Guarded by the Grizzly Bear

Bear Protector #3

by Reece Barden

Beau Lennox is the last person I want to work with. The cocky PI thinks badge and protocol are suggestions, not rules. He's infuriating, reckless, and still looks at me like he did that night five years ago, right before I found out who he really was.

Now someone's hunting my witnesses, and Beau's the only one with the connections to help.

I need to remember he's just a means to an end. Not the man who almost made me forget everything I stand for.

******

Detective Lisa Harris still thinks she's too good for a Lennox. Five years ago, she proved it by choosing her badge over me. Now she needs my help, and I can't say no.

She wants to use my contacts and keep things professional.

My bear has other plans.

She's been mine since the night she cuffed me. This time, when I get her alone, I'm not letting her walk away.

A bear shifter romance with enemies-to-lovers heat, second chance romance, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2026

About the author

Reece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.

She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.

She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.

Reviews

[Jennie Stiehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book absolutely started with a bang and you are thrust right into the beginning of the "relationship" for the MC's. Lisa and Beau were absolutely made for each other and had wicked chemistry in the book. Any time they got close to each other they exploded in either emotional outbursts or physical attraction, you never knew which was going to happen, sometimes it was both.
The storyline helped wrap up a lot of loose threads from the first two books.
Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you @reece.barden for the early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for this series & could not put this book down; in all honestly it was done the day I started! We immediately jump into the spice, but then we have to wait for more & in typical Reece style it’s more than worth it. I adore how feisty Lisa is & how Beau comes to fully appreciate her. This book was an amazing continuation to the series, well worth waiting for & definitely puts Beau close to the top of my shifter book boyfriends.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one definitely had the most action in the series. I liked it better than the second book. I like how it was interconnected and you could see and match up the events from the other stories into this story’s timeline.
I love how we got to see that Amber was safe, and kind of see where the next story is going with the sneak peek.
Also, how many dang brothers do these boys have? It seems like dad was just running wild and free.

[Sophie Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been really looking forward to this story and it did not disappoint. Beau and Lisa’s relationship had been building in earlier books and I couldn’t wait to find out more. I enjoyed how we recapped some of the plot from other books but from Beau and Lisa’s perspectives instead which definitely filled in a lot of loose endings.

Reece Barden’s books are fiesty, steamy and sooooo difficult to put down. I’m already desperate for the next book to be out.

Thank you to the author for the advanced reading copy 🫶🏻

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieses Buch habe ich mit gemischten Gefühlen zur Hand genommen. Einerseits konnte ich für die hier handelnden Hauptcharaktere bisher in dieser Reihe keinerlei Sympathien aufbauen, weshalb ich irgendwie so gar kein Interesse an deren Geschichte hatte. Andererseits wollte ich dieses Buch aber auch nicht auslassen, um nicht vielleicht für den weiteren Verlauf der Reihe wichtige Ereignisse zu verpassen und somit das Leseerlebnis zu trüben. Da ich allerdings bereits aus Erfahrung sagen kann, dass Reece Barden ein Händchen dafür hat mich gerade mit den Stories und Charakteren zu überraschen und abzuholen, denen ich von Beginn an eher skeptisch gegenübergestanden bin, war ich doch gespannt, was sie aus der Story von Beau und Lisa herausholen würde und ich muss sagen, sie hat mich mal wieder nicht enttäuscht.
Beau Lennox, der männliche Hauptcharakter in diesem Buch, hat mich in der „Bear Protectors“ Reihe bis jetzt von allen Lennox Brüdern am wenigsten angesprochen. Auch Lisa habe ich in ihrer Rolle als Detectiv und als Beaus zukünftige Gefährtin bisher eher als mühsam wahrgenommen. In ihrer eigenen Story werden die beide allerdings in ein vollkommen anderes Licht gerückt, was viel an der Geschichte liegt, in die Beau und Lisa von der Autorin eingebettet wurden. Für mich persönlich war der Handlungsverlauf überraschend, aber mehr als stimmig und hat großartig zu den beiden gepasst. Die Storyline war emotional und mitreißend, und Beau und Lisa haben es in ihrer eigenen Geschichte dann doch noch geschafft mich mit ihren einnehmenden Charakteren für sich zu gewinnen. Auch wenn die Story am Schluss etwas nachgelassen hat, wird mir dieses Buch hier auf jeden Fall in Erinnerung bleiben und wandert möglicherweise sogar auf meine re-read Liste.
Hier gibt es verdiente 4 Sterne für den wirklich guten Plot. Ich bin nun schon sehr gespannt auf den Folgeband „Wanted by the Wild Wolf“ und kann mir im Moment so gar nicht vorstellen, wie die Autorin diese Story wohl umsetzen wird. Can’t wait ……..

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa and Beau hook up soon after meeting, they feel a pull towards each other and act on it. But things go south pretty quickly when Lisa finds out who Beau is. His family for the most part are on the wrong side of the law and she's been trying to bring down his father. Lisa is a cop and once she finds out who Beau is related to, she breaks things off pretty harshly.

But Beau isn't a bad guy, isn't in the business like his father is. When Beau and Lisa are thrown together again this time to find a missing kid, they have to work together, and Lisa ends up seeing that Beau isn't a bad guy.

Lisa is afraid that her coworkers won't take her seriously if she's dating the son of a man who's she's investigating. Not that her coworkers take her seriously now. She's more afraid that the people she works with will find yet another reason to roll their eyes at her and talk about her behind her back than she is that she might have just pushed a great guy out of her life.

It takes time for Lisa to see that she and Beau are great together, but Beau has a secret that he can't tell just anyone. He's a bear shifter. So there are things about him that he can't tell her until she makes up her mind to be with him, which causes a little conflict between then because she knows he's hiding a secret from her.

Lisa's coworkers are horrible and I was glad that she didn't let them rule her life in the end. Beau and Lisa are such a great couple and I am loving this series so far.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded by the Grizzly Bear by Reece Barden is another enjoyable addition to the Bear Protector series. As with many of Barden’s previous books, I was quickly pulled into the story and found it difficult to put down. The plot moves at a steady pace, combining romance, suspense, and shifter intrigue while also tying up several threads from earlier books.

Lisa, a determined detective unaware of the shifter world, is a great match for Beau, a grumpy yet fiercely loyal grizzly shifter trying to overcome his family’s reputation. Their chemistry is undeniable, with plenty of tension, banter, and emotional moments throughout. I also enjoyed seeing connections to previous characters and storylines. Overall, I agree with many other reviewers that this was a well-written, engaging romance with memorable characters and plenty of heart.

[Gemma H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! Beau and Lisa I couldn’t put this down! Literally read it in a day as I couldn’t stand not to know how their story progressed! Yet another Lennox brother to add to my obsessions, and let’s face it there are plenty of brothers to obsess over! Like his brothers, Beau does not disappoint!
Lisa is the no nonsense detective with no knowledge of the amazing shifters living amongst the humans and Beau is the PI Lennox brother trying to escape the bad reputation his father brought on their name. These series just keep getting better and better. I finish one of Reece’s books thinking I’ve found my favourite only for it to be thrown into contention when I read the next. I have to face it, I literally love them all!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, steamy, heart-melting………. “Guarded by the Grizzly Bear” by Reece Barden is more than a shifter romance. It is a total captivating reading journey. I loved it! This well-written story is engaging with its feisty, evolving characters, to its twists & turns, swoon-worthy moments, spicy connections, and intrigue sprinkled throughout. Beau and Lisa make a compelling couple that fit. Their past experiences have made them each develop many layers full of determination, focus, some personal doubts, and being true to their beliefs in protecting others. “Guarded by the Grizzly Bear” is a well-paced and well-written story plus an excellent addition to the Bear Protector series. Highly recommended.

[SabinaMarie De · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 3

Was incredible and definitely not a disappointment..,. It had me gripping and continuing to read as the story of the bear shifters evolved and wolves comes into play. This is leading to the next book with sadly won’t be out anytime soon. I read the first two back to bs k in two days. This was no different. I have always loved fiction but more of a detective, cop and lawyer thing like Patterson, Coulter, Kellerman and Elliot. But have also had a sci-fi calling with vampires and wolves…. Bears are new and I can say safely say they’re different even more primal and protective. Loved Beau and Lisa. Love this book and reading more into the Lennox family… can’t wait to see what happens with Amber and her wolf and Caleb and Ms Black.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau and Lisa

Have I been waiting for this book ever since Beau and Lisa were on the page? YES.
Am I happy that I finally got their HEA? YES.

these two are my perfect version of enemies to lovers. Or in this case, lovers to enemies to lovers again. Beau is just such a good man…. All these Lennox guys are. And they have all been dealt a crappy hand by having a horrible father like they do. But they show up and do the work and….. I want a bear shifter mate!!!!! Where do I get me one of those?!?

I am really intrigued by Amber’s upcoming story and how she is fated mates with an alpha wolf who is dying. I can’t wait!!!!!! But I say this every single time I finish this authors books. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Mette Bülow-Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarded by the Grizzly Bear by Reece Barden

I have been in a bit of a reading slump, spending way more time on finished books than normal. But then came Guarded by the Grizzly Bear… finished it in under a day. That is how amazing it is!

The book is about bear shifter Beau and the human Lisa. Once again we get a book from Reece Barden filled with banter, strong willed MCs and an undeniable bond. I love it - and I just love Beau and Lisa.

Guarded by the Grizzly Bear is the third book in the Bear Protector series, but can without issues be read without having read the others. I however LOVE that I already know many if the characters from book 1 and 2 + Reece Barden’s other shifter series.

The book is an easy and quick read with under 300 pages. Definitely worth reading!

[Jaclyn-Chanel Coetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau is a grumpy, irresistibly magnetic shifter who manages to steal your heart from the very first page. His complex personality—equal parts brooding and fiercely loyal—draws you in immediately, making it impossible not to root for him. This story is one of my absolute favorites, masterfully weaving together plot threads in a way that feels both satisfying and seamless. It doesn’t just tell a story; it answers lingering questions, ties up loose ends, and provides that rare sense of completion that leaves you smiling long after the last page. Every twist, every revelation feels purposeful, and the way it all comes together is nothing short of brilliant.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

rivals to lovers

The MMC Beau who is a bounty hunter, and the detective Lisa are bumping heads on the same case. The push and pull between them is really good.

I enjoyed this book, but am disappointed that the stories are interconnected and it feels like plot spoilers. It’s essentially the same plot from the last book for half the book just told through new characters eyes. Since you know what happened to that character. You’re just seeing what other people did on the other side.

That’s the only way I know how to say all that without spoilers.

I enjoyed the first and second book a lot more but that’s because they felt more unique and less redundant.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reece Barden really outdid herself with this series! Honestly, each book becomes my "favorite," and this one definitely did not disappoint. Lisa is strong, witty, and the banter is fantastic, and Beau meets her as an equal in every way. This story was so fast-paced, I couldn't put it down! It started out with a bit of spice and kept that going throughout. I really enjoyed that he fell first, and she fell even harder! I love that we get glimpses of characters from previous books, and that the series are frequently interwoven. This book was well worth the sleepless night! Reece is a top tier writer, and does shifter romance with perfection!

[Elanda Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah I loved this one! For each of the previous books, we caught glimpses of these two and you just knew they were going to catch fire!! It's so interesting to read the same story but from all these different perspectives. I thought Lisa was a bit...harsh and I did not like her attitude. She took the whole "it's my job" thing a bit too far IMO. But in the end, these two got the HEA that they needed and it was a good time getting there. 4.25 stars from me, I really liked it on the whole. This is Book 3 in the series, so I do recommended reading the other two first.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I love how this book is interwoven with the first two books and reading those scenes from the other point of view. Second, Beau and Lisa are an epic couple. Beau is solid, dependable and tries desperately to give Lisa the space she needs; Whilst Lisa is a fiery character who is desperate not to loose the last thing she has left, so tries to stay away from Beau - but I’m sooo glad she doesn’t succeed! These two are a blast to read. I love how they bounce off each other, and this makes this a compelling read, so much so, that I stayed up all night reading it! Oops!!

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read shifter books you will enjoy this book Even though they have different things in it

I brought other shifter books And I have enjoyed them and this book is a little different than some of those. But then again each author puts their spin on a shifter book. The characters are interesting And well written. The storyline is And well written. The storyline is a mystery book with a lot of love put inside of it. I take it there's other books and this is a group or/series of books from this town You get your ending to each book You get your ending to each book so far

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want to read a book that you know will take you on a journey that usually has a positive ending. This 3rd in a series is about Beau Lennox, a bear shifter and Lisa, a police officer,who he suspects is his mate. While the attraction is definitely real, Lisa sees a relationship with a Lennox as a conflict of interest. Fate pulls them together on a missing person’s case and fireworks erupt. This story is fun to read. It includes adventure, danger and hard fought romance.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a cute (somewhat) fluffy romance. Some suspense and action as well. Competent and smart Lisa fights her attraction to mysterious Beau amidst trying to solve a kidnapping. I liked this book much more than the previous one- the pacing and romance were done pretty well. Also interested in checking out the next in the series as well 👀


I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the fated mates trop, this one will hit all the right spots, while their connection is intense, they have to fight (mostly themselves) to be together. I loved the banter between them and the scene with Lisa watching Beau shift was pure magic!

I highly recommending starting this series from book 1 (Mated to the Mountain Bear) as there is a continuing storyline threaded through these books. Plus you get the bonus of loving all the extra characters!

[Hannah Avendaño · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series. The whole world that Reece created really. And even though I know Amber’s book is next and I’m sure it’ll be a good one, I’m now dying to read Caleb’s after that introduction to him!

Lisa and Beau aren’t my favorite couple and I don’t like when we have to go back in time for all the overlap of past books. I’d prefer a prologue of one scene followed by present tense. But overall it’s still an amazing series that I’m devouring as soon as each book is released.

[Stephanie Strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarded by the Grizzly Bear is possibly my favorite book so far in this series. Reece does a great job of writing a relatively short, but action packed and spicy book for Beau and Lisa. I definitely enjoyed the fast pacing and was totally hooked from the first chapter—indeed, I had no trouble binging on it until I was finished, lol. It was a very satisfying read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely excited for the next book coming in this series!

[Barthalt Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love the Bear Series

I could not put this book down! From the moment the first chapter began you could feel the raw chemistry between Lisa and Beau and I found myself rooting for their love/hate relationship. I did not want their story/book to be over. I’ve read all of Reece’s books. She is one of my favorite authors and this book has been my pushed to the top 3 of my favorite books by her and one I’ll read again and again .

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved lasted book in the Bear protector series. Strong FMC character Lisa and MMC Beau.
We get to know the next brother Lennox family Beau. Who could love this character, he tuff and softy. Lisa judges him due is father history with law and writes Beau.

They find missing sister together. In the end Lisa realise there connection

I can't wait to read the next story with Amber and her 🐺 wolf

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good! For some reason I wasn’t overly looking forward to Lisa’s story as she had rubbed me the wrong way however I completely fell in love with her and beau. I think this is rivalling zara and bens story which I didn’t think was possible. As per usual Reece has knocked it out the park and I could not put it down and devoured it within 24 hours

[Katie Conquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like ages waiting for this installment and it was well worth the wait! That hotel secne 🥵.
I loved how vulnerable they got with each other and how quick and accepting Lisa was. This definitely wasnt a slow burn and I loved that it wasnt. Cant wait for the next one!

I received this as an ARC

[Bertine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this world. I finished this one in two days. I loved Lisa's caring but strong personality. It lacked a bit of action for me and the beginning was a bit to much repation from the other books. I never skip a Grey Ridge world book and I always enjoy the characters. I would recommend this to all romance readers.

[Laura Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the bears!

I love the way the author weaves in and out of other books… and it’s made me want to go back and re-read all the bear books now I’ve got another piece of the puzzle! It’s about the long game with these books but they 100% don’t disappoint! Spicy, action packed, and full of swoon! Really makes me want a bear… lol 💜

[Sarah Galligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No slow burn here, be prepared to jump right into this spicy attraction. Love the push/pull of this power couple. As usual, Reece captures the details to put you into the story. It does help to read the prior books in this series before picking this one up as this story’s timeline picks up in the middle of the prior books from a different perspective.
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