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Salem Creek Shifters #1
Hero Bear
A wounded Marine who lost his bear + a BBW physical therapist with a secret + a small town full of gossips = a hot and healing romance!
Curvy Michaela Baker moved to Salem Creek looking for a second chance. Hidden away in the hills and hollers of the Appalachians, she hopes her secrets won't follow her to her new job as a physical therapist. But she didn't count on one of her first clients being the hottest man she's ever seen. Caleb Bentley should be absolutely off-limits, but how can she help him recover when touching him sets her body on fire?
Caleb lost part of his left leg to an IED in Iraq, but he was lucky to make it home at all. There aren't a lot of options for a man with one leg in Salem Creek, where it's the coal mine or nothing, but he's determined to rebuild his life any way he can. As far as anyone knows, his biggest worries are keeping him and his brother Dalton fed and dodging the town's insistence on treating him like a war hero. But Caleb has a secret of his own: his leg wasn't all the war cost him. He's a bear shifter who's lost the ability to shift. That is, until his new physical therapist wakes up the slumbering beast inside of him and makes it roar.
When Michaela's past threatens her future, the secrets that kept her and Caleb apart may be the only thing that can save them. Can two people with a lot to hide face the truth about each other?
This is a standalone BBW bear shifter romance. No cliffhangers!
Curvy Michaela Baker moved to Salem Creek looking for a second chance. Hidden away in the hills and hollers of the Appalachians, she hopes her secrets won't follow her to her new job as a physical therapist. But she didn't count on one of her first clients being the hottest man she's ever seen. Caleb Bentley should be absolutely off-limits, but how can she help him recover when touching him sets her body on fire?
Caleb lost part of his left leg to an IED in Iraq, but he was lucky to make it home at all. There aren't a lot of options for a man with one leg in Salem Creek, where it's the coal mine or nothing, but he's determined to rebuild his life any way he can. As far as anyone knows, his biggest worries are keeping him and his brother Dalton fed and dodging the town's insistence on treating him like a war hero. But Caleb has a secret of his own: his leg wasn't all the war cost him. He's a bear shifter who's lost the ability to shift. That is, until his new physical therapist wakes up the slumbering beast inside of him and makes it roar.
When Michaela's past threatens her future, the secrets that kept her and Caleb apart may be the only thing that can save them. Can two people with a lot to hide face the truth about each other?
This is a standalone BBW bear shifter romance. No cliffhangers!
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2015
159 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
326 books1,505 followersZoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 10, 2015
I enjoyed this one better than previous books I've read by this author but it was still just an okay read for me. For such a short read Michaela and Caleb spent too much time apart, in my opinion, but I did enjoy them as a couple. Of course I would have liked Caleb to chase Michaela instead of spending so much time moping but at least he showed up when she needed him...
December 7, 2015
Super quick read, this one was o.k. Wasn't a huge fan of the h, kind of annoying. The H was delicious AND he could cook, what's not to love about him!
October 30, 2015
Combustible Encounter!!!
Caleb Bentley was a military man who lost more than his leg while he was deployed, he was a bear shifter who also lost his bear. He thought he lost the latter forever that was until he met the breathtakingly gorgeous and curvy physical therapist bu the name of Michaela Baker.
Muchaela Baker had secrets, she moved to Salem Creek in search of a second chance, she met Caleb and there was an instant attraction. She knew she should stay away from but what a woman to do when the man set her on fire whenever she touched him.
Caleb finally took the first step and asked Michaela out on a date and what an eventful date it had been...as they spent more time together, Caleb realized that Michaela is his mate.
Not wanting to lie to her, it told her about him being a shifter which she didn't believed instead she kicked him out of his life. They both were missing each othed but neither one took the first step to reach out.
That was until Caleb talked to his brother Dalton and once again he took the first step only to find out that Michaela was in danger....that notion caused the sleeping bear inside of him to wake up and protect their mate.
Zoe Chant did it again, HERO BEAR was fantastic, well paced and a delightful read.
Caleb Bentley was a military man who lost more than his leg while he was deployed, he was a bear shifter who also lost his bear. He thought he lost the latter forever that was until he met the breathtakingly gorgeous and curvy physical therapist bu the name of Michaela Baker.
Muchaela Baker had secrets, she moved to Salem Creek in search of a second chance, she met Caleb and there was an instant attraction. She knew she should stay away from but what a woman to do when the man set her on fire whenever she touched him.
Caleb finally took the first step and asked Michaela out on a date and what an eventful date it had been...as they spent more time together, Caleb realized that Michaela is his mate.
Not wanting to lie to her, it told her about him being a shifter which she didn't believed instead she kicked him out of his life. They both were missing each othed but neither one took the first step to reach out.
That was until Caleb talked to his brother Dalton and once again he took the first step only to find out that Michaela was in danger....that notion caused the sleeping bear inside of him to wake up and protect their mate.
Zoe Chant did it again, HERO BEAR was fantastic, well paced and a delightful read.
October 29, 2015
Great Story
Caleb didn't just lose part of his leg in the military, he lost his bear. That is until he meets Michaela. Sweet story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Caleb didn't just lose part of his leg in the military, he lost his bear. That is until he meets Michaela. Sweet story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 28, 2020
Great first book in this series!
I have to say that I have a soft spot for Marines, especially those who were injured in service. So I was predisposed to like Caleb. He is a wonderful example of the strong and silent type! Michaela is trying to start over, and it seems to be working. Then they meet and all goes well, until it suddenly goes bad for both of them. There is a lot of emotion in this story. This character oriented story has a fast pace and an uncertain tone. There are a number of steamy scenes and one bit of action near the end. The vibrant characters are endearing and make you cheer for them. I look forward to reading the next in about his brother Dalton. Sound good? Then get this and enjoy!
I have to say that I have a soft spot for Marines, especially those who were injured in service. So I was predisposed to like Caleb. He is a wonderful example of the strong and silent type! Michaela is trying to start over, and it seems to be working. Then they meet and all goes well, until it suddenly goes bad for both of them. There is a lot of emotion in this story. This character oriented story has a fast pace and an uncertain tone. There are a number of steamy scenes and one bit of action near the end. The vibrant characters are endearing and make you cheer for them. I look forward to reading the next in about his brother Dalton. Sound good? Then get this and enjoy!
August 24, 2020
Relevant, Dramatic, Heartfelt
I loved reading this story. It fits in today’s society, with such heartache, and reality. It was well written, and it flowed well even with tackling the topic of limb loss in war. And as this author wrote so beautifully, it’s never just the limb that’s lost, in this case it was part of his soul, like our real soldiers, but for our hero it was his spirit animal. A part of his identity. Like our soldiers. Such a heavy topic written with grace and heart. It needs to be seriously discussed. This hero was on his way to a happily mated after. OMG, I loved this book.
I loved reading this story. It fits in today’s society, with such heartache, and reality. It was well written, and it flowed well even with tackling the topic of limb loss in war. And as this author wrote so beautifully, it’s never just the limb that’s lost, in this case it was part of his soul, like our real soldiers, but for our hero it was his spirit animal. A part of his identity. Like our soldiers. Such a heavy topic written with grace and heart. It needs to be seriously discussed. This hero was on his way to a happily mated after. OMG, I loved this book.
May 25, 2017
Very good story!
This was my first book by this author. I think it was well written and a very enjoyable quick read. The storyline was interesting and fast paced. The characters are very likeable and keep you engaged to see what will happen to them before they get their HEA! Loved the audio option.
This was my first book by this author. I think it was well written and a very enjoyable quick read. The storyline was interesting and fast paced. The characters are very likeable and keep you engaged to see what will happen to them before they get their HEA! Loved the audio option.
January 8, 2023
I was on a Sci Fi binge now I am on a Paranormal shifter binge and that is how I came across Zoe's books. Once I find an author whose books I like I will read them all and let me tell you Zoe has a lot. They are quick and easy reads. Some serious some make me laugh but all have danger and fated mates.
I enjoy paranormal stories as they take you away from everyday life and anything goes.
I enjoy paranormal stories as they take you away from everyday life and anything goes.
June 21, 2019
This was such a great book he really liked her since he meant her but I don't think he realised she was his mate till it was almost to late but she shouldn't have kept secret from him either especially when they started getting series can't wait to read more books by this author
August 13, 2023
Wonderful Romance
Caleb and Michaela are a sweet couple. As someone who struggles to find his bear again, Caleb is given a session of PT with Michaela and sparks fly immediately. It's a heartwarming story overall.
Caleb and Michaela are a sweet couple. As someone who struggles to find his bear again, Caleb is given a session of PT with Michaela and sparks fly immediately. It's a heartwarming story overall.
September 16, 2025
Heroic bear
Hero bear is another fantastic short standalone story. The story started out very well with a few issues occurring and an ex boss on the march to start some trouble. I look forward to the future series as I’d really want to know what their future is
Hero bear is another fantastic short standalone story. The story started out very well with a few issues occurring and an ex boss on the march to start some trouble. I look forward to the future series as I’d really want to know what their future is
October 9, 2018
Love it
I have spent the last few weeks reading Zoe chants books I love each one is great with just the right amount of love and story love all her books
I have spent the last few weeks reading Zoe chants books I love each one is great with just the right amount of love and story love all her books
January 27, 2019
A nice, homey sweet romance.
August 5, 2019
Good read
Good lesson Do not jump to conclusions until you know whole story Caleb and Michaela learned it and got hurt But talking it out helped them get together
Good lesson Do not jump to conclusions until you know whole story Caleb and Michaela learned it and got hurt But talking it out helped them get together
May 5, 2020
Michaela & Caleb
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Michaela & Caleb's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Thank you for writing this story.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Michaela & Caleb's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Thank you for writing this story.
September 3, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet novella
September 28, 2020
Un-bear-ably sweet
You can always count on Zoe Chant to deliver the good stuff. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
You can always count on Zoe Chant to deliver the good stuff. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
March 30, 2023
endearing
I loved these characters they were shy year yearned each other I love how Caleb’s bear came out to protect his mate can’t wait for the next book
I loved these characters they were shy year yearned each other I love how Caleb’s bear came out to protect his mate can’t wait for the next book
November 6, 2015
Thumbs Up
Caleb is an amputee veteran with a bod and a determination not to quit on life. He so happens to be a bear shifter who can't seem to shift any more. Even his inner bear is gone, until he meets his curvy Physical Therapist substitute Michaela, and his bear comes back.
It was good, and I enjoyed a little difference in the bear hero being an amputee. It was sexy and sweet. I wish there was more to the story and the characters. There weren't many errors, if any. My main issue is the sudden change in character perspective. One paragraph we're in Caleb's head, and in the next, without any warning, we're in Michaela's. That's it. :)
Caleb is an amputee veteran with a bod and a determination not to quit on life. He so happens to be a bear shifter who can't seem to shift any more. Even his inner bear is gone, until he meets his curvy Physical Therapist substitute Michaela, and his bear comes back.
It was good, and I enjoyed a little difference in the bear hero being an amputee. It was sexy and sweet. I wish there was more to the story and the characters. There weren't many errors, if any. My main issue is the sudden change in character perspective. One paragraph we're in Caleb's head, and in the next, without any warning, we're in Michaela's. That's it. :)
September 25, 2017
Hero Bear is a short standalone in a series of shifters of Salem Creek, where this story takes place. Despite the short length of this story it had depth, the characters were flushed out and had backstory that wasn't skipped over.
The only thing I disliked wasn't about the story, but the formatting. It was dual-point of view, but when it went from Michaela's point of view to Dalton's there wasn't even a page break, it just continued on without any indication of a switch.
Bonus: There were two recipes in the back of the book that was used in the book! You can eat what the characters eat!
The only thing I disliked wasn't about the story, but the formatting. It was dual-point of view, but when it went from Michaela's point of view to Dalton's there wasn't even a page break, it just continued on without any indication of a switch.
Bonus: There were two recipes in the back of the book that was used in the book! You can eat what the characters eat!
October 26, 2016
I am binge reading and have quite a few of Zoe Chant's books that I had one-clicked and wanted to read, but would always have something else come up. I have to say. TAKE THE TIME AND READ ALL OF HER BOOKS!! They are each unique, some follow a specific group, but each can stand alone and have a happy ending. They are feel good and quick reads! I absolutely love all her books I have read! And they never leave you feeling like your missing something at the end.
November 4, 2015
Bear Shifter meets mate....with a twist.
Kindle Unlimited standalone. He was hurt in the war and meets her at Physical Therapy. She can't believe how attracted she is to him. Can she accept his secret? Unique story because he has a prostatic leg and hasn't shifted since the accident. Good heart warming story!!
Kindle Unlimited standalone. He was hurt in the war and meets her at Physical Therapy. She can't believe how attracted she is to him. Can she accept his secret? Unique story because he has a prostatic leg and hasn't shifted since the accident. Good heart warming story!!
October 17, 2016
I loved this story. It was well written. This was a quick and easy read. I am getting to be a real fan of Zoe Chant books. I encourage everyone to go get this book you will not be disappointed. I couldn't put this one down. See what happens when the hero can't find his bear. This one is worth your time and effort. If you enjoy shifter books check out Zoe Chant book. Start with this one.
December 7, 2015
Sweet tale
Zoe Chant has penned a endearing story about a wounded bear and his mate that keeps your attention from start to finish. Caleb and Michaela are lovely together, and I look forward to seeing them again in Dalton's story.
Zoe Chant has penned a endearing story about a wounded bear and his mate that keeps your attention from start to finish. Caleb and Michaela are lovely together, and I look forward to seeing them again in Dalton's story.
November 18, 2015
Sexy Hero
Caleb and Michaela's story was sweet and passionate! These two characters were good and strong. You did not feel like you were reading a short story at all. I would love to read a story about Dalton.
Caleb and Michaela's story was sweet and passionate! These two characters were good and strong. You did not feel like you were reading a short story at all. I would love to read a story about Dalton.
August 28, 2021
My Hero
What a wonderful story. Especially that our hero was a veteran. And his mate is no pushover.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. Again just wish the story wasn't so short.
What a wonderful story. Especially that our hero was a veteran. And his mate is no pushover.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. Again just wish the story wasn't so short.
November 2, 2015
WOW!
A great little story. The characters and the plot were fantastic. Caleb is a Hero Bear in every sense of the word. Loved the ending!
A great little story. The characters and the plot were fantastic. Caleb is a Hero Bear in every sense of the word. Loved the ending!
November 9, 2015
Precious as can be.
Who doesn't like a story about a curve-a-lacious gal and a delightful man? Two cute-ass characters being too cute for this world
Who doesn't like a story about a curve-a-lacious gal and a delightful man? Two cute-ass characters being too cute for this world
January 21, 2016
Great story
Caleb and Michaela were very easy to fall in love with! This story is full of forgiveness, acceptance, romance, love, and even suspense.
Caleb and Michaela were very easy to fall in love with! This story is full of forgiveness, acceptance, romance, love, and even suspense.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews