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Montana Wild Bears #1
Find Her Bear
Tess Laurelton, PhD, likes things wild and unexpected. She's curvy, smart and not the kind of woman to let life stand in the way of adventure. Her career as a well-respected grizzly bear expert should have given her plenty of adventure, but instead, she's camped up inside a research lab. When she is given the opportunity to find out why the grizzly population at Cabinet Mountains in Montana is suddenly booming, she jumps at the chance. What she doesn't know is that the innocent trip will be a lot more primal and untamed than she could have ever imagined.
Jackson Arder might be known as a reserved forest ranger, but he is first and foremost the powerful Alpha of a prominent werebear clan. His clan has come under attack by a man he thought of as his brother, Ryder Hunt, throwing his life in turmoil. When Tess shows up on Jackson's doorstep, looking like a sassy, curvy treat made just for him, Jackson knows life is about to get a lot more heated than he was prepared for. How can a bear wage war when all he wants to do is claim the sexy, whip-smart woman who strolled into his world as if she belonged there?
As danger surrounds them, Jackson finds himself falling fast and hard for Tess. But with war at his door, can he give his heart to someone who doesn't know about his true nature? Can Tess love both the man and the bear or will she run for the hills when she finds out the truth?
Jackson Arder might be known as a reserved forest ranger, but he is first and foremost the powerful Alpha of a prominent werebear clan. His clan has come under attack by a man he thought of as his brother, Ryder Hunt, throwing his life in turmoil. When Tess shows up on Jackson's doorstep, looking like a sassy, curvy treat made just for him, Jackson knows life is about to get a lot more heated than he was prepared for. How can a bear wage war when all he wants to do is claim the sexy, whip-smart woman who strolled into his world as if she belonged there?
As danger surrounds them, Jackson finds himself falling fast and hard for Tess. But with war at his door, can he give his heart to someone who doesn't know about his true nature? Can Tess love both the man and the bear or will she run for the hills when she finds out the truth?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2015
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199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 3, 2023
A quick read but an enjoyable one. I just wish the story was longer.
Alpha bears who find their mates plus a little conflict between alphas along the way.
If you like shifter tales you will like this one.
Alpha bears who find their mates plus a little conflict between alphas along the way.
If you like shifter tales you will like this one.
March 18, 2015
This review was first published on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was in high school and only recently discovered Twilight, I was quite fascinated with the aspect of humans turning into beasts, one they had to keep controlled. Now that was a fantasy that I wished was a reality.
I know werewolves were first introduced in Harry Potter (to me at least!) but damn if I wasn't intrigued by the full transformation of human into animals. Yes, I have psycho - analysed myself for this intrigue and to keep a long story short let's say I want to let go of the control I have over myself. It wasn't a fun discovery.
So when I read the Ms. Nowlan's request for review on GoodReads, I was instantly transported back to my days of reading Shifter Stories on Wattpad. (And yes, I found some amazing ones. My favorite was about White Tigers!), so I decided to give this genre another try. Especially since, this is not the usual run of the mill - werewolf shifter story. It's about bears. I like bears :D
This story is about Tess, who even though having a PhD and being considered an expert in grizzly bears, has almost no field experience. So when she is given a chance of finding out why the grizzly bear population is on rise in the mountains of Montana, she jumps at the chance of having some adventure in her life.
Now Tess, is an intelligent woman, who is honest to herself. She is one of those characters who has no hidden layers. Now this definitely is not a bad thing, not usually. She is sarcastic, funny and loyal to a fault. And she is also more of a believer in "seeing is believing."
Jack Arder, the forest ranger and the guide of Tess in the mountains, is a huge man, silent and strong. He is also the Alpha of the WereBear clan in the mountains. And he doesn't like the fact there is an outsider clamoring up to reveal their secrets albeit unknowingly.
He is the typical Alpha, or as shifter Alphas usually are. The strong, silent type who do not understand what 'fun' actually means.
But Tess gets under his skin. He can't keep his walls up against her adorableness nor her intelligence. He finds himself talking more, enjoying more, just plain living more. He knows that the secret of him being a werebear can't stay secret for long Tess, on her side, falls for him each day.
First, this is a very short book. Like really really short - in fact it was about 130 pages in the ePub version I was provided with. And that is a sad sad fact. See, Ms. Nowlan writes beautifully. She really does. But this book feels more like prologue than an actual introduction because everything happens in an instant.
This brings me to the other issue I have. Reading this book, I remembered the reason why I stopped believing in shifter series - The Insta - Love angle. Now if you read my review, or have ever talked to me you would understand that I really really hate the concept of 'love at first sight' or the 'instant knowing that s/he is the one for me' sort of love story and that's what shifter stories are. No matter how well written, this point always sticks in my craw.
Now with this book, the 'mate' issue wasn't all that prominent, not until the secrets are revealed. This is the part I actually loved about the book at the start, that though these two were inherently attracted to each other, they took time to get to know each other, but it still irritated (albeit a little) when they decided they were in love with each other.
But yes, Ms. Nowlan did actually peak my interest enough for the rest of series (I have to admit that I do have the ability not to able to stop at one book in a series!).
The shortness of the story aside, the writing style is one that I actually liked and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the rest of the story, I just hope that the rest would be actual full length novels.
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was in high school and only recently discovered Twilight, I was quite fascinated with the aspect of humans turning into beasts, one they had to keep controlled. Now that was a fantasy that I wished was a reality.
I know werewolves were first introduced in Harry Potter (to me at least!) but damn if I wasn't intrigued by the full transformation of human into animals. Yes, I have psycho - analysed myself for this intrigue and to keep a long story short let's say I want to let go of the control I have over myself. It wasn't a fun discovery.
So when I read the Ms. Nowlan's request for review on GoodReads, I was instantly transported back to my days of reading Shifter Stories on Wattpad. (And yes, I found some amazing ones. My favorite was about White Tigers!), so I decided to give this genre another try. Especially since, this is not the usual run of the mill - werewolf shifter story. It's about bears. I like bears :D
This story is about Tess, who even though having a PhD and being considered an expert in grizzly bears, has almost no field experience. So when she is given a chance of finding out why the grizzly bear population is on rise in the mountains of Montana, she jumps at the chance of having some adventure in her life.
Now Tess, is an intelligent woman, who is honest to herself. She is one of those characters who has no hidden layers. Now this definitely is not a bad thing, not usually. She is sarcastic, funny and loyal to a fault. And she is also more of a believer in "seeing is believing."
Jack Arder, the forest ranger and the guide of Tess in the mountains, is a huge man, silent and strong. He is also the Alpha of the WereBear clan in the mountains. And he doesn't like the fact there is an outsider clamoring up to reveal their secrets albeit unknowingly.
He is the typical Alpha, or as shifter Alphas usually are. The strong, silent type who do not understand what 'fun' actually means.
But Tess gets under his skin. He can't keep his walls up against her adorableness nor her intelligence. He finds himself talking more, enjoying more, just plain living more. He knows that the secret of him being a werebear can't stay secret for long Tess, on her side, falls for him each day.
First, this is a very short book. Like really really short - in fact it was about 130 pages in the ePub version I was provided with. And that is a sad sad fact. See, Ms. Nowlan writes beautifully. She really does. But this book feels more like prologue than an actual introduction because everything happens in an instant.
This brings me to the other issue I have. Reading this book, I remembered the reason why I stopped believing in shifter series - The Insta - Love angle. Now if you read my review, or have ever talked to me you would understand that I really really hate the concept of 'love at first sight' or the 'instant knowing that s/he is the one for me' sort of love story and that's what shifter stories are. No matter how well written, this point always sticks in my craw.
Now with this book, the 'mate' issue wasn't all that prominent, not until the secrets are revealed. This is the part I actually loved about the book at the start, that though these two were inherently attracted to each other, they took time to get to know each other, but it still irritated (albeit a little) when they decided they were in love with each other.
But yes, Ms. Nowlan did actually peak my interest enough for the rest of series (I have to admit that I do have the ability not to able to stop at one book in a series!).
The shortness of the story aside, the writing style is one that I actually liked and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the rest of the story, I just hope that the rest would be actual full length novels.
February 27, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, easy, enjoyable read. The relationship between the main characters, Tess and Jackson, developed at an easy pace and it felt like they were truly meant for each other. Tess showed that she was a strong female character and wouldn't back down when necessary. Jackson is strong and at the same time tender. Ryder brings animosity and antagonism to the story and while Jackson doesn't want bloodshed if avoidable he needs to maintain his ability to protect his clan.
