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Creekside Valley #1
Untouchable: MM Bear Shifter MPreg Dark Romance
Some scars are too deep for the eye to see—but not for the heart to feel.
Trauma runs deep in Rory's bones—deeper than even the powerful bear spirit that stirs beneath his skin. Abused and broken as a child, he’s grown into an omega who trusts no one and recoils from the gentlest touch. Solitude is his armor. Silence, his only companion.
Until Denver walks into his life.
Denver has formed a rare connection with him—he can walk through Rory's sleeping mind. The first time he slips into Rory's nightmares by accident, he doesn’t expect to find such raw pain behind the fortress walls. But instead of turning away, he stays … and comforts Rory in the only place he allows anyone close.
Night after night, a fragile bond forms between them in the dreamworld—one that begins to bleed into waking life. But Rory's past isn’t done with him, and trust is harder to build than bone.
Poignant, powerful, and deeply intimate, Untouchable is a shifter romance about trauma, healing, and the transformative power of connection—both in dreams and in the light of day.
Trauma runs deep in Rory's bones—deeper than even the powerful bear spirit that stirs beneath his skin. Abused and broken as a child, he’s grown into an omega who trusts no one and recoils from the gentlest touch. Solitude is his armor. Silence, his only companion.
Until Denver walks into his life.
Denver has formed a rare connection with him—he can walk through Rory's sleeping mind. The first time he slips into Rory's nightmares by accident, he doesn’t expect to find such raw pain behind the fortress walls. But instead of turning away, he stays … and comforts Rory in the only place he allows anyone close.
Night after night, a fragile bond forms between them in the dreamworld—one that begins to bleed into waking life. But Rory's past isn’t done with him, and trust is harder to build than bone.
Poignant, powerful, and deeply intimate, Untouchable is a shifter romance about trauma, healing, and the transformative power of connection—both in dreams and in the light of day.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 29, 2025
DNF 51%.
Okay, I'm just not into dark trauma that has a huge impact on the MC's life suddenly disappearing.
Severe CSA incidents that went on for years (father, uncle, and then strangers) causes the MC to have awful nightmares, fear of touch of any kind (including his closest friends), and he has a special lock on his bedroom door. All of that is fine.
Suddenly the big bear-shifter can cuddle and touch him? Not even a slow buildup either, the whole thing was weird.
Pen name connections: Leigh Jarrett, Gavin E Black
Okay, I'm just not into dark trauma that has a huge impact on the MC's life suddenly disappearing.
Severe CSA incidents that went on for years (father, uncle, and then strangers) causes the MC to have awful nightmares, fear of touch of any kind (including his closest friends), and he has a special lock on his bedroom door. All of that is fine.
Suddenly the big bear-shifter can cuddle and touch him? Not even a slow buildup either, the whole thing was weird.
Pen name connections: Leigh Jarrett, Gavin E Black
September 9, 2025
ARC Review 5 ⭐️'s
Rory & Denver's story was so emotional and full of heartbreaking trauma my heart hurt reading the words. I loved the concept of dream connection intuitive and healing through them...I loved both characters their connection was amazing. Denver was patient, kind and caring even for an Alpha. Omega Rory wasn't weak by any means and with his friends support had courage to face or deal with his childhood trauma in time. As always not only does our heart get destroyed...but eventually healing is offered too...😉 Was great to catch up the Creekside Valley Crew and I can't wait to see what all unfolds as the series comes available....
Rory & Denver's story was so emotional and full of heartbreaking trauma my heart hurt reading the words. I loved the concept of dream connection intuitive and healing through them...I loved both characters their connection was amazing. Denver was patient, kind and caring even for an Alpha. Omega Rory wasn't weak by any means and with his friends support had courage to face or deal with his childhood trauma in time. As always not only does our heart get destroyed...but eventually healing is offered too...😉 Was great to catch up the Creekside Valley Crew and I can't wait to see what all unfolds as the series comes available....
October 19, 2025
Man this was powerful. It definitely has some darkness to it. It’s an emotional journey from start to finish. Be sure to read the warnings though because the dark is very dark. It makes Rory’s healing all the more powerful and the happiness he finds with Denver beautiful.
October 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, the connection between Rory and Denver is remarkable but took some work to get settled. The fact that Rory was abused for years by both his father and uncle really explained his actions but he wanted to be with Denver so he got help. He went to counseling and learned how to accept and deal with his past so he can have a healthy future. He was surprised to be accepted into Denver’s pack because he never was a part of one before. I am so happy that Rory has grown so much in himself that he is happy to marry Denver and to have the baby girl/cub with him. I am so glad that I was able to read an advanced copy of this book and give my opinion because I loved it.
October 29, 2025
4.25 stars - I’m always up for an interesting shifter book and one with some damaged or abused characters finding their happiness after pulling through their struggles is always a bonus. Here, we have Rory who is a bear shifter that was abused since he was 8 by his father and uncle. He escaped and survived on the streets where he met his two best friends, also bear shifters. They saved up money and moved to Creekside to make a new life. Due to his past trauma, Rory has extreme difficulty with anyone touching him, let alone anything intimate. He is growing stronger every day but this is still a big issue for him.
Dakota is an alpha bear shifter who meets Rory and feels an instant connection. When he is able to see Rory through dreams, their bond quickly grows as Dakota helps pull Rory away from the darkness in his nightmares. It is through the dreams that Dakota is able to first gain Rory’s trust and his patience and understanding pays off as they become closer in the living world.
Rory has a lot to face with his past trauma and abuse but Dakota is the perfect mate to help him overcome it all. Dakota never waivers in his commitment to stand by Rory and does everything he can to handle the bad stuff, including the father and uncle.
Rory’s friends are interesting characters as well, and it looks like we will get future books about their stories. I will say that I am generally not a fan of mpreg stories and did not realize this was one until I already accepted the review. However, it really doesn’t come into play until the end and even then isn’t very detailed. That is to say that I did not mind it much in this story and won’t let it prevent me from enjoying the rest of the stories in the future. Indeed, I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes and hope we get to see Rory and Dakota again as well.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
November 1, 2025
I was provided with an ARC by GRR in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism.
⭐⭐.5- It was an okay story, but more of a pastime than anything remarkable; I'd give a 2.5 stars.
It took me a long time to decide on the rating for this book. This was my first book by the author. When I read the blurb, it instantly caught my interest. The concept is so refreshing and smart. The whole idea of a person who's averse to touching because of past (really dark) trauma shows how thoughtful of the character's development the author was. The trauma of Riley and his friends were also well-planned, an so, so painful. It really justified all his behaviour and it had real depth in many aspects. It was also interesting to read an omegaverse story with bears instead of wolves, I'd never read one like that before. There were very cute scenes with them as bears.
The issue with this book was the length and the pacing. This is the kind of story that needs to be very well explained and developed. It needs time (in terms of the pacing) and it need more than under 200 pages. The contents are too deep and big to be written in a way that made the story feel rushed. There were many day skips that could've added a lot to the plot. That damaged the characters' relationship for me, because despite them being fated mates, I didn't buy them loving each other so much knowing so little about the other. Attraction, okay. But fated mates or not, you gotta know a person to at least admire them. And I felt like they didn't have time for that (even though they are both admirable people). So unfortunately, I didn't feel their connection.
The comfort/overcome of the trauma, while so well-thought, was also damaged by the fast pacing. It all made sense, but it lacked depth a lot because it was happened quickly. A trauma like Riley's is too complex, it really should have had its space to be better told and developed imo. The climax of the story was also too rushed and out of nowhere, although it also fit the plot perfectly. But it could have been better constructed to that point too.
Another thing I missed was better explanation of the world. While we do get some, I ended the book with more questions than answers about it. It's nothing that made the story senseless, but it made the experience poorer for me. By the end, there was also a character that appeared in a very weird way to me that sounded very off-plot, and it felt like it was put there just to introduce him to the next book (which caught my interest because of one of the MCs' backstory, so I'll give it a chance).
All in all, it's an interesting read and it has SO much potential. I'd love to see a re-write of this one with way more details and slower pacing.
⭐⭐.5- It was an okay story, but more of a pastime than anything remarkable; I'd give a 2.5 stars.
It took me a long time to decide on the rating for this book. This was my first book by the author. When I read the blurb, it instantly caught my interest. The concept is so refreshing and smart. The whole idea of a person who's averse to touching because of past (really dark) trauma shows how thoughtful of the character's development the author was. The trauma of Riley and his friends were also well-planned, an so, so painful. It really justified all his behaviour and it had real depth in many aspects. It was also interesting to read an omegaverse story with bears instead of wolves, I'd never read one like that before. There were very cute scenes with them as bears.
The issue with this book was the length and the pacing. This is the kind of story that needs to be very well explained and developed. It needs time (in terms of the pacing) and it need more than under 200 pages. The contents are too deep and big to be written in a way that made the story feel rushed. There were many day skips that could've added a lot to the plot. That damaged the characters' relationship for me, because despite them being fated mates, I didn't buy them loving each other so much knowing so little about the other. Attraction, okay. But fated mates or not, you gotta know a person to at least admire them. And I felt like they didn't have time for that (even though they are both admirable people). So unfortunately, I didn't feel their connection.
The comfort/overcome of the trauma, while so well-thought, was also damaged by the fast pacing. It all made sense, but it lacked depth a lot because it was happened quickly. A trauma like Riley's is too complex, it really should have had its space to be better told and developed imo. The climax of the story was also too rushed and out of nowhere, although it also fit the plot perfectly. But it could have been better constructed to that point too.
Another thing I missed was better explanation of the world. While we do get some, I ended the book with more questions than answers about it. It's nothing that made the story senseless, but it made the experience poorer for me. By the end, there was also a character that appeared in a very weird way to me that sounded very off-plot, and it felt like it was put there just to introduce him to the next book (which caught my interest because of one of the MCs' backstory, so I'll give it a chance).
All in all, it's an interesting read and it has SO much potential. I'd love to see a re-write of this one with way more details and slower pacing.
October 17, 2025
UNTOUCHABLE is the first book in the Creekside Valley series, and the first book by this author I have read. Please take note of the trigger warnings!
We start with a trio of friends moving from Metro City to Creekside Valley, trying to find peace in a world where they have all been mistreated and abused to varying degrees. Rory is the main character here, and was abused in horrible ways by his father and uncle from the age of eight. He hates being touched in any way, suffers from horrendous nightmares, and can't sleep unless he has a lock on the door (understandably!) On his first night in the new place, he meets Denver at the local food shop, which sparks a connection neither of them was looking for or ready for.
This is a fast-paced story where I will admit some things didn't make much sense to me. I get how Rory is able to have Denver touch him (because of the dreams), but for it to be so quickly, with no outside (therapy) help? And to work in a crowded restaurant? How the hell is he supposed to do his job without someone accidentally bumping into him? Maybe I'm nitpicking, but this stood out to me.
This is a dark story with plenty of flashbacks, so please look after yourself first. If you are reading a book about a bear shifter omegaverse, then your reality is already suspended, which works well for this story! I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 17, 2025
We start with a trio of friends moving from Metro City to Creekside Valley, trying to find peace in a world where they have all been mistreated and abused to varying degrees. Rory is the main character here, and was abused in horrible ways by his father and uncle from the age of eight. He hates being touched in any way, suffers from horrendous nightmares, and can't sleep unless he has a lock on the door (understandably!) On his first night in the new place, he meets Denver at the local food shop, which sparks a connection neither of them was looking for or ready for.
This is a fast-paced story where I will admit some things didn't make much sense to me. I get how Rory is able to have Denver touch him (because of the dreams), but for it to be so quickly, with no outside (therapy) help? And to work in a crowded restaurant? How the hell is he supposed to do his job without someone accidentally bumping into him? Maybe I'm nitpicking, but this stood out to me.
This is a dark story with plenty of flashbacks, so please look after yourself first. If you are reading a book about a bear shifter omegaverse, then your reality is already suspended, which works well for this story! I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 17, 2025
October 26, 2025
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve got to say this Book broke my heart and I found it quite difficult to read on times. A trigger warning there is some SA abuse in this book.
Rory has finally broken away from Metro city with his two best friends to live deep in the woods. Rory has gone through unspeakable abuse through his life from a young age and feels that he could never be loved, Will never love because he could never feel somebody touching his skin again . He is an omega bear shifter and the community that he is moved to is full of shifters. And on his very first night going to the shops to buy food, he meets an alpha called Denver. He can admit that Denver is very good looking but doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Denver is shopping when he comes across the most beautiful omega he has seen. And he knows that he is not from the area but is glad to find out he has moved here recently talking together they agree that Denver will bring his niece’s bike over to get fixed. He knows that Rory is his mate the feeling is so strong but something is really holding back Rory
This is such a hard book to read hearing and feeling what Rory had been through was hard letting Denver in just made my heart melt but Rory comes with a lot of baggage. Can these two really make it??
The only thing that really got me was in places I felt the Book was rushed I would’ve liked to see them together like when they went fishing that day growing together getting to know one another I think that’s what this book is missing for me to give it a five star Rating.
I’ve got to say this Book broke my heart and I found it quite difficult to read on times. A trigger warning there is some SA abuse in this book.
Rory has finally broken away from Metro city with his two best friends to live deep in the woods. Rory has gone through unspeakable abuse through his life from a young age and feels that he could never be loved, Will never love because he could never feel somebody touching his skin again . He is an omega bear shifter and the community that he is moved to is full of shifters. And on his very first night going to the shops to buy food, he meets an alpha called Denver. He can admit that Denver is very good looking but doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Denver is shopping when he comes across the most beautiful omega he has seen. And he knows that he is not from the area but is glad to find out he has moved here recently talking together they agree that Denver will bring his niece’s bike over to get fixed. He knows that Rory is his mate the feeling is so strong but something is really holding back Rory
This is such a hard book to read hearing and feeling what Rory had been through was hard letting Denver in just made my heart melt but Rory comes with a lot of baggage. Can these two really make it??
The only thing that really got me was in places I felt the Book was rushed I would’ve liked to see them together like when they went fishing that day growing together getting to know one another I think that’s what this book is missing for me to give it a five star Rating.
October 31, 2025
cigarettes, haphephobia, grubs, mutton chops, dog kennel, salmon fishing, use as ashtray, entrails, jigsaw puzzle, tar paper
This is on the darkish side, not heavily, but darkish. Rory has terrible flashbacks and nightmares due to his deep-seated demons and trauma. Please pay attention to the content warning as the story could be triggering, big time.
You can't help but feel bad for Rory. When we meet him, he's a shell of a human being (he's actually an omega bear shifter). For all he's been through, it's a wonder he's still living. His family is 2 other bear shifters, Carter and Jesse, who are just as "damaged" as he is. The three of them navigate their lives together. They land in Creekside Valley.
Denver Rockland is a 6'7 alpha bear shifter living in Creekside Valley. He runs into Rory at the local grocery store. Denver later catches Rory dumpster diving. Denver is intrigued by the fearful omega, and wants to know Rory better. Denver deduces only a small sliver of Rory's past. He doesn't like what he learns.
Although some of the story is tragic, I absolutely enjoyed reading it. I earnestly recommend this.
This is on the darkish side, not heavily, but darkish. Rory has terrible flashbacks and nightmares due to his deep-seated demons and trauma. Please pay attention to the content warning as the story could be triggering, big time.
You can't help but feel bad for Rory. When we meet him, he's a shell of a human being (he's actually an omega bear shifter). For all he's been through, it's a wonder he's still living. His family is 2 other bear shifters, Carter and Jesse, who are just as "damaged" as he is. The three of them navigate their lives together. They land in Creekside Valley.
Denver Rockland is a 6'7 alpha bear shifter living in Creekside Valley. He runs into Rory at the local grocery store. Denver later catches Rory dumpster diving. Denver is intrigued by the fearful omega, and wants to know Rory better. Denver deduces only a small sliver of Rory's past. He doesn't like what he learns.
Although some of the story is tragic, I absolutely enjoyed reading it. I earnestly recommend this.
October 29, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
While I like the idea of someone with Rory's deep trust issues coming to find true love with the caring alpha that Denver is, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars. Rory's past is so dark and ugly, and so invasive of his present, that I can't see how Denver can overcome all that ingrained trauma as quickly as he does in this story. And that's even with the (largely unexplored) idea of their bond being fated, which the writer uses to explain Denver's ability to dreamwalk with Rory. That's the biggest issue I have with this story. Not nearly enough time was spent showing how Denver dismantles the high walls around Rory's heart AND mind, and the rush to sexual intimacy is quite unbelievable to me. I also found the brief reappearance and demands of Rory's abusive father and uncle too much of a stretch. The extra half star is for Denver, whom I really like. He's an alpha bear who doesn't let challenges (such as Rory's hostile friends) stop him from following his heart.
While I like the idea of someone with Rory's deep trust issues coming to find true love with the caring alpha that Denver is, I can't rate this higher than 3 stars. Rory's past is so dark and ugly, and so invasive of his present, that I can't see how Denver can overcome all that ingrained trauma as quickly as he does in this story. And that's even with the (largely unexplored) idea of their bond being fated, which the writer uses to explain Denver's ability to dreamwalk with Rory. That's the biggest issue I have with this story. Not nearly enough time was spent showing how Denver dismantles the high walls around Rory's heart AND mind, and the rush to sexual intimacy is quite unbelievable to me. I also found the brief reappearance and demands of Rory's abusive father and uncle too much of a stretch. The extra half star is for Denver, whom I really like. He's an alpha bear who doesn't let challenges (such as Rory's hostile friends) stop him from following his heart.
November 11, 2025
"Rory."
'I turned away from my dad. It was Denver who spoke. He was holding out his hand to me. I reached for it and let him cling to me and pull me into his arms. Into safety and security.
It felt like what love was supposed to feel like.
I buried my face against his chest and wept.'
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I'm always sucked into a good hurt/comfort romance and this one didn't disappoint. My heart broke for what Rory's been through the trauma he still suffers from. I loved him and Denver. I found them connecting in dreams fascinating. Denver was a nice guy, patient, and caring. I loved the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. I also loved Carter and Jesse as well, and liked that they and Rory supported each other as they lived together. All three of them knew what it was like to struggle, and banded together. I liked the feeling of found family- with the three of them, with people in the town. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
'I turned away from my dad. It was Denver who spoke. He was holding out his hand to me. I reached for it and let him cling to me and pull me into his arms. Into safety and security.
It felt like what love was supposed to feel like.
I buried my face against his chest and wept.'
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I'm always sucked into a good hurt/comfort romance and this one didn't disappoint. My heart broke for what Rory's been through the trauma he still suffers from. I loved him and Denver. I found them connecting in dreams fascinating. Denver was a nice guy, patient, and caring. I loved the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed. I also loved Carter and Jesse as well, and liked that they and Rory supported each other as they lived together. All three of them knew what it was like to struggle, and banded together. I liked the feeling of found family- with the three of them, with people in the town. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
September 15, 2025
Great start to a new series!
I didn't know going in that this was based on the same town as another series, but it isn't really necessary. The author does a great job introducing the characters so those who haven't read the previous series, you're not lost.
Denver is a Dom, but his mate Rory needs to be handled gentler then cracked glass. His patience and love for his mate really shine through with every action he takes.
Rory had been abused his whole life, his scars have scars. He can't handle touch, and holding a conversation is difficult for him. He meets Denver and for a second Wonders what a normal life could be like.
There's lots of love, heat, pain but healing.
It's a great start and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I didn't know going in that this was based on the same town as another series, but it isn't really necessary. The author does a great job introducing the characters so those who haven't read the previous series, you're not lost.
Denver is a Dom, but his mate Rory needs to be handled gentler then cracked glass. His patience and love for his mate really shine through with every action he takes.
Rory had been abused his whole life, his scars have scars. He can't handle touch, and holding a conversation is difficult for him. He meets Denver and for a second Wonders what a normal life could be like.
There's lots of love, heat, pain but healing.
It's a great start and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 1, 2025
I liked this book. Rory touched my heart, and Denver deserves all of the best things in life. After all of the trauma Rory went through, he absolutely deserves to have someone like Denver in his life. Denver heals him, both in real life and in his dreams. Seeing him so happy really made me smile.
I've never read a bear shifter story, and I really loved the different aspects of a relationship. I don't know what it is about fated mates, but when it comes up in stories, I just melt. Being able to comfort your partner in intangible ways...*heart eyes*.
I am looking forward to reading more about those who live in Creekside Valley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've never read a bear shifter story, and I really loved the different aspects of a relationship. I don't know what it is about fated mates, but when it comes up in stories, I just melt. Being able to comfort your partner in intangible ways...*heart eyes*.
I am looking forward to reading more about those who live in Creekside Valley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2025
This was a quick read. Denver is great. He’s so strong, patient, and sturdy. Rory is wonderful, too. He’s gruff and silent, but feels deeply. I enjoyed seeing these two meet and watching Denver try to care for Rory. Unwise actually loved even more caretaking actually. I enjoyed Rory’s protective friends and the shifting. The fated mates/dreaming situation was fun, too. I did feel Rory’s trauma was… a lot. It makes sense why he was quiet and hated being touched. I also felt he recovered from the hatred of touch pretty quickly without much effort, which felt unrealistic. Overall, it was a fun, quick read.
Notes: 1/5 spice levels, omegaverse, mpreg, past parental abuse, healing from trauma, bear shifters
Notes: 1/5 spice levels, omegaverse, mpreg, past parental abuse, healing from trauma, bear shifters
October 18, 2025
Untouchable by J.T. Fader is book 1 in the Creekside Valley series. Rory and his friends are escaping a life of abuse and poverty by moving to Creekside Valley. He meets Denver on day 1. Denver is pulled towards Rory and realizes he will have to be very careful about how he approaches him. The abuse Rory suffered was hard to read about and I would suggest heeding the TWs. I wasn’t a huge fan of how quickly Rory got over his aversion to touch. I understand it may be due to the fated bond but it felt a little too quick for me. It was an interesting beginning to a series but I will have to make sure that I’m ready for book 2 should I choose to read it.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
September 29, 2025
I enjoyed reading this new mpreg book by one of my favorite authors, JT Fader.
It is a descriptive and well written story with no wasted words. The pacing is perfect, immediately drawing you into the story. It has realistic conversations and actions, that helped me empathize with the main characters, Rory an omega, and Denver an alpha. Both are bear shifters. I was happy to see this book is set in the previous story location of Creekside Township.
There is size difference, age gap, past trauma and abuse recovery in this emotional and romantic story with mpreg and a HEA. I highly recommend this book and all of JT Fader's previous books!
It is a descriptive and well written story with no wasted words. The pacing is perfect, immediately drawing you into the story. It has realistic conversations and actions, that helped me empathize with the main characters, Rory an omega, and Denver an alpha. Both are bear shifters. I was happy to see this book is set in the previous story location of Creekside Township.
There is size difference, age gap, past trauma and abuse recovery in this emotional and romantic story with mpreg and a HEA. I highly recommend this book and all of JT Fader's previous books!
October 22, 2025
You definitely need to heed the trigger warning here, because it's written in an incredibly authentic way that draws you deep into the character. My heart broke several times, and I was so happy when it became clear that Denver was cut from the right cloth to free him from the clutches of his past.
If you're into shifter romance and aren't afraid of the depths that open up here, this book will stay with you for a while. As I said, the narrative voice is very authentic, unvarnished, yet sensitive.
I'm very impressed with this author and will definitely read more.
Definitely recommended reading, but to be enjoyed with caution.
If you're into shifter romance and aren't afraid of the depths that open up here, this book will stay with you for a while. As I said, the narrative voice is very authentic, unvarnished, yet sensitive.
I'm very impressed with this author and will definitely read more.
Definitely recommended reading, but to be enjoyed with caution.
November 17, 2025
This was a beautifully crafted slow burn, full of tension and unspoken longing. Rory has endured a hard life, especially at the hands of those who should have protected him, and you can feel that history in every hesitant step he takes. When he’s introduced to the pack Denver belongs to, something shifts. The chemistry between them is immediate—quiet glances, lingering looks, and that spark neither of them is ready to acknowledge.
As the story unfolds, those stolen moments slowly grow into something deeper, and watching Rory open up and Denver steady himself around him makes the build-up incredibly satisfying.
As the story unfolds, those stolen moments slowly grow into something deeper, and watching Rory open up and Denver steady himself around him makes the build-up incredibly satisfying.
September 17, 2025
I freaking loved this book, read it in one sitting! Rory and his friends leave the city to create a better life for themselves. Rory has been abused for years and is untouchable.Rory then meets Denver. Denver can feel the connection they have but Rory is somewhat afraid of it. These two about broke my heart at times, but the story was fantastic! The story felt healing, and had so much love. I can’t wait for Carter’s story!
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 14, 2025
It took me way longer to read this book than it should have. Many a times I thought about DNF because the trauma that Rory had went through was so bad that even though it didn't go into extensive details it made me physically ill. Denver was absolutely amazing and just what this book needed. His love was so bright and unconditional. My heart also broke for Jesse and Carter and I look forward to reading their books.
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.
October 16, 2025
The dream concept is what drew me to this, and I did find it really interesting. I enjoyed that facet of the story a lot - and I honestly wish it had been explored more! But I know this is a shorter story. Your heart breaks for Rory, though, and Denver is a nice solid and steady presence for him. Their dynamic was developed, but I also wanted more there. I think that was a little bit of my whole reading - wanting more. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but I just wanted a little more from all of it. Enjoyed my read though!
October 18, 2025
2.5⭐️ It honestly felt like a whole lot of nothing. The story hinted at deep trauma themes but never really let you feel them they were just kind of tossed in for emotional weight that never landed. Rory, for someone who supposedly couldn’t stand being touched, gave in pretty quickly (even with the fated mates angle, it felt rushed). In the end, it’s another case of “love magically fixes everything,” where MC2 heals MC1 simply by existing. I wanted more depth, more emotional payoff, something to hold on to but it just never got there.
October 21, 2025
Bear shifter’s
I was excited to see that JT Fader took us back to Creekside — even including cameos from Creekside Township Rivals! In this book, we have bear shifters running from something in their past. Rory deserves his HEA, and Denver is just the bear to give it to him! Denver and Rory’s connection is instant, even if Rory tries to hide it. However, whether you believe in fated mates or not, you can’t hide from yours. Their connection allows Denver to enter Rory’s dreams to provide comfort, slowly breaking down the walls Rory has built.
I was excited to see that JT Fader took us back to Creekside — even including cameos from Creekside Township Rivals! In this book, we have bear shifters running from something in their past. Rory deserves his HEA, and Denver is just the bear to give it to him! Denver and Rory’s connection is instant, even if Rory tries to hide it. However, whether you believe in fated mates or not, you can’t hide from yours. Their connection allows Denver to enter Rory’s dreams to provide comfort, slowly breaking down the walls Rory has built.
October 26, 2025
Review for (Creekside Valley-1) Untouchable by JT Fader
Oh, the pain and trauma for Rory made me cry and want to hug him. It tears at me what this man went through as a child, which no child should ever have to go through. Even with all that happening to him, he grows into an Omega who tells himself he can't trust ANYONE, period. No one can touch him because he cringes at any touch. That all changes when Denver and he meet. I found the way this author wrote about Denver being able to walk in Rory's dreams to help him heal his torn-apart heart. I loved this story; I can even understand not trusting people after a horrible past because I have lived that life. I love it when I find authors who write about things I have experienced in life and show, Yes, you have gone through this pain, but you can heal. I always wanted to read stories where the character who has gone through hell healed. I want more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
Oh, the pain and trauma for Rory made me cry and want to hug him. It tears at me what this man went through as a child, which no child should ever have to go through. Even with all that happening to him, he grows into an Omega who tells himself he can't trust ANYONE, period. No one can touch him because he cringes at any touch. That all changes when Denver and he meet. I found the way this author wrote about Denver being able to walk in Rory's dreams to help him heal his torn-apart heart. I loved this story; I can even understand not trusting people after a horrible past because I have lived that life. I love it when I find authors who write about things I have experienced in life and show, Yes, you have gone through this pain, but you can heal. I always wanted to read stories where the character who has gone through hell healed. I want more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
November 2, 2025
Grabs you by the heart! Rory, is such a broken omega inside that he sees solitude is his only protection. Denver, forms a connection and can slip into Rory's dreams. He is able to provide some solace and comfort and this strengthens their bond. Rory's history is heartbreaking. His survival is praiseworthy. His recovery displays such bravery and makes this a great story. Denver, is an absolute rock. This is not a fast easy story, but it is absolutely satisfying. Welld one! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
What an emotional yet compelling read. We follow Rory who has been abused for years and cannot stand to be touched. Denver, as mates "visits" his dreams so fully understands what Rory has been thorough. Though Rory, understandably is so wary Denver is so patient and allows his love for his mate break down his walls. A heartbreaking yet heartwarming read!.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
October 22, 2025
A very interesting build-up and very readable characters. Rory moves to a new town with two other bear shifters and meets Denver. Denver quickly becomes a potential saviour for Rory, as due to the dream world they share, Rory can be helped somewhat with his touch aversion and trauma. What I struggled with was the speed at which Rory learnt to cope with Denver's touch and that he he could even work in a busy restaurant with those same reactions.
November 3, 2025
A really interesting use of dreaming that I've not encountered before. The idea that one character could slip into the other's dreams and give him the support and comfort he couldn't bear to let anyone close enough to offer when conscious was an interesting concept and the way that played out over time broke my heart for Rory and Denver and then it was lovely watching their bond and Rory's trust slowly develop.
October 22, 2025
This is an adorable read about an Omega bear shifter with a life of trauma that needs healing and the big Alpha bear willing to prove he isn’t running. The relationship is cute and you can feel the love develop between them.
This was my first bear shifter omegavers book. I was a bit nervous but I did enjoy it. It’s super short and felt a bit rushed, but I enjoyed reading it.
This was my first bear shifter omegavers book. I was a bit nervous but I did enjoy it. It’s super short and felt a bit rushed, but I enjoyed reading it.
October 23, 2025
Emotionally compelling
Rory has really suffered through horrific trauma.
Denver inadvertently discovers he can help him in his dreams.
I really enjoyed the somewhat slow dynamic these two had.
Rory is terrified of being vulnerable and letting someone in, but he realizes he needs to or risk losing Denver.
Denver was kind and patient, always willing to go at Rory's pace.
Rory has really suffered through horrific trauma.
Denver inadvertently discovers he can help him in his dreams.
I really enjoyed the somewhat slow dynamic these two had.
Rory is terrified of being vulnerable and letting someone in, but he realizes he needs to or risk losing Denver.
Denver was kind and patient, always willing to go at Rory's pace.
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