What do you think?
Beckett Falls #2
Fitz and Starts
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.
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.
- GenresParanormal Romance
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2026
About the author
M.A. Lakewood
9 books68 followersM.A. Lakewood loves books. She writes slightly silly romance: shifter romcoms, fantasy romance, and recently some campy alien smut.
M.A. Lakewood's Links
M.A. Lakewood's Links
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 9, 2026
ARC provided by the author 3.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️ | Contemporary Shifter Romance 🐺🌲
Having previously loved The Chaosweaver’s Daughter, I was curious to discover another side of M.A. Lakewood’s writing through the Beckett Falls series.
While I ultimately realized that contemporary shifter romances aren't entirely my preferred subgenre, this was still an entertaining read and, as Lakewood herself describes it, "a perfect palate-cleanser."
One of the book's strengths is undoubtedly the relationship between Fitz and Fern. Their devotion to one another shines throughout the story, and despite the fated mates premise, I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I also appreciated the found family dynamics and the group text exchanges, which added warmth and humor to the story.
Overall, Fitz & Starts helped me better understand the appeal of shifter romance. It also introduced me to specific aspects I wasn't familiar with, such as the mating bond and the shifting process. I would still be curious to return to this world in future installments.
As a romantasy reader, I tend to prefer immersive fantasy worlds and emotionally driven relationships, and I found myself enjoying the romance more than the subgenre itself. Some of the highly contemporary elements didn't resonate with me as strongly, and the open-door steam level was more explicit than I had expected. 😅
However, readers who enjoy cozy small-town shifter romances filled with banter, spicy steam, found family, and a satisfying happily-ever-after are likely to have a wonderful time with this book.
Thank you very much to M.A. Lakewood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own
Having previously loved The Chaosweaver’s Daughter, I was curious to discover another side of M.A. Lakewood’s writing through the Beckett Falls series.
While I ultimately realized that contemporary shifter romances aren't entirely my preferred subgenre, this was still an entertaining read and, as Lakewood herself describes it, "a perfect palate-cleanser."
One of the book's strengths is undoubtedly the relationship between Fitz and Fern. Their devotion to one another shines throughout the story, and despite the fated mates premise, I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I also appreciated the found family dynamics and the group text exchanges, which added warmth and humor to the story.
Overall, Fitz & Starts helped me better understand the appeal of shifter romance. It also introduced me to specific aspects I wasn't familiar with, such as the mating bond and the shifting process. I would still be curious to return to this world in future installments.
As a romantasy reader, I tend to prefer immersive fantasy worlds and emotionally driven relationships, and I found myself enjoying the romance more than the subgenre itself. Some of the highly contemporary elements didn't resonate with me as strongly, and the open-door steam level was more explicit than I had expected. 😅
However, readers who enjoy cozy small-town shifter romances filled with banter, spicy steam, found family, and a satisfying happily-ever-after are likely to have a wonderful time with this book.
Thank you very much to M.A. Lakewood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own
May 10, 2026
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!!!!
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!!!!
June 11, 2026
I knew I was gonna enjoy this book because I love me a bear shifter but I had no idea just how absolutely down bad, head over heels, hopelessly in love with it I would be. It was so good! And it made me feel seen. I am a middle of the road, average, not ambitious person and it is nice to see that represented on page as being a good thing, a fulfilling thing. It's okay for ladders to just be for reaching things on the high shelves, not corporate climbing.
Fern is a human.
Elliott/Fitz is a bear shifter.
They met through mutual friends. He said a dumb thing. It set a tone and not a good one. She has moved to his town. He, his bear & his nose take note. Big time. She thinks he is cute. He thinks she smells amazing. They start spending time together. He does some making up for his dumb. And then they start spending time *together*. And the world rejoiced!
Fern is an artist who struggles to see her talent and has a mother who likes to downplay her life because she is very career & corporate focused and thinks her daughter should have finished college (even though it wasn't what she wanted). I really enjoyed her journey of exploring, expressing & realizing all the ways she is an artist.
Elliott is a business owner, potter, bread baker, smoker, and grumpy lover of cozy solitude. He thinks that he and his simple life aren't enough for Fern because she is so amazing & fancy. I love when he realizes that he and his life are exactly perfect for her, that he is enough.
I love them together and the life they choose to start building together. I love the way they talk and share their lives. The way they connect about their days, talk about the future and share their dreams is really amazing.
M.A. writes some of my favourite low angst, fun stories. There is so much heart & joy in them. They feed my soul and make me giggle & swoon. Love!
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
Fern is a human.
Elliott/Fitz is a bear shifter.
They met through mutual friends. He said a dumb thing. It set a tone and not a good one. She has moved to his town. He, his bear & his nose take note. Big time. She thinks he is cute. He thinks she smells amazing. They start spending time together. He does some making up for his dumb. And then they start spending time *together*. And the world rejoiced!
Fern is an artist who struggles to see her talent and has a mother who likes to downplay her life because she is very career & corporate focused and thinks her daughter should have finished college (even though it wasn't what she wanted). I really enjoyed her journey of exploring, expressing & realizing all the ways she is an artist.
Elliott is a business owner, potter, bread baker, smoker, and grumpy lover of cozy solitude. He thinks that he and his simple life aren't enough for Fern because she is so amazing & fancy. I love when he realizes that he and his life are exactly perfect for her, that he is enough.
I love them together and the life they choose to start building together. I love the way they talk and share their lives. The way they connect about their days, talk about the future and share their dreams is really amazing.
M.A. writes some of my favourite low angst, fun stories. There is so much heart & joy in them. They feed my soul and make me giggle & swoon. Love!
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
July 29, 2026
This book tells the story of Fern, an artist and salon tech looking for a fresh start in a small town where her best friend has found love and happiness (Book 1 of the series). But Fern doesn't know she's now living in a tight knit town of shifters, so she definitely doesn't see the signs when the grumpy Elliott (who thinks she is "chatty") starts paying her a lot of attention -- the kind a mate might, perhaps?
This was a buddy read for me on a whim, and I enjoyed it a lot. A light and sweet love story between two people who just want to carve out a quiet existence that seems meaningful for them. I enjoyed the humor and the FMC's inner monologue, which felt like the monologue in my own brain most of the time.
The chemistry between the two was palpable and heartwarming, as they help each other see past their own insecurities. The reactions of Elliot's inner bear added a layer of tension and humor that had me giggling. The whole thing was a perfect in-between for my normal dark and story reading list.
Tropes:
--Mates
--Bad first impression to friends with benefits to lovers
--Shifter / small town romance
--Grumpy x Sunshine
This was a buddy read for me on a whim, and I enjoyed it a lot. A light and sweet love story between two people who just want to carve out a quiet existence that seems meaningful for them. I enjoyed the humor and the FMC's inner monologue, which felt like the monologue in my own brain most of the time.
The chemistry between the two was palpable and heartwarming, as they help each other see past their own insecurities. The reactions of Elliot's inner bear added a layer of tension and humor that had me giggling. The whole thing was a perfect in-between for my normal dark and story reading list.
Tropes:
--Mates
--Bad first impression to friends with benefits to lovers
--Shifter / small town romance
--Grumpy x Sunshine
May 26, 2026
Super cute! I need to read book one to know more about the first couple and can’t wait for the next couple!
July 31, 2026
Such a cute and wholesome little small town romance. I loved the characters dynamic and there were parts that made me laugh out loud. Perfect palate cleanser
August 13, 2026
Definitely not my favorite one, this was extremely slow paced and I didn’t care for either the fmc or mmc.
Love the cozy small town vibes ! And the writing was pretty good. Just not a plot I was interested in and found boring.
Love the cozy small town vibes ! And the writing was pretty good. Just not a plot I was interested in and found boring.
June 13, 2026
Ooh I loved this book! It was just what I needed in between my heavier reads. The author has created such a world with these books, I can’t wait to go back!
Although I really liked the first book, I loved this one more! I found I connected more with the MCs and their anxiety and the over thinking. I loved Elliot as the MC, and I really enjoyed having the perspective of someone completely new to shifters in Ferns POV.
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy, fun read, I cannot recommend this one enough!
Although I really liked the first book, I loved this one more! I found I connected more with the MCs and their anxiety and the over thinking. I loved Elliot as the MC, and I really enjoyed having the perspective of someone completely new to shifters in Ferns POV.
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy, fun read, I cannot recommend this one enough!
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026Just couldn’t get into this one. DNF at 17pct.
Review of advance copy
Well here we go again! Into the hidden gem of Becket Falls where we find our wonderfully talkative Fmc moving into the tiny apartment above the coffee shop hoping to start her life over away from the casual dismissal of her mother, only it’s never casual and always self esteem breaking. One wrong turn in the dim evening has us meeting our wonderfully shy MMC and off we go on another adventure with miscommunication, finding the perfect place in life and realizing that the things you may see as failures another will see as attributes.
Fern is all for starting over, and especially moving close to her very best friend has all of the upsides she could hope for, that is until she runs into Elliot Fitzpatrick. When she meets this handsome man face to face for the first time, she realizes he must hate her, for all of the avoidance he is trying and failing to do.
Fitz on the other hand is trying to come to terms with the gorgeous woman who just fell into his lap and sent his Bear on a rampage, shallow hook ups, staying away from potential mates that’s all he’s ever tried to do, all he thinks he is worthy of until Fern dumps herself in his lap. What ensues is a love story for the ages, with all the tropes you would expect, and a healthy dose of betrayal (leading to a 3rd book I hope!) of the ladies other Bestie and the ramifications of true love, and fated mates.
You seriously can’t go wrong with this series and I adore the authors words and characters, I connected a lot with Fern and makes you hope for that elusive love only your soulmate can give you.
Well here we go again! Into the hidden gem of Becket Falls where we find our wonderfully talkative Fmc moving into the tiny apartment above the coffee shop hoping to start her life over away from the casual dismissal of her mother, only it’s never casual and always self esteem breaking. One wrong turn in the dim evening has us meeting our wonderfully shy MMC and off we go on another adventure with miscommunication, finding the perfect place in life and realizing that the things you may see as failures another will see as attributes.
Fern is all for starting over, and especially moving close to her very best friend has all of the upsides she could hope for, that is until she runs into Elliot Fitzpatrick. When she meets this handsome man face to face for the first time, she realizes he must hate her, for all of the avoidance he is trying and failing to do.
Fitz on the other hand is trying to come to terms with the gorgeous woman who just fell into his lap and sent his Bear on a rampage, shallow hook ups, staying away from potential mates that’s all he’s ever tried to do, all he thinks he is worthy of until Fern dumps herself in his lap. What ensues is a love story for the ages, with all the tropes you would expect, and a healthy dose of betrayal (leading to a 3rd book I hope!) of the ladies other Bestie and the ramifications of true love, and fated mates.
You seriously can’t go wrong with this series and I adore the authors words and characters, I connected a lot with Fern and makes you hope for that elusive love only your soulmate can give you.
Fern is all for starting over, and especially moving close to her very best friend has all of the upsides she could hope for, that is until she runs into Elliot Fitzpatrick. When she meets this handsome man face to face for the first time, she realizes he must hate her, for all of the avoidance he is trying and failing to do.
Fitz on the other hand is trying to come to terms with the gorgeous woman who just fell into his lap and sent his Bear on a rampage, shallow hook ups, staying away from potential mates that’s all he’s ever tried to do, all he thinks he is worthy of until Fern dumps herself in his lap. What ensues is a love story for the ages, with all the tropes you would expect, and a healthy dose of betrayal (leading to a 3rd book I hope!) of the ladies other Bestie and the ramifications of true love, and fated mates.
You seriously can’t go wrong with this series and I adore the authors words and characters, I connected a lot with Fern and makes you hope for that elusive love only your soulmate can give you.
Well here we go again! Into the hidden gem of Becket Falls where we find our wonderfully talkative Fmc moving into the tiny apartment above the coffee shop hoping to start her life over away from the casual dismissal of her mother, only it’s never casual and always self esteem breaking. One wrong turn in the dim evening has us meeting our wonderfully shy MMC and off we go on another adventure with miscommunication, finding the perfect place in life and realizing that the things you may see as failures another will see as attributes.
Fern is all for starting over, and especially moving close to her very best friend has all of the upsides she could hope for, that is until she runs into Elliot Fitzpatrick. When she meets this handsome man face to face for the first time, she realizes he must hate her, for all of the avoidance he is trying and failing to do.
Fitz on the other hand is trying to come to terms with the gorgeous woman who just fell into his lap and sent his Bear on a rampage, shallow hook ups, staying away from potential mates that’s all he’s ever tried to do, all he thinks he is worthy of until Fern dumps herself in his lap. What ensues is a love story for the ages, with all the tropes you would expect, and a healthy dose of betrayal (leading to a 3rd book I hope!) of the ladies other Bestie and the ramifications of true love, and fated mates.
You seriously can’t go wrong with this series and I adore the authors words and characters, I connected a lot with Fern and makes you hope for that elusive love only your soulmate can give you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this was SUCH a good read! Cozy, romance, fun dash of fantasy and shifters (and not just the more common ones like wolves and all but bears, foxes, otters, and more), absolutely PEAK banter, fantastic setting and characters, found family/friend group - could not put the book down, had to read in one sitting, had me absolutely hooked - now I need another half dozen books in the series to read like yesterday already :P
Some of my favorite quotes:
"… while she reached into the box and pulled out another fucking pillow…." - lol the humor, the annoyance, etc of Elliot here is perfect for so early into the book :P
"I'm *not* going to feel great tomorrow," Liv countered. "It's two a.m. I should've gone to sleep hours ago, but instead I'm spending my night watching the two of you put on choreographed dance routines to Kidz Bop songs, and I don't know how I ended up here." - again LOL - the banter is SOOOO good in this book between all the friends and mates and more.
"She chunked the mess in the trash, pretty sure this was the only time she'd ever cry over sunglasses shaped like ballsacks with a big floppy cock hanging from the front.
It better be. " - again LOL - such a Fern-coded comment/thought lol.
"With the next bite loaded, he said, "More," and stuck it in again. "You were eating too slow. Feeing before fucking is key."
"Is it now?" she asked, hiding her mouth behind her palm.
"Mhm. I'll embroider it on a pillow."
"Do you embroider?"
- again, LOL :P - I will keep saying it, the banter, the teasing, the personalities, all of it are fantastic in this book :D
Absolutely cannot wait to read whatever future books in the series are planned and ABSOLUTELY going to have to go back and read the first standalone in the same universe/town/series that I hadn't found before reading this.
Definitely recommend - fantastic banter, very fun spice not overwhelming the fantastic plot and characters, the setting is amazing, very eager to see if at least one of my future pairing predications I formed about 2/3 of the way in when Fern is asking questions of Liv about what she can and can't tell Ren about. Such a good ratio on plot vs spice with fantastically well-done characters, a charming little town that I can't wait to see explored more in future books, and a plot that felt fantastically paced. 5/5 stars for sure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"… while she reached into the box and pulled out another fucking pillow…." - lol the humor, the annoyance, etc of Elliot here is perfect for so early into the book :P
"I'm *not* going to feel great tomorrow," Liv countered. "It's two a.m. I should've gone to sleep hours ago, but instead I'm spending my night watching the two of you put on choreographed dance routines to Kidz Bop songs, and I don't know how I ended up here." - again LOL - the banter is SOOOO good in this book between all the friends and mates and more.
"She chunked the mess in the trash, pretty sure this was the only time she'd ever cry over sunglasses shaped like ballsacks with a big floppy cock hanging from the front.
It better be. " - again LOL - such a Fern-coded comment/thought lol.
"With the next bite loaded, he said, "More," and stuck it in again. "You were eating too slow. Feeing before fucking is key."
"Is it now?" she asked, hiding her mouth behind her palm.
"Mhm. I'll embroider it on a pillow."
"Do you embroider?"
- again, LOL :P - I will keep saying it, the banter, the teasing, the personalities, all of it are fantastic in this book :D
Absolutely cannot wait to read whatever future books in the series are planned and ABSOLUTELY going to have to go back and read the first standalone in the same universe/town/series that I hadn't found before reading this.
Definitely recommend - fantastic banter, very fun spice not overwhelming the fantastic plot and characters, the setting is amazing, very eager to see if at least one of my future pairing predications I formed about 2/3 of the way in when Fern is asking questions of Liv about what she can and can't tell Ren about. Such a good ratio on plot vs spice with fantastically well-done characters, a charming little town that I can't wait to see explored more in future books, and a plot that felt fantastically paced. 5/5 stars for sure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING TO BE ADOPTED BY BECKETT FALLS!!! 😭🐻❤️
Before I get into the nitty gritty, I feel like this town reminds me of Schmigadoon but in a paranormal, shifter way and I love that so much!
Seriously, M.A. Lakewood has created the coziest, most lovable shifter town ever, and Fitz and Starts just cemented my obsession with this series! Dare I say this was even better than Beck and Call, but it really is! I can see just how much M.A. is improving as a writer and storyteller and she is so talented. I really loved this book so much!
Fern and Fitz were absolutely adorable together. Fern is trying to start fresh and build a life that makes HER happy instead of living according to everyone else's expectations, and I loved that so much. She's chatty, funny, and unapologetically herself, which made me love her so much. She is one of my favorite FMCs ever.
I am OBSESSED with Fitz! This man just wants to bake bread, make pottery, avoid people, and live his quiet little life. And that makes him such a relatable king! 😂The grumpy x sunshine vibes were perfection, especially because neither of them is trying to be anything they're not. They just want a simple, peaceful life, and I loved that the book never treated that as something they needed to "fix".
The chemistry between these two was immediate and SO GOOD. Fitz's bear basically taking one look at Fern and deciding "yep, that's mine" had me grinning the entire time. The fated mates aspect was adorable, but it never felt like it took away from their actual connection. They genuinely enjoyed each other, and their banter was really playful and hilarious.
The ENTIRE Beckett Falls cast is my favorite part (aside from the romance). Every time a familiar character showed up, I got ridiculously excited! This town feels like coming home at this point, and I never want to leave. I love when authors make a book and its setting and its characters really feel like a place to escape and live vicariously in a fantasy type world.
The whole book is cozy, funny, sweet, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the bear shenanigans. The spice is excellent too! 🌶️😏
Please read this immediately, but also check out Beck and Call! It's so worth it, I promise.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next Beckett Falls book.
Thank you to M.A. Lakewood and BookSirens for the eARC of this book.
I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING TO BE ADOPTED BY BECKETT FALLS!!! 😭🐻❤️
Before I get into the nitty gritty, I feel like this town reminds me of Schmigadoon but in a paranormal, shifter way and I love that so much!
Seriously, M.A. Lakewood has created the coziest, most lovable shifter town ever, and Fitz and Starts just cemented my obsession with this series! Dare I say this was even better than Beck and Call, but it really is! I can see just how much M.A. is improving as a writer and storyteller and she is so talented. I really loved this book so much!
Fern and Fitz were absolutely adorable together. Fern is trying to start fresh and build a life that makes HER happy instead of living according to everyone else's expectations, and I loved that so much. She's chatty, funny, and unapologetically herself, which made me love her so much. She is one of my favorite FMCs ever.
I am OBSESSED with Fitz! This man just wants to bake bread, make pottery, avoid people, and live his quiet little life. And that makes him such a relatable king! 😂The grumpy x sunshine vibes were perfection, especially because neither of them is trying to be anything they're not. They just want a simple, peaceful life, and I loved that the book never treated that as something they needed to "fix".
The chemistry between these two was immediate and SO GOOD. Fitz's bear basically taking one look at Fern and deciding "yep, that's mine" had me grinning the entire time. The fated mates aspect was adorable, but it never felt like it took away from their actual connection. They genuinely enjoyed each other, and their banter was really playful and hilarious.
The ENTIRE Beckett Falls cast is my favorite part (aside from the romance). Every time a familiar character showed up, I got ridiculously excited! This town feels like coming home at this point, and I never want to leave. I love when authors make a book and its setting and its characters really feel like a place to escape and live vicariously in a fantasy type world.
The whole book is cozy, funny, sweet, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the bear shenanigans. The spice is excellent too! 🌶️😏
Please read this immediately, but also check out Beck and Call! It's so worth it, I promise.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next Beckett Falls book.
Thank you to M.A. Lakewood and BookSirens for the eARC of this book.
August 31, 2026
Fitz and Starts by M.A. Lakewood is a small town shifter romance that feels like chicken noodle soup for the soul. It’s cozy and heartwarming but also vulnerable and relatable. It reads like a love letter to Opposites Attract written by Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover.
Fern often feels like she’s not good enough. Not successful enough. Not serious enough. Not talented enough. She was taught to be goal driven and by her mother’s metrics for success — she’s been failing for a very long time.
Elliot is a bear shifter that enjoys solitude and his quiet life. He’s protective of his peace, his time and his space. He’s creative, artistic and most importantly — he’s content. But when Fern moves to town his bear goes wild.
There’s no doubt Elliot wants to claim the smut-loving human that talks too much when she’s nervous. He isn’t ready for the feelings of inadequacy that come from finding a potential mate, though. So, he sends mixed signals. He brings her trout and packed bowls. He puts her futon together. He kisses her and says he shouldn’t have. He gives her handmade intentionally mismatched pottery as a housewarming gift then leaves the party early. He’s all over the place in a bear spiral of epic proportions. He wants to protect, not justify, the small life he’s made for himself. But what if he doesn’t need to make space for Fern? What if she fits perfectly in his world, his home and his heart already?
Fitz and Starts is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones. It’s perfect for paranormal romance readers that enjoy small town, low-stakes, dual POVs, human outsider discovering & embracing shifter culture, found family, grumpy x sunshine, potential & true mate bonds and open door spice!
My heart feels so full after reading this and I’m looking forward to my next visit to Beckett Falls!
Fern often feels like she’s not good enough. Not successful enough. Not serious enough. Not talented enough. She was taught to be goal driven and by her mother’s metrics for success — she’s been failing for a very long time.
Elliot is a bear shifter that enjoys solitude and his quiet life. He’s protective of his peace, his time and his space. He’s creative, artistic and most importantly — he’s content. But when Fern moves to town his bear goes wild.
There’s no doubt Elliot wants to claim the smut-loving human that talks too much when she’s nervous. He isn’t ready for the feelings of inadequacy that come from finding a potential mate, though. So, he sends mixed signals. He brings her trout and packed bowls. He puts her futon together. He kisses her and says he shouldn’t have. He gives her handmade intentionally mismatched pottery as a housewarming gift then leaves the party early. He’s all over the place in a bear spiral of epic proportions. He wants to protect, not justify, the small life he’s made for himself. But what if he doesn’t need to make space for Fern? What if she fits perfectly in his world, his home and his heart already?
Fitz and Starts is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones. It’s perfect for paranormal romance readers that enjoy small town, low-stakes, dual POVs, human outsider discovering & embracing shifter culture, found family, grumpy x sunshine, potential & true mate bonds and open door spice!
My heart feels so full after reading this and I’m looking forward to my next visit to Beckett Falls!
June 1, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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
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
June 12, 2026
I had a lot of good laughs and swoon-worthy moments with this one! This is the first book I think I've read where the hero is a bear shifter, and I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Lakewood's description of Elliot's bear's quirky personality. I especially enjoyed those scenes where Elliot's bear would be out, and how stubborn he could be that Elliot often had to beg his beast to listen to him. It was amusing how that stubbornness was greatest when the beast was face-to-face with their mate, Fern.
Out of everything in the book, I had the most fun reading up on Fern's transformation into her animal after she and Elliot completed their mating ritual. It was amusing to see Elliot's bear interact fondly with Fern's animal, and how Fern relished in her transformation. She sure had no qualms over becoming supernatural!
I was likewise greatly attracted to the narrative in this story that showed how two people - who both believed their lives felt so simple, mundane, and unimpressive - finally find something exceptional and life-altering in each other, and all of a sudden their lives are the best that it could be for them. I suppose that is how one's fated mate should affect one's life: it makes it ultimately better because one's fated mate is the one perfect for you. I'm glad that's the reality of fated mates in this fictional world of Becket Falls.
I'm grateful to have been a recipient of a free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
Out of everything in the book, I had the most fun reading up on Fern's transformation into her animal after she and Elliot completed their mating ritual. It was amusing to see Elliot's bear interact fondly with Fern's animal, and how Fern relished in her transformation. She sure had no qualms over becoming supernatural!
I was likewise greatly attracted to the narrative in this story that showed how two people - who both believed their lives felt so simple, mundane, and unimpressive - finally find something exceptional and life-altering in each other, and all of a sudden their lives are the best that it could be for them. I suppose that is how one's fated mate should affect one's life: it makes it ultimately better because one's fated mate is the one perfect for you. I'm glad that's the reality of fated mates in this fictional world of Becket Falls.
I'm grateful to have been a recipient of a free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fitz and Starts by M.A. Lakewood
Fern is starting over in the town of Beckett Falls. She gets lost on her way to her new apartment and ends up at Elliott's house. They are familiar with each other due to mutual friends, but have never met in person. Fern is 100% human, but Elliott is a bear shifter. To his surprise, upon meeting Fern, his bear knows. She is his true mate. Fern has no idea that shifters even exist, much less that she's moved to a town chock full of them! So Fitz does what anyone would do. He ignores the mate bond that keeps pulling him towards Fern. He tries to remain friends only and fails spectacularly. 🤣 However, on their way to completing the bond and their HEA, they discover that they do have a lot in common and similar life goals. WHICH I LOVED!!! We do not have to be overachievers! The middle of the road is just fine for me. And Fern's animal... PERFECT! It made me so happy. 😊
We also get a glimpse into the lives of the characters we met in book one, who are a great friend group. I'm excited for book three, and I hope I know who the couple is. 🤞
If you are looking for a fast-paced, cozy, low angst, shifter romance with a bit of humor and spice, check this one out. You won't regret it.
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, M.A. Lakewood and Book Sirens for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Fitz and Starts by M.A. Lakewood
Fern is starting over in the town of Beckett Falls. She gets lost on her way to her new apartment and ends up at Elliott's house. They are familiar with each other due to mutual friends, but have never met in person. Fern is 100% human, but Elliott is a bear shifter. To his surprise, upon meeting Fern, his bear knows. She is his true mate. Fern has no idea that shifters even exist, much less that she's moved to a town chock full of them! So Fitz does what anyone would do. He ignores the mate bond that keeps pulling him towards Fern. He tries to remain friends only and fails spectacularly. 🤣 However, on their way to completing the bond and their HEA, they discover that they do have a lot in common and similar life goals. WHICH I LOVED!!! We do not have to be overachievers! The middle of the road is just fine for me. And Fern's animal... PERFECT! It made me so happy. 😊
We also get a glimpse into the lives of the characters we met in book one, who are a great friend group. I'm excited for book three, and I hope I know who the couple is. 🤞
If you are looking for a fast-paced, cozy, low angst, shifter romance with a bit of humor and spice, check this one out. You won't regret it.
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, M.A. Lakewood and Book Sirens for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
June 19, 2026
Ok like seriously could this town be any cuter?!?
This entire friend’ group has me in a chokehold… l
I’m OBSESSED.
This FMC, is a fellow hair stylist, so immediately I adore her. But also all joking aside this author… I’m not sure if she knows someone who’s a stylist or was one… but she nailed the daily struggle that I think Sonny of us in this industry face..that feeling of second guessing and not feeling as if our job is truly enough. But I think she also does an incredible job of showing how talented you have to be to be in this profession. How the word artist can look so different and yet it doesn’t make it any less true. And most importantly that success looks different for everyone.
The MMC, he’s like the towns cinnamon roll … he’s an artist, he’s a baker, he’s the group chef. I immediately was swooning. He’s shy and sweet. And I loved that his bear was so feisty and persistent…he needed that push.
These two were each others ying and yang… I was immediately smitten with this couple. I loved how they took made their own path… and built this foundation together before they mated.
I loved how they were both unapologetically themselves.
And their chemistry… their push and pull for dominance. Their playfulness… it was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy!
I loved seeing more of our favorites come previous books…. And I cannot wait to see who falls next in Beckett Falls!
This entire friend’ group has me in a chokehold… l
I’m OBSESSED.
This FMC, is a fellow hair stylist, so immediately I adore her. But also all joking aside this author… I’m not sure if she knows someone who’s a stylist or was one… but she nailed the daily struggle that I think Sonny of us in this industry face..that feeling of second guessing and not feeling as if our job is truly enough. But I think she also does an incredible job of showing how talented you have to be to be in this profession. How the word artist can look so different and yet it doesn’t make it any less true. And most importantly that success looks different for everyone.
The MMC, he’s like the towns cinnamon roll … he’s an artist, he’s a baker, he’s the group chef. I immediately was swooning. He’s shy and sweet. And I loved that his bear was so feisty and persistent…he needed that push.
These two were each others ying and yang… I was immediately smitten with this couple. I loved how they took made their own path… and built this foundation together before they mated.
I loved how they were both unapologetically themselves.
And their chemistry… their push and pull for dominance. Their playfulness… it was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy!
I loved seeing more of our favorites come previous books…. And I cannot wait to see who falls next in Beckett Falls!
July 29, 2026
Oh, you want to entice me to read a book you’ve written? Make the book title a pun. I’m in!
Fitz and Starts is a cozy and cheeky small town shifter romance that I gobbled up in one sitting.
Fern has decided to bail on her city life with too many expectations and her overbearing mother. She’s starting over in the small town of Beckett Falls to be closer to her best friend Olivia and focus on being a hair stylist.
She’s a fan of monster smut audiobooks and talking too much when she’s nervous, doesn’t consider herself an artist, and just wants a quieter life for herself.
Elliott is a bear shifter. Grumpy and solitary, he wants to be left alone, working on his pottery, making food, and only seeing friends once and awhile.
When Fern accidentally takes a wrong turn on her way into town and ends up his driveway, his Bear perks right on up and wants her immediately.
We get a touching love story of two people that worry too much about other people’s expectations of them, and a delicious little will they won’t they as both characters move to admit that they want each other. Fern is a human, how will she react to finding out that she’s moved to a town full of shifters?!
It’s playful, it’s fun, their friend group is insane, and the relationship between Fern and Elliott is ridiculous and adorable. Highly recommend this humorous and easy to read shifter rom-com. Can’t wait to devour the next in the series!!!
Fitz and Starts is a cozy and cheeky small town shifter romance that I gobbled up in one sitting.
Fern has decided to bail on her city life with too many expectations and her overbearing mother. She’s starting over in the small town of Beckett Falls to be closer to her best friend Olivia and focus on being a hair stylist.
She’s a fan of monster smut audiobooks and talking too much when she’s nervous, doesn’t consider herself an artist, and just wants a quieter life for herself.
Elliott is a bear shifter. Grumpy and solitary, he wants to be left alone, working on his pottery, making food, and only seeing friends once and awhile.
When Fern accidentally takes a wrong turn on her way into town and ends up his driveway, his Bear perks right on up and wants her immediately.
We get a touching love story of two people that worry too much about other people’s expectations of them, and a delicious little will they won’t they as both characters move to admit that they want each other. Fern is a human, how will she react to finding out that she’s moved to a town full of shifters?!
It’s playful, it’s fun, their friend group is insane, and the relationship between Fern and Elliott is ridiculous and adorable. Highly recommend this humorous and easy to read shifter rom-com. Can’t wait to devour the next in the series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"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!
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!
June 12, 2026
This book had me absolutely cackling and blushing and everything in between. I was so invested in this story. I refused to put it down. Who needs sleep when I can read about fern and Elliott?! I honestly want to be Fern. She’s chaotic and sweet and loves her some smut. She’s just a little book goblin who uses what she read to her real life experiences. Elliott is so far gone that he doesn’t even know it. Absolutely adorable. I found it so refreshing that he’s shown as anxious and awkward and laid back. We don’t get that much in this genre. The two of them together is utter perfection honestly. They complement each other and mirror each other too. It’s a dynamic I loved seeing. The chemistry they have is intense and insane. They know how to match each other’s vibes in that aspect. Honestly everything about them together felt so genuine and real and cute. I wanted nothing more than for them to get everything they deserved. And the ending this author gave us was exactly what I needed for them.
June 15, 2026
Fitz (Elliot) and Fern are cute, smart, and sexy.
Fern follows her friend Olivia to Beckett Falls to start a new job at the only salon in town. Unknowingly moving into a town full of animal shifters, she makes friends, sets down roots, and tries to improve her confidence in her skills. Elliot, a town enforcer, is a big, grumpy bear (literally and figuratively) of a man, and enjoys the solitude of his cabin and pottery shed the most. Until Fern came to town.
Now, Elliot has to decide if Fern is worth the risk and potential reward of having a mate. And Fern has to decide whether she feels worthy enough for someone to love her for who she is.
The internal thoughts and dialogue felt very authentic, and I really enjoyed reading a pretty lighthearted shifter romance. The characters don't always make the best decisions, but since we're reading from an outsider's perspective, we're bound to have differing opinions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fern follows her friend Olivia to Beckett Falls to start a new job at the only salon in town. Unknowingly moving into a town full of animal shifters, she makes friends, sets down roots, and tries to improve her confidence in her skills. Elliot, a town enforcer, is a big, grumpy bear (literally and figuratively) of a man, and enjoys the solitude of his cabin and pottery shed the most. Until Fern came to town.
Now, Elliot has to decide if Fern is worth the risk and potential reward of having a mate. And Fern has to decide whether she feels worthy enough for someone to love her for who she is.
The internal thoughts and dialogue felt very authentic, and I really enjoyed reading a pretty lighthearted shifter romance. The characters don't always make the best decisions, but since we're reading from an outsider's perspective, we're bound to have differing opinions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2026
M.A. Lakewood has done it again because apparently Beckett Falls is a place I would willingly relocate to despite the alarming number of shifters and the complete lack of available real estate.
Fitz and Starts was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Cozy, funny, spicy, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of characters that feel less like characters and more like people you'd run into at the local coffee shop and immediately want to gossip with.
Fern is an easy favorite for me. A romance-reading, chaotic, anxiety-riddled woman trying to build a new life for herself? Say less. I adored her. She felt wonderfully human, and I loved that her anxieties weren't magically solved by finding a man. She still had to navigate them, work through them, and learn to trust herself along the way.
And then there's Elliott Fitzpatrick. Friends... This man is a grizzly bear. Literally and emotionally.
He's grumpy. He's awkward. He has the communication skills and emotional grace of a damp pinecone. And yet he's impossible not to love. Beneath all the growling is a giant softie who just wants a quiet life, good food, people to care about, and someone who chooses him. A big dumb bear of a man in the very best way.
The chemistry was there from the beginning, the spice was absolutely spicing, but it was the smaller moments that really sold me. The awkwardness. The vulnerability. The misunderstandings. Watching them fall in love felt less like reading a romance and more like watching two friends finally get out of their own way.
The found family in this series continues to be one of my favorite parts. Every book somehow makes me more attached to this town and its residents. At this point, I have become emotionally invested in everyone's happiness and would like to formally request that Able, Renata, and Noa find their mates immediately.
This is no longer a suggestion. It is an urgent community initiative.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be patiently waiting for my next visit to Beckett Falls and keeping a close eye on the mate situation because some of us have priorities.<-div>
Fitz and Starts was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Cozy, funny, spicy, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of characters that feel less like characters and more like people you'd run into at the local coffee shop and immediately want to gossip with.
Fern is an easy favorite for me. A romance-reading, chaotic, anxiety-riddled woman trying to build a new life for herself? Say less. I adored her. She felt wonderfully human, and I loved that her anxieties weren't magically solved by finding a man. She still had to navigate them, work through them, and learn to trust herself along the way.
And then there's Elliott Fitzpatrick. Friends... This man is a grizzly bear. Literally and emotionally.
He's grumpy. He's awkward. He has the communication skills and emotional grace of a damp pinecone. And yet he's impossible not to love. Beneath all the growling is a giant softie who just wants a quiet life, good food, people to care about, and someone who chooses him. A big dumb bear of a man in the very best way.
The chemistry was there from the beginning, the spice was absolutely spicing, but it was the smaller moments that really sold me. The awkwardness. The vulnerability. The misunderstandings. Watching them fall in love felt less like reading a romance and more like watching two friends finally get out of their own way.
The found family in this series continues to be one of my favorite parts. Every book somehow makes me more attached to this town and its residents. At this point, I have become emotionally invested in everyone's happiness and would like to formally request that Able, Renata, and Noa find their mates immediately.
This is no longer a suggestion. It is an urgent community initiative.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be patiently waiting for my next visit to Beckett Falls and keeping a close eye on the mate situation because some of us have priorities.<-div>
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews