What do you think?
The Bear in Town
Meri Martin staked a whole reputation on chewing up weak men for breakfast and winning billion-dollar marketing bids by dinner. They called her a shark, but it wasn’t always a compliment.
When a persistent client from some tucked away harbor town in Maine started throwing around large sums of money and insisting that only she could work on his project, her company sent her and her assistant for a month-long assignment.
The job brought the bonus of reconnecting with her sister and a way of escaping some bad decisions from the city. What also came with it was a handsome and domineering client named Asher Wells who was intent on spending time with her and staying mysteriously quiet about why his eyes glowed gold and his touch brought her intense pleasure.
Could Meri find a way to sidestep the business-client relationship without risking her job? Could she bring down her walls that so many others had forced her to build? And what was this pull in her heart that always led to Asher?
Dual POV
Cozy
He Falls First
Fated Mates
Bear shifter/Human
MMC/FMC over 30
M-F
HEA
3.5-4/5 spice
When a persistent client from some tucked away harbor town in Maine started throwing around large sums of money and insisting that only she could work on his project, her company sent her and her assistant for a month-long assignment.
The job brought the bonus of reconnecting with her sister and a way of escaping some bad decisions from the city. What also came with it was a handsome and domineering client named Asher Wells who was intent on spending time with her and staying mysteriously quiet about why his eyes glowed gold and his touch brought her intense pleasure.
Could Meri find a way to sidestep the business-client relationship without risking her job? Could she bring down her walls that so many others had forced her to build? And what was this pull in her heart that always led to Asher?
Dual POV
Cozy
He Falls First
Fated Mates
Bear shifter/Human
MMC/FMC over 30
M-F
HEA
3.5-4/5 spice
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
Jess Abraham
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I like to give first dibs on sign-ups for ARCs as well as information on upcoming projects.
I like to give first dibs on sign-ups for ARCs as well as information on upcoming projects.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 21, 2026
So disappointed thought I'd found a cosy series. Seriously disliked the characters, in fact seeing characters from first book with outside lens they lost their charm too.
Despite all the 'he's a good boy' and speaking of/to the Bears like they're pets. (I'll call my dog my goodest boy, wouldn't dream of addressing my husband so). Asher is not a nice man. There's a sad backstory to make us care but can't ignore shown behaviour. Zero empathy for others. Manipulates to suit himself. He uses a deep trauma as a 'gotcha joke' at one point, neatly killing any burgeoning empathy for him.
And Meri, she's very brittle. Supposedly strong and successful but had to be lessened. Asher manipulates her via her boss, going against all her goals. She calmly goes along with this! Doesn't fit her character not to fight it. For some a lakeside cabin is a dream, but I'd imagine it's Meri's idea of hell. I'm relieved she at least ended the book without falling pregnant and fulfilling her womanly role 🙄🙄
This was all 'destined mates' while they seemed to get along that seemed secondary.
There's an ex who appears then disappears, to reappeared later as if a box ticking drama point never fully written out.
An 'old scruffy man' whose 50yrs and magically still walking unaided! -side-eye- Actually the only likeable character in the book. He's there for a major trauma that would particularly effect him, then vanishes and noone cares, he'd served his purpose.
Oh and a Siren who 'makes stuff happen' convenient way to round up plot threads.
And let's not forget the HUGE red flag among a field of red flags:
Struggled to finish, really disliked this.
Despite all the 'he's a good boy' and speaking of/to the Bears like they're pets. (I'll call my dog my goodest boy, wouldn't dream of addressing my husband so). Asher is not a nice man. There's a sad backstory to make us care but can't ignore shown behaviour. Zero empathy for others. Manipulates to suit himself. He uses a deep trauma as a 'gotcha joke' at one point, neatly killing any burgeoning empathy for him.
And Meri, she's very brittle. Supposedly strong and successful but had to be lessened. Asher manipulates her via her boss, going against all her goals. She calmly goes along with this! Doesn't fit her character not to fight it. For some a lakeside cabin is a dream, but I'd imagine it's Meri's idea of hell. I'm relieved she at least ended the book without falling pregnant and fulfilling her womanly role 🙄🙄
This was all 'destined mates' while they seemed to get along that seemed secondary.
There's an ex who appears then disappears, to reappeared later as if a box ticking drama point never fully written out.
An 'old scruffy man' whose 50yrs and magically still walking unaided! -side-eye- Actually the only likeable character in the book. He's there for a major trauma that would particularly effect him, then vanishes and noone cares, he'd served his purpose.
Oh and a Siren who 'makes stuff happen' convenient way to round up plot threads.
And let's not forget the HUGE red flag among a field of red flags:
Struggled to finish, really disliked this.
August 2, 2026
Review of ARC copy received from author
I loved this book! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read it as an ARC reader.
This book was a lot of fun, its sweet and cozy just like book one with small conflicts simply resolved (kinda, there’s one slightly stressful part toward the end but it doesn’t last long and nothing permanently bad happens). Asher is a sweet bear who doesn’t know how to act like a bear and has found his mate in the sister of another bear shifter. He, while being very sweet, also manipulates an entire situation to get her to work for him as a PR manager to open his newest business in town. With the proximity and closeness of working together their relationship begins to develop. If you are looking for a bear shifter who makes a few red flag decisions for green flag reasons and is absolutely obsessed with his mate, and you want cozy, small town, paranormal vibes, this is for you. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also, Timber was my favorite character. He was such a good balance to the grump.
My only criticism is there were a few editing errors I noticed, but pretty minor. And next is that this man is a smart, successful businessman, and some of the dialog made him sound like a caveman, it was so blunt and unexpressive sometimes, but then his thoughts would be full of emotion, that I just wished for more from what he said. I felt like he just didn’t explain anything. And, in my opinion, she did not get any where near mad enough at his manipulation at her work life. Like…. Uhhh I would have been way more mad, mate or not, I thought that blew over sooo quick. It was ultimately the best path for her to take, but he just took the choice out her hands and I thought that was annoying. Thats my own opinion though, that might not bother other people.
Either way I loved this book and want to read more of the authors work!
I loved this book! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read it as an ARC reader.
This book was a lot of fun, its sweet and cozy just like book one with small conflicts simply resolved (kinda, there’s one slightly stressful part toward the end but it doesn’t last long and nothing permanently bad happens). Asher is a sweet bear who doesn’t know how to act like a bear and has found his mate in the sister of another bear shifter. He, while being very sweet, also manipulates an entire situation to get her to work for him as a PR manager to open his newest business in town. With the proximity and closeness of working together their relationship begins to develop. If you are looking for a bear shifter who makes a few red flag decisions for green flag reasons and is absolutely obsessed with his mate, and you want cozy, small town, paranormal vibes, this is for you. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also, Timber was my favorite character. He was such a good balance to the grump.
My only criticism is there were a few editing errors I noticed, but pretty minor. And next is that this man is a smart, successful businessman, and some of the dialog made him sound like a caveman, it was so blunt and unexpressive sometimes, but then his thoughts would be full of emotion, that I just wished for more from what he said. I felt like he just didn’t explain anything. And, in my opinion, she did not get any where near mad enough at his manipulation at her work life. Like…. Uhhh I would have been way more mad, mate or not, I thought that blew over sooo quick. It was ultimately the best path for her to take, but he just took the choice out her hands and I thought that was annoying. Thats my own opinion though, that might not bother other people.
Either way I loved this book and want to read more of the authors work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🐻 A Cozy Small-Town Romance with a Golden-Eyed Bear 🐻
Sometimes you don’t need world-ending stakes, complicated politics, or a thousand-page fantasy war… sometimes you just need a grumpy PR executive, a bear shifter who has no idea how to act human, and some suspiciously adorable “good boy” moments. 😂
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
The Bear in Town by Jess Abraham is a sweet, funny, low-stakes paranormal romance that delivers exactly what you want from a cozy small-town shifter story. While this is book two in the series, it works well as an interconnected standalone, with enough background information included that I never felt lost.
Told through dual first-person POV, the story follows Meri, a successful PR executive who has built her career by being ruthless and always in control, and Asher, a bear shifter who is powerful, possessive, and completely clueless when it comes to normal human behaviour. Watching Meri try to understand Asher’s “non-people-y” ways led to some genuinely funny moments, and their dynamic was easily my favourite part of the book.
Meri and Asher are well matched, both characters have built walls around themselves and can come across as intimidating and business-focused, but beneath that they’re both looking for something softer. Asher’s unwavering devotion pushes Meri to reconsider the life she thought she wanted, while Meri helps Asher navigate the human world beyond what he was taught growing up.
The romance is built around fated mates, with plenty of chemistry, humour, and a very enthusiastic MMC who falls hard and makes it everyone’s problem. 😂 If you enjoy a possessive hero, a protective love interest, and a romance where the MMC is completely obsessed with the FMC, Asher is going to be a fun one.
This is a great palate cleanser for readers who enjoy fantasy romance but want something more relaxed. It’s cozy, charming, and full of small-town warmth, with just enough paranormal elements and spice to keep things interesting.
Tropes
Dual POV
Cozy romance
Small town
Fated mates
He falls first
Bear shifter × Human
Grumpy x Grumpy
Forced proximity
MMC/FMC over 30
HEA
Content warnings
Attempted SA (off page)
Blood
Possible miscarriage (side character)
Physical health struggles
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy:
🐻 Cozy small-town paranormal romance
🐻 Bear shifters and fated mates
🐻 He falls first romances
🐻 A possessive MMC with a soft side
🐻 Low-stakes romance with a happy ending
If this sounds like something for you, pick up The Bear in Town on 15th August 2026.
Thank you to Jess Abraham for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes you don’t need world-ending stakes, complicated politics, or a thousand-page fantasy war… sometimes you just need a grumpy PR executive, a bear shifter who has no idea how to act human, and some suspiciously adorable “good boy” moments. 😂
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 4/5
The Bear in Town by Jess Abraham is a sweet, funny, low-stakes paranormal romance that delivers exactly what you want from a cozy small-town shifter story. While this is book two in the series, it works well as an interconnected standalone, with enough background information included that I never felt lost.
Told through dual first-person POV, the story follows Meri, a successful PR executive who has built her career by being ruthless and always in control, and Asher, a bear shifter who is powerful, possessive, and completely clueless when it comes to normal human behaviour. Watching Meri try to understand Asher’s “non-people-y” ways led to some genuinely funny moments, and their dynamic was easily my favourite part of the book.
Meri and Asher are well matched, both characters have built walls around themselves and can come across as intimidating and business-focused, but beneath that they’re both looking for something softer. Asher’s unwavering devotion pushes Meri to reconsider the life she thought she wanted, while Meri helps Asher navigate the human world beyond what he was taught growing up.
The romance is built around fated mates, with plenty of chemistry, humour, and a very enthusiastic MMC who falls hard and makes it everyone’s problem. 😂 If you enjoy a possessive hero, a protective love interest, and a romance where the MMC is completely obsessed with the FMC, Asher is going to be a fun one.
This is a great palate cleanser for readers who enjoy fantasy romance but want something more relaxed. It’s cozy, charming, and full of small-town warmth, with just enough paranormal elements and spice to keep things interesting.
Tropes
Dual POV
Cozy romance
Small town
Fated mates
He falls first
Bear shifter × Human
Grumpy x Grumpy
Forced proximity
MMC/FMC over 30
HEA
Content warnings
Attempted SA (off page)
Blood
Possible miscarriage (side character)
Physical health struggles
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy:
🐻 Cozy small-town paranormal romance
🐻 Bear shifters and fated mates
🐻 He falls first romances
🐻 A possessive MMC with a soft side
🐻 Low-stakes romance with a happy ending
If this sounds like something for you, pick up The Bear in Town on 15th August 2026.
Thank you to Jess Abraham for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for that book. This is the second book of these series that I ARC read and they just keep getting better.
The writing is brilliant, clear and easy to follow. The characters are interesting and lovable, you really care for them and want to follow them on whatever journey they take. There are a lot of funny moments there that will make you laugh out loud while reading. If you have read the first book, you get to meet some of the characters in this one as well - the good and the bad ones. We also meet some new people with interesting origin.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters and the fact that they are a lot more alike than they think. Their personalities unravel slowly and as you think they just need to get it all out on the open …BAM!💥 It all goes down. There were some love rivals on both side to muddy the waters of course. I would have liked to see first-hand their demise 😈 but we still get all loose ends tied up.
I don’t want to say more so I don’t spoil the fun, but I would recommend this to everyone that would like a very relatable modern day romance about the power struggle women face in the work place and the toll it takes. It is still a paranormal romance and you still have shifter bear acting all odd and possessive, but I will take a phrase from the book that tells you not to judge the shifter men by the same standards you do regular ones (or something like that 🤔). Just accept them for what they are and enjoy the ride. Literally and figuratively speaking. 😉
The writing is brilliant, clear and easy to follow. The characters are interesting and lovable, you really care for them and want to follow them on whatever journey they take. There are a lot of funny moments there that will make you laugh out loud while reading. If you have read the first book, you get to meet some of the characters in this one as well - the good and the bad ones. We also meet some new people with interesting origin.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters and the fact that they are a lot more alike than they think. Their personalities unravel slowly and as you think they just need to get it all out on the open …BAM!💥 It all goes down. There were some love rivals on both side to muddy the waters of course. I would have liked to see first-hand their demise 😈 but we still get all loose ends tied up.
I don’t want to say more so I don’t spoil the fun, but I would recommend this to everyone that would like a very relatable modern day romance about the power struggle women face in the work place and the toll it takes. It is still a paranormal romance and you still have shifter bear acting all odd and possessive, but I will take a phrase from the book that tells you not to judge the shifter men by the same standards you do regular ones (or something like that 🤔). Just accept them for what they are and enjoy the ride. Literally and figuratively speaking. 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished my copy, what a book! Jess knows how to write and get you fully invested in a book.
This is book 2 in the series, where get to see some of our previous favourite characters.
Hes known since the last book she was his, he puts a plan in place to have her work for him. Its the one plan his bear agrees with, but with a hard past and trying to understand what its like to be a bear he is onw tough cookie.
She is a tough executive fighting the rat race against men and herself. She hasnt gone time for the talk dark Mr Wells.
You like your MMCs possessive, cunning and like being called good boy? Hes for you.
The banter in this book had me laughing so hard!
Honestly loved this book and we get an exciting glimce to book 3!
Book quote:
He didn’t need to explain it. I rescinded Operation Paranormal Reveal for another day. Now it was Operation Heal My Heart Before I Have a Stroke or Something.
This is book 2 in the series, where get to see some of our previous favourite characters.
Hes known since the last book she was his, he puts a plan in place to have her work for him. Its the one plan his bear agrees with, but with a hard past and trying to understand what its like to be a bear he is onw tough cookie.
She is a tough executive fighting the rat race against men and herself. She hasnt gone time for the talk dark Mr Wells.
You like your MMCs possessive, cunning and like being called good boy? Hes for you.
The banter in this book had me laughing so hard!
Honestly loved this book and we get an exciting glimce to book 3!
Book quote:
He didn’t need to explain it. I rescinded Operation Paranormal Reveal for another day. Now it was Operation Heal My Heart Before I Have a Stroke or Something.
August 5, 2026
This is such a charming book to read!
We don’t see often shifters books were the character is literally how to learn to understand their animalistic side so it felt fresh and unique and leave us with such a cute and funny moments where Asher well… was a very dumb bear and a very dumb man haha but we love him!
Yeah he tends to do this obsessive and intense bear thing but full of good intentions and love at the end of the day this man worships the ground Meri walks so it was all forgotten haha
And Meri? Yes a girl boss, I love her strong nature and her sassy personality, I enjoyed the storyline about the city girl founding love in a small town but with a little twist because she got herself a bear mate who’s the a good boy throughout!
Special mention to Timber, omg his character is so endearing and cute, I fell in love with him… he’s the sweetest!
Overall a great story about a bear shifter learning to be a bear and fighting for the love of his mate! ❤️
We don’t see often shifters books were the character is literally how to learn to understand their animalistic side so it felt fresh and unique and leave us with such a cute and funny moments where Asher well… was a very dumb bear and a very dumb man haha but we love him!
Yeah he tends to do this obsessive and intense bear thing but full of good intentions and love at the end of the day this man worships the ground Meri walks so it was all forgotten haha
And Meri? Yes a girl boss, I love her strong nature and her sassy personality, I enjoyed the storyline about the city girl founding love in a small town but with a little twist because she got herself a bear mate who’s the a good boy throughout!
Special mention to Timber, omg his character is so endearing and cute, I fell in love with him… he’s the sweetest!
Overall a great story about a bear shifter learning to be a bear and fighting for the love of his mate! ❤️
August 23, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC! I really enjoyed The Bear in Town and even though I hadn’t read book one first, there was enough background information that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, but I do want to read Kira and Luc’s story! The paranormal setting was really fun and even though this was set in summer, it gave cozy fall vibes and I’d definitely recommend curling up with a hot drink as you read. I really enjoyed the characters and the dual POV and internal monologue, the only thing that took me back a bit was that at times the actual dialogue felt a bit stilted and clunky. Overall it doesn’t take away from the spicy cozy romance and I look forward to seeing how Luc, Kira, Meri and Asher’s stories progress when Seb has his storyline!
September 5, 2026
This was so sweet. Meri is in Maine, where her sister moved, for work and is realizing that nature isn't the only draw to this place. When she meets Asher and realizes that he's her boss, she isn't sure what to think. He's very attractive but she can't cross that line. Can she? Meanwhile Asher has been waiting to see her again for months, knowing that she's his mate, and figuring out how to reveal himself to her as to not make her run away. This was so great and addressed trauma and abandonment in ways that are so healing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A charming story that pulls you into small town Maine. Meri and Asher are well matched, both can seem hard and business oriented but are actually hiding their own demons from the past. Asher pushes Meri to see the benefits of small town living, just as Slade, Meri’s ex is suddenly in town to try to win her back.
Kira and Luc are back too and then there’s Mako the siren, who can indeed “make things happen”. A fun, sweet and spicy story you won’t want to miss.
Kira and Luc are back too and then there’s Mako the siren, who can indeed “make things happen”. A fun, sweet and spicy story you won’t want to miss.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Asher and Meri. He’s a successful businessman and a bear shifter. She’s his PR manager, a human and his fated mate. This world has lots of paranormal mentions (pixies, wolves, sirens and mermaids- very cool), written so well it is entirely believable. The sisters Meri and Kira are fantastic. I love how they interact with each other and their men. The banter, the chaos, the spice! Wow. New author for me and I’m a fan. Lighthearted and fantastic. Spice was 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 20, 2026
Absolutely loved this and could barely put it down. It had spice and plot. Just so much and very enthralling. I loved how everything flowed and unfolded. Nothing was over done. I wasn't a fan of the hint of mm. The FMC's secretary is a male and in relationship. Luckily there wasn't nothing on page outside of surface level. I was able to just skip over that. I'm glad that that didn't dominate. Lastly I received this as an arc but I'm not obligated to leave this review.
August 3, 2026
I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this lovely book. This was a great book! Very funny and well written story that you don’t need to read the first book in the series to understand. Love the forced proximity of it all 🔥 there were a few grammatical errors but it was fine overall definitely recommend you read if you like bear shifter books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has such lovable characters with a small town feel and happy ending. I loved every minute of reading Asher and Meri’s story! It’s amazing that this story is interconnected with the first and soon to be third book in the bear shifter series but can be read completely on its own, highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the second installment to this series, A nice cozy comfort read. I adored Timbers antics and any character that tortures Blake!
“ I was waiting for you before I knew what the meant. I have led a life full of turmoil like I was being tossed around in the sea. But you are my lighthouse. Something so bright and something I’m so sure of.”
“ I was waiting for you before I knew what the meant. I have led a life full of turmoil like I was being tossed around in the sea. But you are my lighthouse. Something so bright and something I’m so sure of.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are a shifter romance fan, you will absolutely love The Bear in Town by Jess Abraham.
Jess took shifter romance and put a whole new spin on it. Instead of forcing pack living, she highlights the true nature of bears; how solitary and intensely territorial they can be. It makes the world-building feel so fresh and authentic!
And let's nog forget the slow burn between Asher and Meri... Chef’s Kiss. What a great story. Consider this your sign to add it to your TBR immediately!
#JessAbraham #slowburnbooks
#shifterromance
Thank you, Jess for allowing me to read your work and write a review.
Jess took shifter romance and put a whole new spin on it. Instead of forcing pack living, she highlights the true nature of bears; how solitary and intensely territorial they can be. It makes the world-building feel so fresh and authentic!
And let's nog forget the slow burn between Asher and Meri... Chef’s Kiss. What a great story. Consider this your sign to add it to your TBR immediately!
#JessAbraham #slowburnbooks
#shifterromance
Thank you, Jess for allowing me to read your work and write a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recieved this book as an ARC. I enjoyed it despite having not read any of the other books first. I will certainly be adding them all to my TBR!
August 16, 2026
Love some man bear stories .
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews