Gunnar: A Grizzly Shifter Alpha Romance

by Ariana Hawkes

I witnessed a murder.
Wrong place. Wrong time. And now I’m a problem someone needs gone.
The cops don’t ask what I want. They deliver me straight to the last place anyone would think to look—deep in the mountains, to three feral brothers who live completely off-grid.
They say no one will find me here.
But hidden doesn’t mean safe.
Gunnar is their Alpha. The mountain is his territory. The rules are his—and from the moment I arrive, it’s clear he thinks I am too.
I should be planning my escape. Counting the days until I can leave.
Instead, I’m watching him.
The way people move when he enters a room.
The way his attention settles on me like it’s already decided something.
The way my body reacts before my brain can catch up.
Because the danger outside isn’t the only thing closing in.
And if I’m not careful—
I won’t just lose my freedom.
I might start to want this.

If you love obsessed, possessive grizzly-shifter heroes, a heroine who refuses to be handled, and a mix of danger, tension, and snowbound isolation, you’ll love Gunnar and Alexandria’s story.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Ariana Hawkes writes spicy romantic stories with lovable characters, plenty of suspense, and a whole lot of laughs. She told her first story at the age of four, and has been writing ever since, for both work and pleasure. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two huskies.

Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

novella, safe, dual v, fated mates 😄

[Riley 02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar and Alexandria

This is my first book written by this author. I’m always wary of new authors because I like SAFE stories that won’t trigger me. This one is it for the exception of one detail.

Things I liked:
These shifters wait for their mate and it’s for life. So, there is no past romance for him. DUAL VIRGINS here… yaaayyy!!! The brotherly bond they have is special even though one of them is a little difficult. I like how alpha Gunnar is. Even though he is not the oldest of the 3 brothers, he is the Alpha of the clan.
I was expecting the mafia to find her at the lodge. But it was interesting how that got solved. At least Orson finally accepted her.
I also felt organic, not something instant. She didn’t want to stay because he saw these 3 turn and attack all those agents. So she was genuinely scared. But you get to see how the bond slowly goes into place. I loved that they had that mate bond and it was strong to the point where they could communicate in their minds. This is something you don’t read in every shifters books between shifter and human. I like it.

What I didn’t like and got me slightly mad was how he was always thinking that because she was human and wasn’t part of that shifter world, he was always gonna stay at a distance from her and not claim her. Even after things got solved and she wasn’t in danger, he was willing to let her go back to her apartment. That’s not what I like from shifters, nor what I’ve always read, not what an Alpha with a mate should be. Shifters are supposed to be possessive. “You’re mine” and that’s it. They make it work. No thought of letting her go. So, I didn’t like this aspect which was presented from beginning to almost the end when she got to decide finally she was staying. I would’ve preferred him saying that she could leave the lodge but he was going with her. Hence -1 ⭐️.

And the best was the end, where she felt part of the clan. Where the other 2 brothers protected her, accepted her in the clan. And when Gunnar was excited to have their first cub. ♥️

I am really looking forward to reading the other brother’s stories. Especially Orson’s.

[Lory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar by Ariana Hawkes was such a fun, addictive quick read! What starts with Alexandria witnessing a murder quickly spirals into danger, secrets, and an unexpected refuge with Gunnar and his brothers… who just happen to be shifters.

This story had everything I wanted in a fast paranormal romance: fated mates, protective alpha energy, a touch of suspense, and several genuinely hilarious moments that made me smile. The chemistry between Gunnar and Alexandria was sweet and effortless, and the brothers completely stole the show for me. Their dynamic added so much charm and personality to the story that I found myself just as invested in them as I was in the romance itself.

Even though the story delivers a satisfying HEA, the journey there was entertaining from start to finish. The mix of danger, humor, and heart made this one incredibly easy to devour in one sitting. And after meeting these brothers, I absolutely cannot wait to see how the other two fall when it’s their turn.

📌 Voluntary review. No compensation just one reader enjoying the ride.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and entertaining series opener. Alexandria witnesses a murder and is taken to an isolated cabin for protective custody by three brothers. The agent knew of shifters and figured she'd be safest with these bear shifters. Little did he know he was delivering Gunnar's fated mate... It was fun following the interactions between the brothers and I was giggling throughout. This story starts off with action and the fast pace doesn't really let up. Expect to be glued to your reader as you follow a strong human gal and her bear shifter mate to their HEA. There was plenty of action, drama, suspense, humour, heart and heat, making it a page turner for me. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Good fun!

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been a while since I had had the pleasure of reading one of Ms. Hawkes' books, and I wonder what took me so long! What a refreshing tale she has spun, complete with suspense, plenty of excitement and thrills, and the cherry on top being a wonderful love story! Gunner is a special breed, and truly, Fate has made sure that Alexandria is in the right place at the wrong time! Plenty of sparks flying when this duo come into the same circle, even if they may have not all been the safe kind!
Looking forward to reading Orson and Torin's stories as well! A great beginning to what promises to be a stellar series!
I was gifted a copy of this book and am giving my honest opinion

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria and Gunnar are meant to be together, but she’s a city girl and he’s a shifter living off the grid. Ariana Hawkes is amazing: the emotional depth, the family dynamics, and their life is beautifully crafted detail and dialogue. I felt her confusion, her attraction, and her ability to adapt as she’s thrown into a new world. This is a quick read that kept my attention from beginning to end with suspense, mafia vs shifter, forced proximity, and a wild setting! The cover is gorgeous, the story is exciting, and I love the characters! I’m ready for the next book because these brothers are intense! Thank you for the ARC, my review is my honest opinion.
4.5 🌟plot and 4🌶️.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read where a human girl witnesses a murder and ends up hiding with brothers who happen to be shifters. A simple tale of fated mates with one of the brothers, a bit of drama and some hilarious scenes due to the shifter vs human (at least I found a few to be hilarious). While eventually get a happy ending the journey there was a hoot to me. I enjoyed the story and the characters were entertaining. And since meet these boys, I cannot wait to see how the other two brothers fall.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 30%

Ariana Hawkes used to be one of my favorite authors for shifter romance novellas as she had such an easy writing style that coupled well with heartfelt stories. However, I just could not get into the writing style of this story! Recently I've noticed a trend in shifter romances where the writing style is short and choppy, and unfortunately this story follows that which makes it hard to read. I don't think I'll continue this series or read any of Ariana's new books💔

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love shifter stories and this one doesn’t disappoint. A girl witnesses a murder and is taken to an isolated abandoned lodge inhabited by three brothers, who are bear shifters. From the first interaction there is nonstop smolder and drama. Great read, great characters. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria witnessed a murder and the police took her somewhere safe which happened to be an isolated lodge where three bear shifters live. The alpha is Gunnar and his two brothers are there also. There is an immediate attraction between Gunnar and Alexandria. They are mates.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Excellent Bear Shifter romance!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read!

Book was slow at first but then picked up some very anticlimactic in the end. Wished it had a little more background on all the characters but it gave enough to understand their positions

[Wanda Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it🦁

I really enjoyed reading this book 📚 from this series. The writing and subject matter is well worth reading. The family bond, romance and the HEA.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. What a adorable story of how Alexandria lands on brother's gunner, irson, and torrin land.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to read a out Gunnar and Alexandria. Nice space. The plot could use some finetuning but it was minor that it did not distract from the story.
Curious who's up next. Orson? Or Torin?

[Anita Yeakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

A very good story that keeps moving. Easy to read and very enjoyable!
Yes, I recommend this book for shifter lovers.

[Sandra Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but was reading and listening. I had already purchased before I realized the audio was computer generated. Listening made for a cheap experience.

[MARIA P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Loved the interaction among them.

Great read and hoping for future books with Orson and Torin get their fated mates.