I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
This was a quick, easy, enjoyable read. The relationship between the main characters, Tess and Jackson, developed at an easy pace and it felt like they were truly meant for each other. Tess showed that she was a strong female character and wouldn't back down when necessary. Jackson is strong and at the same time tender. Ryder brings animosity and antagonism to the story and while Jackson doesn't want bloodshed if avoidable he needs to maintain his ability to protect his clan.
I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one.
August 7, 2015
The setting was nice, Tess going back to the wilderness to watch bears. She has a big soft spot for bears.
And how nice that the alpha werebear is attacked to her, only he is a bit grumpy in the beginning.
He tries to make up, but doesn't really know how to do that.
In the mean time some troubles with another bear gang and I would have liked to know how that ended.
The story with Tess did get an ending, but the fight not. Guess I need to read the next book to find out how that will end
And how nice that the alpha werebear is attacked to her, only he is a bit grumpy in the beginning.
He tries to make up, but doesn't really know how to do that.
In the mean time some troubles with another bear gang and I would have liked to know how that ended.
The story with Tess did get an ending, but the fight not. Guess I need to read the next book to find out how that will end
March 31, 2015
Quick, fun, and yummy read. I like brooding vampires, so this brooding shifter was a welcome new favorite. Jackson and Tess had an instant and easy attraction, so this story of romance flows well. Ryder is an old friend who creates a more challenging situation than Jackson had counted on. I will read more of this series.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
July 20, 2015
I was hoping for a sexy shifter romance to bring me out of my current book funk but, unfortunately, this one just didn't do it. While the story had promise, I couldn't connect with the writing enough to really enjoy it.
Oh well... On to the next one!
Oh well... On to the next one!
June 28, 2015
A light read.
Light reading for an afternoon. It's an okay book and I liked it, but there wasn't anything special about it. Some days that's okay though.
Light reading for an afternoon. It's an okay book and I liked it, but there wasn't anything special about it. Some days that's okay though.
June 4, 2017
Good story
The story was well presented, and the characters very likeable. Tess seems quirky and she was endearing from the start, especially taking off the shoes to be comfortable, it made her real. Hopefully the story flows nicely into the next book, starring Julian.
The story was well presented, and the characters very likeable. Tess seems quirky and she was endearing from the start, especially taking off the shoes to be comfortable, it made her real. Hopefully the story flows nicely into the next book, starring Julian.
July 3, 2015
Werebears!
This is the first book of the Montana Wild Bears & it is was enjoyable as light reading. I think this series is going to be good. It was a little short but could be read as a standalone. It does have a bit of a cliffhanger if you want to know the outcome of the fight started in this book. The alpha bear, Jackson meets the scientist, Tess, when she comes to study the influx of bears in the area. Jackson is a quiet, somewhat stern man, used to living alone and functioning as a ranger as well as alpha to his clan. He has allowed another werebear clan to temporarily reside on their lands until they can find another place to settle. The two alphas had known each other since childhood which made Jackson more lenient. Ryder (the other alpha) has other intentions however. He made advances towards Tess when they first met during a confrontation while Jackson & Tess were out on a hike for Tess to place monitoring equipment in the woods. Although Tess is his mate, Jackson has made no move to claim her or share his secret. When Jackson & Tess go on an overnight hike to place more monitoring equipment in the forest he and Tess finally share their bodies & Jackson decides to enlighten Tess about his heritage. On their way home they are ambushed by Ryder & two of his men. This is when Tess is introduced to the concept of werebears. This has the makings of a good shifter series and I am looking forward to reading more about the bears.
This is the first book of the Montana Wild Bears & it is was enjoyable as light reading. I think this series is going to be good. It was a little short but could be read as a standalone. It does have a bit of a cliffhanger if you want to know the outcome of the fight started in this book. The alpha bear, Jackson meets the scientist, Tess, when she comes to study the influx of bears in the area. Jackson is a quiet, somewhat stern man, used to living alone and functioning as a ranger as well as alpha to his clan. He has allowed another werebear clan to temporarily reside on their lands until they can find another place to settle. The two alphas had known each other since childhood which made Jackson more lenient. Ryder (the other alpha) has other intentions however. He made advances towards Tess when they first met during a confrontation while Jackson & Tess were out on a hike for Tess to place monitoring equipment in the woods. Although Tess is his mate, Jackson has made no move to claim her or share his secret. When Jackson & Tess go on an overnight hike to place more monitoring equipment in the forest he and Tess finally share their bodies & Jackson decides to enlighten Tess about his heritage. On their way home they are ambushed by Ryder & two of his men. This is when Tess is introduced to the concept of werebears. This has the makings of a good shifter series and I am looking forward to reading more about the bears.
December 27, 2015
I LOVE this author and this is a great start to this series. I fell in love with Tess and Jackson. They are oh so different but a match. Tess is headstrong, smart, sweet, and beautiful. Jackson...alpha all the way and sweet in his own way and a sexy bear to boot! He's the alpha of his clan. She's there to research bears of all things and he is to escort her to various places so she can do her research. They both like each other but are wary until they can't hide it anymore. Along the way Ryder who was a childhood friend of Jackson's wants all the land to himself and he's a changed bear. He isn't who he used to be. After being attacked by Ryder the "bear is out of the bag" and surprisingly Tess takes it fairly well. Fear war is coming because Jackson doesn't know how far Ryder will take this he calls his brothers Jonah and Julian which will make the triad. Tess is Jacksons mate...she accepts because she knows deep down he is herd. Can't wait for the next installment and the story unfolds. Can't wait to read about his brothers. I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2015
City girl meets hot sexy rugged Bear! Tess leads a predicable boring life. She longs to get back to her roots and study bears in the wild. Jackson is a man that is trying to hold his people and land together. Jackson's lifelong childhood friend Ryder is trying to destroy all that Jackson has. Tess gets the opportunity of a lifetime, go to the mountains and study a recent influx of grizzly bears. Jackson is not so happy that a scientist is coming to study and make a mess of his life. The world stops when Tess and Jackson meet. Wild passion, heat and desire consume Jackson just from her being near him. Could Tess be the one? Will Ryder take control of the land? Jackson needs his brothers now more than ever. You have to read this series I am so hooked!
April 10, 2016
I'm not completely against the idea of paranormal/werebear type romance books, it's usually the execution I have issues with and that's the case here.
Tess is a bear expert and is sent to Montana to study a "sudden" influx of bears. She meets Jackson and despite his growly demeanor he falls for Tess... but she doesn't know until a showdown with a competing clan that he's a bear. And she's not the least bit shocked?? Weird. Also the story of the competing clans does not get resolved. And that's where this fell apart, plus it's cliffhanger.
Also, is love not a thing when you mate with a bear? I don't get this genre.
Tess is a bear expert and is sent to Montana to study a "sudden" influx of bears. She meets Jackson and despite his growly demeanor he falls for Tess... but she doesn't know until a showdown with a competing clan that he's a bear. And she's not the least bit shocked?? Weird. Also the story of the competing clans does not get resolved. And that's where this fell apart, plus it's cliffhanger.
Also, is love not a thing when you mate with a bear? I don't get this genre.
July 3, 2015
I received this ARC copy for a fair review . I loved this story. The characters Tess and Jackson grabbed me as soon as I started reading about them. Tess is there to study grizzlies. Jackson is the wild life officer and more. Tess is in for a surprise. Jackson wonders if she will understand what he is and his love for her. I can not thank the Author enough for sharing her work with me.Love and grizzlies
October 24, 2015
I really liked this story. Tess is finally getting her chance to study bears. She has always loved bears. Park Ranger Jackson has to help her hike in and she's to stay at his cabin during her stay. HOT HOT. Tess doesn't understand why Jackson is fighting the attraction. Jackson is the Alpha and is having issues with some bears that he let stay on his land. Tess and Jackson get their HEA. Never sure how much to share - don't want to give spoilers out.
I was give an ARC for an honest review.
I was give an ARC for an honest review.
March 16, 2015
Jackson and Tess . when these two meet sparks fly and passion ignites . also their worlds change when Ryder an ex friend of Jackson's stirs up trouble for Jacksons clan and Tess the one who changes his heart and soul can these two be together or will secrets and a war threaten their bond or make the bond grow stronger .
June 29, 2015
oh wow. I loved this book. she loves grizzles. she is offered a job where she has to go to Montana to see why their population of grizzlies is so high. she meets the ranger she is staying with and finds him attractive. he is fighting his feelings. can they finally admit that they like each other? will she learn he is a shifter? how will she react? will she accept him and become his mate?
July 21, 2015
Anya Nowlan's book, Find Her Bear is the first book I've read from this author. This is a well written action and suspense filled bear shifter story. I enjoyed the characters. I would be happy to read more from Ms Nowlan in the future. Find Her Bear is book 1 of Montana Wild Bears series, but this is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 6, 2016
I'm not sure this was worth buying as a physical book with it being so short but it was interesting and entertaining. I'm definitely going to read the others in a different format as this one was terribly done and much too short for my liking. I get trying to spread it out for more pages but it was inconsistently done. Too short. Too short. Too short.
May 24, 2015
Lovely!!!
Anya Nowlan sure can write some wonderful stories. Bear researcher meets Hot Alpha Park Ranger while doing research on Montana's bear population. Another romance may be budding if they can open up to one another. Very well worth reading!
Anya Nowlan sure can write some wonderful stories. Bear researcher meets Hot Alpha Park Ranger while doing research on Montana's bear population. Another romance may be budding if they can open up to one another. Very well worth reading!
May 26, 2015
A sudden increase in the population of Grizzlies in the forest has the number crunchers in a tizzy.
They send out their grizzly expert to find out what's going on.. She finds out but can't really explain that the extra Grizzlies are shape shifters encroaching on a rivals lands. OH MY!
They send out their grizzly expert to find out what's going on.. She finds out but can't really explain that the extra Grizzlies are shape shifters encroaching on a rivals lands. OH MY!
June 27, 2015
Cliffhanger
This was an ok book for a shifter story. Of course it has a cliffhanger so if you are not interested in purchasing the rest of the series I do not recommend it. I am currently undecided if I want to purchase the rest of the series.
This was an ok book for a shifter story. Of course it has a cliffhanger so if you are not interested in purchasing the rest of the series I do not recommend it. I am currently undecided if I want to purchase the rest of the series.
September 24, 2015
First in a series
It was ok. Kind of fun. However, as the first in a series it should grab your attention and make you need to read on., and this book left me ambivalent. It was decent enough, I just don't care enough for the characters to pay to find out what happens next.
It was ok. Kind of fun. However, as the first in a series it should grab your attention and make you need to read on., and this book left me ambivalent. It was decent enough, I just don't care enough for the characters to pay to find out what happens next.
September 13, 2015
First Book of Montana Wild Bears series
Beautiful Montana - an increase in the Grizzly population - a scientist sent to try to figure out where they're coming from - a mountain full of shifters - oh my!
There's avarice, love, greed, and family - nice characterizations and a good story line.
Beautiful Montana - an increase in the Grizzly population - a scientist sent to try to figure out where they're coming from - a mountain full of shifters - oh my!
There's avarice, love, greed, and family - nice characterizations and a good story line.
April 9, 2016
Good so a short story
It was pretty good for a short story. A good read while your waiting for your longer books to come out. But just as your getting into the book it ends! I hate that!
It was pretty good for a short story. A good read while your waiting for your longer books to come out. But just as your getting into the book it ends! I hate that!
April 16, 2015
2.5 stars
Sweet story about a research scientist going into the field. There she meets a ranger who is a werebear. Warring clans clash and the series has begun. No real spark.
Sweet story about a research scientist going into the field. There she meets a ranger who is a werebear. Warring clans clash and the series has begun. No real spark.
April 19, 2015
Great Beginning!
Great read. Liked how the heroine, Tess , just fits into the story. Jackson, the hero, is the quiet strong silent type. Story has a happy for now ending.
Great read. Liked how the heroine, Tess , just fits into the story. Jackson, the hero, is the quiet strong silent type. Story has a happy for now ending.
July 28, 2015
Kindle Unlimited book. Great start to a series. Can be a standalone but to me you have to keep reading.
May 29, 2015
Find Her Bear
Just when it was getting to the intense action, it ended. I am definitely going to keep reading, because I want to see what happens with Ryder.
Just when it was getting to the intense action, it ended. I am definitely going to keep reading, because I want to see what happens with Ryder.
July 1, 2015
cute, predictable - eye-rolling insta-love..
July 6, 2015
very cute quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews