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A bear shifter with the heart of a hero
Dimitri Medved used to live in the shadows of New York high society. But his ruthless, unscrupulous parents poisoned everything they ever touched before they were caught and sent to prison. Trying to escape his past, Dimitri left New York City and started a new life in a small close-knit shifter community far from the glitter and corruption of the big city.
When Dimitri headed west to the wilds of Bearpaw Ridge, he traded his Armani business suit for the helmet and ax of a volunteer firefighter. After his first rescue, this protective, alpha bear shifter knew he'd found his true calling, and his true home.
All he lacks now is his mate. When he stops to help a woman stranded with her young daughter on the outskirts of town, he’s struck hard by Cupid's arrow. It's not just the woman’s fragile beauty, her lush curves or her delicate scent. His bear recognizes that Damaris is their fated mate. Add in her sweet, lively daughter, and Dimitri thinks he may have finally found the family he’s craved ever since he can remember.
Dimitri’s restless bear hungers to claim his mate. But his instincts tell him that Damaris has secrets...secrets that now threaten her and her daughter.
He needs to protect them both, but can he convince her to trust him before it's too late?
Damaris Markidis hides desperate secrets
Damaris works for New York City crime boss Tony "the Fixer" Rizzo. She lives in a world of shadows, vengeance and danger. The work she was forced to take is the job she can never leave.
No one suspects that the poised and perfectly polished Damaris is a lethal assassin. Tony’s hired gun. She possesses a special skill set. Her hits look like accidents even to the jaded, cynical cops of The Big Apple. Tony ruthlessly exploits the fact that single mom Damaris can't refuse his orders.
Not if she wants to survive and keep her young daughter safe.
So far, Damaris's hits have all been vicious predators. She's never taken down an innocent person. All that's about to change when she's tasked with a hit on Dimitri Medved, son of the notorious Medved banking family.
She's shocked to find herself falling for him at their first meeting. Hunky, kind, and protective, he's the man she's dreamed of. The man who could be the perfect husband and a tender father to her daughter. But with her past, she’s sure she doesn't deserve a man like Dimitri.
And Tony’s not about to let go of his best, secret weapon…
Dimitri Medved used to live in the shadows of New York high society. But his ruthless, unscrupulous parents poisoned everything they ever touched before they were caught and sent to prison. Trying to escape his past, Dimitri left New York City and started a new life in a small close-knit shifter community far from the glitter and corruption of the big city.
When Dimitri headed west to the wilds of Bearpaw Ridge, he traded his Armani business suit for the helmet and ax of a volunteer firefighter. After his first rescue, this protective, alpha bear shifter knew he'd found his true calling, and his true home.
All he lacks now is his mate. When he stops to help a woman stranded with her young daughter on the outskirts of town, he’s struck hard by Cupid's arrow. It's not just the woman’s fragile beauty, her lush curves or her delicate scent. His bear recognizes that Damaris is their fated mate. Add in her sweet, lively daughter, and Dimitri thinks he may have finally found the family he’s craved ever since he can remember.
Dimitri’s restless bear hungers to claim his mate. But his instincts tell him that Damaris has secrets...secrets that now threaten her and her daughter.
He needs to protect them both, but can he convince her to trust him before it's too late?
Damaris Markidis hides desperate secrets
Damaris works for New York City crime boss Tony "the Fixer" Rizzo. She lives in a world of shadows, vengeance and danger. The work she was forced to take is the job she can never leave.
No one suspects that the poised and perfectly polished Damaris is a lethal assassin. Tony’s hired gun. She possesses a special skill set. Her hits look like accidents even to the jaded, cynical cops of The Big Apple. Tony ruthlessly exploits the fact that single mom Damaris can't refuse his orders.
Not if she wants to survive and keep her young daughter safe.
So far, Damaris's hits have all been vicious predators. She's never taken down an innocent person. All that's about to change when she's tasked with a hit on Dimitri Medved, son of the notorious Medved banking family.
She's shocked to find herself falling for him at their first meeting. Hunky, kind, and protective, he's the man she's dreamed of. The man who could be the perfect husband and a tender father to her daughter. But with her past, she’s sure she doesn't deserve a man like Dimitri.
And Tony’s not about to let go of his best, secret weapon…
- GenresShapeshiftersParanormal
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2018
368 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Ophelia Sexton
90 books149 followersOphelia Sexton is an author of paranormal romance. She has previously published historical romance under a different name, but has always loved reading about were-creatures, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 1, 2018
This was a fun one to read. I liked that Damaris was kick ass, did what a lot of people couldn’t. I did hate how she got roped into doing bad jobs. Going to Idaho ended up being the best move Damaris made. I liked how Damaris met Dimitri, how she manipulated things and how Sophie outed Damaris. Everyone was so welcoming to Damaris and Sophie, it was easy for Damaris to see a way out of where she was and create a new life. Even learning Dimitri’s secret didn’t seem to throw Damaris.
The drama at the end was crazy. I hated that Damaris didn’t seek help from her new family. Of course they found out and jumped in to help. The ending was great, loved the wedding and the announcement over breakfast.
The drama at the end was crazy. I hated that Damaris didn’t seek help from her new family. Of course they found out and jumped in to help. The ending was great, loved the wedding and the announcement over breakfast.
November 16, 2019
This shifter romance has an interesting story and decent editing, but I absolutely HATED that the heroine was a hit-woman for the mob. I get that the author wanted her to need help from Dmitri and the Swanson family, but making her a hit-woman? YUCK -- that makes her a terrible person in my book, so I didn't care if she found her HEA. This one gets 2 stars from me.
I liked Dimitri. He was a sweetheart, and it was sweet how good he was with Damaris' daughter, Sophie. But I just couldn't believe he could still love Damaris after finding out she was a mob hit-woman.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I liked Dimitri. He was a sweetheart, and it was sweet how good he was with Damaris' daughter, Sophie. But I just couldn't believe he could still love Damaris after finding out she was a mob hit-woman.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
October 2, 2020
Listened to the story on Audible. Narrator does a good job; although, not a fan of the accent she gave Damaris. Maybe I just didn’t like the whole New York vibe to the whole character of Damaris. The narrator’s normal voice was good though.
Didn’t like the setup for this one. Damaris is a murderer; she works as an assassin for the mob, and takes her 8 year old daughter with her. The things she says and does in front of her daughter is just stupid; Bad Mom Award. Her reasoning for doing this job wasn’t enough for me to forgive her for murdering people. Anyway, she’s sent to kill Dimitri in Bearpaw Ridge, but there’s an attraction there and she discovers what a good guy he is, so she holds off. Dimitri is a bear shifter and knows Damaris is his mate, so he’s all about her. Dimitri is such a sweetheart and so wonderful! I feel bad how Damaris treated him; she lies for way too long into the relationship. I loved catching up with some characters from past books, and I have enjoyed many of the books in this series, so I do look forward to more from this author. I just didn’t care for the female lead, the premise of the story, or how things wrapped up in the end; it just didn’t work for me. Entertaining, fun series! Just not this one.
Didn’t like the setup for this one. Damaris is a murderer; she works as an assassin for the mob, and takes her 8 year old daughter with her. The things she says and does in front of her daughter is just stupid; Bad Mom Award. Her reasoning for doing this job wasn’t enough for me to forgive her for murdering people. Anyway, she’s sent to kill Dimitri in Bearpaw Ridge, but there’s an attraction there and she discovers what a good guy he is, so she holds off. Dimitri is a bear shifter and knows Damaris is his mate, so he’s all about her. Dimitri is such a sweetheart and so wonderful! I feel bad how Damaris treated him; she lies for way too long into the relationship. I loved catching up with some characters from past books, and I have enjoyed many of the books in this series, so I do look forward to more from this author. I just didn’t care for the female lead, the premise of the story, or how things wrapped up in the end; it just didn’t work for me. Entertaining, fun series! Just not this one.
July 30, 2018
New York City
Damaris owned and ran markidis soutions is a human resources Consulting firm. She has a little girl she will do anything for. Now the mod has got their claws into her and will not let go. she either does thier extra jobs arranging convenient fatal accident for thier trouble employees or she and her daughter might have one or deal with the fbi. Neither is something she wants to deal with. Her next mark is Dimitri Medved .
Bearpaw Ridge, idaho
Dimitri is a bear shifter who is joined the Swanson clan. He volunteers as a firefighter and works at Grizzly creek games. When he stops to help a women and little girl stuck on the side of the road his bear sits up and yells mate! Yell he agrees not letting this one go.
This was a fun read lots of action with great characters and truly evil bad guy to hate on. Always makes for a great story. Lots of twists in the story. I didn't want it to be over. Really enjoyed it
Damaris owned and ran markidis soutions is a human resources Consulting firm. She has a little girl she will do anything for. Now the mod has got their claws into her and will not let go. she either does thier extra jobs arranging convenient fatal accident for thier trouble employees or she and her daughter might have one or deal with the fbi. Neither is something she wants to deal with. Her next mark is Dimitri Medved .
Bearpaw Ridge, idaho
Dimitri is a bear shifter who is joined the Swanson clan. He volunteers as a firefighter and works at Grizzly creek games. When he stops to help a women and little girl stuck on the side of the road his bear sits up and yells mate! Yell he agrees not letting this one go.
This was a fun read lots of action with great characters and truly evil bad guy to hate on. Always makes for a great story. Lots of twists in the story. I didn't want it to be over. Really enjoyed it
January 5, 2019
A great book for someone having a hard time with trust, it's critical to a relationship. Take a small leap read, think and then take the plunge!
A great shifter romance story - desperate to take care of herself and her little girl Damirius has crossed a line and it's impossible to go back to normal. Dimitri escaped his parents job mentality but it threatens his life and he been tricked by woman in the past so getting food we to him will take a miracle of a mate. You may not understand shifter romance and a mate for life but can that has to make it a lot easier to take the leap of faith don't you think? Lots of action in this story. That s story will help you hold onto dreams can come true. Violence 2, Sex2 ,
More opinions and book reviews please check out my house g: my2centsbookreviews.com thanks! Currently not tech savvy so blog still under construnction, so thanks for your patience
A great shifter romance story - desperate to take care of herself and her little girl Damirius has crossed a line and it's impossible to go back to normal. Dimitri escaped his parents job mentality but it threatens his life and he been tricked by woman in the past so getting food we to him will take a miracle of a mate. You may not understand shifter romance and a mate for life but can that has to make it a lot easier to take the leap of faith don't you think? Lots of action in this story. That s story will help you hold onto dreams can come true. Violence 2, Sex2 ,
More opinions and book reviews please check out my house g: my2centsbookreviews.com thanks! Currently not tech savvy so blog still under construnction, so thanks for your patience
October 15, 2021
Killing me softly?
Damaris is a mob hitwoman. She didn't plan to be one. She hates making accidents happen, but at least her victims are creeps. If it wasn't for her blackmailing mafia boss she would just be an HR consultant and single mom. Now she's been sent to Bearpaw Ridge to teach the Medved family a lesson. But soon Damaris realizes son Dimitri Meved is not her typical target. He's big, handsome, a hard worker and a volunteer firefighter. Nothing like her previous thug targets. So begins her all out dilemma: save Dimitri, bear shifter extraordinare, or herself? Not to mention, how does she protect her daughter, Sophie? The Swanson bear clan is as loyal and helpful as ever. Their adopted son, Dimitri, has come a long way since his initial series appearance and brings courage and tenacity to his story. This book makes for some fun, anxious and suspenseful reading.
Damaris is a mob hitwoman. She didn't plan to be one. She hates making accidents happen, but at least her victims are creeps. If it wasn't for her blackmailing mafia boss she would just be an HR consultant and single mom. Now she's been sent to Bearpaw Ridge to teach the Medved family a lesson. But soon Damaris realizes son Dimitri Meved is not her typical target. He's big, handsome, a hard worker and a volunteer firefighter. Nothing like her previous thug targets. So begins her all out dilemma: save Dimitri, bear shifter extraordinare, or herself? Not to mention, how does she protect her daughter, Sophie? The Swanson bear clan is as loyal and helpful as ever. Their adopted son, Dimitri, has come a long way since his initial series appearance and brings courage and tenacity to his story. This book makes for some fun, anxious and suspenseful reading.
October 6, 2019
Absolutely the stupidest story I have ever read.
I cannot make up my mind whether to roll my eyes, snigger, or put the book down. In the end it had to be a skim through, just too stupid for me to waste my time on.
It just got worse at how pathetic the heroine was.
The heroine Damaris is a single mother, who part times as an assassin for a mobster. To be truthful, there is nothing redeeming about her at all. Why didn’t she organise an accident for Tony instead.
I think we are supposed to feel sorry for her being a single mum but her daughter is going to private school due to her mother being a murderer.
She meets Dimitri as she is sent to kill him, taking her daughter along as cover. Just a big NO NO.
I just couldn’t carry on and skipped to the last few paragraphs but they were just as bad.
Damaris hasn’t told anyone the truth yet and then she goes off alone to rescue her kidnapped daughter. She is surrounded by bear shifters and she goes alone. TSTL.
I cannot make up my mind whether to roll my eyes, snigger, or put the book down. In the end it had to be a skim through, just too stupid for me to waste my time on.
It just got worse at how pathetic the heroine was.
The heroine Damaris is a single mother, who part times as an assassin for a mobster. To be truthful, there is nothing redeeming about her at all. Why didn’t she organise an accident for Tony instead.
I think we are supposed to feel sorry for her being a single mum but her daughter is going to private school due to her mother being a murderer.
She meets Dimitri as she is sent to kill him, taking her daughter along as cover. Just a big NO NO.
I just couldn’t carry on and skipped to the last few paragraphs but they were just as bad.
Damaris hasn’t told anyone the truth yet and then she goes off alone to rescue her kidnapped daughter. She is surrounded by bear shifters and she goes alone. TSTL.
November 14, 2019
Damaris is sent to Bearpaw Ridge to set up the death of Dimitri. Once she meets him though she realizes that he is a good person and she can’t do it. Bearpaw Ridge is the perfect place for her to start a new life with her daughter Sophie, it helps she is extremely attracted to Dimitri. But her past catches up with her because no one leaves the mob willingly.
Damaris was a very strong and interesting woman. She was an assassin, a single mom, and still a good person. I quite liked her. She was the perfect person for Dimitri because she understands his childhood of being in a mob/criminal family. Dimitri has been a favorite since he was introduced, and I quite enjoyed seeing him finally get a happy ending.
Damaris was a very strong and interesting woman. She was an assassin, a single mom, and still a good person. I quite liked her. She was the perfect person for Dimitri because she understands his childhood of being in a mob/criminal family. Dimitri has been a favorite since he was introduced, and I quite enjoyed seeing him finally get a happy ending.
September 7, 2018
Trouble.follows the Swansons.
This is a wonderful and deeply intriguing story. I love that it is set five years after the last book. Family life is busier than ever for the family of Bearpaw Ridge. But peaceful and plentiful can't last forever. Who would suspect a dainty woman of being a hitwoman? Dimitri Medved doesn't suspect damaris but instead mates her! Damaris is very independent and holds her secrets close. But you can't fool a bear shifter, especially the Swansons. Time to accept help and be rescued Damaris. This book grabs you and won't let go until the end. Another great book by Ophelia. Loved it!
This is a wonderful and deeply intriguing story. I love that it is set five years after the last book. Family life is busier than ever for the family of Bearpaw Ridge. But peaceful and plentiful can't last forever. Who would suspect a dainty woman of being a hitwoman? Dimitri Medved doesn't suspect damaris but instead mates her! Damaris is very independent and holds her secrets close. But you can't fool a bear shifter, especially the Swansons. Time to accept help and be rescued Damaris. This book grabs you and won't let go until the end. Another great book by Ophelia. Loved it!
September 22, 2018
Love, Love, Love!
Damaris and Dimitri's story...Can a dangerous female assassin sent to "arrange a fatal accident" and her victim, sexy volunteer firefighter and bear shifter, have a happily ever after? This story is my favorite book in the series (so far). I enjoyed reading more about the residents of Bearpaw Ridge and new characters, Damaris and her daughter, Sophie. They are so brave and protective, as well as sexy and fun. I'm really looking forward to reading about books in this series.
Damaris and Dimitri's story...Can a dangerous female assassin sent to "arrange a fatal accident" and her victim, sexy volunteer firefighter and bear shifter, have a happily ever after? This story is my favorite book in the series (so far). I enjoyed reading more about the residents of Bearpaw Ridge and new characters, Damaris and her daughter, Sophie. They are so brave and protective, as well as sexy and fun. I'm really looking forward to reading about books in this series.
December 15, 2018
Bears and mobsters, oh my
This was an exciting and adventure filled story about a mob hitwoman who falls in love with her latest target. Dimitri and Damaris are fated mates even though Damaris doesn't know Dimitri is a bear shifter. When Damaris tries to get free of the mobster she is working for, the fun begins. Great story. I am looking forward to reading the next story in this series when it becomes available.
This was an exciting and adventure filled story about a mob hitwoman who falls in love with her latest target. Dimitri and Damaris are fated mates even though Damaris doesn't know Dimitri is a bear shifter. When Damaris tries to get free of the mobster she is working for, the fun begins. Great story. I am looking forward to reading the next story in this series when it becomes available.
November 9, 2025
A Hitwoman
Being a hitwoman was not her idea, she only arranged one on her own, ha mob boss's son had threatened to hurt her daughter if she didn't do what he wanted.
Then another did the same except using threats of jail or exposure for the first murder against her cooperation. Now she is sent to Bearpaw Ridge to take out one of their own. But how when she knows nothing of their nature. Good Adult Read.
Being a hitwoman was not her idea, she only arranged one on her own, ha mob boss's son had threatened to hurt her daughter if she didn't do what he wanted.
Then another did the same except using threats of jail or exposure for the first murder against her cooperation. Now she is sent to Bearpaw Ridge to take out one of their own. But how when she knows nothing of their nature. Good Adult Read.
July 21, 2018
Best Read of the Month
I read a lot and this was the best shifter book I’ve read this month. Great characters wonderful plot. In these 23 chapters you go through a range of feelings. I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book.
I read a lot and this was the best shifter book I’ve read this month. Great characters wonderful plot. In these 23 chapters you go through a range of feelings. I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book.
July 31, 2018
Accidental love
I absolutely love this series! The Swanson family are amazing and I love reading about past characters. I am so happy Mitya got his HEA and I love his Hitwoman, that was perfect. Amazing read and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I absolutely love this series! The Swanson family are amazing and I love reading about past characters. I am so happy Mitya got his HEA and I love his Hitwoman, that was perfect. Amazing read and I'm looking forward to reading more.
August 17, 2018
There...
There is so much turmoil, suspense, excitement, intrigue, and romance ahead!
As with the previous books in this series, this story will keep you engaged from beginning to end! Loved it!
There is so much turmoil, suspense, excitement, intrigue, and romance ahead!
As with the previous books in this series, this story will keep you engaged from beginning to end! Loved it!
August 25, 2019
Wonderful book
This book is the seventh book in the bear paw ridge set and they are all great reads. There’s every emotion you can have in these books, if your a fan off shifters and romance this is a sequel you can’t miss out on
This book is the seventh book in the bear paw ridge set and they are all great reads. There’s every emotion you can have in these books, if your a fan off shifters and romance this is a sequel you can’t miss out on
April 18, 2020
It irritated me that mom and everyone else let her young dtr go off and play in public with other young kids with no supervision- knowing that the child was under threat. No shock the child was kidnapped. Duh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
I need forever.
Blaze Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters Book 8 By Ophelia Sexton might have a silver spoon in his parents shoved it in there. When his parents overstepped and ended up in jail his was welcomed by everyone in Bearpaw
Blaze Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters Book 8 By Ophelia Sexton might have a silver spoon in his parents shoved it in there. When his parents overstepped and ended up in jail his was welcomed by everyone in Bearpaw
October 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this new installment and how different Damaris is from the usual typical female role.
I wasn't a big fan of some of the accents in the audiobooks but it wasn't enough of an issue to stop me either.
I wasn't a big fan of some of the accents in the audiobooks but it wasn't enough of an issue to stop me either.
November 16, 2025
This book in this series was amazing!
OK, this book📚 series has me wanting more! I can't get enough of this series. It is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, action, romance and love🐻.
OK, this book📚 series has me wanting more! I can't get enough of this series. It is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, action, romance and love🐻.
July 18, 2018
Action packed read
I love these short action packed reads with a interesting storyline and a HEA worth all of it.can a hitwoman find true love?
I love these short action packed reads with a interesting storyline and a HEA worth all of it.can a hitwoman find true love?
July 20, 2018
Blaze
Lovely story about a mob hit woman, who is also a single mom, who falls for her mark. The mark just happens to be a redeemed bear shifter.
Lovely story about a mob hit woman, who is also a single mom, who falls for her mark. The mark just happens to be a redeemed bear shifter.
July 20, 2018
Good read
Really enjoyed this. The whole HR hit woman story was different and entertaining. I’ve enjoyed this series and would read more from her.
Really enjoyed this. The whole HR hit woman story was different and entertaining. I’ve enjoyed this series and would read more from her.
July 20, 2018
Great series! Can't wait for the next one!
July 21, 2018
Bearpaw Ridge
I have read all 8 books and I have laughed,cried with the people in them. I can say that I loved everyone of them.
I have read all 8 books and I have laughed,cried with the people in them. I can say that I loved everyone of them.
July 23, 2018
Excellent
Really unique and unusual storyline. This was a truly enjoyable book to read. More focus on the characters than the ability to shift.
Really unique and unusual storyline. This was a truly enjoyable book to read. More focus on the characters than the ability to shift.
August 12, 2018
Blaze
This is my favorite I loved this story line it is a great book and a wonderful addition to the series and I cannot wait to see what the next book is about.
This is my favorite I loved this story line it is a great book and a wonderful addition to the series and I cannot wait to see what the next book is about.
September 11, 2018
Love the whole series, can't wait for Ember.
December 21, 2018
Blaze (Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters Book 8)
Another wonderful .I am just sorry for this series to end. You have earned a rating as one of my favorite writers.
Another wonderful .I am just sorry for this series to end. You have earned a rating as one of my favorite writers.
May 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews