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Sassy Shifter Brides #1

Hearts Laid Bear

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Kacey Green is a curvy woman whose had just about enough of men who think she should worship the ground they walk upon. While she will fight tooth and nail for her patients, the curvy nurse rarely finds the courage to speak her mind when it comes to matters of the heart. At least that's how it has always been. Until a handsome, mesmerizing man contacts her on SassyDate, a shifter-human dating app, and turns her world upside down. Suddenly, Kacey doesn't want to settle anymore. She is hungry for all life has to offer and it better include one hot werebear cowboy!

Warren Sawtooth is a man of simple pleasures. Work has always been enough to keep him busy, but lately, he's been missing something else. Or a someone else. Preferably a sassy, curvy bride. When the Alpha of his former clan gives him an ultimatum that could make Warren leave behind everything he has built, he knows there's no time to waste. He has been given one chance at happiness and he'll be damned if he messes it up!

Sassy Shifter Brides is a series of paranormal romance novellas set in Shifter Grove, a town that welcomes humans and shifters alike. Each book follows a different couple with no cliffhanger, a HEA or HFN ending and can be read as stand-alones. This book contains scorching hot sex, adult language and possible violence.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2015

82 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Anya Nowlan

110 books871 followers

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5 stars
188 (36%)
4 stars
153 (29%)
3 stars
134 (26%)
2 stars
28 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,762 reviews50 followers
May 2, 2015
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

OH!! The perfect hangover cure if ever there was one! Short, sexy, nothing too complicated, or difficult to follow, no major surprises or plot twists, and I LOVED IT!!

Kacey has been talking to Warren via letters and text messages. They both feel a connection, but Warren has yet to ask for a face to face meeting. When Warren's Alpha, and older brother marks him, he has 4 weeks to find a mate, or have one chosen for him. Warren invites Kacey for a 2 week meet and greet, with a view to forever.

This book falls squarely in my go-to books, those to clear my head after a particularly long read, or a hard to follow, or in this case, a run of not so good books. Shifter sex and vampire violence. This falls into the first category and since its bear shifters, its doubly good. I do love me some bear shifters! This did not dissappoint. Its a good solid story: that Kacey used a dating app to find Warren; that Warren invited her, knowing she may not be the one; that whoever is damaged the electrical cables is who it turns out to be (but I did not see that one coming!)and that it leads nicely into book two, which is Liza's story, Kacey's room-mate, and Rake, a lion shifter of Shifter Grove.

Thoroughly enjoyable 40minute read, I would like to read a longer book by Ms Nowlan, I really would!

4.5 stars

**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
April 28, 2015
WOW!!!! A wonderful book to a new collection. This is a well written book and i am so looking forward to next book. I love Anya Nowlan's book she is a great writer. I am so glad i was able to read this book and highly recommend this to everyone who wants to read this book its great.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,397 reviews79 followers
August 4, 2023
A quick read but an enjoyable one. I just wish the story was longer.

Alpha who find their mates plus a little conflict between alphas along the way.

If you like shifter tales you will like this one.
Author 5 books41 followers
October 1, 2017
This was easy, quick, and steamy. I had some issues with the writing particularly during the love scenes. Still, Warren was a kind, strong hero, and Kacey was a compassionate, hardworking heroine. They complimented each other very well. I liked the concept of Shifter Grove, a town where humans and shifters alike could live equally, with no prejudice just because a shifter's clan or pack had done something wrong. I may have to check out more in this series when I want to read this sort of paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Robyn.
304 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2015
My Heart is on FIRE! Kacey is a great nurse. She is lost in a big hospital that is all about getting the people in and out. She craves the personal connection with people. Warren is a wear-bear that has left his clan to start up a new community, town of shifters that did not fit in where they used to live. Warren and his shifter buddies, Rake and a few others have been battling a shifter that is not happy with the town that they have established. Warren and Kacey found one another in a dating website/ app. They have been exchanging letters back and forth. Filled with love, passion and desires of what they want out of life. Warren still respects his Alpha Wade. He does not agree with the decisions Wade makes. Wade throws a curve ball at Warren and has marked him to MATE! Warren either has to convince Kacey or mate a bear from his clan. Kacey takes a chance and sets out on an adventure to go visit Warren. Much to her surprise he is everything she has dreamed about. Two weeks of nothing but the two of them alone in his cabin, stop the madness. Anya does a fantastic job of opening up a series of adventures with the Sassy Shifter Brides. I cannot wait to read more!
4,816 reviews16 followers
May 1, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Kacey Green is looking for the right man (or shifter), but he doesn't seem to be anywhere in the state of Texas. Because of this, she joined a dating site that matches humans with shifters. She's been communicating with Warren for several months and loves it. However, will the man (or bear) match up to the profile? When Warren is forced to pick a mate before his old Alpha forces one on him, he gets the chance to finally meet Kacey in the flesh and see if she's as as wonderful as she appears. Once they finally meet, the chemistry is definitely more than they can bear.
I really enjoyed this story. I think the author did a great job with providing a background for both characters in a short span, as well as creating a new world and a town that one would want to read more about. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
April 29, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy by author Anya Nowlan for an honest review. This is book 1 from the Sassy Shifter Brides from the author.

