the emotional depth in this story really hit me. There’s vulnerability, healing, and so many sweet, tender moments that I honestly wasn’t prepared for. My heart was pulled in all directions, and I loved every second of it.
If you’re into shifter romance with heart, heat, humor, and a bear who could bench press your emotional baggage and still make you feel safe? This is the book for you. 10/10 would let Ward growl at me any day.
August 9, 2025
Emotional and satisfying
Emily is engaged to Andrew, but doesn't know he is a shifter until he gets mad and terrorizes her by shifting and threatening her. So Emily calls on her old friend Maggie Swanson for help and goes back to Bear paw Ridge where she had grown up. Once there, she reconnects with Ward, who she knew a little in high school. Ward is ecstatic that the girl he loved was back, but all is not simple. Can Ward help Emily through all her problems? What will happen when Andrew comes back to claim her? Read this to find out. It does deal with some uncomfortable issues, but all of that leads to the final happy ending.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and endearing. You can read this book on its own, but you will get much more out of it if you read the whole series in order, as Maggie and Ward are the second generation of Swansons in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series. Enjoy!
Emily is engaged to Andrew, but doesn't know he is a shifter until he gets mad and terrorizes her by shifting and threatening her. So Emily calls on her old friend Maggie Swanson for help and goes back to Bear paw Ridge where she had grown up. Once there, she reconnects with Ward, who she knew a little in high school. Ward is ecstatic that the girl he loved was back, but all is not simple. Can Ward help Emily through all her problems? What will happen when Andrew comes back to claim her? Read this to find out. It does deal with some uncomfortable issues, but all of that leads to the final happy ending.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and endearing. You can read this book on its own, but you will get much more out of it if you read the whole series in order, as Maggie and Ward are the second generation of Swansons in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series. Enjoy!
July 29, 2025
Flare gives us the story of Mark and Caitlyn’s youngest, Eddie ‘Ward’ Swanson. His high school crush comes back to Bearpaw Ridge after escaping her abusive ex. We see some new plot twists in this one that I have not seen in her books before. I’m not giving away too many spoilers. Just know that this generation of Swansons is just as alpha, just as protective and just as determined to win their mates as their parents were!
The storytelling is fast, riveting and has enough twists to give you the WTF moments we all love in a good protector romance! Oh, and don’t start this if you have an early bedtime. Trust me, just don’t. You will have a visceral need to read this one start to finish in one sitting!
I REALLY hope we get to see more of the second generation of Swanson’s gets their HEA’s. Cause this one is a 15/10 recommend and I can’t wait for another!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storytelling is fast, riveting and has enough twists to give you the WTF moments we all love in a good protector romance! Oh, and don’t start this if you have an early bedtime. Trust me, just don’t. You will have a visceral need to read this one start to finish in one sitting!
I REALLY hope we get to see more of the second generation of Swanson’s gets their HEA’s. Cause this one is a 15/10 recommend and I can’t wait for another!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2025
Things are not good for Emily at the start of this one and they get worse for her, until her only thought it to go to the last place she felt safe, Bearpaw Ridge. Luckily she could rely on her friend, Maggie, despite not really talking for the last bit.
Maggie welcoming Emily with open arms really helps calm her, especially when she started to tell Emily what happened. Of course Emily and Maggie are keeping secrets from each other, the same one, they just don't know it. When the shifter thing comes out, Emily is understandable a bit leery. But she sees how the Swansons are, all of them rallying around her to keep her safe and quickly changes her mind. A good thing, because Ward has known for years that Emily is his. Now he just needs to be patient and win her over, which happens by the end. So nice to see them happy!
Maggie welcoming Emily with open arms really helps calm her, especially when she started to tell Emily what happened. Of course Emily and Maggie are keeping secrets from each other, the same one, they just don't know it. When the shifter thing comes out, Emily is understandable a bit leery. But she sees how the Swansons are, all of them rallying around her to keep her safe and quickly changes her mind. A good thing, because Ward has known for years that Emily is his. Now he just needs to be patient and win her over, which happens by the end. So nice to see them happy!
August 4, 2025
Love this Romance, With or Without the Bear!!
Emily is realizing she will never “meet expectations” for her controlling fiance and his family. As his admin, she then runs into some data she should not have access to, and he threatens her. She runs to her friend Maggie who she has been isolated from for too long.
Maggie’s entire family circles the wagons for Emily, especially her cousin Ward. Emily learns the secret behind Bear Paw Ridge, and tries to make a new start. I’m thrilled to get another chapter in this series. It’s just like coming home. It is well-executed, entertaining, and romantic. If you haven’t read any in this series, you are missing out!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Emily is realizing she will never “meet expectations” for her controlling fiance and his family. As his admin, she then runs into some data she should not have access to, and he threatens her. She runs to her friend Maggie who she has been isolated from for too long.
Maggie’s entire family circles the wagons for Emily, especially her cousin Ward. Emily learns the secret behind Bear Paw Ridge, and tries to make a new start. I’m thrilled to get another chapter in this series. It’s just like coming home. It is well-executed, entertaining, and romantic. If you haven’t read any in this series, you are missing out!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
August 6, 2025
I always look forward to another book by Ophelia Sexton and a visit to Bearpaw Ridge is always a must.
Emily and Wade have great chemistry and it's fun to watch them dance around their feelings. Nice touch to have the antagonist be someone we've met before. The reoccurrence of characters is always fun and makes the story an easy read. These are people we already have met and know.
Oh to live in a town like Bearpaw Ridge, where the townsfolk take care of their own. While we know it all will turn out in the end. Ms. Sexton does a great job of building tension along the way.
Another great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily and Wade have great chemistry and it's fun to watch them dance around their feelings. Nice touch to have the antagonist be someone we've met before. The reoccurrence of characters is always fun and makes the story an easy read. These are people we already have met and know.
Oh to live in a town like Bearpaw Ridge, where the townsfolk take care of their own. While we know it all will turn out in the end. Ms. Sexton does a great job of building tension along the way.
Another great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
I have to say I have always loved this series of stories. This series is my first in the shifter world. And I never miss one from this series. These stories never disappoint and this one is no different. I enjoy seeing the children of the original couples all grown up and getting their HEA. There is a good bit of spice in the stories. Now about the book, Ward has always had feelings for Emily, she's a year older than he is, so she graduated high school and went away to college. Even though she grew up in Bearpaw Ridge, she didn't know about shifters. And when she gets engaged to one, she still didn't know until he got mad and shifted in front of her. He scared her so bad, when he left the house, she took off her engagement ring and ran straight back to Bearpaw Ridge and indirectly to Ward.
August 5, 2025
Another great read in the Bearpaw Ridge series and this time we get Mark and Caitlyn’s youngest son Ward's story He is really glad when his school friend and former crush Emily returns to Bearpaw Ridge after she has a weird occurrence with her fiancé in Spokane It doesn't take Ward long to realise she is his mate but she is already mated to her ex fiancé. Can he keep her safe when her past is hunting her and can they have a future together You will have to read to see but be aware once you start this you won't want to put it down so don't start it late in the day
July 28, 2025
I will confess. Ophelia Sexton is one of my authors who has made me very biased about bear shifters. Strong men and stronger women can be found within the pages. Prepare for sinister music in the background as Emily navigates from super critical to finding home. A page turner at its best. Beloved characters add color to this story. Bravo!.
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.
July 30, 2025
I absolutely love Ophelia's books and returning to Bearpaw Ridge and the shifter world. Eddie or Ward as most call him is a shy, hard working man and all he wants is to find his mate. His bear is a little picky. Emily is just trying to find her way and build a family. Returning to Bearpaw Ridge was not in her plan but things go sideways with her ex. Can Eddie and Emily find their way as mates with so much against them? A story of true mates and fighting for justice.
August 7, 2025
I always enjoy Ophelia Sexton’s love journeys. Emily flees a bad situation and comes back to Bearpaw to ask her friend Maggie for help. Everyone rallies around her especially Ward. Wonderful writing, awesome characters, steamy sizzle, shifter fates, humor, emotion, mystery, danger, secrets revealed, surprises, family found and a heartfelt HEA.
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.
August 7, 2025
The seventeenth story in the bearpaw Ridge Firefighters. On the run from danger, Emily Clarke flees back to the safety of Bearpaw Ridge and Edward “Ward” Swanson is there to protect her. There is drama, suspense, danger, twists, turns, evil, villains and romance in this well written story that kept me turning pages. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2025
A definite must read book and series!
This is certainly one of my favorite shifter series, and I love that it keeps getting better and better! It's a fabulous story that begins with a not so good part, but of course ends with a terrific HEA! I hope that there will be many more stories in this series in the near future!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This is certainly one of my favorite shifter series, and I love that it keeps getting better and better! It's a fabulous story that begins with a not so good part, but of course ends with a terrific HEA! I hope that there will be many more stories in this series in the near future!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
August 4, 2025
Ward finally got his story. Emily came back. Well scripted plot with original content and interconnections to the Swanson clan and the entire Ridge community. Palpable connection between them with the right spice. Appropriate shifter violence as well. Just awesome.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
Flare On
Loved this story. Adds to the series while bringing back familiar characters.
It shows that sometimes 'Mates' need help and that they're not always meant to be together.
Wasn't sure if I should reread series before #17, but good books and characters stay with you. A little nudge and everything came back as if I read about then last week.
Loved this story. Adds to the series while bringing back familiar characters.
It shows that sometimes 'Mates' need help and that they're not always meant to be together.
Wasn't sure if I should reread series before #17, but good books and characters stay with you. A little nudge and everything came back as if I read about then last week.
August 7, 2025
This is a well written story with great characters. I would encourage everyone to get this one it is worth your time. Foe me this was an easy read. I couldn't put it down. Every book I have read in this series has been great.
I received a free copy of this book through Book Sprout, and I voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book through Book Sprout, and I voluntarily chose to review it.
August 3, 2025
Amazing!
I just love Bearpaw Ridge and this book doesn't disappoint! Second chance, small town romance with a high school sweetheart with some twists and turns and bumps along the way but everything works out in the end for an HEA.
I just love Bearpaw Ridge and this book doesn't disappoint! Second chance, small town romance with a high school sweetheart with some twists and turns and bumps along the way but everything works out in the end for an HEA.
August 6, 2025
A great story with great characters.
I love that we are back in Bear paw Ridge.
From the first page to the last you won't
be able to put it down..
Mystery, danger and second chances.
Definitely would recommend reading.
I was given a copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
I love that we are back in Bear paw Ridge.
From the first page to the last you won't
be able to put it down..
Mystery, danger and second chances.
Definitely would recommend reading.
I was given a copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 8, 2025
Back in Bearpaw Ridge!!!
As always, absolutely amazing!! We got to go back to Bearpaw Ridge and see so many familiar faces! It was like a big warm hug at a family reunion, loved the continuation of the series!
As always, absolutely amazing!! We got to go back to Bearpaw Ridge and see so many familiar faces! It was like a big warm hug at a family reunion, loved the continuation of the series!
August 9, 2025
Fantastic book. I love all the characters of Bearpaw Ridge. Exciting twists that keep you reading. Action packed from the beginning to the very end.
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.
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading Emily and Edwards story.
August 6, 2025
Another hit in my opinion! I've loved everything Ophelia Sexton has written. And Flare did not disappoint! You will not regret this read if you get it, and I highly suggest you get it!
August 6, 2025
Another great addition to the series!
Enjoy reading this story it fits perfectly with the other stories in the series can't wait to see what is next!
Enjoy reading this story it fits perfectly with the other stories in the series can't wait to see what is next!
August 29, 2025
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
December 10, 2025
This has been great reading this book series
I have really enjoyed reading this book📚 series! Each book is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, action and love❤.
I have really enjoyed reading this book📚 series! Each book is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, action and love❤.
August 7, 2025
This was such a great book in an amazing series. I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it in 4 hours. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
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.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews