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Bears are naturally solitary, and Duncan is no exception. He doesn’t need anyone in his life, messing it up. He’s happy, isn’t he?
But when a chatterbox werewolf breezes onto his farm, Duncan finds himself wondering what it might be like to let someone close again. Jesse’s not like anyone he’s ever met, and Duncan can’t get him out of his head.
Still, people can’t be trusted, and Duncan is determined never to let anyone get close enough to betray him again. Jesse’s no different. Duncan can’t let him in.
As the strength of the connection between them deepens, Duncan has to ask himself which is more important. Being safe and alone? Or taking a leap of faith that this time someone might stay with him forever?
For the first time since he was bitten, Jesse finally feels like he’s going to be okay. He’s safe, he’s healthy, he’s got a pack that tolerates him, and if he doesn’t exactly have the alpha he wants then, well, you can’t have everything, right? At least Hamish lets him tag along behind him, and looks out for him. It doesn’t matter that Hamish doesn’t want more than that. It’s fine, really.
Until he meets Duncan Russell, a gruff werebear with a farm and a bad attitude, and Jesse realizes that there’s more to life than grovelling to the betas and hoping no-one snaps at him. Duncan seems perfectly self-sufficient, smart and determined and good at everything he turns a hand to, and Jesse can’t help finding that inexorably attractive.
Trouble is, werebears don’t mate for life, and Jesse’s going to get his heart broken.
Is it worth the risk? Or will fear of future heartache keep Jesse from going after the thing he wants most?
But when a chatterbox werewolf breezes onto his farm, Duncan finds himself wondering what it might be like to let someone close again. Jesse’s not like anyone he’s ever met, and Duncan can’t get him out of his head.
Still, people can’t be trusted, and Duncan is determined never to let anyone get close enough to betray him again. Jesse’s no different. Duncan can’t let him in.
As the strength of the connection between them deepens, Duncan has to ask himself which is more important. Being safe and alone? Or taking a leap of faith that this time someone might stay with him forever?
For the first time since he was bitten, Jesse finally feels like he’s going to be okay. He’s safe, he’s healthy, he’s got a pack that tolerates him, and if he doesn’t exactly have the alpha he wants then, well, you can’t have everything, right? At least Hamish lets him tag along behind him, and looks out for him. It doesn’t matter that Hamish doesn’t want more than that. It’s fine, really.
Until he meets Duncan Russell, a gruff werebear with a farm and a bad attitude, and Jesse realizes that there’s more to life than grovelling to the betas and hoping no-one snaps at him. Duncan seems perfectly self-sufficient, smart and determined and good at everything he turns a hand to, and Jesse can’t help finding that inexorably attractive.
Trouble is, werebears don’t mate for life, and Jesse’s going to get his heart broken.
Is it worth the risk? Or will fear of future heartache keep Jesse from going after the thing he wants most?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
36 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Robin Moray
12 books360 followersRobin Moray is a storyteller by nature, with a love for realistic characters in fantastical situations and men having complicated emotions. Preferably naked.
If you spot Robin in the wild, try approaching with snacks.
You can find Robin in the following places:
robinmoray.com
Amazon
Facebook: Robin's Reading Nest
therobinmoray@gmail.com
If you spot Robin in the wild, try approaching with snacks.
You can find Robin in the following places:
robinmoray.com
Amazon
Facebook: Robin's Reading Nest
therobinmoray@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 12, 2022
Oof, the werewolf pack in this series is not pleasant company if you're the lowest-ranking of the lowest-ranking, i.e. the new omega on the block. The hierarchy as seen from Jesse's point of view is rigid and merciless. Fortunately for him, the wolves have as a near neighbor Duncan, who's a bear in more than one way. Duncan is gruff, of course, and also lonely and suspicious, but Jesse's taken with him right off the bat, and since both wolves and bears can smell emotions we are spared any long-drawn-out misapprehension of each other's feelings and motives. Jesse does bolt from the wolf pack in panic and despair when Nero the alpha orders him not to see Duncan anymore, but that painful (yes, yes, I cried) interlude is mercifully short.
Okay, this is Robin Moray so you know the sex is going to be hot and sweet. Just take that as read. The aspect I want to single out is the way RM builds a bear. (Sorry not sorry.) Duncan keeps bees (I love this); he hoards; his goats accept him but will have nothing to do with Jesse, because WOLF, come on, goats have more sense than that. I also really like the way both wolves and bears subscribe to certain received truths about bears that prove untrue, perhaps including .
Besides the hot sex, RM also has a reliably clever turn of phrase: "'Yes, boss,' Jesse said, smirking, and he sauntered off, hands in his pockets, looking pleased and devious." And "He found Duncan in the middle of some complicated bee operation, messing with frames in a dozy cloud of his socialist lady friends." Can I just say how excellent those two sentences are strictly as sentences, by the way? Also, the exchanges between Jesse and the teenage wolves in the epilogue are outright hilarious. RM has a great ear for dialogue.
I dunno, I guess this whole series is essentially popcorn? But it's such good popcorn. Organic, properly prepared, salted and buttered to perfection.
Okay, this is Robin Moray so you know the sex is going to be hot and sweet. Just take that as read. The aspect I want to single out is the way RM builds a bear. (Sorry not sorry.) Duncan keeps bees (I love this); he hoards; his goats accept him but will have nothing to do with Jesse, because WOLF, come on, goats have more sense than that. I also really like the way both wolves and bears subscribe to certain received truths about bears that prove untrue, perhaps including .
Besides the hot sex, RM also has a reliably clever turn of phrase: "'Yes, boss,' Jesse said, smirking, and he sauntered off, hands in his pockets, looking pleased and devious." And "He found Duncan in the middle of some complicated bee operation, messing with frames in a dozy cloud of his socialist lady friends." Can I just say how excellent those two sentences are strictly as sentences, by the way? Also, the exchanges between Jesse and the teenage wolves in the epilogue are outright hilarious. RM has a great ear for dialogue.
I dunno, I guess this whole series is essentially popcorn? But it's such good popcorn. Organic, properly prepared, salted and buttered to perfection.
January 26, 2018
3.75 stars
I liked this book better than the other three. Duncan and Jesse were made for each other.
Duncan is a bear shifter who is a very lonely man who doesn't want anyone around because they always leave in the end so why put yourself our there like that. Heartbreak can be a bitch.
Jesse is a bitten wolf, left by his sire who he met in the city. Jesse was stuck in wolf form for months because he was caught by a vengeful witch but Hamish (book 2) found him (reluctantly) and helped him.
Fast forward, you find Jesse and Duncan in each other space and things get awkward. Duncan can't figure out why Jesse is the only wolf that he can stand the smell of and Jesse doesn't understand his fascination with a "bear".
The series as a whole was very good but book four was my favorite. The communication issues were there but not as bad as books 1-3. Vulnerability was evident in each MC and that was a welcome relief from the previous books.
Great read!
I liked this book better than the other three. Duncan and Jesse were made for each other.
Duncan is a bear shifter who is a very lonely man who doesn't want anyone around because they always leave in the end so why put yourself our there like that. Heartbreak can be a bitch.
Jesse is a bitten wolf, left by his sire who he met in the city. Jesse was stuck in wolf form for months because he was caught by a vengeful witch but Hamish (book 2) found him (reluctantly) and helped him.
Fast forward, you find Jesse and Duncan in each other space and things get awkward. Duncan can't figure out why Jesse is the only wolf that he can stand the smell of and Jesse doesn't understand his fascination with a "bear".
The series as a whole was very good but book four was my favorite. The communication issues were there but not as bad as books 1-3. Vulnerability was evident in each MC and that was a welcome relief from the previous books.
Great read!
dnf
January 11, 2025dnf @ 82% - this was alright, but the way jesse was treated really started to bother me….then nero starts acting out of character and i’m like wtf!!! don’t ask me to extrapolate on that bc i’ve already forgotten everything but the vibes🤣🤣🤣 but basically it annoyed me and i quit….first dnf of the year, 5 days in lmfaoooo🤣🤣🤣 new year, same me😌
July 14, 2018
I love Jesse, the chatty low ranking wolf shift with Duncan the loner farmer bear shifter.
They have a wonderful connection and all the bee keeping and cooking for is wonderful.
We get a decent insight into Duncan and how he is seeing that he can have more than what is deemed right for Bears shifter culture and (even without reading the third book in the series where Jesse is introduced though a Hindu name Jesse is a bit odd and I would love that explained) we get a good read on Jesse and his background.
What remains confusing is wolf pack culture. The why of omega status and how status moves or doesn't. Also, Jesse was able to really get clever very fast and it would have been more believable if another wolf assisted him in figuring out a way for everything to come out right.
But it is a great HEA.
They have a wonderful connection and all the bee keeping and cooking for is wonderful.
We get a decent insight into Duncan and how he is seeing that he can have more than what is deemed right for Bears shifter culture and (even without reading the third book in the series where Jesse is introduced though a Hindu name Jesse is a bit odd and I would love that explained) we get a good read on Jesse and his background.
What remains confusing is wolf pack culture. The why of omega status and how status moves or doesn't. Also, Jesse was able to really get clever very fast and it would have been more believable if another wolf assisted him in figuring out a way for everything to come out right.
But it is a great HEA.
July 6, 2018
I really liked lone bear Duncan and newly turned omega wolf Jesse. Their character and relationship development was great. They were a good match of opposites.
I was able to read this book standalone. Duncan and Jesse settled in together on Duncan's farm, separate from the wolf pack. I skipped the previous installments because of poor reviews. Weirdly, the MCs featured in those novels were unlikable in this book, even Jesse's protector Hamish. The wolf pack was horribly abusive, ignorant, superstitious and lazy. The alpha Nero was mentally unstable and tyrannical.
I was able to read this book standalone. Duncan and Jesse settled in together on Duncan's farm, separate from the wolf pack. I skipped the previous installments because of poor reviews. Weirdly, the MCs featured in those novels were unlikable in this book, even Jesse's protector Hamish. The wolf pack was horribly abusive, ignorant, superstitious and lazy. The alpha Nero was mentally unstable and tyrannical.
October 14, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
I still can't believe I didn't know this series from Moray existed!
Everything pack related in this was so sad to read. Sad omega vibes, the hierarchy and none of the wolves actually wanting him kept breaking my heart. Fuck Nero and that other guy, lol.
However, all the time spent on the farm with the grumpy bear shifter and bees made up for the wolfy sadness. This book both has the emotionally angst while also having coziness of beekeeping and working on the farm.
I still can't believe I didn't know this series from Moray existed!
Everything pack related in this was so sad to read. Sad omega vibes, the hierarchy and none of the wolves actually wanting him kept breaking my heart. Fuck Nero and that other guy, lol.
However, all the time spent on the farm with the grumpy bear shifter and bees made up for the wolfy sadness. This book both has the emotionally angst while also having coziness of beekeeping and working on the farm.
Read
January 22, 2024This was cute, I really liked the domestic vibes on the farm. It did a good job balancing out the more bleak parts with the pack; I found it a bit hard to understand why Jesse wanted to stay in the pack so badly when he seemed pretty miserable and mistreated there. Duncan and Jesse were very sweet together, I loved all the scenting and how they kept being drawn to each other.
December 30, 2024
3.5 stars
What a great couple. I loved them together, loved the development of their relationship, and the reluctant push and pull as they worked things out.
This really doesn't put any of the side characters in a positive light. Aren't they MCs of other books in this series? Yikes. It doesn't make me want to go read any of the others, and I probably won't!
The rest of it: not sure. What a horrid attitude towards omegas, with no semblance of progress. In fact it seemed the only reason Jesse's proposal was accepted was because Nero didn't see him as an omega anymore after he stood up for himself.
All in all, it seems a bit unresolved to me. To be frank, I'd have preferred a more scorched earth ending.
What a great couple. I loved them together, loved the development of their relationship, and the reluctant push and pull as they worked things out.
This really doesn't put any of the side characters in a positive light. Aren't they MCs of other books in this series? Yikes. It doesn't make me want to go read any of the others, and I probably won't!
The rest of it: not sure. What a horrid attitude towards omegas, with no semblance of progress. In fact it seemed the only reason Jesse's proposal was accepted was because Nero didn't see him as an omega anymore after he stood up for himself.
All in all, it seems a bit unresolved to me. To be frank, I'd have preferred a more scorched earth ending.
May 21, 2023
Probably my favourite pairing, I suppose I’m just a little bummed Jesse wasn’t as sad a boy I hoped, and I wanted more just chilling with the bees.
October 16, 2022
4/4.5 ⭐️This book had me sold just on the premise of one MC being a grumpy reclusive bear. And then I started and I found out the bear keeps honey bees and had a homestead and I was in love.
Jesse is a new wolf, in a pack where he doesn’t feel wanted. Enter very grumpy and reclusive Duncan, a bear shifter holding a lot of hurt. The way the fall in love, and learn to trust each other and heal some of their past scars is done so well. There is a lot scenting and other lovely shifter behavior.
I did side eye Nero, the MC of book 1 and 2. Did not like him much here.
Other than that I really recommend it. I haven’t read the others in this series and this can be read as a stand-alone. Moray also provided a small summary at the beginning just if you need some context
Jesse is a new wolf, in a pack where he doesn’t feel wanted. Enter very grumpy and reclusive Duncan, a bear shifter holding a lot of hurt. The way the fall in love, and learn to trust each other and heal some of their past scars is done so well. There is a lot scenting and other lovely shifter behavior.
I did side eye Nero, the MC of book 1 and 2. Did not like him much here.
Other than that I really recommend it. I haven’t read the others in this series and this can be read as a stand-alone. Moray also provided a small summary at the beginning just if you need some context
January 11, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up. My complaints about previous books in the series (horrible miscommunication, too much time apart) were basically nonexistent here. Jesse and Duncan were an unlikely pair (wolf and bear) but they were so well matched to balance their temperaments and their cravings to be a part of something bigger despite painful pasts. I loved Duncan’s nurturing side and also how Jesse grew into himself, from bottom rung omega to someone who stood up for his future. The pace was great, so much scenting (my favorite), and communication happened pretty easily. They also spent a ton of time together which set up great chemistry and had me rooting for them. Glad I kept going.
July 21, 2025
I loved how sweet they were together, perfect tropey "sunny one loves the grumpy one" without being OTT. I also loved that Jesse was the sunny one even though he'd faced a lot in his life. I liked how Nero didn't turn into a jerk just because he has so much power, it seemed a little touch and go on that for a bit. It was really nice to see Duncan and his ex worked things out in the end. I'd love to see more of them and more of this world, I think we all need Michael's story.
Still hoping for more because I love the World and its characters.
Still hoping for more because I love the World and its characters.
August 21, 2018
Surprisingly good!
I say surprisingly because, the prologue was very confusing and the writing was not as smooth. So of course, I was wary and was thinking of throwing in the towel before I even reached the first chapter.
Imagine my surprise when the pages just flew by, with great writing and good plot and lovely, love characters. Looking back, it’s like the prologue was written by somebody else! Maybe?
Anyways, I love Jesse!!! He’s so, so super adorable! I like that we got to see Jesse slowly drawing the grumpy Duncan out of his shell. And while it could have been super heavy with their rather tragic backstories for the both of them, I think the author did really well in not having it weigh too heavily down but still portrayed the gravity of them.
Jumping into this series so late in the game, I feel like I’m missing something so I suppose I need to go back and read the previous three books. But it actually works pretty well as a standalone. I’m just worried that this has set the bar so high, I hope the previous books in this series won’t disappoint.
I say surprisingly because, the prologue was very confusing and the writing was not as smooth. So of course, I was wary and was thinking of throwing in the towel before I even reached the first chapter.
Imagine my surprise when the pages just flew by, with great writing and good plot and lovely, love characters. Looking back, it’s like the prologue was written by somebody else! Maybe?
Anyways, I love Jesse!!! He’s so, so super adorable! I like that we got to see Jesse slowly drawing the grumpy Duncan out of his shell. And while it could have been super heavy with their rather tragic backstories for the both of them, I think the author did really well in not having it weigh too heavily down but still portrayed the gravity of them.
Jumping into this series so late in the game, I feel like I’m missing something so I suppose I need to go back and read the previous three books. But it actually works pretty well as a standalone. I’m just worried that this has set the bar so high, I hope the previous books in this series won’t disappoint.
June 27, 2025
4⭐️ 3🌶️
📝 Review & thoughts:
This one was my favorite of the series.
Duncan & Jesse are so damn sweet and perfect together.
This is the last book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone, the author also provides a summary of what happened in the previous books at the beginning.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Bear shifter x newly turned wolf shifter
Possessive & protective MC
Lonely farm man
Vegetarian werewolf
Age gap (22/33)
Sweet MCs
Feeding and cuddling as a love language
Size difference
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: low
Pet names: n/a
Vibe/mood: sweet
HEA: yes, but it’s more of a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Biting/marking, mild domination
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 4 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Abandonment issues/trauma
💬 Quotes (possible spoilers):
“You hungry?” Duncan asked, and Jesse liked that about him so much, how he was always checking to see if Jesse needed to eat, like he was providing for him, or something. He kinda sorta secretly hoped that it was some weird bear mating ritual, like Duncan was going out of his way to show Jesse that he could feed him, that he’d be a good mate, that Jesse should choose him, or something, but he had no idea if bears worked that way.
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
📝 Review & thoughts:
This one was my favorite of the series.
Duncan & Jesse are so damn sweet and perfect together.
This is the last book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone, the author also provides a summary of what happened in the previous books at the beginning.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Bear shifter x newly turned wolf shifter
Possessive & protective MC
Lonely farm man
Vegetarian werewolf
Age gap (22/33)
Sweet MCs
Feeding and cuddling as a love language
Size difference
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: low
Pet names: n/a
Vibe/mood: sweet
HEA: yes, but it’s more of a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Biting/marking, mild domination
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 4 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Abandonment issues/trauma
💬 Quotes (possible spoilers):
“You hungry?” Duncan asked, and Jesse liked that about him so much, how he was always checking to see if Jesse needed to eat, like he was providing for him, or something. He kinda sorta secretly hoped that it was some weird bear mating ritual, like Duncan was going out of his way to show Jesse that he could feed him, that he’d be a good mate, that Jesse should choose him, or something, but he had no idea if bears worked that way.
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
July 1, 2022
Well then! Let the stanning of grumpy/sunshine shifter edition commence!
Jesse and Duncan’s story was your classic grumpy and sunshine pair, but the grumpy wasn’t so grumpy and the sunshine wasn’t just sunshine.
What struck me about this book was how at least the bear shifter stuck to actual bear animal traits. I really liked Duncan not being too grumpy. Sure, he was lonely, but he wasn’t a snarling, swearing a-hole. He just was a recluse who kept to himself and was asocial.
Jesse is our sunshine, vegetarian “omega” wolf who has to put up with everyone putting him down. I liked how, even thought it was emphasized many times how sweet he was, he did show his own teeth.
Now. Onto what I didn’t like.
I heard that book 4 of this series was the best book, and now that I’ve seen Nero and Hamish, I want nothing to do with their books—at all. Absolute d*cks. I understand why people didn’t care for the other books now.
Now did I like Callum and we only got glimpses of him. Sometimes, I can catch glimpses of characters and be interested in a book starring them. I instantly disliked Callum. Don’t wanna hear about his story either.
The reason why this book is 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up is for all the aforementioned. I did enjoy this story. I wish I saw a little more antagonism from Chris and Jeffe. I don’t like OM drama, but I wish Jesse communicated to Duncan another wolf wanted him and he said “no”. It doesn’t make sense for all of Duncan and Jesse’s progress that Jesse doesn’t say a word about Chris.
I’m waffling a bit. This was an excellent read! I have no interest in any of the other protagonists, so this was a great hello and goodbye to the series!
💜
Jesse and Duncan’s story was your classic grumpy and sunshine pair, but the grumpy wasn’t so grumpy and the sunshine wasn’t just sunshine.
What struck me about this book was how at least the bear shifter stuck to actual bear animal traits. I really liked Duncan not being too grumpy. Sure, he was lonely, but he wasn’t a snarling, swearing a-hole. He just was a recluse who kept to himself and was asocial.
Jesse is our sunshine, vegetarian “omega” wolf who has to put up with everyone putting him down. I liked how, even thought it was emphasized many times how sweet he was, he did show his own teeth.
Now. Onto what I didn’t like.
I heard that book 4 of this series was the best book, and now that I’ve seen Nero and Hamish, I want nothing to do with their books—at all. Absolute d*cks. I understand why people didn’t care for the other books now.
Now did I like Callum and we only got glimpses of him. Sometimes, I can catch glimpses of characters and be interested in a book starring them. I instantly disliked Callum. Don’t wanna hear about his story either.
The reason why this book is 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up is for all the aforementioned. I did enjoy this story. I wish I saw a little more antagonism from Chris and Jeffe. I don’t like OM drama, but I wish Jesse communicated to Duncan another wolf wanted him and he said “no”. It doesn’t make sense for all of Duncan and Jesse’s progress that Jesse doesn’t say a word about Chris.
I’m waffling a bit. This was an excellent read! I have no interest in any of the other protagonists, so this was a great hello and goodbye to the series!
💜
January 31, 2025
Another adorable read :)
January 24, 2024
I loved Duncan and Jesse, but I absolutely hate that wolf pack and their dynamics. Out of all werewolf stories I've read, honestly, this was the least enjoyable werewolf universe. When you are an omega in the pack, which Jesse is, pack is rigid and merciless towards you. And all that bullshit about doing what's best for the weak, while showing their dominance over them by humiliating. I get it, that's how werewolves are in this story, but I hated it. My heart was aching for Jesse so much, but thank god for Duncan who was there to show him that he's worth everything. At the very end, the pack wasn't as bad as at the beginning, but man, I disliked them through 80% of the book and that was difficult to shake off in the last 20%.
Some of the Jesse's experiences as an omega in this pack:
And thankfully, we get to read more about Duncan and Jesse than the pack. I enjoyed the two of them so much; they are so loving and so good to each other.
At the beginning, Jesse was so affection-starved and he seemed a little desperate to be loved by just anyone, but you can see that he genuinely falls for Duncan and he's not just settling. Both of them found what they needed in each other and despite each having their own insecurities and fears, they were sure about each other, that this is it, there's no doubt that they're good and right for each other, they are precious and worth the world to each other.
But I have to repeat this once again, while I loved Jesse and Duncan and their love story, I really disliked this werewolf universe. Jfc. The way the wolf pack function. The way that "alpha is always right" even when he's so obviously mistaken, but if he admits that then he's weak and the pack will go mad. And how they treat the weak ones in the pack is awful. To the very end, I just kept hoping that Jesse will leave the pack and go somewhere far away with Duncan.
Spoiler:
Duncan explained it well:
"Pack business. Duncan despised it. All those egos, all that complication. They tangled themselves up in knots and wondered why they ended up hurting each other."
I was so proud of Jesse So damn proud.
I absolutely loved Duncan. He is so gentle, protective, caring. Grumpy and intimidating, but so soft inside (and he's actually a little socially anxious, but hides it behind his frowns).
I found it funny how he always seemed to be pulling jars of honey out of his pockets. Like, when did you even put them there dude, haha.
Anyways, it was a good read.
Some of the Jesse's experiences as an omega in this pack:
And thankfully, we get to read more about Duncan and Jesse than the pack. I enjoyed the two of them so much; they are so loving and so good to each other.
At the beginning, Jesse was so affection-starved and he seemed a little desperate to be loved by just anyone, but you can see that he genuinely falls for Duncan and he's not just settling. Both of them found what they needed in each other and despite each having their own insecurities and fears, they were sure about each other, that this is it, there's no doubt that they're good and right for each other, they are precious and worth the world to each other.
But I have to repeat this once again, while I loved Jesse and Duncan and their love story, I really disliked this werewolf universe. Jfc. The way the wolf pack function. The way that "alpha is always right" even when he's so obviously mistaken, but if he admits that then he's weak and the pack will go mad. And how they treat the weak ones in the pack is awful. To the very end, I just kept hoping that Jesse will leave the pack and go somewhere far away with Duncan.
Spoiler:
Duncan explained it well:
"Pack business. Duncan despised it. All those egos, all that complication. They tangled themselves up in knots and wondered why they ended up hurting each other."
I was so proud of Jesse So damn proud.
I absolutely loved Duncan. He is so gentle, protective, caring. Grumpy and intimidating, but so soft inside (and he's actually a little socially anxious, but hides it behind his frowns).
I found it funny how he always seemed to be pulling jars of honey out of his pockets. Like, when did you even put them there dude, haha.
Anyways, it was a good read.
April 19, 2022
You've heard of werewolves, now get ready for... werebears?
Honestly, when I spotted the bee on the cover of this book in an ostensibly werewolf universe, I had a brief moment of "wait what" but then it ended up being just the sweetest (ha) book and probably my favorite in the series as well, if I recall correctly. A bear who is a small-farm beekeeper! A lone(ly) wolf who is lost among his pack! A tale of unlikely friends - unlikelier lovers - and mutual support/encouragement. (Also cleaning montages, you know how I love my cleaning montages.)
The series as a whole plays with the tension between culture and instinct among people who shift into animals -- how much is truly nature, and how much just "the way it's always been done"? Most of the time, it comes down a bit too far to the side of the instinct than I'd prefer, and here, too, a brief aside about an absent family that, knowing this author, I expected to just never come up again, is explained as a fundamental pattern of behavior among the species, absolutely ignoring any human norms. But then again, the book also eschews tradition in its very premise: against every cultural warning and a few initial scent instincts as well, this 'interspecies' relationship manages not only to occur at all, but flourish and find longevity as well.
A sweet, sunlit-afternoon read for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Can be read as a standalone.
Honestly, when I spotted the bee on the cover of this book in an ostensibly werewolf universe, I had a brief moment of "wait what" but then it ended up being just the sweetest (ha) book and probably my favorite in the series as well, if I recall correctly. A bear who is a small-farm beekeeper! A lone(ly) wolf who is lost among his pack! A tale of unlikely friends - unlikelier lovers - and mutual support/encouragement. (Also cleaning montages, you know how I love my cleaning montages.)
The series as a whole plays with the tension between culture and instinct among people who shift into animals -- how much is truly nature, and how much just "the way it's always been done"? Most of the time, it comes down a bit too far to the side of the instinct than I'd prefer, and here, too, a brief aside about an absent family that, knowing this author, I expected to just never come up again, is explained as a fundamental pattern of behavior among the species, absolutely ignoring any human norms. But then again, the book also eschews tradition in its very premise: against every cultural warning and a few initial scent instincts as well, this 'interspecies' relationship manages not only to occur at all, but flourish and find longevity as well.
A sweet, sunlit-afternoon read for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Can be read as a standalone.
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December 15, 2025meh. wasn't as good as i was expecting coming off of moray's alien romance and like the pack was so awful i dont know why anyone would stay there the scene where christopher tells jesse to make him a sandwich and he's just supposed to do that???? and the talk w michael abt like pheremones was so odd i was def too enlightened for it (ive literally been coined that one friend who's too woke on weed ive had people do the raads test bc they mentioned autism ive found homophobia allegories in toddler's shows ive discussed the beauties of bisexuality etc etc you get the point) and idk. the worldbuilding was not fun but jesse and duncan were OHH SOO SWEEETTT and so i read it for them.
also i cringed when they used hindi in place of like. indian. or i assume it was supposed to be hindu. a good little hindi girl makes no sense. and honestly jesse is basically white you don't DO anything with his indian background you just gave him kapoor as a last name and didn't commit to it and then fucked up on the very little you attempted........but other than that this was fine
also i cringed when they used hindi in place of like. indian. or i assume it was supposed to be hindu. a good little hindi girl makes no sense. and honestly jesse is basically white you don't DO anything with his indian background you just gave him kapoor as a last name and didn't commit to it and then fucked up on the very little you attempted........but other than that this was fine
November 7, 2022
This story broke me in the absolute best way
I enjoyed the other stories. I got totally into the characters, got sucks into the world but I feel like I didn't truly fall in love until this one.
Jesse and Duncan's story broke my heart, ripped it from my chest and stomped on it then picked up every last piece and alleged it all back together and made my son in happiness.
Jesse figuring it who he was and how strong he was and Duncan finding that one person who would stick by him even with the threat of some very dire circumstances just tore me apart and then made me scream with joy.
It was nice to see Nero growing into himself too. This book was lovely and I can't wait for more of this world. I'm really hoping Michael gets a book at some point. I feel like he deserves it and I'm slightly curious about Christopher honestly even though I also wanna snarl in his face and shake him really hard most of the time. Lol can't wait to see what's next for the pack!
I enjoyed the other stories. I got totally into the characters, got sucks into the world but I feel like I didn't truly fall in love until this one.
Jesse and Duncan's story broke my heart, ripped it from my chest and stomped on it then picked up every last piece and alleged it all back together and made my son in happiness.
Jesse figuring it who he was and how strong he was and Duncan finding that one person who would stick by him even with the threat of some very dire circumstances just tore me apart and then made me scream with joy.
It was nice to see Nero growing into himself too. This book was lovely and I can't wait for more of this world. I'm really hoping Michael gets a book at some point. I feel like he deserves it and I'm slightly curious about Christopher honestly even though I also wanna snarl in his face and shake him really hard most of the time. Lol can't wait to see what's next for the pack!
January 5, 2019
It's been a while since I read the previous books in this series so I have forgotten some of the details of the supporting characters. Fortunately the story focuses on Jesse and Duncan. Both have issues with self worth which hold them back for a time. Jesse has to find his place in the pack and Duncan has to understand why he is alone. It's not incredibly deep and meaningful, it just is, and together it is something they can change.
Happy endings for the main characters.
A note from the author says she is working on book 5. I hope that is about Christoper or Michael as they both have stories to tell.
Happy endings for the main characters.
A note from the author says she is working on book 5. I hope that is about Christoper or Michael as they both have stories to tell.
October 13, 2020
Fantastic
So, so good. Throughly enjoyed book four of this series. Newish wolf Jesse isn't very happy with Nero's pack, living as an Omega, itching for attention but only getting it from someone he doesn't want. When Hamish takes him to visit the local bear, Duncan, Jesse finds a way to escape the pack and find love along the way. Some twists and turns, loved the way Duncan's POV is written kinda calm and slow while Jesse's is more energetic.
KU, paranormal, book in series, wolf shifter, bear shifter
So, so good. Throughly enjoyed book four of this series. Newish wolf Jesse isn't very happy with Nero's pack, living as an Omega, itching for attention but only getting it from someone he doesn't want. When Hamish takes him to visit the local bear, Duncan, Jesse finds a way to escape the pack and find love along the way. Some twists and turns, loved the way Duncan's POV is written kinda calm and slow while Jesse's is more energetic.
KU, paranormal, book in series, wolf shifter, bear shifter
September 18, 2021
This is definitely my favorite book of the series. Both Jesse and Duncan made me cry -- neither one of them have been treasured like they deserve to be, and I'm still angry with Nero and Hamish for not taking care of Jesse, even though I liked them both in their own books (although, wolves really can be assholes to each other, just sayin). I hope the author is working on book five, but it's been 4 years now, so I'm not holding my breath. Still, that would be a truly lovely thing, and I'd read the hell outta it!
November 17, 2025
I did have a slight interest in the first 3 books but still decided to read this one first and THANK GOD, because seeing how the characters from the previous books treated Jesse, I was super pissed and if I had read them before, I would've left them incomplete and not even tried to read this one.
This book was so effing pretty, the romance, the fluff, the smut, the dialogue, the bond between them *chef's kiss*
This book was so effing pretty, the romance, the fluff, the smut, the dialogue, the bond between them *chef's kiss*
September 14, 2018
The Best Yet.
I laughed, I cried, I got hot under the collar. The further into the series you get the better. I love all of the series so far and cannot wait to see what's next. Defiant re-read material.
I laughed, I cried, I got hot under the collar. The further into the series you get the better. I love all of the series so far and cannot wait to see what's next. Defiant re-read material.
February 22, 2019
And everything I wrote for the last one except more so (below). And loved Jesse and Duncan so much.
(The witches are back! And more of the world outside. I think I like these books more and more with each one as the world opens up and we see more ways of being werewolf/pack/mated.)
(The witches are back! And more of the world outside. I think I like these books more and more with each one as the world opens up and we see more ways of being werewolf/pack/mated.)
January 25, 2024
4.25 stars. The wolf pack are assholes. Callum and Ria are the only two members that didn’t annoy me during the book. Christopher is a complete dick.
Also, I didn’t realise Jesse was desi until 81% into the story. I wish the author had shown him reconnecting with his family.
Also, I didn’t realise Jesse was desi until 81% into the story. I wish the author had shown him reconnecting with his family.
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars. I wasn't as crazy about this story. I am excited that there will be another book though. I'm really hoping we get another Callum and Nero book at some point.
December 31, 2017
Jesse is a refreshing and hilarious character.
August 6, 2018
Jesse and Duncan's love story was great but it was disappointing to see the wolf pack depicted so negatively.
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