Fitz and Starts

Beckett Falls #2

by M.A. Lakewood

Two people. Zero ambitions. One perfect life.

Fern Walsh moves to Beckett Falls for a new start—new town, new salon, some distance from her mom's opinions. She doesn’t plan on getting lost in the valley and ending up in the driveway of the grumpiest, most unfairly attractive man she's ever met.

Elliott Fitzpatrick isn’t looking for a mate. He has bread proofing, ceramics drying, and a grizzly bear inside him who needs to mind his business. When Fern rolls down his dead-end road with her audiobook blaring, his bear takes one whiff and decides she’s his.

She thinks he's a little weird. He thinks she's way too chatty. They still kiss by day two.

Fitz and Starts is a standalone steamy shifter romcom with fated mates, primal chases, found family, and two people who finally stop apologizing for the low-key life they want.

Perfect for fans of Schitt’s Creek, the Grateful Dead, and getting chased by bears.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 11, 2026

About the author

Lakewood's adult fantasy romance novels could be better described as fantasy romcoms. With plenty of wit, banter, and open-door steam, each of her books offers a complete love story with a satisfying happily-ever-after. Fast pacing and laugh-out-loud moments make her interconnected standalones the perfect choice for your next palate-cleanser read.

For a high fantasy setting where everyone has magic, check out the World of Duhra.​

For a low fantasy setting where the cast is a mix of shifters and humans, check out Beckett Falls.

Reviews

[Minty Margins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to this book for a hot minute- especially after I saw the artwork. I am so grateful to M.A. Lakewood for the ARC for Fitz and Starts and had an absolute blast reading it!!! I laughed so many times reading this book and I also blushed. I love when a book can make me blush and I guess one of the ways to do it is with one simple word… “Run”.

So anyways, I adored Fern. She’s literally so bubbly, full of energy, creative, sweet, supportive and even awkward at times. She’s SO friend shaped. I love her taste in literature too and had such a great laugh at how this merged with her learning about shifters. Loooool. That entire scene was amazing and had me laughing so hard I was in tears. It was so chaotic and I loved that.

Elliot, he’s a man down bad so much so that he doesn’t even know it at first lmao. Like Fern, he’s extremely talented and the most laid back dude while also being the most anxious dude. His awkwardness actually made me think of Tina from Bob’s Burgers. When both he and Fern were texting and trying to flirt but also not flirt— well you can see why I chose the meme for this review. I have like 3 others though that came to mind for this book too 😂.

He’s so good for Fern and Fern is so good for him. Like the chemistry for them, you get teased a little but the ignition point is HOT. And they have that freak-for-freak (affectionate) vibe that I love to see in the books I read. Chef’s kiss 💋!

If you love a fast burn, shifters, gifting trout as a love language, fated mates, cooking, art, discussions about omegas and knotting— how that’s also not applicable in this instance, and the chill vibes of a secluded town then you should absolutely check out Fitz And Starts— available June 11th!!!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! I need to read book one to know more about the first couple and can’t wait for the next couple!

[MinnEh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minn’s rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
Plot: 3/5
Character development: 4/5

Thank you so much to M.A. Lakewood for the ARC of Fitz and Starts!

This is a charming, funny, and heartwarming addition to the Beckett Falls series. I loved that these are connected standalone novels, jam packed with lovable characters. The contrast between Elliott's gruff, introverted nature and Fern's bubbly, outgoing personality made for an entertaining opposites-attract romance.

The banter between Fern and Elliott was one of the book's strongest elements. Their relationship developed naturally, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with sweet emotional beats. Elliott's quiet devotion beneath his grumpy exterior was especially endearing, while Fern brought warmth and energy to every scene she appeared in.

The small-town setting and shifter community added plenty of charm, and the lighthearted tone made this an easy, enjoyable read. At times, I found the pacing a little uneven, and I would have liked a bit more depth in some of the emotional conflicts. The story leans heavily into its rom-com roots, which works well overall but occasionally leaves some issues feeling resolved a little too quickly.

That said, if you're looking for a cozy shifter romance filled with humour, chemistry, and lovable characters, Fitz and Starts delivers. It's the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you turn the final page. I am looking forward to future books in Beckett Falls. Fitz and Starts is available June 11th!

[Mama Myres · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Fitz and Starts by M.A. Lakewood was another absolute hit for me!! At this point, I will genuinely read anything this author writes because they just never miss 😍

One of my favorite things about this series is that the books are interconnected standalones. You get little glimpses of characters from previous books (which is always so fun), but you can absolutely jump in without reading the others first.

This book had so many things I love: caretaking, primal chases, found family, shifters of all kinds, biting, grumpy sunshine, and fated mates 👀

Fitz and Fern were SO much fun together. Fitz is the classic grumpy loner who mostly keeps to himself, but underneath all that grump is someone incredibly sweet. Fern is basically sunshine in human form, a bubbly chatterbox trying to start over somewhere she can finally be fully herself. Their accidental first meeting had me smiling immediately, and watching these two slowly figure each other out was such a good time.

What made me love them even more was how real they felt. Even though the chemistry was chemistry-ing 🔥, they both had insecurities and plenty of moments where they were wondering if they were truly good enough for each other, which made their relationship feel genuine and easy to root for.

If you love shifter romances with heart, humor, spice, found family, and a couple that just fits, definitely add this one to your TBR 

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book in the series (as well as the first book!). Fern has finally decided to live her life on her terms and move to Beckett Falls. Her friend Olivia moved there to teach at the local school and now she's the girlfriend of the town council president and is expecting. Liv has offered her the chance to manage the local salon and even found her a place to live. Score! Getting slightly lost, she ends up in the driveway of Liv's friend, Elliot 'Fitz' Fitzgerald. He acts a little weird when he comes out to the car to give her directions, but whatever. He says it's just because he's high, she wishes she could say the same...

Fitz can't believe that when he finally meets Fern in person (instead of seeing her on video chats), he immediately knows that she is a potential mate. His bear is ecstatic, but she is human and knows nothing about shifters. Also, he is perfectly satisfied with his life just like it is. He has his pottery, his pot (snicker), and his cooking. Besides, Fern talks way too much. His bear doesn't care. All he has to do is just ignore the pull and it will go away. Right?

These two are actually perfect for each other and as soon as someone explains shifters, mates, and mate bites to Fern...everything will work out. Hopefully. Join in the fun and confusion. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[LeTia H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to move to Beckett Falls! I really enjoyed the cozy feel of this story and how the town welcomed Fern in so lovingly. It sounds like such a great place to be. I loved the relationship between Elliot and Fern, because we all have some insecurities about relationships, but finding out they are 'true mates' made it that much more fun to experience.

I received this as an ARC from BookSirens and I am so thankful to have been chosen for this. The characters felt like friends I want to have and the closeness of the community was apparent but not over done. They welcomed Fern to the pack and let her know they had her back without being overbearing or forceful. Even the way they explained about who they were was done carefully and with understanding. And Fern fit right in.

The banter was cute and not too much and I totally loved when Fern was like "you may be in control, but I'm always in charge" (or something like that); it just shows how comfortable they are and the balance of their relationship. And the spice was spicing! Not too much but just the right amount to fit with the story and the lore of the shifter bonding and mating. Very well done. Overall I gave it 4⭐️'s for a great story. And I can't wait to read the next one.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to start afresh, Fern moves to secluded Beckett Falls to take over the small town's hair salon. There she runs into the handsome but strangely grumpy Elliott. But despite him running hot and cold towards her, he still helps her acclimate to her new home in thoughtful ways. Bear shifter Elliott isn't looking for a mate, because he's quite happy with his solitary life as it is. But when he smells Fern for the first time, he can't deny that she's his potential mate. He plans to let the connection fade, but his bear won't let him.

I liked how both main characters have similar struggles with the same issues, just from different perspectives. For example, while Fern is looking to establish herself and put down roots, Elliott is struggling with the idea of his comfortable life changing. Both characters struggle with feelings of inadequacy because of their current life choices. Ultimately, this romance does an excellent job of exploring being content with who you are.

A wonderfully heartening read with plenty of spice in a fun shifter world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.A.’s writing style is truly a delight—upbeat, quirky, and full of fun. The chemistry between Elliot and Fern is absolutely electric. Fern is chatty, mischievous, and wonderfully herself, while Elliot comes off as a bit of a grump, yet he’s loving, loyal, and an impressively large guy who has a passion for cooking, especially baking sourdough—definitely my kind of man!

Their first meeting is a bit awkward; Fern initially thinks Elliot doesn’t like her because he’s hot and cold. However, neither of them gives up. Their unique and captivating love journey is filled with engaging banter and a delightful spice. Everyone around them recognizes they are fated mates—or at least potential ones.

Fern is blissfully unaware that the entire town is made up of shifters until she spends a few days there, but this revelation doesn’t stop her from loving the town or Elliot. Her adventurous spirit and open-mindedness allow her to fit right in with the community and her best friend, Liv.

This book is a fantastic shifter rom-com that’s sure to entertain!

[Xan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the immense honor to ARC read this book for M.A. Lakewood as part of her ARC team. I loved Beck and Call and was really excited for this second installment of the series.

I am glad I got reminded that the attraction and love in this one would be fast. As it was in Beck and Call too. But I needed that warning, since I'm usually not a fan when the love comes fast. I could work with it in this story though. The worldbuilding makes that it makes sense and the low stakes make it flow well.

I am once again in love with the art, both in the book and on the author's socials, so go check those out too!

The main characters, Elliott and Fern, were so much fun to read too. Elliott was an awkward little (but huge) bean and Fern's bubbliness is so much fun to read. Her whole introduction into the shifter world was so fun and funny too.

This book has been such a nice little snack to read. I blew through it too, so that also says a lot. I hope this book finds its audience but I, personally, do recommend reading this book and entire series as a joyful palate cleanser!

[Roxie's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Stunning Shifter Roncom series"

This story is funny,steamy hot, and extremely exciting. The characters are awesome.
Fern is a spunky young human woman. She feels she needs a new start. So when her best friend Olivia offers Fern an opportunity to manage a salon in Beckett Falls. A little town with a big secret that Olivia had moved to almost a year before. Fern jumped at the chance to start a new. But on the way into town Fern gets lost. She comes across Elliott aka Fitz one of Olivia's new friends.
Fitz is a sexy Grizzly bear shifter. He knew Fern was supposed to be coming to town. Only he never thought she would end up on his doorstep by mistake. When he scents her he knows he is in big trouble. Especially when his inner bear starts yelling mine, our mate!
Fitz thought Fern was an annoying chatter box, but still entertaining.
Fern seen Fitz as grumpy gus, but also sexy as all get out!
Could fate have lead Fern to Beckett Falls?
You will love this five star plus shifter romance!

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wordplay or the witty exploitation of the meanings and ambiguities of words, especially in puns, is this Reader's jam. The title "Fitz and Starts" was not just eye catching but seemed to imply a read with playful banter and humor.

It certainly started out with the initial chapter showing Fern indulging in some naughty audiobooks. The humor, unfortunately, seemed more of a one-off. The title to each chapter distracting. Unclear why the Author felt the need to start each with a one liner rather than keeping it simple. Found Fern to be bit annoying and Fitz talking to his bear, odd. Not my first shifter romance series, (see: Celia Kyle, Shelley Laurenston, Ilona Andrews) where the 'animal' half seemed to be integral with their human side. Here, it felt like there were three not two people in a relationship.


I received an advance review copy for free from the Author via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute, cozy, low stakes shifter romance. Having read other M.A. Lakewood books (ones from the world of Duhra), I was expecting this book to be similar to those, but it had a very different vibe which was refreshing. Luckily it still had the same silly chapter naming though, which I love!

It was nice to read about two characters that were pretty content with what they had and not always chasing climbing the corporate ladder. I felt like saying they had "zero ambition" really wasn't fair, but in general I liked where their priorities were in terms of enjoying life. I loved how cozy it was with all the food, artwork, warm weather, and friends.

Overall it was a fun, easy read. I enjoy a good low stakes book every now and then, but I wish there had been some conflict in this one. I kept expecting something slightly negative to happen, and it just never did. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DarkDigital Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

FERN JUST WANTS TO VISIT HER FRIEND OLIVIA, WHO MOVED TO SOME SMALL CRACK IN THE MOUNTAINS AND TAKE OVER THE SALON.. NOT FIND A LOVER AND …..

ELLIOT IS A GRUMPY POTTER WHO ENJOYS BAKING.
ELLIOT'S BEAR? CLAIMS FERN IS HIS MATE SO THIS IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE BUNCH MORE COMPLICATED THAN WHERE TO FIND THE NEXT JNT. BUT FITZ IS VERY MUCH MORE SECLUDED AND WANTS TO BE LEFT ALONE TO BAKE…. POTTERY AND BREAD AND YES THAT TOO.

THE IRONY THAT FERN IS A HAIRDRESSER AND ELLIOT IS A BEAR? THE FACT THEY BOTH LOVE LEAVES? THAT SHE IS DETERMINED TO HAVE WHAT FITZ HAS?? THE SMALL STUDIO AND THE COZY ATMOSPHERE?

BUT NATURALLY THIS TOWN ISN'T LIKE ANY OTHERS, EVERYONE IS HIDING THE WHOLE SECRET. THIS IS A SHIFTER TOWN WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO FIND THEIR MATE.

WELCOME BACK TO BECKETT FALLS, WHERE
SHIFTERS RULE THE TOWN AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bears, 🍃 Rips, and bread bakin’. 🥖

Fitz and Starts was a hilarious time! It had me laughing out loud so many times through the whole book. I love the Beckett Falls shifter series so much. Fern and Elliott (Fitz) are so cute together, too. He is absolutely so sweet on her right from the start of the book. Like, who shows up with alllll that? Talk about a cuddle bear 🐻

And Fern, my god. I related to her HARD. I, too, have a complex relationship with family and am a hairstylist IRL. ✨ She was such a fun, funny character, and really helps Fitz come out of his shell. Plus, their collab efforts between his pottery and her artistic talents? SO CUTE. truly a dynamic duo 🙂‍↕️

If you loved Schitt’s Creek and love a silly shifter romcom vibe, this is for you! ✨ Even though this is a book two, you can absolutely read this as a standalone.

[Amy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like book 1 in the series, this book was so freaking cute. This is cozy but spicy but emotional but hopeful. I loved everything about this book but especially the message that its okay with being satisfied by different priorities. In a real world filled with side hustles and a fixation on wealth, it was so refreshing to read about about being satisfied with what you have. Ambition is great, but it's okay to not want more.

The opening paragraph with the smutty audiobook really set the tone for the whole book. Elliot was so awkward and Fern's incessant chattering was honestly so funny. There was so much romantic and platonic love in this book.

Thank you to BookSirens and M.A Lakewood for the free eARC.

[Michelle Szubeczak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Beckett Falls series. I didn’t read the first one in the series. A reader can read it without reading the first. It’s a cute romance story which I love . The shape shifters is the weird part of the story that I enjoyed learning about in their little town of shape shifters .The writing flow kept my interest. There are bears, otters, wolves . I don’t believe anyone would sell their salon to a stranger for a $1. That’s unrealistic in human nature. (It’s rare).Yes that’s what I had a problem with … haha. The book did make me laugh also .

I think I’ll read the first one out of curiosity and the cute couples 😊

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashlee Fiarris · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review.
4.5 Stars

Book 2 brings us back to Beckett Falls with Fern moving to make a change in her life and she gets a chance meeting with Fitz (Elliot) by turning into his driveway by accident. She is human and he is a Bear shifter. The town decides to let Fern in on the town secret of them all being shifters and she learns that mates and true mates are a real thing. Fitz and Fern spend time together with him knowing that they are potential mates.

I truly loved it.

I have been so lucky to receive all of her books as an ARC reader and I love how each series is so different but same cozy smutty vibes.

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo I'm pretty sure this book was written for me, it even has my name in it. Which is hard to say considering how much I loooved Chaosweavers Daughter. While all of her books are fun, especially the Beckett Falls series, these characters are the best (sorry Kas) This was laid back, well paced and has the heart warming qualities of the last episode of a 90s sitcom. Strong themes of appreciating what you have and being ok with what youve accomplished paired with tiedye, outdoor adult activities, and a pipe. 10/10

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think this would be such a touching and poignant story, and it resonated with me deeply. The title is very appropriate. The tentative way these two were about a relationship was sweet and perhaps why the ending is swoony and melty to me. Fern and Elliot were a cherished couple I'll always remember, slow starts are the best, and friends to lovers just makes complete sense to me. A diamond in the rough, must read!

Once they get started, there's no stopping them.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is my first book by this author and I consider it to be a cozy romance that has good humor and did make me laugh quite a bit. The story is a different take for paranormal rules and I enjoyed the change. The world, though, small was built well. The book is mainly focused on the FMC and MMC. There is a first book that I have not read yet, and those characters show up a good amount. When I need a cozy read, I will go back to read the other books.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, cozy, spicy, fantastical, and toss in some munchies while we're here? Count me in! This was just as cute as Beck and Call, and I'm so glad I managed to come back to Beckett Falls! Fitz and Fern are so cute, and I just loved seeing them together. If you need a man who is a walking green flag, then find you one like Fitz who won't let you talk down on yourself and will always lift you up!

Now it's on to imagining who will be the next couple in Beckett Falls to fall in love - and I sure hope my guess is right!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Lakewood is an auto-read author for me, Fitz and Start might be my favorite book of hers to date! It’s so funny and the friend group dynamic is just as lovely as the actual romance story. I was laughing out loud at multiple times and then also swooning and smiling when our FMC and MMC figured out their feelings. Add in that they are creatives and stoners with excellent taste in music and I gobbled this book up in less than two days. Absolutely refreshing and such a fun read!

[Kenna Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review. ***Definitely an 18+ Read***
First of all thank you so much M.A Lakewood for another wonderful opportunity to arc for you. Second of all, can I just say what a fun read. I absolutely adore Fern and Elliot. Their chemistry is amazing as well as their story. I love the cozy storyline and am so happy I read this. If you are into shifter romances, grumpyish/sunshine. Fitz and Starts is definitely the book for you. 10/10

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC book. This was such a great and fun book. This book about shifters and is book 2. This book
Is about Fern and Elliot. I giggled in some places and awed in others. Some spicy scenes throughout. I loved this take on shifter. This book was well written, a good storyline and character development. It had the same characters from the first book and a great set up for the third. I loved this story right from the first chapter that I read. I highly recommend this book.

[Kalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHH! This book was so cute! Fern and Elliott are two of the most relatable and lovable characters. I wish I could be friends with them in real life. The relationship dynamic between these two was so much fun to read. There were so many funny scenes in this book and I found myself smiling while reading too many times to count.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute small town shifter romance. Beckett Falls seems like a great place to live (and I'm not normally a fan of small towns after growing up in one).

I really enjoyed the romance in this as well as all the moments of humor. I also read and recommend the first book. I can't wait for the next one and I hope the town gets a good pizza place.

4.75 stars rounded up to 5

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gemma Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly written book the characters are amazing and so loveable and the storyline is supurb I adore the beckett falls series and cannot reccomend it enough it's amazing and heart warming and cute and cozy and all the wonderful nice things you expect to find in a stunning fabulous book xx

[Sarah Waldrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐5/5 🌶️4/5 (ARC review)

This book brought me so much joy!! It's low stakes, high heat, and lots of fluff. The friendships are as beautifully crafted as the relationship between Fitz and Fern, and the pack members kept me laughing and awing in "Fitz and Starts" (read the book then come back and laugh at my pun). I highly recommend this book!!

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I loved Fern and Elliots story!! It was a quick read and had all the aspects I loved from book one in it. Plus you get to see hints at who the next book is going to be about.
At first when he feels the mate pull hes determined to stay away and let the bond run out but his bear doesn't agree with that. The more time they spend together the more he wants the bond and the stronger it becomes.

[Sam Bartkowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable. I felt it was such a feel-good shifter story.

There wasn't a lot of angst and OF COURSE we have a HEA. Give me a shifter story any day of the week and it'll make me happy. Both Fitz and Fern made the story cute and kept me entertained the whole time.