Kacey is an RN and not having any luck in the dating area until she starts writing a guy named Warren in another state. She feels like she has known him forever and thinks maybe he is the 1 for her. Warren went on the SassyDate website to see if he could find someone but finding Kacey is more then he bargained for but how will she react to the other part of him.

This book has a great story line and wonderful characters for any reader to enjoy. The author gave the characters very good interaction.

This book is for any paranormal romance book reader who like action and drama with their romance.
572 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2015
This is the first book in a new series about people finding dates/mates through a dating site called SassyDates. It starts out with Kacey going on another bad date when she really wants to be with Warren, a bear who is forced to find a mate by himself or have a mate found for him. Warren decides invite Kacey to Idaho so he can see if she is someone he can be with. When they see each other it is instant love/lust at first site. There are other problems in Shifter Grove as it seems that someone is trying to sabotage the town of shifters and humans. Will they fnd out who is causing trouble and will this couple make it. Even though this is a series each book is a standalone.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review..
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,391 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2015
Hearts Laid Bear is book 1 in the Sassy Shifter Brides series by Anya Nowlan. I really like the writing style of Ms. Nowlan . It has a fast steady pace that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. I like books that grab you in so deep that you feel like you are each and every one of the characters in the book no matter how big or small of a part they play in the book. The main characters are well developed and likeable. We have a sexy, strong but tender cowboy, werebear Warren Sawtooth and curvy, sweet, tender hearted nurse Kacey Green. They meet on a dating web site and if you want to know what happens next you will have to buy the book. I highly recommend it. You will love it.
Profile Image for Gale.
1,964 reviews22 followers
April 28, 2015
Warren and Kacey. Sigh. I just love these two! Hearts Laid Bear is part of a series about Shifter Grove in Idaho. Boy, would I love to find a “real” place like this! It’s a great story, sweet and sexy, and a quick read for me. I really did enjoy the sweetness of Warren and the whole concept of the new town. Way to go, Anya! I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that I will go forth and purchase any of the upcoming books in this series. I can’t wait to see how they handle future problems (because we KNOW there will be some) and upcoming mate-hunting!
Profile Image for Elizabeth/snoopypeach.
313 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2015
This is the first book in the Sassy Shifter Brides series.
Kacey, a human nurse, and Warren, a bear shifter, have been getting to know each other via a dating app. They both feel a connection and when the chance comes they both jump at the opportunity to meet in person.
Once they come together their connection is nothing short of steamy. They go through some mysteries and bumps in the road in their blooming romance.
This was such a sweet romance but had just.the right amount of steam.
This was a nice short read that was well paced and I enjoyed it very much.

Received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
753 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2015
This is the first book in the Sassy Shifter Brides series and it starts off the series on a great note. Shifter books are always a favorite of mine and I have been enjoying all the new bear shifter stories that are coming out. I also enjoy Anya Nowlan's style of writing, her characters are well developed and so far I have found no cliffhangers even though this is book 1 of a new series. I can't wait to see what Ms. Nowlan comes up with next in this series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
May 2, 2015
A nice quick read. This is the first book in the series and we get introduced to the cast of characters in Shifter Grove. The first bachelor up is Warren. He has been corresponding with Kacey slowly building a relationship, but he is soon forced to speed things up. Now meeting for the first time they soon feel sparks and the chemistry between them is hot!!! But someone is causing trouble for Shifter Grove and Warren that could cost Warren his mate.
86 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2015
Great story thankful that Anya Nowlan let me review it. Two people looking for love and almost giving up. The characters in this book are great absolutely loved it. highly recommend this story. Love bear shifters. Great start to a series.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is looking to be a great new series! I rally got caught up in the story and felt for Kacey right away, Warren seemed like a great match for her.
18 reviews
April 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I want- characters I felt were my friends, no cliff hanger and all my questions answered. I will be looking for more in this series!
Profile Image for Michelle Sanders.
151 reviews
April 29, 2015
This book was sexy and fun. Curvy girl meets hunky bear. Hot sex, happily ever after... My favorite kind of story!
Profile Image for Ronnae Stately.
762 reviews
February 18, 2024
Laid My Heart out for a Bear

Kacey is a nurse in Texas whose mother keeps sending her out on dates to get her wed. But Kacey is never satisfied with any of those dates and the last one was it for her. So she agrees to meet a bear shifter in Idaho named Warren that she had been texting and sending mail to since they met on an online dating site. When she gets there Warren is waiting there for her and takes her to the little town, that him and other shifters are trying to set up for anyone to live in. She gets to know Warren in more ways than one and when his big oaf of a cousin confronts them in the local diner with info she wasn’t privy to it becomes awkward. But things find there way to a fitting conclusion especially after Kacey witnesses who is trying to destroy the upcoming town.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2017
Loved it!

I love the way that Anya writes her books! Warren is a bear & he lives in Shifter Grove, he's been given 2 months to find a mate! Lacey is human & can't stop thinking about Warren, who she met on Sassy Date & she's been writing too!
166 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2017
Good read

Another fun read about shifter's Grove. I liked reading about the beginnings of the town. Looking forward to reading more.
166 reviews
October 1, 2017
Patriciaa

5 stars for certain. Don't miss this deliciously sweet and sexy story. Another fabulous read and amazing BBW shifter tale.
Profile Image for Amie.
85 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2019
Too short. The story could’ve been great had it been developed a little more
Profile Image for Marcia Bucktin.
230 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2019
Great read

Enjoyed this book ...the characters where amazing and enjoyable ..cant wait to read more by this author ...thank you for the good read
Profile Image for Georgina Parkin.
2,441 reviews65 followers
March 31, 2016
Heroine thinks "Kacey Sawtooth" is a nice name.... Bitch is crazy!

There was a little too much cheese and predictability. I'm unsure if I liked 'the marked' business going on (an alpha can force you to mate by a certain time unless you find your own), and I didn't feel like either was obsessed with each other to the point of mates. She was insecure, and her body shape was mentioned a gazillion times (curvy, luscious, dimples, rounded etc) and it got to the point it annoyed the shit out of me. Also, he wasn't 'in heat' so they didn't need a condom but she was sure it would feel just as good with one on.... HOLD UP A MINUTE.... Just as good WITH a condom?! Usually it's the other way around. And there was no mention of shifters not having STIs, but back to the heat, he's a male? I've never ever ever heard of a male animal going into heat.... So.... Ya lost me there!
1,098 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2015
I read this way out of order, but loved filling in a few bits I hadn't figured out in some of the other stories. This is the beginning of Shifter Grove. I liked finding more about the roots and struggles from the start. Warren seems like quite the perfect mate. He is a gentleman and hard worker. Kacey is an awesome nurse who always wanted to give more than she could in a large hospital setting. She longed to make a difference. Looks like she will be able to have that opportunity at Shifter Grove with Warren. Sweet story about how their love had a push in time, but was perfect anyway.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews16 followers
December 13, 2015
This is just the perfect length book to read while soaking and relaxing in a tub... I love shifters and add to that the idea of matching them with humans and it is great! This is the first book in the Sassy Shifter Brides series and I can't wait for more.

Warren a bear shifter has been talking via text to Kacey a human nurse. They live in different states. Warren has to marry quickly..... You need to read the book to find out why and what happens. Anya Nowlan's characters come to life on the page and I can just see the scenery and everything as it is happening. I am looking forward to more brides to come!
Profile Image for Angie Peoples.
248 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2015
This was a great short story (under 75 pages) about a community of mixed shifters and humans. Warren and Kacey were a cute couple full of passion. He is a bear shifter and she is a human with a degree in nursing. Together they want to make Shifter Grove a safe and beautiful community for both shifters and humans without all the clan/pack rules with alphas in charge. It was short that's why I gave it only four stars. Too bad more of the short stories couldn't have been combined into at least two full length books. I'd definitely like to read more and hope the entire series will go on sale someday.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,486 reviews23 followers
February 2, 2016
Love or Lust?

This was a very cute short story of Warren and Kasey. Warren was a hot sexy bear shifter and Kasey a curvaceous human who happened to meet him on SassyDates. He lives in Idaho and so do some of his friends. They are trying to build up a new community, which they have named Shifter Grove. She is a nurse in Texas. She feels she has a connection with Warren. Then suddenly he wants to fly her for two weeks to Shifter Grove. Someone does not want this community get developed and is sabotaging their progress.

This was cute, but it was way too short. So much more could have been developed.
Profile Image for Stacey.
968 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2015
Warren a werebear and interested in a RN nurse in Texas he lives in Idaho and she is Kacey who is being set up by her mom once again to date but she has her sights on a werebear in Idaho . and Wade his Alpha though he left the clan and started another with any type or Were there is to be equal and to have a new tradition . who is sabatoging Were Grove and why and why did Wade his uncle mark him . and find out in the next story Liza and Rake which is Warrens friend in the next installment .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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