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Luke: A Small Town Paranormal Romance
Inga Nilsson needs a change.
And a break. With both her brothers married and moved out, it's just Inga and her dad in the small fishing town where she's lived all her life. Cooking and cleaning for a household of two isn't her idea of a good time, especially since she's dated all of the town's eligible bachelors her own age. What's she gonna do, find her fated mate washed up onshore?
So she takes the rickety old boat that she and her brothers call the Dingboat up the coast for a while. Maybe she'll find what she's looking for. At the moment, her biggest problem is getting rid of the flock of trash griffins - half seagull, half possum - that have decided to follow her.
Until a storm sets in.
Luke just needs to survive.
The wounded military veteran's life has been all about survival for a while. But never in quite such a dire way as this, lost and adrift in a stormy sea. The last thing he expects is to be rescued by a blonde Viking goddess.
Who is also a bear shifter. And quite possibly his fated mate.
But Luke has nothing to offer her except lies, the remnants of his broken bear, and a shattered past he only half remembers. The one thing he knows for sure is that something is seriously wrong with him, and it could threaten Inga, the town she loves, and everything she holds dear.
Their she'll hide him at the old fishing shack her family owns.
Inga thinks they're staying here until he recovers his strength. Luke knows he can't possibly stay, and for her sake and his, he has to leave at the first opportunity. But it turns out that playing at keeping house can easily become the real thing -- at least until Luke's deadly past comes calling for both of them.
A small-town cozy-adjacent paranormal romance, with a bear shifter vet hero, a tough and strong-willed heroine, and a magical coastal fishing town where the wounded seek sanctuary, and dreams can come true.
And a break. With both her brothers married and moved out, it's just Inga and her dad in the small fishing town where she's lived all her life. Cooking and cleaning for a household of two isn't her idea of a good time, especially since she's dated all of the town's eligible bachelors her own age. What's she gonna do, find her fated mate washed up onshore?
So she takes the rickety old boat that she and her brothers call the Dingboat up the coast for a while. Maybe she'll find what she's looking for. At the moment, her biggest problem is getting rid of the flock of trash griffins - half seagull, half possum - that have decided to follow her.
Until a storm sets in.
Luke just needs to survive.
The wounded military veteran's life has been all about survival for a while. But never in quite such a dire way as this, lost and adrift in a stormy sea. The last thing he expects is to be rescued by a blonde Viking goddess.
Who is also a bear shifter. And quite possibly his fated mate.
But Luke has nothing to offer her except lies, the remnants of his broken bear, and a shattered past he only half remembers. The one thing he knows for sure is that something is seriously wrong with him, and it could threaten Inga, the town she loves, and everything she holds dear.
Their she'll hide him at the old fishing shack her family owns.
Inga thinks they're staying here until he recovers his strength. Luke knows he can't possibly stay, and for her sake and his, he has to leave at the first opportunity. But it turns out that playing at keeping house can easily become the real thing -- at least until Luke's deadly past comes calling for both of them.
A small-town cozy-adjacent paranormal romance, with a bear shifter vet hero, a tough and strong-willed heroine, and a magical coastal fishing town where the wounded seek sanctuary, and dreams can come true.
- GenresShapeshifters
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
Lauren Esker
72 books85 followersLauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2026
A dual POV we are introduced to Luke, a bear shifter as a result of experimentation that he has escaped from, and Inga a natural bear shifter living in Westerly Cove. As they deal with what has happened to Luke and their growing feelings for each, the people that Luke escaped from are not giving up and both Luke and Inga find themselves in trouble. With help from Rogue, the dog that Luke escaped with who is probably not what he seems, and some mysterious gargoyles, they battle to save not just each other but the town itself from the outsiders as well. A beautiful story that is fast-paced and jam-packed with adventure, drama and romance. I loved the characters and storyline and hope we get to see more from Westerly Cove and it's inhabitants.
May 7, 2026
Inga decided to go to her mother’s cabin to do some thinking about her future, lost her boat and she had stowaways a family of trash griffins. She tries to leave them but they insisted on going with her so near the cabin she found them a place to be. Luke and Rogue got away from the research place when it exploded he was living as a bear and they were on an ice flow until Brockton started shooting at them from a helicopter. The research place has been looking for them Luke and Rogue jump in the ocean made it to land near the cabin. Luke was a made shifter and didn’t like that he was now a bear shifter, the helicopter kept flying over the town looking for Luke and Rogue. They saw the helicopter land on a research ship so they decide with her brother Tor went to check out the ship but they were seen. Luke used one of his powers and see what was happening Luke got surrounded and Inga went to help him. They were caught and put in a cell Rogue found them Luke used his power to get them out and rescue the researchers. Sent them away and swam to a small island near the ship getting shot at until the gargoyles attacked the helicopter and the power boat coming after them. The myth of gargoyles coming to life when people of the town were in trouble was true.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2026
This shifter romance stands out by moving away from traditional origins and instead introducing a military-created shifter. The concept adds an interesting layer, especially since the transformation process didn’t go entirely as planned.
The male main character is protective and compelling, but also unpredictable due to the flaws in his creation. Some of his abilities and limitations feel unusual—at times even confusing—but that unpredictability is also part of what makes his character intriguing. His bond with his loyal dog companion adds a nice touch to the story.
There are strong external stakes as well, with ongoing threats from those who want to reclaim him, which keeps the tension high. The setting—a town inhabited by various shifters, including gargoyles—adds depth and variety to the world.
The romance itself is solid, with an ongoing question of whether they are truly fated mates or simply choosing each other. That element gives the relationship a bit more nuance.
Overall, an interesting and slightly unconventional read. Some aspects feel a bit strange or unclear, but the mix of romance, action, and unique worldbuilding makes it worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The male main character is protective and compelling, but also unpredictable due to the flaws in his creation. Some of his abilities and limitations feel unusual—at times even confusing—but that unpredictability is also part of what makes his character intriguing. His bond with his loyal dog companion adds a nice touch to the story.
There are strong external stakes as well, with ongoing threats from those who want to reclaim him, which keeps the tension high. The setting—a town inhabited by various shifters, including gargoyles—adds depth and variety to the world.
The romance itself is solid, with an ongoing question of whether they are truly fated mates or simply choosing each other. That element gives the relationship a bit more nuance.
Overall, an interesting and slightly unconventional read. Some aspects feel a bit strange or unclear, but the mix of romance, action, and unique worldbuilding makes it worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2026
Finding love in a storm
I loved, loved Inga and Luke’s shifter, fates mates romantic suspense tale with a side of forced proximity. This story drew me in from the very first sentence, pulling me in with mystery and danger and kept me enthralled until the very end. Inga is a polar bear shifter in the small town of Westerly Cove. She is feeling unsettled with her life and decides to take a solo trip to her family’s remote cabin. Luke is also a polar bear shifter but he was not born one. He and his dog friend, Rogue, have been living on a floating piece of ice for a long time. A storm brings Inga and Luke together and luckily there is a remote cabin available. There is instant chemistry and attraction between Inga and Luke. To get to their HEA, they will have to learn to trust each other and protect Luke from the people hunting him. This is an exciting fast paced story full of swoons, quirky townspeople, love, danger, mystery, drama, silliness, magic, sweet moments, strong families, spice, and trash griffins. It is also well written, has three dimensional characters who grow and an engaging storyline. I love this series. 4.5 stars.
I loved, loved Inga and Luke’s shifter, fates mates romantic suspense tale with a side of forced proximity. This story drew me in from the very first sentence, pulling me in with mystery and danger and kept me enthralled until the very end. Inga is a polar bear shifter in the small town of Westerly Cove. She is feeling unsettled with her life and decides to take a solo trip to her family’s remote cabin. Luke is also a polar bear shifter but he was not born one. He and his dog friend, Rogue, have been living on a floating piece of ice for a long time. A storm brings Inga and Luke together and luckily there is a remote cabin available. There is instant chemistry and attraction between Inga and Luke. To get to their HEA, they will have to learn to trust each other and protect Luke from the people hunting him. This is an exciting fast paced story full of swoons, quirky townspeople, love, danger, mystery, drama, silliness, magic, sweet moments, strong families, spice, and trash griffins. It is also well written, has three dimensional characters who grow and an engaging storyline. I love this series. 4.5 stars.
May 11, 2026
I'm delighted that we finally got Inga's book, even if I wish it bore her name instead of Luke's.
I loved her as a character - she's smart and competent in all the ways that matter for the story, and I just enjoyed hanging out with her for the duration of the book.
Luke... wasn't a bad character, but he felt a bit "been there, done that". I suspect that if you combined Eren (Inga's brother) with Jace from Wounded Christmas Wolf and maybe stirred in one or two of the Shifter Agents crew, you'd basically have Luke. And look, I suspect that if I hadn't already read those books, I would have been fine with him as a character. It's just that as a Lauren Esker fangirl, I've now read every paranormal romance she's ever written (and most of her books in other genres too), so several elements of Luke's character are just... yeah, definitely familiar.
But for all that, I still very much enjoyed the book - granted, that was mostly down to Inga. Although... it's nice to see that Stieg is starting to sort himself out now, and the cameos from Mace were wonderful too. So all in all, this was a solid 4-star read for me, and as long as Ms Esker keeps writing them, I will happily keep reading them :-)
I loved her as a character - she's smart and competent in all the ways that matter for the story, and I just enjoyed hanging out with her for the duration of the book.
Luke... wasn't a bad character, but he felt a bit "been there, done that". I suspect that if you combined Eren (Inga's brother) with Jace from Wounded Christmas Wolf and maybe stirred in one or two of the Shifter Agents crew, you'd basically have Luke. And look, I suspect that if I hadn't already read those books, I would have been fine with him as a character. It's just that as a Lauren Esker fangirl, I've now read every paranormal romance she's ever written (and most of her books in other genres too), so several elements of Luke's character are just... yeah, definitely familiar.
But for all that, I still very much enjoyed the book - granted, that was mostly down to Inga. Although... it's nice to see that Stieg is starting to sort himself out now, and the cameos from Mace were wonderful too. So all in all, this was a solid 4-star read for me, and as long as Ms Esker keeps writing them, I will happily keep reading them :-)
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, mostly sweet, contemporary fantasy romance between Inga, the female polar bear shifter lead, and Luke, the male ex-military, ex-human, polar bear shifter lead. I enjoyed Inga’s protectiveness and calm, and her willingness to provide whatever support Luke needed. I empathised with Luke’s fears and trauma, and enjoyed seeing him relax into the comfort Inga provided. I enjoyed his resilience and willingness to fight his ex-captors. I enjoyed both lead characters’ gentleness with animals around them, and especially enjoyed the antics of the dog, Rogue, who accompanied Luke. I enjoyed the growing intimacy and relationship development. I enjoyed the supportive and integrated secondary characters, and the happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
May 20, 2026
Great to revisit Westerly Cove!
Luke is living as a polar bear on an ice flow after having escaped some bad guys with a big Newfoundland dog, Rogue. When the bad guys track them down they escape into the water and wash ashore after a storm. Inga was going out on the boat to think about her life plan, when the storm comes up and she goes ashore. After the storm, her boat is gone, but then she meets Luke and Rogue. The bad guys keep showing up. Can Westerly Cove with its gargoyles really keep them safe once they get back there? Read this to find out! And visit a little bit with Inga's brother Tor.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline with some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Rogue is a great addition. I loved this story and can't wait to read the bonus epilogue about Tor's baby!
Luke is living as a polar bear on an ice flow after having escaped some bad guys with a big Newfoundland dog, Rogue. When the bad guys track them down they escape into the water and wash ashore after a storm. Inga was going out on the boat to think about her life plan, when the storm comes up and she goes ashore. After the storm, her boat is gone, but then she meets Luke and Rogue. The bad guys keep showing up. Can Westerly Cove with its gargoyles really keep them safe once they get back there? Read this to find out! And visit a little bit with Inga's brother Tor.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline with some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Rogue is a great addition. I loved this story and can't wait to read the bonus epilogue about Tor's baby!
April 21, 2026
Absolutely love the worlds that this author creates, whether as this pen name, or as Zoe Chant. This was a beautiful story that takes us back to Westerly Cove and has us reuniting with some of her previous characters. Luke has been made into a shifter, a fact that he hasn't truly accepted, whereas Inga has been a polar bear shifter all her life. She's watched her brothers and friends find their fated mates, and doubts her turn will ever come. Together they battle the ever persistent evildoers and find their way together. Loved that Mace and his "people" appeared in this story, and it's inspired me to do a reread of the whole series prior to the next book. Will it be the lovable Newfie, Rogue's story? Only Lauren knows. Well done!!
May 19, 2026
What a great read. Both characters are polar bears - one born, one made. He has issues with what has happened to him - which is understandable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and all the gargoyles. The story has him dealing with those chasing him and not wanting others to be hurt. There was plenty of drama . No bedroom scenes. One short petting scene. I enjoyed how the fated mate aspect of the story was slowly reviled. So not an instant love. Maybe an instant nudge. Between baby Jojo, the trash seagulls and the dog there was so much cuteness in this story. There were some supporting characters but they did not play a big role in this story.
It was a really fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a really fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
Book 4 of the Westerly Cove series. Can be read as a standalone.
'And when Luke’s past finally catches up, Inga will have to decide:
Protect her heart—or fight for the mate she was never supposed to find.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'And when Luke’s past finally catches up, Inga will have to decide:
Protect her heart—or fight for the mate she was never supposed to find.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2026
loved it !! love this series !! love Luke, Rogue his dog and Inga... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... Luke is dealing with everything and is over whelmed... he's been transformed into a shifter ... he's on the run with his dog Rogue... Inga just needs some alone time to find herself .. she decides to go the shack and on her way she finds a polar bear and his dog... she takes them to the shack and cares for them... she's been a polar bear shifter all of her life... then, the helicopter comes... not good !!! this was so good !!!.
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.
April 17, 2026
This is a delightful paranormal romance suspense with some interesting characters. Inga meets Luke and his dog Rogue after she is stranded by a storm. As they get to know each other Luke tells her some of his history. Their time at the cabin is livened both by danger and the delightful dog. Taking action to learn more about the danger threatening both him and her hometown reveals some truly amazing and unexpected abilities. The characters are likeable and the suspense is offset by the dog’s antics.
Review of advance copy
Book 4 of Westerly Cove series, this is about Inga and Luke. She went to find herself, he’s on the run with his dog, they find in each other something unexpected. I liked the mystery and trust they have in each other. I loved when Luke accepts every part of himself, that there is more to his dog that meets the eye, and Inga’s kindness makes all the difference.
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.
April 20, 2026
Inga Nielson - if you know the series, she is Tor and Eren`s sister -wants to be alone to think, but ends up meeting a half dead polar bear shifter with a dog. She takes them to her refuge and things get interesting when a military helicopter starts to bother them. An intrieguing story in full Westerly Cove style and a connection to Eren`s story.
Well written and difficult to put out of one`s hand.
Well written and difficult to put out of one`s hand.
May 11, 2026
Inga loves her life but wants to know what else might be waiting for her. Luke just wants to survive but isn't really ready for his new reality. I love how they support and care for each other. The secondary characters are wonderful, especially Rogue and the trash griffins. This is a very engaging adventure that keeps the reader turning the pages.
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.
April 21, 2026
Inga finds Luke with the help of his dog Rogue. They escaped and now they are being hunted. Through the days of being together they grow close, she learns his store and he learns what it means to be a shifter. A sweet story of bears, a teleporting dog, gargoyles and trash griffins.
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.
April 21, 2026
That was really awesome!! I wasn't expecting a few extra powers the dog and Luke has. They escaped captivity and people r still looking 4 them but when the unexpected happens and they r found by Inga, could it b love or a crazy mess? I really loved the ending about the town. Lol that was freaking awesome!!
April 23, 2026
This was a great story. I loved the depth, the description, and the characters. I really enjoyed this world of shifters and of course the dog. I truly loved these two so much. And I loved her for not turning her back on him. This is the first time I’ve read this author AB’s I can’t wait to read another book by them.
April 23, 2026
It's a great story where an unconventional method leads to fated mates, with danger, bonding through surviving, and some interesting creatures that keep following. I'm intrigued by the hero, whose story of being a shifter is different from others and mysterious ways of the dog.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2026
Inga gets it all!
Inga certainly gets more than she bargained for, what a rollicking ride with even more mysterious things happening. Luke was definitely interesting and hopefully we see more of him and Rogue in future books. I loved seeing Mace & Thea and the magic aspect of Westerly Cove along with the shifter theme again. Great quick read.
Inga certainly gets more than she bargained for, what a rollicking ride with even more mysterious things happening. Luke was definitely interesting and hopefully we see more of him and Rogue in future books. I loved seeing Mace & Thea and the magic aspect of Westerly Cove along with the shifter theme again. Great quick read.
April 9, 2026
A very easy to read story of a multitude of strange shifters . Although it is part of a series it is very easy to read as a stand alone Very mild " heat " and lots of fun as well as plenty of action .
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.
April 17, 2026
Charismatic characters, a great storyline that kept me captivated, and fantastic scenery, makes this book my favorite of Ms. Esker. It is a standalone story set in Westerly Cove and now I will have to go back and read the first three.
April 19, 2026
Inga goes to the family cabin to think about her future
On the way she finds a polar bear and a dog stranded on a beach. She recognizes a shifter when she sees one and invites him to the cabin.
On the way she finds a polar bear and a dog stranded on a beach. She recognizes a shifter when she sees one and invites him to the cabin.
April 20, 2026
Shouldn't this book be "Inga"?
The last of the Nielsons gets their HEA. It's also more about the evil paramilitary group that did shifter research. They characters are sympathetic, and there's a good dog.
The last of the Nielsons gets their HEA. It's also more about the evil paramilitary group that did shifter research. They characters are sympathetic, and there's a good dog.
April 21, 2026
This is an amazing paranormal/shifter romance.. I loved it! It is exciting and magical, mysterious and romantic.. Awesome characters!.
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.
April 26, 2026
Another great drama
Another great drama set in Westerly Cove. Very low spice. This time it's Inga Nilsson who finds her mate. Lots of action. Plenty of Life saving gargoyles. Highly recommend!
Another great drama set in Westerly Cove. Very low spice. This time it's Inga Nilsson who finds her mate. Lots of action. Plenty of Life saving gargoyles. Highly recommend!
May 5, 2026
This was a fast paced and exciting story. I could not put the book down until the end. Although the story is interconnected with the earlier books in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
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.
April 19, 2026
Amazing book
I really loved this book so much its got a bit of everything rogue was my favourite though I loved him so much such a clever dog
I really loved this book so much its got a bit of everything rogue was my favourite though I loved him so much such a clever dog
April 27, 2026
Yes for Inga!
I enjoyed Luke and Inga's journey to their HEA. I'm happy to see that Inga finally got her own story.
Good storyline and characters.
I enjoyed Luke and Inga's journey to their HEA. I'm happy to see that Inga finally got her own story.
Good storyline and characters.
May 5, 2026
Short and sweet
As with the rest of the series this was short and sweet. Light reading that flows like water to the end.
As with the rest of the series this was short and sweet. Light reading that flows like water to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews