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The best type of romance is the one that’s forbidden.

Owen’s become an outcast  for losing his Tribe… and that label is enough to prevent him from claiming his mate under pain of death. Tara won’t understand that he’s a bear, anyway. She’ll be scared. She’ll run away. So he keeps his distance...for now...

But Tara’s being hunted by a group of guys who act more like a pack-- because they are. Wolf shifters are nothing to joke about, and once they attack Owen can’t stay away any longer.

Owen is large. Untamed. And damn, he’s good in bed. The connection they have is deep and undeniable, the lust they have for each other something primal.
Yet the wolves are still lurking-- they’re out for revenge, and they won’t stop until they have Tara. If Owen wants Tara as his mate, he’ll have to fight to the death to keep her.

A sexy adventure that’s got thrills (and wild romps!) around every corner, Bearly Hanging On is the third book in the scintillating Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska series. If you like paranormal romance featuring protective bear shifters who love pleasuring and defending their women, then what are you waiting for?

292 pages, ebook

First published January 3, 2019

273 people are currently reading
373 people want to read

About the author

Krystal Shannan

86 books1,430 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan lives in a sprawling ranch style home with her husband, teenage son, and two almost teenage daughters. Her home is full of love and laughter and lots of animals. In fact the welcome mat warns visitors that it’s a zoo inside—chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and fish! You name it, they’ve probably had it in their home at some point.

Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.

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5 stars
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93 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,395 reviews232 followers
February 18, 2021
She was everything he'd ever wanted. A mate of his own. A woman to love and protect. He wanted to stay near her. Touch her and so much more. But she deserved more than a broken-down warrior who couldn't offer her anything more than the run-down shack he shared with his sister.

4.5 stars!

What an amazing surprise this novel turned out to be for me! This book is a freebie I picked up in the past couple of months that caught my attention, and I am so glad that I decided to give it a read. This book had everything I love about shifter romance: fated and inescapable mates, seemingly insurmountable odds, danger from a rival pack, forbidden romance, and a protective and alpha Hero who would do anything for his mate. I absolutely LOVED Owen!! He was so beaten down and pessimistic about his future, but he was so sweet and perfect and angsty and I just wanted to wrap him in my arms and hug him forever. Tara was also a great heroine, and I loved her sense of humor. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I own the previous two books in this series that I will definitely be reading! ♡

My sweet and protective and lovely Owen...
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
January 15, 2019
He’s an outcast which will keep him from claiming his mate but it won’t stop him from protecting Tara when she becomes the target of a pack of wolf shifters.

This energetic shifter romance grips readers by the heart and has them bouncing in their seat with excitement. Owen and Tara are strong, vibrant characters that stand out and readers can’t help but become caught up in their story. A forbidden mating adds to the thrill of this romance as Owen was labeled outcast in his realm and the Alpha Dragon is enforcing the rules here. This also adds lots of emotional distress to the turmoil that Tara is facing in regards to her family and the fear she is facing due to the threat, so readers’ hearts can’t help but be captivated by this couple as their attraction dares them to break the rules.

Thrills and excitement keeps readers on the edge of their seat throughout this story as Owen tries to protect Tara from his enemies all while trying to avoid her. The story is further enhanced with surprising twists, tense altercations and confrontations, and an explosive battle to the death. The story has one moving event after the other and I couldn’t put this story down in fear of missing something and the more I visit Mystery, Alaska and these fascinating soulmate shifters, the more of them I want.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
January 15, 2019
Book Reviewed: Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters World (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3)
Author: Krystal Shannan
My Rating: 5 Stars
Publication Date: 1/15/2019
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
Her soul shines for him but he can't have her...
He is an outcast in his world and in this new one...

Tara has a lot to deal with... With her father ill and in a hospital miles away and her mom there with him, she has to handle their store.
And now she is being hunted but why and by whom?
Eliminate the one thing the Bear wants...
Sexy, Romantic, and funny to a point story.
We get others from the previous books as well and I love that...
Grab your copy and read it's worth it...


Krystal Shannan
Profile Image for Crystal Watson .
379 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2019
Wow just wow. Absolutely heart warming.

I loved loved loved Tara and Owen's story. I love all the characters in this series but I think Owen and Tara are my favorite so far. Can you imagine losing everything only to go to a new place for a new start only to find the one thing you can never have. Well that's Owens luck. Tara has seen him from afar for months never quite getting him alone. Then when the rival wolf pack makes a move for Tara everything changes. Owen is an outcast not allowed a clan or family or mate. When he finds Tara he knows he must keep his distance or it will literally cost him his life. But fate will not be denied she doesn't make mistakes. Can Owen keep Tara safe? Will be claim her just to lose hi life? Can an outcast be forgiven?
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,482 reviews64 followers
April 4, 2020
Owen and Tara's story is a forbidden love, kind of story. But you can't turn your back on Fate.
I love these characters. They are so relatable.

Col the Dragon that we met in Knock Down Dragon is one of those characters that you start to hate but then he somehow redeems himself.
On Reylean, the world where their little makeshift tribe is from it is forbidden for a Aonkan (outcast) to ever take a Mate and have children. Which Owen is. It doesn't matter the reason he became an outcast even if he was cheated out of it.
So when he meets Tara he does his best to watch out for her without interfering with her life. Even when he wants to console her with the crisis she has going on with her life right now. That is until the Wolves come sniffing around then he has to take action.
No matter what the Dragon says he will protect his Mate. Even if it cost him his life.

Even though this is a standalone I highly recommend starting with Knock down Dragon to get the full enjoyment.
977 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2019
Tara is running the store as her parents are at the hospital, for her dad's cancer treatments.
Owen is a bear shifter from Reylea. He is a outcast from the tribe and can not take a mate. He is watching over Tara as she is his soulmate.
They are in Mystery, Alaska, and Col the dragon is the alpha. Col has let Owen know if he claims Tara he will kill him, because it is the law that a outcast can not mate and have a family.
Join them in their finding a way to settle on earth and live amongst humans and the wolf pack that is out to kill Owen and his mate.
Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,977 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2019
I read the first book in this series. It was very good. Coming from another world and trying to start over. The story was excellent. This one is Awesome too. So hard to start over and find a mate. Some were able to save their mates if they had one. Some were not. Really excellent story, I hope I don't have to wait so long for the next one. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,660 reviews27 followers
January 8, 2019
The outcast finally finds a home
This is one of my favorite kind of stories! There is just something special about being able to cheer for the underdog. I admit, I shed a few tears at the injustice that Owen and Tara had to suffer so the others could hold onto a dead way of life. I’m so glad they had people on their side, even the unexpected allies. And with all good stories, Owen was finally able to prove his worth by being the alpha he has always been, the one who sacrificed everything for someone else. I rejoiced when they finally found their HEA. I can’t wait to see who finds their mate next!
Profile Image for Ruth.
29 reviews
January 12, 2019
Great story about how Owen overcomes a tragedy from his past to be with his Soul mate. Tara and Owen have many challenges to overcome before they can have their happily ever after.
549 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2020
Alaska shifters

These books opened a whole new world of alien shifters finding themselves in a new world foreign in customs and technology. Finding Human mates while learning how to survive. There is danger and intrigue. Enjoyed the journey.
2,794 reviews40 followers
January 15, 2019
Bearly Hanging On Soulmate Shifters World (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska #3) by Krystal Shannan Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters World (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3) By: Krystal Shannan
Great Series With An Awesome Balance Between Drama & S€X¥ Times!!
As an Exiled Bear, he's "Bearly Hanging On!"
No Tribe... No Friends... No RIGHT to C.L.A.I.M. a MATE!
This New World is lookin' pretty Dismal,
Especially, when he FATE actually sends HIM his MATE!
Then, to make matters worse,
Some Mangy Dogs decide to Plot to extract Revenge...
By attacking his MATE, which he's NOT even allowed to Defend!
Well... To H€LL with THAT!
He's NOT lettin' those Rabid Curs get near HER!
He's got a Mate, sent by FATE, he'll defend till the END!!
Even if she's "Bearly Hanging On!"
I was granted an ARC of Krystal Shannan's "Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters World (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Toni.
2,354 reviews24 followers
January 16, 2019
Owen is a bear shifter from the dead planet Reylea. He was an outcast on the planet and because he caused the death of a female wolf he is an outcast on earth. But one good thing is that he found his mate, his shuarra. But due to his once status he is not allowed to have a mate and Col, the dragon, is there to ensure that he follows the rules. To break the rules is death. He needs to stay alive because he knows the wolves are after him and they endanger everyone in Mystery including his mate. His sister is staying with him and will not leave him and is trying to get him to help her figure out a way for the dragon to take away the stigma of outcast. Tara is drawn to Owen just as he is to her and she doesn;t understand why. Over the days they get closer. But what happens when Col, the dragon, finds out that Owen isn;t following the rules of Raylea.
Intense drama with moments of tears this story will keep you entwined in the lives of the Rayleans.
Fantastic story and read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Betty.
509 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2019
This is book #3 of the Mystery, Alaska series and what a powerhouse story this is!!
Owen DiBrath is an outcast bear shifter from the destroyed realm of Reylean. His punishment is he cannot have a mate, children or belong to a tribe. His sister Ava escaped Reylean and is allowed to stay with Owen even though he tells her to join the Dragon Prince Col LiVhram's tribe. Owen has met a human, Tara Jenkins, and knows she is his mate but Prince Col has threatened him to stay away from Tara or suffer the consequences of being killed. Owen had unknowingly killed the mate of the Alpha Wolf Raish who is now out for revenge. Tara is attracted to Owen and finds out Owen is a bear shifter and of him being an outcast. She's furious, they are in the human realm now and it should be a new start for Owen. Things come to a head when Tara is kidnapped by Alpha Wolf Raish.
This story has it all, magic, intrigue, suspense, mysticism, hot romance, engages all your emotions and an edge of your seat story! Each book gets better than the last and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,335 reviews46 followers
April 6, 2020
Not sure why Col is being such a mean, stubborn, dictator towards Owen.
They are in a new place which means starting over if they want. Not bringing your prejudices and antiquated laws with you.
Even with his mate and Penny trying to get him to change his mind, Col never even asks Owen, or his sister Ava, what happened and why he was outcast?
Col orders Owen to not mate Tara on penalty of death.
Tara is likeable and it is terrible what the Alpha wolf Raish does to her. So sad about her dad.
Though I was sorry Raish lost his mate, he has to accept most of the blame, as it was due to his actions she was doing what she did and ended up dead.
Raish and the wolves are finally dealt with, by everyone fighting alongside Owen to help get Tara back.
Owen earns Col’s respect by saving his life and calmly accepting his punishment.
Ava disappearing as she does with a wolf is very interesting.
Bit confusing over Tara’s mate mark. At one point Raish definitely bit Tara OVER Owens mark but later on the mark was on the opposite shoulder.
Needed better proof reading for errors.
Profile Image for Karma .
4 reviews
April 27, 2025

Her ovaries twitched with interest. Girl, no, just no. She was a single female, after all. Eww, gross.
"Whats a pretty female like you doing here" again EWWW
Her ovaries did more than twitch it was the equivalent of a nuclear explosion? What!? NO! What does this author think women's bodies do?!?! We are still in the same fucking scene for fucks sake!!

The FMC got assaulted in her business and hit in the face, which left bruises. Now our FMC is talking with her BFF, and the bruise is gone?

How the fuck did it go from "omg you were assulted?!" to in the next breat the BFF being like "omg you got laid! yay 😀" Like wtf how did she jump from traumatizing event to that?!?!
The writing in this book is trash!

Also this author is not good at writing sex scenes. I found myself growing bored during the description of "how good it feels". It all came across very mundane, using to vague descriptors that made each of those scenes come across as uninteresting.

This book is not worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
133 reviews
October 9, 2025
This is the most dramatic and the most difficult to read due to the knowledge built up by the previous books and what we understand about the culture of these shifters - It's probably the best written and layered story in the series for me. And again, since they have to learn english by what they hear, finding them get use to the idioms and phrases that are taken for granted in the American English is fun to explore. Throughout the entire series, I struggle with how alphas are regarded and projected here. I also struggle with how women, even those are are mates, are projected to be subservient. In some cases, it seems like mated characters gain from their mates' strengths, compassion, or kindness, but really, I don't see it acknowledged here. At this point, even though we had an idea of Col's attitude from the beginning, I'm pretty done with the series. It seems like Col's character is what's being used to develop angst throughout the series in a way that he's not even a character that I love to hate.
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
January 20, 2019
On My Goodness... So Unbelievably Awesome!I

Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters World
By Krystal Shannon. 5 Stars *****

Oh My Goodness.... So Unbelievably Awesome!!

Good Sigh... I Freaking Loved Owen and Tara in this story.

Owen was everything I Adored about Bear shifters. Big ole Teddy Bear with a heart of gold. You just want to give him a big hug wrap yourself in his warmth.

Tara is the kindness, strong, most loving woman a man could want. Her compassion and help for what her parent's are going through, especially her dad, would make and parent proud. She's just wonderful.

Come along and get a emotional connection between two worlds, two souls that call to each other and how a outcast becomes a hero. By the end you will be crying happy years of the best kind.

A Must Read Indeed!!!

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
January 16, 2019
A really good shifter romance.💞🐻💖💞

This book is so good! ❣️

Owen, an alien bear shifter, is an outcast from his tribe because of something that wasn't really his fault. As a result, he is not allowed to belong to another tribe or have a mate as punishment. But everyone knows that Tara, human, is his mate and he just can't stay away from her. What starts out as him just keeping an eye on her evolves into saving her from an attack to hiding her to protect her. It's full of danger, passion, and a love that will drag you in and take you on an emotional rollercoaster. 💕💗💕

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2019
A riveting read - crazy, intense, and enjoyable! It is a compelling, well written, and interesting paranormal romance. The storyline is amazing, the ideas are well-thought out, and it is an on the edge of your seat read that moves along at a brisk pace. It is action-packed with fighting, danger around every corner, suspense-filled, and emotionally deep. Loveable characters – Owen and Tara are mates and a perfect match. The chemistry between them is off the charts, powerful and intense! I look forward to the next book. Definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,282 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2019
Absolutely Love Owen and Tara

Bearly Hanging On is book 3 of Krystal Shannan​​'s Soulmate Shifters in Mystery Alaska. I have to say that I love this series. Owen and Tara's story is my favorite so far. There's just something about being the underdog and coming out on top that touches my heart. Since my name is also Tara and my husband would be a bear shifter, without a doubt, if they existed in real life. So this story hits close to home. Krystal's worlds get better and deeper the more she writes. I find myself more drawn into the characters and their lives with each new book. I can't wait to see what's next in Mystery.
Profile Image for Heather Hackett.
288 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2019
Owen was still not allowed to take a mate even though they were not longer on his planet the only problem he had is he'd found his mate and had to protect her even if she didn't know it was him. Tara was feeling low with her father ill and her taken all the responsibility for the shop as her mom was staying a the hospital with her dad. I Have been waiting for the series to continue, another great story where the shifters are alien and are trying to fit in. Trouble is always in the back ground and love is not always straight forward. Can't wait for the next book to see who will find love next.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
April 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Owen and Tara's story is filled with deep emotion, intense inner turmoil, angst and tension. This book really tugged at my heartstrings for the struggle that this meant-to-be couple faced on the road to a HEA. This is book three in this incredibly enjoyable PNR series and I highly recommend that you read these books in order as the overarching story continues to build throughout, previous events are referenced and characters are introduced and reappear. I love this series so much and am always excited to read each new entry in it. This is my independent, impartial review.
2,655 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2020
It's sad when any person has issues with cancer. But it's hard enough being the very few survivors left from their world but it's messed up what happened 2 him. Col really pissed me off alot when he was being condisending and if he wants 2 blame him without really knowing what happened 2 him then he should b in the same damn boat 4 what he did 2 he mate, etc. That piece of shit wolf deserves a fucking beat down 4 what happened 2 his mate especially after what happened 2 the wolves mate was justified cause of protecting themselves. It's good that they can move. It's very good that things changed 4 the better.
Profile Image for Leslie Sanchez.
1,774 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2019
This is the first book I have read in this series. I loved it! The characters are well defined and the setting was so detailed. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. Owen was so sweet and accepted his status. I loved Ava sticking with him. Tara was a really strong personality and I liked that she was determined to get close to Owen. I thought Col was unreasonable, even with his mate siding with Owen and Ava. I loved the whole Tribe. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
6,527 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2019
Owen is a bear shifter outcast on the planet of Reylea and now he is a outcast on planet earth. As an outcast he isn't allowed a mate and the dragon shifter Col is there to make sure he doesn't break the rules In fact not only isn't he allowed a mate but he isn't allowed a clan or family His sister is trying to get the Dragons to clear his name meanwhile Tara his mate is drawn to him and she doesn't know why. Is she destined to not only lose her father to cancer but her mate before she gets to know him. Will they finally get a HEA you need to read to see
Profile Image for Rebecca Stigers.
1,356 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2019
Mystery, Alaska ..

I want to move up there! I've been to Alaska twice now and going again this year...maybe I'll run into one of Ms Shannan's awesome characters. These stories about soul mates are just superb. Ms Shannan has a way with her word's and creates the best characters. They become friend's you want to visit and talk to. The storyline about the shifters from a distant realm are so believable. I can't wait for the next story. Each one can be read as a standalone, but I suggest starting with #1 so you don't miss a word of them.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
January 29, 2019
Bearly Hanging On (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3) by Krystal Shannan is a wonderful story that I loved read very much. This is book number three in the Soulmate Shifters series and I am so in love with this story. I love reading about bear and wolf shifters and this story is definately no different. I highly recommedn this story to everyone who loves readign about bear and wolf shifters and believe me you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,193 reviews34 followers
March 15, 2019
He’s an outcast and by the laws of his world he must live alone with no mate. But he has found her and because of the laws he will never get to know her and what it would be to love and be loved by her. She sees peeks of him all the time but he avoids her. But those little glimpses make her heart beat fast. How is he and why won’t he talk to her? The story is a great romance of a shifter and one human female. Circumstances aren’t going to let him stay away if he wants to protect her. Plenty of fighting and a few hot but romantic scenes.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
January 18, 2019
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Book three in Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska is a well written story that once I started reading I was not putting it down. Owen is an Outcast and Tara is his mate but they can not be together but the heart wants what it wants. Tara has a wolf pack after her can Owen keep her safe and get to keep his mate. To find out I would say read this book.
1,243 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2019
Great story

Alien shifters looking for soulmates in the middle of nowhere Alaska sounds like it should be the premise of a cheesy B movie, but don't let stereotypes stop you from diving into this really great series. The characters are well written and relatable. The worldbuilding is believable. And the romance is always heartfelt and worth cheering for. Owen and Tara have a bit of a bumpy road to get their HEA, but it's well worth the journey.
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