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Bears of Pinerock County #4

Mountain Guardian Bear

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A mountain man with a tragic past + a curvy amnesiac + two deadly secrets = one explosive romance!

His bear-shifter clanmates know him only as Gannon, a scarred loner concealing a dark past. The mountain man of the Pinerock Bears guards the Circle B Ranch from afar and shuns the company of others, until the day he comes back to his cabin and finds a beautiful, curvy woman sleeping in his bed ... that his bear recognizes as his mate!

All Daisy knows about herself is her name, and she's not even sure about that. The curvy amnesia victim wakes up in Gannon's cabin, knowing only that she was somehow drawn here while fleeing from an unknown danger she can no longer remember. She never expected to find a shy yet strong mountain man taking care of her.

As passion blossoms between these two lost souls, the secrets hiding in Gannon's past and Daisy's present threaten to tear their happiness apart. Can Gannon protect his beautiful mate ... and overcome his own demons to learn to love her?

This is a standalone bear shifter romance, fourth in the Bears of Pinerock County series. No cliffhangers!

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2016

525 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Chant

330 books1,524 followers
Zoe 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...


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5 stars
809 (60%)
4 stars
355 (26%)
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137 (10%)
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25 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books404 followers
December 8, 2017
Mountain Guardian Bear is a fun, sweet, sexy story about Gannon meeting his mate in Daisy, a woman on the run with no memory of who she is running from. In Chant's usual excellent story telling, there is so much heart and humour in this series. I loved seeing all the other couples again, and the tense moments kept me on the edge of my seat, while the sweet moments between Daisy and Gannon had me swooning. A must read for fans of this series!
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
November 3, 2016
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Like many readers who follow the Bears of Pinerock County series, I’ve been awaiting Gannon’s story. This silent, gruff, reclusive man has been a puzzle. Always in the background, but his strong presence is difficult to miss when he’s needed the most. Learning his story was an eye opener and a deeper look into a very complicated man who like all of us simply wants to find that one person for him, even if he believed he was far from worthy of love. The fates had an amazing woman in mind for Gannon – Daisy was everything he’d longed for, and it turns out, everything he could possibly need.

Daisy has no idea of who she is. Her terrified flight through the forest and higher up the mountain has been fueled by terror and an uncanny certainty that safety lies ahead. Why? She has no clue, it’s as though a rope were tied around her waist drawing her to something, someone who would protect her from whatever stalked her through these trees. As she burst through to a clearing filled with wildflowers she saw the small, old-fashioned cabin in the moonlight. Here was where she’d be safe. Feeling a bit like Goldilocks, she entered the cabin with caution but no one was home. Exhaustion, pain, fear and a sense of coming home enveloped her as she gave into the temptation of lying down in that huge bed for just a bit, just long enough to catch her breath. She was completely unaware when the owner of that cabin looked down upon the sleeping stranger in his bed and thought with wonder… mate.

Mountain Guardian Bear completely delivers on the mystery of who Gannon is… and who he was before finding himself pulled into this small unique bear clan, which now included several human mates and a cub. Because Gannon’s history is so powerful, and so connected to other events in this story I honestly don’t want to give away any more. If you’ve read the other stories in this series then you will need to discover Gannon’s secrets for yourself and that’s as it should be. I will say only that our silent, gruff mystery bear has held on to so much pain and so many secrets that are simply heartbreaking. He’s stronger than we ever imagined – and he will become so much more by the end of this story with his mate, Daisy at his side.

I always knew it would take a uniquely strong and special woman to capture Gannon’s heart. Daisy is certainly that woman. I loved their story which is filled to the brim with passion, danger, secrets and resolutions to both the past and for the future.

If you haven’t started this series, I would strongly recommend that you start at the beginning with Sheriff Bear and worked your way through some amazing couples and a very good story line. Without starting at the beginning and understanding what the Alpha of this clan is like and how he’s changed over the course of the series I don’t know if you’ll get the complete impact of Gannon’s story. You’ll enjoy it, no doubt, but for this series, I believe that following in order does make a difference as the changes in the characters, subtle they may be, do add to the complete story.

I read this story through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. For ten dollars a month you get access to thousands of really great stories across all genre, and the authors get paid for you reading the story through to the 100% mark. It’s a win-win. Probably the best 10 bucks I spend a month.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
January 1, 2018
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! No one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I bought this book last year because I love and own most of Zoe’s books!

The cover is awesome, but I think the bear should have a darker coat.

This is the 4th book in the series, and it is Gannon’s story! This is about 160ish pages, and for adults only due to the violence and steamy content.

Yay! I finally know Gannon’s story, and he is a big softy. We already know he is special because he knows things. Gannon senses and sees things that others miss. Daisy has amnesia, and she finds her way to Gannon’s cabin. This was a great story, and it was packed with information and problems for the clan. I don’t want to give anything away, but in Zoe’s usual fashion, she made the story just the right combination of action and romance to keep you gripped in the story!

I highly recommend to any bear lover who loves HEAs with plenty of action! Off to read the next one!!
Profile Image for Rachel.
483 reviews54 followers
November 27, 2016
This was a really good Zoe Chant book, but I prefer her other books in this series. That being said, I can't wait for Cody to get his own story!!
830 reviews
November 30, 2020
More bear than man, the Guardian takes a mate. Gunnar is from one of the wild bear clans, accepted by the Circle B bears after being exiled as alpha from his birth clan. I'm always fascinated by how authors construct their shifter world. I don't recall reading a shifter series with 2 alphas living so harmoniously together. Daisy stumbles upon his cabin with no idea who she is, where she is or why. Instinctively she feels at home in Gunnar's cabin, deciding his cabin is just right. Gunnar of course knows at first sight she's his mate. They don't have much frisky time before the rest of the clan gets wind of her arrival and drops by - hilarity ensues when the female mates get together. As the circumstances surrounding her amnesia are pieced together, Gunnar's old clan attacks his new one. Gunnar finds a way to straddle the worlds of his new and old clans to save Daisy and the Circle B bears.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
2,016 reviews27 followers
December 1, 2021
I loved Gannon’s story

This was a sweet, sexy, and exciting novella with a side of danger. Gannon is a bear shifter who was exiled from one clan but joined another. He lives a solitary life. Daisy has amnesia and the first memory she has is running in the woods away from danger but also toward something. She instantly feels peace when she happens on Gannon’s cabin. To get to their HEA, they will have to solve the mystery of where Daisy came from, fight off others clans, and deal with clan politics. I loved the healing Gannon undergoes in this story - it gave me all the feels. The story includes what you’d expect from romantic suspense - fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil leaders, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, love, fated mates, and laughs. While short, the characters were well developed and the story was well written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
489 reviews
September 2, 2020
This was my first exposure to this series and I really enjoyed the mythology of it. All of the clan stuff and the shifter rules were pretty cool and interesting. I particularly liked seeing the difficulties that causes in relationships like Alec's and Charmian's.

I just didn't realize how short it was! As such, it doesn't have much time to spend developing the relationship which is how the fated mate idea comes in handy. I would have appreciated more getting to know you time between the couple despite them being soulmates. They still have to learn about each other - as it is, it relies heavily on insta-lust/love. I did enjoy what we got of the characters though and I would have liked more. Since the books are so brief, I'll probably read the others as I'd like to learn more about them.
Profile Image for Sherry.
50 reviews
October 5, 2023
Wow! This series is getting good!

This is by far my favorite of the series. From the first book, I was intrigued about the man who came in at the end of the story. He was mysterious and quiet, but a real hero. I figured I'd have to wait until the end of the series to read his story. I'm still torn between pure joy that i didn't have to wait and disappointment that his story is told, and I still have a couple of books left to read. I'm also afraid that those books will feel somewhat anticlimactic now.

I encourage you to read this entire series from book 1. The series was a bit of a slow starter with some hiccups, but once Zoe got going, she found her voice and told a cohesive family story, bringing new characters into the clan. The spicy scenes are fire, and the relationships are heartwarming. Go out and get Sherrif Bear and buckle up for a good ride.
Profile Image for Diana Page.
903 reviews16 followers
August 13, 2017
Talk about an almost "Goldilocks and the three Bears" remake, except this one only has Gannon a scared shifter bear who works on the ranch and stays mostly to himself in the original cabin in the woods and Daisy, the woman he finds sleeping in his bed after a night out protecting the ranch. Daisy has lost her memory, but one thing she "knows" is she can trust Gannon with her life, and Gannon will do whatever it takes to help Daisy remember her previous life so he can claim her as his fated mate. Trouble comes to call and Gannon and the rest of the clan are ready to do whatever it takes to make sure Daisy is safe and she and Gannon get their Happily Ever After 4⭐'s . I'm voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Holly Fincher.
190 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2023
Awesome. Thrilling.

This is the fourth book of the series and it is really a fun book. Daisy has no idea where she is or what happened to her. She only knew for some weird reason she was running through the woods to a place that felt like home but she had never been there before. Gannon is the lone shifter who stayed up on the high side of the clan territory. He knew someone was in his home. One look at each other is all it took for them to know they were mates. Daisy is slowly remembering her past and figures out why she was in that territory. As mates, Daisy and Gannon are able to help other clans to reclaim the land taken over by some clear cut company who was destroying the land. So much excitement. On to #5...
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,103 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2025
silent Bear No More

Gannon and Daisy’s story was an easy to read fated mates story with a bit of “touch her and you die” vibes. We have all the previous characters from Pinerock County present and Alec being his usual Alphahole , and with Charmaine keeping the peace. The illegal deforestation by humans is a nod to what is happening in the real world, and it’s sad and disheartening. Luckily Lauren Esker has written the story in such a was as to yes, bring the problem front and center, but to also keep it from being overwhelming. I like that she highlights problems in the world in her books, but doesn’t make them depressing stories. I can’t wait for book 5, which should be Cody’s story . 5✨’s for a hot and sexy story, with our lovable bear shifters in Pinerock County.
1,313 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2018
Gannon is my favorite so far

Who wouldn't like the strong silent bear shifter who finally meets his mate. And Daisy is a sweetheart, who is running from something, bit doesn't know what. All she knows is that Gannon and his cabin make her feel safe. The twists and turns in this story really move it along. The steamy scenes are there, but the action and character development are what I liked best about this story. Read them all in order and see if you agree! I can't wait to start the next one. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Claire.
1,320 reviews22 followers
May 25, 2020
I'm not normally a fan of amnesia books, but thankfully Daisy had very temporary memory loss and retained a good sense of who she was - I feel like too often amnesia love stories can feel a little bit deceptive, as someone falls in love with a person they don't know, and who doesn't even know themselves?

Anyway, this was another fast and fun read, and I do like a quiet broody hero who has to get over his hangups and lead a group. Looking forward to the last in this series - poor Cody is really turning into a ninth wheel at this point!
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,448 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2024
A Goldilocks/Shifter Story

What a wonderful story of human/bear shifter romance. He found her in his bed where she fell asleep after running through the woods. After a startling cute/meet they connected and she met his adopted clan. That led to a misunderstanding with his old clan. I liked the fight between alphas not because of the violence, but the outcome. I also teared up from an emotional reuniting with his sister. This book was full of action, adventure, sisterhood and romance ending in a HEA.
2,720 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2025
Its ok but I feel like it's unfinished that there's A little more 2 add 2 it. Gannon barely talks but he sure changed his tune real fast lol I don't understand why they kidnapped her in the 1st place. But it seems 2 help with finding each other out of the blue. At least they were willing 2 talk about possible change in a few things 4 the future since the world II s always turning and making progress.
205 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2017
OH MY Wonderful book

Oh it deserves 5 stars Zoe Chant bypast her other stories with this story. A must read after you read the other 4books in this series. Thank you for wonderfully 3 hours of reading. Please buy the whole group of Bears of Pinerock County. Can not wait to book 6, a Christmas story.

Profile Image for Angie7.
979 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2022
Change is Coming

Awesome a mystery is to be had in the story. She has lost her memories but knows she is running in the right direction . Its just a feeling of rightness. It's instant and not confusing to her but who is she. Action, suspense, great characters and a family of love and safety. Ok next is Cody...finally!
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,775 reviews84 followers
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.
206 reviews
April 2, 2025
Amnesia and the Outcast.

Gannon was an outcast from his pack, but made a home at the Circle B ranch. Daisy escaped from someone and destiny drew her to Gannon’s cabin. They find love in each other, and more answers along the way. I liked that the rest of the ranch crew continues to play a large role in all the stories.
1,711 reviews
September 21, 2025
Brilliant Series

Mountain Guardian Bear (Bears of Pinerock County Book 4) by Lauren Esker. The girl knew if she just kept going she would find safety and maybe her memory. Bear shifter Gannon knew the girl asleep in his bed was his mate. Her appearance nearly brought on a war between various bear clans and took a fight to get things a bit straitened out.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,382 reviews46 followers
March 1, 2018
Really wanted to read Gannon’s story and find out more about him. Sad about how backwards his old clan was.
Loved Gannon and Daisy’s story with all the unknown memory part and the tension due to the logging.
Read in the box set
1,397 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2020
Mountain Guardian Bear (Bears of Pinerock County Book

I really enjoyed this series but Book four is great ! Mountain Guardian Bear: Bears of Pinerock County Book 4 . I recommend 18 and up .
Profile Image for Susan.
872 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
Memories

Gannon & Daisy: he was a loner and watch over the mountain and clan. She couldn't remember anything except her name, but knew she was safe with him.
The characters will take you through twists and turns throughout their story for their mate.
733 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2022
Awesome💥

OMG, this book📙 was outstanding, it was filled with family, loyalty, respect, romance💖 and love💘. You must read this series in order to understand what is going on you will love it!
92 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
Gannon has a voice

Really liked this story. Been waiting for Gannon to have his chance and it was worth the wait.
I also like getting reacquainted with other members of the clan.
Can't wait for Cody to find love!
426 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2023
Awesome loved it

Also good action, different storyline, great people, big bears and even an alpha fight.
Such a great family plus the additions.
Ending is cool , he's quiet to start with but boy does he take care of their clan and his old one.
2,978 reviews10 followers
March 7, 2023
Mate

Daisy keeps running towards something she can't name. When she sees the cabin she knows it's a safe place. When she sees Gannon she knows he won't hurt her and hopes together they can figure out what happened to her.
95 reviews
August 26, 2023
Love the series

The whole series is amazing. I really enjoyed the book, because it was so different, from the others.. Never expected what I read. Didn't see that coming. The timing of the story was perfect.
Profile Image for Connie Harris.
1,532 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2023
The clan helps Daisy regain her memory.

ys knew Gannon's story would be a good one! Imagine finding a beautiful blonde woman sleeping in his bed. When she awakens and they only thing remembers Is that her name is Daisy.
Profile Image for angela gunstone.
1,858 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2024
Mountain guardian bear

Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline and can't wait to read more in this series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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